What Cupertino requires
Do I need a permit to replace a furnace in Cupertino?
Yes. A same location furnace swap with no AC work on a single-family home or duplex can use the instant permit; anything beyond that list takes a Standard Building Permit.
- Cupertino's instant permit covers a furnace replacement in the same location, with no A/C work, on a single-family home or duplex that is not a historic property.
- If the job is not on the city's instant list, it needs a Standard Building Permit.
- Instant permits are only open to licensed contractors with an active Accela Citizen Access account.
- Cupertino's Permit Center takes questions at permitcenter@cupertino.gov.
Checked November 2026City of Cupertino Building Division, Instant Permits (Residential Only)
Checked November 2026City of Cupertino Building Division, Permits
Checked on Cupertino's instant permit page, November 2026.
