Palo Alto, CA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Palo Alto.

Department

Planning & Development Services Department, Development Services / Building Division

Phone

(650) 329-2496

Email

building@paloalto.gov

Website

https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Development-Services/Building-Division

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Review the applicable submittal checklist(s), document format rules, and required forms.
2. Create or log into an ACA account.
3. Submit a Building Permit Pre-Application in ACA, upload required documents, and note the pre-application number.
4. A City project coordinator reviews for completeness.
5. If complete, staff converts the submittal into an official building permit record and requests fee payment through ACA.
6. After payment, the application proceeds to plan check.
7. Some limited scopes qualify for Instant Building Permit processing (certain like-for-like mechanical/plumbing work, reroofs, some non-structural kitchen/bath remodels, some solar, and certain window/door retrofits).

Typical processing time: First response typically sent within 2 to 3 business days after submittal/completeness review intake.

Source: Planning & Development Services Department, Development Services / Building Division

General Requirements

A permit is generally required when an owner or authorized agent intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a building or structure, or install/alter/repair/replace regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems.

Required Documents

• Permit-specific submittal checklist documents
• Plans and supporting documents uploaded through ACA

Building code

2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24) plus Palo Alto local amendments (for projects submitted after January 1, 2026)

Fees

Plan check fee

Building plan check: 125% of building permit fee (single-family/duplex), 95% (multifamily/commercial). Planning/zoning plan check: 35% (single-family/duplex), 15% (multifamily/commercial). Public works plan check: 35% (single-family/duplex), 15% (multifamily/commercial).

Permit fee formula

Fees vary by permit type and, for many projects, by valuation and related review disciplines

Trade permit fee

Revisions/deferred submittals: $694 base fee per application

Payment note

Extension of building permit or application: $262. Reactivation when only final inspection required: $402 or 50% of original building permit fee, whichever is less. Fees and payments must be handled through the official ACA portal.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet (but any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work still needs permits)
• Non-block/non-concrete fences not over 7 feet, and block/concrete walls not over 6 feet, subject to local fence rules
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet unless supporting surcharge or certain liquids
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route
• Finish work such as painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, non-kitchen cabinets, non-kitchen countertops, and similar finish work
• Prefabricated above-ground pools meeting the City/CBC size and depth limits
• Some detached decks not over 200 square feet, not over 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving the required exit door
• Minor electrical repair work, certain portable equipment, some minor plumbing leak/stopper repairs, and certain portable mechanical equipment

Important: Window replacement requires a permit with no exceptions. Permits are required for replacement/install of water heaters, air conditioners, and furnaces. Confirm with the Building Division before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• ACA portal or Palo Alto iRequest app (online)
• (650) 329-2496, option 2 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Final inspections must be scheduled by phone. The permit packet and applicable guidelines govern required inspection stages. After-hours and weekend inspections are available by request form and extra fee with advance notice.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24) plus Palo Alto local amendments (for projects submitted after January 1, 2026)
• Verify contractor license: CSLB License Lookup
• Work Exempt from Permit
• FY 2026 Building Fee Schedule
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement

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