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Where do you begin finding out what paperwork you need to start a business or develop a property?Right here!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Development Center
Find the answers to many questions about the Palo Alto Development Center.
( visit the development center home page )
[more]
Flood Zone Descriptions
Here's an explanation of the meaning of the various flood zones.
( visit the flood zone home page )
[more]
Utility Service Application Forms & Guidelines
Utility Service Application Forms & Guidelines links

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Development Center
Building Permits
1. Most Used
Below are the most commonly used forms and information when applying for a building permit.
Building Permit Application
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Building Permit Plan Revision
Item Dated: 01/16/2008
Demolition Permit Application
Item Dated: 08/01/2009
Reroofing Permit
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Single Family Construction Guide (City of Palo Alto)
Item Dated: 01/16/2008
Single Family New Home/Addition Plan Submittal Checklist
Item Dated: 05/16/2008
Tenant Improvement Checklist
Item Dated: 01/16/2008
Use and Occupancy Certificate Application
Item Dated: 08/01/2009
Use and Occupancy Information
Item Dated: 08/17/2009
2. Other Forms
Other forms you may need when applying for a building permit:
Address Change
Item Dated: 08/01/2009
Development and Construction Near Streams - Guidelines and Standards
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Grading and Drainage Guidelines for New Single-Family Residences
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Green Building Guidelines for Non Residential Projects
Green Building Web Pages - Getting Started - Project Requirements, Application Forms & FAQ's
Item Dated: 06/05/2009
Green Building Guidelines for Residential Projects
Green Building Web Pages - Getting Started - Project Requirements, Application Forms & FAQ's
Item Dated: 06/05/2009
Handicap Hardship Exception
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Hazardous Materials Disclosure Statement
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Hazardous Materials Inventory
Item Dated: 07/23/2007
Impervious Area Calculation Worksheet
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Outside Plan Check
Item Dated: 07/30/2009
Overview of the Fire and Building Permit Process
Item Dated: 07/23/2007
Permit Expiration Policy
Item Dated: 07/23/2007
Plan Set Requirements
The number of plan set you must provide depends on a number of conditions. This worksheet will help you to determine how may plan sets you must supply.
Item Dated: 01/16/2008
Public Works Department Information for Residential Construction
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Special Inspection & Testing Forms
Item Dated: 02/06/2008
Utility load sheets and temporary utility requests
Item Dated: 08/01/2009
Water Heater Information
Item Dated: 07/23/2007
Wildfire High-Risk Areas - Building Regulations and Products
Item Dated: 02/25/2008
3. Fees
Building Fees
Item Dated: 08/01/2009
Electrical Permit Fees
Item Dated: 08/01/2009
Fire and Hazardous Materials Fees
Item Dated: 02/02/2009
Mechanical Fees
Item Dated: 08/01/2009
Plumbing Fees
Item Dated: 08/01/2009
Public Works
Item Dated: 06/08/2006
Utility Connections: Dark Fiber Connection Fees
Item Dated: 07/23/2007
Utility Connections: Electric Service Connection Fees
Item Dated: 07/23/2007
Utility Connections: Gas Service Connection Fees
Item Dated: 07/23/2007
Utility Connections: Sewer Service Connection Fees
Item Dated: 07/23/2007
Utility Connections: Water Service Connection Fees
Item Dated: 07/23/2007
4. Tree Protection
Forms and information related to trees on the property:
Chapter 8:10 Tree Preservation and Management Regulations
Item Dated: 06/08/2006
Frequently Asked Tree Questions
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Inspection Schedule
Item Dated: 06/08/2006
Overview
Item Dated: 06/08/2006
SD#503 - Street Tree Well Detail - Sidewalk Location
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
SD#504 - Street Tree Detail - Planter Strip Location
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Street Tree Verification
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Tree Disclosure Statement
Item Dated: 06/08/2006
Tree Grate Installation Details
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Tree Protection during Construction - Detail 605
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Tree Protection Instruction Sheet T-1
Item Dated: 09/30/2008
Tree Protection Specifications
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Tree Protection Warning Sign
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Tree Technical Manual
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
5. Public Works Specifications
Driveway Approach Design & Construction Requirements
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Paving of Parking Areas Adjacent to Edge of Pavement in Unimproved Street Areas
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
SD#120 - Driveway Approach Detail for Vertical Curb
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
SD#121 - Driveway Approach Detail for Rolled Curb
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
SD#133 - Vertical Curb and Gutter Detail
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
SD#134 - Rolled Curb and Gutter Detail
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
SD#141 - Sidewalk Construction Detail
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
SD#301 - Catchbasin for Type A Curb
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
SD#301 - Catchbasin Hood Frame and Grate
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
SD#302- Catchbasin for Type B Curb
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
SD#311 - Storm Drain Manhole Frame and Cover
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
SD#312 - Storm Drain Manhole
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
SD#321 - Curb Outlet Detail for Gravity Flow
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
SD#401 - Trench Detail
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Special Paving Treatments of Public Sidewalks
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
6. Flood Zone
FEMA Elevation Certificate
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Is my property in a flood zone?
Item Dated: 06/16/2007
Plan Insert for Elevation Certification Requirements
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Plan Insert for Elevation Certification Requirements (Detached Garage)
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Plan Insert for Elevation Certification Requirements (Slab Floor)
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Request for Temporary Elevation Benchmark
Item Dated: 07/30/2009
Residential Structure Value Determination Worksheet
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Special Building Requirements for Structures in a SFHA
Item Dated: 07/30/2009
Substantial Improvement and Market Value Definitions
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
7. Utility Forms and Handouts
Electrical Load Sheet - Multi-Family and Commercial
Item Dated: 03/04/2008
Electrical Load Sheet - Single-Family Residential - Overhead Electric Service
Item Dated: 03/04/2008
Electrical Load Sheet - Single-Family Residential - Underground Electric Service
Item Dated: 03/04/2008
Temporary Electrical Service - Overhead
Item Dated: 03/04/2008
Temporary Electrical Service - Underground
Item Dated: 03/04/2008
Water-Gas-Wastewater Utility Load Sheet
Item Dated: 08/29/2007
Development Reports
Periodic reports on development in Palo Alto.
Building Permit Activity - August 2009
Item Dated: 09/01/2009
Demolition Permits Issued - 01/01/09
Item Dated: 03/16/2009
Demolition Permits Issued - 04/28
Item Dated: 04/30/2009
Demolition Permits Issued - 05/04
Item Dated: 05/08/2009
Demolition Permits Issued - 05/27
Item Dated: 06/01/2009
Demolition Permits Issued - 07/09
Item Dated: 07/16/2009
Demolition Permits Issued - 08/11
Item Dated: 09/02/2008
Demolition Permits Issued - 08/17
Item Dated: 08/18/2009
Demolition Permits Issued - 08/18
Item Dated: 09/11/2008
Demolition Permits Issued - 09/15
Item Dated: 09/26/2008
Demolition Permits Issued - 09/23
Item Dated: 10/06/2008
Demolition Permits Issued - 09/30
Item Dated: 10/14/2008
Demolition Permits Issued - 10/01-10/30
Item Dated: 11/04/2008
Demolition Permits Issued - 10/02
Item Dated: 10/05/2009
Demolition Permits Issued - 10/21
Item Dated: 10/29/2009
Demolition Permits Issued - 11/17
Item Dated: 12/02/2008
Demolition Permits Issued - 11/25
Item Dated: 12/09/2008
Demolition Permits Issued - 12/18
Item Dated: 01/13/2009
Demolition Permits Issued - 6/16
Item Dated: 06/16/2008
Demolition Permits Issued - 6/2
Item Dated: 06/02/2008
Demolition Permits Issued - 6/30
Item Dated: 07/01/2009
Demolition Permits Issued - 6/9
Item Dated: 06/09/2008
Demolition Permits Issued - July 28, 2008
Item Dated: 07/28/2008
Demolition Permits Issues - 03/01
Item Dated: 03/24/2009
Demolition Permits Issues - 04/07
Item Dated: 04/08/2009
Demolition Permits Issues - 07/28
Item Dated: 08/07/2008
Demolition Permits Issues - 11/14
Item Dated: 11/20/2008
New Building Permits over $250,000 - August 2009
Item Dated: 09/01/2009
New Demolition Permits Issued - 01/09
Item Dated: 03/16/2009
New Planning Applications - 11/11
Item Dated: 11/20/2008
New Planning Applications - 01/06
Item Dated: 01/13/2009
New Planning Applications - 01/07-01/26
Item Dated: 01/27/2009
New Planning Applications - 03/02
Item Dated: 03/16/2009
New Planning Applications - 03/16
Item Dated: 03/16/2009
New Planning Applications - 03/23
Item Dated: 03/24/2009
New Planning Applications - 04/06
Item Dated: 04/08/2009
New Planning Applications - 04/28
Item Dated: 04/30/2009
New Planning Applications - 05/04
Item Dated: 05/08/2009
New Planning Applications - 05/05 to 06/01
Item Dated: 06/01/2009
New Planning Applications - 06/21
Item Dated: 06/23/2009
New Planning Applications - 06/28
Item Dated: 07/01/2009
New Planning Applications - 07/13
Item Dated: 07/16/2009
New Planning Applications - 07/28
Item Dated: 08/07/2008
New Planning Applications - 08/05
Item Dated: 09/12/2008
New Planning Applications - 08/11
Item Dated: 08/11/2008
New Planning Applications - 08/17
Item Dated: 08/18/2009
New Planning Applications - 08/18
Item Dated: 08/18/2008
New Planning Applications - 08/25
Item Dated: 09/02/2008
New Planning Applications - 09/01
Item Dated: 09/11/2008
New Planning Applications - 09/08
Item Dated: 09/16/2008
New Planning Applications - 09/15
Item Dated: 09/26/2008
New Planning Applications - 09/23
Item Dated: 10/06/2008
New Planning Applications - 09/30
Item Dated: 10/06/2008
New Planning Applications - 09/30
Item Dated: 10/05/2009
New Planning Applications - 10/07
Item Dated: 10/14/2008
New Planning Applications - 10/14
Item Dated: 10/21/2008
New Planning Applications - 10/21
Item Dated: 10/30/2008
New Planning Applications - 10/27
Item Dated: 10/29/2009
New Planning Applications - 10/28
Item Dated: 11/04/2008
New Planning Applications - 11/04
Item Dated: 11/13/2008
New Planning Applications - 11/18
Item Dated: 12/02/2008
New Planning Applications - 11/25
Item Dated: 12/09/2008
New Planning Applications - 12/22
Item Dated: 01/07/2009
New Planning Applications - 2/16
Item Dated: 02/17/2009
New Planning Applications - 6/16
Item Dated: 06/16/2008
New Planning Applications - 6/23
Item Dated: 06/23/2008
New Planning Applications - 6/9
Item Dated: 06/09/2008
New Planning Applications - 7/29
Item Dated: 07/28/2008
2007 Codes
2007 California Building Codes
Item Dated: 01/17/2008
2007 California Electrical Code
Item Dated: 06/10/2008
2007 California Energy Code
Item Dated: 06/10/2008
2007 California Fire Codes
Item Dated: 01/17/2008
2007 California Mechanical Code
Item Dated: 06/10/2008
2007 California Plumbing Code
Item Dated: 06/10/2008
During Construction
1. Public Streets, Sidewalks and Utilities
For additional information on Public Works specifications for sidewalk, curb, gutter, and other street and sidewalk features, see the "Building Permits" page.
Construction in a Public Street - General Permit Conditions
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Insurance Certificate Guidelines for Work on Public Property or Right-of-Way
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Performance Bond Form for Permit Condition Fulfillment
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Portland Cement Concrete and Asphalt Concrete Work Special Conditions
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Street Cut Determination Worksheet
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Street Work Permit Application
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Street Work Permit Information
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
USA Marking and Removal Requirements
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
2. Construction Logistics
Regulations you must comply with during construction. In some cases, you may be required to submit logistics or traffic control plans prior to construction.
"No Parking - Tow Away" Sign Posting Requirements
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Construction Hours
Item Dated: 07/23/2007
Construction Site Fire Safety
Item Dated: 07/23/2007
Logistics Plan Preparation Guidelines
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Materials Storage in the Public Right-of-Way Policy
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Noise Exception Permit Application (Police Dept)
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Noise Regulations
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Pollution Prevention - It's Part of the Plan
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Traffic Control Plan Submission Guidelines
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Traffic Control Plan Typicals
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Truck Route Map and Regulations
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
3. Construction Dewatering
Construction Dewatering Plan Preparation Attachments #1
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Construction Dewatering Plan Preparation Attachments #2
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Construction Dewatering Plan Preparation Guidelines
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Construction Dewatering Sample Plan Drawing
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Construction Dewatering: Construction Sites and In-Ground Utilities Maintenance Projects
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Planning Review
1. Single Family and Duplexes
Forms and information for property owners in single-family and two-family neighborhoods.
Application Form
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Application Withdrawal Form
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Fence Ordinance
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Fences in the Public Right of Way Policy
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Flood Zone Information
Item Dated: 06/16/2007
Grading and Drainage Guidelines for New Single-family Residences
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Hearing Request and Appeal Form
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Home Business Limitations
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Home Improvement Exception
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Home Improvement Exception Process
Item Dated: 08/08/2007
Home Improvement Exception Submittal Checklist
Item Dated: 08/08/2007
Individual Review Guidelines
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Individual Review Submittal Package
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Sample Parcel Report
Sample Parcel Report
Item Dated: 11/07/2007
Single-family Zoning Technical Manual
Item Dated: 07/30/2007
Variance Process
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Variance Submittal Checklist
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Zone Map
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
2. Multi-family and Commercial
Forms, applications, and information for multi-family and commercial developments:
Application Form
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Application Withdrawal Form
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Architectural Review - Major: Handout
Item Dated: 08/08/2007
Architectural Review - Major: Project Submittal Checklist
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Architectural Review - Minor: Handout
Item Dated: 08/08/2007
Architectural Review - Minor: Project Submittal Checklist
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Architectural Review - Preliminary Review: Checklist
Item Dated: 08/13/2007
Architectural Review - Sign: Project Submittal Checklist
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Architectural Review - Types of Applications
Item Dated: 07/30/2007
Architectural Review Application Calendar
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Architectural Review FAQ
Item Dated: 07/30/2007
Architectural Review Public Meeting Submittal Deadlines
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Commercial Sidewalk Encroachments (including Outdoor Eating Areas)
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Data Sheet: (P) Pedestrian Shopping Combining District
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Data Sheet: CD Commercial Downtown District
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Data Sheet: CN Neighborhood Commercial District
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Data Sheet: CS Service Commercial District
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Data Sheet: GM General Manufacturing District
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Data Sheet: RM-15 Low Density Multiple Family Residence District
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Data Sheet: RM-30 Medium Density Multiple Family Residence District
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Data Sheet: RM-40 High Density Multiple Family Residence District
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Downtown University and California Avenue Special Paving Treatments of Public Sidewalks
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Downtown Urban Design Guidelines: Part 1, pp 1-19
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Downtown Urban Design Guidelines: Part 2, pp 20-56
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Downtown Urban Design Guidelines: Part 3, pp 57-A10
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Environmental Impact Assessment Worksheet
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Hearing Request and Appeal Form
Item Dated: 07/23/2007
Parking Requirements with Tables
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Planned Community Zone Change
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Sign Code
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Sign Guidelines
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Site and Design
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Variance Process
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Variance Submittal Checklist
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
What uses are allowed in what zone…
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Zone Change
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Zone Map
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
3. Subdivisions, Parcel Maps, Certificates of Compliance
Application for Certificate of Compliance
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Certificate of Compliance Submission Checklist
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Lot Line Adjustment Information
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Lot Line Confirmation Information
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Lot Line Removal Information
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Overview and Guidelines for the Review of Subdivision Projects
Item Dated: 12/03/2007
Soils Report Waiver Form
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
4. Special and Conditional Uses
Accessory Structures - e.g. garages, sheds, A/C units, etc…
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Conditional Use Permit Process
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Conditional Use Permit Submittal Checklist
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Development and Construction Near Streams - Guidelines and Standards
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
Temporary Use Permit
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Wireless Facilities: Additional Submittal Information
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Wireless Facilities: Checklist To Determine Whether a Wireless Facility is Categorically Excluded
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
5. Trees
Protected Tree Removal Application Form
Item Dated: 08/29/2007
Tree Removal Checklist (Applicant Checklist)
Item Dated: 10/31/2007
6. Planning Fees
Citywide Transportation Impact Fee - Informational Handout
Item Dated: 11/05/2007
Citywide Transportation Impact Fee - Request for Estimate
Item Dated: 11/05/2007
Cost Recovery Agreement
Item Dated: 07/19/2006
Impact Fees
Item Dated: 08/14/2009
Parkland Dedication Requirements
Item Dated: 07/08/2008
Planning Fees
Item Dated: 08/17/2009
7. Maps - Zoning
a. Zone Map Key
Item Dated: 07/21/2007
b. Planning District Map
Item Dated: 10/15/2006
c. Land Use Designation Map
Item Dated: 08/08/2007
Zone Legend
Item Dated: 07/18/2006
Zone List
Item Dated: 07/18/2006
Zone Page 01
Item Dated: 07/18/2006
Zone Page 02
Item Dated: 07/18/2006
Zone Page 03
Item Dated: 07/18/2006
Zone Page 04
Item Dated: 07/18/2006
Zone Page 05
Item Dated: 07/18/2006
Zone Page 06
Item Dated: 07/18/2006
Zone Page 07
Item Dated: 07/18/2006
Zone Page 08
Item Dated: 07/18/2006
Zone Page 09
Item Dated: 07/18/2006
Zone Page 10
Item Dated: 07/18/2006
Zone Page 11
Item Dated: 07/18/2006
Zone Page 12
Item Dated: 07/18/2006
Zone Page 13
Item Dated: 07/18/2006
Zone Page 14
Item Dated: 07/18/2006
Zone Page 15
Item Dated: 07/18/2006
Zone Page 16
Item Dated: 07/18/2006
Zone Page 17
Item Dated: 07/18/2006
8. Baylands Information
Site Assessment and Design Guidelines Baylands Nature Preserve
Baylands Site and Design Guidelines
Item Dated: 09/03/2008
Residential Building Inspection Checklist
Checklist for building inspections.
All Trades
All Trades
Item Dated: 11/04/2008
Common Errors and Pitfalls
Common Errors and Pitfalls
Item Dated: 10/29/2008
Demolition
Demolition
Item Dated: 11/04/2008
Drywall
Drywall
Item Dated: 11/04/2008
Electrical Meter Release
Electrical Meter Release
Item Dated: 11/04/2008
Final Inspection
Final Inspection
Item Dated: 11/04/2008
Foundation
Foundation
Item Dated: 11/04/2008
Gas Meter Release
Gas Meter Release
Item Dated: 11/04/2008
Insulation
Insulation
Item Dated: 11/04/2008
Insulation
Insulation
Item Dated: 11/04/2008
Joist
Joist
Item Dated: 11/04/2008
Pre-Demolition Utilities Removal
Pre-Demolition Utilities Removal
Item Dated: 11/04/2008
Roof and Exterior Sheathing
Roof and Exterior Sheathing
Item Dated: 11/04/2008
Sequence of Inspections
Sequence of Inspections
Item Dated: 11/04/2008
Temporary Power Pole
Temporary Power Pole
Item Dated: 11/04/2008
Underfloor Insulation
Underfloor Insulation
Item Dated: 11/04/2008
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