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Location:
285 Hamilton Ave
Palo Alto CA 94301
Telephone:
Phone: 650-329-2496
Fax: 650-329-2240
Hours:
Hours
M-F 8:00 am-noon, 1:00--4:00pm
Wed. open at 9:00am
Building Permits

A building permit is required before you undertake most types of construction. On this page you will find application forms and information, as well as additional information you may need to submit prior to obtaining a building permit, or starting construction. For more regulations that may affect your project during construction, including permits or plans you may be required to submit before you commence certain types of work, visit our “During Construction” page.

On this page:

1. Most used forms and information
2. Other forms and information commonly needed for building permit submittal
3. Permit fees
4. Tree protection forms and tree information
5. Public Works Department specifications (e.g. sidewalk, curb, and gutter replacement)
6. Flood zone information
7. Utility Forms and Handouts

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
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City of Palo Alto City Hall - 250 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301 | Main Telephone Number 650-329-2100 8am-5pm M-Th, Alt Fridays