Apply for a Permit

Welcome to the Development Services Online Permitting Process!

The Planning & Development Services Department strives to improve the permitting application process, reduce application review timelines, and increase communications with our customers. We encourage you to book a virtual or in-person appointment through the links below for any questions about out permitting process or to submit an application.

 Winter Break Closure Announcement

The Development Center will be closed from December 20, 2024 to January 3, 2025 in observance of the winter holidays. Applications will not be accepted or processed during this time and reviews during this period may be delayed.

Our Online Permitting System (OPS) will reopen on Friday, January 3 at 8 a.m. Thank you for your patience. We hope you have a wonderful holiday.

 

Apply for a Permit

The City of Palo Alto uses an online permitting portal called Accela Citizen Access (ACA). All permit submittals shall be submitted through this portal. 

Filing for a permit will only take a few easy steps. Please select from the permit type options below, or, if you don't know what permit you need, contact our staff via phone or email:

Licensed Contractors: Check out the new Kitchen/Bath Remodel Instant Permit process to see if your project qualifies!

Planning Entitlement

Building Permit

Public Works Permit

Fire Permit

SolarAPP+ Permit

Email Us
 

Book an Appointment

In-person Appointment 

Virtual Appointment

 

Not sure where to start? Do you have a questions regarding our our permitting process? 

Book an in-person or virtual appointment with our staff. An appointment is highly encouraged for those visiting the Development Center in-person to help you in a timely manner.

If you are unable to schedule a in-person or virtual appointment using the buttons above, please call (650) 329-2496 and we can help schedule one for you.

How was your experience? 

Tell us how we are doing! The City is continually trying to improve services. If you are interested in providing feedback, please complete this quick Development Services Survey or the Building Inspection Survey. Comments and suggestions are also welcome via email to PDSDirector@cityofpaloalto.org.

Development Center Hours

The Development Center Counter is open:

Monday-Thursday: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM-4:30 PM (Virtual Only)

Closed 12:30 PM-1:30 PM 

 

Phone

(650) 329-2496

 

Email

Building Permit Questions:
buildingpermits@cityofpaloalto.org

 

Technical Issues?

If you are having OPS logon issues or technical difficulties, please email pdsdata@cityofpaloalto.org. 

Already Familiar with our Permitting Process?

Click here for direct access to our online permitting portal: 

ACA Portal

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