Kitchen/Bath Remodel Instant Permit

Step 1.Does my project qualify? 

• Only licensed contractors can apply for and obtain an instant permit
• Kitchen/bath remodel of a residential single-family home, ADU, or duplex
• The remodel takes place within the existing kitchen and/or bath footprint
• The project does not involve changes to walls, windows, doors, or structure
• The project does not require a service panel and/or subpanel upgrade

Step 2.What do I need before I apply?

Project information such as:

• Number of bathrooms being remodeled
• Number of kitchens being remodeled
• Number and type of new electrical circuits added (if any)
• Project valuation (including labor and materials)
• Projects may require compliance with the City’s Construction & Demolition Debris Diversion Program

Upload the following documents:

• A completed Residential Load Calculation worksheet (Complete the Residential Electric Load Calculator worksheet from our Building Permits Forms page)
• Equipment Specifications

Step 3.Things to Note after Permit Issuance

Please review the issued permit packet for next steps. It will include kitchen and bath guidelines for a successful remodel. A few post-permit issuance documents must be uploaded to the permit record before a final inspection can be scheduled:

• A completed SB 407 form (find this on our Building Permits Forms page)
• A completed Self-Certification for Smoke Detectors & Carbon Monoxide Alarms form (find this on our Building Permits Forms page)
• Completed California Energy Code reports depending on the scope of work (CF2R-LTG-01-E, CF2R-MCH-32-H, CF3R-MCH-32-H) 
• For projects that must comply with City’s Construction & Demolition Debris Diversion Program, please review the program link and follow the instructions. Tags must be uploaded to Green Halo Systems before we can conduct a final inspection.

Step 1.Register or Login to ACA

Register - Create an Account in our User Portal, Accela Citizen Access (ACA)

Accela Citizen Access Portal

Having issues creating an account?

Follow this guide to register/create an account on the ACA Portal. 

If you are having technical difficulties with your account, please email pdsdata@cityofpaloalto.org. 

Step 2.Obtain a Permit through the "Building" tab

Follow the steps below to create an Instant Building Permit application:

1. Click on the Building tab
2. Click on the "Create Application" text in the green banner
3. Select the Kitchen or Bath Remodel Building Permit type 

For step-by-step instructions with images, follow this guide(PDF, 735KB).

For additional guidance on the online permitting portal, review the ACA User Guide(PDF, 2MB). If you are having technical difficulties, please email pdsdata@cityofpaloalto.org. 

Step 3.Check if your Project Qualifies

Complete the Project Qualification questions to see if your project qualifies for a Kitchen/Bath Remodel instant permit. If the project does not qualify, please submit a Pre-Application.

Step 4.Provide Project Details

Provide details related to the project. Make sure to read everything thoroughly and provide accurate details for a smooth inspection process. 

Step 5.Upload Required Documents & Pay Permit Fees

The following are required documents that need to be uploaded prior to permit issuance:

1. Equipment Specifications
2. If you will be adding an electrical circuit, also upload a completed Residential Load Calculation. Download the calculator spreadsheet on the Building Permit Forms page.

Once your document(s) are uploaded, review your application inputs and pay for permit fees. 

Step 6.Review the Permit Issuance Email and Permit Packet for Next Steps

To view and download your permit card / packet:

• Open your record summary using the "View Record Details" button
• Click on the "Record Info" dropdown at the top of the record
• Select the Attachments" option in the dropdown

Please review the issued permit card / packet before completing any work to ensure accuracy or appropriate next steps. Post-permit issuance documents are required to be uploaded to the record prior to scheduling a final inspection. Please review the email and packet for further instructions.

If you have a question regarding Building Permits, please call (650)329-2496 or e-mail buildingpermits@cityofpaloalto.org