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.

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!

Book an Appointment

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.