Building Inspection
The Building Inspection Team provides excellent customer service by verifying minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
Schedule Inspections
Schedule an inspection with the PA iRequest App
Scheduling inspections with the City’s Palo Alto Inspection Request app is available. The Palo Alto Inspection Request app for iOS (Apple) or Android can be downloaded from the Apple App store or Google Play store to your mobile device (search for Palo Alto iRequest).
Schedule an inspection through the Accela Citizen Access (ACA) web portal
Logging on or registering for an account not required to schedule an inspection via ACA
Schedule an inspection via phone
To schedule an inspection you may call 650-329-2496 and select option 2.
Emergency Call-Out Protocol
A building inspector will respond to electrical and gas emergencies once repairs have been completed by a licensed contractor. To reach a Building Inspector Specialist, dial (650) 329-2496 and press option 5 (during normal business hours). A Whole House Gas Test is required prior to gas meter release.
After Hours Inspection Requests
The normal work hours for inspectors are Monday through Friday 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Overtime inspection requests between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm will be charged at 1.5 times the hourly rate. Overtime inspection requests between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM on weekdays, or any requests for Saturday or Sunday inspections, will be charged at 2.0 times the hourly rate. There is a two-hour minimum for overtime inspection requests after 6:00 PM. If more than two hours are needed, an estimated time must be noted on the request and approved by the Chief Building Official.
To make a request, complete the Request for After Hours or Weekend Inspection Form and email it to AfterHoursInspections@CityofPaloAlto.org.
A 5-day advanced notice is required for all after hours inspection requests. You will be contacted by the Building Department once your request has been approved or denied.
Safety Bulletins and Advisories
Safety advisory's are public information notifications for the community that the Building Division has become aware of, from actual occurrences in Palo Alto. Visit the Safety Bulletins and Advisories Page for more information.
Training Schedule
The Building Division periodically offers training for inspectors and contractors dealing with all aspects of the building code. If you have any questions regarding the topic or have suggestions for future training topics please email Rhonda.Parkhurst@cityofpaloalto.org.
Inspection Guidelines
In an effort to streamline and simplify inspection requests the City offers a variety of tools to help our customers. Guidelines have been prepared for both residential and commercial projects to help customers understand inspection sequencing and requirements.
Click on the following links to view the Guidelines.
Earthquake Safety
In an effort to provide helpful earthquake preparedness tips, click on the following links.
Helpful Resources and Websites
The following links provide helpful resources for the construction trades. Please be advised by clicking the links you will exit the city's website.
Contact the Inspection Team