Building Inspection

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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.


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Accessibility 

The City endeavors to ensure all construction complies with all state accessibility requirements. We currently offer a courtesy pre-walk that identifies potential plan check deficiencies prior to plan submittal. For more information please contact Robert Dunbar at Robert.Dunbar@cityofpaloalto.org or view our Resources for Accessibility Information.


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. 


Contact Us

Chief Building Official  George Hoyt  650-329-2368
Assistant Building Official Evon Ballash 650-329-2223
Building Inspector Supervisor Menter "Bud" Starmer 650-329-2445
Contract Inspector Supervisor Korwyn Peck 650-329-2663
Building Inspector Specialist Electrical Rhonda Parkhurst 650-329-2658 
Building Inspector Specialist Accessibility  Robert Dunbar 650-329-2109
Building Inspector Specialist Plumbing/Mechanical Kyle Shea   650-617-3507
Contract Building Inspector Robert MacDonald 650-329-2245 
Contract Building Inspector  Robert Mantia 650-617-3172
Contract Building Inspector  Liam Tierney  650-329-2303
Contract Building Inspector Ed Fang 650-329-2381

Inspection

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.