Existing Business

Businesses in Palo Alto are required to register with the City and may also pay a business tax or special district fees based on their location and activities.

Learn more here: 

Business Tax & Registration

Need to make improvements or building modifications?

• Tenant Improvements or Work Requiring Permits
• Ordinances, Maps, Guidelines & Standards

The Uplift Local Program is a Council-supported effort enabling outdoor dining, retail, personal services, and outdoor gyms and fitness options in business districts such as California Avenue, the downtown core and other business areas.

• Uplift Local Program
• Uplift Local Business Page
• Encroachment Permit Application(PDF, 397KB)
• Parklet Guidelines(PDF, 816KB)
• Santa Clara County Public Health Order and Frequently Asked Questions
• State Blueprint for a Safer Economy link for county status and business sector guidelines

• Business Registration Program: Ordinance #5379(PDF, 158KB)  and Staff Report #6470(PDF, 853KB)
• Smoking and Flavored Tobacco: Ordinance #11005(PDF, 2MB)  and Staff Report #11372(PDF, 511KB)
• Uplift Local: Ordinance #5500(PDF, 471KB) and Staff Report#11439(PDF, 775KB)
• Zero Waste: Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 5.20

For no/low cost ways to help your employees check out the Palo Alto TMA.

Go to this page for Utilities Contacts, information, and business services.

Reaching sustainability is made simple with the Zero Waste for Businesses webpage. Find the Multi-Ordinance Checklist(PDF, 4MB) and other tools to help your business meet City and State laws and requirements, reduce waste, and more!