City Records

Use this Records Portal to find historical agenda packets and minutes, ordinances, resolutions, and public comment letters. You may select from pre-defined searches in the list below, or enter your own keyword(s) into the search bar below. You can also click on “Browse” at the top of the portal for a full directory of the Records Portal sorted by document type, committee, year or number. You can preview the document in the browser window by clicking on the “Preview” tab.

Video: How to Use the Records Portal

Having a difficult time seeing the Records Portal? Open the portal full screen here. 

Looking for current Public Meeting Agendas? Click here.

Don’t see what you are looking for? Contact the City Clerk's office atcity.clerk@PaloAlto.gov or (650) 329-2571.

Resources for Other City Records

The City of Palo Alto actively encompasses the values of transparency and accountability. Within the vast inter-workings of our departments, each division strives to promote civic integrity for our residents. Platforms for public information and government data have been created and maintained as a result. The City encourages and appreciates our residents who continue to expand their civic awareness and participation. Explore our available resources below

Council Procedures and Protocols Handbook

Palo Alto City Council strives to engage in effective and orderly meeting management. The City Council Procedures and Protocols Handbook is an informational guide on City Council's order of business and aims to enhance public participation. This handbook is organized into two sections: "Public Participation in Council Meetings" and "Council Meeting and Agenda Guidelines." The Policy and Services Committee annually reviews the handbook to ensure good parliamentary practices and protocols.

For more details, view the Procedures and Protocols Handbook(PDF, 685KB)

eFile Portal (FPPC Form 700s and Campaign Forms)

The City Clerk is the local Filing Officer for the City of Palo Alto. All local campaign committees and Form 700 filers are required to file statements with the City Clerk. The City Clerk complies with the regulations of California's Political Reform Act and abides by the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).

The City of Palo Alto uses the eFile system to file FPPC documents, such as Conflict of Interest Filings (Form 700) and campaign-related forms (Form 410, 460, etc.). Council Members, Board and Commission Members, and select City staff must annually file a Form 700. We encourage filing the forms electronically for secured, efficient, and accessible documentation. All completed documents are available through the eFile Public Portal.

To view a list of positions required to file a Form 700, please see the Conflict of Interest Resolution(PDF, 685KB).

eFile Employee/Elected Official Login

eFile Public Portal - Campaign Disclosures and Form 700 

Municipal Code and the City Charter

Our Municipal Code is a collection of legislation passed by the Palo Alto City Council and is subject to change. The passed legislation is referred to as an Ordinance and has the effect of law, unless declared invalid/unconstitutional. The City Charter defines the powers, functions, and procedures of Palo Alto. It is an important legal document that provides the framework of our City.

While every attempt is made to keep this online version current, it should be used for reference only. The most recent Ordinances amending the Palo Alto Municipal Code may be found in the City Clerk's office. The online version of the Municipal Code is updated several times per year.

Municipal Code                 City Charter

Open Data Portal

The City of Palo Alto Open Data Portal, launched in 2012, includes over 100 datasets with continuous additions. For example, the public can easily access information on how the City of Palo Alto spends money; employee salary data; the status of development permits; geospatial data; historic library information; utilities data; and current infrastructure issues. 

Explore Palo Alto's Open Data

Open Town Hall

Open Town Hall is an online forum for civic engagement. Read public discussion regarding important Palo Alto topics, and post opinions and statements for involved conversations. The comments will be available to city officials making decisions on these topics.

Visit Palo Alto's Open Town Hall

Planning and Development Services Records

The Planning and Development Services team holds an abundance of helpful information readily available for the public. View the Current Planning page for more resources.

Helpful Links:

  • Parcel Reports
    • Save time, money and energy! Download and print a Parcel Report detailing pertinent information about a lot or parcel within the City of Palo Alto by using the new “Online Parcel Report” tool.   
  • Building Records on Accela
    • View and schedule inspections with the City’s Accela Citizen Access (ACA) web portal. Historical building permit records are also available through this resource.  
  • BuildingEye
    • Use the “BuildingEye” tool to view planning applications, building permits, and code enforcement cases all over the city. Simply click on the icons to learn more about each project.

Police Department's Public Information Portal

The Palo Alto Police Department is committed to informing the public about police activities, department policies, and agency practices. With the values of accountability, integrity, and openness while serving the community, the Police Department provides information on police incidents, police report logs, and crime statistics.

Police Department's Public Information Portal

Additional Resources

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