Contact Development Services
Call (650) 329-2496 to reach a phone tree to help get you to a specific division. Press option 1 for general questions regarding Building Permits or email building@paloalto.gov. Phones are answered Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Quick Links
Project Coordination
The goal of the Project Coordination Team is to act as an advocate for the project and work collaboratively with all parties to provide information, resolve issues, and guide the permit through to completion. Contact a Project Coordinator with questions about permitting, fees, forms and applications, and the development review process.
All permit applications will be assigned a Project Coordinator as a primary point-of-contact for both staff and customers from early assistance to permit close-out. The Development Center includes representatives from each department, making it a true one-stop-shop for your projects. We’re here to safeguard the community by enforcing required local and state codes.
Please call (650) 329-2496 and press option 1 for general questions regarding Building Permits or email Building@PaloAlto.gov.
Building Plan Review
The Plan Check Team is responsible for review and approval of all permit applications to assure that proposed construction work meets the life safety, accessibility, sustainability, and structural safety requirements of local and state codes. We also review plumbing, electrical and mechanical, as well as photovoltaic systems and electric vehicle chargers. We are committed to providing timely and professional review of plans and documents for all applications submitted to the Development Services Department. Contact a member of the Plan Check Team for questions regarding local and state code requirements.
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 an inspection with our PA iRequest App - effective July 1, 2021
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 OPS
Logging on or registering for an account is not required to schedule an inspection via OPS.
Schedule an inspection via phone
To schedule an inspection you may call (650) 329-2496 and press option 2.
*101 Final Inspections must be scheduled via phone.