| New Fees Announcement |
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The newly adopted Fiscal Year 2026 Municipal Fees for Development Services go into effect on Monday, August 18, 2025.
Please see the .
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Development Services is a resource for homeowners, businesses, designers and contractors. We are located at 285 Hamilton Avenue. The goal of our staff is to help our customers build safe, healthy and sustainable buildings that comply with applicable codes and regulations. We see ourselves as an integral part of each project team and are committed to establishing positive working relationships with our partners, while focusing on problem solving and delivering exceptional customer service.
The Development Center is open for virtual and in-person appointments and limited walk-in service - schedule an appointment here. The City has moved to an all-digital application and plan review platform. This means that we no longer accept paper plan submittals. All submittals must be done in digital format.
8/14/2025: Building Inspection Services – Temporary Impact: Building inspection appointment availability is limited through September. Appointment wait times may extend up to 7 days, and our team is actively working to increase appointment slots when possible. We appreciate your patience and understanding and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Online Permit Pre-Applications Available
Pre-applications for building permits can be filed online through Palo Alto’s Accela Citizen Access portal. The online pre-application process allows prospective building permits applicants to submit their pre-applications and upload digital building plans and documents. Staff then review the application materials to ensure all necessary documents have been provided. The applicant will be notified once the online submittal package is considered complete and ready for the building permit application intake phase.
All applications begin at 'First Phase' to avoid unnecessary delays by allowing staff to review your application submittal for completeness and accuracy to help ensure your project is ready for review before advancing to the 'formal review' phase of your application.
Please visit our Online Permit Services web page to learn more.
Schedule Inspections
Accela Citizen Access (ACA) or the Palo Alto Inspection Request App
Schedule an inspection with the City’s Accela Citizen Access (ACA) web portal on your computer or laptop.
The Palo Alto Inspection Request app is also available to easily schedule inspections on your mobile device. Search for Palo Alto Inspection Request for iOS on the Apple App Store or for Android on the Google Play Store to download the app.
Final inspections can only be scheduled via phone
To schedule a final inspection you may call (650) 329-2496 and press 2.
Building
The Palo Alto Building Division conducts plan review, issues building permits, provides inspection services, and oversees the Green Building program.
Fire Prevention Bureau
The mission of the Palo Alto Fire Prevention Bureau, within the city's Development Center, is to provide quality and timely development services. Our fire prevention staff performs fire plan checks, reviews, permitting, and field inspections. Our goal is to accommodate all requests for service in a time frame that meets our customer's needs.
Public Works
Public Works provides services integral to our community on a daily basis. Our department's mission is to provide quality services with commitment, courtesy and pride. In partnership with the Palo Alto community, we strive to offer efficient, cost effective and environmentally responsible services that make Palo Alto a beautiful, vibrant and appealing City in which to live and work. The Public Works Department is comprised of a variety of divisions however there are three divisions that typically relate to development services. These divisions include Public Works Engineering, Water Quality, and Urban Forestry.
Utilities
We in Utilities are eager to help make your project successful and be sure you are safely hooked up to all the electric, gas, water and sewer services you may need. Utilities also handles commercial "dark fiber optic network" connections. Be advised that all utility-related projects within the City's public right of way (including gas services up to and encompassing the gas meter) need to conform to the Water, Gas & Wastewater Standards and Electrical Requirements as described on the linked pages and any relevant Public Works Standards---unless otherwise approved in writing by the responsible Engineering Manager. Private utilities on private property are under the jurisdiction of the City's Planning Department, Building Inspection Division.