Apply for a Permit

Welcome to the Development Services Online Permitting Process!

The Planning & Development Services Department strives to improve the permitting application process, reduce application review timelines, and increase communications with our customers. We encourage you to book a virtual or in-person appointment through the links below for any questions about out permitting process or to submit an application.

Apply for a Permit

The City of Palo Alto uses an online permitting portal called Accela Citizen Access (ACA). All permit submittals shall be submitted through this portal.

Filing for a permit will only take a few easy steps. Please select from the permit type options below, or, if you don't know what permit you need, contact our staff via phone or email:

2/18/2025: Building Inspection Services – Temporary Impact: Building inspection appointment availability is limited through mid-April. 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.

Beginning Monday, January 13, 2025, a new Building Permit Pre-Application will be available to applicants. The new Building Pre-Application will incorporate the application into the online process and applicants will no longer need to upload a separate Building Permit PDF Application as part of the submittal. Note that the Planning, Public Works, and Fire Pre-Application process will remain unchanged.

Planning Entitlement

Building Permit

Public Works Permit

Fire Permit

SolarAPP+ Permit

Email Us

Book an Appointment

In-person Appointment

Virtual Appointment

Not sure where to start? Do you have a questions regarding our our permitting process?

Book an in-person or virtual appointment with our staff. An appointment is highly encouraged for those visiting the Development Center in-person to help you in a timely manner.

If you are unable to schedule a in-person or virtual appointment using the buttons above, please call (650) 329-2496 and we can help schedule one for you.

How was your experience?

Tell us how we are doing! The City is continually trying to improve services. If you are interested in providing feedback, please complete this quick Development Services Survey or the Building Inspection Survey. Comments and suggestions are also welcome via email to PDSDirector@paloalto.gov.

Development Center Hours

The Development Center Counter is open:

Monday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Virtual Only)

Closed: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Phone

(650) 329-2496

building@paloalto.gov

Technical Issues?

If you are having OPS logon issues or technical difficulties, please email pdsdata@paloalto.gov.

Already Familiar with our Permitting Process?

Click here for direct access to our online permitting portal:

ACA Portal