Securing the necessary permits for your construction or remodeling project in Palo Alto is crucial for ensuring compliance with local building codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards. Understanding these requirements will help you keep your project legal and structurally sound. Working with Castillo Remodeling ensures that your project meets all relevant regulations and is completed to the highest standards.
Follow these steps to successfully apply for a building permit in Palo Alto:
Begin by scheduling an appointment with the Palo Alto Development Center. You can choose between a virtual or in-person appointment. The Development Center offers limited walk-in services.
Create an account on the Online Permit System (OPS) or Accela Citizen Access (ACA). Submit a pre-application that includes uploading plans and supporting documents. Collaborate with a Palo Alto building expert to ensure your plans meet city standards and requirements.
Complete and submit your building permit form, including detailed information about your property, electrical work, plumbing work, and mechanical work.
When submitting your permit form, you’ll need to provide:
| Certificate of Use and Occupancy |
| Request for address change or assignment |
| Planning review application Complete sets of drawings |
| Architectural drawings including: (site plan, pollution prevention, floor plan, ceiling plan, roof plan, exterior elevations, cross sections, details & notes) |
| Mechanical plan |
| Electrical plan |
| Plumbing plan |
| Structural drawings including: (foundation plan, floor and ceiling framing plans, roof framing plan, details, and notes) |
| 2 copies of Structural Calculations |
Consider partnering with Castillo Remodeling to navigate the Palo Alto building permit process effectively. Our team has extensive knowledge of local regulations and requirements, ensuring your project is planned, designed, and executed to meet all standards. We can help you create a functional and stylish space that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.
Contact us today to start your ADU building project or any other remodeling needs.
In Palo Alto, the following works need a building permit: construction of any ADU, single-family house, re-roof (commercial), tenant improvement, and electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work.
If you make major changes to your building plan, you may need to resubmit your revised plans and other materials for review. Login to your OPS account and use the “Resubmit” button to upload your new plan.
You can check the status of your building permit application through the OPS Portal. You need to log in to the portal and go to my records >Building application number>record info> processing status> department review.
According to the City of Palo Alto’s Building Division, the permit application process typically takes about 6-8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and the completeness of the submitted documents. Ensuring that all required documents and plans are accurate and complete can help expedite the process.
Yes, there are inspections required during the construction process in Palo Alto. These inspections are essential to ensure that the construction work meets the approved plans, complies with building codes, and maintains safety standards. The specific inspections needed may vary depending on the scope and nature of the project.
