City of Palo Alto Homepage
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Location:
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Telephone:
Phone: 650-329-2441
Fax: 650-329-2154
Hours:
Planning Department Hours (Civic Center)
Mon-Thu 7:30-5:30pm
Fri 8-5pm (Closed Alt Fri)

NOTE: For permits, visit the City's Development Center web page for location and hours of operation of the City's permit center.
All Planning and Community Environment Forms

Forms, applications, plans, ordinances, and miscellaneous publications from the Department of Planning and Community Environment. For an organized list of development forms, visit the Development Center website.

The pages below are only for downloading forms, applications, handouts, and other publications. If you need online forms, or general information such as hours of operation, instructions, descriptions of projects or programs, or other similar information, click the [homepage] link where available.

Index of Downloads

Community Profile Report
Community Profile Report
Revision Date: 07/20/2006
Comprehensive Plan
The Comprehensive Plan is the primary tool for guiding the future development of the City. On a daily basis the City is faced with tough choices about growth, housing, transportation, neighborhood improvement, and service delivery. A Comprehensive Plan provides a guide for making these choices by describing long-term goals for the City’s future as well as policies to guide day-to-day decisions.
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Revision Date: 07/17/2007
Chapter 2 - Land Use & Design
Revision Date: 07/17/2007
Chapter 2 Implementation
Revision Date: 07/17/2007
Chapter 3 - Transportation
Revision Date: 07/17/2007
Chapter 3 Implementation
Revision Date: 07/17/2007
Chapter 4 - Housing
Revision Date: 07/17/2007
Chapter 4 Implementation
Revision Date: 07/17/2007
Chapter 5 - Natural Environment
Revision Date: 07/17/2007
Chapter 5 Implementation
Revision Date: 07/17/2007
Chapter 6 - Community Services
Revision Date: 07/17/2007
Chapter 6 Implementation
Revision Date: 07/17/2007
Chapter 7 - Business and Economics
Revision Date: 07/17/2007
Chapter 7 implementation
Revision Date: 07/17/2007
Chapter 8 - Governance
Revision Date: 07/17/2007
Chapter 8 implementation
Revision Date: 07/17/2007
Comprehensive Plan Acknowledgements
Revision Date: 07/17/2007
Comprehensive Plan Appendices
Revision Date: 07/17/2007
Glossary
Revision Date: 07/17/2007
Index
Revision Date: 07/17/2007
Land Use Designation Map
Revision Date: 07/17/2007
South of Forest Area Coordinated Area Plan Phase I
Chapter 1 - Policy Framework
Revision Date: 07/24/2006
Chapter 2 - Overview
Revision Date: 07/24/2006
Chapter 3 - Policies
Revision Date: 07/24/2006
Chapter 4 - Review Process
Revision Date: 07/24/2006
Chapter 5 - Development Standards & Design Guidelines
Revision Date: 07/24/2006
Chapter 6 -Implementation
Revision Date: 07/24/2006
Chapter 7 - Acknowledgements
Revision Date: 07/24/2006
South of Forest Area Coordinated Area Plan Phase II
Adopted SOFA Plan - Phase II
Revision Date: 06/15/2006
Zoning Code
Title 18 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code represents the land use regulations for the City of Palo Alto.
Complete Zoning Code (PDF, 10 MB)
Please note, this file may take several minutes to download
Revision Date: 12/07/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.00: Table of Contents
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.01: Adoption and Purpose
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.04: Definitions
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.08: Designation of Districts
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.10: Low-density Residential Districts
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.12: R-1 Residential District
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.13: Multiple Family Residential (RM-15, RM-30, RM-40)
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.16: Neighborhood, Community, and Service Commercial Districts
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.18: Downtown Commercial District
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.20: Office, Research, and Manufacturing Districts
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.23: Performance Criteria for Multiple Family, Commercial, Industrial, and Planned Community Districts
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.28: Special Purpose Districts (PF, OS, AC)
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.38: PC Planned Community District
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.42: Standards for Special Uses
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.52: Parking and Loading Requirements
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.54: Parking Facility Design Standards
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.60: Alternative Development Standards for Stanford Lands
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.62: Special Regulations for Hazardous Waste Facilities
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.66: Creation of Easements Through the Execution and Recordation of Covenants
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.70: Nonconforming uses and Noncomplying Facilities
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.76: Permits and Approvals
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.77: Processing of Permits and Approvals
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.78: Appeals
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.79: Development Project Preliminary Review Procedures
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Zoning Code Chapter 18.80: Amendments to Zoning Map and Zoning Regulations
Revision Date: 08/08/2007
Below Market Rate Housing
Below Market Rate (BMR) Housing information
2006-2007 Prices for Newly Built BMR Units
The City updates the BMR prices annually. The new prices for 2006 are effective as of May 15, 2006 and apply to BMR units in projects receiving final planning entitlement approvals
Revision Date: 06/16/2007
BMR For Sale Units in New Housing Developments
Distribution of Units Between Price Categories
Revision Date: 06/16/2007
BMR Housing Program Economic / Policy Analysis and Recommendations
This report contains analyses to support the City of Palo Alto’s Below Market Rate (BMR) Housing Program Update. The City had solicited the services of housing and economic consultants with experience in inclusionary housing programs, affordable housing program administration, real estate finance and market economics to provide independent and objective analyses and recommendations on specific questions and issues to serve as input to the City’s BMR Program.
Revision Date: 07/30/2007
City Of Palo Alto Subsidized Rental Housing Developments July 2005
Subsidized Rental Housing Developments
Revision Date: 06/16/2007
Construction and Demolition Forms and Downloads
You can find forms, approved facilities and answers to the most common C&D questions here.
Acknowledgement Form
Revision Date: 07/21/2008
Approved Facility List
Revision Date: 03/29/2007
Debris Management Plan Form
Revision Date: 03/29/2007
Information Brochure - March 2005
Revision Date: 03/29/2007
Large Job-Site Instruction Sign 17' x 13'
Revision Date: 03/29/2007
Large Job-Site Participation Sign 18' x 12'
Revision Date: 03/29/2007
Program Waiver Form
Revision Date: 03/29/2007
Utility Insert - March 2005
Revision Date: 03/29/2007
1. Most Used
Below are the most commonly used forms and information when applying for a building permit.
Building Permit Application
Revision Date: 07/19/2006
Building Permit Plan Revision
Revision Date: 01/16/2008
Demolition Permit Application
Revision Date: 07/21/2008
Reroofing Permit
Revision Date: 07/19/2006
Single Family Construction Guide (City of Palo Alto)
Revision Date: 01/16/2008
Single Family New Home/Addition Plan Submittal Checklist
Revision Date: 05/16/2008
Tenant Improvement Checklist
Revision Date: 01/16/2008
Use and Occupancy Certificate Application
Revision Date: 07/25/2007
Use and Occupancy Information
Revision Date: 11/06/2007
2. Other Forms
Other forms you may need when applying for a building permit:
Utility load sheets and temporary utility requests
Revision Date: 03/04/2008
Address Change
Revision Date: 07/19/2006
Development and Construction Near Streams - Guidelines and Standards
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
Grading and Drainage Guidelines for New Single-Family Residences
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
Green Building Guidelines for New Homes (2005)
Revision Date: 07/23/2007
Green Points Checklist 2005 (Excel format)
Revision Date: 07/23/2007
Green Points Checklist 2005 (PDF)
Revision Date: 07/23/2007
Handicap Hardship Exception
Revision Date: 07/19/2006
Hazardous Materials Disclosure Statement
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
Hazardous Materials Inventory
Revision Date: 07/23/2007
Impervious Area Calculation Worksheet
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
Outside Plan Check
Revision Date: 08/06/2008
Overview of the Fire and Building Permit Process
Revision Date: 07/23/2007
Permit Expiration Policy
Revision Date: 07/23/2007
Plan Set Requirements
The number of plan set you must provide depends on a number of conditions. This worksheet will help you to determine how may plan sets you must supply.
Revision Date: 01/16/2008
Public Works Department Information for Residential Construction
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
Special Inspection & Testing Forms
Revision Date: 02/06/2008
Water Heater Information
Revision Date: 07/23/2007
Wildfire High-Risk Areas - Building Regulations and Products
Revision Date: 02/25/2008
3. Fees
Building Fees
Revision Date: 06/08/2006
Electrical Permit Fees
Revision Date: 06/08/2006
Fire and Hazardous Materials Fees
Revision Date: 08/16/2007
Mechanical Fees
Revision Date: 06/08/2006
Plumbing Fees
Revision Date: 06/08/2006
Public Works
Revision Date: 06/08/2006
Utility Connections: Dark Fiber Connection Fees
Revision Date: 07/23/2007
Utility Connections: Electric Service Connection Fees
Revision Date: 07/23/2007
Utility Connections: Gas Service Connection Fees
Revision Date: 07/23/2007
Utility Connections: Sewer Service Connection Fees
Revision Date: 07/23/2007
Utility Connections: Water Service Connection Fees
Revision Date: 07/23/2007
4. Tree Protection
Forms and information related to trees on the property:
Chapter 8:10 Tree Preservation and Management Regulations
Revision Date: 06/08/2006
Frequently Asked Tree Questions
Revision Date: 07/19/2006
Inspection Schedule
Revision Date: 06/08/2006
Overview
Revision Date: 06/08/2006
SD#503 - Street Tree Well Detail - Sidewalk Location
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
SD#504 - Street Tree Detail - Planter Strip Location
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
Street Tree Verification
Revision Date: 07/19/2006
Tree Disclosure Statement
Revision Date: 06/08/2006
Tree Grate Installation Details
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
Tree Protection during Construction - Detail 605
Revision Date: 07/19/2006
Tree Protection Instruction Sheet T-1
Revision Date: 07/19/2006
Tree Protection Specifications
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
Tree Protection Warning Sign
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
Tree Technical Manual
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
5. Public Works Specifications
Driveway Approach Design & Construction Requirements
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
Paving of Parking Areas Adjacent to Edge of Pavement in Unimproved Street Areas
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
SD#120 - Driveway Approach Detail for Vertical Curb
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
SD#121 - Driveway Approach Detail for Rolled Curb
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
SD#133 - Vertical Curb and Gutter Detail
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
SD#134 - Rolled Curb and Gutter Detail
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
SD#141 - Sidewalk Construction Detail
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
SD#301 - Catchbasin for Type A Curb
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
SD#301 - Catchbasin Hood Frame and Grate
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
SD#302- Catchbasin for Type B Curb
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
SD#311 - Storm Drain Manhole Frame and Cover
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
SD#312 - Storm Drain Manhole
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
SD#321 - Curb Outlet Detail for Gravity Flow
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
SD#401 - Trench Detail
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
Special Paving Treatments of Public Sidewalks
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
6. Flood Zone
FEMA Elevation Certificate
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
Is my property in a flood zone?
Revision Date: 06/16/2007
Lateral Additions to Structures in the SFHA Handout
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
Plan Insert for Elevation Certification Requirements
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
Plan Insert for Elevation Certification Requirements (Detached Garage)
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
Plan Insert for Elevation Certification Requirements (Slab Floor)
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
Request for Temporary Elevation Benchmark
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
Residential Structure Value Determination Worksheet
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
Special Building Requirements for Structures in a SFHA
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
Substantial Improvement and Market Value Definitions
Revision Date: 07/21/2007
7. Utility Forms and Handouts
Electrical Load Sheet - Multi-Family and Commercial
Revision Date: 03/04/2008
Electrical Load Sheet - Single-Family Residential - Overhead Electric Service
Revision Date: 03/04/2008
Electrical Load Sheet - Single-Family Residential - Underground Electric Service
Revision Date: 03/04/2008
Temporary Electrical Service - Overhead
Revision Date: 03/04/2008
Temporary Electrical Service - Underground
Revision Date: 03/04/2008
Water-Gas-Wastewater Utility Load Sheet
Revision Date: 08/29/2007
Development Reports
Periodic reports on development in Palo Alto.
Building Permit Activity - July 2008
Revision Date: 08/04/2008
Demolition Permits Issued - 6/16
Revision Date: 06/16/2008
Demolition Permits Issued - 6/2
Revision Date: 06/02/2008
Demolition Permits Issued - 6/9
Revision Date: 06/09/2008
Demolition Permits Issued - July 28, 2008
Revision Date: 07/28/2008
Demolition Permits Issues - 07/28
Revision Date: 08/07/2008
New Building Permits over $250,000 - July 2008
Revision Date: 08/04/2008
New Planning Applications - 07/28
Revision Date: 08/07/2008
New Planning Applications - 6/16
Revision Date: 06/16/2008
New Planning Applications - 6/23
Revision Date: 06/23/2008
New Planning Applications - 6/9
Revision Date: 06/09/2008
New Planning Applications - 7/28
Revision Date: 08/07/2008
New Planning Applications - 7/29
Revision Date: 07/28/2008