Planning Review

Planning review takes place before building permits are issued, and is intended to ensure new development is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and environment. You will also find information on land use regulations that affect your property.


On this page:

1. Single-family/Duplex Information
2. Multi-family/Commercial Information
3. Subdivision, Parcel Maps, and Certificates of Compliance
4. Regulations for Special and Conditional Uses
5. Trees
6. Fees
7. Maps, Zoning
8. Baylands Information
9. El Camino Real Design Guidelines

Last Updated: Jul 14, 2012
1. Single Family and Duplexes
Forms and information for property owners in single-family and two-family neighborhoods.
Application Form
Application Withdrawal Form
Fence Code
Fences in the Public Right of Way Policy
Flood Zone Information
Grading and Drainage Guidelines for New Single-family Residences
Hearing Request and Appeal Form
Home Business Limitations
Home Improvement Exception (HIE) Process
Home Improvement Exception (HIE) Submittal Checklist
Individual Review (IR) Prelim Process
Individual Review (IR) Process
Individual Review Guidelines
Individual Review Statement of Understanding
Individual Review Submittal Checklist
Sample Parcel Report
Single-family Zoning Technical Manual
Variance Process
Variance Submittal Checklist
Zone Map
2. Multi-family and Commercial
Forms, applications, and information for multi-family and commercial developments:
Application Form
Application Withdrawal Form
Architectural Review (Minor) Process Handout
Architectural Review (Major) Process Handout
Architectural Review (Major) Submittal Checklist
Architectural Review (Minor) Submittal Checklist
Architectural Review (Preliminary) Submittal Checklist
Architectural Review (Sign) Submittal Checklist
Commercial Sidewalk Encroachments (including Outdoor Eating Areas)
Downtown University and California Avenue Special Paving Treatments of Public Sidewalks
Downtown Urban Design Guidelines: Part 1, pp 1-19
Downtown Urban Design Guidelines: Part 2, pp 20-56
Downtown Urban Design Guidelines: Part 3, pp 57-A10
El Camino Real Sign Guidelines
Environmental Impact Assessment Worksheet
Hearing Request and Appeal Form
Planned Community Zone Change
Sign Code
Site and Design
Variance Process Handout
Variance Submittal Checklist
What uses are allowed in what zone…
Zone Change
Zone Map
3. Subdivisions, Parcel Maps, Certificates of Compliance
Application for Certificate of Compliance
Certificate of Compliance Submission Checklist [Instructions]
Lot Line Adjustment Information
Lot Line Confirmation Information
Lot Line Removal Information
Overview and Guidelines for the Review of Subdivision Projects
Soils Report Waiver Form
4. Special and Conditional Uses
Accessory Structures - e.g. garages, sheds, A/C units, etc…
Conditional Use Permit ( CUP) Process
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Submittal Checklist
Development and Construction Near Streams - Guidelines and Standards
Temporary Use Permit (TUP) Process and Submittal Checklist
Wireless Facilities Submittal Checklist
Wireless Facilities: Checklist To Determine Whether a Wireless Facility is Categorically Excluded
5. Trees
Protected Tree Removal Application Form
Protected Tree Removal Submittal Checklist
Sheet T-1 Special Tree Protection Instructions
Tree Disclosure Statement
6. Planning Fees
City of Palo Alto Development Impact Fees
Citywide Transportation Impact Fee - Informational Handout
Citywide Transportation Impact Fee - Request for Estimate
Cost Recovery Agreement
Parkland Dedication Requirements
Planning Fee Schedule
Santa Clara County CEQA Filing Fees Notice
7. Maps, Zoning
A. Zoning Districts Index Map
B. Zoning Districts Map Legend
C. Zoning District Map Revision List
D. Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designation Map
E. Planning Staff Review District Map
Zone List
8. Baylands Information
Baylands Nature Preserve Site Assessment and Design Guidelines
9. El Camino Real Guidelines
El Camino Real Design Guidelines
South El Camino Real Design Guidelines