GetYourPermit

ADU permit process in Palo Alto, California

Last verified August 29, 2026

Prepared by GetYourPermit editorial teamReport an error

This guide includes the portions of the City permit process that passed our evidence review. Confirm project-specific requirements with the City before submitting.

Where to apply

Department
Building Division
Permit portal
City Online Portal System
Contact
650-329-2496building@paloalto.gov

Step by step

  1. 1

    Review type-specific requirements and gather documents

    Read City submittal instructions Use detached-ADU checklist only when applicable Submittal-ready documents

  2. 2

    Create ACA pre-application and upload documents

    Create ACA account Create Building Permit Pre-Application Upload required documents Pre-application submission

  3. 3

    Completeness and accuracy review

    Supply outstanding items if City identifies incompleteness Complete application converted to official record, or outstanding-items list

  4. 4

    Pay fee and begin plan check

    Pay permit fees when City contacts applicant Plan check begins

  5. 5

    Address plan-check comments

    Respond to City plan-check comments Corrected plans or approval

  6. 6

    Resolve outstanding fees and receive permit

    Pay outstanding fees Receive permit Building permit

  7. 7

    Construct under issued permit

    Perform permitted work Work ready for inspection

  8. 8

    Schedule inspections

    Schedule through ACA, iRequest, or phone Inspection result

  9. 9

    Schedule and pass final inspection

    Schedule 101 Final Inspection by phone Receive final approval Final inspection approval

What you need to submit

  • CALGreen forms
  • Master ADU Permit Checklist and supporting plan set
  • Structural Special Inspection & Testing Agreement — only in some cases

Pre-approved ADU plans

Use Palo Alto’s official page to confirm which designs, site conditions, and supplemental documents qualify. Plan-check timing still depends on the project and city review.

View pre-approved plans

Project-specific next step

Build your Palo Alto permit report

Choose your ADU type and size to bring the City process, researched permit fees, and early construction budget into one planning report.

Start my permit report

Sources for this guide

Additional city reference pages

  • CityCity Budget

    The live City Budget page links the FY 2027 Adopted Municipal Fee Schedule. This stable landing page establishes that the linked schedule is the City's current adopted schedule at access time.

    Accessed August 28, 2026

  • CityFiscal Year 2027 Adopted Municipal Fee Schedule

    The City Council adopted the FY 2027 schedule on June 15, 2026. It publishes current single-family/duplex building-inspection lookup amounts, standalone detached ADU permit charges, plan-check percentages, and residential impact-fee exemptions for ADUs under 750 square feet.

    Accessed August 28, 2026

  • CityApply for a Building Permit

    The live Building Division page states that ADUs require building permits and links current detached-ADU and master-permit checklists.

    Accessed August 28, 2026