Earlier editions: 2026-09
Title 16 — BUILDING REGULATIONS\
Palo Alto Municipal Code Ch. 16.62 Expired Permits for Residential Construction and Demolition
Palo Alto Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-05 · Palo Alto
Cite as: Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 16.62 · Text as of 2026-10-05
16.62.010 Application.¶
This chapter shall apply to all residential construction and demolition, including, but not limited to, all additions, alterations, modifications, repairs, and improvements, that require a building permit or demolition permit.
(Ord. 5227 § 3 (part), 2014)
16.62.020 Timely renewal of expired permits.¶
In the event a permit expires under section 16.04.090 for suspension or abandonment of work, the property owner shall seek renewal of the permit within thirty (30) days following its expiration.
(Ord. 5227 § 3 (part), 2014)
16.62.030 Penalty for expired permits.¶
A property owner shall be subject to the following penalties for violation of section 16.62.020:
| Time from Permit Expiration | Penalty |
|---|---|
| 0 to 30 days | $0 |
| 31st day through 60th day | $200.00 per day (i.e., $6,000.00 maximum penalty applicable to this 30-day period) |
| 61st day through 120th day | $400.00 per day (i.e., $24,000.00 maximum penalty applicable to this 60-day period) |
| 121st day and every day thereafter | $800.00 per day |
(a) For purposes of this section, if a renewed permit expires and the property owner has not advanced a project to the next level of required inspection, the calculation of penalties shall relate back to the date of the previous permit expiration.
(b) The chief building official may reduce or waive a penalty accrued under this chapter upon finding that the property owner acted in good faith and either: (1) the delay was attributable to circumstances beyond the property owner’s control; or (2) imposition of the full accrued penalty would harm the public interest, provided, however, that and reduction or waiver of more than $10,000 must be approved by the City Manager.
(Ord. 5389 § 3, 2016: Ord. 5227 § 3 (part), 2014)
16.62.040 Appeal of assessed penalty.¶
A property owner may request a hearing to contest a citation issued under this chapter in accordance with chapter 1.12.
(Ord. 5227 § 3 (part), 2014)
16.62.050 Construction of fence.¶
In the event a permit remains expired for more than thirty (30) days, the chief building official may require the construction of a wood fence at least six (6) feet tall, if necessary to secure the property from unauthorized entry and to minimize the aesthetic impacts of the construction visible from the public right of way. Such fence shall comply with the requirements of chapter 16.24.
(Ord. 5227 § 3 (part), 2014)
16.62.060 Public nuisance declared.¶
Any violation of this chapter shall constitute a public nuisance and, in addition to being subject to any other remedies allowed by law, may be abated as provided in chapter 9.56 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code.
(Ord. 5227 § 3 (part), 2014)
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