Earlier editions: 2026-09
Municipal code
Palo Alto Municipal Code
The enacted municipal code of Palo Alto, California, as published — every title, chapter, and section, verbatim and citable.
- Last updated
- 2026-10-05
- Contents
- 20 titles · 3,065 sections
- Jurisdiction
- Palo Alto
Contents
▸Charter
Overview- Article I — Boundaries of the City
- Article II — Powers
- Article III — Council
- Article IV — Duties of Officers
- Article V — Compulsory Arbitration for Fire and Police Department Employee Disputes
- Article VI — The Recall, Initiative and Referendum
- Article VII — Miscellaneous
- Article VIII — 1 Parks 2
- Article VIII-A — Board of Education
- Article IX — Amendments
- Article X — Effective Date of Amended Charter
▸Title 2 — ADMINISTRATIVE CODE\
Overview- Chapter 2.04 — COUNCIL ORGANIZATION AND PROCEDURE
- Chapter 2.06 — OFFICIAL CITY SEAL AND LOGO
- Chapter 2.07 — POST-GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT REGULATIONS
- Chapter 2.08 — OFFICERS AND DEPARTMENTS
- Chapter 2.09 — CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE FOR DESIGNATED POSITIONS
- Chapter 2.10 — CABLE TELEVISION AND OPEN VIDEO SYSTEMS - AWARD OF FRANCHISES BY THE CITY COUNCIL
- Chapter 2.11 — VIDEO SERVICE PROVIDERS - APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 2.12 — EMERGENCY ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONS
- Chapter 2.16 — BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS GENERALLY
- Chapter 2.18 — PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.20 — PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.21 — ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD
- Chapter 2.22 — HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.23 — UTILITIES ADVISORY COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.24 — LIBRARY ADVISORY COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.25 — PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.26 — VISUAL ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
- Chapter 2.27 — HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD
- Chapter 2.28 — FISCAL PROCEDURES
- Chapter 2.30 — CONTRACTS AND PURCHASING PROCEDURES
▸Part 1 — GENERAL
- Part 2 — CONTRACT TYPES
- Part 3 — CONTRACTING AUTHORITY
- Part 4 — COMPETITIVE SOLICITATION REQUIREMENTS
- Part 5 — COMPETITIVE SOLICITATION PROCEDURES
- Part 6 — CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- Part 7 — ETHICS IN CONTRACTING
- Part 6A — SURVEILLANCE AND PRIVACY PROTECTIONS
- Part 8 — RECORDS AND REPORTS
- Part 9 — REWARDS
- Part 10 — STANDARDIZATION
- Chapter 2.31 — PROPERTY CONTROL
- Chapter 2.32 — SALES AND USE TAX
- Chapter 2.33 — TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
- Chapter 2.34 — REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
- Chapter 2.35 — UTILITY USERS TAX
- Chapter 2.36 — PERSONNEL PROCEDURES
- Chapter 2.37 — BUSINESS TAX
- Chapter 2.40 — MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
- Chapter 2.44 — OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER
- Chapter 2.48 — SOLAR TAX CREDIT
- Chapter 2.49 — ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES
▸Title 4 — BUSINESS LICENSES AND REGULATIONS\
Overview- Chapter 4.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 4.10 — SOLICITORS, PEDDLERS, PAWNBROKERS, SECONDHAND DEALERS, AND OTHER BUSINESSES REG…
- Chapter 4.12 — SIDEWALK VENDORS
- Chapter 4.18 — LICENSE OBTAINED BY APPLICATION TO POUNDMASTER
- Chapter 4.30 — SOLICITING FUNDS
- Chapter 4.32 — SOLICITING INFORMATION FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES
- Chapter 4.34 — CLOSING OUT SALES
- Chapter 4.39 — PRIVATE INTRUSION AND FIRE ALARMS
- Chapter 4.42 — TAXICABS AND OTHER FOR-HIRE VEHICLES
- Chapter 4.51 — BINGO GAMES
- Chapter 4.52 — BILLIARD ROOMS, CARDROOMS AND BOWLING ALLEYS
- Chapter 4.54 — MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 4.55 — ADULT ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 4.56 — HOT TUB/SAUNA ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 4.57 — FIREARMS DEALERS
- Chapter 4.58 — NARCOTICS PARAPHERNALIA SALE AND DISPLAY
- Chapter 4.59 — PET SHOPS
- Chapter 4.60 — BUSINESS REGISTRATION PROGRAM
- Chapter 4.62 — CITYWIDE MINIMUM WAGE
- Chapter 4.64 — PERMITS FOR RETAILERS OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS
▸Title 5 — HEALTH AND SANITATION\
Overview- Chapter 5.12 — REFRESHMENT STANDS
- Chapter 5.20 — COLLECTION, REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL OF REFUSE
- Chapter 5.24 — DECONSTRUCTION AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
- Chapter 5.30 — DISPOSABLE FOODWARE ITEMS AND OTHER DISPOSABLE PRODUCTS
- Chapter 5.35 — RETAIL AND FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT CHECKOUT BAG REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 5.40 — EDIBLE FOOD RECOVERY REQUIREMENTS
▸Title 6 — ANIMALS
▸Title 9 — PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND SAFETY\
Overview- Chapter 9.04 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
- Chapter 9.05 — ENTERTAINMENT ZONES
- Chapter 9.06 — RENTAL OF VEHICLES FOR HUMAN HABITATION
- Chapter 9.07 — SAFE STORAGE OF FIREARMS
- Chapter 9.08 — GUNS AND EXPLOSIVES
- Chapter 9.09 — PUBLIC NUISANCE
- Chapter 9.10 — NOISE
- Chapter 9.12 — LOUDSPEAKERS
- Chapter 9.14 — SMOKING AND TOBACCO REGULATIONS
- Chapter 9.22 — IMPERSONATING PUBLIC OFFICIALS
- Chapter 9.24 — RESERVED
- Chapter 9.26 — PRIVATE PATROL SERVICE
- Chapter 9.28 — HOTELS AND ROOMING HOUSES
- Chapter 9.40 — AIRCRAFT
- Chapter 9.44 — SOLICITATION OF EMPLOYMENT, BUSINESS, OR CONTRIBUTIONS WITHIN PUBLIC PARKING LOTS
- Chapter 9.45 — SOLICITATION IN STREETS, COMMERCIAL PARKING AREAS, AND IN AND ADJACENT TO DRIVE…
- Chapter 9.48 — OBSTRUCTING STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
- Chapter 9.50 — GRAFFITI
- Chapter 9.56 — ABATEMENT OF NUISANCES
- Chapter 9.60 — CIVIC CENTER BLOCK REGULATIONS
- Chapter 9.64 — REGULATION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES
- Chapter 9.65 — RESIDENTIAL RENTAL REGISTRY PROGRAM
- Chapter 9.68 — RENTAL HOUSING STABILIZATION
- Chapter 9.70 — RESALE CONTROLS FOR UNITS ORIGINALLY FINANCED WITH MORTGAGE REVENUE BONDS
- Chapter 9.72 — MANDATORY RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR DISCUSSION OF DISPUTES BETWEEN LANDLORDS AND …
- Chapter 9.73 — CITY POLICY AGAINST ARBITRARY DISCRIMINATION
- Chapter 9.74 — DISCRIMINATION AGAINST FAMILIES WITH MINOR CHILDREN IN HOUSING
- Chapter 9.76 — MOBILEHOME PARK CONVERSION
- Chapter 9.78 — MOSQUITO ABATEMENT
- Chapter 9.79 — NEWSRACKS
▸Title 10 — VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC\
Overview- Chapter 10.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 10.08 — ENFORCEMENT AND OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC REGULATIONS
- Chapter 10.10 — TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURES
- Chapter 10.12 — TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICES
- Chapter 10.16 — TURNING MOVEMENTS
- Chapter 10.20 — ONE-WAY STREETS AND ALLEYS
- Chapter 10.24 — SPECIAL STOPS REQUIRED
- Chapter 10.28 — MISCELLANEOUS DRIVING RULES
- Chapter 10.32 — PEDESTRIANS
- Chapter 10.34 — ABANDONED, WRECKED, DISMANTLED OR INOPERATIVE VEHICLES
- Chapter 10.36 — STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING - GENERALLY
- Chapter 10.40 — STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING - LOADING AND UNLOADING
- Chapter 10.44 — STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING - PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED
- Chapter 10.45 — VALET PARKING
- Chapter 10.46 — COLLEGE TERRACE RESIDENTIAL PARKINGPERMIT PROGRAM (RPPP)
- Chapter 10.47 — LARGE VEHICLE PARKING
- Chapter 10.48 — TRUCKS AND TRUCK ROUTES
- Chapter 10.50 — RESIDENTIAL PREFERENTIAL PARKING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 10.51 — CRESCENT PARK NO OVERNIGHT PARKING PROGRAM
- Chapter 10.52 — TRAINS
- Chapter 10.56 — SPECIAL SPEED ZONES
- Chapter 10.60 — PARKING VIOLATIONS
- Chapter 10.62 — IDLING OF VEHICLES
- Chapter 10.64 — BICYCLES, ROLLER SKATES AND COASTERS
▸Title 11 — ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT PROCEDURE
▸Title 12 — PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES
Overview- Chapter 12.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 12.08 — MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION OF STREETS, SIDEWALKS, DRIVEWAYS, AND DRIVEWAY AP…
- Chapter 12.09 — EQUIPMENT OR FACILITIES IN RIGHTS-OF-WAY
- Chapter 12.10 — STREET CUT FEES
- Chapter 12.11 — PARKLETS
- Chapter 12.12 — ENCROACHMENTS
- Chapter 12.13 — STATE VIDEO SERVICE FRANCHISEES
- Chapter 12.16 — UNDERGROUND UTILITIES
- Chapter 12.20 — UTILITY RULES AND REGULATIONS
- Chapter 12.24 — FLUORIDATION
- Chapter 12.28 — UTILITY SYSTEMS REVENUE BONDS
- Chapter 12.32 — WATER USE REGULATIONS
▸Title 15 — FIRE PREVENTION\
▸Title 16 — BUILDING REGULATIONS\
Overview- Chapter 16.04 — CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PART 2, VO…
- Chapter 16.05 — CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PART 4
- Chapter 16.06 — 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PA…
- Chapter 16.08 — CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PART 5
- Chapter 16.09 — SEWER USE ORDINANCE
- Chapter 16.10 — PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
▸Part 1 — Purpose and Intent; Definitions
- Part 2 — General Provisions
- Part 3 — Development Projects
- Part 4 — Required Best Management Practices for All Dischargers
- Part 5 — Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination and Mobile Sources
- Part 6 — Pesticides Toxicity Control
- Part 7 — Trash Load Reductions
- Part 8 — Mercury Controls
- Part 9 — Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Controls
- Part 10 — Copper Controls
- Chapter 16.12 — RECYCLED WATER
▸Part 1 — Purpose and Intent; Definitions
- Part 2 — General Provisions
- Part 3 — Authority to Inspect and Enforce
- Part 4 — Prohibited Discharges, Devices, and Connections
- Part 5 — Grease Control Device Requirements
- Part 6 — Rooftop Grease Containment System Requirements
- Part 7 — Waste Oil Management Requirements
- Part 8 — Spill Response Requirements
- Part 9 — Best Management Practices for Existing Facilities
- Part 10 — Mobile Food Facilities
- Part 11 — Food Facility Closure or Ownership Change
- Part 5 — Local Modifications to
- Part 6 — Local Modifications to
- Part 8 — Local Modifications to
- Part 2 — Local Modifications to CHAPTER 1 - ADMINISTRATION
- Part 3 — Local Modifications to CHAPTER 2 - DEFINITIONS
▸Part 5 — Local Modifications to CHAPTER 4 - RESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
- Part 6 — Local Modifications to CHAPTER 7 - INSTALLER AND SPECIAL INSPECTOR QUALIFICATIONS
- Part 7 — Local Modifications to APPENDIX A4 - RESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
▸Part 8 — Local Modifications to CHAPTER 5 - NONRESIDENTIAL MANDATORY MEASURES
- Part 9 — Local Modifications to APPENDIX A5 - NONRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTARY MEASURES
- Chapter 16.15 — ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
▸Chapter 16.16 — CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PART 3
- Chapter 16.17 — CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PART 6
- Chapter 16.18 — 2024 INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING POOL AND SPA CODE (ISPSC)
- Chapter 16.19 — CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE, CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24,…
- Chapter 16.20 — SIGNS
- Chapter 16.20 — Table 1
- Chapter 16.20 — Table 2
- Chapter 16.20 — Table 2
- Chapter 16.24 — FENCES
- Chapter 16.28 — GRADING AND EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL
- Chapter 16.32 — MOVING AND RELOCATING BUILDINGS
- Chapter 16.36 — HOUSE NUMBERING
- Chapter 16.38 — CERTIFICATE OF USE AND OCCUPANCY FOR COMMUNITY HOUSING
- Chapter 16.40 — UNSAFE BUILDINGS
- Chapter 16.42 — SEISMIC HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM
- Chapter 16.44 — FALLOUT SHELTERS
- Chapter 16.45 — TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEE FOR NEW NONRESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE STANFORD R…
- Chapter 16.46 — APPROVAL OF PROJECTS WITH IMPACTS ON TRAFFIC IN THE SAN ANTONIO/WEST BAYSHORE …
- Chapter 16.49 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION
- Chapter 16.50 — RESERVED
- Chapter 16.52 — FLOOD HAZARD REGULATIONS
- Chapter 16.56 — HANDICAPPED ACCESS REGULATIONS - APPEAL
- Chapter 16.57 — IN-LIEU PARKING FEE FOR NEW NONRESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE COMMERCIAL DOWNT…
- Chapter 16.58 — DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES
- Chapter 16.59 — CITYWIDE TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEE
- Chapter 16.60 — CHARLESTON ARASTRADERO CORRIDOR PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLIST SAFETY IMPACT FEE
- Chapter 16.61 — PUBLIC ART FOR PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS
- Chapter 16.62 — EXPIRED PERMITS FOR RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION
- Chapter 16.63 — SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
- Chapter 16.64 — DEVELOPMENT FEE AND IN-LIEU PAYMENT ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 16.65 — CITYWIDE AFFORDABLE HOUSING REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 16.66 — HAULED LIQUID WASTE
▸Title 17 — HAZARDOUS MATERIALS STORAGE\
Overview- Chapter 17.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 17.08 — MATERIALS REGULATED
- Chapter 17.10 — UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 17.12 — CONTAINMENT STANDARDS
- Chapter 17.16 — HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT PLAN
- Chapter 17.20 — HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INVENTORY
- Chapter 17.23 — TRADE SECRETS
- Chapter 17.24 — RESPONSIBILITY
- Chapter 17.28 — INSPECTIONS AND RECORDS
- Chapter 17.32 — APPLICATION FOR PERMIT
- Chapter 17.40 — REMEDIAL ACTION
- Chapter 17.44 — HEARING PROCEDURE
- Chapter 17.48 — ENFORCEMENT
- Chapter 17.52 — MISCELLANEOUS
- Chapter 17.56 — COMPLIANCE SCHEDULE
▸Title 18 — ZONING\
Overview- Chapter 18.01 — ADOPTION, PURPOSES, AND ENFORCEMENT
- Chapter 18.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 18.08 — DESIGNATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICTS
- Chapter 18.09 — Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units
- Chapter 18.10 — LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (RE, R-2 and RMD) DISTRICTS
- Chapter 18.12 — R-1 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
- Chapter 18.13 — MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (RM-20, RM-30 AND RM-40) DISTRICTS
- Chapter 18.14 — HOUSING INCENTIVES
- Chapter 18.15 — DENSITY BONUS
- Chapter 18.16 — NEIGHBORHOOD, COMMUNITY, AND SERVICE COMMERCIAL (CN, CC and CS) DISTRICTS
- Chapter 18.18 — DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL (CD) DISTRICT
- Chapter 18.20 — OFFICE, RESEARCH, AND MANUFACTURING (MOR, ROLM, RP and GM) DISTRICTS
- Chapter 18.24 — Contextual Design Criteria and Objective Design Standards
- Chapter 18.28 — SPECIAL PURPOSE (PF, OS and AC) DISTRICTS
- Chapter 18.29 — NORTH VENTURA (NV) DISTRICT REGULATIONS
- Chapter 18.30 — COMBINING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 18.30 — (A) RETAIL SHOPPING (R) COMBINING DISTRICT REGULATIONS
- Chapter 18.30 — (B) PEDESTRIAN SHOPPING (P) COMBINING DISTRICT REGULATIONS
- Chapter 18.30 — (C) GROUND FLOOR (GF) COMBINING DISTRICT REGULATIONS
- Chapter 18.30 — (D) HOTEL (H) COMBINING DISTRICT REGULATIONS
- Chapter 18.30 — (E) LANDSCAPE (L) COMBINING DISTRICT REGULATIONS
- Chapter 18.30 — (F) AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIP (AD) COMBINING DISTRICT REGULATIONS
- Chapter 18.30 — (G) SITE AND DESIGN (D) REVIEW COMBINING DISTRICT REGULATIONS
- Chapter 18.30 — (H) FLOODPLAIN (F) DISTRICT REGULATIONS
- Chapter 18.30 — (I) NONCONFORMING USE AMORTIZATION (N) COMBINING DISTRICT
- Chapter 18.30 — (K) WORKFORCE HOUSING (WH) COMBINING DISTRICT REGULATIONS
- Chapter 18.31 — CEQA REVIEW
- Chapter 18.34 — PEDESTRIAN AND TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT (PTOD) COMBINING DISTRICT REGULATI…
- Chapter 18.36 — HOSPITAL (HD) DISTRICT
- Chapter 18.38 — PC PLANNED COMMUNITY DISTRICT REGULATIONS
- Chapter 18.40 — GENERAL STANDARDS AND EXCEPTIONS
- Chapter 18.42 — STANDARDS FOR SPECIAL USES
- Chapter 18.44 — GREEN DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
- Chapter 18.46 — REQUESTS FOR REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ACCESSIBILITY
- Chapter 18.52 — PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 18.54 — PARKING FACILITY DESIGN STANDARDS
- Chapter 18.60 — ALTERNATIVE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR STANFORD LANDS
- Chapter 18.62 — SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR HAZARDOUS WASTE FACILITIES
- Chapter 18.66 — CREATION OF EASEMENTS THROUGH THE EXECUTION AND RECORDATION OF COVENANTS
- Chapter 18.70 — NONCONFORMING USES AND NONCOMPLYING FACILITIES
- Chapter 18.76 — PERMITS AND APPROVALS
- Chapter 18.77 — PROCESSING OF PERMITS AND APPROVALS
- Chapter 18.78 — APPEALS
- Chapter 18.79 — DEVELOPMENT PROJECT PRELIMINARY REVIEW PROCEDURES
- Chapter 18.80 — AMENDMENTS TO ZONING MAP AND ZONING REGULATIONS
▸Title 19 — MASTER PLAN\
▸Title 20 — PRECISE PLANS\
▸Title 21 — SUBDIVISIONS AND OTHER DIVISIONS OF LAND\
Overview- Chapter 21.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 21.08 — MAPS REQUIRED
- Chapter 21.10 — PARCEL MAPS FOR URBAN LOT SPLITS IN SINGLE-FAMILY ZONES
- Chapter 21.11 — STREAMLINED SUBDIVISIONS RESULTING IN TEN OR FEWER PARCELS
- Chapter 21.12 — TENTATIVE MAPS AND PRELIMINARY PARCEL MAPS
- Chapter 21.13 — VESTING TENTATIVE MAPS
- Chapter 21.16 — FINAL AND PARCEL MAPS
- Chapter 21.20 — DESIGN
- Chapter 21.24 — DEDICATIONS
- Chapter 21.28 — IMPROVEMENTS
- Chapter 21.32 — CONDITIONAL EXCEPTIONS
- Chapter 21.36 — APPEALS
- Chapter 21.40 — CONVERSIONS OF RENTAL HOUSING TO CONDOMINIUMS AND OTHER COMMUNITY HOUSING PROJ…
- Chapter 21.44 — CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCE
- Chapter 21.50 — PARK LAND DEDICATION OR FEES IN LIEU THEREOF