Palo Alto, California, CA Municipal Code — every chapter, in plain language

Current through Ordinance No. 5698 passed May 4, 2026, effective June 4, 2026. Official source: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/overview

Every town writes its own rules, and Palo Alto, California's live in its municipal code — 305 chapters covering day-to-day questions like fences, parking, pets, permits and property upkeep. Below is the full map of what the code covers.

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1. Palo Alto, California
2. PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE
3. CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
4. Title 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
5. Chapter 1.04 INTERPRETATION AND CONSTRUCTION
6. CHAPTER 1.08 VIOLATIONS
7. Chapter 1.12 ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES - CITATIONS
8. CHAPTER 1.16 ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLIANCE ORDERS
9. Title 2 ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
10. Chapter 2.04 COUNCIL ORGANIZATION AND PROCEDURE
11. Chapter 2.06 OFFICIAL CITY SEAL AND LOGO
12. Chapter 2.07 POST-GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT REGULATIONS
13. Chapter 2.08 OFFICERS AND DEPARTMENTS
14. Chapter 2.09 CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE FOR DESIGNATED POSITIONS
15. Chapter 2.10 CABLE TELEVISION AND OPEN VIDEO SYSTEMS - AWARD OF FRANCHISES BY THE CITY COUNCIL
16. Chapter 2.11 VIDEO SERVICE PROVIDERS - APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS
17. Chapter 2.12 EMERGENCY ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONS
18. Chapter 2.16 BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS GENERALLY
19. Chapter 2.18 PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
20. Chapter 2.20 PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
21. Chapter 2.21 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD
22. Chapter 2.22 HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
23. Chapter 2.23 UTILITIES ADVISORY COMMISSION
24. Chapter 2.24 LIBRARY ADVISORY COMMISSION
25. Chapter 2.25 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
26. Chapter 2.26 VISUAL ART IN PUBLIC PLACES
27. Chapter 2.27 HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD
28. Chapter 2.28 FISCAL PROCEDURES
29. Chapter 2.30 CONTRACTS AND PURCHASING PROCEDURES
30. Chapter 2.31 PROPERTY CONTROL
31. Chapter 2.32 SALES AND USE TAX
32. Chapter 2.33 TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
33. Chapter 2.34 REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
34. Chapter 2.35 UTILITY USERS TAX
35. Chapter 2.36 PERSONNEL PROCEDURES
36. Chapter 2.37 BUSINESS TAX
37. Chapter 2.40 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
38. Chapter 2.44 OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER
39. Chapter 2.48 SOLAR TAX CREDIT
40. Chapter 2.49 ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES
41. Title 3 RESERVED
42. Title 4 BUSINESS LICENSES AND REGULATIONS
43. Chapter 4.04 GENERAL PROVISIONS
44. Chapter 4.10 SOLICITORS, PEDDLERS, PAWNBROKERS, SECONDHAND DEALERS, AND OTHER BUSINESSES REGULATED BY POLICE
45. Chapter 4.12 SIDEWALK VENDORS
46. Chapter 4.18 LICENSE OBTAINED BY APPLICATION TO POUNDMASTER
47. Chapter 4.30 SOLICITING FUNDS
48. Chapter 4.32 SOLICITING INFORMATION FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES
49. Chapter 4.34 CLOSING OUT SALES
50. Chapter 4.38 RESERVED
51. Chapter 4.39 PRIVATE INTRUSION AND FIRE ALARMS
52. Chapter 4.42 TAXICABS AND OTHER FOR-HIRE VEHICLES
53. Chapter 4.46 RESERVED
54. Chapter 4.48 RESERVED
55. Chapter 4.51 BINGO GAMES
56. Chapter 4.52 BILLIARD ROOMS, CARDROOMS AND BOWLING ALLEYS
57. Chapter 4.54 MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS
58. Chapter 4.55 ADULT ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENTS
59. Chapter 4.56 HOT TUB/SAUNA ESTABLISHMENTS
60. Chapter 4.57 FIREARMS DEALERS
61. Chapter 4.58 NARCOTICS PARAPHERNALIA SALE AND DISPLAY
62. Chapter 4.59 PET SHOPS
63. Chapter 4.60 BUSINESS REGISTRATION PROGRAM
64. Chapter 4.62 CITYWIDE MINIMUM WAGE
65. Chapter 4.64 PERMITS FOR RETAILERS OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS
66. Title 5 HEALTH AND SANITATION
67. Chapter 5.04 RESERVED
68. Chapter 5.08 RESERVED
69. Chapter 5.10 RESERVED
70. Chapter 5.12 REFRESHMENT STANDS
71. Chapter 5.20 COLLECTION, REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL OF REFUSE
72. Chapter 5.24 DECONSTRUCTION AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
73. Chapter 5.25 RESERVED
74. Chapter 5.26 RESERVED
75. Chapter 5.30 DISPOSABLE FOODWARE ITEMS AND OTHER DISPOSABLE PRODUCTS
76. Chapter 5.35 RETAIL AND FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT CHECKOUT BAG REQUIREMENTS
77. Chapter 5.40 EDIBLE FOOD RECOVERY REQUIREMENTS
78. Title 6 ANIMALS
79. Chapter 6.04 DEFINITIONS
80. Chapter 6.08 ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
81. Chapter 6.12 IMPOUNDMENT
82. Chapter 6.16 DOGS
83. Chapter 6.20 CARE AND KEEPING OF ANIMALS
84. Chapter 6.22 RESERVED
85. Chapter 6.24 STABLES
86. Chapter 6.28 DANGEROUS AND WILD ANIMALS
87. Chapter 6.32 DISEASED AND CRIPPLED ANIMALS
88. Chapter 6.36 SALE OF ANIMALS
89. Title 7 RESERVED
90. Title 8 TREES AND VEGETATION
91. Chapter 8.04 PUBLIC TREES, SHRUBS, HEDGES, AND PLANTS
92. Chapter 8.08 WEED ABATEMENT
93. Chapter 8.10 TREE AND LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION AND MANAGEMENT
94. Title 9 PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND SAFETY
95. Chapter 9.04 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
96. Chapter 9.05 ENTERTAINMENT ZONES
97. Chapter 9.06 RENTAL OF VEHICLES FOR HUMAN HABITATION
98. Chapter 9.07 SAFE STORAGE OF FIREARMS
99. Chapter 9.08 GUNS AND EXPLOSIVES
100. Chapter 9.09 PUBLIC NUISANCE
101. Chapter 9.10 NOISE
102. Chapter 9.12 LOUDSPEAKERS
103. Chapter 9.14 SMOKING AND TOBACCO REGULATIONS
104. Chapter 9.16 RESERVED
105. Chapter 9.17 RESERVED
106. Chapter 9.20 RESERVED
107. Chapter 9.22 IMPERSONATING PUBLIC OFFICIALS
108. Chapter 9.24 RESERVED
109. Chapter 9.26 PRIVATE PATROL SERVICE
110. Chapter 9.28 HOTELS AND ROOMING HOUSES
111. Chapter 9.32 RESERVED
112. Chapter 9.40 AIRCRAFT
113. Chapter 9.44 SOLICITATION OF EMPLOYMENT, BUSINESS, OR CONTRIBUTIONS WITHIN PUBLIC PARKING LOTS
114. Chapter 9.45 SOLICITATION IN STREETS, COMMERCIAL PARKING AREAS, AND IN AND ADJACENT TO DRIVEWAY ENTRANCES
115. Chapter 9.48 OBSTRUCTING STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
116. Chapter 9.50 GRAFFITI
117. Chapter 9.56 ABATEMENT OF NUISANCES
118. Chapter 9.57 RESERVED
119. Chapter 9.60 CIVIC CENTER BLOCK REGULATIONS
120. Chapter 9.64 REGULATION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES
121. Chapter 9.65 RESIDENTIAL RENTAL REGISTRY PROGRAM
122. Chapter 9.68 RENTAL HOUSING STABILIZATION
123. Chapter 9.70 RESALE CONTROLS FOR UNITS ORIGINALLY FINANCED WITH MORTGAGE REVENUE BONDS
124. Chapter 9.72 MANDATORY RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR DISCUSSION OF DISPUTES BETWEEN LANDLORDS AND TENANTS
125. Chapter 9.73 CITY POLICY AGAINST ARBITRARY DISCRIMINATION
126. Chapter 9.74 DISCRIMINATION AGAINST FAMILIES WITH MINOR CHILDREN IN HOUSING
127. Chapter 9.76 MOBILEHOME PARK CONVERSION
128. Chapter 9.78 MOSQUITO ABATEMENT
129. Chapter 9.79 NEWSRACKS
130. Title 10 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
131. Chapter 10.04 DEFINITIONS
132. Chapter 10.08 ENFORCEMENT AND OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC REGULATIONS
133. Chapter 10.10 TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURES
134. Chapter 10.12 TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICES
135. Chapter 10.16 TURNING MOVEMENTS
136. Chapter 10.20 ONE-WAY STREETS AND ALLEYS
137. Chapter 10.24 SPECIAL STOPS REQUIRED
138. Chapter 10.28 MISCELLANEOUS DRIVING RULES
139. Chapter 10.32 PEDESTRIANS
140. Chapter 10.34 ABANDONED, WRECKED, DISMANTLED OR INOPERATIVE VEHICLES
141. Chapter 10.36 STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING - GENERALLY
142. Chapter 10.40 STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING - LOADING AND UNLOADING
143. Chapter 10.44 STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING - PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED
144. Chapter 10.45 VALET PARKING
145. Chapter 10.46 COLLEGE TERRACE RESIDENTIAL PARKINGPERMIT PROGRAM (RPPP)
146. Chapter 10.47 LARGE VEHICLE PARKING
147. Chapter 10.48 TRUCKS AND TRUCK ROUTES
148. Chapter 10.50 RESIDENTIAL PREFERENTIAL PARKING DISTRICTS
149. Chapter 10.51 CRESCENT PARK NO OVERNIGHT PARKING PROGRAM
150. Chapter 10.52 TRAINS
151. Chapter 10.56 SPECIAL SPEED ZONES
152. Chapter 10.60 PARKING VIOLATIONS
153. Chapter 10.62 IDLING OF VEHICLES
154. Chapter 10.64 BICYCLES, ROLLER SKATES AND COASTERS
155. Chapter 10.70 RESERVED
156. Title 11 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT PROCEDURE
157. Chapter 11.04 GENERAL PROVISIONS
158. Title 12 PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES
159. Chapter 12.04 DEFINITIONS
160. Chapter 12.08 MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION OF STREETS, SIDEWALKS, DRIVEWAYS, AND DRIVEWAY APPROACHES
161. Chapter 12.09 EQUIPMENT OR FACILITIES IN RIGHTS-OF-WAY
162. Chapter 12.10 STREET CUT FEES
163. Chapter 12.11 PARKLETS
164. Chapter 12.12 ENCROACHMENTS
165. Chapter 12.13 STATE VIDEO SERVICE FRANCHISEES
166. Chapter 12.16 UNDERGROUND UTILITIES
167. Chapter 12.20 UTILITY RULES AND REGULATIONS
168. Chapter 12.24 FLUORIDATION
169. Chapter 12.28 UTILITY SYSTEMS REVENUE BONDS
170. Chapter 12.32 WATER USE REGULATIONS
171. Title 13 IMPROVEMENT PROCEDURE
172. Chapter 13.04 GENERAL PROVISIONS
173. Chapter 13.08 GENERAL PROCEDURE
174. Chapter 13.12 ACQUISITION AND IMPROVEMENT PROCEDURE
175. Chapter 13.16 ASSESSMENT BOND PROCEDURE
176. Chapter 13.20 SEVERABILITY - VALIDITY - REASSESSMENT
177. Chapter 13.24 RESERVED
178. Title 14 RESERVED
179. Title 15 FIRE PREVENTION
180. Chapter 15.04 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PART 9
181. Chapter 15.05 RESERVED
182. Title 16 BUILDING REGULATIONS
183. Chapter 16.04 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PART 2, VOLUMES 1 &2
184. Chapter 16.05 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PART 4
185. Chapter 16.06 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PART 2.5
186. Chapter 16.08 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PART 5
187. Chapter 16.09 SEWER USE ORDINANCE
188. Chapter 16.10 PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
189. Chapter 16.11 STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION
190. Chapter 16.12 RECYCLED WATER
191. Chapter 16.13 REQUIREMENTS FOR FOOD FACILITIES RELATED TO WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF FATS, OILS, AND GREASE
192. Chapter 16.14 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PART 11
193. Chapter 16.15 ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
194. Chapter 16.16 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PART 3
195. Chapter 16.17 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PART 6
196. Chapter 16.18 2024 INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING POOL AND SPA CODE (ISPSC)
197. Chapter 16.19 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE, CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PART 8 AND CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PART 10
198. Chapter 16.20 SIGNS
199. Chapter 16.24 FENCES
200. Chapter 16.28 GRADING AND EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL
201. Chapter 16.32 MOVING AND RELOCATING BUILDINGS
202. Chapter 16.36 HOUSE NUMBERING
203. Chapter 16.38 CERTIFICATE OF USE AND OCCUPANCY FOR COMMUNITY HOUSING
204. Chapter 16.40 UNSAFE BUILDINGS
205. Chapter 16.42 SEISMIC HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM
206. Chapter 16.44 FALLOUT SHELTERS
207. Chapter 16.45 TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEE FOR NEW NONRESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE STANFORD RESEARCH PARK/EL CAMINO REAL CS ZONE
208. Chapter 16.46 APPROVAL OF PROJECTS WITH IMPACTS ON TRAFFIC IN THE SAN ANTONIO/WEST BAYSHORE AREA
209. Chapter 16.47 RESERVED
210. Chapter 16.48 RESERVED
211. Chapter 16.49 HISTORIC PRESERVATION
212. Chapter 16.50 RESERVED
213. Chapter 16.52 FLOOD HAZARD REGULATIONS
214. Chapter 16.56 HANDICAPPED ACCESS REGULATIONS - APPEAL
215. Chapter 16.57 IN-LIEU PARKING FEE FOR NEW NONRESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE COMMERCIAL DOWNTOWN (CD) ZONING DISTRICT
216. Chapter 16.58 DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES
217. Chapter 16.59 CITYWIDE TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEE
218. Chapter 16.60 CHARLESTON ARASTRADERO CORRIDOR PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLIST SAFETY IMPACT FEE
219. Chapter 16.61 PUBLIC ART FOR PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS
220. Chapter 16.62 EXPIRED PERMITS FOR RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION
221. Chapter 16.63 SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
222. Chapter 16.64 DEVELOPMENT FEE AND IN-LIEU PAYMENT ADMINISTRATION
223. Chapter 16.65 CITYWIDE AFFORDABLE HOUSING REQUIREMENTS
224. Chapter 16.66 HAULED LIQUID WASTE
225. Title 17 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS STORAGE
226. Chapter 17.04 GENERAL PROVISIONS
227. Chapter 17.08 MATERIALS REGULATED
228. Chapter 17.10 UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK REQUIREMENTS
229. Chapter 17.12 CONTAINMENT STANDARDS
230. Chapter 17.16 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT PLAN
231. Chapter 17.20 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INVENTORY
232. Chapter 17.23 TRADE SECRETS
233. Chapter 17.24 RESPONSIBILITY
234. Chapter 17.28 INSPECTIONS AND RECORDS
235. Chapter 17.32 APPLICATION FOR PERMIT
236. Chapter 17.34 RESERVED
237. Chapter 17.36 RESERVED
238. Chapter 17.40 REMEDIAL ACTION
239. Chapter 17.44 HEARING PROCEDURE
240. Chapter 17.48 ENFORCEMENT
241. Chapter 17.52 MISCELLANEOUS
242. Chapter 17.56 COMPLIANCE SCHEDULE
243. Title 18 ZONING
244. Chapter 18.01 ADOPTION, PURPOSES, AND ENFORCEMENT
245. Chapter 18.04 DEFINITIONS
246. Chapter 18.08 DESIGNATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICTS
247. Chapter 18.09 Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units
248. Chapter 18.10 LOW-DENSITY RESIDENTIAL (RE, R-2 and RMD) DISTRICTS
249. Chapter 18.12 R-1 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
250. Chapter 18.13 MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (RM-20, RM-30 AND RM-40) DISTRICTS
251. Chapter 18.14 HOUSING INCENTIVES
252. Chapter 18.15 DENSITY BONUS
253. Chapter 18.16 NEIGHBORHOOD, COMMUNITY, AND SERVICE COMMERCIAL (CN, CC and CS) DISTRICTS
254. Chapter 18.18 DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL (CD) DISTRICT
255. Chapter 18.20 OFFICE, RESEARCH, AND MANUFACTURING (MOR, ROLM, RP and GM) DISTRICTS
256. Chapter 18.24 Contextual Design Criteria and Objective Design Standards
257. Chapter 18.28 SPECIAL PURPOSE (PF, OS and AC) DISTRICTS
258. Chapter 18.29 NORTH VENTURA (NV) DISTRICT REGULATIONS
259. Chapter 18.30 COMBINING DISTRICTS
260. Chapter 18.31 CEQA REVIEW
261. Chapter 18.34 PEDESTRIAN AND TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT (PTOD) COMBINING DISTRICT REGULATIONS
262. Chapter 18.36 HOSPITAL (HD) DISTRICT
263. Chapter 18.38 PC PLANNED COMMUNITY DISTRICT REGULATIONS
264. Chapter 18.40 GENERAL STANDARDS AND EXCEPTIONS
265. Chapter 18.42 STANDARDS FOR SPECIAL USES
266. Chapter 18.44 GREEN DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
267. Chapter 18.46 REQUESTS FOR REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ACCESSIBILITY
268. Chapter 18.52 PARKING AND LOADING REQUIREMENTS
269. Chapter 18.54 PARKING FACILITY DESIGN STANDARDS
270. Chapter 18.60 ALTERNATIVE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR STANFORD LANDS
271. Chapter 18.62 SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR HAZARDOUS WASTE FACILITIES
272. Chapter 18.66 CREATION OF EASEMENTS THROUGH THE EXECUTION AND RECORDATION OF COVENANTS
273. Chapter 18.70 NONCONFORMING USES AND NONCOMPLYING FACILITIES
274. Chapter 18.76 PERMITS AND APPROVALS
275. Chapter 18.77 PROCESSING OF PERMITS AND APPROVALS
276. Chapter 18.78 APPEALS
277. Chapter 18.79 DEVELOPMENT PROJECT PRELIMINARY REVIEW PROCEDURES
278. Chapter 18.80 AMENDMENTS TO ZONING MAP AND ZONING REGULATIONS
279. Title 19 MASTER PLAN
280. Chapter 19.04 PLANNING COMMISSION
281. Chapter 19.06 SPECIFIC PLANS
282. Chapter 19.10 COORDINATED AREA PLANS
283. Title 20 PRECISE PLANS
284. Chapter 20.04 OFFICIAL PLAN LINE REGULATIONS
285. Chapter 20.08 SETBACK LINES
286. Title 21 SUBDIVISIONS AND OTHER DIVISIONS OF LAND
287. Chapter 21.04 GENERAL PROVISIONS
288. Chapter 21.08 MAPS REQUIRED
289. Chapter 21.10 PARCEL MAPS FOR URBAN LOT SPLITS IN SINGLE-FAMILY ZONES
290. Chapter 21.11 STREAMLINED SUBDIVISIONS RESULTING IN TEN OR FEWER PARCELS
291. Chapter 21.12 TENTATIVE MAPS AND PRELIMINARY PARCEL MAPS
292. Chapter 21.13 VESTING TENTATIVE MAPS
293. Chapter 21.16 FINAL AND PARCEL MAPS
294. Chapter 21.20 DESIGN
295. Chapter 21.24 DEDICATIONS
296. Chapter 21.28 IMPROVEMENTS
297. Chapter 21.32 CONDITIONAL EXCEPTIONS
298. Chapter 21.36 APPEALS
299. Chapter 21.40 CONVERSIONS OF RENTAL HOUSING TO CONDOMINIUMS AND OTHER COMMUNITY HOUSING PROJECTS
300. Chapter 21.44 CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCE
301. Chapter 21.50 PARK LAND DEDICATION OR FEES IN LIEU THEREOF
302. Title 22 PARKS
303. Chapter 22.04 PARKS AND RECREATION BUILDING USE AND REGULATIONS
304. Chapter 22.08 PARK DEDICATIONS
305. EXHIBITS FOR TITLE 22, PARKS