The California Coastal Act, Public Resources Code sections 30000 through 30900, requires Coastal Development Permits for nearly all work in the coastal zone and gives the Coastal Commission appeal jurisdiction over local decisions.
Public Resources Code 30600 requires a Coastal Development Permit for any development in the coastal zone. Section 30603 gives the California Coastal Commission appellate authority over locally issued CDPs in specified geographic areas, including the area between the sea and the first public road. Section 30519 conditions local permitting authority on having a certified Local Coastal Program. The Coastal Commission retains original jurisdiction over tidelands, submerged lands, and public trust lands under section 30519(b). Statewide policies on public access (30210), wetlands (30233), and visual resources (30251) bind every coastal city and county.
Public Resources Code 30820 imposes civil penalties up to $30,000 per violation plus $15,000 per day for intentional, knowing violations under section 30821. Restoration orders, criminal misdemeanor charges, and triple-damage exposure are available remedies.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto Airport (PAO) enforces a voluntary curfew and noise abatement procedures, with FAA preemption limiting local authority over flight operations.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto prohibits amplified music audible beyond the property line during quiet hours and requires a special event permit for outdoor amplification in publ...
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto enforces strict decibel limits by zone under PAMC 9.10.040: 60 dBA day / 50 dBA night in residential, scaling up to 70 dBA in manufacturing zones.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto permits construction Monday-Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 6pm, with no work allowed on Sundays or holidays under PAMC 9.10.060.
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto requires encroachment permits for new driveways, regulates curb cut dimensions, and prohibits blocking sidewalks or adjacent driveways under traffi...
Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto restricts RV, trailer, and boat storage on public streets and requires screening for large recreational vehicles on residential property under zoni...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how Palo Alto's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.