Decks under 200 square feet, under 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving a required exit door do not require a permit. Larger or elevated decks require building permits in Santa Clara County.
Per the California Building Code, decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving a required exit door are exempt from building permits. Decks over 30 inches above grade require a building permit with structural plans including footings, framing, and guardrail details. Guardrails must be at least 42 inches high. Concrete patios at grade do not require a permit. Covered patios and pergolas attached to the dwelling typically require permits. All decks must meet zoning setback requirements. In hillside areas, additional requirements for grading and drainage may apply.
Unpermitted decks may be cited through code enforcement. Unsafe elevated decks may be ordered removed. Retroactive permits require inspection of all completed work.
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...
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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.
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Palo Alto requires encroachment permits for new driveways, regulates curb cut dimensions, and prohibits blocking sidewalks or adjacent driveways under traffi...
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Palo Alto restricts RV, trailer, and boat storage on public streets and requires screening for large recreational vehicles on residential property under zoni...
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