NOTE: Payment of a business registry fee and issuance of a business registry certificate do not necessarily entitle you to conduct business in the City of Palo Alto. As the owner or operator of a business, you must comply with all applicable zoning and public safety regulations and obtain all required permits.
THIS INFORMATION IS NOT A COMPLETE LISTING OF CLEARANCES THAT MIGHT BE REQUIRED
- If you intend to alter, remodel, relocate, or install any structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical portions of the building, you will need to obtain building permits from the Development Services Department at (650) 329-2496
- Businesses involving any use changes, exterior building changes, or sign changes are advised to secure Department of Planning and Community Environment approval prior to lease execution or purchase. Contact the Planning and Community Environment Department at (650) 329-2442
- Businesses operated out of the home must comply with Home Occupation Regulations (Section 18.42.060 of the Municipal Code).
- If you intend to serve food or beverages on the premises, you must obtain approval from the Santa Clara County Health Department. For information, call (408) 737-1018.
- If your business uses or stores hazardous materials (including paints, thinners, solvents, acids, compressed gases, etc.), you may be required to obtain a Hazardous Materials Permit from the Fire Department. NOTE: Certain hazardous materials and processes such as spray-painting, welding, etc., are NOT ALLOWED in certain buildings. Contact the Fire Department at (650) 329-2184for information on permitted uses within the City.
- Industries discharging processed wastewater down the sewer, such as machining fluid, water from glass washing, chemical neutralization, etc., may be required to obtain an Industrial Waste Discharge Permit from the Public Works Department. For more information, call (650) 329-2122.
- Police Department approval is required for live entertainment, gaming, massage establishments, and outcall massage services. For more information, call (650) 329-2147.
- If there is a change of ownership, business name, or location, you are required to obtain a new business registry certificate and are subject to any associated fees and approvals.
NOTICE: I understand that payment of this business registry fee does NOT represent approval of my use/business with respect to zoning, County Health Department approval, hazardous materials use or storage, wastewater discharge, or any other requirement. Further, I recognize that it is my responsibility to secure appropriate clearances and that it is advisable for me to secure such requisite approvals prior to establishing this business and paying this business registry fee.