Palo Alto Regulations

BACKYARD OFFICE REQUIREMENTS:

Permit Restrictions

• No planning permit is required as long as all zoning regulations are followed

• A building permit is required for sheds > 120 square feet

• Adding electrical would trigger a building permit

• Adding slab foundation (if needed) would not trigger any permit

Setback and Height Restrictions

• An accessory building must not be situated in a required front/street /rear yard of a crossing lot.

• An accessory building must not be placed in a required interior/rear yard unless the building is placed at least 75 feet from the front lot line (and 20 feet from the street side lot line for corner lots).

• Maximum height: established by a daylight plane

  • Begins at the height of 8 feet with a max height of 12 feet

  • Increases at a slope of one foot for every 3 feet of distance

• No structure can exceed 50% of the required rear yard

• All structures must be at least 3 feet away from the primary building

ADU REQUIREMENTS:

Zoning Restrictions

• All single-family homes are permitted to have ADUs

• All multi-family homes are permitted to have ADUs

Size Restrictions

• Minimum: 150 square feet

Setback and Height Restrictions

• Setback Requirements:

  • Side lot: 4 feet

  • Rear lot: 4 feet

  • Any existing structure: 6 feet

• Height maximum: 16 feet

Other Restrictions

• short-term rentals are not allowed