The Planning and Building Department is open to the public for in-person and online services. Please see below for ways to access our services.
Counter Services
Information Counter – On the 2nd Floor, the counter is open to the public from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday - Thursday (closed 12:00 - 1:00 pm for lunch) and closed Friday - Sunday. Services available include:
- General Questions related to accessing services
- Checking in for an appointment
- Assistance with scheduling an appointment
- Making a payment
- Hard Copy Plan/Document Drop Off
Counter Services Appointments – We strongly encourage you to make an appointment for an in-person or online meeting (see instructions) with a Planner or Building Technician. We make every effort to accommodate drop-ins as availability allows, but we suggest scheduling an appointment to ensure we can serve you effectively.
Phone or Email for Counter Services – Please get in touch with us by phone or email as shown below:
- General Information – call (650) 363-1827 or email
- Planning – call (650) 363-1825 or email
- Building – call (650) 599-7310 or email
- Code Compliance – call (650) 363-4825 or email
- Inspections - call (650) 599-7311 or email
Building Services
Apply for a Building Permit – For a list of permit types accepted online and to apply.
Please see the Building Permits page for more detailed information on building permit processing steps, fees, and requirements for different permit types.
Planning Services
Find Your Zoning District – You will need the property address or Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN – preferred) to determine your property's zoning district. Please reference the “Find My Zoning District” page and use the Planning GIS Map Viewer. If you don’t have the APN and the address doesn’t come up in the GIS, please contact the Planning Counter.
Find Application Information on Planning Permits – Please visit our Planning Permits page for application information on planning permits, including required forms, fees, process, and timing.
If You Need Additional Information – If you have additional questions about the zoning regulations, permits required or need additional information related to the property's potential development, please contact the Planning Counter at (650) 363-1825 or via email. In your email, please include the property address or APN (preferred) and specific questions you may have. You may also request an in-person or online appointment (see instructions) with a planner.
Pending Applications – To check the status, submit additional correspondence, information, or revised plans in connection with a previously submitted permit application, email the planner assigned to the permit; see planners’ email addresses on our contact page. Please be sure to reference the permit number (i.e., PLN2020-01234), project location address, submittal cycle number (2,3, etc., if applicable), and document type (public comment, plans, supplemental reports, etc.).
Contact Code Compliance
We investigate zoning, building code, and other land use regulation violations, prioritizing and investigating potential violations that impact public health and safety. Please submit complaints via phone at (650) 363-4825 or email.
View Public Meetings Remotely
Remote access is established for all public meetings hosted by the Department. For further information on accessing a public meeting, go to the meeting page for the meeting date. Instructions for participation will be posted 7 days before the meeting date.