City Services FAQs
The City of Palo Alto answers the most frequently asked city services questions related to COVID-19.
I am working on submitting plans to the Development Center and I heard they are by appointment. How do I reach them?
You can access the Development Center by phone at (650) 329–2496 or online here.
With City Hall and Police Lobby access by phone only, how do I reach Fire Administration staff or connect with the Police Department for a non-emergency request?
Police and Fire emergency services are continuing without interruption. For an emergency situation, please call or text 9–1–1. For non-emergency situations that requiring a police response, please call the 24-hour dispatch center at (650) 329–2413. For Fire Department Administration service requests, please call (650) 329–2184. Police Department administrative services are available by appointment only; please call (650) 329–2406 or the 24-hour dispatch center at (650) 329–2413.
The Police Department is requesting that members of the public who are ill to stay home and call them at (650) 329–2413 if they have non-emergency police-related customer service requests. All public tours and ride-alongs have been discontinued for both the Police Department and Fire Department. The Police Department has modified patrol operations for non-emergency calls for service, and are now handling as many calls as possible via phone or video to limit personal contact. Officers are using all methods available to limit face-to-face public contact and ensure social distancing of six feet whenever possible.
What is the City of Palo Alto doing to keep the community safe, informed and planning ahead?
The City of Palo Alto has been tracking and is monitoring the emerging infectious disease, COVID-19. The situation continues to evolve. The City’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) is participating in the Santa Clara County briefings as well as monitoring advisories issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). OES has also been in contact with Stanford Health Care and other hospitals and clinics to coordinate on preparation and contingency planning.
The City has already implemented operational changes, including supplying protective gear for field staff, expanding 911 dispatcher protocols to support Police, Fire, emergency medical first responders, and Utilities staff, providing more hand sanitizer stations and enhanced cleaning in public facilities.
Facility closures are in effect. Many City services are available by appointment. Go here for updates on service changes, facility closures and more.
Other FAQ Links
Go to the main FAQ blog post.
