FAQs • Atherton, CA • CivicEngage

Can my construction job be stopped?: Yes but it is not common. Some reasons a construction project may be stopped are: working without the required permits, working outside of the Town’s allowable construction hours, working beyond the scope of the original permit, covering work without the required inspections or when safety hazards exist. Outside of immediate safety concerns the Building Department and Code Enforcement will notify and attempt to gain compliance prior to the issuance of a formal “Stop Work Order”.

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Building Department

1. How do I schedule an inspection?: Call our inspection line at 650-752-0542 and follow the instructions. For full details view the Permit Center Hours and Inspection Scheduling handout.

2. As a contractor with a valid permit can work quietly on weekends?: No, Atherton restricts construction and you cannot work on weekends, legal holidays, before 8 a.m., or after 5 p.m. For full details see Atherton Municipal Code 15.40.100.

3. Where is the building department located?: We are located in the Permit Center across the street from the Town’s Administrative Offices located at 91 Ashfield Road. There is sign “Permit Center” out front.

4. Are there certain hours for inspections?: Yes. Inspections are performed between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm. Please visit our
construction and inspection page for more detailed information.

5. Where can I find information about building permit fees?: On the Town's website by clicking the link below. It is important to remember that many permit fees listed have addition surcharge fee’s that are calculated based on a percentage of the base fee and/or valuation. The most accurate way to obtain a fee estimate is to call the Building Department at 650-752-0560. Master Fee Schedule

6. When/Where is the Builder’s Roundtable? How do I get on the list?: The Roundtable meeting is held every other month from Noon to 1pm upstairs in the main house in Holbrook Parmer Park. Call 650-752-0560 or when you are in our office lets staff know you want to be added to the email notification list.

7. What do I do if I need an emergency inspection?: The Town of Atherton’s Police Department’s Dispatch Center at 650-688-6500 has emergency contact information for the Building Department Personnel.

8. Can my construction job be stopped?: Yes but it is not common. Some reasons a construction project may be stopped are: working without the required permits, working outside of the Town’s allowable construction hours, working beyond the scope of the original permit, covering work without the required inspections or when safety hazards exist. Outside of immediate safety concerns the Building Department and Code Enforcement will notify and attempt to gain compliance prior to the issuance of a formal “Stop Work Order”.