Restaurants across Palo Alto are switching to electric heat to cut costs and meet the city’s decarbonization goals. This guide helps you move faster through permitting.
Switching from gas or propane to electric can reduce emissions and simplify compliance, but you need to know what the City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) and the Building Division require. This checklist breaks it down clearly.
The best part? If you do not need to rewire, Focal heaters are plug and play and do not require a permit. See below for details.
Download the Palo Alto Electrification Checklist (Free PDF)
Many restaurant owners assume outdoor heating is heavily restricted in Palo Alto. That is not true.
The city allows electric patio heaters (like Focal’s) in outdoor dining areas, as long as they meet CPAU electrical safety standards and maintain ADA clearance.
Palo Alto’s all-electric transition ordinance (2023) prevents new gas installations, but the city supports low-emission outdoor setups. Staying compliant helps you avoid delays during license renewals or outdoor dining program updates.
Propane heaters:
Electric heaters:
Fire safety:
Electric heaters must be certified to UL or ETL standards. They cannot obstruct exits or overhangs and must maintain 3-foot clearance from flammable materials.
Accessibility:
Heaters must not reduce sidewalk width below the ADA minimum of 36 inches.
Inspections:
Required only for new wiring or fixed installations.
Focal can connect you with licensed C-10 electricians pre-approved for Palo Alto commercial work.
Download the Palo Alto Electrification Checklist (Free PDF)
Q: Can I still use propane heaters outdoors?
No. Propane and open-flame heaters are prohibited by the Palo Alto Fire Department in public right-of-way dining areas.
Q: My parklet has no outlets. What now?
You need to add outdoor-rated GFCI-protected receptacles. This requires an electrical permit and a licensed electrician.
Q: Is the process complicated?
Not usually. Most applications go through the Palo Alto Accela Permit Center online, with same-week approvals for small electrical work.
Q: Who can pull the permit?
Only a California C-10 licensed electrician. Focal can provide vetted local partners.
If you are adding new circuits, outlets, or wiring for your heaters, you need an electrical permit from the City of Palo Alto.
Permit required if:
No permit needed if:
Source: City of Palo Alto Development Services Division, Electrical Permitting Standards (2025)
Only California C-10 contractors with an active Palo Alto business license and current liability insurance can apply. Verify each contractor’s license through the California CSLB.
All outdoor installations require GFCI protection, weatherproof (WP) outlet boxes, and covers that meet NEC Article 406.9(B).
Focal works directly with licensed electricians under CPAU standards to:
You focus on your restaurant, we handle the permit process.
Download the Palo Alto Electrification Checklist (Free PDF)
Information current as of October 2025.
This guide is for general reference only and is not legal or electrical advice.
