Construction and Tree Work in Town
The Town maintains an online and searchable construction and permit database called eTRAKiT. Permits can be searched by Address, Permit Number or Permit Type. Permit records are public documents. Large projects are easily identifiable and occur regularly in Town. These projects are more actively monitored not only by the Town, but by the community as well. Smaller projects, such as minor additions, re-roof projects, or tree removals often occur relatively quickly and sometimes work can occur on weekends.
Absent emergencies, construction work, to include tree removals that use contract crews, may only occur Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Work is not permitted on Saturdays and Sundays or on select holidays. Occasionally the Town will permit work outside these regulated hours due to emergencies and/or monolithic work that cannot be interrupted, such as concrete pours. This authorization comes through the Police Department. If work is occurring on a noted holiday or on a Saturday or Sunday, please connect with the Police Department immediately. A Police Officer or Code Enforcement Officer will visit the site and, unless the work is emergency work, work will be stopped and the property owner will be required to connect with the Building Department to discuss the nature of the work and obtain a permit if one has not been obtained. The non-emergency line for the Police Department is (650) 688-6500.
One of the first questions asked when someone is reporting construction activity near them is whether the work has a permit. The online eTRAKiT system is searchable so that that determination can be made quickly. This includes the ability to determine if a tree removal permit has been obtained. Instructions on how to use the system are below:
To Search by Address:
1. Select the Permit Search Function;
2. Select Address from the drop down menu;
3. Enter the street number followed by the street name, with a space in between.
To Search by Permit Number:
1. Select the Permit Search Function;
2. Select Permit Number from the drop down menu;
3. Enter the Permit Number. The format for permit numbers is the prefix (list belowed) followed by the number.
Perfix List: APW = Encroachment Permit; BP = Building Permit; TR = Heritage Tree Removal Permit
To Search by Permit Type:
1. Select the Permit Search Function;
2. Select Permit Type from the drop down menu;
3. Enter the Permit Type from the following permit type list: ALT = Building Alterations And Additions; NEW ACC = New Accessory; NEW RES = New Residence; PW ENC = Encroachment; TELECOM = Telecommunications Facilities; TREE = Tree Removal; UT = Utility.
You can sort search results by clicking on any of the result column headers. If you need help accessing the system, feel free to contact the Town's Public Works or Building Department at (650) 752-0500.