Development Project Coordinator I

Development Project Coordinator I

The City of Palo Alto's Planning and Development Services Department is seeking a Development Project Coordinator I to join our Development Services team.

This entry-level professional role plays an important front-line role at the Development Center, supporting the City's building permit process while delivering high-quality customer service to homeowners, contractors, designers, and developers.

In this position, you will assist customers at the front desk, by phone, and through email, helping them navigate permit requirements, development procedures, and next steps in the building process. You will also support the coordination of routine building permits and development inquiries, working closely with City staff across multiple disciplines to help projects move from early assistance through construction and final close-out.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working with the public, coordinating projects, and supporting construction or development processes in a fast-paced public service environment.

Development Services is a central resource for homeowners, businesses, designers, and contractors working on projects in Palo Alto.

Our team helps customers navigate the development process while ensuring projects comply with applicable building codes, zoning regulations, engineering standards, and sustainability requirements.

We see ourselves as an integral part of each project team and are committed to:

• Supporting safe, healthy, and sustainable buildings
• Helping customers successfully navigate the development process
• Delivering responsive and professional customer service
• Building collaborative relationships with our community partners

The Development Center offers both virtual and in-person services, and the City has transitioned to a fully digital application and plan review platform. All project submittals are processed electronically.

As a Development Project Coordinator I, you will support development and building permit processing while serving as a front-line resource for customers navigating the City's development process.

Coordinate Building Permit Projects

• Serve as a primary point of contact for simple contractor trade permits and routine residential or commercial building permits.
• Assist in coordinating projects from early assistance through construction and final close-out.
• Track project information, coordinate with multiple City departments, and help facilitate timely project review.

Provide Front Desk and Customer Support

• Assist customers at the Development Center front desk, by phone, and through email.
• Provide general guidance on permit requirements, development procedures, and City processes.
• Route customers to the appropriate service area or staff member based on their needs.

Support the Development Review Process

• Perform completeness checks for permit applications and project submittals. Assist with intake and distribution of project materials. Help coordinate project documentation, approvals, and communication within the City's digital permit system.

Provide Early Assistance

• Research parcel history, zoning requirements, and development standards. Identify applicable fees and submittal requirements. Help customers understand next steps in the permitting process and maintain accurate project records.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a customer-facing environment while helping guide projects through a structured regulatory process.

Successful candidates often bring experience in construction administration, permit coordination, development services, or project support roles, along with strong customer service skills.

You may be a strong fit for this position if you:

• Have experience working with building permits, development projects, or construction documentation
• Are comfortable reviewing or working with architectural drawings or construction plans
• Have a background in construction management, architecture, engineering, or development coordination
• Provide excellent customer service in a fast-paced front desk or public-facing environment
• Are organized, detail-oriented, and able to track multiple projects simultaneously
• Communicate clearly with customers, contractors, and internal staff

Experience working with building codes, zoning regulations, or municipal development processes is desirable but not required.

Palo Alto is the birthplace of Silicon Valley, where innovation meets public service. When you join the City, you become part of a team committed to building a safe, sustainable, and thriving community.

Highlights include:

• 9/80 Work Schedule – Enjoy every other Friday off
• CalPERS Pension retirement plan
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Professional development opportunities
• A collaborative and mission-driven workplace

Ready to Help Build Palo Alto? Apply today and join a team dedicated to helping residents, businesses, and builders successfully navigate the development process while maintaining Palo Alto's high standards for safety, sustainability, and design excellence.