Selling a house in Palo Alto, CA: no point-of-sale inspection

Santa Clara County, California · Last checked November 2026

No point-of-sale rule

Palo Alto does not require a sewer lateral inspection to sell a home. Owners still own the upper lateral, and buyers can request a sewer inspection.

What to expect instead

Without a city inspection, the buyer's own home inspection is what will surface problems. Lenders, title companies and state disclosure laws still apply. California sellers still complete the statewide Transfer Disclosure Statement and natural hazard disclosures.

Housing in Palo Alto

Median year homes were built: 1963
Median home value: $2 million or more
Owner-occupied homes: 14,217 of 26,021 (55%)
Total housing units: 29,241

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for Palo Alto city, California.

Selling in Palo Alto?

Get a pre-listing inspection, repair quotes, or a cash offer to sell as-is. We pass your request to independent local pros. Free, no obligation.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a point-of-sale inspection to sell a house in Palo Alto, CA?

Palo Alto does not require a sewer lateral inspection to sell a home. Owners still own the upper lateral, and buyers can request a sewer inspection.

Should I still get an inspection before listing?

A pre-listing inspection is optional, but it lets you find problems before a buyer's inspector does, and it gives you time to fix them or price them in.

How old are the homes in Palo Alto?

The median home in Palo Alto was built in 1963, and the median home value is $2 million or more, according to the Census Bureau's 2020-2024 American Community Survey.

Nearby: San Francisco Bay Area

Alameda Required at sale
Albany Required at sale
Belmont No point-of-sale rule
Belvedere Required at sale
Berkeley Required at sale
Burlingame Required at sale
Castro Valley Required in some cases
Corte Madera Required at sale
Crockett Required at sale
Daly City Required at sale
Morgan Hill Required at sale
Mountain View No point-of-sale rule

Cite, link or embed this page

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<a href="https://cityhomerules.com/california/palo-alto/">Palo Alto, CA point-of-sale requirements</a> (City Home Rules)

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<p><a href="https://cityhomerules.com/california/palo-alto/">Palo Alto, CA point-of-sale requirements</a> from City Home Rules</p>

Sources

Last checked November 2026. Rules and fees change by ordinance and resolution. Confirm with the municipality before you list. See something out of date? Report a change.