Home Additions in Menlo Park, CA
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Use Permits and Neighbor Notice
When a use permit is required: Menlo Park requires a Planning Commission use permit for a new two-story house on a substandard lot (one short of the district’s minimum width, depth or area), a two-story addition over 50% of existing floor area, work on nonconforming structures and excavation in setbacks. Public hearing notices are mailed within 300 feet at least 15 days ahead. Separately, building permits for new homes, additions and exterior alterations require notice to all contiguous neighbors within 15 days of applying.
In R-1-U, minimum lots are 7,000 sq ft, 65 feet wide and 100 feet deep; height is 28 feet (30 feet on lots of 20,000 sq ft or more), with daylight planes.
Addition Work
Addition Submittals
- Boundary survey for additions over 500 sq ft or within 1 foot of a setback; grading plan for additions over 500 sq ft.
- Geologist report for additions between Alameda de las Pulgas and I-280, or with a basement.
- Arborist report near heritage trees, and a 6-foot construction fence plan.
- Structural calculations, electrical load calculation and Title 24.
Heritage trees: native oaks 10 inches or more in diameter and other trees 15 inches or more, measured at 54 inches, plus trees designated by the City Council. An arborist report is required when work is near a heritage tree.
Flood zones: projects in FEMA Zones A, AE, AH or AO must meet the City’s floodplain rules, and substantial improvements need an elevation certificate. Engineering: (650) 330-6740.
Outside approvals: Menlo Park Fire Protection District, (650) 688-8400, and West Bay Sanitary District, (650) 321-0384, at 500 Laurel Street, may each require their own permit, plan review and inspection. Their approvals are uploaded to ACA, and the City will not issue the building permit until both sign off. West Bay Sanitary uses its own eTRAKit portal.
701 Laurel Street, Menlo Park, CA 94025 · City Hall (650) 330-6600
Building permits (650) 330-6704, Pe********@*******rk.gov · Inspections (650) 330-6767 · Planning (650) 330-6702
Building counter Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and alternate Fridays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed the other Fridays). Planning counter 1 to 5 p.m. on open days. Permitting is fully digital in Accela Citizen Access (ACA), and inspections are scheduled online or by phone.
Menlo Park Home Additions FAQ
When does a Menlo Park addition need a use permit?
A two-story addition over 50% of existing floor area, work on nonconforming structures, or two-story work on a substandard lot.
Do neighbors get notice?
Yes. Contiguous neighbors receive notice within 15 days of the permit application.
Is a survey required?
For additions over 500 sq ft or within 1 foot of a setback.
Is a geologist report required?
Between Alameda de las Pulgas and I-280, or with a basement.