New Home Construction in Menlo Park, CA
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Building New in Menlo Park
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.
Construction in Progress
Ask us about recent new-home and rebuild projects during your consultation.
New-Home Submittal
- Site plan, boundary and topographic survey, floor area plan, floor and roof plans, elevations and sections.
- Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural plans, Title 24 and civil or grading plans.
- Arborist report near heritage trees and a 6-foot construction fence plan.
- Fire District and West Bay Sanitary approvals uploaded to ACA.
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.
The H Historic Site District protects designated landmarks; demolition there can be delayed up to 180 days by the Planning Commission, plus another 180 days by the City Council.
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.
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Other Menlo Park services: ADUs · Bathrooms · Kitchens · Additions · Menlo Park overview
Same service nearby: Atherton · Palo Alto · Los Altos
See our custom home builder page.
Menlo Park New Home Construction FAQ
Does a new two-story home need a use permit?
On a substandard lot, yes, from the Planning Commission.
How tall can a new home be?
28 feet in R-1-U, or 30 feet on lots of 20,000 sq ft or more.
Which outside agencies review new homes?
Menlo Park Fire Protection District and West Bay Sanitary District.
Who issues permits?
The City of Menlo Park Building Division.