Structure Demolition Submittal Requirements

The information below describes the minimum submittal requirements for the demolition of a structure. In certain situations, additional materials may be required during plan review or prior to the issuance of the permit. All work must be designed to meet the minimum requirements of the California Building Standards Code and local amendments in effect at the time of permit application and the City of Menlo Park’s Municipal Code.

The City of Menlo Park only accepts on-line digital Building permit applications with digital plans and supporting documents. All applications, plans and supporting documents are to be submitted digitally through the City’s Accela permit management system using the Accela Citizen Access Portal (ACA). Please visit the Building Division’s Online service web page for information associated with how to register for an ACA account.  The digital file specifications for all plans can be found on the Online services page under File specifications.

If the application for a demolition permit is associated with a project that has received a discretionary approval, the applicant is strongly encouraged to provide written documentation demonstrating compliance with all of the conditions associated with the project. 

For proposed demolition projects that are required to comply with municipal code Chapter 12.48, Recycling and Salvaging of Construction and Demolition Debris, there is a required 7-day waiting period from the date of permit application to the date of permit issuance to allow for salvaging. For more information, please see the Construction and Demolition Recycling Requirements.  

A demolition permit does not include grading, excavation or the commencement of construction activities on the site associated for any proposed improvements that require Building permits. Before the issuance of a permit for any subsequent construction activities, the demolition permit shall have received an approved final inspection.
 

 Please also note that: Prior to issuance of the permit the following will be required to be submitted:

  • Written acknowledgment from the arborist who prepared the arborist report verifying that the mandated tree protection measures are in place if an arborist report was required
  • J-number from the Bay Area Air District.
  • A disconnect letter from PG&E stating the gas meter has been removed, the gas line has been capped at the property line and the electric service drop has been disconnected.

Required Plan Submittal Requirements 

Please refer to: Documents associated with a complete plan submittal for a complete description of the required submittal documents listed below.

Plan Set Requirements

  1. Site Plan
  2. Construction Safety Fence Plan - May be shown on the lot plan and is a 6-ft tall chain link construction fence around the site. Existing wood fences can be used in lieu of the chain link fence around the construction area.
  3. Erosion Control Plan
  4. Dust Control Plan
  5. Best management Practices - For stormwater prevention

Please include the following information in the plan set:

  • Disposition for all utilities (water, sewer, electrical and gas): capped or removed.
  • As needed, specifications for a stabilized construction entrance consistent with the Engineering Division Standard Detail CG-16(PDF, 21KB) , or rocks and cobbles in the driveway.
  • The following note: “Issuance of this permit does not provide approval of the removal of any give tree defined as a heritage tree in municipal code Chapter 13.4. A heritage tree removal permit shall be applied for and approved before the removal of any heritage tree.” Please see Trees for more detailed information regarding Heritage tree removals.
  • City standard tree protection measures, if required.

Required Supporting Documents

  1. Building Permit Application Form(PDF, 174KB)
  2. Provide a digital copy of a geotechnical report prepared by a licensed geotechnical engineer specifying the amount of the structure that is to be removed, the excavation backfill material, the compaction requirements, the compaction testing procedures with the associated ASTM D1557 standard to which it is to be tested, and any drainage requirements.
  3.  An arborist report will be required if there are heritage trees in the vicinity of the proposed construction -Please see Trees for heritage tree definitions and requirements.
  4.  PCB screening form, Attachment B, Parts 1 and 2. 

Contact us

Building permits and general questions
650-330-6704
Email 

Inspection questions
Schedule online or 650-330-6767

Alternate Fridays closed

 

Back to top