Work Exempt From Building permit

Certain types of work are exempt from requiring a Building permit in the City of Menlo Park. Exemptions from permit requirements shall not allow authorization for any work to be done in any manner that violates the provisions of the 2025 California Building Standards code as amended by the City of Menlo Park (Municipal Code; Title 12 Building and Construction) or any other law or ordinance of the City of Menlo Park. Permits will not be required for the following.

2025 California Building and Residential Code (CBC and CRC) as amended by the City of Menlo Park:

  1. One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, garden sheds or similar uses, provided the height does  not exceed eight feet, the projected roof area does not exceed 64 square feet, and the structure complies with §16.68.030 of the City of Menlo Park Municipal Code. These structures shall still be regulated by CBC §710A, despite exemption from permit.
  2. Wood fences not over seven feet high.
  3. Oil Derricks.
  4. Retaining walls which are not over two feet high measured from the top of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III liquids.
  5. Detached free-standing water tanks supported directly on a concrete foundation at grade if the capacity does not exceed 500 gallons and the height above grade does not exceed six feet and the height to width ratio does not exceed two to one.
  6. Platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 12 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.
  7. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling or townhouse and do not serve the exit door required by CRC §R318.4.
  8. Painting, papering, carpeting, tiling except in showers, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work.
  9. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
  10. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R Division 3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 Gallons and are installed entirely above ground.
  11. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
  12. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings not exceeding 120 square feet as measured at the supports or nine feet in height as measured from existing natural grade to the top of the highest structural member, guard rail, or appendage.
  13. Windows awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R Division 3 occupancy when projecting not more than 36 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support. 
  14. Non-fixed and moveable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over five feet nine inches in height. 

If the work scope includes plumbing, electrical  mechanical separate permits will be required for those work scopes unless otherwise exempted elsewhere in the Building Code of Menlo Park.

2025 Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical Code (CPC, CMC and CEC) as amended by the City of Menlo Park

CPC

  1. The stopping of leaks in drains, soil, waste, or vent pipes, however if the leak is caused by a defective part that needs to be removed and replaced then it will be considered new work and a permit shall be procured and the work inspected. 
  2. The repairing of leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures, provided such repairs does not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures. 

CMC

  1. A portable heating appliance, portable ventilating equipment, portable cooling unit, or portable evaporative cooler. 
  2. A closed system of steam, hot, or chilled water piping within heating or cooling equipment regulated by the 2025 CMC. 
  3. Replacement of any component or assembly of an appliance that does not alter its original approval and complies with other requirements of the 2025 CMC 
  4. Refrigerating equipment that si part of the equipment for which a permit has been issued pursuant to the requirements of the 2025 CMC. 

CEC

  1. Cord and plug connected temporary decorative lighting. 
  2. Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles, but not the outlet. 
  3. Repair or replacement of circuit overcurrent devices in the same location. 
  4. Installation or maintenance of communications wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment. 

Contact us

Building permits and general questions
650-330-6704
Email 

Inspection questions
Schedule online or 650-330-6767

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