Typical Large Project Permitting Process

Please see Structure Demolition Submittal Requirements for detailed information regarding minimum permit submittal requirements.

• A separate permit is required for each building.
• The permit does not include grading of the site.
• If there is more than one building on site, a single plan set can be used to show all buildings to be demolished but separate permit numbers for each building are required.
• If the project spans more than one parcel, a separate plan for each parcel is required.
• This permit is required to receive an approved final inspection prior to the issuance of any other Building permits for the project.

• Civil Engineers typically design a multi-parcel project as a single project. However, a single permit for grading cannot be issued for a multi-parcel project. Separate plans and permits are required for each parcel.
• The grading plans should show grading of the site to maintain storm water on-site and the grading of the pads for the new buildings.
• The grading plans should not include excavation for any sub-service structures.
• Any imported fill must meet the City of Menlo Park’s requirements. Documentation demonstrating that the fill meets the City’s requirements must be submitted to and approved by the Building Official prior to fill being brought on site.
• The site grading should not include the installation of any on-site improvements such as storm drain systems, electrical, water supply, fire water supply or sanitary sewer.
• Pad elevation certificates are required to be submitted and reviewed prior to a final inspection.
• Soil Management Plans and Work Plans by the agency with jurisdiction over any remediation work is required to be submitted to the City for reference purposes.
• This permit is required to receive an approved final inspection prior to the issuance of any other building permits for the project.

Civil Engineers typically design a multi-parcel project as a single project. However, a single permit cannot be issued for the site improvements for a multi-parcel project. Separate plans and permits are required for each parcel.

• Typically include the installation of on-site improvements such as storm drain systems, electrical conduit for site lighting or supply to the proposed building’s, water supply, fire water supply, sanitary sewer system, and can include paving for roads and/or parking lots.
• All easements on a parcel that are to be abandoned shall be abandoned prior to the issuance of this permit.
• All easements for infrastructure that cross property lines on a multi lot development are required to be recorded prior to the issuance of this permit.
• This permit application is typically accompanied with a public works encroachment permit application for off-site improvements.
• This permit can be issued consecutively with a permit for foundation and/or podium construction when approved by the Building Official.

• Typically includes the installation of on-site landscaping, irrigation, pedestrian paths, site lighting, accessory structures, such as garbage enclosures or bike enclosures, parking lot EV charging, etc.
• Each structure is to have its own building permit but a single set of plans per parcel is acceptable.
• This permit can be included with the on-site improvement permit when approved by the Building Official.

Please see consult  with the Building official for detailed information regarding minimum permit submittal requirements.

• A separate permit for foundation and/or podium construction or issuance of a permit for a portion of the vertical construction that includes the foundation and/or podium construction can be issued when approved by the Building Official.
• The design must include and incorporate all gravity loads and any applicable lateral loads for the entire structure.
• The design must include all structural embeds, plumbing and/or electrical conduit that are required for the structure above the foundation and/or podium construction.
• Protection of adjoining property will be required per CA Building Code in effect at the time of application.
• Soil Management Plans and Work Plans by the agency with jurisdiction over any remediation work is required to be submitted to the City for reference purposes.
• This permit is not required to receive an approved final inspection prior to the issuance of the permit or plans for the remainder of the vertical construction.

Please see New Non-Residential Building permit Submittal Requirements for detailed information regarding minimum permit submittal requirements.

•  All deferred submittals, other than trusses, are to be approved by the Building Official prior to building permit application.
• All residential building plans are required to include drawings for mirrored units including structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing plan sheets.
• All approved vapor mitigation systems are to be included in building plans and submitted to the City for reference purposes.
• Pedestrian protection along the public right-of-way with sidewalks is required per the requirements of the CA Building Code in effect at the time of application.
• All sanitary sewer lines shall have a slope of 2 percent unless otherwise approved by the Building Official.
• All sanitary sewer lines will gravity feed to the sewer mains in the public right-of-way unless otherwise approved by the Building Official.

Building permits and general questions
650-330-6704
Email 

Inspection questions
Schedule online or 650-330-6767

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