New Non-ADU Accessory Structure Building Permit Submittal Requirements

This section describes the minimum submittal requirements for new non-ADU accessory structure. Per CRC Section R202, this type of structure is accessory to and incidental to that of the dwelling(s) and that is located on the same lot, such as a shed, pool house, gazebo, or trellises. All work must be designed to meet the minimum requirements of the California Building Standards Code and local amendments adopted by the City in effect at the time of permit application and the City of Menlo Park’s Municipal Code.

Accessory buildings and structures detached from the main building, must comply with all development regulations as specified in section 16.68.030 of the City of Menlo Park 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.

Applicants are encouraged to have plans drawn by a professional architect or designer familiar with Menlo Park’s building permit process. This will facilitate a timely review of the project plans.  If the owner wishes to complete the plans on his/her own, please contact City staff to ensure that all information is prepared properly. It is to the applicant’s advantage to submit legible and clear plans. Plans that cannot be read or understood will not be accepted. This may result in a delay of the plan review process and may cause additional costs to the applicant.

If a project has received a discretionary approval, the applicant is strongly encouraged to also submit a copy of written documentation demonstrating compliance with all of the conditions associated with the project.

The plans are to show compliance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements and Chapter 12.42 Flood Damage Prevention of the City's Municipal Code if the project is located in Flood Zones A, AE, AH or AO. Please see Floodplain construction for detailed requirements.

Permit Application 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. Boundary and Topographic Survey - Please see Boundary and Topographic Survey Requirement Criteria(PDF, 158KB) and Boundary and Topographic Survey Requirements(PDF, 261KB)
  3. Floor Area and Building Coverage Plan
  4. Floor Plan
  5. Roof Plan
  6. Exterior Elevations
  7. Building Sections
  8. Mechanical Plan
  9. Electrical Plan -  including an electrical one-line drawing
  10. Plumbing Plan
  11. Structural Plan - including Foundation, floor framing, roof framing and structural details.
  12.  Title 24 Energy Code Calculations
  13. Civil Plans - Please see Single-family home projects for detailed requirements

Required Supporting Documents

  1. Building Permit Application Form(PDF, 174KB)
  2. Completed Menlo Park data sheet for building permit application
  3. Completed Checklist For Engineering Submittals with Building Permit Applications -Please see Single-family home projects for detailed requirements.
  4. Geologist report
  5. Structural Calculations
  6. Electrical Load Calculations - this may be included in the plan set
  7. 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.

Contact us

Building permits and general questions
650-330-6704
Email 

Inspection questions
Schedule online or 650-330-6767

Alternate Fridays closed

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