Building

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2025 California Building code Effective Jan. 1, 2026 

The Building Division is a part of the Community Development Department.

The Division is responsible for coordinating the enforcement of the city's building code and related policies concerning the construction of residential, commercial or industrial projects.

The Division provides this oversight through a plan check and inspection process ensuring that projects are designed and constructed according to code.

Effective as of:

  • January 1, 2026 – The 2025 California Building Standards Code plus local amendments takes effect. The local amendments can be found here.
  • January 1, 2025 – The City has created an ADU Preapproval application (APA record) process for design professions to obtain non site-specific preapproval of an ADU plan. Preapproved ADU plans are standardized units that have been reviewed by the City for compliance with certain adopted building codes and planning regulations. Please click here for more information on the plan set requirements and how to apply for a pre-approval permit.

 

Quick links

Building Energy Efficiencies/Sustainability

The City of Menlo Park has adopted a local amendment that amends §150.2 to the 2025 California Energy Code (Muni Code § 12.16.010 and 12.16.020).

Code enforcement

Report non-emergency code violations like illegal building modifications, noise, graffiti, etc.

Construction and demolition

The construction and demolition ordinance reduces the amount of debris sent to local landfills.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions for the Building Division

New permits

Apply for new permits

Online services

Learn more about scheduling inspections, revisions to issued permits, new permit applications and resubmittals.

Permit status

Check a permit status or search permit history

Photovoltaic Real Time (PRT) Permit

Menlo Park’s PRT process complies with California SB 379 requirements for issuing residential solar energy system permits to a licensed solar installation contractor.

 

Contact us

Building permits and general questions
650-330-6704
Email

Code questions
650-330-6723

Inspection questions
Schedule online or 650-330-6767

Alternate Fridays closed

       

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