New Accessory Structure Requirements
Definition
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.
Requirements
This section describes the minimum submittal requirements for a new single-family residential accessory structure. For a list of documents associated with a complete plan submittal, please refer to: https://menlopark.gov/Government/Departments/Community-Development/Building-Division/General-information/Documents-associated-with-a-complete-plan-submittal.
The file specifications for those documents can be found at this link: https://menlopark.gov/Government/Departments/Community-Development/Building-Division/Online-services/File-specifications.
All work must meet the minimum requirements of the current editions of the California Building Standards Code and the City of Menlo Park’s Municipal Code at the time of submittal.
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.
Accessory buildings and structures structurally attached must comply with all development regulations that apply to the main building. 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. Please see the “Accessory Buildings and Structures” webpage available at https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/MenloPark/#!/MenloPark16/MenloPark1668.html#16.68.030.
For accessory dwelling unit (ADU) information specifically, see webpage: https://menlopark.gov/Government/Departments/Community-Development/Planning-Division/Accessory-dwelling-units for further explanations.
Please be aware that the California Residential Code has specific fire resistive requirements for walls, opening in walls, projections from walls, and penetrations in walls located five (5) feet or closer to property lines.
If a project has received a use permit or variance, the applicant is strongly encouraged to also submit a copy of written documentation demonstrating compliance with all of the conditions associated with the project.
All plans and supporting documents shall be shall be submitted electronically through the City’s Accela Citizen Access Portal (https://aca-prod.accela.com/menlopark/Default.aspx).
Other required documents
- Completed Menlo Park data sheet for building permit application
- Completed Menlo Park permit application
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Substantial Improvement Determination worksheet if the project is located in Flood Zones A, AE, AH, AO
- Geologist report, if the project is located between Alameda De Las Pulgas and Interstate 280 or exceeds 500 Square feet
- An arborist report will be required if there are heritage trees in the vicinity of the proposed construction
Menlo Park Fire Protection review
Depending on the scope of work for proposed project, the Menlo Park Fire Protection District (MPFPD) may require submittal for a permit, plan review and inspection. Please contact them directly at www.menlofire.org or 650-688-8400.
The MPFPD is a separate and independent entity from the City of Menlo Park. It is the responsibility of the applicant or applicant’s representative to coordinate the submittal, review, approval and inspection for Fire Code related work with the MPFPD. Please be aware, a Building permit from the City of Menlo Park will not be issued until the MPFPD has approved the project if they require a permit.