Planning

Effective July 1, 2026, the City of Menlo Park will implement an updated Master Fee Schedule approved by the City Council. Updates include revised permit fees and a new payment processing fee.

The Planning Division is a part of the Community Development Department. The Planning Division is responsible for coordinating the enforcement of the city zoning ordinance and related policies concerning applications for residential, commercial, and industrial development projects. The division also leads the development of studies concerning land use issues, and supports the Planning Commission.

Accessory dwelling units

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a dwelling unit on a residential lot which provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, and includes permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation independent of the main dwelling(s).

Comprehensive planning

View a selection of comprehensive planning projects and citywide zoning ordinance amendments.

Green and sustainable building requirements

Review requirements related to the City's commitment to green and sustainable development.

SB 9 Projects

Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) Sept. 16, 2021, which is effective Jan. 1, 2022. The legislative intent of SB 9 is to spur additional housing development in single family zoned residential districts.

Signs and signage requirements

Well-designed signs can add to the attractiveness of an area, while signage that is cluttered or overbearing detracts from the beauty of the streetscape.

Builder's Remedy

Learn more about two formal development applications which assert to have been filed under the so-called “builder’s remedy.”

Policies

Planning policies are formal operational protocols, reviewed and adopted by the City Council.

Application forms

Guidelines and ordinance excerpts

Contact us

Deanna Chow
Community Development Director
Email

650-330-6702

Planning counter hours:
Mon–Thu, 1–5 p.m.
Fri, 1–5 p.m.

Closed every other Friday(PDF, 131KB)

Appointments for other times upon request. Note: It may require a few days to schedule a special appointment request, depending on current Planning Division workloads.

 

 

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