Choose the Correct Accela Record, Pass DigEplan Review and Schedule Enough Inspection Time
Menlo Park’s Building Division is fully digital. Applications, plans, corrections, revisions, permit documents and inspection requests are handled through Accela, while DigEplan is used for electronic plan review.
This guide explains the difference between a limited record and Building Pre-Application, the City’s PDF rules, address verification, current 2025 California codes, inspection time blocks, ADU review, real-time solar permits, Fire District coordination, C&D recycling and current July 2026 fees.
What Do You Need From Menlo Park Building?
Menlo Park Next-Step Finder
Select the project or problem that best matches your situation.
Menlo Park Building Department Phone, Email, Address and Hours
A Menlo Park Mailing Address Does Not Always Mean City Jurisdiction
Use the City portal when
- The parcel is inside incorporated Menlo Park.
- The City GIS viewer confirms the city boundary.
- Accela returns the correct parcel and owner.
Verify San Mateo County when
- The property is in West Menlo Park, Menlo Oaks or North Fair Oaks.
- The City portal cannot find the parcel.
- An older permit names San Mateo County.
- The property sits close to a jurisdiction boundary.
Choose the Correct Accela Record Before Uploading Plans
Project |
Starting record |
Important warning |
|---|---|---|
New house, ADU or addition |
Building Pre-Application |
Requires completeness review by Building, Planning and possibly Engineering |
Kitchen, bathroom or whole-house remodel |
Building Pre-Application |
Do not use a simple record when plans or multiple trades are involved |
Commercial tenant improvement |
Building Pre-Application |
A registered design professional or architect is required |
Demolition |
Building Pre-Application |
Structure demolition and pool demolition require separate records |
Grading or excavation |
Building Pre-Application |
A demolition permit does not include grading or new construction |
Eligible single-scope reroof |
Limited plan-check record |
Adding another trade or scope can cause the record to be voided |
Water heater replacement |
Repair or simple record |
Heat-pump work requires product, energy and possibly load-calculation documents |
Furnace or air-conditioner replacement |
Repair or simple record |
Local heat-pump and electrification requirements may apply |
Electric-meter replacement or upgrade |
Electrical repair record |
Coordinate service information and utility requirements |
Standard PV or battery storage |
PV or ESS application |
Menlo Park Fire District approval may be required before City issuance |
Eligible new roof-mounted residential PV |
PRT real-time permit |
Battery, EV charger and panel-upgrade work is not eligible for PRT |
Encroachment or public right-of-way work |
Public Works application |
Use the Public Works module—not the Building record alone |
Apply for a Menlo Park Building Permit Step by Step
Confirm the parcel is inside City limits
Use the GIS viewer and Accela address search before choosing a record type.
Create a Menlo Park Accela account
The City’s Accela site is separate from other jurisdictions’ Accela systems. Register specifically on the Menlo Park portal.
Select Create an Application under Building
Review the terms, select the exact record and avoid choosing a limited record simply because it appears faster.
Search by street number and street name
Allow the system to import parcel and owner data rather than manually creating a different property entry.
Enter the primary project contact
Use an email address that will be monitored throughout completeness review, plan check, corrections and permit issuance.
Upload the completed application and project files
Every application needs a completed permit application form. Upload owner-builder documents when the owner will act as contractor.
Submit the Building Pre-Application for completeness review
A Pre-Application does not require a fee to start. Staff checks whether the plans and documents are complete enough to create the full Building record.
Follow DigEplan comments and file-naming rules
Upload a complete coordinated revision with the next PC number. Do not upload conflicting pages or rename unchanged sheets randomly.
Complete contractor, Fire and department conditions
Resolve Planning, Engineering, Fire District, Green Halo, utility, floodplain and contractor requirements that apply.
Pay fees and download the issued package
After issuance, locate the attachment identified as “approved set-permit issued.” Keep the permit, job bag and approved plans available for every inspection.
What Happens After You Click Submit?
Format the Files Correctly Before Uploading
Accepted format
- PDF files only
- No PDF portfolios
- No CAD, Office or image files
- Each file under 400 MB
- No password protection
File names
- Maximum 60 characters
- Use dashes for punctuation
- Avoid symbols such as #, %, ! and &
- Use the correct PC submission number
- Keep names consistent across cycles
Plan-set format
- Combine all disciplines into one plan set
- Minimum 11-by-17-inch landscape sheets
- Draw plans to a stated scale
- Place the sheet index on page one
- Leave a four-inch-square approval space
Submission |
Useful filename example |
Meaning |
|---|---|---|
First plan check |
PC1-701-Laurel-St-Plans.pdf |
Initial complete plan set |
Calculations |
PC1-701-Laurel-St-Calcs.pdf |
Structural or other calculations |
Energy documents |
PC1-701-Laurel-St-T24.pdf |
Title 24 compliance file |
Second review cycle |
PC2-701-Laurel-St-Plans.pdf |
Coordinated correction set |
Revision after issuance |
PC1R1-701-Laurel-St-Plans.pdf |
First revision to issued plans |
What a Complete Menlo Park Plan Package Should Explain
Cover sheet
- Owner and property address
- Vicinity map
- Complete scope of work
- Occupancy and construction type
- Existing and proposed floors
- Fire-sprinkler status
Site and Planning
- Property lines and easements
- Existing and proposed structures
- Setbacks and lot coverage
- Parking and driveway
- Heritage trees
- Planning conditions or variance
Architectural
- Existing and proposed floor plans
- Room names and dimensions
- Exterior elevations
- Building sections
- Window and door information
- Stairs, guards and handrails
Structural
- Foundation plan
- Framing plans
- Beam and header sizes
- Connection details
- Structural calculations
- Special-inspection requirements
MEP and energy
- Electrical plans and load
- Plumbing fixtures and systems
- Mechanical equipment
- Title 24 forms
- CALGreen requirements
- EV and electrification provisions
Engineering and site work
- Grading and drainage
- Stormwater treatment
- Flood-zone compliance
- Elevation certificate when required
- Utility and water review
- Encroachment work
Documents Commonly Needed for Popular Projects
Project |
Useful documents |
Resolve before filing |
|---|---|---|
New house or major addition |
Site, architectural, structural, MEP, Title 24, CALGreen, drainage, survey and Fire information |
Planning approval, flood zone, heritage trees, utilities and Green Halo |
Kitchen remodel |
Existing and proposed layout, cabinet and appliance plan, electrical, plumbing, ventilation and structural details |
Whether walls, windows or gas/electrical systems change |
Bathroom remodel |
Existing/proposed layout, fixture data, electrical, ventilation, waterproofing and glazing |
Fixture relocation, window changes and accessibility when applicable |
Water-heater electrification |
Plans, product specifications, signed Title 24 alteration form and electrical-load calculation when required |
Panel capacity and dedicated or approved shared circuit |
PV or ESS |
Site and roof plan, single-line diagram, structural information, product specifications and Fire approval when required |
PRT eligibility and Fire District process |
Demolition |
Separate demolition plans, utility information, site conditions, Green Halo and tree-protection documents |
Pool versus structure record, heritage trees and future grading |
Commercial tenant improvement |
Licensed-professional plans, code analysis, occupancy, egress, accessibility, Fire, MEP and energy documentation |
Allowed use and Planning entitlement |
Flood-zone alteration |
FEMA worksheet, elevation information, project valuation and current survey information |
Whether the project is a substantial improvement |
Use the 2025 California Codes for New 2026 Applications
State code cycle
Applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026 must comply with the 2025 California Building Standards Code series.
Do not reuse a 2022-code cover sheet without updating the code analysis and affected details.
Menlo Park local amendments
The City has additional requirements involving energy efficiency, electrification, EV charging, CALGreen, flood protection and municipal development standards.
Schedule the Correct Number of 15-Minute Inspection Items
Mobile application
- Select the inspection date.
- The app does not let you select morning or afternoon.
- The assigned window appears after 8 AM on inspection day.
- Use the app for quick scheduling from a phone or tablet.
Accela portal
- Open Record Info, then Inspections.
- Select the exact inspection type.
- Choose an available morning or afternoon window.
- Add gate, animal, access and contact instructions.
- Only one request is submitted at a time, but more may be added if capacity remains.
Keep the Entire Issued Permit Package Available
Required documents
- Issued permit
- Job bag
- Approved stamped plans
- Approved revisions
- Special-inspection reports
- Engineer or surveyor letters
Display options
- Full paper set at least 24 by 36 inches
- Electronic set on a screen at least 12 inches
- Electronic plans must zoom clearly for the inspector
- Documents must be accessible throughout construction
What to Do When the Available Inspection Date Is Too Late
Book the first available date online
Do not leave the project without any inspection request while asking for an earlier opening.
Call 650-330-6767 between 7:30 and 9:00 AM
Explain the existing appointment, required inspection stage and construction impact.
Call 650-330-6710 after 9:00 AM
Use the later number when the morning inspector line has closed.
Understand that approval is discretionary
An earlier inspection requires Building Official approval and may carry an additional fee.
Do Not Let the Permit Become Abandoned
First inspection deadline
An issued permit remains valid for 12 months, but the first inspection must occur before that 12-month period expires.
Ongoing activity
After the first inspection, another inspection is required within each 180-day period.
Expired permit
Contact the assigned staff member. Eligible permits may be reinstated, but an expired project can be required to comply with the current code cycle.
Selected Current Menlo Park Building Fees
Selected project |
Plan-check fee |
Permit fee |
|---|---|---|
Residential bathroom remodel, nonstructural |
$350.00 |
$593.33 |
Residential kitchen remodel, nonstructural |
$350.00 |
$564.48 |
Deck |
$500.33 |
$402.92 |
Patio cover |
$106.35 |
$376.95 |
Shed up to 120 square feet, no MEP |
$500.33 |
$402.92 |
Residential reroof |
$87.21 |
$228.57 |
Residential demolition |
$353.78 |
$255.78 |
Pool demolition |
$212.27 |
$153.47 |
Residential pool, vinyl or fiberglass |
$474.37 |
$517.27 |
Residential prefab spa or hot tub |
$366.06 |
$228.57 |
Selected Fee Lookup
Choose a common project to see its published plan-check and permit subtotal.
Register Green Halo Before Permit Issuance When the Project Qualifies
Diversion target
At least 65% of anticipated construction or demolition debris must be diverted through recycling or salvage.
Inert-material limit
Up to 35% of the diverted debris may consist of concrete and asphalt inerts.
Separate calculations
Calculate demolition debris and new-construction debris separately when both scopes are involved.
Residential threshold
Residential demolition and construction projects of 1,000 square feet or greater are subject to the requirement.
Nonresidential threshold
Nonresidential demolition and construction projects are subject to the City’s current recycling rules.
Noncompliance penalty
The fine is $1 per referenced square foot or $1,000, whichever is greater.
Use the Specialized Permit Route for These Projects
Accessory dwelling unit
- The updated Menlo Park ADU ordinance became effective July 10, 2026.
- New ministerial ADU applications receive a 15-business-day completeness review.
- An incomplete resubmittal starts another 15-business-day completeness cycle.
- After the application is complete, the City has a 60-calendar-day approval or denial period.
- Projects requiring discretionary review must complete that process first.
- Review the City’s preapproved ADU program before commissioning a custom design.
Photovoltaic Real Time permit
The automated PRT route is limited to qualifying projects:
- Single-family residential property
- New roof-mounted PV system
- System no larger than 38.4 kW
- Electrical service no larger than 400 amps
- No panel upgrade
- Specified 225-amp disconnect and bus requirements
- California-licensed contractor applicant
- No battery ESS or EV charger in the PRT record
Standard PV and ESS
- Show roof framing and array location.
- Show standoff spacing and roof connections.
- Provide structural calculations when required.
- Explain roof-penetration sealing.
- Provide module, inverter, load-center and battery specifications.
- Coordinate Menlo Park Fire Protection District review.
Existing-home electrification
- Check local equipment-location allowances.
- Provide product specifications.
- Provide the applicable signed Title 24 alteration form.
- Provide an electrical-load calculation when required.
- Check whether the electrical panel supports the new load.
- Review EV-charging and future-electrification requirements.
Check Flood Rules Before Finalizing the Design
Mapped zones
Menlo Park permit materials identify FEMA Zones A, AE, AH and AO as flood zones requiring specific plan information and ordinance compliance.
Substantial-improvement review
Engineering may require the City’s substantial-improvement worksheet to compare the improvement cost with the value of the existing structure.
Elevation certificate
An elevation certificate may be required with the Planning or Building application when a project qualifies as a FEMA substantial improvement.
A Demolition Permit Does Not Authorize Grading or New Construction
Separate records
Structure demolition and pool demolition require separate permit submittals even when both are on the same lot.
Heritage-tree review
A site inspection or arborist report may be required when heritage trees are close to the demolition area.
Protection verification
The City may require the project arborist to verify that approved tree-protection measures are installed.
No excavation authority
The demolition permit does not include site grading, excavation or construction of the replacement project.
Final demolition inspection
The demolition permit must receive its final approval before a subsequent construction permit can be issued.
Waste tracking
Qualifying demolition work must satisfy Green Halo registration, diversion and closeout requirements.
Owner-Builder Status Makes the Property Owner Responsible
Before permit issuance
- Complete the owner-builder declaration.
- Complete the workers’ compensation declaration.
- Upload the signed owner-builder acknowledgment.
- Provide an authorization letter when an agent acts for the owner.
Responsibilities accepted
- Construction management
- Code compliance
- Worker and subcontractor obligations
- Inspection scheduling
- Corrections and final approval
- Financial and injury risk
Follow the Noise Ordinance and Permit Conditions
The Building FAQ states that Menlo Park does not set a separate blanket construction-hours limit when the City noise ordinance is satisfied. Project approvals, Fire rules, Planning conditions, neighborhood restrictions and special permits can still impose limitations.
- Post required noise information
- Follow approved permit conditions
- Protect sidewalks and streets
- Use an encroachment permit for right-of-way work
- Control dust and debris
- Keep emergency access clear
Finding a Permit Number Does Not Prove the Work Was Finaled
Search Accela by full record number
Include zeros and select the appropriate Building record type when searching.
Review documents and inspections
Open the permit, approved set, job bag, corrections, revisions and inspection history.
Check all related records
Planning, Public Works, Fire, grading, demolition, PV, ESS and other approvals may exist separately.
Verify final status
An issued permit or approved plan set is not the same as an approved final inspection or Certificate of Occupancy.
Contact the Permit Team for copies
Email PermitTeam@menlopark.gov for instructions on obtaining available permits or building plans.
What to Check When the Accela Record Is Not Moving
Fix Common Menlo Park Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely reason |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
Portal cannot find the address |
Wrong search format or unincorporated parcel |
Enter street number and name, then confirm jurisdiction in GIS. |
Limited record was voided |
The application contains additional scope or multiple trades |
Create the Building Pre-Application requested by staff. |
Files rejected before review |
Wrong file type, naming, size, orientation, security or bookmarks |
Rebuild the files using the City’s PDF specifications. |
Review comments keep repeating |
Uncoordinated pages, missing response letter or incomplete corrections |
Upload one complete next-cycle plan set and answer every comment. |
Inspection ends before all work is reviewed |
Too few 15-minute trade items were booked |
Schedule every applicable trade item needed for sufficient inspection time. |
Inspector will not approve field change |
The revision was not submitted and approved before inspection |
Submit a revision through Accela and wait for approval. |
PV permit cannot issue |
Fire District approval, PRT eligibility or equipment information is missing |
Complete Fire review and use the standard PV route when PRT criteria are not met. |
Final is blocked |
Green Halo, special-inspection reports, Engineering, Fire or related records remain open |
Ask the assigned staff member for a complete closeout list. |
What to Say When You Contact the City
“I plan to [describe exact work] at [full address and parcel]. Should I use a limited Building record or begin with Building Pre-Application?”
“My record is [number]. Please identify the exact plan, form, file-specification or department item preventing conversion to a full Building permit.”
“I need [list every trade and stage] reviewed. How many 15-minute inspection items should I schedule to provide enough time?”
“Building permit [number] appears complete. Which revision, report, Fire, Planning, Engineering, Green Halo or inspection item remains open?”
Do Not Consider the Project Complete Until These Are Confirmed
- City jurisdiction confirmed
- Correct Accela record selected
- Primary contact information accurate
- PDF specifications satisfied
- Planning conditions resolved
- Engineering and flood review complete
- Fire District approval complete
- Green Halo registered when required
- Contractor or owner-builder documents complete
- Permit status shows issued
- Approved package available onsite
- Enough inspection time scheduled
- All revisions approved
- Final inspection and occupancy approval saved
Menlo Park Building Division Map
City Hall: Monday–Thursday, 7:30 AM–5:30 PM; every other Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Walk-in building-code questions: 1:00–5:00 PM on days City Hall is open.
Open the Correct Menlo Park Permit Resource
Menlo Park Building Department Questions
Where do I apply for a Menlo Park building permit?
Apply through the Menlo Park Accela Citizen Access portal. Most planned construction, including additions, remodels, new homes, ADUs, demolition and grading, starts as a Building Pre-Application.
What is the Menlo Park Building Department phone number?
Call 650-330-6704 for building permits and general questions. Email PermitTeam@menlopark.gov. For inspection questions, call 650-330-6767.
What are Menlo Park City Hall and walk-in Building hours?
City Hall is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM and every other Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Walk-in building-code questions are handled from 1:00 to 5:00 PM on days City Hall is open.
What is the difference between Building Pre-Application and limited plan check?
Building Pre-Application is the starting record for projects needing multi-discipline completeness and plan review. Limited records are only for eligible narrow-scope work. A limited record containing extra work or multiple trades may be voided.
How do I schedule a Menlo Park building inspection?
Schedule online through Accela or the Menlo Park Inspection Request application. One scheduled trade or item equals approximately 15 minutes. Use Accela when you need to choose a morning or afternoon window.
Does Menlo Park guarantee a next-day inspection?
No. Inspection availability depends on demand. Book the first available appointment and call 650-330-6767 between 7:30 and 9:00 AM when an earlier inspection is necessary. An expedited inspection requires approval and may have an added fee.
Which building code applies to applications submitted in 2026?
Complete applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026 must comply with the 2025 California Building Standards Code series and Menlo Park’s current local amendments.
How long does an issued Menlo Park building permit remain active?
The first inspection must occur within 12 months after issuance. After the first inspection, an inspection is required within each 180-day period to prevent the permit from becoming abandoned or expired.
Can I obtain a real-time residential solar permit?
Qualifying new roof-mounted single-family PV systems may use the PRT route when they meet the City’s system-size, electrical-service and contractor criteria. Batteries, EV chargers and panel upgrades are not eligible for PRT.
What must be onsite for a Menlo Park inspection?
Keep the issued permit, job bag and approved plans onsite. Plans may be a paper set at least 24 by 36 inches or an electronic set displayed on an expandable screen at least 12 inches. Approved revisions and required reports must also be available.
Official Information Used for This Guide
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the City of Menlo Park.
This page was checked against the City Building Division, Accela online-services guidance, DigEplan application process, file specifications, inspection scheduling instructions, residential and repair requirements, owner-builder information, ADU pages, PV and ESS requirements, Green Halo recycling rules, floodplain guidance, demolition requirements, the 2025-code adoption notice and the Master Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2026.
Last reviewed: July 21, 2026.
Permit records, application types, fees, inspection availability, code requirements and City Hall schedules can change. Confirm time-sensitive information through the official City portal before submitting, paying or beginning construction.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
Professional profile: View LinkedIn Profile
Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links
Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.
What building department task do you need help with?
Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.
Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.
Inspection Readiness Checklist
Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.
Zoning and Setback Pre-check
Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.
Plan Review Timeline Estimator
Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.
Permit Records Search Helper
Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.
Official Building Department Resource Finder
Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.
Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
- Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
- Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.