Menlo Park replaced its ADU rules with a new Chapter 16.79 (Ordinance No. 1129), effective July 10, 2026. It offers two paths — a state-standard ADU up to 800 sq ft, or a local-standards ADU up to 850 or 1,000 sq ft — with no parking required. zHeight's own office is here in Menlo Park.
Facts verified 2026-10-09 against official City of Menlo Park sources · see Sources below
Lot Eligibility
ADUs are a permitted use in every Menlo Park zone that allows single-family, multifamily or mixed-use residential; JADUs are permitted in all single-family zones. Rules as of 2026-10-09.
Instant eligibility check — Menlo Park rules as of 2026-10-09
State-standard (“66323”) units: a detached ADU up to 800 sq ft plus an internal ADU and/or JADU. Local-standard (“66314”) units: larger attached or detached ADUs — only one per lot.
The 2026 ordinance removed parking minimums for local-standard ADUs and JADUs, and garage or carport spaces lost to an ADU need not be replaced.
Plans drawn before July 10, 2026 followed the old Chapter 16.79. Re-check size, height and setbacks against Ordinance No. 1129 before submitting.
ADU Types & Sizes
Menlo Park's new chapter separates state-standard units (fast, fixed limits) from local-standard units (larger, with objective local rules). Choosing the path is the first design decision.
| Rule | Menlo Park | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Local-path max (≤1 bedroom) | 850 sq ft | MPMC Table 16.79.070(1) |
| Local-path max (>1 bedroom) | 1,000 sq ft | MPMC Table 16.79.070(1) |
| State-path detached max | 800 sq ft | MPMC §16.79.050 |
| Accessibility bonus | +100 sq ft | MPMC Table 16.79.070(1) |
| Attached height | 25 ft or zone limit | MPMC Table 16.79.070(1) |
| Side & rear setback | 4 ft | MPMC §16.79.050, .070 |
| Parking | None | MPMC §16.79.070 |
| Minimum rental term | 30 days | MPMC §16.79.070 |
Permit Process
ADUs that meet Chapter 16.79 are approved ministerially through a building permit. Since January 1, 2026, the City uses a two-step review: a 15-business-day completeness check, then an approve-or-deny decision within 60 calendar days.
#1: Each resubmittal restarts the clock
If the application is deemed incomplete, every resubmittal begins a new 15-business-day completeness review. A complete first submittal against the ADU Completeness Checklist saves weeks.
#2: Discretionary items come first
ADUs that need a use permit (to modify local standards) must finish discretionary review before the ministerial review begins.
Talk to the City Early
The City recommends visiting the public information counter to discuss ADU rules with Planning, Building and Engineering before applying. ADU planner: Matt Pruter, 650-330-6703.
Choose State or Local Path
Decide between a state-standard unit (detached up to 800 sq ft, internal ADU, JADU) and one local-standard unit (attached or detached up to 850/1,000 sq ft).
Only one local-standard (66314) ADU is allowed per lot.
Design & Engineering
Permit-ready plans, structural calculations and Title 24 CF1R, checked against Ordinance No. 1129 — including daylight plane for attached ADUs and 4-ft stair and landing setbacks.
Submit with the Completeness Checklist
Submit the building permit application with the City's required ADU Completeness Checklist.
Completeness, Then Decision
15 business days to determine completeness; once complete, approval or denial within 60 calendar days. If denied, you can resubmit for a new 60-day cycle. zHeight handles every response.
Permit Issued — Hire Your Contractor
Receive the building permit and hire a licensed California general contractor to build. zHeight, a few minutes away on Commonwealth Drive, stays available for plan questions and revisions.
Cost Guide
We couldn't confirm Menlo Park's current ADU fee amounts from an official source, so none are listed. Construction pricing isn't government data either.
From $7,999
zHeight flat-fee 749 sq ft ADU permit set ($7,999) or JADU garage conversion set ($4,888); custom projects quoted individually.
Verify with City
Confirm current building permit and any impact fees with the City of Menlo Park (650-330-6600) before budgeting.
Contractor bid
Paid to your licensed general contractor, not zHeight. Not an official figure.
Verify Permit Fees Before Budgeting
Fee amounts for Menlo Park ADUs were not verified for this guide. Contact the City at 650-330-6600 (701 Laurel St.) or see the City's ADU page for current fees before finalizing your budget.
Want a cost estimate for your specific lot and ADU type?
Get a Free Project EstimateWhy zHeight
Menlo Park's July 2026 ordinance is new, and the state-versus-local path choice changes size, height and review. We work from the adopted text, not the old rules.
Based in Menlo Park: zHeight's office is at 149 Commonwealth Drive, Office #1041, Menlo Park, CA 94025. We prepare ADU, JADU, addition and remodel permit plans and respond to City correction letters until your permit is issued.
| What you need | DIY / Generic | zHeight Package |
|---|---|---|
| Path selection | Unclear whether state or local rules apply | State vs. local path chosen for your lot and goals |
| 2026 ordinance | Plans based on pre-July 2026 rules | Checked against Ordinance No. 1129 |
| Completeness | Incomplete submittal restarts the 15-day clock | Submittal built against the City's Completeness Checklist |
| Title 24 CF1R | Ordered separately | Included in every permit set |
| Plan check corrections | You answer the City's comments | zHeight responds until the permit is issued |
Incomplete plan sets are a common reason applications bounce at intake. zHeight prepares an organized, complete submission — all required sheets, structural calculations and Title 24 CF1R included.
zHeight provides design drawings, structural engineering, Title 24 compliance and permit processing. After your permit is issued, you hire a licensed California general contractor; we answer plan questions and handle permit revisions.
FAQ
Have a question not answered here?
Our team typically responds within one business day.
zHeight — Menlo Park
We're local — and we prepare the complete permit package under Menlo Park's 2026 ADU ordinance: design drawings, structural, Title 24 CF1R and correction responses.
Sources & last verified (2026-10-09)
Rules change — confirm current requirements and fees with the City of Menlo Park before designing or budgeting. zHeight is not affiliated with the City.