Menlo Park ADU Permit & Building Guide
Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Menlo Park is a smart way to add versatile living space and increase your property’s value. At Apex Homes, we provide in-house ADU development services, helping homeowners create extra living areas, guest homes, home offices, or rental units. With careful planning and expert guidance, an ADU in Menlo Park can provide additional income, a private space for family or visitors, and long-term investments potential.
ADU Regulations in Menlo Park
Menlo Park allows ADUs on both single-family and multi-family lots, with rules depending on the lot type and unit size. On single-family lots, homeowners may build one detached or attached ADU, plus one Junior ADU (JADU). Detached ADUs up to 1,000 square feet are allowed, while attached units can be up to 1,000 square feet or 50% of the primary dwelling’s area, whichever is greater. JADUs are limited to 500 square feet.
Setbacks and height requirements vary based on unit size. Detached ADUs smaller than 800 square feet require four-foot side and rear setbacks, with a maximum height of 16 feet, while units between 801 and 1,000 square feet require larger setbacks and may reach 17 feet. Attached ADUs follow the height of the primary dwelling. Multi-family lots allow up to two detached ADUs, with similar size, setbacks, and height rules. Unit separation from the main house is required, ranging from 4-10 feet depending on size.
The Menlo Park ADU Permitting Process
To obtain an ADU permit in Menlo Park, start with a pre-application visit to the Planning, Building, and Engineering staff, who will review zoning, setbacks, and documentation requirements. Homeowners then prepare site plans, floor plans, elevations, surveys, and any required engineering reports. Detached ADUs may also require geologist or arborist reports. Applications are submitted electronically through the Accela Citizen Access (ACA) portal. Compliant applications are typically approved by staff, while noncompliant proposals may require Planning Commission review. Apex Homes guides homeowners through every step to ensure a smooth and efficient permitting process.
Why Build An ADU in Menlo Park
An ADU in Menlo Park offers flexible space to meet your lifestyle needs. It can serve as a home office, art studio, or guest house, providing privacy and independence for family members or long-term visitors.
ADUs are also a smart financial choice. Renting out your ADU can generate passive income, helping offset mortgage payments or serve as a long-term investment, With Menlo Park’s high-demand housing market, ADUs are attractive to renters seeking private, modern, and well-designed spaces,
Additionally, building an ADU can increase your property’s overall value. Homes with thoughtfully designed ADUs stand out in the market, offering extra living space, rental potential, and flexible options for family or future use, all while maximizing the efficiency of your existing lot.
For more detailed information or specific guidance, we can book a free consultation with an Apex Home ADU expert. Let us help you transform your property with a thoughtfully planned ADU today!