On single-family residential lots in Menlo Park, you can build one ADU (attached or detached) and one Junior ADU (JADU). There is no minimum lot size requirement for ADU eligibility. Your property must be zoned for residential use with an existing or proposed primary dwelling.

Multifamily properties in Menlo Park can build up to two detached ADUs with 4-foot setbacks. You can also convert non-livable spaces (such as storage areas, garages, or basements) into ADUs—up to 25% of the existing unit count.

Yes, Menlo Park allows Junior ADUs up to 500 square feet. A JADU must be located entirely within the existing footprint of the primary residence or attached garage. JADUs require a separate entrance and an efficient kitchen, and may share a bathroom with the main home. Owner-occupancy is required—you must live in either the primary dwelling or the JADU.

Menlo Park does not have a separate guest quarters classification. Any secondary living space with kitchen facilities would be classified as an ADU and count toward your allowable units.

Detached ADUs in Menlo Park can be up to 1,200 square feet. ADUs up to 800 square feet with 4-foot setbacks and 16-foot height limits qualify for streamlined ministerial approval and cannot be denied due to lot coverage, FAR, or open space requirements.

Attached ADUs are limited to 1,200 square feet or 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area, depending on configuration. State law guarantees attached ADUs of at least 850 square feet for one-bedroom units or 1,000 square feet for two or more bedrooms.

Yes. Under California state law, ADUs up to 800 square feet with 4-foot setbacks and 16-foot height cannot be denied due to lot coverage, FAR, or open space requirements. This is particularly valuable in Menlo Park where lot coverage can be a constraint.

Detached ADUs are typically limited to 16 feet in height, with up to 18-20 feet allowed near transit. Attached ADUs can match the primary dwelling's height up to 25 feet. Conversion ADUs have no height limit since they use existing structures.

Limited two-story configurations may be possible for attached ADUs or within the 18-foot height allowance near transit. Most detached ADUs in Menlo Park are single-story due to height restrictions and neighbor privacy considerations.

Detached ADUs require minimum 4-foot setbacks from side and rear property lines, plus at least 6 feet from existing structures. Front setbacks follow the underlying zoning district requirements. Conversions of legally established structures are exempt from setback requirements.

Menlo Park requires detached ADUs to be at least 6 feet from the primary residence and any other existing structures on the lot for fire safety and maintenance access.

Menlo Park processes ADU permits within 60 days as required by state law. Overall, expect 2-4 months from complete application to permit issuance. The San Mateo County ADU Resource Center offers free consultations and troubleshooting support.

Permit costs in Menlo Park typically range from $8,000 to $20,000 depending on project scope and valuation—reflecting the city's high property values. No impact fees are charged for ADUs under 750 square feet.

Menlo Park does not routinely require soils reports for standard ADU projects. A building survey may be required to verify property lines and setback compliance, especially on properties with unclear boundaries.

No parking is required for ADUs within half a mile of public transit. Caltrain access at the Menlo Park station and SamTrans bus service provide transit coverage for many properties. Where parking is required, it cannot exceed one space per ADU. Conversion ADUs and JADUs never require parking.

No. When converting a garage or carport to an ADU, replacement parking is not required under California state law. This makes garage conversions a cost-effective option.

If parking is required, it can be located in setback areas, existing driveways (tandem parking), or elsewhere on the property per city standards.