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Menlo Park, in short
Do I need a permit to remove or heavily prune a tree on my property in Menlo Park?
Yes, for a heritage tree: any tree other than an oak with a trunk 15 inches across, or any California native oak 10 inches across, measured 54 inches above the ground. The City’s page says an owner who wants to remove one, or prune more than one-fourth of the canopy and/or roots, must apply for a permit.
The story of Menlo Park
Menlo Park, the San Mateo County city that, the City says, took its name from a gate two Irishmen put up in 1854.
The City’s history page says Menlo Park received its official name in 1854, when two Irishmen put up a gate across their driveway with the name of their estate, MENLO PARK, and the date, August 1854. A railroad official then decided that the name would be appropriate, and so it was officially adopted, the City says.
The City’s adopted open space and conservation element says Menlo Park was originally the home of the Ohlone.
The City’s history page says Menlo Park received its official name in 1854, when two Irishmen, Dennis J. Oliver and D. C. McGlynn, bought land bordering County Road, now El Camino Real, and built two houses with a common entrance.
Across the driveway, the City says, they put up “a huge wooden gate with tall arches”, with the name of their estate, MENLO PARK, in foot-high letters and the date, August 1854.
The City says the men named their new home after their old, in “Menlough on Lough Corib, County Galway, Ireland”. It adds that no one knows why they shortened the name to Menlo: because the space on the arch left no room for the longer version, to Americanize it, or because they could not spell.
The City says a railroad official looked at the gates and decided that the name MENLO PARK “would be appropriate”, and so the name was officially adopted.
The City’s history page says the railroad broke ground in May 1861, the first train traveled from San Francisco to Mayfield on October 18, 1863, and the Southern Pacific bought the line in 1868.
The State’s page says the station, “constructed in 1867 by the San Francisco and San Jose Railroad Company, is the oldest railroad passenger station in California.” The Victorian ornamentation was added in the 1890s, the State says, when the station was remodeled to serve the newly opened Stanford University.
By 1870, the City’s adopted element says, twelve buildings stood between the railroad station and El Camino Real near Oak Grove Avenue, “consisting of two general stores, three hotels, livery stables, saloons, and three blacksmith shops”.
The National Park Service’s nomination form says the Church of the Nativity, built in 1872, “represents the earliest extant wooden Catholic church on the San Francisco Peninsula” and “served as Menlo Park’s first school”.
The City’s adopted element says Menlo Park became the second incorporated city in San Mateo County on March 23, 1874, but only for a short time; that first incorporation lasted until 1876.
The City’s adopted element says “In 1917, 27,000 soldiers were stationed at Camp Fremont in Menlo Park.” and that its “first gas and water services, its first paved streets, and an increase in businesses were a direct result of the transient military population.”
The State’s station page says the extension on the northwest “was added to accommodate increased traffic generated by the establishment of Camp Fremont nearby during World War I”.
The City’s profile says Menlo Park was founded in 1927 as a general law city and operates under the council-manager form of government.
The Allied Arts Guild’s About page says “Since 1929, Allied Arts Guild has been a peninsula landmark.” The Guild is run by the Allied Arts Guild Auxiliary, whose mission is “to raise funds to support uncompensated care at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford”.
The City’s adopted element says Dibble General Hospital was built between 1943 and 1946 “to care for the thousands of soldiers injured in the South Pacific in World War II”, and that in the 1950s the hospital campus became the site of the Menlo Park Civic Center, a research institute and the United States Geological Survey.
The City’s Sister City page says the bond with Galway goes back over 150 years, to “two Galway men” who bought a ranch they called Menlo Park.
The City says a reproduction of the historic Menlo Park gates was rebuilt in 2019 near the library, facing the intersection of Ravenswood Avenue and Alma Street, and that its dedication was on March 17 “to celebrate Menlo Park’s Irish roots”.
Fire safety
Your fire department
The Menlo Park Fire Protection District’s fire code for the City is its Ordinance No. 60-2026, which says “This Ordinance shall take effect and be in full force on April 1, 2026.” and “will rescind and replace Ordinance No. 57-2025”.
Ordinance passed February 17, 2026; read Nov 2 2026
What the City says about fire zones
The City’s Safety Element, updated September 24, 2024, says: “Menlo Park does not contain any fire hazard severity zones.” It adds that a high zone in a State Responsibility Area lies “just outside of the southwestern City Limits”. For questions about requirements affecting your property, the City’s Fire Hazards page says to “contact the Menlo Park Fire Protection District or the City’s Community Development Department”.
Element adopted September 24, 2024; pages read Nov 2 2026
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Roofs and gutters, from the District’s page
The District’s Wildfire Prevention page lists “Remove dead or dry leaves and pine needles from your yard, roof, and rain gutters.” among its tips, along with removing branches that hang over your roof. The page names no ordinance for these tips. Grass must be trimmed.
Page undated, read Nov 2 2026
Hardening your home
The District’s page also advises: “Screen or enclose rain gutters to prevent the accumulation of plant debris, but have the ability to access them to clean out every few years.” It is advice on a page that cites no adopting text, and it names no product.
Page undated, read Nov 2 2026
Wind-carried sparks, in the District’s fire code
The ordinance’s findings say: “The winds experienced in the Fire District can have a tremendous impact upon structure fires by carrying sparks and burning brands to other structures, thus spreading the fire and causing conflagrations.”
Ordinance passed February 17, 2026; read Nov 2 2026
Need a hand with this? Gutter guards
Menlo Park this month
Storm season: the City has free sand and empty bags year-round at Menlo Park Fire Station No. 77 and the Burgess Park parking lot. Public Works answers questions at 650-330-6740.
The Menlo Park blog starts when there is enough local news to keep it current.
Culture and history
Allied Arts Guild
The Guild’s home page says: “We’re open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm.”
Home page read Nov 2 2026
Allied Arts Guild Christmas Market
The Guild’s events page lists the Allied Arts Guild Auxiliary Christmas Market for “Saturday + Sunday, December 5-6, 2026”, “10 AM – 4 PM”.
Events page read Nov 2 2026; it lists the market with its year, 2026
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The railroad station
The City’s history page says the station is “California State Landmark No. 955”, which the State’s county list also shows. More in The story of Menlo Park, below.
Pages read Nov 2 2026
How the name began
The City says the name Menlo Park came from a gate two Irishmen put up in 1854. More in The story of Menlo Park, below.
City history page read Nov 2 2026
The Menlo Gates
A reproduction of the historic gates stands near the library, the City says. More in The story of Menlo Park, below.
City history page read Nov 2 2026
Community
Emergency preparedness classes
The Fire District’s Fire Prevention page says its staff handle “free emergency preparedness classes including CERT, Red Cross Ready, First Aid/CPR/AED, and Stop the Bleed”.
Page read Nov 2 2026
Sister City program
The City’s Sister City page says the program “was created in November 2015 and the city joined Sister Cities International.” It says “Galway became Menlo Park’s first friendship city in 2013 and was upgraded to full sister city status in 2016.”
City page read Nov 2 2026
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Two public libraries
The City’s Library and Community Services page says “The City of Menlo Park operates two public library facilities, Menlo Park Library and Belle Haven Library.”
City page read Nov 2 2026
City rules and regulations
Work that needs no building permit
The City’s Work Exempt page says “Certain types of work are exempt from requiring a Building permit in the City of Menlo Park.” It lists small sheds, wood fences not over seven feet high, low retaining walls, painting and finish work, and similar items, and we found no roofing or gutter item on it. The exempt list in the City Code (Menlo Park Code 12.08.010, read on eCode360 Nov 5 2026) has ten items, from small accessory structures and wood fences to swings and playground equipment, window awnings and decks under 200 square feet, and none of them is a roofing or gutter item.
Page read Nov 2 2026; code read in Chrome Nov 2 and Nov 5 2026
The building code in force
The City’s Building Code page says “Applications received on or after January 1, 2026, must meet the requirements established in the building codes:” and lists the “2025 California Residential Code” and the “2025 California Wild-Land Urban Interface Code”. Menlo Park Code 12.08.010 says “Chapter 1 Division II of the 2025 California Residential Code … is hereby adopted”.
Page read Nov 2 2026; code read in Chrome Nov 2 2026
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Applying online
The City’s single-family reroof submittal page says “The City of Menlo Park only accepts online digital Building permit applications with digital plans and supporting documents.” The City’s page also says to “Apply for, renew and pay for a city business license online.”
Pages read Nov 2 2026
Fees: where to look
The City’s Master Fee Schedule lists “Re-roofing – Residential (Single and Multi Family)” among its building fees. The cover of the file we read says “MASTER FEE SCHEDULE October 12, 2026”, so check the City’s fee page for the current amount. The City’s Building page says an updated schedule takes effect July 1, 2026, and the file’s cover carries the October 12 date; we found no page that says which date governs the re-roofing line.
File cover dated October 12, 2026; read Nov 2 2026
What counts as a heritage tree
The City’s heritage tree page says “Heritage trees are required to be preserved and maintained in a state of good health.” It also counts “A tree or group of trees specifically designated by the City Council for protection because of its historical significance, special character or community benefit”. The sizes that count are in the answer at the top of the page.
Page read Nov 2 2026
Heritage tree permits
The City’s non-development permit page says “The applicant should obtain an arborist report from a city-approved consulting arborist.” If the permit is approved, “a copy of it must be in possession of the tree company on-site during the tree work”. The City’s Emergency tree removal page says “Menlo Park issues emergency heritage tree removal permits when trees pose an extreme risk.” A removed heritage tree “must be replaced according to the city’s replacement tree requirements”, or the applicant may pay an in-lieu fee if the property has no room for a replacement. The City’s pages word the pruning limit differently: “more than one-fourth” on the heritage tree page and “25 percent or more” on the permit definitions page. The City Code settles it: “Major pruning includes the removal of more than one-fourth of the live branches or roots within a twelve (12) month period.” (Menlo Park Code 13.24.020).
Pages read Nov 2 2026; City Code read in Chrome Nov 5 2026
Street trees
The City’s page says “Street trees are planted in the public right of way and may not be removed by residents.” It says the City typically inspects and prunes street trees on a 5-year rotating schedule.
Page undated, read Nov 2 2026
Roof downspouts on projects with a drainage plan
The City’s grading and drainage guidelines say “It is the responsibility of the property owner, their representative and designers to design and install proper site drainage.” For a project that needs a grading and drainage plan: “Show where the roof downspouts are located. These downspouts should direct to approved splash blocks (minimum 2 feet long) that deflect the water away from the building.” Among the projects Engineering names are “All residential projects with brand new construction.” and “Projects with additions greater than 500 square feet on the first floor.”; a re-roof or a gutter job is not named in the list we read.
Page read Nov 2 2026
Need a hand with this? Roofing
Storms, flood and drainage
Free sandbags
The City’s Sandbags page says “The City of Menlo Park provides sand and empty bags to help residents prepare for heavy rainfall.” The year-round sites are Menlo Park Fire Station No. 77, 1467 Chilco St., and the Burgess Park parking lot at Alma Street and Burgess Drive. A third site opens only “when activated for heavy rain events”, and the page says to confirm availability with Public Works before traveling to it. The page says “Bring a shovel and be ready to fill your own bags.” and “Properly placed sandbags can help redirect water away from buildings, but they do not provide a watertight seal.” Neither the Sandbags page nor the storm page states a limit per household. The County’s free sandbags are for “County residents in unincorporated areas”.
Sandbags page, status last confirmed Oct. 16, 2026; read Nov 2 2026
Clearing gutters and drains before a storm
The City’s Storms and flooding page says: “Clear private gutters and drains. Remove leaves near street drains only when safe, without entering traffic or floodwater. Put leaves in your green organics cart.” It also says “Heavy rain can overwhelm drains and raise San Francisquito Creek quickly.”
Page update line reads Oct. 27, 2026, at 1 p.m.; read Nov 2 2026
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Keeping debris out of storm drains
The City’s stormwater page says “It is important to keep debris away from storm drain inlets.” It lists “Organic waste (e.g. leaves, lawn and garden clippings, and animal excrement)” among the three main types of stormwater pollution. It says “When pollution enters the City’s storm drain system through catch basins, it is conveyed to waterways and San Francisco Bay.”
Pages undated, read Nov 2 2026
Where the City says to watch
The City’s Storms and flooding page says “In Menlo Park, rain and high tides can combine to slow drainage and worsen flooding near creeks and the Bay.” It lists San Francisquito Creek, Atherton Channel, the Bayfront, low streets, underpasses and places with recurring ponding among its areas to watch, and says “Flooding can occur elsewhere.” For the creek, the City points to Palo Alto’s creek-level page and cameras, and for Atherton Channel to OneShoreline’s sensor.
Page update line reads Oct. 27, 2026, at 1 p.m.; read Nov 2 2026
The flood map
FEMA’s community status book lists Menlo Park, community 060321, in the National Flood Insurance Program. The City’s Safety Element says its flood hazard areas are from “the countywide effective FEMA Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) dated April 5, 2019”. It says “The northernmost portion of Menlo Park, including much of the area between State Route 84 and Highway 101, is within the 100-year floodplain subject to tidal flooding from San Francisco Bay.” It adds that “portions of Menlo Park between Middlefield Road and Highway 101 are within the 100-year floodplain due to overflow from San Francisquito Creek.”
FEMA status book refreshed 2026-08-25; Element adopted September 24, 2024; read Nov 2 2026
Need a hand with this? Gutter cleaning
Programs, loans and insurance
Check with Habitat Habitat for Humanity home repair loan: check with Habitat
The City’s Home repairs assistance page says “Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco provides loans of up to $75,000 with 0% interest for critical repairs and home improvements.” Habitat’s page says qualified applicants are offered “a 0% interest loan, with no payments due until the end of the 30-year term or if the home is sold, whichever comes first.” Among the repairs it lists is “Roof repair or replacement, plumbing repairs, electrical repairs”, and it says Habitat “will act as the contractor and the lender”. It asks that “Program beneficiaries must be an owner-occupant of the Home as their primary residence” and that household income be at or below its table, which for 1 person is $117,700 and for 4 people $168,100; the page lists the other household sizes. The City’s page and Habitat’s page word the area the program covers differently, so ask Habitat whether your address qualifies. Habitat’s page says “All long-time homeowners in Belle Haven and the wider Menlo Park community are eligible to apply.”, and the City’s says the program is “available for low-income households in the Belle Haven area”. Habitat’s page says “Applications are open now and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.” but it is undated, so call 415-625-1036 before you plan on it.
City page and Habitat page undated, read Nov 2 2026
Rain barrel rebate
If you are a City water customer, the City’s page says “customers of Menlo Park Municipal Water can receive rebates of up to $200 for the purchase and installation of qualifying rain barrels and cisterns.” It is “Offered to only residential customers”, and you “Must submit your application within 90 days of the purchase” with “copies of your original receipts” and “two post installation images”. BAWSCA’s table lists Menlo Park at “$200.00”, with amounts “effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027”. The page states no application deadline and does not say whether funds remain. BAWSCA’s separate Cal Water line does not name Menlo Park, and the City limits its rebate to its own utility’s customers.
City page and BAWSCA page, amounts effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027; read Nov 2 2026
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Lawn Be Gone and rain garden rebates
If you are a City water customer, the City’s page offers “a rebate of up to $3 per square foot (minimum of 200 square feet) for converting grass lawn into a water-efficient landscape of drought tolerant plants subject to funding availability.” It adds: “Eligible residents can also get an additional $300 for adding a rain garden to their landscape.” BAWSCA’s page says “To receive the rebate, you must submit an application and receive a Notice to Proceed from your water provider before removing your lawn.” Neither page gives a deadline.
City page and BAWSCA page undated, read Nov 2 2026
County-wide Safe at Home minor repairs (Rebuilding Together Peninsula)
The City’s Home repairs assistance page says “Rebuilding Together Peninsula helps restore safe conditions to homes and community centers that have limited disposable income to invest in repairs and maintenance.” Rebuilding Together Peninsula’s page says “certain larger repairs such as foundation work, roof replacement, and major plumbing or electrical system repairs are typically not covered by our funding”. Income must be “not higher than San Mateo County’s current ‘low’ income limit (80% AMI)”, and the home must be in San Mateo County and be “your primary residence, and you will remain there for at least two years”.
City page undated and program page read Nov 2 2026
Home Upgrade Services (free electrification)
The City’s Home Electrification page says the City is working with WestLight Energy “to provide new appliances, electric panel upgrades and more to improve your family’s health and comfort at home.” It says the program is “available to low-income Menlo Park households to convert outdated gas appliances to safer, healthier, more energy-efficient options.” The City’s leaflet asks that you “Be the legal owner of the residence.” and live in “a single-family home (up to a fourplex) with existing gas-fired equipment”. The page says “Funding is available for a limited time and all are encouraged to apply to verify eligibility.” It says the solar and battery storage portion is “now closed to new participants”. The pages name no roof, gutter or drainage work.
City page and leaflet read Nov 2 2026
Check with the City Rate assistance on garbage and water bills: check with the City
The City’s page says it “provides eligible households with a 20% monthly discount on solid waste service from Recology San Mateo County and a 50% monthly discount on the fixed meter charge for water service from Menlo Park Municipal Water.” It says “Residents must be enrolled in the PG&E CARE program to participate in the City’s rate assistance program.” The page gives no open or closed word and says “Current participants do not need to reapply.”, so call Public Works at 650-330-6740 before you plan on it. For households in the Cal Water service area, the City’s page points to “the Cal Water Customer Assistance Program (CAP)”.
Page undated, read Nov 2 2026
Water-saving fixtures, kits and irrigation rebates
If you are a City water customer, the City offers free fixtures, including a bathroom aerator, a kitchen aerator and a low-flow shower head, and “free self-audit tool kits to Menlo Park Municipal residential customers”. Its irrigation page lists “$5 for high-efficiency sprinkler nozzles”, “$10 for spray bodies with pressure regulation” and “$30 for large rotors”, and says “Residential customers can receive 15% off of the purchase of a Rachio Smart Irrigation Controller.” The pages give no deadline.
Pages undated, read Nov 2 2026
Cal Water conservation kits and customer assistance
If you are a Cal Water customer, Cal Water’s page says its single-family residential customers can get “conservation kits featuring a range of water-saving plumbing retrofit fixtures” and that “These kits are available at no charge”. It adds “There is a limit of one kit per service address per three-year period.” Its customer assistance program says “Get a discount on your bill if you meet income guidelines.”
Page read Nov 2 2026
County-wide Resilient Homes (Climate Resilient Communities)
The County’s notice lists Climate Resilient Communities’ Resilient Homes Minor Home Repair Program, whose objectives include “cost-effective minor home repair improvements/repairs in San Mateo County and Redwood City”. Its examples include attic insulation, water heater wrapping and “repair/replace doors, windows and fences”; the notice lists no roof or gutter work.
County notice read Nov 2 2026
County-wide Housing Accessibility Modifications (Center for Independence of the Disabled)
The City’s housing resources page lists the Housing Accessibility Modifications Program, where “grants are available for disabled and/or frail elderly persons to maximize self-sufficiency by eliminating architectural barriers in the home.” The County’s page describes it as “Free housing accessibility modification assistance, including assistance to those who rent, to qualified clients in San Mateo County.”
Pages read Nov 2 2026
County-wide El Concilio minor home repair
The County’s housing repair page lists El Concilio’s “Free minor home repair services that help qualify homes in San Mateo County for participation of Energy Partners to reduce utility bills and conserve energy.”
County page read Nov 2 2026
County-wide EASE Home (BayREN): weatherization for moderate-income homes
The City’s Home Electrification page names BayREN, WestLight Energy and TECH Clean California as places to contact about rebates for Menlo Park property owners. BayREN’s EASE Home page says “BayREN covers 80% of the cost for essential weatherization upgrades, including insulation and duct sealing.” To qualify you “Have a household income under or at 120% AMI.”, “Live in a single-family home (four or fewer units) built before 2010.” and “Are a PG&E customer.” The page names no gutter or roof work.
BayREN page and City page read Nov 2 2026
County-wide WestLight Energy rebates and loan
WestLight Energy, formerly Peninsula Clean Energy, says “We’re currently exclusive to residents and businesses in San Mateo County and Los Banos.” Its pages say “Apply for exclusive rebates on heat pump water heaters, heat pump HVAC systems, and used EVs.” and “See if you are eligible for our 0% interest loan for up to $10,000-no credit check required and no money down.” It says “Income-qualified customers may receive no-cost installations.”
Provider pages read Nov 2 2026
County-wide Check back PG&E Energy Savings Assistance: check back
PG&E’s page says the program lets you “Improve the energy efficiency of your home at no cost to you.”, with “appliance upgrades and home repairs”, for those who “live in a house, mobile home or apartment that is at least five years old”. Its income guidelines are “Valid through May 31, 2027.” The City’s new-resident page names PG&E for electricity and gas, but PG&E’s page does not say whether the program covers San Mateo County or is taking applications, so check back.
Valid through May 31, 2027; PG&E page read Oct 14 2026
County-wide Check back Earthquake Brace + Bolt: check back
The California Residential Mitigation Program, a joint body, runs Earthquake Brace + Bolt, and its 2025 Northern California ZIP list names “Menlo Park 94025” and says “Eligibility based on ZIP Code only, city provided as reference.” Its page says answers will determine if your home qualifies for “an EBB retrofit grant of up to $3,000”, and that a retrofit “is only done on wood-framed, pre-1980 homes with a raised foundation”. When we read the program’s page on October 20, it said: “The EBB Program is currently closed.”
ZIP list printed 2025; registration page read Oct 20 2026
State-wide Check back California Safe Homes: check back
California Safe Homes is a State grant program created by a 2025 law, AB 888, and run by the Department of Insurance. No dated State page we read says it is open, and none gives an application window or a dollar amount.
Standing check last run Oct 8 2026; California sheet read Oct 20 2026
Who serves your home in Menlo Park
- Fire: The Menlo Park Fire Protection District. Its Fire Prevention page says it is operating under the 2025 California Fire Code “and local ordinance by ratification for the Town of Atherton, East Palo Alto, City of Menlo Park and areas of unincorporated southern San Mateo County”.
- Water: The City’s water providers page says “Within the City of Menlo Park, there are four different water providers.” The City’s own utility, Menlo Park Municipal Water, serves the Sharon Heights area and the areas east of El Camino Real. California Water Service serves “the Downtown and West Menlo service areas”, and two small water companies serve a small section of the Willows and a few addresses on Menalto Avenue. The City says “Don’t know your water provider? Check by using the City’s interactive water provider map”.
- Sewer: The City’s sewer page says “There are three sanitary sewer providers in our community.” and “West Bay Sanitary District is the main provider of sanitary sewer services within Menlo Park.” The system sends wastewater to Silicon Valley Clean Water for treatment and discharge to the San Francisco Bay, the City’s page says.
- Garbage, recycling and compost: The City’s page says “Menlo Park residents are served by Recology San Mateo County for solid waste (landfill, recycling and composting) collection services.”
- Electricity: The City’s Home Electrification page says WestLight Energy, formerly Peninsula Clean Energy, provides Menlo Park residents with “greenhouse gas free electricity”. The City’s storm page sends a power outage or utility problem to “PG&E: 1-800-743-5002”.
- Schools: Several school districts serve parts of the city, and which one serves a home depends on the address. The Menlo Park City School District says it “serves parts of Menlo Park, Atherton and unincorporated San Mateo County”. A Belle Haven school’s site says the Ravenswood City School District “draws from the culturally rich communities of East Palo Alto and eastern Menlo Park”. The Sequoia Union High School District names Menlo Park among the communities it serves, and the City’s page says Menlo-Atherton High School “serves Menlo Park”.
- Flood control and storm drains: The City’s stormwater page says the City “owns and maintains more than 46 miles of storm drainage facilities, mostly storm drain pipes, for flood control”. The San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority says it “serves the communities of East Palo Alto, Menlo Park and Palo Alto by addressing flood risks from the San Francisquito Creek and the Bay Shoreline”.
Useful links: Menlo Park Fire Protection District · City of Menlo Park: Building · City of Menlo Park: Master Fee Schedule · City of Menlo Park: Heritage trees · City of Menlo Park: Storms and flooding · City of Menlo Park: Free sandbags · Menlo Park Municipal Water · West Bay Sanitary District · Recology San Mateo County · WestLight Energy · Allied Arts Guild · California State Landmark: Menlo Park Railroad Station
The homes of Menlo Park
Menlo Park’s median home was built in 1964, and about 44 percent of its homes were built before 1960, our own calculations from the Census Bureau’s 2020-2024 tables. About 54 percent of the homes are single-family houses that stand apart; of the occupied homes, about 54 percent are owner-occupied and about 46 percent are rented.
Before 1950
The older homes
About 21 percent of the homes were built before 1950, by our calculation from the Census Bureau’s table.
1950 to 1959
The 1950s
About 23 percent of the homes were built in 1950 to 1959, more than in any other decade, by our calculation from the Census Bureau’s table.
1960 to 1979
The middle years
About 26 percent of the homes were built from 1960 to 1979, by our calculation from the Census Bureau’s table.
1980 to 1999
The later decades
About 12 percent of the homes were built from 1980 to 1999, by our calculation from the Census Bureau’s table.
2000 and later
The newest homes
About 18 percent of the homes were built in 2000 or later, by our calculation from the Census Bureau’s table.
Across the city
A mix of home types
About 8 percent of the homes are single-family attached, about 10 percent are in buildings of 2 to 4 units and about 28 percent are in buildings of five or more units, by our calculation from the Census Bureau’s table.
Older roofs and gutters need a different hand: Gutter Repair · Roof Repair · Gutter Installation
The story of Menlo Park
History and character
The City’s adopted open space and conservation element says Menlo Park was originally the home of the Ohlone.
The City’s history page says Menlo Park received its official name in 1854, when two Irishmen, Dennis J. Oliver and D. C. McGlynn, bought land bordering County Road, now El Camino Real, and built two houses with a common entrance.
Across the driveway, the City says, they put up “a huge wooden gate with tall arches”, with the name of their estate, MENLO PARK, in foot-high letters and the date, August 1854.
The City says the men named their new home after their old, in “Menlough on Lough Corib, County Galway, Ireland”. It adds that no one knows why they shortened the name to Menlo: because the space on the arch left no room for the longer version, to Americanize it, or because they could not spell.
The City says a railroad official looked at the gates and decided that the name MENLO PARK “would be appropriate”, and so the name was officially adopted.
The City’s history page says the railroad broke ground in May 1861, the first train traveled from San Francisco to Mayfield on October 18, 1863, and the Southern Pacific bought the line in 1868.
The State’s page says the station, “constructed in 1867 by the San Francisco and San Jose Railroad Company, is the oldest railroad passenger station in California.” The Victorian ornamentation was added in the 1890s, the State says, when the station was remodeled to serve the newly opened Stanford University.
By 1870, the City’s adopted element says, twelve buildings stood between the railroad station and El Camino Real near Oak Grove Avenue, “consisting of two general stores, three hotels, livery stables, saloons, and three blacksmith shops”.
The National Park Service’s nomination form says the Church of the Nativity, built in 1872, “represents the earliest extant wooden Catholic church on the San Francisco Peninsula” and “served as Menlo Park’s first school”.
The City’s adopted element says Menlo Park became the second incorporated city in San Mateo County on March 23, 1874, but only for a short time; that first incorporation lasted until 1876.
The City’s adopted element says “In 1917, 27,000 soldiers were stationed at Camp Fremont in Menlo Park.” and that its “first gas and water services, its first paved streets, and an increase in businesses were a direct result of the transient military population.”
The State’s station page says the extension on the northwest “was added to accommodate increased traffic generated by the establishment of Camp Fremont nearby during World War I”.
The City’s profile says Menlo Park was founded in 1927 as a general law city and operates under the council-manager form of government.
The Allied Arts Guild’s About page says “Since 1929, Allied Arts Guild has been a peninsula landmark.” The Guild is run by the Allied Arts Guild Auxiliary, whose mission is “to raise funds to support uncompensated care at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford”.
The City’s adopted element says Dibble General Hospital was built between 1943 and 1946 “to care for the thousands of soldiers injured in the South Pacific in World War II”, and that in the 1950s the hospital campus became the site of the Menlo Park Civic Center, a research institute and the United States Geological Survey.
The City’s Sister City page says the bond with Galway goes back over 150 years, to “two Galway men” who bought a ranch they called Menlo Park.
The City says a reproduction of the historic Menlo Park gates was rebuilt in 2019 near the library, facing the intersection of Ravenswood Avenue and Alma Street, and that its dedication was on March 17 “to celebrate Menlo Park’s Irish roots”.
Menlo Park, roof and gutters
Menlo Park runs from the Bay marshes in the east to the hills in the west. The City’s Safety Element says it stretches from 326 feet above sea level in the foothills of Jasper Ridge, which it places outside the City limits, down to the Bay. It says “The City’s center is relatively flat, with slopes of approximately 0.5 to 0.8 percent.” and “The higher, hilly portion of the City is west of the street Alameda de las Pulgas.” It says San Francisquito Creek “defines the southern border of Menlo Park for roughly three miles”.
According to NOAA’s 1991-2020 normals, yearly rain is about 17 inches, the mean of the two weather stations nearest the City’s address: 15.12 inches at the Palo Alto station, about 2.1 miles away, and 19.02 inches at the Redwood City station, about 3.7 miles away, a mean of 17.07 inches. By our own calculation from the same monthly normals, about 85 percent of a year’s rain falls from November through March (85.1 percent at the Palo Alto station and 85.5 percent at the Redwood City station), and June to August together bring 0.13 and 0.20 inch. The City’s Safety Element says: “The City receives approximately 15.5 inches of rain annually, primarily experienced from the five-month stretch between November and April.” It names no station or period.
The Safety Element names valley oak and coast live oak among the trees of the foothill grasslands, and lists redwoods, valley oaks and coast live oaks among the trees along San Francisquito Creek. The Forest Service says coast live oak sheds its old leaves while the new ones come in, February to April, and that valley oak’s leaves fall in November; the University of California says coast redwood sheds needles several years old in late summer and early fall, a natural process.
We have been working on Bay Area roofs and gutters since 2002. If yours hasn’t had a look in a while, we’d be glad to come by.
Landmarks and parks
Menlo Park Railroad Station
California State Landmark No. 955, registered February 28, 1983, the State’s page says.
Church of the Nativity
Carried on the State’s list of historical resources for San Mateo County under Menlo Park, dated May 19, 1971.
Barron-Latham-Hopkins Gate Lodge
Carried on the State’s list of historical resources for San Mateo County under Menlo Park, dated August 28, 1986.
Portolá Journey’s End
Carried on the State’s list of historical resources for San Mateo County under Menlo Park as number 2, dated June 1, 1932.
Allied Arts Guild
Home to “unique shops, artists’ studios, and Café Wisteria”, the Guild’s About page says.
Bedwell Bayfront Park
“Bedwell Bayfront Park is a 160-acre nature park that is surrounded on three sides by the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.”
Burgess Park
The City’s parks page says the park at the Civic Center campus offers “an idyllic duck pond, playground, soccer fields, baseball fields, picnic areas, and access to restrooms”.
Fremont Park
The City’s parks page says the park, “Conveniently located in downtown Menlo Park”, has picnic benches “shaded by the well-established heritage trees at Fremont Park”.
Sharon Hills Park
The City’s parks page says it is the spot “where grazing goats come to snack (and incidentally perform pesticide-free weed and fire-fuel abatement)”.
How we can help in Menlo Park
Why Sunshine Gutters and Roofing
- Family-owned since 2002, trusted by thousands of returning Bay Area homeowners
- Licensed (CSLB #1053780), bonded, with $2 million in general liability coverage
- Our own crew, never subcontractors
- We keep track of local regulations, fire safety rules and insurance programs
- We show you what we found, with photos, so you decide what happens next
The year in Menlo Park
| January | Wettest stretch: December, January and February are the wettest months at both stations |
|---|---|
| February | Coast live oaks shed their old leaves while the new ones come in, February to April, the Forest Service says |
| June | The dry months begin: June to August bring very little rain at either station |
| September | Coast redwoods shed needles several years old in late summer and early fall, the University of California says |
| November | The wet months begin: November through March brings most of the year’s rain at the two weather stations nearest the City Valley oak leaves fall in November, the Forest Service says |
| December | The Allied Arts Guild Auxiliary Christmas Market, December 5-6, 2026 |
Menlo Park questions
What Menlo Park homeowners ask us
Does roof replacement require a permit in Menlo Park?
The City’s Building FAQ says: “Residential work needs to be permitted unless the scope of work is outlined in Menlo Park Ordinance 12.08.010.” If you wish, we can also pull the permit for you, as most of our customers ask us to.
What hours can roofing and other construction work be done in Menlo Park?
The City’s Building FAQ says: “As long as the noise ordinance is met the City of Menlo Park does not put limits on hours of construction activities.” The City’s posted noise notice gives 60 dBA at a residential property line between 7 AM and 10 PM, exempts construction noise from that limit from 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday, and caps noise from powered equipment in those hours at 85 dBA measured 50 feet from the source.
Who can pull a building permit in Menlo Park?
The City’s Building FAQ says: “A building permit can be pulled by the owner/builder or licensed contractor.” The City’s Fees page says “Building plan check fees are required to be paid at permit application and all remaining fees are required to be paid prior to permit issuance.”
Where can I get sandbags in Menlo Park?
The City’s Sandbags page says the year-round sites are Menlo Park Fire Station No. 77, 1467 Chilco St., and the Burgess Park parking lot at Alma Street and Burgess Drive. It says “Bring a shovel and be ready to fill your own bags.” Questions about pickup locations or supplies go to Public Works at 650-330-6740.
What our customers say
Get a free estimate
We usually respond promptly within the day. Phone first for emergencies: (510) 525-0880.
Where we work
Menlo Park neighbourhoods we serve
Downtown
The City lists Downtown among its twelve neighborhood areas, and its plan page uses “Downtown/Station Area”.
Sharon Heights
The City lists Sharon Heights among its twelve neighborhood areas, and its water page says the City utility serves “the Sharon Heights area”.
Belle Haven
The City lists Belle Haven among its twelve neighborhood areas, and its ConnectMenlo page carries a map titled “Belle Haven neighborhood”.
Felton Gables
The City lists Felton Gables among its twelve neighborhood areas.
Linfield Oaks
The City lists Linfield Oaks among its twelve neighborhood areas.
The Willows
The City lists The Willows among its twelve neighborhood areas, and its water page mentions “a small section of the willows neighborhood of Menlo Park” served by a small water company.
Vintage Oaks
The City lists Vintage Oaks among its twelve neighborhood areas, in one area label with South of Seminary, and its parks page puts Seminary Oaks Park “adjacent to the Vintage Oaks neighborhood”.
Suburban Park
The City lists Suburban Park among its twelve neighborhood areas, in one area label with Lorelei Manor.
Lorelei Manor
The City lists Lorelei Manor among its twelve neighborhood areas, in the same area label as Suburban Park.
Park Forest
The City lists Park Forest among its twelve neighborhood areas, in one area label with Spruce and San Antonio.
West Menlo
The City lists West Menlo among its twelve neighborhood areas, and its water page names “the Downtown and West Menlo service areas”. West Menlo Park, next door, is outside the city limits.
Also serving nearby: Palo Alto · Atherton · East Palo Alto · Redwood City · North Fair Oaks · West Menlo Park · Woodside · Portola Valley