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Title 16

Chapter 16.76 — PUBLIC UTILITIES

Menlo Park Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-06 · Menlo Park

§ 16.76.010. Utility transmission—Distribution facilities.

Subject to obtaining a use permit, utility transmission facilities shall be allowed in all districts, without limitation as to height except as determined by the use permit.

Utility distribution facilities, including but not limited to electric, communications and cable television, shall be allowed in all districts, without limitation as to height; provided, however, that such facilities located in an established underground district or underground subdivision shall be placed underground, except equipment appurtenant to underground facilities such as surface mounted transformers, pedestal mounted terminal boxes and meter cabinets, and concealed ducts.

(Prior code § 30.509(A))

§ 16.76.020. New, remodeled or existing structures—Service connections to be…

Electric and communication service connections supplying service to any new structure, remodeled structure where the main service is changed, or existing structure where use permit is required, shall be placed underground. The owner of such structure shall be responsible for compliance with this requirement and shall submit evidence that necessary arrangements have been made with the public utility companies prior to obtaining a use permit or building permit.

Where compliance with this section would cause undue hardship, the planning commission may, upon application of the owner, permit other arrangements for electric or communication service; provided that facilities for future underground service are installed in the building.

The provisions of this section shall not be applicable to M-2 uses, single family dwellings or duplexes not located in an underground district or subdivision. (Prior code § 30.509(B))

§ 16.76.030. Location of substations, pumping stations and similar facilities.

Public utility substations, pumping stations, equipment buildings and similar facilities may be located in any district, subject to obtaining a use permit, which shall be approved if it is found that the facility is necessary and designed in a manner compatible with the neighborhood wherein it is proposed to be located.

(Prior code § 30.509(C))

§ 16.76.040. Railroad-owned land—Use permit required for use or development.

Any land owned by a railroad company, which land is adjacent to a railroad right-of-way, together with any portion of such right-of-way not occupied by tracks, shall not be used or developed in any manner without first obtaining a use permit therefor. (Prior code § 30.509(D))

§ 16.76.050. Parking near train stops.

Adequate land area in the vicinity of any regularly scheduled train stop shall be reserved for the parking of vehicles driven by train passengers. Such land shall be reserved without charge or fee

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City of Menlo Park, CA

MENLO PARK CODE

§ 16.76.050

§ 16.76.060

for such parking except as fees or charge may be required by the Public Utility Commission of the state.

(Prior code § 30509(E))

§ 16.76.060. Utility meters.

Public utility meters, in all districts shall be placed within a building or screened from view from any public area or adjacent buildings.

(Prior code § 30.516)

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City of Menlo Park, CA

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Contents — Menlo Park Zoning Code
Menlo Park Zoning Code
  1. Title 16
    Overview
    1. Chapter 16.20 — R-3 APARTMENT DISTRICT
    2. Chapter 16.22 — R-4 HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
    3. Chapter 16.28 — R-L-U RETIREMENT LIVING UNITS DISTRICT
    4. Chapter 16.37 — C-2-S NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICT, SPECIAL
    5. Chapter 16.44 — LS LIFE SCIENCES DISTRICT
    6. Chapter 16.02 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
    7. Chapter 16.04 — DEFINITIONS
    8. Chapter 16.06 — ENFORCEMENT
    9. Chapter 16.08 — DISTRICTS ESTABLISHED—GENERAL REGULATIONS
    10. Chapter 16.10 — R-E RESIDENTIAL ESTATE DISTRICT
    11. Chapter 16.12 — R-E-S RESIDENTIAL ESTATE SUBURBAN DISTRICT
    12. Chapter 16.14 — R-1-S SINGLE-FAMILY SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL DISTR…
    13. Chapter 16.15 — R-1-S (FG) SINGLE-FAMILY SUBURBAN RESIDENTIAL …
    14. Chapter 16.16 — R-1-U SINGLE FAMILY URBAN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
    15. Chapter 16.17 — R-1-U (LM) SINGLE FAMILY URBAN RESIDENTIAL DIS…
    16. Chapter 16.18 — R-2 LOW DENSITY APARTMENT DISTRICT
    17. Chapter 16.20 — R-3 APARTMENT DISTRICT
    18. Chapter 16.22 — R-4 HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
    19. Chapter 16.23
    20. Chapter 16.24 — R-3-A GARDEN APARTMENT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
    21. Chapter 16.26 — R-3-C APARTMENT—OFFICE DISTRICT
    22. Chapter 16.28 — R-L-U RETIREMENT LIVING UNITS DISTRICT
    23. Chapter 16.30
    24. Chapter 16.35
    25. Chapter 16.36 — C-1-C ADMINISTRATIVE, PROFESSIONAL AND RESEARC…
    26. Chapter 16.37
    27. Chapter 16.38 — C-2 NEIGHBORHOOD SHOPPING DISTRICT
    28. Chapter 16.40 — C-MU NEIGHBORHOOD MIXED USE DISTRICT
    29. Chapter 16.43 — O OFFICE DISTRICT
    30. Chapter 16.44 — LS LIFE SCIENCES DISTRICT
    31. Chapter 16.45 — R-MU RESIDENTIAL MIXED USE DISTRICT
    32. Chapter 16.46 — M-2 GENERAL INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
    33. Chapter 16.47 — M-3 COMMERCIAL BUSINESS PARK
    34. Chapter 16.48 — OSC OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION DISTRICT
    35. Chapter 16.49 — P-F PUBLIC FACILITIES DISTRICT
    36. Chapter 16.50 — FP FLOOD PLAIN DISTRICT
    37. Chapter 16.52 — P PARKING DISTRICT
    38. Chapter 16.54 — H HISTORIC SITE DISTRICT
    39. Chapter 16.55 — AAGP ALLIED ARTS GUILD PRESERVATION DISTRICT
    40. Chapter 16.56 — X CONDITIONAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
    41. Chapter 16.58 — SP-ECR/D EL CAMINO REAL/DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN
    42. Chapter 16.59 — LOTS
    43. Chapter 16.60 — ENCROACHMENTS AND BALCONIES
    44. Chapter 16.64 — FENCES, WALLS, TREES AND HEDGES[6 ]
    45. Chapter 16.65 — SOLAR ACCESS
    46. Chapter 16.66 — STREET IMPROVEMENTS AND DEDICATIONS
    47. Chapter 16.67 — DAYLIGHT PLANES[7 ]
    48. Chapter 16.68 — BUILDINGS
    49. Chapter 16.70 — SWIMMING POOLS
    50. Chapter 16.72 — OFF-STREET PARKING
    51. Chapter 16.74 — PARKING LOTS
    52. Chapter 16.76 — PUBLIC UTILITIES
    53. Chapter 16.77 — TWO (2) UNIT HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS
    54. Chapter 16.79 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS[9 ]
    55. Chapter 16.80 — NONCONFORMING USES AND BUILDINGS
    56. Chapter 16.82 — PERMITS
    57. Chapter 16.83 — REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
    58. Chapter 16.84 — PUBLIC HEARINGS
    59. Chapter 16.85 — NOTICES FOR SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPM…
    60. Chapter 16.86 — APPEALS
    61. Chapter 16.88 — AMENDMENTS
    62. Chapter 16.90 — MAP—BOUNDARIES
    63. Chapter 16.92 — SIGNS—OUTDOOR ADVERTISING
    64. Chapter 16.93 — ANTENNAE
    65. Chapter 16.95 — RESIDENTIAL OVERLAY
    66. Chapter 16.96 — BELOW MARKET RATE HOUSING PROGRAM
    67. Chapter 16.97 — STATE DENSITY BONUS LAW
    68. Chapter 16.98 — AFFORDABLE HOUSING OVERLAY
    69. Chapter 16.99 — EMERGENCY SHELTER FOR THE HOMELESS OVERLAY

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