Title 16

Chapter 16.76 — PUBLIC UTILITIES

Menlo Park Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 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