Description
THE COMMUNITY
The City of Menlo Park is a thriving community with tree-lined neighborhoods, active commercial areas, spaces to enjoy the outdoors, and opportunities to engage in local activities. Located conveniently between the major metropolitan areas of San Francisco and San Jose, Menlo Park is home to just under 34,000 residents in its 19 square miles. The stunning natural surroundings of the city afford views of the San Francisco Bay to the east and the Pacific Coastal Range to the west. Menlo Park's climate is moderate to warm, with an average of 265 sunny days a year.
Menlo Park's residents reflect a range of backgrounds and interests, with a tendency toward being actively engaged in community life. The City's close proximity to Stanford University and Menlo College provide a multitude of academic, cultural and athletic event opportunities. The City regularly hosts musical performances and cultural experiences at both the Burgess campus and the newly opened Belle Haven Community Campus. The Downtown, with its many eateries and unique shops, attracts locals and visitors alike. The Menlo Park Caltrain station also provides a convenient connection to the numerous arts and leisure activities in the San Francisco and San Jose areas.
Known worldwide as the "Capital of Venture Capital," Menlo Park hosts many venture capital firms and is well situated to benefit from and help shape new technologies and markets originating from the Silicon Valley. Additionally, Menlo Park is host to numerous technology and healthcare related companies, including such major employers as Meta (formerly Facebook), SRI International, Pacific Biosciences, Exponent, Grail, CSBio, and Robinhood. For additional information, visit the City''s website at: menlopark.gov.
THE ORGANIZATION
Incorporated in 1927, Menlo Park is a General Law city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council is the City's five-member governing body whose members are elected by district for four-year overlapping terms in general municipal elections. The Mayor and Vice Mayor each serve one-year terms and are selected annually by the City Council.
The City Council appoints the City Manager and City Attorney as well as members of the Planning Commission and numerous advisory boards. The City Manager appoints all executive and management level positions. City staff report to one of six departments: City Manager's Office, Administrative Services, Community Development, Library and Community Services, Police, and Public Works, which includes water and solid waste enterprises. Fire protection and sanitary services are provided by separate special districts.
The City is supported by 297 full-time equivalents (FTEs) and a General Fund budget of nearly $90 million for fiscal year 2026-27. As evidence of the City's sound financial stewardship and solid financial standing, Menlo Park consistently maintains an AAA bond rating, in large part due to its healthy reserves and diverse revenue base.
In addition to its many attributes, Menlo Park has one of the most beautiful civic center campuses in the Bay Area. Heritage trees, a running fountain and a duck pond surround City Hall. The campus also includes a nine-acre park, recreation facilities and the Menlo Park Library. These civic amenities make the campus a noted destination for residents, local employees and visitors. Conveniently located, the campus is a short walk to the Menlo Park Caltrain Station and the downtown district with numerous restaurants and shops.
THE DEPARTMENT
The Community Development Department is responsible for ensuring a sustainable and vibrant community that supports a high quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors. It is comprised of 34 FTE who operate as an effective and cohesive team across multiple functional areas and lead a number of City initiatives to support the City Council goals. The Department includes the Building, Planning and Housing Divisions, and core services include building permits, plan check, inspections, affordable housing administration and housing initiatives, as well as long-range planning and development review.
The Building Division, which is the division this position will be responsible for overseeing, includes managing building permit, plan check and inspection processes for compliance with all applicable State laws, local municipal codes and related policies involving building construction. These functions require a high level of customer service with the public and coordination within and across various departments and agencies. For additional budget information, visit menlopark.gov/budget.
THE POSITION
This position serves as the City's Building Official and plans, organizes, manages, and provides administrative direction and oversight for major functions, activities, and staff of the Building Division. The incumbent will assist with department initiatives, including annual budgeting and monitoring and the development and administration of departmental policies, procedures and services, as well as day-to-day operations, including reviewing plans, interpreting applicable code, and meeting with stakeholders to explain processes. Areas of responsibility include building and safety, permit processing and issuance, inspection and compliance with the California Building Standards Code and relevant parts of the City's Municipal Code, and building plan check review.