Summary cards
Commission staff presented an update on potential amendments to the city’s zoning and subdivision ordinances to comply with Senate Bills 9 and 450, which would affect urban lot splits and two‑unit housing in single‑family zones.
The commission will consider a resolution to approve a use permit revision for the school at 2245 Avy Avenue. The revision expands the summer program enrollment age to include three‑ and four‑year‑olds, raises the maximum year‑round staff from 68 to 73, and reduces board meetings from 12 to 6 per year.
Members of the public may submit written comments up to one hour before the meeting start time by emailing planning.commission@menlopark.gov and must include the agenda item number they are commenting on.
The commission will consider a resolution to approve a use permit, architectural control permit, major subdivision, and Below‑Market‑Rate (BMR) housing agreement for a project that demolishes an office building and builds five three‑story residential buildings with six units at 624 University Drive. Two units will be set aside as BMR housing for very low‑ and low‑income households.
The assessment notes that data were collected from ground observations only, without soil testing, and explains how the findings will guide design decisions and permitting.
The report explains that critical root zone (CRZ) measurements are estimates and that preservation decisions depend on the percentage of the protected CRZ impacted.
A tree inventory was conducted by Davey Resource Group for the property at 351 McKendry Ave. The report includes root zone calculations and condition assessments of 11 trees, identifying heritage trees and recommending removal of nine trees.
The evaluation was based on ground observations only; no soil or tissue testing was performed.
A public hearing will consider retaining non-heritage trees that are in fair condition on the project site.
A public hearing will review detailed unit cost ($57.00/in²) and depreciation calculations for trees.
A public hearing will present a cost estimate for trees at 351 McKendry Avenue, including unit cost per square inch.
A public hearing will consider removal of poor‑condition non‑heritage Cypress (Callitris columellaris) trees on the project site.
A public hearing will consider removal of poor‑condition non‑heritage Privet (Ligustrum lucidum) trees on the project site.
A public hearing will review a survey that recommends retaining six trees whose condition warrants long‑term preservation.
A public hearing will discuss removal of a non‑heritage Privet Ligustrum tree on site.
The survey recommends retaining 6 trees whose condition warrants long‑term preservation.
Arborist monitoring is required whenever work occurs within the drip line of retained trees.
Critical root zone (CRZ) measurements are estimates and may not reflect actual field dimensions.
The calculation shows a unit cost of $57.00/in², a basic cost of $10,067.63, and depreciation factors of 40% external, 70% functional, and 40% condition.
A public hearing will discuss removal of a non‑heritage Cypress Callitris tree on site.
Arborist monitoring is required during construction within drip lines of significant trees.
The tree evaluation was based on ground observations without soil or tissue testing.
Davey Resource Group conducted a tree inventory for 351 McKendry Ave.
Critical root zone (CRZ) measurements are estimates and may not reflect actual dimensions.
The agenda includes a public hearing to remove a poor non-heritage Cypress tree on site.
The agenda item lists tree diameter limitations and associated cost calculations.
The agenda item provides a cost estimate of $180.00 for a tree at 351 McKendry Ave, with a unit cost of $57.00 per square inch.
The agenda item details a unit cost of $57.00 per square inch, a basic cost of $10,067.63, and various depreciation percentages for a tree removal project.
Arborist monitoring is required whenever work occurs within the drip line of retained trees.
Evaluations were based on ground observations only; no soil or tissue testing was performed.
Critical root zone (CRZ) measurements are estimates and may not reflect actual field dimensions.
The agenda includes a public hearing to remove a poor non-heritage Privet tree on site.
Eleven trees were assessed, covering eight different species.
The survey reports six trees should be retained for long-term preservation.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the gallons‑per‑minute specification for the remodel.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the GPM (gallons per minute) specification for the remodel.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the dual‑flush toilet requirement (CALGREEN 4.303.1.1) for the remodel.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the shower flow design requirement for the remodel.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the mechanical venting notes for the remodel.
Report analyzes how construction will affect tree roots and recommends removal of three cypress trees.
The agenda item presents architectural sections and insulation specifications for the remodel.
The project proposes a remodel and addition to the house at 503 O'Keefe Street.
A tree survey conducted on August 18, 2025 lists condition, size, and health of trees on the property.
A discussion item listed the construction type and the number of stories for a project.
Heather Young Architects thanks the public for reviewing the remodel proposal and invites questions.
An outreach letter was hand‑delivered to immediate neighbors describing the remodel project.
Neighbor Brian Gilmer wrote to the Planning Commission supporting the remodel, stating no impact on his property line.
An email from Heather Young to a personal address is listed as part of the agenda item.
The design uses a transitional style with vertical siding and dark‑grey metal‑clad windows.
A public hearing was scheduled to discuss fair/good non-heritage retention on-site.
Arborist monitoring will be required whenever work occurs within the drip line of significant trees.
A resolution was presented that summarizes the public hearing and its findings.
A trunk protection measure is included in the project documents.
Critical root zones (CRZ) and structural root zones (SRZ) were estimated for each tree.
A map showing the project location was drawn by Matthew Ball and checked by Tom Smith.
The site plan shows utility locations, setbacks, and fencing for the remodel.
Present south elevation drawings with dimensions, roof slopes, and utility locations.
The project includes proposed front‑facade and rear‑facade designs.
The city requires protection measures for heritage and city-owned trees near construction.
The ground‑floor plan for the remodel is presented.
The project uses a crawl‑space with wood‑frame Type V‑B construction.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the vent quantity calculation (16 vents required) for the remodel.
The public hearing will review building coverage calculations for the remodel at 503 O’Keefe Street.
Consider and adopt a resolution to approve a use permit for first‑floor additions and interior and exterior renovations to an existing nonconforming single‑story, single‑family residence in the R‑1‑U zoning district at 503 O’Keefe Street.
The public hearing will examine non‑conforming structure areas in the remodel plan for 503 O’Keefe Street.
Consider and adopt a resolution to approve a use permit to demolish an existing single‑story, single‑family residence and construct a new two‑story, single‑family residence on a substandard lot at 351 McKendry Drive in the R‑1‑U zoning district.
An arborist report was included with the Okeefe Street residential remodel permit.
The item outlines required 6‑foot chain‑link fencing and signage to protect tree root zones during construction.
Architect Heather Young submitted a residential remodel/addition permit for 503 Okeefe Street.
Provides contact information for construction staking, scheduling, or quotations.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the requirement for a minimum of 100 CFM continuous ventilation verified by a HERS rater.
Review thermal emittance values for the project.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the vent size requirement (5" x 17") for the remodel.
Coordinate with other trades and provide submittals for review.
Provide typical plumbing notes and mechanical notes for review.
Specify locations and heights for project elements.
Present color choice of Solaris Silver Birch for exterior finishes.
The item requires a minimum opening of 100 square inches for make-up air in the laundry room.
Provide summary inventory, condition ratings, and protection measures for trees on the project site.
A tree survey documented six trees recommended for long‑term preservation on the site.
Present west elevation drawings with dimensions, roof slopes, and utility locations.
Consider and adopt a resolution to approve a use permit, architectural control permit, major subdivision, and Below Market Rate (BMR) Housing Agreement to demolish an existing office building and construct five new three‑story residential buildings with six dwelling units on a substandard lot at 624 University Dr. in the R‑3 zoning district.
Staff reviewed the property owner’s compliance with the Development Agreement for the Middle Plaza at 500 El Camino Real for the period April 2025 to March 2026.
What's happening
Why it matters
Ensuring the developer follows the agreement helps protect community interests and project timelines.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the Planning Commission meeting on June 22, 2026.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The Planning Commission approved the annual review of the Development Agreement for 500 El Camino Real, determining that the property owner demonstrated good‑faith compliance for the period April 2025 to March 2026.
Decided Jun 22, 2026.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the residential remodel site plan at 503 Okeefe Street.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on required tree preservation measures for the remodel.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the utilities plan for the residential remodel at 503 Okeefe Street.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on tree protection guidelines for the remodel.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the crawl space demolition for the residential remodel at 503 Okeefe Street.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the floor plan demolition for the residential remodel at 503 Okeefe Street.
A title sheet for the True North Project was presented, showing building sections, elevations, and tree protection specifications.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the roof plan for the residential remodel at 503 Okeefe Street.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the arborist report and tree protection plan for the remodel at 351 McKendry Dr.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the gallons‑per‑minute specification at 60 PSI for the remodel.
