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Summary cards
Commission will consider amendments to the zoning ordinance to temporarily exclude sites within one‑quarter mile of the Caltrain station from Senate Bill 79 requirements, and will recommend the changes to the City Council.
Commission will discuss potential amendments to the city’s regulations for urban lot splits and two‑unit housing to comply with Senate Bills 9 and 450, and explore options to streamline review in single‑family zones.
What's happening
Why it matters
Updates could allow more flexible housing options, impacting affordability and development patterns.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the study session in person or via Zoom.
Email: planning.commission@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: No specific comment deadline listed.
Decision update
The Planning Commission voted 7‑0 to adopt a resolution approving the study‑session item on Senate Bill 9 zoning and subdivision amendments. This was a recorded procedural action, not final approval of any ordinance changes.
Decided Jun 8, 2026.
The commission will review Stanford University’s compliance with the Development Agreement for the Middle Plaza at 500 El Camino Real for April 2025‑March 2026.
What's happening
Why it matters
Ensures the developer follows agreed‑upon improvements and public benefits.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: In-person at City Council Chambers or via Zoom (ID# 846 9472 6242)
Email: planning.commission@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: Submit written comment online up to 1 hour before the meeting start time, referencing agenda item H2.
Decision update
The Commission approved a determination that the property owner was demonstrating good‑faith compliance with the Development Agreement for the Middle Plaza at 500 El Camino Real for the period April 2025 through March 2026.
Decided Jun 8, 2026.
The Commission will vote to approve the meeting minutes from the April 27, May 4, and May 18, 2026 Planning Commission meetings.
What's happening
Why it matters
Approving the minutes makes the past discussions and decisions part of the public record.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the meeting in person at City Council Chambers or join via Zoom.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The item “Approve minutes from April, May Planning Commission meetings” was approved.
Decided Jun 8, 2026.
Residents may address the Commission on any topic not on the agenda, with a three‑minute limit per speaker.
Commission will discuss potential amendments to zoning and subdivision rules to align with Senate Bills 9 and 450, which affect lot splits and two‑unit housing.
Written comments can be emailed to planning.commission@menlopark.gov up to one hour before the meeting starts.
The agenda lists upcoming regular meetings on June 22 and July 13, 2026; no action will be taken on the schedule.
Commission will consider a resolution to amend the use permit for an existing school, expanding summer program enrollment ages and increasing staff numbers.
What's happening
Why it matters
Changes affect school program capacity and staffing, impacting families with young children.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the meeting in person or via Zoom to hear the discussion and vote.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The Commission voted 6‑0 (with Commissioner Silin recused) to adopt a resolution approving the use‑permit revision for the school at 2245 Avy Ave.
Decided Jun 8, 2026.
Residents can submit written comments online up to one hour before the meeting starts. Comments must include the agenda item number they relate to.
The Commission will consider a revision to the use permit for the school at 2245 Avy Ave., expanding summer program enrollment to include 3‑ and 4‑year‑old children, increasing staff from 68 to 73, and reducing board meetings from 12 to 6 per year. The action is exempt from CEQA.
The commission will consider a use permit to demolish the existing single‑family house and garage at 763 College Avenue.
What's happening
Why it matters
The project changes the neighborhood’s housing density and could affect traffic, parking, and property values.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: In-person at City Council Chambers or via Zoom (ID# 846 9472 6242)
Email: planning.commission@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: Submit written comment online up to 1 hour before the meeting start time, referencing agenda item F2.
Decision update
The Commission voted 6‑0 (with Commissioner Silin recused) to adopt a resolution approving the use permit for demolition of the existing house and construction of a new two‑story residence with an ADU at 763 College Ave, and found the project exempt under CEQA. The vote is recorded, not a final enactment of broader policy.
Decided Jun 8, 2026.
The commission held a public hearing on amendments related to SB 79 and SB 9, discussing temporary exemptions, density, height, and FAR allowances, and recommended that the City Council let SB 79 take full effect and study its impacts.
Chair Ehrich formally closed the meeting at 11:38 p.m.
The item proposes removing non‑heritage trees on the project site.
The item concerns retaining non‑heritage trees on the project site.
The applicant seeks to increase building height and floor area ratio (FAR) under the bonus level development allowance.
The Commission considered a draft ordinance that would exempt certain sites from SB 79 requirements.
The item concerns retaining non‑heritage trees on the project site.
Staff recommends the commission review potential changes to Chapters 15.31 and 16.77 to align with Senate Bills 9 and 450.
The item addresses covered parking surfaces covering 3.83% of the site.
The item concerns retaining non‑heritage trees on the project site.
Public hearing on Good non‑heritage retention on‑site.
Public hearing on installation of inch‑diameter galvanized posts driven into the ground.
Public hearing on parking surfaces covering 3.83% of the site and tree protection fencing requirements.
Public hearing on Good non‑heritage retention on‑site.
The Planning Commission discussed SB 79 and its impact on housing development.
The proposal seeks to increase building height and floor‑area ratio under the bonus level development allowance.
Public hearing on Good non‑heritage removal on‑site.
Public hearing on Good non‑heritage retention on‑site.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:38 p.m.
Staff recommends the Commission adopt a resolution stating Stanford University complied with the Middle Plaza at 500 El Camino Real Development Agreement from April 2025 through March 2026.
Staff proposes updating Chapters 15.31 and 16.77 to align with Senate Bills 9 and 450.
The agenda lists upcoming Planning Commission meeting dates: June 22 2026 and July 13 2026.
The commission will review a staff report on compliance with Senate Bills 9 and 450 and discuss options to streamline single‑family development review.
What's happening
Why it matters
Understanding these laws helps shape future housing policies and approvals.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: In-person at City Council Chambers or via Zoom (ID# 846 9472 6242)
Email: planning.commission@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: Submit written comment online up to 1 hour before the meeting start time, referencing agenda item G1.
Decision update
The Planning Commission voted 6‑0 to extend the meeting to 11:15 p.m., a procedural extension recorded in the minutes.
Decided Jun 8, 2026.
The commission will approve the court reporter transcript and minutes from the May 4, 2026 Planning Commission meeting.
What's happening
Why it matters
Approving the record ensures the meeting’s decisions are officially documented.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: In-person at City Council Chambers or via Zoom (ID# 846 9472 6242)
Email: planning.commission@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: Submit written comment online up to 1 hour before the meeting start time, referencing agenda item E2.
Decision update
The Commission approved the court reporter transcript and minutes from the May 4, 2026 Planning Commission meeting.
Decided Jun 8, 2026.
