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New buildings, local businesses, economic development, permits, and major projects.
The commission is reviewing the approval clause that requires written consent and may be given by the City Manager.
The commission is reviewing the insurance clause that sets coverage requirements until the unit is transferred.
Developers must notify the City when a BMR unit is ready for sale and occupancy.
The commission considered a set of specific‑plan amendments that would modify allowed uses (e.g., animal clinics, banks, business services) and increase office floor‑area bonuses in the Main Street Overlay.
What's happening
Why it matters
These changes could reshape the mix of businesses and services along Santa Cruz Avenue and affect future development opportunities.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend in person or via Zoom (ID# 846 9472 6242).
Email: planning.commission@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: Written comments accepted up to 1 hour before the meeting start time.
Decision update
The Planning Commission voted to recommend that the City Council adopt the specific‑plan amendments for 870 Santa Cruz Avenue, including changes to permitted uses and bonus floor‑area allowances.
Decided May 18, 2026.
The commission examined a proposal to replace exterior materials, remove a roof tower, reconfigure storefronts, and add two illuminated signs on the building façade.
What's happening
Why it matters
Changes would modernize the building’s appearance and could affect street‑level activity and visual character of the downtown area.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend in person or via Zoom (ID# 846 9472 6242).
Email: planning.commission@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: Written comments accepted up to 1 hour before the meeting start time.
Decision update
The Planning Commission voted 5‑0 to adopt a resolution approving the architectural‑control permit revision for 1215 El Camino Real as submitted.
Decided May 18, 2026.
The commission considered whether Peninsula Innovation Partners complied with the terms of its Willow Village mixed‑use master‑plan development agreement for 2025.
What's happening
Why it matters
Compliance results influence the city’s ability to enforce agreement terms and guide future mixed‑use development in the area.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend in person or via Zoom (ID# 846 9472 6242).
Email: planning.commission@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: Written comments accepted up to 1 hour before the meeting start time.
Decision update
The Planning Commission voted 5‑0 to adopt a resolution determining that Peninsula Innovation Partners was in good‑faith compliance with the terms of its development agreement for the 2025 annual review period.
Decided May 18, 2026.
The commission evaluated whether Meta demonstrated good‑faith compliance with its development agreements for several campus projects during the 2025 calendar year.
What's happening
Why it matters
A positive compliance finding can affect future city‑Meta collaborations and ensure agreed‑upon improvements are completed.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend in person or via Zoom (ID# 846 9472 6242).
Email: planning.commission@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: Written comments accepted up to 1 hour before the meeting start time.
Decision update
The Planning Commission approved a resolution determining that Meta Platforms (Peninsula Innovation Partners) was in good‑faith compliance with its development agreement for the 2025 Willow Village review period.
Decided May 18, 2026.
Staff asked the council for direction on developing the 2026‑2031 capital improvement plan, including project priorities and funding options. Input will shape which infrastructure projects move forward.
The city is holding an open house where representatives from three development teams will present their proposals for the downtown parking plazas 1, 2, and 3. The event is scheduled for May 7, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center Sequoia Patio.
Join our open house to meet representatives from the three development teams and learn about their proposals in response to the City's Request for Proposals for Downtown Parking Plazas 1, 2 and 3.
Join the open house to meet representatives from three development teams and learn about their proposals for Downtown Parking Plazas 1, 2, and 3. The event is scheduled for May 7, 2026, 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center Sequoia Patio, 700 Alma St., Menlo Park.
Join the open house to meet representatives from the three development teams and learn about their proposals in response to the City's Request for Proposals for Downtown Parking Plazas 1, 2 and 3.
The city is hosting an open house where representatives from three development teams will present their plans for Downtown Parking Plazas 1, 2, and 3. Attendees can learn about each proposal and ask questions.
Join the open house to meet representatives from three development teams and learn about their proposals for Downtown Parking Plazas 1, 2, and 3. The event is scheduled for 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center Sequoia Patio.
The city is holding an open house where representatives from three development teams will present their proposals for the downtown parking plazas 1, 2, and 3. Residents can learn about the proposals and ask questions.
The city is hosting an open house for residents to meet the three development teams working on proposals for Downtown Parking Plazas 1, 2, and 3. Attendees can learn about each team's plans and ask questions. No official decisions will be made at this event.
The city will approve a professional services agreement with Gallagher Benefit Services for a classification and compensation study, not to exceed $300,000.
The council will adopt a resolution amending the Peninsula Clean Energy Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement to reflect the agency’s new name, WestLight Energy.
The council will consider and adopt a resolution amending the master fee schedule for general administration, administrative services, community development, library and community services, police, public works, and municipal water.
What's happening
Why it matters
Adjusting fees helps the city recover costs of services, reducing reliance on general taxes and ensuring fair charges for users.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend in person at City Council Chambers or via Zoom (ID# 832 1285 7140).
Email: city.council@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: Submit written comment online up to one hour before meeting start time.
Decision update
The item “Amend city master fee schedule for multiple departments” passed (4–0–1).
Decided Apr 28, 2026.
The council will adopt an ordinance adding Chapter 5.80 to the municipal code, which sets rules for massage businesses. The ordinance waives the second reading.
The commission held a public hearing on proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance and map to temporarily exclude certain downtown parcels within 0.25 mile of the Caltrain station from SB 79 requirements. The commission will recommend the changes to the City Council.
What's happening
Why it matters
Exempting these sites could limit the density and height of new housing near transit, affecting neighborhood character and housing supply.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the hearing in person or via Zoom.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The item “Public hearing: Exempt downtown sites from SB 79” was outcome recorded (5–1).
Decided Apr 27, 2026.
Commission staff presented an update on Senate Bill 9 and related zoning and subdivision ordinance changes. The session gathered feedback on possible amendments to align city regulations with state law.
What's happening
Why it matters
Changes could affect how single‑family zones handle lot splits and two‑unit developments, impacting homeowners and new housing projects.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the study session in person or via Zoom.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The item “Study session on SB 9 zoning and subdivision updates” was outcome recorded (6–0).
Decided Apr 27, 2026.
Commission staff presented potential amendments to the city’s rules for lot splits and two‑unit developments to align with SB 9 and SB 450.
The Commission will review the approved 2025‑26 work plan and the status of its active subcommittees, as outlined in Staff Report #26‑004‑FAC.
