New buildings, local businesses, economic development, permits, and major projects.
The City Council is asked to support the urban canopy and adopt a new Urban Forestry Management Plan in the budget.
The commission will consider a grant from BayREN to fund electrification at the Belle Haven Child Development Center. The staff recommends moving forward with the funding agreement.
The council will approve a construction contract with SCC Electric, Inc. to electrify the Belle Haven Child Development Center and appropriate funds from the General Capital fund.
The agenda includes a location map for the Pierce Road project.
Staff recommends the Planning Commission adopt a resolution stating Presidio Bay Ventures complied with the Springline Development Agreement for April 2025‑March 2026.
Specifies property insurance covering all risks, including earthquake and flood, for 100% of the replacement value.
Owner must obtain and maintain the listed insurance policies throughout the affordability period.
Planning Commission approves 12 waivers from development standards for a multifamily housing project.
Principal Planner Sandmeier reported that the City Council will consider Specific Plan updates.
Staff recommends the Planning Commission adopt a resolution confirming Presidio Bay Ventures complied with the Springline Development Agreement.
Commission will approve a use permit, architectural control permit, major subdivision, and below‑market‑rate housing agreement to replace four existing units with five new three‑story buildings, providing six units including two affordable units.
The resolution would modify land uses in the Main Street Overlay, allowing uses such as animal clinics, banks, and business services under new conditions.
The council will consider a resolution to modify land uses within the Main Street Overlay, allowing certain uses and granting up to two‑thirds of the public‑benefit bonus floor‑area ratio for office space in existing buildings.
Council will consider a resolution to change land‑use rules in the Main Street Overlay, allowing existing buildings extra office floor‑area ratio under specific conditions.
The council held a public hearing and adopted a resolution to modify land‑use rules in the Downtown/Station Area “Main Street” Overlay, allowing certain office uses and changing four use classifications.
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.
Provides contact information for construction staking, scheduling, or quotations.
Eleven trees were assessed, covering eight different species.
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.
Arborist monitoring is required whenever work occurs within the drip line of retained trees.
Davey Resource Group conducted a tree inventory for 351 McKendry Ave.
Arborist monitoring is required during construction within drip lines of significant trees.
Critical root zone (CRZ) measurements are estimates and may not reflect actual dimensions.
The evaluation was based on ground observations only; no soil or tissue testing was performed.
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 council will consider and adopt a resolution approving a tentative subdivision map that creates 50 condominium parcels and one common‑area parcel at 68 Willow Rd in the C‑1 zoning district.
Council will consider and adopt a resolution to approve a vesting tentative subdivision map that splits the property at 68 Willow Rd into 50 condominium parcels and one common area parcel in the C‑1 zoning district.
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.
Public hearing on Good non‑heritage retention on‑site.
Public hearing on Good non‑heritage retention on‑site.
Public hearing on Good non‑heritage retention on‑site.
Public hearing on Good non‑heritage removal on‑site.
Staff recommends the commission review potential changes to Chapters 15.31 and 16.77 to align with Senate Bills 9 and 450.
The applicant seeks to increase building height and floor area ratio (FAR) under the bonus level development allowance.
Commission will review the property owner’s compliance with the Development Agreement for the Middle Plaza project at 500 El Camino Real for the period April 2025 to March 2026.
What's happening
Why it matters
Ensures the developer is meeting agreed‑upon obligations, which can affect future development and community benefits.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the meeting in person or via Zoom.
Email: planning.commission@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: No specific comment deadline listed.
Decision update
The item “Review Stanford University development agreement compliance at 500 El Camino Real” was approved.
Decided Jun 8, 2026.
Developer agrees to construct the project in accordance with the Municipal Code and all applicable laws.
Developer must maintain the specified insurance policies throughout the affordability period.
The commission is reviewing the cost recovery clause that requires the developer to pay the city for legal and review expenses.
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 council will receive presentations on downtown development proposals for Parking Plazas 1, 2, and 3.
Council adopted a resolution allowing the city manager to sign an agreement with Bigbreak LLC (DBA Chefables) up to $155,000 to provide food services at the Belle Haven Child Development Center for FY 2026‑27.
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 item “Amend specific plan for 870 Santa Cruz Avenue” was outcome recorded (5–0).
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 to adopt a resolution approving the architectural‑control permit revision and sign review for 1215 El Camino Real. This action was recorded but does not constitute final approval of the permit.
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 item “Review 2025 development‑agreement compliance for Peninsula Innovation Partners” was outcome recorded (5–0).
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 adopted a resolution determining good‑faith compliance for the 2025 development‑agreement review for Meta Platforms, and this action was approved.
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.
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 Planning Commission held a public hearing on proposed zoning ordinance and map amendments that would temporarily exempt certain downtown sites from SB 79 and determined the ordinance would be exempt from CEQA. The commission did not adopt the amendments, leaving the final decision to the City Council.
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 City Council voted 5‑1 to direct staff to study the effects of SB 79 on the city at a future date.
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.
City Council will introduce and waive the first reading of an ordinance that adds Chapter 5.80 (Massage Businesses) to the Municipal Code.
What's happening
Why it matters
The ordinance sets licensing and safety rules for massage businesses, affecting operators and customers.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the City Council meeting in person or via Zoom.
Email: city.council@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: Submit a written comment online up to one hour before the meeting start time.
Decision update
The item “Ordinance adding Chapter 5.80 for Massage Businesses” passed unanimously (Unanimous).
Decided Apr 14, 2026.
Commission reviewed a request to replace exterior materials, remove a roof tower, reconfigure storefronts, and add illuminated signs at 1215 El Camino Real.
Commission will consider recommending to the City Council an amendment to increase the maximum height of Buildings 12 and 14 to 62 feet and approve major exterior modifications at the Meta East Campus.
The Commission reviewed a request to change exterior materials, remove a roof tower, reconfigure storefronts, and add two illuminated signs at 1215 El Camino Real. Staff found no updates; the Commission chose to continue the item for a revised proposal.
Staff presented an overview of the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the 1005 O’Brien Drive and 1320 Willow Road development. Commissioners were asked to review the report and share any comments, but no formal action was taken.
Staff recommends the Council continue the stipend program that pays up to $200 per month to each Planning Commissioner. The program costs $16,800 for fiscal year 2026‑27.
What's happening
Why it matters
Stipends help compensate commissioners for their time, supporting the planning process that affects land use and development.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend in person at City Council Chambers or via Zoom.
Email: city.council@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: Submit written comment to city.council@menlopark.gov up to one hour before meeting.
Decision update
The item “Review and continue Planning Commission stipend program” was approved.
Decided Feb 24, 2026.
Council will receive direction on a lease agreement for the city-owned property at 555 Ravenswood Avenue and discuss a framework for a longer‑term lease.
What's happening
Why it matters
Leasing the property could generate revenue for the city and affect future land use in the area.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend in person at City Council Chambers or via Zoom as listed.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The item “Lease direction for city property at 555 Ravenswood Ave” was direction provided.
Decided Feb 24, 2026.
Staff will update the council on responses to the request for proposals to develop Parking Plazas 1, 2, and 3, including plans for affordable housing and continued public parking.
Council will authorize the city manager to contract MIG, Inc. to prepare the environmental review for the proposed Menlo Park Fire Protection District Headquarters at 300 Middlefield Rd. and a temporary fire station at 114 Santa Margarita Ave., for $193,618 and future augmentations.
What's happening
Why it matters
The review is required before building the new fire headquarters, impacting public safety and local development.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the meeting in person or via Zoom.
Email: city.council@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The City Council voted unanimously to approve the consent calendar, thereby authorizing the city manager to enter into a contract with MIG, Inc. to conduct the environmental review for the proposed Menlo Park Fire Protection District headquarters and temporary fire station.
Decided Feb 10, 2026.
Staff will provide an update on the request for proposals for development on Parking Plazas 1, 2, and 3, and share a tentative project schedule.
The City Council will receive the annual report summarizing fees collected for transportation, storm drainage, construction, water capacity, recreation, and housing in‑lie fees as of June 30, 2025. The report shows revenue amounts and how fees are used for public improvements.
What's happening
Why it matters
Shows how fee revenues fund infrastructure and affordable housing, affecting taxpayers and developers.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the meeting to hear the report.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The City Council voted 4‑0‑1 to approve the consent calendar that includes the annual report on development impact and in‑lie fees collected through June 30 2025, finalizing its adoption.
Decided Jan 13, 2026.
Council members will discuss a possible waiver of development fees for the annexation of the West Menlo Triangle area.
What's happening
Why it matters
A fee waiver could reduce costs for developers and impact the city’s revenue for infrastructure.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the meeting to hear the discussion.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The item “Consider fee waiver for West Menlo Triangle annexation” passed (3–1–1).
Decided Jan 13, 2026.
The applicant withdrew the request to change the use of the property from retail to office.
What's happening
Why it matters
If approved, the change could affect parking requirements and neighborhood character.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Not listed in the source document.
Email: Not listed in the source document.
Submit comment: Not listed in the source document.
Decision update
The item “Withdrawn use permit for 108 Gilbert Ave (retail to office)” was approved.
Decided Jan 12, 2026.
