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Rent, affordable homes, zoning, and decisions that shape where people can live.
Developers may provide off‑site BMR units if approved, and must be ready before project completion while meeting the same income criteria as on‑site units.
Staff reported on May’s Affordable Housing Month.
The maximum sales price is calculated to be affordable for eligible BMR households using income limits, mortgage rates, down payments, and other homeownership costs.
Developer must design and build the project in compliance with all applicable laws, codes, and disability access requirements.
Recommend the Planning Commission approve a below‑market‑rate housing agreement for a 6‑unit development at 624 University Dr.
The City records the agreement at no charge and requires owner consent for any lease or rental, especially short‑term rentals.
The sale procedure follows the same steps outlined in earlier sections, substituting the seller for the developer.
Presentation of the exhibit that details the resale restriction agreement for a low‑income below‑market‑rate home.
After a public hearing, the Planning Commission approved a use permit, architectural control, affordable housing agreement, and concessions for a project under State Density Bonus Law.
The work plan includes pursuing affordable housing on city‑owned downtown parking lots.
Developers must notify the city when a BMR unit passes its final building inspection and is ready for sale.
The presentation explains that a transfer not complying with the conditions is deemed a “Prohibited Transfer.”
Presentation of the insurance requirements exhibit for a very‑low‑income below‑market‑rate home resale restriction.
All household members must not have owned a primary residence in the past three years.
The agreement becomes effective when the developer receives a certificate of occupancy or temporary certificate of occupancy from the City.
The Commission will recommend that the Planning Commission approve a below‑market‑rate housing agreement with Park South 624, LLC.
What's happening
Why it matters
It creates affordable housing units in Menlo Park, helping address the housing shortage and keeping rents lower for residents.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the meeting in person at Arrillaga Recreation Center, Oak Room or join via Zoom (Meeting ID 865 4847 4804).
Email: Email the City Clerk at jaherren@menlopark.gov for comments.
Submit comment: Submit written comments by email to the City Clerk before the meeting.
Decision update
The item “Recommendation for below‑market‑rate 6‑unit housing at 624 University Dr” passed (4–0–3).
Decided Jun 3, 2026.
Developer proposes two BMR units: one low-income and one very low-income.
The presentation states that purchasers must sign a statement agreeing to occupy the BMR unit as their principal residence and not rent it, except as allowed.
The developer must build the project following the City’s Municipal Code and all applicable laws.
A cure of default made by the developer’s limited partner or senior mortgage lender counts as a cure by the developer.
Only households with gross incomes at or below the Low Income level for San Mateo County, adjusted for household size, may occupy BMR rental units.
Applicants must meet income eligibility limits to be placed on the BMR interest list.
The commission is reviewing the legacy list that gives priority to households previously on the ranked BMR purchase waitlist.
The commission is reviewing the governing law clause of the housing agreement.
