Housing CommissionMenlo Park
Seller Notification and Pricing Process for BMR Units
When the seller notifies the City and the unit is deemed in good repair, the City sets the price for the BMR unit.
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When the seller notifies the City and the unit is deemed in good repair, the City sets the price for the BMR unit.
All household members must live together as their primary residence at the time of application.
The City or its designee obtains an appraisal to determine the market value of the unit.
Applicants must not have owned a home as a primary residence within the last three years.
The commission is reviewing price guidelines for on‑site BMR units and the bonus‑unit allowance.
The commission is reviewing the indemnification clause that requires the developer to defend and hold the city harmless.
Households with gross incomes at or below the Low Income level for San Mateo County can occupy Below Market Rate (BMR) rental units.
The City Council will set a rental in‑lieu fee tied to the cost of building a standard one‑bedroom unit.
BMR owners can refinance their debt but must contact the City's BMR program provider first.
The developer must comply with state labor standards, zoning, building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical codes, and the ADA.
BMR units must use design and materials comparable to other new units in the development.
The City sets the sales price based on original price, depreciation, and a portion of the Bay Area cost‑of‑living increase, using the lower of appraised value or computed price.
The City hires a realtor to manage the sale of the BMR unit.
Households must have gross income at or below 120% of the San Mateo County AMI, adjusted for household size.
City staff reported on activity, deposits, disbursements, and available funds for the BMR Housing Fund.
The presentation defines “Transfer” to include sales, assignments, or loans on BMR units.
The Housing Commission may create an ad hoc subcommittee to advise the full commission.
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Decision update
The Housing Commission approved the creation of two ad‑hoc subcommittees—Housing Development and Anti‑displacement—adopted their purpose statements, and appointed Commissioners Beeli, Chapa, Oursler to the Housing Development subcommittee and Commissioners Dumont and Chapa to the Anti‑displacement subcommittee.
Decided Jun 3, 2026.
The developer must obtain all city and other governmental permits before construction begins.
The developer proposes two BMR units: one low‑income and one very low‑income.
BMR units must match market‑rate units in size and square footage.
The commission is reviewing rules for providing BMR units at locations other than the main development.
Performance delays caused by war, strikes, riots, flood or similar events are not considered a default.
Developer must follow recordkeeping and monitoring guidelines set by the City.
The party that wins a lawsuit can recover its costs and reasonable attorney fees from the other party.