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Rent, affordable homes, zoning, and decisions that shape where people can live.
The Planning Commission reviewed a project for a use permit, architectural control permit, and Below Market Rate (BMR) housing agreement.
Planning Commission approves 12 waivers from development standards for a multifamily housing project.
Planning Commission reviewed a draft Below Market Rate (BMR) housing agreement and 12 development waivers.
The Commission will consider and adopt a resolution to approve a use permit that allows demolition of an existing duplex and construction of a new two‑story single‑family residence with an accessory dwelling unit on a substandard lot.
The Commission will consider and adopt a resolution to approve a use permit for interior modifications and first‑ and second‑story additions that exceed 50% of the replacement value of the existing nonconforming house. The agenda also includes a permit for a two‑story residence that exceeds the existing floor area on a substandard lot.
What's happening
Why it matters
The project will enlarge the existing home and add a new two‑story residence, affecting neighborhood density, parking, and possibly the character of the Flood Park area.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Join via Zoom at zoom.us/join – ID# 846 9472 6242 or attend in person at City Council Chambers, 751 Laurel St., Menlo Park.
Email: planning.commission@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: Submit written comment up to 1 hour before the meeting start time, include the agenda item number.
Decision update
The commission adopted a resolution approving a use permit for interior modifications and first‑ and second‑story additions to the single‑family residence at 1024 Sevier Ave, including a two‑story addition that exceeds 50% of the existing floor area.
Decided Jul 13, 2026.
Commission will adopt a resolution to approve a use permit to demolish an existing duplex and build a new two‑story single‑family residence with an accessory dwelling unit on a substandard lot.
City Council will consider a resolution to change land‑use rules in the Main Street Overlay, allowing certain existing buildings to add up to two‑thirds of the public‑benefit bonus floor‑area ratio for office space.
Council will consider a resolution to change land‑use allowances in the Downtown/Station Area “Main Street” Overlay, including new allowances for office space and modifications to several use categories such as animal clinics, banks, and business services.
Council will hold a public hearing and vote on amendments to the El Camino Real/Downtown Specific Plan. The changes modify land‑use rules, allowing certain office floor‑area bonuses in the “Main Street” overlay.
The commission will consider and adopt a resolution to approve a use permit for first‑floor additions and interior/exterior renovations at 503 O’Keefe St.
What's happening
Why it matters
It determines whether the homeowner can proceed with extensive renovations that could significantly alter the property, affecting neighborhood character and property values.
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 Planning Commission voted to adopt a resolution approving the use permit for a first‑floor addition at 503 O’Keefe Street as presented, and recorded the motion as passed.
Decided Jun 22, 2026.
The commission will consider and adopt a resolution to approve a use permit, architectural control permit, major subdivision, and BMR Housing Agreement for redevelopment of 624 University Dr.
What's happening
Why it matters
It adds new housing, including affordable units, to the community and changes land use from office to residential, influencing housing supply and local infrastructure.
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 Planning Commission voted to continue consideration of the use permit, architectural control permit, major subdivision, and BMR housing agreement for 624 University Drive to a future meeting.
Decided Jun 22, 2026.
The commission will consider and adopt a resolution to approve a use permit to demolish an existing single-story, single-family residence and construct a new two‑story, single-family residence on a substandard lot at 351 McKendry Dr.
What's happening
Why it matters
It allows replacement of an existing home with a larger two‑story house on a lot that does not meet current zoning dimensions, potentially impacting density and neighborhood layout.
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 Planning Commission voted to adopt a resolution approving the use permit for 351 McKendry Drive, with the specified modifications, and recorded the motion as passed.
Decided Jun 22, 2026.
The council will waive the second reading and adopt a revised ADU ordinance to align with state law.
City Council is asked to adopt a resolution approving a vesting tentative subdivision map that would split the property at 68 Willow Rd into 50 condominium parcels and one common‑area parcel in the C‑1 zoning district.
The council will waive the second reading and adopt a revised ordinance replacing Chapter 16.79 on Accessory Dwelling Units. The changes bring local ADU rules into compliance with recent state housing laws and add objective design standards.
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 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.
The Housing Commission will review its 2026‑2027 work plan.
What's happening
Why it matters
Not listed in the source document.
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 Housing Commission voted to recommend that City Council approve the 2026‑2027 Housing Commission work plan, adding an amendment to increase the number of commission meetings held at the Belle Haven Community Campus to two.
Decided Jun 3, 2026.
City Council will review the Anti-displacement Plan prepared to implement Housing Element and Environmental Justice commitments, focusing on the Belle Haven neighborhood.
What's happening
Why it matters
The plan aims to protect residents from being displaced and guides affordable‑housing strategies in the community.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend in person at City Council Chambers, 751 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025.
Email: city.council@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: Submit a written comment online up to one hour before the meeting start time to city.council@menlopark.gov.
Decision update
The item “Approve Menlo Park Anti-displacement Plan” passed unanimously (Unanimous).
Decided May 19, 2026.
The Commission will consider a resolution to approve a use permit and six variances for a two‑story single‑family residence on a substandard lot at 305 Haight Street. The variances would reduce setbacks, lower parking requirements, increase building coverage, and raise the height of the daylight plane. The action is classified as CEQA Class 3 exempt.
The council will authorize a $1 million loan and related agreements with 320 Sheridan LP to fund affordable housing at 320 Sheridan Dr. The same amount is appropriated from the below‑market‑rate housing fund.
