Planning CommissionMenlo Park
Review SB9 ordinance amendments and single-family review process
Staff proposes updating Chapters 15.31 and 16.77 to align with Senate Bills 9 and 450.
Under discussionComment period has passedJun 8Housing
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Rent, affordable homes, zoning, and decisions that shape where people can live.
Staff proposes updating Chapters 15.31 and 16.77 to align with Senate Bills 9 and 450.
The Planning Commission discussed SB 79 and its impact on housing development.
Staff recommends the commission review potential changes to Chapters 15.31 and 16.77 to align with Senate Bills 9 and 450.
The Commission considered a draft ordinance that would exempt certain sites from SB 79 requirements.
The commission held a public hearing on amendments related to SB 79 and SB 9, discussing temporary exemptions, density, height, and FAR allowances, and recommended that the City Council let SB 79 take full effect and study its impacts.
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.
Commission will discuss potential amendments to zoning and subdivision rules to align with Senate Bills 9 and 450, which affect lot splits and two‑unit housing.
Commission will discuss potential amendments to the city’s regulations for urban lot splits and two‑unit housing to comply with Senate Bills 9 and 450, and explore options to streamline review in single‑family zones.
What's happening
Why it matters
Updates could allow more flexible housing options, impacting affordability and development patterns.
Who is affected
How to act
Attend: Attend the study session in person or via Zoom.
Email: planning.commission@menlopark.gov
Submit comment: No specific comment deadline listed.
Decision update
The Planning Commission voted 7‑0 to adopt a resolution approving the study‑session item on Senate Bill 9 zoning and subdivision amendments. This was a recorded procedural action, not final approval of any ordinance changes.
Decided Jun 8, 2026.
Commission will consider amendments to the zoning ordinance to temporarily exclude sites within one‑quarter mile of the Caltrain station from Senate Bill 79 requirements, and will recommend the changes to the City Council.
The commission will create ad‑hoc committees, adopt their purpose statements, and select members.
Developer must keep the project and property in good repair, safe and sanitary condition during the agreement term.
The BMR Housing Program aims to increase affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households.
The City or its designee checks major lenders for prevailing interest rates, loan terms, points, and minimum down payments, then estimates monthly housing costs.
The presentation describes that developer obligations end when the BMR unit is recorded to the buyer or City under the grant deed and resale restriction agreement.
Agreement will be recorded in San Mateo County records and cannot be subordinated to any lien without City consent, except for taxes and permitted encumbrances.
The city no longer maintains a ranked BMR purchase waitlist and does not add new households to it.
Initial selling price for BMR for‑sale units is set based on a percentage of area median income (AMI) for various income levels.
After the seller notifies the City and the unit is approved as salable, the City sets the sale price for the BMR unit.
The City establishes the sales price using the original selling price, depreciation of improvements, and one‑third of the Bay Area cost‑of‑living index increase, choosing the lower of the appraised value or the computed price.
No details are provided for this item.
BMR owners must contact the City’s BMR Housing Program provider before refinancing or taking an equity line.
Commission will develop an anti-displacement strategy and evaluate community-identified tools.
The presentation explains that BMR units will be sold only to eligible low‑income or very low‑income buyers as defined by state code.
Developer must execute and record a BMR Housing Agreement before a building permit can be issued.