To attend Tuesday night's (8/22 at 6pm) Study Session via zoom or in person, click here for participation information.
As stated in the staff report, "The purpose of the study session is to receive feedback from the City Council and members of the public on the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments, rezonings, and related items to meet the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) of 2,946 units for the 2023 to 2031 planning period. The City must adopt these regulations within one year of the Housing Element deadline, or by Jan. 31, 2024, or be subject to regulations that minimize local control related to housing developments pursuant to state law."
The information available in the staff report on this topic is highly technical and complex. To help residents understand more about zoning in general and the proposed zoning amendments, I have put together a presentation and video titled, "Menlo Park Housing Element Zoning Updates." It is my hope that after you have watched the video you will understand that:
There is an important study session on Tuesday, August 22nd to make zoning changes consistent with commitments outlined over the 2+ year Housing Element Update process.
The City will be making zoning amendments to the 69 Housing Element opportunity sites and to specific zoning districts, including those Downtown and on El Camino Real, Commercial districts and Apartment zones, with the goal of encouraging more housing, especially affordable housing (per State requirements).
The zoning amendments will likely produce taller and more dense buildings, mostly around downtown and transit.
The zoning updates must be completed by January 31, 2024.
Ready to get started?
Click here (or the video above) to watch "Menlo Park Housing Element Zoning Updates." To link to the presentation, click here.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to learn about zoning as it relates to the Housing Element, and to engage in our civic process.
Warmly,
P.S. The Planning Commission discussed this topic on Monday, August 14th. You can access the staff report from that meeting here and you can watch the staff presentation and commission discussion here.
