Land Use Element(PDF, 8MB) (Adopted Resolution(PDF, 2MB) on November 29, 2016)
The Land Use Element includes a regional land use framework for context, discusses the overall City’s land use composition and defines the General Plan land use designations and goals, policies and programs. The General Plan Land Use Element reflects the existing pattern of land use in the City and embodies the community’s vision. The document supports the character and quality of life enjoyed by existing residential and commercial neighborhoods, as well as embraces opportunities for creating a new/live/work play environment in the area bounded by the San Francisco Bay and Highway 101. The Land Use Element also encourages healthy and sustainable living, both economically and environmentally. The goals, policies and programs support commercial uses to serve existing neighborhoods, promotes business retention and attraction of both small businesses and innovators in the industry, and establishes Menlo Park as a leader in sustainable development through conservation of resources and alternative energy use.
Circulation Element(PDF, 3MB) (Adopted Resolution(PDF, 2MB) on November 29, 2016)
The Circulation Element describes distinct issues and opportunities that Menlo Park is likely to face during the next 25 years, as well as strategies for addressing them. Providing transportation options is essential for moving people around and maintaining a high quality of life. The focus and vision for mobility in Menlo Park increasingly provides transportation options for residents and employees, to improve access to a safe and connected network of facilities, encourage physical activity and health, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A key component of providing “complete streets” is establishing and promoting the suitability of streets for various travel modes and adjacent land uses. New to the Circulation Element is a revamped street classification system, which would be used in addition to the Federal Highway Administration Categories. The Circulation System Map (Figure 2) and Table 1 in the document depict an explain how the classifications would be applied to the roadway network and define objectives to be met when the City resurfaces or redesigns a specific street. In addition, the Circulation Element includes a more systematic approach to planning for transportation and street infrastructure in the City.
Zoning Ordinances (Effective January 6, 2017)
On December 6, 2016, the City Council adopted three new zoning districts for consistency with the new Bayfront (M-2 Area) land use designations in the Land Use Element. The new Office (O), Life Sciences (LS), and Residential Mixed Use (R-MU) zoning districts set the framework for creating the live/work/play environment concept that was desired for the area. Each of the districts includes development regulations, design standards, transportation demand management, and green and sustainable building requirements. The City Council also approved modifications to the C-2-B zoning district to allow for residential uses and mixed-use developments and established an administrative permit review process for hazardous materials when certain conditions are met. All of these ordinances become effective on January 6, 2017.
Bayfront Area (M-2 Area) Zoning Map (Effective January 6, 2017)
Community Amenities
In exchange for bonus level development in the O-B, L-S-B, and R-MU-B zoning districts (increased intensity (gross floor area), density (dwelling units per acre) and/or height), an applicant is required to contribute to community amenities in the area between Highway 101 and the San Francisco Bay or in-lieu of providing physical amenities, provide a payment of 110% of the community amenities value. The required community amenity value is 50% of the fair market value of the additional (bonus) gross floor area above the base allowable gross floor area for a parcel or project site. The fair market value is determined through an appraisal process.
The following links include the current list of eligible community amenities, appraisal instructions for bonus level development projects, and community amenity implementing regulations for the evaluation of appraisals and review of proposed community amenities.
For projects that are eligible to use community amenities list in effect prior to the July 11, 2023 updated list, please contact Planning staff for the previous list.