The chronology below highlights select events that have occurred, beginning with the most recent event.
On September 24, 2024, the City Council conducted a public hearing and adopted resolutions amending the General Plan to include an Environmental Justice Element and to update the Safety Element. The City Council determined the actions are addressed in a previously-certified subsequent environmental impact report under the California Environmental Quality Act.
- Sept. 24, 2024 - Meeting agenda and materials(PDF, 18MB)
- Sept. 24, 2024 - Presentation (English)(PDF, 2MB)
- Sept. 24, 2024 - Staff Report (English)(PDF, 13MB)
- Sept. 24, 2024 - Video (English)
- Sept. 24, 2024 - Presentation (Spanish)(PDF, 2MB)
- Sept. 24, 2024 - Staff Report (Spanish)(PDF, 13MB)
- Sept. 24, 2024 - Video (Spanish)
On August 26, 2024, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing to consider and adopt resolutions recommending the City Council amend the General Plan to include an Environmental Justice Element and to update the Safety Element, and determine the actions are addressed in a previously-certified subsequent environmental impact report under the California Environmental Quality Act.
On June 18, 2024, the City Council conducted a study session to receive an overview and provide feedback and guidance on the revised draft General Plan Environmental Justice and Safety Elements in preparation for the final draft documents.
- Jun. 18, 2024 - Meeting agenda and materials(PDF, 136KB)
- Jun. 18, 2024 - Presentation(PDF, 3MB)
- Jun. 18, 2024 - Staff Report (English)(PDF, 7MB)
- Jun. 18, 2024 - Staff Report (Spanish)(PDF, 6MB)
- Jun. 18, 2024 - Video (English)
- Jun. 18, 2024 - Video (Spanish)
On June 3, 2024, the Planning Commission conducted a study session to receive an overview and provide feedback on the revised draft General Plan Environmental Justice and Safety Elements.
On May 2 and May 9, 2024, the City, together with Climate Resilient Communities and M-Group, held community meetings in the Belle Haven neighborhood to present the draft Environmental Justice and Safety Elements which have been further updated with community input. Attendees were encouraged to complete worksheets and participate in small group discussions to provide feedback for prioritization of different actions to improve environmental justice.
On March 20, 2024, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) provided notice(PDF, 196KB) that the City of Menlo Park 2023-2031 Housing Element has been certified and is in substantial compliance with state Housing Element law. Certification is a significant milestone for the City’s Housing Element and is essential to Menlo Park’s efforts to meet the housing needs of its residents across all income levels.
On February 13, 2024, the City Council conducted a meeting to consider an amendment to the General Plan land use map to change the land use designation of the parcel at 512 Durham Street from Low Density Residential to Retail/Commercial, and rezone two parcels, 512 Durham Street and a portion of 687 Bay Road, from R-1-U (Single Family Urban Residential) to C-MU (Neighborhood Mixed Use) for consistency with the 2023-2031 6th Cycle Housing Element General Plan amendments adopted by the City Council on November 28, 2023 and zoning-related amendments adopted December 5, 2023.
On January 23, 2024, the City Council conducted a meeting to review and amend the 2023-2031 Housing Element of the General Plan, as conditionally approved by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
On January 18, 2024, the Housing Commission conducted a meeting to review and recommend the City Council amend the 2023-2031 Housing Element of the General Plan, as conditionally approved by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
On January 8, 2024, the Planning Commission conducted a meeting to review and recommend the City Council amend the 2023-2031 Housing Element of the General Plan, as conditionally approved by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
On December 20, 2023, the City of Menlo Park received approval of its 2023-2031 Housing Element from the State of California. In a letter received December 20, 2023(PDF, 175KB), the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) deemed the Housing Element to be in substantial compliance with state law. The City Council adopted the Housing Element on January 31 and most recently submitted a revised Housing Element for HCD review on November 3 to address requested changes. The Housing Element is a state-mandated part of the City's General Plan and identifies how the city will accommodate its regional housing needs allocation (RHNA) of nearly 3,000 units at different levels of affordability and affirmatively further fair housing across the community. On January 8, 2024, the Planning Commission is scheduled to make a recommendation to the City Council on a General Plan amendment to re-adopt the State-approved Housing Element. Later in January, the Housing Commission will also make a recommendation to the City Council, and the City Council will consider the recommendations and take action.
On December 5, 2023, the City Council conducted a meeting to review proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and zoning map to implement zoning-related programs in the 2023-2031 Housing Element. The City Council adopted ordinances amending the Zoning Ordinance and zoning map to implement zoning-related programs in the 2023-2031 Housing Element, and determined that the proposed amendments are consistent with the previously-certified subsequent environmental impact report (SEIR).
On November 28, 2023, the City Council conducted a meeting to review proposed amendments to the General Plan Land Use Element, El Camino Real/Downtown Specific Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and zoning map to implement the zoning-related programs in the 2023-2031 Housing Element. The City Council adopted resolutions amending the General Plan Land Use Element and El Camino Real/Downtown Specific Plan and introduced and waived the first reading of ordinances amending the Zoning Ordinance and zoning map to implement the zoning-related programs in the adopted 2023-2031 Housing Element, and determined that the proposed amendments are consistent with the previously-certified subsequent environmental impact report (SEIR).
On November 6, 2023, the Planning Commission resumed the public hearing begun on October 23, 2023, to review and provide feedback on proposed amendments to the General Plan Land Use Element, El Camino Real/Downtown Specific Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and zoning map to implement the zoning-related programs in the 2023-2031 Housing Element. The Planning Commission provided a recommendation to the City Council to approve the proposed changes. The City Council is the final decision-making body on the proposed changes.
On November 3, 2023, the City of Menlo Park submitted a revised 2023-2031 6th Cycle Housing Element to the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). If conditional certification of the Housing Element is granted following HCD’s review, which can take up to 60 days, the Planning and Housing Commissions would review and make recommendations for City Council action and the City Council would meet to consider re-adoption of the Housing Element.
On October 23, 2023, the Planning Commission conducted a meeting to review and provide feedback on proposed amendments to the General Plan Land Use Element, El Camino Real/Downtown Specific Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and zoning map to implement the zoning-related programs in the 2023-2031 Housing Element. The meeting was continued to November 6, 2023.
On October 10, 2023, the City Council conducted a meeting to review and authorize staff to submit the revised Housing Element for the 2023 to 2031 planning period to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
On September 12, 2023, the City Council received an information item providing an update on the Housing Element Update project, including the August 29, 2023 letter(PDF, 201KB) from the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) regarding the City’s adopted 2023 to 2031 Housing Element, and a tentative schedule of next steps in the Housing Element Update project process.
On August 22, 2023, the City Council conducted a study session regarding proposed zoning changes to meet the City’s housing needs of approximately 3,000 units for current and future residents at all income levels. Based upon the City Council’s input and guidance, staff will further develop the proposed Zoning Ordinance and Specific Plan area modifications and create draft ordinances, which would be reviewed at future Planning Commission and City Council meetings tentatively planned for late fall 2023/early winter 2024.
On August 14, 2023, the Planning Commission conducted a study session regarding proposed zoning changes to meet the City’s housing needs of approximately 3,000 units for current and future residents at all income levels.
On July 24, 2023, the Planning Commission received an informational item providing a summary of Environmental Justice and Safety Elements feedback from the June 20, 2023 joint Planning Commission/City Council study session and next steps.
On July 11, 2023, the City Council received an informational item providing a summary of Environmental Justice and Safety Elements feedback from the June 20, 2023 joint Planning Commission/City Council study session and next steps.
On June 30, 2023, the City submitted a revised Housing Element for the 2023 to 2031 planning period to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Please click here to view the track changes version(PDF, 18MB), and click here to view the clean copy version(PDF, 18MB) .
On June 27, 2023, the City Council conducted a meeting to review and authorize staff to submit the revised Housing Element for the 2023 to 2031 planning period to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
On June 20, 2023, the City Council and Planning Commission conducted a joint study session to receive an overview and provide feedback on the draft General Plan Environmental Justice and Safety Elements and provide direction/confirmation for next steps.
On Apr. 25, 2023, the City Council received an informational item providing an update on the Apr. 7, 2023 letter from the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) regarding the City’s adopted 2023-2031 Housing Element and a tentative schedule for next steps in the Housing Element Update project process.
On Feb. 9 and Feb. 10, 2023, the City held community meetings at the Belle Haven Branch Library to present the draft Environmental Justice and Safety Elements. The community meetings provided an overview of each element; revisited findings from community input to date; reviewed and discussed goals, policies and programs; and provided a forum for sharing and receiving feedback on the draft elements.
- Feb. 9, 2023 – Presentation (English)(PDF, 2MB)
- Feb. 9, 2023 – Information packet (English)(PDF, 694KB)
- Feb. 9, 2023 – Video (English)
- Feb. 10, 2023 – Presentation (Spanish)(PDF, 2MB)
- Feb. 10, 2023 – Information packet (Spanish)(PDF, 392KB)
- Feb. 10, 2023 – Video (Spanish)
On Jan. 31, 2023, the City Council conducted a meeting to review the Planning Commission and Housing Commission recommendations from the Jan. 12, 2023, meeting. The City Council adopted Resolution No. 6808 certifying the subsequent environmental impact report and associated California Environmental Quality Act actions. The City Council also adopted Resolution No. 6809 adopting the 2023-2031 Housing Element. The Housing Element will be submitted to HCD for review and anticipated certification of the Housing Element.
On January 12, 2023, the Planning Commission and Housing Commission conducted a joint meeting to review the 2023-2031 Housing Element. The Planning Commission adopted a resolution recommending the City Council certify the Subsequent Environmental Impact Report, adopt California Environmental Quality Act findings, adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations for significant and unavoidable impacts, and approve a mitigation and monitoring program for the Housing Element project. The Planning Commission and Housing Commission also adopted resolutions recommending that the City Council amend the General Plan to update the Housing Element. The Planning Commission and Housing Commission recommendations will be forwarded to the City Council for review at their January 31, 2023, meeting. If adopted at the January 31, 2023, Council meeting, the Housing Element will be submitted to HCD for review and anticipated certification of the Housing Element.
On December 22, 2022, the City Council continued the study session that began on December 6, 2022 to provide direction regarding revisions to the City’s draft Housing Element in response to comments from the State Department of Housing and Community Development, and potential Zoning Ordinance and El Camino Real/Downtown Specific Plan amendments associated with the Housing Element Update project.
On December 12, 2022, the City released the draft Environmental Justice Element(PDF, 4MB) and draft update to the Safety Element(PDF, 5MB). The purpose of the Environmental Justice Element is to identify and address public health risks and environmental justice concerns, as well as foster the well-being of Menlo Park residents living in Underserved Communities. The purpose of the Safety Element is to identify and appraise risks in the community and provide high-level strategies for mitigating risks and ensuring the wellness of the community, city services, and infrastructure. Since the previous Safety Element was adopted in 2013, State law now requires safety elements to include climate change vulnerability and adaptation, and increased attention to wildfire and evacuation routes. The update to the Safety Element focuses on these topics. An executive summary for the Environmental Justice and Safety Elements(PDF, 223KB) is available for review.
On December 6, 2022, the City Council conducted a study session to review and provide feedback regarding revisions to the City’s draft Housing Element in response to comments from the State Department of Housing and Community Development, and potential Zoning Ordinance and El Camino Real/Downtown Specific Plan amendments associated with the Housing Element Update project.
A working copy of the revised draft Housing Element with red-lined text edits(PDF, 6MB) was provided as Attachment E to the December 6, 2022 Staff Report (Item H1).
On December 1, 2022, the Planning Commission conducted a special meeting for a study session for introduction of changes to the Zoning Ordinance and El Camino Real/Downtown Specific Plan that might be needed to modify residential densities and associated development standards to implement the Housing Element Update.
On November 14, 2022, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing to receive comments on the Draft Subsequent Environmental Impact Report. The study session portion of the agenda was continued to December 1, 2022.
On November 4, 2022, the City released a Notice of Availability(PDF, 887KB) and Draft Subsequent Environmental Impact Report(PDF, 10MB), required components of the environmental review process under the California Environmental Quality Act. For more information, see the Environmental Review section.
On October 21, 2022 the City received a letter from the California Department of Housing and Community Development(PDF, 169KB) regarding its review of the city’s 6th Cycle (2023-2031) Draft Housing Element. The letter includes a list of revisions requested in order to comply with state Housing Element law and considered comments(PDF, 3MB). The City will review and address the requested changes.
On July 25, 2022, the City submitted the Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element(PDF, 14MB) to the State Department of Housing and Community Development. The draft Housing Element submission, including all written comments received, is available on the Housing Element Update webpage (see “Related documents”). The final Housing Element is anticipated to be reviewed by the City Council at the end of the year.
On June 6, 2022, the City Council conducted a meeting to review and provide comments for the draft 2023-2031 Housing Element, in preparation for transmittal to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for required initial review of the draft Housing Element.
On May 16, 2022, the Planning Commission and Housing Commission conducted a joint meeting to review and provide comments for the draft 2023-2031 Housing Element, in preparation for transmittal to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for required initial review of the draft Housing Element.
On May 11, 2022, the City released the draft 2023-2031 Housing Element(PDF, 20MB) in preparation for transmittal to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for their required initial review. The final Housing Element is anticipated to be reviewed by the City Council at the end of the year.
On May 3, 2022, the City held a community meeting to provide an opportunity to learn more about the former James Flood Elementary School site at 321 Sheridan Drive, which is currently identified as a potential housing opportunity site for the 2023-2031 Housing Element.
On Apr. 5, 2022, the City held a community meeting to provide an overview of the Environmental Justice Element preparation and Safety Element update. The community meeting presented Neighborhood Profiles that highlight local pollution burdens and population characteristics. An overview of the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, which assesses hazard vulnerabilities and ways to reduce potential risks, was also presented.
- Apr. 5, 2022 - Presentation (English)(PDF, 2MB)
- Apr. 5, 2022 - Presentation (Spanish)(PDF, 2MB)
- Apr. 5, 2022 - Polling and community discussion boards recap (in-person and virtual)(PDF, 1MB)
- Apr. 5, 2022 - Neighborhood profiles of environmental justice considerations(PDF, 2MB)
- Apr. 5, 2022 - Video (English audio)
- Apr. 5, 2022 - Video (Spanish audio)
On Mar. 22, 2022, the City Council conducted a meeting and reviewed an amendment to the professional services agreement with the M-Group for the Housing Element Update project, including the addition of Climate Resilient Communities and ChangeLab Solutions to the project team for expanded community outreach for the Safety and Environmental Justice Elements.
On Mar. 1, 2022, the City Council conducted a meeting and adopted a resolution to disband the City's Housing Element Community Engagement and Outreach Committee (CEOC).
On Feb. 12, 2022, the City held a community meeting to provide an overview of the land use strategies and potential housing opportunity sites, and focus on the housing goals and highlighted policy themes, which are the foundation of the Housing Element.
On Feb. 8, 2022, the City Council conducted a meeting and considered, 1) modifications to the composition and charge of the Housing Element Community Engagement and Outreach Committee, and 2) the use of a community-based organization to supplement the Housing Element Update’s community outreach and engagement efforts.
On Jan. 24, 2022, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing for the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) scoping session for the Housing Element Update project. An EIR scoping session provides an opportunity early in the environmental review process for Planning Commissioners and the public to comment on specific topics that they believe should be addressed in the environmental analysis.
On Dec. 23, 2021, the City released the Notice of Preparation(PDF, 3MB), a required component of environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act.
On Dec. 8, 2021, the City Council conducted a meeting and reviewed and recommended the potential housing opportunity sites and land use strategies for initiating the environmental and fiscal reviews to meet the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) as part of the housing element for the planning period 2023-2031.
On Nov. 17, 2021, the Housing Commission conducted a meeting and reviewed and discussed affordable housing strategy options to meet the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) as part of the State-mandated Housing Element for further analysis and consideration.
On Nov. 16, 2021, the City Council received an informational item providing an update on Housing Element Update-related questions and comments received from City councilmembers following the Oct. 26, 2021 meeting.
On Nov. 4, 2021, the County of San Mateo and the City of Menlo Park held a webinar for homeowners interested in building an accessory dwelling unit (also known as an ADU or second unit). Staff from the County’s second unit resource center provided introductory information and resources. After that, homeowners were invited to join planning staff for a breakout session to learn more about accessory dwelling units in Menlo Park.
On Oct. 26, 2021, the City Council conducted a meeting and reviewed land use strategies to meet the Regional Housing Needs Allocation for the planning period 2023-2031 as part of the Housing Element Update.
On Oct. 4, 2021, the Planning Commission and Housing Commission conducted a joint meeting and reviewed and provided feedback on land use and site strategy options to meet the Regional Housing Need Allocation for the 2023-2031 planning period as part of the Housing Element Update.
On Sept. 23, 2021, the City held a community meeting to share information on preliminary strategies to meet housing needs in Menlo Park and provide opportunity to hear from the community on how and where new housing should be located. The input received will help shape land use alternatives/scenarios for future housing.
On Aug. 26, 2021, the City held a community meeting to share information about housing equity, environmental justice, and safety issues in Menlo Park and provide an opportunity to receive input from the public. The information provided and feedback received will help form policies for the Housing, Environmental Justice, and Safety Elements.
On Aug. 14, 2021, the City held a community meeting to provide an overview of preliminary land use strategies to implement the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA, pronounced "Reena") and gain community feedback. The RHNA specifies the number of housing units at each income level category required to comply with State mandates. The purpose of this meeting was to introduce land use strategies to the public and to receive feedback. The information provided and feedback received will help develop the land use strategies to meet the RHNA.
On Aug. 12, 2021, the Housing Element Community Engagement and Outreach Committee (CEOC) conducted a meeting and received an update on recent Housing Element Update community outreach activities and reviewed and provided feedback on upcoming Housing Element Update community outreach activities.
On Aug. 4, 2021, the Housing Commission conducted a meeting and reviewed and provided feedback on potential land use strategies to meet the Regional Housing Need Allocation for the 2023-2031 planning period as part of the Housing Element Update.
On July 15, 2021, the Housing Element Community Engagement and Outreach Committee (CEOC) conducted a meeting and reviewed and provided feedback on the draft community survey.
On July 1, 2021, the City held a Housing Element Update Introduction Webinar to provide an overview of the Housing Element Update process, project components, and ways to be involved in the process.
On June 10, 2021, the Housing Element Community Engagement and Outreach Committee (CEOC) conducted a meeting and continued discussion for the committee's roles and responsibilities and provided feedback on Housing Element focus groups, stakeholder interviews, and local community outreach partnerships.
On June 8, 2021, the City Council appointed 1 additional member (1 vacancy) to the Housing Element Community Engagement and Outreach Committee (CEOC).
On June 3, 2021, the Housing Element Community Engagement and Outreach Committee (CEOC) conducted a meeting and reviewed and provided feedback on the draft community engagement and outreach plan.
On May 27, 2021, the Housing Element Community Engagement and Outreach Committee (CEOC) conducted a meeting and reviewed the committee's roles and responsibilities and received an overview of the Housing Element Update project.
On May 25, 2021, the City Council received an overview of the Housing Element Update project and provided feedback on the goals and objectives, roles and responsibilities of the various reviewing and decision-making bodies, and the community engagement and outreach plan
On May 25, 2021, the City Council appointed 12 members (2 vacancies) to the Housing Element Community Engagement and Outreach Committee (CEOC).
On May 11, 2021, the City Council appointed Mayor Drew Combs and Councilmember Jen Wolosin to the Housing Element subcommittee.
On April 27, 2021, the City Council authorized the formation of the advisory Community Engagement and Outreach Committee (CEOC) for the Housing Element Update project.
On March 23, 2021, the City Council authorized the City Manager to enter into a contract with M-Group planning consultants for the Housing Element Update project.