Menlo may ease some home rules Menlo may ease some home rules (January 26, 2005)

By Rebecca Wallace

Almanac Staff Writer

Two plans to revamp home-building rules in Menlo Park have bitten the dust, but the City Council may choose on January 25 to streamline the approval process for some homes.

Under the plan, which began as a suggestion by Councilwoman Mickie Winkler last year, use permits would no longer be required for new and majorly remodeled single-story homes on lots of at least 5,000 square feet, assuming that the projects meet development regulations such as height limits.

Such plans could be approved by staff; applicants would not have to go through the time and expense of a Planning Commission hearing, Ms. Winkler said.

Community development director Arlinda Heineck wrote in a staff report that the proposal "would not necessarily act as a significant incentive for single-story development" because projects would still have to limit building coverage to between 30 and 35 percent of a lot.

Critics have said that Planning Commission review is key to make sure that homes don't harm the privacy of neighbors or the character of neighborhoods.

According to the report, 12 projects that would fall under this plan came before the commission last year. All were approved with no comments submitted from neighbors.

The January 25 meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at 701 Laurel St.

E-mail a friend a link to this story.