Zoning Hearing Officer Joe LeClaire on July 17 approved a minor subdivision to split the parcel at 543 Encina Avenue in the North Fair Oaks area of Redwood City into two lots, and adopted the findings and conditions in the staff report (County file PLN2024‑00269). The decision includes a requirement that the existing single‑family residence be demolished prior to recordation.

The approval authorizes the creation of two new lots described in staff materials as 10,059 square feet and 10,061 square feet. Jonathan Bronze, planner with the San Mateo County Planning and Building Department, presented the proposal and told the hearing officer that the project meets the county general plan, the North Fair Oaks Community Plan, the S‑93 zoning district standards, and the county subdivision regulations. Bronze said the project is categorically exempt from environmental review under CEQA Guidelines section 15315 (class 15) for minor land divisions.

No members of the public spoke during the hearing on this item. Melanie Griswold, appearing on Zoom on behalf of the applicant, said she had read the staff report and would file any objections through the county’s standard appeal process if needed. LeClaire stated he would approve the project pursuant to the findings and conditions in Attachment A of the staff report and explained appeal rights.

The approval is subject to standard recorded conditions of approval outlined in the staff report. LeClaire noted that anyone aggrieved by the determination may file a written appeal to the Planning and Building Department by July 31, 2025, at 5 p.m., accompanied by a $1,962 appeal fee.

The action does not authorize building permits or site development; subsequent demolition and any future building permits will require separate applications and approvals as required by county rules.