Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Facilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves MidPen water district's accessory building and emergency operations center use at 1510 Folger Drive
Summary
Belmont's Planning Commission on June 3 approved a conditional use permit and design review allowing MidPeninsula Water District to remodel an existing building for an alternate emergency operations center and add a 1,210 sq ft accessory storage building at 1510 Folger Drive. Vote: 6-0. The decision is appealable within 10 calendar days.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit and design review for MidPeninsula Water District's property at 1510 Folger Drive on June 3, authorizing interior remodeling of an existing 3,290‑square‑foot building for an alternative emergency operations center (EOC) function and construction of a new detached 1,210‑square‑foot accessory building.
Carlos DiMello, Community Development Director for the City of Belmont, summarized the project and said the combined parcel area is about 26,327 square feet (two APNs merged administratively after approval), and that the combined site's maximum allowed floor area is capped at 4,500 square feet under the R‑1B residential district. DiMello said MidPen reduced the accessory structure height from 17 feet to 15 feet and trimmed roughly 16 square feet from that building so the combined buildings meet the district's maximum floor area.
A MidPen representative told the commission the two‑foot reduction in shed height did not affect operational needs and that a 15‑foot clearance maintains the required gantry‑crane clearance for heavy equipment. MidPen clarified the work is intended to provide an alternate EOC and storage and that the district does not currently plan taller structures such as a water tank at this location.
Commissioners questioned setbacks, security fencing and future development possibilities. Staff provided specific setback dimensions: about 74 feet front setback to the detached structure, a 95‑foot side setback (right), a left side setback of 20 feet 11 inches, and a rear setback of 13 feet 8 inches. Commissioners raised the appearance and legality of razor wire on a 6‑foot perimeter fence; staff said they would work with MidPen to address fence design consistent with residential context and security needs. The commission also discussed potential future changes, including the possibility the city's next general plan update could consider a change to public facilities designation in the longer term, but staff and MidPen said there are no immediate plans beyond the current proposal.
Staff identified the project as CEQA‑exempt under CEQA Guidelines sections 15301(b) and 15303 and recommended findings for the conditional use permit and design review. The commission found the required findings could be made and approved a resolution (application number 20240058) on a roll‑call vote: Commissioners Adam Kavich, Majeski, Kramer, Twigg, Jadalla and Chair Kulich recorded "Aye." The motion passed 6-0. The decision is appealable to the City Council within 10 calendar days.
The approved project includes an interior remodel of the existing building, restriping and EV‑capable parking improvements, new landscape plantings and preservation of select existing trees; additional conditions of approval are documented in the staff report and attached resolution.
