Millbrae council orders study of off‑leash hours and dog‑park options at Central Park after extended public comment

The Millbrae City Council on Oct. 28 directed city staff to research options for accommodating dog owners — including limited off‑leash hours at Central Park and possible fenced dog‑run sites — and to return in early 2026 with proposed locations, cost estimates, insurance implications and enforcement options.

Council member Ronaldi said the issue had repeatedly arisen at Parks & Recreation Commission meetings and that residents asked for two daily periods — early morning and evening — that would let dogs exercise in a central, walkable location. Tom Williams, the city manager, reminded the council that Millbrae Municipal Code currently requires animals on parks and public property to be on a leash (code language cited in staff materials) and that changing that policy could require an ordinance change.

The city attorney told the council there is no state law that requires municipalities to keep dogs on leash in all public places, but Millbrae’s municipal code presently does. He noted a government code provision that limits liability for public entities operating a fenced dog park (citing Government Code §831.705) but said how that protection applies would be fact‑specific and may depend on signage, warnings and how the facility is operated.

Speakers both for and against off‑leash hours addressed the council during more than an hour of public comment. Supporters said a longstanding informal off‑leash community at Central Park provided exercise, socialization and neighborhood connection, particularly for residents who live in apartments and lack private yard space. Multiple residents asked for limited hours such as 6–7 a.m. and 5–7 p.m. or 5 p.m. to dusk. Several commenters offered possible alternative sites near the tennis courts or the pump house and said they would partner with the city on maintenance.

Opponents — including longtime Central Park users — warned that off‑leash dogs can pose safety risks to children and seniors and said enforcement of leash laws had already been uneven. City staff reported two recent incidents in which employees were bitten during the last year, and the city attorney emphasized that liability, enforcement and insurance coverage would need careful review.

Council members discussed a range of options: building multiple neighborhood dog runs (Bayside Manor was cited as a near‑term neighborhood dog run opening soon), finding a fenced area in or near Central Park (several council members suggested a site near the community garden or between the tennis courts and Taylor Middle School), or piloting limited off‑leash hours with signage and periodic enforcement. Council members also asked staff to analyze whether the county/SPCA contract that provides animal control services would continue to enforce any modified rules.

After discussion, Council member Ronaldi moved and the vice mayor seconded a motion directing staff to return with proposed locations and options (off‑leash hours and fenced areas), budget estimates for capital and operating costs, insurance and liability analysis, recommended enforcement approaches and a recommended timeline for presenting options in early 2026. The motion passed 5–0.

Ending: Staff will present options to council in early 2026 (staff suggested the staff return in the first meeting in March or the second meeting in February) with proposals for sites, cost estimates, insurance and enforcement strategy; meanwhile existing municipal leash requirements remain in effect.