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Atherton introduces SB 79 ordinance to allow higher-density development near Menlo Park Caltrain station
Summary
After an extended presentation and debate, the council introduced an ordinance to amend Atherton’s municipal code to implement SB 79 for seven parcels near the Menlo Park Caltrain station; the first reading passed and staff will submit the draft to HCD for review ahead of the July 1 effective date.
Atherton Town Council introduced, as amended, an ordinance to implement Senate Bill 79 standards on seven parcels within a quarter mile of the Menlo Park Caltrain station, and found the ordinance exempt from CEQA.
Town planner Britney Bennix led a comprehensive presentation explaining SB 79’s core statutory requirements: "So what is SB 79? It overrides our Atherton ability to have zoning limitations for denser buildings, particularly if they are within a quarter mile of a pedestrian entry to the Menlo Park Caltrain Station," she said, and noted the law requires allowing building heights up to 75 feet, a maximum density of no less than 120 dwelling units per acre and a minimum floor area ratio of 3.5. Bennix also explained the average unit size cap (1,750 square feet) and affordability options available under the statute.
Because SB 79 prescribes density, height and…
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