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Planning Commission approves variances for narrow Haight Street lot over neighbor objections
Summary
The Menlo Park Planning Commission approved a use permit and six variances allowing a two‑story house on a substandard lot at 305 Haight Street despite neighbors’ objections about safety, privacy and outreach. The 5–2 vote followed staff testimony that the fire district reviewed the plans and an extensive findings process.
The Menlo Park Planning Commission on May 4 approved a use permit and multiple variances to allow a two‑story single‑family home to be built at 305 Haight Street, a substandard narrow lot, after a 5–2 vote.
The commission considered requests to reduce interior and corner‑side setbacks, reduce the rear setback, allow one off‑street parking space instead of two, increase building coverage and raise the daylight plane. Associate Planner Matt Pruder told the commission the project had been reviewed by the Menlo Park Fire Protection District and that staff had worked with the applicant through an iterative variance review; “we did have extensive review that went between both our building official and the Menlo Park Fire Protection District,” Pruder said.
Neighbors who live adjacent to the lot urged denial at the public hearing. Navina Karla, who said she has lived next to the property for 12 years, told commissioners she objected to the variances and asked that everyone follow the same rules: “I just want to follow the rules, I want everyone, others also, to follow the rules.” Another nearby resident, who identified himself as Rajesh, raised safety concerns about sight lines at the corner, a short driveway that could back into the street, and whether fire apparatus could access the house.
Several commissioners said the lot is unusually small and that some variances are inevitable under current zoning; others said they were troubled by the amount of relief requested and the limited neighborhood outreach. Commissioner Schindler said she would not support variances she considered detrimental to public welfare and safety. Commissioner Sillen, who moved approval, told colleagues that staff’s analysis showed a primary residence could not be built on the parcel under existing code without discretionary relief.
On the motion to approve the staff recommendation, Commissioners Beruzzi, Headley, Sillen, Vice Chair Silverstein and Chair Eric voted yes; Commissioners Farrick and Schindler voted no. The motion carried and the use permit with the six variances was approved.
Next steps: the approved permit allows the applicant to pursue building permits consistent with the approved plans and conditions; neighbors and other interested parties may still rely on standard appeal rights if available under the city's procedures.
