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Planning Commission approves three permit items, including church relocation and Citibank storefront changes
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a use-permit revision at 725 Cotton Street, a Citibank storefront redesign and sign at 1215 El Camino Real, and a use permit allowing a Portuguese-language church to occupy 1100 O’Brien Drive.
Menlo Park’s Planning Commission on May 18 unanimously approved three separate items on its agenda: a residential use-permit revision at 725 Cotton Street; an architectural-control and sign-review permit for 1215 El Camino Real, where Citibank plans exterior updates and a 24‑inch‑letter illuminated sign; and a conditional-use permit allowing a Portuguese‑speaking congregation to move into 1100 O’Brien Drive.
At 725 Cotton Street, staff said the proposal adds first-floor area and makes window and roof adjustments on a two‑story single‑family residence on a substandard lot; no public comment was received and Associate Planner Matt Pruder noted the modifications qualified for a Class 1 CEQA exemption. The Commission approved the staff recommendation unanimously.
At 1215 El Camino Real, applicant Jeff Schmierer described material and color changes—beige brick replacing white brick and back-painted glass replacing metal paneling—and supplied a nighttime rendering. Schmierer also said Citibank requests a 24‑inch letter height for improved visibility, noting nearby banks have larger signage. Commissioners asked about sign illumination and construction; Schmierer confirmed individually illuminated letters on a glass background. The Commission approved the architectural control and signage as recommended by staff.
At 1100 O’Brien Drive, applicants Andrea Montero and Jose Monteo explained the congregation’s history and community programs and said the church would serve Portuguese‑speaking residents on the Peninsula. Staff explained churches are a special use in the zoning code and therefore require a use permit to evaluate circulation and neighborhood compatibility. Commissioners asked about local circulation and how use permits run with the land; staff clarified that most use permits run with the parcel unless explicitly written to expire with a tenant. Commissioners voted to approve the use permit.
All three approvals were taken after staff presentations, short applicant remarks where offered, no substantive public opposition, and procedural votes that carried unanimously.
