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Planning Commission approves use permit for 763 College Avenue after neighbor raises tree-safety concerns
Summary
The Menlo Park Planning Commission approved a use permit to replace a single-family house at 763 College Avenue with a two‑story home and ADU, despite a nearby neighbor’s warning that excavation could damage a large coast redwood; the vote was 6–0 with one recusal.
The Menlo Park Planning Commission voted June 8 to approve a use permit allowing demolition of an existing single‑story home at 763 College Avenue and construction of a new two‑story residence with an attached garage and an accessory dwelling unit. The motion passed 6–0 with one commissioner recused.
Neighbors’ safety concerns were the focal point of public comment. Tracy Van Ligten, a resident next door, told the Commission the project’s planned large basement could damage the root structure of a four‑story‑tall coast redwood that sits about five feet from her house. “If he damages 25% of the root structure … it’s gonna fall over on my house, not on his house,” Van Ligten said, urging the Commission to delay a decision and require further study or removal of the tree.
Commissioners pressed staff on how the city monitors tree protection during construction. Staff said the applicant will provide a project arborist to perform on‑site monitoring at key construction stages and that the city arborist will inspect as needed; the arborist’s report estimates a 10–25% potential root loss for several trees but also lists protection measures and an exploratory trench requirement. Staff also noted penalties exist under the city’s Heritage Tree Ordinance for anyone who damages a protected tree.
Several commissioners said the arborist’s sign‑off and the outlined protection measures, combined with the ability to require redesign if excavation appears to pose an unacceptable risk, supported approval. Commissioner Eric moved to approve the project as recommended in the staff report; Commissioner Schindler seconded. The motion carried with six votes in favor and one recusal.
The Commission’s approval includes the conditions and monitoring measures noted in the staff report; staff said they will follow up if on‑site inspections reveal tree damage beyond acceptable thresholds. The item closed without additional continuance.
The Planning Commission’s packet describes the project as eligible for a Class 3 categorical exemption under CEQA (Guidelines §15303) for small structures; the staff report and arborist analysis are part of the official record. The decision may be appealed to the City Council.
