950 Sherman Ave variances
At a glance
- What: Request for four variances (setback and parking relief) to reconstruct a single-story single-family residence with an attached accessory dwelling unit in the R-1U district, after a foundation was removed during unpermitted-scope work.
- Where it stands: Approved unanimously (5-0) by the Planning Commission on 2026-10-19. The Commission is the final decision-maker unless appealed to the City Council.
- Next: Building permit review, where staff said the two fire-rated, separately lockable doors between house and ADU will be required.
The request
- Front setback from 20 ft to about 10.2 ft; rear setback from 20 ft to about 17.9 ft.
- Required parking cut from two spaces to one uncovered space, placed within the front setback.
- Homeowner Fenton (surname as captioned) and architect Gupta of OR Homes presented. The house was built in 1948; all trees, including heritage trees, are to be kept.
Background and concerns
- Work starting in 2023 by a prior contractor exceeded its scope and removed the entire foundation, prompting a stop work order in December 2023; earthquake damage to the old foundation was found during the work.
- A neighbor wrote to the City Council in June about the stop work order and unfinished state; staff and the homeowner said the neighbor was kept informed. No public comment was made at the hearing.
- Commissioners asked about earlier unpermitted conversion of the garage and how buyers learn of it (the city's paid zoning compliance letter).
- Electrification: heat pump planned, no wood-burning fireplace, expected all-electric.
- ADU doors: sheet A18 showed a single door; code section 16.79.070C requires two fire-rated doors with independent locks, to be ensured at building permit.
Decision
- Environmental review: staff proposed a CEQA categorical exemption (existing facilities and small structures).
- 2026-10-19: motion to approve all four variances passed unanimously, 5 of 5 commissioners present.
Sources
- 2026-10-19 - Planning Commission
- https://www.menlopark.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/2/agendas-and-minutes/planning-commission/2026-meetings/agenda/20261019-planning-commission-agenda-packet.pdf
Discussion time
About 22 minutes across 1 meeting (from transcript timestamps; approximate).
| Meeting | Minutes |
|---|---|
| 2026-10-19 - Planning Commission | 22 |
Log
- 2026-10-19 - Planning Commission — Public hearing; four variances approved 5-0 after questions on the 2023 stop work order, unpermitted past work, electrification and ADU door requirements.
- 2026-10-22 - Page created from a posted agenda.