Belmont Planning Commission Meeting – November 18, 2025

The Belmont Planning Commission met on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 7:02 PM to 7:47 PM in the City Council Chambers, with remote participation via Zoom. Commissioners present: Adam Kavich, Chair Coolich, Majeski, and Twig. Commissioners Kramer and Jadala were absent. A quorum was present. The meeting included a consent calendar, a community forum, a study session presentation by HIP Housing, and two public hearings for single-family design reviews (including a tree removal permit). All items on the agenda were approved unanimously (4-0).

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Meeting Minutes: The commission approved the minutes from the September 16, 2025, and October 21, 2025, planning commission meetings. The motion passed 4-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Community Forum: One speaker via Zoom, Arunchandra, expressed concerns about the certificate of compliance process and requested a meeting with staff. Written comments from Max Reinhardt regarding timing requirements for his certificate of compliance application were summarized by staff, who noted the complexity of the process and that fixes are being worked on.
• Public Hearings: No members of the public spoke on either public hearing item. No written comments were received.

Study Session: HIP Housing Presentation

• Presentation: Laura Fenucki, Director of Programs at HIP Housing, presented an overview of the organization’s work in San Mateo County. HIP Housing owns and manages over 500 units of affordable housing across 21 properties. The four main programs are:
  • Housing Resource Hub: Provides information and referrals; in the first quarter of FY2025-26, 25 calls from Belmont residents were handled.
  • Home Sharing Program: Matches home providers with seekers; matches last on average 5.5 years, with 15 active matches in Belmont and 25–30 interviews per year.
  • Housing Readiness Program: Intensive case management for older adults; has placed 26 people in housing since launching two years ago.
  • Self-Sufficiency Program: For low-income families with children and transitional age foster youth; serves about 40 families per year, with two families currently in Belmont. The program provides coaching while adults pursue education or vocational training. Commissioners asked about wait times (varies by program), partnership opportunities (outreach ideas welcomed), and funding sources (county contributions, rental income, foundation support). The presentation was for information only; no action was taken.

Public Hearing: 3304 Plateau Drive – Single Family Design Review

• Proposal: A ground-floor addition of 983 square feet to an existing single-family home, resulting in a total floor area of 3,063 square feet. The lot is 13,190 square feet with a slope of 7.66%. The floor area ratio (FAR) would be 0.232 (max allowed 0.533). The design includes wood siding, a covered porch, and a gray composite roof. Setbacks all exceed minimums. Staff recommended approval. The applicant (present but did not speak) thanked the commission. No public comments. The commission deliberated and found the design well-articulated, consistent with guidelines, and meeting findings. A motion to approve (Resolution 2025-0012) passed 4-0.

Public Hearing: 512 Alameda de las Pulgas – Single Family Design Review and Tree Removal Permit

• Proposal: A ground-floor addition of 1,825 square feet plus a 413-square-foot garage (total addition 2,188 square feet), resulting in a total floor area of 3,472 square feet (max allowed 3,500). The lot is 9,375 square feet with a slope of 7.73%. The FAR of the addition alone is 0.371. The existing structure includes a peaked roof that will be retained with updated roofing material. The project also requires removal of a protected coast redwood tree (species and size noted as notable). The Arborist Report justified removal due to proximity to proposed structures; a replacement tree (36-inch sapling) is required per conditions. Staff recommended approval. The applicant, Jimmy Olim, answered a commissioner’s question about the peaked roof (it is existing and will be kept). No public comments. Commission found the design modern and acceptable, appreciated preservation of an ADU on site, and supported the tree removal with mitigation. A motion to approve the design review and tree removal permit (Resolution 2025-0038) passed 4-0.

Key Outcomes

• Approved meeting minutes for September 16 and October 21, 2025 (4-0).
• Approved single-family design review for 3304 Plateau Drive (4-0).
• Approved single-family design review and tree removal permit for 512 Alameda de las Pulgas (4-0).
• Both approvals are appealable within 10 calendar days.
• The next planning commission meeting was noted for January 6, 2026.