Belmont Planning Commission Meeting - February 3, 2026

The Belmont Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, starting at 7:01 PM and adjourning at 7:33 PM. The meeting included approval of consent calendar items (meeting minutes), a public hearing for a single-family design review at 1530 Solana Drive, and updates from staff. All six commissioners were present.

Consent Calendar

• Item 5A – Minutes of January 6, 2026: Approved with two amendments: (1) striking the words "modest rate of" from a description of public comments on the Charles Armstrong School project, and (2) adding the phrase "while also not being located near a property line that abuts a residential lot" to the discussion of a comparison with Ralston Middle School's gym. Motion passed 6-0.
• Item 5B – Minutes of January 20, 2026: Amended to specify that Commissioner Adam Kevich credited staff for outlining the TMA and job balance ratio, rather than attributing that to all commissioners. Motion passed 5-0 with one abstention.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public testified during the public hearing for Item 7A. No speaker slips in chambers, no Zoom raised hands, and no written comments were received.

Discussion Items

• Item 7A – 1530 Solana Drive Single-Family Design Review: Planner Ruiz presented the proposal for a two-story addition totaling 1,513 square feet (105 sq ft ground floor, 1,408 sq ft upper floor) to an existing 1,916 sq ft ranch-style home. The lot is 15,253 sq ft with a 35.4% slope. The proposed gross floor area of 3,429 sq ft is under the maximum 4,288 sq ft, and the floor area ratio of 0.225 is below the 0.344 limit. Setbacks are met (front 89 ft, sides 13 ft, rear >20 ft). Architect Michael Ryan explained the design focused on capturing downhill views and noted extensive iteration on the second-floor layout. Commissioners praised the articulation, site sensitivity, and mature landscaping. Commissioner Kramer suggested extending the entry roof for a dry path.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of 1530 Solana Drive Design Review: The commission unanimously approved the design review (motion passed 6-0). The decision is appealable within 10 calendar days.
• Staff Updates: Director DeMello noted that the approved minutes from January 6 and January 20 will support upcoming City Council hearings: the Charles Armstrong School project is on the council's February 10 agenda, and the 1301 Shoreway project is tentatively scheduled for February 24. The commission appreciation dinner is scheduled for February 23 at Marvin Gardens.