Public hearing on zoning code amendments regarding accessory dwelling units.

TOWN of PORTOLA VALLEYTown Hall: 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley, CA 94028Tel: (650851-1700NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGNOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN , that the Town Council of the Town of Portola Valley will hold a public hearing to consider Introducing an Ordinance to amend The Town Zoning Code (Title 18 of the Portola Valley Municipal Code) as follows:1. Add regulation related to Indemnification by adding Chapter 18.82 Indemnification of Town; Cost Reimbursement2. Add regulation related to Accessory Dwelling Units, Junior Accessory Dwelling Units and Emergency Shelters by adding Chapter 18.25 Standards for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU) and by amending Section 18.36.040 Accessory Uses , andThe Planning Commission of the Town of Portola Valley reviewed the proposed amendments at their April 15, 2026 meeting and recommended approval to the Town Council on the following votes:1. Resolution 2026-001 - adding Chapter 18.82 Indemnification of Town; Cost Reimbursement on a [4-1] vote2. Resolution 2026-002 - adding Chapter 18.25 Standards for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU) and by amending Section 18.36.040 Accessory Uses on a [5-0] voteNOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN, that the proposed amendments are exempt from the provision of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15282(h), as well as Public Resources Code § 21080.17, which provides a statutory exemption for ordinances regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) in a single-family or multifamily residential zone to implement Government Code § 66310 et seq. Further the zoning text amendments are exempt from the provision of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as it has been seen with certainty under Section 15061(b)(3) that a series of zoning code amendments will not have a significant effect on the environment.The Town Council will review and discuss the project during a hybrid in-person and Zoom videoconferencing public meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM . You are invited to attend and provide written or verbal comments. Members of the public may attend virtually by utilizing the Zoom meeting info posted below, or in person at the Town's Historic School House, 765 Portola Road in Portola Valley .VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION VIA ZOOMTo access the meeting by computer:https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85661031107?pwd=XBbPrv9WKnql1xOByNvR6a5i74XjuR.1Webinar ID : 856 6103 1107Passcode : 048294To access the meeting by phone :1-669-900-683 ( Mute/Unmute – Press *6 / Raise Hand – Press *9)Public Comments:Members of the public are encouraged to submit written comments in advance of the meeting. Please send an email with heading “Zoning Code Amendments” to Sarah Cawrse, Planning & Building Director at scawrse@portolavalley.net and cc the Town Clerk at pvtownclerk@portolavalley.net by 12:00 PM on the day of the meeting. All questions and comments received by this deadline will be included in the public record. Meeting participants may also ask questions/provide comments either in person or virtually during the meeting.The agenda and staff report will be posted on the Town's website 72 hours in advance of the meeting at https://www.portolavalley.net/town-government/town-council/minutes-and-agendas.Published: May 1, 2026Sarah Cawrse, Planning & Building Director5/1/26CNS-4037018#THE ALMANAC(ALM May 1, 2026)