Woodside Weekly: Planning Commission Weighs Horse Stable Appeal; Trails Committee Reviews Development Near Equestrian Trail
Woodside's advisory bodies and commissions held a busy stretch of meetings July 6–16, though minutes have not yet been published for any of them. Because only agendas are available, what follows reflects what was scheduled for consideration — not confirmed outcomes.
Planning Commission: Stable Permit Appeal and Deck Variance
The most consequential agenda belonged to the Planning Commission on July 15. The commission scheduled a public hearing on an appeal of the Planning Director's approval of a Stable Permit Exception (APPL2026-0001) allowing two horses on a 19,794-square-foot property at 831 Glencrag Way, where 1 acre is normally required. The applicant is Munish Manrao; the appellant is John Clark, who requests the exception be denied.
A second public hearing was set for a variance (VARI2026-0002) for a deck extension encroaching into the side setback at 90 Roan Place, with applicant Hao Zhong. The consent calendar included approval of July 1, 2026 meeting minutes, and the Director's Report covered June 2026.
Trails Committee: Conceptual Review at 161 Fox Hollow Road
On July 9, the Trails Committee was scheduled to conduct a conceptual review of a proposed project at 161 Fox Hollow Road that would place a tennis court and fencing approximately 25–30 feet from an existing equestrian trail easement. The proposal includes demolition and construction of a single-family dwelling, a junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU), accessory dwelling units (ADUs), a tennis court, and a pool.
The committee also planned to approve a 2026 stable permit renewal letter and mailing, and to review and approve an updated Trails Project List covering the Jefferson trail, Woodside West trail, and Joan Olson Preserve. Liaison reports from the Livestock and Equine Heritage Committee and the Circulation Committee were also on the agenda.
Circulation Committee: Caltrans at 4 Corners, Eleanor Drive Traffic Calming
The Circulation Committee met July 16 with a Caltrans presentation on improvements at the Hwy 35 and 84 intersection (known as 4 Corners) on the agenda. The committee also planned to review the Eleanor Drive traffic calming project, a walking path on Woodside Road east of 280, parking rules around town, and speed trailer data.
Emergency Preparedness Committee: Fire and Evacuation Updates
The Emergency Preparedness Committee scheduled its July 8 meeting to approve minutes from April 8, May 13, and June 10, 2026, and to receive reports from the Woodside Fire Protection District, the WPV-Ready/CERT program, and the Evacuation Subcommittee. New business included event calendars for July and August and a Portola Valley liaison update.
Arts & Culture and History Committees
The Arts & Culture Committee met July 9 to review the July First Friday event, sign-ups for the August event, and the overall calendar, with subcommittee reports also scheduled.
The Woodside History Committee met the same evening for informational updates only — no votes were scheduled. Topics included museum activities and acquisitions, the Anza Trail 250th anniversary, historic bridges, a walking tour brochure, and a fire district exhibit.
Volunteerism Committee
The Volunteerism Committee held a special meeting July 16 to approve December 4, 2025 minutes and discuss the Kids Civic Program and a Fall Volunteer Appreciation Event. No votes on ordinances or contracts were scheduled.
Cancelled Meeting
The Architectural & Site Review Board's July 6 meeting was cancelled.
Coming Up
- **July 20** — Architectural & Site Review Board meeting cancelled; a special meeting is set for July 27.
- **July 22** — Livestock & Equine Heritage Committee at Independence Hall or via Zoom: barn applications and inspections, large animal evacuation preparedness, support for local equestrian facilities, and coordination with Town Council.
- **July 27** — Architectural & Site Review Board special meeting: conceptual design review for five residential projects, including 445 Whiskey Hill Road (new fitness structure, ADU, lap pool), 192 Prospect Street (remodel, addition, basement, potential RR to R-1 rezoning), 161 Fox Hollow Road (new home with JADU and ADU), and 387 Moore Road (new single-family dwelling with detached garage). Consent agenda includes approval of June 15, 2026 minutes.