Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
Thank you for your leadership on climate and building code modernization in
Menlo Park. I’m writing as a resident currently working to electrify my
home—installing solar, battery storage, EV charging, and preparing for
future all-electric upgrades. The clean energy benefits are clear, but the
permitting and project coordination process remains more complicated and
costly than it should be for homeowners.
As you consider local code amendments at the July 8 meeting, I urge you to
support policies that will *streamline residential permitting for
electrification projects*. Specifically:
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*Faster, standardized approval pathways* for common upgrades like panel
replacements, heat pump water heaters, EV chargers, and solar+storage
systems.
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*Permit fee reductions or waivers* for projects that advance the city’s
Climate Action Plan goals.
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A user-friendly *online permitting system* and clearer guidance for
contractors and residents.
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Proactive *coordination across departments* to reduce delays and
back-and-forth during review.
We’re lucky to have Peninsula Clean Energy’s support and Menlo Park’s clean
electricity. Now we need to make the process easier for residents to take
full advantage of it. Streamlined permitting will not only reduce costs—it
will accelerate adoption, especially for working families who can’t afford
weeks of follow-up and resubmissions.
Finally, I strongly support the inclusion of *Policy Option C (FlexPath)*
alongside Options A and B, to ensure equitable and flexible compliance
options for all households.
Thank you for considering these practical improvements that would directly
support residents trying to do the right thing.
Sincerely,
Ken Kershner
Menlo Park Resident
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*Ken Kershner | Co-Founder & CEO*
Cell 650-248-9059 | Email k en@triomotors.co
Trio Motors | Menlo Park
