HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-04 City Council Agenda PacketCITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Wednesday, October 04, 2023
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by
teleconference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency and
public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home or attend in person.
Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is located at the end
of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. The meeting will be
broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto,
and streamed to Midpen Media Center https://midpenmedia.org.
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238)
Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900‐6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an
amount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes
after the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to
city.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection
on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your
subject line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only
by email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,
the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong
cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not
accepted.
TIME ESTIMATES
Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the
meeting is in progress. The Council reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to
change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be
heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best manage
the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.
CALL TO ORDER
STUDY SESSION
1.STUDY SESSION: Receive briefing from Staff on proposed Zoning Code Amendments to
implement the City’s Housing Element, scheduled to be heard by the Planning and
Transportation Commission on October 11, 2023 and tentatively scheduled to be heard
by the City Council on November 13, 2023. Memo
ADJOURNMENT
OTHER INFORMATION
Standing Committee Meetings this week
Finance Committee October 3, 2023 CANCELED
Public Comment Letters
Schedule of Meetings
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the
table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to
discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through
the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a
Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto
your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the
Meeting ID below.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When
you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to
speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the
Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your
remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
1 Regular Meeting October 04, 2023
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection
at www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas.
CITY COUNCILSpecial MeetingWednesday, October 04, 2023Council Chambers & Hybrid5:30 PMPalo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend byteleconference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency andpublic access, members of the public can choose to participate from home or attend in person.Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is located at the endof the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. The meeting will bebroadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto,and streamed to Midpen Media Center https://midpenmedia.org.VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238) Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance tocity.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspectionon the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in yoursubject line.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strongcybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are notaccepted.TIME ESTIMATES
Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the
meeting is in progress. The Council reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to
change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be
heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best manage
the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.
CALL TO ORDER
STUDY SESSION
1.STUDY SESSION: Receive briefing from Staff on proposed Zoning Code Amendments to
implement the City’s Housing Element, scheduled to be heard by the Planning and
Transportation Commission on October 11, 2023 and tentatively scheduled to be heard
by the City Council on November 13, 2023. Memo
ADJOURNMENT
OTHER INFORMATION
Standing Committee Meetings this week
Finance Committee October 3, 2023 CANCELED
Public Comment Letters
Schedule of Meetings
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the
table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to
discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through
the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a
Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto
your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the
Meeting ID below.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When
you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to
speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the
Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your
remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
2 Regular Meeting October 04, 2023
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection
at www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas.
CITY COUNCILSpecial MeetingWednesday, October 04, 2023Council Chambers & Hybrid5:30 PMPalo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend byteleconference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency andpublic access, members of the public can choose to participate from home or attend in person.Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is located at the endof the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. The meeting will bebroadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto,and streamed to Midpen Media Center https://midpenmedia.org.VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238) Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance tocity.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspectionon the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in yoursubject line.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strongcybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are notaccepted.TIME ESTIMATESListed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while themeeting is in progress. The Council reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, tochange the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may beheard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best managethe time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.CALL TO ORDERSTUDY SESSION1.STUDY SESSION: Receive briefing from Staff on proposed Zoning Code Amendments toimplement the City’s Housing Element, scheduled to be heard by the Planning andTransportation Commission on October 11, 2023 and tentatively scheduled to be heardby the City Council on November 13, 2023. MemoADJOURNMENTOTHER INFORMATIONStanding Committee Meetings this week Finance Committee October 3, 2023 CANCELEDPublic Comment Letters
Schedule of Meetings
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the
table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to
discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through
the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a
Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto
your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the
Meeting ID below.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When
you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to
speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the
Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your
remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
3 Regular Meeting October 04, 2023
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection
at www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas.
City Council
Staff Report
Report Type: STUDY SESSION
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: October 4, 2023
Report #:2309-2093
TITLE
STUDY SESSION: Receive briefing from Staff on proposed Zoning Code Amendments to
implement the City’s Housing Element, scheduled to be heard by the Planning and
Transportation Commission on October 11, 2023 and tentatively scheduled to be heard by the
City Council on November 13, 2023.
BACKGROUND
Materials for this item will be distributed on October 4, 2023.
Item 1
Item 1 Staff Report
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 4 of 7
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City Council
Staff Report
Report Type: STUDY SESSION
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: October 4, 2023
Report #:2310-2109
TITLE
STUDY SESSION: Receive a briefing from Staff on proposed Zoning Code Amendments to
implement the City’s Housing Element, scheduled to be heard by the Planning and
Transportation Commission on October 11, 2023 and tentatively scheduled to be heard by the
City Council on November 13, 2023.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend the City Council receive a briefing on potential amendments to zoning code to
implement the City’s Housing Element in advance of the Planning and Transportation
Commission review and discuss any feedback for PTC consideration during its review.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC) will review proposed zoning code
amendments to implement the City’s Housing Element on October 11, 2023. The staff report
including this information can be found here, item #3 on the agenda
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/MeetingPreview?compiledMeetingDocumentFileId=9265.
This memorandum transmits the PTC staff report to the full Council in the form of a study
session. This approach provides an opportunity for staff to brief Council and the community on
the status and potential changes to the Housing Element, including a proposed implementation
ordinance. The Council may use this opportunity to provide early feedback prior to PTC and
final Council review.
The proposed Zoning Code Amendments to implement the City’s Housing Element, scheduled
to be heard by the Planning and Transportation Commission on October 11, 2023 and
tentatively scheduled to be heard by the City Council on November 13, 2023 advances the City’s
adopted 2023-2032 Housing Element, notably to facilitate housing production, meet the
regional housing needs allocation and affirmatively further fair housing.
The PTC reviewed a draft version of the zoning amendments needed to advance the City’s
adopted Housing Element during a study session on September 13, 2023. The October 11, 2023
Item 1
Item 1 Memo
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 5 of 7
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PTC meeting staff report summarizes and responds to PTC input and community feedback
during the study session and highlights resulting changes to the draft ordinance.
Staff recommends that the (PTC) recommend to the City Council amendments to implement
the 2023-2031 Housing Element Programs 1.1A and 1.1B, specifically amendments to the Palo
Alto Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element and changes to Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (PAMC).
Program 1.1 represents the City’s rezoning program to meet the "Adequate Sites
Inventory” required under State law and necessitates amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to
modify density and other development standards. These rezonings must accommodate
multifamily housing at the capacity levels prescribed in the Housing Element.
Program 1.1 requires certain amendments to the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan
and Zoning Ordinance. The proposed recommendations to zoning amendments include a new
chapter in Title 18 to consolidate existing and proposed housing incentive programs.
Consistent with Program 1.1, the proposed zoning amendments rezone certain Housing
Element opportunity sites to modify densities and other development standards that support
multifamily housing at capacities identified in the Housing Element. Program 1.1A also includes
higher-density site-specific zoning regulations for Stanford-owned properties along El Camino
Real near Page Mill Road, and at Pastuer Drive and Sand Hill Road.
The staff recommendations include:
Setting site specific standards for the Stanford-owned sites on Pasteur Drive and on El
Camino Real including up to 85 feet for certain sites.
Expanding the policy recommendation for Housing Element Program 1.1A to extend
proposed rezoning on El Camino Real to create an expanded Focus Area on El Camino
Real between Page Mill Road and Matadero Avenue.
If supported by the PTC in October, and adopted by City Council in November, these proposed
changes would be formalized during the next revision to the Housing Element, that are
advanced as part of these zoning amendments, given the January 31, 2024, State-mandated
deadline for these changes to occur.
Since adoption of the Housing Element in May by the City Council, several steps have advanced:
Staff received HCD comments on the City’s adopted Housing Element.
Staff and the City’s Housing Element Consultant have worked to address HCD comments
to the Housing Element and facilitated an initial Planning and Transportation
Commission review of draft zoning changes.
Council Housing Ad Hoc discussion of conceptual policy and zoning framework to
implement the Housing Element.
Item 1
Item 1 Memo
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 6 of 7
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Staff received input from the PTC and the public on draft zoning changes to implement
the Housing Element.
Next steps needed and planned to advance the City’s Housing Element implementation include:
October 11: PTC meeting to consider and make recommendations for City Council
consideration.
November 2023: City Council to tentatively consider PTC recommendations on housing
element implementation. If adopted, the ordinance would be effective before the
January 31, 2024 deadline. This initial study session is intended to provide a forum for
the Council and the public to engage on this important body of work to help guide
future housing production and housing-related programs and policies.
APPROVED BY:
Jonathan Lait, Planning and Development Services Director
Item 1
Item 1 Memo
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 7 of 7