HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-15 Architectural Review Board Agenda Packet_______________________
1. Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified as present at the meeting at the
time of the spokesperson’s presentation will be allowed up to fifteen (15) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided
that the non-speaking members agree not to speak individually.
2. The Chair may limit Oral Communications to 30 minutes for all combined speakers.
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Architectural Review Board
Regular Meeting Agenda: October 15, 2020
Virtual Meeting
8:30 AM
****BY VIRTUAL TELECONFERENCE ONLY***
https://zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 942 5837 0735 Phone number: 1 669 900 6833
Pursuant to the provisions of California Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20,
issued on March 17, 2020, to prevent the spread of Covid-19, this meeting will be
held by virtual teleconference only, with no physical location. The meeting will be
broadcast live on Cable TV and through Channel 26 of the Midpen Media Center
at bit.ly/MidPenwatchnow.
Members of the public may comment by sending an email to
arb@cityofpaloalto.org or by attending the Zoom virtual meeting to give live
comments. Instructions for the Zoom meeting can be found on the last page of
this agenda. Visit bit.ly/PApendingprojects to view project plans and details.
Call to Order / Roll Call
Oral Communications
The public may speak to any item not on the agenda. Three (3) minutes per speaker.1,2
Agenda Changes, Additions, and Deletions
The Chair or Board majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.
City Official Reports
1. Transmittal of 1) the ARB Meeting Schedule and Attendance Record, 2) Tentative
Future Agenda items and 3) Recent Project Decisions
Study Session
Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker.1,3
2. Study Session for ARB Review of Draft Objective Standards
_______________________
1. Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified as present at the meeting at the
time of the spokesperson’s presentation will be allowed up to fifteen (15) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided
that the non-speaking members agree not to speak individually.
2. The Chair may limit Oral Communications to 30 minutes for all combined speakers.
3. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak to two minutes or less to accommodate a larger number of speakers.
Subcommittee Items
North of Ventura Coordinated Area Plan (NVCAP) Working Group Updates –
Boardmember Lew
Board Member Questions, Comments or Announcements
Adjournment
_______________________
1. Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified as present at the meeting at the
time of the spokesperson’s presentation will be allowed up to fifteen (15) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided
that the non-speaking members agree not to speak individually.
2. The Chair may limit Oral Communications to 30 minutes for all combined speakers.
3. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak to two minutes or less to accommodate a larger number of speakers.
Palo Alto Architectural Review Board
Boardmember Biographies, Present and Archived Agendas and Reports are available online:
http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/boards/architectural/default.asp. The ARB Boardmembers
are:
Chair Peter Baltay
Vice Chair Osma Thompson
Boardmember David Hirsch
Boardmember Grace Lee
Boardmember Alex Lew
Get Informed and Be Engaged!
View online: http://midpenmedia.org/category/government/city-of-palo-alto/ or on Channel
26.
Public comment is encouraged. Email the ARB at: arb@CityofPaloAlto.org.
Material related to an item on this agenda submitted to the ARB after distribution of the
agenda packet is available for public inspection at bit.ly/paloaltoARB.
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. Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified as present at the meeting at the
time of the spokesperson’s presentation will be allowed up to fifteen (15) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided
that the non-speaking members agree not to speak individually.
2. The Chair may limit Oral Communications to 30 minutes for all combined speakers.
3. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak to two minutes or less to accommodate a larger number of speakers.
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 arb@CityofPaloAlto.org
2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Board, click on the link below for the
appropriate meeting to access a Zoom-based meeting. Please read the following
instructions carefully.
A. 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.
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identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify
you that it is your turn to speak.
C. When you wish to speak on an agenda item, click on “raise hand”. The
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D. When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted.
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3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through the
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below. Please follow instructions B-E above.
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
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remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
https://zoom.us/join
Meeting ID: 942 5837 0735
Phone number: 1 669 900 6833
(you may need to exclude the initial “1” depending on your phone service)
Architectural Review Board
Staff Report (ID # 11651)
Report Type: City Official Reports Meeting Date: 10/15/2020
City of Palo Alto
Planning & Development Services
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 329-2442
Summary Title: City Official Report
Title: Transmittal of 1) the ARB Meeting Schedule and Attendance
Record, 2) Tentative Future Agenda items and 3) Recent
Project Decisions
From: Jonathan Lait
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Architectural Review Board (ARB) review and comment as appropriate.
Background
The attached documents are provided for informational purposes. The Board may review and
comment as it deems appropriate. If individual Boardmembers anticipate being absent from a
future meeting, it is requested that be brought to staff’s attention when considering this item.
The first attachment provides a meeting and attendance schedule for the current calendar year.
Also included are the subcommittee assignments, which are assigned by the ARB Chair.
The second attachment is a Tentative Future Agenda that provides a summary of upcoming
projects or discussion items. The hearing dates for these items are subject to change.
Board level Architectural Review approvals can be found on the City’s webpage at
http://bit.ly/PAapprovedprojects.
Administrative staff-level Architectural Review approvals can be found on the City’s webpage at
http://bit.ly/PAstaffapprovals. Any party, including the applicant, may request a hearing by the
ARB on the proposed director's decision(s) by filing a written request with the planning division.
There shall be no fee required for requesting such a hearing.
However, pursuant to 18.77.070(b)(5) any project relating to the installation of cabinets
containing communications service equipment or facilities, pursuant to any service subject to
Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 2.11, Chapter 12.04, Chapter 12.08, Chapter 12.09, Chapter
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12.10, or Chapter 12.13 is not eligible for a request for hearing by any party, including the
applicant.
No action is required by the ARB for this item.
Attachments:
x Attachment A: ARB Meeting Schedule Assignments (DOCX)
x Attachment B: Tentative Future Agendas (DOCX)
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Architectural Review Board
Meeting Schedule & Assignments
2020 Schedule
Meeting Dates Time Location Status Planned Absences
1/2/2020 8:30 AM Council Chambers Cancelled
1/16/2020 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular
1/30/2020 9:00 AM Palo Alto Art Center Retreat
2/6/2020 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular
2/20/2020 8:30 AM Council Chambers Cancelled
3/5/2020 8:30 AM Council Chambers Regular
3/19/2020 8:30 AM Council Chambers Cancelled
4/2/2020 8:30 AM Council Chambers Cancelled
4/16/2020 8:30 AM Virtual Meeting Regular Lee excused
5/7/2020 8:30 AM Virtual Meeting Regular
5/21/2020 8:30 AM Virtual Meeting Regular
6/4/2020 8:30 AM Virtual Meeting Subcommittee
6/18/2020 8:30 AM Virtual Meeting Cancelled
7/2/2020 8:30 AM Virtual Meeting Regular
7/16/2020 8:30 AM Virtual Meeting Regular
8/6/2020 8:30 AM Virtual Meeting Cancelled
8/20/2020 8:30 AM Virtual Meeting Regular
9/3/2020 8:30 AM Virtual Meeting Cancelled
9/17/2020 8:30 AM Virtual Meeting Cancelled
10/1/2020 8:30 AM Virtual Meeting Regular
10/15/2020 8:30 AM Virtual Meeting Regular Lee excused
11/5/2020 8:30 AM Virtual Meeting Regular
11/19/2020 8:30 AM Virtual Meeting Regular
12/3/2020 8:30 AM Virtual Meeting Regular
12/17/2020 8:30 AM Virtual Meeting Regular
2020 Subcommittee Assignments
Assignments will be made by the ARB Chair on the day of the hearing
January February March April May June
1/16 –
Hirsch/Lew
2/6 –
Baltay/Lew
3/5 –
Baltay/Lew
4/16 –
Hirsch/Lew
5/21 –
Thompson/Lew
6/4 –
Thompson/Hirsch
July August September October November December
7/2 –
Thompson/Hirsch
/Lew
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Architectural Review Board
2020 Tentative Future Agenda
The Following Items are Tentative and Subject to Change:
Meeting Dates Topics
November 5, 2020 x 1310 Bryant, 1235 and 1263 Emerson: Castilleja School (3rd Formal)
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Architectural Review Board
Staff Report (ID # 11448)
Report Type: Study Session Meeting Date: 10/15/2020
City of Palo Alto
Planning & Development Services
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 329-2442
Summary Title: ARB Review of Objective Standards
Title: Study Session for ARB Review of Draft Objective Standards
From: Jonathan Lait
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Architectural Review Board (ARB):
1. Review the draft objective standards that would modify Title 18 (Zoning Ordinance) of
the Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC); and
2. Provide feedback to staff and consultants.
Report Summary
The State legislature has made several changes to State housing laws in recent years to
streamline housing approvals. Specifically, the legislature has taken steps to reduce the amount
of subjective discretion that jurisdictions have to deny or reduce the density of residential and
residential mixed-use projects. Instead, in certain contexts, jurisdictions must rely on objective
design and development standards.
This project aims to respond to State law by making changes to the Zoning Ordinance (Title 18).
The project will revise subjective standards, namely the Context-Based Design Criteria,
transforming them into objective standards. This represents a new way that projects will be
reviewed by Planning staff and the Architectural Review Board (ARB).
Background
SB2 Funding and Project Purpose
This project, development of objective standards, is funded by Senate Bill 2 (SB2). SB2 provides
local governments with grants and technical assistance to prepare plans and process
improvements that:
x streamline housing approvals;
x facilitate housing affordability; and/or
x accelerate housing production.
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The City of Palo Alto developed a grant proposal to streamline housing approvals through
process improvements, namely the development of objective standards. The project will amend
the Zoning Ordinance to simplify and clarify standards and guidelines for staff, decision-makers,
and applicants.
Applicability
This project primarily addresses multifamily housing and residential mixed-use projects and
districts. Ground-floor retail guidelines and standards are addressed insofar as retail is required
as part of a mixed-use residential project. Commercial-only projects would also be subject to
applicable standards; standards, such as residential open space and residential entry standards
would not apply.
Objective standards in Title 18 currently do and will continue to apply to all projects, including
multi-family (three or more units) and single-family residential (when located in mixed use or
multifamily districts), accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and commercial projects. Similarly, any
objective standards in the Comprehensive Plan, coordinated area plans, and other adopted
policy documents likewise apply to all projects, as appropriate for their use and zoning district.
Relationship to State Housing Laws
Several State housing laws rely upon objective standards and emphasize the need for this SB2
project. The following paragraphs summarize the laws, which, when layered together, create
the policy context within which Palo Alto must develop its objective standards. Chart 1
illustrates how the City, including the ARB, reviews these different types of multifamily and
mixed-use projects. Regardless of the level of review, all these project types will be evaluated
for their compliance with objective standards.
Chart 1: Project Review Process for Multifamily and Residential Mixed-Use Projects
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City Staff
Housing Accountability Act
Originally passed in 1982, the Housing Accountability Act (HAA) (Government Code Section
65589.5) acknowledges the lack of housing as a critical problem in California. The HAA applies
to all "housing development projects" which the State defines as: “residential units; mixed-use
developments (with at least two-thirds of the square footage designated for residential use),
and transitional or supportive housing.” The City’s interpretation is that the HAA applies to
projects with two or more residential units.
The HAA states that a city cannot disapprove a project, reduce its density, or otherwise make a
project infeasible, when the project complies with objective standards. However, if an applicant
seeks an exception to an objective standard, the project—or at least the non-conforming
element of the project—is no longer covered by the HAA. Decision-makers may then rely on the
findings required or criteria for approval of that specific modification. In such a case, subjective
standards and design guidelines can be used to evaluate projects.
SB35 Project Streamlining
Under SB35 (Government Code Section 65913.4), the following project types are eligible for
streamlined review process:
x projects with at least 2/3 residential floor area,
x projects which meet certain affordability requirements, and
x projects that are consistent with the City’s zoning and other “objective standards.”
In Palo Alto, SB35 applies to a limited number of projects. The project must include at least 50%
of the units as affordable to low-income households. Under SB35, the review process is 90 to
180 days depending on the project size. The project is not subject to review under the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The project is not subject to discretionary review (e.g.,
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Architectural Review, Site and Design Review, requiring review by the ARB, PTC, or Council).
Changes to objective standards would affect these projects.
SB330 Permit Review
Effective January 1, 2020, SB330 made several changes to existing State housing law, including
the HAA and Permit Streamlining Act. For the purposes of the work described herein, the
important elements are as follows:
x Prohibits jurisdictions from imposing (on housing projects) subjective design standards
established after January 1, 2020.
x Requires that jurisdictions only subject a housing development project to review
pursuant to the ordinances, policies, and standards adopted and in effect when a
preliminary application is submitted (vs. when it is deemed complete).
x Limits jurisdictions to five public hearings.
x Prohibits jurisdictions from enacting development policies, standards or conditions that
would change current zoning and land use designations where housing is an allowable
use. In such cases, the City cannot lessen the intensity of housing—such as reducing
height, density, or floor area ratio, requiring new or increased open space, lot size,
setbacks, or frontage, or limiting maximum lot coverage. (Effectively, this clause
prohibits downzoning, though the City may rebalance density between various districts.)
Summary
State law relies more and more on projects’ compliance with objective standards. Therefore,
this project aims to strengthen objective standards to identify the City’s design and
development priorities. In this way, the project seeks to ensure applicants’ compliance with
these priorities to facilitate the development of housing. Furthermore, this project allows the
City to comply with recently passed legislation requiring objective standards and streamlined
approval processes.
Summary of Public Meetings
ARB Study Sessions – December 5, 2019 and February 6, 2020
Staff and consultants met with the ARB in December 20191 and in February 2020.2 The
presentations provided an overview of the project and a description of key issues, and
discussed options and recommendations for how to implement the project goals. On February
6, staff and consultants presented issues, options, and recommendations for how the City can
implement the requirements of State law with respect to objective standards. The ARB
1 December 5, 2019 ARB Staff Report: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/74248,
Minutes: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/74670, Video:
https://midpenmedia.org/architectural-review-board-74-1252019/
2 February 6, 2020 ARB Staff Report: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/75075, Minutes:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/75703, Video:
https://midpenmedia.org/architectural-review-board-74-262020/
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expressed a range of opinions on how to address State requirements and a range of responses
to staff and consultant ideas:
1. Overly Prescriptive: Most board members were concerned that design standards will be
overly prescriptive and restrict the influence of time, character, and context on enabling
high quality and appropriate design.
2. Conservative vs. Flexible Approach: Some board members supported the concept of
creating strict standards (e.g., zero shadows cast; only materials allowing certain
materials such as brick and glass) but allowing exceptions if an applicant agrees to go
through architectural review. Other board members were concerned that this would
restrict housing production altogether. Still other board members supported flexible
options, such as a menu of choices or a minimum/maximum range.
3. Flexibility for Affordable Housing: Generally, board members supported flexibility for
100% affordable housing projects, especially regarding building materials.
4. Basic Good Design Principles: Generally, board members supported objective standards
for general design principles, such as regulating massing, façade length, articulation,
connectivity within large sites, and entrance locations.
5. Addressing Transitions: Generally, board members wanted regulations to address issues
of transition between heights and uses (i.e., make context and compatibility guidelines
into standards). However, they recognized that this is challenging as a one-size-fits-all
standard and would like standards to consider land use and/or location.
PTC Study Session – May 13, 2020
Staff and consultants met with the PTC in May 2020 to provide an overview of the project, key
issues, policy options, and the ARB’s recommendations.3 The PTC provided the following
feedback to staff and consultants:
1. Commissioners supported transforming context-based design criteria into objective
standards, as a way to express the City's design values.
2. Commissioners supported reorganizing the code to reduce redundancies and make it
easier to find regulations that apply to a parcel and making other subjective regulations
objective.
3. Commissioners expressed mixed opinions about using graphics in the code: some really
like graphics, others worried that they may lead applicants down a certain path.
4. Commissioners were generally interested in making changes to the overlay districts (AH,
WH, PTOD) to be more streamlined (e.g., by right, if criteria are met), but were
concerned about losing the opportunity for public input and Council review.
3 May 13, 2020 PTC Staff Report: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/76583, Minutes:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/77132, Video: https://midpenmedia.org/planning-
transportation-commission-63-5132020/
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5. Commissioners shared a concern that new design standards could lead to projects
looking the same throughout the city and across neighborhoods; also, that developers
may always choose the same (least expensive option) in the menu of options.
6. Commissioners agreed that if an ARB/PTC joint subcommittee is too challenging, they
would like to have a joint meeting with the ARB.
7. At least one commissioner had the following ideas/suggestions:
o desire to know what other cities are doing
o desire for more form-based code
o more info about what the ARB thinks about this
o desire to ask former ARB members and/or local architects to review these draft
standards (another PTC member specifically disagreed)
o desire to standardize conditions of approval
ARB Subcommittee – Summer 2020
The ARB formed a subcommittee, composed of Board members Thompson and Hirsch, to
workshop the draft standards. The Subcommittee reviewed and provided written comments on
preliminary versions of the standards. The Subcommittee also met with staff and consultants
over a series of three video calls to discuss and debate the format, organization, intent
statements, and specific language of the draft standards.
Discussion & Analysis
Attachment #1 contains the draft standards and related graphics. Staff and consultants have
revised the current Context-Based Design Criteria into a stand-alone set of standards which
would be codified as Chapter 18.24. The Context-Based Design Criteria would be eliminated
from the code with approval of these standards. The ARB findings would remain in Title 18.76.
The ARB would continue to use these findings to evaluate projects that do not require
compliance with objective standards (e.g., 100% commercial projects, projects that do not
comply with the Housing Accountability Act).
Table 1 identifies the topical sections for the new Chapter 18.24. These topics can generally be
categorized into three areas.
1. Administration: describes the purpose and applicability of the design standards,
including the relevant zoning districts, and defines terms that are specific to this
chapter.
2. Site Design: identifies standards related to the interface between the building and public
realm, including sidewalks, driveways, access, entries, and building orientation.
3. Building Design: identifies standards related to the building itself, including
bulk/massing, facades, secondary entries, on-site open space, and potentially materials.
Table 1: Design Standards Organization, by Topic
Category Topic
Administration 18.24.010: Purpose and Applicability
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Site Design
18.24.020: Public Realm/Sidewalk Character
18.24.030: Site Access
18.24.040: Building Orientation and Setbacks
Building Design
18.24.050: Building Massing
18.24.060: Façade Design
18.24.070: Residential Entries
18.24.080: Open Space
18.24.090: Materials (TBD)
Each of the topics above is broken into two sections: (1) an intent statement and (2) a set of
objective standards.
1. The intent statements represent overarching guidelines for each topic, are subjective,
and often include verbatim language from the Context-Based Design Criteria and/or ARB
findings.
2. The objective standards are ratios, measurements, percentages, or otherwise clear
criteria. Some standards are written as a menu of options, providing choices for how
they may be met. Standards have been devised based on staff and consultant
experience with designing and reviewing multifamily and residential mixed-use projects.
Based on feedback from the ARB and ARB Subcommittee, the proposed design standards aim to
strike a balance between prescriptiveness and flexibility. The objective design standards are
intended to lead to buildings with good design principles and an acceptable level of articulation
and detail. However, because these standards are objective, they cannot anticipate all different
types of buildings and unique architectural designs. Instead, the draft design standards propose
an alternate path for compliance.
If architects/applicants do not want to meet or cannot meet the objective standard—for
whatever reason—they may instead choose to meet the “intent statement.” In choosing this
path, the applicant is choosing to undergo ARB discretionary review. The ARB then makes the
determination about whether or not the proposed project meets the intent of the code section.
If a project does meet the objective standards for a particular topic, it automatically meets the
intent statement for that section. These two paths toward compliance are identified in Chart 2.
Chart 2: Two Paths of Compliance: Objective and Discretionary
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Discussion Questions
The Subcommittee suggested several topics for further discussion. The following topics/
questions are intended to guide this discussion:
1. Base/Middle/Top (18.24.060(C)(i)): The existing Context-Based Design Criteria call for
buildings to be designed with a base, body, and roof or parapet edge. The draft code
transforms this traditional architectural guideline into a standard. Notably, projects that
do not comply with this standard, such as a Modernist minimalist design, would need to
go through architectural review with the ARB to meet the intent for façade design.
Is this an acceptable transformation?
2. Façade Length (18.24.050(C)): The existing Pedestrian and Transit Oriented Design
(PTOD) overlay Context-Based Design Criteria includes a standard limiting façade length
to 70% of the façade and 100 continuous feet. This draft code expands the applicability
of this standard to the rest of the city.
Is this acceptable? Should buildings be permitted to have a continuous façade of more
than 100 feet/70% of the total façade before a notch or setback is required?
3. Height Transitions (18.24.050(B)): Many of the Context-Based Design Criteria relate to
contextual and compatible height and massing guidelines, which are subjective criteria.
District regulations already include objective daylight plane requirements to facilitate
height transitions between higher and lower density districts. The draft code proposes
additional standards and options for regulating transitions.
Is the daylight plane sufficient to regulate transitions or should the code provide for
other compliance options?
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4. Articulation & Massing Strategy (18.24.060(C)(iii)): The Compatible Rhythm and Pattern
section illustrates acceptable horizontal articulation and vertical massing strategies
through a series of diagrams.
Do these standards and diagrams represent acceptable baseline standards for quality
buildings?
5. Materials (18.24.090): During its February 2020 meeting, ARB members expressed
concern about regulating materials, especially for below-market rate projects. The draft
code includes an example section of how materials could be regulated.
Does the ARB want to pursue a similar strategy?
6. Commercial-Only Uses: The intent statements are broadly written to apply to all project
types, including residential and commercial projects. Commercial-only projects would
only be subject to applicable standards; for example, standards related to residential
lobby entries and residential open space would not apply.
Do the intent statements and standards, as proposed, generally make sense for
commercial-only projects?
7. Format of Code: Is the overall format and structure of the draft code understandable
and acceptable?
Next Steps
Based on feedback from the ARB, staff and consultants will prepare a revised draft ordinance to
share with the ARB and PTC at a subsequent joint meeting this fall. This joint meeting has yet to
be scheduled.
Environmental Review
The ordinance revisions represent implementation of adopted plans and policy. Therefore, the
revisions are exempt under CEQA and/or covered by the CEQA documents prepared for the
Comprehensive Plan. The project aims to facilitate implementation of State law. The project
does not propose to increase development beyond what was analyzed in the Comprehensive
Plan.
Public Notification, Outreach & Comments
The Palo Alto Municipal Code does not require noticing of study sessions; however, this item
was published in a local paper, Daily Post, on October 2, 2020, which is 13 days in advance of
the meeting.
Public Comments
As of the writing of this report, no project-related, public comments were received.
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Report Author & Contact Information ARB4 Liaison & Contact Information
Jean Eisberg, Consultant Planner Jodie Gerhardt, AICP, Planning Manager
(415) 841-3539 (650) 329-2575
jean@lexingtonplanning.com jodie.gerhardt@cityofpaloalto.org
Attachments:
x Attachment A: 18.24 DRAFT Objective Design Standards (PDF)
4 Emails may be sent directly to the ARB using the following address: arb@cityofpaloalto.org
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PALO ALTO OBJECTIVE STANDARDS
Context-Based Design Criteria
WORKING DRAFT FOR ARB REVIEW
Last updated October 8, 2020
This document outlines the topics and potential design standards and guidelines for a new
Chapter (18.24) of the Palo Alto Zoning Ordinance. This draft chapter represents a rewrite of
the Palo Alto Context-Based Design Criteria and other parts of Title 18 as objective standards.
The draft standards are based on the specific language of the existing design criteria, but the
chapter reorganizes the content into Site Design and Building Design standards and further
subtopics described on the following page.
This is a working document that is to be read alongside the List of Guidelines to Transform,
which documents the existing Context-Based Design Criteria. The draft standards below will
be revised by the ARB, PTC, and Council over the course of the project to transform
subjective design criteria into reasonable design standards that support the City’s priorities
for design and development.
Contents
18.24.010 Purpose and Applicability ................................................................... 2
18.24.020 Public Realm/Sidewalk Character ......................................................... 3
18.24.030 Site Access .................................................................................... 5
18.24.040 Building Orientation and Setbacks ......................................................... 6
18.24.050 Building Massing .............................................................................. 9
18.24.060 Façade Design ................................................................................ 13
18.24.070 Residential Entries .......................................................................... 23
18.24.080 Open Space ................................................................................... 25
18.24.090 Materials ...................................................................................... 27
There are several design-related topics located elsewhere in Title 18, which may be relocated
to this new chapter. This includes 18.23.050: Visual, Screening and Landscaping and
18.23.030: Lighting.
There are several topics that the ARB Subcommittee, City staff, and consultants have raised
that are not currently described in depth in the current context-based design criteria. These
topics could be considered through a separate project and include:
1. Fenestration
2. Sustainability (note: elements of sustainability are embedded in various topics below)
3. Materials (example section provided below)
4. Allowable encroachments in the setback area
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Chapter 18.24 Context-Based Design Standards
18.24.010 Purpose and Applicability
(A) Purpose
(i) The purpose of the Context-Based Design Standards is to provide design guidance and
objective design standards development projects.
(B) Applicability of regulations
(i) Within the following zones, the intent statements apply to all project types, new
construction, and renovation; design standards apply to new construction:
(a) RM-20, RM-30, RM-40
(b) CN, CS, CD, CC
(c) PTOD
(d) MOR, ROLM, RP
(e) PC
Public art in residential and residential mixed-use projects is subject to Chapter 16.61 and
exempt from these requirements.
(C) Alternative compliance
Each section of this chapter includes an intent statement that gives guidance for all
applicable projects, regardless of use.
Residential and mixed-use residential projects may choose to forgo one or more objective
standards and instead meet the spirit of the relevant intent statements, as determined by the
Director or the Architectural Review Board, depending on the level of review required by
Chapter 18.75.
Commercial-only projects or other non-residential projects should meet relevant standards;
they are not required to adhere irrelevant standards related to residential uses. Depending on
the level of review required by Chapter 18.75, the Director or the Architectural Review Board
will determine compliance with the relevant intent statements.
(D) Definitions
In addition to definitions identified in Chapter 18.04, the following definitions are specific to
this chapter.
(i) Primary Building Frontage: The front lot line or frontage along the public right-of-
way. In the case of a through-lot, the primary building frontage could be on either
public right-of-way.
(ii) Primary Building Entry: The entrance leading to a lobby and/or accessed from the
primary building frontage.
(iii) Pedestrian Walkway: A sidewalk or path that is publicly-accessible and connects from
a public right-of-way to another public right-of-way or publicly accessible open space.
(iv) Façade Modulation: A change in building plane, either a recess or a projection, that
changes shape of the interior space.
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18.24.020 Public Realm/Sidewalk Character
(A) Intent
To create an attractive and safe public realm and sidewalk space for pedestrians and cyclists
through the implementation of design, landscaping, and infrastructure. Publicly accessible
spaces and sidewalks should:
x Design the transition between the public and private realm through the coordination
of amenities and materials, such as accent paving, tree wells, lighting and street
furniture (e.g., benches, bicycle racks, trash receptacles, and news racks).
x Complement or match accent paving to existing designs in downtown and Cal Ave
areas.
x Provide sidewalk widths that accommodate landscaping, street trees, furniture, and
pedestrian amenities; create a pleasant, desirable place to walk; provides shade; and
enable comfortable pedestrian passage.
x Provide amenities, such as parking and repair equipment, for micromobility, such as
bicycles and scooters.
(B) Streetscape
(i) Sidewalk Widths
(a) Public sidewalks abutting a development parcel shall have a minimum sidewalk
width (curb to back of walk) of XXX feet [TBD in consultation with Public Works]. If
the existing public sidewalk does not meet the minimum standard, a publicly
accessible extension of the sidewalk, with corresponding public access easement,
shall be provided.
1. Notwithstanding subsection (a), the following streets/locations shall have a
minimum sidewalk width of:
a. Park Boulevard (South of Caltrain to Ventura): TBD, per NVCAP
b. El Camino Real and San Antonio Avenue: 12 ft
c. Other Corridors in Commercial Zones (CN, CS, CC, CC(2)) : 8ft
d. CD Districts and SOFA: 10 ft
(b) Publicly accessible sidewalks or walkways connecting through a development
parcel (e.g., on a through lot) shall have a minimum six-foot width. Pedestrian
walkways that are designed to provide access to bicycles shall have a minimum
width of eight feet.
(ii) Street Trees
(a) Sidewalks shall include at least one street tree, within six feet of the sidewalk, for
every 30 feet of linear feet of sidewalk length.
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Frontage Sidewalk Street
Building
Setback Frontage Area Pedestrian
Clear Zone Landscape/Furniture Zone
Property Line Varies Landscape/
Furniture Area
Edge Zone 18”
typ. Curb +
Step Out Area
Mixed-Use
x Sidewalk Dining
x Outdoor Displays
x Public Art
x Seating
x Planting
Residential
x Stoops
x Porches
x Front Yards
x Utilities
x Planting
x Street Trees/Planting
x Street Lighting
x Seating
x Mobility Infrastructure
x Bike Parking
x Public Art
x Outdoor Dining
x Street
Parking
x Bike Lanes
x Drop-off
Zones
x Parklets
(iii) Accent Paving
(a) Sidewalks and publicly accessible areas fronting University Avenue and California
Avenue shall match existing accent paving design and materials, such a mosaic tile
and bricks.
(iv) Mobility Infrastructure
(a) Micromobility infrastructure, such as locations to lock bicycles and scooters, shall
be located within 20 feet of the primary building entry and/or a path leading to
the primary building entry. This standard may be satisfied by existing
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infrastructure already located within 50 feet of the project site and located in the
public right-of-way.
(b) Primary building entries shall provide at least one seating area or bench within 20
feet of building entry and/or path leading to building entry. This standard may be
satisfied by existing seating area or benches located in public right-of-way within
50 feet of the building entry.
18.24.030 Site Access
(A) Intent
To provide facilities and accommodations for pedestrians, vehicles, cyclists, and transit users
to safely and efficiently access and circulate both within individual sites and in the site’s
surrounding context. Site access should include the following elements:
x Site circulation and access that presents a clear hierarchy and connectivity pattern for
all travel modes both within a project and to adjacent sidewalks and transit stops.
This hierarchy may provide separate access for vehicles and other modes, or
demonstrate how all modes are accommodated in shared access points.
x Connections to side streets, open spaces, mews, alleys, and paseos
x Vehicle, loading and service access that is integrated into building and landscape
design and located to prevent conflicts with pedestrians and cyclists, while also
provided convenient access to building entries.
(B) Circulation Hierarchy
(i) Sites shall clearly identify a hierarchy of connectivity in a circulation plan that
identifies a priority for pedestrian, bike, private vehicles, and utility/loading access in
the order listed. [see comment in text box below]
(ii) Through lots located more than 300 feet from an intersecting street or pedestrian
walkway shall provide a publicly accessible sidewalk or pedestrian walkway connecting
the two streets.
(C) Building Entries
(i) Entries to Primary Building Entries shall be located from a public right-of-way or if not
possible a publicly accessible Pedestrian Walkway.
Circulation Plan: Some topics are inherently difficult to create clear and objective
standards to meet the intent of the guidelines while providing flexibility that is needed for
each project. One way to create an objective standard for these performance criteria is to
have a requirement that a developer submit a plan to meet these criteria. The review of
the plan material, description of how the project will meet the intent of the guidelines,
and the implementation will not be objective and thus not applicable to deny a project for
not meeting the City’s expectations of the guidelines, but the act of having to write the
report/plan may provide enough guidance and design thinking to get most of the way there
in most cases.
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(D) Vehicle Access
(i) Vehicle access shall be located on alleys or side streets where available.
(ii) Vehicle access, vehicle loading, and off-street parking shall follow the following
standards:
(a) Except for driveway access, off-Street parking, off-street vehicle loading, and
vehicular circulation areas are prohibited between the building and the primary
building frontage.
(iii) Special Conditions
(b) California Avenue: Vehicular access to CC(2) zoned sites on California Avenue
which requires vehicular movement across the sidewalk on California Avenue shall
be prohibited, except where required by law and as applied to parcels owned,
leased or controlled by the City.
(c) University Avenue: Vehicular access to CD-C zoned sites on University Avenue
which requires vehicular movement across the sidewalk on University Avenue shall
be prohibited, except where required by law and as applied to parcels owned,
leased or controlled by the City.
(E) Loading Docks and Service Areas
(iii) Loading and service areas shall be integrated into building and landscape design and
located to minimize impact on the pedestrian experience as follows:
(a) Loading docks and service areas shall be located on facades other than the primary
building frontage, on alleys, from parking areas, and/or at the rear or side of
building if building includes these frontages. When only primary building frontage
is available, loading docks and service areas shall be recessed a minimum five feet
from the primary façade and shall be screened in accordance with Chapter
18.23.050.
(b) Loading dock and service areas located within setback areas shall be screened in
accordance with Chapter 18.23.050 and separated from pedestrian access to the
primary building entry to avoid impeding pedestrian movement and safety.
18.24.040 Building Orientation and Setbacks
(A) Intent
To create a coherent and active interface between private development and the public realm
that contributes to the sense of place and structure of the neighborhood and enhances the
public’s experience. Site design that responds to the orientation of adjacent uses and creates
opportunities for landscaping and usable open space. Buildings and site design should meet
the following criteria:
x Buildings that create a contiguous street wall that are compatible with nearby buildings
and land uses.
x Placement and orientation of doorways, windows, stoops, and landscape elements to
create a direct relationship with the street
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x Ground floor residential units that have direct entry and presence on the street
x Transitional spaces and buffer areas between buildings, parcels, and sites through building
setbacks that distinguish private and public spaces.
x Buildings that provide side and rear setbacks and/or upper story stepbacks to create
separation between adjacent lower density residential development.
x Landscaped or usable areas that contain open space or hardscaped areas.
x Optimized building orientation for heat gain, shading, daylighting, and natural ventilation
and other forms of passive design.
(B) Building Orientation
(i) Treatment of Corner Buildings
(a) Corner buildings shall include one of the following special features:
1. Street wall shall be located at the minimum front yard setback or build-to line
for a minimum aggregated length of 60 feet in length on both facades meeting
at the corner and shall include one or more of the following building features:
a. A corner entry to ground floor retail or primary building entrance
b. A different material application and fenestration pattern from the rest of
the façade
c. A change in height of at least 8 feet greater or less than the height of the
abutting façade.
>
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2. A publicly accessible open space with a minimum dimension of 20 feet and
minimum area of 1,000 square feet.
3. A common open space that is no more than six feet above the back of walk
grade at the corner, is located adjacent to indoor common spaces, with direct
access, has areas for seating, has a minimum dimension of 20 feet and
minimum area of 1,000 square feet, and has a fence or railing that is no less
than 50 percent open or transparent.
(ii) Primary Building Entry
(a) The primary building entry shall meet one of the following standards:
1. Face a public right-of-way Be visible from a public right-of-way through a
forecourt or front porch that meets the following standards:
a. For residential buildings with fewer than seven units, building entry
forecourts or front porches shall be a minimum area of 36 square feet and
minimum dimension of five feet.
b. For commercial buildings or residential buildings with more than six units,
building entry forecourts or front porches shall be a minimum of 100 square
feet and a minimum width of 8 feet.
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(iii) Ground Floor Residential Units
(a) A minimum of 80% of ground floor residential units facing a public right-of-way or
publicly accessible path or open space shall have a unit entry with direct access to
the sidewalk, path, or open space. (Senior units or other deed-restricted units for
special populations are exempt)
(b) Entries to ground floor residential units shall face a public right-of-way or publicly
accessible path/open space or be visible from a public right-of-way through a
forecourt or front porch that is a minimum of 30 square feet.
(c) Ground floor residential units shall be setback a minimum 15 feet from the back of
sidewalk.
(C) Front Yard Setback Character
(i) Required setbacks shall provide an extension of the sidewalk as a hardscape and/or
landscaped area to create a transition between public and private space. The
following standards apply, based on intended use and exclusive of areas devoted to
outdoor seating, front porches, door swing of building entries, and publicly accessible
open space:
(a) Ground-floor retail or retail-like uses = Minimum of 20% of the required setback
(b) Other ground-floor non-residential uses. A minimum of 40% of the required setback
area Ground-floor residential uses. A minimum of 60% of the required setback area
18.24.050 Building Massing
(A) Intent
To create buildings that are compatible with and enhance the surrounding area through the
consideration of building scale, massing, and bulk. Massing should create a human-scale
environment that is of high aesthetic quality and accommodates a variety of uses and design
features. Building massing should include elements that:
x Break down large building facades and massing to create a human-scaled building that
enhances the context of the site
x Are consistent in scale, mass and character to adjacent land uses and land use
designations
x Reinforce the definition and importance of the street
x Provide rooflines and massing that emphasize and accentuate significant elements of
the building such as entries, bays, and balconies, and shading elements where
appropriate.
x Provide harmonious transitions between adjacent properties
(B) Contextual Massing
(i) Upper Floor Step Backs
(c) When the average height of the building is greater than 20 feet above the average
height of an adjacent building, an upper floor step back shall start within 2 vertical
feet, plus or minus, of the height of the adjacent building, be a minimum depth of
six feet along the primary building frontage, and the step should shall occur for a
minimum of 70% of the façade length.
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(ii) Transition to Lower Density Building Types
(d) When a building abuts a side and/or rear property line with a RE, RMD, R-1, or R-2
zoned parcel or a village residential or existing single-family residential use, the
building shall break down the abutting façade by meeting the following standards:
1. A reduction in mass through one of the following:
a. A minimum 15-foot building setback and an upper floor step back above 35
feet in height for a minimum depth of 25 feet.
b. Jodie – to add IR privacy type Guidelines that are objective
(i) Frosted windows
(ii) Staggered window placement
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c. A minimum 20-foot building side yard setback, a minimum 10-foot step back
above 30 feet in height, and a landscape screen that includes a double row
of trees with a minimum 1 tree per 30 linear feet plus continuous shrubbery
planting 72 inches (6 feet) in height [NOTE: Alternative is to maintain
existing daylight plane]
2. A minimum façade break of six feet in width and six feet in depth for every 36
to 40 feet of façade length.
3. A maximum 15% window coverage of facades within 30 feet of abutting
property line.
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(C) Maximum Façade Length
(i) Significant Breaks
(a) For portions of a building facade facing a public street, right-of-way, or publicly
accessible path, any building greater than 25 feet in height shall not have a
continuous facade greater than 70% of the façade length. Upper floor façade
modulation shall be a minimum 2 feet in depth.
(b) Buildings greater than 100 feet in length, which face a public street, right-of-way,
or publicly accessible path, shall have at least one vertical façade break with a
minimum area greater than 600 square feet and a width less than or equal to two
times the depth.
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(D) Special Conditions
(i) Railroad Frontages
(a) All parcels with lot lines abutting railroad rights-of-way shall meet the following
standards on the railroad-abutting facade:
1. A minimum facade break of at least 10 feet in width and six feet in depth for
every 60 feet of façade length.
2. For portion of a building greater that is 20 feet or greater in height, a
maximum continuous façade length shall not exceed 60 feet.
3. A daylight setback plane starting 10 feet in height from grade at the property
line and extending at a 1:1 ratio.
18.24.060 Façade Design
(A) Intent Statement:
To create cohesive and well-crafted building facades with human-scaled details that
incorporate textures, colors, and other details that are compatible with and enhance the
surrounding area. Facades should include the following elements:
x Human-scaled detail, articulation, and craftsmanship
x Quality of construction, craftsmanship, and design to create long lasting buildings
x Articulation of the building base or ground floor, body or middle, and top, cornice or
parapet edge
x Expression of a human-scaled façade rhythm and pattern that reflects the building’s
use
x Fenestration that enhances the architectural character of the building
x Defined building entry that is proportional to the building and number of people
served
(B) Application
(i) All facades shall meet all the required design standards and guidelines to ensure the
same level of care and integrity throughout the building design.
(ii) Façade sidewalls located along a zero-lot line where, at time of approval are not
visible from a right-of-way, are exempt.
(iii) Façade sidewalls located along a zero-lot line, where at time of approval are visible
from a right-of-way, shall continue color, material, and pattern of the main façade.
(C) Human Scaled Architecture
(i) Base/Middle/Top
(a) Buildings three stories or taller shall be designed to differentiate a defined base or
ground floor, a middle or body, and a top, cornice, or parapet cap. Buildings two
stories or less shall include a defined base and top. Each of these elements shall be
distinguished from one another through use of two or more of the following four
techniques:
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1. Variation in building modulation (select a minimum of one)
a. Horizontal shifts. Changes in floor plates that protrude and/or recess with a
minimum dimension of two feet from the primary facade.
b. Upper floor step backs. A horizontal step back of upper-floor façades with a
minimum five-foot step back from the primary façade for a minimum of 80%
of the length of the façade.
c. Ground floor step back. A horizontal shift of the ground floor facade with a
minimum depth of two feet for a minimum 80% of the length of the façade.
Ground floor step backs shall not exceed the maximum setback
requirements, where stated.
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2. Variation in facade articulation (select a minimum of one)
a. Horizontal and/or vertical recesses such as a pattern of recessed grouping
of windows, recessed panels, or similar strategies as approved by the
Director. The recess shall be a minimum four inches in depth.
b. Horizontal and/or vertical projections such as shading and weather
protection devices, decorative architectural details, or similar strategies as
approved by the Director. Projections shall be a minimum four inches in
depth.
c. Datum lines that continue the length of the building, such as parapets or
cornices, with a minimum four inches in height or a minimum two inches in
depth and include a change in material;
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3. Variation in fenestration size, proportions, pattern, and depth or projection.
4. Variation in two of the following: façade material, material size, texture and
pattern, or color.
(ii) Façade Articulation
(a) Building facades shall use a variety of strategies including building modulation,
fenestration, and façade articulation to create visual interest and express a variety
of scales through a variety of strategies. All facades shall include a minimum of
one of the following façade articulation strategies to create visual interest:
1. Vertical and horizontal recesses such as a pattern of recessed grouping of
windows, recessed panels, or similar strategies as approved by the Director.
The recess shall be a minimum four inches in depth.
2. Vertical and horizontal projections such as shading and weather protection
devices, decorative architectural details, or similar strategies as approved by
the Director. Projections shall be a minimum four inches in depth.
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3. Datum lines that continue the length of the building, such as cornices, with a
minimum four inches in depth, or a minimum two inches in depth and include a
change in material;
4. Balconies, habitable projections, or Juliet balconies (every 20 to 40 feet) with
a minimum four inches in depth;
5. Screening devices such as lattices, louvers, shading devices, perforated metal
screens, or similar strategies as approved by the Director; or
6. Use of fine-grained building materials, such as brick or wood shingles, not to
exceed eight inches in either height or width.
(iii) Compatible Rhythm and Pattern
(a) Residential or residential mixed-use buildings shall express a vertical rhythm and
pattern that reflects the size and scale of a housing unit and/or individual rooms
and spaces. This may be achieved with building modulation to create vertically
oriented facades (height greater than the width of the façade), façade articulation
and fenestration repetitive vertically oriented patterns. The following standards
apply:
1. For facades less than 100 feet in length, the façade shall have vertically
oriented patterns of vertical recesses or projects, façade articulation, and/or
fenestration.
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2. For continuous facades greater than 100 feet in length, the façade shall include
a vertical recess or projection with a minimum four feet wide and two feet
deep vertical shift modulation to establish a rhythm between 20 to 50 feet in
width for housing units or 12 to 16 feet in width for individual rooms and
spaces.
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(b) Residential mixed-use and non-residential buildings shall express a vertical rhythm
and pattern by using one of the following options:
1. Facades shall use vertical patterns of building modulation, façade articulation,
and fenestration;
2. Facades that use horizontal articulation and fenestration patterns shall use a
vertical massing strategy with a minimum four feet wide and two feet deep
vertical shift in modulation at least once every 50 feet of façade length.
(c) Storefront uses shall express a vertical rhythm not to exceed 30 to 50 feet in
width.
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(iv) Emphasize Building Elements and Massing
(a) Building Entries Within Façade Design
1. Primary building entries shall be scaled proportionally to the number of people
served (amount of floor-area or number of units accessed). Building entries
inclusive of doorway and facade plane shall meet the following minimum
dimensions:
a. Individual residential entries: five feet in width
b. Shared residential entry, such as mixed-use buildings: 10 feet in width
c. Commercial building entry: 20 feet in width
d. Storefront entry: six feet in width
2. Primary building entries (not inclusive of individual residential entries) shall
include a façade modulation that includes at least one of the following:
a. A recess or projection from the primary façade plane with a minimum
depth of two feet.
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(D) Ground Floor Character
(i) Storefront/Retail Ground Floors
(a) Ground floor height shall be a minimum 14 feet floor-to-floor or shall maintain a
2nd floor datum line of an abutting building.
(b) Transparency shall include a minimum 60 percent transparent glazing between 2
and 10 feet in height from sidewalk, providing unobstructed views into the
commercial space.
(c) Bulkheads and solid base walls: If provided, shall measure between 12 and 30
inches from finished grade
(d) Primary entries shall include weather protection that is a minimum 6 feet wide and
4 feet deep by recessing the entry, providing an awning or using a combination of
these methods.
(e) Awnings, canopies and weather protection:
1. When transom windows are above display windows, awnings, canopies and
similar weather protection elements shall be installed between transom and
display windows. These elements should allow for light to enter the storefront
through the transom windows and allow the weather protection feature to
shade the display window.
2. Awnings may be fixed or retractable.
3. Awnings, canopies and other weather protection elements shall not extend
across the entire facade. Instead, individual segments shall be installed over
each storefront entry or set of storefront windows and shall not extend across
wall sections, across multiple windows or over columns.
(ii) Other Non-residential Ground Floors
(a) Ground floor height shall be a minimum 14 feet floor-to-floor or shall match the 2nd
floor datum line of an abutting building.
(b) Transparency shall include a minimum 50 percent transparent glazing between 4
and 10 feet in height from sidewalk or terrace grade.
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(c) Primary entries shall include weather protection that is a minimum 10 feet wide
and 8 feet deep by recessing the entry, providing an awning or using a combination
of these methods.
(iii) Residential Ground Floors
(a) Finished Floor Height: Units on ground floors shall have a finished floor height at a
minimum two feet above average back of sidewalk height for the associated
façade.
(b) Primary entries shall include weather protection that is a minimum 4 feet wide and
4 feet deep by recessing the entry, providing an awning or using a combination of
these methods.
(E) Parking/Loading/Utilities
(i) Entry Size: No more than 25% of the site frontage facing a street should be devoted to
garage openings, carports, surface parking, loading entries, or utilities access (on sites
with less than 100 feet of frontage, no more than 25 feet)
(ii) Above grade structured parking levels facing a public right-of-way or publicly
accessible open space/path shall be lined with commercial or habitable uses with a
minimum depth of 20 feet.
(iii) Partially sub-grade parking not exceeding six feet in height above abutting grade at
back of sidewalk shall be screened with features meeting the standards of section
18.24.110 Visual, Screening, and Landscaping.
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18.24.070 Residential Entries
(A) Intent
Private entries into ground floor residential units shall be designed to provide:
x human-scaled detailing
x enhanced pedestrian experience
x transition between public and private space
x spaces for residents to gather and spend time outdoors
x resident privacy
(B) Ground floor unit entries
(i) Where ground floor residential unit entries are required, one or more of the following
entry types shall be provided:
(a) Stoop:
1. Stoops shall provide entry access for a maximum of two units.; and
2. Stoop entry landings shall be a minimum 4 feet in depth; and
3. The maximum stoop height from the back of sidewalk grade shall be 5 feet.
(b) Porch:
1. Porches shall provide entry access for a maximum of one unit; and
2. Porches shall be large enough so a 6-foot by 6-foot square can fit inside of a
porch for each unit; and
3. The maximum porch floor height from the back of sidewalk grade shall be 5
feet.
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(c) Terrace:
1. A Terrace may serve multiple unit entries; and
2. The maximum Terrace height shall be 30 inches above the grade of the back of
the adjacent sidewalk or accessway; and
3. Walls, fences and hedges on Terraces shall be a maximum of 42 inches tall and
have a minimum transparency of 40 percent.
(d) Frontage Court:
1. A Frontage Court may serve multiple unit entries; and
2. The minimum Frontage Court width along a primary frontage shall be 25 feet;
and
3. The maximum Frontage Court width along a primary frontage shall be 50
percent of the facade length or 80 feet, whichever is less; and
4. The minimum Frontage Court depth shall be 25 feet; and
5. The maximum Frontage Court depth shall be 50 feet or a ratio not to exceed
2:1 depth to width.
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18.24.080 Open Space
(A) Intent
To ensure that residents and visitors have access to usable open space and common facilities
that provide recreational opportunities, promote a healthy environment, and enhance the
experience of living in Palo Alto. Common and private open spaces should include the
following characteristics:
x Be integrated into the site access and building circulation strategy
x Be generous in dimension to provide usable space
x Provide landscape elements that will support the health of the plants and enhance the
character of place
x Promote public health
x Be located to provide easy access to private and common building areas
x Promote sustainable practices and opportunities for green infrastructure
x Promote community safety through eyes on the street
(B) Private Open Space
Private Open Spaces shall be immediately accessible from each residential unit,
provide direct visible access to the sky, protect from weather, and take advantage of
possible views. Private Open Spaces shall meet the following standards:
(a) Minimum dimension of six feet by six feet.
(b) Minimum clear height dimension of 8’-6” feet
(c) Be accessed directly from a residential unit
(d) Balconies shall not be located within the daylight plane
(e) Notwithstanding subsection (a), ground floor patios shall meet the following
minimum requirements:
1. RM-20 and RM-30 districts, Minimum dimension of eight feet by eight feet and
100 square feet of area for at least 75% of the area
2. RM-40 districts, Minimum dimension of six feet by six feet and 80 square feet of
area for at least 75% of the area
3. [TO COME: Regulating height above the ground-floor/setback from the street to
ensure privacy/usability]
(C) Common Open Space
Common Open Space shall meet the following standards:
1. Minimum dimension of 12 feet.
2. Minimum of 60% of area open to the sky free of permanent weather protection
or encroachments
3. Notwithstanding subsection (1), courtyards enclosed on four sides shall have a
minimum dimension of 40 feet and have a minimum courtyard width to building
height ratio of 1:1.25
4. Include places to sit
5. A minimum 20% of landscaping
2.a
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6. Soil Depth: Planting in above grade courtyards shall have a minimum soil depth
of 12 inches for ground cover, 20 inches for shrubs, and 36 inches for trees.
7. Rooftop Open Space:
a. In order to qualify as usable open space, a rooftop garden shall meet the
requirements set forth in Section 18.40.230.
b. Rooftop open spaces may fulfill usable open space requirements in the
following districts:
(i) CD-C sites that do not abut a single- or two-family residential use or
zoning district, rooftop gardens may qualify as usable open space and
may count as up to 75% of the required usable open space for the
residential component of a project.
(ii) For CN and CS sites on El Camino Real and CC(2) sites that do not abut a
single- or two-family residential use or zoning district, rooftop gardens
may qualify as usable open space and may count as up to 60% of the
required usable open space for the residential component of a project.
Suggested Diagrams
Usable Open Space:
2.a
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18.24.090 Materials
Example section of how materials could be regulated, by district (e.g., primary, secondary,
accent, prohibited).
18.24.100 Visual Screening, and Landscaping
Relocate existing lighting standards from 18.23.050.
18.24.110 Lighting
Relocate existing lighting standards from 18.23.030.
2.a
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