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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-01 Architectural Review Board Agenda PacketARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD Regular Meeting Thursday, May 01, 2025 Council Chambers & Hybrid 8:30 AM Architectural Review Board meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by teleconference/video conference 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. Visit https://bit.ly/PApendingprojects to view project plans and details. Commissioner names, biographies, and archived agendas and reports are available at https://bit.ly/paloaltoARB. VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/96561891491) Meeting ID: 965 6189 1491 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 arb@PaloAlto.gov and will be provided to the Board and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subject line. 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. The Chair may limit Public Comments to thirty (30) minutes for all combined speakers. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak for Study Sessions and Action Items to two (2) minutes or less to accommodate a larger number of speakers. PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only by email to arb@PaloAlto.gov 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. Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks, posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting. CALL TO ORDER/ ROLL CALL  PUBLIC COMMENT Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. Three (3) minutes per speaker.   AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS The Chair or Board majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.   CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS  1.Director's Report, Meeting Schedule, and Upcoming Agenda Items ACTION ITEMS Public Comment is Permitted. Applicants/Appellant Teams: Ten (10) minutes, plus ten (10) minutes rebuttal. All others: Three (3) minutes per speaker. 2.PUBLIC HEARING / QUASI-JUDICIAL: 3950 Fabian Way [24PLN-00263]: Request for Minor Board Level Architectural Review for Exterior Modifications to an Existing 32,500-Square- Foot, Two-Story Commercial Building. The Project Includes Revisions to the Facade, Site Modifications, and Demolition of a Portion on the North End of the Existing Building and Construction of a New Approximately 4,400-Square-Foot Addition to the North Side. The Project Also Includes a Request for a Conditional Use Permit for a Change of Use to Private Education to Accommodate The Girls' Middle School. CEQA Status: Exempt in Accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (In-Fill Development). Zoning District: GM (General Manufacturing). 3.PUBLIC HEARING / QUASI-JUDICIAL. Downtown Parking Garage Sign Exceptions at 528 High Street [24PLN-00268], 445 Bryant Street [24PLN-00269], and 250 Hamilton Avenue [24PLN-00270]: Recommendation on Applicant’s Request for Architectural Review to Allow Sign Exceptions for Five Projecting (Blade) Signs Across Three Parking Garages in Downtown Palo Alto. CEQA Status: Project is Exempt from CEQA in Accordance with Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Structures) and 15311 (Accessory Structures-On Premise Signs). Zoning District: PC-4611 (Planned Community); PC-4612; and PF (Public Facilities). BOARD MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS Members of the public may not speak to the item(s).   ADJOURNMENT 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@PaloAlto.gov. 2.Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Board, 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. ◦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. 3.Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Board, download the Zoom application onto your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID below. Please follow the instructions 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 speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Board. 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: 965 6189 1491 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@paloalto.gov. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service.     Item No. 1. Page 1 of 2 Architectural Review Board Staff Report From: Planning and Development Services Director Lead Department: Planning and Development Services Meeting Date: May 1, 2025 Report #: 2503-4450 TITLE Director's Report, Meeting Schedule, and Upcoming Agenda Items RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Architectural Review Board (ARB) review and comment as appropriate. BACKGROUND This document includes the following items: • ARB meeting schedule • Upcoming ARB agenda items • Recently submitted and pending projects subject to ARB review Board members are encouraged to contact Veronica Dao (Veronica.Dao@PaloAlto.gov) to notify staff of any planned absences one month in advance, if possible, to ensure the availability of an ARB quorum. Approved projects can be found on the City’s Building Eye webpage at https://paloalto.buildingeye.com/planning. Any party, including the applicant, may request a hearing by the ARB on the proposed director’s decision(s) within the 10-day or 14-day appeal period by filing a written request with the planning division. There shall be no fee required for requesting such a hearing. However, there is a fee for appeals. 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 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. Item 1 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 5     Item No. 1. Page 2 of 2 UPCOMING ARB AGENDA ITEMS The following items are tentative and subject to change: MEETING DATE TOPICS May 15, 2025 •340 Portage Rd: Master Sign Program •180 El Camino: Cedar & Sage Facade Upgrades •25/26 Workplan RECENTLY SUBMITTED PROJECTS The following new ARB project were submitted: ADDRESS & RECORD #PROJECT DESCRIPTION 975 Page Mill Rd 25PLN-00100 Minor Board review for the renovation of an existing building (approximately 50,000 square feet) with no net change in the building area proposed and a request for Conditional Use Permit for a new cafe (retail service use - 3,769 square feet) with Alcohol Service within the renovated building. ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: 2025 Meeting Schedule & Assignments Attachment B: Pending ARB Projects AUTHOR/TITLE: ARB Liaison1 & Contact Information Steven Switzer, Historic Preservation Planner (650) 329-2321 Steven.Switzer@PaloAlto.gov 1 Emails may be sent directly to the ARB using the following address: arb@PaloAlto.gov. Item 1 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 6     Architectural Review Board 2025 Meeting Schedule & Assignments 2025 Meeting Schedule Meeting Dates Time Location Status Planned Absences 1/2/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid Cancelled 1/16/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 2/6/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 2/20/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular Adcock 3/6/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 3/20/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 4/3/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid CANCELED 4/17/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 5/1/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 5/15/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 6/5/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular Rosenberg 6/19/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid CANCELED 7/3/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 7/17/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 8/7/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 8/21/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 9/4/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 9/18/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 10/2/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 10/16/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 11/6/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 11/20/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 12/4/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 12/18/2025 8:30 AM Hybrid Regular 2025 Ad Hoc Committee Assignments Assignments will be made by the ARB Chair January February March April May June 3/20 – Adcock & Rosenberg July August September October November December Item 1 Attachment A - 2025 Meeting Schedule & Assignments     Packet Pg. 7     ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD Pending ARB Projects The following projects will soon be reviewed by the ARB. For more information, visit the project webpages at bit.ly/PApendingprojects or via Building Eye at bit.ly/PABuildingEye. Permit Type Filed Permit #Address Type Work Description Status/Notes Major Architectural Review 9/16/20 20PLN-00202 250 Hamilton Ave Bridge Allow the removal and replacement of the Pope-Chaucer Bridge over San Francisquito Creek with a new structure that does not obstruct creek flow to reduce flood risk. The project will also include channel modifications. Environmental Assessment: The SFCJPA, acting as the lead agency, adopted a Final EIR on 9/26/19. Zoning District: PF. On-hold for redesign Major Architectural Review Zone Change 12/21/21 21PLN-00341 24PLN-00239 660 University 680 University Mixed-Use Planned Community (PC), to Combine 3 Parcels (511 Byron St, 660 University Ave, 680 University Ave/500 Middlefield Rd), Demolish Existing Buildings (9,216 SF Office) and Provide a New Four Story Mixed-Use Building with Ground Floor Office (9,115 SF) and Multi- Family Residential (all floors) Including a Two Level Below-Grade Parking Garage. Proposed Residential Proposed Residential (42,189 SF) Will Include 65 Units (47 Studios, 12 1-Bedroom, 6 2- Bedroom). NOI Sent. Request for Major Architectural Review to Allow SB330/Builder’s Remedy project and construct a new six (6) story mixed-use building. The proposal includes ground floor non- residential (5,670 SF), ground and sixth floor office (9,126 SF), multi-family residential (all floors), and a two level below-grade parking garage. Proposed residential will include 88 units with 20% on-site BMR. ARB 1st formal 12/1/22, ARB recommended approval 4/22; Applicant is revising project plans. Item 1 Attachment B - Pending ARB Projects     Packet Pg. 8     Permit Type Filed Permit #Address Type Work Description Status/Notes Major Architectural Review 6/8/23 23PLN-00136 23PLN-00277 (Map) 23PLN-00003 and -00195 – (SB 330) 24PLN-00230 (Code compliant version) 24PLN-00231 (Map) 3150 El Camino Real Housing – 380 units Request for Major Architectural Review for construction of a 380- unit Multi-family Residential Rental Development with 10% Below Market Rate. The project includes a 456,347 square foot apartment building with a 171,433 square foot garage that extends to 84 feet in height. Staff is reviewing the project to ensure the requested concessions and waivers are in accordance with the State Density Bonus laws. Focus Area Compliant Application Filed 8/7/24; NOI Sent 9/7/24. Pending Resubmittal. Tentative ARB 11/7/2024. Ad Hoc (Rosenberg, Hirsch) Reported out 5/4 on SB 330 Ad Hoc (Rosenberg, Hirsch) Reported out on 8/17 ARB 11/7 Rec. approval Major Architectural Review 7/19/23 23PLN-00181 824 San Antonio Road Housing – 16 senior units, 12 convalescent units Request for Major Architectural Review to allow the Demolition of an existing 2-Story office building and the new construction of a 4- Story private residential senior living facility, including 15 independent dwelling units, 12 assisted living dwelling units and 1 owner occupied unit. Common space amenities on all floors, underground parking, and ground floor commercial space. Zoning District: CS (Commercial Services). 12/21/23 ARB hearing; Revised Plans resubmitted 9/25/24; ARB 11/21 Rec. approval. Approved 1/21/25 PC Amendment 8/9/23 23PLN-00202 4075 El Camino Way Commercial 16 convalescent units Request for a Planned Community Zone Amendment to Allow New Additions to an existing Assisted Living and Memory Care Facility consisting of 121 Units. The additions include 16 Additional Assisted Living Dwelling Units; 5 Studios and 9 One Bedrooms. Zoning District: PC-5116 Community Meeting in October. 2/28/24 and 6/12/24 PTC hearing, 7/18/24 ARB hearing, ARB 10/17/24, PTC & Council hearings TBD. Ad Hoc (Baltay, Chen) reported out 6/1 Item 1 Attachment B - Pending ARB Projects     Packet Pg. 9     Permit Type Filed Permit #Address Type Work Description Status/Notes Major Architectural Review 1/10/24 24PLN-00012 3265 El Camino Real Housing Request for rezoning to Planned Community (PC)/Planned Home Zoning (PHZ). New construction of a 5-story 100% affordable multifamily housing development with 44 dwelling units and ground level lobby and parking. Zoning District: CS. NOI Sent 1/10/24. PTC 4/10/24; ARB 4/22/24; Applicant submitted revised project 9/13/24 with 55 Units; Tentative ARB 11/21/24. Ad Hoc (Rosenberg, Thompson) reported out 8/17 on prescreening Ad Hoc (Rosenberg, Hirsch) ARB 11/21 Rec. approval PTC 1/15 Rec. approval 3-2 with two additional conditions. CC 2/10 approved Major Architectural Review 3/6/24 24PLN-00064 640 Waverley Mixed-Use Request for a Major Architectural Review Board application to allow the construction of a new four-story, mixed use commercial and residential building with below grade parking. The ARB held a preliminary review on 6/15/23. Environmental Assessment: Pending. Zoning District: CD-C(P). NOI Sent 4/5/24. ARB 6/6/24. Pending Resubmittal; Preparing 15183 Exemption. Tentative ARB January 2025. Ad Hoc (Rosenberg, Hirsch) ARB 1/16 Rec. approval Minor Architectural Review 3/7/24 24PLN-00066 180 El Camino Real Restaurant Minor Board Level Architectural Review to allow exterior upgrades for a restaurant tenant (Delarosa); to include new exterior pergola over seating and planters in existing location. New metal awnings over main entrance to replace existing acrylic and new metal awning at rear to replace existing fabric awning. New signage and NOI Sent 4/10. ARB 3/20 Rec. approval Item 1 Attachment B - Pending ARB Projects     Packet Pg. 10     Permit Type Filed Permit #Address Type Work Description Status/Notes replace existing light fixtures. Environmental Assessment: Pending. Zoning District: (CC) Major Architectural Review – Builder’s Remedy 4/02/24 24PLN-00100 24PLN-00223 (Map) 156 California Mixed-Use Request for Major Architectural Review in accordance with California Government Code 65589.5(D)(5) “Builders Remedy" which proposes to redevelop two lots located at 156 California Avenue and Park Blvd. Lot A, 156 California Ave ( 1.14 ACRE) is situated at the corner of Park and California, Lot B, Park Blvd. (0.29 ACRE) is at the corner of Park and Cambridge Avenue; the reinvention of both sites will include the conversion of an existing parking lot and Mollie Stone's Grocery Store into a Mixed Use Multi Family Development. This project consists of three integrated structures; (1) 7 Story Podium Building with 5 levels of TYPE IIIB Construction over 2 levels of TYPE I Construction, 15,000 square feet will be dedicated to the Mollie Stone Grocery Store, (1) 17 Story Tower, (1) 11 Story Tower, both Towers will be proposed and conceptualized as TYPE IV Mass Timber Construction. Environmental Assessment: Pending Zoning District: CC(2)(R)(P) and CC(2)(R) (Community Commercial) NOI Sent 5/2/2024; 60-day Formal Comments sent 6/1; Resubmitted, Request for Supplemental Info Sent 7/11; Pending Resubmittal. SB 330 Pre-app submitted 11/21/24 Ad Hoc (Baltay, Adcock) Deemed Complete 12/22/24 Supplementary info req. Zone Change 03/28/24 24PLN-00095 70 Encina Housing – 10 Units Request for Planned Community Zone Change (PHZ) to allow construction of a new 3-story, 22,552 sf building (1.86 FAR); to include ten (10) residential condominium units organized around a common access court that provides both vehicular and pedestrian access and full site improvements to replace the existing surface parking area. Environmental Assessment: Pending. Zoning District: CC, (Community Commercial). NOI Sent 4/28/2024. PTC 9/11/24, Plans Pending Resubmittal, Tentative 1st ARB November 2024. ARB prelim 12/7 Ad Hoc (Hirsch, Adcock) ARB 11/07/24 Continued ARB 2/6/25 Rec. approval PTC Spilt vote, but moved forward. Item 1 Attachment B - Pending ARB Projects     Packet Pg. 11     Permit Type Filed Permit #Address Type Work Description Status/Notes Council approved 4/21. (1st Reading) Major Architectural Review – Builder’s Remedy 4/23/24 24PLN-00120 762 San Antonio Housing – 198 Units Request for Major Architectural Review to Allow CA GOV CODE 65589.5(D)(5) “Builders Remedy" which proposes the demolition of three existing commercial buildings and the construction of a 7- story multi-family residential building containing 198 rental apartments. This is 100% Residential Project. Environmental: Pending. Zoning District: (CS) AD. NOI Sent 5/23/2024. Ad Hoc (Baltay, Chen) Streamlined Housing Development Review 5/28/24 24PLN-00152 24PLN-00023 (Prelim) 4335- 4345 El Camino Housing – 29 Units Request for Major Architectural Review to allow a housing development project on two noncontiguous lots (4335 & 4345 El Camino Real) including the demolition of an existing commercial building (4335 El Camino Real) and an existing motel building (4345 El Camino Real) and construction of 29 three-story attached residential townhome-style condominiums with associated utilities, private streets, landscaping, and amenities. Environmental Assessment: Pending. Zoning District: CS (Service Commercial). NOI Sent 6/27/2024. ARB 9/19/24. Pending Resubmittal of Plans. Ad Hoc (Hirsch, Baltay) reviewed prelim Approved 2/19/25 Major Architectural Review – Builder’s Remedy 6/10/24 24PLN-00161 24PLN-00048 (SB 330) 3781 El Camino Real Housing – 177 units Request for Major Architectural Review to demolish multiple existing commercial and residential buildings located at 3727-3737 & 3773-3783 El Camino Real, 378-400 Madeline Court and 388 Curtner Avenue to construct a new seven-story multi-family residential housing development with 177 units. Two levels of above ground parking, rooftop terraces, and tenant amenities are proposed. Environmental Assessment: Pending. Zoning District: CN & RM-30. (Previous SB 330 and Builder’s Remedy: 24PLN-00048) NOI Sent 7/10/2024. Resubmittal on 11/22/24 Deemed Complete 4/3/25 Supplementary info req. Major Architectural Review – Builder’s Remedy 6/10/24 24PLN-00162 24PLN-00047 (SB 330) 3606 El Camino Real Housing – 335 Units Request for Major Architectural Review to demolish multiple existing vacant, commercial, and residential buildings located at 3508, 3516, 3626-3632 El Camino Real, and 524, 528, 530 Kendall Avenue to construct a new seven-story, multi-family residential housing development project with 335 units. The new residential building will have a two levels of above ground parking, ground floor tenant amenities, and a rooftop terrace facing El Camino Real and Matadero Avenue. Environmental Assessment: Pending. Zoning District: CN, CS, RM-30, RM-40 NOI Sent 8/1/2024. Resubmittal on 11/22/24 Deemed Complete 12/25/24 Supplementary info req. Item 1 Attachment B - Pending ARB Projects     Packet Pg. 12     Permit Type Filed Permit #Address Type Work Description Status/Notes Major Architectural Review – Builder’s Remedy 7/17/24 24PLN-00184 24PLN-00232 (Map) 3400 El Camino Real Housing – 231 units & Hotel – 92 rooms Major Architectural Review of a Builder's Remedy application to demolish several low-rise retail and hotel buildings located at 3398, 3400, 3450 El Camino Real and 556 Matadero Avenue and replace them with three new seven-to-eight story residential towers, one new seven-story hotel, one new three story townhome, and two new underground parking garages. Three existing hotel buildings will remain with one being converted to residential units. 231 total residential units and 192 hotel rooms. Environmental Assessment: Pending. Zoning District: various (SB330) NOI Sent 8/16/2024 and 9/12/2024; Pending Resubmittal. Minor Architectural Review & Conditional Use Permit 9/24/24 24PLN-00263 3950 Fabian Way Private Education Request for Minor Board Level Architectural Review for exterior modifications to an existing 32,919 square foot, 2-story commercial building, site modifications and a new approximately 4200 sf addition to the North side. The project also includes a Request for a Conditional Use Permit for the change of use to private education to accommodate Girls Middle school. Environmental Assessment: Pending. Zoning District: GM. NOI Sent 10/24/2024. Early ARB 11/21 ARB 5/1 Streamlined Housing Development Review 10/08/24 24PLN-00280 3997 Fabian Way Residential Request for Streamlined Housing Development Review to deconstruct two existing commercial buildings located at 3977 & 3963 Fabian Way and surface parking lot at 3997 Fabian Way to construct a new single structure of seven stories containing 295 multifamily residential rental apartment units (8% very low- income units – 19 units), 343 parking spaces, 295 secured bike parking spaces, open courtyards, several outdoor gathering spaces, a pool area, and a rooftop terrace. The project is proposed to comply with the City’s GM/ROLM Focus Area Development Standards and is proposed in accordance with State Density Bonus Law. Environmental Assessment: Pending. Zoning District: General Manufacturing (GM). (Housing Inventory Site & State Density Bonus Law) (Previous SB 330 Pre-Application: 24PLN-00111) NOI sent 1/16/25 Resubmittal 1/31/25 NOI Sent 2/21/25 Master Sign Program 11/7/24 24PLN-00322 340 Portage Av Mixed-Use Master Sign Program for the installation of 2 Project ID Monuments, 2 Entry ID's, 2 Parking ID's, 2 Directional Wall signs, 1 Brand/Tenant ID Wall sign, and 2 Tenant ID Canopy signs at The Cannery Palo Alto. Zoning District: RM-30 (Medium Density Multiple-Family Residence District). Environmental Assessment: Pending. NOI sent 1/09/25 Resubmittal 3/27/25 Minor Architectural Review 12/03/24 24PLN-00339 2280 El Camino Real Restaurant Minor Board Level Architectural Review for the exterior and interior remodel of the existing Jack in the Box restaurant. NOI sent 1/22/25 Resubmittal 2/21/25 Item 1 Attachment B - Pending ARB Projects     Packet Pg. 13     Permit Type Filed Permit #Address Type Work Description Status/Notes Modification to the exterior of the building include the removal of the mansard roof, installation of new parapets, new finishes and branding panels. No increase in building footprint. NOI sent 3/26/25 Site and Design & Conditional Use Permit 12/8/24 24PLN-00356 24PLN-00357 (Map) 2100 Geng Rd Housing – 137 Units Tentative Map/Subdivision and Site and Design & Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the transformation of an existing underutilized business park at 2100-2400 Geng Road into a new residential neighborhood with 137 multi-family townhome units and community space. Project site totals approximately 11-acres. NOI sent 1/24/25 Resubmittal on 4/16/25 Minor Architectural Review 2/6/2025 25PLN-00027 180 El Camino Real Restaurant Minor Board review for Cedar & Sage restaurant (formally Terrain Cafe) at Space #1301, Bldg. DD at the Stanford Shopping Center. Exterior improvements include new textured plaster and painted façade, new storefront glazing, and bi-folding door system, remodeled outdoor patio, new retractable canopy system, new railing, landscape planters, and new signage. Interior improvements will include partial interior remodel. No change of use, no new square footage. NOI sent 3/10/25 Resubmittal on 4/8/25 Preliminary Architectural Review 2/5/2025 25PLN-00030 540 University Ave Commercial Preliminary Board review to allow for demolition of two existing buildings at 530 and 540 University Ave and the construction of a new 30,375 sq. ft. commercial three-story building. With ground floor retail and office, second and third level office spaces and a private roof top terrace for the office users. ARB 4/17 Minor Architectural Review 4/07/25 25PLN-00092 180 El Camino Real Commercial Request for Minor Board Architectural Review to allow for exterior improvements including painting, new entry door, glazing, patio, and new signage for proposed Ralph Lauren & Ralph's Coffee approximately 5,200 Square Foot, Environmental Assessment: Pending. Zoning District: CC (Community Commercial). Comments due 5/09 Minor Architectural Review 4/16/25 25PLN-00100 975 Paige Mill Rd Commercial Minor Board review for the renovation of an existing building (approximately 50,000 square feet) with no net change in the building area proposed and a request for Conditional Use Permit for a new cafe (retail service use - 3,769 square feet) with Alcohol Service within the renovated building. Comments due 5/22 Item 1 Attachment B - Pending ARB Projects     Packet Pg. 14     Item No. 2. Page 1 of 7 Architectural Review Board Staff Report From: Planning and Development Services Director Lead Department: Planning and Development Services Meeting Date: May 1, 2025 Report #: 2503-4342 TITLE PUBLIC HEARING / QUASI-JUDICIAL: 3950 Fabian Way [24PLN-00263]: Request for Minor Board Level Architectural Review for Exterior Modifications to an Existing 32,500-Square-Foot, Two- Story Commercial Building. The Project Includes Revisions to the Facade, Site Modifications, and Demolition of a Portion on the North End of the Existing Building and Construction of a New Approximately 4,400-Square-Foot Addition to the North Side. The Project Also Includes a Request for a Conditional Use Permit for a Change of Use to Private Education to Accommodate The Girls' Middle School. CEQA Status: Exempt in Accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (In-Fill Development). Zoning District: GM (General Manufacturing). RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Architectural Review Board (ARB) take the following actions: 1. Consider the project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15332; and 2. Recommend that the Director of Planning and Development Services approve the project based on the ARB findings (Attachment B) and subject to conditions of approval (Attachment C). EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The applicant requests approval of an Architectural Review application for modifications to an existing 32,500-square-foot, two-story commercial building. The project includes modifications to the existing facades, including demolition of a portion on the north end of the existing building and construction of a new approximately 4,400-square-foot addition to the north side. The project also includes site modifications, including but not limited to, modifications to bring the site into conformance with FEMA regulations, ADA compliance requirements, and to provide more open space. The project also includes a request for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a change of use from office and warehouse to private education to accommodate a private school, The Girls' Middle Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 15     Item No. 2. Page 2 of 7 School. The CUP application is being processed in conjunction with the ARB review but is not subject to the ARB's purview. The City, acting as lead agency in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), has prepared a Class 32 Categorical Exemption in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 for urban infill development meeting certain conditions. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed project includes modifications to an existing 32,500-square-foot, two-story commercial building. The project includes façade modifications on all sides of the exterior, including removal of existing floor area on the north side of the building as well as from the second floor of the building (total removal of 4,027 square feet) and construction of a 4,446 square feet gymnasium on the north side of the building. The project also includes site modifications, including but not limited to a new fenced outdoor space at the rear of the building for physical education and picnic areas. On the interior, the project proposes renovations of the existing office spaces to accommodate classrooms, staff offices, support spaces, and skylight throughout for added light. The project also includes a request for a CUP for a change of use from office and warehouse to private education to accommodate The Girls' Middle School. This private school current occupies a building located at 3400 W Bayshore Road, approximately one mile from the project site and has a current enrollment of 185 students. The applicant intends to move its operations from the current location to the project site. The project description indicates that the planned enrollment for the school is approximately 205 students with a request that the new CUP allow up to 240 students. The existing CUP allows for up to 202 students. A location map is included in Attachment A and project plans are included in Attachment F. Requested Entitlements, Findings, and Purview: The following discretionary applications are being requested and are subject to the ARB’s purview: •Architectural Review – Minor Board (AR): The process for evaluating this type of application is set forth in Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) Section 18.77.070. AR applications are reviewed by the ARB and recommendations are forwarded to the Planning & Development Services Director (Director) for action within five business days of the Board’s recommendation. Action by the Director is appealable to the City Council if filed within 14 days of the decision. AR projects are evaluated against specific findings. All findings must be made in the affirmative to approve the project. Failure to make any one finding requires project redesign or denial. Draft findings for approval of this AR application are provided in Attachment B. The following discretionary applications are being requested and are not subject to ARB review: •Conditional Use Permit (CUP): The process for evaluating this type of application is set forth in PAMC Section 18.77.060. CUP applications are reviewed by staff and the Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 16     Item No. 2. Page 3 of 7 Director will prepare a written decision to approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application based on the Findings set in PAMC Section 18.76.010(c). Appeals of the Director’s decision would be forwarded to the Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC) for a recommendation and then to the City Council for a final decision. BACKGROUND On November 21, 2024, the ARB held an early hearing to provide feedback on the proposed design.1 Comments from board members and the applicant’s responses are summarized in the following table. ARB Comments/Direction Applicant’s Response Bicycle Parking. Board Members suggested that bicycle parking be relocated in the front of the building. The bicycle parking was relocated to the front setback area to avoid car traffic within the parking lot. Skylights. Board Members recommended that the applicant explore more skylights to provide more light into the interior of the building. Two additional skylights were added above the stairwells to increase the light on the interior of the building. Balcony Connection. The ARB recommended the applicant consider having a door exiting the faculty lounge to the balcony rather than the proposed classroom having a door exiting out onto the balcony. A door from the faculty lounge was added to the plans. The door from the classroom onto the balcony was removed. Walkway. Board Members voiced concerns with the walkway on the plans that dead ended in the parking lot and requested that the applicant consider the safety and flow of the people walking to and from the parking lot. The walkway was extended so that it would not be dead end in the middle of the parking lot. Color and Materials. At least one Board Member requested that the applicant consider expanding the proposed color scheme from the new gymnasium addition to the rest of the building. The applicant reviewed the suggestion of expanding the darker accent colors to the rest of the building. However, it was decided that the new colors would remain on the addition and the existing building would retain its exterior colors and materials, as it is currently presented, helping to reduce project costs. Neighborhood Context The project site is within the Adobe Meadow/Meadow Park neighborhood. North of the property is a private high school and to the south is office spaces. Across Fabian Way to the east 1 November 21, 2024, ARB Meeting Agenda Item 4: https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=13933 Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 17     Item No. 2. Page 4 of 7 is the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (OFJCC) Fitness Center, low-income senior housing, and multi-family housing. There are three single-family residences adjacent to the west of the property. These residences are approximately 100 feet from the edge of the existing building. Surrounding structures range from one to four stories. The existing Girl’s Middle School is located at 3400 W Bayshore Road. The proposed project includes moving the location of the existing operations to the subject property. ANALYSIS Staff has evaluated the proposed project for conformance with relevant plans, policies, guidelines, and regulations and found the project to be consistent with the findings for ARB approval, as detailed in this analysis. Staff notes that the current plan sets are still being reviewed by utilities and water quality to address minor conflicts that arose through recent revisions between the stormwater treatment measures and utility infrastructure. This review will be finalized prior to approval of the project but is not expected to meaningfully change the site design or architecture. The modifications could result in the loss of up to two parking spaces to provide more stormwater treatment area. The site would still be compliant with the parking requirements in the event that this change is necessary. Consistency with Comprehensive Plan, Area Plans, and Guidelines2 The subject property is designated as Light Industrial. The light industrial land use designation states: Wholesale and storage warehouses and the manufacturing, processing, repairing and packaging of goods. Emission of fumes, noise, smoke, or other pollutants is strictly controlled. Examples include portions of the area south of Oregon Avenue between El Camino Real and Alma Street that historically have included these land uses, and the San Antonio Road industrial area. Compatible residential and mixed-use projects may also be located in this category. FAR will range up to 0.5. Consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s encouragement of housing near transit centers, higher density multi-family housing may be allowed in specific locations. While private schools are not specifically identified as an allowed use in this Comprehensive Plan land use designation, the GM zone district (which commonly aligns with the light industrial land use designation) conditionally permits private schools, as discussed further below. Therefore, private school use is considered to be consistent with this land use designation, subject to conditions. Attachment B includes an analysis of the project’s consistency with relevant policies in the Comprehensive Plan. Housing Element The subject property is identified as a Housing Inventory Site in the certified 2023-31 Housing Element, with an anticipated capacity of 88 housing units, including an anticipated capacity of 35 low income and 35 very-low-income units. It’s important to note that designation as a Housing Inventory Site does not require that a site must be developed with housing. In 2 The Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan is available online: http://www.paloalto.gov/gov/topics/projects/landuse/compplan.asp Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 18     Item No. 2. Page 5 of 7 addition, the City will be able to count all housing developments, even ones not included on the Housing Inventory Sites, toward fulfillment of the required RHNA. In preparing the Housing Element to meet the City’s required Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) of 6,086 units, the City planned for and analyzed a buffer, meaning that in identifying Housing Inventory Sites, the City planned for an additional 727 units, including a buffer of an additional 261 low and very low income units because actual development of housing projects across the City are dependent on numerous factors. At this time, there is sufficient capacity within the buffer, including within the buffer for lower income levels, to accommodate the City’s RHNA allocation even if this site is not developed with a housing project. Therefore, although the project does not propose housing on this Housing Inventory Site, the use of this site as a private school would not affect the City’s ability to achieve its RHNA and selection of a replacement Housing Inventory Site is not required at this time. As part of this approval, a finding to this effect is required and will be included in a final decision. Zoning Compliance3 This property is zoned General Manufacturing (GM). In the GM Zoning District, private schools are a conditionally permitted use. In addition to processing this Architectural Review application, the project includes a request for a CUP. Staff is finalizing the conditions of approval related to the CUP. While the CUP is not subject to the ARB’s purview, the ARB’s feedback on the operations as they relate to the ARB’s findings for approval are encouraged. Because the project is not a housing development project, it is not subject to the Objective Design Standards set forth in PAMC Chapter 18.24 and instead is evaluated in accordance with the findings for Architectural Review as set forth in 18.76. Attachment D includes an analysis of the project’s consistency with the Zoning Code. Circulation and Parking The proposed onsite circulation maintains the two existing driveways. The anticipated student drop-off would utilize the southern driveway and a wraparound drive where students would exit cars at the northern end of the site before parents exit the campus. The double drive aisles will facilitate organized drop-off and pick-up routines. Students walking or biking would be able to enter the school from one of the paths from the sidewalk. Two bicycle parking areas would be located in the southern corner and front yard of the property. The 52 parking spaces and 48 bike spaces comply with the off-street parking and loading requirements set forth in PAMC Chapter 18.52 for Private Schools and Educational Facilities. The applicant has also submitted a Draft Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plan for review. A final TDM plan will be required as a condition of approval for the project. The approved TDM plan will include measures to encourage transit use, carpooling, walking, and biking for pick-up and drop-off as well as trips off-site during the day. The final TDM plan will at a minimum achieve a 20% reduction in peak hour motor vehicle trips, with a focus on single- occupant vehicle trips. The school currently owns a fleet of five vans that shuttle students from different locations on the Peninsula. Approximately 40 students currently utilize the shuttle transportation. Conditions of approval related to operation of the school, including but not 3 The Palo Alto Zoning Code is available online: http://www.amlegal.com/codes/client/palo-alto_ca Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 19     Item No. 2. Page 6 of 7 limited to any recommendations set forth in the transportation analysis and approval of a final TDM plan prior to building permit issuance will be provided as part of the conditions related to the Conditional Use Permit. As part of the environmental review, a transportation analysis was conducted for the change in office use to a private school. The results of this analysis found that project related impacts would be less than significant when evaluated under the existing roadway design. The project was also evaluated based on the anticipated modifications to the roadway with implementation of the South Palo Alto Bikeways Demonstration Project. Under this demonstration project protected bikeways would be installed on Fabian Way and travel lanes in both directions would be reduced to one lane with a middle turn lane provided. The analysis concludes that based on the traffic volume for Fabian Way with the proposed project, the middle turn lane would be warranted in the event that the travel lanes are reduced from two lanes to one lane to accommodate the buffered bike lanes. However, because a middle turn lane is already programmed as part of the demonstration project, no further action need be taken by the school. The project would have a less than significant impact both under existing conditions and if the roadway is modified in accordance with the demonstration project. Revisions Based on ARB Comments In response to the ARB’s comments at the initial ARB hearing for the project, the applicant made several revisions to the plans. Notably, the applicant followed ARB recommendations by adding additional skylights to provide more light, relocating bicycle parking to the front of the property, reconfiguring balcony access, and extending the pedestrian pathway to surround the building so it would not dead end within the middle of the parking lot. These changes enhance the design of the project and make the project more consistent with the ARB findings for approval. The ARB also recommended that the new colors (darker accents) proposed for the addition be applied to the existing facades that are proposed to remain. In an effort to reduce project costs, the applicant did not make this change and elected to keep the existing facades as they are currently presented. Overall, although the applicant did not make this final recommended change, the applicant was generally responsive to the ARBs comments and has made improvements to the design to address/reflect the ARB’s comments. Consistency with Application Findings Staff finds that the project is consistent with the ARB findings for approval as set forth in PAMC Section 18.76.020(d) and therefore recommends approval of the proposed project. Specifically, the project has been reviewed by all relevant departments and the proposed site modifications are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, including relevant goals and policies, the City’s zoning ordinance, and other relevant regulations and policies set forth for the City (Attachment D). Although the site is identified as a housing inventory site and does not include proposed housing on the site, the City has planned for an analyzed a buffer to account for the fact that Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 20     Item No. 2. Page 7 of 7 some sites may not choose to develop housing. Therefore, with approval of this project the City would still be in compliance with its requirements to accommodate for its RHNA. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION, OUTREACH, AND COMMENTS The PAMC requires notice of this public hearing be published in a local paper and mailed to owners and occupants of property within 600 feet of the subject property at least 10 days in advance. Notice of a public hearing for this project was published in the Daily Post on April 18, 2025, which is 14 days in advance of the meeting. Postcard mailing occurred on April 16, 2024, which is 15 days in advance of the meeting. Public Comments As of the writing of this report, no project-related public comments were received. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The City, acting as the lead agency, has analyzed the project in accordance with the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Specifically, the City prepared an analysis of the project in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15332, which analyzed the project for urban infill development meeting certain conditions. The City evaluated the project to ensure compliance with the requirements for Class 32 exemptions and evaluate whether the exceptions to the exemptions would apply. A link to the analysis and attachments supporting the exemption are included in Attachment E. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS Alternatively, the ARB may: 1. Approve the project with modified findings or conditions; 2. Continue the project to a date (un)certain with specific direction; or 3. Recommend project denial based on revised findings. ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: Location Map Attachment B: ARB Findings for Approval Attachment C: Conditions of Approval Attachment D: Zoning Consistency Analysis Attachment E: Project Plans and Environmental Documents Report Author & ARB4 Liaison Contact Information Steven Switzer, Historic Preservation Planner Current Planning (650) 329-2321 Steven.Switzer@PaloAlto.gov 4 Emails can be sent directly to the ARB using the following address: arb@paloalto.gov Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 21     OFFICES OFFICES OFFICES EmbankmEasement 115.0' 65.0' 65.0' 115.0' 40.8' 24.2' 115.0' 65.0' 83.3' 83.3' 134.5' 226.4' 128.1' 225.8' 226.4' 63.8' 138.0' 137.8' 42.1' 130.0' 111.0' 115.0'14.5' 47.8' 117.1' 65.0' 115.0' 65.0' 115.0' 132.5' 30.2' 96.6 173.6' 117.1' 34.1' 115.0' 65.0' 115.0' 65.0' 115.0' 65.0' 115.0' 65.0' 115.0' 65.0' 115.0' 65.0' 89.5' 225.8' 235.6' 225.0' 254.4' .9' 133.5' 823 3907 3913 3901 3931 3925 3919 3950 3943 3937 3960 3980 3921 3903 801 802 881 883 FABIAN WAY BIBBITS DRIVE Kehillah Jewish High School This map is a product of the City of Palo Alto GIS This document is a graphic representation only of best available sources. Legend Tree Project Site Current Features 0' 74' Attachment A Location Map 3950 Fabian Wy CITY OF PALO ALTOINCORPORATED CALI FORNIA P a l o A l t oT h e C i t y o f APRIL 1 6 1894 The City of Palo Alto assumes no responsibility for any errors ©1989 to 2016 City of Palo Alto sswitze, 2024-11-12 14:02:40 (\\cc-maps\Encompass\Admin\Personal\Planning.mdb) Item 2 Attachment A - Location Map     Packet Pg. 22     ATTACHMENT B ARB FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL 3950 Fabian Way 24PLN-00263 In order for the ARB to make a future recommendation of approval, the project must comply with the following Findings for Architectural Review as required in Chapter 18.76 of the PAMC. Finding #1: The design is consistent with applicable provisions of the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, coordinated area plans (including compatibility requirements), and any relevant design guides. The project is consistent with Finding #1 because: The proposed project complies with the land use designation, development standards, and, with approval of the conditional use permit, allowed uses on the site. The project is not located within the boundaries of a coordinated area plan area. The subject property is identified as a Housing Inventory Site in the certified 2023-31 Housing Element, with an anticipated capacity of 88 housing units, including an anticipated capacity of 35 low income and 35 very-low-income units. Approval of the project would result in the creation of zero housing units. In adopting the 2023-31 Housing Element, the City included a buffer of 727 housing units, including 261 low- and very low income units. At this time, there is sufficient capacity within the buffer, including within the buffer for lower income levels, to accommodate the City’s RHNA allocation even if this site is not developed with a housing project. Therefore, although the project does not propose housing on this Housing Inventory Site, the use of this site as a private school would not affect the City’s ability to achieve its RHNA and selection of a replacement Housing Inventory Site pursuant to Government Code section 65863 is not required at this time. The proposed project is consistent with the following specific goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan: Comp Plan Goals and Policies How project adheres or does not adhere to Comp Plan The Comprehensive Plan land use designation for the site is Light Industrial. The Light Industrial land use designation is intended for “Wholesale and storage warehouses and the manufacturing, processing, repairing and packaging of goods. Emission of fumes, noise, smoke, or other pollutants is strictly controlled…Compatible residential and mixed-use projects may also be located in this category…” . While not specifically called out under this land use Item 2 Attachment B - ARB Findings     Packet Pg. 23     designation, the GM zone district (which commonly aligns with the light industrial land use designation) conditionally permits private schools. Therefore, private school use consistent with this land use designation, subject to conditions set forth in a conditional use Land Use and Community Design Policy L-1.2: Limit future urban development to currently developed lands within the urban service area. The boundary of the urban service area is otherwise known as the urban growth boundary. Retain undeveloped land west of Foothill Expressway and Junipero Serra as open space, with allowances made for very low-intensity development consistent with the open space character of the area. Retain undeveloped land northeast of Highway 101 as open space. The project is located on currently development lands within the urban service area. Policy L-1.3: Infill development in the urban service area should be compatible with its surroundings and the overall scale and character of the city to ensure a compact, efficient development pattern. The project is an urban infill development proposal in the urban service area of the city. Policy L-1.5: Regulate land uses in Palo Alto according to the land use definitions in this Element and Map L-6. The project is consistent with the land use definitions in this element and Map L-6, which identify this site as Light Industrial. Policy L-1.6: Encourage land uses that address the needs of the community and manage change and development to benefit the community. The project replaces office space with a private middle school. The project seeks to address the private education of middle school girls within the bay area. Policy L-1.11: Hold new development to the highest development standards in order to maintain Palo Alto’s livability and achieve the highest quality development with the least impacts The project utilizes high-quality material including painted cement plaster in blue and gray, aluminum bent accent plates in yellow, and new black and charcoal aluminum framed windows with tempered glass, meeting the ARB findings for approval. Policy L-2.8: When considering infill redevelopment, work to minimize displacement of existing residents. The project replaces existing office with a private middle school. No residents would be displaced as a result of this project. Item 2 Attachment B - ARB Findings     Packet Pg. 24     Policy L-2.11: Encourage new development and redevelopment to incorporate greenery and natural features such as green rooftops, pocket parks, plazas and rain gardens. The project includes ground floor common play areas and a perimeter buffer to the parking lot that includes planting areas in order to incorporate greenery into the design. Policy L-3.1: Ensure that new or remodeled structures are compatible with the neighborhood and adjacent structures. Policy L-6.1: Promote high-quality design and site planning that is compatible with surrounding development and public spaces. The development is generally consistent with the height of structures in the immediate vicinity of the project site. The project has been appropriately designed to ensure that the project would not impact the neighborhood and adjacent structures. Policy L-6.2: Use the Zoning Ordinance, design review process, design guidelines and Coordinated Area Plans to ensure high quality residential and commercial design and architectural compatibility. The project is consistent with the City’s Zoning Ordinance and meets the ARB findings for approval. Policy L-6.7: Where possible, avoid abrupt changes in scale and density between residential and non-residential areas and between residential areas of different densities. To promote compatibility and gradual transitions between land uses, place zoning district boundaries at mid-block locations rather than along streets wherever possible. The project includes a two-story addition to an existing two-story development within the General Manufacturing zoning district where surrounding development generally ranges from 2-4 stories. The project complies with the setback and daylight plane requirements that is required for a development on this site. Policy L-6.8: Support existing regulations that preserve exposure to natural light for single- family residences The proposed addition to the existing building is located approximately 100 feet from the nearest adjacent residential uses. No impacts are expected from the addition to reduce natural light for single-family residences. Policy L-9.2: Encourage development that creatively integrates parking into the project, including by locating it behind buildings or underground wherever possible, or by providing for shared use of parking areas. Encourage other alternatives to surface parking lots that minimize the amount of land devoted to parking while still maintaining safe streets, street trees, a vibrant local economy and sufficient parking to meet demand. The project utilizes an existing parking lot surrounding the building. The re-use of this existing parking lot reduces grading activities required for new parking facilities. Portions of the parking lot are proposed to be removed to allow the addition of the gymnasium and outdoor play areas. Item 2 Attachment B - ARB Findings     Packet Pg. 25     Policy T-1.8: Work to ensure public and private school commute patterns are accommodated in the local transit system, including through schedule and route coordination. Policy T-1.9: Continue to encourage the provision of amenities such as seating, lighting and signage, including real-time arrival information, at bus and shuttle stops and train stations to increase rider comfort, safety and convenience. An existing bus stop served by VTA ACE Orange and School 288 routes is located on the project frontage approximately 100 feet from each project driveway. The proposed site plan does not include changes to the existing sidewalk, including the bus stop on the project frontage. Transit demand generated by students and staff would be spread out across several lines and headways, and therefore the proposed project would have a nominal effect on local transit service. Existing transit routes are adequate to accommodate project- generated transit trips. Policy T-1.19: Provide facilities that encourage and support bicycling and walking. The project provides short term and long-term bicycle parking on site for students and faculty and improves the pedestrian experience along the sidewalk through the location of bicycle parking in the front of the building. Policy T-5.1: All new development projects should manage parking demand generated by the project, without the use of on-street parking, consistent with the established parking regulations. As demonstrated parking demand decreases over time, parking requirements for new construction should decrease. The project provides parking on site in an at grade parking lot surrounding the building consistent with the established parking requirements of the municipal code. Policy N-2.10: Preserve and protect Regulated Trees, such as native oaks and other significant trees, on public and private property, including landscape trees approved as part of a development review process and consider strategies for expanding tree protection in Palo Alto. There are a few trees on site, and none of which are of high quality. Trees removed will be replaced pursuant to City requirements to ensure no net loss of canopy, as required by code. Finding #2: The project has a unified and coherent design, that: a. creates an internal sense of order and desirable environment for occupants, visitors, and the general community, b. preserves, respects and integrates existing natural features that contribute positively to the site and the historic character including historic resources of the area when relevant, c. is consistent with the context-based design criteria of the applicable zone district, d. provides harmonious transitions in scale, mass and character to adjacent land uses and land use designations, Item 2 Attachment B - ARB Findings     Packet Pg. 26     e. enhances living conditions on the site (if it includes residential uses) and in adjacent residential areas. The project is consistent with Finding #2 because: The project site is within the Adobe Meadow/Meadow Park neighborhood. North of the property is a private high school and to the south is office spaces. Across Fabian Way to the east is the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (OFJCC) Fitness Cetner, low-income senior housing, and multi-family housing. There are three single-family residences adjacent to the west of the property. These residences are approximately 100 feet from the edge of the existing building. Surrounding structures range from one to four stories. The project proposes to demolition a portion of the building on the north side and to construct a two-story addition that is similar in height to several other buildings within the vicinity and adjacent to the site. The single-family residential buildings to the rear of the site are not anticipated to expect any impacts with respect to the new two-story addition’s massing. The existing structures are not historic nor are the surrounding structures. The project provides new tree plantings along the street and along the frontage and enhances the permeable, planted open space area on the site. The project would relocate a private middle school that has served palo alto and the bay area for over 26 years. As conditioned the project is consistent with goals and policies set forth in the Comprehensive Plan. Finding #3: The design is of high aesthetic quality, using high quality, integrated materials and appropriate construction techniques, and incorporating textures, colors, and other details that are compatible with and enhance the surrounding area. The project is consistent with Finding #3 because: The project uses high quality materials that are incorporated well into the design of the structure. The design is well thought out to consider the existing structure and how to incorporate the gymnasium addition. The exterior materials of the building include painted cement plaster in blue and gray, aluminum bent accent plates in yellow, and new black and charcoal aluminum framed windows with tempered glass. The addition, coupled with the new bicycle parking to the front yard enhance the appearance of the site, particularly along the street frontage. Finding #4: The design is functional, allowing for ease and safety of pedestrian and bicycle traffic and providing for elements that support the building’s necessary operations (e.g. convenient vehicle access to property and utilities, appropriate arrangement and amount of open space and integrated signage, if applicable, etc.). The project is consistent with Finding #4 because: The design is functional, allowing for ease and safety of pedestrian and bicycle traffic to the site. The project provides short-term bicycle parking within the front yard as well as bicycle Item 2 Attachment B - ARB Findings     Packet Pg. 27     parking in the rear of the site. The project provides two access points from Fabian Way, but utilizes the westernmost point as the entrance and the easternmost as the exit. The project provides appropriate trash facilities and provides appropriate utilities rooms and connections on the site. Finding #5: The landscape design complements and enhances the building design and its surroundings, is appropriate to the site’s functions, and utilizes to the extent practical, regional indigenous drought resistant plant material capable of providing desirable habitat that can be appropriately maintained. The project is consistent with Finding #5 because: The project will provide drought-tolerant planting, the majority of which were selected from a California native palette. Finding #6: The project incorporates design principles that achieve sustainability in areas related to energy efficiency, water conservation, building materials, landscaping, and site planning. The project is consistent with Finding #6 because: In accordance with the City’s Green Building Regulations, the project will satisfy the requirements for CALGreen Mandatory + Tier 2. This includes providing solar and being an all- electric building. Drought tolerant native planting would also help to reduce water use and the planting palette complies with the Model Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance requirements. Item 2 Attachment B - ARB Findings     Packet Pg. 28     Attachment C DRAFT Standard Conditions of Approval PLANNING DIVISION 1. CONFORMANCE WITH PLANS. Construction and development shall conform to the approved plans entitled, "C5_3950 Fabain Way_PLAN” stamped as received by the City on April 21, 2025 on file with the Planning Department, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, California except as modified by these conditions of approval. 2. BUILDING PERMIT. Apply for a building permit and meet any and all conditions of the Planning, Fire, Public Works, and Building Departments. 3. BUILDING PERMIT PLAN SET. A copy of this cover letter and conditions of approval shall be printed on the second page of the plans submitted for building permit. 4. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS. All modifications to the approved project shall be submitted for review and approval prior to construction. If during the Building Permit review and construction phase, the project is modified by the applicant, it is the responsibility of the applicant to contact the Planning Division/project planner directly to obtain approval of the project modification. It is the applicant’s responsibility to highlight any proposed changes to the project and to bring it to the project planner’s attention. 5. LANDSCAPE PLAN. Plantings shall be installed in accordance with the approved plan set and shall be permanently maintained and replaced as necessary. In particular, the vegetation along the project frontage on Fabian Way be designed be designed and maintained to ensure that all landscaping lies below three feet in height or above seven feet to maintain adequate site lines. 6. NOISE THRESHOLDS ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY. In accordance with PAMC Section 9.10.030, No person shall produce, suffer or allow to be produced by any machine, animal or device, or any combination of same, on residential property, a noise level more than six dB above the local ambient at any point outside of the property plane. At the time of building permit specifications of the proposed mechanical equipment must be provided. If the proposed sound level of the equipment differs from the sound level of the equipment assumed in the environmental analysis for the project at planning entitlement, the applicant shall submit an acoustical analysis by an acoustical engineer demonstrating projected compliance with the Noise Ordinance. The analysis shall be based on acoustical readings, equipment specifications and any proposed sound reduction measures, such as equipment enclosures or insulation, which demonstrate a sufficient degree of sound attenuation to assure that the prescribed noise levels will not be exceeded. 7. LIGHTING. Between the hours of 10:00pm-6:00am (normal cessation of business hours), lighting within the building or on the property shall be reduced to its minimum necessary to facilitate security, in order to minimize light glare at night. 8. UNANTICIPATED DISCOVERY OF BURIED ARCHAEOLOGICAL, PALEONTOLOGICAL, AND TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCES. No known archeological or paleontological resources are present on or within the immediate vicinity of the site. However, in the unlikely event that an archeological resource or paleontological resource is unearthed during ground disturbing activities, work in the immediate area must be halted and an Item 2 Attachment C - Conditions of Approval     Packet Pg. 29     archaeologist meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards for archeology (National Park Service 1983) shall be contacted immediately to evaluate the find. If the find is Native American in origin, then a Native American representative must also be contacted to participate in the evaluation of the find. The qualified archaeologist, and, if applicable, the Native American representative, shall examine the find and make recommendations regarding additional work necessary to evaluate the significance of the find and the appropriate treatment of the resource. Recommendations could include, but are not limited to, invasive or non-invasive testing, sampling, laboratory analysis, preservation in place, or data recovery. A report of findings documenting any data recovered during monitoring shall be prepared by a qualified archaeologist and submitted to the Director of Planning prior to final planning inspection. 9. STANDARD REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROTECTION OF NESTING BIRDS. As detailed in the project description and per the City’s standard conditions, vegetation or tree removal shall be prohibited during the general avian nesting season (February 1 – August 31), if feasible. If nesting season avoidance is not feasible, the applicant shall retain a qualified biologist, as approved by the City of Palo Alto, to conduct a preconstruction nesting bird survey to determine the presence/absence, location, and activity status of any active nests on or adjacent to the project site no more than 14 days prior to scheduled vegetation clearance and/or demolition activities. If nesting birds are found to be present, a suitable buffer (typically a minimum buffer of 50 feet for passerines and a minimum buffer of 250 feet for raptors) as determined appropriate by the biologist, shall be established around such active nests and no construction shall be allowed within the buffer areas until a qualified biologist has determined that the nest is no longer active (i.e., the nestlings have fledged and are no longer reliant on the nest). 10. REFUSE. All trash areas shall be effectively screened from view and covered and maintained in an orderly state to prevent water from entering into the garbage container. No outdoor storage is allowed/permitted unless designated on the approved plan set. Trash areas shall be maintained in a manner to discourage illegal dumping. 11. ESTIMATED IMPACT FEE. Development Impact Fees (not including the BMR in-lieu fee noted above), currently estimated in the amount of $276,256.05 plus the applicable public art fee, per PAMC 16.61.040, shall be paid prior to the issuance of the related building permit(s). 12. IMPACT FEE 90-DAY PROTEST PERIOD. California Government Code Section 66020 provides that a project applicant who desires to protest the fees, dedications, reservations, or other exactions imposed on a development project must initiate the protest at the time the development project is approved or conditionally approved or within ninety (90) days after the date that fees, dedications, reservations or exactions are imposed on the Project. Additionally, procedural requirements for protesting these development fees, dedications, reservations and exactions are set forth in Government Code Section 66020. IF YOU FAIL TO INITIATE A PROTEST WITHIN THE 90-DAY PERIOD OR FOLLOW THE PROTEST PROCEDURES DESCRIBED IN GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 66020, YOU WILL BE BARRED FROM CHALLENGING THE VALIDITY OR REASONABLENESS OF THE FEES, DEDICATIONS, RESERVATIONS, AND EXACTIONS. If these requirements constitute fees, taxes, assessments, dedications, reservations, or other exactions as specified in Government Code Sections 66020(a) or 66021, this is to provide notification that, as of the date of this notice, the 90-day period has begun in which you may protest these requirements. This matter is subject to the California Code of Civil Procedures (CCP) Section 1094.5; the time by which judicial review must be sought is governed by CCP Section 1094.6. Item 2 Attachment C - Conditions of Approval     Packet Pg. 30     13. INDEMNITY. To the extent permitted by law, the Applicant shall indemnify and hold harmless the City, its City Council, its officers, employees and agents (the “indemnified parties”) from and against any claim, action, or proceeding brought by a third party against the indemnified parties and the applicant to attack, set aside or void, any permit or approval authorized hereby for the Project, including (without limitation) reimbursing the City for its actual attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in defense of the litigation. The City may, in its sole discretion, elect to defend any such action with attorneys of its own choice. 14. ENTITLEMENT EXPIRATION. The project approval shall be valid for a period of two years from the date of issuance of the entitlement. If within such one/two years period, the proposed use of the site or the construction of buildings has not commenced, the Planning entitlement shall expire. Application for a one- year extension of this entitlement may be made prior to expiration. 15. FINAL INSPECTION. A Planning Division Final inspection will be required to determine substantial compliance with the approved plans prior to the scheduling of a Building Division final. Any revisions during the building process must be approved by Planning, including but not limited to; materials, landscaping and hard surface locations. Contact your Project Planner, Steven Switzer at steven.switzer@paloalto.gov to schedule this inspection. BUILDING 16. A building permit is required. Submit complete plans and documentation with the building permit application. The checklist for building permit submittal is available online at: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/4/development-services/building- division/checklists/simplified/c1-new-comm-shell-checklist.pdf PUBLIC ART 17. If commissioning art on site, the applicant must complete their final review and receive approval from the Public Art Commission prior to the issuance of a building permit. If the applicant chooses to pay a contribution into the Public Art fund in-lieu of commissioning art on site, the contribution must be made prior to the issuance of a building permit. Please note that the Public Art Program team will need to verify the Construction Valuation with an outside consultant, so it is highly recommended that you contact the Public Art Program at the time you apply for Building permit. All information and application materials may be found at cityofpaloalto.org/publicart under the Policies and Documents tab. PUBLIC WORKS 18. PUBLIC WORKS STANDARD CONDITIONS SHEET. The Department of Public Work’s full-sized "Standard Conditions" sheet shall be included in the improvement plans and the applicant shall comply with all conditions listed in the sheet. The sheet can be obtained from a staff member of Public Works Engineering Services or at the following link under “Public Works Plan Review Documents”: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Public-Works/Engineering-Services/Forms-and-Permits 19. STORM WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION SHEET. The City's full-sized "Pollution Prevention - It's Part of the Plan" sheet shall be included in the improvement plans. The sheet can be obtained from a staff member of Item 2 Attachment C - Conditions of Approval     Packet Pg. 31     Public Works Engineering Services or at the following link under “Public Works Plan Review Documents”: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Public-Works/Engineering-Services/Forms-and-Permits 20. IMPERVIOUS SURFACE AREA WORKSHEET. The applicant shall fill out and include with the building permit submittal the Impervious Area Worksheet for Land Developments. The sheet can be obtained from a staff member of Public Works Engineering Services or at the following link under “Public Works Plan Review Documents”: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Public-Works/Engineering-Services/Forms-and- Permits 21. GRADING & DRAINAGE PLAN. The improvement plans shall be compliant with the “Grading & Drainage Guidelines for Residential Developments”. The sheet can be obtained from a staff member of Public Works Engineering Services or at the following link under “Public Works Plan Review Documents”: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Public-Works/Engineering-Services/Forms-and-Permits 22. STREETWORK PERMIT. All improvement plans shall include the following note adjacent to proposed work in the public right-of-way. “Any construction within the public right-of-way requires an approved Streetwork Permit from Public Works Engineering” 23. DEMOLITION PLAN. The following note shall be placed adjacent to all affected trees on the Demolition Plan: “Excavation and trenching is restricted within the Tree Protection Zone (refer to T-1 Tree Protection Sheet) or as approved by the Urban Forestry Division at 650-496-5953. Any changes shall be approved by the same” 24. CONSTRUCTION STAGING. All improvement plans shall include the following note on the Site Plan and the Grading & Drainage Plan. “All construction materials and equipment shall be staged, stored, and stockpiled onsite and not on any public street”. 25. FLOOD ZONE. This project is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area and shall comply with the requirements as listed in the Flood Zone Screening Checklist. Non-residential and mixed-use building may elect to dry flood proof. The checklist shall be provided at the initial intake of the building permit application. Prior to formal acceptance of the application, all items on the checklist shall be fully addressed per the review of Public Works Engineering. The Flood Zone Screening Checklist and Dry Flood Proof can be obtained at the following link under “Flood Zone Issues”: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Public-Works/Engineering- Services/Forms-and-Permits 26. STORMWATER MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT. The applicant shall designate a party to maintain the control measures for the life of the improvements and must enter into a maintenance agreement with the City to guarantee the ongoing maintenance of the permanent C.3 storm water discharge compliance measures. The maintenance agreement shall be executed prior to Building permit issuance. The City will inspect the treatment measures yearly and charge an inspection fee. 27. THIRD PARTY CERTIFICATION. Within 45 days of the installation of the required storm water treatment measures and prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit for the building, third-party reviewer shall also submit to the City a certification for approval that the project’s permanent measures were constructed and installed in accordance to the approved permit drawings. 28. LOGISTICS PLAN. The contractor must submit a logistics plan to the Public Works Department prior to commencing work that addresses all impacts to the City’s right-of-way, including, but not limited to: pedestrian control, traffic control, truck routes, material deliveries, contractor’s parking, concrete pours, crane lifts, work hours, noise control, dust control, storm water pollution prevention, contractor’s contact, Item 2 Attachment C - Conditions of Approval     Packet Pg. 32     noticing of affected businesses, and schedule of work. https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/3/public-works/engineering-services/webpages/forms- and-permits/logistics-plan-preparation-guidelines-2021.pdf 29. EROSION CONTROL. The plan set must include an erosion control plan with associated details. 30. ADDITIONAL DRAINAGE. Proposed trash enclosure shall be required to drain to sanitary sewer only. 31. STORMWATER TREATMENT. Provide updated 3rd party certification for building plan set. ZERO WASTE 32. REQUIRED DECONSTRUCTION. In conformance with PAMC 5.24, deconstruction and source separation are required for all residential and commercial projects where structures (other than a garage or ADU) are being completely removed, demolition is no longer allowed. Deconstruction takes longer than traditional demolition, it is important to plan ahead. For more information, visit www.cityofpaloalto.org/deconstruction. 33. SALVAGE SURVEY FOR REUSE. A Salvage Survey is required for deconstruction permit applications. The survey shall be conducted by a City approved reuse vendor. The survey submittal shall include an itemized list of materials that are salvageable for reuse from the project. The applicant shall source separate and deliver materials for reuse. Certification is required indicating that all materials identified in the survey are properly salvaged. Contact The ReUse People to schedule this FREE survey by phone (888) 588-9490 or e- mail info@thereusepeople.org. More information can be found at www.TheReusePeople.org. Please upload a completed copy to the deconstruction permit. 34. SOURCE SEPARATION FOR RECYCLING. The applicant shall source separate deconstruction materials into specific categories for recycling. Additional staging areas for source separated materials will need to be considered. All materials shall be delivered to one of the City approved materials recovery facilities listed in Green Halo, all records shall be uploaded to www.greenhalosystems.com. For more information, refer to www.paloalto.gov/deconstruction. TRANSPORTATION 35. The final Transportation Demand Management Plan prepared by Fehr and Peers will at a minimum achieve a 20% reduction in peak hour motor vehicle trips for the project. The reductions shall be based on the rates included in the Institute of Transportation Engineers’ Trip Generation Manual for the appropriate land use category and size. For future expansion, the applicant shall be required to demonstrate the effectiveness of the implemented traffic management strategies to increase the enrollment. URBAN FORESTRY The following shall be addressed prior to issuance of a Building Permit, Excavation and Grading Permit, Certificate of Compliance, Street Work Permit and/or Encroachment Permit. See general UF COA below: 36. The owner and contractor shall implement all protection and inspection schedule measures, design recommendations and construction scheduling as stated in the TPR and/or Sheet T-1, and is subject to code compliance action pursuant to PAMC 8.10.080. The required protective fencing shall remain in place until Item 2 Attachment C - Conditions of Approval     Packet Pg. 33     final landscaping and inspection of the project. If called for, project arborist approval must be obtained and documented in the monthly activity report sent to the City. 37. Tree Damage, Injury Mitigation and Inspections apply to Contractor. Reporting, injury mitigation measures and arborist inspection schedule (1-5) apply pursuant to TTM, Section 2.20-2.30. Contractor shall be responsible for the repair or replacement of any publicly owned or protected trees that are damaged during the course of construction, pursuant to Title 8 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, and city Tree Technical Manual, Section 2.25. 38. The following general tree preservation measures apply to all trees to be retained: No storage of material, topsoil, vehicles or equipment shall be permitted within the tree enclosure area. The ground under and around the tree canopy area shall not be altered. Trees to be retained shall be irrigated, aerated and maintained as necessary to ensure survival. 39. TREE PROTECTION VERIFICATION INSPECTION REQUIRED. Prior to any site work, contractor must call Uriel Hernandez at 650-329-2450 to schedule an inspection of any required protective fencing. The fencing shall contain required warning sign and remain in place until final inspection of the project. 40. Any approved grading, digging or trenching beneath a tree canopy shall be performed using ‘air-spade’ method as a preference, with manual hand shovel as a backup. For utility trenching, including sewer line, roots exposed with diameter of 1.5 inches and greater shall remain intact and not be damaged. If directional boring method is used to tunnel beneath roots, then Table 2-1, Trenching and Tunneling Distance, shall be printed on the final plans to be implemented by Contractor. 41. During the permit phase of a project an applicant must provide the proposed square footage of the rehabilitated landscape to determine if the project requires a MWELO compliance review. Please see the document titled “Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) Compliance Submittals and Guidelines” (https://cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/76159) to determine if the project qualifies for MWELO Review. If a MWELO review is required, please follow the instructions in the above document when submitting your permit application and plan set. 42. NO NET LOSS OF CANOPY: In order to comply with the city’s no net loss of canopy policy (Urban Forest Master Plan: Goals 6.A, 6.B & 6.C & Comprehensive Plan Natural Environment Chapter: Goal N-2 and others) all trees 4” DBH and larger are subject to replacement to avoid a loss of canopy at the neighborhood level. Replacement ratios are determined by table 3-1 in the Tree Technical Manual (Section 3.20.C). New landscape tree plantings (24” box or larger) count towards the replacement total. If unable to plant the required number of trees on site (our preferred solution) there is the option of paying in-lieu fees of $650 per each 24” box tree into the forestry fund. 43. The final Plans submitted for building permit shall include the following information and notes on relevant plan sheets: The building permit plan set will include the Sheet T-1 (Tree Protection-it's Part of the Plan!) WATER QUALITY The following conditions are required to be part of any Planning application approval and shall be addressed prior to any future related permit application such as a Building Permit, Excavation and Grading Permit, Item 2 Attachment C - Conditions of Approval     Packet Pg. 34     Certificate of Compliance, Street Work Permit, Encroachment Permit, etc. as further described below. PRIOR TO THE ISSUANCE OF ANY BUILDING PERMIT: 44. Stormwater treatment measures. a. All Bay Area Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit requirements shall be followed. b. Refer to the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program C.3 Handbook. See https://scvurppp.org/2024/10/28/c-3-stormwater-handbook-2024/ 45. Stormwater quality protection: a. Temporary and permanent waste, compost and recycling containers shall be covered to prohibit fly- away trash and having rainwater enter the containers. b. Drain downspouts to landscaping (outward from building as needed). c. PAMC 16.09.180(b)(5) Condensate from HVAC -Condensate lines shall not be connected or allowed to drain to the storm drain system. Drain HVAC fluids from roofs and other areas to landscaping. d. Offsite downgrade storm drain inlets shall also be identified on this plan set and protected. If City staff removes protection from an inlet in the ROW during a rain event, the contractor shall replace the inlet protection by the end of the following business day. Item 2 Attachment C - Conditions of Approval     Packet Pg. 35     6 0 3 3 ATTACHMENT D ZONING COMPARISON TABLE 3950 Fabian Way, 24PLN-00263 Table 1: COMPARISON WITH CHAPTER 18.20 (GM DISTRICT) Regulation Required Existing Proposed Minimum Site Area 1 acre 1.51 acres 65,838 square feet 1.51 acres 65,838 square feet Minimum Setbacks (2) (1) 15 feet 15 feet Min. yard for site lines abutting or opposite residential districts 10 feet Complies Complies Special Setback 15' along Fabian Way Complies Complies Max. Site Coverage none 49.4% (32,500 square feet)50% (32,919 square feet) Max. Total Floor Area Ratio 50% (32,919 square feet) 49.4% (32,500 square feet)50% (32, 919 square feet) Max. Building Height 50 ft or 35 ft when located within 150 ft of residential zone (5) 35 feet 35 feet Daylight Plane Initial height of 10 feet then slope of 1:2 Complies Complies (1) For any property designated GM and fronting on East Bayshore Road a minimum setback of 20 feet along that frontage is established. (5) Residential zones include R-1, R-2, RE, RMD, RM-15, RM-30, RM-40 and residential Planned Community (PC) zones. Table 2: CONFORMANCE WITH CHAPTER 18.52 (Off-Street Parking and Loading) for Private Schools and Educational Facilities* Type Required Proposed Vehicle Parking 2 spaces per teaching station (38 Spaces) 52 Spaces Bicycle Parking 1 space for every 5 students (48 Spaces) 48 Spaces Loading Space None None * On-site employee amenity space is exempted from the parking requirements Item 2 Attachment D - Zoning Consistency Analysis     Packet Pg. 36     6 0 3 4 Attachment E Project Plans In order to reduce paper consumption, a limited number of hard copy project plans are provided to Board members for their review. The same plans are available to the public, at all hours of the day, via the following online resources. Environmental Document A Categorical Exemption report has been prepared in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 and is available online on the project webpage for review. Directions to review Project plans and environmental documents online: 1. Go to: bit.ly/PApendingprojects 2. Scroll down to find “3950 Fabian Way” and click the address link 3. On this project-specific webpage you will find a link to the project plans and other important information Direct Link to Project Webpage: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Current- Planning/Projects/3950-Fabian-Way Materials Board Color and material boards will be available to view in chambers during the ARB hearing. Item 2 Attachment E - Project Plans     Packet Pg. 37     Item No. 3. Page 1 of 8 Architectural Review Board Staff Report From: Planning and Development Services Director Lead Department: Planning and Development Services Meeting Date: May 1, 2025 Report #: 2501-4062 TITLE PUBLIC HEARING / QUASI-JUDICIAL. Downtown Parking Garage Sign Exceptions at 528 High Street [24PLN-00268], 445 Bryant Street [24PLN-00269], and 250 Hamilton Avenue [24PLN- 00270]: Recommendation on Applicant’s Request for Architectural Review to Allow Sign Exceptions for Five Projecting (Blade) Signs Across Three Parking Garages in Downtown Palo Alto. CEQA Status: Project is Exempt from CEQA in Accordance with Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Structures) and 15311 (Accessory Structures-On Premise Signs). Zoning District: PC- 4611 (Planned Community); PC-4612; and PF (Public Facilities). RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the Architectural Review Board (ARB) take the following actions: 1. Find the projects exempt from CEQA in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 and 15311; and 2. Recommend that the Director of Planning and Development Services approve the proposed projects based on findings in Attachment B and subject to the conditions of approval in Attachment C. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Department of Public Works Engineering has submitted four applications to allow for eight parking garage signs at four parcels across the downtown area. The proposed projects include requests for sign exceptions for five projecting signs at three parking garages in Downtown Palo Alto located at 528 High Street, 445 Bryant Street, and 250 Hamilton Avenue. The projecting signs, approximately 22 square feet each, exceed the allowable sign area of three-square feet and are located higher on the façade at a maximum height of 20 feet (13 feet 5 inches to the bottom of the sign) where a maximum height of 12 feet is allowed. The projects also include three code compliant wall signs proposed at 445 Bryant Street and 520 Webster Street. Although the project consists of separate applications for each of the four parcels, because the City is interested in aligning the design of all of these signs, staff is bringing forth the applications to the ARB together. The City, acting as the lead agency, finds that the projects are exempt from CEQA in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (small projects) and 15311 (on-premise signs). Staff’s Item 3 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 38     Item No. 3. Page 2 of 8 analysis concludes that the proposed signage is consistent with the relevant plans, policies, and regulations of the City and that the findings for approval of a sign exception can be met; therefore, staff recommends that the ARB recommend approval of the sign exception projects to the Director of Planning and Development Services. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The applicant is proposing to install eight new digital/LED matrix signs across four parking garages in Downtown Palo Alto. The project includes five projecting signs, all of which would require a sign exception to exceed the maximum size allowance of three square feet each and the maximum height allowance of 12 feet. These signs would be double sided, digital (LED) signs framed in aluminum, 22 square feet in size (40 inches wide, and 80 inches in height), mounted at a maximum height of 20 feet, and would be located in the following locations: •528 High Street (2 Signs) – One at the High Street entrance on the east side of the High/Alma South Parking Garage and one at the Alma Street entrance on the west side of the High/Alma South Parking Garage. •445 Bryant Street (1 Sign) – At the Bryant Street entrance on the west side of the Bryant/Lytton Parking Garage. •250 Hamilton Avenue (2 Signs) – One at the Bryant Street entrance on the east side of the Civic Center (City Hall) Parking Garage and one at the Ramona Street entrance on the west side of the Civic Center Parking Garage. The project also includes three digital (LED) wall signs framed in aluminum at the following locations: •445 Bryant Street (1 Sign) – At the Florence Street entrance on the east side of the Bryant/Lytton Parking Garage. •520 Webster Street (2 Signs) – One at the Webster Street entrance on the east side of the Cowper/Webster Parking Garage and one at the Cowper Street entrance on the east side of the Cowper/Webster Parking Garage. The sign schedule is shown on Sheet AG-601 of the project plans. Renderings of the proposed signs, as they would appear on the façades of the respective parking garages, are shown on Sheets AG-501 through AG-504 of the project plans. A link to the project plans is included in Attachment F. Requested Entitlements, Findings, and Purview: The following discretionary applications are being requested: •Architectural Review – Minor (AR): the process for evaluating this type of application is set forth in Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) 18.77.070. AR applications are reviewed by the ARB and recommendations are forwarded to the Planning and Development Services Director for action within five business days of the Board’s recommendation. Action by the Director is appealable to the City Council if filed within 14 days of the decision. AR projects are evaluated against specific findings. All findings must be made in the affirmative to approve the project. Failure to make any one finding required Item 3 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 39     Item No. 3. Page 3 of 8 project redesign or denial. The findings to approve an AR application are provided in Attachment B. •Architectural Review – Sign Exception: In accordance with PAMC Section 16.20.040 “Sign Exception” means an application made in conjunction with an architectural review which requests a deviation from what is allowed in the Sign Code. In order for the application to gain approval it must meet the following criteria: 1) there are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions applicable to the property involved that do not apply generally to property in the same district; 2) the granting of the application is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right of the applicant and to prevent unreasonable property loss or unnecessary hardships; 3) the granting of the application will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, general welfare or convenience. The process for evaluating this type of application is set forth in PAMC 18.77.070 referenced above. The findings to approve the sign exception are provided in Attachment B. BACKGROUND Project Information Owner:City of Palo Alto Architect:Justin Ming-Min Chang (Walker Consultants) Representative:Brittany Leung (Public Works) Legal Counsel:Not Applicable Property Information Addresses:528 High Street; 445 Bryant Street; 250 Hamilton Avenue; 520 Webster Street Neighborhood:Downtown North (all four sites) Lot Area:•528 High Street: Approximately 20,964 square feet •445 Bryant Street: Approximately 46,671 square feet •250 Hamilton Avenue: Approximately 107,930 square feet •520 Webster Street: Approximately 40,887 square feet Housing Inventory Site:Not Applicable Located w/in a Plume:Not Applicable Protected/Heritage Trees:Not Applicable Historic Resource(s):Not Applicable Existing Improvement(s):•528 High Street: 19,580 square foot building, five stories, built 2001 •445 Bryant Street: 43,683 square foot building, seven stories, built 2002 •250 Hamilton Avenue: 101,220 square foot building with underground parking, three stories, built 1968 •520 Webster Street: 30,010 square foot building, seven stories, built 1984 Item 3 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 40     Item No. 3. Page 4 of 8 Existing Land Use(s):•528 High Street/445 Bryant Street/520 Webster Street: Planned Communities (Parking Garages) •250 Hamilton Avenue: Public Facility (City Hall) Adjacent Land Uses & Zoning: •528 High Street: Retail/Eating and Drinking Service/Public Parking •445 Bryant Street: Business Office/Public Parking/Community Center •250 Hamilton Avenue: Eating and Drinking Service/Business and Professional Office •520 Webster Street: Eating and Drinking Service/Business and Professional Office Special Setbacks:None (all four sites) Aerial View of Properties: 528 High Street 445 Bryant Street 250 Hamilton Avenue 520 Webster Street Source: Google Satellite Maps Land Use Designation & Applicable Plans/Guidelines Item 3 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 41     Item No. 3. Page 5 of 8 Comp. Plan Designation:•528 High Street/445 Bryant Street/520 Webster Street: Community Commercial (CC) •250 Hamilton Avenue: Major Institution/Special Facilities (MISP) Zoning Designation:•528 High Street: Planned Community (PC) 4612 •445 Bryant Street: Planned Community (PC) 4611 •250 Hamilton Avenue: Public Facilities (PF) •520 Webster Street: Planned Community (PC) 3995 Yes Yes Yes Baylands Master Plan/Guidelines (2008/2005) El Camino Real Guidelines (1976) Housing Development Project Downtown Urban Design Guidelines (1993) X South El Camino Real Guidelines (2002) Utilizes Chapter 18.24 - Objective Standards Individual Review Guidelines (2005) Within 150 feet of Residential Use or District Context-Based Design Criteria applicable SOFA Phase 1 (2000)Within Airport Influence Area SOFA Phase 2 (2003) Prior City Reviews & Action City Council:None PTC:None HRB:None ARB:None ANALYSIS The project sites are located in the Downtown North neighborhood within the downtown commercial area. Surrounding uses primarily include retail and office uses. The proposed projects have been analyzed for consistency with relevant plans and regulations, as discussed further below, and staff finds the projects to be in conformance with relevant plans, regulations, and policies except where the signs deviate from the code in a manner that is consistent with the sign exception allowances and findings as set forth in the code. Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, Area Plans, and Guidelines The Comprehensive Plan land use designation for the 528 High Street, 445 Bryant Street, and 520 Webster Street garage sites is Regional/Community Commercial (CC). This land use designation is “provide[s] a wider variety of goods and services than the neighborhood shopping areas and include such uses as department stores, bookstores furniture stores, apparel shops, restaurants and non-retail services such as offices and banks.” The Comprehensive Plan land use designation for 250 Hamilton Avenue is Major Institution/Special Item 3 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 42     Item No. 3. Page 6 of 8 Facilities (MISP). This land use designation is intended for “institutional, academic, governmental and community service uses and lands that are either publicly owned or operated as non-profit organizations.” The proposed project would provide high quality signage, consistent with Comprehensive Plan goals and policies related to high quality design. The project will also allow the City to manage parking supply and demand in downtown and ensure safety for all roadway users, consistent with the Comprehensive Plan goals and policies related to transportation infrastructure. Specifically, the project is consistent with: •Policy L-6.10, which encourages high quality signage that is attractive, appropriate for the location, and balances visibility needs with aesthetic needs; •Policy T-5.2 which implements parking supply and demand management strategies to optimize the use of existing parking spaces; and, •Policy T-6.7 which monitors and improves circulation of traffic through appropriate technology. Downtown Urban Design Guidelines The downtown Urban Design Guidelines encourages pedestrian oriented signs. The proposed size and mounting height of signage is specifically intended to help drivers finding available parking spaces and is not intended for pedestrian purposes. However, the signage is consistent with the Downtown Design Guidelines in that the signage is located in a manner that does not limit pedestrian or driver visibility. The design guidelines also discuss the importance of wayfinding and parking signage that enables visitors to find parking the downtown area, which this proposed signage is intended to achieve. Zoning Compliance Attachment D includes staff’s analysis of the project’s consistency with relevant regulations. The proposed project complies with all applicable sign codes of PAMC Chapter 16.20 or is seeking, through the requested permits, permission to deviate from certain code standards in a manner that is consistent with the Zoning Ordinance and Sign Code. Specifically, the applicant is requesting a sign exception, as outlined in PAMC Section 16.20.040, for the five proposed projecting signs. The proposed signs best align with the designation of projecting signs, but exceed the allowable area of a projecting sign, which is limited to three square feet, and exceed the allowable height of a projecting sign, which is limited to 12 feet. The sign exception is necessary because the code’s limitation on the size and location of projecting signs would prevent the City from achieving the goal of the project, which is to clearly display to drivers the availability of parking spaces within the garage in a legible manner. Attachment B includes draft findings for approval of these exceptions. A projecting sign of this size mounted higher on the building façade than what is stipulated in code appears to be appropriate based on the size of the building and façade on which it is located. The proposed digital display colors and font typologies are consistent with the Palo Alto branding guide and have been reviewed by the Communications Department. Item 3 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 43     Item No. 3. Page 7 of 8 The applicant is also proposing three additional compliant wall signs (one at the Bryant/Lytton Parking Garage and two at the Cowper/Webster Parking Garage). The wall sign proposed at the Florence Street entrance on the east side of the Bryant/Lytton Parking Garage will be approximately 22 square feet where 147 square feet is allowed; the wall signs proposed at the Webster Street and Cowper Street entrances of the Cowper/Webster Parking Garage will be approximately 22 square feet where 203 square feet is allowed. Because the two wall signs at the Cowper/Webster Parking Garage are code compliant, the signage at that site is being processed through a Minor Architectural Review application with staff-level review, separate from the proposed sign exceptions. However, because the City is seeking a consistent design across all of these signs, they are noted in this report for informational purposes. Consistency with Application Findings Staff finds that findings for approval of a sign exception can be made to support the projecting signs, and that the minor AR findings can be made to support the wall signs. The signage, although larger and higher than the code allows, is necessary to display the parking counts in a legible manner. The signs do not inhibit drivers’ visibility as they will be installed between 10 and 15 feet from ground level, or in the case of the Civic Center Garage, installed atop a landscaped median. Additionally, the large signage will assist drivers in downtown Palo Alto in locating available parking with ease and reduce required circling by drivers looking for available parking. Attachment B provides the findings for approval of these applications. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The subject project has been assessed in accordance with the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The project is exempt from CEQA in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15311 (Accessory Structures). Specifically, CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 categorically exempts minor alterations to existing buildings and Section 15311 exempts on-premise signs accessory to existing commercial developments. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION, OUTREACH & COMMENTS The Palo Alto Municipal Code requires notice of this public hearing to be published in a local newspaper and mailed to owners and occupants of property within 600 feet of the subject property at least ten days in advance. Notice of a public hearing for this project was published in the Daily Post on April 18, 2025, which is 13 days in advance of the meeting. Postcard mailing occurred on April 16, 2025, which is 15 days in advance of the meeting. Public Comments As of the writing of this report, no project-related comments were received. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS Alternatively, the Architectural Review Board may: 1. Approve the project with modified findings and/or conditions; 2. Continue the project to a date (un)certain with specific direction; or 3. Recommend project denial based on revised findings. Item 3 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 44     Item No. 3. Page 8 of 8 ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: Location Map Attachment B: Draft ARB and Sign Exception Findings Attachment C: Draft Conditions of Approval Attachment D: Zoning Comparison Table Attachment E: Photo Examples of LED Matrix Signs Attachment F: Project Plans Report Author & Contact Information ARB1 Liaison & Contact Information Nishita Kandikuppa, Associate Planner Steven Switzer, Historic Preservation Planner (650) 838-2806 (650) 329-2321 nishita.kandikuppa@paloalto.gov steven.switzer@paloalto.gov 1 Emails can be sent directly to the ARB using the following address: ARB@PaloAlto.gov Item 3 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 45     7 7 Lot R Parking Garage City of Palo Alto Pizza My Heart Mac's Smokeshop Wasson Building 112.5' 49.7' 112.5' 49.7' 76.0' 94.5' 26.0' 100.0' 12.5' 225.0' 100.0' 75.0 1 100.0' 75.0'100.0' 75.0' 100.0 100.0' 50.0' 25 50.0' 112.5' 50.0' 112.5' 100.0' 112.5' 100.0' 112.5' 25.0'12.5'25.3' 112.5' 50.3' 100.0' 50.0' 112.5' 25.0'12.5'25.0' 125.0' 125.0' 225.0' 99.5' 27.7' .5' 72.3' 25.0' 125.0' 44.0' 25.0' 25.0' 72.3' .5' 27.7'50.5' 99.6' 48.9' 81.0' 48.9' 57.5' 25.0' 125.0' 50.0' 125.0' 50.0' 125.0' 50.0' 125.0' 50.0' 148.0' 100.0' 160.0' 88.0' 17.0' 100.0' 75.0'100.0' 75.0' 100.0' 100.0' 50.0' 79.5' 90.0' 225.0' 100.0' 225.0 100.0' 75.0'100.0' 75.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 50.0' 52.1' 44.1' 28.3' 25.0' 31.3'25.0' 68.7' 50.0' 100.0' 25.0' 100.0' 25.0' 68.7' 25.0'31.3' 50.0' 50.0' 100.0' 28.3' 44.1' 125.0' 100.0'125.0' 100.0' 125.0' 25.0' 125.0' 25.0' 125.0' 25.0' 125.0' 25.0' 25.0 90.0' 12.5' 16.8' 101.2' 25.0' 101.3' 16.8'12.5' 112.5' 25.0' 112.5' 25.0' 112.5' 15.0' 112.5' 15.0' 112.5' 25.0' 112.5' 25.0' 112.5' 100.0' 25.0' 100.0' 25.0' 150.0' 100.0' 100.0' 85.0'100.0' 85.0' 175.0' 112.5' 50.0' 37.5' 25.0' 25.0' 100.0' 50.0' 112.5' 112.5' 30.0' 112.5' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 50 30.0 50.0' 100.0' 542.81' 542.81'76.0' 530 100 167 440 444 514 550 575 102 116 125 135 151 165 5 116 169- 171 119 150- 156 170 168 544 540 542 536 534532 172 174 539 200 202 508 500 502 504 180180180180 25 429 185 180180 529 623 136132 539535 115 525 542 528 124 516 140 551 163 145 00 162 164 120 122 117 ET ALMA STREET EMERSON STREET HIGH STREET HAMILTON AVENUE LANE 5 EAST PF CD (P PC-4612 PF C (P)PF Lot O Lot P Lytton Plaza Lot N Lot R This map is a product of the City of Palo Alto GIS This document is a graphic representation only of best available sources. Legend Special Setback Frontages Park School abc Building Roof Outline Underlying Lot Line abc Easement abc Lot Dimensions Zone Districts abc Zone District Labels City Jurisdictional Limits: Palo Alto City Boundary Tree Current Features 0'59' 528 High Street 24PLN-00268 CITYOF PALO ALTOINCORPORATED CALIFORNIA P a l o A l t oT h e C i t y o f APRIL 16 1894 The City of Palo Alto assumes no responsibility for any errors. ©1989 to 2016 City of Palo Altonkandik, 2025-03-24 13:32:35Location Map (Basic) (\\cc-maps\Encompass\Admin\Personal\Planning.mdb) Item 3 Attachment A - Location Maps     Packet Pg. 46     7 7 7 7 Lytton Square Senior Center Gym 100.0' 50.0' 25.0' 40.1' .6'1.0'10.5'33.8' 7.7' 35.6' 4.0' 6.4'4.8' 27.0'11.5' 75.0' 7' 0' 135.0' 218.0' 15.0'7.0' 150.0' 7.0' 25.0'7.0' 125.0' 100.0'100.0' 12.5' 50.0' 112.5' 278.0' 220.0'278.0' 220.0' 50.0' 30.8' .6'10.5'1.0'.6' 40.1' 37.8' 33.2' 30.8'33.2' 30.8' 46.8' 27.0' 4.8' 6.4'4.0' 35.6' 23.2' 200.0' 110.0'50.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 5 100.0' 100.0' 49.3' 100.0' 49.3' 100.0' 60.7' 100.0' 60.7' 100.0' 70.0'100.0' 70.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 25.0' 100.0' 25.0' 100.0' 75.0'100.0' 75.0'125.0' 125.0' 100.0'125.0 64.0' 95.0' 50.0' 95.0' 50.0' 95.0' 25.0' 95.0' 25.0'100.0' 25.0' 100.0' 25.0'100.0' 25.0' 100.0' 25.0'100.0' 25.5' 100.0' 25.5' 100.0' 110.0' 100.0' 110.0' 51.6' 100.0' 74.5'100.0' 74.5' 50.0' 112.5' 50.0' 112.5' 93.0' 50.0' 93.0' 50.0' 93.0' 75.0'93.0' 75.0' 135.0' 100.0' 25.0' 150.0' 112.5'150.0' 112.5' 45.0' 112.5' 45.0' 112.5' 110.0' 90.0'110.0' 90.0' 55.0' 10.0'5.0' 33.0' 100.0'50.0' 160.0' 110.0' 10.0' 28.0'10.0' 19.2' 34.4' 35.8' 105.6' 193.0' 43.0' 79.0' 43.0' 79.0' 43.0' 33.5'43.0' 33.5' 45.0 105.5' 45.0' 105.5' 50.0' 105.5' 50.0' 105.5' 50.0' 105.5' 50.0' 105.5' 93.0' 105.5' 93.0' 105.5'37.5 50 0 50.0'43.0' 50.0 110.0' 50.0' 110.0' 50 110.0' 50.0' 193.0' 5.6' 35.8' 34.4'8' 50.0' 50.0' 314 325 361 420 431 250 278 301 310 442 530-536 518-526 261- 267 318-3 317-323 335-339 416- 424 426 369 2 235 221 418 408 412 332 330 461 353 415 305 401 366 436 390 445 450 430264 451 401 450 460 470 270 485 251 255 271 281 300 444 RAMONA STREET BRYANT S FLORENCE STREET WAVERLEY ST BRYANT STREET LYTTON AVENUE UNIVERS LANE 20 EAST LANE 20 WEST PAULSEN LANE F PC-4063 PF CD-C (P)PF PC-4611 PC-4436 Lot F Lot C Lot K Cogswell Plaza ot K Bryant / Lytton Parking GarageLot SCogswell Plaza This map is a product of the City of Palo Alto GIS This document is a graphic representation only of best available sources. Legend Special Setback Frontages Park School abc Building Roof Outline Underlying Lot Line abc Easement abc Lot Dimensions Zone Districts abc Zone District Labels City Jurisdictional Limits: Palo Alto City Boundary Tree Current Features 0'60' 445 Bryant Street 24PLN-00269 CITYOF PALO ALTOINCORPORATED CALIFORNIA P a l o A l t oT h e C i t y o f APRIL 16 1894 The City of Palo Alto assumes no responsibility for any errors. ©1989 to 2016 City of Palo Altonkandik, 2025-03-24 11:50:37Location Map (Basic) (\\cc-maps\Encompass\Admin\Personal\Planning.mdb) Item 3 Attachment A - Location Maps     Packet Pg. 47     6 7 7 77 7 7 7 7 6 Lanning Chateau Downtown_ Library City Hall & PAPD Chase Bank Post Office 94301 CPA_Dev Ctr Old Pro Hamilton_Building Nola 2.5'10.0' 47.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 50.0' 102.5' 50.0' 102.5' 25.0' 102.5'102.5' 18.0' 02.5' 7.1'45.0' 97.5' 7.1' 40.0' 102.5' 125.0' 102.5'125.0' 102.5' 40.0' 102.5' 25.0'2.5' 15.0' 100.0' 85.0' 100.0'50.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 40.0' 102.5' 40.0' 102.5' 30.0' 102.5' 30.0' 102.5' 30.0' 102.5' 30.0' 102.5' 50.0' 102.5' 50.0' 102.5' 25.0'7.5' 40.0' 102.5' 65.0' 95.0' 50.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 50.0' 102.5' 50.0' 102.5' 50.0' 102.5' 50.0' 102.5' 75.0' 125.0' 75.0' 125.0' 175.0' 7.0' 225.0' 218.0' 400.0' 225.0' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 90.0' 102.5'110.0' 122.5' 50.0' 102.5' 50.0' 102.5' 50.0' 102.5' 50.0' 102.5' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 50.0' 46.0' 50.0' 35.0' 5.0'15.0'5.0' 50.0' 00.0' 104.0' 100.0'114.0' 50.0' 5.0'15.0'5.0' 35.0' 100.0' 100.0' 150.0'112.5' 50.0' 25.0' 50.0' 50.0' 112.5' 100.0' 100.0'100.0' 100.0' 200.0' 112.5' 100.0' 12.5' 100.0' 125.0' 112.5' 150.0'112.5'150.0'112.5'150.0'112.5'150.0'112.5'150.0'112.5'150.0'112.5'150.0'112.5'150.0'112.5'150.0'112.5'150.0'112.5' 200.0' 112.5' 100.0' 12.5' 100.0' 125.0' 200.0' 112.5' 100.0' 12.5' 100.0' 125.0' 200.0' 112.5' 100.0' 12.5' 100.0' 125.0' 200.0' 112.5' 100.0' 12.5' 100.0' 125.0' 200.0' 112.5' 100.0' 12.5' 100.0' 125.0' 200.0' 112.5' 100.0' 12.5' 100.0' 125.0' 200.0' 112.5' 100.0' 12.5' 100.0' 125.0' 200.0' 112.5' 100.0' 12.5' 100.0' 125.0' 200.0' 112.5' 100.0' 12.5' 100.0' 125.0' 200.0' 112.5' 100.0' 12.5' 100.0' 125.0' 200.0' 112.5' 100.0' 12.5' 100.0' 125.0' 200.0' 112.5' 100.0' 12.5' 100.0' 125.0' 200.0' 112.5' 100.0' 12.5' 100.0' 125.0' 200.0' 112.5' 100.0' 12.5' 100.0' 125.0' 200.0' 112.5' 100.0' 12.5' 100.0' 125.0' 200.0' 112.5' 100.0' 12.5' 100.0' 125.0' 200.0' 112.5' 100.0' 12.5' 100.0' 125.0' 200.0' 112.5' 100.0' 12.5' 100.0' 125.0' 200.0' 112.5' 100.0' 12.5' 100.0' 125.0' 112.5' 112.5' 112.5' 112.5' 112.5' 112.5' 112.5' 37.5' 112.5' 37.5' 112.5'37.5' 112.5' 37.5' 112.5' 75 1 37.5' 112.5' 137.5' 112.5' 12.5' 112.5'150.0' 225.0' 85.0' 59.0'85.0' 59.0' 85.0' 66.0'85.0' 66.0' 150.0' 150.0' 105.5'150.0' 105.5' 150.0' 150.0' 150.0' 150.0' 150.0' 150.0' 150.0' 150.0' 150.0' 150.0' 150.0' 150.0' 150.0' 150.0' 150.0' 150.0' 150.0' 150.0' 150.0' 100.0' 100.0' 100.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 200.0' 10.0' 100.0' 125.0' 100.0'125.0' 100.0' 55.0' 100.0' 55.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 100.0' 49.3' 100.0' 60.7' 100.0' 0.7' 60.0' 221.0' 60.0' 221.0' 125.0' 100.0'125.0' 100.0' 125.0' 64.0' 125.0' 64.0' 0 64.0' 125.0' 50.0' 0 25.0' 25.0' 100.0' 10.0' 100.0' 100.0' 10.0' 100.0' 58.0' 50.0' 185.0'50.0' 150.0' 218.0' 150.0' 218.0' 50.0' 105.5' 150.0' 112.5' 150.0' 218.0' 150.0' 218.0' 100.0' 112.5' 100.0' 112.5' 50.0' 112.5' 50.0' 112.5' 100 1100.0' 112.5'50.0' 105.5' 50.0' 105.5' 50.0' 105.5' 50.0' 105.5' 204.8' 200.0' 68.8' 200.0' 158.0'200.0' 158.1' 80.0' 123.1' 80.0' 123.1' 60.0' 123.1' 60.0' 123.1' 60.0' 80.1' 34.0' 30.5' 3.5' 23.5' 47.1' 23.5'3.5' 30.5' 34.0' 43.0'60.0' 76.0' 625 644 209 261 285 300 600 616 533 540 220- 244 702- 730 44 185 345 278 01 310 533-539 530-536 518-526 318-324 326-338 650 555- 595 315- 325541- 549 535- 539 6 629 611 200 195 5 236 229- 247 546- 552 01 221- 227 380 643 642 325 664 635 375 345 635621 624 628 632 636 640 620 180 651 643 635 203 642640 636 275 250 630 240 602604 536 538 540 542 721 701 741739 727 733 7 270 229 668 661 698 657 667 267581555 541 545 529 300 220 228 215 225 619 631 75 175 654 648 MONA STREET BRYANT STREET HAMILTON AVENUE EMERSON STREET HAMILTON AVENUE GILMAN STREET BRYANT STREET FOREST AVEN FOREST AVENUE RAMONA STREET RAMONA STREET LANE 6 EAST LANE 21 LANE 11 WEST CENTENNIAL WALK PC-2967 R 872 PF PF CD-C (P) PC-3974 PC-4195 CD-C (P) CD-C(GF)(P) CD-S(GF)(P) Lot D Lot G t B Lot E Civic Center Plaza Parking y Lot CC This map is a product of the City of Palo Alto GIS This document is a graphic representation only of best available sources. Legend Special Setback Frontages Park School abc Building Roof Outline Underlying Lot Line abc Easement abc Lot Dimensions Zone Districts abc Zone District Labels City Jurisdictional Limits: Palo Alto City Boundary Tree Current Features 0'82' 250 Hamilton Avenue 24PLN-00270 CITYOF PALO ALTOINCORPORATED CALIFORNIA P a l o A l t oT h e C i t y o f APRIL 16 1894 The City of Palo Alto assumes no responsibility for any errors. ©1989 to 2016 City of Palo Altonkandik, 2025-03-24 16:07:38Location Map (Basic) (\\cc-maps\Encompass\Admin\Personal\Planning.mdb) Item 3 Attachment A - Location Maps     Packet Pg. 48     7 7 7 17 First United Alain Pinel Realtor ado Hotel 75.0' 43.0' 15.0' 150.0' 90.0' 107.0' 102.5' 43.0' 11.5' 107.0'114.0' 150.0' 127.5' 200.0' 59.0' 107.0' 41.0' 93.0' 300.0' 41.0' 107.0' 41.0' 107.0' 93.0' 100.0' 93.0' 100.0' 93.0' 50.0' 93.0' 50.0' 93.0' 50.0' 100.0' 45.0' 100.0' 45.0' 100.0' 100.0' 140.0' 140.0' 140.0' 150.0' 50.0' 150.0' 50.0' 100.0' 90.0' 150.0' 90.0' 150.0' 105.0' 55.0' 105.0' 55.0' 105.0' 85.0'105.0' 85.0' 105.0' 50.0' 105.0' 50.0' 150.0' 50.0' 150.0' 50.0' 100.0' 45.0' 100.0' 45.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 50.0' 50.0' 150.0' 300.0' 43.0' 125.0'50.0' 125.0' 112.5' 100.0' 100.0' 100.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 100.0' 150.0' 100.0' 150.0' 102.5' 50.0' 102.5' 50.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 45.0' 100.0' 45.0' 100.0' 45.0' 100.0' 45.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 100.0'100.0' 100.0' 200.0' 112.5' 50.0' 112.5' 50.0' 112.5' 50.0' 112.5' 100.0' 75.0'100.0' 75.0' 100.0' 50.0' 100.0' 50.0'125.0' 8.0' 100.0' 12.5'25.0' 20.5' 125.0' 92.0'125.0' 92 50.0' 112.5' 50.0' 112.5' 112.5 50.0' .0' 100.0'100.0' 100.0 25.0'112. 50.0' 75.0' 75.0' 107.0' 107.0' 4 467 499 524 525 537 555 585 541 611 540 530 540 500- 528 482- 496 531 523 530 588 44 518 505 512 609 605 530 546 550 564 568 578 555 567 579 581 435 515 519 610 600 520 616A 533 535 UNIVERSITY AVENUE COWPER STREET HAMILTON AVENUE WEBSTER STREET LANE 39 PF PCCD-C PC-4052 P 25 RM-40 PC-3995 H Lot WC This map is a product of the City of Palo Alto GIS This document is a graphic representation only of best available sources. Legend Special Setback Frontages Park School abc Building Roof Outline Underlying Lot Line abc Easement abc Lot Dimensions Zone Districts abc Zone District Labels City Jurisdictional Limits: Palo Alto City Boundary Tree Current Features 0'60' 520 Webster Street 24PLN-00271 CITY OF PALO ALTOINCORPORATED CALIFORNIA P a l o A l t oT h e C i t y o f APRIL 16 1894 The City of Palo Alto assumes no responsibility for any errors. ©1989 to 2016 City of Palo Altonkandik, 2025-03-24 13:30:48Location Map (Basic) (\\cc-maps\Encompass\Admin\Personal\Planning.mdb) Item 3 Attachment A - Location Maps     Packet Pg. 49     ATTACHMENT B ARB AND SIGN EXCEPTION FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL 528 High Street (24PLN-00268); 445 Bryant Street (24PLN-00269); 250 Hamilton Avenue (24PLN-00270) ARB Findings The design and architecture of the proposed project, as conditioned, complies with the Findings for Architectural Review as required in PAMC Chapter 18.76. Finding 1: The design is consistent with applicable provisions of the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, coordinated area plans (including compatibility requirements), and any relevant design guides. The project is consistent with Finding #1 because: The proposed projecting signs and wall signs are consistent and compatible with the applicable elements of the City's Comprehensive Plan in that the proposed project is consistent with Policy L-6.10: Encourage high quality signage that is attractive, energy-efficient, and appropriate for the location, and balances visibility needs with aesthetic needs. Except as requested by the sign exception, the signs meet the regulations set forth in PAMC Chapter 16.20. Lastly, the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines discusses the importance of wayfinding and parking signage that enables visitors to find parking in the downtown area which the proposed signage strives to achieve. Finding 2: The project has a unified and coherent design, that: (a) Creates an internal sense of order and desirable environment for occupants, visitors, and the general community, (b) Preserves, respects and integrates existing natural features that contribute positively to the site and the historic character including historic resources of the area when relevant, (c) Is consistent with the context-based design criteria of the applicable zone district, (d) Provides harmonious transitions in scale, mass and character to adjacent land uses and land use designations, (e) Enhances living conditions on the site (if it includes residential uses) and in adjacent residential areas. The project is consistent with Finding #2 because: The design of the signs, materials, and colors are attractive and appropriate for the building and the surrounding areas. The proposed signage uses materials and colors that are unified and coherent with the surroundings as well as consistent with the signage proposed across the four parking garages. The proposed colors and fonts on the LED display are consistent with the City of Palo Alto branding principles. This finding can therefore be made in the affirmative in that the proposed design of the projecting and wall signs is appropriate for the downtown retail/commercial setting. The signage will assist downtown visitors in finding open parking, enhancing their experience in visiting the downtown area. None of the signs require tree removal or impact a historic structure; therefore, natural features that contribute positively to the sites have been preserved. Item 3 Attachment B - ARB and Sign Exception Findings     Packet Pg. 50     Finding 3: The design is of high aesthetic quality, using high quality, integrated materials and appropriate construction techniques, and incorporating textures, colors, and other details that are compatible with and enhance the surrounding area. The project is consistent with Finding #3 because: The blade sign is fabricated of aluminum in black which is consistent with the metal accents on the parking garages. The sign details provided in the plans ensure proper mounting techniques for the proposed signs. Moreover, the LED display colors and fonts align with the Palo Alto branding and are consistent across the four parking garages. Finding 4: The design is functional, allowing for ease and safety of pedestrian and bicycle traffic and providing for elements that support the building's necessary operations (e.g. convenient vehicle access to property and utilities, appropriate arrangement and amount of open space and integrated signage, if applicable, etc.). The project is consistent with Finding #4 because: The proposed digital parking signs provide effective parking signage which simplifies the navigation process for visitors of Downtown Palo Alto. The size and location of the signs allows for improved visibility, convenient vehicular access, and efficiency in locating available parking in the downtown district. The proposed signs are located in a manner that do not impede on pedestrian or driver safety. The location of the signage is appropriate and designed in a manner that integrates well on the buildings. Finding 5: The landscape design complements and enhances the building design and its surroundings, is appropriate to the site's functions, and utilizes to the extent practical, regional indigenous drought resistant plant material capable of providing desirable habitat that can be appropriately maintained. The project is consistent with Finding #5 because: Finding #5 is not applicable for this project. No landscaping will be impacted by the proposed signage. Finding 6: The project incorporates design principles that achieve sustainability in areas related to energy efficiency, water conservation, building materials, landscaping, and site planning. The project is consistent with Finding #6 because: The proposed signs are LED illuminated and made of durable long-lasting materials. The signage is intended to allow visitors to find parking faster and in a more efficient manner and will therefore reduce car emissions. The signage will also comply with the exterior lighting requirements set forth in PAMC Section 18.40.250. Item 3 Attachment B - ARB and Sign Exception Findings     Packet Pg. 51     Sign Exception Findings The following findings have been made to support the sign exception request, as modified by the ARB approval conditions. The specific exception that has been requested is for the following five projecting signs to exceed the three-square foot maximum size for projecting signs and maximum mounting height of 12 feet: •528 High Street (2 Signs) – One at the High Street entrance on the east side of the High/Alma South Parking Garage and one at the Alma Street entrance on the west side of the High/Alma South Parking Garage. •445 Bryant Street (1 Sign) – At the Bryant Street entrance on the west side of the Bryant/Lytton Parking Garage. •250 Hamilton Avenue (2 Signs) – One at the Bryant Street entrance on the east side of the Civic Center (City Hall) Parking Garage and one at the Ramona Street entrance on the west side of the Civic Center Parking Garage. 1. There are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions applicable to the property involved that do not apply generally to property in the same district; The signs are proposed on parking garages in Downtown Palo Alto which have significantly larger façades when compared to adjacent buildings within the downtown area. Because the signs are meant to display the available parking at the respective garages, they must be easy to locate and read while driving. The size of the projecting signs (22 sf) is therefore appropriate given the wayfinding abilities it serves. The signs are also located higher on the façade at a maximum height of 20 feet (13 feet, five inches to the bottom of the sign) where a maximum height of 12 feet is required to avoid blocking driver’s line of sight and to maintain the ground floor pedestrian appeal of the downtown district. 2. The granting of the application is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right of the applicant and to prevent unreasonable property loss or unnecessary hardships; The entrances to the parking garages are sometimes hidden from view and visitors to the downtown have expressed concern about parking availability despite data showing availability of spaces within the City’s parking garages. The granting of this application is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of the downtown area for the public benefit. The signage size and mounting height is appropriate based on the size of the buildings and does not detract from the pedestrian experience on the ground floor. 3. The granting of the application will not be detrimental or injurious to property or improvements in the vicinity and will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, general welfare or convenience. The project will be constructed in accordance with all building code requirements of the City of Palo Alto and the signage size and mounting height will be neither detrimental nor injurious to surrounding properties, public health, safety, general welfare, or convenience. Item 3 Attachment B - ARB and Sign Exception Findings     Packet Pg. 52     ATTACHMENT C CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL 528 High Street (24PLN-00268); 445 Bryant Street (24PLN-0069); 250 Hamilton Avenue (24PLN-00270) _________________________________________________________________ PLANNING DIVISION 1. CONFORMANCE WITH PLANS. Construction and development shall conform to the approved plans entitled, "City of Palo Alto; Bryant/Lytton Garage – Civic Center Garage – Cowper/Webster Garage – High/Alma Garage; New Parking digital Exterior Sign” uploaded to the Palo Alto Online Permitting Services Citizen Portal on April 21, 2025, as modified by these conditions of approval. 2. BUILDING PERMIT. Apply for a building permit and meet any and all conditions of the Planning, Fire, Public Works, and Building Departments. 3. BUILDING PERMIT PLAN SET. A copy of this approval with conditions shall be printed on the second page of the plans submitted for building permit. 4. TREE PROTECTION FENCING. Tree protection fencing shall be required to protect trees that are to remain during construction. 5. PLANNING FINAL – PHOTO VERIFICATION. Photo verification of the signage installation shall be emailed to the Project Planner, Nishita Kandikuppa at nishita.kandikuppa@paloalto.gov. 6. LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE. All landscape material shall be well maintained and replaced, if necessary, to the satisfaction of the Urban Forester and Director of Planning. 7. PERMIT EXPIRATION. The project approval shall be valid for a period of one year from the original date of approval. In the event a building permit(s), if applicable, is not secured for the project within the time limit specified above, the approval shall expire and be of no further force or effect. A written request for a one-year extension shall be submitted prior to the expiration date in order to be considered by the Director of Planning and Development Services. PUBLIC WORKS 8.ENCROACHMENT PERMIT FOR CONSTRUCTION. Prior to any work in the public right-of- way, the applicant shall obtain an encroachment permit from the Public Works Department. Item 3 Attachment C - Conditions of Approval     Packet Pg. 53     ATTACHMENT D ZONING COMPLIANCE TABLE 528 High Street (24PLN-00268); 445 Bryant Street (24PLN-00269); 250 Hamilton Avenue (24PLN-00270); 520 Webster Street (24PLN-00271) 528 High Street (24PLN-00268) Proposed Sign / Type PAMC 16.20 Compliance Allowed Dimensions/Height/Area Proposed Dimensions Double Sided Projecting Sign Sign ID DS-5 No, Sign Exception Requested 3 square feet 3.3 feet x 6.6 feet = 22.2 square feet Double Sided Projecting Sign Sign ID DS-5 No, Sign Exception Requested 3 square feet 3.3 feet x 6.6 feet = 22.2 square feet 445 Bryant Street (24PLN-00269) Double Sided Projecting Sign Sign ID DS-1 No, Sign Exception Requested 3 square feet 3.3 feet x 6.6 feet = 22.2 square feet Single Sided Wall Sign* Sign ID DS-2 Complies 147 square feet 3.3 feet x 6.6 feet = 22.2 square feet 250 Hamilton Avenue (24PLN-00270) Double Sided Projecting Sign Sign ID DS-3 No, Sign Exception Requested 3 square feet 3.3 feet x 6.6 feet = 22.2 square feet Double Sided Projecting Sign Sign ID DS-3 No, Sign Exception Requested 3 square feet 3.3 feet x 6.6 feet = 22.2 square feet 520 Webster Street (24PLN-00271) Single Sided Wall Sign* Sign ID DS-4 Complies 203 square feet 3.3 feet x 6.6 feet = 22.2 square feet Single Sided Wall Sign* Sign ID DS-4 Complies 203 square feet 3.3 feet x 6.6 feet = 22.2 square feet * The three (3) code compliant walls signs do not require sign exceptions and are being reviewed in accordance with the findings for a Minor Staff Level Architectural Review application. Item 3 Attachment D - Zoning Consistency Analysis     Packet Pg. 54     16.20.140 Projecting signs. Every projecting sign shall comply with the requirements of this section. (a) Projecting signs in the GM zones and on El Camino Real frontage in the CS and CN zones. (1) Area. No such sign shall exceed five square feet in area. (2) Height. No part of any projecting sign shall exceed a height of the building’s adjacent parapet upon or in front of which it is situated, or in the case of buildings having sloping roofs, above the roof ridge. Any such sign which projects over public property shall have a clearance of ten feet above the ground. (3) Location. No such sign shall project more than one foot over public property. (b) Projecting Signs in Other Zones. (1) Area. No such sign shall exceed three square feet in area. (2) Height. No part of any projecting sign shall exceed a height of twelve feet, nor shall any part of such sign extend above the top level of the wall upon or in front of which it is situated. Any such sign over any public or private sidewalk or walkway shall have a minimum clearance below the sign of seven feet. (c) Number. Subject to the provisions of Section 16.20.170 there may be no more than one projecting sign for each place of business for each building face. (d) Multisided Projecting Signs. Projecting signs constructed back-to-back, with faces in approximately parallel planes (such as on both sides of a single panel) shall count as only one sign both as to number and area (i.e., only one side need be counted). Every other projecting sign having multiple sides or faces, including a sign constructed in the form of a cylinder or sphere or similar figure, shall be limited in total area to that set forth above. (Ord. 5373 § 1 (part), 2016; Ord 3735 § 26, 1987: Ord. 3559 § 1 (part), 1984) Item 3 Attachment D - Zoning Consistency Analysis     Packet Pg. 55     16.20.130 Wall signs. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, every wall sign shall comply with the requirements of this section. (a) Area. The maximum wall sign area for each building face shall be as indicated on Table 3*. (b) Height. No part of any wall sign shall extend above the top level of the wall upon or in front of which it is situated. Any such sign which is suspended or projects over any public or private walkway or walk area shall have an overhead clearance of at least seven feet. (c) Thickness or Projection. No such sign, including any light box or other structural part, shall exceed a thickness of ten inches. In any sign consisting of cutout or raised characters, said characters shall project no more than six inches from the mounting surface, except that when the average area of the individual characters exceeds six square feet, the projection may be increased by one-half inch for each additional square foot of average area over six feet, in no case to exceed fifteen inches. (d) Number. Subject to the provisions of Section 16.20.170, there may be any number of such signs for each building face, but in no case shall the total wall sign area for each face exceed that shown in Table 3 (see below). No building shall be deemed to have more than four building faces. (Ord. 3359 § 1 (part), 1984) Item 3 Attachment D - Zoning Consistency Analysis     Packet Pg. 56     Attachment E PICTURES (FOR REFERENCE ONLY) Item 3 Attachment E - Photo Examples of LED Matrix Signs     Packet Pg. 57     Attachment F Project Plans In order to reduce paper consumption, a limited number of hard copy project plans are provided to Board members for their review. The same plans are available to the public, at all hours of the day, via the following online resources. Directions to review Project plans and environmental documents online: 1. Go to: bit.ly/PApendingprojects 2. Scroll down to find “250 Hamilton Ave” and click the address link 3. On this project-specific webpage you will find a link to the project plans and other important information Direct Link to Project Webpage: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Current- Planning/Projects/250-Hamilton-Avenue Item 3 Attachment F - Project Plans     Packet Pg. 58