HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-11-12 City Council Agenda PacketCITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Amended Agenda
Amended agenda items appear below in RED
Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by
teleconference or in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the
meeting is located at the end of the agenda. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV
Channel 26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to
Midpen Media Center https://midpenmedia.org.
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238)
Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900‐6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
General Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted in person for up to three
minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. General public comment will be heard
for 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda.
Public comments for agendized items will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to
three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. Requests to speak will be taken
until 5 minutes after the staff’s presentation or as determined by the Chair. Written public
comments can be submitted in advance to city.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided
to the Council and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which
agenda item you are referencing in your subject line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only
by email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,
the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong
cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not
accepted.
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.
TIME ESTIMATES
Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the
meeting is in progress. The Council reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to
change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be
heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best manage
the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.
CALL TO ORDER
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY (5:30 ‐ 5:50 PM)
1.Signing of a Friendship City Agreement between the City of Palo Alto and Narok, Kenya in
Celebration of Palo Alto‘s First Friendship City Item Removed Off Agenda
2.Proclamation Honoring Law Enforcement Records and Support Personnel Week
November 11‐15, 2024
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT (5:50 ‐ 6:20 PM)
Members of the public may speak in‐person ONLY to any item NOT on the agenda. 1‐3 minutes depending on number of
speakers. Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the
agenda.
COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS (6:20 ‐ 6:25 PM)
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s).
STUDY SESSION (6:25 ‐ 7:55 PM)
3.Annual Report on Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) Implementation: 2022
Greenhouse Gas Inventory, Quarterly S/CAP Progress Report, and S/CAP Key Performance
Indicators Annual Progress Report; CEQA status ‐ Not a Project
CONSENT CALENDAR (7:55 ‐ 8:00 PM)
Items will be voted in one motion unless removed from the calendar by three Council Members.
4.Approval of Minutes from October 28, 2024 Meeting
5.Approval of the New Councilmember Onboarding Outline as recommended by the Policy
and Services Committee; CEQA – Not a Project
6.Approval of the Tri‐Cities Consortium Computer Aided Dispatch System Software
Agreement with Sun Ridge Systems Inc. in an Amount Not to Exceed $339,857 for Five
Years to Implement a New Computer Aided Dispatch System for the Communications
Departments of Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Los Altos; CEQA Status ‐ Not a Project
7.Approval of Construction Contract No. C25190935A with Valhalla Builders in the Amount
Not‐to‐Exceed $392,800 for Children’s Library as part of the Library Automated Materials
Handling System Project, Capital Improvement Program Project LB‐21000 and
Authorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute Change
Orders for Related Additional but Unforeseen Work that May Develop During the Project
Up to a Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $39,280; CEQA Status – Exempt under Section 15070
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS (8:00 ‐ 8:15 PM)
BREAK (15 MINUTES)
ACTION ITEMS (8:30 ‐ 10:30 PM)
Include: Report of Committees/Commissions, Ordinances and Resolutions, Public Hearings, Report of Officials, Unfinished
Business and Council Matters.
8.FIRST READING: Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Palo Alto Municipal Code Title 18
(Zoning) and Title 21 (Subdivisions and Other Divisions of Land) to Clarify Existing
Regulations and to Implement State Housing Laws Adopted in 2023 and earlier. Provide
Direction on: (1) Implementation of AB 2097 (2022) and (2) Implementation of Recently
Adopted State Housing Laws from the 2023‐24 Legislative Session. CEQA Status ‐ Exempt
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
ADJOURNMENT
INFORMATION REPORTS
Information reports are provided for informational purposes only to the Council and the public but are not listed for action
during this meeting’s agenda.
9.Report on Staff Determination to Remove "Potentially Eligible" Historic Status From
Parcel Reports.
OTHER INFORMATION
Standing Committee Meetings this week
Policy & Services Committee November 12, 2024 CANCELED
Public Comment Letters
Schedule of Meetings
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the
table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to
discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a computer or smart phone will
be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link
below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto
your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the
Meeting ID below.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a phone use the telephone number
listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we
know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before
addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called
please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
California Government Code §84308, commonly referred to as the "Levine Act," prohibits an
elected official of a local government agency from participating in a proceeding involving a
license, permit, or other entitlement for use if the official received a campaign contribution
exceeding $250 from a party or participant, including their agents, to the proceeding within the
last 12 months. A “license, permit, or other entitlement for use” includes most land use and
planning approvals and the approval of contracts that are not subject to lowest responsible bid
procedures. A “party” is a person who files an application for, or is the subject of, a proceeding
involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use. A “participant” is a person who actively
supports or opposes a particular decision in a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other
entitlement for use, and has a financial interest in the decision. The Levine Act incorporates the
definition of “financial interest” in the Political Reform Act, which encompasses interests in
business entities, real property, sources of income, sources of gifts, and personal finances that
may be affected by the Council’s actions. If you qualify as a “party” or “participant” to a
proceeding, and you have made a campaign contribution to a Council Member exceeding $250
made within the last 12 months, you must disclose the campaign contribution before making
your comments.
1 November 12, 2024
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection
at www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas.
CITY COUNCILSpecial MeetingTuesday, November 12, 2024Council Chambers & Hybrid5:30 PMAmended AgendaAmended agenda items appear below in REDPalo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend byteleconference or in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in themeeting is located at the end of the agenda. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TVChannel 26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed toMidpen Media Center https://midpenmedia.org.VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238) Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSGeneral Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted in person for up to threeminutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. General public comment will be heardfor 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda.Public comments for agendized items will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up tothree minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. Requests to speak will be takenuntil 5 minutes after the staff’s presentation or as determined by the Chair. Written publiccomments can be submitted in advance to city.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be providedto the Council and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate whichagenda item you are referencing in your subject line.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strongcybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are notaccepted.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 notcreate a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated whendisplaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view orpassage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.TIME ESTIMATES
Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the
meeting is in progress. The Council reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to
change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be
heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best manage
the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.
CALL TO ORDER
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY (5:30 ‐ 5:50 PM)
1.Signing of a Friendship City Agreement between the City of Palo Alto and Narok, Kenya in
Celebration of Palo Alto‘s First Friendship City Item Removed Off Agenda
2.Proclamation Honoring Law Enforcement Records and Support Personnel Week
November 11‐15, 2024
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT (5:50 ‐ 6:20 PM)
Members of the public may speak in‐person ONLY to any item NOT on the agenda. 1‐3 minutes depending on number of
speakers. Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the
agenda.
COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS (6:20 ‐ 6:25 PM)
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s).
STUDY SESSION (6:25 ‐ 7:55 PM)
3.Annual Report on Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) Implementation: 2022
Greenhouse Gas Inventory, Quarterly S/CAP Progress Report, and S/CAP Key Performance
Indicators Annual Progress Report; CEQA status ‐ Not a Project
CONSENT CALENDAR (7:55 ‐ 8:00 PM)
Items will be voted in one motion unless removed from the calendar by three Council Members.
4.Approval of Minutes from October 28, 2024 Meeting
5.Approval of the New Councilmember Onboarding Outline as recommended by the Policy
and Services Committee; CEQA – Not a Project
6.Approval of the Tri‐Cities Consortium Computer Aided Dispatch System Software
Agreement with Sun Ridge Systems Inc. in an Amount Not to Exceed $339,857 for Five
Years to Implement a New Computer Aided Dispatch System for the Communications
Departments of Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Los Altos; CEQA Status ‐ Not a Project
7.Approval of Construction Contract No. C25190935A with Valhalla Builders in the Amount
Not‐to‐Exceed $392,800 for Children’s Library as part of the Library Automated Materials
Handling System Project, Capital Improvement Program Project LB‐21000 and
Authorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute Change
Orders for Related Additional but Unforeseen Work that May Develop During the Project
Up to a Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $39,280; CEQA Status – Exempt under Section 15070
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS (8:00 ‐ 8:15 PM)
BREAK (15 MINUTES)
ACTION ITEMS (8:30 ‐ 10:30 PM)
Include: Report of Committees/Commissions, Ordinances and Resolutions, Public Hearings, Report of Officials, Unfinished
Business and Council Matters.
8.FIRST READING: Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Palo Alto Municipal Code Title 18
(Zoning) and Title 21 (Subdivisions and Other Divisions of Land) to Clarify Existing
Regulations and to Implement State Housing Laws Adopted in 2023 and earlier. Provide
Direction on: (1) Implementation of AB 2097 (2022) and (2) Implementation of Recently
Adopted State Housing Laws from the 2023‐24 Legislative Session. CEQA Status ‐ Exempt
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
ADJOURNMENT
INFORMATION REPORTS
Information reports are provided for informational purposes only to the Council and the public but are not listed for action
during this meeting’s agenda.
9.Report on Staff Determination to Remove "Potentially Eligible" Historic Status From
Parcel Reports.
OTHER INFORMATION
Standing Committee Meetings this week
Policy & Services Committee November 12, 2024 CANCELED
Public Comment Letters
Schedule of Meetings
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the
table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to
discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a computer or smart phone will
be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link
below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto
your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the
Meeting ID below.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a phone use the telephone number
listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we
know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before
addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called
please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
California Government Code §84308, commonly referred to as the "Levine Act," prohibits an
elected official of a local government agency from participating in a proceeding involving a
license, permit, or other entitlement for use if the official received a campaign contribution
exceeding $250 from a party or participant, including their agents, to the proceeding within the
last 12 months. A “license, permit, or other entitlement for use” includes most land use and
planning approvals and the approval of contracts that are not subject to lowest responsible bid
procedures. A “party” is a person who files an application for, or is the subject of, a proceeding
involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use. A “participant” is a person who actively
supports or opposes a particular decision in a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other
entitlement for use, and has a financial interest in the decision. The Levine Act incorporates the
definition of “financial interest” in the Political Reform Act, which encompasses interests in
business entities, real property, sources of income, sources of gifts, and personal finances that
may be affected by the Council’s actions. If you qualify as a “party” or “participant” to a
proceeding, and you have made a campaign contribution to a Council Member exceeding $250
made within the last 12 months, you must disclose the campaign contribution before making
your comments.
2 November 12, 2024
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection
at www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas.
CITY COUNCILSpecial MeetingTuesday, November 12, 2024Council Chambers & Hybrid5:30 PMAmended AgendaAmended agenda items appear below in REDPalo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend byteleconference or in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in themeeting is located at the end of the agenda. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TVChannel 26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed toMidpen Media Center https://midpenmedia.org.VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238) Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSGeneral Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted in person for up to threeminutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. General public comment will be heardfor 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda.Public comments for agendized items will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up tothree minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. Requests to speak will be takenuntil 5 minutes after the staff’s presentation or as determined by the Chair. Written publiccomments can be submitted in advance to city.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be providedto the Council and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate whichagenda item you are referencing in your subject line.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strongcybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are notaccepted.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 notcreate a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated whendisplaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view orpassage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.TIME ESTIMATESListed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while themeeting is in progress. The Council reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, tochange the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may beheard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best managethe time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.CALL TO ORDERSPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY (5:30 ‐ 5:50 PM)1.Signing of a Friendship City Agreement between the City of Palo Alto and Narok, Kenya inCelebration of Palo Alto‘s First Friendship City Item Removed Off Agenda2.Proclamation Honoring Law Enforcement Records and Support Personnel WeekNovember 11‐15, 2024AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONSPUBLIC COMMENT (5:50 ‐ 6:20 PM)Members of the public may speak in‐person ONLY to any item NOT on the agenda. 1‐3 minutes depending on number ofspeakers. Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of theagenda.COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS (6:20 ‐ 6:25 PM)Members of the public may not speak to the item(s).STUDY SESSION (6:25 ‐ 7:55 PM)3.Annual Report on Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) Implementation: 2022Greenhouse Gas Inventory, Quarterly S/CAP Progress Report, and S/CAP Key PerformanceIndicators Annual Progress Report; CEQA status ‐ Not a ProjectCONSENT CALENDAR (7:55 ‐ 8:00 PM)Items will be voted in one motion unless removed from the calendar by three Council Members.4.Approval of Minutes from October 28, 2024 Meeting5.Approval of the New Councilmember Onboarding Outline as recommended by the Policyand Services Committee; CEQA – Not a Project6.Approval of the Tri‐Cities Consortium Computer Aided Dispatch System SoftwareAgreement with Sun Ridge Systems Inc. in an Amount Not to Exceed $339,857 for FiveYears to Implement a New Computer Aided Dispatch System for the CommunicationsDepartments of Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Los Altos; CEQA Status ‐ Not a Project
7.Approval of Construction Contract No. C25190935A with Valhalla Builders in the Amount
Not‐to‐Exceed $392,800 for Children’s Library as part of the Library Automated Materials
Handling System Project, Capital Improvement Program Project LB‐21000 and
Authorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute Change
Orders for Related Additional but Unforeseen Work that May Develop During the Project
Up to a Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $39,280; CEQA Status – Exempt under Section 15070
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS (8:00 ‐ 8:15 PM)
BREAK (15 MINUTES)
ACTION ITEMS (8:30 ‐ 10:30 PM)
Include: Report of Committees/Commissions, Ordinances and Resolutions, Public Hearings, Report of Officials, Unfinished
Business and Council Matters.
8.FIRST READING: Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Palo Alto Municipal Code Title 18
(Zoning) and Title 21 (Subdivisions and Other Divisions of Land) to Clarify Existing
Regulations and to Implement State Housing Laws Adopted in 2023 and earlier. Provide
Direction on: (1) Implementation of AB 2097 (2022) and (2) Implementation of Recently
Adopted State Housing Laws from the 2023‐24 Legislative Session. CEQA Status ‐ Exempt
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
ADJOURNMENT
INFORMATION REPORTS
Information reports are provided for informational purposes only to the Council and the public but are not listed for action
during this meeting’s agenda.
9.Report on Staff Determination to Remove "Potentially Eligible" Historic Status From
Parcel Reports.
OTHER INFORMATION
Standing Committee Meetings this week
Policy & Services Committee November 12, 2024 CANCELED
Public Comment Letters
Schedule of Meetings
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the
table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to
discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a computer or smart phone will
be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link
below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto
your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the
Meeting ID below.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a phone use the telephone number
listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we
know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before
addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called
please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
California Government Code §84308, commonly referred to as the "Levine Act," prohibits an
elected official of a local government agency from participating in a proceeding involving a
license, permit, or other entitlement for use if the official received a campaign contribution
exceeding $250 from a party or participant, including their agents, to the proceeding within the
last 12 months. A “license, permit, or other entitlement for use” includes most land use and
planning approvals and the approval of contracts that are not subject to lowest responsible bid
procedures. A “party” is a person who files an application for, or is the subject of, a proceeding
involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use. A “participant” is a person who actively
supports or opposes a particular decision in a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other
entitlement for use, and has a financial interest in the decision. The Levine Act incorporates the
definition of “financial interest” in the Political Reform Act, which encompasses interests in
business entities, real property, sources of income, sources of gifts, and personal finances that
may be affected by the Council’s actions. If you qualify as a “party” or “participant” to a
proceeding, and you have made a campaign contribution to a Council Member exceeding $250
made within the last 12 months, you must disclose the campaign contribution before making
your comments.
3 November 12, 2024
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection
at www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas.
CITY COUNCILSpecial MeetingTuesday, November 12, 2024Council Chambers & Hybrid5:30 PMAmended AgendaAmended agenda items appear below in REDPalo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend byteleconference or in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in themeeting is located at the end of the agenda. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TVChannel 26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed toMidpen Media Center https://midpenmedia.org.VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238) Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSGeneral Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted in person for up to threeminutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. General public comment will be heardfor 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda.Public comments for agendized items will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up tothree minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. Requests to speak will be takenuntil 5 minutes after the staff’s presentation or as determined by the Chair. Written publiccomments can be submitted in advance to city.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be providedto the Council and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate whichagenda item you are referencing in your subject line.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strongcybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are notaccepted.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 notcreate a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated whendisplaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view orpassage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.TIME ESTIMATESListed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while themeeting is in progress. The Council reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, tochange the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may beheard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best managethe time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.CALL TO ORDERSPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY (5:30 ‐ 5:50 PM)1.Signing of a Friendship City Agreement between the City of Palo Alto and Narok, Kenya inCelebration of Palo Alto‘s First Friendship City Item Removed Off Agenda2.Proclamation Honoring Law Enforcement Records and Support Personnel WeekNovember 11‐15, 2024AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONSPUBLIC COMMENT (5:50 ‐ 6:20 PM)Members of the public may speak in‐person ONLY to any item NOT on the agenda. 1‐3 minutes depending on number ofspeakers. Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of theagenda.COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS (6:20 ‐ 6:25 PM)Members of the public may not speak to the item(s).STUDY SESSION (6:25 ‐ 7:55 PM)3.Annual Report on Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) Implementation: 2022Greenhouse Gas Inventory, Quarterly S/CAP Progress Report, and S/CAP Key PerformanceIndicators Annual Progress Report; CEQA status ‐ Not a ProjectCONSENT CALENDAR (7:55 ‐ 8:00 PM)Items will be voted in one motion unless removed from the calendar by three Council Members.4.Approval of Minutes from October 28, 2024 Meeting5.Approval of the New Councilmember Onboarding Outline as recommended by the Policyand Services Committee; CEQA – Not a Project6.Approval of the Tri‐Cities Consortium Computer Aided Dispatch System SoftwareAgreement with Sun Ridge Systems Inc. in an Amount Not to Exceed $339,857 for FiveYears to Implement a New Computer Aided Dispatch System for the CommunicationsDepartments of Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Los Altos; CEQA Status ‐ Not a Project 7.Approval of Construction Contract No. C25190935A with Valhalla Builders in the AmountNot‐to‐Exceed $392,800 for Children’s Library as part of the Library Automated MaterialsHandling System Project, Capital Improvement Program Project LB‐21000 andAuthorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute ChangeOrders for Related Additional but Unforeseen Work that May Develop During the ProjectUp to a Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $39,280; CEQA Status – Exempt under Section 15070CITY MANAGER COMMENTS (8:00 ‐ 8:15 PM)BREAK (15 MINUTES)ACTION ITEMS (8:30 ‐ 10:30 PM)Include: Report of Committees/Commissions, Ordinances and Resolutions, Public Hearings, Report of Officials, UnfinishedBusiness and Council Matters.8.FIRST READING: Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Palo Alto Municipal Code Title 18(Zoning) and Title 21 (Subdivisions and Other Divisions of Land) to Clarify ExistingRegulations and to Implement State Housing Laws Adopted in 2023 and earlier. ProvideDirection on: (1) Implementation of AB 2097 (2022) and (2) Implementation of RecentlyAdopted State Housing Laws from the 2023‐24 Legislative Session. CEQA Status ‐ ExemptPursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).ADJOURNMENTINFORMATION REPORTSInformation reports are provided for informational purposes only to the Council and the public but are not listed for actionduring this meeting’s agenda.9.Report on Staff Determination to Remove "Potentially Eligible" Historic Status FromParcel Reports.OTHER INFORMATIONStanding Committee Meetings this week Policy & Services Committee November 12, 2024 CANCELEDPublic Comment LettersSchedule of Meetings
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the
table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to
discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a computer or smart phone will
be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link
below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto
your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the
Meeting ID below.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a phone use the telephone number
listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we
know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before
addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called
please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
California Government Code §84308, commonly referred to as the "Levine Act," prohibits an
elected official of a local government agency from participating in a proceeding involving a
license, permit, or other entitlement for use if the official received a campaign contribution
exceeding $250 from a party or participant, including their agents, to the proceeding within the
last 12 months. A “license, permit, or other entitlement for use” includes most land use and
planning approvals and the approval of contracts that are not subject to lowest responsible bid
procedures. A “party” is a person who files an application for, or is the subject of, a proceeding
involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use. A “participant” is a person who actively
supports or opposes a particular decision in a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other
entitlement for use, and has a financial interest in the decision. The Levine Act incorporates the
definition of “financial interest” in the Political Reform Act, which encompasses interests in
business entities, real property, sources of income, sources of gifts, and personal finances that
may be affected by the Council’s actions. If you qualify as a “party” or “participant” to a
proceeding, and you have made a campaign contribution to a Council Member exceeding $250
made within the last 12 months, you must disclose the campaign contribution before making
your comments.
4 November 12, 2024
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection
at www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas.
CITY COUNCILSpecial MeetingTuesday, November 12, 2024Council Chambers & Hybrid5:30 PMAmended AgendaAmended agenda items appear below in REDPalo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend byteleconference or in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in themeeting is located at the end of the agenda. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TVChannel 26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed toMidpen Media Center https://midpenmedia.org.VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238) Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSGeneral Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted in person for up to threeminutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. General public comment will be heardfor 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda.Public comments for agendized items will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up tothree minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. Requests to speak will be takenuntil 5 minutes after the staff’s presentation or as determined by the Chair. Written publiccomments can be submitted in advance to city.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be providedto the Council and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate whichagenda item you are referencing in your subject line.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strongcybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are notaccepted.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 notcreate a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated whendisplaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view orpassage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.TIME ESTIMATESListed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while themeeting is in progress. The Council reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, tochange the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may beheard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best managethe time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.CALL TO ORDERSPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY (5:30 ‐ 5:50 PM)1.Signing of a Friendship City Agreement between the City of Palo Alto and Narok, Kenya inCelebration of Palo Alto‘s First Friendship City Item Removed Off Agenda2.Proclamation Honoring Law Enforcement Records and Support Personnel WeekNovember 11‐15, 2024AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONSPUBLIC COMMENT (5:50 ‐ 6:20 PM)Members of the public may speak in‐person ONLY to any item NOT on the agenda. 1‐3 minutes depending on number ofspeakers. Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of theagenda.COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS (6:20 ‐ 6:25 PM)Members of the public may not speak to the item(s).STUDY SESSION (6:25 ‐ 7:55 PM)3.Annual Report on Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) Implementation: 2022Greenhouse Gas Inventory, Quarterly S/CAP Progress Report, and S/CAP Key PerformanceIndicators Annual Progress Report; CEQA status ‐ Not a ProjectCONSENT CALENDAR (7:55 ‐ 8:00 PM)Items will be voted in one motion unless removed from the calendar by three Council Members.4.Approval of Minutes from October 28, 2024 Meeting5.Approval of the New Councilmember Onboarding Outline as recommended by the Policyand Services Committee; CEQA – Not a Project6.Approval of the Tri‐Cities Consortium Computer Aided Dispatch System SoftwareAgreement with Sun Ridge Systems Inc. in an Amount Not to Exceed $339,857 for FiveYears to Implement a New Computer Aided Dispatch System for the CommunicationsDepartments of Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Los Altos; CEQA Status ‐ Not a Project 7.Approval of Construction Contract No. C25190935A with Valhalla Builders in the AmountNot‐to‐Exceed $392,800 for Children’s Library as part of the Library Automated MaterialsHandling System Project, Capital Improvement Program Project LB‐21000 andAuthorization for the City Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute ChangeOrders for Related Additional but Unforeseen Work that May Develop During the ProjectUp to a Not‐to‐Exceed Amount of $39,280; CEQA Status – Exempt under Section 15070CITY MANAGER COMMENTS (8:00 ‐ 8:15 PM)BREAK (15 MINUTES)ACTION ITEMS (8:30 ‐ 10:30 PM)Include: Report of Committees/Commissions, Ordinances and Resolutions, Public Hearings, Report of Officials, UnfinishedBusiness and Council Matters.8.FIRST READING: Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Palo Alto Municipal Code Title 18(Zoning) and Title 21 (Subdivisions and Other Divisions of Land) to Clarify ExistingRegulations and to Implement State Housing Laws Adopted in 2023 and earlier. ProvideDirection on: (1) Implementation of AB 2097 (2022) and (2) Implementation of RecentlyAdopted State Housing Laws from the 2023‐24 Legislative Session. CEQA Status ‐ ExemptPursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).ADJOURNMENTINFORMATION REPORTSInformation reports are provided for informational purposes only to the Council and the public but are not listed for actionduring this meeting’s agenda.9.Report on Staff Determination to Remove "Potentially Eligible" Historic Status FromParcel Reports.OTHER INFORMATIONStanding Committee Meetings this week Policy & Services Committee November 12, 2024 CANCELEDPublic Comment LettersSchedule of MeetingsPUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONSMembers of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,teleconference, or by phone.1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org.2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on thetable at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior todiscussion of the item.3. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a computer or smart phone willbe accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the linkbelow 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 usingyour 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 inolder browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application ontoyour smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in theMeeting ID below.You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that youidentify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify youthat it is your turn to speak.When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk willactivate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before theyare called to speak.When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will beshown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.4. Spoken public comments for agendized items using a phone use the telephone numberlisted below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so weknow that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name beforeaddressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When calledplease limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its publicprograms, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons withdisabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
California Government Code §84308, commonly referred to as the "Levine Act," prohibits an
elected official of a local government agency from participating in a proceeding involving a
license, permit, or other entitlement for use if the official received a campaign contribution
exceeding $250 from a party or participant, including their agents, to the proceeding within the
last 12 months. A “license, permit, or other entitlement for use” includes most land use and
planning approvals and the approval of contracts that are not subject to lowest responsible bid
procedures. A “party” is a person who files an application for, or is the subject of, a proceeding
involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use. A “participant” is a person who actively
supports or opposes a particular decision in a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other
entitlement for use, and has a financial interest in the decision. The Levine Act incorporates the
definition of “financial interest” in the Political Reform Act, which encompasses interests in
business entities, real property, sources of income, sources of gifts, and personal finances that
may be affected by the Council’s actions. If you qualify as a “party” or “participant” to a
proceeding, and you have made a campaign contribution to a Council Member exceeding $250
made within the last 12 months, you must disclose the campaign contribution before making
your comments.
5 November 12, 2024
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection
at www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas.
City Council
Staff Report
Report Type: SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
Lead Department: Police
Meeting Date: November 12, 2024
Report #:2410-3616
TITLE
Proclamation Honoring Law Enforcement Records and Support Personnel Week November 11-
15, 2024
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Proclamation Law Enforcement Records and Support Personnel Week
November 11-15, 2024
APPROVED BY:
Andrew Binder, Police Chief
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______________________________
Greer Stone
Mayor
Proclamation
Law Enforcement Records and Support Personnel Week
November 11-15, 2024
WHEREAS, law enforcement agencies throughout the State depend upon law enforcement records and support
personnel to provide them with vital services; and
WHEREAS, law enforcement records and support personnel are crucial to helping law enforcement agencies
identify, pursue, capture and process suspected law breakers; and
WHEREAS, these professionals continually use their expertise and experience to assist in tracking felons,
maintaining criminal statistics and improving apprehension strategies; and
WHEREAS, the California Law Enforcement Association of Records Supervisors held its Annual Training and
Technology Conference on November 4 through 8, 2024; and
WHEREAS, it is important to recognize the City of Palo Alto’s law enforcement records and support personnel
for their valuable contributions to our law enforcement system.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Greer Stone, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto on behalf of the entire City Council do
hereby proclaim November 11-15, 2024 as “Law Enforcement Records and Support Personnel Week”
Presented: November 12, 2024
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Attachment A -
Proclamation Honoring
Law Enforcement Records
and Support Staff
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City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: STUDY SESSION
Lead Department: Public Works
Meeting Date: November 12, 2024
Report #:2407-3266
TITLE
Annual Report on Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) Implementation: 2022
Greenhouse Gas Inventory, Quarterly S/CAP Progress Report, and S/CAP Key Performance
Indicators Annual Progress Report; CEQA status - Not a Project
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council review the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan
(S/CAP) Implementation Progress through the second and third quarters of calendar year 2024,
the Palo Alto Citywide Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory for calendar year 2022, the Palo Alto
Municipal GHG Inventory for calendar year 2022, and the S/CAP Key Performance Indicators
(KPI) Annual Progress Report for calendar year 2023.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City is implementing the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) to help the City
meet its sustainability goals, including its goals of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
80% below 1990 levels by 2030 (the “80 x 30” goal) and achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
Since the S/CAP was adopted in June 2023, staff has provided three implementation updates,
covering progress in Q3 2023, Q4 2023, and Q1 2024. Unlike previous quarterly updates, this
update includes two quarters of progress. This report was coordinated with the Climate
Protection Ad Hoc Committee.
This report includes the 2022 Palo Alto Citywide GHG Inventory (Attachment A), a comparison
between the 1990 and 2022 Citywide GHG Inventories (Attachment B), the 2022 Palo Alto
Municipal GHG Inventory (Attachment C), and the S/CAP Key Performance Indicators for
calendar year 2023 (Attachments D and E). These reports show that Palo Alto has made
significant progress toward its goal, with a 47.4% decrease in total community emissions from
1990 levels as of 2022, despite a population increase of 21.3% during that same time period.
Emissions increased slightly from 2020 to 2022, as was expected due to the temporary effects
of the pandemic (reduced transportation emissions due to remote work and an economic
downturn).
Despite the progress made toward the 80 x 30 goal, a “straight-line” approach to measuring
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progress would suggest the community should have achieved a 64% decrease from 1990
emissions in 2022. This result is expected, as the S/CAP and the 2023-2025 Work Plan include
an approach of piloting programs and completing studies that are intended to lead to scaling
those programs more widely, with accelerating GHG reduction results. Work underway on pilot
programs and the S/CAP Funding Study will help to define upcoming work and the strategic
balance between incentives and mandates. Ultimately, the S/CAP and the 80 x 30 goal are a
community partnership whose success requires extraordinary programs offered by the City and
strong engagement and participation by community members.
•Modernizing the grid to improve reliability, resiliency, and to enable electrification
•Implementing programs to help the community electrify
•Raising awareness and promoting these programs
•Completing studies to inform decisions about how to manage the electrification
transition
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and flexible energy technologies into electric grid planning, and how to manage the gas utility
through an electrification transition. Some of these studies are receiving grant funding from the
American Public Power Association with the intent of sharing the results nationally with other
publicly owned utilities to help them take similar steps.
BACKGROUND
1 and in October 2022 the City Council adopted the
ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.2 Staff, with community and the City
Council input, referred to the 2016 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) Framework
and 2018-2020 Sustainability Implementation Plan to create a comprehensive S/CAP and Three-
Year S/CAP Workplan.
3
certified the Comprehensive Plan Environmental Impact Report Addendum: Update to the
1 City Council, April 18, 2016; Agenda Item #10; SR #6754,
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-reports/reports/city-manager-reports-
cmrs/year-archive/2016/id-6754.pdf
2 City Council, October 3, 2022; Agenda Item #9; SR #14720,
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/city-council-
agendas-minutes/2022/20221003/20221003accsm-amended-presentations.pdf#page=131
3 2022 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan;
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/sustainability/reports/2022-scap-report_final.pdf
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Sustainability and Climate Action Plan,4 and accepted the 2023-2025 S/CAP Workplan.5 The
S/CAP is an ambitious plan to reduce the city and community’s GHG emissions, while also
guiding how Palo Alto uses land and natural resources in ways that ensure quality of life for
future generations. The S/CAP aligns with several goals of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan
Implementation Plan.6
The first S/CAP implementation update included progress through Q3 2023 and was introduced
in November.7 The second S/CAP Implementation update included progress through Q4 2023
and was introduced in February.8 The third S/CAP Implementation update included progress
through Q1 2024 and was introduced in May.9
The 2022 S/CAP and 2023-2025 S/CAP Work Plan align with one of the four Council Priorities for
CY 2024: “Climate Change & Natural Environment: Protection and Adaptation.” In addition,
there are several overlapping Council Priority Objectives, the status of which can be found in
the 2024 Council Priority Objectives Q2 Report.10 This report references the Council Priority
Objectives in parentheses where applicable.
Both the Palo Alto Citywide and Municipal GHG Inventories calculate emissions for calendar
year 2022. As a result of various City-led initiatives, programs, and activities focused on climate
change and sustainability, by the end of 2022, Palo Alto reduced citywide GHG emissions an
estimated 47.4%, despite a population increase of 21.3% during that same time period. Due to
changes in methodology, it is not possible to do a full comparison of the 2022 Municipal GHG
Inventory with previous inventories.
In previous years, the GHG Inventories were presented to the City Council around Earth Day,
April 22. However, moving forward, in order to better align with data availability and the
cadence of quarterly S/CAP Implementation Updates, future GHG Inventories will be presented
4 Comprehensive Plan Environmental Impact Report Addendum: Update to the Sustainability and Climate Action
Plan, 2023; https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-
minutes/city-council-agendas-minutes/2023/2023comprehensive-plan-environmental-impact-report-addendum-
update-to-the-scap.pdf
5 2023-2025 S/CAP Workplan, 2023;
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/sustainability/reports/2023-2025-scap-work-plan_final.pdf
6 2030 Comprehensive Plan; https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-
Services/Housing-Policies-Projects/2030-Comprehensive-Plan
7 City Council, November 13, 2023; Agenda Item #11; SR # 2308-1901,
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/sustainability/reports/cy2023-q3-informational-report-on-
sustianability-and-climate-action-plan-scap.pdf
8 City Council, February 5, 2024; Agenda Item #15; SR # 2312-2348,
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/sustainability/reports/cy2023q4-informational-report-on-
sustainability-and-climate-action-plan-scap.pdf
9 City Council, May 20, 2024; Agenda Item #15: SR #2404-2840,
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/sustainability/reports/cy2024-q1-informational-report-on-
sustainability-and-climate-action-plan-scap.pdf
10 City Council, August 19, 2024; Agenda Item #15; SR #2408-3334,
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=a254d349-012e-417e-8404-3559d52c5887
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to the City Council with the Q2 S/CAP Implementation Update, typically in August.
ANALYSIS
2e) from the residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, waste, water, and municipal
sectors.11 In comparison to the 1990 base year emissions (which were about 780,000 MT), that
is a 47.4% decrease in total community emissions, despite a population increase of 21.3%
during that same time period. This equates to 6.1 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT
CO2e) per Palo Alto resident in 2022 compared to 14 MT CO2e per Palo Alto resident in 1990.
The California Air Resources Board’s 2017 Scoping Plan Update recommends a goal for local
governments of 6 MT C02e per capita by 2030.
12) consumption, 13% from declines in solid waste emissions, and 1.6% percent from
declines in wastewater-related emissions.
Figure 1: 1990 vs 2022 Citywide GHG Emissions by Sector
11 Carbon dioxide equivalent is a unit of measure that normalizes the varying climate warming potencies of all six
GHG emissions, which are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs),
perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). For example, one metric ton of nitrous oxide is 210 metric
tons of CO2e.
12 Methane, which is the primary component of natural gas, is a very potent greenhouse gas, with a global
warming potential that is 25 times higher than CO2 over a 100-year period.
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Off-road Vehicles, Caltrain Commuter Rail, Composting, and Palo Alto Landfill Gas Flaring). The
full 2022 Citywide GHG inventory can be found in Attachment A. The full comparison between
the 1990 and 2022 inventories can be found in Attachment B.
Figure 1: 1990 vs 2022 Citywide GHG Emissions by Sector
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commuter rail) and natural gas (methane) use (including residential, commercial, and
industrial).
Figure 2: 2022 Citywide GHG Emissions by Sector
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gas (methane) GHG emissions.
2e) from municipal operations. As shown in Error! Reference source not found., GHG
emissions from Palo Alto’s municipal operations are from five main sectors: buildings and other
facilities, streetlights and traffic signals, wastewater facilities, city vehicles and equipment, and
indirect emissions. Since the methodology has changed significantly for certain sectors since the
first Municipal GHG Inventory was conducted in 2005, it is no longer possible to do a true
comparison with previous Municipal GHG inventories. However, the methodologies for
buildings and other facilities, streetlights and traffic signals, and city vehicles and equipment are
similar enough to do rough comparisons. For reference only, in 2005 the City emitted a total of
40,499 MT of CO2e from municipal operations. The full Palo Alto Municipal Greenhouse Gas
Inventory for calendar year 2022 can be found in Attachment C.
Table 1: 2022 Palo Alto Municipal GHG Emissions
Sector
2022 GHG
emissions
(MT CO2e)
Percent of
total emissions
Total 15,784 100%
Note: Percentages and MT CO2e may not add to the total due to rounding
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first Municipal GHG Inventory was conducted in 2005, so it is no longer possible to do a true
comparison with previous Municipal GHG inventories. However, the methodologies for
buildings and other facilities, streetlights and traffic signals, and city vehicles and equipment are
similar enough to make rough comparisons.
Figure 3: 2005 vs. 2022 Palo Alto Municipal GHG Emissions
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Figure 3: 2022 Progress Towards Carbon Neutrality
2024 S/CAP Quarterly Progress
The S/CAP Goals and Key Actions are divided into eight areas, four of which are climate-focused
and include actions to achieve the city’s 80 x 30 and carbon neutrality by 2030 goals (Climate
Action, Energy, Electric Vehicles, and Mobility) and four of which are focused on actions that
create a sustainable natural environment and adapting to a warming climate (Water, Climate
Adaptation and Sea Level Rise, Natural Environment, and Zero Waste). The Work Plan is
similarly divided between climate-focused and sustainability-focused priorities.
When the S/CAP was updated, the City modeled the outcomes needed to achieve 80 x 30,
keeping in mind updated climate science and the global impacts of climate change, as well as
the need for increased community awareness. The City’s preliminary analysis achieves 71%
reductions below 1990 levels, leaving a 9% gap to be closed through some combination of
deeper vehicle electrification, increased reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT), multi-family
and commercial building electrification, carbon dioxide removal, and funding emissions
reductions outside of Palo Alto. Next year, the City will begin developing the 2026 – 2027 S/CAP
Workplan to determine the priority implementation areas for the next three years as well as
the most cost-effective approaches to achieving the additional emissions reductions needed to
close the 9% gap.
There are 23 Council Priority Objectives in the 2024 Council Priority Area Climate Change and
The Natural Environment: Protection & Adaptation (CC&NE), the status of which can be found
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in the 2024 Council Priority Objectives Q2 Report13 and the 2024 Council Priority Objectives Q3
Report.14 This report addresses 18 of those Council Priority Objectives, as well as 2 in Council
Priority Area Community Health, Safety, Wellness, and Belonging (CHSW&B), as shown in Table
2.
Table 2: Council Priority Objectives Addressed in the S/CAP Quarterly Report
Number Council Priority Objective
Climate Change and the Natural Environment: Protection & Adaptation (CC&NE)
13 City Council, August 19, 2024; Agenda Item #15; SR #2408-3334,
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=a254d349-012e-417e-8404-3559d52c5887
14 City Council, October 28, 2024; Agenda Item #12; SR #2410-3615,
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=a66f1ec5-4990-4476-9792-d7cc667885a0
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stringent energy efficiency and all-electric readiness requirements to all new
buildings
CC&NE 28 Initiate the 2026 California Building Standards Code update, including the
California Green Building Standards Code
CC&NE 29
Complete community engagement for the Airport’s Long-Range Facilities &
Sustainability Plan in accordance with Federal requirements and hold a study
session with Council on the draft plan
Climate Change Adaptation: Flood Protection
CC&NE 31 Advocate for the San Francisquito Creek Flood Protection capital project (Reach
2) through Council’s JPA representation and any Council approvals involved
CC&NE 32
Complete design and right-of-way acquisition, obtain regulatory permits,
finalize project funding needs including potential Council advocacy with State
legislators, and approve construction contract for the Newell Road Bridge
Replacement project
CC&NE 33 Coordinate with Federal and regional partners on a path forward exploring the
development of a Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan
Community Health, Safety, Wellness, and Belonging (CHSW&B)
Invest in Reliable Safety Infrastructure and Systems
CHSW&B 70 Approve updated Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and Community Wildfire
Protection Plan
CHSW&B 71 Update Foothills Fire Management Plan
Climate Action
Covering the S/CAP Areas of Climate Action, Energy, Electric Vehicles, and Mobility, this section
reports on progress based on the Work Plan Climate Action Priority areas. This includes five
priorities with various work items under each priority. This report notes where these work
items have been designated as Council priority objectives.
P1. Grid Modernization
P2. Launch Programs
P2.1 Residential Emissions Reduction
P2.2 Non-Residential Emissions Reduction
P2.3 Citywide Mobility
P2.4 Municipal Electrification
P2.5 EV Strategic Plan
P3. Build Awareness and Confidence
P4. Additional Emissions Reductions
P5. Funding Needs and Sources
Separately from the work plan updates, there are two 2024 S/CAP-related Council priority
objectives that did not appear in the Work Plan. The first (CC&NE 27) was to adopt local
amendments to the State’s Energy Code to replace all-electric new construction requirements
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which had been placed under an enforcement moratorium in February 2024.15 On June 3, 2024,
the City Council adopted an ordinance implementing local amendments implementing a One
Margin16 approach to regulating heating and cooling in buildings.17 The City Council reviewed
the Second Reading of the Ordinance on June 17, 2024.18 As required by State law, the
ordinance was sent to the California Energy Commission for review and approval and was
approved September 11, 2024. The ordinance became effective October 4, 2024. The City
provided outreach via email newsletters to the general public, architects, contractors, and
businesses, including some specific outreach to restaurants. The City also held a Q&A session
on September 20, 2024 focused on architects and contractors.
P1. Grid Modernization
Grid Modernization (Work Plan Item 1A, Council Priority Objective CC&NE 16): The City is
upgrading its electric distribution system to enhance reliability and resiliency, modernize the
system, and increase capacity to accommodate widespread electrification. As of September
2024, the first Pilot area is under construction. The City is focused on and working with pole,
transformer, and overhead cable suppliers to secure the necessary parts to complete the first
part of the project. To date, 61 of 74 (82%) poles have been replaced, and a significant amount
of the tree trimming work has been completed. Additionally, 675 of 1,290 (52%) residences in
the Pilot Area now have sufficient transformer capacity for electrification, and the Pilot Area is
on track to be completed by February 2025.
15 City Council, February 26, 2024; Agenda Item #14; SR #2402-2644,
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=8ac11983-10ba-4a79-a823-3693203c22d7
16
A “One Margin” reach code applies additional efficiency requirements to all new buildings, but takes into account
energy use at the source, which favors the additional efficiency and lower emissions of all-electric equipment using
carbon neutral electricity. It uses standard energy modeling practices to set its requirements rather than novel
approaches like local air-quality standards. It does not discriminate between gas and electric appliances like an
“Electric-preferred” code.
17 City Council, June 3, 2024; Agenda Item #17; SR #2405-3073,
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=5be827a8-943c-4221-a389-e0452ebeaff4
18 City Council, June 17, 2024; Agenda Item #23; SR #2406-3125,
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=3fd2a8c6-b814-4ac7-a569-934573550972
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Reliability and Resiliency Strategic Plan (Work Plan Items 1B, 1C, Council Priority Objective
CC&NE 23): In April 2024, the City Council accepted the Reliability and Resiliency Strategic Plan
(RRSP).19 A status report on implementation was included in a report to the Utilities Advisory
Commission on September 4, 2024.20 Council approved a contract on September 23, 2024 for a
consultant to assist with some aspects of implementation, particularly RRSP Strategies 3, 4, and
5 focused on cost-benefit analysis and program development. The City is also working on a
partnership with SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory to complete a distribution analysis
(RRSP Strategy 4, Action 2).
Utility Rates and Fees (Work Plan Item 1D): The Utilities Department is on track to complete its
AMI project by March of 2024, with time of use rates planned to become available on an
optional basis in July 2024. The City is pursuing a study to modify its transformer upgrade fees
to avoid situations where the resident who triggers a transformer upgrade pays the entire cost
of that upgrade. The study is partially completed but has been delayed due to staff turnover.
P2. Launch Programs
P2.1. Residential Emissions Reduction
Advanced Heat Pump Water Heater Pilot (Work Plan Items 2.1D, 2.1E, Council Priority Objective
CC&NE 18): The City launched the Advanced Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) Pilot Program in
March 2023. The pilot’s goal is 1,000 heat pump water heater installations. It includes both a
full service option (where residents can use the City’s prescreened contractor to complete the
install at a discount) and a rebate option (where residents can hire their own contractor and
receive a rebate), with a new emergency replacement option launched in September 2024. As
of September 19, 2024, 447 residents had either completed installations or signed contracts to
get a heat pump water heater installed through the City’s programs, with 84 of these projects
applying for on-bill financing. With the current pace of new HPWH program signups, the City is
on a pace to complete around 250 water heater conversions per year through the Advanced
HPWH Pilot Program, equivalent to about 20 percent of the water heaters estimated to be
replaced each year. In addition, the City and State Energy Reach Codes encourage new
construction and major renovations to be built all-electric, which adds to this total.
19 City Council, April 15, 2024; Agenda Item #4; SR #2401-2496,
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=ada33d0c-c1a6-490c-8978-4107b43e6ab5
20 Utilities Advisory Commission, September 4, 2024, Agenda Item 4, Attachment B,
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=13500
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The City is working on various efforts to increase signups for the Advanced HPWH Pilot
Program. In January, the City did a comprehensive review of the program and made various
changes to improve customer experience. The City also expanded outreach to income-qualified
residents, and 17 have participated to-date. In April, the City Council approved a request to
increase the budget for the HPHW pilot program in order to increase participation with higher
rebates.21 In addition, the City launched an Emergency Water Heater Replacement Pilot
Program on September 10, 2024; this program is designed to install a heat pump water heater
within 48 hours and will serve the needs of customers that cannot be met by the current full
service program option. In the FY 2025 budget, Council approved temporary hourly staff to help
with outreach, allowing the City to expand program outreach, which has resulted in increased
signups.
Whole Home Electrification (Work Plan Items 2.1G, 2.1H, Council Priority Objective CC&NE 19):
The City is working with the Climate Protection Ad Hoc Committee and Working Group to
design a comprehensive whole home electrification program by the end of 2024. The program
is expected to launch in two phases. In the first phase, tentatively expected by the end of the
year, the City will launch a program to help people hire their own contractor to do home
electrification projects. The first phase will include a phone number to call for guidance,
incentives, contractor lists, financing, and it may also include some level of technical assistance.
In a second phase scheduled for next summer, the City would develop a full service, turnkey
program to help people who do not want to hire their own contractor with an option for
customers to use a City-prescreened contractor or choose their own contractor. An initial
Whole Home Pilot for 100 homes could have various incentives for electrifying at least one
major appliance. More details on planned incentives can be found in Attachment F. Spending
authority for Phase 1 is included in the Adopted FY 2025 Budget, but additional Council
approvals will likely be needed for Phase 2.
Electric Vehicles and Charging (Work Plan Items 2.1A, 2.1C, 2.1J): The City’s promotion of
electric vehicle (EV) adoption and expansion of multi-family EV infrastructure continued. In Q2
2024, the City held a total of four EV expos, four EV workshops, and two EV discount
campaigns, including the first EV discount campaign to focus on the purchase of used electric
vehicles. In Q3 2024, the City offered an additional two EV expos, three EV workshops, and two
EV discount campaigns. Significant EV expo events included the Stanford Healthcare EV
Showcase in Q2 and the Municipal Services Center Open House in Q3. In Q3, the City also held
the first ever mini EV expo onsite at a recently completed multifamily EV charging installation at
345 Sheridan with the goal of engaging tenants of that property on the benefits of EV
ownership. CPAU anticipates offering additional Discount Campaigns in Q4 for both e-bikes and
pre-owned EVs.
21 City Council, April 15, 2024; Agenda Item #6; SR #2403-2724,
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=d465d2c6-7ab6-4797-928d-a3c4bda992f0
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make-ready spaces) facilitated through the City's EV programs, with another 12 multi-family
projects in progress representing an additional 781 residential units (7.1% of multifamily units)
and 241 charging ports. Recently completed multifamily projects (Q3 2024) include a 101-unit
condominium property at 101 Alma that installed 97 L2 chargers serving every assigned parking
space, two adjacent Stanford faculty condominium properties with 56 units each at 2500 and
2600 Columbia that together installed 20 L2 chargers and 48 EV-ready parking spaces across the
properties, and an 83-unit apartment complex at 345 Sheridan that installed 10 L2 chargers.
The City is evaluating designs for an expanded version of the City’s multi-family EV program,
and is also considering adding incentives for the purchase of e-bikes and new or used EVs
specifically for income-qualified households.
Affordable Housing Electrification (Work Plan Item 2.1I): The City continues to engage with
multi-family affordable housing providers in Palo Alto on building electrification and vehicle
charging. To-date, the City has collaborated with multiple affordable housing providers on
potential EV charging projects and is engaging in conversations and site assessments regarding
facility energy upgrade needs and electrification opportunities. There are currently 3 affordable
properties with EV charging installations expected to be completed by the end of Q4 2024 or
early in Q1 2025, which will result in 52 new EV chargers and 24 EV ready parking spaces
serving 281 residential units.
P2.2. Non-Residential Emissions Reduction
Rooftop Packaged HVAC (Work Plan Items 2.2A, 2.2B, Council Priority Objective CC&NE 20): In
September, the City launched an update to the rooftop packaged HVAC pilot with a goal of
collecting more data to support the design of an advanced pilot program. The City is providing
significantly enhanced incentives to a limited number of customers (10), and in exchange these
customers must gather additional cost information and other information as they do their
projects that they must provide to the City. Businesses who do not wish to gather this
information can still access the program at the original incentive level. Outreach is proceeding
through various channels to spur participation, and the City has already seen some early
interest from several building owners.22
22 Program rebate amounts and guidelines can be found at http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/commercialhvac
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Major Employer Partnerships (Work Plan Item 2.2C): This work plan item involves developing
customer partnerships for emissions reduction with major employers, including assistance for
City facility projects and the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD). Staffing changes slowed
progress on this item. The City has been in talks with multiple major employers and completed
a project to install EV charging in partnership with Stanford Health Care. The City coordinated
with PAUSD on its HVAC improvements to various schools and the City is exploring potential
City facility electrification projects.
As of September 13, 2024, the Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Program (CIEEP)
completed two major energy efficiency projects with projected energy savings of 261,355 kWh.
Ten projects are currently being installed, with a projected savings of 1,155,996 kWh. Eight
projects are currently conducting onsite assessments which will generate an “Initial
Investigation” report. This reporting will list and quantify potential energy-efficiency findings
and measures. In total, the CIEEP program has 2,469,096 kWh actualized and projected savings
derived from thirteen projects, with an additional eight projects in the pipeline that will drive
further electric savings.
Commuter / Visitor Emissions Reduction (Work Plan Items 2.2D, 2.2E): These work plan items
have been lower priority pending completion of the Electric Vehicle Strategic Plan (renamed
“E-Mobility Strategic Plan” - see Priority 2.5, below).
P2.3. Citywide Mobility
The goals for citywide mobility embodied in the Work Plan include both transportation-focused
and land-use focused actions.
Transportation and Land Use Policies and Programs (Work Plan Item 2.3A): The Safe Routes to
School (SRTS) program continues to grow, with the anticipated addition of a youth-focused
coordinator for programs at the middle and high schools. This year is the 30th anniversary of
the SRTS program, and a celebration is being planned for Bike Month in May of 2025.
The Downtown Housing Plan began in March 2024 with the goal of increasing housing
production while ensuring that the downtown area continues to be an attractive local and
regional destination. The Plan will help implement programs of the Housing Element by
establishing policies and development standards, and plan for the public infrastructure
necessary to support increased housing. The project is in the needs assessment phase which
includes stakeholder engagement. A Community Advisory Group is being formed and the first
community workshop is scheduled for October 10, 2024.
The San Antonio Road Area Plan envisions creating cohesive mixed-use neighborhoods with
improved mobility and interconnectivity through an integrated transportation network that
reduces greenhouse gas emissions and the use of single-occupancy motor vehicles. The Plan
will implement a program in the Housing Element to redevelop a portion of the Bayshore Alma
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San Antonio Priority Development Area (BASA PDA). An RFP was issued in June 2024 for a
consultant to develop the Plan and consultant selection is anticipated near the end of 2024.
Housing Element Adoption and Implementation (Work Plan Items 2.3B, 2.3C): In a joint session
on April 15, 2024, the Planning & Transportation Commission and the City Council readopted
the sixth cycle 2023-2031 Housing Element. On August 20, 2024, the City accomplished the
milestone of receiving Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) certification
of the Housing Element.23
Last Mile Solutions (Work Plan Items 2.3D, 2.3E and Council Priority Objective CC&NE 25):
During the Budget Adoption process, the City Council reduced its General Fund allocation to the
Palo Alto Link on-demand transit service pilot program and directed staff to make fare and
coverage changes to the service. These will go to Council for adoption in October 2024.
Bicycling Improvements (Work Plan Items 2.3F, 2.3G and Council Priority Objectives CC&NE 14
and CC&NE 15): On April 29, 2024, the City Council received an informational report on collision
data analysis as part of the ongoing development of the Safe Streets for All (SS4A)
comprehensive roadway safety plan.24 The development of the Palo Alto Safety Action Plan is
critical to reaching S/CAP goals because improving safety for vulnerable road users is key to
reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and increasing sustainable travel. The City provided
information on the Safety Action Plan development at the Palo Alto Earth Day Festival on April
21 and the May Fete Fair on May 4. These events provided an opportunity to engage with
community members before preparing the Draft Safety Action Plan. The City is working with
transportation planning firm Fehr & Peers to finalize the draft plan for review at standing
committees and Council in late 2024, with final plan adoption by City Council in early 2025.
25 The feedback gathered will inform the project team's understanding of
23 City of Palo Alto, 6th Cycle 2023-2030 Housing Element, Adopted April 15, 2024, Certified August 20, 2024,
https://paloaltohousingelement.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Palo-Alto-Housing-Element.pdf
24 City Council, April 29, 2024; Agenda Item #3; SR #2404-2839,
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=79d7c1d2-b1a1-4eb9-acca-039fab914f74
25 City Council, April 29, 2024; Agenda Item #1; SR #2402-2619,
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=fcfab491-1dae-4afd-a309-be952790121e
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community needs. In the summer, the City began to identify and prioritize policy,
infrastructure, and programmatic recommendations.
Transportation Demand Management (Work Plan Item 2.3H): In May, the City Council received
the Palo Alto Transportation Management Association (TMA) 2023 Annual Report, Strategic
Plan, and Commute Survey.26 The TMA has been conducting essential outreach to businesses
on El Camino Real regarding available transit, bike, and parking programs in advance of the
parking changes to the corridor as part of the Caltrans repaving project. Work on the City’s TDM
Ordinance is on hold until staff capacity is available.
Parking (Work Plan Items 2.3I, 2.3J, Council Priority Objective CC&NE 26): The City initiated a
survey that closed in August to gauge customer satisfaction and support future updates to
parking policies. The City is planning to continue community engagement efforts through the
fall of 2024. The City will select a parking permit vendor by November 2024 and work with the
selected vendor to present options for improvements. Public Works contractors have begun
work on installing Automated Parking Guidance Systems in four Downtown garages. The
systems, similar to the one installed at the 350 Sherman Avenue garage in the California
Avenue district, will display parking availability by level, enabling better efficiency of parking
resources. Improvements will seek to limit the time that drivers spend circulating to find
parking and will offer opportunities to better align parking policies with TDM efforts and more
efficient usage of parking resources.
Traffic Signals (Work Plan Item 2.3K):
26 City Council, May 20; Agenda Item # 14; SR #2404-2932,
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=98ec6492-339a-4dcf-ac76-73a95f11285e
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In 2024, the City completed upgrades to three intersections along Charleston Road and
implementation of a new traffic signal at Charleston Road and Louis/Montrose Road. The City
also received funding and began a new capital project to upgrade systems at four intersections
along Quarry Road. The City is also working on several projects including at the intersections of
Alma Road/Churchill Avenue, Charleston Road/San Antonio Road, and several updates at
intersections within school zones. Included with the above and future projects will be
implementation of automated traffic signal performance measure systems (ATSPM) to help
optimize operations. The City is also currently working on a needed update of its centralized
traffic signal management system.
Facility Electrification (Work Plan Items 2.4A, 2.4B, 2.4C): In 2023, the City worked on a Facility
Electrification Assessment Plan. The City is evaluating the feasibility of electrifying equipment at
City Facilities each time aging equipment requires replacement. This was put to the test in
December 2023 when the City installed a new heat pump water heater in Palo Alto City Hall
that runs on 100% clean electricity. Completion of an Electrification Plan for City Facilities has
been delayed while a vacant staff position dedicated to this effort is filled.
Fleet Electrification (Work Plan Items 2.4D, 2.4E and Council Priority Objective CC&NE 22): In Q2
2024, the City received delivery of 4 new Chevy Bolt Electric Vehicles, which replaced internal
combustion engine fleet vehicles. There are 32 EVs in the City fleet, or about 15% of the
passenger vehicles and light duty trucks and vans. Six new EV chargers dedicated to the City
fleet vehicles were placed in service at City Hall in Q3 2024.
Publicly Owned Charger Planning (Work Plan Item 2.4F): There are currently 99 City-owned EV
chargers, with a total of 131 charging ports. 10 of those chargers are dedicated to City vehicles,
while the rest are primarily for public use. Six additional Fleet chargers were placed in service in
Q3 2024.
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plan scope and some early design decisions about the plan and analysis at public Ad Hoc
Climate Protection Committee Working Group meetings in March and June and in September
received feedback on a list of strategies for e-mobility development and its supporting
infrastructure to include in the plan. The City anticipates completing a draft of this study before
the end of the year and reviewing it with the Ad Hoc Climate Protection Committee.
P3. Build Awareness and Confidence
Building Awareness of the Need for and Benefits of Climate Action (Work Plan Item 3.1A): The
City continues to publish a monthly Climate Action Blog and a Quarterly Sustainability
Newsletter. In Q2 2024, the City published an April27 and May28 Climate Action Blog; and an
April29 and May30 Sustainability Newsletter. In Q3 2024, the City published an August31 Climate
Action Blog and a September Newsletter32. The Sustainability Newsletters had a 52% open rate,
which is the percentage of readers that open the e-mail you send them. The average open rate
for electronic newsletters is 21.5%.
27 Climate Action Blog, April 2024; https://medium.com/paloaltoconnect/every-action-counts-this-earth-month-
5a4baee866fa
28 Climate Action Blog, May 2024; https://medium.com/paloaltoconnect/bike-for-the-planet-a2d22af2552d
29 Sustainability Newsletter, April 2024; https://myemail-api.constantcontact.com/Sustainability-Newsletter-April-
2024.html?soid=1138677832922&aid=dasQTHT5gLw
30 Sustainability Newsletter, May 2024; https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Sustainability-Newsletter-May-
2024.html?soid=1138677832922&aid=4A-lPazzpto
31 Climate Action Blog, August 2024; https://medium.com/paloaltoconnect/climate-action-series-fall-in-love-with-
sustainability-bcfd70d80ae6
32 Sustainability Newsletter, September 2024; https://conta.cc/4gD60u9
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Earth Day Event, Downtown Palo Alto Farmer’s Market, HP Sustainability Fair, SAP Sustainability
Fair, and Third Thursday on California Avenue.
33, which the City is cosponsoring. The Electric Home tour is scheduled for October 19 and
will highlight a variety of electrified homes across the Peninsula and South Bay. Attendees will
have the opportunity to explore the latest in home electrification, including heat pump water
heaters, heat pumps for both heating and cooling, induction cooktops, electric dryers,
fireplaces, and electric gardening tools. Homeowners will also share their experiences on
selecting appliances, working with contractors, navigating installation, and enjoying cost-saving
benefits.
34 held three Working Group meetings to
discuss the Building Sector Study, the Multi-Family EV Program, the Whole Home Electrification
Program, the Commercial HVAC Program, the Reliability and Resiliency Strategic Plan, the EV
Strategic Plan, the S/CAP Funding Study, and to provide updates on the HPWH Pilot Program. In
Q3 2024, the Climate Protection Ad Hoc Committee held one Working Group Meeting to
discuss the E-Mobility Strategic Plan and provide a brief update on the Whole Home
Electrification Program.
Drive Community Actions to Achieve S/CAP Goals (Work Plan Item 3.1B): The City continued to
implement the Electrification Marketing Plan and the Heat Pump Water Heater Marketing Plan.
The City provided information on sustainability and climate action programs and initiatives for
residents and businesses at the Palo Alto Caltrain Electric Service Launch Party and at the Clean
Air at Home in Palo Alto Event.
S/CAP Reporting and Surveys (Work Plan Items 3.1C, 3.1D): The City continues to calculate an
annual GHG emissions inventory. As previously discussed, for 2022 the City calculated both a
33 Acterra Electric Home Tour, October 2024; https://acterra.org/electrification/greenhome/electric-home-tour/
34 Climate Protection Ad Hoc Committee; https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/City-Clerk/City-Council-
Committees/Climate-Protection-Ad-Hoc-Committee
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Citywide and Municipal Inventory. The 2022 GHG Inventories can be found in Attachments A, B,
and C of this staff report. This October, the 2022 Citywide GHG Inventory will be reported to
the CDP, an international non-profit that helps companies, cities, states, regions, and public
authorities disclose their environmental impact.
35 did not include a question to directly measure
community awareness, however the 2024 Survey does.
Build Confidence in City’s Electric Infrastructure (Work Plan Item 3.1E): The City continues to
provide updates and engagement around its electric infrastructure.
P4. Additional Emissions Reductions
P5. Funding Needs and Sources (Council Priority Objective CC&NE 24)
Maximize Water Conservation and Efficiency (Work Plan Item 8.A): The near-term focus for
35 City of Palo Alto Community Survey 2023; https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/city-
manager/communications-office/general/attachment-a-palo-alto-community-survey-2023-report-of-results.pdf
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water is reducing water consumption while exploring ways to capture and store water and
increase the availability and use of recycled water. The WaterSmart customer portal, an online
water management tool, launched in November 2022. Through this program, home water
reports are sent to around 11,000 single-family customers on a monthly basis. A control group
of around 4,000 single-family customers currently do not get the reports. The average open
rate of home water report emails is 74%. As of August 6, 2024, 24% of all single-family
customers have accessed the portal which provides information about their water consumption
and personalized water conservation recommendations. Preliminary results from the efficiency
study show that sending home water reports results in water-savings of 2.1%.
Design and build a salt removal facility for the Regional Water Quality Control Plant (Work Plan
Item 8.B): The City continues work on the Advanced Water Purification System, which will
reduce the salinity of treated water used for irrigation. In May, the City Council reviewed Site
and Design application for a proposed local advanced water purification system.36 The design is
complete, funding is secured, and staff anticipates Council approving a construction contract in
Spring 2025.
Develop a “One Water” Portfolio for Palo Alto (Work Plan Item 8.C): The City is continuing
development of a “One Water” Plan for Palo Alto, with input from community stakeholders and
the Utilities Advisory Commission. The proposed One Water Plan, which will be a 20-year
adaptable roadmap for implementing water supply and conservation portfolio alternatives,
includes stormwater, recycled water, on-site reuse, conservation, and groundwater.
Develop a tool for dynamic water planning in the future (Work Plan Item 8.D): The City will
develop an excel-based tool for water planning as part of the “One Water” Plan development.
Complete the Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment (Work Plan Item 8.E): The City completed
a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment in the Fall of 2022. The Vulnerability Assessment
identified risks and hazards to the Palo Alto Baylands, City infrastructure, and residential and
business property. The Assessment considers high tide, 100-year coastal storm event scenarios,
and rising shallow groundwater impacts.
Develop a Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan (Work Plan Item 8.F and Council Priority Objective
CC&NE 33): The City will coordinate the development of its Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan to
align with SB272 (Laird): Sea Level Rise Planning and Adaptation requirements and other
regional planning efforts.
36 City Council, May 13; Agenda Item #11; SR #2403-2760,
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=5f812cd5-ab33-4e51-851a-1b01fde39467
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Despite longer-term regional planning horizons for sea level rise, the City is working on several
near-term goals. These efforts include publishing web-based GIS maps which depict future sea
level rise and shallow groundwater changes for use in City project planning, and inclusion of sea
level rise in long range planning for the Regional Water Quality Control Plant and Palo Alto
Airport.
Begin design process for levee projects (Work Plan Item 8.G): The City continues to advance the
Palo Alto Horizontal Levee Pilot Project (PAHLPP). The PAHLPP will be the first horizontal levee
to be built in the Bay Area to be both irrigated with treated wastewater and hydrologically
connected to San Francisco Bay and will provide much-needed data to inform the design of
future horizontal levees around the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Horizontal levees are
nature-based sea level rise adaptation options with multiple benefits over traditional flood-
control levees such as habitat enhancement, sea level rise adaptation, and
additional wastewater treatment.
A United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) cost/benefit analysis determined that there is
no federal interest in funding Palo Alto shoreline improvements at this time, and that
improvements would not be needed until approximately 2060. Valley Water and Shoreline II
partners (CalTrans and the cities of Palo Alto and Mountain View) are developing an agency
factsheet, and other reference materials for public information, and will reconvene after SB272
(Laird): Sea Level Rise Planning and Adaptation requirements are known to identify possible
next steps for coordinating and funding levee improvements.
Identify Protection Strategies from Significant Flood Events (Work Plan Items 8.H, 8.I, 8.J, and
Council Priority Objectives CC&NE 31 and 32): The City continues to work with the San
Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority (SFCJPA) member agencies to coordinate the San
Francisquito Creek Flood Protection capital project (Reach 2) with the Newell Road Bridge
replacement project.
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (Council Priority Objective CHSW&B 70): The federal Disaster
Mitigation Act of 2000 requires all cities, counties, and special districts to adopt a Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan (LHMP) to receive disaster mitigation funding from the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA). The State of California and FEMA approved the Santa Clara
County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP), Volume I and the associated
Jurisdictional Annexes, Volume II. Staff will seek a City Council resolution to adopt Volume I and
The Palo Alto Annex to Volume II.
Foothills Fire Management Plan and Collaboration on Reducing Wildfire Hazards (Work Plan
Items 8.K, 8.L, 8.M, 8.N, Council Priority Objective CHSW&B 71): The effort to combine the Palo
Alto Foothills Fire Management Plan and Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) into one
document to integrate the wildfire mitigation efforts among the Palo Alto community is
underway. The updated plan is scheduled to be completed in Q4 2024.
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Increase Palo Alto’s Tree Canopy and Ensure No Net Tree Canopy Loss (Work Plan Items 8.O,
8.P): The City will use the iTree inventory to calculate a baseline and citywide public tree
inventory update. The current baseline, which needs to be updated, is 5,236,420 lbs CO2
sequestered for 35,570 calculated public trees. The inventory data points used to calculate the
current baseline (e.g. tree species) may be outdated (e.g. trees are larger than the data shows,
trees were replaced or removed without updating the data). An effort to establish a baseline
for carbon storage of Palo Alto’s urban tree canopy is on-track to be completed in 2024.
37
Reduce Pesticide Use in Parks and Open Space Preserves (Work Plan Item 8.Q): The City
continues to review the use of pesticides in all parks and open space preserves to identify
opportunities to further reduce both the amount and the toxicity of pesticides that are used.
Coordinate Implementation of City Natural Environment-Related Plans (Work Plan Item 8.R):
The City is working on an update of the Tree and Landscape Technical Manual. In addition, the
Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance process is currently under review and should be
completed soon.
Support the Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Plan and incorporate GSI in Municipal
Projects (Work Plan Item 8.S): This is an on-going effort to achieve a 10% increase in land area
that uses green stormwater infrastructure to treat urban water runoff.
Encourage Commercial Food Waste Prevention and Provide Technical Assistance (Work Plan
Items 8.T, 8.W): This is an on-going effort to encourage food waste prevention and require
edible food recovery for human consumption from commercial food generators, and develop
an outreach tool and technical assistance to the commercial sector.
Promote Residential Food Waste Reduction (Work Plan Item 8.U): The City continues to
promote food waste reduction.
Champion Waste Prevention, Reduction, Reusables, and the Sharing Economy (Work Plan Item
8.V): In June, the City Council approved a memorandum of understanding for the ongoing
management and operation of a countywide edible food recovery program and sharing of
program costs with the cities of Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno,
37 City Council, April 1, 2024; Agenda Item #10; SR #2403-2809,
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=132d1d26-0e8c-49c2-8773-ff6e0c9dc1f3
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Morgan Hill, Mountainview, San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and Saratoga.38
As part of the new Zero Waste Living outreach campaign, the City published nine Zero Waste
Minute e-newsletters in Q2 2024.
In Q2 2024, the City held two compost workshops for residents to learn how easy it is to make
their own compost. Palo Alto residents receive a free compost bin or worm bin (one per
household) by attending a compost workshop. The City also continued the permanent Compost
Giveaway Station where residents can pick up compost for their homes and landscape at no
charge, and free mulch from tree removal operations is also available at centralized stations
throughout the City.
Prioritize Domestic Processing of Recyclable Materials (Work Plan Item 8.X): Domestic
processing for mixed paper and mixed rigid plastics began in April 2022. The City continues to
review processing efforts.
Eliminate Single-Use Disposable Containers (Work Plan Item 8.Y): The strategy and timeline for
expanding the Disposable Foodware Ordinance is on hold until further clarification is received
through SB 54 final regulations and changes on what will be considered recyclable and
compostable.
Expand the Deconstruction and Construction Materials Management Ordinance (Work Plan
Item 8.Z): In May, the City Council received an update on the Deconstruction and Construction
Material Management Ordinance, which requires all residential and commercial projects
undergoing a whole structure demolition to obtain a deconstruction permit.39 Deconstruction is
the careful disassembly of building components to maximize reuse and recycling.
Implement the Reach Code Standard for Low Carbon Construction Materials (Work Plan Item
8.aa): The City Council approved a reach code standard for low carbon construction materials
in October 2022. The Reach Code went into effect on January 1, 2023.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Current and future initiatives will be managed and funded across various departments and
funds. The Fiscal Year 2025 work items in the 2023-2025 S/CAP Work Plan can proceed with the
actions approved in the Fiscal Year 2025 Adopted Budget. Staff expects to submit additional
resource requests as part of the annual budget process in subsequent years as the work plan
proceeds.
Some items in other work plans are also relevant to the S/CAP Work Plan. The Utilities Strategic
38 City Council, June 18, 2024; Agenda Item #8; SR #2404-2911,
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=c58305ed-d1d6-42ce-b37a-eca067b2bb09
39 City Council, May 6, 2024; Agenda Item #18; SR #2312-2377,
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=da6cfa4a-5637-44bd-a7bc-92763615dbc1
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Plan, for example, includes workforce development and advanced metering infrastructure
(AMI) work items that are directly relevant to the S/CAP. Some of these may involve future
budget requests as well.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY:
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Attachment A: Palo Alto 2022 Citywide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
1.a. Overview of Methodology for Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Cities represent the single greatest opportunity for tackling climate change, as they are
responsible for 70 percent of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, with
transportation and buildings among the largest contributors.1 The first step for cities to realize
their potential is to identify and measure the sources of their emissions. Best practices for
identifying these sources and quantifying emissions are to utilize a standardized GHG inventory.
There are two types of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions inventories:
1.Generation-based GHG inventory – This measurement method helps a community
understand its level of emissions based on community energy use. It includes 1) direct
consumption of energy, 2) consumption of energy via the electrical grid, and 3)
emissions from the treatment/decomposition of waste. This is the industry-accepted
methodology for quantifying community GHG emissions, with emissions reported by
emission source category.2
2.Consumption-based GHG inventory – This measurement method helps a community
understand its level of emissions based on consumption. It offers an alternative, more
holistic, approach for quantifying emissions within a community, quantifying
consumption of goods and services (including food, clothing, electronic equipment, etc.)
by residents of a city, with emissions reported by consumption category.
In 2014, World Resources Institute, C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40) and ICLEI – Local
Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI)3 partnered to create a global standard protocol for
generation-based GHG inventories. The Global Protocol for Community-Scale GHG Emissions
Inventories (GPC) provides a robust framework for accounting and reporting city-wide GHG
emissions for a generation-based inventory. The GPC Protocol is the official protocol specified
by the Global Covenant of Mayors and defines what emissions must be reported and how. In
addition, this inventory draws on methods from the U.S. Community Protocol,4 which provides
more detailed methodology specific to the U.S. It seeks to:
•Help cities develop a comprehensive GHG inventory to support climate action planning
•Help cities establish a base year emissions inventory, set reduction targets, and track
their performance
•Ensure consistent and transparent measurement and reporting of GHG emissions
between cities, following internationally recognized GHG accounting and reporting
principles
1 See UN Environment Programme, ”Cities and Climate Change,” https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/resource-
efficiency/what-we-do/cities/cities-and-climate-change
2 There are two reporting frameworks commonly used by cities: the U.S. Community Protocol and the Global
Protocol for Communities (GPC). Palo Alto uses the GPC framework.
3 Formerly the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, renamed in 2003 to ICLEI – Local
Governments for Sustainability.
4 U.S. Community Protocol; https://icleiusa.org/us-community-protocol/
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•Enable city inventories to be aggregated at subnational and national levels
•Demonstrate the important role that cities play in tackling climate change, and facilitate
insight through benchmarking – and aggregation – of comparable data
Palo Alto’s first generation-based citywide inventory was completed for 2005 and then
extrapolated for 1990 (the baseline year). Beginning in 2010, new citywide GHG inventories
were completed annually, enabling Palo Alto to track progress over time.
The 2022 Palo Alto Citywide GHG inventory, completed by Rincon Consultants, follows the
calculation and reporting standards outlined in the GPC BASIC reporting level.5 Inventory
calculations were performed using Rincon’s GHG Inventory tool and uploaded into ClearPath,6 a
software platform designed for creating generation-based GHG inventories.
GHG emissions from community activities are classified into three main sectors:
•Stationary Energy (e.g., building electricity consumption, fugitive natural gas emissions)
•Transportation (e.g., on-road passenger vehicles, off-road equipment)
•Waste (e.g., solid waste disposal, wastewater treatment and discharge)
Activities taking place within a city can generate GHG emissions that occur inside the city
boundary as well as outside the city boundary. To distinguish among them, the GPC groups
emissions into three categories based on where they occur:
•Scope 1: GHG emissions from sources located within the city boundary, such as
stationary fuel consumption.
•Scope 2: GHG emissions occurring due to the use of grid-supplied electricity, heat,
steam, and/or cooling within the city boundary.
•Scope 3: All other GHG emissions that occur outside the city boundary as a result of
activities taking place within the city boundary.
This inventory follows the city-inducted framework in the GPC protocol, which totals GHG
emissions attributable to activities taking place within the geographic boundary of the city.7
Under the Basic reporting level as defined by the GPC protocol, the inventory requirements
cover scope 1 and scope 2 emissions from stationary energy and transportation, as well as all
emissions resulting from waste generating within the city boundary. While the 2022 Inventory
follows GPC BASIC reporting standards and aligns with previous GHG emissions inventories,
minor updates to calculation methodologies were included in the 2022 Inventory and are
discussed in detail below.
Staff did not complete a consumption-based GHG inventory. The California Air Resources Board
(CARB) has been tasked with developing an implementation framework and accounting to track
5 GPC Executive Summary; https://ghgprotocol.org/sites/default/files/2022-12/GPC_Executive_Summary_1.pdf
6 ClearPath tool; https://icleiusa.org/clearpath/
7 GPC Protocol; https://ghgprotocol.org/sites/default/files/standards/GHGP_GPC_0.pdf
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consumption-based emissions over time.8 In particular, this framework needs to address how
to account for the embodied emissions in the food, goods, and services the community
purchases not covered by generation-based GHG inventories.
1.b. Palo Alto’s 2022 GHG Emissions
2e) from the residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, waste, water, and municipal
sectors.9 In comparison to the 1990 base year emissions (which were about 780,000 metric
tons), that is a 47.4 percent decrease in total community emissions, despite a population
increase of 21.3 percent during that same time period. This equates to 6.1 metric tons of
carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e) per Palo Alto resident in 2022 compared to 14 MT CO2e
per Palo Alto resident in 1990. The California Air Resources Board’s 2017 Scoping Plan Update
recommends a goal for local governments of 6 MT C02e per capita by 2030.
10) consumption, 13 percent from declines in
solid waste emissions, and 1.6 percent from declines in wastewater-related emissions. In
comparison to 2021, that is a 14.2 percent increase in total community emissions.
8 Executive Department State of California. (2019). Executive Order B-55-18 to Achieve Carbon Neutrality.
https://www.ca.gov/archive/gov39/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/9.10.18-Executive-Order.pdf.
9 Carbon dioxide equivalent is a unit of measure that normalizes the varying climate warming potencies of all six
GHG emissions, which are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs),
perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). For example, one metric ton of nitrous oxide is 210 metric
tons of CO2e.
10 Methane, which is the primary component of natural gas, is a very potent greenhouse gas, with a global
warming potential that is 25 times higher than CO2 over a 100-year period.
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Figure 1: 1990 vs 2022 Citywide GHG Emissions by Sector
2e)2e)2e)2e)2e)
331,840 293,413 217,279 185,925 221,923 -33.1%
21,668 21,244 25,478 29,140 n/a
194,000 153,509 134,365 135,697 144,996 -25.3%
4,718 5,009 4,384 4,427 4,709 -0.2%
8,504 2,197 1,388 1,262 2,532 -70.2%
55,057 6,531 6,660 6,522 6,857 -87.5%
186,000 - 100%
2e)
As shown in Figure 2, the two largest categories of emissions are transportation and mobile
sources (including on-road transportation, airport emissions, off-road vehicles, and Caltrain
commuter rail) and natural gas (methane) use (including residential, commercial, and
industrial).
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Figure 2: 2022 Citywide GHG Emissions by Sector
Transportation and mobile sources include emissions from private, commercial, and fleet
vehicles driven within the City’s geographical boundaries, as well as the emissions from public
transit vehicles and the City-owned fleet. Off-road vehicles include airport ground support,
construction and mining, industrial, light commercial, portable equipment, and transportation
refrigeration units.
Natural gas (methane) use includes emissions that result from natural gas (methane)
consumption in both private and public sector buildings and facilities, and residential,
commercial, and industrial sources. Fugitive emissions related to natural gas (methane)
consumption are calculated separately and are discussed in Section 1.d. The City’s electricity
supply has been carbon neutral since 2013, when the City Council approved a Carbon Neutral
Electric Resource Plan, committing Palo Alto to pursuing only carbon-neutral electric resources
and effectively eliminating all GHG emissions from the City's electric portfolio.
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1.c. Transportation and Mobile Sources
In 2022, transportation and mobile sources accounted for 61.2 percent of total citywide GHG
emissions in Palo Alto. Although GHG emissions from this sector are 24.3 percent lower than
1990 levels, emissions increased 19 percent between 2021 and 2022. As shown in Table 2,
transportation and mobile sources consist of:
•On-Road Transportation – This includes all daily vehicular trips made entirely within the
Palo Alto city limits (in-boundary trips), one-half of daily vehicular trips with an origin
within Palo Alto city limits and a destination outside of Palo Alto city limits (outbound
trips; this assumes that Palo Alto shares half the responsibility for trips traveling from
other jurisdictions), and one-half of daily vehicular trips with an origin outside Palo Alto
city limits and a destination within Palo Alto city limits (inbound trips; this assumes that
Palo Alto shares the responsibility of trips traveling to other jurisdictions). Vehicular
trips through Palo Alto are not included because Palo Alto cannot solely implement
policies that influence the trip-making behavior. Rather, through trips are assigned to
other jurisdictions that can influence either the origin or destination side of the trip-
making behavior.
•Airport Emissions – This includes emissions from take-offs and landings from trips that
start and end at Palo Alto Airport. This includes emergency services helicopters,
sightseeing helicopters, and training flights. Flights that take-off from Palo Alto Airport
but land elsewhere, and flights that land in Palo Alto Airport but take-off from
elsewhere are not included per GPC Basic Protocol.
•Off-road Vehicles - This includes airport ground support (based on take-offs and
landings), construction and mining, industrial (based on employment data), light
commercial (based on employment data), portable equipment, and transportation
refrigeration units (based on service population). Additionally, two new off-road
categories were added to the 2022 Inventory - lawn and garden equipment, and
recreational vehicles (based on service population and population, respectively).
•Caltrain Commuter Rail – This includes emissions from Caltrain travel within Palo Alto.
2e)2e)2e)2e)
293,413 217,279 185,925 221,923 54.1%
2,192 1,664 2,641 1,837 0.4%
14,634 15,029 18,961 20,191 4.9%
4,842 4,552 3,876 7,112 1.7%
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The main driver of GHG emissions from transportation and mobile sources is fuel combustion
from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, specifically passenger vehicles, commercial
vehicles, and buses (69 percent, 17 percent, and two percent of all transportation GHG
emissions, respectively). Since electricity in the City is carbon-neutral, there are no GHG
emissions attributed to passenger, commercial, or bus EVs.
11 to estimate GHG emissions from all passenger,
commercial, and bus ICE vehicles. Forty-six percent of VMT was from inbound trips, 45% from
outbound trips, and 9% from in-boundary trips.
12 Commercial and bus VMT data were then multiplied by their respective EV share
percentages to determine EVMT of these vehicle categories.
11 CARB EMFAC v1.0.1.; https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/msei/on-road-emfac
12 While these percent EV share estimates also come from CEC’s ZEV Statistics database, only county-level data is
available for medium- and heavy-duty (i.e., commercial and bus) ZEVs. The average percent EV share for Santa
Clara and San Mateo County was used as a proxy for Palo Alto because Palo Alto shares one zip code (94303) with
San Mateo, and much I-E/E-I EVMT attributed to Palo Alto is assumed to be between these two counties
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based on models at the County level that do not reflect Palo Alto-specific variations. The 2022
inventory sourced Santa Clara County fuel consumption from CARB’s OFFROAD model,13
including airport ground support, construction, mining, industrial, light commercial, portable
equipment, and transportation refrigeration units. All attribution factors used to allocate
countywide fuel consumption to Palo Alto in 2022 remained the same as previous inventories,14
except airport ground support. Attributed fuel consumption from each off-road sector was then
multiplied by its respective GHG emissions factor (MT CO2e/gallon) depending on fuel type
(i.e., gasoline, diesel, or natural gas) to estimate GHG emissions.
Sustainability Report as is most recently available data.15 It is assumed that the total fuel
consumption and allocation methodology described above is comparable to Palo Alto’s share of
Caltrain commuter rail emissions in 2022. Caltrain electrification is a key component of the
Caltrain Modernization program,16 with Caltrain scheduled to be electrified by late September
2024. Once the Caltrain Modernization program is complete, most of the Caltrain commuter rail
emissions will be eliminated.
1.d Natural Gas (Methane) Use
13 CARB OFFROAD v1.0.5.; https://arb.ca.gov/emfac/offroad/
14 Attribution factors are based off demographic data such as population, employment, and service population
(except for airport ground support).
15 Caltrain 2021 Sustainability Report; https://www.caltrain.com/media/30519/download
16 Caltrain Modernization Program; https://calmod.org/
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energy accounts for 3.1 percent of total emissions. In 2022, natural gas (methane) use
increased 12.6 percent in the commercial sector, 4.1 percent in the industrial sector and 2.7
percent in the residential sector. While natural gas (methane) usage fluctuates based on factors
such as weather and occupant behavior, the increase in natural gas (methane) emissions in the
commercial sector is likely due to increased occupancy from returning to the office after
working from home, filling commercial building vacancies, and economic recovery - including
increased dining, shopping, and visitors returning to Palo Alto.
1Table 3: 2022 Natural Gas (Methane) Use
Subsector
2019
Consumption
(Therms)
2020
Consumption
(Therms)
2021
Consumption
(Therms)
2022
Consumption
(Therms)
Percent of
Total
2022
Emissions (%)
Residential Energy
Industrial Energy
Commercial Energy
Total Natural Gas
(Methane) Use 28,867,162 25,267,739 25,518,320 27,140,144 35.4%
Natural Gas (Methane) Fugitive Emissions
4), some of which escapes during the drilling, extraction, and
transportation processes. Such releases are known as fugitive emissions. The primary sources of
these emissions may include equipment leaks, evaporation losses, venting, flaring and
accidental releases. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas – approximately 25 times more
powerful than carbon dioxide over a 100-year timescale.
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As mentioned in Section 1.a., the GPC Basic methodology includes GHG emissions attributable
to activities taking place within the geographic boundary of the city. As such, the 2022 GHG
inventory does not include a category of emissions that are called “upstream emissions,” which
includes emissions from extraction of natural gas (methane) and its transportation across the
western United States through California to Palo Alto. Leaks during gas extraction and
transportation can be very significant, so the actual impacts of natural gas (methane) use can
be much more significant than is represented in a formal Citywide GHG inventory.
1.e. Solid Waste
17
Figure 3: Annual Diversion Rate Percentage
17 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan Framework, November 2016;
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/64814
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Waste Energy Development Company’s (ZWED) Dry Fermentation Anaerobic Digestion (AD)
Facility in San Jose, CA, composting emissions at the Synagro El Nido Central Valley Composting
(CVC) facility in Dos Palos, as well as Palo Alto Landfill Gas Flaring Emissions.
4) – a greenhouse gas much more
potent than CO2. Organic materials (e.g., paper, plant debris, food waste, etc.) generate
methane within the anaerobic environment of a landfill while non-organic materials (e.g.,
metal, glass, etc.) do not. This is why diverting waste from landfills is so important. In 2016,
Governor Brown signed Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) to reduce GHG emissions from a variety of
short-lived climate pollutants, including methane from organic materials disposed in landfills.
SB 1383 is the largest and most prescriptive waste management legislation in California since
the California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 (AB 939) and aspires to reduce
statewide disposal of organic waste 75% by 2025 and recover at least 20% of the currently
disposed edible food for human consumption by 2025. Palo Alto is in compliance with many of
SB 1383 requirements due to the City’s progressive zero waste programs and initiatives and is
continuing to take initiatives to further reduce organic materials from being disposed in
landfills.
18 While taking all compost-bound wastewater sludge produced by the
Palo Alto RWQCP is a conservative approach to estimating activity data for wastewater sludge
composting emissions, it overestimates the City’s share since Palo Alto’s RWQCP serves several
cities and not all compost-bound wastewater sludge produced is attributed to the City. To avoid
overestimating GHG emissions from this source, an attribution factor of 43 percent (the City’s
service population divided by persons served by Palo Alto’s RWQCP) was used in the 2022
citywide inventory to scale down Palo Alto’s RWQCP compost-bound wastewater sludge to
estimate only the City’s share of wastewater sludge composting emissions. The composting
emission factor in the 2022 Inventory did not change.
18 EPA Waste Reduction Model (WARM); https://www.epa.gov/warm
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2Table 4: 1990 vs 2022 Solid Waste Emissions by Subsector
Subsector
1990 GHG
emissions
(MT CO2e)
2019 GHG
emissions
(MT CO2e)
2020 GHG
emissions
(MT CO2e)
2021 GHG
emissions
(MT CO2e)
2022 GHG
emissions
(MT CO2e)
Percent of
Total 2022
Emissions (%)
Composting Not
included 731 1,623 1,256 1,327 0.3%
Palo Alto Landfill
Gas Flaring
Not
included 281 316 237 233 0.1%
Palo Alto Landfill
Gas Fugitive 24,325 n/a19 n/a n/a n/a n/a
Palo Alto Landfill
Waste 30,732 5,519 4,721 5,029 5,297 1.3%
Total 55,057 6,531 6,660 6,522 6,857 1.7%
1.f. Wastewater Treatment
As shown in Table 5, in 2022 the RWQCP wastewater-related emissions accounted for 0.6
percent of total 2022 GHG emissions in Palo Alto – a 100.7 percent increase from 2021 and a
70.2 percent decrease from 1990. RWQCP GHG emissions originate from electricity, natural gas
(methane), and landfill gas usage required to treat the wastewater, as well as GHGs that are
emitted from the wastewater itself either during treatment or after (effluent). The nitrogen
within wastewater is subject to transformation to nitrous oxide at varying stages in the
treatment process as well as after it has been discharged to a receiving water (effluent). These
emissions are included in the RWQCP totals.
The significant increase in indirect GHG emissions from wastewater effluent between 2021 and
2022 is primarily driven by increased nitrogen content in wastewater effluent (an 86 percent
increase). Because the 2021 nitrogen content level is well below the lowest data point during
the COVID pandemic, it can be concluded that the 2021 activity data was the result of a
measurement error and the 2022 activity data is representative of current conditions despite
the comparative increase.20 Accounting for less than one percent of all GHG emissions in the
2022 citywide inventory, however, the effect on total GHG emissions is insignificant. Still, GHG
emissions from wastewater are significantly lower than 1990 levels.
As shown in Figure 4, the RWQCP operations achieved significant GHG reductions in 2019 when
the facility’s sewage sludge incinerators were replaced with the more environmentally friendly
Sludge Dewatering and Truck Loadout Facility. Previously, the RWQCP incinerators were the
City’s largest facility related GHG source. The updated biosolids treatment process has and will
continue to reduce climate-warming GHG emissions by approximately 15,000 MT of CO2e per
19 Not included because the landfill was closed
20 The 2021 nitrogen content level was reported as 1,205 kilograms (kg) of nitrogen (N) per day. The lowest data
point during the COVID pandemic was 1,950 kg N per day. The 2022 activity data was reported as 2,240 kg N per
day.
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year when compared to the emissions from incineration. This approximates the carbon dioxide
emissions of 3,000 passenger cars. The dewatered sludge is used as agricultural soil
supplements.
3Table 5: 1990 vs 2022 Wastewater-Related Emissions by Subsector
Subsector
1990 GHG
emissions
(MT CO2e)
2019 GHG
emissions
(MT CO2e)
2020 GHG
emissions
(MT CO2e)
2021 GHG
emissions
(MT CO2e)
2022 GHG
emissions
(MT CO2e)
Percent of
Total 2022
Emissions (%)
Wastewater
Biosolid
Treatment21
Wastewater
Treatment and
Effluent
Total 8,504 2,197 1,388 1,262 2,532 0.6%
Figure 4: RWQCP Historical Total Greenhouse Gas Emissions
21 Includes biosolid composting, anaerobic digestion, and incineration
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Attachment B: 1990 vs. 2022 Citywide Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sector and Subsector
Sector and Subsector
1990 GHG
emissions
(MT CO2e)1
2019 GHG
emissions
(MT CO2e)
2020 GHG
emissions
(MT CO2e)
2021 GHG
emissions
(MT CO2e)
2022 GHG
emissions
(MT CO2e)
% Change
in 2022 from
1990
Percent of
Total 2022
Emissions
Total Transportation & Mobile Sources 331,840 315,081 238,523 211,403 251,063 -24.3%61.2%
-On-Road Transportation 331,840 293,413 217,279 185,925 221,923 -33.1%54.1%
-Airport Emissions Not Included 2,192 1,664 2,641 1,837 n/a 0.4%
-Off-road Vehicles Not Included 14,634 15,029 18,961 20,191 n/a 4.9%
-Caltrain Commuter Rail Not Included 4,842 4,552 3,876 7,112 n/a 1.7%
Total Natural Gas (Methane) Use 194,000 153,509 134,365 135,697 144,996 -25.3%35.4%
-Commercial Energy Not calculated 66,987 53,515 55,676 62,667 n/a 15.3%
-Industrial Energy Not calculated 14,373 11,961 12,176 12,677 n/a 3.1%
-Residential Energy Not calculated 72,149 68,889 67,846 69,652 n/a 17.0%
Natural Gas (Methane) Fugitive Emissions 4,718 5,009 4,384 4,427 4,709 -0.2%1.1%
Total Wastewater-Related Emissions 8,504 2,197 1,388 1,262 2,532 -70.2%0.6%
-Wastewater Biosolid Treatment2 n/a 812 0 0 0 n/a 0%
-Wastewater Treatment and Effluent 8,504 1,385 1,388 1,262 2,532 -70.2%0.6%
Total Solid Waste 55,057 6,531 6,660 6,522 6,857 -87.5%1.7%
-Composting Not Included 731 1,623 1,256 1,327 n/a 0.3%
-Palo Alto Landfill Gas Flaring3 Not Included 281 316 237 233 n/a 0.1%
-Palo Alto Landfill Gas Fugitive 24,325 n/a4 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
-Palo Alto Landfill Waste 30,732 5,519 4,721 5,029 5,297 -82.8%1.3%
Brown Power Supply (Electricity)186,000 n/a n/a n/a n/a -100.0%n/a
Total GHG Emissions (MT CO2e)780,119 482,237 385,320 359,312 410,157 -47.4%100%
1 Source: 2016 S/CAP Framework and 2016 Earth Day Report
2 Includes biosolid composting, anaerobic digestion, and incineration
3 2016 Earth Day Report labeled these emissions as biogenic
4 Not included because the landfill was closed
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Attachment C: Palo Alto 2022 Municipal Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
Overview of Methodology for Quantifying Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The 2022 Municipal Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory follows the calculation and
reporting standards outlined in the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives’
(ICLEI) Local Government Operation (LGO) Protocol1, which aligns with the Global Protocol for
Community-Scale GHG Emissions Inventories (GPC) local government operations protocol.2
Under the LGO Protocol, GHG Emissions from Palo Alto’s municipal operations can be classified
into four main sectors:
•Buildings and other facilities (e.g., stationary combustion)
•Streetlights and Traffic Signals (e.g., electricity use)
•City vehicle and equipment fleet (e.g., mobile combustion)
•Wastewater facilities (e.g., wastewater treatment and discharge)
•Indirect emissions (e.g., employee commuting, landfilled solid waste generation)
Activities taking place within a city can generate GHG emissions that occur inside the city
boundary as well as outside the city boundary. To distinguish among them, the LGO Protocol
groups emissions into three categories based on where they occur:
•Scope 1 emissions: GHG emissions from sources located within the city boundary
•Scope 2 emissions: GHG emissions occurring as a consequence of the use of grid-
supplied electricity, heat, steam and/or cooling within the city boundary
•Scope 3 emissions: All other GHG emissions that occur outside the city boundary as a
result of activities taking places within the city boundary
Palo Alto’s 2022 Municipal GHG Emissions
In 2022, the City emitted a total of 15,784 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT of
CO2e) from municipal operations. As shown in Table 1, GHG emissions from Palo Alto’s
municipal operations are from five main sectors: buildings and other facilities, streetlights and
traffic signals, city vehicles and equipment, wastewater facilities, and indirect emissions. Since
the methodology has changed significantly for certain sectors since the first Municipal GHG
Inventory was conducted in 2005, it is no longer possible to do a true comparison with previous
Municipal GHG inventories. However, the methodologies for buildings and other facilities,
streetlights and traffic signals, and city vehicles and equipment are similar enough to make
rough comparisons. For reference only, in 2005 the City emitted a total of 40,499 MT of CO2e
from municipal operations.
1 LGO Protocol Rulebook; https://icleiusa.org/resources/local-government-operations-lgo-protocol/
2 GPC Inventories for local government operations;
https://ghgprotocol.org/sites/default/files/standards/GPC_Full_MASTER_RW_v7.pdf
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Table 1: 2022 Palo Alto Municipal GHG Emissions
Sector
2022 GHG
emissions
(MT CO2e)
Percent of
total
emissions (%)
Buildings and Other Facilities 3,398 21.5%
Streetlights and Traffic Signals 0 0%
City Vehicles and Equipment Fleet 1,676 10.6%
Wastewater Facilities (Regional Water Quality Control Plant)5,953 37.7%
Indirect Emission Sources 4,758 30.1%
Total 15,784 100%
Note: Percentages and MT CO2e may not add to the total due to rounding
The majority of municipal GHG emissions—about 38 percent—are attributed to the Regional
Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP). Since the RWQCP is owned and operated by the City, 100
percent of GHG emissions are attributed to the City and falls under Scope 1. These GHG
emissions include indirect nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from wastewater effluent (about 92
percent of total wastewater GHG emissions), indirect nitrous oxide emissions from the
nitrification/denitrification of wastewater (about seven percent of total wastewater GHG
emissions), and natural gas combustion/leakage (about one percent of total wastewater GHG
emissions).
The second major contributor to municipal GHG emissions includes GHG emissions from
indirect sources, or the City’s Scope 3 sources. These sources account for about 30 percent of
total GHG emissions and include GHG emissions resulting from employee commute mobile
combustion (about 39 percent of total indirect source GHG emissions) and methane emissions
resulting from landfilled solid waste (about 61 percent of total indirect source GHG emissions).
Landfilled solid waste methane emissions are a product of decomposing organic material
generated and sent to the landfill by municipal operations. This subsector attributes methane
emissions based on total landfilled solid waste generated in the inventory year and does not
account for pre-existing landfilled solid waste methane emissions.
The third major contributor to municipal GHG emissions includes GHG emissions from natural
gas usage in Buildings and Other Facilities (excluding the RWQCP), considered a Scope 1 source.
These GHG emissions accounted for 22 percent of total GHG emissions and are driven by
natural gas combustion (about 97 percent of total Buildings and Other Facilities GHG
emissions), and natural gas leakage (about three percent of total Buildings and Other Facilities
GHG emissions).
The final contributor to municipal GHG emissions includes the City’s Vehicle and Equipment
Fleet, considered a Scope 1 source (except for the City’s Electric Vehicles (EVs), which are
considered a Scope 2 source due to the energy source being purchased electricity). Together,
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these account for about 11 percent of total GHG emissions and are mainly driven by the City’s
on-road vehicle fleet powered by gasoline, diesel, and compressed natural gas (CNG) (about 92
percent of total Vehicle and Equipment Fleet GHG emissions) and off-vehicle/equipment fleet
powered by gasoline and diesel (about eight percent of total Vehicle and Equipment Fleet GHG
emissions).
•Administrative Services Department – purchasing and printing
•Community Services Department – administration, arts and culture, recreation, parks
and golf
•Fire Department – operations, support
•Information Technology Department – information technology
•Planning and Development Department – inspection services
•Police Department – police, animal services
•Public Works Department – engineering, facilities management, equipment
management, operations, wastewater treatment operations, storm drainage, refuse,
Palo Alto airport operations
•Utilities Department – administrative services, electric operations, electric engineering,
water / gas / wastewater engineering, water / gas / wastewater operations, resource
management
Table 2: On-Road Vehicle GHG emissions by City Department and Vehicle Fuel Type
City Department
Diesel
Vehicles
(MT CO2e)
Gasoline
Vehicles
(MT CO2e)
CNG Vehicles
(MT CO2e)
Total
(MT CO2e)
8.34
88.94
228.94
2.45
18.06
430
337.8
435.69
Total 498.63 1,045.42 6.17 1,550.22
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A comparison of 2005 and 2022 Palo Alto Municipal GHG emissions is shown in Figure 1 and
Table 3. As previously discussed, the methodology has changed significantly for certain sectors
since the first Municipal GHG Inventory was conducted in 2005, so it is no longer possible to do
a true comparison with previous Municipal GHG inventories. However, the methodologies for
buildings and other facilities, streetlights and traffic signals, and city vehicles and equipment are
similar enough to make rough comparisons.
Figure 1: 2005 vs. 2022 Palo Alto Municipal GHG Emissions
Table 3: 2005 vs. 2022 Palo Alto Municipal GHG Emissions
Sector
2005 GHG
emissions
(MT CO2e)
2022 GHG
emissions
(MT CO2e)
Percent Change
in 2022 from
2005 (%)
Total 40,499 15,784 - 61%*
Note: Percentages and MT CO2e may not add to the total due to rounding
* Not a true comparison due to different methodologies
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Attachment D: S/CAP Key Performance Indicators Progress Report for 2023
This progress report provides an update on the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP)
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for calendar year 2023. The S/CAP Key Actions are
abbreviated for the purposes of this report, but the full key actions can be found in Section 5:
Goals and Key Actions of the S/CAP.1 A summary of the progress on the KPIs for calendar year
2023 can be found in Attachment E. Signification actions and accomplishments from 2023 can
be found on the Sustainability website2.
Climate Action
GOAL
Reduce GHG emissions 80% below 1990 levels by 2030 (the “80 x 30” goal)
KEY ACTIONS
Community assistance
C1. Provide building and transportation emissions consultations for residents
C2. Develop major employer custom emissions reduction plans
Staff Analysis
C3. Study additional key actions needed for 80 x 30
C4. Study staffing and budgetary needs
C5. Study funding alternatives
C6. Conduct an electrification affordability study
C7. Study carbon neutrality options
Staff and Council action
C8. Accelerate GHG reductions
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
•GHG reductions
•Community awareness
•Participation in Climate Pledge
Climate Action KPI: GHG Reductions
Palo Alto has already made significant progress in its sustainability and climate action efforts,
decreasing its community emissions to 410,157 metric tons (MT) CO2e, or 6.1 MT CO2e per
Palo Alto resident in 2022 (47.4 percent compared to 1990 levels). However, to achieve the 80 x
1 2022 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan;
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/sustainability/reports/2022-scap-report_final.pdf
2 Sustainability Actions and Accomplishments; https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/City-Hall/Sustainability/Goals-and-
Progress/Sustainability-Actions-and-Accomplishments
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30 and carbon neutrality by 2030 goals, Palo Alto must meet a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
target of 156,024 MT CO2e, or 2 MT CO2e per Palo Alto resident by 2030. Key data needed to
calculate the GHG emissions for calendar year 2023 is not yet available. In order to make
progress on the GHG reductions goal, in 2023 the City focused on community assistance (Key
Action C1, C2), staff analysis (C3, C4, C5, and C6), and staff and Council action (C8).
Climate Action KPI: Community Awareness
3
4
found that 68% of residents indicated that it is essential or very important for Palo Alto to focus
on reducing GHGs in the coming two years. Staff will add a direct question to measure
community awareness in future surveys.
Climate Action KPI: Participation in Climate Pledge
GOALS
Reduce GHG emissions from the direct use of natural gas in Palo Alto’s
building sector by at least 60% below 1990 levels (116,400 MT CO2e
reduction)
Modernize the electric grid to support increased electric demand and to
accommodate state-of-the-art technology
KEY ACTIONS
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions in appliances and equipment
E1.Reduce GHG emissions in Single-Family Appliances and Equipment
E2.Reduce GHG emissions in Non-Residential Equipment
3 2022 Email Marketing Benchmarks Report, https://www.campaignmonitor.com/resources/guides/email-
marketing-benchmarks/
4 City of Palo Alto Community Survey 2023; https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/city-
manager/communications-office/general/attachment-a-palo-alto-community-survey-2023-report-of-results.pdf
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Reduce natural gas use in buildings
E3.Reduce Gas Use in Major Facilities
E4.Reduce natural gas use at City facilities
E5.Support income-qualified residents and vulnerable businesses with electrification
E6.Develop electric rate options
E7.Use codes and ordinances to facilitate electrification
E8.Electric grid modernization plan
E9.Additional electrification opportunities in commercial and multi-family buildings
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
•GHG emissions from natural gas use in buildings (single-family, multifamily,
nonresidential)
•Percentage of single-family households with no gas connections
•Percentage of gas use reduction in major facilities and City facilities
In order to make progress on the Energy goals, in 2023 the City focused on key actions to
reduce GHGs in appliances and equipment (E1, E2), reduce natural gas use in buildings (E3, E4),
make it affordable (E5, E6), and pave the road to electrification (E7, E8).
Energy KPI: GHG emissions from natural gas use in buildings (single-family, multifamily,
nonresidential)
In 2023, total natural gas (methane) use in buildings was 27,399,747 therms5 or 144,972 MT of
CO2e. This is a slight increase from 2022, when total natural gas (methane) use in buildings was
27,140,144 therms or 143,599 MT of CO2e. This is most likely because it was colder in the first
three months of 2023 than in was in the first three months of 2022. It could also be because
more people were returning to work in offices and continuing to return to Palo Alto for dining,
shopping, and recreation.
Energy KPI: Percentage of single-family households with no gas connections
The City estimates that 2.1% of single-family households (341 single-family homes) have no gas
connections. The S/CAP impact analysis found that in order to achieve 80 x 30, virtually all
single-family gas appliances need to be switched to electric appliances.
Energy KPI: Percentage of gas use reduction in major facilities and City facilities
Staff estimates a 45 percent reduction in natural gas (methane) use in City facilities compared
to the 2016 baseline. Data is currently not available for other major facilities.
5 One therm is the energy content of approximately 100 cubic feet of natural gas at standard temperature and
pressure.
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Electric Vehicles
GOALS
Reduce transportation related GHG emissions at least 65% below 1990
levels (215,696 MT CO2e reduction)
Develop a public and private charging network to support EV adoption
KEY ACTIONS
Education, awareness, and collaboration
EV1.Raise awareness of alternative transportation modes, micro-mobility, and EVs
EV2.Collaborate to promote EV adoption regionally
EV3.Promote EV adoption and alternative commutes for commuters
EV4.Facilitate the adoption of EVs, e-bikes and other light EVs
EV5.Promote alternative transportation modes and infrastructure to support adoption
Expand EV infrastructure
EV6.Expand EV charging access for multi-family residents
EV7.Improve EV charging access for income-qualified residents
EV8.Ensure EV charging capacity supports EV growth
Electrify fleet vehicles
EV9.Electrify municipal vehicle fleet
EV10.Support policy to electrify fleet vehicles
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
•GHG emissions from vehicle travel
•Percentage of registered EV vehicles in Palo Alto
•Percentage of new vehicle sales that are EVs
•Percentage of multifamily residents with access to overnight EV charging
•Gasoline sales in Palo Alto
EV KPI: GHG emissions from vehicle travel
EV KPI: Percentage of registered EV vehicles in Palo Alto
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In 2021, 11% of all registered vehicles in Palo Alto were EVs (5,813).6 In 2022, that increased to
13% (6,573 EV Registrations out of 49,963 total vehicle registrations) and is estimated to be
16% in 2023.7
EV KPI: Percentage of new vehicle sales that are EVs
7 For context, in 2023, electric vehicles accounted for 42.4% of
new auto registrations in Santa Clara County, 25% of new auto registrations in CA, and 8.5% of
new auto registrations nationwide. Achieving the penetrations of electric vehicles needed to
achieve the City’s 80x30 goal requires achieving an EV new vehicle registration share of 85% per
year or more by 2030.
EV KPI: Percentage of multifamily residents with access to overnight EV charging
EV KPI: Gasoline sales in Palo Alto
GOALS
Reduce total vehicle miles traveled 12% by 2030, compared to a 2019
baseline, by reducing commute vehicle miles traveled 20%, visitor vehicles
miles traveled 10%, and resident vehicle miles traveled 6%
Increase the mode share for active transportation (walking, biking) and
transit from 19% to 40% of local work trips by 2030
KEY ACTIONS
Promote alternatives to single occupancy car trips
M1.Increase active transportation and transit for local work trips
M2.Expand availability of transit and shared mobility services
6 Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles combined.
7 2021 and 2022 statistics were calculated based on a data set provided by the California Department of Motor
Vehicles (DMV). That data set was not yet available for 2023 at the time of publication of this report, and the DMV
is removing total registration data from the data set it plans to provide, so DMV data will no longer be usable to
calculate this KPI unless the DMV changes its policies. The City and its partners are advocating to make this data
available again. In the interim, a public DMV data set showing aggregate EV and non-EV registrations by zip code is
being used. Staff generated its estimates of new and total registrations based on data on all Palo Alto zip codes
excluding 94303, which is shared with East Palo Alto. The data sets can be found at
https://data.ca.gov/dataset/vehicle-fuel-type-count-by-zip-code
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M3.Implement the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan
M4.Improve Transportation Demand Management for employees and residents
Change the way we think about parking cars
M5.Implement smart parking infrastructure in public garages
Learn how we can grow without increasing GHG emissions
M6.Study land use and transportation
M7.Continue to implement the City’s Housing Element
M8.Improve transit and traffic flow
Leverage current tools to foster mobility related GHG reductions
M9.Create housing density and land use mix that supports transit and non-SOV (Single
Occupancy Vehicle) transportation modes
M10.Encourage reductions in GHGs and VMT (vehicle miles traveled)
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
•Total VMT
•Commute mode share for all modes
•Commute Benefits participation by City employees
•Transit ridership, the proportion of residents within a quarter-mile walkshed of frequent
transit, and the proportion of residents covered by on-demand transit services (data may
not be available every year)
•Number and proportion of residents within a 10-minute walk of retail or other essential
services/land uses (data may not be available every year)
•Number of businesses participating in Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
programs (when regional TDM Program data becomes available)
In order to make progress on the Mobility goals, in 2023 the City focused on key actions to
promote alternatives to single occupancy car trips (M1, M2, M3), change the way we think
about parking cars (M5), learn how we can grow without increasing GHG emissions (M7, M8),
and leverage current tools to foster mobility related GHG reductions (M9).
Mobility KPI: Total VMT
In 2022, total VMT was 575,190,655, which is a 12 percent increase from 2021, when total VMT
was 515,738,090. This can be attributed to more people returning to the office after working
from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The VMT data for 2023 is not yet available but will
be included with the 2023 GHG inventory.
Mobility KPI: Commute mode share for all modes
Table 1 shows the commute mode share for Palo Alto in 2021 and 2022. The commute mode
share for Palo Alto for 2023 is not yet available. Year 2019 data is also included as a comparison
to pre-COVID 19 pandemic mode share. In 2022 more people drove alone and less people
carpooled or worked from home than in 2021. However, there was an increase in active
transportation and transit, although transit ridership has not returned to pre-COVID 19 levels.
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Table 1: Commute Mode Share for Palo Alto Pre-Pandemic and 2021-20228
Commute Mode (worker 16 years and older)2019 2021 2022
Worked from home 9.7%48.8%32.6%
Drove Alone 61.2%34.9%46.1%
Carpooled 5.2%5.5%2.4%
Bicycle 10%5.0%9.2%
Walked 3.9%2.4%6.4%
Public transportation (excludes taxicabs)8.0%1.2%1.6%
Taxicab, motorcycle, or other means 2.1%2.3%1.7%
Mobility KPI: Commute Benefits participation by City employees
In 2023, 19% of city employees participated in commute benefits programs.
Mobility KPI: Transit ridership, the proportion of residents within a quarter-mile walkshed of
frequent transit, and the proportion of residents covered by on-demand transit services
In 2023, 21.9% of residents were within a quarter-mile walkshed of frequent transit. Walksheds
are a visual representation of the area a pedestrian can travel to access transit. With the
introduction of Palo Alto Link, 99.7% of Palo Altans are now covered by on-demand transit. In
2023, 2.08% of Palo Altans took transit.
Mobility KPI: Number and proportion of residents within a 10-minute walk of retail or other
essential services/land uses
In 2023, 32,700 Palo Alto residents (47.8% of all 68,400 residents) lived within a 10-minute walk
of retail locations or other essential services.
Mobility KPI: Number of businesses participating in Transportation Demand Management
(TDM) programs
The City will report on the “Number of businesses participating in TDM programs” KPI when
regional TDM program data becomes available.
Water
GOALS
Reduce Palo Alto’s potable water consumption 30% compared to a 1990
baseline (subject to refinement based on forthcoming California water
efficiency standards expected in 2024)
8 U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs;
https://data.census.gov/vizwidget?g=160XX00US0655282&infoSection=Commuting
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Develop a water supply portfolio which is resilient to droughts, changes in
climate, and water demand and regulations, that supports our urban canopy
KEY ACTIONS
W1.Maximize water conservation and efficiency
W2.Build a salt removal facility to improve recycled water quality
W3.Implement One Water Portfolio projects
W4.Develop a dynamic water planning tool
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
•Estimated indoor per capita residential water consumption
•Estimated outdoor residential water consumption for irrigation
•Water consumption of commercial customers with irrigation meters
•Amount of recycled water used in Palo Alto
•Volume of stormwater that is captured and reused
The near-term focus for water is reducing water consumption while exploring ways to capture
and store water and increase the availability and use of recycled water.
In 2023, the City held eight landscape workshops on water-saving topics including rainwater
harvesting, drought-tolerant landscape design, lawn conversion, and information on available
rebates. The City tabled at five neighborhood events to educate residents on water efficiency
programs and rebates. The City also provides the WaterSmart water management tool which
gives residents information about their water consumption and personalized water
conservation recommendations.
The Water KPIs are shown in Table 2.
Table 2: S/CAP Key Performance Indicators for Water (2023)
Water KPI 2023
Estimated indoor per capita residential water consumption 17,537 gallons per capita
Estimated outdoor residential water consumption for irrigation 620 million gallons
Water consumption of commercial customers with irrigation
meters 312 million gallons
Amount of recycled water used in Palo Alto 81.05 million gallons
Volume of stormwater that is captured and reused
No data to report, no active
stormwater reuse projects
at this time
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Climate Adaptation and Sea Level Rise
GOALS
Develop and adopt a multi-year Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan including a
Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment and adaptation plan
Minimize wildland fire hazards by ensuring adequate provisions for
vegetation management, emergency access and communications, inter-
agency firefighting, and standards for design and development within
wildland areas
KEY ACTIONS
Minimize the impacts of sea level rise
S1.Complete a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment
S2.Implement a Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan
S3.Begin design process for a levee project
S4.Complete bridge improvements and identify protection strategies from flood events
Minimize the impacts of wildland fire hazards
S5.Implement the Foothills Fire Management Plan
S6.Minimize fire hazards through zoning
S7.Collaborate on reducing wildfire hazards
S8.Implement CAL FIRE education programs
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
•Percent of vulnerable locations protected from three feet of sea level rise
•Percent of properties protected from San Francisquito Creek flooding
•Progress towards sea level rise levee alignments
•Implementation of Foothills Fire Management Plan mitigation measures
Sea Level Rise KPI: Percent of vulnerable locations protected from three feet of sea level rise
Sea Level Rise KPI: Percent of properties protected from San Francisquito Creek flooding
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Sea Level Rise KPI: Progress towards sea level rise levee alignments
The “Progress towards sea level rise levee alignments” KPI is on hold until the Sea Level Rise
Adaptation Plan is completed. In 2022, the City completed a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability
Assessment9 which documents potential sea level rise hazards to City and community assets
from increments of sea level rise between 12 to 84 inches. The Assessment will inform the
development of the Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan. Current efforts to develop the Sea Level
Rise Adaptation Plan have been paused in light of two regional efforts that may significantly
change the scope of the City’s efforts:
1. A United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) cost/benefit analysis determined that
there is no federal interest in funding Palo Alto shoreline improvements at this time,
and that improvements would not be needed until approximately 2060;
2. SB272 (Laird): Sea Level Rise Planning and Adaptation signed in late 2023 requires a Bay
Area regional sea level rise adaptation plan and harmonized subregional plans. Plan
requirements, and the boundaries of subregions are anticipated from the Bay
Conservation and Development Commission by the end of 2024.
The City is working on various efforts related to implementation of the Foothills Fire
Management Plan, including:
•Leading a multi-departmental Foothills Fire Management Plan Group;
•Coordinating with Santa Clara County Fire Department, Stanford University, Santa Clara
County FireSafe Council, Town of Los Altos Hills, and Woodside Fire Protection District
on regional efforts; and,
•Updating the Palo Alto Foothills Fire Management Plan and Community Wildfire
Protection Plan (CWPP).
The City is working on the deployment of solar battery back-up improvements in key locations
to keep equipment online when electricity may be disrupted or disconnected during a fire. As
part of the Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan, the City is undergrounding electric lines and
making other safety improvements. The City is also doing ongoing work to reduce flammable
vegetation and other “fuels” in the foothills.
Palo Alto Fire Department, OES, and CSD completed an interagency project with Stanford
University and Portola Fire Protection District for the installation of fifty N5 smoke sensors
across the Foothills WUI, 12 of which were placed on Palo Alto lands.
The “Implementation of Foothills Fire Management Plan mitigation measures” KPI is shown in
Table 3.
9 2022 Palo Alto Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment;
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/public-works/environmental-compliance/sea-level-
rise/palo-alto-sea-level-rise-vulnerability-assessment-june-2022-062822-linked-final.pdf
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Table 3: S/CAP Key Performance Indicators for Foothills Fire Management Plan Mitigation
Measures (2022-2023)
Foothills Fire Management Plan Mitigation Measure 2022 2023
Number of residential defensive space re-inspections that are
required 33 homes 18 homes
Percent of miles of overhead utility line tree trimming in Foothills
completed
65.73%
(7.25 miles)
67.91%
(7.49 miles)
Total miles of electric lines undergrounded in the City of Palo
Alto Utilities Foothills Coverage Area 17,600 feet
Percent of electric line miles undergrounded in the City of Palo
Alto Utilities Foothills Coverage Area 51.3%
As a point of reference, in 2023, the city had about 116 miles of overhead lines and 195
underground lines, much of it in the Stanford Research Park area. About 2,000 residential units
are currently served by the underground system while about 14,000 have overhead lines.
Natural Environment
GOALS
Restore and enhance resilience and biodiversity of our natural environment
throughout the City
Increase tree canopy to 40% city-wide coverage by 2030
By 2030, achieve a 10% increase in land area that uses green stormwater
infrastructure to treat urban water runoff, compared to a 2020 baseline
KEY ACTIONS
Maintain and protect tree canopy
N1.Increase Palo Alto’s tree canopy
N2.Ensure No Net Tree Canopy Loss for all projects
N3.Reduce pesticide use in parks and open space preserves
N4.Enhance pollinator habitat
N5.Establish a carbon storage of tree canopy baseline and KPI
Restore and enhance biodiversity
N6.Maximize biodiversity and soil health
N7.Coordinate implementation of the City Natural Environment-Related Plans
N8.Expand Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) requirements
N9.Phase out gas-powered lawn and garden equipment
Reduce pollutants entering the Bay
N10.Support the Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan.
N11.Incorporate green stormwater infrastructure in municipal projects
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
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•City-wide Tree Canopy coverage
•Native species on City property and in new landscape projects (to measure biodiversity)
•Land area that uses green stormwater infrastructure to treat urban water runoff
The near-term focus for Natural Environment is to increase Palo Alto’s Tree Canopy, reduce
pesticide usage in parks and open space preserves, and support the Green Stormwater
Infrastructure Plan and incorporate it in municipal projects. In order to make progress on the
Natural Environment goals, in 2023 the City focused on key actions to maintain and protect tree
canopy (N2, N3, N4, N5), restore and enhance biodiversity (N6, N7, N8, N9), and reduce
pollutants entering the Bay (N10, N11).
Ongoing tree planting efforts to increase tree canopy will be integrated with traditional tree
planting programs and Green Stormwater Infrastructure to provide co-benefits including
carbon sequestration, improve water quality, capture stormwater when feasible, and reduce
the urban heat island.
In August 2023, the City Council adopted an ordinance to expand the scope of the gas-powered
leaf blower ban in residential neighborhoods and adopted a resolution increasing the
administrative penalty related to gas-powered leaf blower use in residential neighborhoods.10
Natural Environment KPI: City-wide Tree Canopy coverage
In 2023, citywide tree canopy coverage was 44%, however this includes open space and the
Foothills Nature Preserve. Tree canopy coverage in urbanized areas only was 26%.
Natural Environment KPI: Native species on City property and in new landscape projects (to
measure biodiversity)
There were no new landscape projects approved in 2023, so the KPI for “Native species on City
property and in new landscape projects (to measure biodiversity)” cannot be calculated.
Natural Environment KPI: Land area that uses green stormwater infrastructure to treat urban
water runoff
There is currently no data to report for the “Land area that uses green stormwater
infrastructure to treat urban water runoff” KPI. The City is waiting on project approval to send
out a request for proposals to calculate this KPI. The project is estimated to start in the Fall
2024, with reporting estimated to be ready by the end of 2025.
10 City Council, August 7, 2023; Agenda Item #13; SR #2306-1711,
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=82491
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Zero Waste
GOALS
Divert 95% of waste from landfills by 2030, leading to zero waste
Implement short- and medium-term initiatives identified in the 2018 Zero
Waste Plan
KEY ACTIONS
Education and outreach
ZW1.Encourage food waste prevention and require food recovery from commercial food
generators
ZW2.Promote residential food waste reduction
ZW3.Champion waste prevention, reduction, reusables, and the sharing economy
ZW4.Provide waste prevention technical assistance to the commercial sector
Collaborate on and expand policies
ZW5.Prioritize domestic processing of recyclable materials
ZW6.Eliminate single-use disposable containers
ZW7.Expand the Deconstruction and Construction Materials Management Ordinance
ZW8.Implement Reach Code standard for low carbon construction materials
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
•Diversion rate
•Number of Zero Waste Plan11 initiatives implemented
11 2018 Zero Waste Plan, www.cityofpaloalto.org/zwplan
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clarification is received through Senate Bill 54 final regulations and other recent legislation
creating changes on what will be considered recyclable and compostable. The City developed
and printed postcard and trifold brochures on the Disposable Foodware Ordinance/AB 1276 to
be mailed and handed out to 450 food service establishments.
Zero Waste KPI: Diversion rate
Zero Waste KPI: Number of Zero Waste Plan initiatives implemented
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Performance Indicators
Progress for 2023
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Attachment E: S/CAP Key Performance Indicators Progress Summary
Key Performance Indicator 2021 2022 2023
•GHG reductions (1990 baseline)53.9%47.4% TBD (to be determined)
•Community awareness
* Staff will add a more direct question to
measure community awareness in future
surveys
68% of residents
indicated that it is
essential or very
important for Palo
Alto to focus on
reducing GHGs in
the next 2 yearsCl
i
m
a
t
e
A
c
t
i
o
n
•Participation in Climate Pledge n/a n/a Not launched yet
•GHG emissions from natural gas use in
buildings (MT CO2e)1 135,697 MT CO2e 143,599 MT CO2e 144,972 MT CO2e
•Percentage of single-family households with
no gas connections 1.2% (208 homes)2.1% (341 homes)En
e
r
g
y
•Percentage of gas use reduction in major
facilities & City facilities (2016 baseline)
45% reduction in
City facilities
•GHG emissions from vehicle travel (CO2e)185,925 MT 221,923 MT TBD
•% of registered vehicles that are EVs2 11%13%16%
•% of new vehicle sales that are EVs 24%43%52%
•% of multifamily residents with access to
overnight EV charging 4%
El
e
c
t
r
i
c
V
e
h
i
c
l
e
s
•Gasoline sales in Palo Alto Data unavailable Data unavailable Data unavailable
•Total VMT3 515,738,090 575,190,655 TBD
•Commute mode share for all modes
o Worked from home
o Drove alone
o Carpooled
o Bicycled
o Walked
o Public Transport
o Taxicab and other modes
o 48.8%
o 34.9%
o 5.5%
o 5.0%
o 2.4%
o 1.2%
o 2.3%
o 32.6%
o 46.1%
o 2.4%
o 9.2%
o 6.4%
o 1.6%
o 1.7%
TBD
•City Employee Commute Benefits participation 19%
•Transit ridership
•The proportion of residents within a quarter-
mile walkshed of frequent transit
•The proportion of residents covered by on-
demand transit services
Data unavailable Data unavailable
o 2.08%
o 21.9%
o 99.7%
•Number and proportion of residents within a
10-minute walk of retail or other essential
services/land uses4
Data unavailable Data unavailable
32,700 (47.8% of
all 68,400
residents)
Mo
b
i
l
i
t
y
•Businesses participating in TDM programs5 Data unavailable Data unavailable Data unavailable
1 GHG emissions from natural gas use in single-family, multifamily, and nonresidential buildings
2 “EVs” includes both battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Plug-in hybrids made up about 5% of
new vehicles in 2023 and 1% of all vehicles.
3 Annual commute, resident, and visitor Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
4 Data may not be available every year
5 Will be reported on when regional Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Program data becomes available
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Performance Indicators
Progress for 2023
Summary
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 61 Packet Pg. 68 of 150
Key Performance Indicator 2021 2022 2023
•Indoor per capita residential water
consumption (estimated)24,904 gallons 24,171 gallons 17,537 gallons
•Outdoor residential water consumption for
irrigation (estimated)
540 million
gallons
427 million
gallons
620 million
gallons
•Water consumption of commercial customers
with irrigation meters
361 million
gallons
348 million
gallons
312 million
gallons
•Amount of recycled water used in Palo Alto 98.1 million
gallons
113.5 million
gallons
81.05 million
gallons
Wa
t
e
r
•Volume of stormwater that is captured and
reused No data to report No data to report No data to report
•Percent of vulnerable locations protected
from three feet of sea level rise n/a n/a No data, project
delayed
•Percent of properties protected from San
Francisquito Creek flooding Data unavailable Data unavailable Data unavailable
•Progress towards sea level rise levee
alignments n/a Not launched yet No data, project
delayed
Cl
i
m
a
t
e
A
d
a
p
t
a
t
i
o
n
a
n
d
S
e
a
L
e
v
e
l
R
i
s
e
•Implementation of Foothills Fire
Management Plan mitigation measures
o Number of residential defensive space
re-inspections that are required
o Percent of miles of overhead utility line
tree trimming in Foothills completed
o Total miles of electric lines
undergrounded in the City of Palo Alto
Utilities Foothills Coverage Area
o Percent of electric line miles
undergrounded in the City of Palo Alto
Utilities Foothills Coverage Area
o 33 homes
o 65.73% (7.25
miles)
o 18 homes
o 67.91% (7.49
miles)
o 17,600 feet
o 51.3%
•City-wide Tree Canopy coverage 36.8%Data unavailable
44% (includes
open space and
Foothills Nature
Preserve)
26% (urbanized
areas only)
•Native species on City property and in new
landscape projects (to measure biodiversity)n/a n/a No new landscape
projects to report
Na
t
u
r
a
l
E
n
v
i
r
o
n
m
e
n
t
•Land area that uses green stormwater
infrastructure to treat urban water runoff n/a n/a No data to report
•Diversion rate 84%91%TBD
Ze
r
o
W
a
s
t
e
•Zero Waste Plan initiatives implemented
18 completed
15 in progress
15 remaining
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Performance Indicators
Progress for 2023
Summary
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Page 1 of 1
Attachment F: Proposed Whole Home Electrification Pilot Program Incentives
A comprehensive whole home electrification pilot could include various incentives for electrifying
at least one major appliance. Tentative incentive levels per home can be found in Table 1. Funds
for Phase 1 are included in the Adopted FY 2025 Budget, but additional Council approvals will
likely be needed for Phase 2.
Table 1: Proposed Whole Home Electrification Pilot Program Incentives
Item
Proposed
Incentive per
Home
100 Home
Pilot Comments/Assumptions
Heat Pump HVAC $2,500 $250,000
Additional Items:
Attic/Roof insulation $1,000 $30,000 Assume 30% of homes apply;
$0.75/sqft, max $1000
Electric Panel $1,500 $15,000 10% of homes opt for panel upgrades
Electric Readiness $2,000 $100,000 $500/circuit, up to $2000. Est. 50%
utilization rate
Disconnect Gas Meter $2,000 $20,000 10% of homes go all electric
Program Costs:
Home Electrification Plan $300 $30,000 Plan + Electrification Advisor
Permit Fees*TBD*$75,000 Permit fees, up to a capped amount
Rebate Administration $120 $12,000
Transformer Upgrades TBD TBD Still estimating the cost of this item
Total Program Costs** Up to $9,400
+ permit fees $532,000
* Tentative – staff intends to recommend covering permit fees. Payment method and dollar amounts still being designed.
** Turnkey service in Phase 2 would include additional project management & concierge service fees, to be determined.
Item 3
Attachment F - Whole
Home Electrification
Program Incentives
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 63 Packet Pg. 70 of 150
City Council
Staff Report
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: City Clerk
Meeting Date: November 12, 2024
Report #:2410-3730
TITLE
Approval of Minutes from October 28, 2024 Meeting
RECOMMENDATION
That the minutes be reviewed and approved.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: October 28, 2024 Draft Action Minutes
APPROVED BY:
Mahealani Ah Yun
Item 4
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CITY COUNCIL
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Page 1 of 4
Special Meeting
October 28, 2024
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the Council Chambers and by virtual
teleconference at 5:30 P.M.
Present In Person: Burt, Kou, Lauing, Lythcott-Haims, Stone, Tanaka, Veenker
Council Member Lythcott-Haims Arrived at 5:33 P.M.
Present Remotely:
Absent:
Special Orders of the Day
1. Interview Candidates for Vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Commission. CEQA Status
– Not a project.
NO ACTION
Agenda Changes, Additions and Deletions
Public Comment
Council Member Questions, Comments and Announcements
Study Session
2. Nonprofit Relationships Study Session
NO ACTION
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Minutes
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DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Page 2 of 4
Sp. City Council Meeting
Draft Action Minutes: 10/28/2024
Consent Calendar
Council Member Tanaka, Veenker, and Lythcott-Haims requested to pull Agenda Item Number
10.
Council Member Tanaka registered a no vote on Agenda Item Number 5, 6, 7, 9.
MOTION: Council Member Kou moved, seconded by Mayor Stone to approve Agenda Item
Numbers 3-9, and to pull Agenda Item Number 10 off the Consent Calendar.
MOTION PASSED ITEMS 3, 4, 8: 7-0
MOTION PASSED ITEMS 5, 6, 7, 9: 6-1, Tanaka no
3. Approval of the Acceptance of State of California Citizens Options for Public Safety (COPS)
Funds of $204,005 and a Budget Amendment in the Supplemental Law Enforcement
Services Fund (2/3 vote required) for front-line law enforcement expenses; CEQA status
– not a project.
4. Approval of Construction Contract Number C25191007 with Tennyson Electric, LLC. in the
amount of $453,300 and Authorization of the City Manager or Their Designee to
Negotiate and Execute Change Orders for Related Additional but Unforeseen Work that
may Develop During the Project Up to a Not-To-Exceed Amount of $45,330 for the Quarry
Road Traffic Signals and Intelligent Transportation Services (ITS) improvement project;
CEQA status – Categorically Exempt (CEQA Guidelines Section 15301).
5. Approval of Construction Contract Number C25192135 with Anderson Pacific Engineering
Construction, Inc. in the Amount Not-to-Exceed $6,215,000; Authorization for the City
Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute Change Orders up to a Not-to-
Exceed Amount of $621,500 for Related, Additional but Unforeseen Work Which May
Develop During the Project; Approval of Amendment Number 5 to Contract C21176592C
with Carollo Engineers, Inc. in the Amount of $1,314,192 for a New Compensation Not-
to-Exceed Amount of $14,695,384 for the Wastewater Treatment Fund for the 12kV
Electrical Power Distribution Loop Rehabilitation Bid Package 2 Project at the Regional
Water Quality Control Plant, Funded by the Plant Repair, Retrofit, and Equipment
Replacement Project (WQ-19002); CEQA Status – Exempt Under Section 15301
6. Approval of Professional Services Contract Number C25190936 with WRA, Inc. in the
Amount of $908,806 for the Design and Monitoring of the Arastradero Creek Permanent
Restoration Project – Design Phase in the Pearson-Arastradero Preserve in the City of Palo
Alto for a Period of 3 Years; CEQA status - Not a project.
7. Adoption of Revised Management and Professional Compensation Plan and Revised
Salary Schedules for Management and Professional and the Service Employees
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28, 2024 Draft Action
Minutes
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DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Page 3 of 4
Sp. City Council Meeting
Draft Action Minutes: 10/28/2024
International Association Local 521 in Alignment with Position Changes in the FY 2025
Adopted Budget; CEQA Status - not a project
8. Approval of Amendment No. 1 to Contract Number C21181420 with West Coast Arborists,
Inc. for Tree Pruning and Removal Services in the Amount of $3,011,228, for a New Total
Not-to-Exceed Amount of $6,776,608, and Extend the Term by Two Years; CEQA Status –
Exempt per Section 15301(h) (maintenance of existing landscape)
9. Approval of First Amendment to Lease Agreement and Third Amendment to Tenant Work
Letter between the City of Palo Alto and the Palo Alto History Museum for the Roth
Building at 300 Homer Avenue; CEQA Status--Not a Project.
10. Approval of Amendment No. 2 to Contract Number C23184827 with Nomad Transit, LLC
(Via) in the Amount of $1,200,000 for a total not to exceed $3,801,500 to Continue the
City of Palo Alto On-Demand Transit Service through June 2025; Approve a Cost Sharing
Agreement with Stanford Research Park to Partially Fund the Service up to $600,000; and
Adopt an Ordinance Amending the FY 2025 Municipal Fee Schedule to Increase Fares;
CEQA status – not a project.
City Manager Comments
Ed Shikada, City Manager
Action Items
11. Adopt a Resolution Establishing the City Council Annual Calendar of Meetings, Recesses
and City Council Events for the Calendar Year 2025; CEQA status – not a project
MOTION: Council Member Burt moved, seconded by Council Member Lythcott-Haims to adopt
a resolution establishing the City Council calendar of meetings, recesses, and City Council events
for the calendar year 2025 which considers holidays and other dates to avoid for City Council
meetings and request staff to schedule the City Council Retreat on Saturday, January 25, 2025 or
a Saturday date closest to January 27, 2025 and recommend no City Council meeting on the
Monday following the Saturday Retreat.
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
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28, 2024 Draft Action
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DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
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Sp. City Council Meeting
Draft Action Minutes: 10/28/2024
Closed Session
12. CONFERENCE WITH CITY ATTORNEY-POTENTIAL LITIGATION Subject: Claims pursuant to
Public Contract Code 9204 related to construction of the Public Safety Building from
Pacific Structures, Inc.; Swinerton Builders, CCI Construction, Inc.; Walters & Wolf, WSA,
Helix Construction Company; BMC; Sandis; and Northern Services, Inc. Authority:
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
MOTION: Council Member Lauing moved, seconded by Council Member Veenker to go into
Closed Session.
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
Council went into Closed Session at 8:37 P.M.
Council returned from Closed Session at 9:30 P.M.
Mayor Stone announced no reportable action.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:31 P.M.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
____________________ ____________________
City Clerk Mayor
NOTE: Action minutes are prepared in accordance with Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC)
2.04.160(a) and (b). Summary minutes (sense) are prepared in accordance with PAMC Section
2.04.160(c). Beginning in January 2018, in accordance with Ordinance No. 5423, the City Council
found action minutes and the video/audio recordings of Council proceedings to be the official
records of both Council and committee proceedings. These recordings are available on the City’s
website.
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Attachment A - October
28, 2024 Draft Action
Minutes
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City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: City Manager
Meeting Date: November 12, 2024
Report #:2410-3589
TITLE
Approval of the New Councilmember Onboarding Outline as recommended by the Policy and
Services Committee; CEQA – Not a Project
RECOMMENDATION
The Policy and Services Committee recommends the Council approve the New Councilmember
Onboarding outline as updated by the Committee.
BACKGROUND
In November 2022, the Council adopted the New Councilmember Onboarding outline. The
outline was used with the most recent Councilmember onboarding after the November 2022
election. The Council reviewed and approved it with the understanding that it would be the basic
outline of the process going forward because each election will have candidates of different
backgrounds and experiences, and it provides members with consistent basic orientation
information.
Based on prior Council action, staff created the New Councilmember Onboarding outline with
the goal of effectively onboarding new Councilmembers. The outline is intended to share
necessary and useful information about operating as a Councilmember. This includes things such
as information about City operations and procedures, the legal obligations of serving on Council,
and an overview of upcoming policy topics that will come before the Council in the near future.
This outline includes a combination of a digital resource library as well as a one- or two-day
workshop, depending on the preferences of the newly elected Councilmembers. The workshop
outline and digital resources library index are included as Attachment A. The outline includes the
following nine discussion sections:
1. Introduction to the City Organization
2. Councilmember Specific Information
3. Legal Update and Considerations while on Council
4. Council Meeting Procedures and Protocols
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5.Policy Role in Land Use Planning
6.Financial Responsibilities, Budgeting and Performance Measurements
7.Communications and Community Engagement
8.Emergency Preparedness
9.Major Projects and Upcoming Items
In addition to this Onboarding outline and workshop, Councilmembers are subject to mandatory
trainings including AB 1234 ethics training, anti-harassment training, and cybersecurity training.
The League of California Cities also annually hosts a Mayors and Councilmembers Academy that
covers the legal, financial, and practical fundamentals of serving as an elected official in
California. The next such training is January 22-24, 2025 in Sacramento. New Councilmembers
may request to attend and the City will cover related expenses and assist with arrangements.
ANALYSIS
The Policy and Services Committee reviewed the previously approved onboarding outline at its
October 8, 2024 meeting1 and recommended several updates. The Committee recommended
that this year’s onboarding include:
•The opportunity for a budget deep dive for any interested new Councilmember
•A summary of some practices Councilmembers have used for meeting preparation
•A summary of some practices Councilmembers have used to receive public input (e.g.,
office hours)
•Process for adding items to an agenda
On the second and third bullets, following Council approval of this recommendation, staff will
ask current Councilmembers for their input on what they would like to share on these topics.
The Committee also recommended that staff more strongly emphasize certain topics included
in the adopted outline, including the:
•Virtual library of key City documents and reference material
•Procedures and Protocols Handbook sections on the role/responsibility of a
Councilmember when assigned to regional boards/outside agencies, as well as
information on parliamentary procedures, especially relating to motions
•Roles of Council Appointed Officers (CAOs) and how the CAOs interact with Council and
each other
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Implementation of this activity is accomplished within existing resources.
1 Policy & Services Committee, October 8, 2024, Agenda Item # 1, Staff Report #: 2409-3502
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=52922
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STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY:
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New Councilmember Onboarding Outline
Section 1. Introduction to the City Organization (20 Minutes)
Section 2. Council Specific Information (30 Minutes)
Section 3. Legal Update and Considerations while on Council (50 minutes)
Section 4. Council Meeting Protocols (20 Minutes)
Section 5. Policy Role in Land Use Planning (60 Minutes)
Section 6. Financial Responsibilities, Budgeting and Performance Measurements (45
Minutes)
Section 7. Community Engagement and Communication (20 Minutes)
Section 8. Emergency Preparedness (20 Minutes)
Section 9. Department Topics and Q&A (30 Minutes)
Section 1. Part 1. Introduction to the City Organization (20 Minutes)
1.1. Refreshing overview of the Departmental structure, services and ELT
Contacts
1.2. Relationships between City Council and City Staff, Council Appointed
Officers (CAOs) and the public
A. Role of the City Councilmember/Local Elected Official
B. Role of the City Manager
C. Role of the City Attorney
D. Role of the City Clerk
E. Role of the City Auditor
Section 2. Council Specific Information (30 Minutes)
Council‐specific information includes all the items that relate to Councilmembers
themselves in their new role.
2.1. Conduct & Expectations
2.2. Overview of Procedures &Protocols Handbook’s and notable norms
2.3. Regulatory Guidelines
2.4. Required trainings
2.5. Council Strategic priorities
2.6. Councilmembers’ roles regarding council subcommittees and service on
regional boards, outside agencies and committees
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Councilmember
Onboarding Outline
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2.7. Travel, Conferences and Training opportunities
2.8. CAO evaluation cycle
2.9. Special Council Events (Reorganization, State of the City, Strategic Planning,
etc)
Section 3. Legal Update and Considerations while on Council (50 minutes)
3.1. Basics on City legal structure: Charter City, with a council‐manager form of
government. What is an ordinance. What is a resolution. How the City fits
within the State and Federal governments.
3.2. Explanation of Council’s primary roles: (a) policymaking/legislative; and (b)
quasi‐judicial. A brief introduction to the special obligations of the quasi‐
judicial role.
3.3. Key laws governing Councilmembers’ behavior:
A. Brown Act (including avoiding serial meetings, social media, and
maintaining confidentiality of closed sessions)
B. Political Reform Act/conflicts of interest
C. Public Records Act (including personal devices)
3.4. Update on Legal Advice related to 2025 Council Work. Confidential under
Attorney/Client Privilege, Private Session to be Scheduled Separately. Legal
Update on confidential advice for current issues.
Section 4. Council Meeting Protocols (20 Minutes)
4.1. Logistics: Schedules, seating, attendance, technology, meeting etiquette
4.2. Meeting Prep Best Practices
4.2.4.3. Agenda Structure
4.3.4.4. Rules of Procedure
4.4.4.5. Packet production process and schedules, Staff Report timelines
4.6. How/when to pose questions or add items to an agenda
4.7. Closed session practices
Section 5. Policy Role in Land Use Planning (60 Minutes)
5.1. Review of land use planning terms
5.2. Role of council in land use matters
5.3. Development review/approval process
5.4. Role of planning or zoning commissions/boards
5.5. Schedule of general plan, precise plans, or other policy documents that are
coming to the council in the upcoming year
5.6. Housing element; purpose, process, approval and timeline
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Councilmember
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5.7. Preview of development projects that will appear before the council in the
upcoming year
5.8. Economic Development Program
Section 6. Financial Responsibilities, Budgeting and Performance Measurements
Review the basics of the financial structure and condition to help
Councilmembers understand their fiduciary responsibilities.
6.1. Fiscal Calendar
6.2. Financial position of the City
6.3. Explanation of fund structure
6.4. Overview of the most recent comprehensive audit and financial report
(CAFR)
6.5. Operating and capital budget cycle
6.6. Investment and treasury policies
6.7. Schedule for financial reporting to the council
6.8. Unfunded liabilities (e.g., post‐employment benefits)
6.9. Pension and OPEB Trusts
6.10. Performance Tracking
Section 7. Community Engagement and Communication (20 Minutes)
7.1. Communications practices with Staff and with the Public, including practices
previous Councilmembers have used
7.2. Media relations
Section 8. Emergency Preparedness (20 Minutes)
Due to the unique and critical role local governments play regarding emergency
preparedness, a briefing on this topic is key.
8.1. High‐level briefing
8.2. Council role in the event of a community emergency
8.3. Public Safety organizational structure
Section 9. Department Topics and Q&A (30 Minutes)
9.1. Department‐specific services
9.2. Critical issues and projects for each department
9.3. Department heads and their contact information
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Councilmember
Onboarding Outline
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Digital Resource Library
1. Local Government Resources
Cal Cities Brown Act Guide
Cal Cities New Mayors & Councilmembers Academy Session Materials (2024)
Cal Cities Public Records Act Guide
Cal Cities Rosenberg’s Rules of Order Guide
Institute for Local Government State Ethics Training Requirements for Local
Officials: Frequently Asked Questions
Statements of Economic Interest (FPPC Form 700) FAQs & Reference Pamphlet
2. City Administrative Resources
City Charter
City Municipal Code1
City Organizational Chart
City Roster
Records Portal2
Travel Arrangements and Expense Reimbursement Policy
3. City Council Operations
2024 City Council Priorities3 & Priority Setting Guidelines
2024 Council Priority Objectives
2025 Meeting Calendar
Boards, Commissions and Committees Handbook
City Council Procedures & Protocols Handbook
Conflict of Interest Resolution
1 Municipal Code: h ps://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0‐0‐0‐59235
2 Laserfiche Public Portal: h ps://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/Welcome.aspx?repo=r‐704298fc
3 City Council Priori es: h ps://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/City‐Clerk/City‐Council/City‐Council‐Priori es
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Councilmember
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4. City Financial Resources
FY 2025 Adopted Capital Budget
FY 2025 Adopted Operating Budget
FY 2025 Adopted Municipal Fee Schedule
FY 2025 – FY 2034 Long Range Financial Forecast
FY 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
Open Budget Web App 4
5. Miscellaneous
2030 Comprehensive Plan
2023 – 2031 Housing Element
Infrastructure Plan Projects5
Open Data Portal6
Note: URLs are provided for websites; digital copies of other reference materials will be
provided
4 Open Budget Web App: h ps://paloalto.opengov.com/
5 Infrastructure Plan Projects: h ps://www.infrastructure.cityofpaloalto.org/
6 Open Data Portal: h ps://data.cityofpaloalto.org/home
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Councilmember
Onboarding Outline
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City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Information Technology
Meeting Date: November 12, 2024
Report #:2409-3524
TITLE
Approval of the Tri-Cities Consortium Computer Aided Dispatch System Software Agreement
with Sun Ridge Systems Inc. in an Amount Not to Exceed $339,857 for Five Years to Implement
a New Computer Aided Dispatch System for the Communications Departments of Palo Alto,
Mountain View, and Los Altos; CEQA Status - Not a Project
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager or their designee to
execute the Tri-Cities Consortium Contract (Attachment A) with Sun Ridge Systems, Inc., for a
Computer Aided Dispatch System for a term of five (5) years and a total amount not-to-exceed
$339,857. This represents Palo Alto’s share of the costs as shared with the cities of Mountain
View and Los Altos.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system facilitates incident response and communication.
CAD systems, in many cases, are the first point of entry for information regarding an incident.
Typical CAD system functions include resource management, dispatching, unit status
management, call disposition, interfacing with mobile data computers (MDCs), and interfaces
with external local, state, and federal information systems.
BACKGROUND
In 2008, the City Managers of Los Altos, Mountain View, and Palo Alto agreed to a broad
initiative of sharing public safety technology as a method to conserve resources, improve
response times, increase the resiliency and the redundancy of these critical systems, and to
enhance interoperable communications between first responders in the three cities. This
initiative presented the “virtual consolidation” concept and the framework to share public
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safety technology and communication systems. In 2012, the Tri-Cities Consortium was formed
by agreement1.
2.
The CAD license was purchased as part of the project to allow the department to collect state-
mandated Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA) data, pursuant to AB 953, using Sun Ridge’s
call for service module.
ANALYSIS
1 City Council, February 21, 2012; Agenda Item #6, SR#1829
2 City Council, November 30, 2020; Agenda Item #9, SR#11763
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solution due to the quality of their services, the experience of their staff, and their ability to
provide future services. The cities of Los Altos, Palo Alto, and Mountain View’s staff have
reviewed and recommend the approval of the agreement.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
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ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY:
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Sun Ridge Systems, Inc. – TriCities CAD Consortium v4a Page 1
SUN RIDGE SYSTEMS, INC.
This Software and Services Agreement (“Agreement”) is executed in duplicate as of
__________, 2024, between Sun Ridge Systems, Inc., a California corporation (“Sun Ridge”),
and City of Los Altos, a political subdivision of the State of California (“the City”) located at 1 North
San Antonio Road, Los Altos, 94022.
Section 1. Agreement. That for and in consideration of payments and agreements
hereinafter mentioned to be made and performed by the City, and under the conditions set forth
in this Agreement, Sun Ridge agrees to provide computer software (“Software”) and services
(“Services”) to the City as described in Exhibit A, Scope of Work, attached hereto and incorporated
herein. The Software support and maintenance services to be provided by Sun Ridge as part of
the Services are more specifically described in Exhibit C attached hereto and incorporated herein
(“Software Support Services Agreement”).
Section 2. City Project Manager. Sun Ridge shall work under the general direction
of Sneh Kukreja (City of Palo Alto) in fulfilling this Agreement.
Section 3. Scope of Work. The project that is the subject of this Agreement shall
consist of the delivery by Sun Ridge to the City of the Software and Services (the “Project”)
described in Exhibit A.
Section 4. Payment Schedule. In consideration for the Software and Services to be
provided by Sun Ridge under this Agreement, the City agrees to pay Sun Ridge the Total Contract
Amount (“Contract Amount”) given in Exhibit B according to the following schedule (“Payment
Schedule”):
Milestone Amount of Payment
Contract Signing 25% of Contract Amount
Software Installation Complete 25% of Contract Amount
Training Complete 25% of Contract Amount
Final Acceptance 25% of Contract Amount
The City shall not be entitled to withhold or delay payments due to Sun Ridge pursuant to the
above Payment Schedule due to delay in the delivery, installation, or testing of Software items
described in Exhibit A where the delay is the result of action or inaction or breach of this
Agreement by the City, its agents or employees or the action or inaction of a third party which is
not within Sun Ridge's reasonable control.
Section 5. Invoices. Invoices shall be sent to:
Chandra Kooner
Mountain View Police Department
1000 Villa Street
Mountain View, CA 94041
650-903-6700
Upon receipt of the invoice, the City shall verify that the invoice has been properly prepared and
that the conditions of payment have been fulfilled. If the payment conditions have been fulfilled,
the invoice shall be processed and paid by the City within thirty (30) days after the City’s receipt
thereof.
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Attachment A - Sun Ridge
Systems, Inc. Software
and Services Agreement
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Sun Ridge Systems, Inc. – TriCities CAD Consortium v4a Page 2
In addition to any other amounts for which the City is liable under this Agreement, the City agrees
to pay to Sun Ridge a late charge equal to one percent (1%) of the amount due if the City fails to
pay Sun Ridge any amount that is due and owing pursuant to this Agreement within sixty (60)
days after the City’s receipt of an invoice from Sun Ridge. Any invoiced amounts that are due
and owing under this Agreement which the City fails to pay to Sun Ridge within ninety (90) days
after the City’s receipt of an invoice from Sun Ridge shall thereafter bear interest at the rate of
twelve percent (12%) per annum or the highest interest rate allowed by applicable law, whichever
is less.
Section 6. Term of Agreement. Unless terminated earlier in accordance with the
provisions of this Agreement or applicable law, the term of this Agreement (“Term”) shall be from
the date shown on the first page of this Agreement through completion of the Project. Completion
of the Project means the installation by Sun Ridge of all of the Software, the completion by Sun
Ridge of all training and other Services and the payment by the City to Sun Ridge of the entire
Contract Amount. The Project schedule is to be separately generated and agreed to between the
parties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the License described in Section 9 below will remain in
effect until it is terminated pursuant to Section 9.
Section 7. Warranty/Disclaimer of Liability.
Section 8. Final Acceptance. For thirty (30) days from the beginning of Agency’s
Operational Use of the Software or forty (40) days after the completion of installation and training
by Sun Ridge, whichever comes first (the “Test Period”), Agency shall test the system for defects
and anomalies. “Operational Use” is defined as the Agency’s use of the Sun Ridge Software in
the course of the Agency’s daily business activities. During the Test Period, Sun Ridge shall
address and attempt to resolve issues with the Software identified by Agency under the Software
Support Services Agreement (Exhibit C). At the end of the Test Period, Agency shall accept or
reject the Software as follows:
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Systems, Inc. Software
and Services Agreement
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milestone Payment Amounts. Any remaining issues with the Software shall be covered as part
of the original cost of the system and handled as maintenance items under the Software Support
Services Agreement (Exhibit C).
Section 9. Software License. Subject to the terms, conditions, limitations and
restrictions set forth in this Agreement, Sun Ridge grants to the City a nonexclusive and non-
transferable license, effective upon the City’s Final Acceptance of the Software pursuant to
Section 8 above, to use the Software in connection with the City’s normal and customary daily
operations substantially as they exist as of the date of commencement of the Term as described
below (the “License”). The City shall acquire no ownership or other rights in or to the Software
except for the License granted hereunder, and title to the Software shall at all times remain with
Sun Ridge.
a.The following additional terms, conditions and limitations apply to
the License:
i.The City may use the Software on all computers in the City’s
agency. Software may not be used at any other agencies unless explicitly agreed to in writing by
Sun Ridge;
ii.The City may make a copy of the Software for backup or
modification purposes only in support of the City’s authorized use of the Software hereunder as
Sun Ridge has expressly authorized; and
iii.No one using the Software, and no one for whose benefit
the Software is being used, shall sublicense, resell, distribute, market, provide or otherwise make
available the Software or any part or copies thereof to any third party.
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Systems, Inc. Software
and Services Agreement
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vii.The License granted under this Agreement shall apply only
to the object code for the Software. No one using the Software, and no one for whose benefit the
Software is being used, shall have the right to use or have access to the source code for the
Software, and neither the City nor anyone using the Software pursuant to this License will modify,
change, merge, adapt, translate, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble or prepare derivative
works based upon the Software.
viii.The City acknowledges that the Software and the
Documentation constitute trade secrets of Sun Ridge. The City agrees to maintain the
confidentiality of the Software and the Documentation, and shall take commercially reasonable
steps to preserve that confidentiality pursuant to Section 12 of this Agreement.
b.The term of the License shall commence upon Final Acceptance of
the Software by the City, and shall continue until the License is terminated as provided below.
i.Sun Ridge may immediately terminate the License in the
event of any failure by the City to comply with the terms or conditions of this Agreement by giving
written notice of such termination to the City. In the event the City has leased the Software from
Sun Ridge, the License will terminate automatically upon termination of the lease. Upon such
termination, the City shall immediately cease further use of the Software and will cause all copies
of the Software to be destroyed or returned to Sun Ridge.
ii.The City may terminate the License at any time by giving
written notice thereof to Sun Ridge and by destroying or returning to Sun Ridge all copies of the
Software. The City acknowledges and agrees that any election by the City to terminate the
License hereunder will not entitle the City to any refund of amounts paid or compensation of any
kind from Sun Ridge.
iii.Upon any termination or expiration of the License, an
authorized representative of the City shall certify in writing to Sun Ridge that all copies of the
Software and the Documentation which were the subject of the License have either been
destroyed or returned to Sun Ridge as required above.
iv.The provisions of Sections 7 and 11 through 13, inclusive,
shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.
c.Sun Ridge may, at its option, release updates to or new versions of
the Software. If the City elects to obtain any update or new version of the Software, the use of
such update or new version will be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
d.Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, Sun Ridge retains
all intellectual property rights and other rights to the Software, Documentation (as defined below),
and the source code for the Software.
Section 10. Indemnity and Insurance.
a.Sun Ridge agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City
and its officers, directors, shareholders, employees, and agents (the “City Indemnified Parties”)
from any and all claims, demands, liabilities, and costs, including attorney’s fees (“Claims”),
arising out of or relating to (i) any actual infringement of a third-party’s intellectual property rights
or (ii) the negligence or willful misconduct of any employee or agent of Sun Ridge occurring during
or as a result of Sun Ridge’s performance of its obligations hereunder, provided that Sun Ridge
shall have no indemnity or other obligations to the City hereunder to the extent any such Claims
arise from or are the result of the negligence or other fault of the City or its employees, agents or
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Systems, Inc. Software
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other contractors nor shall the foregoing indemnity and hold harmless obligations of Sun Ridge
extend to or cover any Claims arising from or relating to claims of defects or errors in the Software
or the City’s use or inability to use the Software. This indemnity obligation shall survive the
expiration, cancellation or termination of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the City
expressly waives, releases, and agrees that neither Sun Ridge nor Sun Ridge’s officers, directors,
shareholders, employees, agents and affiliates shall have any liability for any individual’s or
entity’s lost business, direct damages, incidental or consequential damages, or any other Claims
arising out of or related to the use or implementation of the Software.
b.During the term of this Agreement, Sun Ridge shall comply with the
following insurance requirements:
i.Workers’ Compensation. Sun Ridge shall fully comply with
the terms of the law of California concerning workers’ compensation. Said compliance shall
include, but not be limited to, maintaining in full force and effect one or more policies of insurance
insuring against any liability Sun Ridge may have for workers’ compensation. Said policy shall
also include employer’s liability coverage of $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury or disease.
ii.General Liability Insurance. Sun Ridge shall obtain at its
sole cost and keep in full force and effect during the term of this Agreement commercial general
liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, and property
damage personal injury; coverage includes products and completed operations,. Said insurance
shall provide (1) that the City, its officers, and employees shall be included as additional insureds
under the policy, and (2) that the policy shall operate as primary insurance, and non-contributory.
iii.Automobile Liability Insurance. Sun Ridge shall obtain at its
sole cost and keep in full force and effect during the term of this Agreement business automobile
liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence for bodily
injury and property damage. Said insurance operate as primary insurance, and non-contributory.
iv.Certificates of Insurance. Sun Ridge shall file with City upon
the execution of this Agreement, certificates of insurance which shall provide that no cancellation,
major change in coverage, expiration, or nonrenewal will be made during the term of this
agreement, without thirty (30) days written notice to the City prior to the effective date of such
cancellation, or change in coverage.
Section 11. Termination Rights. Either party may terminate this Agreement upon
material breach of any of the terms of this Agreement by the other Party, after first giving the other
party written notice of such breach and thirty (30) days to cure. If the breaching party does not
cure the breach within the allotted time, the Agreement will be terminated. Upon Termination,
each party will return, delete, or destroy any copies, whether tangible or electronic, of Confidential
Information obtained from the other party pursuant to this Agreement, including but not limited to
any Documentation and any Confidential Information stored on any equipment that may be
returned, and certify to the other party in writing within five (5) business days of the termination
date that it has done so.
Section 12. Confidential Information. “Confidential Information” means any and all
confidential information of a party to this Agreement that is not generally known to or by members
of the public, including but not limited to businesses that compete with such a party, including but
not limited to the Software and the Documentation pertaining thereto. Confidential Information
shall not include information that is now or becomes part of the public domain, is required by
applicable law to be disclosed, was already known by the receiving party at the time of disclosure,
is independently developed by the receiving party without any use of Confidential Information, or
is lawfully obtained from a third party. “Documentation” means those visually readable materials
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Systems, Inc. Software
and Services Agreement
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developed by or for Sun Ridge for use in connection with the Software, in either written or
electronic form.
Section 13. General Terms.
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Systems, Inc. Software
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e. Notice. Any notice requested or permitted to be given hereunder
shall be sent prepaid, certified mail, return receipt requested, and shall be deemed to have been
given on the third (3rd) business day after mailing to the other party as follows: to the City at the
address indicated in the initial paragraph of this Agreement or to electronic mail address
______________________; to Sun Ridge Systems at P.O. Box 5071, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762,
or electronic mail address TRichards@SunRidgeSystems.com. Notices may be given by
electronic mail transmission to such address as may be specified by the party for such purpose
and shall be deemed to have been given when transmitted to such address with confirmation of
a successful transmission.
f. Independent Contractors. The parties to this Agreement shall
constitute independent contractors. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as establishing
any employment, partnership, joint venture or similar arrangement between the parties, and no
party has any authority to commit any other party to any obligation to any other person or entity,
unless expressly agreed to in writing signed by such party.
g. Force Majeure. Sun Ridge shall not be responsible for interruption
of, interference with, diminution of, or suspension of any of its products or services, including
performance failure, which are caused by strike, lockout, riot, epidemics, war, government
regulation, fire, flood, natural disaster, acts of God, utility failures, losses or injuries arising directly
or indirectly from criminal acts, negligent acts of others, malfunctions or inadequacies of
equipment or service not directly within the control of Sun Ridge.
h. Authorization/Entire Agreement/Modification. This Agreement will
be effective upon signing by the City and Sun Ridge. This Agreement is the complete and final
Agreement of the parties relating to the subject of this Agreement and it replaces and supersedes
any prior or contemporaneous oral or written understandings or agreements. No alteration or
variation to the terms of this Agreement shall be valid unless made in writing and signed by the
parties hereto.
This Agreement has been executed by the parties hereto, from the date shown on the first
page.
SUN RIDGE SYSTEMS, INC.
By:
__________________________________
Carol Gomes Jackson
Its: President
City of Los Altos
By:
__________________________________
Its:
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Attachment A - Sun Ridge
Systems, Inc. Software
and Services Agreement
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 11 Packet Pg. 94 of 150
Sun Ridge Systems, Inc. – TriCities CAD Consortium v4a Page 8
Exhibit A Scope of Work
The City has purchased the following software licenses:
•RIMS Computer Aided Dispatch Software (LA/MV)
•iRIMS Fire Mobile App Software (MV/PA)
•RIMS Mobile Mapping Software
•RIMS2Txt
The City has purchased the following RIMS interface software:
•RIMS ProQA (Priority Dispatch) Link Software (MV/PA)
•RIMS Fire RMS Link Software (ImageTrend) (MV)
•RIMS Fire RMS Link Software (ESO) (PA)
•RIMS Alameda County AWS Link Software
•RIMS PulsePoint Link Software (MV/PA)
•RIMS Fire Station Alerting Link Software – USDD (MV/PA)
•RIMS Tablet Command Link Software (MV/PA)
•RIMS E911 Link Software
•RIMS Body Worn Camera Link Software (LA/MV)
•RIMS Cry Wolf Link Software (MV Only)
•RIMS Alarm Program Systems (APS) Link Software (LA/PA)
•First Watch Fire RMS Link (MV)
The City has purchased the following software enhancement:
•Geo-Fencing Functionality: Auto-Status Change to Enroute
- For fire units, the unit's status is automatically changed after it is more than X
(configurable feet) from the currently assigned fire station. The station's
Latitude/Longitude can be set using the Data Validation Table-Fire Stations.
- Using the GPS from the fire unit reported via Mobile RIMS or Cradlepoint type
modem via our Mobile Computer Controller, the Unit will automatically update the
status from DISP (Dispatch) to ENRT (Enroute).
•Auto-Status Change on Arrival
- For fire units or police units, the unit's status is automatically changed after it is within
X (configurable feet) from the current unit's location to the assigned incident's
location. For example, you could set this to be within 75 feet of the destination to
automatically change the unit status from ENRT to ONSCENE. The distance, in feet,
is configurable by fire or police agency records.
- Note that this may not work 100% since the incident and the unit's arrival locations
may be outside the agency setting. This is true if the unit stages somewhere else -
in these cases, the Unit will need to change their own status.
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Attachment A - Sun Ridge
Systems, Inc. Software
and Services Agreement
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 12 Packet Pg. 95 of 150
Sun Ridge Systems, Inc. – TriCities CAD Consortium v4a Page 9
Section 2 - Project Schedule
Upon execution of the Agreement, Sun Ridge and the City shall define a mutually agreed on
project schedule.
Section 3 – Hardware/Equipment
Sun Ridge is providing no hardware/equipment.
Section 4 – Third-Party Software
Sun Ridge is providing no Third-Party software.
Section 5 - Installation
Sun Ridge will install all Sun Ridge provided Software on the Consortium’s servers which are
currently running RIMS RMS. Sun Ridge will provide instruction to the City staff on how to install
the client workstation Software and Mobile/App Software.The City’s servers and workstations
(including desktop and laptop computers as well as Android and/or iOS devices) shall meet the
minimum specifications set forth in Section 10. Access to the City supplied servers shall be via
unattended remote access using a product called Bomgar by Beyond Trust, provided by Sun
Ridge. As part of installation, Sun Ridge will set up a basic system backup process to local disks,
if the City does not currently have a backup process already running on these servers.
Section 6 – Configuration
Sun Ridge will provide the following sessions to the City’s designated RIMS Administrators:
RIMS Configuration and Setup: Consists of up to 16 hours for CAD configuration and
setup training, conducted via phone and/or remote access. The City’s “RIMS
Administrators” will be instructed on how to configure RIMS to most closely meet the
desired operational procedures of the City. In some cases, the RIMS Administrators may
find that modifying existing procedures may be desired in order to take full advantage of
RIMS functionality. Discussions will include:
•Customization of drop-down menu choices
•The City’s dispatch operational decisions
Section 7 - Integration.
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Attachment A - Sun Ridge
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and Services Agreement
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Sun Ridge will provide RIMS sided interfaces for all third-party software applications listed in
Section 1 above. The City must coordinate with third-party vendors to complete and test their
portion of the interface.
Section 8 - Training
Training
Subject
Sessions
Offered
Days Per
Session
Total
Days Class Size
Section 9 - Go Live Support
Section 10 - The City’s Responsibilities
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-Provide data communications infrastructure (network, wireless, internet, intranet)
-Complete, submit and gain approval of updated DOJ CLETS application
-Coordinate testing of the CLETS Message Switch
-Contact third party vendors, and any other required third-parties, and coordinate
their schedules and costs they may charge the City to provide, install and test their
portion of the interface to RIMS.
-Ensure accuracy of the geofile
-Ensure all user-maintained configuration and data validation tables are completed
prior to the start of training
-Provide training facilities and workstations (meeting minimum workstations
requirements) and ensure access to RIMS training database from the training
location(s)
-Training facilities must meet current Federal, State and local guidelines for health
and safety, including those that may affect class size and physical configuration
-Make paper copies of class materials and handouts provided by Sun Ridge
-Schedule the City’s staff into requisite classes
-Assume any costs for staff overtime or other expenses incurred to support training
schedule
-The City will allow unattended remote access (during implementation) to Sun
Ridge allowing the use of Bomgar by BeyondTrust remote access software so that
Sun Ridge may meet its responsibilities under this Agreement
-The City will provide the following hardware meeting the following minimum
specifications:
•Database Software: Purchase additional cores of Microsoft SQL Server
software (Standard Edition) required to run the RIMS database if needed.
•Servers: Ensure existing RIMS servers have sufficient disk space for the
addition of the CAD databases.
•Monitor Resolution: 1920 x 1080
•Minimum Specifications (If using existing PCs and servers)
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•Minimum Specifications (If purchasing new PCs and servers)
•Mobile Computer Specifications: RIMS Mobile Computer Software/OFR Software
and RIMS Mobile Mapping run on Windows laptops or Windows tablets per the
following minimum specifications:
•Recommended Specifications (If purchasing new Laptops/Tablets)
Android Devices iOS Devices
Android v13+iOS v16+
Optional features for Mobile RIMS: include support for touchscreens, locally
connected GPS devices (COM-port Serial or network connection to the
modem), NFC readers for YubiKeys (MFA), and Driver’s License barcode
scanning using enabled Getac tablets or DL scanners (Com-port Serial –
AAMVA format – purchased separately by the City).
•FBI CJIS Requirements: All workstations must comply with FBI CJIS
policies, including Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). MFA can be provided
within the Sun Ridge Systems products, or the City can use its own solution.
Sun Ridge Systems only offers two MFA possession solutions: Time- Based
One-Time Password (TOTP) Authenticator and physical YubiKeys
(purchased by the City). For mobile devices using Mobile RIMS or iRIMS, a
Mobile Data Management (MDM) software product may be required, which
Sun Ridge Systems does not provide nor sell. The City is responsible for
other FBI CJIS requirements, including virus protection, local firewalls, and
VPNs.
•*Effective October 1, 2024, Multi-factor Authentication will be required for all
workstations, except for Dispatch workstations.
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Attachment A - Sun Ridge
Systems, Inc. Software
and Services Agreement
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Exhibit B – Contract Amount
TABLE 1 - Application
Software
Component
Web Query Clients
Not Proposed
Not Proposed
Not Proposed
Full Dispatch Capable Workstations
RIMS CAD $70,900 $9,700 $163,00
0 $22,325 CL CL $233,900 $32,025
RIMS2Txt $1,955 $270 $5,290 $725 $4,255 $585 $11,500 $1,580
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TABLE 2 - Mobile
Application
Component Los Altos
Los
Altos
Annual
Support
Mountain
View
Mountai
n View
Annual
Support
Palo
Alto
Palo
Alto
Annual
Support
TOTAL
COSTS -
SOFTWARE
TOTAL
COSTS -
SUPPORT
Vehicular Mobile/MDT License
CL CL CL CL CL CL $0 $0
Tablet License (iRIMS Fire)
NP NP $33,350 $4,570 $33,35
0 $4,570 $66,700 $9,140
SmartPhone License (iRIMS Fire)
See Tablet License NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
TOTAL MOBILE APPLICATION
COSTS $66,700.00 $9,140.00
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TABLE 3 - Interfaces
Component Los Altos
Los
Altos
Annual
Suppor
t
Mountai
n View
Mountai
n View
Annual
Support
Palo
Alto
Palo
Alto
Annual
Suppor
t
TOTAL
COSTS -
SOFTWARE
TOTAL
COSTS -
SUPPORT
Interfaces
ESInet NP NP NP NP NP NP $0 $0
Mass Notification (Everbridge)NP NP NP NP NP NP $0 $0
Motorola Astro 25 PTT NP NP NP NP NP NP $0 $0
Priority Dispatch NP NP $6,900 $945 $6,900 $945 $13,800 $1,890
CLETS CL CL CL CL CL CL $0 $0
Santa Clara CJIS CL CL CL CL CL CL $0 $0
Fire RMS - ImageTrend NP NP $12,650 $1,735 NP NP $12,650 $1,735
Fire RMS - ESO NP NP NP NP
$12,65
0 $1,735 $12,650 $1,735
Police RMS - RIMS CL CL CL CL CL CL $0 $0
Animal Control - Chameleon NP NP NP NP NP NP $0 $0
Trafficware NP NP NP NP NP NP $0 $0
AWS $11,500 $1,575 $11,500 $1,575 $11,50
0 $1,575 $34,500 $4,725
PulsePoint NP NP $11,500 $1,575 $11,50
0 $1,575 $23,000 $3,150
Fire Station Alerting (USDD)NP NP $10,350 $1,418 $10,35
0 $1,418 $20,700 $2,836
Tablet Command NP NP $14,950 $2,050 $14,95
0 $2,050 $29,900 $4,100
VESTA E911 $11,300 $1,500 $17,350 $2,400 $17,35
0 $2,400 $46,000 $6,300
Reddinet NP NP NP NP NP NP $0 $0
BWC - AXON $3,450 $473 $3,450 $473 NP NP $6,900 $946
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BWC - Motorola NP NP NP NP NP NP $0 $0
Digital Evidence Management -
AXON NP NP NP NP NP NP $0 $0
Digital Evidence Management -
Veripic NP NP NP NP NP NP $0 $0
Netclock NP NP NP NP NP NP $0 $0
False Alarm Program – CryWolf 5,750 $800 $5,750 $800
False Alarm Program – APS
(CitySupport)$5,175 $700 NP NP $5,750 $800 $10,925 $1,500
Hexagon CAD-to-CAD (legacy Data)NP NP NP NP NP NP $0 $0
HRMS Telestaff NP NP NP NP NP NP $0 $0
GIS (Arc/ESRI)NP NP NP NP NP NP $0 $0
First Watch Fire RMS Link NP NP $12,650 $1,650 NP NP $12,650 $1,650
TOTAL INTERFACE COSTS $229,425 $31,367
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Attachment A - Sun Ridge Systems,
Inc. Software and Services
Agreement
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 20 Packet Pg. 103 of 150
Sun Ridge Systems, Inc. – TriCities CAD Consortium v4a Page 17
TABLE 4 - Other
Module/Components
Component Los Altos
Los
Altos
Annual
Suppor
t
Mountai
n View
Mountai
n View
Annual
Support
Palo
Alto
Palo
Alto
Annua
l
Suppo
rt
TOTAL
COSTS -
SOFTWARE
TOTAL
COSTS -
SUPPORT
Other Modules
RIMS Mobile Mapping Software $10,350 $1,550 $20,700 $2,775 $20,70
0 $2,775 $51,750 $7,100
Geo-Fencing Functionality $9,800 $800 $9,800 $800 $9,800 $800 $29,400 $2,400
TOTAL OTHER COSTS $81,150 $9,500
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Agreement
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Sun Ridge Systems, Inc. – TriCities CAD Consortium v4a Page 18
TABLE 5 - Total
Application Software
Costs
Component
TOTAL
COSTS -
SOFTWARE
TOTAL
COSTS -
SUPPORT
Other Modules
TOTAL CAD APPLICATION COST $245,400 $33,605
TOTAL MOBILE APPLICATION
COSTS $66,700 $9,140
TOTAL INTERFACE COSTS $229,425 $31,367
TOTAL OTHER COSTS $81,150 $9,500
TOTAL APPLICATION
SOFTWARE COSTS $622,675 $83,612
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Attachment A - Sun Ridge Systems,
Inc. Software and Services
Agreement
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 22 Packet Pg. 105 of 150
Sun Ridge Systems, Inc. – TriCities CAD Consortium v4a Page 19
Attachment E - Form 5 -
Implementation Cost
CL = Currently Licensed
NP = Not Proposed
Item
Total
Implementa
tion Costs
CAD Installation $38,125
MDC Installation Included
Smartphone/Tablet Installation $1,800
System Interfaces Integration $49,200
System Hardware, Platforms and
OS Integration NP
Site Development and System
Inegration NP
GIS and Mapping Integration Included
System Reporting and Analytics
Integration NP
Project Management $48,936
Business Process Reegineering and
Organizational Change Mgmt
See System
Configuration
Documentation Creation and
Support Services NP
Legacy Data Access Services NP
System Configuration
Included in
Training
End-User and Administrator Training $18,875
System Testing NP
Testing Included
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Attachment A - Sun Ridge Systems,
Inc. Software and Services
Agreement
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 23 Packet Pg. 106 of 150
Sun Ridge Systems, Inc. – TriCities CAD Consortium v4a Page 20
Go-Live On-Site Support
Included in
Training
Travel $10,355
Escrow NP
Other (describe)
TOTAL SYSTEM
IMPLEMENTATION COSTS $167,291
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Inc. Software and Services
Agreement
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Sun Ridge Systems, Inc. – TriCities CAD Consortium v4a Page 21
Attachment E - Form 7 Total One
Time Costs
Item
One-Time
Cost
Total
Annual
Maintenan
ce Cost
Annual
Yearly
Maintenan
ce Cost
Increase
(%)
System Software NP
Application Software $622,675 $83,612 5%
Implementation $167,291
Total Contract Amount $789,966
Optional Costs NP
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Inc. Software and Services
Agreement
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 25 Packet Pg. 108 of 150
Sun Ridge Systems, Inc. – TriCities CAD Consortium v4a Page 22
Exhibit C – Support Services Agreement
This is a description of the software support, maintenance, and update/upgrade services to be provided
by Sun Ridge to the City (“Licensee”) as part of a Software Support Services Agreement (“Agreement”).
This Agreement covers all RIMS public safety software (Software) licensed by the Licensee.
Under this agreement Sun Ridge agrees to provide the following services to Licensee:
1.Coverage Hours. Sun Ridge will provide a toll-free phone number and dedicated email address
for support purposes during normal service hours. Normal service hours are defined as Monday-
Friday, 8AM-5PM PST, except for New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day,
Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and
Christmas Day (“common holidays”).
However, for instances where the Licensee’s system is completely inoperable due to a Sun Ridge
software problem (“critical problems”) preventing basic system operation, service will be
available 24 hours, 7 days a week, common holidays included. Examples of critical problems
include:
- RIMS is down/not responding on multiple workstations
- Cannot create a call for service (CAD Incident)
- Cannot issue a case number
- Unable to access NCIC
- Other issues that will not allow the user to complete critical tasks
Licensee will have taken reasonable measures prior to contacting Sun Ridge’s support during
non-service hours including:
- Verified that the issue is not related to just 1 workstation
- Restarted the workstation in question
- Contacted in-house IT support if the issue is related to network or server errors
- Verified the issue is critical enough that it cannot wait until normal support hours
2.Sun Ridge’s Response to reported problems. Sun Ridge agrees to provide service and assistance
as expeditiously as possible as follows:
a. Most problems will be resolved with the initial phone call or email.
b. For problems that cannot be immediately resolved, Sun Ridge will work to resolve the
problem based on the severity of the problem and the urgency reported by Licensee.
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●For critical problems, Sun Ridge personnel will work with Licensee until the situation is
resolved.
●For problems that are not critical problems that have a lesser though continuing impact
on operations of Licensee, Sun Ridge will endeavor to provide a solution or workaround
within 72 hours of the problem being reported to Sun Ridge by the Licensee.
●For other problems Sun Ridge may, at its discretion, either issue a near term "fix release"
of the product or include the fix in the next scheduled product update.
3.Licensee equipment and software responsibilities. Licensee agrees to allow Sun Ridge to
remotely connect to Licensee’s system when a problem is reported. Sun Ridge uses BeyondTrust
remote access software for secure installation and follow-on support services. BeyondTrust
software provides superior security and does so over an ordinary internet connection via a Sun
Ridge server that hosts a BeyondTrust security hardware device.
If Licensee does not allow unattended access, the Sun Ridge response to a service request may be
delayed until a responsible party of the Licensee allows access. Once remote access is obtained,
Sun Ridge will examine data files, investigate reported problems, and provide updates and
corrections as necessary.
4.Provision of software updates. Sun Ridge will provide all new enhanced and updated versions of
software licensed to Licensee at no additional cost. This software will be provided with detailed
installation instructions for installation by Licensee. If desired, Licensee may retain Sun Ridge to
perform any installation at additional cost to be determined on a per case basis. Updates are
distributed via download from the Sun Ridge’s ftp web site. Sun Ridge will not be obligated to
provide service for release versions that are more than two annual release versions older than
the current release.
5.Term. The term of support services shall be one year shall be annually renewed for another year
upon payment of invoice. Payment for the year is due in advance the day the services begin. Non-
payment of the support invoice within 60 days shall be cause for terminating or suspending the
support services at the discretion of Sun Ridge.
6.Termination. Licensee may terminate support services with or without cause upon ninety (90)
days written notice to Sun Ridge. If terminated, Licensee is entitled to a prorated refund for the
service days not consumed beginning on the last day of the month the written notice is received
by Sun Ridge to the end of the remaining term of the Agreement.
7.Limitations. Sun Ridge agrees to provide support only for public safety application software
provided by Sun Ridge. Other software used by Licensee (word processing, spreadsheet, etc.) is
not included in this Agreement. PC and network operating system software and Microsoft SQL
Server database system software is similarly not included, although Sun Ridge may assist Licensee
in isolating problems to this software. (Sun Ridge reserves the right to charge for diagnostic
services in the event it is determined that the reported issue is not attributable to RIMS.) Also
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specifically excluded is responsibility for administration, support, or maintenance of Licensee’
server, computer network, operating systems, or database (Microsoft SQL Server).
Licensee may request that Sun Ridge provide support services outside the limitations of this
Support Services Agreement. If Sun Ridge agrees to provide any requested additional support
services, such support services will be provided at Sun Ridge’s current rate and under terms and
conditions that Sun Ridge may require.
This Agreement does not include equipment maintenance or assistance in diagnosing hardware
problems including but not limited to PCs, printers, network, scanners, and other computer
peripheral devices with the exception that Sun Ridge will assist Licensee in determining whether
a problem is RIMS application software in nature.
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Attachment A - Sun Ridge
Systems, Inc. Software
and Services Agreement
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 28 Packet Pg. 111 of 150
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Public Works
Meeting Date: November 12, 2024
Report #:2410-3554
TITLE
Approval of Construction Contract No. C25190935A with Valhalla Builders in the Amount Not-
to-Exceed $392,800 for Children’s Library as part of the Library Automated Materials Handling
System Project, Capital Improvement Program Project LB-21000 and Authorization for the City
Manager or Their Designee to Negotiate and Execute Change Orders for Related Additional but
Unforeseen Work that May Develop During the Project Up to a Not-to-Exceed Amount of
$39,280; CEQA Status – Exempt under Section 15070
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Council:
1. Approve and authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute Construction
Contract No. C25190935A with Valhalla Builders, in the amount not to exceed $392,800
for the construction and installation of an Automated Materials Handling system
pursuant to the Library Automated Materials Handling System Project, Capital
Improvement Program Project LB-21000; and
2. Authorize the City Manager or their designee to negotiate and execute one or more
change orders to the contract with Valhalla Builders, for related, additional but
unforeseen work which may develop during the project, the total value of which shall
not exceed $39,280.
BACKGROUND
The Library Department has made a significant investment in Radio Frequency Identification
(RFID) tagging of their entire collection. Installing an Automated Materials Handling (AMH)
System leverages that RFID investment to improve overall library system efficiency and speed
up the process of moving materials to shelves for library patrons’ hold requests. An AMH
system can speed materials processing and reduce staff time needed for processing books and
media; it also decreases the likelihood of repetitive strain injury for staff. Staff time would be
freed from processing materials manually to focusing on public projects and revenue
generating projects.
AMH systems were installed at the Mitchell Park and Rinconada Library branches as part of
projects funded by Library Bond Proposition Measure N, and they have proven to increase staff
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efficiency at the City's two largest branches. Measure N funded the construction of Mitchell
Park Library, historical renovation of Rinconada (formerly Main) Library, and remodel of
Downtown Library. AMH systems were installed at Mitchell Park Library and Rinconada Library
in 2014.
ANALYSIS
1 to construct and install
an AMH system.
Table 1: Summary of Invitation of Bids
1 Valhalla Builders, Children’s Library Automated Materials Handling System Project, Contract #C25190935A;
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/public-works/staff-reports-all/2025/c25190935a-valhalla-
builders_cc_11.12.2024_staff-report-003.pdf
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Table 1: Summary of Invitation of Bids
Total Days to Respond to Bid 37 days
Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting Yes
Number of Company Attendees at Pre-Bid
Meeting
4
Number of Bids Received 3
Base Bid Price Range $392,800 - $685,999
Public Link to Solicitation https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/pa
lo-alto-ca/projects/107994
The apparent low bidder was selected based upon the base bid only. The bids ranged from
$392,800 to $685,999 and from 6% to 85% above the engineer’s estimate of $369,549. Staff
reviewed the submitted bids and recommends acceptance of the base bid submitted by
Valhalla Builders, in the amount of $392,800, and that Valhalla Builders be declared the lowest
responsible bidder. The construction contingency amount of $39,280, which equals 10% of the
contract value, is requested for related, additional, but unforeseen work which may develop
during the project, implemented via City-approved Change Order.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Funding for the installation of the AMH system is available in the Fiscal Year 2025 Adopted
Capital Improvement Program budget for the Library Automated Materials Handling System
project LB-21000. A total transfer of $540,000 from the Library Development Impact Fee Fund
was added to CIP LB-21000. The equipment will cause a slight increase in electric bills and will
require annual equipment maintenance. Ongoing operating costs are estimated to be about
$20,000 and anticipated to increase by 3 percent annually thereafter.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Public Works Engineering staff consulted with the Library staff on the operation and workflows
at each Library branch in order to determine the feasibility of an AMH system at each location.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under
section 15070 of the CEQA Guidelines as the project scope involves only the repair,
maintenance, and/or minor alteration of existing facilities. No further environmental review is
necessary.
ATTACHMENT
Attachment A: Bid Analysis
APPROVED BY:
Brad Eggleston, Director Public Works/City Engineer
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Children's Library Automated Materials Handling System Project-REBID
IFB #190935A
Bid Item Description Engineer's Estimate Arana Group Inc.Tochi Valhalla Builders
Task 1
All Labor, Equipment, Material, and Transportation to fabricate, furnish, and install interior and exterior walls and
associated activities as specified and shown on the Project Drawings. This line item includes wall installations, modifications,
and infills as shown on the Project Drawing and Specifications.
$ 12,726.19 45,334.00$ 18,000.00$ 7,700.00$
Task 2 All Labor, Equipment, Material, and Transportation to fabricate, furnish, and install doors, door hardware, and associated
activities as specified and shown on the Project Drawing and Specifications. $ 5,389.91 6,005.00$ 6,000.00$ 4,900.00$
Task 3 All Labor, Equipment, Material, and Transportation to fabricate, furnish, and install window, window hardware, and
associated activities as specified and shown on the Project Drawing and Specifications. $ 5,749.24 63,067.00$ 15,000.00$ 18,400.00$
Task 4
All Labor, Equipment, Material, and Transportation to demolish, remove, and salvage items as shown on the Project
Drawing and Specifications. This includes interior and exterior areas. This also includes the protection and delivery of the
window to the City.
$ 9,537.15 77,734.00$ 6,500.00$ 2,200.00$
Task 5 All Labor, Equipment, Material, and Transportation to furnish and install electrical power and electrical accessories as
shown on the Project Drawing, Specifications, and required by the latest building code. $ 4,491.60 38,844.00$ 10,000.00$ 26,500.00$
Task 6 All Labor, Equipment, Material, and Transportation to furnish and install data, cabling, telecom, and associated activities as
shown on the Project Drawing, Specifications and City’s IT cable policy. $ 1,497.20 16,083.00$ 3,500.00$ 1,100.00$
Task 7 All Labor, Equipment, Material, and Transportation to furnish to cove base as shown on the Project Drawings and described
in the Special Provisions. This includes time and coordination with City’s third-party vendor performing carpet installation. $ 449.16 5,078.00$ 10,000.00$ 900.00$
Task 8 All Labor, Equipment, Material, and Transportation to perform painting of walls as shown on the Project Drawings and
Specifications. This includes submittal and approval of paint samples as required for existing wall colors. $ 4,491.60 15,728.00$ 6,000.00$ 3,100.00$
Task 9
All Labor, Equipment, Material, and Transportation to procure and install an Automated Materials Handling System as
shown on the Project Drawings, Specifications, and required by the latest building code. This includes the deferred submittal
package by the Contractor.
$ 260,702.67 270,925.00$ 215,000.00$ 193,400.00$
Task 10 All Labor, Equipment, Material, and Transportation to furnish, modify, and install guard rail and concrete ramps shown on
the Project Drawings, Specifications, and as required by the latest building code. $ 43,568.47 98,393.00$ 96,000.00$ 40,000.00$
Task 11 All Labor, Equipment, Material, and Transportation to complete sitework as shown on the Project Drawings and
Specifications. This includes landscaping, irrigation, earthwork, and tree protection. $ 13,085.51 46,734.00$ 32,000.00$ 30,200.00$
Task 12 All Labor, Equipment, Material, and Transportation to complete all other items not covered in the line items above, but
included in the Scope, Specifications, and Project Drawings. $ 7,860.29 2,074.00$ 10,000.00$ 64,400.00$
Subtotal 369,549.00$ 685,999.00$ 428,000.00$ 392,800.00$
Contingency 68,599.90$ 42,800.00$ 39,280.00$
Total Not-to-Exceed 754,598.90$ 470,800.00$ 432,080.00$
86%16%6%
Over Over Over
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City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: ACTION ITEMS
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: November 12, 2024
Report #:2409-3482
TITLE
FIRST READING: Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Palo Alto Municipal Code Title 18 (Zoning) and
Title 21 (Subdivisions and Other Divisions of Land) to Clarify Existing Regulations and to Implement State
Housing Laws Adopted in 2023 and earlier. Provide Direction on: (1) Implementation of AB 2097 (2022)
and (2) Implementation of Recently Adopted State Housing Laws from the 2023-24 Legislative Session.
CEQA Status - Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. adopt the attached ordinance implementing state law and other minor amendments to
Titles 18 and 21 of the municipal code;
2. direct staff to apply AB 2097 to properties within the radius depicted in Attachment B;
3. provide direction on whether to require some on-site accessible and/or electric vehicle
charging spaces, even when no other parking is proposed, including direction on
alternatives such as exploration of an in-lieu program or provision of additional
accessible spaces in the right of way or in public land;
4. direct staff to prepare an urgency ordinance for placement on the consent calendar to
implement various land use-related state law changes from the 2024 state legislative
session.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report includes an ordinance that modifies local zoning and subdivision provisions in
accordance with recent changes to state law from the 2023 legislative session and earlier. Some
minor amendments are also proposed unrelated to state law that do not have any meaningful
policy implications but clarify existing municipal code provisions.
For the 2024 legislative session, staff recommend that Council provide direction for staff to
return before the end of the year with an urgency ordinance that would implement required
changes to the municipal code. A summary of relevant new legislation is provided in this report.
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AB 2097 (2022) is discussed at length compared to other state law changes to respond to
questions that have arisen over the past several months. Staff recommendations include
applying this state law to a geographic boundary based on the boarding platform area for major
transit stops. Staff recommends a policy approach that would require on-site accessible and
electric vehicle charging parking spaces in AB 2097 areas, provided direction is also received to
amend the code to implement an in-lieu parking program for these spaces. Staff further
recommends the Council direct staff to consider an additional accessible parking strategy in
areas impacted by AB 2097.
BACKGROUND
1, videos2 and presentations3 are viewable via links provided below. The
ordinance the PTC recommends would amend PAMC Titles 18 and 21 to address or implement
provisions of state laws - Senate and Assembly Bills SB 684, SB 4, AB 2162, AB 894, AB 970 and
AB 2097, and make several non-substantive revisions.
1 Links to July 10, 2024 PTC staff report: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-
reports/agendas-minutes/planning-and-transportation-commission/2024/ptc-7.10-muni-code-title-18.pdf and
May 29, 2024 staff report: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-
reports/agendas-minutes/planning-and-transportation-commission/2024/05.29-ptc-Zoning-Amendments.pdf
2 Links to May 29, 2024 video: https://midpenmedia.org/planning-and-transportation-commission-2-5292024/ and
July 10, 2024 video: https://midpenmedia.org/planning-and-transportation-commission-2-7102024/
3 Link to staff presentations: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-
reports/agendas-minutes/planning-and-transportation-commission/2024/ptc-5.29-ordinance-update_staff-
presentation.pdf
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The six state laws the ordinance addresses are summarized further below:
SB 684:
SB 4:
•In a single-family residential zone, childcare centers and facilities operated by community-
based organizations for the provision of recreational, social, or educational services for use
by the residents of the development and members of the local community in which the
development is located; and,
•In all other zones, the development may include commercial uses that are permitted
without a conditional use permit.
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do so deems the project compliant. Design reviews can only focus on ministerial review criteria
and cannot inhibit or preclude such streamlined approval. The bill would extend the CEQA
exemption for ministerial project approvals. The provisions of this bill are set to expire on
January 1, 2036.
3. AB 2162:
4. AB 894:
AB 2097:
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minimum parking requirements. Developers must still meet local requirements for loading
zones and bicycle parking (i.e. all standards other than automobile parking). AB 2097 also states
that it does not affect requirements for electric vehicle supply equipment or parking spaces
accessible to persons with disabilities, though this provision is unclear and susceptible to
differing interpretations.4
6. AB 970:
ANALYSIS
•To address SB 684 and SB 4: Modifies PAMC Section 18.77.074, Ministerial and By Right
Process, to indicate the list of State bills referenced in that code section is not exclusive.
•To address SB 684: Adds Section 18.42.185 (Standards for Up to Ten Units on Lots
Subdivided Pursuant to Senate Bill 684) of Chapter 18.42 (Standards for Special Uses) and
adds Chapter 21.11 (Streamlined Subdivisions Resulting in Ten or Fewer Parcels). The new
Section 18.42.185 includes a reference to the ’Ministerial and By Right Process’ in PAMC
section 18.77.074. While some “ministerial” projects apply directly for building permits, this
process applies to more complex projects that would benefit from staff review and approval
for consistency with objective standards and zoning regulations before the applicant creates
expensive structural/mechanical drawings and applies for a building permit. Courtesy
notices to neighboring properties will continue to be required; however, with non-
discretionary projects, there are no mandatory hearings or appeal process.
4 Excerpt from AB 2097: “This section shall not reduce, eliminate, or preclude the enforcement of any requirement
imposed on a new multifamily residential or nonresidential development that is located within one-half mile of
public transit to provide electric vehicle supply equipment installed parking spaces or parking spaces that are
accessible to persons with disabilities that would have otherwise applied to the development if this section did not
apply.”
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•To address SB 4 and AB 2162: Adds Section 18.14.060 (By Right Affordable and Supportive
Housing Projects) that would enable a ministerial review process for 100% affordable
housing projects on land owned by an independent institution of higher education or a
religious institution (SB 4) as well as supportive housing projects (AB 2162). This section
would clarify which objective standards apply to qualifying projects, depending on the
project size and scope. The ordinance proposes to apply the RM-30 development standards
to SB 4 projects under this section. This is consistent with the City’s treatment of housing
opportunity sites in the R-1 zones, as well as the requirement in SB 4 that qualifying projects
may build to 30 du/ac and receive an additional story of height beyond the base district.
Many religious institutions in Palo Alto are located on land owned R-1 (Single-Family
Residential). Courtesy notices to neighboring properties will continue to be required;
however, with non-discretionary projects, there are no mandatory hearings or appeal
process.
•To address AB 894: Amends Section 18.52.050 (Adjustments by the Director) to note that
shared parking agreements meeting the requirements of AB 894 will be approved, even if
they are inconsistent with existing provisions related to off-site parking or exceed the
current maximum parking adjustment.
•To address AB 970: The ordinance revises Section 18.52.050, Adjustments to Existing
Parking Facilities, item (a)(1) Accessibility and EVSE-Related Equipment to delete some
verbiage and add a phrase “to accommodate accessibility requirements”.
•To provide non-substantive clarifications: The attached draft ordinance’s following non-
substantive clarifications or 'clean-up' items would amend PAMC Titles 18 and 21.
•Chapter 18.18 (Downtown Commercial (CD) District) to fix a footnote 3 of Table 3 of
Section 18.18.060 (Development Standards)
•Chapter 18.20(F).045 to clarify permitted and conditionally permitted uses
•Chapter 18.30(F).040 (Automobile Dealership (AD) Combining District Regulations)
to clarify the permitted and conditionally permitted uses.
•Chapter 18.42 (in Section 8) to amend Section 18.42.040 (Late Night Uses and
Activities) to add zone districts NV-MXM and NV-MXH to the list of zone districts
cited (CS and CN) for applicability of the section.
•Section 21.12.090 to clarify that tentative maps may be placed on the City Council's
consent agenda, consistent with the City's practice.
•To address AB 2097: The ordinance revises PAMC 18.52.030 (Basic Parking Regulations) to
implement a parking exemption for qualifying projects within one-half mile of a major
transit stop. A major transit stop is a defined term in state law and referenced in AB 2097 to
include an existing rail or bus rapid transit station; a ferry terminal served by either a bus or
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rail transit service; or the intersection of two or more major bus routes with a frequency of
service interval of 15 minutes or less during the morning and afternoon peak commute
periods.5 For Palo Alto, the latter only occurs at the bus transfer service station near the
University Avenue transit stop. There are three transit stations whose AB 2097 radii extend
to properties in Palo Alto: University Avenue, California Avenue and San Antonio Road
(Mountain View) transit stations.
Methodology to Determine Applicability
The methodology for determining the radius is not specified in AB 2097 but HCD has issued
a technical assistance letter on November 17, 2023, to the City of San Clemente
(Attachment C) that provides guidance. According to HCD, the methodology for determining
if a property is eligible for AB 2097 is to measure the distance from the nearest edge of the
property where the project is proposed in a straight, direct line toward to the parcel(s)
where the major transit stop is located. Unfortunately, the parcels for Caltrain stations in
Palo Alto have highly irregular shapes that extend along the right-of-way occupied by the
rail tracks between stations (Attachment D). As a result, the parcel boundaries have no
relationship to the locations where trains stop and where individuals would board or exit.
Accordingly, based on the intent of state law and understanding of HCD’s technical
assistance letter, staff recommends the City use the Caltrain or bus station platforms and
associated buildings as the area boundary from which to measure the one-half mile radius.
Establishing the platforms as the parcel boundary aligns with the idea that individuals within
a short distance of a rail station will likely access this service using means other than a single
occupancy vehicle. Attachment B illustrates this interpretation and how staff would
evaluate applicability of AB 2097 toward qualifying projects. Properties touching or within
the radius boundary, as per HCD guidance, can utilize AB 2097 provisions.
Previously, staff represented the one-half mile radius using a point at the center of the
transit station. This perspective was formed shortly after the passage of AB 2097 and based
on guidance from Metropolitan Transportation Commission maps. The current staff
recommendation results in a wider area of eligibility in recognition of HCD’s technical
assistance letter to another jurisdiction.
5 AB 2097 includes a reference to the definition of a major transit stop found in Public Resources Code Section
21155 (b), which states: ‘A major transit stop is as defined in Section 21064.3, except that, for purposes of this
section, it also includes major transit stops that are included in the applicable regional transportation
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Transportation Demand Management Plan Requirement
The subject ordinance includes a staff proposed requirement supported by the PTC to
require a transportation demand management plan for applicants seeking to take
advantage of AB 2097. The TDM plan would be subject to existing provisions of the
municipal code (PAMC 18.52.030 (i))6 and require a 20% to 45% reduction in peak hour
motor vehicle trips depending on where a project is located in the city. Typically, a TDM
plan is required for projects that generate 50 or more net new weekday or weekend peak
hour trips; for projects claiming a reduction in net new trips due to its proximity to public
transit; and all projects requesting a parking reduction. Similarly, a project utilizing the
provisions of AB 2097 seeks to reduce or eliminate on-site parking and will inherently rely
upon TDM measures to reduce vehicle trips to the site and incorporation of this provision is
an extension of existing local law. The City Council could decide to strike this added
provision in the draft ordinance and rely on existing parking resources in areas subject to AB
2097 if it does not agree with staff and the PTC’s recommendation.
Accessible and Electric Vehicle Parking Spaces
City Council policy direction is needed on whether to assert that accessible and electric
vehicle charging stations (ADA & EVCS) parking should be required for projects utilizing AB
2097.
State law includes a provision that AB 2097 ‘shall not reduce, eliminate, or preclude the
enforcement of any requirement imposed on a new multifamily residential or
nonresidential development that is located within one-half mile of public transit to provide
electric vehicle supply equipment installed parking spaces or parking spaces that are
accessible to persons with disabilities that would have otherwise applied to the
development if this section did not apply.’
Because ADA & EVCS spaces are typically required as a percentage of on-site parking under
the California Building Codes, many jurisdictions implement this provision to require these
percentages when a developer voluntarily provides parking on-site. If a developer elected
not to provide parking, no ADA or EVCS spaces would be required. Under this view, the
provision simply means that AB 2097 cannot be used override the minimum percentages of
ADA & EVCS spaces provided in the building codes. In other words, a developer cannot
voluntarily provide some parking spaces but choose not to provide any ADA or EVCS spaces.
By contrast, some jurisdictions interpret the bill to require the number of ADA & EVCS
spaces that would be required if the project provided the total parking that would have
been required prior to the passage of AB 2097; potentially a substantially higher number of
on-site parking spaces.
6 PAMC 18.52.030 https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0-0-0-80975.
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By requiring a development to provide ADA & EVCS parking, even when no other parking is
proposed, the City would continue to create opportunities to improve universal access to
sites and expand the City’s electrification infrastructure to support its carbon reduction
goals. However, requiring ADA & EVCS parking may create other challenges related to
project costs and urban design principles. In addition, requiring ADA and EVCS parking when
parking is not otherwise provided could invite legal challenges given the ambiguity in the
law.
Parcel sizes and lot areas within the AB 2097 radius tend to be small in Palo Alto. And, lot
consolidation historically has not been a feature of local land use development for a variety
of reasons. AB 2097 is expected to spur redevelopment but this may be hampered when
trying to design ADA & EVCS parking spaces on a smaller lot. The first ADA parking spaces
placed on a site, must include an adjacent ADA compliant van-accessible loading area,
which is equivalent to a second parking space. This is roughly the area of a two car garage,
but it also needs to take into consideration an accessible path of travel from the parking
space to the building’s entrance and account for sight visibility requirements and back up
distances. If additional ADA & EVCS parking spaces are required, it is likely these spaces will
need to be placed on another level that may introduce additional constraints related to
drive aisles and ramping between levels. On-site parking may require an additional curb cut,
which may not be ideal in a pedestrian-oriented environment. Above grade parking can
present other undesirable urban design characteristics (aesthetics) or reduce ground level
commercial floor area and below grade, or subterranean parking, may be cost prohibitive
for some developers. Moreover, before AB 2097 was enacted, downtown developers could
take advantage of the City’s in-lieu parking program, which had no replacement policy for
ADA & EVCS parking spaces.
Some of these challenges could be mitigated by offering developers an in-lieu fee option for
any accessible and EVCS spaces that are required. However, an in-lieu program comes with
its own pitfalls, including the delay associated with accumulating a critical mass of funds.
This can mean that no benefit is provided from the fees for many years and because of
increasing costs over time, fees do not go as far when they are eventually expended. In
addition, in-lieu fees are a poor fit for ADA spaces, which are most effective when
distributed throughout a commercial area rather than grouped in a potentially distant
parking lot or structure. The City has encountered numerous practical and legal challenges
to the use of parking in-lieu fees in the University Avenue downtown area; it may not be
desirable to recreate this type of program with an even smaller pool of potential fees.
Alternatively, as conceptually supported by the PTC, the City could look at developing a
policy to distribute ADA parking spaces on streets or other public property within the AB
2097 radius. While this policy may limit direct on-site access to a specific property,
distributing ADA spaces throughout the district could expand universal access to a greater
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number of individuals visiting these areas and would not just serve an AB 2097 qualifying
project’s tenants or visitors. It should also be noted that on-street parking spaces dedicated
as ADA spaces would likely replace spaces currently available to the general public.
Staff has not developed or fully evaluated all the pros and cons with this policy approach
and it is not anticipated that there would be a one for one equivalency of ADA parking
spaces provided on the public right of way as may have been provided on private property.
Nevertheless, staff recommends that if of interest, the City Council provide this direction for
staff to report back with options on implementation, costs, and any resource constraints.
Staff from the Office of Transportation are currently working on a municipal code parking
update scheduled to go to the PTC later this year and this effort could potentially be
included that policy discussion. This approach also coincides with efforts underway in the
City’s public works department, which already has an operational system in place for
installing EVCS spaces in the public right of way and it is also creating a new electric mobility
strategic plan through the City’s S/CAP efforts.
Based on the practical challenges and legal risks described above, the attached ordinance
has been drafted to not require on-site ADA or EVCS parking spaces for qualifying AB 2097
projects. If Council wishes to provide alternative direction, staff can return with a separate
ordinance to implement that direction in early 2025. If Council is inclined to require ADA
and EVCS parking, staff offers the following secondary recommendation: The on-site parking
requirement should be paired with an in-lieu fee option. This in-lieu fee could be based on
the cost to convert existing spaces in the right-of-way and in public lots to ADA and EVCS
spaces. This would mitigate the problem of needing to accumulate significant funds before
the fees can be expended.
Additionally, staff recommends, if a developer elects to voluntarily provide parking spaces
on-site, that the City apply the following approach:
•For ADA spaces – the local percentage required shall be applied to the project based
on the number of parking spaces provided on-site;
•For EV spaces – the local percentage required shall be applied to the total number of
required parking spaces that would have been required if the project were not
subject to AB 2097.
The staff recommends a two-tiered approach for ADA and EV parking spaces in this scenario
for the following reasons:
1. Incentivizing Voluntary Parking. ADA spaces are always the first spaces added to a
parking plan due the statutory requirement for this form of parking, general parking
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follows. Requiring a high proportion of ADA spaces, which can only be used by
qualified disabled individuals, may discourage developers from providing any
parking if it does not yield sufficient general parking spaces. Using the building
code’s formula-based approach to the number of spaces provided, as opposed to
what would have been required, balances these interests.
2. Addressing EVCS Parking Demand. EVCS spaces have more versatility
accommodating both individuals with disabilities and electric vehicle owners. Also,
electric vehicle adoption is also greatest in the Bay Area and Palo Alto is a leader
among those communities with 50% of the new vehicles purchased and 16% of all
registered vehicles being electric.7 This increased demand necessitates a dedicated
approach to ensure sufficient infrastructure availability.
3. Managing Infrastructure Costs. EVCS spaces require significant infrastructure
investments, which can be costly. The in-lieu fee option offers a way to offset these
costs and encourage EVCS infrastructure development.
4. Balancing ADA and EV Requirements. While local building codes mandate a specific
percentage of ADA spaces, EVCS parking requirements are more flexible. By
strategically placing a limited number of ADA spaces throughout the district, the city
can mitigate the potential shortfall from on-site development. However, the growing
demand for EV charging infrastructure requires a separate strategy to ensure
adequate availability.
Enforcing a Minimum Parking Requirements by Making Specified Findings
Government Code section 65863.2(b) provides that a local jurisdiction may still impose or
enforce minimum parking requirements on a project if the agency makes written findings
within 30 days of receiving a completed application that reducing parking requirements on
the development would have a substantially negative impact, supported by a
preponderance of the evidence in the record, on any of the following:
1. The jurisdiction’s ability to meet its share of the regional housing need in accordance
with Section 65584 for low- and very low-income households.
2. The jurisdiction’s ability to meet any special housing needs for the elderly or persons
with disabilities identified in the analysis required [for the Housing Element].
7 Based on 2023 data published in Appendix E of the 11/12/24 Quarterly Report on Sustainability and Climate
Action Plan (S/CAP) Implementation and S/CAP Key Performance Indicators Annual Progress Report (Report 2407-
3266).
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3. Existing residential or commercial parking within one-half mile of the housing
development project.
Of these three options, the third appears to have the broadest applicability; however, it
only applies to housing development projects. In other words, this would not be a basis for
imposing parking requirements on commercial projects under AB 2097. In addition, with
respect to housing projects, the statute goes on to stipulate that the above findings cannot
be used to require parking for housing development projects that satisfy any of the
following:
A. The development dedicates a minimum of 20 percent of the total number of housing
units to very low, low-, or moderate-income households, students, the elderly, or
persons with disabilities.
B. The development contains fewer than 20 housing units.
C. The development is subject to parking reductions based on the provisions of any
other applicable law.
In short, there are a limited class of projects for which the City could utilize findings to
impose parking requirements: housing projects with 20 or more units that do not provide at
least 20 percent of units for moderate income households, students, elderly persons or
persons with disabilities, and that are not utilizing parking reductions provided in any other
law such as State Density Bonus law.
For such a project, the City would still face a high bar to make the required findings. Given
the limited time to conduct the analysis needed to support the required findings (30 days
from the filing of a complete application), staff does not envision being able to make
project-specific findings that would compel a project to meet minimum on-site parking
requirements. The City would have to prepare parking demand studies in advance for each
of the relevant areas where AB 2097 may be utilized. The study would need to show a
“substantial negative impact,” and the City’s findings would need to be supported by a
preponderance of the evidence.
If the Council directs the proactive preparation of parking studies, staff will return during
the Council’s priority setting discussion with a description of the work effort and study
parameters, resource costs and identify other Council priority projects that may be
impacted with the inclusion of this assignment. Given the limited applicability of qualifying
projects and the high bar to produce evidence of a substantial negative impact, staff does
not recommend initiating this study.
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Extending Provisions of AB 2097 to the Extent of the Downtown & NVCAP Project
Boundaries
As part of its review of the North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan (NVCAP), the City Council
declined to extend the provisions of AB 2097 to other nearby properties within the project
boundaries but just beyond the one-half mile radius. The Council expressed a perspective
that the provisions of the AB 2097 should not be extended beyond the minimum standard
prescribed by the state. In an earlier draft of this report, staff recommended the City
Council consider extending AB 2097 to another six properties in the downtown University
Avenue district. However, based on Council’s guidance from the NVCAP hearing, staff has
omitted this extension. As drafted in the attached ordinance, the provisions of AB 2097
would only apply to those qualifying projects that meet the distance measuring
methodology detailed in this report and graphically illustrated in Attachment B.
PTC Recommendation on Additional Consideration of AB 2097
On May 29 and July 10, 2024, the PTC considered the draft ordinance and policy
recommendations to Council. The PTC’s ordinance revisions have been reflected in the
ordinance. The PTC’s policy discussion related to AB 2097 have been incorporated into the
analysis above for Council’s consideration.
2024 State Legislative Amendments
The legislature continues to pass significant housing and land use legislation affecting cities. In
total over 30 planning and land use bills were signed by the Governor in September 2024, and a
select number are highlighted below. The most significant bills for Palo Alto address the
Builder’s Remedy and SB 9. Other bills look forward to the next housing element cycle.
Builder’s Remedy
AB 1893 – Significantly amends and expands the Builder’s Remedy, including:
•Lower the amount of affordable housing required from 20% lower income units
to 13% lower income units.
•Creates upper limits on density – generally three times the maximum allowed in
local regs. This figure is increased by 35 du/ac for projects near transit.
•A Builder’s Remedy project cannot be treated as a non-complying facility.
•Allows a pending Builder’s Remedy application to take advantage of any or all of
the newly enacted provisions.
AB 1886 – Clarifies that an SB 330 preliminary application can “vest” the Builder’s
Remedy – i.e. the Builder’s Remedy is still available to a developer even if the City has
subsequently adopted a certified housing element.
SB 9
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AB 450 – Amends SB 9 to create a 60-day timeframe for approval or denial of an SB 9
application. Requires that SB 9 projects only be subject to those objective standards that
apply uniformly in the underlying zone.
Housing Element Law
AB 2023 – A housing element is presumed to be invalid if HCD has opined that it is not in
substantial compliance with state law.
AB 2667 – Requires the HCD to develop a standardized reporting format for programs
and actions taken with regards to AFFH.
AB 3093 – Creates two new income categories, Acutely Low Income (ALI) and Extremely
Low Income (ELI), to the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) and throughout the
housing element process to include those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Other
SB 937 – Allows housing developers to defer payment of impact fees until issuance of a
certificate of occupancy; freezes fees at the level in effect at the time of building permit
issuance.
AB 2663 – Requires cities to establish a website with information on collection and use
of housing impact fees.
SB 1211 – Allows up to 8 detached ADUs on parcels with existing multifamily
development. Cities can no longer require replacement parking for uncovered parking
spaces that are removed for an ADU.
AB 2553 – Redefines “major transit stop” to include the intersection of two or more bus
routes with 20 minute headways rather than the existing requirement for 15-minute
headways.
AB 2694 – Expands density bonus law to apply to elder care facilities.
Of these bills, SB 450 (SB 9 update), SB 937 (deferred impact fees), SB 1211 (ADUs), and AB
2694 (density bonus) require amendments to the Palo Alto Municipal Code. Staff recommend
that Council provide direction to return in December 2024 with an urgency ordinance amending
the code to reflect these bills.
The only bill requiring policy analysis is SB 450, due to its requirement that the only objective
standards that may apply to SB 9 projects are those that apply uniformly to the underlying
zone. Currently, the City has adopted a series of objective standards (based on results of the
Single-Family Individual Review process) that apply only to SB 9 projects, which are generally
lower than R-1 development standards in terms of height, daylight plane and objective privacy
standards.
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Until a comprehensive analysis of SB 450 can be prepared and presented to Council for
consideration, staff recommends the SB 9 standards for one-story homes be suspended, while
the standards for two-story homes be applied throughout the R-1 district. Two-story, single-
family projects may then utilize those standards for streamlined review or may elect to go
through the Individual Review process to deviate from the standards.
SB 450 has the potential to reduce the number discretionary Individual Review applications
processed in the City in favor of an administrative process that would not include neighbor
input. The extent and implications of this change will be based on the future standards the City
applies to SB 9 projects.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
In conjunction with Council adoption of the ordinance, PDS staff would coordinate with Public
Works Engineering regarding objective standards related to subdivisions proposed pursuant to
SB 684. At this time, staff does not plan to utilize consultants to prepare the objective
standards.
If the Council directs staff to engage in further study in response to AB 2097, further resources
may be needed; staff would return in response to Council direction with cost estimates for fee
study and consultant costs.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Staff had prepared an informational report published in the November 8, 2023 PTC packet
related to AB 2097. The PTC conducted a study session April 24, 2024, and conducted two
hearings of the draft ordinance, on May 29, 2024, and July 10, 2024.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The draft Ordinance is considered exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that
there is no possibility that updating the municipal code to incorporate existing requirements of
State laws will have a significant effect on the environment, and similarly, there would be no
significant effect from the non-substantive clarifications.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Draft Ordinance Amending Sections of PAMC Title 18 and Title 21
Attachment B: AB 2097 Map (City of Palo Alto)
Attachment C: AB 2097 Transit Distance Criteria – Letter of Technical Assistance (HCD)
Attachment D: Caltrain Platforms and Associated Parcels
APPROVED BY:
Jonathan Lait, Planning and Development Services Director
Item 8
Item 8 Staff Report
Item 8: Staff Report Pg. 15 Packet Pg. 130 of 150
*NOT YET APPROVED*
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Ordinance No. _____
Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Various Chapters of
Title 18 (Zoning) and Title 21 (Subdivisions and Other Divisions of Land) of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code to Clarify Existing Regulations and to Implement Recent State Housing
Laws
The Council of the City of Palo Alto ORDAINS as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings and Declarations. The City Council of the City of Palo Alto finds and
declares as follows:
A. On October 11, 2023, the Governor of the State of California signed Senate Bill 684, effective July
1, 2024. SB 684 requires the ministerial approval of certain subdivision maps, planning
entitlements, and building permits for developments of up to 10 residential units.
B. On October 11, 2023, the Governor signed Senate Bill 4, effective January 1, 2024. SB4 requires
housing development projects to be "use by right" on land owned by independent higher
education or religious institutions, given certain conditions.
C. On October 11, 2023, the Governor signed Assembly Bill 894, effective January 1, 2024. AB 894
requires local agencies to approve shared parking agreements that meet criteria specified in the
bill.
D. On September 22, 2022, the Governor signed Assembly Bill 2097, effective January 1, 2023. AB
2097, subject to certain limited exceptions, prohibits public agencies from imposing or enforcing
a minimum parking requirement on a residential, commercial, or other development project that
is within one- half mile of defined “public transit.”
E. On October 8, 2021, the Governor signed Assembly Bill 970, effective as to Palo Alto on January
1, 2023. AB 970 limits the discretion of local agencies when reviewing applications to install
electric vehicle charging stations.
F. On September 25, 2018, the Governor signed Assembly Bill 2162, effective January 1, 2019. AB
2162 makes certain supportive housing projects a use by-right in all zones that permit multifamily
residential uses. Although the City has been implementing this bill since 2019, Program 6.5(D) of
the 2023-2031 Housing Element requires the City to incorporate the bill in the zoning code.
G. Upon recommendation of City Staff and the Planning and Transportation Commission, the Council
of the City of Palo Alto desires to adopt regulations responding to and implementing these state
laws.
H. Upon recommendation of City Staff and the Planning and Transportation Commission, the Council
further desires to make non-substantive clarifications to existing provisions of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code.
SECTION 2. Section 18.42.185 (Standards for Up to Ten Units on Lots Subdivided Pursuant to
Senate Bill 684) of Chapter 18.42 (Standards for Special Uses) of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal
Code is hereby added as follows:
Item 8
Attachment A - Draft
Ordinance Amending
Sections of PAMC Title 18
and Title 21
Item 8: Staff Report Pg. 16 Packet Pg. 131 of 150
*NOT YET APPROVED*
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18.42.185 Standards for Up to Ten Units on Lots Subdivided Pursuant to Senate Bill 684
(a) Purpose and Applicability
This section implements California Government Code Sections 65852.28, 65913.4.5, and 66499.41
(Senate Bill 684, 2023) by establishing regulations for development of up to ten units on lots
subdivided pursuant to Chapter 21.11.
(b) Review Qualifying Development Proposals
(1) Housing development projects on a lot or lots subdivided pursuant to Chapter 21.11 and California
Government Code Section 66499.41 shall be ministerially reviewed and processed through the
City’s Ministerial and By Right Review Process (set forth in PAMC Section 18.77.074), in
accordance with Government Code Section 68582.28.
(2) Building permits for such projects may be issued prior to recordation of a final map, in accordance
with Government Code Section 65913.4.5.
(c) Development and Design Standards
(1) Housing development projects shall be subject to the development standards set forth in the
applicable zone district.
(2) Proposed parcels containing up to two units shall comply with all objective standards for SB 9
projects, as adopted by the City Council, the Director of Planning and Development Services, or
the Director of Public Works, except that no setback shall be required between units unless in
accordance with the California Building Code, as locally amended.
(3) Proposed parcels containing three or more residential units or mixed uses shall comply with
Chapter 18.24 (Contextual Design Criteria and Objective Design Standards).
SECTION 3. Section 18.77.074 (Ministerial and By Right Review Process) of Chapter 18.77
(Processing of Permits and Approvals) of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code is hereby
amended as follows (additions underlined; deletions struck-through; unchanged text omitted by
bracketed ellipses):
18.77.074 Ministerial and By Right Review Process
(a) Purpose and Applicability
(1) This section is intended to define a streamlined, ministerial review process for qualifying
Housing Development Projects that are submitted pursuant to streamlining provisions of state
law, such as in AB 2162 (2018), AB 1397 (2017), and SB 35 (2017). This section shall apply to
multi-family residential projects that are subject to ministerial review or defined as a “use by
right” in state law, including, but not limited to, Government Code sections 65651, 65583,
65583.2, and 65913.4. This section does not apply to the creation of an accessory dwelling unit
and/or junior accessory dwelling unit.
(2) The review required by this section shall not involve the exercise of discretion in a manner that
would constitute a “project” for purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
This section does not, however, excuse a project involving a subdivision from compliance with
Item 8
Attachment A - Draft
Ordinance Amending
Sections of PAMC Title 18
and Title 21
Item 8: Staff Report Pg. 17 Packet Pg. 132 of 150
*NOT YET APPROVED*
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Title 21 and the subdivision map processes set forth therein, which may result in a “project” for
purposes of CEQA.
[. . .]
SECTION 4. Chapter 21.11 (Streamlined Subdivisions Resulting in Ten or Fewer Parcels) of
Title 21 (Subdivisions and Other Divisions of Land) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code is hereby added as
follows:
21.11.010 Purpose
This chapter implements California Government Code Section 66499.41 (Senate Bill 684, 2023) by
establishing regulations for the ministerial subdivision of up to ten lots.
21.11.020 Applicability
This chapter applies only to proposed subdivisions that meet all of the requirements of California
Government Code Section 66499.41. A tentative map and final map shall be required for all subdivisions
under this Chapter, regardless of the number of parcels created.
21.11.030 Review
Qualifying tentative map applications shall be reviewed and processed ministerially in accordance with
California Government Code Section 66499.41. Final maps shall be reviewed and processed in accordance
with Chapter 21.16, except that a final map under this section may be approved by the City Engineer and
Director of Planning and Development Services.
21.11.040 Objective Subdivision Standards
The Director of Planning and Development Services may adopt administrative regulations to create
objective subdivision standards or clarify existing standards that apply to subdivisions under this section.
21.11.050 Accessory Dwelling Units Prohibited
Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units shall not be permitted on lots created
pursuant to this section.
SECTION 5. Section 18.14.060 (By Right Affordable Supportive Housing Projects) of Chapter
18.14 (Housing Incentives) of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code is hereby added as follows:
18.14.060 By Right Affordable Housing and Supportive Housing Projects
(a) Affordable Housing on Higher Education and Religious Lands
(1) Notwithstanding any conflicting provision of this Title 18 or the Comprehensive Plan, a
qualifying housing development project under California Government Code Section 65913.16
shall be a use by right.
(2) Housing development projects utilizing this section in the R-1 Single-Family Residential
District and the Low Density Residential Districts shall be subject to the development
standards for the RM-30 zoning district, except that maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) shall be
1.25.
(3) All housing development projects utilizing this section shall comply with Chapter 18.24
(Contextual Design Criteria and Objective Design Standards).
(b) Supportive Housing in Multi-family and Mixed-use Zones
Item 8
Attachment A - Draft
Ordinance Amending
Sections of PAMC Title 18
and Title 21
Item 8: Staff Report Pg. 18 Packet Pg. 133 of 150
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(1) Supportive housing shall be a use by right in zones where multifamily and mixed uses are
permitted, including nonresidential zones permitting multifamily uses, if the proposed
housing development satisfies all of the requirements of California Government Code
Sections 65650-65656.
(2) All housing development projects utilizing this section shall comply with Chapter 18.24
(Contextual Design Criteria and Objective Design Standards).
(c) Provided they comply with the City’s objective standards, by-right projects under this section shall not
be subject to any discretionary review nor environmental review under the California Environmental
Quality Act. By-right projects under this section shall be processed in accordance with Section
18.77.074.
SECTION 6. Sections 18.52.030 (Basic Parking Regulations), 18.52.040 (Off-Street Parking,
Loading and Bicycle Facility Requirements), 18.52.045 (Adjustments to Existing Parking Facilities),
18.52.050 (Adjustments by the Director), and 18.52.070 (Parking Regulations for CD Assessment District)
of Chapter 18.52 (Parking and Loading Requirements) of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code
is hereby amended as follows (additions underlined; deletions struck-through, and unchanged text
omitted by bracketed ellipses):
18.52.030 Basic Parking Regulations
[. . .]
(i) Transportation Demand Management Plan
(1) Requirement for TDM Plan: A Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan to reduce and
manage the number of single-occupant motor vehicle trips generated by the project shall be
prepared and submitted by the applicant in the following circumstances:
A. For all projects that generate 50 or more net new weekday (AM or PM peak hour) or
weekend peak hour trips;
B. For all projects claiming a reduction in net new trips due to proximity to public transit
or the implementation of a TDM plan; and
C. For all projects requesting a parking reduction.
D. For all projects with reduced parking pursuant to California Government Code Section
65863.2 (AB 2097, 2022).
(2) The Director shall have the authority to adopt guidelines for preparing TDM plans and when
applicable shall coordinate such guidelines with the Transportation Management Association.
18.52.040 Off-Street Parking, Loading and Bicycle Facility Requirements
(a) Parking Requirements
In each district, off-street parking, loading and bicycle facilities for each use shall be provided in
accordance with Tables 1 and 2, shown in subsection (c) of this Section 18.52.040. For affordable
housing developments qualifying for density bonuses under Chapter 18.15 of the Palo Alto Municipal
Item 8
Attachment A - Draft
Ordinance Amending
Sections of PAMC Title 18
and Title 21
Item 8: Staff Report Pg. 19 Packet Pg. 134 of 150
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Code, adjustments to parking requirements will be calculated in accordance with Chapter 18.15. For
projects within one-half mile of public transit, as defined in California Government Code Section
65863.2, no automobile parking shall be required, but loading and bicycle parking facilities shall be
provided in accordance with this Section. The requirement for any use not specifically listed shall be
determined by the director on the basis of requirements for similar uses, and on the basis of evidence of
actual demand created by similar uses in Palo Alto and elsewhere, and such other traffic engineering or
planning data as may be available and appropriate to the establishment of a minimum requirement.
[. . .]
(d) Residential and mixed use structures with fifty (50) or more dwelling units shall provide at least one
(1) on-site, short-term loading space for passenger vehicles, to be used by taxicabs and similar
transportation and delivery services. Unless an adjustment is approved pursuant to Section 18.52.050,
projects providing no automobile parking pursuant to California Government Code Section 65863.2 shall
provide one (1) on-site, short-term loading space for passenger vehicles, to be used by taxicabs and
similar transportation and delivery services.
18.52.045 Adjustments to Existing Parking Facilities
(a) The following minor adjustments may be made to existing parking facilities that are intended to
remain in substantially the same form after restriping.
(1) Accessibility and EVSE-related equipment.
For sites with existing development, the number on-site parking spaces may be reduced to the
minimum extent necessary to: (1) achieve state or federally mandated accessibility
requirements or (2) permit installation of electric vehicle charging stations, as defined in
California Government Code Section 65850.7.electrical utility equipment required for EVSE. A
maximum of 10% of the existing automobile parking stalls, or one stall, whichever is greater,
may be removed to accommodate accessibility requirements. pursuant to this section. The loss
of a parking space is not permitted to accommodate EVSE itself. To the extent reasonably
feasible, e Electrical equipment required for EVSE shall should be placed in a location that
minimizes visibility from the public right-of-way.
[. . .]
18.52.050 Adjustments by the Director
Automobile parking and off-street loading requirements prescribed by this chapter may be adjusted by
the director in the following instances and in accord with the prescribed limitations in Table 4, when in
his/her opinion such adjustment will be consistent with the purposes of this chapter, will not create
undue impact on existing or potential uses adjoining the site or in the general vicinity, and will be
commensurate with the reduced parking demand created by the development, including for visitors and
accessory facilities where appropriate. No reductions may be granted that would result in provision of
less than ten (10) spaces on a site. The following are adjustments that apply to developments not
located within a parking assessment district. Adjustments within the parking assessment districts are
contained in Section 18.52.080. The decision of the regarding parking adjustments may be appealed as
set forth in Chapter 18.78 (Appeals).
[. . .]
Item 8
Attachment A - Draft
Ordinance Amending
Sections of PAMC Title 18
and Title 21
Item 8: Staff Report Pg. 20 Packet Pg. 135 of 150
*NOT YET APPROVED*
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(e) Shared Parking Agreements
Notwithstanding the limitations set forth in Table 4, subdivision (a), and subdivision (c) of this Section,
the Director shall approve a parking adjustment where the applicant meets all of the requirements of
California Government Code Section 65683.1, including but not limited to, preparation of a parking
analysis and a recorded shared parking agreement.
[. . .]
18.52.070 Parking Regulations for CD Assessment District
[. . .]
(f) Minor Adjustments to Existing Parking Facilities
The following minor adjustments may be made to existing parking facilities that are intended to remain
in substantially the same form after restriping.
(1) Accessibility and EVSE-related equipment.
For sites with existing development, the number on-site parking spaces may be reduced to the
minimum extent necessary to: (1) achieve state or federally mandated accessibility
requirements or (2) permit installation of electric vehicle charging stations, as defined in
California Government Code Section 65850.7. electrical utility equipment required for EVSE. A
maximum of 10% of the existing automobile parking stalls, or one stall, whichever is greater,
may be removed to accommodate accessibility requirements. pursuant to this section. The loss
of a parking space is not permitted to accommodate EVSE itself. To the extent reasonably
feasible, e Electrical equipment required for EVSE shall should be placed in a location that
minimizes visibility from the public right-of-way.
[. . .]
SECTION 7. Footnote 3 to Table 3 of Section 18.18.060 (Development Standards) of Chapter
18.18 (Downtown Commercial (CD) District) of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code is hereby
amended as follows (additions underlined; unchanged text omitted by bracketed ellipses):
18.18.060 Development Standards
[. . .]
TABLE 3
MIXED USE AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
[. . .]
Footnotes:
[. . .]
Item 8
Attachment A - Draft
Ordinance Amending
Sections of PAMC Title 18
and Title 21
Item 8: Staff Report Pg. 21 Packet Pg. 136 of 150
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(3) FAR may be increased with transfers of development, increased floor area for housing development
projects with 3-10 residential units pursuant to 18.18.065, and/or bonuses for seismic and historic
rehabilitation upgrades, not to exceed a total site FAR of 3.0:1 in the CD-C subdistrict or 2.0:1 in the CD-S
or CD-N subdistrict.
[. . .]
SECTION 8. Chapter 18.30(F) (Automobile Dealership (AD) Combining District Regulations) of
Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows (additions underlined;
unchanged text omitted by bracketed ellipses):
Chapter 18.30(F) AUTOMOBILE DEALERSHIP (AD)COMBINING DISTRICT REGULATIONS
[. . .]
18.30(F).040 Permitted Uses
The following uses shall be permitted in the (AD) combining district:
(a) Automobile dealerships.
(b) All other uses permitted in the underlying district.
18.30(F).045 Conditional Uses
The following uses may be conditionally permitted in the (AD) district, subject to the issuance of a
conditional use permit in accord with Chapter 18.76 (Permits and Approval):
(a) All other conditional uses allowed in the underlying district.
[. . .]
SECTION 9. Section 18.42.040 (Late Night Uses and Activities) of Chapter 18.42 (Standards for
Special Uses) of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows (additions
underlined; deletions struck-through):
18.42.040 Late Night Uses and Activities
(a) Purpose
The purpose is to restrict retail or service commercial businesses abutting (either directly or across the
street) or within 50 feet of residentially zoned properties or properties with existing residential uses
located within nonresidential zones, with operations or activities between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and
6:00 a.m. Operations subject to this code may include, but are not limited to, deliveries, parking lot and
sidewalk cleaning, and/or clean up or set up operations, but does not include garbage pick up.
(b) Requirements
(1) Retail (including restaurants) or service commercial businesses abutting or within 50 feet of
residentially zoned properties or properties with existing residential uses located within nonresidential
zones, that are open or with operations or activities between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. shall
Item 8
Attachment A - Draft
Ordinance Amending
Sections of PAMC Title 18
and Title 21
Item 8: Staff Report Pg. 22 Packet Pg. 137 of 150
*NOT YET APPROVED*
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be operated in a manner to protect residential properties from excessive noise, odors, lighting or other
nuisances from any sources during those hours.
(2) Where planning or building permits are required or for a change in use that results in any such
commercial business in the CN, or CS, NV-MXM, and NV-MXH zone districts, operating or with activities
between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., a conditional use permit shall be obtained and
conditions of approval shall be applied as deemed necessary to ensure the operation is compatible with
the abutting (or within 50 feet of) residential property. Said use permit shall be limited to operations or
activities occurring between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
SECTION 10. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is for any
reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such
decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby
declares that it would have passed this Ordinance and each and every section, subsection, sentence,
clause, or phrase not declared invalid or unconstitutional without regard to whether any portion of the
Ordinance would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 11. The Council finds that the Ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty
that there is no possibility that updating the municipal code to incorporate existing changes in State
Density Bonus Law will have a significant effect on the environment.
//
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Item 8
Attachment A - Draft
Ordinance Amending
Sections of PAMC Title 18
and Title 21
Item 8: Staff Report Pg. 23 Packet Pg. 138 of 150
*NOT YET APPROVED*
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SECTION 12. This Ordinance shall be effective on the thirty-first date after the date of its
adoption.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
____________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
____________________________ ____________________________
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
____________________________
Director of Planning and
Development Services
Item 8
Attachment A - Draft
Ordinance Amending
Sections of PAMC Title 18
and Title 21
Item 8: Staff Report Pg. 24 Packet Pg. 139 of 150
Middlefield Road
Cowper Street
Waverley Street
Alma Street
El Camino Real
Louis Road
Hy 101 South
Ross Road
Hy 101 North
Webster Street
Bryant Street
Channing Avenue
East Bayshore Road
Page Mill Road
Hamilton Avenue
Oregon Expressway
Lincoln Avenue
San Antonio Road
University Avenue
Newell Road
Seale Avenue
South Court
High Street
Park Boulevard
East Meadow Drive
Stanford Avenue
West Bayshore Road
Colorado Avenue
Hanover Street
Miranda Avenue
Foothill Expressway
Fabian Way
Homer Avenue
Greer Road
Ramona Street
Charleston Road
Edgewood Drive
Loma Verde Avenue
Everett Avenue
Churchill Avenue
Arastradero Road
Matadero Avenue
Lowell Avenue
Center Drive
Tennyson Avenue
Los Robles Avenue
California Avenue
Barron Avenue
Hillview Avenue
Palo Alto Avenue
Kingsley Avenue
Maybell Avenue
Hansen Way
Wilkie Way
Coleridge Avenue
Byron Street
Ely Place
Manuela Avenue
Oregon Avenue
Amarillo Avenue
Marion Avenue
North California Avenue
Emerson Street
Pitman Avenue
Laguna Avenue
Grove Avenue
Ferne Avenue
Nelson Drive
Porter Drive
Castilleja Avenue
Chimalus Drive
Hale Street
College Avenue
Amherst Street
Seneca Street
Lane 66
Bowdoin Street
Stockton Place
Harker Avenue
Deer Creek Road
Embarcadero Road
Ames Avenue
El Dorado Avenue
La Para Avenue
Grant Avenue
Birch Street
Hawthorne Avenue
Harriet Street
Coyote Hill Road
Columbia Street
Clara Drive
Georgia Avenue
Rhodes Drive
San Antonio Avenue
Cambridge Avenue
El Verano Avenue
Olive Avenue
La Donna Street
El Camino Way
Parkinson Avenue
Kipling Street
Kellogg Avenue
Heather Lane
Alger Drive
Florales Drive
Oxford Avenue
Forest Avenue
101 Oregon-Embarcadero Ramp North
Greenwood Avenue
Monroe Drive
Cornell Street
Sherman Avenue
Boyce Avenue
Amaranta Avenue
Oberlin Street
West Charleston Road
Nathan Way
Donald Drive
Urban Lane
Harvard Street
Hopkins Avenue
Wilton Avenue
Dana Avenue
Sutherland Drive
Fife Avenue
Iris Way
Fulton Street
Lambert Avenue
Marshall Drive
Josina Avenue
101 Oregon-Embarcadero Ramp South
Williams Street
David Avenue
(none)
Old Adobe Road
El Carmelo Avenue
Geng Road
Orme Street
Montrose Avenue
Parkside Drive
Princeton Street
Walnut Drive
Maddux Drive
Sheridan Avenue
Curtner Avenue
Jacaranda Lane
Wildwood Lane
Elsinore Drive
Morris Drive
Mariposa Avenue
Fernando Avenue
Stanley Way
Miller Avenue
Leland Avenue
Moreno Avenue
Barbara Drive
Creekside Drive
Sutter Avenue
Margarita Avenue
Edlee Avenue
Ventura Avenue
Arbutus Avenue
Chaucer Street
Shopping Center Way
Embarcadero Way
Walter Hays Drive
Jackson Drive
Willmar Drive
Kenneth Drive
Sand Hill Road
Carolina Lane
Martin Avenue Patricia Lane
Whitclem Drive
Cereza Drive
Paul Avenue
Guinda Street
Towle Way
Old Trace Road
Tennessee Lane
Orinda Street
Ilima Way
Santa Ana Street
Encina Grande Drive
Briarwood Way
Bruce Drive
Los Palos Avenue
Commercial Street
Lane 21
Faber Place
Ruthven Avenue
Miramonte Avenue
Lois Lane
West Meadow Drive
Gailen Avenue
Laguna Way
Whitsell Street
Northampton Drive
Southampton Drive
Scripps Avenue
Pomona Avenue
Janice Way
Bibbits Drive
Madrono Avenue
Warren Way
Yale Street
Mayview Avenue
Evergreen Drive
Stelling Drive
Rorke Way
El Centro Street
Ivy Lane
New Mayfield Lane
Ashton Avenue
Military Way
McKellar Lane
Cedar Street
Robb Road
Jefferson Drive
Dake Avenue
Santa Rita Avenue
Addison Avenue
Saint Claire Drive
Rinconada Avenue
Second Street
Encina Avenue
Seminole Way
Alester Avenue
Silva AvenueKelly Way
Indian Drive
Escobita Avenue
Quarry Road
Glenbrook Drive
Manuela Court
Garland Drive
Hubbartt Drive
Christine Drive
Lane 39
Kings Lane
Bryson Avenue
Talisman Drive
Campana Drive
Oak Hill Avenue
Fabian Street
Murdoch Drive
Deodar Street
Terman Drive
Nevada Avenue
Madison Way
Sequoia Avenue
Southwood Drive
Crescent Drive
Colonial Lane
East Meadow CircleRichardson Court
Lane 33
James Road
Vista Avenue
Lupine Avenue
Campesino Avenue
Hilbar Lane
Portola Avenue
Park Avenue
Poe Street
Suzanne Drive
La Calle
Cypress Lane (Private)
Chestnut Avenue
Roble Ridge (Private)
Kendall Avenue
Mumford Place
Sycamore Drive
Thain Way
Vernon Terrace
Celia Drive
Washington Avenue
Redwood Circle
Dennis Drive
Arboretum Road
Roosevelt CircleLa Selva Drive
Solana Drive
Manzana Lane
Ortega Court
Ash Street
De Soto Drive
Rambow Drive
Portage Avenue
Bryant Court
Ruthelma Avenue
Elwell Court
Torreya Court
Magnolia Drive
Paradise Way
Cork Oak Way
Manuela Way
Carlson Circle
Clemo Avenue
Coastland Drive
Wellsbury Way
Fairmede Avenue
Stern Avenue
Mitchell Lane
Fallen Leaf Street
Everett Court
Maclane
Pepper Avenue
Community Lane
Verdosa Drive
Thomas Drive
Abel Avenue
Wells Avenue
Fielding Drive
Maplewood Avenue
Tulip Lane
Lane 7 East
Acacia Avenue
Ross Court
Mackay Drive
Berryessa Street
Ilima Court
Tasso Street
Mesa Avenue
Stone Lane
Lane B East
Coulombe Drive
Lytton Avenue
Lane D East
Lane 8 West
Lane 7 West
Miranda Green
Mark Twain Street
Lane A West
El Cerrito Road
Maple Street
Whitman Court
Lane B West
Orchard Lane
Laura Lane
Dinah's Court
Lane D West
Gaspar Court
Primrose Way
Lane 15 East
Tanland Drive
Lane 59 East
Irven Court
Agnes Way
Baker Avenue
Morton Street
May Court
Murray Way
Driftwood Drive
Melville Avenue
Silva Court
Pear Lane
Greenmeadow Way
Corina Way
Phillips Road
Palm Street
Saint Michael Drive
Lane 30
Blair Court
Cesano Court
Gilman Street
Paloma Drive (Private)
Wellesley Street
Thornwood Drive
Holly Oak Drive
Cerrito Way
El Cajon Way
Tioga Court
Wright Place
Vineyard Lane
Pistache Place
West Crescent Drive
Duncan Place
Moana Court
Sandra Place
San Jude Avenue
McGregor Way
Miller Court
Downing Lane
Florence Street
Peral Lane
Ben Lomond Drive Shasta Drive
Ensign Way
Dartmouth Street
Diablo Court
Wilson Street
Bret Harte Street
Erstwild Court
Carmel Drive
Cass Way
Arcadia Place
Lane 6 East
Burnham Way
Villa Vista (Private)
Saint Francis Drive
Ramos Way (Private)
Cardinal Way
Hemlock Court
Layne Court
Flowers Lane
Timlott Lane
Drake Way
Lindero Drive
Simkins Court
Wintergreen Way
Marlowe Street
Shauna Lane
Lane 5 East
Dixon Place
Corporation Way
Maybell Way
Altaire Walk
Sedro Lane
Midtown Court
Sierra Court
Portal Place
Lane 12 West
Cowper Court
Chabot Terrace
Ashby Drive
El Capitan Place
none
Rickeys Way (Private)
Keats Court
Maureen Avenue
Talisman Court
La Mata Way
Mimosa Lane
Quail Drive (Private)
Clifton Court
Staunton Court
Arrowhead Way
Scott Street
Higgins Place
Arbol Drive
101 E Oregon On Ramp South
Ellsworth Place (Private)
Lawrence Lane
Federation Way
Sharon Court
Ryan Lane (Private)
Juniper Lane (Private)
Randers Court
Centennial Walk
Paulsen Lane
Manchester Court
Rosewood Drive
Sweet Olive Way
Old Trace Court
Moffett Circle
Bautista Court
Magnolia Drive South
Cherry Oaks Place
Ynigo Way
Adobe Place
Metro Circle
Anton Court
San Carlos Court (Private)
Pratt Lane (Private)
Amherst Way
Lundy Lane
Allen Court
Louisa Court
Watson Court
Van Auken CircleEast Greenwich Place
Bellview Drive
Kent Place
Villa Vera (Private)
Matadero Court
Saint Michael Court
Pena Court
Columbia Place
Tevis Place
Palo Road
Nelson Court
Ames Court
Rincon Circle
Island Drive
Davenport Way
Leghorn Street
Hamilton Court
Newell Place
Duluth Circle
Piers Court
Regent Place
Gary Court
Genevieve Court
Gailen Court
Driscoll Place (Private)
Elmdale Place
Charleston Court
Julie Court
Green Manor
Forest Court
Old Page Mill Road
Magnolia Drive North
Camino Court
Lane 56 (Private)
Frandon Court
Carlitos Court
Victoria Place
Nogal Lane
Boronda Lane
Somerset Place
Wallis Court
Loma Verde Place
Barclay Court
Newberry Court
Laguna Oaks Place
Laguna Court
Darlington Court
Fairfield Court
David Court
Marion Place
Ferne Court
Dymond Court (Private)
Amherst Court
Alma Village Lane (Private)
Martinsen Court
Bowdoin Place
Wellsbury Court
Crosby Place
Rickeys Lane (Private)
Los Palos Circle
George Hood Lane
Byron Street
(none)
Byron Street
Wilkie Way
Ash Street
Byron Street
Lytton Avenue
Dana Avenue
Kipling Street
Moreno AvenueTasso Street
Byron Street
Fulton Street Fulton Street
High Street
Foothill Expressway
Kipling Street
Hy 101 North
Ramona Street
Dartmouth Street
High Street
Tasso Street
Palo Alto Avenue
Hamilton Avenue
Moreno Avenue
Wellesley Street
Park Boulevard
Dartmouth Street
Thomas Drive
Emerson Street
Ramona Street
South Court
Arastradero Road
Addison Avenue
Addison Avenue
Tasso Street
Quarry Road
Sutter Avenue
North California Avenue
Santa Rita Avenue
Page Mill Road
South Court
Oregon Expressway
Nevada Avenue
Bryant Street
Kipling Street
Kendall Avenue
San Jude Avenue
Maclane
Guinda Street
Santa Rita Avenue
Ash Street
Ramona Street
Page Mill Road
Washington Avenue
Tasso Street
Emerson Street
Lytton Avenue
Oregon Avenue
Ramona Street
Lane 15 East
Oregon Avenue
Hawthorne Avenue
Kendall Avenue
Kingsley Avenue
San Antonio Road
Colorado Avenue
Kellogg Avenue
Webster Street
College Avenue
Georgia Avenue
Tasso Street
West Bayshore Road
Miranda Avenue
Byron Street
Emerson Street
Fulton Street
Ash Street
Matadero Avenue
Sheridan Avenue
Oregon Avenue
Birch Street
Sycamore Drive
Park Boulevard
Melville Avenue
Los Altos
Los Altos Hills
Stanford University
Menlo Park
Mountain View
East Palo Alto
Atherton
This map is a product of
City of Palo Alto GIS
[
0 0.35 0.70.175 Miles
Half-Mile from AB2097 Transit Platforms
Legend
AB2097 Transit PlatformHalf-Mile from AB2097 Transit PlatformSchoolsParksCity Limit
£¤101
§¨¦280
Rev: October 23, 2024
Palo Alto Caltrain Station
California Ave. Caltrain Station
San Antonio Caltrain Station
Palo Alto Transit Center
Item 8
Attachment B - AB 2097
Map (City of Palo Alto)
Item 8: Staff Report Pg. 25 Packet Pg. 140 of 150
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - BUSINESS, CONSUMER SERVICES AND HOUSING AGENCY GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIVISION OF HOUSING POLICY DEVELOPMENT
2020 W. El Camino Avenue, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95833
(916) 263-2911 / FAX (916) 263-7453
www.hcd.ca.gov
November 17, 2023
Adam Atamian, Community Development Director
City of San Clemente
910 Calle Negocio, Suite 100
San Clemente, CA 92672
Dear Adam Atamian:
RE: AB 2097 Transit Distance Criteria – Letter of Technical Assistance
This letter provides technical assistance regarding the application of Assembly Bill (AB) 2097
(Chapter 459, Statues of 2022). The California Department of Housing and Community
Development (HCD) received a technical assistance request from Kristine Michaels
(Applicant), seeking clarification on how to measure the one-half mile distance to a major
transit stop required under AB 2097. The letter is provided for the benefit of both the City of
San Clemente (City) and the Applicant.
Summary of Request
HCD understands the Applicant submitted an application to the City for an accessory
dwelling unit (ADU) conversion project at 240 W. Mariposa Avenue. The project proposes
to convert an existing carport into an approximately 668.5 square-foot ADU. The City has
approved a conceptual plan verifying that the project meets local zoning regulations and
does not require additional off-street parking to be provided to serve the ADU. However,
because the project is located in the Coastal Zone and the City does not have a fully
certified Local Coastal Program (LCP) at this time, the project also requires a Coastal
Development Permit (CDP) from the California Coastal Commission (Coastal
Commission). HCD understands that the Applicant has submitted its CDP application,
including the approved conceptual plan from the City, to the Coastal Commission for
review. It appears that the Coastal Commission is exploring potential parking mitigation
measures for the project including the removal of red curbed areas to create more on-
street parking and/or an annual in lieu parking mitigation fee. However, the applicant
desires to utilize the reduced minimum parking requirements under AB 2097 for
residential development within one-half mile of a major transit stop.
AB 2097 is codified at Government Code Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 4, Article 2,
Section 65863.2 and became effective January 1, 2023. This law limits the ability of a
public agency to impose minimum automobile parking requirements for residential,
Item 8
Attachment C - AB 2097
Transit Distance Criteria -
Letter of Technical
Assistance (HCD)
Item 8: Staff Report Pg. 26 Packet Pg. 141 of 150
Adam Atamian, Community Development Director
Page 2
commercial, or other qualifying development projects within one-half mile of a major
public transit stop. HCD has authority to enforce AB 2097 pursuant to Government
Code section 65585, subdivision (j)(12).
The sole question posed by the requestor relates to the method of measurement used
to determine whether a project site is located within one-half mile of a major transit stop,
thus becoming eligible for the benefits of AB 2097. Specifically, the requester asks
whether the one-half mile distance should be measured in a straight line from parcel
edge to the transit stop or based on the walking distance from parcel edge to the transit
stop. This letter provides technical assistance clarifying how to measure the one-half
mile distance to a major transit stop for the purposes of AB 2097.
AB 2097 Transit Distance Criteria
Under AB 2097, “A public agency shall not impose or enforce any minimum automobile
parking requirement on a residential, commercial, or other development project if the
project is located within one-half mile of public transit.” (Gov. Code, § 65863.2, subd.
(a).) Additionally, Government Code section 65863.2, subdivision (e)(5), defines “public
transit” to mean a major transit stop as defined in Section 21155 of the Public
Resources Code.
Major Transit Stop Definition in the Public Resources Code
Section 21155, subdivision (b), of the Public Resources Code states, “A major transit
stop is as defined in Section 21064.3, except that, for purposes of this section, it also
includes major transit stops that are included in the applicable regional transportation
plan.” Section 21064.3 defines a major transit stop as a site containing any of the
following:
(a) An existing rail or bus rapid transit station.
(b) A ferry terminal served by either a bus or rail transit service.
(c) The intersection of two or more major bus routes with a frequency of service
interval of 15 minutes or less during the morning and afternoon peak
commute periods.
Based on the above, the San Clemente Pier Station Train Stop would qualify as a major
transit stop under Public Resources Code, Section 21064.3, subdivision (a), because it
is an existing rail transit station served by the Metrolink rail system.
AB 2097 Path of Measurement
For the purposes of AB 2097, the one-half mile distance to a major transit stop should
be measured in a straight, direct line from the nearest edge of the parcel containing the
project site to any point on the parcel(s) that make up the property upon which a major
Item 8
Attachment C - AB 2097
Transit Distance Criteria -
Letter of Technical
Assistance (HCD)
Item 8: Staff Report Pg. 27 Packet Pg. 142 of 150
Adam Atamian, Community Development Director
Page 3
transit stop is located. Generally, measurements are to be taken in a straight, direct line
from parcel edge to parcel edge unless otherwise specified in statute. This is in keeping
with the “ordinary meaning” of how required distances are typically measured in state
housing laws absent specific statutory instructions to the contrary. AB 2097 does not
contain any language that indicates that the one-half mile distance should be measured
based on walking distance. Additionally, the definitions of a major stop in Section 21155
and Section 21064.3 of the Public Resources Code do not reference walking distance.
Had the Legislature intended for the one-half mile distance in AB 2097 to be based on
walking distance, it could have included language to that effect as seen in other state
housing laws such as ADU Law (Gov. Code, § 65852.2, subds. (c) and (d)) and Senate
Bill 9 (Gov. Code, § 65852.21, subd. (c)(1)(A)1).
This determination is consistent with other one-half mile distances to public transit employed
elsewhere in state statutes that do not specify walking distance, such as AB 2162 (Gov.
Code, § 656542) and SB 35 (Gov. Code, § 65913.4, subd. (e)(1)(A)3). This determination
also most closely aligns with AB 2097’s intent as outlined in Government Code section,
65863.2, subdivision (i), which states that “the imposition of mandatory parking minimums
can increase the cost of housing, limit the number of available units, lead to an oversupply
of parking spaces, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, this section shall
be interpreted in favor of the prohibition of the imposition of mandatory parking minimums as
outlined in this section.”
1 “A height of 18 feet for a detached accessory dwelling unit on a lot with an existing or
proposed single family or multifamily dwelling unit that is within one-half of one mile
walking distance of a major transit stop or a high-quality transit corridor, as those terms
are defined in Section 21155 of the Public Resources Code.” (Gov. Code, § 65852.2,
subd. (c)(2)(D)(ii).)
“Where the accessory dwelling unit is located within one-half mile walking distance of
public transit.” (Gov. Code, § 65852.2, subd. (d)(1)(A).)
“The parcel is located within one-half mile walking distance of either a high-quality
transit corridor, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 21155 of the Public Resources
Code, or a major transit stop, as defined in Section 21064.3 of the Public Resources
Code.” (Gov. Code, § 65852.21, subd. (c)(1)(A).)
2 “If the supportive housing development is located within one-half mile of a public
transit stop, the local government shall not impose any minimum parking requirements
for the units occupied by supportive housing residents.” (Gov. Code § 65654.)
3 “The development is located within one-half mile of public transit.” (Gov. Code §
65913.4, subd. (e)(1)(A).)
Item 8
Attachment C - AB 2097
Transit Distance Criteria -
Letter of Technical
Assistance (HCD)
Item 8: Staff Report Pg. 28 Packet Pg. 143 of 150
Adam Atamian, Community Development Director
Page 4
Conclusion
For the purposes of AB 2097, the one-half mile distance to a major transit stop should be
measured in a straight line from the nearest edge of the parcel containing the proposed
project to any point on the parcel(s) that make up the property upon which a major transit
stop is located. Using this method of measurement, the ADU conversion project
proposed at 240 W. Mariposa Avenue is less than one-half mile from the San Clemente
Pier Train Station and therefore meets this criterion under AB 2097. This technical
assistance provides a consistent methodology for measuring distance and is more
inclusive than other alternatives, thereby maximizing the housing production potential of
AB 2097.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Deepeaka Dhaliwal,
of our staff, at Deepeaka.Dhaliwal@hcd.ca.gov.
Sincerely,
Shannan West
Housing Accountability Unit Chief
Item 8
Attachment C - AB 2097
Transit Distance Criteria -
Letter of Technical
Assistance (HCD)
Item 8: Staff Report Pg. 29 Packet Pg. 144 of 150
Middlefield Road
Cowper Street
Waverley Street
Alma Street
El Camino Real
Louis Road
Hy 101 South
Ross Road
Hy 101 North
Webster Street
Bryant Street
Channing Avenue
East Bayshore Road
Page Mill Road
Hamilton Avenue
Oregon Expressway
Lincoln Avenue
San Antonio Road
University Avenue
Newell Road
Seale Avenue
South Court
High Street
Park Boulevard
East Meadow Drive
Stanford Avenue
West Bayshore Road
Colorado Avenue
Hanover Street
Miranda Avenue
Foothill Expressway
Fabian Way
Homer Avenue
Greer Road
Ramona Street
Charleston Road
Edgewood Drive
Loma Verde Avenue
Everett Avenue
Churchill Avenue
Arastradero Road
Matadero Avenue
Lowell Avenue
Center Drive
Tennyson Avenue
Los Robles Avenue
California Avenue
Barron Avenue
Hillview Avenue
Palo Alto Avenue
Kingsley Avenue
Maybell Avenue
Hansen Way
Wilkie Way
Coleridge Avenue
Byron Street
Ely Place
Manuela Avenue
Oregon Avenue
Amarillo Avenue
Marion Avenue
North California Avenue
Emerson Street
Pitman Avenue
Laguna Avenue
Grove Avenue
Ferne Avenue
Nelson Drive
Porter Drive
Castilleja Avenue
Chimalus Drive
Hale Street
College Avenue
Amherst Street
Seneca Street
Lane 66
Bowdoin Street
Stockton Place
Harker Avenue
Deer Creek Road
Embarcadero Road
Ames Avenue
El Dorado Avenue
La Para Avenue
Grant Avenue
Birch Street
Hawthorne Avenue
Harriet Street
Coyote Hill Road
Columbia Street
Clara Drive
Georgia Avenue
Rhodes Drive
San Antonio Avenue
Cambridge Avenue
El Verano Avenue
Olive Avenue
La Donna Street
El Camino Way
Parkinson Avenue
Kipling Street
Kellogg Avenue
Heather Lane
Alger Drive
Florales Drive
Oxford Avenue
Forest Avenue
101 Oregon-Embarcadero Ramp North
Greenwood Avenue
Monroe Drive
Cornell Street
Sherman Avenue
Boyce Avenue
Amaranta Avenue
Oberlin Street
West Charleston Road
Nathan Way
Donald Drive
Urban Lane
Harvard Street
Hopkins Avenue
Wilton Avenue
Dana Avenue
Sutherland Drive
Fife Avenue
Iris Way
Fulton Street
Lambert Avenue
Marshall Drive
Josina Avenue
101 Oregon-Embarcadero Ramp South
Williams Street
David Avenue
(none)
Old Adobe Road
El Carmelo Avenue
Geng Road
Orme Street
Montrose Avenue
Parkside Drive
Princeton Street
Walnut Drive
Maddux Drive
Sheridan Avenue
Curtner Avenue
Jacaranda Lane
Wildwood Lane
Elsinore Drive
Morris Drive
Mariposa Avenue
Fernando Avenue
Stanley Way
Miller Avenue
Leland Avenue
Moreno Avenue
Barbara Drive
Creekside Drive
Sutter Avenue
Margarita Avenue
Edlee Avenue
Ventura Avenue
Arbutus Avenue
Chaucer Street
Shopping Center Way
Embarcadero Way
Walter Hays Drive
Jackson Drive
Willmar Drive
Kenneth Drive
Sand Hill Road
Carolina Lane
Martin Avenue Patricia Lane
Whitclem Drive
Cereza Drive
Paul Avenue
Guinda Street
Towle Way
Old Trace Road
Tennessee Lane
Orinda Street
Ilima Way
Santa Ana Street
Encina Grande Drive
Briarwood Way
Bruce Drive
Los Palos Avenue
Commercial Street
Lane 21
Faber Place
Ruthven Avenue
Miramonte Avenue
Lois Lane
West Meadow Drive
Gailen Avenue
Laguna Way
Whitsell Street
Northampton Drive
Southampton Drive
Scripps Avenue
Pomona Avenue
Janice Way
Bibbits Drive
Madrono Avenue
Warren Way
Yale Street
Mayview Avenue
Evergreen Drive
Stelling Drive
Rorke Way
El Centro Street
Ivy Lane
New Mayfield Lane
Ashton Avenue
Military Way
McKellar Lane
Cedar Street
Robb Road
Jefferson Drive
Dake Avenue
Santa Rita Avenue
Addison Avenue
Saint Claire Drive
Rinconada Avenue
Second Street
Encina Avenue
Seminole Way
Alester Avenue
Silva AvenueKelly Way
Indian Drive
Escobita Avenue
Quarry Road
Glenbrook Drive
Manuela Court
Garland Drive
Hubbartt Drive
Christine Drive
Lane 39
Kings Lane
Bryson Avenue
Talisman Drive
Campana Drive
Oak Hill Avenue
Fabian Street
Murdoch Drive
Deodar Street
Terman Drive
Nevada Avenue
Madison Way
Sequoia Avenue
Southwood Drive
Crescent Drive
Colonial Lane
East Meadow CircleRichardson Court
Lane 33
James Road
Vista Avenue
Lupine Avenue
Campesino Avenue
Hilbar Lane
Portola Avenue
Park Avenue
Poe Street
Suzanne Drive
La Calle
Cypress Lane (Private)
Chestnut Avenue
Roble Ridge (Private)
Kendall Avenue
Mumford Place
Sycamore Drive
Thain Way
Vernon Terrace
Celia Drive
Washington Avenue
Redwood Circle
Dennis Drive
Arboretum Road
Roosevelt CircleLa Selva Drive
Solana Drive
Manzana Lane
Ortega Court
Ash Street
De Soto Drive
Rambow Drive
Portage Avenue
Bryant Court
Ruthelma Avenue
Elwell Court
Torreya Court
Magnolia Drive
Paradise Way
Cork Oak Way
Manuela Way
Carlson Circle
Clemo Avenue
Coastland Drive
Wellsbury Way
Fairmede Avenue
Stern Avenue
Mitchell Lane
Fallen Leaf Street
Everett Court
Maclane
Pepper Avenue
Community Lane
Verdosa Drive
Thomas Drive
Abel Avenue
Wells Avenue
Fielding Drive
Maplewood Avenue
Tulip Lane
Lane 7 East
Acacia Avenue
Ross Court
Mackay Drive
Berryessa Street
Ilima Court
Tasso Street
Mesa Avenue
Stone Lane
Lane B East
Coulombe Drive
Lytton Avenue
Lane D East
Lane 8 West
Lane 7 West
Miranda Green
Mark Twain Street
Lane A West
El Cerrito Road
Maple Street
Whitman Court
Lane B West
Orchard Lane
Laura Lane
Dinah's Court
Lane D West
Gaspar Court
Primrose Way
Lane 15 East
Tanland Drive
Lane 59 East
Irven Court
Agnes Way
Baker Avenue
Morton Street
May Court
Murray Way
Driftwood Drive
Melville Avenue
Silva Court
Pear Lane
Greenmeadow Way
Corina Way
Phillips Road
Palm Street
Saint Michael Drive
Lane 30
Blair Court
Cesano Court
Gilman Street
Paloma Drive (Private)
Wellesley Street
Thornwood Drive
Holly Oak Drive
Cerrito Way
El Cajon Way
Tioga Court
Wright Place
Vineyard Lane
Pistache Place
West Crescent Drive
Duncan Place
Moana Court
Sandra Place
San Jude Avenue
McGregor Way
Miller Court
Downing Lane
Florence Street
Peral Lane
Ben Lomond Drive Shasta Drive
Ensign Way
Dartmouth Street
Diablo Court
Wilson Street
Bret Harte Street
Erstwild Court
Carmel Drive
Cass Way
Arcadia Place
Lane 6 East
Burnham Way
Villa Vista (Private)
Saint Francis Drive
Ramos Way (Private)
Cardinal Way
Hemlock Court
Layne Court
Flowers Lane
Timlott Lane
Drake Way
Lindero Drive
Simkins Court
Wintergreen Way
Marlowe Street
Shauna Lane
Lane 5 East
Dixon Place
Corporation Way
Maybell Way
Altaire Walk
Sedro Lane
Midtown Court
Sierra Court
Portal Place
Lane 12 West
Cowper Court
Chabot Terrace
Ashby Drive
El Capitan Place
none
Rickeys Way (Private)
Keats Court
Maureen Avenue
Talisman Court
La Mata Way
Mimosa Lane
Quail Drive (Private)
Clifton Court
Staunton Court
Arrowhead Way
Scott Street
Higgins Place
Arbol Drive
101 E Oregon On Ramp South
Ellsworth Place (Private)
Lawrence Lane
Federation Way
Sharon Court
Ryan Lane (Private)
Juniper Lane (Private)
Randers Court
Centennial Walk
Paulsen Lane
Manchester Court
Rosewood Drive
Sweet Olive Way
Old Trace Court
Moffett Circle
Bautista Court
Magnolia Drive South
Cherry Oaks Place
Ynigo Way
Adobe Place
Metro Circle
Anton Court
San Carlos Court (Private)
Pratt Lane (Private)
Amherst Way
Lundy Lane
Allen Court
Louisa Court
Watson Court
Van Auken CircleEast Greenwich Place
Bellview Drive
Kent Place
Villa Vera (Private)
Matadero Court
Saint Michael Court
Pena Court
Columbia Place
Tevis Place
Palo Road
Nelson Court
Ames Court
Rincon Circle
Island Drive
Davenport Way
Leghorn Street
Hamilton Court
Newell Place
Duluth Circle
Piers Court
Regent Place
Gary Court
Genevieve Court
Gailen Court
Driscoll Place (Private)
Elmdale Place
Charleston Court
Julie Court
Green Manor
Forest Court
Old Page Mill Road
Magnolia Drive North
Camino Court
Lane 56 (Private)
Frandon Court
Carlitos Court
Victoria Place
Nogal Lane
Boronda Lane
Somerset Place
Wallis Court
Loma Verde Place
Barclay Court
Newberry Court
Laguna Oaks Place
Laguna Court
Darlington Court
Fairfield Court
David Court
Marion Place
Ferne Court
Dymond Court (Private)
Amherst Court
Alma Village Lane (Private)
Martinsen Court
Bowdoin Place
Wellsbury Court
Crosby Place
Rickeys Lane (Private)
Los Palos Circle
George Hood Lane
Byron Street
(none)
Byron Street
Wilkie Way
Ash Street
Byron Street
Lytton Avenue
Dana Avenue
Kipling Street
Moreno AvenueTasso Street
Byron Street
Fulton Street Fulton Street
High Street
Foothill Expressway
Kipling Street
Hy 101 North
Ramona Street
Dartmouth Street
High Street
Tasso Street
Palo Alto Avenue
Hamilton Avenue
Moreno Avenue
Wellesley Street
Park Boulevard
Dartmouth Street
Thomas Drive
Emerson Street
Ramona Street
South Court
Arastradero Road
Addison Avenue
Addison Avenue
Tasso Street
Quarry Road
Sutter Avenue
North California Avenue
Santa Rita Avenue
Page Mill Road
South Court
Oregon Expressway
Nevada Avenue
Bryant Street
Kipling Street
Kendall Avenue
San Jude Avenue
Maclane
Guinda Street
Santa Rita Avenue
Ash Street
Ramona Street
Page Mill Road
Washington Avenue
Tasso Street
Emerson Street
Lytton Avenue
Oregon Avenue
Ramona Street
Lane 15 East
Oregon Avenue
Hawthorne Avenue
Kendall Avenue
Kingsley Avenue
San Antonio Road
Colorado Avenue
Kellogg Avenue
Webster Street
College Avenue
Georgia Avenue
Tasso Street
West Bayshore Road
Miranda Avenue
Byron Street
Emerson Street
Fulton Street
Ash Street
Matadero Avenue
Sheridan Avenue
Oregon Avenue
Birch Street
Sycamore Drive
Park Boulevard
Melville Avenue
Los Altos
Los Altos Hills
Stanford University
Menlo Park
Mountain View
East Palo Alto
Atherton
This map is a product of
City of Palo Alto GIS
[
0 0.35 0.70.175 Miles
AB2097 Transit Platforms & Associated Parcels
Legend
AB2097 Transit PlatformAB2097 Transit Platform ParcelsCity LimitSchoolsParks
£¤101
§¨¦280
Rev: October 31, 2024
Palo Alto Caltrain Station
California Ave. Caltrain Station
San Antonio Caltrain Station
Palo Alto Transit Center
Item 8
Attachment D - Caltrain
Platforms and Associated
Parcels
Item 8: Staff Report Pg. 30 Packet Pg. 145 of 150
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: INFORMATION REPORTS
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: November 12, 2024
Report #:2409-3431
TITLE
Report on Staff Determination to Remove "Potentially Eligible" Historic Status From Parcel
Reports.
RECOMMENDATION
This is an informational report, no action is required.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report documents an administrative change staff will implement to remove the
“potentially eligible” label from the City’s parcel reports. Parcel reports detail property
information, such as lot area, special setbacks, zoning, floodplain designation, etc., and
references to historic status. Inclusion of “potentially eligible” properties adds confusion to
realtors in terms of their fiduciary responsibilities to provide accurate information for
transactions and is confusing to home buyers and sellers. Its inclusion is problematic because
this label is not applied equally to all properties that may be potentially eligible, for instance,
every structure over 50 years old. Moreover, the information supporting the “potentially
eligible” status is decades old and when re-evaluated on an ad hoc basis, is found to be no
longer supported an estimated 90% of the time. Structures and properties that are designated
historic resources or districts will retain appropriate identification in the parcel reports to
inform staff and the public that an historic analysis may be required for certain projects.
BACKGROUND
On April 22, 2024, the City Council directed staff to study the possibility of a process for
removing the “potentially eligible” label from properties listed in the self-service parcel reports
and return to Council with evaluations on any alternatives.
On May 9, 2024, the Historic Resources Board (HRB) briefly discussed Council’s directive and
were advised that staff were investigating alternatives.
On August 8, 2024, the HRB held a retreat to discuss the Historic Status label in parcel reports
and the Historic Review Bulletin.1 The HRB expressed concerns about removing the “potentially
1 Link to the Historic Review Bulletin: https://bit.ly/HistoricReview
Item 9
Item 9 Staff Report
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 146 of 150
eligible” label uncertain of the benefit to property owners. The HRB suggests aligning the City’s
historic status labels in parcel reports with the California Built Environment Resources Directory
(BERD) labeling system that provides county-organized information on non-archaeological
resources with the Office of Historic Preservation. This approach would effectively have the City
list every parcel that is over 50 years old as a “potentially eligible” historic resource resulting in
a 550% increase over existing properties, or about 65% of all properties in the City.
ANALYSIS
•Whether a given property is designated as historic or within a historic district; and
•Any evidence for historic significance.
2 subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) these two
factors help to determine if a property is a historical resource3 and whether the proposed
action would cause a substantial adverse change4 to said resource. In contrast, ministerial
actions – development only requiring building permits—are not subject to CEQA and do not
require this level of historic review.
2 Discretionary development applications include Architectural Review; Design Enhancement Exception; Home
Improvement Exception; Neighborhood Preservation Exception; Single Family Individual Review; Site and Design
Review; and Variances.
3 California Code of Regulations, TI 14, Div. 6, Ch. 3, Art. 5, Sec. 15064.5(a)(3)
4 California Code of Regulations, TI 14, Div. 6, Ch. 3, Art. 5, Sec. 15064.5(b)
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Alternatives staff considered:
(Selected Approach)
•Removes incomplete data that
has not been updated in 20+
years.
•Only evaluated properties
would be labeled, utilizing
evidence backed information.
•Removes uncertainty from
historic labels in parcel reports.
•Aligns City practices with other
jurisdictions.
•Reduces buyer, seller and
realtor frustration and
confusion over what steps to
follow, eliminates cost and time
of preparing a historic analysis
(~$3,000 - $9,000 and about 4
weeks) for these properties.
•Some property owners may be
surprised to learn a structure has
historic integrity and either: 1)
may require an applicant to revise
their plans to comply with state
historic codes, or 2) require
preparation of an environmental
impact report and Council
adoption of Statement of
Overriding Considerations, or 3)
modify the project to eliminate
the discretionary review
component (i.e., build a one story
home, instead of a two story
home).
•The HRB’s consensus was that
removing the label may not
benefit owners, citing that the
label pre-emptively identifies
some owners.
•Pre-emptively identifies
properties that may need
historic evaluation.
•HRB consensus to align status
language with state standards.
•Requires citywide survey
evaluations with fiscal and
resource impacts.
•Applies statuses to every property
50 years or older (approximately
11,660 properties built pre-1974).
•Requires survey evaluations to
change statuses.
•Over 90% of properties with the
current label are found not
eligible, this percentage is
expected to increase using the
BERD approach, requiring more
historic reports, additional time,
and costs to applicants.
•Pre-emptively identifies a select
number of properties from the
1997-2001 survey.
•Is unresponsive to public
feedback and does not address
time, cost and confusion in the
real estate market associated
with this label.
•Utilizes incomplete data that has
not been updated in 20+ years.
•Takes no account of the HRB’s
discussion.
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Selected Approach:
Staff has determined to only label the historic status of properties that are currently listed on
the Local Inventory, California Register, National Register, or those found eligible for the
California and National Registers through survey evaluation—effectively removing the
“potentially eligible” label from parcel reports. This approach is informed by feedback from
property owners during the 2023 Reconnaissance Survey and concerns raised by real estate
professionals regarding the ambiguity of the “potentially eligible” label.
5 programs across the State regarding how historic information is displayed
in their respective public Geographic Information System (GIS) systems. Removing the
“potentially eligible” label from the City's public GIS system will ensure that the displayed
historic labels are based on evidence-backed property evaluations, rather than incomplete data
that has not been updated in over two decades.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
5 CLG is a partnership among local governments the State of California and the National Park Service which is
responsible for administering the National Historic Preservation Program. Palo Alto has been a CLG since 1992.
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through their respective development review procedures. Aligning the City’s approach to only
identify properties on the inventory would not change staff implementation of Policy L-7.2.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
There is no significant fiscal or resource impact associated with the proposed changes to the
City’s parcel reports. The anticipated workload of removing the “potentially eligible” status
from 1,527 properties can be addressed with existing staff resources.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
APPROVED BY:
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