HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-03-14 Planning & transportation commission Agenda Packet_______________________
1. Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified as present at the meeting at the
time of the spokesperson’s presentation will be allowed up to fifteen (15) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided
that the non-speaking members agree not to speak individually.
2. The Chair may limit Oral Communications to 30 minutes for all combined speakers.
3. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak to three minutes to accommodate a larger number of speakers.
Planning & Transportation Commission
Special Meeting Agenda: March 14, 2018
Council Chambers
250 Hamilton Avenue
5:30 PM
Call to Order / Roll Call
Oral Communications
The public may speak to any item not on the agenda. Three (3) minutes per speaker.1,2
Agenda Changes, Additions, and Deletions
The Chair or Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.
City Official Reports
1. Assistant Directors Report, Meeting Schedule and Assignments
Action Items
Public Comment is Permitted. Applicants/Appellant Teams: Fifteen (15) minutes, plus three (3) minutes rebuttal.
All others: Five (5) minutes per speaker.1,3
2. PUBLIC HEARING: Recommendation to the City Council Regarding the Adoption of an
Ordinance Amending Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) Title 18 (Zoning) to Add a
New Chapter 18.30(K) (Affordable Housing Combining District) to Promote the
Development of 100% Affordable Housing Projects Located Within One-Half Mile of a
Major Transit Stop or High-Quality Transit Corridor, by Providing Flexible
Development Standards and Modifying the Uses Allowed in the Commercial Districts
and Subdistricts. CEQA: This Ordinance is Within the Scope of the Comprehensive
Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) Certified and Adopted on November 13,
2017 by Council Resolution Nos. 9720 and 9721. For More Information Contact
Graham Owen at Graham.Owen@cityofpaloalto.org. (Continued from February 14,
2018)
Study Session
Public Comment is Permitted. Five (5) minutes per speaker.1,3
_______________________
1. Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified as present at the meeting at the
time of the spokesperson’s presentation will be allowed up to fifteen (15) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided
that the non-speaking members agree not to speak individually.
2.The Chair may limit Oral Communications to 30 minutes for all combined speakers.
3.The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak to three minutes to accommodate a larger number of speakers.
3.Schedule and Approach for the Planning & Transportation Commission's Input and
Recommendations Regarding Items in the February 2018 Housing Work Plan
Referred to the Commission by the City Council
Approval of Minutes
Public Comment is Permitted. Five (5) minutes per speaker.1,3
4.January 31, 2018 Draft Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting Minutes
Committee Items
Commissioner Questions, Comments, Announcements or Future Agenda Items
Adjournment
January 31, 2018
Draft Meeting
Minutes
_______________________
1. Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified as present at the meeting at the
time of the spokesperson’s presentation will be allowed up to fifteen (15) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided
that the non-speaking members agree not to speak individually.
2. The Chair may limit Oral Communications to 30 minutes for all combined speakers.
3. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak to three minutes to accommodate a larger number of speakers.
Palo Alto Planning & Transportation Commission
Commissioner Biographies, Present and Archived Agendas and Reports are available online:
http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/boards/ptc/default.asp. The PTC Commission members are:
Chair Ed Lauing
Vice Chair Susan Monk
Commissioner Michael Alcheck
Commissioner Przemek Gardias
Commissioner William Riggs
Commissioner Doria Summa
Commissioner Asher Waldfogel
Get Informed and Be Engaged!
View online: http://midpenmedia.org/category/government/city-of-palo-alto/ or on Channel
26.
Show up and speak. Public comment is encouraged. Please complete a speaker request card
located on the table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Commission
Secretary prior to discussion of the item.
Write to us. Email the PTC at: Planning.Commission@CityofPaloAlto.org. Letters can be
delivered to the Planning & Community Environment Department, 5th floor, City Hall, 250
Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301. Comments received by 2:00 PM two Tuesdays preceding
the meeting date will be included in the agenda packet. Comments received afterward through
2:00 PM the day of the meeting will be presented to the Commission at the dais.
Material related to an item on this agenda submitted to the PTC after distribution of the
agenda packet is available for public inspection at the address above.
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.
Planning & Transportation Commission
Staff Report (ID # 8787)
Report Type: City Official Reports Meeting Date: 3/14/2018
City of Palo Alto
Planning & Community Environment
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 329-2442
Summary Title: City Official Report
Title: Assistant Directors Report, Meeting Schedule and Assignments
From: Hillary Gitelman
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) review and
comment as appropriate.
Background
This document includes the following items:
PTC Meeting Schedule
PTC Representative to City Council (Rotational Assignments)
Tentative Future Agenda
Commissioners are encouraged to contact Yolanda Cervantes
(Yolanda.Cervantes@CityofPaloAlto.org) of any planned absences one month in advance, if
possible, to ensure availability of a PTC quorum.
PTC Representative to City Council is a rotational assignment where the designated
commissioner represents the PTC’s affirmative and dissenting perspectives to Council for quasi-
judicial and legislative matters. Representatives are encouraged to review the City Council
agendas (http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/agendas/council.asp) for the months of their
respective assignments to verify if attendance is needed or contact staff. Prior PTC meetings are
available online at http://midpenmedia.org/category/government/city-of-palo-alto/boards-
and-commissions/planning-and-transportation-commission.
The Tentative Future Agenda provides a summary of upcoming projects or discussion items.
Attachments:
Attachment A March 14, 2018 PTC Meeting Schedule & Assignments (DOCX)
Draft Planning & Transportation Commission
2018 Meeting Schedule & Assignments
2018 Schedule
Meeting Dates Time Location Status Planned Absences
1/10/2018 6:00 PM Council Chambers Regular Riggs, Waldfogel
1/17/2018 6:00 PM Council Chambers Special
1/31/2018 6:00 PM Council Chambers Regular
2/14/2018 6:00 PM Council Chambers Regular
2/28/2018 6:00 PM Council Chambers Regular Cancelled
3/14/2018 6:00 PM Council Chambers Special
3/28/2018 6:00 PM Council Chambers Regular
4/11/2018 6:00 PM Council Chambers Regular
4/25/2018 6:00 PM Council Chambers Regular
5/09/2018 6:00 PM Council Chambers Regular Riggs
5/30/2018 6:00PM Council Chambers Regular
6/13/2018 6:00 PM Council Chambers Regular Riggs
6/27/2018 6:00 PM Council Chambers Regular
7/11/2018 6:00 PM Council Chambers Regular
7/25/2018 6:00 PM Council Chambers Regular
8/08/2018 6:00 PM Council Chambers Regular
8/29/2018 6:00 PM Council Chambers Regular
9/12/2018 6:00 PM Council Chambers Regular
9/26/2018 6:00 PM Council Chambers Regular
10/10/2018 6:00 PM Council Chambers Regular
10/31/2018 6:00 PM Council Chambers Regular Riggs
11/14/2018 6:00 PM Council Chambers Regular
11/28/2018 6:00 PM Council Chambers Regular
12/12/2018 6:00 PM Council Chambers Regular
12/26/2018 6:00 PM Council Chambers CANCELLED
2018 Assignments - Council Representation (primary/backup)
January February March April May June
Ed Lauing Susan Monk Doria Summa Przemek Gardias Michael Alcheck Billy Riggs
Asher Waldfogel Michael Alcheck Przemek Gardias Susan Monk Ed Lauing Doria Summa
July August September October November December
Asher Waldfogel Ed Lauing Przemek Gardias Susan Monk Michael Alcheck Asher Waldfogel
Billy Riggs Michael Alchek Asher Waldfogel Doria Summa Przemek Gardias Ed Lauing
Subcommittees
Draft Planning & Transportation Commission
2018 Tentative Future Agenda
February 7, 2018, 2018, 2018 Draft-All Dates and Topics Subject to Change
The Following Items are Tentative and Subject to Change:
Meeting Dates Topics
March 28, 2018 3255 El Camino Real Vesting Tentative Map
305 N. California Ave First Baptist Church
Study Session on Traffic Safety and Operations Annual Report
ADU Ordinance Revisions
April 11, 2018 Study Session: StreetLight Data Trip Visualization Tool
2017 Housing Element HCD Report
April 25, 2018 Downtown Parking Management Study Phasing Plan
May 9, 2018 Review of 2019-2023 CIP for Comprehensive Plan Consistency
Planning & Transportation Commission
Staff Report (ID # 9002)
Report Type: Action Items Meeting Date: 3/14/2018
City of Palo Alto
Planning & Community Environment
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 329-2442
Summary Title: Affordable Housing (AH) Combining District Draft Ordinance
Title: PUBLIC HEARING: Recommendation to the City Council
Regarding the Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Palo Alto
Municipal Code (PAMC) Title 18 (Zoning) to Add a New Chapter
18.30(K) (Affordable Housing Combining District) to Promote
the Development of 100% Affordable Housing Projects Located
Within One-Half Mile of a Major Transit Stop or High-Quality
Transit Corridor, by Providing Flexible Development Standards
and Modifying the Uses Allowed in the Commercial Districts
and Subdistricts. CEQA: This Ordinance is Within the Scope of
the Comprehensive Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
Certified and Adopted on November 13, 2017 by Council
Resolution Nos. 9720 and 9721. For More Information Contact
Graham Owen at Graham.Owen@cityofpaloalto.org.
(Continued from February 14, 2018)
From: Hillary Gitelman
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) take the following
action(s):
1. Find the proposed draft ordinance within the scope of the Comprehensive Plan
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) certified and adopted on November 13, 2017 by
Council Resolution Nos. 9720 and 9721; and
2. Recommend to the City Council adoption of an ordinance (Attachment A) amending
Chapter 18.30 of Title 18 of the Municipal Code to add a new chapter establishing an
Affordable Housing (AH) Combining District and related regulations.
Background
City of Palo Alto
Planning & Community Environment Department Page 2
On February 14, 2018, the PTC held a public hearing on the subject ordinance. A video
recording of the meeting is available online: https://youtu.be/58DuloYevNs?t=3694. The
accompanying staff report is also available online:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/63360. The PTC formed an ad hoc
committee to discuss the ordinance and present a recommendation for the PTC’s
consideration. The ad hoc included Commissioners Gardias, Summa, and Waldfogel; their
recommendation was forwarded to staff on March 6, 2018 and is included in this report as
Attachment B.
Based on the PTC deliberation on February 14th and input from the ad hoc committee, staff
made some adjustments to the proposed ordinance. These changes are presented in
Attachment A and the new edits are shown in a strikeout/underline format. The changes
respond to some commissioner comments regarding high quality transit corridors/boundaries,
qualifying housing affordability income levels, parking, and transitional height limits.
More specifically, the proposed changes modify the number of eligible properties slightly by
limiting qualifying project sites to within one-half mile of a major transit stop or quarter mile
from a high-quality transit corridor. Previously the ordinance included properties within a half
mile from a high-quality transit corridor.
Parking was increased from .5 spaces per unit to .5 spaces per unit or bedroom, whichever is
greater. The definition of an 100% affordable housing project was modified to restrict eligible
projects to those rented at 60% the area median income level for Santa Clara County, or lower.
This change corresponds with comments from a representative of Palo Alto Housing that their
projects typically limit income levels to this threshold to qualify for federal income tax credits.
A transitional height limit was added to the ordinance limiting the height of any qualifying
building or structure within 50 feet of a residential property (RM-30 or lower density) to 35 feet
in height, compared to the 50-foot standard previously proposed. The daylight plane
requirement remains and is unchanged.
None of the proposed changes are believed to impact the potential future filing of an
application for a 100% affordable housing project near Wilton Avenue and El Camino Real.
The ad hoc committee reports having conducted a series of interviews with affordable housing
providers, market rate developers and community members, and having documented several
observations that help them form the seven recommendations included in their letter.
Principally, the ad hoc recommends the future Palo Alto Housing project discussed in the
context of this ordinance be pursued through a development agreement, separate and apart
from the proposed ordinance. Such an approach, suggests the ad hoc, would better inform the
regulatory requirements of the subject ordinance. This concept was explored with the City
Council in September 2017, but was framed using the Planned Community process. It is unclear
if the ad hoc is recommending the Planned Community approach. However, any development
City of Palo Alto
Planning & Community Environment Department Page 3
agreement would 1) require the mutual agreement of the city and the applicant, and 2) still
require a legislative change to adjust the underlying zoning for the property.
The ad hoc’s second recommendation to adjust the qualifying affordable income levels to 60%
of the county’s annual median income has been incorporated into the revised ordinance.
Another ad hoc recommendation regarding transitional height limits has been included,
however, the staff recommended approach extends to fewer properties than the ad hoc’s
recommendation.
Other ad hoc recommendations offer perspectives on the retail preservation waiver, parking,
and open space, which are not addressed in the attached ordinance. Many of these concepts
represent significant policy changes and may require city funds to implement. Staff
recommends these concepts, if supported by a majority of the commission, be advanced to the
city council for its consideration, but that the draft ordinance be transmitted to the city council
in its current form with a commission recommendation at the March 14th meeting.
Environmental Review
The subject project has been assessed in accordance with the authority and criteria contained
in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines, and the
environmental regulations of the City. Specifically, the project is consistent with and
implements several policies and programs previously reviewed in the Environmental Impact
Report (EIR) for the Comprehensive Plan Update, which was certified and adopted on
November 13, 2017 by Council Resolution Nos. 9720 and 9721. No additional environmental
analysis is warranted at this time. All future development that may be impacted by the
proposed Code change will be subject to a project specific CEQA analysis as part of the required
planning entitlement review (e.g. Rezoning, Architectural Review, Subdivision, etc.) to
determine if there are any environmental impacts.
Alternative Actions
In addition to the recommended action, the Planning and Transportation Commission may:
1. Recommend approval of the draft ordinance with modifications;
2. Continue the ordinance to a date (un)certain; or
3. Recommend denial of the draft ordinance.
Report Author & Contact Information PTC1 Liaison & Contact Information
Graham Owen, Associate Planner Jonathan Lait, AICP, Assistant Director
(650) 329-2552 (650) 329-2679
graham.owen@cityofpaloalto.org jonathan.lait@cityofpaloalto.org
1 Emails may be sent directly to the PTC using the following address: planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.org
City of Palo Alto
Planning & Community Environment Department Page 4
Attachments:
Attachment A: AH Combining District Regulations Ordinance (PDF)
Attachment B: Ad Hoc AH Committee Memo (DOCX)
Not Yet Adopted
180206 SL/PCE Planning/AH Combining District Page 1 of 5
Ordinance No. ____
Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Chapter 18.30 of Title
18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Add a New Chapter 18.30(K),
Affordable Housing (AH) Combining District Regulations
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does ORDAIN as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 18.30 (Combining Districts) of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal
Code is hereby amended to add Section 18.30(K) as follows:
New Chapter 18.30(K)
AFFORDABLE HOUSING (AH) COMBINING DISTRICT REGULATIONS
Sections:
18.30(K).010 Specific Purpose
18.30(K).020 Applicability of Regulations
18.30(K).030 Definitions
18.30(K).040 Zoning Map Designation
18.30(K).050 Site Development Review Process
18.30(K).060 Conformance to Other Combining Districts and Retail Preservation
18.30(K).070 Permitted Uses
18.30(K).080 Conditional Uses
18.30(K).090 Development Standards
18.30(K).010 Specific Purpose
The affordable housing combining district is intended to promote the development of 100% affordable
housing projects located within one-half mile of a major transit stop or one-quarter mile of a high-
quality transit corridor, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 21155 of the Public Resources Code, by
providing flexible development standards and modifying the uses allowed in the commercial districts
and subdistricts.
18.30(K).020 Applicability of Regulations
(a) The affordable housing combining district may be combined with the CD, CN, CS, and CC districts
set forth in Chapters 18.16 and 18.18 of this Title, in accord with the Chapter 18.08 and Chapter
18.80. Where so combined, the regulations established by this Chapter shall apply for 100%
affordable housing projects in lieu of the uses allowed and development standards and
procedures applied in the underlying district. A property owner may elect to use the site
consistent with the underlying district, in which case the applicable regulations in Chapter 18.16
and 18.18 for the commercial districts shall apply.
(b) The affordable housing combining district provides flexibility in development standards that
allow for a density increase that would in most cases exceed density bonuses under state law,
Not Yet Adopted
180206 SL/PCE Planning/AH Combining District Page 2 of 5
Government Code Section 65915. Therefore, a project applicant may utilize the affordable
housing combining district and the provisions of this Chapter as an alternative to use of the state
density bonus law implemented through Chapter 18.15 (Density Bonus) of this Title, but may
not utilize both the affordable housing combining district and density bonuses. If an applicant
utilizes state density bonus law, the regulations in Chapter 18.16 or 18.18 for the applicable
underlying commercial district shall apply.
18.30(K).030 Definitions
For purposes of this Chapter, the following definitions shall apply.
(a) “100% affordable housing project” means a multiple-family housing project consisting entirely
of Affordable Units, as defined in Section 16.65.020(f) of this code, and available only to
households with income levels at or below 60 percent of the area median income for Santa
Clara County.
18.30(K).040 Zoning Map Designation
The affordable housing combining district shall apply to properties designated on the zoning map by the
symbol “AH” within parentheses, following the commercial designation with which it is combined.
18.30(K).050 Site Development Review Process
All projects shall be subject to architectural review as provided in Section 18.76.020 and shall not be
subject to the requirements of site and design review in Chapter 18.30(G).
18.30(K).060 Conformance to Other Combining Districts and Retail Preservation
The following requirements shall apply to projects in the AH affordable housing combining district:
(a) Where applicable, the requirements of Chapter 18.30(A) (Retail Shopping (R) Combining District
Regulations), Chapter 18.30(B) (Pedestrian Shopping (P) Combining District Regulations), and
Chapter 18.30(C) (Ground Floor (GF) Combining District Regulations), and Pedestrian Shopping
(P) Combining Districts shall apply.
(b) Where applicable, the retail preservation requirements of Section 18.40.180 shall apply except
as provided below.
i. Waivers and Adjustments
Except in the R or GF combining districts, the City Council shall have the authority to
reduce or waive the amount of retail or retail like gross floor area required in Section
18.40.180 for any 100% affordable housing project if the City Council determines that it
would be in the public interest. Any such reduction or waiver shall not be subject to the
waiver and adjustments requirements in Section 18.40.180(c). In the R and GF
combining districts, any reduction or waiver in retail or retail like gross floor area shall
remain subject to the requirements of Section 18.40.180(c) or the combining district as
applicable.
18.30(K).070 Permitted Uses
The following uses shall be permitted in the AH affordable housing combining district:
(a) 100% affordable housing projects;
Not Yet Adopted
180206 SL/PCE Planning/AH Combining District Page 3 of 5
(b) In conjunction with a 100% affordable housing project, any uses permitted in the underlying district,
provided the uses are limited to the ground floor.
18.30(K).080 Conditional Uses
The following uses may be permitted in the AH affordable housing combining district in conjunction with
an 100% affordable housing project, subject to issuance of a conditional use permit in accord
with Chapter 18.76 (Permits and Approvals), provided that the uses are limited to the ground floor:
(a) Business or trade school.
(b) Adult day care home.
(c) Office less than 5,000 square feet when deed-restricted for use by a not-for-profit organization.
(d) All other uses conditionally permitted in the applicable underlying zoning district.
18.30(K).090 Development Standards
The following development standards shall apply to projects subject to the AH affordable housing
combining district in lieu of the development standards for the underlying zoning district, except where
noted below:
Table 1
Development Standards
AH Combining District(1)
Minimum Site Specifications Subject to regulations in:
Site Area (ft 2 )
None required Site Width (ft)
Site Depth (ft)
Minimum Setbacks
Setback lines imposed by a
special setback map pursuant to
Chapter 20.08 of this code may
apply
Front Yard (ft) Same as underlying district Rear Yard (ft) Same as underlying district Rear Yard abutting residential
zoning district (ft) Same as underlying district
Interior Side Yard if
abutting residential zoning
district (ft)
Same as underlying district
Street Side Yard (ft) Same as underlying district Build-to-Lines Same as underlying district Permitted Setback
Encroachments Same as underlying district
Maximum Site Coverage None Required Landscape/Open Space
Coverage 20%(2)
Not Yet Adopted
180206 SL/PCE Planning/AH Combining District Page 4 of 5
Notes:
(1) These developments shall be designed and constructed in compliance with the performance criteria
outlined in Chapter 18.23, as well as the context-based design criteria outlined in Section 18.13.060 for
residential-only projects, Section 18.16.090 for mixed use projects in the CN, CC, and CS districts, and
Section 18.18.110 for mixed use projects in the CD district, provided that more restrictive regulations
may be recommended by the architectural review board and approved by the director of planning and
community environment, pursuant to Section 18.76.020.
(2) Landscape coverage is the total area of the site covered with landscaping as defined in Chapter
18.04. For the purposes of this Chapter 18.30(K), areas provided for usable open space may be counted
Usable Open Space 25 sq ft per unit for 5 or fewer units (2), 50 sq ft
per unit for 6 units or more (2)
Maximum Height (ft) 50’ Within 50 ft of a R1, R-2,
RMD, RM-15, or RM-30
zoned property
35’
Daylight Plane for lot lines
abutting one or more
residential zoning districts
Daylight plane height and slope shall be identical
to those of the most restrictive residential
zoning district abutting the lot line
Maximum Residential
Density (net) None Required
Maximum Residential Floor
Area Ratio (FAR) –
Residential Portion of a
Project
2.0:1
Maximum Non-Residential
FAR
0.4:1
Vehicle Parking
0.5 per bedroom or unit, whichever is greater.
The Director may modify this standard based
on findings from a parking study that show
fewer spaces are needed for the project.
The required parking ratio for special needs
housing units, as defined in Section 51312 of
the Health and Safety Code shall not exceed
0.3 spaces per unit.
Adjustments to the required
ratios shall be considered
per Chapter 18.52 (Parking).
For Commercial Uses, See Chapters 18.52 and
18.54 (Parking).
TDM Plan
A transportation demand management (TDM)
plan shall be required pursuant to Section
18.52.050(d) and associated administrative
guidelines
18.52.050(d)
Not Yet Adopted
180206 SL/PCE Planning/AH Combining District Page 5 of 5
towards the landscape site coverage requirement. Landscape and open space areas may be located on
or above the ground level, and may include balconies, terraces, and rooftop gardens.
SECTION 2. Any provision of the Palo Alto Municipal Code or appendices thereto inconsistent with the
provisions of this Ordinance, to the extent of such inconsistencies and no further, is hereby repealed or
modified to that extent necessary to effect the provisions of this Ordinance.
SECTION 3. 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 4. The City Council finds that the environmental impacts of this Ordinance were
disclosed, analyzed and evaluated as part of that certain Final Environmental Impact Report for
the Comprehensive Plan Update considered and certified by the City Council on November 13,
2017, by Resolution Nos. 9720 and 9721 (“EIR”). The City Council considered the EIR prior to
taking action on this Ordinance, in conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act
(“CEQA”), together with state and local regulations implementing CEQA.
SECTION 5. 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:
____________________________ _____________________________
Deputy City Attorney City Manager
_____________________________
Director of Planning and Community
Environment
Ad Hoc Affordable Housing Overlay Committee: Przemek Gardias, Doria Summa, Asher Waldfogel
Through a series of interviews over a very short period of time with affordable housing providers,
market rate developers and community members we have observed that:
1. Affordable housing development below 60% AMI and above 60% AMI are in different financing
markets, have different financial hurdles and metrics and need different solutions.
2. Under 60% AMI projects must cost under $500K per door to compete for limited tax-credit
financing.
3. Affordable housing providers believe they do not need to provide parking above .5 spaces/unit,
but cities may finance additional parking based on demand studies.
4. Actual parking demand in affordable units is between .5 and 1.3 spaces per unit in Palo Alto.
Parking standards need to meet actual demand.
5. Retail space does not qualify for tax-credit financing.
6. Affordable housing projects that retain retail will need additional sources of funding and/or
zoning concessions.
7. Existing PAMC development transitional height standards limit building heights to 35 feet within
150 feet of residential districts. This is a concern, particularly along the El Camino Corridor.
8. Affordable housing providers want more certainty in the development process. A general
process that requires site-specific zoning changes does not meet their needs.
Here are our recommendations:
RECOMMENDATION 1: We recommend the City pursue a development agreement with PAH to advance
the Wilton Court project. We believe a serious negotiation over the Wilton Court project will inform how
to write a better city-wide ordinance.
RECOMMENDATION 2: We recommend separating affordable housing into two work items: under 60%
AMI (AH60) and 60% to 120% AMI (AH120).
RECOMMENDATION 3: For AH60 we recommend the following options for retail preservation
I. Where retail is retained, offer a zoning (height) concession.
II. Where affordable housing provider financing precludes retail: City or a 3rd party may participate
in project financing, potentially in exchange for an ownership position.
III. As a last resort, City may waive the retail requirement as provided by the retail preservation
ordinance.
RECOMMENDATION 4: For AH60 we recommend City financial contributions to develop parking to meet
demand based on measured parking utilization rates of comparable properties. The City may exercise an
option to build additional parking available to the public.
RECOMMENDATION 5: We recommend maintaining the transition height standards in all the C districts
adjacent to residential districts. We recommend a community process with outreach before changing
transition heights for AH60 housing.
RECOMMENDATION 6: We recommend an open space standard for AH60, but we recommend against
roof gardens adjacent to low density residential districts.
RECOMMENDATION 7: We recommend folding AH120 work into the Housing Workplan effort. The
regional consensus is to accomplish AH120 with inclusionary standards. We are not in a position today
to make a recommendation on the right inclusionary standard.
Planning & Transportation Commission
Staff Report (ID # 9019)
Report Type: Study Session Meeting Date: 3/14/2018
City of Palo Alto
Planning & Community Environment
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 329-2442
Summary Title: Discussion of 2018 Housing Work Plan Items Referred to the
Commission
Title: Schedule and Approach for the Planning & Transportation
Commission's Input and Recommendations Regarding Items in
the February 2018 Housing Work Plan Referred to the
Commission by the City Council
From: Hillary Gitelman
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC):
1. Receive a presentation summarizing the February 2018 Draft Housing Work Plan
reviewed by the City Council on February 12, 2018, focusing on those items referred to
the PTC for input and recommendations, and
2. Review the proposed timeline in Table 3, below, and provide feedback on needed
adjustments, respecting the Council’s desire to consider adoption of an ordinance this
calendar year amending zoning standards to encourage production of a diversity of
housing types in appropriate locations.
Executive Summary
As part of the City Council’s February 12, 2018 action on the Draft Housing Work Plan, the
Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance amending the zoning code to encourage
production of a diversity of housing types in appropriate locations and referred the ordinance
to the PTC for input and recommendation(s) with the expectation that the ordinance would be
returned to the Council for their consideration later in 2018. The Council also requested that
staff hold a community meeting for public discussion of the draft ordinance, and provided
additional direction on the content of the ordinance and other complementary endeavors from
the Draft Housing Work Plan. The Council’s motion is included as Attachment A.
Table 3, below, suggests a timeline for preparation and review of the 2018 ordinance, and is
presented here for the PTC’s consideration this evening. The timeline anticipates an
City of Palo Alto
Planning & Community Environment Department Page 2
opportunity for the PTC to provide feedback on options for zoning changes along the lines
suggested by the City Council over a series of four meetings, followed by two meetings that
would be focused on review of a draft ordinance to accomplish the Council’s objective(s).
Given the community-wide importance of this effort, staff recommends that the PTC meet as a
whole, rather than utilizing a subcommittee.
Background
Staff prepared the February 2018 Draft Housing Work Plan for calendar years 2018 and 2019 in
response to a November 6, 2017 City Council Colleagues’ Memo asking staff to outline the
process and resources to study and implement various housing proposals. The Draft Housing
Work Plan serves as the implementation program for the City’s vision and adopted policies and
programs for housing production, affordability, and preservation. It consolidates the following
efforts:
City Council Colleagues’ Memo: On November 6, 2017, the City Council stated their
desire for zoning updates to encourage diverse housing near jobs, transit, and services,
including increasing densities and reducing parking constraints.
Adopted Housing Element: On November 10, 2014, the City Council adopted the 2015-
2023 Housing Element, which identifies housing needs and a series of policies and
programs to address these needs for all income levels and populations (i.e., special
needs households).
Adopted Comprehensive Plan: on November 13, 2017, the City Council adopted a new
Comprehensive Plan, including a Land Use Element that includes a range of policies and
programs designed to complement the Housing Element by addressing housing-related
issues such as increasing residential densities, removing constraints to housing
production, protections for existing units, and appropriate locations for new housing.
The February 2018 Draft Housing Work Plan specifies actions in five areas over the next two
years, with item #2 (in bold) representing the main focus of this staff report and the PTC’s
efforts this year:
1. Complete ongoing projects and initiatives designed to stimulate the production of
affordable and workforce housing;
2. Develop and adopt one or more zoning amendment ordinance(s) with provisions
designed to encourage production of a diversity of housing types in appropriate
locations;
3. Prepare the economic analyses necessary to consider increasing inclusionary
requirements from 15% to 20% for new development, applying inclusionary
requirements to new rental housing, and requiring payment of in-lieu fees or off-site
replacement if existing units are removed from the housing stock resulting in a net loss
of units;
City of Palo Alto
Planning & Community Environment Department Page 3
4. Use the City’s affordable housing funds to stimulate the rehabilitation and development
of new affordable housing; and
5. Partner with other agencies and organizations to meet the needs of underserved
members of our community and to engage in community conversations about the use of
publicly-owned land for affordable housing.
On February 5 and 12, 2018, the City Council discussed, took public comment on, and
unanimously approved a motion embracing the components of the Draft Housing Work Plan.
The Council Staff Report, including a link to the draft Work Plan may be found here:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/63054. The Council’s adopted
motion can be found in Attachment A.
As part of their action, the Council referred Items 2.1 through 2.6 of the Draft Housing Work
Plan to the PTC for input and a recommendation for consideration by the City Council. These
work plan items are presented below in the first column of the table below, with comments
and changes made by the City Council in the course of their review in the second column.
Table 1. Draft Housing Work Plan Items 2.1 through 2.6 with Comments & Council Changes
Work Plan Items Referred for PTC Input and
Recommendation
Comments and Additions
2.1 Identify “By Right” Procedures for
Implementation of SB35 The urgency for these items is less
than expected because of the State’s
determination of agencies subject to
SB35; staff will be taking this up after
the ordinance regarding items 2.4
through 2.6.
2.2 Strengthen objective standards in the zoning
ordinance applicable to all multifamily housing
projects to aid implementation of SB 35.
2.3 Consider Comprehensive Plan and SOFA
Coordinated Area Plan changes to strengthen
objectives standards applicable to all multifamily
housing projects to aid implementation of SB 35.
2.4 Provide incentives and remove constraints for
multifamily housing in the Downtown (CD-C), Cal
Ave (CC(2)/PTOC), and El Camino Real (CN and CS)
districts, including:
2.4.1 Review and revise development standards
(e.g. landscaping, open space)
2.4.2. Consider eliminating dwelling unit
densities and relying on FAR and average
unit sizes
2.4.3 Review and revise permitted uses and use
mix (e.g. allow 100% residential w/ground
floor retail)
2.4.4 Review and revise level of permitting and
plan review required
The Council added the following
items to the list on the left:
Increase Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
in the Downtown, California
Avenue, and El Camino Real
areas; and
Explore excluding underground
Floor Area Ratio (FAR) from
parking requirements (The
discussion was about allowing
underground parking in R-1
districts without counting it
towards FAR.)
City of Palo Alto
Planning & Community Environment Department Page 4
Work Plan Items Referred for PTC Input and
Recommendation
Comments and Additions
2.4.5 Allow parking reductions based on TDM
plans and on payment of parking in lieu
fees for housing (Downtown and Cal Ave)
2.4.6 Convert some non-residential FAR to
residential FAR
2.4.7 Remove constraints to special needs
housing
2.5 Support multifamily housing in the multifamily
(RM) zoning districts by:
2.5.1 Consider establishment of minimum
densities in all RM zones
2.5.2 Allow redevelopment (replacement) of
existing residential units on sites that are
nonconforming because of the number of
units or FAR
2.6 Provide incentives and remove constraints in all
zoning districts, including:
2.6.1 Adjustment to parking requirements to
reduce costs (based on an ongoing study
of parking demand by housing type and
location)
Council qualified this item and item
2.4.5 (above) by also directing staff
and the PTC:
to identify the appropriate
amount of parking for various
housing types and locations,
taking into account parking
mitigations; and
to update the Transportation
Demand Management
Ordinance and to the extent that
it does not already include
metrics of measurements,
accomplishments, and
enforcement, include these
metrics.
Source: Palo Alto Planning & Community Environment, March 2018
An ordinance addressing items 2.4 through 2.6 above would include zoning changes primarily in
the Downtown, California Avenue, and El Camino zoning districts (i.e., CD-2, CC(2)/PTOD, CN,
and CS). Although reductions in parking ratios will be considered citywide, minimum densities
and non-conforming provisions will be considered in the RM zones, and an item about
underground parking was suggested for inclusion in the R1 (single family residential) zone. The
summary in Table 2 below groups ordinance items by “key issue” and may provide a useful
organizational structure for the PTC’s discussions.
City of Palo Alto
Planning & Community Environment Department Page 5
Table 2: 2018 Comp Plan and Housing Production Ordinance, by District and Key Issue
Key Issue
Downtown (CD-C), Cal Ave.,
(CC(2)/PTOD), and El Camino
Real (CN and CS) Zoning Districts RM Districts All Zoning Districts
Remove
Development
Constraints
Review and revise
development standards (e.g.,
landscaping, open space)
Remove constraints to special
needs housing in particular
(based on Housing Element
Program H4.2.1)
Review and revise permitted
uses and use mix (e.g., allow
100% residential w/retail)
n/a Adjust parking
requirements to reduce
costs (based on parking
study); identify the
appropriate amount of
parking for various
housing types and
locations, taking into
account parking
mitigations (1)
Residential
Density
Changes
Consider eliminating dwelling
unit densities and relying on
FAR and average unit sizes
Convert some non-residential
FAR to residential FAR
Increase housing FAR in the
Downtown, Cal Ave, and El
Camino Real areas
Consider
establishment of
minimum
densities
n/a
Provide
Flexibility
Allow parking reductions
based on TDM plans and on
payment of parking in-lieu fees
for housing (Downtown and
Cal Ave.). Update the TDM
Ordinance to the extent that it
does not already include
metrics of measurements,
accomplishments, and
enforcement; include these
metrics
Allow
redevelopment
(replacement) of
existing
residential units
on sites that are
nonconforming
because of the
number of units
or FAR
n/a
Streamline
Processes
Review and revise level of
permitting and site plan review
required
n/a n/a
Note: (1) Council also requested exploration of excluding underground Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
from parking requirements (their discussion revolved around R-1 zone districts). The Council
motion was not clear about whether this analysis would be part of the 2018 or 2019 ordinance.
Staff suggests completing this item in 2019 along with the rest of the revisions to the low-
density residential zoning districts.
Source: Palo Alto Planning & Community Environment, March 2018
City of Palo Alto
Planning & Community Environment Department Page 6
The February 2018 Draft Housing Work Plan and the Council’s motion also address other
housing policy implementation items that will be referred to the PTC at a later date. These
include items identified for inclusion in a 2019 zoning ordinance amendment, ongoing
initiatives that the PTC has already been working on (e.g. an update to the City’s Accessory
Dwelling Unit Ordinance), and adjustments to the City’s inclusionary housing program.
Discussion
Housing development, including the production of affordable units, is constrained in
Downtown, California Avenue, and El Camino Real for several reasons:
The value of existing uses and high cost of construction reduce owners’ financial
incentive to redevelop
The easier-to-develop larger sites have already been developed; redevelopment on the
smaller remaining sites is challenging, unless parcel consolidation can be achieved
Zoning regulations constrain site planning and the density that can be achieved
Some Zoning regulations prioritize non-residential development by allowing higher
intensities for offices and hotels compared to residential uses
Housing Work Plan items in Table 1 and 2 are intended to lead (indirectly) to housing
production by providing allowable residential densities that will encourage site redevelopment
and by providing flexibility for property owners, developers, and architects in site planning and
massing. Other Housing Work Plan programs, such the North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan
and use of the City’s Commercial and Residential Housing Funds, are expected to spur a direct
increase in multi-family housing development.
Preparation and consideration of a zoning ordinance reflecting items 2.4 through 2.6 in Table 1
will advance implementation of the City’s 2017 Comprehensive Plan and 2014 Housing
Element, as well as responding to the Council’s direction on February 12, 2018. Each of the
items outlined in Table 1 and Table 2 are either explicitly stated in an adopted Housing Element
or Comprehensive Plan program, or supported by their adopted policies.
The Housing Element and the Comprehensive Plan both involved a significant amount of
community outreach and decision-maker input, and benefited from technical studies and
information available during the course of their development. As a result, the City Council’s
discussion did not anticipate extensive additional analysis or outreach, although the Council did
request staff to hold one public meeting for community questions and comments.
Consistent with this discussion and direction, staff anticipates that the current planning effort
will include the following additional technical analyses and community outreach:
City of Palo Alto
Planning & Community Environment Department Page 7
A study (already underway) to analyze parking occupancy rates associated with various
housing types and locations that can be used to inform recommended adjustments to
parking requirements;
Outreach to individuals or small groups with expertise in developing and/or designing
market-rate and affordable housing development to identify constraints and
opportunities;
Presentation and analysis of recent projects and opportunity sites, including conceptual
site analyses, to inform the Commission’s discussions and assess opportunities and
impacts associated with potential zoning changes;
Dissemination of summary materials for public information/input regarding objectives
of the proposed ordinance as well as issues and opportunities associated with potential
zone changes;
One community workshop for the community at-large to review the draft ordinance
framework and provide input and questions; and
Preparation of a draft ordinance for the PTC’s review and noticing of a public hearing.
Throughout this process, the PTC will be asked to review and providing feedback on options for
the zoning changes requested by Council. Then, the PTC will review and provide input on a draft
Ordinance, ultimately making a recommendation to the City Council.
The suggested approach/schedule in Table 3 calls for the PTC to make a recommendation to the
City Council in September, so the City Council can schedule their first hearing in early November
2018.
Table 3: 2018 Comp Plan and Housing Production Ordinance - Work Program and Timeline
Task Timeline for Completion
PTC Study Session to Review Objectives for Housing Work
Plan and City Council Direction March 14, 2018 (Meeting #1)
PTC Study Sessions to Review 2018 Zoning Options
Remove Development Constraints
Residential Density Changes
Provide Felxibility & Streamline Processes
April 2018 (Meeting #2)
May 2018 (Meeting #3)
June 2018 (Meeting #4)
Community Meeting July 2018
PTC Hearing on Ordinance – Recommendation to Council August 2018 (Meeting #5)
September 2018 (Meeting #6)
Environmental Review
The City Council certified a Final EIR on November 13, 2017 to analyze potential impacts
associated with the Comprehensive Plan. The 2018 Ordinance will be evaluated pursuant to the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) once a draft is prepared. It is anticipated that the
Ordinance will be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and Final EIR. If needed, an
Addendum to the EIR would be prepared to address any new or unaniticpated impacts. At this
City of Palo Alto
Planning & Community Environment Department Page 8
time, no substantially greater or more severe impacts are anticipated and no development is
proposed, beyond what is allowed by the Comprehensive Plan.
Next Steps
Staff will return to the PTC with issues, options, and recommendations for the 2018 Ordinance
in April 2018.
Report Author & Contact Information PTC1 Liaison & Contact Information
Jean Eisberg, Consultant Planner Jonathan Lait, AICP, Assistant Director
(415) 841-3539 (650) 329-2679
jean@lexingtonplanning.com jonathan.lait@cityofpaloalto.org
Attachments:
Attachment A: 02-12-18 City Council Action Minutes (PDF)
1 Emails may be sent directly to the PTC using the following address: planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.org
CITY OF PALO ALTO CITY COUNCIL
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Special Meeting
February 12 2018
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the Council
Chambers at 5:00 P.M.
Present: DuBois arrived at 5:03 P.M., Filseth; Fine arrived at 5:03 P.M.,
Holman arrived at 5:05 P.M., Kniss, Kou, Scharff, Tanaka,
Wolbach
Absent:
Closed Session
1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
City Designated Representatives: City Manager and his Designees
Pursuant to Merit System Rules and Regulations (James Keene,
Ed Shikada, Rumi Portillo, Sandra Blanch, Nicholas Raisch,
Molly Stump, George Sakai, Terence Howzell, Lalo Perez, Kiely Nose)
Employee Organizations: Utilities Management and Professional
Association of Palo Alto (UMPAPA); Service Employees’ International
Union (SEIU General), Local 521; Palo Alto Peace Officers’ Association
(PAPOA); Palo Alto Fire Chiefs’ Association (FCA); International
Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Local 1319; Palo Alto Police
Managers’ Association (PAPMA); and Unrepresented Management,
Professional Employees, and Limited Hourly Employees
Authority: Government Code Section 54957.6(a).
MOTION: Vice Mayor Filseth moved, seconded by Council Member Wolbach
to go into Closed Session.
MOTION PASSED: 6-0 DuBois, Fine, Holman absent
Council went into Closed Session at 5:01 P.M.
Council returned from Closed Session at 6:44 P.M.
Mayor Kniss announced no reportable action.
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Action Minutes: 2/12/18
Special Orders of the Day
2. Proclamation Expressing Appreciation to the Foothill College Paramedic
Program for Educating Paramedic Students and Their Support of the
City of Palo Alto’s Emergency Medical Services.
3. Recognition of the Palo Alto Science Fair Student Winners.
Agenda Changes, Additions and Deletions
None.
Minutes Approval
4. Approval of Action Minutes for the January 22 and January 29, 2018
Council Meetings.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Filseth moved, seconded by Council Member Wolbach
to approve the Action Minutes for the January 22 and January 29, 2018
Council Meetings, including changes to the January 29, 2018 minutes as
outlined in the At Place Staff Memorandum.
MOTION PASSED: 9-0
Consent Calendar
MOTION: Council Member Scharff moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Filseth
to approve Agenda Item Numbers 5-10.
5. Resolution 9735 Entitled, “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Approving and Attesting to the Veracity of the 2016 Annual Power
Source Disclosure Report.”
6. Annual Review of the City’s Renewable Procurement Plan, Renewable
Portfolio Standard Compliance, and Carbon Neutral Electric Supplies.
7. Review of Fiscal Year 2018 Mid-year Budget and Approval of Budget
Amendments in Various Funds.
8. Approval and Authorization for the City Manager to Execute Contract
Number C18169608 With Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc.
for Household Hazardous Waste Management and Emergency
Response Services for a Term of Three Years With the Total Not-To-
Exceed Amount of $990,000.
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Action Minutes: 2/12/18
9. Park Improvement Ordinance 5426 Entitled, “Ordinance of the Council
of the City of Palo Alto for Peers Park Dog Off-leash Exercise Area
(FIRST READING: January 29, 2018 PASSED: 9-0).”
10. Ordinance 5427 Entitled, “Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Amending Section 2.08.120 of Chapter 2.08 and Section 2.30.270
of Chapter 2.30 of Title 2 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Update job
Titles of Attorneys in the City Attorneys’ Office to Conform With Changes Adopted by Council in the FY 2018 Annual Budget (FIRST
READING: January 29, 2018 PASSED: 9-0).”
MOTION PASSED: 9-0
Action Items
10A. Review and Accept a Proposed Housing Work Plan for 2018-2019 and
Refer Specific Elements to the Planning & Transportation Commission
for Preparation of Related Zoning Ordinance(s) (Continued From
February 5, 2018).
MOTION: Council Member Fine moved, seconded by Council Member
Scharff to:
A. Direct Staff to:
i. Complete ongoing projects and initiatives designed to stimulate the production of affordable and workforce housing;
ii. Develop and adopt one or more zoning amendment Ordinances
with provisions designed to encourage production of a diversity
of housing types in appropriate locations;
iii. Prepare the economic analyses necessary to prepare and
consider Ordinances increasing inclusionary requirements from
15 percent to 20 percent for new development, applying
inclusionary requirements to new rental housing, and requiring
payment of in-lieu fees or off-site replacement if existing units
are removed from the housing stock resulting in a net loss of
units;
iv. Use the City’s affordable housing funds to stimulate the
rehabilitation and development of new affordable housing;
v. Partner with other agencies and organizations to meet the needs
of underserved members of our community and to engage in
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City Council Meeting
Action Minutes: 2/12/18
community conversations about the use of publicly-owned land
for affordable housing;
vi. Add an item to the 2018 Ordinance to increase housing Floor
Area Ratio (FAR) in the Downtown, California Avenue, and El
Camino Real areas;
B. Refer Work Plan Items 2.1 through 2.6 to the Planning and
Transportation Commission for input on the preparation of a 2018 Housing Ordinance and a recommendation for consideration by the
City Council; and
C. Refer Work Plan Items 3.1 through 4.2 to the Policy and Services
Committee for input on possible policy changes and on the use of City
housing funds.
AMENDMENT: Council Member Scharff moved, seconded by Council
Member Wolbach to add to the Motion, “Staff to evaluate the correct amount
of parking for the number of cars anticipated for a project and not require
less parking than needed taking into account parking mitigations.”
AMENDMENT RESTATED AND INCORPORATED INTO THE MOTION
WITH THE CONSENT OF THE MAKER AND SECONDER to add to the
Motion, “direct Staff and the Planning and Transportation Commission to identify the appropriate amount of parking for various housing types and
locations, taking into account parking mitigations.” (New Part D)
INCORPORATED INTO THE MOTION WITH THE CONSENT OF THE
MAKER AND SECONDER to add to the Motion Part Ai, “include exploring
excluding underground Floor Area Ratio (FAR) from parking requirements.”
AMENDMENT: Council Member Holman moved, seconded by Council
Member DuBois to add to the Motion, “direct Staff to hold a community
meeting to allow the public to discuss and ask questions regarding the draft
Housing Work Plan.”
INCORPORATED INTO THE AMENDMENT WITH THE CONSENT OF THE
MAKER AND SECONDER to replace in the Amendment, “Draft Housing
Work Plan” with “2018 Housing Ordinance.”
AMENDMENT TO THE AMENDMENT: Council Member Wolbach moved,
seconded by Council Member XX to replace in the Amendment, “community
meeting” with “town hall.”
AMENDMENT TO THE AMENDMENT WITHDRAWN BY THE MAKER
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AMENDMENT RESTATED AND INCORPORATED INTO THE MOTION
WITH THE CONSENT OF THE MAKER AND SECONDER to add to the
Motion, “hold a community meeting where the public may discuss and ask
questions regarding the draft 2018 Housing Ordinance.” (New Part A.vii.)
AMENDMENT: Council Member Holman moved, seconded by Council
Member XX to add to the Motion Part A.ii., “with consideration of maximum
average unit sizes” after “diversity of housing types.”
AMENDMENT WITHDRAWN BY THE MAKER
AMENDMENT: Council Member Holman moved, seconded by Council
Member XX to replace in the Motion Part A.iii., “20 percent” with “30
percent.”
AMENDMENT RESTATED: Council Member Holman moved, seconded by
Council Member DuBois to replace in the Motion Part A.iii., “20 percent” with
“25 percent.”
INCORPORATED INTO THE AMENDMENT WITH THE CONSENT OF THE
MAKER AND SECONDER to add to the Amendment after 25 percent,
“which will identify the variables, such as height, density, and parking that
will allow the higher percentages.”
AMENDMENT AS AMENDED RESTATED: Council Member Holman moved, seconded by Council Member DuBois to replace in the Motion Part A.iii., “20
percent” with “25 percent, which will identify the variables, such as height,
density, and parking that will allow the higher percentages.”
AMENDMENT AS AMENDED PASSED: 6-3 Filseth, Fine, Scharff no
AMENDMENT: Council Member Holman moved, seconded by Council
Member XX to remove Part A.vi. from the Motion.
AMENDMENT FAILED DUE TO THE LACK OF A SECOND
AMENDMENT: Council Member Holman moved, seconded by Council
Member Kou to add to the Motion, “remove from Work Plan Item 1.7, ‘on
Public Facility (PF) zoned parcels.’”
AMENDMENT WITHDRAWN BY THE MAKER
AMENDMENT: Vice Mayor Filseth moved, seconded by Council Member
Scharff to add to the Motion, “remove Work Plan Item 5.1.” (New
Part A.viii.)
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AMENDMENT PASSED: 6-3 Fine, Kniss, Wolbach no
AMENDMENT: Council Member Kou moved, seconded by Council Member
Holman to add to the Motion, “as part of the 2018 Draft Housing Ordinance,
direct Staff and the Planning and Transportation Commission to draft a
Transportation Demand Management agreement that includes metrics of
measurements, accomplishments, and enforcement.”
AMENDMENT RESTATED: Council Member Kou moved, seconded by Council Member Holman to add to the Motion, “as part of the 2018 Draft
Housing Ordinance, direct Staff and the Planning and Transportation
Commission to update the Transportation Demand Management Ordinance
to the extent that it does not already include metrics of measurements,
accomplishments, and enforcement, to include these metrics.” (New Part E)
AMENDMENT AS AMENDED PASSED: 5-4 Fine, Kniss, Tanaka, Wolbach
no
AMENDMENT: Council Member Kou moved, seconded by Council Member
DuBois to add to the Motion, “explore a Recreational Vehicle Park at the Los
Altos Water Treatment Plant, including an implementation plan.”
INCORPORATED INTO THE AMENDMENT WITH THE CONSENT OF THE
MAKER AND SECONDER to add to the Amendment, “at various sites including” after “Recreational Vehicle Park.”
AMENDMENT TO THE AMENDMENT: Council Member Wolbach moved,
seconded by Council Member XX to replace in the Amendment, “a
Recreational Vehicle Park at various sites including at the Los Altos Water
Treatment Plant, including an implementation plan” with “additional services
for vehicle dwellers.”
AMENDMENT TO THE AMENDMENT WITHDRAWN BY THE MAKER
AMENDMENT AS AMENDED RESTATED: Council Member Kou moved,
seconded by Council Member DuBois to add to the Motion, “explore a
Recreational Vehicle Park at various sites including at the Los Altos Water
Treatment Plant, including an implementation plan.”
AMENDMENT AS AMENDED FAILED: 3-6 DuBois, Holman, Kou yes
AMENDMENT: Council Member DuBois moved, seconded by Council
Member Kou to add to the Motion, “direct Staff to consider a quantifiable
goal of increasing the proportion of affordable housing in our housing stock.”
AMENDMENT FAILED: 4-5 DuBois, Filseth, Holman, Kou yes
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MOTION AS AMENDED RESTATED: Council Member Fine moved,
seconded by Council Member Scharff to:
A. Direct Staff to:
i. Complete ongoing projects and initiatives designed to stimulate
the production of affordable and workforce housing;
ii. Develop and adopt one or more zoning amendment Ordinances
with provisions designed to encourage production of a diversity of housing types in appropriate locations, include exploring
excluding underground Floor Area Ratio (FAR) from parking
requirements;
iii. Prepare the economic analyses necessary to prepare and
consider Ordinances increasing inclusionary requirements from
15 percent to 25 percent, which will identify the variables, such
as height, density, and parking that will allow the higher
percentages for new development, applying inclusionary
requirements to new rental housing, and requiring payment of
in-lieu fees or off-site replacement if existing units are removed
from the housing stock resulting in a net loss of units;
iv. Use the City’s affordable housing funds to stimulate the rehabilitation and development of new affordable housing;
v. Partner with other agencies and organizations to meet the needs
of underserved members of our community and to engage in
community conversations about the use of publicly-owned land
for affordable housing;
vi. Add an item to the 2018 Ordinance to increase housing Floor
Area Ratio (FAR) in the Downtown, California Avenue, and El
Camino Real areas;
vii. Hold a community meeting where the public may discuss and
ask questions regarding the draft 2018 Housing Ordinance;
viii. Remove Work Plan Item 5.1;
B. Refer Work Plan Items 2.1 through 2.6 to the Planning and
Transportation Commission for input on the preparation of a 2018
Housing Ordinance and a recommendation for consideration by the
City Council;
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C. Refer Work Plan Items 3.1 through 4.2 to the Policy and Services
Committee for input on possible policy changes and on the use of City
housing funds;
D. Direct Staff and the Planning and Transportation Commission to
identify the appropriate amount of parking for various housing types
and locations, taking into account parking mitigations; and
E. As part of the 2018 Draft Housing Ordinance, direct Staff and the Planning and Transportation Commission to update the Transportation
Demand Management Ordinance to the extent that it does not already
include metrics of measurements, accomplishments, and enforcement,
to include these metrics.
MOTION AS AMENDED PASSED: 9-0
11. Adoption of Preliminary Goals and Objectives, Schedule, and
Boundaries for the North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan Project;
Authorization for the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a Related
Grant Agreement With Caltrans; Direction to Staff Regarding
Recruitment of Community Working Group Members; and Approval of
a Budget Amendment in the General Fund Reflecting $638,000 in
Grant Funding, $250,000 in Matching/Supplemental Private Funding, and Equivalent Expenditures.
MOTION: Council Member Holman moved, seconded by Council Member
Wolbach to continue this item to a date uncertain, with a preference for the
February 26, 2018 meeting.
MOTION PASSED: 9-0
12. Resolution 9736 Entitled, “Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo
Alto Scheduling the City Council Summer Break and Winter Closure for
2018.”
MOTION: Council Member Scharff moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Filseth
to adopt a Resolution scheduling the City Council 2018 Summer Break from
Tuesday, June 26, 2018 to Friday, August 10, 2018, and Winter Closure
from Tuesday, December 18, 2018 to Friday, January 4, 2019.
MOTION PASSED: 9-0
Inter-Governmental Legislative Affairs
None.
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Action Minutes: 2/12/18
Council Member Questions, Comments and Announcements
Council Member Kou reported her attendance at the San Francisco Airport
Community Roundtable meeting. A discussion of adding a representative
from Santa Clara County and Santa Cruz County occurred at the Roundtable.
Council Member Scharff recalled that both Santa Clara County and Santa
Cruz County will each be granted a member on the Roundtable, however,
this change will require amendments to the Roundtable bylaws and adoption
by each member agency. He announced that the portion of the Bay Trail
over the Friendship Bridge between Palo Alto and East Palo Alto opened
today.
Council Member DuBois reported his attendance along with other Council
Members at the Gunn High School choir and staff musical last week. The
event took place at the Palo Alto High School Performing Arts Center.
Council Member Wolbach reported that several Council Members and the
City’s federal lobbyist met with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
while in Washington, D.C. last year. He requested a similar meeting be
scheduled this year while Council Members attend the National League of
Cities Conference. He reported his attendance at a meeting earlier today
with Mountain View Mayor Lenny Siegel, Sunnyvale Council Member Gustav Larsson, and members of the Mountain View Transportation
Management Association to discuss additional transportation management
collaboration.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 10:57 P.M.