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Home My WebLink About2021-10-27 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 ten (10) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided that the non-speaking members agree not to speak individually. 2. The Chair may limit Oral Communications to 30 minutes for all combined speakers. 3. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak to two minutes to accommodate a larger number of speakers. Planning & Transportation Commission Regular Meeting Agenda: October 27, 2021 Virtual Meeting 6:00 PM https://zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 916 4155 9499 Phone number: 1 669 900 6833 ****BY VIRTUAL TELECONFERENCE ONLY*** Pursuant to the provisions of California Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20, issued on March 17, 2020, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, this meeting will be held by virtual teleconference only, with no physical location. The meeting will be broadcast live on Cable TV and through Channel 26 of the Midpen Media Center at https://midpenmedia.org/local-tv/watch-now/. Members of the public may comment by sending an email to planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.org or by attending the Zoom virtual meeting to give live comments. Instructions for the Zoom meeting can be found on the last page of this agenda. TIME ESTIMATES Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the meeting is in progress. The Commission 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 / 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 6:00 PM-6:15 PM 1. Directors Report, Meeting Schedule and Assignments _______________________ 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 ten (10) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided that the non-speaking members agree not to speak individually. 2. The Chair may limit Oral Communications to 30 minutes for all combined speakers. 3. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak to two minutes to accommodate a larger number of speakers. Study Session 6:15 PM-7:15 PM Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker.1,3 2. Study Session: Staff Recommends the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) Conduct a Study Session Regarding Furthering the Electrification of Buildings in Palo Alto by Amending the Municipal Code to Reduce Review by Planning Staff and Thereby Streamlining Permitting Processes. Committee Items Commissioner Questions, Comments, Announcements or Future Agenda Items Adjournment _______________________ 1. Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified as present at the meeting at the time of the spokesperson’s presentation will be allowed up to ten (10) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided that the non-speaking members agree not to speak individually. 2. The Chair may limit Oral Communications to 30 minutes for all combined speakers. 3. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak to two minutes 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 Bart Hechtman Vice Chair Giselle Roohparvar Commissioner Michael Alcheck Commissioner Bryna Chang Commissioner Ed Lauing Commissioner Doria Summa Commissioner Carolyn Templeton Get Informed and Be Engaged! View online: http://midpenmedia.org/category/government/city-of-palo-alto/ or on Channel 26. Public comment is encouraged. Email the PTC at: Planning.Commission@CityofPaloAlto.org. 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. _______________________ 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 ten (10) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided that the non-speaking members agree not to speak individually. 2. The Chair may limit Oral Communications to 30 minutes for all combined speakers. 3. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak to two minutes to accommodate a larger number of speakers. Public Comment Instructions Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone. 1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to planning.commission@CityofPaloAlto.org 2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Board, click on the link below for the appropriate meeting to access a Zoom-based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully. A. You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in-browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up-to-date browser: Chrome 30+, Firefox 27+, Microsoft Edge 12+, Safari 7+. Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. B. You will 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. C. When you wish to speak on an agenda item, click on “raise hand”. The moderator will activate and unmute attendees in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak. The Zoom application will prompt you to unmute your microphone when it is your turn to speak. D. When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. E. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments. 3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, download the Zoom application onto your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID below. Please follow instructions B-E above. 4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Board. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted. https://zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 916 4155 9499 Phone number: 1 669 900 6833 (you may need to exclude the initial “1” depending on your phone service) Planning & Transportation Commission Staff Report (ID # 13694) Report Type: City Official Reports Meeting Date: 10/27/2021 City of Palo Alto Planning & Development Services 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 (650) 329-2442 Summary Title: City Official Report Title: Directors Report, Meeting Schedule and Assignments From: Jonathan Lait 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 Vinh Nguyen (Vinhloc.Nguyen@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: October 27, 2021 PTC Meeting Schedule and Assignments (DOCX) 1 Packet Pg. 5 Planning & Transportation Commission 2021 Meeting Schedule & Assignments 2021 Schedule Meeting Dates Time Location Status Absences/Notes 1/13/2021 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Regular 1/27/2021 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Regular 2/10/2021 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Regular Roohparvar 2/24/2021 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Regular Roohparvar 3/10/2021 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Regular 3/31/2021 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Regular 4/14/2021 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Regular 4/28/2021 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Regular 5/12/2021 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Regular 5/26/2021 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Regular Roohparvar 6/9/2021 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Regular Chang 6/30/2021 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Regular Alcheck, Roohparvar 7/14/2021 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Regular 7/28/2021 6:00 PM Cancelled Cancelled 8/11/2021 6:00 PM Cancelled Cancelled 8/25/2021 6:00 PM Cancelled Cancelled 9/8/2021 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Regular 9/29/2021 6:00 PM Cancelled Cancelled 10/13/2021 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Regular 10/27/2021 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Regular 11/10/2021 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Regular 11/24/2021 6:00 PM Cancelled Cancelled Day Before Thanksgiving 12/8/2021 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Regular 12/29/2021 6:00 PM Cancelled Cancelled 2 Days Before NYE 2021 Assignments - Council Representation (primary/backup) January February March April May June Doria Summa Giselle Roohparvar Michael Alcheck Ed Lauing Cari Templeton Giselle Roohparvar Michael Alcheck Cari Templeton Bart Hechtman Giselle Roohparvar Doria Summa Bart Hechtman July August September October November December Bryna Chang Doria Summa Bart Hechtman Michael Alcheck Cari Templeton Ed Lauing Ed Lauing Michael Alcheck Bryna Chang Ed Lauing Bryna Chang Giselle Roohparvar 1.a Packet Pg. 6 Alcheck, Summa Planning & Transportation Commission 2021 Tentative Future Agenda The Following Items are Tentative and Subject to Change: Meeting Dates Topics November 10, 2021 • 985 Channing Ave: Preliminary Parcel Map • Review of Comprehensive Plan 2030 Implementation Plan • 2023-31 Housing Element Site Selection Update Upcoming Items: Topics • Study Session: Ordinance Amending 18.42.110 (Wireless Communication Facilities) • Castilleja School • University Avenue In-Lieu Parking Program 1.a Packet Pg. 7 Planning & Transportation Commission Staff Report (ID # 13695) Report Type: Study Session Meeting Date: 10/27/2021 City of Palo Alto Planning & Development Services 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 (650) 329-2442 Summary Title: Enhancing Electrification in Palo Alto Title: Study Session: Staff Recommends the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) Conduct a Study Session Regarding Furthering the Electrification of Buildings in Palo Alto by Amending the Municipal Code to Reduce Review by Planning Staff and Thereby Streamlining Permitting Processes. From: Jonathan Lait Recommendation Staff recommends the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) conduct a study session regarding furthering the electrification of buildings in Palo Alto by amending the municipal code to reduce review by planning staff and thereby streamlining permitting processes. Executive Summary The City of Palo Alto continues to advance policy and practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, the City of Palo Alto aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2030.1 To achieve this goal, the City has adopted the Sustainability/Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) and is currently updating the S/CAP. One key strategy to reduce emissions is to shift homes and commercial buildings away from natural gas to electricity (that has not been produced by coal fired power plants). Recently, the City Council, the Council Sustainability and Climate Action Plan Ad Hoc Committee, and the Utilities Advisory Commission have taken an interest in accelerating and furthering efforts to advance roof top solar installation, battery storage, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, heat pumps, and other infrastructure that allow buildings to decrease or in some cases eliminate reliance on fossil fuels. To further the proliferation of these technologies at a pace that can combat climate change, the City of Palo Alto seeks to speed up the permitting process, reduce barriers, and ultimately make 1 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/City-Hall/Sustainability/SCAP 2 Packet Pg. 8 City of Palo Alto Planning & Development Services Department Page 2 it faster for property owners and qualified professionals (contractors, etc.) to install these technologies. At scale, these can have a significant impact in reducing emissions in Palo Alto. Staff present several policy questions for discussion regarding the tradeoffs of the streamlining efforts. The City could speed up permitting by reducing staff review. Reducing reviews, however, may also mean certain policies are no longer effectuated in Palo Alto. Staff seek to present some of these tradeoffs as well as other ideas regarding streamlining to the PTC for discussion in advance of proposing changes in policy, process, or practice. Background Table 1 summarizes some of the common technologies to shift buildings to clean energy. The table also summarizes the reviews performed by the planning team during the building permit application review process. Table 1: Planning Review for Certain Clean Energy Technologies Single Family Residential and/or Duplex Commercial (including Multi-Family Residential) Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment (EVSE) (1) Planning does not review the installation of EVSE in these properties. (2) Questions may arise about maintaining interior garage space sufficient for continuing car parking. (1) Required parking spaces are provided. (2) Ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. (3) Ensure location of EVSE does not block parking, drive aisle, etc. (4) Ensure trees continue to provide required canopy and coverage. (5) Location of new transformer(s), utility switchgear(s) are screened from public view, and does not block parking or drive aisles. Solar Panels (1) If installed a few inches from the roof, no planning review required. (2) When reviewing solar panels on a roof or a structure (such as on top of a carport) the following aspects are reviewed for compliance: a) Height b) Daylight plane c) Avoiding conflicts with potential trees (typically reviewed for accessory structures) d) Lot coverage (if not on roof of existing structure) e) Setbacks f) Placement’s compatibility with historic structures Battery Storage (1) Must be located at least 4 feet (1) Must be located at least 4 feet 2 Packet Pg. 9 City of Palo Alto Planning & Development Services Department Page 3 Systems from the property line due to hazardous materials. (2) Location of batteries can vary. Treat batteries as minor 2 feet encroachments into the setback. (3) Questions may arise about maintaining interior garage space sufficient for continuing car parking. from the property line due to hazardous materials. (2) Required parking spaces are provided. (3) Ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. (4) Ensure trees continue to provide required canopy and coverage. (5) Screened from public view, and does not block parking or drive aisles. Electric Heat Pumps (1) Required distance from walls can vary depending on manufacturer. (2) Review for noise generation. (3) Ensure noise producing equipment is place outside of setbacks. (1) Required distance from walls can vary depending on manufacturer. (2) Screening required for rooftop installations. (3) Maximum height exception on rooftops is 15 ft. Discussion Planning and Development Services staff have identified some possible means to reduce the amount of time needed for application reviews. Two potentially fruitful paths are to: (1) Reduce requirements to specific objective standards that can be clearly communicated to applicants and more quickly reviewed by staff; or (2) Change policies in order to eliminate certain code requirements and eliminate planning review (or at least eliminated review of certain items). The following section further details these two strategies. Staff seek PTC input regarding the pros and cons of each approach. Staff will also be interested if PTC members identify additional approaches. Reduced Review This approach focuses on reducing the time between permit application and permit issuance by clearly communicating requirements so that application materials are more legible and provide the required information when submitted. Staff could also work to eliminate or clarify any ambiguous language in the municipal code so that standards are clear and can be objectively verified. Through clarity, objectivity, and better proactive communication, applicants may provide improved applications. 2 Packet Pg. 10 City of Palo Alto Planning & Development Services Department Page 4 Improved applications reduce the amount of time required to review, and reduce the number of comments staff must provide to applicants. This can reduce the overall amount of back-and- forth communication between applicants and the City. For example, a checklist of requirements for solar panel installation on a rooftop might include the height of the panels above the roof, ask for an illustration of the placement of the panels in plan view, or the location of any protected trees. A related option is to create objective standards that must be met. If an applicant does not want to meet an objective standard, then further—and longer—review is needed. Still, the review of the application to see if the objective standard has been met requires staff time. Policy Changes and Eliminated Code Requirements By altogether eliminating certain code requirements, the City can decrease the burdens on applicants and staff, leading to faster review times. Eliminating requirements can certainly increase speed of permit review, though in some cases the elimination of the requirement may limit the furtherance of certain policy goals. Some examples are provided below to illustrate the possibilities. • Distance of rooftop solar panels above the roof – The City could develop a maximum dimension for the placement of rooftop solar panels. As Figure 1 below illustrates, panels may need to be placed at different angles depending on the roof slope, the location of the building, and the quality of the sunlight on the roof/panels. Developing a standard for this dimension might eliminate the need to review rooftop solar applications for height and daylight plane. Staff plan to review solar applications to identify an appropriate standard that might be broadly applicable. Shifting to this requirement could significantly reduce or eliminate planning review of many rooftop solar installations. If pursued, the building inspector would verify that the installation complied with the allowed dimension. Please note, an installation that needed to vary from this standard may require planning review. Figure 1: Example of Solar Panel Dimension Above the Roof of the Home 2 Packet Pg. 11 City of Palo Alto Planning & Development Services Department Page 5 Planning would still review solar installations when solar panels are proposed in conjunction with a larger application. • Tree canopy vs. solar panel coverage – Currently, the City’s canopy coverage favors ensuring sufficient trees are planted and maintained in order to cover the property with tree canopy. This has numerous environmental, aesthetic, and quality of life benefits. The trees can, in some cases, limit the use of solar panels. For example, if a parking lot were covered with solar panels, that could generate significant green energy. The canopy coverage requirements might reduce the effectiveness of the panels and create conflict. • Tree removal – Overall, the City discourages the removal of trees and prohibits removal in some instances. This approach can limit the placement and/or effectiveness of some solar installations. In addition, planning review is required to verify the location and potential impacts of existing trees. Safeguarding trees and understanding if the installation of technologies poses any threats to trees is an important role for planning review. The City does, however, have rules dictating tree removal and the process for tree removal. If tree removal is not stated as part of the scope of work, the City could assume that no trees will be affected in the installation of the technologies and planning or urban forestry review is not needed. This does create some risk that trees or the tree protection zone are not respected, and may affect some of the trees. During plan check review for new construction (additions, new structures) or work that requires trenching the City’s “T-1” tree protection sheet is required to be included in the permit submission.2 The T-1 sheet provides regulations pertaining to tree protection, site plan requirements, and tree disclosure information that the applicant completes. If the applicant indicates that no trees exist or that no work is being done within the tree protection zone (TPZ) then Urban Forestry does not review the permit. Verification of the applicants statements regarding the scope of work related to trees is currently still required to be done by Planning staff. • Solar shingles and historic structures - Solar shingles are an opportunity for achieving solar through the very shingles of the roof—instead of installing panels. Should the City allow listed and registered historic homes—including homes in historic districts—to use this material? Is review of the historic homes required? Perhaps if the solar shingles are replacing composite shingles they are compatible, whereas if solar shingles are replacing slate, terra cotta, or other materials on historic structures then staff review is required. • Location of noise producing equipment – Many technologies produce mechanical noise, including batteries and heat pumps. The City’s noise ordinance (PAMC 9.10) requires such 2 https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/development-services/planning-review/5.-trees/special-tree- protection-instruction-sheet-t-1_04092020.pdf 2 Packet Pg. 12 City of Palo Alto Planning & Development Services Department Page 6 noise be no greater than 66 decibels (dB) at the property line (at the lowest threshold).3 In addition, the municipal code often does not allow noise producing equipment in setbacks. If, however, the manufacturers can demonstrate that the noise is below the threshold, then it might make sense to allow noise producing equipment in the setbacks, as it still complies with the noise ordinance. The elimination of code requirements may be more appropriate and fruitful for some technologies than others. For example, the City is exploring using SolarAPP+4 for review of small scale (10kw or less) solar installations. This app allows applicants to input the information about their solar installation and with the click of a button their application information is checked against the City’s standards and requirements. In the field, the inspectors verify if that the installation adheres to the requirements that are also part of the permit. The SolarAPP+ could significantly decrease the time required for applications for rooftop solar. Staff are continuing to work with the app creator to understand if certain planning code requirements can be incorporated into the app and it’s automatic review or if the app cannot support their inclusion. Staff seek PTC’s input regarding these dual approaches to streamlining the electrification process. Input will be incorporated into draft ordinances that would come to the PTC for review. Environmental Review This report and study session do not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act. Report Author, PTC5 Liaison Rachael Tanner, Assistant Director (650) 329-2167 rachael.tanner@cityofpaloalto.org 3 The noise limit thresholds range from 66 to 76 decibels (dB), with the lower thresholds applied to residential neighborhoods and the higher thresholds applied to areas at or adjacent to main cooridors, expressways, freeways, and Caltrain. 4 https://solarapp.nrel.gov/ 5 Emails may be sent directly to the PTC using the following address: planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.org 2 Packet Pg. 13