HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-12-08 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: December 8, 2021
Virtual Meeting
6:00 PM
****BY VIRTUAL TELECONFERENCE ONLY***
https://zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 916 4155 9499 Phone number: 1 669 900 6833
To prevent the spread of Covid-19, this meeting will be held by virtual
teleconference only, with no physical location. The meeting will be broadcast live
on Cable TV and through Channel 26 of the Midpen Media Center at
bit.ly/MidPenwatchnow.
Members of the public may comment by sending an email to
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. Visit bit.ly/PApendingprojects to view project
plans and details.
Call to Order / Roll Call
6:00 PM-6:05 PM
1.Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Use of Teleconferencing for Planning and
Transportation Commission Meetings During Covid-19 State of Emergency
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 6:15 PM-6:30 PM
2.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: Three (3) 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 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.
6:30 PM-7:00 PM
3. Review Programs of the Implementation Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan and
Recommend Modifications or Additions
7:00 PM-9:50 PM
4. PUBLIC HEARING/QUASI JUDICIAL/LEGISLATIVE: Review of the Castilleja School's
Requested Conditional Use Permit and Variance per Council Direction March 29,
2021, and Review of a Draft Ordinance per Council Direction Amending Section
18.04.030 Regarding Definition of Gross Floor Area in the R1 Zone for Below Grade
Garages. Zone District: R-1(10,000). Environmental Review: The Final Environmental
Impact Report (EIR) was Published July 30, 2020 and the Draft EIR was Published July
15, 2019
Approval of Minutes 9:50 PM-9:55 PM
Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker.1,3
5. October 13, 2021 Draft PTC Meeting Minutes
6. October 27, 2021 Draft PTC Meeting Minutes
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. 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted.
• A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, download the Zoom application onto
your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID
below.
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. 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 # 13780)
Report Type: Action Items Meeting Date: 12/8/2021
City of Palo Alto
Planning & Development Services
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 329-2442
Summary Title: Resolution Authorizing Use of Teleconferencing for Planning
and Transportation Commission Meetings
Title: Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Use of Teleconferencing
for Planning and Transportation Commission Meetings During
Covid-19 State of Emergency
From: Jonathan Lait
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution (Attachment A) authorizing the use of teleconferencing under Government
Code Section 54953(e) for meetings of the Planning and Transportation Commission and its
committees due to the Covid-19 declared state of emergency.
Background
In February and March 2020, the state and the County declared a state of emergency due to
the Covid-19 pandemic. Both emergency declarations remain in effect.
On September 16, 2021, the Governor signed AB 361, a bill that amends the Brown Act,
effective October 1, 2021, to allow local policy bodies to continue to meet by
teleconferencing during a state of emergency without complying with restrictions in State
law that would otherwise apply, provided that the policy bodies make certain findings at
least once every 30 days.
AB 361, codified at California Government Code Section 54953(e), empowers local policy
bodies to convene by teleconferencing technology during a proclaimed state of emergency
under the State Emergency Services Act in any of the following circumstances:
(A) The legislative body holds a meeting during a proclaimed state of emergency, and
state or local officials have imposed or recommended measures to promote social
distancing.
(B) The legislative body holds a meeting during a proclaimed state of emergency for
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the purpose of determining, by majority vote, whether as a result of the
emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or
safety of attendees.
(C) The legislative body holds a meeting during a proclaimed state of emergency and
has determined, by majority vote, pursuant to subparagraph (B) (B), that, as a
result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the
health or safety of attendees. (Gov. Code § 54953(e)(1).)
In addition, Section 54953(e)(3) requires that policy bodies using teleconferencing reconsider
the state of emergency within 30 days of the first teleconferenced meeting after October 1,
2021, and at least every 30 days thereafter, and find that one of the following circumstances
exists:
1. The state of emergency continues to directly impact the ability of the
members to meet safely in person.
2. State or local officials continue to impose or recommend measures to
promote social distancing.
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Discussion
At this time, the circumstances in Section 54953(e)( 1)(A) exist. The Santa Clara County Health
Officer continues to recommend measures to promote outdoor activity, physical distancing,
and other social distancing measures, such as masking, in certain contexts. (See August 2, 2021
Order.) In addition, the California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Occupational
Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has promulgated Section 3205 of Title 8 of the California Code of
Regulations, which requires most employers in California, including in the City, to train and
instruct employees about measures that can decrease the spread of COVID-19, including
physical distancing and other social distancing measures.
Accordingly, Section 54953(e)(1)(A) authorizes the City to continue using teleconferencing for
public meetings of its policy bodies, provided that any and all members of the public who wish
to address the body or its committees have an opportunity to do so, and that the statutory and
constitutional rights of parties and the members of the public attending the meeting via
teleconferencing are protected.
To comply with public health directives and promote public safety, Palo Alto policy bodies
have been meeting via teleconference since March 2020. On September 27, 2021, the City
Council considered the format for future Council, committee, and Board and Commission
meetings. Council determined that beginning November 1, 2021, Council meetings would be
conducted using a hybrid format that allows Council Members and the public to decide
whether to attend in person, following masking and distancing protocols, or participate via
teleconference. Council directed that Council standing and ad-hoc committees and Boards
and Commissions would continue meeting via teleconference until January 2022.
Adoption of the Resolution at Attachment A will make the findings required by Section
54953(e)(3) to allow the continued use of teleconferencing for meetings of the Planning and
Transportation Commission and its committees.
Report Author & Contact Information PTC1 Liaison & Contact Information
Molly Stump, City Attorney Rachael Tanner, Assistant Director
(650) 329-2171 (650) 329-2167
Molly.Stump@CityofPaloAlto.org rachael.tanner@cityofpaloalto.org
Attachments:
• Attachment A: Resolution Authorizing Use of Teleconferencing Under Government Code
Section 54953(e) for Meetings of Planning and Transportation Commission (DOCX)
1 Emails may be sent directly to the PTC using the following address: planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.org
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NOT YET APPROVED
Resolution No. ____
Resolution Making Findings to Allow Teleconferenced Meetings Under California Government
Code Section 54953(e)
R E C I T A L S
A. California Government Code Section 54953(e) empowers local policy bodies to convene
by teleconferencing technology during a proclaimed state of emergency under the State Emergency
Services Act so long as certain conditions are met; and
B. In March 2020, the Governor of the State of California proclaimed a state of emergency
in California in connection with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) pandemic, and that state
of emergency remains in effect; and
C. In February 2020, the Santa Clara County Director of Emergency Services and the
Santa Clara County Health Officer declared a local emergency, which declarations were
subsequently ratified and extended by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, and
those declarations also remain in effect; and
D. On September 16, 2021, the Governor signed AB 361, a bill that amends the Brown Act
to allow local policy bodies to continue to meet by teleconferencing during a state of emergency
without complying with restrictions in State law that would otherwise apply, provided that the
policy bodies make certain findings at least once every 30 days; and
E. While federal, State, and local health officials emphasize the critical importance of
vaccination and consistent mask-wearing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Santa Clara County
Health Officer has issued at least one order, on August 2, 2021 (available online at here), that continues
to recommend measures to promote outdoor activity, physical distancing and other social distancing
measures, such as masking, in certain contexts; and
F. The California Department of Industrial Relations Division of Occupational Safety and
Health (“Cal/OSHA”) has promulgated Section 3205 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations,
which requires most employers in California, including in the City, to train and instruct employees
about measures that can decrease the spread of COVID-19, including physical distancing and other
social distancing measures; and
G. The Planning and Transportation Commission has met remotely during the COVID-19
pandemic and can continue to do so in a manner that allows public participation and transparency
while minimizing health risks to members, staff, and the public that would be present with in-
person meetings while this emergency continues; now, therefore,
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NOT YET APPROVED
The Planning and Transportation Commission RESOLVES as follows:
1. As described above, the State of California remains in a state of emergency due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. At this meeting, the Planning and Transportation Commission has
considered the circumstances of the state of emergency.
2. As described above, State and County officials continue to recommend measures
to promote physical distancing and other social distancing measures, in some
settings.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That for at least the next 30 days, meetings of the Planning and
Transportation Commission and its committees will occur using teleconferencing technology. Such
meetings of the Planning and Transportation Commission and its committees that occur using
teleconferencing technology will provide an opportunity for any and all members of the public who
wish to address the body and its committees and will otherwise occur in a manner that protects the
statutory and constitutional rights of parties and the members of the public attending the meeting
via teleconferencing; and, be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Planning and Transportation Commission staff liaison is directed to place
a resolution substantially similar to this resolution on the agenda of a future meeting of the Planning
and Transportation Commission within the next 30 days. If the Planning and Transportation
Commission does not meet within the next 30 days, the staff liaison is directed to place a such
resolution on the agenda of the immediately following meeting of the Planning and Transportation
Commission.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
Staff Liaison Chair of Planning and Transportation Commission
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
City Attorney Department Head
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Staff Report (ID # 13794)
Report Type: City Official Reports Meeting Date: 12/8/2021
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 Madina Klicheva
(Madina.Klicheva@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: December 8, 2021 PTC Meeting Schedule and Assignments(DOCX)
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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 Alcheck, Summa
10/27/2021 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Regular Summa
11/10/2021 6:00 PM Cancelled Cancelled
11/24/2021 6:00 PM Cancelled Cancelled Day Before Thanksgiving
12/8/2021 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Regular
12/15/2021 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Special
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
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Planning & Transportation Commission
2021 Tentative Future Agenda
The Following Items are Tentative and Subject to Change:
Meeting Dates Topics
December 15, 2021
• 985 Channing Avenue: Preliminary Parcel Map to Remove Height
Restriction
• Ordinance Amending 18.42.110 (Wireless Communication Facilities)
Upcoming Items:
Topics
• Housing Element Update
• ADU Code Changes to PAMC Chapter 18.09
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Staff Report (ID # 13429)
Report Type: Meeting Date: 12/8/2021
City of Palo Alto
Planning & Development Services
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 329-2442
Summary Title: Review of Comprehensive Plan 2030 Implementation Plan
Title: Review Programs of the Implementation Chapter of the
Comprehensive Plan and Recommend Modifications or
Additions
From: Jonathan Lait
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) take the following
action(s):
(1) Review the programs of the Implementation Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan and
recommend modifications or additions deemed necessary for City Council
consideration.
Report Summary
This report provides an update on the status of the 410 implementation programs contained in
the Comprehensive Plan. The purpose of this review is to allow for early PTC input on the
programs. The PTC may wish to provide in-depth comments and propose changes to the
implementation programs. Planning staff will communicate PTC’s input to the respective City
departments to address comments and return to PTC in early Spring 2022 for final review and
recommendation to Council.
Background
The Annual Comprehensive Plan Implementation Report is a State mandated report, required
by Government Code Section 654001. It states that after a legislative body (City Council) adopts
the Comprehensive Plan an annual review must be submitted to the City Council, the Office of
Planning and Research (OPR), and the Department of Housing and Community Development
(HCD) on the status of the plan’s progress and implementation. The status should include
1 Government Code Section 65400:
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV§ionNum=65400
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progress in meeting its share of regional housing needs and local efforts to remove
governmental constraints.
The City Council adopted the Comprehensive Plan 2030 in December 2017 and has nine more
years for the implementation of identified long-range planning policies and programs. The
Implementation Plan of the Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) contains 410 programs with
approximately 15 different citywide departments leading the implementation effort. The
Planning and Development Services Department staff work with different City departments to
obtain the current status of programs to report out to PTC. The last annual review went to City
Council on March 15, 2021 (Staff Report).
PTC Purview
In addition to the State mandated reporting, the Palo Alto Municipal Code (Section 19.04.0302)
specifies that the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) shall annually review the
Comprehensive Plan “and recommend to the city council such extensions, changes or additions
to the plan as the commission may consider necessary in the view of any change in conditions.”
PTC Feedback on Review Process
The PTC has been reviewing the Implementation Chapter of the Comp Plan for the last four
years. In February 2019, PTC discussed the review process3 and suggested adding a mid-year
review meeting in late Fall of each year. This additional meeting would give the PTC more
opportunity to review and comment on the Implementation Chapter. The PTC could address
possible updates or amendments to the Comp Plan, identify inconsistencies between policies,
align Comp Plan goals with the Palo Alto Municipal code, and make qualitative assessments to
reflect changes since the 2017 Comp Plan adoption. The mid-year review in Fall would be
followed by a second PTC meeting in Spring (February) of each year, to forward
recommendations to City Council in March.
Starting with this 2021 annual review and moving forward, staff will include two PTC meetings
and one Council meeting in the program implementation review.
Discussion
The Comp Plan is intended to be a living document, to grow and evolve as local conditions
change. The PTC’s role is to review the Comp Plan programs annually and recommend to the
City Council any modifications that it considers necessary. These amendments may be initiated
by the PTC, the City Council, or City staff. All amendments require public hearings by the PTC
and City Council and evaluation of the potential impacts to Palo Alto’s physical environment, in
accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Additionally, the PTC can
2 Palo Alto Municipal Code (Section 19.04.030):
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0-0-0-18969
3 2019 February PTC Meeting Minutes:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/planning-and-
transportation-commission/2019-agendas-minutes-and-staff-reports/ptc-2.13.2019.pdf
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make recommendations to the City Council to change the prioritization of the implementation
programs through the regular annual review cycle of the Implementation Plan.
Guide to Review of the Implementation Chapter
Attachment A provides detailed status summaries of the 410 programs. It contains the
Comprehensive Plan program text, the lead department responsible for overseeing the
program, the priority of the program, the level of effort required to accomplish the program
and the status of the program as assessed by the City departments. The “Staff Comments” field
adds details on the program status. The City staff assessed the Implementation Programs of the
Comp Plan and reported out on the following three aspects:
Priority of Program/Timing
The City Council prioritized the timing of program implementation when the Comp Plan was
adopted in 2017, as reflected in Attachment A. The prioritization guided the allocation of
resources to implement the plan. The following five categories, reflected the level of priority for
program accomplishment and the number of programs in each category initially identified in
2017:
• S: “Short-term” – programs planned for implementation within the first five years after
Comp Plan adoption, 100 programs;
• M: “Medium-term” – typically means programs that would be implemented or
completed roughly within five to ten years after Comp Plan adoption, 93 programs;
• L: “Long-term” – programs that would be implemented or completed more than ten
years after Comp Plan adoption, 11 programs;
• IP: “In progress” – programs that were already underway to complete a specific, defined
work effort at the time of the Comp Plan’s adoption, 46 programs, and
• R: “Routine” activities that are part of the normal course of business for staff, 159
programs.
So far, four “short-term” programs, one “medium-term” program and three “routine” programs
have been completed. It is not uncommon for priorities to shift over time depending on
resource availability. For instance, some programs identified in 2017 as ‘routine’ may not have
that status today, given reduced staffing and shifting of priorities for remaining staff. The PTC’s
review may include suggestions to re-prioritize programs, considering current conditions.
Level of Effort
The level of effort indicated in Attachment A reflects the magnitude and complexity of the
program in terms of project size (e.g., small, medium, or large), required staffing, departmental
involvement, and overall anticipatory cost. It is, however, difficult to determine and predict the
exact cost of most of the programs, especially the long-term ones and the specific staffing
requirements needed to support the scope of future detailed work plans. The 2030
Comprehensive Plan’s Implementation Chapter uses “$” symbol to reflect the level of effort. A
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single “$” implied low-level effort; “$$” moderate level effort; and “$$$” significant level of
commitment to complete the program.
When adopted, the Implementation Chapter identified 60% of the programs as needing low-
level effort, 28% needing mid-level effort, and 12% needing a significant level of commitment.
The PTC may recommend adjusting the level of effort for certain programs by expanding or
reducing the scope.
Progress Status
The progress made for each of the 410 programs is identified in the “2021 Status” column in
Attachment A. The statuses are as follows:
• C: Completed programs;
• PC: Partially Complete programs where staff has begun working on the programs and is
on the way to completion;
• O: Ongoing programs are:
o Regular routine programs required for maintenance/upkeep or implementation
of required city regulations.
o Certain programs that have been completed and were shifted to ongoing status
due to active implementation.
• P: Pending programs are programs where implementation process has stopped due to a
variety of reasons such and lack of funding, shift in priorities or insufficient staffing.
The data shown in the Table 1 below provides a snapshot of the implementation progress made
in 2021. As identified by the various departments in their staff comments, many of the
completed programs transitioned to the “ongoing” category as they began implementation of
the programs. Ongoing programs are the majority of the programs (67%). There has been no
increase in the number of “pending” status programs from PTC’s last review.
Table 1. Implementation Status of the Comprehensive Plan Programs for 2021
Status Number of Programs % of Total
Complete 8 2%
Partially Complete 31 8%
Ongoing 276 67%
Pending 95 23%
Total 410 100%
Please note, the above status’ reflect departments’ reporting in 2021. Status may change from one
Comp Plan Annual Implementation Review to the next year’s.
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Environmental Review
This report on the City’s progress of the existing Implementation Chapter of the Comp Plan is
not a project requiring review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Public Notification, Outreach & Comments
The Palo Alto Municipal Code requires publication of a notice of this public hearing in a local
paper at least ten days in advance of the meeting. Notice of the PTC public hearing was
published in the Daily Post on October 29, 2021, which is 10 days in advance of the meeting.
Staff did not perform specific community outreach for this PTC agenda item. Members of the
public will have the opportunity to comment during the PTC hearing.
Next Steps
Planning staff will communicate PTC’s input to the respective City departments and return to
PTC for review in February 2022. Following this meeting, PTC’s recommendation will be
forwarded to the City Council for action in March.
Report Author & Contact Information PTC4 Liaison & Contact Information
Chitra Moitra, Planner Rachael Tanner, Assistant Director
(650) 329-2170 (650) 329-2441
chitra.moitra@cityofpaloalto.org rachael.tanner@cityofpaloalto.org
Attachments:
• Attachment A: Comprehensive Plan Programs Implementation Status, November 2021
(PDF)
4 Emails may be sent directly to the PTC using the following address: planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.org
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Priority Level of
Effort Status
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B.1.1 Implement and periodically amend an Economic Development
Policy to guide business development in the City in a manner
consistent with Policy L-1.10. [Cap new square feet of office/R&D
development citywide at 850,000 square feet, exempting medical
office uses in the Stanford University Medical Center (SUMC)
vicinity. Use January 1, 2015 as the baseline and monitor
development towards the cap on an annual basis. Continue to
exempt medical, governmental and institutional uses from the cap
on office/R&D development, no other exemptions are allowed.]
Planning and
Development
Services and City
Manager's Office
R $O The City continues to monitor the office / Research
& Development growth. In 2021, there was a net
loss of 8,139 sq. ft. of office space, leaving a
remaining development balance of 527,434 square
feet. No related policy recommendations were
proposed.
B3.2.1 Continue to refine tools, such as the Business Registry, as data
sources on existing businesses, including the type of business,
number of employees, size, location, and other metrics to track the
diversity of Palo Alto businesses.
Administrative
Services
Department
IP $$O The City has engaged the firm Avenue to update
the business registry database with external data
sources and outreach to business that may not be
registered or have incomplete data. Previous
efforts were placed on hold due to pandemic. This
work is expected to start again in FY22.
B4.2.1 Revise zoning and other regulations as needed to encourage the
preservation of space to accommodate small businesses, start-ups
and other services.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P Work has not commenced.
Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
Business & Economics Element
Goal B-1: Businesses in Palo Alto that contribute to economic vitality, enhance the city’s physical environment, promote municipal revenues and provide needed local services.
Goal B-3: Careful management of City revenues and expenditures so that the fiscal health of the City is ensured and services are delivered efficiently and equitably.
Goal B-4: The stimulation of diverse commercial, retail and professional service business opportunities through supportive business policies and a culture of innovation.
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DepartmentProgram Text
B4.2.2 Consider planning, regulatory, or other incentives to encourage
property owners to include smaller office spaces in their buildings
to serve small businesses, non- profit organizations, and
independent professionals.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $P Work has not commenced.
B4.6.1 Work with local merchants to encourage Palo Alto residents,
workers, and visitors to buy in Palo Alto.
Planning and
Development
Services and City
Manager's Office
R $$O The City Council has allocated resources toward a
dedicated Economic Development/Vitality staff
person to join the City Manager's team. This person
will continue to do business engagement, etc.
B4.6.2 Study the overall viability of ground-floor retail requirements in
preserving retail space and creating an active street environment,
including the types of locations where such requirements are most
effective.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P The COVID-19 prioritized adjustments is
determined by the City. As the Economic
Development Policy is updated, resources may be
assigned to this medium-term project.
B4.6.3 Maintain distinct neighborhood shopping areas that are attractive,
accessible, and convenient to nearby residents.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O This is an ongoing effort. There are no substantial
actions to report at this time.
B5.1.1 Regularly evaluate ways to improve coordination of the City’s
environmental review, permitting, and inspection processes.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O This is an ongoing effort.
B5.1.2 Improve design guidelines to reduce ambiguity and more clearly
articulate compatibility principles to the business community and to
the public.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P The Objective Standards project will correct some
sections of ambiguity. Additional work will be
starting in approximately three years.
B5.1.3 Simplify the design review process for small-scale changes to
previously approved site plans and buildings.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$O This is an ongoing effort.
Goal B-5: City regulations and operating procedures that provide certainty, predictability and flexibility and help businesses adapt to changing market conditions.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
B5.1.4 Revise zoning and other regulations as needed to encourage the
revitalization of aging retail structures and areas. Encourage the
preservation of space to accommodate small, independent retail
businesses and professional services.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $$P No zoning regulation changes are proposed at this
time.
B6.1.1 Actively work with Downtown businesses, professional associations
and the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce to retain successful retail
businesses that contribute to the City’s goals for Downtown.
Planning and
Development
Services & City
Manager's Office
R $$O The City continues to collaborate with the Chamber
of Commerce, the Downtown Business
Improvement Districts (BID), California Avenue
businesses, hoteliers, Stanford Shopping Center,
and others to promote a strong business climate.
This includes Uplift Local initiatives, public art,
holiday events, and focused business support.
B7.2.1 Review policies and regulations guiding development at Stanford
Research Park and revise them as needed to allow improved
responsiveness to changing market conditions in a manner
consistent with Policy L-1.10.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P The Housing Element update in progress in 2021-22
will include considerations to address this program.
The City meets regularly with Stanford University
regarding land use on an ongoing basis.
B7.2.2 Study the feasibility of a “transfer of development rights” (TDR)
program and other measures that would provide greater
development flexibility within Stanford Research Park without
creating significant adverse traffic impacts or increasing the
allowable floor area.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P Work has not commenced.
Goal B-7: Thriving business employment districts at Stanford Research Park, Stanford Medical Center, East Bayshore/San Antonio Road Area and Bayshore Corridor that complement the City’s
business and neighborhood centers.
Community Services & Facilities Element
Goal C-1: Deliver community services effectively and efficiently.
Goal B-6: Attractive, vibrant retail centers, each with a mix of uses and a distinctive character.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
C.1.15.3 Collaborate with Palo Alto Community Child Care (PACCC) to
identify, develop, and promote high quality early learning
environments to serve all families in our community.
Community Services
Department
M $O City staff continues to work collaboratively with
Palo Alto Community Child Care (PACCC) by
managing our service contracts with them in order
to provide the best care possible.
C.1.17.2 Develop programs and activities for teens that strengthen
leadership skills, encourage a culture of community service,
inclusiveness, tolerance and acceptance of others.
Community Services
Department
R $O The City supports and the Community Services
Department staffs Teen Leadership Groups,
including the Art Center Teen Leadership Group
(ACTL), Palo Alto Youth Council (PAYC), Teen
Advisory Board (TAB), and Teen Arts Council (TAC),
as well as overseeing Think Fund, a supportive
grant program for teens, and the makerspace,
MakeX. The teen leadership groups give Palo Alto
high school students the opportunity to serve the
teen community by acting as a voice toward action
and change. The City also continues to support
Project Safety Net on youth suicide prevention and
mental health awareness through community
education, outreach, and training; access to quality
youth mental health services; and policy advocacy.
In conjunction with the Creative Attention project
funded by the Institute of Museum and Library
Services to the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation, Art
Center Teen Leadership teens will work with artist
Christine Wong Yap on a belonging project with
seniors and others in the community to identify
places of belonging. A map documenting these
locations will be exhibited in the Creative Attention
exhibition in spring 2022 at the Art Center.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
C.1.18.2 Support, promote, and publicize the provision of comprehensive
senior services in coordination with senior service providers.
Comprehensive services include addressing senior nutrition, mental
health and transportation.
Community Services
Department
R $O City continues to support Avenidas for senior
programming/services and La Comida for senior
nutrition needs.
C.1.18.3 Establish a support program for caregivers of seniors and people
with disabilities by partnering with private, nonprofit, faith-based
and public community service
organizations.
Community Services
Department
M $P Work has not commenced.
C.1.2.2 Explore a City solution to help residents and others to resolve
questions and concerns and navigate the City’s community services
and facilities.
Community Services
Department
M $O Residents can now more easily navigate programs,
services and facilities offered by the Community
Services Department on the City's new website.
Customer service staff are available by phone,
email or in person to assist customers.
C1.1.1 Based on identified needs, continue to provide and expand the
provision of multilingual literature, program information and
educational displays at public community facilities and parks.
Community Services
Department
R $P No substantial action has occurred to report.
C1.1.2 Establish a cross-cultural outreach program to engage residents of
all ages, cultural, social and linguistic backgrounds in educational,
recreational and cultural activities offered throughout the City of
Palo Alto.
Community Services
Department
M $O With funding from First 5 Santa Clara, the Junior
Museum continues its pre-school science
programing to multicultural underserved
neighborhoods in San Jose at the same levels as the
previous year. In FY21, the Department will deliver
in-person and virtual science lessons to children
and adults from 11 First 5 Family Resource Centers.
These families represent multiple ethnicities and
languages.
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DepartmentProgram Text
C1.12.1 In cooperation with public and private businesses, non- profit
organizations, and PAUSD, develop a service program that will
coordinate the efforts of agencies providing services to families and
youth in Palo Alto.
Community Services
Department
R $PC Community Services Department continued to
convene a group of local nonprofits in
FY21 providing human service needs to identify
needs and coordinate resources. This group
continues to meet monthly. A group consisting of
the Early Childcare Education Committee and
childcare providers also continues to meet regularly
with Human Services staff to understand the
challenges of childcare providers.
C1.13.1 Determine the potential for City shared use of PAUSD facilities for
weekend, summer and evening use for community uses such as
child care, libraries, recreational facilities, community meeting
space, education, language education, health care, culture and
computer resources.
Community Services
Department
M $O There are no substantial actions to report at this
time.
C1.15.1 Support and promote the provision of comprehensive child care
services in Palo Alto by public and private providers, including
employers.
Community Services
Department
S $O Early Care & Education Committee under the
direction of City staff continue to work to address
the needs of parents in Palo Alto. Community
Services Department staff and the Committee have
been meeting regularly with child care providers to
understand their needs and challenges due to
COVID-19 and beyond.
C1.15.2 Utilize the Early Care and Education Committee to develop and
update the Child Care Master Plan, and to connect providers and
professionals working with families with young children, explore
challenges and opportunities to programs and services for young
children, and support early education programs in the community
in their efforts to enhance quality.
Community Services
Department
S $PC Staff and the Committee will be bringing a
recommended action plan to City Council for
approval in October 2021. The plan recommends
using $30,000 from the Child Care Trust Fund to
provide support for Early Childcare Educators
through trainings, workshops, and mini grants for
professional consultants related to behavioral and
mental health support.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
C1.15.4 Explore opportunities to provide access to childcare for families of
City employees.
Community Services
Department
L $O Human Resources Department conducted an
employee survey to identify childcare needs during
the COVID-19 pandemic. And in response to the
needs of the employees, the Human Resources
department launched an employee benefits
resources pages that provide links to help
employees connect to resources that provide
services and information related to short term and
long terms dependent care needs and other local
social media providers.
C1.16.1 Identify funding sources for expanded outreach and increased
involvement to support youth and teen leadership programs and
events.
Community Services
Department
M $O This is an ongoing effort and Community Services
Department's nonprofit partners provide some
support for these programs. There are no
substantial actions to report at this time.
C1.16.2 Leverage available funding to pursue support of teen mental,
physical, social and emotional health programs.
Community Services
Department
R $O The City continues to support Project Safety Net,
now a 501(c)(3), to support teen mental health
programs. The Palo Alto Art Center Foundation
received a grant from the Institute of Museum and
Library Services in fall 2021 to implement the
Creative Attention program of educational
programs, an exhibition, and residencies intended
to support individual and community resilience
programs, including teen activities.
C1.17.1 Optimize participation in such programs by increasing the number
of locations where the programs are provided and by supporting
transportation options to these locations.
Community Services
Department
S $P Work has not commenced.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
C1.17.3 Promote a diverse range of interests and vocations among
programs offered to children, youth and teens.
Community Services
Department
M $O Community Services Department strives to offer
programs that appeal to all interests. These range
from visual and performing arts, sports, science,
academics, and leadership programs. Community
Services Department has continued many of these
program offerings in a virtual format during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
C1.18.1 Develop a program to engage the talents and skills that seniors
possess that would provide volunteer opportunities throughout the
City.
Community Services
Department
R $P Work has not commenced. The Art Center
maintains an active volunteer program that
engages all ages in the community, including
seniors.
C1.2.1 Periodically review public information, outreach and community
relations activities to evaluate effectiveness.
Community Services
Department
R $O Working with the City Manager’s Office, the
Community Services Department conducts ongoing
evaluation of outreach efforts to ensure maximum
reach to the community.
C1.2.3 Identify barriers to participation in City programming and facilities
across gender, age, socioeconomic and ethnic groups and sexual
identity and orientation, as well as mental and physical abilities, and
adopt strategies to remove barriers to participation.
Community Services
Department
S $O The Art Center and Junior Museum & Zoo continue
their Working Together collaboration—focused on
diversifying the museum field-- and as the program
concludes, are actively working to identify private
funding sources to continue and expand the
program. In Fall 2021 the Palo Alto Art Center
presents The Art of Disability Culture exhibition,
which features the work of 20 artists with
disabilities. The exhibition includes numerous
access features, including visual descriptions of all
artworks available online or in the gallery with QR
codes, Braille translated labels and large-print
labels. Public programs presented in conjunction
with the exhibition include ASL interpretation, live
captioning, and virtual participation opportunities.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
C1.2.4 Based on identified needs, expand program offerings to
underserved groups.
Community Services
Department
R $$$O Thanks to support from the Palo Alto Art Center
Foundation, the Art Center continues its Project
Look school tours and Cultural Kaleidoscope
program to underserved communities in East Palo
Alto. Programs in FY21 took place virtually, in fall
2021 these programs will take place in-classroom
or virtually. In addition, the Palo Alto Art Center
Foundation partnered with Dreamcatchers in FY21
to offer scholarships to Art Center classes for their
low-income constituents.
C1.20.1 Partner with agencies for support and improved access so that all
can participate as appropriate in Palo Alto recreational programs.
Community Services
Department
R $O City has existing partnerships with A54 Youth
Community Services, Friends Groups and
Foundations to provide accessible programs. Palo
Alto Swim and Sport provides scholarships through
the Beyond Barriers program to ensure all youth
have access to the pool facilities. The Golf Course
offers low cost youth programs through First Tee,
Youth on Course and offers a junior golf rate.
C1.22.1 Increase awareness about caring and compassion for the unhoused
and those who suffer from mental and/or physical conditions
through educational programming in partnership with community
and business organizations throughout the region.
Community Services
Department
R $O This is an ongoing task. City receives continued
support of major Human Services providers that
work with the unhoused.
C1.22.2 Work with Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, the State of
California, the federal government, non-profit agencies, business
and other organizations to define roles and responsibilities in the
comprehensive provision of permanent supportive housing and
temporary shelter, food, clothing and transportation for those in
need.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O The City continues to be involved with the County
and local non profits to provide supportive
permanent housing/food/shelter/other basic
human needs.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
C1.3.1 Develop and implement a plan to collect and analyze data on
demographics, use of community service facilities and needs of the
community as related to parks, open spaces, recreation, arts and
culture.
Community Services
Department
M $O Community Services Department’s program areas
regularly collect and review demographic
information from program participants. The Parks,
Trails, Open Space and Recreation Master Plan
contains information on community needs.
C1.6.1 Establish a program to facilitate continuing corporate support for
community services through contributions of funds, time, materials
and expertise.
Community Services
Department
M $P A formal program to facilitate corporate support
has not been established. Corporate sponsorships
for special events have been received.
C2.2.1 Establish performance review criteria for City employees that
consider the quality of service provided.
Human Resources
Department
M $P In 2020 the City continued to utilize the current
evaluation process throughout the pandemic and
until more resources can be allocated to implement
the on-line evaluation platform.
C2.2.2 Periodically perform evaluations of City service delivery and
develop strategies for continuous improvement. Use metrics and
make information publicly available.
Community Services
Department
R $$O This is an ongoing effort.
C3.2.1 Develop a proactive Asset Management Program for infrastructure
requirements and costs.
Administrative
Services
Department/ OMB
M $$O The project is continuing and will include the
evaluation of all known buildings with GHG burning
equipment to provide the necessary capital
planning required to reach the 80% reduction in
Greenhouse Gas consumption by 2030 (80/30 goals
of the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan
(S/CAP) via the electrification process.
Goal C-2: Demonstrate a commitment to excellence and high quality service to the public among City of Palo Alto officials and employees.
Goal C-3: Recognize the intrinsic value and everyday importance of our parks and community centers, libraries, civic buildings and cultural assets by investing in their maintenance and
improvement.
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DepartmentProgram Text
C3.3.1 Periodically evaluate how parks and recreational facilities are being
used and develop strategies for improving their use overall.
Community Services
Department
IP $O Staff regularly analyze programs and solicit
feedback from program participants and use that
information to improve programs and provide
desired amenities.
C3.3.2 Study and recommend methods of private and public financing for
improved park maintenance, rehabilitation, and construction of
facilities, including those used for arts and culture.
Community Services
Department
S $O The Junior Museum and Zoo (JMZ) is an example of
public private partnership for constructing the new
JMZ.
The “Friendship Trail” project is an example of
State and private funding improvements to
interpretive signage in the Baylands. Parks staff
have partnered with the Kiwanis Club on several
park maintenance projects (replacing playground
fencing, and painting park benches and fences).
C3.3.3 Estimate the costs of retrofitting all park facilities with water
efficient appliances, fixtures and irrigation systems and develop an
implementation schedule to phase-in use of non-potable water
conservations measures where and when feasible.
Public Works
Department and
Community Services
Department
L $$O This is an ongoing effort. There are no substantial
actions to report at this time.
C3.3.4 Periodically assess the need to adjust parkland dedication or fees in
lieu thereof to ensure they remain proportional to real estate
values in Palo Alto.
Planning and
Development
Services and
Community Services
Department
R $C The City Council raised development impact fees
for parks, libraries, and community centers in April
2021 based on the findings of a Park Community
Center, and Library Development Impact Fee
Justification Study.
Goal C-4: Plan for a future in which our parks, open spaces, libraries, public art, and community facilities thrive and adapt to the growth and change of Palo Alto.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
C4.1.1 Explore opportunities to dedicate City-owned land as parkland to
protect and preserve its community- serving purpose into the
future.
Community Services
Department
S $$$P The Parks and Recreation Commission and staff
have explored some opportunities to dedicate City-
owned land as parkland. Staff have not pursued
dedicating any new parkland this year.
C4.1.2 Encourage dedication of new land for parks through regulations and
incentives for new development and programs to solicit bequests of
land within the city.
Community Services
Department and
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P Work has not commenced.
C4.1.3 Pursue opportunities to create linear parks over the Caltrain tracks
in the event the tracks are moved below grade.
Community Services
Department and
Planning and
Development
Services
L $$$P Work has not commenced.
C4.1.4 Explore ways to dedicate a portion of in-lieu fees towards
acquisition of parkland, not just improvements.
Community Services
Department and
Planning and
Development
Services
M $P Work has not commenced.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
C4.5.1 Use Cubberley Community Center as a critical and vital part of the
City’s service delivery system while also planning for its future.
Community Services
Department
IP $$O The Cubberley Concept Plan provides a vision for
the future of this vital community asset. The
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
analysis was expected to be completed in 2020, but
was delayed due to new guidelines for assessing
impacts related to traffic and transportation, which
will require an amendment to the consultant’s
contract. The contract has now been amended and
the analysis is being finalized.
C5.1.1 Allocate resources to create and support initiatives to increase the
health and well-being of the public.
Community Services
Department
R $O The City provided opportunities for the community
to access programs and resources such as, Wellness
Wednesdays, ArtLift, Uplift Local. The Palo Alto Art
Center’s Creative Attention exhibition and public
program series will focus on individual and
community wellbeing, with free public programs for
all.
C5.1.2 Establish a community-sourced online clearinghouse of information
and activities related to health promotion in the community.
Community Services
Department
IP $O Community resources related to health and
wellness have been provided through the City
Manager’s Office as part of COVID response and
communication and on the City's new website.
Goal C-5: Sustain the health, well-being, recreation, and safety of residents and visitors, and improve the quality, quantity, and affordability of social services for all community members,
including children, youth, teens, seniors, the unhoused, and people with disabilities.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
C5.6.1 Incorporate health and well-being topics, including arts and culture,
into existing events and programs at City- owned park and
recreation facilities.
Community Services
Department
R $O Events this year are almost exclusively focused on
brining the community back together to improve
connections, and improve wellbeing. The City and
many local partners hosted a weeklong celebration
in September called Together Again with this goal in
mind. The Clay and Glass Festival on 9/11 and 9/12
drew more than 7,000 people to the Art Center
grounds. The Great Glass Pumpkin Patch will likely
draw thousands to the Art Center facility.
C5.6.2 Work with schools and community organizations to provide
programs that educate residents, workers and visitors on health
and well-being topics.
Community Services
Department
R $$O Community resources related to health and
wellness have been provided through the City
Manager’s Office as part of COVID response. A
series of Wellness Wednesday events provide
information to residents on relevant wellness
topics. Community Services Department staff have
been coordinating with local nonprofits who serve
vulnerable residents. The Art Center’s free Creative
Attention Community Day event on 4/10 will
include opportunities for local nonprofits to table
and provide information about health and
wellbeing services in the community.
C5.9.1 Identify existing and potential indoor and outdoor locations for
community gardens and farmers markets at City-owned or leased
facilities and spaces.
Community Services
Department
M $O The Community Services Department continues to
manage the City's community garden program.
There are currently five community gardens in the
program.
Governance Chapter
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
G1.1.1 Consider making data available at a transactional level on the Open
Data Portal.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $$C This task is completed. All Building Permit
Applications are available for viewing on our Open
Data Portal. See link:
https://data.cityofpaloalto.org/dashboards/7712/d
evelopment-center-permits/
G1.2.1 Continue to hold regular, Town Hall-style meetings in
neighborhoods.
City Council & City
Clerk’s Office
R $$O We continue to regularly hold meetings on the first
3 Mondays of the month for City Council meetings.
Standing Committees, Boards and Commissions
meetings are held at a regular scheduled date. With
the pandemic, the City has adapted to
teleconference meetings for the availability,
convenience, and necessary open civic engagement
of the public. We are currently in the midst of
transitioning into a hybrid-setting with continued
discussion on its implementation.
G1.2.2 Periodically review the suite of engagement options used to solicit
citizen input and expertise on policy issues.
City Manager’s
Office
R $-$$$O The Communications Team updated the Policy and
Services Committee in 2021 about planned
community engagement.
G1.2.3 Continue to rely on neighborhood organizations, the City website,
local media, online technologies and other communication
platforms to keep residents informed of current issues and to
encourage citizen engagement.
City Manager’s
Office
R $O Staff is working on upcoming Town Hall meetings as
well as other community engagement and intends
to continue to collaborate with the neighborhood
organizations.
Goal G-1: Effective opportunities for public participation in local government.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
G1.2.4 Provide access to communications technologies at City facilities,
including public libraries and City Hall, and explore innovative
locations for communication.
City Manager’s
Office
R $$O City facilities are opening back up to the public and
staff continues to make the spaces available to the
public as safely as possible. Additionally, staff is
implementing a Virtual Receptionist "Alice" in the
City Hall Lobby to assist the public upon entering
the building.
G1.2.5 Continue to release City Council staff reports to the public up to 10
days prior to Council hearings to increase public awareness of City
decision-making.
City Clerk’s Office R $O We continue to release City Council staff reports up
to 10 days prior to City Council meetings.
G2.2.1 Continue to offer the use of City facilities to non-profit civic,
environmental, cultural, neighborhood and social service
organizations for meetings and events at discounted or
complimentary rates and via sponsorship programs.
City Manager’s
Office
R $O Ongoing though COVID-19 impacts access to the
inside of facilities.
G4.1.1 Continue and expand volunteer opportunities and the community’s
awareness of public and nonprofit organizations serving the City.
City Manager's
Office
R $O City continues to work with established Advisory
Groups.
G4.1.2 Publicly recognize the efforts of individuals, groups, and businesses
that provide volunteer services within the City.
City Manager’s
Office
R $O This is an ongoing task.
G4.1.3 Coordinate with the Palo Alto Unified School District to develop
classroom-based leadership, governance and civic participation
programs.
City Manager’s
Office
M $$O This is an ongoing task. The City regularly meets
with PAUSD leadership and discusses recent issues
of interest to both organizations.
Goal G-2: Informed and involved civic, cultural, environmental, social service and neighborhood organizations and residents.
Goal G-4: Active involvement of local citizens as volunteers.
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DepartmentProgram Text
G4.1.4 Support the transition from school-based volunteering to civic
participation via outreach to parent volunteers and student leaders.
City Manager’s
Office and
Community Services
Department
M $O This is an ongoing task.
G4.1.5 Coordinate with the real estate community to develop a welcome
package for new residents, containing City resources, information
and ways to contribute to livability.
City Manager’s
Office
M $$PC The City Manager’s Office works with the Utilities
Department to send an electronic welcome
message to new residents and customers, including
businesses. In 2021 this was reviewed and updated.
G6.2.1 Provide clear information across multiple communications
platforms to guide citizens and businesses through the City review
and approval process.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O This is an ongoing effort.
G6.2.2 Continue and expand customer-oriented process improvement
efforts.
All Departments R $$O The City launched online appointment booking
system for Development Services for in-person and
virtual appointments in March 2021. The Online
Parcel Report Enhancements enabling the public to
access related documents and plan sets for
planning entitlements and building permit records
online will be launched before end of 2021.
G6.2.3 Use the pre-screening process to obtain early feedback from the
City Council and the community regarding ordinance changes
intended to facilitate specific development proposals.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O This is an ongoing practice.
Land Use Element
Goal G-6: More clearly defined procedures, standards, and expectations for development review.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
L1.6.1 Review regulatory tools available to the City and identify actions to
enhance and preserve the livability of residential neighborhoods
and the vitality of commercial and employment districts, including
improved code enforcement practices.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $$O City is making additional improvements to enable
more tailored responses within 311 system.
L1.8.1 Maintain and update as appropriate the 1985 Land Use Policies
Agreement that sets forth the land use policies of the City, Santa
Clara County, and Stanford University with regard to Stanford
unincorporated lands.
all Departments IP $O The City meets regularly with Stanford University
regarding land use on an ongoing basis. In 2020 and
continuing into 2021, the County initiated a process
to update the Stanford Community Plan. The
County is also preparing an updated Municipal
Services Study. Both of these will be reviewed by
the City as a stakeholder in unincorporated area
land use policies areas within the City's Sphere of
Influence and Urban Service Area.
L2.2.1 Explore whether there are appropriate locations to allow small-
scale neighborhood-serving retail facilities such as coffee shops and
corner stores in residential areas.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $O Uplift Local continued through 2021 given variants,
and Council directed the continuation of closed
streets and exploration of permanent parklets.
L2.4.1 Amend the Housing Element to eliminate housing sites along San
Antonio Road and increase residential densities in Downtown and
the California Avenue area to replace potential units from the sites
eliminated.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $O As part of Housing Element update, staff is focusing
on Downtown and Cal Ave. region. However, to
meet challenging Regional Housing Needs
Allocation (RHNA), sites along San Antonio, may
need to be included.
Goal L-1: A compact and resilient city providing residents and visitors with attractive neighborhoods, work places, shopping districts, public facilities, and open spaces.
Goal L-2: An enhanced sense of “community” with development designed to foster public life, meet citywide needs and embrace the principles of sustainability.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
L2.4.2 Allow housing at Stanford Shopping Center, provided that adequate
parking and vibrant retail is maintained and no reduction of retail
square footage results from the new housing.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $P Mixed Use development is allowed in the
Community Commercial (CC) zoning district since
2018. Future housing development requires
conversation with tenants and Stanford University.
The Housing Element process in 2021-22 will
include consideration of this program.
L2.4.3 Allow housing on the El Camino Real frontage of the Stanford
Research Park. Explore multi-family housing elsewhere in Stanford
Research Park and near the SUMC.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $O The City meets regularly with Stanford University
regarding land use on an ongoing basis. The
Housing Element process in 2021-22 will include
consideration of this program.
L2.4.4 Assess non-residential development potential in the Community
Commercial, Service Commercial and Downtown Commercial
Districts (CC, CS and CD) and the Neighborhood Commercial District
(CN), and convert non-retail commercial FAR to residential FAR,
where appropriate. Conversion to residential capacity should not be
considered in Town and Country Village.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $O Conversion of commercial properties to residential
and mixed use (residential and commercial) is
occurring with pre-screening development
applications filed in 2021
L2.4.5 Update the municipal code to include zoning changes that allow a
mix of retail and residential uses but no office uses. The intent of
these changes would be to encourage a mix of land uses that
contributes to the vitality and walkability of commercial centers and
transit corridors.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $P Vacancy rates continued to increase due to the
extension of the pandemic emergency. The Town
and Country Village center application was rejected
by City Council. In September 2021, Council
directed continuation of closure on California
Avenue until June 2022, and exploration of
permanent parklets and closure of a portion of
Ramona Street.
L2.4.6 Explore changing the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)
ordinances for both buildings of historic significance and for seismic
retrofits so that transferred development rights may only be used
for residential capacity.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $P This program has not been explored yet. The
project commencement is pending the availability
of resources.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
L2.4.7 Explore mechanisms for increasing multi-family housing density
near multimodal transit centers.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $$PC The City was awarded a Priority Development Area
(PDA) grant. This grant can support work in
Downtown Palo Alto to further housing production.
L2.4.8 Identify development opportunities for BMR and more affordable
market rate housing on publicly owned properties in a way that is
integrated with and enhances existing neighborhoods.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $$O As part of Housing Element update, staff is looking
at City parking lots for potential affordable housing
sites.
L2.5.1 Collaborate withPalo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) in
exploring opportunities to build housing that is affordable to school
district employees.
Planning and
Development
Services
IP $O The County is moving forward with a proposed
teacher housing project with Palo Alto Unified
School District (PAUSD) and other surrounding
school districts at 231 Grant Ave. The City
continues to partner with the County to review and
process the application.
L2.7.1 Review development standards to discourage the net loss of
housing units.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $P Modifications to zoning code will be proposed to
ensure compliance with state law. It will be placed
on the work plan for 2022. The State's no net loss
requirements recently has been extended to 2030.
L2.8.1 Conduct a study to evaluate various possible tools for preventing
displacement of existing residents.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$PC The City Council will be reviewing the renter
protection policies on November 15th and provide
direction to staff. The policies and programs will be
further developed to built ordinance language. Staff
plans to bring the draft ordinance for PTC and
Council review in spring of 2022.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
L2.8.2 Develop and implement a system to inventory the characteristics of
existing housing units and track changes in those characteristics on
a regular basis. Make the information publicly available.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P Work has not commenced.
L2.10.1 Collaborate with PAUSD to plan for space to accommodate future
school expansions or new school sites, and evaluate zoning space to
accommodate new schools.
Planning and
Development
Services
IP $$O The lease on existing Cubberley facilities were
extended from July 1, 2020 to December 31, 2024
to accommodate school district's need.
L3.2.1 Evaluate and implement strategies to prevent conversion of
residential and neighborhood-serving retail space to office or short-
term vacation rentals.
Planning and
Development
Services
IP $PC City's COVID-19 pandemic response continued with
strategies to assist commercial businesses.
L.3.5.1 Develop a program to assess and manage both the positive and
negative impacts of basement construction in single family homes
on the community and the environment, including:
§ Impacts to the natural environment, such as potential impacts to
the tree canopy, groundwater supply or quality, and soil
compaction.
§ Safety issues such as increased surface flooding increased
groundwater intrusion with sea level rise, emergency access and
egress, or sewage backflows.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $$O The Planning Department and Public Works staff
monitors secant walls and groundwater levels for
all projects.
Goal L-3: Safe, attractive residential neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and within walking distance of shopping, services, schools, and/or other public gathering places.
Goal L-4: Inviting pedestrian scale centers that offer a variety of retail and commercial services and provide focal points and community gathering places for the city’s residential neighborhoods
and employment districts.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
L4.2.1 Study the overall viability of ground-floor retail requirements in
preserving retail space and creating an active street environment,
including the types of locations where such requirements are most
effective.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P The overall study of ground-floor retail
requirements in preserving retail space has not
commenced, but the City's COVID-19 pandemic
response included continuation of parklets and
street closures and other assistance.
L4.2.2 Evaluate the effectiveness of formula retail limits adopted for
California Avenue. Develop incentives for local small businesses
where warranted.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$O The Office of Transportation continues to assess
parking in the California Avenue business district.
L4.2.3 Explore and potentially support new, creative and innovative retail
in Palo Alto.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $$PC The street closure of University Avenue sunsets in
mid-October, and Cal Ave closure is to continue
until June 2022. Additional exploration is underway
for permanent parklets and a closure of a portion of
Ramona and of California Ave.
L4.4.1 Study the feasibility of using public and private funds to provide and
maintain landscaping and public spaces such as parks, plazas,
sidewalks and public art within commercial areas.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $PC City's ArtLift program launched to fund art projects
and experiences in commercial corridors and
neighborhoods to help people remain engaged in
the arts, reconnect with each other, and recover
together as a cohesive community continues to
operate.
L4.4.2 Through public/private cooperation, provide well- signed, clean,
and accessible restrooms.
Planning and
Development
Services and
Department of
Public Works
R $O This is an ongoing effort.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
L4.4.3 Collaborate with merchants to enhance the appearance of streets
and sidewalks within all Centers. Encourage the formation of
business improvement districts and undertake a proactive program
of maintenance, repair, landscaping and enhancement.
Department of
Public Works /
Urban Forestry
Department
R $$P Work has not commenced.
L4.4.4 Identify priority street improvements that could make a substantial
contribution to the character of Centers, such as widening
sidewalks, narrowing travel lanes, creating medians, restriping to
allow diagonal parking, and planting trees.
Office of
Transportation
S $$$P The California Avenue and University Avenues are
currently in consideration for enhancements such
as street scape projects and/or street closures.
Staff is seeking Council's direction on planning
these areas for future improvements.
L4.5.1 Revise zoning and other regulations as needed to encourage the
preservation of space to accommodate small businesses, start-ups
and other services.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P The project has not commenced. Due to the
continued COVID-19 pandemic throughout 2021,
the focus remains on temporary outdoor business
operations and exploration of a permanent parklet
program.
L4.5.2 Consider planning, regulatory, or other incentives to encourage
property owners to include smaller office spaces in their buildings
to serve small businesses, non-profit organizations, and
independent professionals.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $P Work has not commenced.
L.4.6.1 Explore increasing hotel FAR from 2.0 to 3.0 in the University
Avenue/Downtown area and 2.5 in areas outside of Downtown.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P Work has not commenced.
L4.8.1 Prepare a Coordinated Area Plan for Downtown.Planning and
Development
Services
IP $$$P The City received the Priority Development Area
(PDA) grant for preparing a plan for Downtown Palo
Alto. While this grant cannot support a full
coordinated area plan, it will make progress toward
housing development in Palo Alto's downtown.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
L4.8.2 Study the feasibility of converting parts of University Avenue to a
pedestrian zone.
Public Works,
Office of
Transportation, PDS
M $$O California Avenue and University Avenue are
currently in consideration for enhancements such
as street scape projects and/or street closures.
Seeking Council direction on planning these areas
for future improvements. RFP to hire consultant
for Streetscape project on University Avenue is
currently in Progress. University to reopen October
15, 2021; on September 13 Council indicated desire
to continue Ramona block closure and parklets.
L4.9.1 While preserving adequate parking to meet demand, identify
strategies to reuse surface parking lots.
Planning and
Development
Services & Office of
Transportation
IP $O Work is in progress. There are no substantial
actions to report at this time.
L4.9.2 Explore adding additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for retail at
Stanford Shopping Center.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $P Work will be started in approximately three years,
no change in status to report for 2020.
L4.10.1 Prepare a coordinated area plan for the North Ventura area and
surrounding California Avenue area. The plan should describe a
vision for the future of the North Ventura area as a walkable
neighborhood with multi- family housing, ground floor retail, a
public park, creek improvements, and an interconnected street grid.
It should guide the development of the California Avenue area as a
well-designed mixed use district with diverse land uses and a
network of pedestrian-oriented streets.
Planning and
Development
Services
IP $$$O The coordinated area plan work is in progress. The
City Council has reviewed the plan and provided
directions. Staff plans another Council review in
December 2021 for final recommendations.
L4.10.2 Create regulations for the California Avenue area that encourage
the retention or rehabilitation of smaller buildings to provide spaces
for existing retail, particularly local, small businesses.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P Project commencement is pending the availability
of resources.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
L4.16.1 Maintain distinct neighborhood shopping areas that are attractive,
accessible and convenient to nearby residents.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O The PAMC commercial zoning regulations, Retail
Preservation Ordinance and proposed Objective
Standards ensure these shopping areas are
maintained.
L5.1.1 Explore with Stanford University various development options for
adding to the Stanford Research Park a diverse mix of uses,
including residential, commercial hotel, conference center,
commercial space for small businesses and start-ups, retail, transit
hub, and other community-supporting services that are compatible
with the existing uses, to create a vibrant innovation-oriented
community.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$O The City meets regularly with Stanford University
regarding land use on an ongoing basis. The
Housing Element process in 2021-22 will include
consideration of this program.
L6.1.1 Promote awards programs and other forms of public recognition for
projects of architectural merit that contribute positively to the
community.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O The Architectural Review Board (ARB) met
September 9, 2021 to kick off the 2020 Awards
process.
L6.3.1 Develop guidelines for bird-friendly building design that minimizes
hazards for birds and reduces the potential for collisions.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P Work will be started in approximately three years,
no change in status to report for 2020.
L6.6.1 Modify design standards for mixed use projects to promote a
pedestrian-friendly relationship to the street, including elements
such as screened parking or underground parking, street-facing
windows and entries, and porches, windows, bays and balconies
along public ways, and landscaping, and trees along the street.
Avoid blank or solid walls at street level.
Planning and
Development
Services
IP $O Objective Standards work included public hearings
before Architectural Review Board, Planning and
Transportation Commission, a community meeting,
and City Council. The Architectural Review Board
ad hoc committee met many times to refine the
graphics for the standards. Council is set to hold
multiple meetings on Objective Standards,
beginning September 27, 2021.
Goal L-5: High quality employment districts, each with their own distinctive character and each contributing to the character of the city as a whole.
Goal L-6: Well-designed buildings that create coherent development patterns and enhance city streets and public spaces.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
L6.7.1 Implement architectural standards to assure they effectively
address land use transitions.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O This is an ongoing effort.
Program
for Policy
L7.2
If a proposed project would substantially affect the exterior of a
potential historic resource that has not been evaluated for inclusion
into the City’s Historic Resources Inventory, City staff shall consider
whether it is eligible for inclusion in State or federal registers prior
to the issuance of a demolition or alterations permit. Minor exterior
improvements that do not affect the architectural integrity of
potentially historic buildings shall be exempt from consideration.
Examples of minor improvements may include repair or
replacement of features in kind, or other changes that do not alter
character-defining features of the building.”
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O The Policy L 7.2 implementation continues. The
passage of SB9 implicates a need to update PAMC
16.49 and local inventory to reference the
properties found California Register and National
Register Eligible during and since the 1998-2000
history survey.
L7.1.1 Update and maintain the City’s Historic Resource Inventory to
include historic resources that are eligible for local, State, or federal
listing. Historic resources may consist of a single building or
structure or a district.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O This work has not commenced. SB 9 may inspire
the Council to advance this policy in 2022.Staff
recommends changing the status from 'routine' to
'short term' and adjust the HRB work plan.
L7.1.2 Reassess the Historic Preservation Ordinance to ensure its
effectiveness in the maintenance and preservation of historic
resources, particularly in the University Avenue/Downtown area.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $P Work has not commenced.
L7.8.1 Promote and expand available incentives for the retention and
rehabilitation of buildings with historic merit in all zones and revise
existing zoning and permit regulations to minimize constraints to
adaptive reuse.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $PC Rehabilitation is underway for several projects in
Palo Alto.
Goal L-7: Conservation and preservation of Palo Alto’s historic buildings, sites, and districts.
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$ = Small, $$ =
Medium $$$ =
Substantial
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C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
L7.8.2 Create incentives to encourage salvage and reuse of discarded
historic building materials.
Planning and
Development
Services &
Department of
Public Works
S $PC The Department of Public Works is monitoring the
deconstruction ordinance for approved
demolitions.
L7.8.3 Seek additional innovative ways to apply current codes and
ordinances to older buildings. Use the State Historical Building Code
for designated historic buildings.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O Staff routinely applies the California Historical
Building Code to qualified projects as applicable.
L7.12.1 Review parking exceptions for historic buildings in the Zoning Code
to determine if there is an effective balance between historic
preservation and meeting parking needs.
Planning and
Development
Services
L $P Work has not commenced.
L9.1.1 Evaluate existing zoning code setback requirements to ensure they
are appropriate for scenic routes.
Planning and
Development
Services
L $P To be started in approximately three years, no
change in status in 2020.
L9.3.1 Review standards for streets and signage and update as needed to
foster natural, tree-lined streets with a minimum of signage.
Planning and
Development
Services, Office of
Transportation &
Department of
Public Works
M $O This program is ongoing. There are no updates to
report at this time.
L9.6.1 Analyze existing neighborhoods and determine where publicly
accessible shared, outdoor gathering spaces are below the citywide
standard. Create new public spaces, including public squares, parks
and informal gathering spaces in these neighborhoods.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$$P Work has not commenced.
Goal L-9: Attractive, inviting public spaces and streets that enhance the image and character of the city.
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L9.7.1 Develop a strategy to enhance gateway sites with special
landscaping, art, public spaces and/or public buildings. Emphasize
the creek bridges and riparian settings at the entrances to the City
over Adobe Creek and San Francisquito Creek.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $P Work has not commenced.
L9.8.1 Establish incentives to encourage native trees and low water use
plantings in new development throughout the city.
Planning and
Development
Services, Office of
Transportation &
Department of
Public Works
M $O Staff has continued to successfully encourage the
planting of native trees and low water use plantings
through the use of the ARB findings modified in the
2016 code update (including a focus on regional,
indigenous, drought tolerant species). The Model
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) is
implemented by staff review of landscape permits.
L9.10.1 Continue the citywide undergrounding of utility wires. Minimize the
impacts of undergrounding on street tree root systems and planting
areas.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
R $$$O The Utilities Department in collaboration with the
Urban Forestry division has an ongoing program to
underground utility wires, and complies with all City
ordinances regarding minimizing impacts of
construction on trees.
L9.10.2 Encourage the use of compact and well-designed utility elements,
such as transformers, switching devices, backflow preventers and
telecommunications infrastructure. Place these elements in
locations that will minimize their visual intrusion.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
R $O In addition to safety, reliability and cost-
effectiveness, the Utilities Department considers
the visual impacts of utility equipment before
installation.
L9.11.1 Implement the findings of the City’s Infrastructure Blue Ribbon
Committee and its emphasis for rebuilding our civic spaces.
Department of
Public Works
IP $$$O The Infrastructure Blue Ribbon Committee’s
findings resulted in City Council’s adoption of the
2014 Council Infrastructure Plan, including ten
priority projects. Implementation of the plan is
underway, with two of the projects completed,
three projects in construction and others in the
design process.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
L9.11.2 Identify City-owned properties where combinations of wireless
facilities can be co-located, assuming appropriate lease agreements
are in place.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities & Planning
and Development
Services
M $O Utilities has identified five locations for the
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) base
collectors: East Meadow Substation, Hale Well,
Maybell Substation, Monte Bello Reservoir, and
Peers Park Water Pump Station. After Council
approves the AMI contract, Utilities will begin the
Tier 2 Wireless Communications Facilities
application process with Planning.
L9.12.1 Coordinate with regional utility providers on activities that would
impact their infrastructure and right-of-way.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities, Planning
and Development
Services and
Department of
Public Works
R $O Utilities, Planning and Public Works Departments
coordinate with regional utility providers on
activities that impact the City’s infrastructure and
right of way to ensure they are in compliance with
local ordinances and policies.
L10.1.1 Relocate the terminal building away from the Runway 31 clear zone
and closer to the hangars, allowing for construction of a
replacement terminal.
Department of
Public Works
L $$$PC The Airport received funding for first phase of the
Airport Layout Plan (ALP) project in 2021, which will
begin the 18 month study. The final phase of
funding is expecting in 2022. The relocation of the
terminal will be studied in this project.
L10.1.2 Update the Airport Layout Plan in accordance with Federal Aviation
Administration requirements, as needed, while ensuring
conformance with the Baylands Master Plan to the maximum
extent feasible.
Department of
Public Works
M $$$PC The Airport received funding for first phase of the
Airport Layout Plan (ALP) project in 2021, which will
begin the 18 month study. The final phase of
funding is expecting in 2022. The project is
expected to be completed 2023.
L10.1.3 Identify and pursue funding to address maintenance, safety and
security improvements needed at PAO.
Department of
Public Works
R $O This program is ongoing. There are no updates to
report at this time.
Goal L-10: Maintain an economically viable local airport with minimal environmental impacts.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
L10.3.1 Establish and implement a system for processing, tracking and
reporting noise complaints regarding local airport operations on an
annual basis,
Department of
Public Works
S $$O Since the City began tracking complaints in 2014,
the Annual Aircraft Noise Complaints Report is
completed each January and submitted to City
Council.
L10.3.2 Work with the airport to pursue opportunities to enhance the open
space and habitat value of the airport. These include:
-Maintaining native grasses;
-Reconstructing levees to protect the airport from sea level rise
while enhancing public access and habitat conservation; and
-Evaluating the introduction of burrowing owl habitat.
This program is subject to federal wildlife hazard requirements and
guidelines for airports.
Community Services
Department and
Department of
Public Works
R $$P Work has not commenced.
L10.4.1 Continue to provide a bicycle/pedestrian path adjacent to
Embarcadero Road, consistent with the Baylands Master Plan and
open space character of the baylands subject to federal and State
airport regulations.
Department of
Public Works and
Office of
Transportation
R $O There is an existing bicycle/pedestrian path
adjacent to portions of Embarcadero Road
(installed in 2000) that Rangers continue to
maintain.
N1.1.1 Develop Comprehensive Resource Conservation Plans for the
Pearson Arastradero Preserve, Esther Clark Preserve, and Foothills
Park to steward the protection of local ecosystems.
Community Services
Department
S-M $$$P Conservation Plans for Pearson Arastradero, Esther
Clark, and Foothills Nature Preserves are currently
not funded in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
Goal N-1: Protect, conserve and enhance Palo Alto’s citywide system of open space, including connected and accessible natural and urban habitats, ecosystems, and natural resources, providing
a source of public health, natural beauty and enjoyment for Palo Alto residents.
Natural Environment Element
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
N1.1.2 Promote and support ecosystem protection and environmental
education programs in Palo Alto and neighboring school districts.
Community Services
Department
S $O Palo Alto Open Space partners with Grassroots
Ecology and Save the Bay (volunteer-based habitat
restoration organizations) to provide over 50
habitat restoration programs in our open space
preserves each year. In FY20, there were 2,354
volunteer hours for a total of 7,472 volunteer
hours. The Junior Museum and Zoo also provides
science outreach programs in local schools.
N1.3.1 Work to maintain Williamson Act agricultural preserve contracts
within the City.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $O The parcels under Williamson Act contract are
reviewed by the City Council every year and
extended for an additional one year term if the
property owners choses to continue it.
N1.3.2 Provide information and support programs that encourage
residents to enhance their private yards with native plant species
and low impact landscaping.
Department of
Public Works /
Urban Forestry
Department
R $$O Tree and landscape use of native plants is
encouraged during Individual Reviews of landscape
plans for residential projects. The South Palo Alto
Tree Planting Initiative is also ongoing. Funding is
provided to the non-profit organization Canopy to
plant native and/or climate adapted trees on
private properties. Each tree is inventoried on the
open source platform so that it can be monitored.
N1.4.1 Periodically review California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
thresholds of significance regarding special status species to identify
changes in listed species recommended by professionally
recognized scientific experts.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at
this time.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
N1.4.2 Explore the feasibility of expanding the use of overlay tools such as
the Site and Design (D) Review Combining District or similar
development review and restriction tools to protect special-status
species and their habitats from development.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P Work has not commenced.
N1.4.3 Assess opportunities to expand habitats of special – status species
within publicly-owned open spaces.
Community Services
Department
R $$O Palo Alto Open Space partners with Grassroots
Ecology and Save the Bay (volunteer-based habitat
restoration organizations) to provide over 50
habitat restoration programs in our open space
preserves each year. Work has not commenced
yet, but The Baylands Conservation Plan, which is
currently under California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) review, provides some analysis on
habitat improvement in the Baylands Nature
Preserve.
N1.5.1 Maintain the value of local wetlands as habitats by ensuring
adequate flow from the Bay and minimizing effluent.
Community Services
Department
R $P Work has not commenced. The Baylands
Conservation Plan includes a recommendation to
improve tidal flow to the Renzel Marsh.
N1.6.1 Continue to coordinate City review, particularly by Planning, Public
Works and Community Services Departments, of projects that
might impact the City’s foothills and hillside areas.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $$O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at
this time.
N1.7.1 Examine and improve existing management practices, including the
provision of access to open space for City vehicles and equipment,
to ensure that natural resources are protected.
Community Services
Department
R $$O Open Space staff are careful to only utilize vehicles
and equipment where necessary and with an intent
to protect the natural resources.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
N1.7.2 Protect wildlife in public open space areas by improving litter
collection, restricting the use of non- recyclable plastics, prohibiting
the feeding of wild, feral and stray animals in open space, and
enforcing dog leash laws.
Community Services
Department
R $O Feeding wild, feral, and stray animals in Open Space
was prohibited on June 9, 2014. Litter collection is
accomplished through staff and volunteers.
Rangers enforce the dog leash laws.
N1.7.3 Provide information about responsible behavior in environmentally-
sensitive areas through signage, pamphlets and documents on the
City’s website.
Community Services
Department
R $O The Rangers educate park visitors through signage,
interpretive programs, and information on the City
webpage. Additional signage and educational
materials were created specifically for use at
Foothills Nature Preserve when it opened to
nonresidents.
N1.7.4 Review and map existing easements and maintenance roads for
potential trails and trail connections.
Community Services
Department
S $$P Work has not commenced.
N1.10.1 Use City funds and seek additional sources of funding, including
State and federal programs, to finance open space acquisition,
maintenance or conservation.
Community Services
Department
R $O This is an ongoing effort, no updates to report at
this time.
N1.10.2 Create mechanisms to monitor, assess and respond quickly to land
acquisition opportunities that would expand or connect the City’s
system of parks and open spaces, and establish a long-term funding
strategy for acquisition that would enable the City to move quickly
when opportunities arise.
Community Services
Department
S $$$O The Parks and Recreation Commission has created
an Ad Hoc committee focused on identifying
funding opportunities for parks, recreation and
open space projects, including land acquisitions.
N2.1.1 Explore ways to prevent and ameliorate damage to trees and tree
roots by above and below ground infrastructure and buildings.
Department of
Public Works
R $O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at
this time.
Goal N-2: A thriving urban forest that provides public health, ecological, economic, and aesthetic benefits for Palo Alto.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
N2.2.1 Periodically update the UFMP and Tree Protection Ordinance to
ensure policies and regulations remain relevant set leading
standards for tree health practices.
Department of
Public Works
R $$O This is an ongoing program, tree ordinance updates
are currently being proposed (10/21).
N2.4.1 Promote landscape design that optimizes soil volume, porosity,
structure and health, as well the location, shape and configuration
of soil beds.
Planning and
Development
Services and Urban
Forestry
M $O This is an ongoing task. Collaborative review with
Urban Forestry staff of major projects is conducted
through Architectural Review Board.
N2.7.1 Maintain and irrigate healthy trees in parks, open space, parking
lots, and City rights-of-way, while identifying and replacing
unhealthy trees in those areas.
Department of
Public Works
S $$O This is an ongoing program. Summer time watering
of newly planted street trees by city staff
continues.
N2.7.2 Continue to invest in the care, irrigation and monitoring of street
trees during drought conditions.
Department of
Public Works
R $$O This is an ongoing program. Summer time watering
of newly planted street trees by city staff
continues.
N2.7.3 Actively pursue funding for tree planting to increase canopy cover
significantly across the city, avoid a net loss of canopy at the
neighborhood level, and attain canopy size targets in parks, open
space, parking lots, and City rights-of-way.
Department of
Public Works
R $O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at
this time.
N2.9.1 Increase awareness, severity and enforcement of penalties for tree
damage.
Department of
Public Works
M $O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at
this time.
N2.9.2 Develop a program for using the City’s Urban Forestry Fund to
replace trees lost to public improvement and infrastructure
projects, with replanting occurring onsite or as close to the original
site as is ecologically appropriate.
Department of
Public Works
M $$O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at
this time.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
N2.10.1 Continue to require replacement of trees, including street trees lost
to new development.
Planning and
Development
Services & Urban
Forestry
Department
R $O This is an ongoing requirement as part of the
architectural review and other development review
processes. Replacement trees are required to
ensure ‘no net loss of canopy’.
N2.10.2 As part of the update of the Tree and Landscape Technical Manual,
consider expanding tree protections to include additional mature
trees and provide criteria for making site-specific determinations of
trees that should be protected.
Planning and
Development
Services & Urban
Forestry
Department
S $PC The Tree and Landscape Technical Manual has been
updated. Final changes and City Manager review
and approval of the manual are pending the
outcome of proposed changes to Title 8 of Palo Alto
Municipal Code.
N2.10.3 Consider revisions to the appeals process to increase transparency
regarding tree removals and expanded opportunities for
community members to appeal the removal of trees.
Planning and
Development
Services & Urban
Forestry
Department
L $$PC Changes proposed to Palo Alto Municipal Code will
initiate revisions to the appeals process for tree
removals if adopted.
N2.11.1 Develop a transparent and publicly accessible street tree removal
and replacement schedule.
Department of
Public Works
M $P There are no substantial actions to report at this
time.
N2.11.2 Develop a program to replace unhealthy public trees over time.Department of
Public Works
M $$O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at
this time.
N2.12.1 Explore ways to leverage the fact that Palo Alto’s urban forest
alleviates climate change by capturing and storing carbon dioxide.
Department of
Public Works
M $P There are no substantial actions to report at this
time.
N2.13.1 Work with local nonprofits to establish one or more tree planting
programs that are consistent with the UFMP, and rely on locally
native, resilient species. Review existing tree planting guidelines to
ensure they achieve these objectives.
Department of
Public Works
S $$PC The South Palo Alto Tree Planting Program
continues, there are no substantial actions to
report at this time.
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C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
N2.13.2 Provide on-going education for City staff, residents, and developers
regarding landscape, maintenance, and irrigation practices that
protect the urban forest and wildlife species.
Department of
Public Works
R $P There are no substantial actions to report at this
time.
N2.13.3 Involve tree owners in tree maintenance programs.Planning and
Development
Services and Urban
Forestry Division
R $O There are no substantial actions to report at this
time.
N2.13.4 Cooperate with the Palo Alto Unified School District, Stanford
University, Caltrain, Caltrans, Pacific Gas & Electric, and other public
and private entities to ensure that their tree planting, tree removal,
and maintenance practices are consistent with City guidelines.
Department of
Public Works
R $P There are no substantial actions to report at this
time.
Goal N-3: Conservation of both natural and channelized creeks and riparian areas as open space amenities, natural habitat areas, and elements of community design.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
N3.3.1 Update the Stream Corridor Protection Ordinance to explore 150
feet as the desired stream setback along natural creeks in open
space and rural areas west of Foothill Expressway. This 150-foot
setback would prohibit the siting of buildings and other structures,
impervious surfaces, outdoor activity areas and ornamental
landscaped areas within 150 feet of the top of a creek bank. Allow
passive or intermittent outdoor activities and pedestrian,
equestrian and bicycle pathways along natural creeks where there
are adequate setbacks to protect the natural riparian environment.
Within the setback area, provide a border of native riparian
vegetation at least 30 feet along the creek bank.
The update to the Stream Protection Ordinance should establish:
-Design recommendations for development or redevelopment of
sites within the setback, consistent with basic creek habitat
objectives and significant net improvements in the condition of the
creek.
-Conditions under which single-family property and existing
development are exempt from the 150-foot setback
-Appropriate setbacks and creek conservation measures for
undeveloped parcels.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $$P This program would be started in the next 2-4
years.
N3.3.2 Examine the development regulations of the Stream Corridor
Protection Ordinance, with stakeholder involvement to establish
appropriate setback requirements that reflect the varying natural
and channelized conditions along creeks east of Foothill
Expressway. Ensure that opportunities to provide an enhanced
riparian setback along urban creeks as properties are redeveloped
or improved are included in this evaluation.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $$P This program would be started in the next 2-4
years.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
N3.3.3 For all creeks, update the Stream Corridor Protection Ordinance to
minimize impacts on wildlife by:
-Limiting the development of recreational trails to one side of
natural riparian corridors.
-Requiring careful design of lighting surrounding natural riparian
corridors to maximize the distance between nighttime lighting and
riparian corridors
and direct lighting away from the riparian corridor.
Planning and
Development
Services and
Department of
Public Works
S $$O Lighting near riparian areas is reviewed as a part of
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
process.
N3.4.1 Develop a community creek stewardship program to promote
existing creek clean-up days, organize new events, and increase
appreciation of riparian corridors.
Department of
Public Works
M $$O Continue to work with Grassroots Ecology who
manage a creek stewardship and education
program.
N3.6.1 Review and update the Grading Ordinance to ensure that it
adequately protects creeks from the erosion and sedimentation
impacts of grading.
Department of
Public Works
M $$PC Stormwater ordinance will be updated in 2022.
N3.8.1 Work with the SCVWD to develop a maintenance, restoration and
enhancement improvement program that preserves flood
protection while preserving riparian habitat, and identifies specific
stretches of corridor to be restored or daylighted, standards to be
achieved, and sources of funding. Include provisions for tree and
vegetation planting to enhance natural habitat and shade cover.
Department of
Public Works
M $$PC Limited progress has been made, except for the
work on the North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan.
N3.8.2 Participate cooperatively in the JPA to achieve increased flood
protection, habitat preservation, enhancement and improved
recreational opportunities along San Francisquito Creek.
Department of
Public Works
IP $O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at
this time.
Goal N-4: Water resources and infrastructure that are managed to sustain plant and animal life, support urban activities, and protect public health and safety.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
N4.2.1 Educate customers on efficient water use (indoor and outdoor),
tree care, and landscaping options.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities &
Department of
Public Works
R $O The City in partnership with Valley Water offers a
suite of water efficiency programs including
landscape conversion rebates, indoor and outdoor
survey kits, graywater laundry to landscape
rebates, irrigation system rebates and rain barrel
rebates. The City offers a variety of workshops on
water efficiency and plant care throughout the
year.
N4.5.1 Study the supply and quality of local groundwater aquifers to better
understand their utility as natural water storage.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities &
Department of
Public Works
S $O Council accepted the Northwest County Recycled
Water Strategic Plan in 2020 that included the
characterization of hydrogeologic conditions in the
region. In 2021, the City will work on a One Water
Plan that will analyze all water sources within the
City.
N4.5.2 Work with local public agencies to educate residents regarding the
public health, fire, and overall quality of life risks associated with
long-term drought.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities,
Department of
Public Works &
Office of Emergency
Services
R $O The City engages in public outreach and provides
information on the City website about the
importance of making water conservation a way of
life.
N4.6.1 Encourage residents to use rain barrels or other rainwater reuse
systems.
Department of
Public Works
S $O The City expanded outreach on rain barrel rebates
with Valley Water.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
N4.7.1 Support and participate in the work of the SCVWD to prepare a high-
quality groundwater management plan that will address
groundwater supply and quality, including, as appropriate:
-An understanding of subsurface hydrology.
-Strategies to reduce depletion.
-Opportunities to recharge groundwater, including through use of
recycled water and extracted groundwater.
-Methods to ensure that uncontaminated, toxin-free groundwater
is used in a manner that benefits the community, for example in
irrigation of parks, street cleaning, and dust suppression.
-An approach to metering extracted groundwater.
Department of
Public Works
S $PC Parts of the goals are included in the Northwest
County Recycled Water Strategic Plan Groundwater
Chapter accepted by Council in February 2020.
Development of a One Water plan will commence
in FY 22 to determine and analyze all potential
water sources within the City.
N4.7.2 Support the SCVWD and the Regional Water Quality Control Board
(RWQCB) to implement their mandate to protect groundwater from
the adverse impacts of urban uses.
Department of
Public Works
S $O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at
this time.
N4.7.3 Work with the SCVWD and RWQCB to identify and map key
groundwater recharge and stormwater management areas for use
in land use planning and permitting and the protection of
groundwater resources.
Department of
Public Works
IP $O Work towards implementing the Green Stormwater
Infrastructure Plan.
N4.8.1 Research and promote new construction techniques and recharge
strategies developed to reduce subsurface and surface water
impacts and comply with City dewatering policies.
Department of
Public Works
IP $PC City is monitoring the new construction techniques.
N4.8.2 Explore appropriate ways to monitor all excavations and other
projects to ensure that dewatering does not result in recharge into
the aquifer where needed.
Department of
Public Works
S $PC City is monitoring the new construction techniques.
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DepartmentProgram Text
N4.10.1 Monitor and implement practices for reducing water pollution.
Examples include state-of-the-art best management practices
(BMPs), land use planning approaches, and construction of modern
stormwater management facilities.
Department of
Public Works
R $$$PC Stormwater ordinance will be updated in 2022.
N4.10.2 Continue public education programs on water quality issues,
including BMPs for residents, businesses, contractors, and City
employees.
Department of
Public Works
R $O This work continues via flyers, tabling, bill inserts,
targeted messages and the website.
N4.10.3 Implement swift and rigorous spill response, cleanup, and follow-up
investigation procedures to reduce the impacts of toxic spills on the
city’s creeks and San Francisco Bay.
Department of
Public Works
R $$PC Stormwater ordinance will be updated in 2022.
N4.10.4 Increase monitoring and enforcement of existing prohibitions on
materials and practices known to impact local water quality, such as
use of copper, in the design and construction industries.
Department of
Public Works
R $PC Stormwater ordinance will be updated in 2022.
N4.11.1 Evaluate neighborhoods where parking controls may hinder street
sweeping and recommend any changes that are needed.
Department of
Public Works
M $PC There are no substantial actions to report at this
time.
N4.12.1 Implement the City’s Integrated Pest Management Policy with
periodic assessments of pesticide use and use of BMPs to reduce
pesticide applications and toxicity, and maximize non-chemical
control.
Department of
Public Works
R $O This is an ongoing program. City continues to
implement the City's Integrated Pest Management
Policy.
N4.12.2 Revise the City’s Tree and Landscape Technical Manual to include
stronger requirements for least-toxic practices in the landscape
permitting process.
Department of
Public Works
S $PC There are no substantial actions to report at this
time.
N4.12.3 Promote the value of toxin-free landscape management, and
educate residents about the impacts of common fertilizers,
herbicides, insecticides and pesticides on local water quality.
Department of
Public Works
R $O This is an ongoing effort. Staff continues to educate
residents and businesses regarding proper pest
control.
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DepartmentProgram Text
N4.13.1 Promote the use of permeable paving materials or other design
solutions that allow for natural percolation and site drainage
through a Storm Water Rebate Program and other incentives.
Department of
Public Works
S $O The stormwater rebate program was revamped in
partnership with Valley Water.
N4.13.2 Develop and implement a green stormwater infrastructure plan
with the goal to treat and infiltrate stormwater.
Department of
Public Works
S $$$O This is an ongoing program. City is currently
implementing the Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Plan.
N4.13.3 Mitigate flooding through improved surface permeability or paved
areas, and stormwater capture and storage.
Department of
Public Works
S $$O This is an ongoing effort. There are no substantial
actions to report at this time.
N4.14.1 Establish a standardized process for evaluating the impacts of
development on the storm drainage system, including point source
discharge, base flow and peak flow.
Department of
Public Works
S $O Projects that require a building permit are reviewed
by Public Works staff to verify that the proposed
runoff from project sites is equal to or less than the
existing runoff. Any excess flow must be detained
or retained on-site.
N4.14.2 Complete improvements to the storm drainage system consistent
with the priorities outlined in the City's Storm Drainage Master
Plan, as amended.
Department of
Public Works
IP $$$O Storm Drainage Master Plan projects are being
implemented through the Capital Improvement
Program using funding from the Stormwater
Management Fee.
N4.15.1 Work with commercial and industrial dischargers to identify and
implement pollution prevention measures and BMPs to eliminate or
reduce the discharge of metals and other pollutants of concern.
Department of
Public Works
R $$O This is ongoing task. There are no substantial
actions to report at this time.
N4.15.2 Encourage commercial dischargers to consistently go beyond
minimum requirements of the Clean Bay Business Program.
Department of
Public Works
R $PC Stormwater ordinance will be updated in 2022.
N4.16.1 Implement approved recommendations based on the Long-Term
Facilities Plan prepared for the RWQCP.
Department of
Public Works
IP $$$O Design complete for the Outfall Project, Primary
Sedimentation Tank Rehabilitation and reviewing
design for the Secondary Treatment process.
Started construction on the Primary Sedimentation
Tank Rehabilitation Project.
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DepartmentProgram Text
N4.16.2 Develop a plan to address ongoing operations of the RWQCP taking
potential sea level rise and growth in surrounding communities into
account.
Department of
Public Works
M $$$O A Sea Level Rise vulnerability assessment is being
completed and Regional Water Quality Control
Plant (RWQCP) raises all electrical equipment due
to Sea Level Rise Policy.
N4.17.1 Evaluate the expansion of existing recycled water infrastructure to
serve a larger area. Develop a plan to install “purple pipe” when
streets are opened for other infrastructure work.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
M $$O Council accepted the Northwest County Recycled
Water Strategic Plan in 2020. A plan to coordinate
the installation of purple pipe when streets are
open has not been developed and is not currently
in the work plan.
N4.17.2 Evaluate the possibility of using recycled water as an emergency
water supply.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
L $O The use of recycled water as an emergency water
supply is not under consideration currently.
N4.17.3 Investigate ways to reuse non-traditional water sources including
recycled, gray, black and storm water.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
R $PC The City Council accepted the Northwest County
Recycled Water Strategic Plan in 2020. The 2020
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP)
update is underway, and a key action is to develop
a plan for implementing a One Water portfolio. The
One Water approach to integrated water resource
planning will take a broader, more comprehensive
look at water supply options including recycled
water and other non-traditional water sources.
N5.1.1 Provide City input on significant proposals for air quality legislation
and state implementation plans.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O Planning Department works with the City lobbyist
to identify issues and provides ideas.
Goal N-5: Clean, healthful air for Palo Alto and the San Francisco Bay Area.
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DepartmentProgram Text
N5.1.2 Implement BAAQMD recommended standards for the design of
buildings near heavily traveled roads, in order to minimize exposure
to auto-related emissions.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $O Bay Area Air Quality Management District
(BAAQMD) standards are implemented through the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
process.
N5.1.3 Explore adopting new standards that target the reduction of very
fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is associated with increased
impacts on health.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $O PM2.5 standards are implemented through the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
process.
N5.2.1 Promote understanding of the impacts of extended idling on air
quality, for residents, auto-dependent businesses, and schools.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $P Work has not commenced.
N5.2.2 Consider adopting and enforcing penalties for drivers that idle for
longer than 3-5 minutes.
Office of
Transportation
M $P Work has not commenced.
N5.3.1 Cooperatively work with Santa Clara County and the BAAQMD to
ensure that mining and industrial operations mitigate
environmental and health impacts.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O Industrial operations are mitigated through the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
process. There are no mining resources within the
City limits.
N5.3.2 Monitor particulate emissions at local California Air Resources
Board monitoring stations and make the information easily
available to citizens.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O Bay Area Air Quality Management District
(BAAQMD) provides monitoring information on
their webpage - http://www.baaqmd.gov/about-air-
quality/current-air-quality.
N5.3.3 Promote understanding of the health impacts of particulate
emissions and provide information to residents and businesses
about steps they can take to reduce particulate emissions, such as
reducing or eliminating wood burning or using low emission
alternatives to wood-burning stoves and fireplaces.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O This is an ongoing effort. There are no substantial
actions to report at this time.
N5.3.4 Explore feasible and cost-effective opportunities to reduce concrete
and asphalt use by the City, in parks and other public projects.
Department of
Public Works
R $O There are no substantial actions to report at this
time.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
N6.3.1 Continue working to reduce noise impacts created by events and
activities taking place in communities adjoining Palo Alto.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O This is an ongoing effort. There are no substantial
actions to report at this time.
N6.3.2 Evaluate the feasibility of adopting noise criteria in the purchase of
new City vehicles and equipment.
Department of
Public Works
M $P There are no substantial actions to report at this
time.
N6.3.3 Update the Noise Ordinance, as needed, to provide for clear
interpretation of the regulations, to review the effectiveness of
existing standards, and to ensure that regulations address
contemporary issues.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $P This program would be started in the next 2-4
years.
N6.7.1 Update noise impact review procedures in the Noise Ordinance and
the Zoning Code to address appropriate requirements for analysis
and thresholds for impacts on residential land uses and publicly-
owned conservation land.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $P This program would be started in the next 2-4
years.
N6.10.1 Evaluate changes to the Noise Ordinance to further reduce the
impacts of noise from leaf blowers and residential power
equipment.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $P This program would be started in the next 2-4
years.
Goal N-6: An environment that minimizes the adverse impacts of noise.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
N6.11.1 For larger development projects that demand intensive
construction periods and/or use equipment that could create
vibration impacts, such as the Stanford University Medical Center or
major grade separation projects, require a vibration impact
analysis, as well as formal, ongoing monitoring and reporting of
noise levels throughout the entire construction process pertinent to
industry standards. The monitoring plan should identify hours of
operation and could include information on the monitoring
locations, durations and regularity, the instrumentation to be used
and appropriate noise control measures to ensure compliance with
the noise
ordinance.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O Construction noise and vibration are reviewed as
part of the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) process. Mitigation measures, including
limited hours of operation, are used to reduce
noise and vibration impacts.
N6.12.1 Continue working to reduce noise associated with operations of the
Palo Alto Airport. Also, ensure compliance with the land use
compatibility standards for community noise environments, shown
in Table N- 1, by prohibiting incompatible land use development
within the 60 dBA CNEL noise contours of the airport.
Department of
Public Works
R $$O There are no updates to report at this time.
N6.12.2 Participate in appropriate public forums and engage with other
governmental agencies and representatives to ensure that activities
at airports in the region do not negatively affect noise levels in Palo
Alto.
Department of
Public Works
IP $O Staff monitors current procedures into and out of
the Palo Alto Airport. If other procedural changes
are identified unrelated to the Palo Alto Airport,
staff notifies City Manager’s Office.
N6.13.1 Encourage the Peninsula Corridors Joint Powers Board to pursue
technologies and grade separations that would reduce or eliminate
the need for train horns/whistles in communities served by rail
service.
Office of
Transportation
IP $O Currently the efforts are toward developing
alternatives for grade separation, therefore no
substantial action for this item.
N6.13.2 Evaluate changing at-grade rail crossings so that they qualify as
Quiet Zones based on Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) rules
and guidelines in order to mitigate the effects of train horn noise
without adversely affecting safety at railroad crossings.
Office of
Transportation
S $$$O Currently the efforts are toward developing
alternatives for grade separation, therefore no
substantial action for this item.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
N6.13.3 Participate in future environmental review of the California High-
Speed Rail (HSR) Project, planned to utilize existing Caltrain track
through Palo Alto, to ensure that it adheres to noise and vibration
mitigation measures.
Office of
Transportation
S $$O The City provided comprehensive comments on the
California High-Speed Rail (HSR) Environmental
Impact Report in 2020. This is an ongoing effort.
N7.1.1 Meet customer electricity needs with least total cost resources
after careful assessment of environmental cost and benefits.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
R $O Council approved the REC Exchange Program in
August 2020, which authorizes staff to sell some of
the City's valuable in-state renewable energy and
exchange it for lower cost out-of-state renewable
energy. The savings from this program (~$2M-
$3M/yr) are to be split between rate relief and
funding for local decarbonization efforts (e.g.
incentives for building electrification).
N7.2.1 Promote the adoption of cost-effective, renewable energy
technologies from diverse renewable fuel sources by all customers.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
S $O Council approved the REC Exchange Program in
August 2020, which authorizes staff to sell some of
the City's valuable in-state renewable energy and
exchange it for lower cost out-of-state renewable
energy. The savings from this program (~$2M-
$3M/yr) are to be split between rate relief and
funding for local decarbonization efforts (e.g.
incentives for building electrification).
Goal N-7: A clean, efficient energy supply that makes use of cost-effective renewable resources.
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DepartmentProgram Text
N7.2.2 Assess the feasibility of using life cycle analysis and total cost of
ownership analysis for public and private projects, funded by the
project proponent, in order to minimize the consumption of energy,
the production of greenhouse gases, including GHG emissions of
construction materials and demolition and costs over the life of the
project.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
M $$O To date, staff has completed the analyses to
compare the energy use and annual bill of gas
furnace versus heat pump system for the pilot. The
planning entitlement and building permits have
been issued for construction of the rooftop gas
pack electrification project, the facility manager has
secured project funding and has also selected a
contractor. Staff will develop a case study for this
project with cost estimates and lessons learned.
N7.4.1 Continue timely incorporation of State and federal energy efficiency
standards and policies in relevant City codes, regulations and
procedures, and higher local efficiency standards that are cost-
effective.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O Staff is reviewing the 2020 version of Stand-Alone
Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Cost-
Effectiveness Analysis and planning on bringing
forth to Council an associated All- Electric Mandate
in April 2022. Moving forward, staff will continue
to participate in the California Energy Codes &
Standards 2023 Reach Code Cost-Effectiveness
Analysis efforts. Once the final analysis are
complete for each building type staff will review the
analysis, determine feasible energy reach efforts,
perform public outreach and bring forth new a new
2023 Energy Reach Code Ordinance for adoption.
N7.4.2 Implement cost effective energy efficiency programs for all
customers, including low income customers.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
R $O The Utilities Department continues to provide
programs around energy conservation and
efficiency to all customers, including low-income
customers.
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DepartmentProgram Text
N7.4.3 Incorporate cost-effective energy conservation measures into
construction, maintenance, and City operation and procurement
practices.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
R $$O Public Works expects to bring the contract for the
Facility Condition and Electrification Assessment to
Council approval in December 2021 and the final
report for the electrification assessment will be
completed in Q3 2022. The report will cover the
location and age of natural gas-fired equipment in
city facilities, and the cost for like-for-like
replacement versus gas-to-electric replacement.
N7.4.4 Implement gas and electric rate structures that encourage efficient
use of resources while meeting State law requirements that rates
be based on the cost of service.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
M $O The Utilities Department continues to implement
gas and electric rate structures that meet this
program goal.
N7.4.5 Continue to provide public education programs addressing energy
conservation and efficiency.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
R $O The Utilities Department continues to provide
public education programs around energy
conservation and efficiency. The department has
also started to promote electrification to raise
public awareness on the benefits of building
electrification and electric vehicles.
N7.5.1 Monitor professional and medically-sound research and studies on
light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
M $O The Utilities Department promotes voluntary
conversion to LED lighting in buildings, while the
Building Division requires its use in new
development. The Utilities Department also
maintains LED street lights for the City. The Utilities
Department promotes the use of warm white
rather than cool white LEDs to avoid blue light
phototoxicity concerns. The Department uses LED
street light luminaires that minimize light pollution.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
N7.6.1 Explore changes to building and zoning codes to incorporate solar
energy, energy storage and other energy efficiency measures into
major development projects, including City-owned projects.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $O Staff has shortened review timelines on
electrification projects as staff resources allow. We
have also implemented a daily tracking report that
informs department managers of late and pending
reviews. This tracking report is monitored daily by
the Development Services Permitting Manager and
Department Managers. Exploring outside
technology such as Solar App+ as an alternative to
submitted qualified applications. We are also
working collaboratively with out side stakeholders
to update and our associated submittal, plan
review and field checklist/guidelines.
N7.6.2 Promote use of the top floors of new and existing structured
automobile garages for installation of photovoltaic panels and
green roofs.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $O This effort is ongoing.
N7.6.3 Promote solar energy in individual private projects.City of Palo Alto
Utilities and
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O Streamlining of residential and commercial building
applications is ongoing.
N7.7.1 Evaluate the potential for a cost-effective plan for transitioning to a
completely carbon-neutral natural gas supply.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
S $O Staff monitors the market for innovative green
product availability and price. The Carbon Neutral
Gas Plan using carbon offsets was reaffirmed by
Council in December 2020.
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DepartmentProgram Text
N7.7.2 Explore the transition of existing buildings from gas to electric or
solar water and space heating.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
S $$O Through an Request for Proposal (RFP) process,
Utilities Department has selected a vendor to
provide nonresidential electrification technical
assistance service to help building owners electrify
gas-fired energy systems in commercial buildings;
staff will bring the contract to Council for approval
in December 2021, with a program launch date in
Q1 2022. The Utilities Department will launch new
electrification rebates for commercial customers in
fourth quarter of 2021. On the residential side, staff
issued an RFP for residential electrification services
in June 2021 and expects to bring contracts to
Council for approval in January 2022. New
programs will provide technical assistance to assist
residential customers with electrification projects,
as well as direct install services for low income
households. Staff also plans to launch new heat
pump space heating rebates to residential
customers in Q1 2022.
N7.8.1 Evaluate energy efficient approaches for the treatment and reuse of
organic waste that maximize resource recovery and reduce
greenhouse gas generation at the Regional Water Quality Control
Plant (RWQCP) located in Palo Alto and the Palo Alto Landfill.
Department of
Public Works
M $O This is an ongoing action. Reuse of organic waste
from the Regional Water Quality Control Plant
(RWQCP); creating Class A biosolids products and
sending a portion of the organics through an
anaerobic digester to convert organics into a
resource id done as a part of the process.
Goal N-8: Actively support regional efforts to reduce our contribution to climate change while adapting to the effects of climate change on land uses and city services.
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DepartmentProgram Text
N8.1.1 Participate in cooperative planning with regional and local public
agencies, including on the Sustainable Communities Strategy, on
issues related to climate change, such as greenhouse gas reduction,
water supply reliability, sea level rise, fire protection services,
emergency medical services, and emergency response planning.
Office of
Sustainability and
Office of Emergency
Services
R $O Office of Sustainability in conjunction with Office of
Emergency Services, reviewed the Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan update and participated in regional
working groups. Topic will be discussed at the
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) Ad
Hoc Committee meeting in FY22
N8.1.2 Pursue or exceed State goals of achieving zero net carbon for
residential buildings by 2020 and commercial buildings by 2030,
without compromising the urban forest.
Office of
Sustainability, City
of Palo Alto Utilities
Department and
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
S $O Palo Alto's Energy Reach code, which advances an
all-electric requirement for new residential
construction, went into effect in 2020. Commercial
Building Electrification will be discussed at the
October 2021 Sustainability and Climate Action
Plan (S/CAP) Ad Hoc Committee meeting.
N8.2.1 Periodically update the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan
(S/CAP) consistent with the update schedule in the approved
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP); this update shall
include an updated greenhouse gas inventory and updated short,
medium, and long-term emissions reduction goals.
Office of
Sustainability
M $$O Currently staff is working on the Sustainability and
Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) update with the
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan Ad Hoc
Committee to finalize the Plan and the Three-Year
work Plan.
N8.3.1 Protect the Municipal Services Center, Utility Control Center, and
RWQCP from the impacts of sea level rise.
Department of
Public Works
M $$$O A sea level rise vulnerability assessment is
underway and anticipate to be completed in 2022
N8.4.1 Prepare response strategies that address sea level rise, increased
flooding, landslides, soil erosion, storm events and other events
related to climate change. Include strategies to respond to the
impacts of sea level rise on Palo Alto’s levee system.
Office of
Sustainability
S $$$O Currently finalizing the Sea Level Rise Vulnerability
Assessment. Once that is complete, the Sea Level
Rise Adaptation Plan will be drafted.
Safety Element
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
S1.1.1 Expand public education programs that help and encourage each
household in the City to be prepared to be self-sufficient, with
enough stored water and food to support the entire household for
at least one week after a major earthquake, flood, terrorism event,
COVID-19 pandemic or other major disaster.
Office of Emergency
Services
S $O Office of Emergency Services (OES) continues to
outreach to the community, per FEMA's whole
community guidelines, and provided public safety
education lectures, presentations, and trainings
throughout the community. The OES Preparedness
webpage also provides this information.
S1.1.2 Continue to implement and fund the Emergency Services Volunteer
program.
Office of Emergency
Services
S $O Office of Emergency Services (OES) continues to
manage the ESV program, there are currently over
700 registered volunteers. OES apportions funds
annually to support this program including an
annual community event, monthly training
sessions, quarterly leader meetings, and two
exercises per year.
S1.1.3 Conduct emergency hazard drills with key stakeholder organizations
across the community to improve preparedness for known threats
and hazards.
Office of Emergency
Services
R $$O Throughout the year, Office of Emergency Services
(OES) conducts emergency drills with key
stakeholders that include seminars,
communications tests, table-top exercises,
functional, and full scale exercises. We conducted
three large scale emergency communications drills
with our Emergency Services Volunteers in
February, April, and November. We also host
monthly radio drills with the City Department
Operations Centers, and participated in monthly
County radio drills. Additionally, OES has partnered
with our ESV members to promote the Great
California Shakeout - Oct 21, 2021 to raise
awareness for earthquake preparedness.
Goal S-1: A safe community that is aware of risks and prepared for emergencies.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
S1.1.4 Support an annual community public safety fair to educate and
engage the public on preparedness and offer the opportunity to buy
emergency disaster supplies for home and vehicle.
Office of Emergency
Services
R $$O As COVID-19 risks have continued to linger in the
community, we have not hosted such events.
S1.1.5 Encourage local businesses and other organizations to have disaster
preparedness, communication, mitigation and recovery plans in
place.
Office of Emergency
Services
R $O Business outreach has largely been narrowed to
supporting COVID recovery, leveraging the Uplift
Local outreach.
S1.2.1 Develop accessible, attractive marketing materials to promote
involvement in community crime safety programs.
Office of Emergency
Services
R $C The Office of Emergency Services (OES) has
developed various marketing materials to promote
preparedness and public safety. Annually, OES
provides two utility flyers for earthquake
awareness in April and floods/severe storms in
October (in partnership with Public Works). In
2019, OES created multilingual preparedness
products (available on our website). In 2020, OES
participated in rollout of the new City Website.
S1.3.1 Explore the use of urban design principles to increase safety and
prevent crime in Palo Alto.
Planning and
Development
Services & Office of
Emergency Services
R $O Office of Emergency Services (OES) maintains
expertise and serves as a resource for Crime
Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED)
https://www.ncpc.org/resources/home-
neighborhood-safety/crime-prevention-through-
environmental-design-training-program/ and other
safety and security best practices, in particular, for
Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources (CIKR).
OES is assisting City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU)
with site protection and resilience matters. OES is
assisting Department of Public Works and Police
Department with the Public Safety Building.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
S1.3.2 Support programs such as the Department of Housing and Urban
Development’s Good Neighbor Next Door, which incentivizes home
purchase for first responders with discounts.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $P Work has not commenced.
S1.4.1 Make data available to maintain an accurate, up to date, and
complete real-time local crime mapping function to promote
neighborhood safety.
Police Department M $$O The Police Department's webpage contains links to
crime statistics which is updated regularly.
S1.5.1 Promote neighborhood security by providing crime prevention
information and training to residents, and continuing to fund
resident involvement in neighborhood safety programs such as
“Know Your Neighbor” grants and Block Preparedness
Coordinators.
Police Department
and Office of
Emergency Services
R $O Office of Emergency Services has resumed Block
Preparedness Coordinator (BPC) certification
courses as part of our Emergency Services
Volunteer (ESV) program. In 2021 staff held three
BPC in person training courses. There is also an
online method to become a BPC. BPC training also
includes Neighborhood Watch.
S1.5.2 Collaborate with the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD),
other school districts in the city, private schools, businesses, non-
profits, and local faith-based organizations provide community
safety education.
Police Department R $P The School Resource Officer program is
discontinued in July 2020 due to budget cuts from
Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) and City.
As-needed requests will be handled as staffing
permits.
S1.5.3 Encourage the PAUSD to develop secure school facilities and
collaborate with Emergency Services Volunteers on disaster
preparedness activities; emergency disaster planning, exercises and
drills; and disaster recovery.
Office of Emergency
Services
R $O Office of Emergency Services meets routinely with
the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) Safety
and Security Manager and other key staff. In 2020
the City activated the Emergency Services Council /
Citizen’s Corps Council to improve collaboration for
the COVID-19 emergency, of which PAUSD was a
routine member.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
S1.5.4 Continue to support and encourage participation in Police
Department programs to introduce youth to the importance and
benefits of local law enforcement.
Police Department R $P The School Resource Officer program is
discontinued in July 2020 due to budget cuts from
Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) and City.
As-needed requests will be handled as staffing
permits. The Police Explorer Program of youth
cadets assisting with certain police assignments is
still in effect.
S1.6.1 Enhance public safety department training for evolving challenges,
such as small- to large-scale human threats, interacting with
individuals with mental illness, and non-lethal alternatives.
Police Department R $O Police Department is complying with state
mandated training in multiple topics annually. The
Department will collaborate with County Mental
Health on various initiatives to partner with
clinicians or community groups in meeting the
community’s mental health needs.
S1.6.2 Support the PAPD in implementing and maintaining approved
technologies for data gathering, surveillance, and recording
interactions with the public. Incorporate best practices in use
policies with special consideration in ensuring the programs protect
the public’s privacy rights and civil liberties, in accordance with
current legislation. Ensure transparency by communicating new
equipment implementation, usage, privacy considerations, and
retention of data.
Police Department S $$O For this program status please refer to Council
Surveillance Policy.
S1.6.3 Communicate transparently with the community regarding
adoption of new PAPD equipment and/or tactics while balancing
the need for operational security.
Police Department S $O The Police Department will adhere to Council
Surveillance policy when applicable and will consult
with City staff and Council as directed with
significant policy changes.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
S1.7.1 Regularly monitor and review the level of public safety staffing and
satellite police station locations required for efficient local service
delivery.
Police Department R $O The police substation at Stanford Shopping Center
works in partnership with Simon Properties.
S1.7.2 Design the new Public Safety building to meet essential service
standards, the needs of the public safety departments and be
resilient against known threats and hazards.
Department of
Public Works
S $$$C The design of the Public Safety Building is complete
and the construction started in spring 2021.
S1.7.3 Provide community notifications in the event of emergency using
the best available methods and explore new technologies for
emergency public information and warnings.
Office of Emergency
Services
R $$O Office of Emergency Services (OES) remains
proficient in the use of the Everbridge software
system, that provides the AlertSCC mass
notification functionality. OES also can provide
notifications via Nextdoor, and in working with City
communications managers - proliferate such
messages on other social mediums. OES also keeps
abreast of new technologies, such as ZoneHaven
among others to recommend best use of these
technologies.
S1.8.1 Update Palo Alto’s 2001 Terrorism Response Plan.Office of Emergency
Services
S $$C The Terrorism Response Plan was completed in
2019.
S1.9.1 Develop an Infrastructure Master Plan that projects the future
needs of streets, underground utilities, and all City assets and plans
for the incorporation of new technology that improves efficiency
and effectiveness.
Department of
Public Works
S $$$O An Infrastructure Management System has been
implemented to track operating and capital
improvement costs and to maintain updates on
deferred “catch-up” maintenance and planned
“keep-up” maintenance for future improvements.
S1.10.1 Regularly update and make publicly available the City of Palo Alto
Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
Office of Emergency
Services
R $$$PC The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is available
on the City’s website; Office of Emergency Services
is currently staffing an update to the EOP which will
be available later in 2022.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
S1.10.2 Participate in local and regional planning efforts to mitigate,
prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.
Office of Emergency
Services
R $O Office of Emergency Services (OES) continues to
participate in regional planning efforts including the
Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), the Mutual
Aid Regional Advisory Committee (MARAC), and
Santa Clara County Operational Area Signatories
Committee, and the Santa Clara County COVID-19
Community Working Group - among others. OES
continues to lead the San Francisquito Creek Multi-
Agency Coordination (SFC MAC) group as well as
the Silicon Valley Homeland Security Coordination
Group (SV-HSCG).
S1.10.3 Implement the mitigation strategies and guidelines provided by the
LHMP, including those that address evolving hazards resulting from
climate change.
Office of Emergency
Services
R $$O Annually, Office of Emergency Services (OES)
updates the status of Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
(LHMP) projects. Currently, 38 projects are listed in
the LHMP: 5 are complete, 17 are in progress, 12
are ongoing activities, 4 reported no action taken
this year.
S1.12.1 Encourage multiagency coordination in case of incidents that cross
disciplinary or jurisdictional boundaries or coordination that
involves complex incident management scenarios.
Office of Emergency
Services
R $O Office of Emergency Services (OES) leads the city's
multi-agency coordination by integrating agencies
into response efforts, as appropriate. This is done
in keeping with the National Incident Management
System (NIMS) and the State of California
Standardized Emergency Management System
(SEMS). This is done for both internal city
departments, as well as for multi-jurisdictional
incidents or events.
S1.12.2 Explore the establishment of mutually-beneficial cooperative
agreements between Palo Alto’s police and fire departments and
those of neighboring cities.
Police Department
& Fire Department
M $O Currently the departments share Communication
System contracts with Mountain View and Los Altos
Police Departments. Joint Records Management
Systems will be implemented in 2021 to serve all
three cities.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
S1.13.1 Identify solutions to add an additional power line to Palo Alto to
ensure redundancy.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
S $$P The Utility's Department will retain a consultant to
assist pursuit of PG&E solution through the
California Independent System Operator (CAISO)
transmission planning process.
S1.13.2 Explore incentives to adopt emerging, residential off- grid
capabilities and technologies, including back-up power sources vital
in the event of natural disasters or other threats.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
M $O The City of Palo Alto Utilities Department is
facilitating customer adoption of technologies such
as energy storage systems. The Utilities department
has also completed an initial energy resiliency
assessment of all-electric single-family residences.
S1.13.3 Continue citywide efforts to underground utility wires to limit
injury, loss of life, and damage to property in the event of human-
made or natural disasters.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
R $$$O To date, about 55% of City’s electric distribution
lines are underground, either through the
underground conversion program or having been
placed underground when originally installed.
Further eight districts are identified for conversion,
with a cost range of $20 to $24 million, which
would bring the underground distribution line
percentage up to about 60%.
Undergrounding has started in the Foothills rebuild
for fire risk mitigation.
The City is evaluating a cost-share bundle package
of services to residential neighborhoods which
includes undergrounding, electrification and fiber-
to-the-home.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
S1.13.4 Enhance the safety of City-owned natural gas pipeline operations.
Work with customers, public safety officials, and industry leaders to
ensure the safe delivery of natural gas throughout the service area.
Provide safety information to all residents on City-owned natural
gas distribution pipelines.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
R $$O The City of Palo Alto Utilities Department maintains
a robust gas safety program and annually provides
gas safety information to residents.
S1.13.5 Provide off-grid and/or backup power sources for critical City
facilities to ensure uninterrupted power during emergencies and
disasters.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities and
Department of
Public Works
R $$O City of Palo Alto staff continue to explore the use of
alternative forms of energy to offset the use of
carbon based fuels. In designing the rebuild of Fire
Station 4 (East Meadow), staff is evaluating a
microgrid consisting of solar, energy storage and
diesel generation. This project is planned for year
2024. The new public safety building has the
capability of accommodating a energy storage
system based microgrid at a future time. The solar
generator trailer was acquired in 2020-21 (via a
grant) to provide back-up power for the Mobile
Emergency Operation Center (MEOC) and other
emergency vehicles.
The Sustainability and Climate Action Plan also has
elements related to exploring the use of solar +
energy storage and microgrids to lower the
community's carbon footprint.
Goal S-2: Protection of life, ecosystems and property from natural hazards and disasters, including earthquake, landslide, flooding, and fire.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
S2.5.1 Periodically review and update the City’s Seismic Hazard Ordinance.Planning and
Development
Services
IP $P Project commencement is pending the availability
of resources. Staff is exploring CalOES Hazard
Mitigation Grant Program (HGMP) opportunities.
S2.5.2 Continue to provide incentives for seismic retrofits of structures
throughout the city, particularly those building types that would
affect the most people in the event of an earthquake.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $P This effort is linked to measure S2.5.1. There are
no substantial actions to report at this time.
S2.6.1 Encourage efforts by individual neighborhood or block- level groups
to pool resources for seismic retrofits.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $P This effort is linked to measure S2.5.1. Work has
not yet commenced.
S2.6.2 Continue to use a seismic bonus and a TDR Ordinance for seismic
retrofits for eligible structures in the Commercial Downtown (CD)
zone.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $P This effort is linked to measure S2.5.1. There are
no substantial actions to report at this time.
S2.6.3 Evaluate the TDR Ordinance so that transferred development rights
may be used for residential development on the receiver sites.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $P Work has not commenced.
S2.6.4 Study the possibility of revising the transfer of development rights
program to encourage seismic retrofits.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $P Work has not commenced.
S2.6.5 Explore the use of Community Development Block Grants, Palo Alto
Housing Funds and other sources of funding to support owners of
lower income and senior housing to retrofit seismically-unsafe
construction.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $O This is an ongoing effort.
S2.7.1 As part of the construction permitting process for proposed new
and redeveloped buildings in areas of identified hazard shown on
MapS-2, structures that would affect the most people in a seismic
event require submittal to the City of a geotechnical/seismic report
that identifies specific risks and appropriate mitigation measures.
Planning and
Development
Services and
Department of
Public Works
S $O The program is being implemented on applicable
projects.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
S2.7.2 Review and update, as appropriate, City code requirements for
excavation, grading, filling and construction to ensure that they
conform to currently accepted and adopted State standards.
Department of
Public Works
M $O The code requirements are currently up-to-date.
Staff will continue to monitor accepted and
adopted standards and update code as needed.
S2.7.3 Utilize the results of Palo Alto’s Seismic Hazards Identification
Program and inventory of potentially seismically vulnerable building
types to establish priorities and consider incentives to encourage
structural retrofits.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $P No work was done on this project this year. There
are no substantial actions to report at this time.
S2.8.1 Implement flood mitigation requirements of FEMA in Special Flood
Hazard Areas as illustrated on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
Department of
Public Works
R $$$O All private and public development projects within
the Special Flood Hazard Areas are reviewed for
compliance with FEMA regulations.
S2.8.2 Continue participating in FEMA’s Community Rating System to
reduce flood insurance for local residents and businesses and strive
to improve Palo Alto’s rating in order to lower the cost of flood
insurance.
Department of
Public Works
R $O City of Palo Alto continues to participate in the
Community Rating System and to evaluate
opportunities to improve the rating.
S2.8.3 Collaborate with the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority
and the Santa Clara Valley Water District on environmentally-
sensitive efforts to stabilize, restore, maintain and provide one
percent (100-year) flood protection adjacent to San Francisquito
Creek.
Department of
Public Works
IP $$$O The Highway 101 to Bay project was completed in
2018. The Upstream of Highway 101 project is
currently in the Design Development and
Entitlements process.
S2.8.4 Work with East Palo Alto, Santa Clara Valley Water District and San
Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority on efforts to increase the
flows within the San Francisquito Creek possible solutions include
replacing the City-owned Newell Road Bridge and Francisquito
Creek. District-owned Pope Chaucer Street Bridge.
Department of
Public Works
S $$$O Design work continues on the Newell Road Bridge
project and the Upstream of Highway 101 project,
which includes Pope Chaucer Street Bridge.
Regulatory permitting is being coordinated for the
two projects.
S2.10.1 Keep basement restrictions up to date with changing flood hazard
zones.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $O This is an ongoing effort, including Department of
Public Works effort to enforce an additional foot of
height in flood prone areas to minimize insurance
impacts.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
S2.11.1 Review development standards applicable in areas susceptible to
flooding from sea level rise, including east of Highway 101, West
Bayshore and East Meadow Circle, the area east of San Antonio
Road and north of East Charleston, and implement shoreline
development regulations to ensure that new development is
protected from potential impacts of flooding resulting from sea
level rise and significant storm events. Regulations should be
consistent with the Baylands Master Plan, as amended, and may
include new shoreline setback requirements, limits on lot line
adjustments to avoid the creation of vulnerable shoreline lots,
and/or triggers for relocation or removal of existing structures
based on changing site conditions and other factors.
Planning and
Development
Services and
Department of
Public Works
S $$P Work has not commenced.
S2.11.2 Study appropriate restrictions on underground construction in
areas outside of flood zones, as shown on Map S-5, to
accommodate expected higher groundwater levels due to sea level
rise and minimize consequent flooding of underground
construction.
Planning and
Development
Services and
Department of
Public Works
S $P Work has not yet commenced.
S2.12.1 Work cooperatively with the Santa Clara Valley Water District and
the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority to provide flood
protection from high tide events on San Francisco Bay, taking into
account the impacts of future sea level rise, to provide one percent
(100-year) flood protection from tidal flooding, while being
sensitive to preserving and protecting the natural environment.
Department of
Public Works
R $$$O The City of Palo Alto continues to work with the
project team to plan for projects such as tide gate
replacement and Shoreline Study Phase 2 to
improve Bay levees in anticipation of future sea
level rise.
S2.12.2 Work with regional, State, and federal agencies to develop
additional strategies to adapt to flood hazards to existing or new
development and infrastructure, including support for
environmentally sensitive levees.
Department of
Public Works
R $O A horizontal levee enhancement Feasibility Study is
complete. The results will be combined with a Sea
Level Rise Plan to determine courses of action.
S2.13.1 Regularly review and update the Fire Department’s operations,
training facilities and programs to ensure consistency with current
standards and Best Management Practices.
Fire Department R $O This is an ongoing effort.
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DepartmentProgram Text
S2.13.2 Explore technological tools, such as cameras or remote sensors, to
identify smoke or fires and initiate response as quickly as possible.
Fire Department S $$O This is an ongoing effort.
S2.14.1 Regularly review and fund updates to the Palo Alto Foothills Fire
Management Plan to ensure consistency with current standards
and Best Management Practices.
Fire Department M $$O Regular review and update is an ongoing effort.
S2.14.2 Implement the Foothills Fire Management Plan to balance
conservation of natural resources with reduction of fire hazards
especially in open space areas.
Fire Department R $$$O The Foothills Fire Management Plan is
implemented as required.
S2.14.3 Minimize fire hazards by maintaining low density zoning in wildland
fire hazard areas.
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
R $O This is an ongoing effort
S2.14.4 Work collaboratively with other jurisdictions and agencies to reduce
wildfire hazards in and around Palo Alto, with an emphasis on
effective vegetation management and mutual aid agreements.
Fire Department R $O This is an ongoing effort.
S2.14.5 Consider implementation of CAL FIRE recommended programs in
educating and involving the local community to diminish potential
loss caused by wildfire and identify prevention measures to reduce
those risks.
Fire Department S $$O This is an ongoing effort.
S2.15.1 Evaluate measures for optimal service delivery to improve
efficiency; develop automatic or mutual aid agreements with other
jurisdictions, including Stanford, to improve efficiencies.
Fire Department M $$O This is an ongoing effort.
S2.15.2 Upgrade fire stations so that all remain fully functional following
earthquakes.
Fire Department IP $$$O This is an ongoing effort.
S2.15.3 Periodically update the Fire Department Standards of Cover
document.
Fire Department S $O This is an ongoing effort.
S2.16.1 Provide public education on fire safety, including wildland and
structural fire prevention, evacuation routes and guidelines for
clearance of landscaping and other hazards around structures.
Fire Department R $O This is an ongoing effort.
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Complete, O=
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
S3.1.1 Continue City permitting procedures for commercial and industrial
storage, use, and handling of hazardous materials and regulate the
commercial use of hazardous materials that may present a risk of
off-site health or safety effects.
Fire Department IP $O This is an ongoing effort.
S3.1.2 Minimize the risks of biohazards in Palo Alto, including Level 4
biohazards, by continuing to review and update, as necessary, local
regulations regarding use, handling and disposal.
Fire Department S $O This is an ongoing effort.
S3.1.3 Strengthen development review requirements and construction
standards for projects on sites with groundwater contamination.
Planning and
Development
Services and
Department of
Public Works
S $O This requirement is ongoing as a part of California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review.
S3.1.4 Establish protocols to monitor the movement of hazardous
materials on Palo Alto roadways and respond effectively to spills via
established truck and construction routes.
Fire Department M $O This is an ongoing effort.
S3.1.5 Work with non-profit organizations to provide information to the
public regarding pesticides and other commonly used hazardous
materials, environmentally preferable alternatives, and safe
recycling and disposal practices to all user groups.
Fire Department R $O This is an ongoing effort.
S3.1.6 Continue providing regular household hazardous waste collection
events at the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant and
strive to make these programs more convenient and accessible to
residents.
Department of
Public Works
R $O Staff continues to promote the household
hazardous waste collection events and Reuse
Cabinets.
S3.1.7 Continue to allow small quantity generators to dispose of hazardous
waste at cost.
Department of
Public Works
R $O This program continues to be available to small
businesses.
Goal S-3: An environment free of the damaging effects of human-caused threats and hazardous materials.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
S3.1.8 Continue to educate residents on the proper disposal of
pharmaceutical and household hazardous waste. Encourage proper
disposal of medications through pharmacies or drug take-back
programs rather than flushing.
Department of
Public Works
R $O The advertising of pharmaceutical disposal options
and providing locations to residents is a continuous
effort.
S3.6.1 Work with the freight industry to monitor the contents of freight
trains intersecting Palo Alto for potentially hazardous materials, and
to establish accountability for accidents and spills.
Office of Emergency
Services
R $P Work has not yet commenced; loss of staff
positions impacts this effort.
S3.6.2 Work with Caltrain and the PAUSD, to educate students and the
public on the dangers of rail trespass and the benefits of suicide
support services available in Palo Alto.
Community Services
Department
R $O The Project Safety Net is now a 501(c)(3) and its
partners continue to collaborate and educate the
community. The City remains committed to
participating and supporting Project Safety Net.
S3.8.1 Encourage residential and commercial food waste reduction
through incentives, educational outreach and programs.
Department of
Public Works
R $O This work continues and is increasing as it is a key
activity, to approach Zero Waste. Will expand
ordinance requirements to improve diversion of
organic waste.
S3.8.2 To the extent allowed by law, use refuse rate structures that
incentivize waste reduction.
Department of
Public Works
R $O Staff will continue to review rates to ensure that
this program charges the correct amount for the
service.
S3.8.3 Continue to work with CalRecycle and the Department of Toxic
Substances Control to develop and promote long-term solid waste
management, such as environmentally responsible recycling
programs, composting of food waste and other organics, and
citywide electronics and digital hardware recycling efforts.
Department of
Public Works
IP $O This work continues and new campaigns are cycled
through.
S3.9.1 Periodically review and update the adopted Construction and
Debris program.
Department of
Public Works
R $O Staff is monitoring the new requirement for this
program which was adopted in July 2020.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
S3.9.2 Educate Palo Alto residents and developers about available
incentives to use environmentally friendly deconstruction activities
to minimize our carbon footprint, and to save natural resources, as
well as space in our landfills.
Department of
Public Works
R $O This is an ongoing task.
S3.10.1 Support efforts to enforce extended producer responsibility for
solid waste to reduce waste produced from manufacturing,
shipping, packaging and the entire life-cycle of the product.
Office of
Sustainability
R $O This is an ongoing task.
S3.12.1 Complete an inventory of the City’s digital infrastructure to locate
vulnerabilities and gaps in system redundancies and develop
recommendations for improved cybersecurity.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
S $$C The Utilities Department has an active program in
place to identify vulnerabilities and continuously
improve cybersecurity. The Supervisory Control and
Data Acquisition (SCADA) System is completed.
S3.12.2 Establish criteria for the installation of high security
telecommunications technology in new local government projects.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
M $P As part of the City's fiber backbone expansion
project, Magellan Advisors collaborated with
multiple departments (Community Services,
Transportation, Public Works, Public Safety,
Utilities) and identified locations where fiber is
needed to enhance site security or provide new
services.
S3.12.3 Establish a wi-fi network that will be available to public safety
responders and Emergency Service Volunteers in the event of
power interruption during an emergency or disaster.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities and Office
of Emergency
Services
S $$P As part of the City's fiber backbone expansion
project, the City will deploy new wireless
infrastructure to support mobile and portable
communications for command and patrol vehicles,
as well as incident command networks in the areas
where existing commercial wireless services are
often saturated due to a high concentration of
public users (i.e. sporting event). The detailed
engineering design is scheduled to be completed by
March 31, 2022.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
T1.2.1 Create a long-term education program to change the travel habits
of residents, visitors, shoppers, and workers by informing them
about transportation alternatives, incentives, and impacts. Work
with the PAUSD and with other public and private interests, such as
the Chamber of Commerce and Commuter Wallet partners, to
develop and implement this program.
Office of
Transportation
R $P This work will likely be part of Sustainability and
Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) implementation if
approved by Council.
T1.2.2 Advocate for improved connectivity to transit to serve workers who
live in the South Bay and work in Palo Alto.
Office of
Transportation
R $PC This is an ongoing effort by city staff and council
members appointed to various boards and
commissions.
Goal T-1: Create a sustainable transportation system, complemented by a mix of land uses, that emphasizes walking, bicycling, use of public transportation, and other methods to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and the use of single occupancy motor vehicles.
Transportation Element
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
T1.2.3 Formalize TDM requirements by ordinance and require new
developments above a certain size threshold to prepare and
implement a TDM plan to meet specific performance standards.
Require regular monitoring/reporting and provide for enforcement
with meaningful penalties for non-compliance. The ordinance
should also:
Establish a list of effective TDM measures that include transit promotion, prepaid
transit passes, commuter checks, car sharing, carpooling, parking cash-out, bicycle
lockers and showers, shuttles to Caltrain, requiring TMA membership and education
and outreach to support the use of these modes.
Allow property owners to achieve reductions by contributing to citywide or
employment district shuttles or other proven transportation programs that are not
directly under the property owner’s control.
Provide a system for incorporating alternative measures as new ideas for TDM are
developed.
Establish a mechanism to monitor the success of TDM measures and track the
cumulative reduction of peak hour motor vehicle trips. TDM measures
should at a minimum achieve the following: reduction in peak hour motor vehicle
trips, with a focus on single-occupant vehicle trips. Reductions should be based on
the rates included in the Institute of Transportation Engineers’ Trip Generation
Manual for the appropriate land use category and size:
•45 percent reduction in the Downtown district
•35 percent reduction in the California Avenue area
•30 percent reduction in the Stanford Research Park
•30 percent reduction in the El Camino Real Corridor
•20 percent reduction in other areas of the city
Require new development projects to pay a Transportation Impact Fee for all those
peak-hour motor vehicle trips that cannot be reduced via TDM measures. Fees
collected would be used for capital improvements aimed at reducing vehicle trips
and traffic congestion.
Ensure a stable, sustained funding source to support implementation of TDM
measures.
Office of
Transportation
S $PC Partially implemented due to SB743 (Level of
Service -to-Vehicle Miles Travel) implementation
and TIF adoption. Due to lack of staff resources, the
TDM Ordinance element of task is delayed but
could be funded via Sustainability and Climate
Action Plan (S/CAP) if adopted.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
T1.2.4 Evaluate the performance of pilot programs implemented by the
Palo Alto Transportation Management Association and pursue
expansion from Downtown to California Avenue and other areas of
the city when appropriate.
Office of
Transportation
IP $O Quarterly reports and annual survey evaluate the
Transportation Management Association (TMA)
with Office of Transportation oversight. Council
expanded use of City funds to include Cal Ave
business district in 2020 following successful 2019
pilot program.
T1.2.5 Site City facilities near high-capacity transit and revise existing
regulations, policies, and programs to encourage telecommuting,
satellite office concepts, and work-at-home options.
Planning and
Development
Services, Office of
Transportation &
Human Resources
Department
R $P The online platform implementation is currently on-
hold with resources allocated to address the COVID-
19 pandemic. However, the City’s current
employee performance appraisal process provides
for City management to review and evaluate the
quality of customer service in each department. In
addition, the City Manager’s Office has launched a
customer service feedback function to view the
data collected and to monitor trends.
T1.2.6 Pursue full participation of Palo Alto employers in the TMA. Office of
Transportation
R $$O Where appropriate, Planning and Development
Services includes Transportation Management
Association (TMA) membership in development
conditions. The TMA conducts ongoing outreach to
employers, and the TMA's mode shift survey now
doubles as an outreach tool.
T1.3.1 Develop an electric vehicle promotion program that identifies policy
and technical issues, barriers and opportunities to the expansion of
electric vehicles.
Office of
Sustainability
M $$O This program is ongoing in conjunction with City of
Palo Alto Utilities and Office of Transportation.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
T1.3.2 Use low-emission vehicles for the Palo Alto Free Shuttle and work
with transit providers, including SamTrans and VTA, to encourage
the adoption of electric, fuel cell or other zero emission vehicles.
Also work with private bus and shuttle providers, delivery
companies, and ride services.
Office of
Transportation
M $$$P There are no plans to re-start the Palo Alto Shuttle.
Staff are working to pilot a grant-funded two-year
on-demand transit service, targeted to start prior
to the 2023-24 school year. Vehicle type will be
considered via the RFP process to select a vendor.
T1.4.1 Update the Zoning Code to ensure compatibility with the electric
vehicle infrastructure requirements.
Planning and
Development
Services
IP $O During FY 20-21, Planning and Transportation
Commission recommended and Council approved
zoning code amendments to adjust parking
regulations including supporting electric vehicles.
Additional changes are in process.
T1.4.2 Periodically review requirements for electric and plug- in vehicle
infrastructure in new construction. Consider and periodically review
requirements for electric and plug-in infrastructure for remodels.
Consider costs to the City, including identifying payment options.
Office of
Sustainability and
City of Palo Alto
Utilities Department
R $O This program is ongoing in conjunction with City of
Palo Alto Utilities.
T1.6.1 Collaborate with transit providers, including Caltrain, bus operators
and rideshare companies, to develop first/last mile connection
strategies that boost the use of transit and shuttle service for local
errands and commuting.
Office of
Transportation
S $P The City received a Valley Transportation Authority
(VTA) grant for a pilot on-demand transit project.
Staff is working towards finalizing the agreement
with VTA and will follow up with procurement of
services .
T1.6.2 Continue to work with Caltrain, Amtrak, and public bus operators to
expand bicycle storage on public transit vehicles and at transit hubs
during both peak and off-peak hours.
Office of
Transportation
IP $O No updates to report at this time.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
T1.11.1 Collaborate with Stanford University, VTA, Caltrain and other
agencies to pursue improvements to the Palo Alto Transit Center
area aimed at enhancing pedestrian experience and improving
circulation and access for all modes, including direct access to El
Camino Real for transit vehicles.
Office of
Transportation
IP $$$P This project is on hold for long term. In the long
term, a Downtown Plan is needed to address this
program.
T1.11.2 In collaboration with Caltrain and Stanford Research Park, pursue
expansion of service to the California Avenue Caltrain Station and
creation of an enhanced transit center at the Station, including
connections to VTA bus service, the Palo Alto Free Shuttle, the
Marguerite, and other private shuttles serving the Research Park.
Office of
Transportation
M $$$O No updates to report at this time. In the long term,
a California Ave Transit Center plan is needed to
address this program.
T1.12.1 Strongly recommend that VTA maintain existing service and
coverage levels in Palo Alto.
Office of
Transportation
IP $O This is an ongoing effort by Council members on
Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Committees
and City staff. VTA's 2021 Transit Service Plan is
paused due to public health orders limiting bus
capacity to accommodate physical distancing.
T1.12.2 Work with VTA to expand VTA express bus service routes to serve
the Stanford Research Park, California Avenue, Stanford University,
and Downtown.
Office of
Transportation
S $$O Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)’s Express Bus
Partnership Program was implemented in early
2020 and continues partnerships with companies in
funding Express bus routes selected by the
companies. The program runs annually, and
Stanford Research Park continues to support
Express Routes 101, 102, 103 and 104 through the
end of 2021.
T1.12.3 Work with VTA to study the feasibility of, and if warranted provide,
traffic signal prioritization for buses at Palo Alto intersections,
focusing first on regional transit routes. Also, advocate for bus
service improvements on El Camino Real such as queue jump lanes
and curbside platforms.
Office of
Transportation
S $$O Ther are no updates to report at this time.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
T1.13.1 Investigate a pilot program to subsidize a taxi, rideshare, or transit
program for Palo Altans to get to/from downtown, including
offering education and incentives to encourage users.
Office of
Transportation
M $O A trial program for downtown workers began in
April 2016 via the Transportation Management
Association (TMA). The TMA continues to subsidize
ridesharing and transit for downtown service
workers.
T1.14.1 Evaluate the shuttle system in collaboration with community
members, people with special needs, and PAUSD to: § Evaluate
current routes and ridership; Identify potential service
improvements, including new or modified routes; expanded
schedules that accommodate daytime, evening, and weekend
demand; facilitating transit connections, and improvements to the
safety and appearance of shuttle stops;
Explore partnerships with other services that could complement
and supplement the Palo Alto Shuttle;
Develop clear and engaging materials to explain and promote
shuttle use with the purpose of reducing barriers to use; and
Establish a schedule for regular evaluation and reporting to
optimize shuttle system use and effectiveness.
Office of
Transportation
IP $$$O In the Spring of 2021, the City was awarded a $2
million Innovative Transit Grant by Valley
Transportation Authority (VTA) to pilot a two-year
on-demand transit service. Staff are working to
initiate this service prior to the 2023-2024 school
year.
T1.16.1 Continue regular surveys of bicycle use across the city, by collecting
bicycle counts on important and potential bicycle corridors.
Office of
Transportation
IP $$O Ongoing as part of City of Palo Alto's Bicycle +
Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP)
implementation.
T1.16.2 Consider marketing strategies such as a recurring Palo Alto Open
Streets program of events, potentially in coordination with local
business groups, which would include street closures and
programming.
City Manager M $O This is an ongoing effort. There are no substantial
actions to report at this time.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
T1.16.3 Encourage private schools to develop Walk and Roll Maps as part of
Transportation Demand Management strategies to reduce vehicle
trips.
Office of
Transportation
IP $O This is an ongoing effort, Gideon Hausner Jewish
Day School developed their own map in 2014.
T1.16.4 Participate in local and regional encouragement events such as Palo
Alto Walks and Rolls, Bike to Work Day, and Bike Palo Alto! that
encourages a culture of bicycling and walking as alternatives to
single occupant vehicle trips.
Office of
Transportation
M $O The coordination with City staff and various event
sponsors are ongoing.
T1.19.1 Adjust the street evaluation criteria of the City's Pavement
Management Program to ensure that areas of the road used by
bicyclists are maintained at the same standards as, or at standards
higher than, areas used by motor vehicles. Include bicycle and e-
bike detection in intersection upgrades.
Department of
Public Works
M $O City-wide street surveys are completed biennially
and include pavement inspections of bike lanes and
bike boulevards. Installation of video detection
equipment is included with street maintenance
projects when
appropriate.
T1.19.2 Prioritize investments for enhanced pedestrian access and bicycle
use within Palo Alto and to/from surrounding communities,
including by incorporating improvements from related City plans,
for example the 2012 Bicycle + Pedestrian Transportation Plan and
the Parks, Trails & Open Space Master Plan, as amended, into the
Capital Improvements Program.
Department of
Public Works
IP $$$O This program is ongoing. There are no substantial
actions to report at this time.
T1.19.3 Increase the number of east-west pedestrian and bicycle crossings
across Alma Street and the Caltrain corridor, particularly south of
Oregon Expressway.
Department of
Public Works
L $$$O This program is ongoing. There are no substantial
actions to report at this time.
T1.19.4 Encourage the use of bike sharing, and the provision of required
infrastructure throughout Palo Alto, especially at transit stations
and stops, job centers, community centers, and other destinations.
Office of
Transportation
IP $P The Micro Mobility pilot is delayed due to public
health orders preventing community engagement
events required to launch new services.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
T1.19.5 Improve amenities such as seating, lighting, bicycle parking, street
trees, public art, and interpretive stations along bicycle and
pedestrian paths and in City parks to encourage walking and cycling
and enhance the feeling of safety.
Office of
Transportation and
Department of
Public Works
IP $$$O There are no substantial actions to report at this
time. Ongoing as opportunities arise.
T1.22.1 Collect, analyze and report transportation data through surveys and
other methods on a regular basis. Track progress on build-out of the
2012 Bicycle + Pedestrian Transportation Plan network.
Office of
Transportation
R $$O This program is ongoing. There are no updates to
report at this time.
T1.25.1 As part of the effort to reduce traffic congestion, regularly evaluate
the City’s current Transportation Impact Fee and modify as needed
to implement transportation infrastructure improvements.
Modifications to the impact fee program should be structured in
keeping with the City’s desire to require new development to
reduce peak hour motor vehicle contributions to the provision of
transit services, shuttles, carpool/ rideshare incentives, and similar
programs.
Office of
Transportation
IP $C The Transportation Impact Fee (TIF) update was
approved by City Council in 2019.
T1.26.1 In collaboration with regional agencies and neighboring
jurisdictions, identify and pursue funding for rail corridor
improvements and grade separation.
Office of
Transportation
S $O The City is pursuing council review of the
alternatives in consideration for the grade
separation at Churchill, Meadow and Charleston
Crossings. Currently, the council has narrowed the
alternatives, however additional studies are needed
to select the preferred alternative for each location.
T2.1.1 Implement computerized traffic management systems to improve
traffic flow when feasible.
Office of
Transportation
IP $$O This program is ongoing. There are no updates to
report at this time.
Goal T-2: Decrease delay, congestion, and vehicle miles travelled with a priority on our worst intersections and our peak commute times, including school traffic.
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Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
T2.1.2 Implement a program to monitor, coordinate, and optimize traffic
signal timing a minimum of every two years along arterial and
residential arterial streets.
Office of
Transportation
IP $$P This program will need additional staffing and
funding resources to be implemented.
T2.2.1 Work in partnership with the Palo Alto TMA and Stanford University
to aggregate data and realize measurable reductions in single-
occupant vehicle commuting to and from Downtown and in the
Stanford Research Park.
Office of
Transportation
IP $O This program is ongoing. There are no updates to
report at this time.
T2.3.1 When adopting new California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
significance thresholds for VMT for compliance with SB 743 (2013),
adopt standards for vehicular LOS analysis for use in evaluating the
consistency of a proposed project with the Comprehensive Plan,
and also explore desired standards for MMLOS, which includes
motor vehicle LOS, at signalized intersections.
Office of
Transportation
S $$P There are no updates to report at this time.
T2.4.1 Revise protocols for reviewing office, commercial, and multi-family
residential development proposals to evaluate multimodal level of
service and identify gaps in the low stress bicycle and pedestrian
network.
Office of
Transportation
S $P Methodologies for Multimodal Level of Service
(MMLOS) are neither standardized nor widely used.
Level of stress analysis of the bicycle and pedestrian
network is anticipated in the FY22 update of the
Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan. This
analysis will inform development review by staff.
T3.5.1 Continue to use best practices in roadway design that are
consistent with complete streets principles and the Urban Forest
Master Plan, focusing on bicycle and pedestrian safety and multi-
modal uses. Consider opportunities to incorporate best practices
from the National Association of City Transportation Officials
guidelines for urban streets and bikeways, tailored to the Palo Alto
context.
Office of
Transportation &
Department of
Public Works
S $$O No additional updates to report.
Goal T-3: Maintain an efficient roadway network for all users.
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DepartmentProgram Text
T3.5.2 Establish procedures for considering the effects of street design on
emergency vehicle response time.
Department of
Public Works & Palo
Alto Police
Department & Palo
Alto Fire
Department
R $O This is an ongoing action.City staff provides input
when requested. There are no substantial actions
to report at this time.
T3.10.1 Support increased public transit, traffic management and parking
solutions to ensure safe, convenient access to and from the
Stanford Shopping Center/ Medical Center area.
Office of
Transportation
R $O This program is ongoing. The Quarry Road
Extension is a potential project with regional transit
benefits.
T3.10.2 Implement and monitor Development Agreement traffic mitigations
at Stanford Medical Center.
Office of
Transportation
IP $O This program is ongoing led by Planning
Department with Office of Transportation support
as needed.
T3.10.3 Provide safe, convenient pedestrian, bicycle, and transit
connections between the Stanford Shopping Center/Medical Center
areas and housing along the Sand Hill Road/Quarry Road corridors
to Palo Alto Transit Center, Downtown Palo Alto, and other primary
destinations.
Office of
Transportation
R $$$P The Quarry Rd re-striping and path to Transit
Center are recent projects. The Quarry Road
Extension is a future project that will reduce transit
travel time.
T3.10.4 Pursue extension of Quarry Road for transit, pedestrians and
bicyclists to access the Palo Alto Transit Center from El Camino
Real. Also study the feasibility of another pedestrian and bicycle
underpass of Caltrain at Everett Street.
Office of
Transportation
M $$P This project is on hold.
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Medium (5‐10
years), L= Long
(>10 years), IP=
In Progress, R=
Routine
$ = Small, $$ =
Medium $$$ =
Substantial
Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
T3.15.1 Undertake studies and outreach necessary to advance grade
separation of Caltrain to become a “shovel ready” project and
strongly advocate for adequate State, regional, and federal funding
for design and construction of railroad grade separations.
Office of
Transportation
S $$$O The project is ongoing. City Council reviewed the
details of grade separation alternatives at Meadow
and Charleston on 8/23/21. Council plans to review
Churchill Avenue Alternatives on 10/18/21. Staff
will pursue additional studies and outreach. Future
actions will depend upon Council Direction on the
selection of Preferred Alternatives
T3.15.2 Conduct a study to evaluate the implications of grade separation on
bicycle and pedestrian circulation.
Office of
Transportation
S $$P This effort will need additional funding to conduct
the review. Staff needs to establish Capital
Improvement Projects for such studies and design
efforts.
T3.17.1 Complete a Palo Alto Avenue crossing study to identify potential
near-term safety and accessibility improvements.
Office of
Transportation
S $$P This will be performed in conjunction with
Downtown Area Study. This is currently on hold.
T3.17.2 Work with Caltrain to ensure that the rail tracks are safe and secure
with adequate fencing and barriers.
Office of
Transportation
S $$O The project for safety improvements on Churchill
Av. at-grade crossings is currently in progress.
T4.2.1 Periodically evaluate residential areas for traffic impacts and use
the results of that evaluation to prioritize traffic calming measures.
Office of
Transportation
IP $$O This is an ongoing program.Traffic calming in
Crescent Park Area was recently implemented.
T4.4.1 Use landscaping and other improvements to establish clear
“gateways” at the points where the Oregon Expressway, University
Avenue and Embarcadero Road transition from freeways to
neighborhoods.
Department of
Public Works
L $$$O This is an ongoing effort. There are no substantial
actions to report at this time.
Goal T-4: Protect local streets that contribute to neighborhood character and provide a range of local transportation options.
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Priority Level of
Effort Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L= Long
(>10 years), IP=
In Progress, R=
Routine
$ = Small, $$ =
Medium $$$ =
Substantial
Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
T5.1.1 Evaluate the need to update parking standards in the municipal
code, based on local conditions, different users’ needs and baseline
parking need. Allow the use of parking lifts for Office/R&D and
multifamily housing as appropriate.
Planning and
Development
Services and Office
of Transportation
S $PC Office of Transportation (OOT) presented initial
recommendations to Planning and Transportation
Commission (PTC) in September 2021; for Finance
Committee in October 2021, recommendations
were focused on moving forward for adopting
virtual permitting options. Additional
recommendations will be presented along with the
development of a commercial pilot process.
T5.1.2 Consider reducing parking requirements for retail and restaurant
uses as a way to encourage new businesses and the use of
alternative modes.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $P Work on this has not commenced yet, though the
City has allowed use of parking spaces temporarily
to enable parklets in the Right Of Ways and
outdoor business on private parking lots. Council
directed exploration of permanent parklets.
T5.1.3 Work with stakeholders in each commercial center and
employment district to monitor conditions and determine the
appropriate timing for revisions to parking requirements.
Planning and
Development
Services and Office
of Transportation
M $P Work has not commenced.
T5.1.4 Study the feasibility of unbundled parking for office, commercial,
and multi-family residential developments (including senior housing
developments) that are well- served by transit and demonstrated
walking and biking connections.
Planning and
Development
Services and Office
of Transportation
S $P Work has not commenced.
T5.1.5 Consider reducing parking requirements for multi- family uses as a
way to encourage new multi-family housing and the use of
alternative modes, where reduction in parking would not impact
the neighborhood.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $O Staff will continue exploration of permanent
parklets and parking reductions for multi family
residential use.
Goal T-5: Encourage attractive, convenient, efficient and innovative parking solutions for all users.
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years), M=
Medium (5‐10
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(>10 years), IP=
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$ = Small, $$ =
Medium $$$ =
Substantial
Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
T5.2.1 Use technology to help identify parking availability and make it easy
to pay any parking fees.
Office of
Transportation
S $$$O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at
this time.
T5.2.2 Study and implement pricing strategies for public parking in
commercial districts, taking into consideration both employee
parking demand and the needs of retailers and customers. Use
pricing to encourage short term parking on street, long term
parking in parking garages, and the use of alternative modes of
transportation
Office of
Transportation
IP $$O Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC)
reviewed options in an initial study session in May
2021. Additional stakeholder outreach is planned in
2022.
T5.2.3 Implement Council-adopted recommendations from the parking
management study for the Downtown area, which address the
feasibility of removing color- coded parking zones, and dynamic
pricing and management policies to prioritize short-term parking
spaces closest to the commercial core for customers, garage
parking for employees, and neighborhood parking for residents.
Office of
Transportation
S $$$O Regular parking occupancy counts with Automated
License Plate Recognition (ALPR) implementation is
planned to occur in 2022. Initial recommendations
and additional engagement will follow as data is
collected and reviewed.
T5.4.1 Explore incentives to encourage privately initiated shared parking
among individual property owners when developments have excess
parking that can be available for other businesses to use.
Office of
Transportation
S $P Work has not commenced.
T5.8.1 Study the feasibility of retrofitting City-owned surface parking lots
to implement best management practices for stormwater
management and urban heat island mitigation, including green
infrastructure, permeable pavement and reflective surfaces.
Department of
Public Works
S $$O Staff received a grant to retrofit an existing parking
lot; scoping for project will commence in 2022.
T5.8.2 Identify incentives to encourage the retrofit of privately owned
surface parking areas to incorporate best management practices for
stormwater management and urban heat island mitigation as well
as incentives for the provision of publicly accessible pavement and
reflective surfaces.
Department of
Public Works
S $O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at
this time.
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Effort Status
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years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L= Long
(>10 years), IP=
In Progress, R=
Routine
$ = Small, $$ =
Medium $$$ =
Substantial
Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
T5.8.3 Update City requirements regarding trees and other landscaping
that capture and filter stormwater within surface parking lots to
take advantage of new technology.
Department of
Public Works
R $O This is an ongoing program. There are no
substantial actions to report at this time.
T5.11.1 Coordinate with neighborhood groups and local businesses and
other stakeholders to evaluate the need for a residential parking
permit program in areas without existing programs.
Office of
Transportation
S $$O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at
this time.
T5.12.1 Work with employers, merchants, schools, and community service
providers, to identify ways to provide more bicycle parking,
including e-bike parking with charging stations, near existing shops,
services and places of employment.
Office of
Transportation
R $O This is an ongoing program via 311 requests for
parking in the public Right-of-Ways and through
coordination with the Safe Routes to School
program.
T5.12.2 Install secure electronic bike lockers such as the Bike Link system, at
high theft locations, including transit stations and parking garages.
Office of
Transportation
M $$P Work has not commenced.
T5.12.3 Assess the need to provide additional bicycle parking in City-owned
parking lots and rights-of-way.
Office of
Transportation
M $$O This is an ongoing program via 311 requests for
parking in the public Right-of-Ways.
T6.1.1 Follow the principles of the safe routes to schools program to
implement traffic safety measures that focus on Safe Routes to
work, shopping, downtown, community services, parks, and
schools, including all designated school commute corridors.
Office of
Transportation
R $$O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at
this time.
T6.1.2 Develop, distribute and aggressively promote maps and apps
showing safe routes to work, shopping, community services, parks
and schools within Palo Alto in collaboration with stakeholders,
including PAUSD, major employers, TMAs, local businesses and
community organizations.
Office of
Transportation
IP $$O This is an ongoing program. School Walk and Roll
Maps are updated as needed. Walk and Roll to
Libraries maps has been updated in 2018.
T6.1.3 Address pedestrian safety along Alma Street between Embarcadero
Road and Lytton Street.
Office of
Transportation
S $$P Work has not commenced.
Goal T-6: Provide a safe environment for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists on Palo Alto streets.
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years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L= Long
(>10 years), IP=
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Routine
$ = Small, $$ =
Medium $$$ =
Substantial
Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
T6.1.4 Address pedestrian safety on shared-use paths through the use of
signs, pavement markings, and outreach to users, encouraging
them to be safe and courteous.
Office of
Transportation
R $O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at
this time.
T6.2.1 Regularly collect severity and location data on roadway collisions
for all modes of travel, including fatalities and severe injuries, and
use this data to make roadway design decisions. In collaboration
with Santa Clara County, develop an up-to-date, public database for
this information.
Office of
Transportation
R $$O This is an ongoing program via the County's
collision database.
T6.4.1 Consider the Adopted School Commute Corridors Network and
adopted “Walk and Roll” maps when reviewing development
applications and making land use and transportation planning
decisions. Incorporate these requirements into City code when
feasible.
Office of
Transportation
R $O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at
this time.
T6.4.2 Establish standards and procedures for maintaining safe bicycling
routes, including signage for warnings and detours during
construction projects.
Office of
Transportation
IP $C The Traffic Control Plan Guidelines was updated in
2016 and regularly reviewed.
T6.4.3 In collaboration with PAUSD, provide adult crossing guards at
school crossings that meet established warrants.
Police Department R $$O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at
this time.
T6.6.1 Periodically evaluate safety on roadways and at intersections and
enhance conditions through the use of signal technology and
physical changes. Consider the construction of traffic circles for
improved intersection safety.
Office of
Transportation
R $$$O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at
this time.
T6.6.2 Continue to provide educational programs for children and adults,
in partnership with community-based educational organizations, to
promote the safe walking and safe use of bicycles, including the City-
sponsored bicycle education programs in the public schools and the
bicycle traffic school program for juveniles.
Office of
Transportation
R $$O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at
this time.
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Effort Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L= Long
(>10 years), IP=
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Routine
$ = Small, $$ =
Medium $$$ =
Substantial
Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
T6.6.3 Work with PAUSD and employers to promote roadway safety for all
users, including motorized alternatives to cars and bikes such as
mopeds and e-bikes, through educational programs for children and
adults.
Office of
Transportation
R $$O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at
this time.
T6.6.4 Complete a mobility and safety study for downtown Palo Alto,
looking at ways to improve circulation and safety for all modes.
Office of
Transportation
M $$P Work has not commenced.
T6.6.5 Identify and construct safety improvements for pedestrian
underpasses, including on Embarcadero Road.
Office of
Transportation
L $$$P Work has not commenced.
T6.6.6 Improve pedestrian crossings by creating protected areas and
better pedestrian and traffic visibility. Use a toolbox including bulb
outs, small curb radii, high visibility crosswalks, and landscaping.
Office of
Transportation
R $$$O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at
this time.
T6.6.7 Establish a program to educate residents to keep sidewalks clear of
parked cars, especially on narrow local streets in neighborhoods
with rolled curbs. Survey for compliance annually.
Office of
Transportation
M $$P Work has not commenced. A rolled curb parking
flyer is available on the City website.
T6.7.1 Evaluate the performance of safety improvements and identify
methods to encourage alternative transportation modes.
Office of
Transportation
R $O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at
this time.
T7.1.1 Expand transportation opportunities for transit- dependent riders
by supporting discounts for taxi fares, rideshare services, and
transit, by coordinating transit systems to be shared by multiple
senior housing developments, and by maintaining a database of
volunteer drivers, and other transit options.
Office of
Transportation
M $$P Work has not commenced. The on-demand transit
pilot will include discount fares for seniors and
possibly others.
Goal T-7: Provide mobility options that allow people who are transit dependent to reach their destinations.
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Effort Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L= Long
(>10 years), IP=
In Progress, R=
Routine
$ = Small, $$ =
Medium $$$ =
Substantial
Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
T7.1.2 Coordinate with social service agencies and transit agencies to fill
gaps in existing transportation routes and services accessible to
transit-dependent riders no matter their means and design new bus
routes that enable them to access those services.
Office of
Transportation
R $$$O Due to the pandemic, free shuttle service was
cancelled. The future on-demand transit service will
include fare discounts.
T7.1.3 Pursue expanded evening and night time bus service to enhance
mobility for all users during off-peak times.
Office of
Transportation
R $P This program is unlikely to be pursued with Valley
Transportation Authority (VTA)'s 2021 New Service
Plan.
T8.1.1 Continue to participate in regional efforts to develop technological
solutions that make alternatives to the automobile more
convenient.
Office of
Transportation
R $O Projects like Dumbarton Forward a MTC/AC Transit
Travel Time improvement Project, PASS Project,
and Manager’s Mobility Partnership address this.
T8.3.1 Advocate for provision of a new southbound entrance ramp to
Highway 101 from San Antonio Road, in conjunction with the
closure of the southbound Charleston Road on-ramp at the
Rengstorff Avenue interchange in Mountain View.
Office of
Transportation
S $O At present Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is
leading work effort to identify project alternatives,
defining scope of upcoming analysis, and applying
for grant funding.
T8.7.1 Work with regional transportation providers to improve
connections between Palo Alto and the San Francisco International
Airport and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport.
Office of
Transportation
R $P Work has not commenced.
Goal T-8: Influence the shape and implementation of regional transportation policies and technologies to reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.
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Effort Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L= Long
(>10 years), IP=
In Progress, R=
Routine
$ = Small, $$ =
Medium $$$ =
Substantial
Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Staff Comments Received in October 2021Lead
DepartmentProgram Text
T8.8.1 Identify and improve bicycle connections to/from neighboring
communities in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties to support
local trips that cross city boundaries. Also advocate for reducing
barriers to bicycling and walking at freeway interchanges,
expressway intersections, and railroad grad crossings.
Office of
Transportation
IP $$$O This is an ongoing project. Peninsula Bikeway
signage was installed in 2018 via efforts of the
Managers Mobility Partnership, which continues to
improve connections between local jurisdictions.
Adobe Creek Bridge will be completed in Autumn of
2021. Newell Bridge project has expected
completion date in 2023. Class 1 or Class 4 bicycle
facilities will be included in the reconstruction of
the 101/San Antonio interchange.
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Staff Report (ID # 12191)
Report Type: Action Items Meeting Date: 12/8/2021
City of Palo Alto
Planning & Development Services
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 329-2442
Summary Title: Castilleja School CUP/Variance and Amend PAMC Chapter
18.04 GFA Definition
Title: PUBLIC HEARING/QUASI JUDICIAL/LEGISLATIVE: Review of the
Castilleja School's Requested Conditional Use Permit and
Variance per Council Direction March 29, 2021, and Review of
a Draft Ordinance per Council Direction Amending Section
18.04.030 Regarding Definition of Gross Floor Area in the R1
Zone for Below Grade Garages. Zone District: R-1(10,000).
Environmental Review: The Final Environmental Impact Report
(EIR) was Published July 30, 2020 and the Draft EIR was
Published July 15, 2019
From: Jonathan Lait
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Planning and Transportation Commission:
1. Conduct a public hearing.
2. Review the City Council’s motion on the project and provide direction to staff as
appropriate.
3. Continue the public hearing to a date uncertain.
Executive Summary
Castilleja School seeks to renovate its campus to modernize its buildings and increase
enrollment. The applicant (Castilleja School Foundation) filed an initial application to amend the
school’s Conditional Use Permit in 2016 and filed the Architectural Review application in 2019.
The Architectural Review Board (ARB) and Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) met
in 2020. In March 2021, the City Council held three public hearings on the project.
In its review, the City Council identified several significant project components that required
further study and refinement. The Council directed staff to explore a legislative amendment to
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the City’s zoning code that would allow some below grade parking to be exempt from gross
floor area based on certain criteria. The Council expressed its interest in seeing a reduction to
the size of the underground parking garage; changes to the CUP conditions related to the
transportation demand management plan and phased student enrollment increases; improved
tree preservation efforts; and other changes detailed in this report. Accordingly, the Council
remanded the project back to the ARB and PTC.
The applicant has since made changes to the project including alternative parking layout
options to address the reduced size of the below grade parking structure and add more surface
parking. In one of the options, all but one protected tree is preserved or relocated on site, and
improvements were made to further limit encroachments into the tree protection zones. Staff
also re-evaluated existing and proposed floor area calculations and met with the applicant to
discuss changes in the transportation demand management plan.
This report is intended to bring the PTC and community up to date on the project, and present
changes that have been made since last reviewed by the City Council. Staff anticipates receiving
public feedback and PTC direction on any further adjustments that may be necessary. No action
is required at this meeting, though staff seeks the PTC’s direction on any topic areas that
require further analysis or project changes. The recommendation in this report is to continue
the project to a date uncertain.
Background
City staff created a website with relevant information pertaining to the project. It includes a
project description, access to prior staff reports, presentations and meeting minutes, project
plans, environmental documents, public correspondence, and archived City news updates. The
website is available at this address: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/City-Hall/Hot-
Topics/Castilleja-School. The most recent staff report1 and City Council minutes2 are available
online.
The proposed project, in summary, includes the phased demolition and construction of
academic buildings, construction of a new subterranean garage and increased student
enrollment. The existing fitness/athletic center and historic chapel/administration buildings will
remain. Two residential properties owned by Castilleja on Emerson Street are no longer part of
the project. To implement the project, the applicant must obtain Council approval of several
planning entitlements: architectural review, a variance, and conditional use permit.
Additionally, responsive to the Council’s motion, a parking adjustment is requested.
In March 2021, the City Council stated that a zoning text amendment should also be prepared.
Council determined that the below grade parking garage should count as gross floor area under
1 March 29, 2021 Council Staff Report: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-
reports/reports/city-manager-reports-cmrs/2021/id-11180.pdf
2 March 29, 2021 Council Summary Minutes: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-
reports/agendas-minutes/city-council-agendas-minutes/2021/03-29-21-ccm-summary-minutes.pdf
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the City’s current zoning code, but, as discussed below, also directed an exemption if the
garage met a specific criterion. The City previously prepared an environmental impact report,
which found all environmental impacts, including traffic and construction related impacts, can
be reasonably mitigated. Staff does not anticipate that recent changes to the project will
require significant revisions or additions to this analysis.
The PTC in its review has authority to review and make recommendations on the conditional
use permit, including a comprehensive review of the proposed TDM plan, the variance, parking
adjustment, environmental impact report, and the Council-initiated text amendment. The ARB
has authority to make recommendations to the City Council on the architectural review
application, including various parking configurations, and make comments on the
environmental impact report.
The PTC last reviewed the project in November 20203 and voted 4-2 to recommend support for
the variance application and split its voting on the conditional use permit with a 4-2 vote on
Finding 1 and a 3-3 vote on Finding 2. The dissenting votes generally reflected a disagreement
that the project complied with the City’s zoning code, concerns about the proposed enrollment
increase, and impacts from special events.
During Council’s March 2021 hearings, individual Councilmembers provided guidance on areas
of the project that required refinement; most expressed some concerns with the subterranean
garage and the need to better preserve protected trees. Other items related to the PTC’s
review include Councilmember comments related to the TDM plan, satellite parking, special
events, overall enforcement, and operational conditions of approval, including possible limits
on students driving to the campus.
Below is the City Council’s motion and direction to staff and the ARB and PTC regarding the
project (items A, B, and H are subject to PTC oversight; items C, D, E and portions of B are
subject to ARB oversight):
A. Allow an enrollment increase starting at 450 students; direct Staff and the Planning and
Transportation Commission (PTC) to identify a procedure to allow Castilleja to further
increase enrollment up to 540 students in phases, contingent on their verified
compliance with objective standards demonstrating “no net new trips” resulting from
the preceding enrollment limit, based on the Traffic Demand Management (TDM) Plan
Mitigation Measure 7a, and any additional TDM measures the City or Castilleja may find
necessary to achieve the “no net new trips” condition of approval;
3 November 18, 2020 PTC Staff Report: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-
reports/agendas-minutes/planning-and-transportation-commission/2020-agendas-minutes-and-staff-reports/ptc-
11.18-castilleja.pdf
November 18, 2020 PTC Minutes: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-
reports/agendas-minutes/planning-and-transportation-commission/2020-agendas-minutes-and-staff-reports/ptc-
11.18.2020-bgh-revisions.pdf
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i. Strengthen existing TDM protections, reporting requirements, and
penalties for failure to meet conditions of approval. Penalties should
include fees, suspension and reduction of enrollment and streamlining of
corrective actions to violations;
ii. To review increases in the number of students as a percentage of the
student population within bicycle distance and to further restrict student
driving and parking on campus, including consideration of prohibiting
driving by juniors;
iii. Evaluate a form of a TDM Oversight Committee; and
iv. Consideration by Staff and the PTC to allow reduction of required parking
based on a TDM;
B. Direct Staff and the PTC to review an underground parking facility alternative that
allows a maximum of 50 percent of the required on-site parking to be below grade
without counting against the project floor area. No more than 50 percent of the
required on-site parking may be located below grade;
i. Explore a Residential Parking Program (RPP) or alternative parking
strategies for the surrounding neighborhood that prohibits RPP permits
from being sold to Castilleja staff or students within the RPP district. The
school-side of the streets surrounding Castilleja (Emerson Street, Kellogg
Avenue, Bryant Street) shall be exempt from the RPP so Castilleja can
continue to park on those streets. Explore requiring Castilleja to cover the
expense of implementing the neighborhood RPP; and
ii. Castilleja’s parking restrictions will be fully enforced. Explore having
overflow parking located off-site and not located on residential streets;
explore shuttle services satellite lots to accommodate this parking need;
C. Direct Staff and Palo Alto’s Arborist to work with Castilleja to preserve as many
protected trees to reduce the loss of protected trees, on campus as can reasonably be
accommodated;
D. Evaluate phasing the construction of the new buildings to mitigate impacts associated
with construction and evaluate elimination of the need for a temporary campus to be
constructed on Spieker Field;
E. Remand the revised building proposal (including the reduction of 4,370 sq. ft.) to the
Architectural Review Board to reconsider the massing and the compatibility of the
design within the residential neighborhood context;
F. Evaluate 50 percent of the public art expenses going to the Public Art Fund;
G. Direct Staff to explore the legalities of having a maximum build-out;
H. Direct Staff and the PTC to evaluate 5 major events, and between 50 and 70 special
events with no Sunday events; and
I. Direct Staff to provide information on Conditional Use Permits from other private
schools in surrounding jurisdictions.
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Discussion
The purpose of this meeting is to provide an update and receive feedback from the community
and Commission on the Castilleja project and specifically those components from the City
Council’s motion that fall within the PTC’s purview. The ARB will hold a meeting on December
2nd on aspects within their purview, and staff will provide an update to the PTC as appropriate.
A staff report to the ARB includes additional information not included in this report related to
five parking garage and surface parking options; a comprehensive third-party analysis of
existing and proposed gross floor area calculations; architectural revisions; information on
protected trees; and construction phasing. This report is available online and may be of interest
to the PTC for additional background and context:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-
minutes/architectural-review-board/2021/arb-12.02-castilleja.pdf.
Based on the ARB’s and PTC’s review, additional project modifications are anticipated, including
changes to draft documents presented to the PTC as part of this report, such as the
transportation demand management plan. This and other documents presented to the PTC are
intended to be drafts for discussion. The applicant has made changes to the project in response
to the City Council’s motion and staff has been engaged in that process and has updated the
project website when appropriate. Accordingly, these documents are not presented in final
form as recommendations to the PTC. Rather, staff seeks additional input from the Commission
where appropriate so additional refinements can be made and represented to the Commission.
It is anticipated this discussion may take place over a couple meetings before staff makes a
formal recommendation to the Commission.
The remainder of this report will focus on components of the City Council motion that fall with
the PTC’s purview.
Code Interpretation: Below Grade Parking Facilities
The PTC may recall when it reviewed the subject project previously that there was extensive
discussion regarding the application of the zoning code as it related to the subterranean
parking garage. Staff referred to this structure as a below grade parking facility, as opposed to a
garage. Parking Facility and Garage are both defined terms in the zoning code. Staff suggested,
to maintain consistency with an earlier non-residential project in the R-1 zone, that this feature
could be considered as akin to a basement and therefore exempt from gross floor area. The PTC
was split 3-3 on whether this was a correct application of the code.
The City Council did not agree with this interpretation and stated that the below grade parking
facility ought to be treated as an underground garage and not a basement and, therefore,
count toward gross floor area. On March 15th, the Council initiated a text amendment to clarify
this perspective in the code but also directed staff and the PTC to consider language that would
fully exclude or partially exclude floor area from a below grade parking garage.4 This direction
4 City Council Motion from March 15, 2021:
A. Treat the underground parking facility as an underground garage and not as a basement; and
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was further refined with the Council’s March 29 motion (restated above) to exclude the portion
of the garage that contains fifty percent (50%) or less code-required parking spaces. Moreover,
specific to the Castilleja project, the Council directed that no more than 50% of the parking
spaces be permitted below grade, in an effort to reduce the size of the garage and minimize
construction-related impacts, including potential impacts to protected trees.
Text Amendment: Gross Floor Area Exemption for Below Grade Parking Facilities
Included with this report as Attachment A is a draft ordinance to effectuate the text
amendment described above. Staff narrowly drafted the provision such that it potentially only
applies to two properties: the subject property and another large parcel within the R-1 zone,
located at 3233 Cowper Street (Our Lady of the Rosary Church). Specifically, this ordinance
would only apply to below grade parking facilities in the R-1 zone district that are accessory to a
non-residential use; located on a parcel greater than six acres; and where the parcel contains a
listed historic resource. Based on these criteria, only Castilleja School currently meets these
requirements; the other property does not currently contain a listed historic resource. It is
unlikely this code provision will have a meaningful benefit to the property on Cowper Street
and staff does not anticipate it being used for a future redevelopment of that site, but if the
PTC were interested, the draft ordinance could be further refined to expand or narrow the
qualifying criteria.
The proposed text amendment expressly identifies below grade parking facilities in the R1, R2
and RMD zoning districts as included in gross floor area calculations. It then provides an
exception from gross floor area if the below grade parking facility has 50% or less code-required
parking spaces and meets other qualifying criteria discussed above. The ordinance as drafted
would count the entire below grade parking facility toward gross floor area if the structure had
more parking spaces than 50% of the code required parking spaces in the garage. The proposed
text amendment also clarifies that this 50% threshold is calculated using the base code required
parking spaces, before any parking reductions.
The PTC is requested by the City Council to consider the draft ordinance. Staff welcomes any
feedback and can make refinements as appropriate. No action on the draft ordinance is
required at the subject meeting.
Castilleja School Enrollment
The City Council asked staff and the PTC to identify a procedure that would allow Castilleja to
increase enrollment up to 540 students from a starting enrollment of 450 students, contingent
on their verified compliance with a requirement for “no net new trips,” and other TDM
measures. The PTC’s previously recommended conditions of approval (COA) included such a
procedure prior to phased enrollment increases of 25 students. As a reminder, the PTC’s
recommended COA 4.e stated:
B. Return to Council with an alternative text change counting all the underground garage as floor area;
i. Return to Council with an alternative of not counting floor area or partially counting floor area; and
ii. Evaluate the implication of the text change on other properties in R-1 zones.
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e. No enrollment increase may occur unless the School has achieved the
performance standards of Condition #22 [including no net new trips for AM Peak
and Average Daily Trip totals] for the preceding three reporting periods. For
example, the ability to increase enrollment for the 2023-2024 academic year will
require review, in early 2023, of one reporting period from the 2022-2023
academic year and two reporting periods from the 2021-2022 academic year.
If the PTC believes this procedure is responsive to the Council’s motion, it may recommend that
it remain unchanged. Alternatively, the PTC may wish to discuss modifications to the
enrollment schedule and verification procedure, such as a slower rate of increase than 25
students or a longer verification period than two academic years.
Transportation Demand Management Plan
Staff continues to work with the applicant on an updated TDM plan that stipulates a number of
requirements Castilleja will need to comply with to increase student enrollment beyond 450
students. This is a fairly comprehensive TDM plan and at this time does not include all of staff’s
anticipated inclusions related to corrective action, penalties and enforcement. However, staff
wanted to present this document to the public and Commission at this stage to receive initial
feedback and return with a final draft for PTC recommendation to Council.
The TDM plan includes objective standards that Castilleja will need to comply with to increase
enrollment and avoid specific penalties. The no net new trips provision recommended by the
PTC last year remains a key component of the TDM plan as does the limit on AM peak trips.
Specifically, Castilleja will need to demonstrate that it does not exceed 440 AM Peak trips as
measured daily with permanently installed driveway counters. Castilleja must also ensure it
does not exceed 1,294 average daily trips (ADT) as measured over a 30 day or calendar month
period. Any violation of the daily AM peak trips and monthly ADT will be considered its own
discrete violation, subject to recurring fines and fee escalation as provided in the City’s
municipal fee schedule. Moreover, in addition to financial penalties, the revised draft TDM plan
shifts the authority away from the applicant and to the City to determine specific trip reduction
measures that may be needed to bring Castilleja back into compliance with any provision. This
analysis and determination would occur after each violation. Examples of the type of measures
that could be implemented include limits on students that may drive to campus, expanding
Castilleja’s shuttle program, adding a Guaranteed Ride Home program, and subsidizing
employee transit fares.
When this project returns to the PTC, staff will update the TDM plan and provide a specific
penalty fee structure with parameters for escalating fees and the amounts that could be
assessed for various violations.
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A suspension or reduction in student enrollment remains a corrective action. The PTC and City
Council previously expressed concern that enrollment reduction5 did not present itself as a
timely remedy to what may be an immediate concern. The above referenced changes to the
TDM plan and greater specificity of financial penalties are intended to bring the corrective
action closer to the violation. However, staff welcomes additional feedback from the
Commission as to other measures that should be included in the TDM plan or as conditions of
approval. The draft TDM plan is available online:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/planning-amp-development-services/new-
development-projects/1310-bryant-street/castilleja-tdm-operations-manual-updated-
2021.pdf#page=3.
TDM Oversite Committee
The City Council in its motion included consideration of a TDM oversight committee. A
conceptual approach put forth by the applicant and included in the draft TDM plan is one that
includes students, faculty and staff to encourage campus attendees to participate in TDM
programs. Staff supports this concept but also anticipates it may fall short of the Council’s
intent. Based on staff’s understanding, the oversight committee was intended to ensure
Castilleja remained in compliance with the TDM plan and based on the Council’s dialogue, may
include community members.
Staff does not have any objection to the applicant’s proposed approach and supports its
retention in the TDM plan. The PTC is encouraged to discuss whether this approach is sufficient
or provide direction accordingly. However, it is anticipated that staff will have sufficient
oversight of the TDM plan with a condition previously presented to the PTC and City Council
that requires Castilleja to place a replenishable deposit that funds City’s enforcement efforts.
City staff participation in a TDM oversight committee is redundant and not supportable based
on current staffing levels.
Mitigation Measure 7a
This subheading is included in the report because it was mentioned in the City Council’s motion.
There has been no change to the language in this mitigation measure though some of the
provisions have been strengthened or expanded upon in the draft TDM plan and through
conditions of approval. Staff will return at a future hearing with draft conditions of approval
and crosswalk the mitigation measures to conditions of approval, as appropriate. Community
and commissioners interested in refreshing their memory on the provisions of Mitigation
Measure 7a can review that information online:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-reports/reports/city-
manager-reports-cmrs/2021/id-11180.pdf#page=65.
Reduced Parking Requirement
5 Existing students would not be impacted by an enrollment reduction. The next incoming class size would be
reduced by an amount determined by the City to address a persistent problem meeting AM Peak or ADT
thresholds.
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The City Council recognized that a reduced parking garage may result in fewer on-site parking
spaces at Castilleja and directed staff and the PTC to consider a parking reduction based on a
robust TDM plan. While the TDM plan is focused on trip reduction to the subject property, its
implementation is anticipated to also result in the need for fewer on-site parking spaces.
Concerned that the proposed increase in enrollment may result in school-related intrusions into
adjacent residential neighborhoods, the Council also expressed a need for parking restrictions
to be fully enforced and asked that overflow parking located off-site (and not located on
residential streets) be explored, as well as incorporation of shuttle service to satellite lots as
needed.
In response to the Council’s deliberation, the applicant proposed five parking options. These
site planning and parking considerations fall within the ARB’s purview and are detailed in their
December 2 ARB staff report.6 Four of these options, due to the reduced garage size, have
fewer on-site parking spaces than previously considered and corresponding parking reductions
ranging from nine percent (9%) up to 20%. The parking option supported by staff (Option E)
results in a 14.4% reduction. The provisions related to parking reductions are set forth in Palo
Alto Municipal Code section 18.52.050, which authorizes a maximum 20% reduction. In
accordance with this code section, no parking reduction may be granted that will create an
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.
To help inform decision-makers in their consideration of the parking reduction, staff requested
the applicant submit a parking demand study. Staff recommends the Commission review this
report which is available online: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/planning-
amp-development-services/file-migration/castilleja/2021/13.pdf. In summary, the original
project presented to the PTC and City Council, without a parking reduction – and at a maximum
enrollment of 540 students, shows a minor shortfall of about 10 parking spaces during peak
parking demand. For parking layout Option E, which includes a 14.4% parking reduction,
Castilleja is anticipated to be at or near peak parking demand capacity with an enrollment at
450 students (the baseline enrollment being considered by the City Council). This conclusion is
based on peak parking demand and the availability of about 143 parking spaces; 89 on-site
(with Option E) and 54 street parking spaces immediately adjacent to the Castilleja.7 As
enrollment increases to a maximum of 540 students, there is a shortfall of about 30 parking
spaces. An excerpted parking supply / parking demand chart is provided below.8
6 ARB Staff Report, Dated December 2, 2021: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-
reports/agendas-minutes/architectural-review-board/2021/arb-12.02-castilleja.pdf#page=5
7 Included in the City Council’s motion from March 29 is consideration of a concept that would allow street parking
spaces adjacent to Castilleja’s property to count toward available parking; this is consistent with an informal
understanding between Castilleja and area residents.
8 The parking totals presented in the chart do not reflect the total parking spaces provided for in Option E, which
was prepared after the parking demand report was prepared. Parking layout Option E anticipates 89 on-site
parking spaces (and 54 street parking spaces).
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The parking demand study illustrates one reason why the applicant proposed a larger parking
garage. With Council’s direction for a smaller garage, there are fewer spaces available to
accommodate the maximum enrollment of 540 students. As has been expressed by many in the
community, increased student enrollment without sufficient parking is anticipated to result in
more school-related parking intrusions into the surrounding neighborhood. This can be offset
to some degree by limiting the number of students that can drive to Castilleja, such as seniors
only or a subset of seniors as determined through a lottery process or other means, or with an
off-site satellite parking facility that makes up for the shortfall in parking demand as enrollment
increases. The existing off-site parking facility used by Castilleja at 1140 Cowper through a
month-to-month arrangement with First Presbyterian Church does not meet the Council’s
direction to explore satellite parking on a non-residential street.
It is important to also note that the chart above and the analysis in the parking demand study
do not take into consideration a reduction in parking demand that will necessarily be associated
with implementation of the TDM plan. In other words, while the chart shows a shortfall of 30
parking spaces, based on the analysis and incorporation of the TDM plan, the actual shortfall is
expected to be much lower.
Staff is still working through options and will propose as draft conditions of approval and
updates to the draft TDM plan measures that address the peak parking demand shortfall that
results from an increase in student enrollment and availability of on-site (and adjacent street)
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parking. Staff welcomes further guidance and direction from the PTC on other approaches to
minimize these impacts.
Residential Preferential Parking District
To address school-related parking intrusions into adjacent residential neighborhoods, the City
Council directed staff to explore the possibility of a residential preferential parking (RPP) district
that excludes Castilleja staff or students. The Council motion indicates that on-street parking
spaces on the school side of Emerson, Bryant and Kellogg would be exempt from the district, so
Castilleja could continue to park at those locations. Moreover, if an RPP is formed, Council
indicated an interest that Castilleja cover the cost of implementing the program.
The procedures to establish a RPP district are set forth in Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter
10.50.9 There have been no requests to initiate a district around Castilleja school. A survey in
2018 for the possible formation of a district that extended from Embarcadero Avenue to
Oregon Expressway and between Middlefield Road and Alma Street received little support.
Since the outset of the subject application, staff has heard from some neighbors of their
interest in a RPP district, but the support for such a program does not seem to be widespread.
While the City Council could initiate a RPP district it seems an unlikely pursuit, if there is
insufficient neighborhood support.
There is a considerable amount of staff time needed to establish a RPP district including
community outreach: initial petition, surveys, and public meetings; sign design, fabrication and
installation; and permit distribution. Other ongoing costs include annual permit orders and
shipping, a parking enforcement officer and management oversight, and program management
by the permit vendor and City staff. A rough estimate of one-time start-up and first year
implementation costs for a hypothetical district is about $60K with estimated revenue
collection less than $30K. To be responsive to the City Council’s motion, staff is researching the
feasibility of requiring Castilleja to cover the initial one-time expenses and/or operational costs
if a district is successfully initiated following implementation of the requested discretionary
entitlements.
As an alternative to a parking district, the City could also impose other time of day parking
restrictions that would limit the number of Castilleja staff and students parking in the
neighborhood. However, such regulations would also impact area residents who would be
required to ensure their vehicles similarly complied with any posted restrictions. Staff
welcomes the PTC’s feedback on this topic and will eventually be interested in a
recommendation to Council on whether any action should be taken in this regard.
Public Art Funds
9 PAMC Chapter 10.50 Residential Preferential Parking Districts:
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0-0-0-68425
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The City Council motion includes a suggestion for the applicant that fifty percent (50%) of the
public art expenses be directed toward the City’s public art fund. The City’s Public Art for
Private Developments is regulated by Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 16.61.10 The
regulations specify that the developer may choose to satisfy the requirement with a qualifying
on-site installation or through payment of an in-lieu fee to the Palo Alto Public Arts Fund. In
conversation with the applicant’s representative, there was no initial objection to this request.
It is anticipated that this would get resolved when hearings are scheduled before the City
Council next year. No action from the PTC on this topic is required at this time.
Special Events
The PTC may recall its own discussion regarding Castilleja’s special events and the different
perspectives held by the City and the applicant regarding the number and intensity of special
events permitted at the school.11 The subject conditional use permit, if approved, is an
opportunity to provide more clarity as to what is expected in the future. When the PTC last
considered this project, staff recommended a total of 70 special events during the academic
year compared to the applicant proposed 90 events. The PTC in its review recommended 74
special events to the City Council in response to the applicant’s concerns that further
reductions would impact its academic, social and programming interests.
The City Council in its review directed staff and the PTC to evaluate five major events and
between 50 and 70 special events with no Sunday events.
Sunday events were already prohibited in the staff and PTC recommended draft conditions of
approval to Council. The five major events that take place annually at Castilleja include: Back to
School Night, Gator Gathering, Founder’s Day, Opening Day, and Graduation. Three of these
events are evening events (5 pm to 10 pm) of which one is on a Saturday; the remaining two
take place on a weekday, 8 am to 5 pm. Major events are regarded as events that bring almost
all students and parents to the Castilleja campus. In addition to these five events, the City
Council requests re-consideration and possible refinement to the maximum number of
additional events, between 50 and 70 events.
Castilleja provided an updated list of special events starting on page 2 of the following linked
document: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/planning-amp-development-
services/file-migration/castilleja/2021/15.pdf. Castilleja identifies the special events that would
be eliminated if the school were limited to 50 special events (plus 5 major events) each
academic year. These events generally relate to admission tours, speaker events, athletic
events, holiday or social events, and other program-related activities. Castilleja maintains that
further reductions to the number of special events would be impactful to its academic, social
10 PAMC Chapter 16.61 Public Art for Private Developments:
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0-0-0-75112
11 PTC Staff Report, Dated November 11, 2020, Link to Discussion Regarding Special Events:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/planning-and-
transportation-commission/2020-agendas-minutes-and-staff-reports/ptc-11.18-castilleja.pdf#page=10
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and programing needs. Based on staff’s earlier analysis and in response to Council’s direction,
staff recommends the school be limited to the five major events and 70 other special events
during the academic year. After receiving public testimony on this topic and reviewing the
linked list of events, the PTC can direct staff to draft conditions approval that it believes is
responsive to the Council’s direction and that will minimize event-related impacts to the
surrounding neighborhood while balancing Castilleja’s interests.
CUP Conditions and Conditions from Comparable Bay Area Schools
This report does not include any draft conditions of approval. The PTC and community can
access the most recent list of conditions from the last City Council report in March. It is staff’s
intent to update the list of conditions after the ARB and PTC have sufficient opportunity to
review updated application materials and provide direction to staff. The updated conditions of
approval will be presented at a future noticed public hearing. Similarly, consistent with the
Council’s motion, staff will also collect information on other private schools in surrounding
jurisdictions. The applicant has provided an initial list based on its research, which is included in
the link most recently referenced above. Staff anticipates providing this information about
other private schools the next time the PTC considers this application.
Next Steps
The ARB and PTC are concurrently reviewing aspects of the subject application. Based on
feedback received and direction provided, staff will return with updated materials with the
intent to begin to refine recommendations that are responsive to the City Council’s motion. The
timing of the next PTC hearing will depend on the extent of the direction/feedback received,
the applicant’s ability to make any changes, and staff time needed to analyze project revisions
and prepare another report. Future meetings will be noticed in accordance with the municipal
code.
Environmental Review
An environmental impact report and mitigation monitoring and reporting program were
prepared for this project and shared with the City Council. This is the link
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/News-Articles/Planning-and-Development-Services/Castilleja-
Environmental-Documents to the environmental documents webpage for the project.
Depending on direction received from the ARB and PTC, staff and consultants will update the
EIR as needed prior to scheduling hearings before the City Council.
Public Notification, Outreach & Comments
The Palo Alto Municipal Code requires notice of this public hearing be published in a local paper
and mailed to owners and occupants of property within 600 feet of the subject property at least
ten days in advance. Notice of a public hearing for this project was published in the Daily Post
on November 26, 2021, which is 12 days in advance of the meeting. Postcard mailing occurred
on November 22, 2021, which is 16 days in advance of the meeting.
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Additionally, staff maintains an email list of individuals that have expressed an interest in the
project. Staff notified those recipients of the subject hearing a month in advance.
Public Comments12
As of the writing of this report, several public comments were received. All letters to the PTC
will be forwarded to the PTC. The public comments to the ARB, PTC and City Council related to
the upcoming hearings will be uploaded to this page:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Current-
Planning/Pending-and-Approved-Projects/Approved-Projects/Castilleja-School/Castilleja-
School-Public-Comments.
Report Author & Contact Information PTC Liaison & Contact Information
Amy French, Chief Planning Official Rachael Tanner, AICP, Assistant Director
(650) 329-2336 (650) 329-2167
Amy.french@cityofpaloalto.org rachael.tanner@cityofpaloalto.org
Attachments:
• Attachment A: Draft Ordinance Amending Definition of Gross Floor Area (PDF)
12 Emails may be sent directly to the PTC using the following address: ptc@cityofpaloalto.org
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*NOT YET ADOPTED*
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Ordinance No.____
Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Title 18 (Zoning) of
the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Amend the Gross Floor Area Definition for Low
Density Residential Zones
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does ORDAIN as follows:
SECTION 1. Subsection (a)(65) (Gross Floor Area) of Section 18.04.030 (Definitions) of Chapter
18.04 (Definitions) of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code (“PAMC”) is amended to
read as follows (additions underlined and deletions struck-through; omissions noted with [. . .]
represent unchanged text):
(a) Throughout this title the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed in this
section.
[. . .]
(65) “Gross floor area” is defined as follows:
[. . .]
(C) Low Density Residential Inclusions and Conditions: In the RE and R-1 single- family
residence districts and in the R-2 and RMD two-family residence districts, “gross floor
area” means the total covered area of all floors of a main structure and accessory
structures greater than one hundred and twenty square feet in area, including covered
parking and stairways, measured to the outside of stud walls, “(C) Low Density Residential
Inclusions and Conditions: In the RE and R-1 single- family residence districts and in the
R-2 and RMD two-family residence districts, “gross floor area” means the total covered
area of all floors of a main structure and accessory structures greater than one hundred
and twenty square feet in area, including covered parking and stairways, measured to the
outside of stud walls, including the following:
[. . .]
(iii) Carports and, garages, and below grade parking facilities, except as excluded
in subsection (a)(65)(D)(viii), shall be included in gross floor area.
[. . .]
(D) Low Density Residential Exclusions: In the RE and R-1 single-family residence districts
and in the R-2 and RMD two-family residence districts, “gross floor area” shall not include the
following:
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[. . .]
(viii) Below-grade parking facilities that: (1) are accessory to nonresidential uses;
(2) are located on a parcel that is six acres or greater; and (3) are located on a
parcel that contains a listed historic resource; and 4) do not provide more than 50
percent of the base required on-site vehicle parking shall be excluded from the
calculation of gross floor area. A below grade parking facility that does not meet
all of these criteria shall be included in the calculation of gross floor area in its
entirety.
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 Council finds that the adoption of this Ordinance is exempt from the provisions
of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Code Section
21080.17 and CEQA Guidelines sections 15061(b)(3), 15301, 15302 and 15305 because it
constitutes minor adjustments to the City’s zoning ordinance. As such, it can be seen with certainty
that the proposed action will not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the
environment.
//
//
//
//
//
//
//
//
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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:
____________________________ ____________________________
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
_____________________________
Director of Planning and
Development Services
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Staff Report (ID # 13739)
Report Type: Meeting Date: 12/8/2021
City of Palo Alto
Planning & Development Services
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 329-2442
Summary Title: October 13, 2021 Draft Meeting Minutes
Title: October 13, 2021 Draft PTC Meeting Minutes
From: Jonathan Lait
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) adopt the meeting
minutes.
Background
Draft minutes from the October 13, 2021 Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC)
meetings were made available to the Commissioners prior to the December 8, 2021 meeting
date. The draft PTC minutes can be viewed on line on the City’s website at
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Planning-and-
Transportation-Commission-PTC
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Staff Report (ID # 13817)
Report Type: Approval of Minutes Meeting Date: 12/8/2021
City of Palo Alto
Planning & Development Services
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 329-2442
Summary Title: October 27, 2021 Draft Meeting Minutes
Title: October 27, 2021 Draft PTC Meeting Minutes
From: Jonathan Lait
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) adopt the meeting
minutes.
Background
Draft minutes from the October 27, 2021 Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC)
meetings were made available to the Commissioners prior to the December 8, 2021 meeting
date. The draft PTC minutes can be viewed on line on the City’s website at
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Planning-and-
Transportation-Commission-PTC
6
Packet Pg. 121