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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-26 Planning & Transportation Commission Agenda PacketPLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Wednesday, June 26, 2024 Council Chambers & Hybrid 6:00 PM Commissioner Bart Hechtman Remote Call‐In Location:Hawthorn Suites Napa, 314 Soscal Ave. Napa, CA 94559 Vice Chair Keith Reckdahl Remote Call‐In Location:Courtyard Burbank, 2100 Empire Ave Burbank, CA 91504 Planning and Transportation Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen Media Center https://midpenmedia.org. Commissioner names, biographies, and archived agendas and minutes are available at http://bit.ly/PaloAltoPTC.  VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/91641559499) Meeting ID: 916 4155 9499    Phone: 1(669)900‐6833 PUBLIC COMMENTS Public comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes after the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to Planning.Commission@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Commission and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subject line. Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified as present at the meeting at the time of the spokesperson's presentation will be allowed up to ten (10) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided that the non‐speaking members agree not to speak individually. The Chair may limit Public Comments to thirty (30) minutes for all combined speakers. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak for Study Sessions and Action Items to two (2) minutes or less to accommodate a larger number of speakers. PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only by email to Planning.Commission@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not accepted. Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks, posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting. TIME ESTIMATES Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the meeting is in progress. The Commission reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best manage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public. CALL TO ORDER/ ROLL CALL PUBLIC COMMENT  Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. Three (3) minutes per speaker. AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS The Chair or Board majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management. CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS 1.Director's Report, Meeting Schedule and Assignments ACTION ITEMS Public Comment is Permitted. Applicants/Appellant Teams: Fifteen (15) minutes, plus three (3) minutes rebuttal. All others: Five(5) minutes per speaker. 2.PUBLIC HEARING/QUASI‐JUDICAL: 830 Los Trancos Road [23PLN‐00346]: Recommendation on Applicant’s Request for Approval of a Site and Design Review Application to Allow Construction of a new Two‐Story 4,119 sf Multi‐use Accessory Structure Containing an Attached 1,831 sf Two‐Car Garage with a Shop, and an Attached 891 sf Art Studio. An Attached 891 sf Second Floor Accessory Dwelling Unit is Not Subject to Planning and Transportation Commission Review. Zoning District: OS (Open Space). Environmental Assessment: Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act per Section 15303 (Accessory Structures). For More Information Contact the Project Planner Kristina Dobkevicius at  Kristina.Dobkevicius@Cityofpaloalto.org. 6:10 PM – 7:40 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker. 3.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim Minutes of January 31, 2024 COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS Members of the public may not speak to the item(s). ADJOURNMENT PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone. 1. W r i t t e n   p u b l i c   c o m m e n t s  m a y   b e   s u b m i t t e d   b y   e m a i l   t o planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.org. 2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Commission, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully. You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30, Firefox 27, Microsoft Edge 12, Safari 7. Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak. When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak. When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments. 3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted  through the teleconference meeting. To address the Commission, download the Zoom application onto your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID below. Please follow the instructions above. 4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Commission. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted. CLICK HERE TO JOIN    Meeting ID: 916 4155 9499   Phone:1‐669‐900‐6833  Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service. PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONRegular MeetingWednesday, June 26, 2024Council Chambers & Hybrid6:00 PMCommissioner Bart Hechtman Remote Call‐In Location:Hawthorn Suites Napa, 314 SoscalAve. Napa, CA 94559Vice Chair Keith Reckdahl Remote Call‐In Location:Courtyard Burbank, 2100 Empire AveBurbank, CA 91504Planning and Transportation Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with theoption to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safetywhile still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose toparticipate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe andparticipate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged ifattending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live onYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen MediaCenter https://midpenmedia.org. Commissioner names, biographies, and archived agendas andminutes are available at http://bit.ly/PaloAltoPTC. VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/91641559499)Meeting ID: 916 4155 9499    Phone: 1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance toPlanning.Commission@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Commission and availablefor inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you arereferencing in your subject line.Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified aspresent 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 notto speak individually. The Chair may limit Public Comments to thirty (30) minutes for allcombined speakers. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak for Study Sessions andAction Items to two (2) minutes or less to accommodate a larger number of speakers.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only by email to Planning.Commission@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not accepted. Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks, posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting. TIME ESTIMATES Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the meeting is in progress. The Commission reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best manage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public. CALL TO ORDER/ ROLL CALL PUBLIC COMMENT  Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. Three (3) minutes per speaker. AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS The Chair or Board majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management. CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS 1.Director's Report, Meeting Schedule and Assignments ACTION ITEMS Public Comment is Permitted. Applicants/Appellant Teams: Fifteen (15) minutes, plus three (3) minutes rebuttal. All others: Five(5) minutes per speaker. 2.PUBLIC HEARING/QUASI‐JUDICAL: 830 Los Trancos Road [23PLN‐00346]: Recommendation on Applicant’s Request for Approval of a Site and Design Review Application to Allow Construction of a new Two‐Story 4,119 sf Multi‐use Accessory Structure Containing an Attached 1,831 sf Two‐Car Garage with a Shop, and an Attached 891 sf Art Studio. An Attached 891 sf Second Floor Accessory Dwelling Unit is Not Subject to Planning and Transportation Commission Review. Zoning District: OS (Open Space). Environmental Assessment: Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act per Section 15303 (Accessory Structures). For More Information Contact the Project Planner Kristina Dobkevicius at  Kristina.Dobkevicius@Cityofpaloalto.org. 6:10 PM – 7:40 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker. 3.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim Minutes of January 31, 2024 COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS Members of the public may not speak to the item(s). ADJOURNMENT PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone. 1. W r i t t e n   p u b l i c   c o m m e n t s  m a y   b e   s u b m i t t e d   b y   e m a i l   t o planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.org. 2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Commission, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully. You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30, Firefox 27, Microsoft Edge 12, Safari 7. Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak. When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak. When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments. 3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted  through the teleconference meeting. To address the Commission, download the Zoom application onto your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID below. Please follow the instructions above. 4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Commission. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted. CLICK HERE TO JOIN    Meeting ID: 916 4155 9499   Phone:1‐669‐900‐6833  Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service. PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONRegular MeetingWednesday, June 26, 2024Council Chambers & Hybrid6:00 PMCommissioner Bart Hechtman Remote Call‐In Location:Hawthorn Suites Napa, 314 SoscalAve. Napa, CA 94559Vice Chair Keith Reckdahl Remote Call‐In Location:Courtyard Burbank, 2100 Empire AveBurbank, CA 91504Planning and Transportation Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with theoption to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safetywhile still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose toparticipate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe andparticipate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged ifattending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live onYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen MediaCenter https://midpenmedia.org. Commissioner names, biographies, and archived agendas andminutes are available at http://bit.ly/PaloAltoPTC. VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/91641559499)Meeting ID: 916 4155 9499    Phone: 1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance toPlanning.Commission@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Commission and availablefor inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you arereferencing in your subject line.Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified aspresent 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 notto speak individually. The Chair may limit Public Comments to thirty (30) minutes for allcombined speakers. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak for Study Sessions andAction Items to two (2) minutes or less to accommodate a larger number of speakers.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to Planning.Commission@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. Touphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storagedevices are not accepted.Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks,posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do notcreate a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated whendisplaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view orpassage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.TIME ESTIMATES Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the meeting is in progress. The Commission reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best manage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public. CALL TO ORDER/ ROLL CALL PUBLIC COMMENT  Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. Three (3) minutes per speaker. AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS The Chair or Board majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management. CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS 1.Director's Report, Meeting Schedule and Assignments ACTION ITEMS Public Comment is Permitted. Applicants/Appellant Teams: Fifteen (15) minutes, plus three (3) minutes rebuttal. All others: Five(5) minutes per speaker. 2.PUBLIC HEARING/QUASI‐JUDICAL: 830 Los Trancos Road [23PLN‐00346]: Recommendation on Applicant’s Request for Approval of a Site and Design Review Application to Allow Construction of a new Two‐Story 4,119 sf Multi‐use Accessory Structure Containing an Attached 1,831 sf Two‐Car Garage with a Shop, and an Attached 891 sf Art Studio. An Attached 891 sf Second Floor Accessory Dwelling Unit is Not Subject to Planning and Transportation Commission Review. Zoning District: OS (Open Space). Environmental Assessment: Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act per Section 15303 (Accessory Structures). For More Information Contact the Project Planner Kristina Dobkevicius at  Kristina.Dobkevicius@Cityofpaloalto.org. 6:10 PM – 7:40 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker. 3.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim Minutes of January 31, 2024 COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS Members of the public may not speak to the item(s). ADJOURNMENT PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone. 1. W r i t t e n   p u b l i c   c o m m e n t s  m a y   b e   s u b m i t t e d   b y   e m a i l   t o planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.org. 2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Commission, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully. You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30, Firefox 27, Microsoft Edge 12, Safari 7. Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak. When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak. When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments. 3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted  through the teleconference meeting. To address the Commission, download the Zoom application onto your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID below. Please follow the instructions above. 4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Commission. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted. CLICK HERE TO JOIN    Meeting ID: 916 4155 9499   Phone:1‐669‐900‐6833  Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service. PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONRegular MeetingWednesday, June 26, 2024Council Chambers & Hybrid6:00 PMCommissioner Bart Hechtman Remote Call‐In Location:Hawthorn Suites Napa, 314 SoscalAve. Napa, CA 94559Vice Chair Keith Reckdahl Remote Call‐In Location:Courtyard Burbank, 2100 Empire AveBurbank, CA 91504Planning and Transportation Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with theoption to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safetywhile still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose toparticipate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe andparticipate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged ifattending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live onYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen MediaCenter https://midpenmedia.org. Commissioner names, biographies, and archived agendas andminutes are available at http://bit.ly/PaloAltoPTC. VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/91641559499)Meeting ID: 916 4155 9499    Phone: 1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance toPlanning.Commission@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Commission and availablefor inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you arereferencing in your subject line.Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified aspresent 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 notto speak individually. The Chair may limit Public Comments to thirty (30) minutes for allcombined speakers. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak for Study Sessions andAction Items to two (2) minutes or less to accommodate a larger number of speakers.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to Planning.Commission@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. Touphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storagedevices are not accepted.Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks,posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do notcreate a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated whendisplaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view orpassage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.TIME ESTIMATESListed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while themeeting is in progress. The Commission reserves the right to use more or less time on any item,to change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items maybe heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to bestmanage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.CALL TO ORDER/ ROLL CALLPUBLIC COMMENT Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. Three (3) minutes per speaker.AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONSThe Chair or Board majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS1.Director's Report, Meeting Schedule and AssignmentsACTION ITEMSPublic Comment is Permitted. Applicants/Appellant Teams: Fifteen (15) minutes, plus three (3) minutes rebuttal. All others:Five(5) minutes per speaker.2.PUBLIC HEARING/QUASI‐JUDICAL: 830 Los Trancos Road [23PLN‐00346]:Recommendation on Applicant’s Request for Approval of a Site and Design ReviewApplication to Allow Construction of a new Two‐Story 4,119 sf Multi‐use AccessoryStructure Containing an Attached 1,831 sf Two‐Car Garage with a Shop, and an Attached891 sf Art Studio. An Attached 891 sf Second Floor Accessory Dwelling Unit is Not Subjectto Planning and Transportation Commission Review. Zoning District: OS (Open Space).Environmental Assessment: Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act perSection 15303 (Accessory Structures). For More Information Contact the Project PlannerKristina Dobkevicius at  Kristina.Dobkevicius@Cityofpaloalto.org.6:10 PM – 7:40 PMAPPROVAL OF MINUTESPublic Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker.3.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim Minutes of January31, 2024COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS ANDAGENDAS Members of the public may not speak to the item(s). ADJOURNMENT PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone. 1. W r i t t e n   p u b l i c   c o m m e n t s  m a y   b e   s u b m i t t e d   b y   e m a i l   t o planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.org. 2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Commission, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully. You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30, Firefox 27, Microsoft Edge 12, Safari 7. Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak. When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak. When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments. 3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted  through the teleconference meeting. To address the Commission, download the Zoom application onto your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID below. Please follow the instructions above. 4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Commission. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted. CLICK HERE TO JOIN    Meeting ID: 916 4155 9499   Phone:1‐669‐900‐6833  Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service. Item No. 1. Page 1 of 2 Planning & Transportation Commission Staff Report From: Planning and Development Services Director Lead Department: Planning and Development Services Meeting Date: June 26, 2024 Report #: 2406-3163 TITLE Director's Report, Meeting Schedule and Assignments 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) Upcoming PTC Agenda Items Commissioners are encouraged to contact Veronica Dao (Veronica.Dao@CityofPaloAlto.org) to notify staff of any planned absences one month in advance, if possible, to ensure the 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 quasijudicial and legislative matters. Representatives are encouraged to review the City Council agendas (https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/City-Hall/City-Council/Council-Agendas-Minutes) for the months of their respective assignments to verify if attendance is needed or contact staff. Prior PTC meetings are available online at https://midpenmedia.org/category/government/city- of-palo-alto/boards-and-commissions/planning-and-transportation-commission. UPCOMING PTC ITEMS These are placeholder dates targeted for items listed below; the dates for items may change. July 10, 2024 Item 1 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 5     Item No. 1. Page 2 of 2 PAMC 18.54.060, 2.31.040, Chapters 10.04, 10.32, and 10.64 updates for peds, bicyclists and bicycle parking facilities to comply with the current practices and CVC (OOT) BVMHP Vesting Tentative Map (PDS) May 29 Draft Ordinance Section 6, item (d), additional information related to the Downtown and California Avenue existing conditions and policy considerations (PDS) Note: PTC canceled its July 31 meeting August 14, 2024 Dark Skies and Bird Safe Design draft ordinance (PDS) Stream Corridor Ordinance Update (PDS) Retail Study Recommendations (PDS) August 28, 2024 660 University Avenue (PDS) Parking Programs Update (OOT) Housing Incentive Program (HIP) to implement HE program 3.4 (PDS) ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: 2024 PTC Schedule & Assignments AUTHOR/TITLE: Amy French, Chief Planning Official Item 1 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 6     Planning & Transportation Commission 2024 Meeting Schedule & Assignments 2024 Schedule Meeting Dates Time Location Status Planned Absences 1/10/2024 6:00 PM Hybrid Cancelled 1/31/2024 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 2/14/2024 6:00 PM Hybrid Canceled 2/28/2024 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 3/13/2024 5:00 PM Hybrid Special Joint Meeting w/ HRC 3/27/2024 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular Hechtman 4/10/2024 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 4/15/2024 5:30 PM Hybrid Joint Meeting w/ Council 4/24/2024 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 5/8/2024 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular Lu 5/29/2024 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 6/12/2024 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 6/26/2024 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 7/10/2024 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 7/31/2024 6:00 PM Hybrid Canceled 8/14/2024 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular Templeton 8/28/2024 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 9/11/2024 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 9/25/2024 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 10/9/2024 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 10/30/2024 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 11/13/2024 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 11/27/2024 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 12/11/2024 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 12/25/2024 6:00 PM Hybrid Cancelled 2024 Assignments - Council Representation (primary/backup) January February March April May June Cari Templeton Keith Reckdahl Bart Hechtman Doria Summa Bryna Chang George Lu Doria Summa Allen Akin Keith Reckdahl Cari Templeton George Lu Bryna Chang July August September October November December Allen Akin Bart Hechtman Doria Summa George Lu Bart Hechtman Keith Reckdahl Cari Templeton Bryna Chang George Lu Bart Hechtman Doria Summa Cari Templeton Item 1 Attachment A PTC 2024 Schedule & Assignments     Packet Pg. 7     Item No. 2. Page 1 of 7 Planning & Transportation Commission Staff Report From: Planning and Development Services Director Lead Department: Planning and Development Services Meeting Date: June 26, 2024 Report #: 2403-2804 TITLE PUBLIC HEARING/QUASI-JUDICAL: 830 Los Trancos Road [23PLN-00346]: Recommendation on Applicant’s Request for Approval of a Site and Design Review Application to Allow Construction of a new Two-Story 4,119 sf Multi-use Accessory Structure Containing an Attached 1,831 sf Two-Car Garage with a Shop, and an Attached 891 sf Art Studio. An Attached 891 sf Second Floor Accessory Dwelling Unit is Not Subject to Planning and Transportation Commission Review. Zoning District: OS (Open Space). Environmental Assessment: Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act per Section 15303 (Accessory Structures). For More Information Contact the Project Planner Kristina Dobkevicius at Kristina.Dobkevicius@Cityofpaloalto.org. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC): 1. Recommend approval of the proposed project to the City Council based on findings and subject to conditions of approval in the draft Record of Land Use Action (Attachment B). EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The project includes a request for Site and Design Approval for a proposed accessory structure within the Open Space (OS) Zone district. The project is located on a 10.64-acre site at 830 Los Trancos Road, which is currently developed with a single-family residential home, a pool, and a detached pool house (Attachment A). The project plans include an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) that would be developed on the second floor of the new accessory structure. Although the new accessory structure is subject to PTC review, the ADU must be processed ministerial and only requires a building permit. However, it is included for reference as it would be constructed on a second level of the new accessory structure. The PTC’s recommendation on the accessory structure would be forwarded to the Council Consent agenda for final action. As designed, the project meets the applicable zoning requirements and provides an additional housing unit within the City of Palo Alto. The project is exempt from CEQA in accordance with CEQA guidelines section 15303 (small structures). Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 8     Item No. 2. Page 2 of 7 BACKGROUND Project Information Owner:Albert Bower and Jerome Shaw Architect:Joel Baumgardner, Baumgardner Architecture Representative:Not Applicable Legal Counsel:Not Applicable Property Information Address:830 Los Trancos Road Neighborhood:Foothills Lot Dimensions & Area:10.64 acres (463,351 square feet (sf)), irregularly shaped lot, depth varies from 112 ft to approximately 532.38 ft Housing Inventory Site:No Located w/in a Plume:No Protected/Heritage Trees:No protected trees in the project vicinity Historic Resource(s):No Existing Improvement(s):Single family home with an attached garage and a detached pool house Existing Land Use(s):Single Family Residential Adjacent Land Uses & Zoning: North: Town of Portola Valley (Residential) and PF (Public Facilities) West: Town of Portola Valley (Residential) and OS (Open Space, Controlled Development) East: OS (Open Space, Controlled Development) South: OS (Open Space, Controlled Development) Special Setbacks:Not Applicable Aerial View of Property: Source: Site Plan Exhibit B from the Grant Deed and the applicant’s provided aerial diagram Land Use Designation & Applicable Plans/Guidelines Comp. Plan Designation:Open Space/Controlled Development Zoning Designation:Open Space (OS) Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 9     Item No. 2. Page 3 of 7 PROJECT DESCRIPTION On December 19, 2023, the property owner for 830 Los Trancos Road submitted a Site and Design Review application for a new 4,119 square foot (sf), 24-foot, 9-inch tall accessory structure. The accessory structure includes a two-car garage and workshop on the ground floor (1,831 sf), a stair and landing on both the first and the second level (506 sf), and an art studio on the second level (891 sf). The second floor would also include an 891 sf accessory dwelling unit. The accessory dwelling unit is shown on the plans for reference but is not subject to discretionary review. A new 12-foot-wide gravel driveway extension is proposed along the west side of the property to access the new multi-use accessory structure. The project would be constructed on a sloped area. Building retaining walls will be required to retain upslope cuts for the building and site retaining walls will be needed to accommodate a stair that is planned on the downslope side of the structure. The 10.64-acre site contains 20 trees adjacent to the proposed project area including a mix of native and non-native species. No protected trees are in the project vicinity or are proposed to be removed. The project includes the removal of eight (8) non protected trees of which four (4) are Coast live oaks (less than 11.5” DBH). Eight (8) new Coast live oaks will be planted in accordance with the City’s no net loss of canopy and Tree Technical Manual requirements. Site Location and Context The project site is 463,351 sf (10.64 acres) and is developed with a two-story single-family residential building, a pool, and a detached pool house (Attachment A). The existing single- family residence, pool, and a pool house were approved in 2012 (11PLN-00384) on a 410,771 sf (9.43 acres) lot. In 2014 an application for a certificate of compliance (i.e., lot line adjustment) was approved to add a contiguous, undeveloped parcel to the site area, increasing the size of the parcel to 463,351 sf (10.64 acres). The parcel is accessed through a shared ingress/egress easement with the neighboring property at 820 Los Trancos Road. The proposed new accessory structure will be located on the newly added piece of the property as shown above and in the project plans in Attachment F. The project is not located adjacent to a creek. Los Trancos Creek is the nearest waterway and is located approximately 0.25 miles from the project site on the opposite side of Los Trancos Road. Requested Entitlements, Findings and Purview The following discretionary applications are being requested and subject to PTC purview: •Site and Design Review: The process for evaluating this type of application is set forth in Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) Chapter 18.30(G). Site and Design Review is intended to provide a review process for development in environmentally and ecologically sensitive areas, including established community areas which may be sensitive to negative aesthetic factors, excessive noise, increased traffic or other disruptions, in order to assure that use and development will be harmonious with other uses in the general vicinity, will be compatible with environmental and ecological objectives, and will be in accord with the Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 10     Item No. 2. Page 4 of 7 Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan. If recommended for approval by PTC, the project is forwarded to the Architectural Review Board (ARB) and then placed on the City Council Consent agenda for final action as outlined in PAMC Section 18.77.060. However, in the case of single-family and accessory uses, ARB review is not required per PAMC Section 18.30(G).055. Site and Design Review applications are evaluated to specific findings. All findings must be made in the affirmative to approve the project. Draft Site and Design Review findings for approval of this project are provided in the draft Record of Land Use Action (RLUA) (Attachment B). The following non-discretionary application is being requested and is not subject to PTC review: •ADU Review: Under State Law, when an application for an ADU is submitted concurrently with an application for an accessory structure that is subject to discretionary review, action on the ADU may be delayed until the City acts on the accessory structure, but the ADU must still be processed ministerially, without discretionary review or hearing. PAMC Chapter 18.09, Section 18.09.020, Purpose notes “The establishment of an accessory dwelling unit is permitted in zoning districts when single-family or multi-family residential is a permitted land use.” ANALYSIS Overall staff finds the project to be in conformance with relevant plans, policies, and guidelines adopted by the City including the findings for Site and Design Review. Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, Area Plans, and Guidelines1 The Comprehensive Plan land use designation for the property is Open Space/Controlled Development area. The Open Space/Controlled Development area allows for some development on private properties but requires that open space amenities must be retained in these areas. Residential densities range from 0.1 to 1 dwelling unit per acre but may rise to a maximum of 2 units per acre where second units are allowed. The proposed project includes a new accessory structure associated with the existing single-family residential use that does not impact open space amenities and is consistent with this land use designation. The Natural Environment of the Comprehensive Plan includes policies that protect open space areas, particularly adjacent to waterways. The project is not located adjacent to any waterways and would not conflict with any policies for the protection of the environment. Zoning Compliance2 The project is located within the Open Space (OS) zone district. Single-family residential uses and accessory structures to that use are permitted within OS zoning district. Attachment C includes a 1 The Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan is available online: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning- Development-Services/Housing-Policies-Projects/2030-Comprehensive-Plan 2 The Palo Alto Zoning Code is available online: http://www.amlegal.com/codes/client/palo-alto_ca Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 11     Item No. 2. Page 5 of 7 detailed review of the proposed project’s consistency with applicable development standards for this zone district. The project complies with all applicable development standards for the zone district. The project also complies with the open space review criteria per PAMC Section 18.28.070 (p). A complete list of these criteria and analysis of the project’s consistency with these criteria is included in the Draft Record of Land Use Action in Attachment B. The open space criteria discourage development from being visually intrusive from public roadways and parklands and encourage locating development away from hilltops. The proposed accessory structure is located in a relatively flat portion of the site, far below the surrounding ridgelines and out of view from the Arastradero Preserve. The proposed accessory structure would not be visible from any public roadway (Los Trancos Road) or parkland areas. As designed, the project location allows the new development to remain below the nearest ridge, reducing the need for cut and fill. The open space criteria also discourage removal of trees with a circumference of 37.5 inches or greater. As indicated on the plans in Attachment F, the project does not require removal of existing trees with a circumference of 37.5 inches or larger. Of the four trees to be removed, the largest tree has a circumference (or in the case or small trees like coffeeberry with multiple leads, a lead) of five inches or less. As demonstrated by the story pole installation, shown in Attachment E, the private road easement is approximately four (4) feet lower than the existing grade at the middle point of the accessory structure. Because of the natural topography and closer proximity to the access easement, the accessory structure will be somewhat visible from the private driveway easement. The open space review criteria require site and structure design to take into consideration impacts on privacy and views on neighboring property. The proposed structure will be located approximately ninety (90) feet away from the neighboring accessory structure at 820 Los Trancos Road and about one hundred fifty (150) feet away from the neighbor’s primary structure and will be screened from views by existing and proposed new landscaping. The neighbor's main courtyard and outdoor spaces all face away from the proposed accessory structure. The project proposes obscured window glazing for the second floor windows and solid six (6) foot tall screening walls for second floor decks to screen views of the neighboring property. The project also includes new native, low water landscaping to screen views over time. The open space criteria also encourage development to be clustered, or closely grouped, in relation to the area surrounding it to make it less conspicuous, minimize access roads, and reduce fragmentation of habitats. From an ecological perspective, the accessory structure is located in an area surrounded by existing development on the neighboring parcel at 820 Los Trancos and therefore does not contribute to additional habitat fragmentation. If the proposed accessory structure was grouped with the existing primary home uphill, it would be in direct Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 12     Item No. 2. Page 6 of 7 opposition to several other open space criteria making the new development visually intrusive from public roadways and public parklands and extending above the nearest ridgeline. The project was initially designed to be accessed directly from the shared access easement immediately adjacent to the accessory structure, which reduced the required grading for access. However, this was modified in the current design to be accessed from the main residence in response to the neighbor’s comments (see Attachment D). As currently proposed, staff does not agree with the neighboring property owner’s assertion that an amendment to the ingress/egress easement is required as the ingress/egress easement would continue to serve the original parcel and the use of that parcel, even with the addition of this accessory structure, has not changed. It is not clear whether an amendment to the ingress/egress easement would be needed if a new connection to the ingress/egress easement is created, consistent with the original design. Therefore, although the driveway requires more grading than the original design, it is still consistent with the open space development requirements and staff recommends the current proposed design. Consistency with Application Findings Staff finds the project to be consistent with the Site and Design Findings, as provided in Attachment B. Overall, the proposed use is an allowed use within the Open Space/Controlled Development land use designation and is permitted within the OS Zone district. The use is consistent with and similar to adjacent lots and complies with the relevant findings for Site and Design review. Although eight (8) trees will need to be removed to accommodate the project, none of the trees are protected or heritage trees. There is significant mature landscaping across this 10.64-acre site that would be retained and enhanced with replacement plantings in accordance with the City’s standards. FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT There is no fiscal or resource impact associated with this application. The application is a cost recovery project and staff time is charged to the applicant. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT The Palo Alto Municipal Code requires notice of this public hearing to 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 June 14, 2024, which is 12 days in advance of the meeting. Postcard mailing occurred on June 12, 2024, which is 14 in advance of the meeting. Public Comments As of the writing of this report, the City received public comments from the neighboring resident at 820 Los Trancos. Written comments from this neighbor and their attorney are provided in Attachment D. These comments expressed concern regarding the proposed project location (proximity to their residence) and increased use of the private driveway easement. The owners of 820 Los Trancos Road are also asserting that the proposed project cannot benefit from the ingress/egress access easement (shared access road) used to access the house at 830 Los Trancos Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 13     Item No. 2. Page 7 of 7 Road located on Parcel 3 (i.e., the original 9-acre parcel) because that portion of the 830 Los Trancos parcel was added through a lot line adjustment in 2014. Staff has reviewed the documentation provided by the neighbor’s attorney and does not agree that modifications to the ingress/egress easement are necessary based on the current design, as discussed above. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The City of Palo Alto, acting as the lead agency, has evaluated the proposed project in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and has determined that the proposed new accessory structure and associated site improvements are exempt from CEQA in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 (new construction of accessory structures). ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS In addition to the recommended action, the Planning and Transportation Commission may: 1. Continue the project to a date (un)certain; or 2. Recommend project denial based on revised findings. ATTACHMENTS •Attachment A: Location Map •Attachment B: Draft Record of Land Use Action •Attachment C: Zoning Compliance Table •Attachment D: Public Comments •Attachment E: Photos of Story Poles •Attachment F: Project Plans Report Author & Contact Information PTC3 Liaison & Contact Information Kristina Dobkevicius, Project Planner Amy French, Chief Planning Official (650) 496-6945 (650) 329-2336 Kristina.Dobkevicius@CityofPaloAlto.org Amy.French@CityofPaloAlto.org 3 Emails may be sent directly to the PTC using the following address: planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.org Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 14     620 632 630 640 650 810 830 610 610 632 632 620 620 630 630 640 640 650 640 810 810 820 820 850 830 830 This map is a product of the City of Palo Alto GIS This document is a graphic representation only of best available sources. Legend Assessment Parcel Palo Alto Assessment Parcel Palo Alto Assessment Parcel Outside Palo Alto abc Road Centerline Small Text (TC) Curb Face (RF) Pavement Edge (RF) Address Label Points (AP) Current Features abc Zone District Labels abc Zone District Notes Zone Districts Land Use Designation, Streamside Open Space abc Address Label (AP) abc Building Unit (BL) abc Building Roof Outline (BL) 0'177' CITY OF PALO ALTOINCORPORATED CAL I F ORN I A P a l o A l t oT h e C i t y o f AP R I L 1 6 1 8 9 4 The City of Palo Alto assumes no responsibility for any errors. ©1989 to 2016 City of Palo Alto kpaulau, 2024-06-03 14:28:45 (\\cc-maps\Encompass\Admin\Meta\View.mdb) ATTACHMENT ALocation Map830 Los Trancos Road 23PLN-00346 650 810 Item 2 Attachment A: Location Map     Packet Pg. 15     Page 1 4 9 6 3 APPROVAL NO. 2024-______ RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO LAND USE ACTION FOR 830 LOS TRANCOS ROAD: SITE & DESIGN [FILE NO. 23PLN-00346] On _________, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing and, after considering all of the evidence presented, approved the Site and Design application to allow construction of a new two-story 4,119 sq. ft. multi-use accessory structure containing an attached 1,831 sf two-car garage with a shop, and an attached 891 sf art studio. An attached 891 sf second floor Accessory Dwelling Unit is not subject to Planning and Transportation Commission review. In approving the application, the Council make the following findings, determinations, and declarations: SECTION 1. BACKGROUND. The City Council of the City of Palo Alto (“City Council”) finds, determines, and declares as follows: A. On December 19, 2023, Joel Baumgardner on behalf of Baumgardner Architecture, applied for a Site and Design application to allow construction of a new, 4,119 square foot (sf), 24-foot and 9-inch tall accessory structure. The accessory structure includes a two-car garage and workshop on the ground floor (1,831 sf), a stair and landing on both the first and the second level (506 sf), and an art studio on the second level (891 sf). The second floor would also include an 891 sf Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). The accessory dwelling unit is shown on the plans for reference but is not subject to discretionary review. Additional site improvements include a patio on the south side, a 12- foot-wide gravel driveway extension so that vehicles can access the building from the existing driveway, and a walkway to provide access from the driveway to the patio. The project also includes the removal of eight (8) non protected existing trees of which four (4) are Coast live oaks. Removed trees will be replaced in conformance with the Tree Technical Manual. All removed native Coast live oaks will be replaced with species of native oak (“The Project”). B. Staff has determined that the proposed project is in compliance with the applicable OS development standards as stated in PAMC 18.28.070 (b)(2). C. On June 26, 2024, The Planning and Transportation Commission (Commission) reviewed the project design at a duly noticed public hearing and recommended approval. D. On _________, the City Council reviewed the project design. After hearing public testimony, the Council voted to approve the project subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4 of this Record of Land Use Action. SECTION 2. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW. In conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Staff determined the proposed new accessory structure and associated site improvements are covered under the statutory exemption, Section 15303 (Accessory Structures). No further CEQA evaluation is necessary for the request. SECTION 3. SITE AND DESIGN OBJECTIVES. The design and architecture of the proposed improvements, as conditioned, complies with the Site and Design Objectives as required in PAMC Section 18.30.060(G). Item 2 Attachment B - Draft Record of land Use Action     Packet Pg. 16     Page 2 4 9 6 3 A. To ensure construction and operation of the use in a manner that will be orderly, harmonious, and compatible with existing or potential uses of adjoining or nearby sites. The proposed construction is limited to a new accessory structure and associated improvements, such as landscaping, including removal and replacement of eight (8) non protected existing trees on a southern portion of the site close to the existing private driveway easement. The project is adjacent to existing single family uses and is located across from the neighboring accessory structure at 820 Los Trancos Road. The proposed construction meets all city requirements for noise, height, and privacy, and is compatible with nearby existing uses as conditioned in Conditions of Approval #5 and #6. B. To ensure the desirability of investment, or the conduct of business, research, or educational activities, or other authorized occupations, in the same or adjacent areas. The proposed accessory structure and associated site improvements are permitted within the OS zoning district when associated with existing residential uses and will not affect the desirability of adjacent areas. C. To ensure that sound principles of environmental design and ecological balance shall be observed. The OS zoning district includes regulations to ensure that sound principles of environmental design and ecological balance shall be observed. As conditioned, the proposed design will need to meet these regulations including: •Landscaping. The site contains twenty (20) trees within the vicinity of the proposed project area including a mix of native and non-native species. No protected trees are in the project vicinity or are proposed to be removed. The project includes the removal of eight (8) non protected trees of which four (4) are Coast live oaks (less than 11.5” DBH). Eight (8) new Coast live oaks will be planted in accordance with the City’s no net loss of canopy and Tree Technical Manual requirements. All the existing trees in the project vicinity will have tree protection fencing installed during construction. •Building location. The project takes advantage of an existing lower portion of the site located away from the hilltops. The proposed accessory structure with an ADU is located within a relatively flat, densely landscaped area that effectively blocks most of the proposed project from the direct line of sight. •Privacy. The proposed accessory structure would not be visible from any public roadway (Los Trancos Road) or parkland areas (Arastradero Preserve) as it is located far below the surrounding ridgelines and out of view from the public. The proposed structure will be located approximately ninety (90) feet away from the neighboring accessory structure at 820 Los Trancos Road and about one hundred fifty (150) feet away from the neighbor’s primary structure. It will be screened from views by existing and proposed new native, low water landscaping. In addition, the project proposes obscured window glazing for the second floor windows and solid six (6) feet tall screening walls for second floor decks to screen views of the neighboring property as shown on the plans and required in accordance with Conditions of Approval #5 and #6. •Architectural materials. Proposed materials fit in the natural landscape, through earth-toned colors and wood siding, gravel driveway, and wood decking. Item 2 Attachment B - Draft Record of land Use Action     Packet Pg. 17     Page 3 4 9 6 3 D. To ensure that the use will be in accord with the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan. This property is located within the Open Space/Controlled Development district. The intention of this designation is to protect, preserve, and permit the reasonable use of open space land. The new accessory structure will be located in a relatively flat area with no mature trees adjacent to existing development. The project would not conflict with any policies in the Comprehensive Plan, including but not limited to those that were adopted for the protection of natural resources. SECTION 4. OPEN SPACE REVIEW CRITERIA. The following criteria shall be considered in the Site and Design review of all development of land in the OS district, as outlined in the Conservation Element of the Comprehensive Plan: 1. The development should not be visually intrusive from public roadways and public parklands. As much as possible, development should be sited so it is hidden from view. The proposed improvements are located in a naturally low, flatter portion of the property. The development will be hidden from the view of the public street and any public parklands by the existing mature landscaping , large distances, and natural toporaphy customary to the Open Space district. 2. Development should be located away from hilltops and designed to not extend above the nearest ridgeline. The project is located away from hilltops on a lower portion of the property and would not extend above the nearest ridgeline. 3. Site and structure design should take into consideration impacts on privacy and views of neighboring properties. The project is located approximately 90 feet away from the nearest adjacent residence. Existing and proposed landscaping would help to shield views of the adjacent neighboring property at 820 Los Trancos Road. Additionally, the project proposes obscured window glazing for the second floor windows and solid 6-foot tall screening walls for second floor decks to screen views from the decks and interior space. Conditions of Approval #5 and #6 reinforces the requirement to maintain the obscured window glazing and screening from the second floor deck. 4. Development should be clustered, or closely grouped, in relation to the area surrounding it to make it less conspicuous, minimize access roads, and reduce fragmentation of natural habitats. The proposed accessory structure is approximately 4,119 sf and located in an area surrounded by existing development on the neighboring parcel at 820 Los Trancos Road as well as adjacent to the existing ingress/egress easement. Therefore, the accessory structure and associated improvements would not contribute to additional habitat fragmentation. 5. Built forms and landscape forms should mimic the natural topography. Building lines should follow the lines of the terrain, and trees and bushes should appear natural from a distance. The project is isolated to the lower and flatter portion of the site and, through the use of retaining walls, is constructed into the hillside, respecting the natural topography of the area. with the retention of existing landscaping and addition of new landscaping, the site area would Item 2 Attachment B - Draft Record of land Use Action     Packet Pg. 18     Page 4 4 9 6 3 generally retain its natural appearance. 6. Existing trees with a circumference of 37.5 inches, measured 4.5 feet above the ground level, should be preserved and integrated into the site design. Existing vegetation should be retained as much as possible. There are no mature trees with a circumference of 37.5 inches or larger in the vicinity of the project. The project includes the removal of eight (8) non protected trees of which four (4) are Coast live oaks. All eight trees to be removed are approximately 5 inches or less. All removed non protected coast live oaks will be replaced with species of native oak. New low-water trees will be planted to accommodate for the no net loss of canopy per the Tree Technical Manual. 7. Cut is encouraged when it is necessary for geotechnical stability and to enable the development to blend into the natural topography. Fill is generally discouraged and should never be distributed within the driplines of existing trees. Locate development to minimize the need for grading. This project location is on a gentle slope in a relatively flat area which would minimize the need for grading. No soil will be distributed within the driplines of existing trees. 8. To reduce the need for cut and fill and to reduce potential runoff, large, flat expanses of impervious surfaces should be avoided. The proposed accessory structure and associated site improvements have been designed to minimize the amount of impervious areas and reduce the need for cut and fill. The proposed new impervious site area is 5,007 sf. The total proposed impervious site area is 15,810 sf (3.4 %) which is less than the maximum allowable impervious area of 16,217 sf (3.5%) for the site. 9. Buildings should use natural materials and earth tone or subdued colors. The proposed materials include stone, gravel, and wood that will match the type and color of the existing site materials and fit in the natural landscape, through earth-toned colors. 10. Landscaping should be native species that require little or no irrigation. Immediately adjacent to structures, fire retardant plants should be used as a fire prevention technique. Most of the on-site landscaping is existing. Additional new landscaping will be selected for water conservation and low-maintenance characteristics and for fire-resistive properties where adjacent to the buildings. 11. Exterior lighting should be low-intensity and shielded from view so it is not directly visible from off- site. Exterior lighting will be limited to path lights, step lights, and wall lights to match the existing low-intensity lights (Color Temperature of 2700 Kelvin or less), extinguished at 11:00 PM (set to a timer), and will be shielded from view as to not be directly visible from the street and surrounding properties. 12. Access roads should be of a rural rather than urban character. (Standard curb, gutter, and concrete sidewalk are usually inconsistent with the foothills environment). No new access roads are proposed. The new twelve (12) foot wide gravel driveway extension from the existing driveway is proposed to provide access across the subject propery Item 2 Attachment B - Draft Record of land Use Action     Packet Pg. 19     Page 5 4 9 6 3 13. For development in unincorporated areas, ground coverage should be in general conformance with Palo Alto's Open Space District regulations. Not applicable, the project is within Palo Alto City limits. SECTION 5. CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL. PLANNING DIVISION 1. CONFORMANCE WITH PLANS. Construction and development shall conform to the approved plans entitled, "Bower/Shaw Accessory Building, 830 Los Trancos Road, Palo Alto, CA 94028, APN 182-36-047” stamped as received by the City on June 16, 2024, on file with the Planning Department, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, California except as modified by these conditions of approval. 2. BUILDING PERMIT. Apply for a building permit and meet any and all conditions of the Planning, Fire, Public Works, and Building Departments. 3. BUILDING PERMIT PLAN SET. A copy of this cover letter and conditions of approval shall be printed on the second page of the plans submitted for building permit. 4. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS. All modifications to the approved project shall be submitted for review and approval prior to construction. If during the Building Permit review and construction phase, the project is modified by the applicant, it is the responsibility of the applicant to contact the Planning Division/project planner directly to obtain approval of the project modification. It is the applicant’s responsibility to highlight any proposed changes to the project and to bring them to the project planner’s attention. 5. OBSCURED/TRANSLUCENT GLAZING. All obscure glazing, as shown in the approved plan set, shall be permanent in nature and shall remain for the life of the structure. Obscure glazing is either decorative glazing that does not allow views through placed into the window frame or acid etched or similar permanent alteration of the glass. Films or like additions to clear glass are not permitted where obscure glazing is shown. Obscure glazing shall not be altered in the future and shall be replaced with like materials if damaged. If operable, these windows shall open towards the public right-of-way. 6. PRIVACY SCREENING. All deck screening, as shown in the approved plan set. shall be permanent in nature and shall remain for the life of the structure. Screening shall be a maximum of 15 percent open and shall be a minimum of six (6) feet in height. Screening shall not be altered and shall be replaced with like materials if damaged. 7. SOILS PROTECTION. Excavated soils shall not be relocated to portions of the parcel that are not part of the immediate construction area for any reason. 8. NOISE PRODUCING EQUIPMENT. All noise producing equipment shall be located in accordance with Section 9.10.030. No person shall produce, suffer or allow to be produced by any machine, animal or device, or any combination of same, on residential property, a noise level more than six dB above the local ambient at any point outside of the property plane. Item 2 Attachment B - Draft Record of land Use Action     Packet Pg. 20     Page 6 4 9 6 3 9. LIGHT AND GLARE. Exterior lighting shall be low-intensity and shielded from view so it is not directly visible from off-site. a. To reduce interference with wildlife, outdoor lighting shall be limited to a Correlated Color Temperature of 2700 Kelvin or less. b. No outdoor lighting shall be on after 11 pm and before sunrise, except to the minimum required for safety. 10. SUDDEN OAK DEATH PREVENTION. The project shall use best practices to prevent Sudden Oak Death. Tools shall be disinfected and equipment shall be cleaned prior to coming on site, and no materials shall be relocated to portions of the parcel that are not part of the construction area for any reason. 11. LANDSCAPE PLAN. Planting plan, showing proposed new landscaping per the Tree Technical Manual, shall be submitted. New landscaping shall be permanently maintained and replaced as necessary. 12. ARBORIST FOLLOW UP. A follow-up arborist and/or landscape report shall be required five years after the final sign-off of the project completion. This report shall evaluate the health of existing trees and new landscape that were required for proposed tree removals. Replacement trees were designated as protected plantings on the approved plans for the project. Any subsequent owner(s) shall also be obligated to provide irrigation, protection and maintenance of all existing and proposed landscaping. 13. TREE PROTECTION FENCING. Tree protection fencing shall be required for all trees and shrubs proposed to be maintained as identified in the Arborist Report and shown on the Site Plan drawing Sheet AS101. 14. ESTIMATED IMPACT FEE. Given the proposed ADU is 891 sf large, Development Impact Fees are currently estimated in the amount of $8,936.82. 15. PLANNING FINAL INSPECTION. A Planning Division Final inspection will be required to determine substantial compliance with the approved plans prior to the scheduling of a Building Division final. Any revisions during the building process must be approved by Planning, including but not limited to; materials and hard surface locations. Contact your Project Planner, at (650) 496-6945 or Kristina.Dobkevicius@CityofPaloAlto.org to schedule this inspection. 16. PERMIT EXPIRATION. The project approval shall be valid for a period of two years from the original date of approval. Application for a one year extension of this entitlement may be made prior to expiration, by emailing the Project Planner at Kristina.Dobkevicius@CityofPaloAlto.org. If a timely extension is not received, or the project has already received an extension and the applicant still wishes to pursue this project, they must first file for a new Planning application and pay the associated fees. This new application will be reviewed for conformance with the regulations in place at that time. 17. INDEMNITY. To the extent permitted by law, the Applicant shall indemnify and hold harmless the City, its City Council, its officers, employees and agents (the “indemnified parties”) from and against any claim, action, or proceeding brought by a third party against the indemnified parties Item 2 Attachment B - Draft Record of land Use Action     Packet Pg. 21     Page 7 4 9 6 3 and the applicant to attack, set aside or void, any permit or approval authorized hereby for the Project, including (without limitation) reimbursing the City for its actual attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in defense of the litigation. The City may, in its sole discretion, elect to defend any such action with attorneys of its own choice URBAN FORESTRY The following shall be addressed prior to issuance of a Building Permit, Excavation and Grading Permit, Certificate of Compliance, Street Work Permit and/or Encroachment Permit. 18. Specify the species of fruit tree proposed in the planting plan schedule. 19. At least half of the proposed tree species must be native trees and at least 51% drought tolerant (WUCOLS low-water use). Include a column in the planting schedule for "native" species. 20. The owner and contractor shall implement all protection and inspection schedule measures, design recommendations and construction scheduling as stated in the TPR and/or Sheet T-1, and is subject to code compliance action pursuant to PAMC 8.10.080. The required protective fencing shall remain in place until final landscaping and inspection of the project. 21. Tree Damage, Injury Mitigation and Inspections apply to Contractor. Reporting, injury mitigation measures and arborist inspection schedule (1-5) apply pursuant to TTM, Section 2.20-2.30. 22. The following general tree preservation measures apply to all trees to be retained: No storage of material, topsoil, vehicles or equipment shall be permitted within the tree enclosure area. The ground under and around the tree canopy area shall not be altered. Trees to be retained shall be irrigated, aerated and maintained as necessary to ensure survival. 23. TREE PROTECTION VERIFICATION INSPECTION REQUIRED. Prior to any site work, contractor must call Uriel Hernandez at 650-329-2450 to schedule an inspection of any required protective fencing. The fencing shall contain required warning sign and remain in place until final inspection of the project. 24. Any approved grading, digging or trenching beneath a tree canopy shall be performed using ‘air- spade’ method as a preference, with manual hand shovel as a backup. For utility trenching, including sewer line, roots exposed with diameter of 1.5 inches and greater shall remain intact and not be damaged. If directional boring method is used to tunnel beneath roots, then Table 2-1, Trenching and Tunneling Distance, shall be printed on the final plans to be implemented by Contractor. 25. During the permit phase of a project an applicant must provide the proposed square footage of the rehabilitated landscape to determine if the project requires a MWELO compliance review. Please see the document titled “Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) Compliance Submittals and Guidelines” (https://cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/76159) to determine if the project Item 2 Attachment B - Draft Record of land Use Action     Packet Pg. 22     Page 8 4 9 6 3 qualifies for MWELO Review. If a MWELO review is required, please follow the instructions in the above document when submitting your permit application and plan set. 26. NO NET LOSS OF CANOPY: In order to comply with the city’s no net loss of canopy policy (Urban Forest Master Plan: Goals 6.A, 6.B & 6.C & Comprehensive Plan Natural Environment Chapter: Goal N-2 and others) all trees 4” DBH and larger are subject to replacement to avoid a loss of canopy at the neighborhood level. Replacement ratios are determined by table 3-1 in the Tree Technical Manual (Section 3.20.C). New landscape tree plantings (24” box or larger) count towards the replacement total. Screening trees may also count toward the total depending on size and species selected. If unable to plant the required number of trees on site (our preferred solution) there is the option of paying in-lieu fees of $650 per each 24” box tree into the forestry fund. 27. The final Plans submitted for building permit shall include the following information and notes on relevant plan sheets: The building permit plan set will include the Sheet T-1 (Tree Protection- it's Part of the Plan!) PUBLIC WORKS ENGINEERING 28. PUBLIC WORKS STANDARD CONDITIONS SHEET: The Department of Public Work’s full-sized "Standard Conditions" sheet shall be included in the improvement plans and the applicant shall comply with all conditions listed in the sheet. The sheet can be obtained from a staff member of Public Works Engineering Services or at the following link under “Public Works Plan Review Documents”: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Public-Works/Engineering-Services/Forms-and- Permits 29. STORM WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION SHEET: The City's full-sized "Pollution Prevention - It's Part of the Plan" sheet shall be included in the improvement plans. The sheet can be obtained from a staff member of Public Works Engineering Services or at the following link under “Public Works Plan Review Documents”: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Public-Works/Engineering-Services/Forms-and- Permits 30. EXCAVATION & GRADING PERMIT: An Excavation and Grading Permit shall be obtained per PAMC Chapter 16.28 prior to building permit approval. The permit application and all required documents shall be submitted to Public Works Engineering. The application can be obtained from a member of Public Works Engineering Services or at the following link: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Public-Works/Engineering-Services/Forms-and- Permits UTL WGW ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 31. Show existing RPPA backflow preventer adjacent to the water meter. 32. Complete utility application load sheet, only water demands are needed (existing + new). Item 2 Attachment B - Draft Record of land Use Action     Packet Pg. 23     Page 9 4 9 6 3 33. Show only one water line to the water meter/box unless a second water meter is being requested. BUILDING DEPARTMENT 34. Refer to the Building Department SFD checklist for building permit submittal requirements. 35. Building West of Freeway 280 shall comply with the Wildland Urban Interface requirements. FIRE DEPARTMENT 36. This project shall comply with CA Building Code Chapter 7A. SECTION 6. TERM OF APPROVAL. Site and Design Approval. The project approval shall be valid for a period of two years from the original date of approval. In the event a building permit(s), if applicable, is not secured for the project within the time limit specified above, the approval shall expire and be of no further force or effect. Application for extension of this entitlement may be made prior to the one year expiration. INTRODUCED: PASSED: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTENTIONS: ATTEST: ____________________________ ____________________________ City Clerk Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED: ____________________________ ____________________________ Assistant City Attorney City Manager ____________________________ Director of Planning and Development Services Item 2 Attachment B - Draft Record of land Use Action     Packet Pg. 24     ATTACHMENT C ZONING COMPARISON TABLE 830 Los Trancos Road 23PLN-00346 Table 1a: COMPARISON WITH CHAPTER 18.28 (OS DISTRICT) OS Residential Development Standards Regulation Required Existing Proposed Minimum Site Area, Width and Depth Area: 10 acres Width: No standard Depth: No standard Area: 10.64 acres Width: varies, 112-532 feet Depth: varies, 854-1340 feet No change Front Yard 30 feet 30 feet 30 feet Street Side Yard 30 feet N/A N/A Rear Yard 30 feet 30 feet 30 feet Interior Side Yard 30 feet 30 feet 30 feet Max. Building Height 25 feet N/A 24 feet 9 inches Maximum Impervious Coverage 3.5% (16,217 sf)10,803 (2.3 %)15,810 (3.4%) including ADU Max. Total Floor Area Ratio 3.5% (16,217 sf) 8,435 (1.8 %)12,554 sf (2.7 %) (8,435 sf existing and 4,119 sf new) Table 1b: CONFORMANCE WITH CHAPTER 18.09.040 (Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units) Table 2: All other units Type Required Existing Proposed Maximum size 900 sf (1,000 sf for two or more bedrooms) N/A 891 sf Front Yard 30 feet N/A 30 feet Street Side Yard N/A N/A N/A Rear Yard 4 feet 4 feet 30 feet Interior Side Yard 4 feet 4 feet 30 feet Max. Building Height 25 feet N/A 24 feet 9 inches Square Footage Exemption when in conjunction with a single family home(4) Up to 800 sf allowed N/A N/A (4) Lots with both an ADU and a JADU may exempt a maximum combined total of 800 square feet of the ADU and JADU from FAR, Lot Coverage, and Maximum House Size calculations. Any square footage that exceeds this exemption shall contribute to the FAR, Lot Coverage, and (if attached) Maximum House Size calculations for the subject property. This exemption is not afforded to lots with existing or proposed multifamily dwellings. Item 2 Attachment C: Zoning Comparison Table     Packet Pg. 25     Table 1c: CONFORMANCE WITH CHAPTER 18.52 (Off-Street Parking and Loading) Single Family Residential Uses (Tandem Parking Allowed) Type Required Existing Proposed Vehicle Parking 4 spaces, of which one must be covered 6 spaces, of which 3 are covered 8 spaces, of which 5 are covered Item 2 Attachment C: Zoning Comparison Table     Packet Pg. 26     Attachment D – Public Comments 1 of 2Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 27     Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 28     Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 29     Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 30     Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 31     Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 32     Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 33     Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 34     Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 35     Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 36     Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 37     Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 38     Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 39     Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 40     Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 41     Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 42     Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 43     Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 44     Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 45     Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 46     Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 47     Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 48     Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 49     Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 50     WILLIAM L. McCLURE JOHN L. FLEGEL DAN K. SIEGEL JENNIFER H. FRIEDMAN MINDIE S. ROMANOWSKY GREGORY K. KLINGSPORN NICOLAS A. FLEGEL KRISTINA A. FENTON KIMBERLY J. BRUMMER CAMAS J. STEINMETZ PHILIP S. SOUSA ___________________ BRITTNEY L. STANDLEY JOSEPH H. FELDMAN AMELIA S. FORSBERG JORGENSON, SIEGEL, McCLURE & FLEGEL, LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW 1100 ALMA STREET, SUITE 210 MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA 94025-3392 (650) 324-9300 FACSIMILE (650) 324-0227 www.jsmf.com May 23, 2024 OF COUNSEL KENT MITCHELL DAVID L. ACH __________ RETIRED JOHN D. JORGENSON MARGARET A. SLOAN DIANE S. GREENBERG __________ DECEASED MARVIN S. SIEGEL (1936 - 2012) JOHN R.COSGROVE (1931 - 2017) Sent via email and U.S. Mail <bbower@teachtci.com> Bert Bower 830 Los Trancos Road Palo Alto, CA 94028 Re: Pending Application for Major Site and Design Review for Accessory Residential Structure at 830 Los Trancos Road (23PLN-00346) Dear Mr. Bower, Thank you for your letter of May 9th and for forwarding the revised plan for our review. Our client appreciates your responsiveness and your desire not to cause any discord. However, your revised plan does not remedy the access issue. From our understanding of your letter and the revised plan, the only material change to the Project is that the access driveway has been relocated so that accessing the project would be from the 9-acre parcel that was originally Parcel 3 on the parcel map. However, what has not changed is that anyone accessing the Project site must necessarily use the Easement to access Parcel 3 and then from there to the Project.1 As I explained in my prior letter of April 10, 2024 , the Easement, by its plain language, is solely for the benefit of Parcel 3, which at the time the Easement was granted was only the 9-acre parcel. The fact Parcel 3 was redefined to include an additional 1.2 acres via the 2014 Lot Line Adjustment does not expand the rights granted by the Easement. It is well- established that those rights of ingress and egress attached only to Parcel 3 and cannot be extended to benefit additional property. (Buehler v. Oregon-Washington Plywood Corp. (1976) 17 Cal.3d 520, 527; Buehler v. Reilly (1958) 157 Cal. App. 2d 338, 344.) 1 I am using the capitalized terms as previously defined in my April 10, 2024 letter. DocuSign Envelope ID: CB6EDEC9-95D3-424B-A046-AB1FFF98716D Attachment D – Public Comments 2 of 2 Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 51     Albert Bower and Jerome Shaw Page 2 The rule is succinctly stated in an authoritative text on easements: “The prevailing view is that the dominant owner may not use an appurtenant easement to benefit any property other than the dominant estate. An attempted extension of the easement to serve nondominant land represents an overburden of the servient tenement, regardless of the amount of usage.” (Bruce, Ely & Brading, The Law of Easements & Licenses in Land (West, 2024) § 8:14.) Here, the 1.2 acre area on which the proposed Project is located is “nondominant land” precisely because it was not part of Parcel 3 when the Easement was granted. Therefore, the Project cannot benefit from the Easement’s ingress and egress rights, whether or not the entry to the Project is via Parcel 3 or directly from the Easement. As I stated in my earlier letter, “the Easement cannot be used for the benefit of the 1.2 Acre Area, nor can it provide access for the Project, whether directly (as on the current plan) or indirectly by driving through Parcel 3 to arrive at the 1.2 Acre Area.” Your revised plan does not remedy this fundamental access issue. Also, I will not restate the other concerns that have already been expressed in my earlier letter, but those issues remain ongoing concerns. It is worth noting that the Notice of Incomplete issued by the City of Palo Alto on April 12, 2024, comments on the ingress/egress easement, as follows: “Planning Department understands that neighbors have concerns about the egress/ingress easement agreement (private easement). This is a Civil matter that has to be addressed before Planning Approval can be granted.” We do not believe you have addressed our concerns and remain interested in working with you to find a mutually convenient and private location for your Project, such that it is approvable. Thus, we respectfully request that you consider an alternative location that can be legally accessed, i.e. that is not located on the 1.2-acre area that is not part of Parcel 3. Sincerely, Mindie S. Romanowsky Cc: Jodie Gerhardt (via email) Kristina Paulauskaite (via email) Claire Raybold (via email) Gregory K. Klingsporn, Esq. (via email) Joel Baumgardner (via email) Client Timothy Brady & Kelly McGowan, 810 Los Trancos Road (via US Mail) DocuSign Envelope ID: CB6EDEC9-95D3-424B-A046-AB1FFF98716D Item 2 Attachment D: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 52     ATTACHMENT E Story Pole Photos Exhibit 1. Story Pole Plan and Elevations Item 2 Attachment E: Story Pole Photos     Packet Pg. 53     Exhibit 2. View of 830 Los Trancos Road accessory structure location from the existing private driveway looking southeast. Item 2 Attachment E: Story Pole Photos     Packet Pg. 54     Exhibit 3. View of 830 Los Trancos Road accessory structure location from the existing private driveway looking southeast close up. Item 2 Attachment E: Story Pole Photos     Packet Pg. 55     Exhibit 4. View towards the 820 Los Trancos Road at the southern side of the property looking northwest. Item 2 Attachment E: Story Pole Photos     Packet Pg. 56     Exhibit 5. View of the existing private access easement going up north to 830 Los Trancos Road primary home. The proposed accessory structure’s location is on the right (east) side of the image. Item 2 Attachment E: Story Pole Photos     Packet Pg. 57     Exhibit 6. View from the project location looking down (west) towards the private access driveway. Item 2 Attachment E: Story Pole Photos     Packet Pg. 58     Exhibit 7. View from the northern side of the property looking down south. Item 2 Attachment E: Story Pole Photos     Packet Pg. 59     Attachment F Project Plans Project plans are available to the public online. Hardcopies of the plans have been provided to Board members. Directions to review Project plans online: 1. Go to: bit.ly/PApendingprojects 2. Scroll down to find “830 Los Trancos Road” and click the address link 3. On this project specific webpage you will find a link to the project plans and other important information Direct Link to Project Webpage: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Current- Planning/Projects/830-Los-Trancos-Road Item 2 Attachment F: Project Plans     Packet Pg. 60     Item No. 3. Page 1 of 1 Planning & Transportation Commission Staff Report From: Planning and Development Services Director Lead Department: Planning and Development Services Meeting Date: June 26, 2024 Report #: 2406-3174 TITLE Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim Minutes of January 31, 2024 RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC) adopt the meeting minutes. BACKGROUND Draft verbatim minutes from the January 31, 2024 Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC) meeting were made available to the Commissioners prior to the June 26, 2024 meeting date. The draft PTC minutes can be viewed online on the City’s website at bit.ly/PaloAltoPTC. ATTACHMENTS There are no attachments. AUTHOR/TITLE: Veronica Dao, Administrative Associate Item 3 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 61