HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-28 Planning & Transportation Commission Agenda PacketPLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Council Chambers & Hybrid
6:00 PM
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.Recommend the City Council Adopt the Draft Ordinances Updating Palo Alto Municipal
Code (PAMC) (4a) Chapter 18.40 (General Standards and Exceptions) Section 18.40.250
(Lighting) and (4b) Adding a New Section 18.40.280 (Bird‐Friendly Design).
Continued from August 14, 2024
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 February
28, 2024
4.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutes
of March 13, 2024
5.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutes
of March 27, 2024
6.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutes
of April 10, 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, August 28, 2024Council Chambers & Hybrid6:00 PMPlanning 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 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.Recommend the City Council Adopt the Draft Ordinances Updating Palo Alto Municipal
Code (PAMC) (4a) Chapter 18.40 (General Standards and Exceptions) Section 18.40.250
(Lighting) and (4b) Adding a New Section 18.40.280 (Bird‐Friendly Design).
Continued from August 14, 2024
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 February
28, 2024
4.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutes
of March 13, 2024
5.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutes
of March 27, 2024
6.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutes
of April 10, 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, August 28, 2024Council Chambers & Hybrid6:00 PMPlanning 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.Recommend the City Council Adopt the Draft Ordinances Updating Palo Alto Municipal
Code (PAMC) (4a) Chapter 18.40 (General Standards and Exceptions) Section 18.40.250
(Lighting) and (4b) Adding a New Section 18.40.280 (Bird‐Friendly Design).
Continued from August 14, 2024
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 February
28, 2024
4.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutes
of March 13, 2024
5.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutes
of March 27, 2024
6.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutes
of April 10, 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, August 28, 2024Council Chambers & Hybrid6:00 PMPlanning 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.Recommend the City Council Adopt the Draft Ordinances Updating Palo Alto MunicipalCode (PAMC) (4a) Chapter 18.40 (General Standards and Exceptions) Section 18.40.250(Lighting) and (4b) Adding a New Section 18.40.280 (Bird‐Friendly Design).Continued from August 14, 20246:10 PM – 7:40 PMAPPROVAL OF MINUTESPublic Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker.3.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim Minutes of February28, 20244.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutesof March 13, 20245.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutesof March 27, 20246.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutesof April 10, 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, August 28, 2024Council Chambers & Hybrid6:00 PMPlanning 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.Recommend the City Council Adopt the Draft Ordinances Updating Palo Alto MunicipalCode (PAMC) (4a) Chapter 18.40 (General Standards and Exceptions) Section 18.40.250(Lighting) and (4b) Adding a New Section 18.40.280 (Bird‐Friendly Design).Continued from August 14, 20246:10 PM – 7:40 PMAPPROVAL OF MINUTESPublic Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker.3.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim Minutes of February28, 20244.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutesof March 13, 20245.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutesof March 27, 20246.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutesof April 10, 2024COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS ANDAGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s).
ADJOURNMENT
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identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
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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
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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: August 28, 2024
Report #: 2408-3373
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
September 11, 2024
•Housing Incentive Program (HIP) to implement HE program 3.4
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•70 Encina housing project
September 25, 2024
•Stream Corridor Ordinance Review and Recommendation
October/November
•660 University PC, Comp Plan Amendment and EIR
•Amending PAMC Chapter 18.54 and Various Sections in Titles 2 and 10 to Amend Bicycle
Parking Standards in Multifamily Dwellings and Update Laws Relating to Pedestrians,
Cyclists, and other Mobility Devices
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: PTC Meeting Schedule & Assignments
AUTHOR/TITLE:
Amy French, Chief Planning Official
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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 5:30 PM Hybrid Special
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
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Schedule & Assignments
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Item No. 2. Page 1 of 11
Planning & Transportation Commission
Staff Report
From: Planning and Development Services Director
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: August 14, 2024
Report #: 2402-2652
TITLE
Recommend the City Council Adopt the Draft Ordinances Updating Palo Alto Municipal Code
(PAMC) Chapter 18.40 (General Standards and Exceptions) Section 18.40.250 (Lighting) and
Adding a New Section 18.40.280 (Bird-Friendly Design).
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) recommend that the City
Council adopt the draft ordinances updating Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) Section
18.40.250 (Lighting) and adding a new section 18.40.280 (Bird-Friendly Design).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
As directed in accordance with the Implementation Plan for the 2024 City Council Priorities and
Objectives, and implementation of Comprehensive Plan Program L6.3.1, staff has drafted
ordinances to reduce light pollution and protect avian species. The draft lighting ordinance
modifies the existing lighting standards to reduce light pollution in alignment with Dark Sky
principles. The draft bird-friendly design standards ordinance requires bird-friendly design
principals to be incorporated into building design to better protect avian species.
The draft ordinances reflect:
•The feedback received from the Architectural Review Board (ARB) study session from
July 18, 2024,
•A review of model ordinances from Dark Sky International and the Santa Clara Valley
Audubon Society,
•Consultation with architects and designers, conversation with retailers and suppliers,
•Technical assistance provided by consultants, and
•Research on regulations implemented in other jurisdictions.
Staff will consider revisions to the draft ordinances based on the PTC recommendations to the
City Council. The City Council consideration is tentatively scheduled for September 2024.
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PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The proposed project is a Council-directed code amendment updating the City’s lighting
standards and introducing new bird friendly design standards.
Lighting Ordinance
The draft ordinance updates the City’s existing lighting standards (18.40.250) to address light
pollution through several key measures. The proposed amendments align with Dark Sky
principles, promoting reduced light pollution overall. To ensure consistent enforcement and
simplify compliance for property owners, these regulations would apply uniformly across the
entire city.
The ordinance mandates shielding for all new exterior lighting fixtures to further minimize light
trespass. While maintaining the foot-candle measurement as the primary means of controlling
light trespass, the ordinance introduces a new color temperature limit of 3,000 Kelvin. To
further reduce excess lighting, the ordinance mandates automatic extinguishment or motion-
sensor activation for exterior lights by 10:00 p.m. or whenever people are not present,
whichever is later.
Bird-Friendly Design
To enhance bird safety, the draft ordinance would amend Chapter 18.40 (General Standards
and Exceptions) to create a new section establishing bird friendly design standards. The
ordinance includes a requirement to comply with at least one of three Bird-Friendly Treatment
options for all applicable buildings. Having several options to choose from provides more
flexibility for applicants. These principles go beyond limiting untreated glass on building
facades. They also encourage alternative approaches approved by qualified professionals and
promote broader design practices that reduce bird collisions. Some exemptions are
recommended for historic structures, small ground-floor retail storefronts, and particular
residential projects.
BACKGROUND
On July 3, 2014, the Architectural Review Board (ARB) received a presentation (Attachment D)
from the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society entitled “Building with Birds in Mind.” Since that
time, requirements related to bird safety have been applied on a case-by-case basis through
conditions of approval.
In February 2023, the Council selected and approved the 2023 City Council Priorities and
Objectives. Under the Climate Change and the Natural Environment (CC&NE) category, Council
directed staff to initiate an evaluation of strategies to protect natural habitats such as bird
friendly glass and wildlife protection from light pollution in accordance with implementation
measure CC&NE 6.
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In January 2024, the Council included “Climate Change and the Natural Environment: Protection
and Adaptation” as a continued priority for this year. “Approve a bird friendly glass and wildlife
light pollution protections ordinance” is 2024 City Council Objective #35.
Planning and Development Services has worked with advocates, researched the topics,
collaborated across departments, and consulted with Michael Baker International (MBI). MBI
staff provided additional background information and expertise on bird-friendly design, to
prepare the draft ordinance. Conversation with architects, designers, retailers, and suppliers
further informed the current version.
The ordinance builds upon and incorporates existing lighting standards codified in PAMC
Section 18.40.250 (Attachment A) as well as input from stakeholders related to light pollution
and avian safety in the built environment.
Architectural Review Board Study Sessions
On February 15, 20241, the ARB reviewed the concept presented by staff for both Dark Sky and
Bird Friendly Design regulations. The ARB expressed its opinion that staff should explore
differentiated management approaches for distinctive areas within the city (e.g., foothills,
Baylands, and urbanized areas) for both ordinances. In addition, the ARB recommended
exempting residential uses from the Bird Friendly Design ordinance to avoid hindering housing
production efforts with added high costs to features such as windows for multi-family uses and
burdensome costs to small projects, such as single-family uses. With respect to lighting, the
ARB requested staff investigate alternative methods for regulating brightness level (e.g. per
square foot, per acre for lots, and per foot for string lights) to ensure a more equitable
application of the ordinance.
On July 18, 2024,2 the ARB reviewed draft ordinances for both Lighting and Bird Friendly Design
regulations. Staff presented draft ordinances and discussion items for feedback. These items
related to the applicability of both topics and potential exemptions for the bird-friendly design
regulations.
The ARB suggested using the existing definition of “substantial remodel” for the applicability
section of both ordinances. They also expressed a preference for a size limitation as a
regulatory mechanism, aiming to reduce the burden of implementing these new standards,
particularly for single-family homeowners. Further details on how the ARB's feedback has been
incorporated are described in the Analysis section below.
Lighting and DarkSky International
1 Link to the staff report for the study session on February 15, 2024:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/architectural-
review-board/2024/arb-2.15-dark-skies-bird-safety.pdf
2 Link to the staff report for the study session on July 18, 2024:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/architectural-
review-board/2024/arb-7.18-dark-skies-bird-safe-glass.pdf
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The term “dark sky” generally refers to movement and achievement of significant reduction in
light pollution so that the sky returns or becomes closer to its natural nighttime darkness.
Jurisdictions can implement regulations to decrease light pollution, and many cities have
adopted dark sky ordinances in an effort to reduce light pollution.
DarkSky International is a recognized worldwide authority combatting light pollution.3 The
organization publishes guidance for communities seeking to achieve a “dark sky” and decrease
light pollution. The framework focuses on five principles, which have been incorporated into
the proposed ordinance:
1. Useful: Use light only if it is needed. All light should have a clear purpose. Consider how
the use of light would impact the area, including wildlife and their habitat.
2. Targeted: Direct light so it falls only where needed. Use shielding and careful aiming to
target the direction of the light beam so that it points downward and does not spill
beyond where it is needed.
3. Low Level: Light should be no brighter than necessary. Use the lowest light level
required. Be mindful of surface conditions, as some surfaces may reflect more light into
the night sky than intended.
4. Controlled: Use light only when it is needed. Use controls sch as timers or motion
detectors to ensure that light is available when it is needed, dimmed when possible, and
turned off when not needed.
5. Warm-colored: Use warmer color lights where possible. Limit the amount of shorter
wavelength (blue-violet) light to the least amount needed.
Bird-Friendly Design
Bird-friendly glass regulations are intended to protect the natural environment by enhancing
bird-safety features in the built environment. The City’s Comprehensive Plan includes a policy
and associated program related to bird-friendly design.
•Policy L-6.3: Encourage bird-friendly design.
o Program L6.3.1: Develop guidelines for bird-friendly building design that
minimizes hazards for birds and reduces the potential for collisions.
Through the draft ordinance, the City seeks to establish regulations to reduce avian mortality as
it relates to the built environment, particularly windows and other glass features on buildings.
The ordinance would implement the Comprehensive Plan policy and establish uniform
standards for development applications, eliminating the need for a case-by-case approach.
ANALYSIS
The proposed ordinances incorporate comments from the July ARB study session, the
provisions included in model ordinances from Dark Sky International and the Santa Clara
3 Link to the DarkSky International website: https://darksky.org/who-we-are/advocates
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Audubon Society for Dark Sky regulations (Attachment C), and a review of regulations on both
Dark Sky and bird-friendly design from other jurisdictions (Attachment D).
Lighting Ordinance
Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) Section 18.40.250 includes standards for lighting. Staff
updated this section to include additional lighting standards to achieve a reduction in light
pollution and for consistency with Dark Sky principles. The updated ordinance has the following
components:
•Applicability
•Shielding
•Illumination Level
•Lighting Control
•Special Purpose Lighting
Applicability
During the study session with the ARB in July 2024, a draft of the Lighting Ordinance, which
would apply new lighting standards to all new structures and exterior modifications requiring
separate planning approval, was presented. However, staff were concerned that this broad
scope could burden property owners seeking minor alterations, especially those unrelated to
lighting. To address this, staff presented the ARB with three alternative definitions for the
ordinance’s applicability, seeking feedback on the appropriate level of regulation to balance
effectiveness with minimizing cost and maintenance burdens for property owners.
The ARB recommended the use the existing definition “Substantial Remodel” from Section
16.14.070 of the Building Code which is broadly defined as any project altering 50 percent or
more of the exterior wall linear length, exterior wall height, or roof framing area. Staff is
supportive of this recommendation and the approach is reflected in the draft ordinance text.
“Substantial Remodel” strikes a balance by ensuring that the ordinance covers significant
projects where lighting changes are likely to be impactful while exempting smaller
modifications.
In addition, the ARB suggested creating a “Light Sensitive Area” designation, similar to the “Bird
Sensitive Area” in the Bird Friendly Design ordinance (definition of the “Bird Sensitive Area” can
be found in the draft ordinance, Attachment B). However, rather than delineating specific areas
within city limits, staff has opted for an additional criterion focusing on modifications to
outdoor lighting. The draft ordinance now applies to new construction, substantial remodels,
and any installation, replacement, or alteration of outdoor lighting fixtures or systems.
Shielding
Existing lighting requirements address shielding for pedestrian and security lighting,
architectural lighting, and lighting fixture location. Staff recommend expanding these
requirements to encompass all light fixtures to reduce light pollution. Limited exceptions are
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Item No. 2. Page 6 of 11
proposed for low-voltage landscape lighting, low-voltage lighting for illuminating outdoor art or
public monuments, lighting on a property line, and string lighting.
Illumination Level
Following the recommendations from Dark Sky International and the Santa Clara Audubon
Society, staff initially proposed maximum brightness requirements measured in lumens.
Lumens are a measurement unit of lighting brightness, commonly used in other jurisdictions,
but can be a complex concept for enforcement purposes. Therefore, the proposed ordinance
text retains the existing foot-candle measurement as the primary means to mitigate light
trespass from exterior lighting to adjacent properties.
In addition to maintaining the foot-candle measurement, staff also considered color
temperature limitations. While initial discussions with environmental advocates from the Santa
Clara Audubon Society and the Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter favored a 2,700 Kelvin limit due
to its reported wider availability, public safety concerns emerged during conversation with
other jurisdictions. Specifically, there were concerns about a lower color temperature
potentially affecting visibility in public spaces. A minimum color temperature of 4,000 Kelvin is
recommended for any outdoor lighting for public safety purposes. Staff confirmed this
information with the City of Palo Alto public safety staff. Taking these concerns into account,
along with practices in neighboring jurisdictions with dark sky ordinances, staff determined a
3,000 Kelvin limit offered a balanced approach by providing adequate visibility in the exterior
space, while minimizing light pollution. However, the PTC could consider a higher limit, such as
4000 Kelvin, for areas where safety is a particular concern as this is the preferred temperature
for surveillance in public spaces.
Lighting Control
The existing lighting requirements encourage the installation of timers and dimmers to reduce
light glare for both exterior and interior lighting during nighttime hours. Additionally, shielding
of interior lighting fixtures to prevent glare and light trespass beyond the property line is
required. Building on these existing guidelines, staff propose enhanced lighting control
measures for all outdoor lighting. The proposed ordinance would require extinguishment of
exterior lights or motion-sensor activation by 10:00 p.m., or whichever time comes later when
there is no person present in the outdoor area. To further minimize unnecessary light usage,
the motion sensors would deactivate after a maximum of 10 minutes.
Special Purpose Lighting
The Special Purpose Lighting Subsection introduces new standards for and addresses four key
categories: outdoor security lighting, outdoor recreational facilities lighting, gasoline service
station lighting, and string lighting.
•Outdoor Security Lighting. Requirements for outdoor security lighting mirror general
lighting standards, including requirements for lighting control and shielding. The
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provision prohibits the use of floodlights and limits luminaires to a maximum of 100
watts or 1,600 lumens, whichever is lower.
•Outdoor Recreational Facilities Lighting. Lighting for any outdoor recreational facilities
or athletic facilities lighting would need to adhere to Illuminating Engineering Society
(IES) guidelines based on the type of activity and should only illuminate the playing
surface and stands. Light levels should be adjustable for different tasks, and off-site light
pollution minimized. Lights must be off by 10:30 p.m., unless in use for active play, in
which case timers must be installed to prevent accidental overnight illumination.
•Gasoline Service Station Lighting. Consistent with general lighting standards, service
station lighting requires all fixtures in the ceiling of canopies to be fully recessed or
mounted directly to the underside. This regulation aims to minimize light spillover by
prohibiting light fixture placement on top of the fascia. The maximum light intensity
level for canopies is set at 12.5 foot-candles, with a maximum luminaire height of 15
feet above finished grade.
•String Lighting. String lighting prohibits blinking or chasing effects. Consistent with other
outdoor lighting, a color temperature of 3,000 Kelvin or brightness not exceeding 42
lumens per each light burb is required. In commercial and mixed-use areas, string
lighting is restricted to designated outdoor dining or display areas, or to common open
space and would be subject to Director approval.
Bird-Friendly Design Ordinance
The draft ordinance would establish a new section 18.40.280 under PAMC Chapter 18.40 for
the Bird-Friendly Design standards. The new section has the following components:
•Applicability
•Bird-Friendly Treatment
•Bird-Friendly Treatment Location
•Alternative Compliance
•Exemptions
The conversations with glass retailers, suppliers, and manufacturers revealed that bird-friendly
treated glass is rarely requested for residential buildings. While some local retailers were aware
of bird-friendly standards (e.g., fritted or patterned glass), they confirmed these options are not
readily available and require special orders.
Retailers and suppliers did not provide specific cost data, but they unanimously confirmed that
treated glass is more expensive than standard glass. There are some general estimates of the
cost of implementing bird-friendly design from the “Building Safer Cities for Birds” report by
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Yale Law School and the American Bird Conservancy.4 Although the cost may vary based on
specific project requirements, building types, and local conditions, the report estimates that the
overall cost increase for implementing bird-friendly design in new construction is approximately
two to ten percent. This cost increase would include not only the treated glass itself but also
other bird-friendly design elements, such as window patterns, screens, and building
orientation.
Furthermore, single-family homes and other smaller residential properties typically have less
glass surface area and are less reflective than larger non-residential buildings, posing a lower
risk of bird collisions. Retrofitting existing homes with bird-friendly treatments could be
particularly difficult and expensive.
Considering these factors, staff drafted the ordinance to balance bird protection with the
potential burden on property owners, particularly those with smaller buildings such as single-
family homes. The ordinance prioritizes bird safety in high-risk areas (designated Bird Sensitive
Areas) and for larger glass installations, while exempting smaller residential projects and less
hazardous situations through clearly defined applicability criteria.
Applicability
Similar to the Lighting standards, the phrase "exterior modifications that require a separate
planning approval" was replaced with "substantial remodel" to allow more flexibility for single-
family homeowners or other property owners seeking minor alterations. In addition, the
current draft states that only new construction or substantial remodels proposed within a Bird
Sensitive Area are subject to these regulations. A Bird Sensitive Area is defined as a 300-foot
buffer around water features, parks, or open spaces exceeding one acre, as well as areas east of
Highway 101 and west of Foothill Expressway. This type of buffer, commonly used in urban
planning, has been successfully implemented in other cities for bird-friendly design.
During the ARB study session on July 18, 2024, concerns were raised about exempting all single-
family homes outside the Bird Sensitive Area, as even smaller structures with large glass areas
could pose a risk to birds. Therefore, the current draft ordinance, consistent with the ARB
feedback, requires any new or replacement fenestration (unbroken glass) that is 24 square feet
or larger to comply with Bird Friendly Design standards, regardless of the building type or
location. This size-based approach aims to balance the need for bird protection with flexibility
for smaller residential projects. Standard window sizes vary by type of window, but common
widths range from two to four feet and common heights range from three to six feet.
While a size-based regulation may not be perfect (as birds can collide with smaller windows
too), it is a reasonable compromise that addresses the most significant risks while minimizing
the burden on homeowners. The ordinance also requires Bird Hazard Installations (e.g., glass
awnings, handrails) and Fly-through Hazards (openings that birds might try to fly through) to
4 “Building Safer Cities for Birds” report by Yale Law School and the American Bird Conservancy:
https://law.yale.edu/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/building_safer_cities_for_birds.pdf
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comply with Bird Friendly Design standards, regardless of size or location, as these pose a
particularly high risk of bird collisions.
The definition of Bird Sensitive Area was simplified to include specific geographic areas east of
Highway 101 and west of Foothill Expressway since the 300-foot buffer. This change was made
because the previous 300-foot buffer zone already encompassed most of these areas, which
have a higher risk of bird collisions due to their expansive vegetation and proximity to the
shoreline. This simplification aims to make the ordinance clearer and easier to apply, while still
effectively protecting areas where bird collisions are most likely to occur.
Bird-Friendly Treatment
Bird-friendly treatment includes three options for making buildings safer for birds, requiring at
least one option for compliance.
•Fenestration and glazing: This is the most common and effective way to address bird
collisions, as most occur due to reflectivity on glass or glazing. It provides specific design
standards for patterns on fenestration or glass.
•Exterior features: Permanent features like screens, shutters, or shading devices can
minimize glare and reflection. This option is often more approachable for single-family
homeowners or smaller developments than fenestration/glazing treatments (which may
not be readily available) or threat factor analysis (described below).
•Threat factor: This system, developed by the American Bird Conservancy and architects,
quantifies the risk a material poses for bird collisions. Staff proposes a threat factor of
15 or below, consistent with the U.S. Green Building Council's Bird Collision Deterrence
Pilot Program.
Bird-Friendly Treatment Location
Similar to requirements in other jurisdictions, staff included proposed limitations on where the
Bird-Friendly Treatment should be incorporated at minimum:
•Below 40 Feet: Bird-Friendly Treatment should be incorporated on no less than 90
percent of the facade’s surface area between the existing grade and 60 feet above.
•Above 40 Feet: Bird-Friendly Treatment should be incorporated on no less than 60
percent for the portion of the facade exceeding 40 feet in height.
The initial height threshold staff considered was similar to other jurisdictions, such as San
Francisco and Cupertino, at 60 feet. However, after further analysis, including voluntary
requirements on bird-friendly design in the California Green Buildings Standards Code
(CALGreen), staff adjusted the threshold to 40 feet. This aligns with CALGreen standards and is
deemed more appropriate for Palo Alto. Aligning the City’s standards with CALGreen standards
is consistent with ARB recommendations.
Exemptions
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Item No. 2. Page 10 of 11
The draft ordinance exempts a few building types from the bird-friendly design standards.
These exemptions include:
•Historic Structures: Buildings with historical designation are exempt, recognizing the
importance of preserving cultural heritage.
•First-Floor Retail Storefronts: Storefronts on the ground floor, up to 14 feet in height,
are exempt to avoid undue burden on small businesses.
•100% affordable housing projects: 100% affordable housing project, as defined in
Section 18.32.030, are exempt from the requirements for Bird-Friendly Treatments. This
exemption acknowledges the financial constraints faced by these projects, which
prioritize providing essential affordable housing while operating within limited budgets.
NEXT STEPS
Staff will forward the PTC’s recommendation to the City Council for consideration and adoption
of these ordinances in September 2024.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
The implementation of the proposed ordinances is not anticipated to have any direct fiscal
impacts on the City budget.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Staff have actively engaged with representatives from the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
and Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter to solicit their input and expertise on the proposed
ordinances. Staff also conducted two study sessions, one in February and another in July 2024,
through the ARB's regular meeting schedule to provide a platform for community members to
express their views and concerns regarding the proposed ordinances.
At the time of staff report preparation, staff received two comment letters from the Santa Clara
Valley Audubon Society (Attachment F). The email from June 28, 2024 included comments and
suggestions on the draft Lighting ordinance while the email from June 30, 2024 includes
comments and suggestions on the draft Bird-Safe Design ordinance.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The City has reviewed these proposed ordinances in accordance with that authority and criteria
set forth in the California Environmental Quality Act. The City, as the lead agency, anticipates
that these ordinances will be exempt from CEQA in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section
15308, which includes actions by regulatory agencies for the protection of the environment.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
In addition to the recommended action, the PTC may:
1. Forward the staff recommendation to City Council with modifications.
2. Take no action on the draft ordinances and provide direction on desired changes.
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Item No. 2. Page 11 of 11
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Draft ordinance Updating Lighting Standards (PAMC Section 18.40.250)
Attachment B: Draft ordinance Introducing Bird-Friendly Design standards (PAMC Section
18.40.280)
Attachment C: Model Ordinances from Dark Sky International, Santa Clara Audubon Society,
and American Bird Conservancy
Attachment D: Dark Sky and Bird Friendly Design regulations from Other Jurisdictions
Attachment E: Map of Bird Sensitive Area
Attachment F: Comments from the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
AUTHOR/TITLE:
Kelly Cha, Senior Planner
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Ordinance No. _____
Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Chapter 18.40
(General Standards and Exceptions) of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code
to Adopt Dark Sky Regulations
The Council of the City of Palo Alto ORDAINS as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings and Declarations
The City Council finds and declares as follows:
A. The term “dark sky” generally refers to movement and achievement of significant
reduc o in light pollu on so that the sky returns or becomes closer to its natural
nigh me darkness.
B. Adhering to Dark Sky principles, which promote responsible outdoor ligh ng prac ces,
can significantly reduce light pollu on and mi gate its harmful effects. These principles
emphasize using shielded, downward ligh ng, and selec ng appropriate ligh ng colors
and intensi es.
C. On January 29, 2024, the City Council selected four City Council priori es, one of which
is the Climate Change & Natural Environment – Protec on & Adapta on, and included
an objec ve to “approve a bird safe glass and wildlife light pollu on protec ons
ordinance.”
D. On February 14, 2024 and July 18, 2024, the Architectural Review Board conducted
study sessions and provided feedback on the dra Bird-Friendly Design Ordinance.
E. On August 14, 2024, the Planning and Transporta on Commission recommended City
Council to adopt the ordinance.
F. The ordinance aligns with Dark Sky principles and protects the night sky, protec ng
wildlife and suppor ng a sustainable and resilient community.
SECTION 2. Section 18.40.250 (Lighting) of Chapter 18.40 (General Standards and Exceptions) of
Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code is repealed in its entirety and replaced with a
new Section 18.40.250 (Lighting) to read as follows:
18.40.250 Lighting
(a) Purpose. The intent of this section is to establish exterior lighting standards to reduce light
pollution. Exterior lighting of parking areas, pathways, and common open spaces, including
fixtures on building facades and free-standing lighting should aim to:
(1) Reduce light pollution and its adverse effects on environment, wildlife habitat, and
human health.
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(2) Minimize the visual impacts of lighting on abutting or nearby properties and from
adjacent roadways.
(3) Provide safe and secure access on a site and adjacent pedestrian routes.
(4) Achieve maximum energy efficiency.
(5) Complement the architectural design of the project.
(b) Definitions. Notwithstanding the definitions in Chapter 18.04 of the Municipal Code, for
purposes of this chapter only, the following words and phrases are defined as follows:
(1) “Correlated Color Temperature” or “Color Temperature” means a specification of
the color appearance of the light emitted by a light source, measured in Kelvin (K).
Warmer color temperatures are a lower number, and cooler color temperatures are
a higher number.
(2) “Fully Shielded” means a light fixture constructed and installed in such a manner
that all light emitted, either directly from the lamp or a diffusing element, or
indirectly by reflection or refraction from any part of the fixture, is projected below
the horizontal plane (from the bottom of the lamp).
(3) “Glare” means light entering the eye directly from a light fixture or indirectly from
reflective surfaces that causes visual discomfort or reduced visibility to a reasonable
person.
(4) “Lamp” means, in generic terms, a source of optical radiation (i.e., “light”), often
called a “bulb” or “tube.” Examples include incandescent, fluorescent, high-intensity
discharge (HID) lamps, and low-pressure sodium (LPS) lamps, as well as light-
emitting diode (LED) modules and arrays.
(5) “Light pollution” means the material adverse effect of artificial light, including, but
not limited to, glare, light trespass, sky glow, energy waste, compromised safety and
security, and impacts on the nocturnal environment, including light sources that are
left on when they no longer serve a useful function.
(6) “Lumen” means the common unit of measure used to quantify the amount of visible
light produced by a lamp or emitted from a light fixture (as distinct from “Watt,” a
measure of power consumption).
(7) “Luminaires” means outdoor illuminating devices, lamps, and similar devices,
including solar powered lights, and all parts used to distribute the light and/or
protect the lamp, permanently installed or portable.
(8) “Seasonal ligh ng” means ligh ng installed and operated in connec on with holidays
or tradi ons. String lighting is not considered holiday or seasonal lighting.
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(9) “Security lighting” means lighting intended to detect intrusions or other criminal
activity occurring on a property or site. Also commonly referred to as perimeter
lighting.
(10) “String lighting” means light sources connected by free-strung wires or inside of
tubing resulting in several or many points of light.
(c) Applicability. For the purposes of this Section, except as otherwise provided in Subsection
18.40.250(3)(4)(A) below, the following projects shall comply with the outdoor lighting
standards and guidelines set forth in this Section:
(1) All newly constructed structures and buildings
(2) Substantial Remodel, as defined in Section 16.14.070 of the Code, on existing
structures or buildings
(3) Installation of new outdoor lighting, replacement of existing outdoor lighting
fixtures, or changing the lighting type or system
(d) Lighting Guidelines.
(1) Lighting of the building exterior, parking areas and pedestrian ways should be of the
lowest intensity and energy use adequate for its purpose and be designed to focus
illumination downward to avoid excessive illumination above the light fixture.
(2) Unnecessary continued illumination, such as illuminated signs or back-lit awnings,
should be avoided. Internal illumination of signs, where allowed, should be limited
to letters and graphic elements, with the surrounding background opaque.
Illumination should be by low intensity lamps.
(e) Lighting Standards.
(1) Shielding
(A) All outdoor lighting shall be fully shielded, directed downward to meet the
particular need, and away from adjacent properties and rights-of-way to avoid
light trespass.
(B) Exterior lighting fixtures shall be mounted less than or equal to 15 feet from
grade to top of fixture in low activity or residential parking lots and 20 feet in
medium or high activity parking lots.
(C) Light fixtures shall be located at least three feet from curbs and ten feet from
driveways or intersections, to avoid obstructing clear sight distance triangles.
(D) No direct off-site glare from a light source shall be visible above three feet at a
public right-of-way.
(E) Exceptions for shielding requirements shall be applied to the following types of
lighting:
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(i) Low voltage landscape lighting such as that used to illuminate fountains,
shrubbery, trees, and walkways, do not have to be shielded fixtures and
may use uplighting, provided that they use no more than ten (10) watt
incandescent bulb or LED equivalent or a maximum of 150 lumens, and
not directed toward the right-of-way.
(ii) Low voltage lighting used to illuminate outdoor art or public monuments
that do not have to be shielded fixtures.
(iii) Lighting located on property lines (including zero lot line developments),
provided it is controlled by a motion sensor that automatically
extinguishes the lights within 10 minutes of activation.
(iv) String Lighting pursuant to Section 18.40.250(e)(3)
(2) Lighting Height.
(A) Exterior lighting fixtures shall be mounted less than or equal to 15 feet from
grade to top of fixture in parking lots in residential development and 20 feet in
parking lots with commercial and mixed-use development.
(3) Illumination Level
(A) All light sources shall be Fully Shielded and have a maintained correlated color
temperature of 3,000 Kelvin or less.
(B) When abutting residential use, such lighting shall not exceed 0.5 foot-candle as
measured at the abutting property line.
(C) The maximum light intensity on a site shall not exceed a maintained average
value of 5 foot-candles. Areas of higher or lower levels of illumination should be
indicated on project plans.
(4) Lighting Control. Lighting controls shall be implemented to avoid unnecessary
outdoor lighting. Automated control systems, such as motion sensors and timers,
shall be used to meet the outdoor lighting requirements.
(A) Lighting Curfew. Unlike other provisions in this section, Lighting Curfew applies
to all new and existing buildings and structures, unless otherwise approved. All
outdoor lighting shall be fully extinguished or be motion sensor operated by
10:00 p.m., 2 hours after close of business, or when people are no longer present
in exterior areas, whichever is later.
(B) All lighting activated by motion sensor shall be set up to extinguish no more than
10 minutes after activation.
(C) All lighting shall be automatically extinguished using a control device or system,
including but not limited to photocells or photocontrols, when there is sufficient
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daylight available, except for lighting under canopies or lighting for tunnels,
parking garages, or garage entrances.
(D) Exceptions for Lighting Control.
(i) Any lighting at building entrances, parking areas, walkways, and
driveways area required to remain illuminated after 10:00 p.m. by the
California Building Code or state law.
(ii) Lighting of an appropriate intensity, allowed in conjunction with uses that
are permitted to operate past 10:00 p.m., with a conditional use permit;
and
(iii) Outdoor solar powered pathway lights that are 25 lumens or less.
(iv) Lighting that illuminates a pedestrian pathway (examples include bollard,
in-place step, or building mounted), provided that such lighting is a
maximum height of four (4) feet above the pathway, fully shielded, and
downward directed.
(f) Special Purpose Lighting.
(1) Outdoor Security Lighting. Security lighting may be provided when necessary to
protect persons and property. When security lighting is utilized only the following
standards shall apply:
(A) Security lighting shall be controlled by a programmable motion-sensor device,
except where continuous lighting is required by the California Building Code. All
lighting activated by motion sensors shall extinguish no more than 10 minutes after
activation. Automated controls shall be fully programmable and supported by
battery or similar backup.
(B) Security lighting shall be downward directed, fully shielded, and not be mounted at a
height exceeding the limits established in Section 18.40.250, measured from the
adjacent grade to the bottom of the fixture.
(C) Security lights intended to illuminate a perimeter, such as a fence line, are permitted
only if such lights do not result in light trespass above 0.5 foot-candle onto an
adjacent or nearby property, with the illumination level measured at the property
line between the lot on which the light is located and the adjacent lot, at the point
nearest to the light source.
(D) Motion-activated security lights shall not use luminaires that exceed 100-watt
incandescent bulb or LED equivalent, or a maximum of 1,600 lumens.
(2) Outdoor Recreational Facilities Lighting. For Outdoor Recreational Facilities and/or
athletic fields shall conform to the following standards:
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(A) Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) lighting guidelines according to the
appropriate class of play or activity.
(B) Field lighting is provided exclusively for illumination of the surface of play and
viewing stands, and not for any other applications like lighting a parking lot.
(C) Illuminance levels must be adjustable based on the task (e.g., active play vs. field
maintenance).
(D) Off-site impacts of the lighting will be limited to the greatest practical extent
possible.
(E) Lights must be extinguished by 10:30 p.m. except when the facilities are being used
for active play and the lights are equipped with a timer.
(F) Timers that automatically extinguish lights must be installed to prevent lights being
left on accidentally overnight.
(3) Gasoline Service Station Lighting
(A) Lighting fixtures in the ceiling of canopies shall be fully recessed or mounted directly
to the underside of the canopy. All lighting fixtures shall be located so as to shield
direct rays from adjoining properties or public rights-of-way.
(B) Light fixtures shall not be mounted on top of the fascia of such canopies.
(C) The maximum light intensity under the canopy shall not exceed an average
maintained foot-candle (horizontal) of 12.5, when measured at finished grade.
(D) No free-standing lighting shall be higher than 15 feet above finished grade.
(E) The fascia of such canopies shall not be illuminated.
(4) String Ligh ng.
(A) String lighting must not exceed 3,000 Kelvin or 42 lumens, and shall not be blinking
or chasing.
(B) For commercial and mixed-use areas, string lighting shall be limited to designated
outside dining or display areas or common open space (i.e. courtyard or patio), and
subject to Director approval.
(5) Lighting near Streams. In addition to lighting standards established in Section
18.40.250(e), lighting near streams shall conform to the following requirements:
(A) Nighttime lighting shall be directed away from the riparian corridor of a stream.
(B) The distance between nighttime lighting and the riparian corridor of a stream should
be maximized.
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(6) Parklets. Lighting for any parklets should comply with the lighting standards
established in the Permanent Parklet Program.
(g) Prohibited Lighting. The following types of lighting are prohibited except emergencies by
police, fire, or medical personnel or at their direction:
(1) Outdoor lighting that blinks, flashes, or rotates.
(2) Lighting that unnecessarily illuminates any other lot or substantially interferes with
use or enjoyment of that lot.
(3) Searchlights, aerial lasers, or spotlights.
(h) Exemptions. The following types of lighting are exempt from the lighting requirements of
the section:
(1) Illuminated street numbers on a building façade
(2) Temporary construction or emergency lighting
(3) Short-term lighting authorized by a special events or special use permits
(4) Seasonal lighting during the period of October 15 through January 15 of each year
(5) Lighting for Airport Operations. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to
restrict, limit, or otherwise regulate lighting that, in the reasonable judgment of the
Airport Manager, is prudent or necessary for airport operations, airport safety, or air
navigation in connection with operations at the Palo Alto Municipal Airport.
(i) Lighting for Signs. See Chapter 16.20 for lighting requirements for signs.
(j) Additional Provisions and Conflict Precedence.
To the extent permitted by Building Code, Fire Code, or state or federal law such lighting
shall additionally comply with the requirements of this section, unless those requirements
conflict with the aforementioned Codes and laws. In the event of a conflict, the standards in
the applicable Codes and laws shall prevail.
(k) Public Facilities. At the discretion of the Director, adjustments from the lighting
requirements may be granted for public facilities if the deviation is necessary for the
operational efficiency, maintenance, or safety of the facility, and remains consistent with
the overall intent and purpose of the lighting standards.
(l) Public Rights-of-Way. Lighting in public rights-of-way shall comply with the standards
established in Title 16.
SECTION 3. If any section, subsection, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held
to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion or sections of
the Ordinance. The Council hereby declares that it should have adopted the Ordinance and
each section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any
one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid.
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SECTION 4. The Council finds that this project is exempt from the provisions of the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), pursuant to Section 15061 of the CEQA Guidelines,
because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the ordinance will have a
significant effect on the environment and Section 15308, as an action by a regulatory agency to
protect the environment.
SECTION 5. This ordinance shall be effective on the thirty-first day following its adoption.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
NOT PARTICIPATING:
ATTEST:
____________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
____________________________ ____________________________
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
____________________________
Director of Planning & Development
Services
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Ordinance No. _____
Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Chapter 18.40 (General Standards
and Exceptions) of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Adopt Bird Friendly
Design Standards
The Council of the City of Palo Alto ORDAINS as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings and Declarations
The City Council finds and declares as follows:
A. On November 13, 2017, the City Council adopted the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, and it included
a policy encouraging bird-friendly design, and a program to develop guidelines for bird-friendly
building design that minimizes hazards for birds and reduces the poten al for collisions.
B. On January 29, 2024, the City Council selected four City Council priori es, one of which is the
Climate Change & Natural Environment – Protec on & Adapta on, and included an objec ve to
“approve a bird safe glass and wildlife light pollu on protec ons ordinance.”
C. On February 14, 2024 and July 18, 2024, the Architectural Review Board conducted study
sessions and provided feedback on the dra ordinance.
D. On August 14, 2024, the Planning and Transporta on Commission recommended City Council to
adopt the dra ordinance.
E. The Bird-Friendly Design Ordinance is essen al to reduce bird mortality rates by reducing the
possibility of bird collisions with buildings, thereby contribu ng to a healthier and more resilient
environment for all.
F. The Bird-Friendly Design Ordinance provides clear and consistent standards, streamlining the
approval process by reducing the need for case-by-case review of individual projects.
SECTION 2. Section 18.40.280 (Bird-Friendly Design Standards) of Chapter 18.40 (General
Standards and Exceptions) of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code added to read as
follows:
18.40.280 Bird-Friendly Design Standards
(a) Purpose. The intent of this chapter/section is to establish bird-safe design standards for
glass to minimize hazards for birds and to reduce the potential for collisions.
(b) Definitions.
(1) “Bird Sensitive Area” means (A) areas east of Highway 101, (B) areas west of Foothill
Expressway, or (C) areas that are within 300 feet of waterways; within 300 feet of
any open water larger than one acre; or within 300 feet of public and private parks
and open space larger than one acre and dominated by vegetation, including
vegetated landscaping, forest, meadows, grassland, or wetlands.
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(2) “Bird-Safe Treatment” means permanent treatment to glass that provides visual
cues to birds and reduces the likelihood of bird collisions.
(3) “Bird Hazard Installations are defined as monolithic glazing and/or glass panels that
provide a clear line of sight through such elements, including, but not limited to: (A)
Glass awnings, (B) Glass handrails and guards, (C) Glass wind break panels, (D) Glass
acoustic barriers, (E) Parallel glass elements with a distance of 17 feet or less
between them, or (F) Glass elements within 12 feet of a glass corner (perpendicular,
acute, or obtuse).
(4) “Threat Factor” refers to the Material Threat Factor system developed by the
American Bird Conservancy and a team of architects in 2010. Materials are assigned
a score between 1 and 100 representing the level of risk the material poses in
causing bird collisions, the lower the score, the lower the collision risk.
(c) Applicability. For the purposes of this section, the following projects shall comply with the
bird-safe building design requirements set forth in this section:
(1) All newly constructed structures and buildings within the Bird Sensitive Area
(2) Substantial Remodel, as defined in Section 16.14.070 of the Code, within the Bird
Sensitive Area
(3) Any new or replacement fenestration or Bird Hazard Installations, including Fly-
though Hazard and Fly-through Conditions, that is unbroken and 24 square feet or
larger, regardless of their height above the existing grade
(d) Bird-Friendly Treatments. At least one of the following Bird-Safe Treatments shall be
incorporated into a building elevation according to Section 18.40.280(d):
(1) Fenestration and Glazing. Patterns that are etched, fritted, stenciled, silk-screened,
or otherwise permanently incorporated into the transparent material shall be on an
exterior glass surface.
(A) For patterns using dots or other isolated solid shapes, each dot or shape must be
at least a 1/4 inch in diameter and be no more than 2 inches apart in any
direction.
(B) For patterns using If the pattern utilizes lines, they must be at least 1/8 inch in
width and spaced no more than 2 inches apart.
(C) Frit, ceramic ink, or other marker types must be obscured and permanent.
(2) Exterior Features. Panes with exterior screens, shutters or shading devices installed
permanently over windows, structures, or building features such that there is no gap
larger than 9 inches in one dimension. Exterior features include, but are not limited
to, metal screens, insect screens, shutters, window grilles, fixed solar shading such
as louvres, and exterior insert, brise soleil, or solar screens.
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(3) Threat Factor. A weighted average of all the Threat Factors of materials on a building
elevation, including non-glass materials, must meet 15 or less.
(e) Bird-Friendly Treatment Location. All applicable structures or buildings shall incorporate
one of the Bird-Safe Treatments listed in Section 18.40.280(c) to conform to the following
standards:
(1) No less than 90 percent of a building elevation between the existing grade and 40
feet above the existing grade shall incorporate one of bird-safe treatments listed in
Section 18.40.280(c).
(2) No less than 60 percent of a building elevation between 40 feet above the existing
grade and top of the building height shall incorporate one of bird-safe treatments
listed in Section 18.40.280(c).
(f) Alternative Compliance. Property owners or applicants may request an alternative
compliance to requirements established in Sections 18.40.280(d) and 18.40.280(e),
recommended in a report by a qualified biologist or ornithologist to meet the requirements
and intent of this section. The qualified biologist or ornithologist shall have a degree in
wildlife biology or specialization in ornithology and have experience in bird-friendly building
design. The alternative compliance shall be subject to Director approval.
(g) Lighting. All projects shall comply with the outdoor lighting requirements pursuant to
Section 18.40.250 of the Municipal Code.
(h) Exemptions. The following types of projects shall be exempt from Section 18.40.280(d):
(1) Any historic structure located within the City’s Historic Districts or listed on the City’s
Historic Inventory or the State or National Historical Registers including new
additions
(2) First floor retail storefronts up to 14 feet in height
(3) 100% affordable housing projects as defined in Section 18.32.030
(i) California Building Code. All windows, doors, or other features must comply with the
requirements of the California Building Code including the fire hazard severity zone
regulations in California Green Buildings Standards Code (CALGreen). Should a conflict exist
with the provisions of this section, the standards in the California Building Code shall
prevail.
SECTION 3. If any section, subsection, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held
to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion or sections of
the Ordinance. The Council hereby declares that it should have adopted the Ordinance and
each section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any
one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid.
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SECTION 4. The Council finds that this project is exempt from the provisions of the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), pursuant to Section 15061 of the CEQA Guidelines,
because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the ordinance will have a
significant effect on the environment and Section 15308, as an action by a regulatory agency to
protect the environment.
SECTION 5. This ordinance shall be effective on the thirty-first day following its adoption.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
NOT PARTICIPATING:
ATTEST:
____________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
____________________________ ____________________________
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
____________________________
Director of Planning & Development
Services
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Attachment C:
Model Ordinance from DarkSky International: https://darksky.org/app/uploads/bsk-pdf-
manager/16_MLO_FINAL_JUNE2011.PDF
Model Ordinance from Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society and Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter (in
the following pages)
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Model Lighting Ordinance
(Created by the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society and Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter)
Definitions
Notwithstanding the definitions in Chapter xxxx of this Code, for purposes of this chapter only, the following words and phrases are defined as follows: “Correlated Color Temperature” or Color Temperature is a specification of the color appearance of the light emitted by a light source, measured in Kelvin (K). Warmer color
temperatures are a lower number, and cooler color temperatures are a higher number. “Curfew” means the time of day when lighting restrictions, Citywide or based on zoning district,
are in effect. “Directional lighting” means methods of directing light downward, rather than upward or
outward, with the intention of directing light where it is needed. “Fully shielded” means a light fixture constructed and installed in such a manner that all light emitted, either directly from the lamp or a diffusing element, or indirectly by reflection or refraction from any part of the fixture, is projected below the horizontal plane (from the bottom of the lamp).
“Glare” means light entering the eye directly from a light fixture or indirectly from reflective surfaces that causes visual discomfort or reduced visibility to a reasonable person.
“Lamp” means, in generic terms, a source of optical radiation (i.e., “light”), often called a “bulb” or “tube.” Examples include incandescent, fluorescent, high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, and low-pressure sodium (LPS) lamps, as well as light-emitting diode (LED) modules and
arrays. “Light pollution” means the material adverse effect of artificial light, including, but not limited
to, glare, light trespass, sky glow, energy waste, compromised safety and security, and impacts on the nocturnal environment, including light sources that are left on when they no longer serve a useful function.
“Light trespass” light that falls beyond the boundary of the property on which it is installed. “Lumen” means the common unit of measure used to quantify the amount of visible light produced by a lamp or emitted from a light fixture (as distinct from “Watt,” a measure of power consumption).
“Luminaires” means outdoor light fixtures as defined in this Section.
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“Outdoor light fixtures” means outdoor illuminating devices, lamps and similar devices, including solar powered lights, and all parts used to distribute the light and/or protect the lamp,
permanently installed or portable; synonymous with “luminaires.” “Outdoor recreational facility” means outdoor athletic and sports areas, such as ball fields, courts, swimming pools, skate parks and similar, but does not mean or include trails or playgrounds
“Seasonal lighting” means lighting installed and operated in connection with holidays or
traditions;
“Security lighting” means lighting intended to detect intrusions or other criminal activity
occurring on a property or site. “Skyglow” means the brightening of the nighttime sky that results from scattering and reflection
of artificial light by air molecules, moisture, and dust particles in the atmosphere, caused by light directed or reflected upwards or sideways and reduces one’s ability to view the night sky.
“String lights” means light sources connected by free-strung wires or inside of tubing resulting in several or many points of light
1. Purpose
1. The purpose of this Chapter is to regulate design, placement, color temperature, and light intensity of lighting elements in all zoning districts to reduce light pollution; to protect the dark sky, the natural environment, and public health; and to promote lighting systems and practices that conserve energy and prevent overlighting. As described in the International Dark Sky Association’s 5 Principles
for Outdoor Lighting, light should be 1) useful, 2) targeted, 3) low level, 4) controlled, and 5) warm-colored. 2. Applicability
1. General Applicability
1. Requirements (Section 3) apply to all new and/or replacement outdoor
lighting fixtures installed in residential or nonresidential properties from the effective date of the ordinance, whether attached to structures, poles, the earth, or any other location, unless exempted in Section 2.3 or in
Section 3. 2. Nonresidential properties are encouraged to minimize outdoor light pollution from their interior lights. If interior light is visible beyond the
boundaries of the lot or parcel, nonresidential properties shall comply with Section 3.6.1. 3. The following types of lighting are not allowed except in emergencies by
police, fire, or medical personnel or at their direction: floodlights; outdoor lighting that blinks, flashes, or rotates; search lights; spotlights; high-intensity discharge lighting for recreation courts on private property; aerial lasers.
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4. Lighting within the public right-of-way for the principal purpose of illuminating public streets or traffic control are not regulated by this ordinance. 2. Existing Lighting
1. Existing lighting must comply with the new lighting standards 5 years after the effective date of the ordinance. Any non-compliant lighting still in
place after the compliance deadline shall remain extinguished at all times. 2. The following requirements shall be complied with within 30 days of the effective date of the ordinance: 1. Outdoor light fixtures that have the ability to be redirected, shall be directed downward so as to minimize sky glow, glare, and
eliminate light trespass onto adjacent properties. 2. Outdoor light fixtures that have adjustable dimmers with color temperature that exceeds twenty-seven hundred (2,700) Kelvin
shall be dimmed to comply with Section 3 to minimize glare and light trespass onto adjacent properties. 3. Light fixtures that are replaced within the first 5 years of the effective date
of the ordinance shall meet the standards (i.e., color temperature and illumination limit) in Section 3. 4. Extensions: A property owner may apply for a 6-month extension of this
deadline by submitting a request to the Planning Director or equivalent thirty (30) days before the compliance deadline detailing why an extension is needed. Any noncompliant lighting shall remain extinguished
while the request is pending. Upon demonstration of good cause for providing a property owner additional time to comply with the requirements of this section, the Planning Director or equivalent may extend the property owner’s time to comply and/or may require a plan for compliance that requires partial compliance in advance of full compliance. For purposes of this section, the term “good cause” shall mean a significant financial or other hardship which warrants an extension or conditional extension of the time limit for compliance established herein. In no instance shall the Planning Director issue an extension of the compliance period in excess of one year’s time. 3. California Building Code
1. All lighting must comply with the requirements of the California Building Code including Title 24 of the Building Code.
2. All outdoor lighting shall comply with California Building Code Title 24 Lighting Zone One (LZ1). 3. Should a conflict exist with the provisions of this ordinance, the standards
in the California Building Code shall prevail. 3. Outdoor Lighting Standards
1. Exemptions
1. Seasonal lighting 1. Temporary Seasonal lighting is allowed from October 15 to
January 15 only. 2. Such lighting is exempt from Section 3.3-3.6 and must be extinguished by 11pm.
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2. Aircraft navigation lights such as those attached to radio/television towers and other lighting required by the State of California or the U.S. federal
government.
3. High intensity and/or special purpose lighting is governed by Section 4. 2. Correlated Color Temperature
1. The correlated color temperature of outdoor luminaires shall not exceed 2700 K. Luminaries rated at or below 2200 K are encouraged for better
nighttime visibility, protection of wildlife, and reduction of glare and light pollution. 3. Shielding
1. All outdoor light fixtures shall be fully shielded and directed downward except as otherwise specified. 2. Exceptions 1. Low-voltage Landscape Lighting: Low-voltage landscape lighting, such as that used to illuminate fountains, shrubbery, trees, and walkways, do not have to be shielded fixtures, provided that they use no more than 150 lumens.
2. Outdoor Art: Low-voltage lighting used to illuminate outdoor art do not have to be shielded fixtures. 3. Greenhouse Lighting: At or under 200 lumens, a fixture can be
unshielded as long as no light shines outside the structure or is visible from another property or the sky. 4. Lighting Control Requirements
1. All outdoor lighting shall be controlled by motion-sensors or be fully extinguished by 11:00 p.m. or when people are no longer actually present in exterior areas, whichever is earlier, except 1. Lighting of outdoor art shall be fully extinguished by 11:00 pm 2. Where required by the California Building Code or state law, any lighting at building entrances, parking areas, walkways, and driveway areas that are required to remain illuminated after 11:00 p.m. 3. Lighting of a minimal appropriate intensity, allowed in conjunction with uses that are permitted to operate past 11:00 p.m., with a
conditional use permit 4. Outdoor solar-powered pathway lights without controls that are 25 lumens or less
2. All lighting activated by motion-sensors shall extinguish no more than 5 minutes after activation. Owners of such equipment shall (1) maintain it in good working order; and (2) adjust the trigger threshold appropriately
such that it only triggers on large objects like people. 3. Controls shall be provided that automatically extinguish all outdoor lighting when sufficient daylight is available using a control device or
system such as a photoelectric switch, astronomic time switch, or equivalent functions from a programmable lighting controller, building automation system, or lighting energy management system, all with battery or similar backup power or device, except 1. Lighting under canopies or lighting for tunnels, parking garages, garage entrances.
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5. Illumination Levels
1. Lighting in which any single luminaire exceeds 20,000 lumens or the total lighting load exceeds 160,000 lumens shall not be installed or used without a conditional use permit. 6. Limits to Offsite Impacts
1. No exterior light or combination shall cast light exceeding zero point one
(0.1) foot-candle onto an adjacent or nearby property, with the illumination level measured at the property line between the lot on which the light is located and the adjacent lot, at the point nearest to the light source, except if two adjacent properties are non-residential, or function as a shopping center, and agree to coordinate lighting. 2. No direct off-site glare from a light source shall be visible above three feet at a public right-of-way. 3. Indoor Lighting of Nonresidential Properties 1. Businesses that involve the direct retailing of goods to the general public may have downward directed, low voltage, and fully shielded lighting for window displays.
2. Any lighting device located on the inside of a window which is visible beyond the boundaries of the lot or parcel with intermittent fading, flashing, blinking, rotating, or strobe light illumination is
prohibited. 3. Properties are encouraged to draw blinds and/or turn off non-essential indoor lighting at night.
4. Interior lights shall be extinguished or motion-sensor operated by 11:00 p.m. or within two hours after the business is closed, whichever is earlier. 7. Outdoor Security Lighting
1. Security lighting may be provided when necessary to protect persons and property. When security lighting is utilized, the following standards shall apply: 2. Security lighting shall be controlled by a programmable motion-sensor device, except where continuous lighting is required by the California Building Code. All lighting activated by motion sensors shall extinguish no
more than 5 minutes after activation. Automated controls shall be fully programmable and supported by battery or similar backup. 3. Security lighting shall be downward directed, fully shielded, and not be
mounted at a height that exceeds 12 feet, measured from the adjacent grade to the bottom of the fixture. 4. Floodlights shall not be permitted.
5. Security lights intended to illuminate a perimeter, such as a fence line, are permitted only if such lights do not result in light trespass. 6. Motion-activated security lights shall not use luminaires that exceed a
maximum of 1,600 lumens. 8. Service Station Canopies
1. The following standards shall apply to service station canopy lighting, in addition to all other applicable standards. 2. Service station canopies shall not be transparent or translucent.
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3. Lighting fixtures in the ceiling of canopies shall be fully recessed into the underside of the canopy. All lighting fixtures shall be located so as to shield direct rays from adjoining properties or public rights-of-way. 4. Light fixtures shall not be mounted on top of the fascia of such canopies. 5. The maximum light intensity under the canopy shall not exceed an average maintained foot-candle (horizontal) of 12.5, when measured at
finished grade. Luminaires shall be of a low level, indirect diffused type. 6. No luminaire shall be higher than 15 feet above the finished grade.
7. The fascia of such canopies shall not be illuminated, except for approved signage in compliance with Section 5. 4. High Intensity and/or Special Purpose
Lighting
1. Conditional use permits
1. Lighting installations that do not comply with lighting standards may be
allowed if a conditional use permit is obtained. 2. To obtain a conditional use permit, applicants shall demonstrate that the proposed lighting installation meets the following requirements:
1. Demonstrates through third-party review that the intended function cannot be achieved through the requirements of this ordinance. 2. Is at the lowest illumination levels that meet the requirement of the
task. 3. Has sustained every reasonable effort to mitigate the effects of light on the environment and surrounding properties, supported by
a signed statement describing the mitigation measures. 4. Employs lighting controls to reduce lighting at a project-specific curfew time to be established in the Permit. 5. Complies with the lighting standards in the ordinance after the project-specific curfew. 6. The permit must demonstrate that the applicant is making every
reasonable effort to adhere to the code requirements. 2. String Lighting
1. String lighting shall not be 1. Blinking and/or chasing lights. 2. Secured with materials or in a manner that will puncture the skin
or restrict the growth of any living landscape feature. 3. Attached to a fence in a manner that permits light trespass to adjacent property.
4. Allowed to emit no more than 42 lumens. 5. A correlated color temperature of more than 2,700 K 2. Residential Areas: In addition to Section 4.2.1, string lighting is permitted subject to the following requirements: 1. It shall not illuminate more than fifty (50) percent of the rear yard or 500 sq. ft., whichever is more restrictive. 2. It shall not be visible from a public right-of-way. 3. It shall be used primarily to illuminate patio areas.
4. It shall be extinguished by 11:00 p.m.
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3. Nonresidential and Mixed-Use Areas: String lighting may be permitted subject to the following requirements, with approval of the Planning
Director or equivalent: 1. Any development or property is permitted to submit one application for string lighting, which shall include all uses of string
lighting on the development or property. 2. It shall not illuminate an area greater than five (5) percent of the building(s) footprint of a shopping center and fifteen (15) percent
for a freestanding commercial building not part of a shopping center. 3. It is limited to designated outside dining or display areas.
4. It is extinguished two (2) hours after the close of business. 3. Outdoor Recreational Facilities
1. Lighting at public and private outdoor recreational facilities, including but not limited to playing fields, arenas, tracks, and swimming pools, will be fully shielded to the greatest practical extent to reduce glare, safety hazards, light trespass, and light pollution. 2. Such lighting shall meet all of the following requirements.
1. Provide levels of illuminance that are adjustable according to task, allowing for illuminating levels not to exceed nationally recognized Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). standards according to the
appropriate class of play, as well as for lower output during other times, such as when field maintenance is being actively performed 2. Be provided exclusively for illumination of the surface of play and
adjacent viewing stands, and not for any other application, such as lighting a parking lot. 3. Must be extinguished by 11:00 pm or within one (1) hour of the
end of the active play, whichever is earlier. 4. Shall be fitted with motion sensors and/or mechanical or electronic timers to prevent lights from being left on accidentally overnight. 3. Illumination levels shall be designed to be no higher than recommended for Class IV play, as defined by the Illuminating Engineering Society publication ANSI/IES RP-6-20, as amended. 1. design and installation adheres to the IDSA’s Criteria for Community Friendly Outdoor Sports Lighting 2. Height? 5. Sign Lighting
1. All externally or internally illuminated signs, advertising displays, and building identification shall be extinguished at 11:00 p.m. or within one (1) hour of the end of normal business hours, whichever occurs first. 2. Externally Illuminated Signs 1. Externally illuminated signs shall be lit only from the top of the sign, with fully shielded luminaires designed and installed to prevent light from spilling beyond the physical edges of the sign.
2. All external sign illumination must comply with the Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) requirements of this ordinance. 3. Internally Illuminated Signs:
1. Outdoor internally illuminated signs (whether free standing or building mounted) shall be subject to all the following requirements:
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1. The internally illuminated portion of the sign cannot be white, cream, off-white, light tan, yellow or any light color unless it is part
of a registered logo that does not have an alternate version with dark tones. Light tone colors such as white, cream, off-white, light tan, yellow or any light color are permitted in the logo only,
provided that such colors in the logo shall represent not more than 33% of the total sign area permitted. 2. The internal illumination, between sunset and sunrise, is to be the
lowest intensity needed to allow the sign to be visible and shall not exceed 50 nits (=170 lumens). 3. Size limit: The luminous surface area of an individual sign shall
not exceed 50 square feet. 4. Electronic message displays are discouraged and shall comply with outdoor lighting curfews stipulated in this ordinance. 5. Moving and/or flashing text or images are
prohibited.ApplicabilityNew [3] and existing [4] streetlights
6. Streetlight RequirementsStreet lighting must consist of fully
shielded fixtures, directed downward to meet particular need and away from adjacent properties and rights-of-ways to avoid light trespass. [1]
7. Street lighting shall have a correlated color temperature of
2,700 Kelvin or less (Cupertino and Los Gatos). [1]
8. The lumen output of each streetlight shall be the lowest reasonable lumen output to meet safety standards but in no case greater than 10,000 lumens. [4]
References [1] Communication with Public Works Directors in Cupertino, Los Gatos [2] Flagstaff Ordinance: https://www.codepublishing.com/AZ/Flagstaff/html/Flagstaff13/Flagstaff1312003.html#13.12.003 https://flagstaffdarkskies.org/dark-sky-solutions/dark-sky-solutions-2/outdoor-lighting-codes/
[3] County of LA Rural ordinance https://library.municode.com/ca/los_angeles_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT22PLZO_DIV4COZOSUDI_CH22.80RUOULIDI#:~:text=The%20Rural%20Outdoor%20Lighting%2
0District,and%20preserving%20the%20nighttime%20environment Malibu’s Dark Sky Ordinance: https://www.malibucity.org/DocumentCenter/View/29389/Attachment-2_Malibu-Municipal-Code-Ch-1741?bidId=
Brisbane’s Staff Report + Dark Sky Ordinance: https://mccmeetingspublic.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/brisbaneca-meet-af1c62b805bd463ea43072d7018a7c98/ITEM-Attachment-001-5913cc8fb5de4f06a173268ed08d5a49.pdf Cupertino’s Dark Sky and Bird Safe Design Ordinance: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/cupertino/latest/cupertino_ca/0-0-0-96605
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P.O. Box 249, The Plains, VA 20198 (regular, registered, or certified mail)
8255 E. Main Street, Suites D & E, Marshall, VA 20115 (physical address; use for deliveries)
tel: 540-253-5780 | fax: 540-253-5782 | email: info@abcbirds.org | website: abcbirds.org
American Bird Conservancy Model Bird-Friendly Building Guidelines
October 2023
These model guidelines are intended to be a starting point for cities, towns, villages, counties,
states, universities, businesses, and any other entity interested in regulating or guiding building
construction to reduce bird collisions with glass. They describe a truly bird-friendly building.
Summarized simply, these guidelines are based on a 100/100/100 framework: 100% of all glass
and other building materials should be bird friendly in the first 100 feet of 100% of buildings.
The guidelines also specifically include making bird friendly all hazardous features and materials
that cause collisions no matter where they are found.
Any group that adopts these guidelines as written will be at the leading edge of creating a bird-
friendly built environment. However, many groups considering such guidelines will be
interested in softening the language to exempt certain types of buildings or to reduce the
amount of bird-friendly materials required. In anticipation of this, American Bird Conservancy
(ABC) has created a discussion of the issues to be considered when revising this model (see
ABC’s Legislation, Ordinances, and Codes).
This model will be most commonly adopted as an ordinance to modify municipal building codes
and is therefore written in that format. However, the text can be easily adapted to fit other
building guidance formats.
ABC will revise these guidelines as new science, materials, techniques, and technologies
become available, so please make sure that you have the most current version before you
begin the process of creating your own guidelines. The most recent version can be found on
ABC’s website (see ABC’s Legislation, Ordinances, and Codes).
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2
PROPOSAL NUMBER:
PROPOSAL NAME: Bird-Friendly Building Design Requirements
SPONSOR(S):
PURPOSE: This building ordinance has been created to address the role of the (MUNICIPALITY)’s built
environment in the annual loss of up to 1 billion birds due to glass collisions in the United States.
WHEREAS, birds provide valuable and important ecological services,
WHEREAS, (MUNICIPALITY) has recorded (XXX) species of resident and migratory bird species,
WHEREAS, birding is a hobby enjoyed by 46 million Americans with an annual $107 billion total
industry output in the United States,
WHEREAS, as many as 1 billion birds may be killed by collisions with windows every year in the United
States,
WHEREAS, new buildings can be designed to reduce bird deaths from collisions without significant
additional cost,
WHEREAS there exist strategies to mitigate collisions on existing buildings,
WHEREAS witnessing a collision is an upsetting, sad event,
WHEREAS no person wants to live or work in a building that kills wildlife,
WHEREAS façades with more than 30% glass usually increase costs and CO2 emissions from heating
and cooling,
WHEREAS, bird-friendly practices can go hand-in-hand with energy efficiency improvements,
And WHEREAS (ANY ADDITIONS SPECIFIC TO THE MUNICIPALITY),
NOW, THEREFORE, the (LEGISLATIVE BODY) of the (MUNICIPALITY) does hereby ordain as follows:
1. Section (XX.XXX) of the (MUNICIPALITY)’s General Ordinances is created to read as follows:
a. DEFINITIONS
i. Glass: All glass, including spandrel glass.
ii. Reflective and/or Transparent Non-Glass Materials: Any non-glass materials that
are transparent or highly reflective, including but not limited to plexiglass and
polished metal.
iii. Bird Activity Zone: The zone between 0 and 100 feet above grade.
iv. Auxiliary Structures: Structures that pose significant collision risks to birds
wherever they are found, including but not limited to:
1. Transparent or highly-reflective:
a. Railings, including balconies
b. Noise barriers
c. Wind barriers (including in parking structures)
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d. Transportation or weather shelters, including both private and
public bus and train stops
2. Small, stand-alone buildings that present conditions that can be both
transparent and reflective:
a. Gazebos
b. External ticket booths
3. Any other free-standing glass, plexiglass, or other clear, transparent, or
highly-reflective free-standing structure
v. High-Risk Building Features:
1. Skyways/skywalks
2. All floors of building connectors
3. All outside corners where a bird can see in one side of the building and
out the other (“fly-through conditions”) within 30 feet of the corner
4. All interior corners within 30 feet of the corner
5. Glazing adjacent to courtyards
6. Atria, open and enclosed
7. Three floors of glazing adjacent to any green roof or partial green roof
vi. Major Renovations and Additions Involving Glass: Any renovation in the Bird
Activity Zone that:
1. Replaces at least 25% of a structure’s existing glass or other transparent
or reflective materials, or
2. Adds any new glass or transparent or reflective materials
vii. Bird-Friendly Glass: Glass or materials that meet any of the following conditions:
1. Any product with an American Bird Conservancy Material Threat Factor
Rating ≤ 30. Visit birdsmartglass.org to view the continuously-updated
database
2. Any product that follows American Bird Conservancy’s Prescriptive
Rating Criteria (abcthreatfactor.org)
3. Glass with exterior surface (surface 1) obstructed and effectively covered
by building-integrated structures that do not have gaps larger than 12” in
any dimension, including non-glass double-skin facades, metal screens,
fixed solar shading, exterior insect or solar screens, and other features as
determined by the (BUILDING DEPARTMENT OR SIMILAR) that meet
these conditions.
4. Continuous-surface materials, including spandrel glass and polished or
brushed metals, whose surface 1 gloss reading follows the ABC
Prescriptive Rating Criteria (abcthreatfactor.org) to ensure that they do
not produce strong reflections).
b. REQUIREMENTS
i. 100% of the glazing for all building types must be Bird-Friendly Glass for the
following projects:
1. All new construction in the Bird Activity Zone.
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2. Major Renovations and Additions Involving Glass and Reflective and/or
Transparent Materials in the Bird Activity Zone.
3. All Auxiliary Structures regardless of whether the rest of the building or
project triggers these bird-friendly building requirements.
4. All High-Risk Building Features regardless of whether the rest of the
building or project triggers these bird-friendly building requirements.
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Other Jurisdic�ons on Outdoor Ligh�ng/Dark Sky Standards:
• City of Cuper�no (Chapter 19.102: Glass and Ligh�ng Standards):
htps://codehub.gridics.com/us/ca/cuper�no#/d3ef8742-594e-4e92-bb0d-
0�b09d855bd/68dadeb1-0691-4c82-a9e1-11e6e40f268f
• Portola Valley (Ligh�ng Ordinance):
htps://www.portolavalley.net/home/showpublisheddocument/11163/636699440999530000
• Woodside (Sec�on 153.213 Outdoor Ligh�ng):
htps://library.municode.com/ca/woodside/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=CD_ORD_TITXVLAUS
_CH153ZO_153.213OULI
• Sunnyvale (Moffet Park Specific Plan – Sec�on 6.6.9 Exterior Ligh�ng, Document Pages 179-
180):
htps://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/gz3cr91d1xyd073x6ligg/SMPSP_FinalPlan_MidRes.pdf?rlkey=5
vg3c42cc0o6935btgxzwatgp&e=1&dl=0
• Brisbane (Dark Sky Ordinance): htps://www.brisbaneca.org/cd/page/dark-sky-
ordinance#:~:text=On%20January%2018%2C%202024%2C%20the,reasonable%20restric�ons%2
0on%20outdoor%20ligh�ng.
Other Jurisdic�ons on Bird Safe Design Standards:
• City of Cuper�no (Chapter 19.102: Glass and Ligh�ng Standards):
htps://codehub.gridics.com/us/ca/cuper�no#/d3ef8742-594e-4e92-bb0d-
0�b09d855bd/68dadeb1-0691-4c82-a9e1-11e6e40f268f
• City of San Francisco (Standards for Bird-Safe Buildings): htps://sfplanning.org/standards-bird-
safe-buildings
• City of Sunnyvale (Bird-Safe Building Design Guidelines):
htps://www.sunnyvale.ca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/1542/638273438333130000
• City of Sunnyvale (Moffet Park Specific Plan – Sec�on 5.4.2 Bird Safe Design, Document Pages
124-125):
htps://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/gz3cr91d1xyd073x6ligg/SMPSP_FinalPlan_MidRes.pdf?rlkey=5
vg3c42cc0o6935btgxzwatgp&e=1&dl=0
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e
e
t
Charlesto
n
R
o
a
d
Park Bo
u
l
e
v
a
r
d
East Mea
d
o
w
D
r
i
v
e
Stanfo
r
d
A
v
e
n
u
e
Colorado
A
v
e
n
u
e
West B
a
y
s
h
o
r
e
R
o
a
d
Hanover
S
t
r
e
e
t
Miranda
A
v
e
n
u
e
Foothill Expressway
Fabia
n
W
a
y
Home
r
A
v
e
n
u
e
Greer R
o
a
d
Ramona
S
t
r
e
e
t
Edgewo
o
d
D
r
i
v
e
Loma Ve
r
d
e
A
v
e
n
u
e
Evere
t
t
A
v
e
n
u
e
Church
i
l
l
A
v
e
n
u
e
Arastradero R
o
a
d
Matad
e
r
o
A
v
e
n
u
e
Lowell
A
v
e
n
u
e
Cente
r
D
r
i
v
e
Tennys
o
n
A
v
e
n
u
e
Los R
o
b
l
e
s
A
v
e
n
u
e
Califo
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
n
u
e
Barro
n
A
v
e
n
u
e
Hillv
i
e
w
A
v
e
n
u
e
Palo A
l
t
o
A
v
e
n
u
e
Welch Road
Kings
l
e
y
A
v
e
n
u
e
Maybe
l
l
A
v
e
n
u
e
Wilkie
W
a
y
Hanse
n
W
a
y
Coleri
d
g
e
A
v
e
n
u
e
Byron S
t
r
e
e
t
Ely Place
Orego
n
A
v
e
n
u
e
Man
u
e
l
a
A
v
e
n
u
e
Amaril
l
o
A
v
e
n
u
e
Mario
n
A
v
e
n
u
e
Emerso
n
S
t
r
e
e
t
North C
a
l
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
n
u
e
Pitman Avenue
Grove A
v
e
n
u
e
Laguna A
v
e
n
u
e
Ferne
A
v
e
n
u
e
Nelson
D
r
i
v
e
Porter D
r
i
v
e
Castillej
a
A
v
e
n
u
e
Hale St
r
e
e
t
Chima
l
u
s
D
r
i
v
e
Colleg
e
A
v
e
n
u
e
Amherst
S
t
r
e
e
t
Seneca S
t
r
e
e
t
Lane 66
Bowdoin
S
t
r
e
e
t
Stockton
P
l
a
c
e
Harker Avenue
Deer
C
r
e
e
k
R
o
a
d
Embarc
a
d
e
r
o
R
o
a
d
Ames
A
v
e
n
u
e
El Do
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
n
u
e
La Par
a
A
v
e
n
u
e
Clark W
a
y
Grant
A
v
e
n
u
e
Birch St
r
e
e
t
Hawth
o
r
n
e
A
v
e
n
u
e
Harri
e
t
S
t
r
e
e
t
Clara D
r
i
v
e
Coyote Hill Road
Columbi
a
S
t
r
e
e
t
Geor
g
i
a
A
v
e
n
u
e
Rhode
s
D
r
i
v
e
San A
n
t
o
n
i
o
A
v
e
n
u
e
Camb
r
i
d
g
e
A
v
e
n
u
e
Olive A
v
e
n
u
e
El Vera
n
o
A
v
e
n
u
e
La Donn
a
S
t
r
e
e
t
El C
a
m
i
n
o
W
a
y
Parkinson Avenue
Kipling
S
t
r
e
e
t
Pasteur Drive
Heat
h
e
r
L
a
n
e
Kellog
g
A
v
e
n
u
e
Alger Dr
i
v
e
Florale
s
D
r
i
v
e
Oxfor
d
A
v
e
n
u
e
Forest Avenue
Monro
e
D
r
i
v
e
Greenwood Avenue
Cornell S
t
r
e
e
t
101 Or
e
g
o
n
-
E
m
b
a
r
c
a
d
e
r
o
R
a
m
p
N
o
r
t
h
Boyc
e
A
v
e
n
u
e
Sherm
a
n
A
v
e
n
u
e
Oberlin S
t
r
e
e
t
Amaranta
A
v
e
n
u
e
Donald Dr
i
v
e
West C
h
a
r
l
e
s
t
o
n
R
o
a
d
Urban L
a
n
e
Harvard
S
t
r
e
e
t
Iris Way
Wilton
A
v
e
n
u
e
Dana Aven
u
e
Fife Avenue
Hopkins Avenue
Fulton S
t
r
e
e
t
Sutherlan
d
D
r
i
v
e
Lamb
e
r
t
A
v
e
n
u
e
(none
)
Vineyard Lane
Josin
a
A
v
e
n
u
e
Marsha
l
l
D
r
i
v
e
David Av
e
n
u
e
Williams
S
t
r
e
e
t
Geng
R
o
a
d
101 O
r
e
g
o
n
-
E
m
b
a
r
c
a
d
e
r
o
R
a
m
p
S
o
u
t
h
Old A
d
o
b
e
R
o
a
d
Orme St
r
e
e
t
El Carm
e
l
o
A
v
e
n
u
e
Parksid
e
D
r
i
v
e
Mont
r
o
s
e
A
v
e
n
u
e
Walnut Drive
Princeton
S
t
r
e
e
t
Maddu
x
D
r
i
v
e
Curtne
r
A
v
e
n
u
e
Sherid
a
n
A
v
e
n
u
e
Jacara
n
d
a
L
a
n
e
Wild
w
o
o
d
L
a
n
e
Elsinor
e
D
r
i
v
e
Morris D
r
i
v
e
Stanl
e
y
W
a
y
Maripo
s
a
A
v
e
n
u
e
Ferna
n
d
o
A
v
e
n
u
e
Miller A
v
e
n
u
e
Lelan
d
A
v
e
n
u
e
Moren
o
A
v
e
n
u
e
Barbara
D
r
i
v
e
Creeks
i
d
e
D
r
i
v
e
Sutter A
v
e
n
u
e
Edlee
A
v
e
n
u
e
Marga
r
i
t
a
A
v
e
n
u
e
Ventur
a
A
v
e
n
u
e
Arbutu
s
A
v
e
n
u
e
Chauc
e
r
S
t
r
e
e
t
Nath
a
n
W
a
y
Shopp
i
n
g
C
e
n
t
e
r
W
a
y
Walte
r
H
a
y
s
D
r
i
v
e
Jacks
o
n
D
r
i
v
e
Willmar Drive
Kenneth
D
r
i
v
e
Martin Avenue Patric
i
a
L
a
n
e
Whitcle
m
D
r
i
v
e
Cereza
D
r
i
v
e
Paul A
v
e
n
u
e
Towle
W
a
y
Guinda
S
t
r
e
e
t
Transp
o
r
t
S
t
r
e
e
t
Old T
r
a
c
e
R
o
a
d
Ilima W
a
y
Lane 2
1
Santa A
n
a
S
t
r
e
e
t
Bruce D
r
i
v
e
Briarw
o
o
d
W
a
y
Encin
a
G
r
a
n
d
e
D
r
i
v
e
Faber
P
l
a
c
e
Comm
e
r
c
i
a
l
S
t
r
e
e
t
Lois Lane
Los P
a
l
o
s
A
v
e
n
u
e
Ruthv
e
n
A
v
e
n
u
e
Miramo
n
t
e
A
v
e
n
u
e
Gailen Aven
u
e
Laguna W
a
y
West M
e
a
d
o
w
D
r
i
v
e
Whitsell
S
t
r
e
e
t
Janice W
a
y
Scripps A
v
e
n
u
e
Southa
m
p
t
o
n
D
r
i
v
e
Pomona Av
e
n
u
e
Warre
n
W
a
y
Yale Stre
e
t
Ivy Lane
Rorke W
a
y
Evergre
e
n
D
r
i
v
e
Stelling
D
r
i
v
e
Ashton
A
v
e
n
u
e
New M
a
y
f
i
e
l
d
L
a
n
e
McKe
l
l
a
r
L
a
n
e
Robb Road
Jeffer
s
o
n
D
r
i
v
e
Dake Av
e
n
u
e
Arboretum R
o
a
d
Santa R
i
t
a
A
v
e
n
u
e
Addi
s
o
n
A
v
e
n
u
e
Saint C
l
a
i
r
e
D
r
i
v
e
Rincon
a
d
a
A
v
e
n
u
e
Moshe
r
W
a
y
Second St
r
e
e
t
Encina Avenue
Seminole W
a
y
Aleste
r
A
v
e
n
u
e
Silva Av
e
n
u
e
Kelly Wa
y
Indian D
r
i
v
e
Quarry
R
o
a
d
Manuela Court
Garlan
d
D
r
i
v
e
Hubbartt Drive
Christ
i
n
e
D
r
i
v
e
Kings Lane
Bryson
A
v
e
n
u
e
Oak H
i
l
l
A
v
e
n
u
e
Fabian Street
Murdoc
h
D
r
i
v
e
Deodar
S
t
r
e
e
t
Nevad
a
A
v
e
n
u
e
Madis
o
n
W
a
y
Sequoia A
v
e
n
u
e
Southw
o
o
d
D
r
i
v
e
Lane 3
3
East M
e
a
d
o
w
C
i
r
c
l
e
Vista A
v
e
n
u
e
Hilba
r
L
a
n
e
Lupine
A
v
e
n
u
e
Campe
s
i
n
o
A
v
e
n
u
e
Poe S
t
r
e
e
t
La Calle
Park A
v
e
n
u
e
Chestn
u
t
A
v
e
n
u
e
Cypress
L
a
n
e
(
P
r
i
v
a
t
e
)
Mumfor
d
P
l
a
c
e
Kenda
l
l
A
v
e
n
u
e
Robl
e
R
i
d
g
e
(
P
r
i
v
a
t
e
)
Thain Wa
y
Sycamore
D
r
i
v
e
Vernon
T
e
r
r
a
c
e
Celia
D
r
i
v
e
Denni
s
D
r
i
v
e
Washi
n
g
t
o
n
A
v
e
n
u
e
Orteg
a
C
o
u
r
t
Manzan
a
L
a
n
e
Ash Stre
e
t
De Soto Drive
Rambow
D
r
i
v
e
Portag
e
A
v
e
n
u
e
Bryant
C
o
u
r
t
Elwell
C
o
u
r
t
Torreya
C
o
u
r
t
Parad
i
s
e
W
a
y
Manuela Way
Cork O
a
k
W
a
y
Magnolia
D
r
i
v
e
Coastlan
d
D
r
i
v
e
Stern
A
v
e
n
u
e
Wellsb
u
r
y
W
a
y
Mitchell
L
a
n
e
Fallen L
e
a
f
S
t
r
e
e
t
Evere
t
t
C
o
u
r
t
Peppe
r
A
v
e
n
u
e
Charle
s
M
a
r
x
W
a
y
Community Lane
Thoma
s
D
r
i
v
e
Wells Avenue
Fieldin
g
D
r
i
v
e
Tulip Lane
Acaci
a
A
v
e
n
u
e
Berrye
s
s
a
S
t
r
e
e
t
Tasso St
r
e
e
t
Stone L
a
n
e
Lane B E
a
s
t
Lytton
A
v
e
n
u
e
Lane 8 W
e
s
t
Coulombe
D
r
i
v
e
Mark Tw
a
i
n
S
t
r
e
e
t
Mapl
e
S
t
r
e
e
t
El Cerrit
o
R
o
a
d
Whitm
a
n
C
o
u
r
t
Lane B W
e
s
t
Lane D
W
e
s
t
Dinah
'
s
C
o
u
r
t
Gaspar C
o
u
r
t
Prim
r
o
s
e
W
a
y
Irven
C
o
u
r
t
Tanland
D
r
i
v
e
May Co
u
r
t
Baker Aven
u
e
Morton
S
t
r
e
e
t
Murray W
a
y
Melvil
l
e
A
v
e
n
u
e
Corin
a
W
a
y
Lane 3
0
Palm
S
t
r
e
e
t
Green
m
e
a
d
o
w
W
a
y
Blair C
o
u
r
t
Saint Mi
c
h
a
e
l
D
r
i
v
e
Gilman
S
t
r
e
e
t
Wellesley
S
t
r
e
e
t
Thornw
o
o
d
D
r
i
v
e
Wright
P
l
a
c
e
El Cajon
W
a
y
Holly O
a
k
D
r
i
v
e
Pistach
e
P
l
a
c
e
Sandra
P
l
a
c
e
Peral La
n
e
Florenc
e
S
t
r
e
e
t
Ensign W
a
y
Ben Lom
o
n
d
D
r
i
v
e
Dartmout
h
S
t
r
e
e
t
Bret Ha
r
t
e
S
t
r
e
e
t
Erstw
i
l
d
C
o
u
r
t
Arcadia Place
Sain
t
F
r
a
n
c
i
s
D
r
i
v
e
Ramos W
a
y
(
P
r
i
v
a
t
e
)
Layne
C
o
u
r
t
Drake
W
a
y
Timlo
t
t
L
a
n
e
Flowers
L
a
n
e
Lindero Drive
Simkin
s
C
o
u
r
t
Marlo
w
e
S
t
r
e
e
t
Shaun
a
L
a
n
e
Lane 5 Ea
s
t
none
Dixon Pl
a
c
e
Maybell W
a
y
Altaire Walk
Corpora
t
i
o
n
W
a
y
Midtow
n
C
o
u
r
t
Avalon C
o
u
r
t
Lane 12
W
e
s
t
Ashby Drive
El Capitan
P
l
a
c
e
Keats
C
o
u
r
t
Scott Str
e
e
t
Staunton
C
o
u
r
t
Higgins
P
l
a
c
e
Aztec W
a
y
Plum Lane
Ellswo
r
t
h
P
l
a
c
e
(
P
r
i
v
a
t
e
)
Shar
o
n
C
o
u
r
t
Randers
C
o
u
r
t
Paulse
n
L
a
n
e
Adobe Place
Amhe
r
s
t
W
a
y
Kent Place
East G
r
e
e
n
w
i
c
h
P
l
a
c
e
Pena Cour
t
Tevis Place
Park Bo
u
l
e
v
a
r
d
Fulton S
t
r
e
e
t
Page M
i
l
l
R
o
a
d
Nevad
a
A
v
e
n
u
e
High St
r
e
e
t
Melvill
e
A
v
e
n
u
e
Byron
S
t
r
e
e
t
Sheri
d
a
n
A
v
e
n
u
e
Ramona
S
t
r
e
e
t
South C
o
u
r
t
Kipling
S
t
r
e
e
t
Oregon
A
v
e
n
u
e
Emers
o
n
S
t
r
e
e
t
Matad
e
r
o
A
v
e
n
u
e
North
C
a
l
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
n
u
e
Bryant S
t
r
e
e
t
Fulton S
t
r
e
e
t
Byron S
t
r
e
e
t
Hawth
o
r
n
e
A
v
e
n
u
e
Miran
d
a
A
v
e
n
u
e
Byron S
t
r
e
e
t
Guinda
S
t
r
e
e
t
Footh
i
l
l
E
x
p
r
e
s
s
w
a
y
Fulto
n
S
t
r
e
e
t
Hy 10
1
N
o
r
t
h
Ramona
S
t
r
e
e
t
Moren
o
A
v
e
n
u
e
Lytton
A
v
e
n
u
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This map is a product of City of Palo Alto GIS
[
0 0.25 0.50.125 Miles
Bird Safe Design OrdinanceBird Sensitive Areas - East of Foothill Expressway and West of Highway 101
Bird Sensitive Area
Parks
City Limit
Item 2
Attachment E: Bird Sensitive Areas
(PTC_20240814_Att_E_BirdSensitiveArea)
Packet Pg. 46
July 28,2024
Dear Kelly,
We have reviewed the proposed Lighting ordinance (the version that was available to the ARB)and our
comments are attached,
Please note that we are still looking at this,and comparing with our Model Lighting Ordinance Ordinance
(Available Here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Nqe19ColokeJGwsWsXCwZz9-Mx2mrTaJQwYLzmeepfg/edit#hea
ding=h.406ajo23pzbb)
Thank you so much,
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society and Sierra Club Comments on Lighting Ordinance (ARB version)
Lighting (Repeal PAMC Section 18.40.250)
Consider adding:
●Please include Lumens caps (e.g.,allowed amount of lumens per improved acre)to limit
over-lighting.Malibu’s ordinance has Lumen caps,often 850 lumens.Brisbane has a maximum
lumen/square foot.Our Model Lighting ordinance suggests:
○Illumination Levels:Lighting in which any single luminaire exceeds 20,000 lumens or the
total lighting load exceeds 160,000 lumens shall not be installed or used without a
conditional use permit.
●Please add regulations for parking garages?Our Model Ordinance requires Lighting Controls
for Lighting under canopies or lighting for tunnels,parking garages,and garage entrances.
●The ordinance should include a restriction on the total amount of unshielded lighting allowed
on a property.This would capture string lighting,for example.
Comments on the proposed ordinance (ARB version):
(a)Purpose.
“The intent of this section is to establish exterior lighting standards to reduce light pollution.Exterior
lighting of parking areas,pathways,and common open spaces,including fixtures on building facades and
free-standing lighting should aim to:”
●Comment:It's unclear why the preamble specifically calls out "exterior lighting of parking areas,
pathways,and common open spaces,including fixtures on building facades and free-standing
Item 2
Attachment F: Public
Comments
(PTC_20240814_Att_F_SCVAS)
Packet Pg. 47
lighting".The statement in section (c)says that the ordinance applies to "require separate
planning approval".It's just odd that the phrasing in (a)is so specific,and omits many other
potential exterior lighting areas.
●Suggestion:Consider replacing “Exterior lighting of parking areas,pathways,and common open
spaces,including fixtures on building facades and free-standing lighting should aim to:”with
“Exterior lighting should aim to accomplish the 5 Principles for Outdoor Lighting,directing light
light to be 1)useful,2)targeted,3)low level,4)controlled,and 5)warm-colored and”
(1)Reduce light pollution and its adverse effects on environment,wildlife habitat,and human health.
●Comment:The Night Sky,visibility of stars,is important.
●Suggestion:Add “the night sky”or replace “environment”with “the night sky”
(4)Achieve maximum energy efficiency.
●Comment:The important thing is to reduce overlighting in time and space that wastes energy.
We are concerned with specifying “Maximum efficiency”as it may lead to installation of very
fixtures of high Correlated Color Temperature,which conflicts with the intent of this section.
●Suggestion:Replace “Achieve maximum energy efficiency”with:“promote lighting systems and
practices that conserve energy and prevent overlighting”
(b)Definitions.Notwithstanding the definitions in Chapter 18.04 of the Municipal Code,for purposes of
this chapter only,the following words and phrases are defined as follows:
(b)(1)“Correlated Color Temperature”or “Color Temperature”means a specification of the color
appearance of the light emitted by a light source,measured in Kelvin (K).Warmer color temperatures are
a lower number,and cooler color temperatures are a higher number.
●Comment:This wording confuses color temperature with the hue of light.
●Suggestion:Replace:"Warmer color temperatures are a lower number,and cooler color
temperatures are a higher number."with the more accurate "Sources that appear warm or
yellowish have lower CCT values,and sources that appear cool or blue have higher values".
(2)“Dark Sky Compliant or Equivalent”means a light fixture from which all light emitted,directly or
indirectly,is projected below a horizontal plane.
●Comment:this could confuse property owners.No one owns the term "dark sky compliant",so
words like that appear in sales literature and on product packaging for lighting that doesn't meet
the stated definition here.Someone could make an honest effort to comply and still fail because
"dark sky compliant"is essentially a meaningless term.
●Suggestion:Remove this definition,replace with specific requirements.
(5)“High Intensity Lighting”
Item 2
Attachment F: Public
Comments
(PTC_20240814_Att_F_SCVAS)
Packet Pg. 48
●Comment:This term is ambiguous in that it implies a number or other metric that explains why
the "intensity"is "high".A veteran lighting consultant we talked to stated that he has never
before seen an instance where this term was intended to refer specifically to outdoor sports
lighting.
(9)“Luminaires”
●Suggestion:Please make clear that this term does not include poles or mounting surfaces.
(11)“Security lighting”
●Comment:There's no consistent evidence that lighting can "detect intrusions or other criminal
activity occurring on a property or site".It may help people feel secure,and perhaps the intent is
to deter rather than detect criminal activity.There is no evidence to suggest that works,either.
(c)Applicability
For the purposes of this Section,all new structures and exterior modifications that require separate
planning approval shall comply with the lighting standards and guidelines set forth in this section
●Comments/Suggestions:Expand Applicability to Existing Fixtures
○A recent feature of several adopted Dark Sky Ordinances is the application of Dark Sky
standards to existing lighting fixtures,as seen in Malibu and Brisbane.Existing,
non-compliant lighting that can be adjusted without replacing the fixture should be
brought into compliance within a short grace period of time.Lighting that requires new
fixtures or installations should be allowed a grace period of up to 5 years.Addressing
existing lighting will empower neighbors affected by light pollution to seek resolution
through code enforcement if needed.
○The proposed ordinance suggests a 10 PM curfew for new permitted buildings,but does
not apply to existing structures.We ask for a curfew on outdoor lighting to apply to
existing buildings.If only new buildings are subject to curfew,the result will be a
patchwork of compliance that undermines the ordinance's goals.It's also unfair for new
structures to comply while existing structures do not.
(d)Lighting Guidelines
(1)Lighting of the building exterior,parking areas and pedestrian ways should be of the lowest intensity
and energy use adequate for its purpose,and be designed to focus illumination downward to avoid
excessive illumination above the light fixture.
●Comment:Here,too,we are not sure why the bullet calls out "lighting of the building exterior,
parking areas and pedestrian ways".Rather,all exterior lighting should follow the guidelines.
Item 2
Attachment F: Public
Comments
(PTC_20240814_Att_F_SCVAS)
Packet Pg. 49
(2)Unnecessary continued illumination,such as illuminated signs or back-lit awnings,should be avoided.
Internal illumination of signs,where allowed,should be limited to letters and graphic elements,with the
surrounding background opaque.Illumination should be by low intensity lamps.
●Comment:we recommend against using language in ordinances like "should be avoided".Either
something complies with the law or it doesn't.Language that is only advisory and not binding
shouldn't appear in statutory law.Also,the use of "low intensity"here is like the objection above
to "high intensity lighting"--there is no metric that establishes what either "high"or "low"is.
Please be specific!
(e)Lighting Standards
(1)Shielding
●Suggestion:lead with a statement like "Unless specifically exempted by subsection (E)of this
section".
(1)(D)No direct off-site glare from a light source shall be visible above three feet at a public right-of-way
●Comment:This is a good standard.We wonder how this may be enforced.Is a citizen complaint ,
if someone complains.Is the attestation of code compliance staff that they observe glare
sufficient to establish a violation?(they usually do n
(1)(E)(ii):Low voltage lighting used to illuminate outdoor art or public monuments that do not have to be
shielded fixtures.
●Question:Does lightning of art have to comply with curfew directions?
●Comment/Suggestion:"Low voltage lighting"needs a number,like the 150-lumen limit in item
(E)(i).
(1)(E)(iii):Lighting located on property lines (including zero lot line developments),provided it is
controlled by a motion sensor that automatically extinguishes the lights within 10 minutes of activation.
●Comment/Suggestion:10 minutes is a long time for a light to be on when controlled by a motion
sensor.We recommend no more than 5 minutes.Also,the onus should be on the owner of the
equipment to ensure that the trigger threshold is set such that it does not trigger inappropriately
(due to,e.g.,small animals)
(2)Lighting Height:
(2)(A)Exterior lighting fixtures shall be mounted less than or equal to 15 feet from grade to top of fixture
in parking lots in residential development and 20 feet in parking lots with commercial and mixed-use
development.
●Comment:Seems redundant with subsection (e)(1)(b).Is there any substantial difference?
(3)Illumination Level
Item 2
Attachment F: Public
Comments
(PTC_20240814_Att_F_SCVAS)
Packet Pg. 50
(3)(A)All light sources shall be Dark Sky Compliant or Equivalent and have a maintained correlated color
temperature of 3,000 Kelvin or less.
●Comment:confusing in that this standard is about color temperature,not illumination level.It
should be in its own subsection.
●Comment:There is no sound reason to ask for 3000K for outdoor lighting.Lighting should not
exceed 2700K.PA should not use an industrial indoor safety for outdoor lighting.To our human
eyes,there is no difference between these two color temperatures in terms of discerning the
environment.But many genera of wildlife,however,are far more sensitive to bluer color
temperatures than we are,including birds,fish,insects,and sea turtles.For example,migratory
birds use blue-green spectrum light for navigation.High kelvin lights in the city can disorient
them,especially in an important stopover like San Francisco Bay.It seems that inertia from times
that 2700K were hard to procure has a daunting effect here -LED technology has improved and
we should not stick to old harmful technology when alternatives are available.If Los Altos and
San Jose can require 2700K for outdoor lighting,so can Palo Alto.
(3)(B)Where the light source is visible from outside the property boundaries on an abutting residential
use,such lighting shall not exceed 0.5 foot-candle as measured at the abutting property line.
●Comment:This standard only envisions that light trespass can occur "on an abutting residential
use".This should change in two respects.First,the nature of the use shouldn't matter
(residential or any other use).And second,it shouldn't be limited only to "abutting"properties.
The light trespass threshold should not be exceeded on ANY other property line,whether
abutting or not.
●Comment/Suggestion:Why not prohibit light sources from being visible from a)above and b)
beyond the property line?That would reduce glare and light trespass,and allow
public/neighbors to address one of the most common complaints.It will also ensure that
shielding is effective.
●Suggestion:Replace with Brisbane’s ordinance for this standard:”Unless exempt from the
ordinance or from the shielding requirements in the ordinance,no light source (e.g.,light bulb)
may be directly visible from off-site.”
(3)(C)The maximum light intensity on a site shall not exceed a maintained value of 5 foot-candles.Areas
of higher or lower levels of illumination should be indicated on project plans.
●Comment:This statement is ambiguous:"Areas of higher or lower levels of illumination should
be indicated on project plans."Does this mean it's possible for the allowed illuminance to exceed
5 foot-candles?If so,perhaps don't state 5 fc as a "shall not exceed"in the first place?
●Comment:Brisbane has a maximum 1.75 Lumens per sq.ft.of Developed area.Is this a better
measure?
●Comment:May need to exempt sport fields,where the IES recommended practice potentially
prescribes more than this
Item 2
Attachment F: Public
Comments
(PTC_20240814_Att_F_SCVAS)
Packet Pg. 51
(4)(A)All outdoor lighting shall be fully extinguished or be motion sensor operated by 10:00 p.m.or
when people are no longer present in exterior areas,whichever is later.
●Comment:We are very supportive of this standard,but it is not clear how the presence of
people is determined…
●Comment:Are there any exceptions that the City can envision?We hope there are none.
(4)(B)All lighting activated by motion sensor shall be set up to extinguish no more than 10 minutes after
activation.
●Comment:Same as above,the 10-minute allowance here should be no more than 5.
(4)(E)Exceptions.
(E)(ii)Lighting of an appropriate intensity,allowed in conjunction with uses that are permitted to operate
past 10:00 p.m.,with a conditional use permit;and
●Comment:What is "an appropriate intensity"?Who decides that?
(f)Special Purpose Lighting
(f)(1)Outdoor Security Lighting.Security lighting may be provided when necessary to protect persons
and property.When security lighting is utilized only the following standards shall apply:
●Comment:who decides when lighting is "necessary to protect persons and property"?The
property owner?
(f)(1)(i)Security lighting shall be controlled by a programmable motion-sensor device,except where
continuous lighting is required by the California Building Code.All lighting activated by motion sensors
shall extinguish no more than 10 minutes after activation.Automated controls shall be fully
programmable and supported by battery or similar backup.
●Comment:Again,5 minutes should suffice.
(f)(1)(iii)Security lights intended to illuminate a perimeter,such as a fence line,are permitted only if such
lights do not result in light trespass above 0.5 foot-candle onto an adjacent or nearby property,with the
illumination level measured at the property line between the lot on which the light is located and the
adjacent lot,at the point nearest to the light source.
●Comment:Same concerns as before about how the light trespass threshold and measurement
point is defined.Security lighting should not cause trespass on any other property,whether
"adjacent or nearby"or not.
(f)(1)(iv)Motion-activated security lights shall not use luminaires that exceed 100-watt incandescent
bulb or LED equivalent,or a maximum of 1,600 lumens.
Item 2
Attachment F: Public
Comments
(PTC_20240814_Att_F_SCVAS)
Packet Pg. 52
●Comment:Since there is no cap on installed lumens on any property,setting a threshold like this
isn't very meaningful.Under this provision,a property owner could install as many security lights
as they like as long as no individual source exceeded 1600 lumens.
●Suggestion:Provide a cap on lumen (see above)
(f)(3)Gasoline Service Station Lighting
(f)(3)(i)Lighting fixtures in the ceiling of canopies shall be fully recessed or mounted directly to the
underside of the canopy.All lighting fixtures shall be located so as to shield direct rays from adjoining
properties or public rights-of-way.
●Comment:Instead of limiting trespass to "adjoining properties",it should be limited to "any
property".
(f)(3)(iii)The maximum light intensity under the canopy shall not exceed an average maintained
foot-candle (horizontal)of 12.5,when measured at finished grade.
●Comment:It's unclear where the 12.5 foot-candle figure comes from,but seems ok.Is this what
local gas stations in Palo Alto currently use?
(f)(4)String Lighting
(f)(4)(i)String lighting is not considered holiday or seasonal lighting.
●Comment:Thank you for this clarification.
(f)(4)(ii)String lighting must not exceed 3,000 Kelvin or 42 lumens and shall not be blinking or chasing.
●Comment:This is so confusing…why 3000K and not 2700?What Is the "42 lumens"limit here
per lamp?Per unit length of string?Total emission of all lamps on the string?Brisbane has
“String lights (max.300 lumens per string)when used in occupied decks or patios.”.
●Why is string lighting in residential areas not required to turn the lights off at 10PM?people use
string lighting as ornaments on fences,trees etc.A curfew is very much needed.
(f)(4)(iii)For nonresidential areas,string lighting shall be extinguished at 10:00 pm or 2 hours after close
of business,whichever is later.
●Comment:The reason for allowing string lighting to remain on up to "2 hours after close of
business"is unclear.If,as in item (iv),its use is limited to "outside dining or display areas or
common open space (i.e.courtyard or patio)",why should it be allowed to remain on after the
business closes to the public?
(f)(5)Lighting near Streams.In addition to lighting standards established in Section 18.40.250(e),lighting
near streams shall conform to the following requirements:
(f)(5)(i)Nighttime lighting shall be directed away from the riparian corridor of a stream.
Item 2
Attachment F: Public
Comments
(PTC_20240814_Att_F_SCVAS)
Packet Pg. 53
●Comment:We need to see how this is addressed in the Creek protection ordinance update.At a
minimum,we should require absolutely no light trespass into a stream and its associated
riparian corridor.This means within the banks plus any riparian vegetation as defined by the
dripline of riparian trees.
(f)(5)(ii)The distance between nighttime lighting and the riparian corridor of a stream should be
maximized.
●Comment:"should be maximized"isn't really meaningful unless something like a minimum
allowable distance is stated.Otherwise this is sufficiently subjective as to be meaningless.At a
minimum,this should entail the creek within its banks plus any riparian vegetation as defined by
the dripline of riparian trees,and setback requirements that are likely to be specified in the
upcoming Creek protection ordinance,whichever is widest!
(g)Prohibited Lighting.The following types of lighting are prohibited except emergencies by
police,fire,or medical personnel or at their direction:
●Comment:how are "emergencies"defined?Declared emergencies by local civil
authorities?Or some other mechanism?
(g)(2)Lighting that unnecessarily illuminates any other lot or substantially interferes with use or
enjoyment of that lot.
●Comment:The meaning of the word "unnecessarily"is unclear.Who decides what is
necessary?
(h)Exemptions.
The following types of lighting are exempt from the lighting requirements of the section:
(h)(2)Temporary construction or emergency lighting
●Comment:We have seen very bright,unshielded construction and security lights on
construction sites with offensive glare on large construction projects that lasted several
years.
●Suggestion:The term "temporary"should be defined here.
●Suggestion:The term “construction lighting”should be defined.The ordinance should
clarify the Construction lighting should only be allowed at the hours construction
actually occurs.The definition should exclude security lighting at a construction site from
the definition of construction lighting.Security lighting at a construction site should abide
by the ordinance.
●
(h)(3)Short-term lighting authorized by a special events or special use permits
Item 2
Attachment F: Public
Comments
(PTC_20240814_Att_F_SCVAS)
Packet Pg. 54
●Comment:This seems like it needs more detail or a more thorough description of the
procedure in terms of how permits will be evaluated in order to ensure that "temporary"
lighting doesn't become effectively "permanent".Season and location are important:a
laser show in the baylands during spring or fall bird migration seasons,for example,
could be disastrous.
(h)(4)Seasonal lighting during the period of October 15 through January 15 of each year
●Question:Is seasonal lighting subject to curfew?Why not set a curfew?
●Comment:An October 15 start to the "seasonal lighting"season seems very early and
is well within the fall bird migration in Palo Alto.
●Comment:We have heard that setting a fixed range of calendar dates for this type of
lighting that correspond to certain religious holidays might run afoul of the First
Amendment's Establishment Clause.
●Suggestion:Disallow seasonal lighting during migration and nesting seasons.This
provides a biological,rather than cultural basis:
○Nesting season:Feb.1 -August 31.
○Spring Migration:March -mid June
○Fall Migration:August -mid November.
○Remaining period when seasonal lighting is ok:Mid November -February
1st.
(h)(6)Lighting for Airport Operations.Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to restrict,limit,
or otherwise regulate lighting that,in the reasonable judgment of the Airport Manager,is prudent
or necessary for airport operations,airport safety,or air navigation in connection with operations
at the Palo Alto Municipal Airport.
●Comment:This section should just refer to lighting required by the FAA and not leave
the decision up to "the reasonable judgment of the Airport Manager".The FAA rules are
very prescriptive and ensure safe operations of airports.
Item 2
Attachment F: Public
Comments
(PTC_20240814_Att_F_SCVAS)
Packet Pg. 55
July 30,2024
Dear Kelly,
We have reviewed the proposed Bird Friendly Design ordinance (the version that was available to the
ARB)and our comments are attached,
Please note that we are still looking into how other cities solved some of the issues that Palo Alto is
struggling with
Thank you so much,
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society and Sierra Club Comments on Bird Friendly Design (ARB version)
Please note that our advocacy focused on discouraging people from installing architectural elements that
are hazardous to birds anywhere in the city.If someone wishes to install such a structure,they should
ensure that it is visible to birds.
18.40.280 Bird Safe Design Standards (new section)
●Comment:Consider using “bird-friendly”instead of “bird safe”,and correct throughout the
document.
(a)Purpose.The intent of this chapter/section is to establish bird-safe design standards to minimize
hazards for birds and to reduce the potential for collisions.
(b)Definitions.
●Suggestion:Add a definition for “Glazing:All glass,including spandrel glass as well as Reflective
and/or Transparent Non-Glass Materials,including but not limited to plexiglass and polished
metal.
(1)“Bird Sensitive Area”means areas that are within 300 feet of waterways;within 300 feet of any open
water larger than one acre;or within 300 feet of public and private parks and open space larger than one
acre and dominated by vegetation,including vegetated landscaping,forest,meadows,grassland,or
wetlands.
●Comment:Why not use Palo Alto’s geography here?
○Suggestion:In Palo Alto,areas East (Bayside)of Highway 101 and West (hillside)of
Foothill Expressway should be specified as “Bird Sensitive Areas”
●Comment:Areas along creeks are especially sensitive…
○Suggestion:Areas that are within 300 feet of natural waterways as measured from the
Top of Bank or Dripline,whichever is greater (this applies primarily to Adobe and San
Francisquito creeks)
Item 2
Attachment F: Public
Comments
(PTC_20240814_Att_F_SCVAS)
Packet Pg. 56
●Comment:The 1 acre requirement for “public and private parks and open space larger than one
acre and dominated by vegetation,including vegetated landscaping,forest,meadows,grassland,
or wetlands”makes no sense.We’d be ok with removing this (which will remove many homes
from the requirements of this section)IF
○our 2 suggestions in this section above are included,and
○hazardous architectural elements city wide are required to implement bird friendly
design (we’ll discuss later..
(2)“Bird-Safe Treatment”means permanent treatment to glass that provides visual cues to birds and
reduces the likelihood of bird collisions.
●Suggestion:Add:Bird friendly treatments must include at least one or a combination of the
following -exterior screens,grilles,shutters,or bird-friendly patterns that are visible to birds
from the exterior of the structure.
●Suggestion:Add a definition:“Bird-friendly Pattern”-A pattern on glazing on exterior surface
(Surface 1),intended to reduce bird collisions.The pattern must be visible to birds from the
exterior of the structure and have lines,circular,or square markers or other patterns at least
0.25 inches in width or diameter,and spaced at most two inches apart.
(3)“Bird-friendly Material”means a material or assembly that has,or has been treated to have,a
maximum threat factor of 25 in accordance with the American Bird Conservancy Bird Collision
Deterrence Material Threat Factor Reference Standard,or with the American Bird Conservancy
Bird-friendly Materials Evaluation Program at Carnegie Museum’s Avian Research Center test protocol,or
with a relevant American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)standard.
●Comment:A threat factor of 25 is high.We should not go beyond 22.
●Suggestion:Exclude UV from any Bird Friendly material list.It simply does not work during low
light hours,when birds are most active.Also,many species of birds f==do not see UV.
(4)“Bird Hazard Installations”mean monolithic glazing installations that provide a clear line of sight on
the exterior of buildings,including,but not limited to,glass awnings,glass handrails and guards,glass
wind break panels,or glass acoustic barriers.
●Suggestion:Replace with:“Bird Hazard Installations”mean glazing installations that provide a
clear line of sight on the exterior of buildings and structures,including:
(A)“Fly-through Hazard”means one or more panels of glass that provide a clear line of sight through
such elements creating the illusion of a void leading to the other side for a fly-through condition.
●Suggestion:Replace with:
(A)“Fly-through Hazard”means one or more panels of glass that provide a clear line of sight
through such elements creating the illusion of a void leading to the other side for a structure.
Fly-through Hazard including,but not limited to:
Item 2
Attachment F: Public
Comments
(PTC_20240814_Att_F_SCVAS)
Packet Pg. 57
●Glazed awnings,
●Glazed handrails and guards
●Gates
●Glazed windbreak panels,fences,acoustic barriers.
●Glazed weather shelters,including transportation and bus shelters
(B)“Fly-through Conditions”means open pathway for flight through and between site structures.
Flythrough conditions exist in the following two circumstances:
●When the distance between parallel glass is 17 feet or less.
●Within 12 feet from a corner where there is convergence of two glass sides creating a
perpendicular,acute,or obtuse corner.
●Comment/suggestion:17 feet between parallel glass panes is not enough.San Jose uses 30ft or
more.
●Suggestion:“When a clear flight path to from one level to to another or to a skylight is visible
from a window or an entryway”.
Suggestion:Add section C:
“High Risk structures”means architectural elements and structures that pose significant collision
risks to birds wherever they are found,including but not limited to:
●Greenhouses,
●Skyways/skywalks,
●All floors of building connectors
●Glazing adjacent to courtyards or atria,open and enclosed
●Sliding doors
●Fenestration with more than 40%window-to-wall window to wall ratio on any facade
●Fenestration that extend longer than one facade level (more than 1 story)
(2)“Threat Factor”refers to the Material Threat Factor system developed by the American Bird
Conservancy and a team of architects in 2010.Materials are assigned a score between 1 and 100
representing the level of risk the material poses in causing bird collisions,the lower the score,the lower
the collision risk.
●Comment:This seems out of place?Is it needed at all?
(c)Applicability.All newly constructed buildings or properties being altered or renovated that require a
separate planning approval shall comply with the bird-friendly building design elements and features set
forth in this section.
●Suggestion:Replace with “All new construction including buildings and other structures,
building additions,and/or building alterations and renovations that require a separate
planning approval shall comply with the bird-friendly building design elements and
features set forth in this section.
Item 2
Attachment F: Public
Comments
(PTC_20240814_Att_F_SCVAS)
Packet Pg. 58
(d)Bird-Safe Treatments.At least one of the following Bird-Safe Treatments shall be incorporated into a
building elevation according to Section 18.40.280(d):
(1)Fenestration and Glazing.Patterns that are etched,fritted,stenciled,silk-screened,or
otherwise permanently incorporated into the transparent material shall be on an exterior glass surface.
●Suggestion:Replace with:(1)Fenestration and Glazing.Bird-friendly Pattern that is textured,
etched,fritted,stenciled,silk-screened,or otherwise permanently incorporated into the glazing
on an exterior glass surface.
(A)For patterns using dots or other isolated solid shapes,each dot or shape must be at least a
1/4 inch in diameter and be no more than 2 inches apart in any direction.
●(B)For patterns using If the pattern utilizes lines,they must be at least 1/4 inch in width and
spaced no more than 2 inches apart.
○Suggestion:Replace with:“(B)For patterns using vertical or horizontal lines,the lines
must be at least 1/4 inch in width and spaced no more than 2 inches apart.
●(C)Frit,ceramic ink,or other marker types must be opaque and permanent.
(2)Exterior Features.Panes with exterior screens,shutters or shading devices installed permanently over
windows,structures,or building features such that there is no gap larger than 9 inches in one dimension.
Exterior features include,but are not limited to,metal screens,shutters,window grilles,fixed solar
shading such as louvres,and exterior insert,brise soleil,or solar screens.
●Suggestion:Louvers do not work well without additional protection.Please consider removing?
(3)Threat Factor.A weighted average of all the Threat Factors of materials on a building elevation,
including nonglass materials,must meet 15 or less.
●Comment:this must be per facade.I have seen terrible designs with a lot of glazing facing
habitat but the building,overall,met the threat factor of 15.
●Suggestion:Please remove.
(e)Bird-Safe Treatment Location.All applicable buildings shall incorporate one of the Bird-Safe
Treatments listed in Section 18.40.280(c)to conform to the following standards:
●Suggestion:Please remove the words “one of the”(they can potentially use more than one)
●Suggestion:Please replace “buildings”with “buildings and structures”
●Suggestion:Consider a better word than “applicable”?
●Question:Does this apply to all non-single-home-residential,regardless of location,correct?If
not -it should.
(1)No less than 90 percent of a building elevation between the existing grade and 40 feet above the
existing grade shall incorporate one of bird-safe treatments listed in Section 18.40.280(c).
Item 2
Attachment F: Public
Comments
(PTC_20240814_Att_F_SCVAS)
Packet Pg. 59
●Question:the word elevation appears several times.Do you mean facade?Does it need to be
defined?
●Comment/Suggestion:Most cities in our area use 60-ft and Palo Alto should not weaken this
standard.The reason is that we have tall trees and canopy (hence the name Palo Alto).Please
use 60-ft.
●Comment/Suggestion:Green walls and green roofs are known to attract birds.Add:
○ALL Glazing adjacent to any green roof or partial green roof,within 30-ft above and
below the green roof shall incorporate one of bird-safe treatments listed in Section
18.40.280
(2)No less than 60 percent of a building elevation between 40 feet above the existing grade and top of
the building height shall incorporate one of bird-safe treatments listed in Section 18.40.280
●Question:why 60%?Cupertino has no more than 5%.
(f)Alternative Compliance.Property owners or applicants may request an alternative compliance to
requirements established in Sections 18.40.280(d)and 18.40.280(e),recommended in a report by a
qualified biologist or ornithologist to meet the requirements and intent of this section.The qualified
biologist or ornithologist shall have a degree in wildlife biology or specialization in ornithology and have
experience in bird-safe building design.The alternative compliance shall be subject to Director approval.
(g)Bird-Safe Design Standards.All projects shall:
●Question:What is meant by Projects?Please define as buildings and structures?
(1)Use building materials with a reflectance level of 20 percent or below for all building façade and
exterior when using reflective materials.
●Comment:This seems complicated.More research is needed.
(2)Bird Hazard Installations,including Fly-through Hazards and Conditions,and High Risk structures shall
be constructed of Bird-friendly Materials regardless of their height above the existing grade.
●Comment/Suggestion:replace with “Bird Hazard Installations,including Fly-through Hazards and
Conditions,and High Risk structures shall be constructed of Bird-friendly Materials regardless of
their location and/or height above the existing grade.
(3)Lighting.All projects shall comply with the outdoor lighting requirements pursuant to Section
18.40.250 of the Municipal Code.
●Comment/Suggestion:Remove the word “outdoor”
(h)Exemptions.The following types of projects shall be exempt from Section 18.40.280(d):(
1)Any historic structure located within the City’s Historic Districts or listed on the City’s Historic
Inventory or the State or National Historical Registers including new additions
Item 2
Attachment F: Public
Comments
(PTC_20240814_Att_F_SCVAS)
Packet Pg. 60
(2)First floor retail storefronts up to 14 feet in height
(3)100%affordable housing projects as defined in Section 18.32.030
(4)Single-family homes outside of the Bird Sensitive Area
●Comment/Suggestion:Single family homes should not be exempt from addressing Bird Hazard
Installations.They have a choice,and can build lovely homes with no death traps for birds.
(i)California Building Code.All windows,doors,or other features must comply with the requirements of
the California Building Code including the fire hazard severity zone regulations in California Green
Buildings Standards Code (CALGreen).Should a conflict exist with the provisions of this section,the
standards in the California Building Code shall prevail.
Item 2
Attachment F: Public
Comments
(PTC_20240814_Att_F_SCVAS)
Packet Pg. 61
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: August 28, 2024
Report #: 2408-3374
TITLE
Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim Minutes of February 28,
2024
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning& Transportation Commission (PTC) adopt the meeting
minutes.
BACKGROUND
Draft verbatim minutes from the February 28, 2024 Planning & Transportation Commission
(PTC) meeting were made available to the Commissioners prior to the August 28, 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. 62
Item No. 4. Page 1 of 1
Planning & Transportation Commission
Staff Report
From: Planning and Development Services Director
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: August 28, 2024
Report #: 2408-3382
TITLE
Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutes of
March 13, 2024
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC) adopt the meeting
minutes.
BACKGROUND
Draft verbatim and summary minutes from the March 13, 2024 Planning & Transportation
Commission (PTC) meeting were made available to the Commissioners prior to the August 28,
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 4
Staff Report
Packet Pg. 63
Item No. 5. Page 1 of 1
Planning & Transportation Commission
Staff Report
From: Planning and Development Services Director
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: August 28, 2024
Report #: 2408-3383
TITLE
Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutes of
March 27, 2024
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC) adopt the meeting
minutes.
BACKGROUND
Draft verbatim and summary minutes from the March 27, 2024 Planning & Transportation
Commission (PTC) meeting were made available to the Commissioners prior to the August 28,
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 5
Staff Report
Packet Pg. 64
Item No. 6. Page 1 of 1
Planning & Transportation Commission
Staff Report
From: Planning and Development Services Director
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: August 28, 2024
Report #: 2408-3384
TITLE
Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutes of April
10, 2024
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC) adopt the meeting
minutes.
BACKGROUND
Draft verbatim and summary minutes from the April 10, 2024 Planning & Transportation
Commission (PTC) meeting were made available to the Commissioners prior to the August 28,
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 6
Staff Report
Packet Pg. 65