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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-11 Planning & Transporation Commission Agenda PacketPLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Wednesday, September 11, 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 Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management. CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS 1.Director's Report, Meeting Schedule and Assignments ACTION ITEMS Public Comment is Permitted. Applicants/Appellant Teams: Fifteen (15) minutes, plus three (3) minutes rebuttal. All others: Five(5) minutes per speaker. 2.PUBLIC HEARING/QUASI‐JUDICIAL: 70 Encina Avenue [24PLN‐00095]: Recommendation to forward a Planned Home Zone (PHZ) Application to the Architectural Review Board to Rezone two Contiguous Parcels and to Redevelop the Site. Site Work Includes Demolition of a Surface Parking lot and Construction of a new Three‐Story, 22,355 Square Foot Building with Ten Residential Condominium Units. Environmental Assessment: The Project is Being Reviewed for an Exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 (Comprehensive Plan Consistency). Zone District: CC (Community Commercial). For More Information Please Contact the Project Planner, Emily Kallas, at Emily.Kallas@Cityofpaloalto.org. 6:10 PM – 7:10 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker. 3.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim Minutes of April 10, 2024 4.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim Minutes of April 24, 2024 5.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutes of June 12, 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, September 11, 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 Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management. CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS 1.Director's Report, Meeting Schedule and Assignments ACTION ITEMS Public Comment is Permitted. Applicants/Appellant Teams: Fifteen (15) minutes, plus three (3) minutes rebuttal. All others: Five(5) minutes per speaker. 2.PUBLIC HEARING/QUASI‐JUDICIAL: 70 Encina Avenue [24PLN‐00095]: Recommendation to forward a Planned Home Zone (PHZ) Application to the Architectural Review Board to Rezone two Contiguous Parcels and to Redevelop the Site. Site Work Includes Demolition of a Surface Parking lot and Construction of a new Three‐Story, 22,355 Square Foot Building with Ten Residential Condominium Units. Environmental Assessment: The Project is Being Reviewed for an Exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 (Comprehensive Plan Consistency). Zone District: CC (Community Commercial). For More Information Please Contact the Project Planner, Emily Kallas, at Emily.Kallas@Cityofpaloalto.org. 6:10 PM – 7:10 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker. 3.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim Minutes of April 10, 2024 4.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim Minutes of April 24, 2024 5.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutes of June 12, 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, September 11, 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 Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management. CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS 1.Director's Report, Meeting Schedule and Assignments ACTION ITEMS Public Comment is Permitted. Applicants/Appellant Teams: Fifteen (15) minutes, plus three (3) minutes rebuttal. All others: Five(5) minutes per speaker. 2.PUBLIC HEARING/QUASI‐JUDICIAL: 70 Encina Avenue [24PLN‐00095]: Recommendation to forward a Planned Home Zone (PHZ) Application to the Architectural Review Board to Rezone two Contiguous Parcels and to Redevelop the Site. Site Work Includes Demolition of a Surface Parking lot and Construction of a new Three‐Story, 22,355 Square Foot Building with Ten Residential Condominium Units. Environmental Assessment: The Project is Being Reviewed for an Exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 (Comprehensive Plan Consistency). Zone District: CC (Community Commercial). For More Information Please Contact the Project Planner, Emily Kallas, at Emily.Kallas@Cityofpaloalto.org. 6:10 PM – 7:10 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker. 3.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim Minutes of April 10, 2024 4.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim Minutes of April 24, 2024 5.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutes of June 12, 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, September 11, 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 Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS1.Director's Report, Meeting Schedule and AssignmentsACTION ITEMSPublic Comment is Permitted. Applicants/Appellant Teams: Fifteen (15) minutes, plus three (3) minutes rebuttal. All others:Five(5) minutes per speaker.2.PUBLIC HEARING/QUASI‐JUDICIAL: 70 Encina Avenue [24PLN‐00095]: Recommendationto forward a Planned Home Zone (PHZ) Application to the Architectural Review Board toRezone two Contiguous Parcels and to Redevelop the Site. Site Work Includes Demolitionof a Surface Parking lot and Construction of a new Three‐Story, 22,355 Square FootBuilding with Ten Residential Condominium Units. Environmental Assessment: TheProject is Being Reviewed for an Exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15183(Comprehensive Plan Consistency). Zone District: CC (Community Commercial). For MoreInformation Please Contact the Project Planner, Emily Kallas, atEmily.Kallas@Cityofpaloalto.org.6:10 PM – 7:10 PMAPPROVAL OF MINUTESPublic Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker.3.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim Minutes of April 10,20244.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim Minutes of April 24,20245.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutesof June 12, 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, September 11, 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 Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS1.Director's Report, Meeting Schedule and AssignmentsACTION ITEMSPublic Comment is Permitted. Applicants/Appellant Teams: Fifteen (15) minutes, plus three (3) minutes rebuttal. All others:Five(5) minutes per speaker.2.PUBLIC HEARING/QUASI‐JUDICIAL: 70 Encina Avenue [24PLN‐00095]: Recommendationto forward a Planned Home Zone (PHZ) Application to the Architectural Review Board toRezone two Contiguous Parcels and to Redevelop the Site. Site Work Includes Demolitionof a Surface Parking lot and Construction of a new Three‐Story, 22,355 Square FootBuilding with Ten Residential Condominium Units. Environmental Assessment: TheProject is Being Reviewed for an Exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15183(Comprehensive Plan Consistency). Zone District: CC (Community Commercial). For MoreInformation Please Contact the Project Planner, Emily Kallas, atEmily.Kallas@Cityofpaloalto.org.6:10 PM – 7:10 PMAPPROVAL OF MINUTESPublic Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker.3.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim Minutes of April 10,20244.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim Minutes of April 24,20245.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutesof June 12, 2024COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS ANDAGENDAS Members of the public may not speak to the item(s). ADJOURNMENT PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone. 1. W r i t t e n   p u b l i c   c o m m e n t s  m a y   b e   s u b m i t t e d   b y   e m a i l   t o planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.org. 2. Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Commission, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully. You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30, Firefox 27, Microsoft Edge 12, Safari 7. Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak. When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak. When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments. 3. Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted  through the teleconference meeting. To address the Commission, download the Zoom application onto your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID below. Please follow the instructions above. 4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Commission. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted. CLICK HERE TO JOIN    Meeting ID: 916 4155 9499   Phone:1‐669‐900‐6833  Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service. Item No. 1. Page 1 of 2 Planning & Transportation Commission Staff Report From: Planning and Development Services Director Lead Department: Planning and Development Services Meeting Date: September 11, 2024 Report #: 2409-3435 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. Item 1 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 6     Item No. 1. Page 2 of 2 UPCOMING PTC ITEMS September 25, 2024 Study Session to review potential amendments to the regulations for the Affordable Housing Incentive Program (AHIP) and Housing Incentive Program (HIP) in Title 18 to implement Housing Element Program 3.3 and 3.4 Parking Programs Update and Discussion of Possible Amendments to PAMC Title 10 (Vehicles and Parking) – no Title 18 amendments Review Palo Alto Link operations data October 9, 2024 Stream Corridor Protection Ordinance update recommendation ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: 2024 PTC Schedule & Assignments AUTHOR/TITLE: Coleman Frick, Long Range Planning Manager Item 1 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 7     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 Item 1 Attachment A: PTC 2024 Schedule & Assignments     Packet Pg. 8     Item No. 2. Page 1 of 10 Planning & Transportation Commission Staff Report From: Planning and Development Services Director Lead Department: Planning and Development Services Meeting Date: September 11, 2024 Report #: 2408-3341 TITLE PUBLIC HEARING/QUASI-JUDICIAL: 70 Encina Avenue [24PLN-00095]: Recommendation to forward a Planned Home Zone (PHZ) Application to the Architectural Review Board to Rezone two Contiguous Parcels and to Redevelop the Site. Site Work Includes Demolition of a Surface Parking lot and Construction of a new Three-Story, 22,355 Square Foot Building with Ten Residential Condominium Units. Environmental Assessment: The Project is Being Reviewed for an Exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 (Comprehensive Plan Consistency). Zone District: CC (Community Commercial). For More Information Please Contact the Project Planner, Emily Kallas, at Emily.Kallas@Cityofpaloalto.org. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) take the following action(s): •Provide comments on the draft project plans (Development Plan), Development Program Statement, and Development Schedule as provided in Attachments E and G •Recommend that the applicant submit the proposed plans to the Architectural Review Board for review; The project will return to the PTC for a formal recommendation to Council following a recommendation from the ARB in accordance with the planned community zoning process. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY On March 28, 2024, Hayes Group Architecture filed an application to rezone the subject property at 70 Encina and an adjacent vacant parcel from CC (Community Commercial) to Planned Community/Planned Home Zoning.1 The project includes demolition of an existing 1 Referred to in this report as "Planned Home Zone" to emphasize the focus on housing as the benefit to the community. Still, PAMC Section 18.38, which outlines the requirement and process for Planned Community (PC) Zoning, remains the underlying code supporting application of this policy. Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 9     Item No. 2. Page 2 of 10 surface parking lot on two contiguous parcels adjacent to the Town and Country Village Shopping Center (Town & Country) and construction of ten condominium units, two of which would be provided as below market rate. A tentative map has not yet been filed, but would be required prior to issuance of a building permit to merge the two parcels and for ten unit condominium subdivision. The application is subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The City, acting as the lead agency, is preparing an exemption in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15183, which includes streamlining of infill projects consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The PC/PHZ application process requires PTC initial review of a conceptual plan, followed by Architectural Review Board review of the development plan. Upon recommendation from the ARB, the project returns to the PTC for review of the draft PC/PHZ ordinance and final recommendation on the development plan. The development plan, ordinance, and related documents are then presented to Council for a final decision. As this is an initial review, there are elements of the project that are not complete at this time. By giving feedback early in the process, the applicants may revise the project as a part of the Architectural Review portion of the process. BACKGROUND Project Information Owner: Ed Storm Architect: Jeff Galbraith, Hayes Group Representative: Jeff Galbraith, Hayes Group Legal Counsel: Not Applicable Property Information Address:70 Encina Avenue and an unaddressed lot (APNS 120-34-006 and 120-34-007) Neighborhood:Adjacent to Town and Country Village Lot Dimensions & Area:100.0 feet x 121.19 feet; 12,119 sf Housing Inventory Site:Yes, 4 units Located w/in a Plume:Not Applicable Protected/Heritage Trees:Not Applicable Historic Resource(s):Not Applicable Existing Improvement(s):Surface parking lot Existing Land Use(s):Vacant (formerly leased as surface parking for Town & Country) Adjacent Land Uses & Zoning: North: Office/Industrial (CS) West: Parking Lot (CC) East: Parking Lot (CC) Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 10     Item No. 2. Page 3 of 10 South: Town and Country Village Shopping Center (CC) Special Setbacks:Not Applicable Aerial View of Property: Source: Google Satellite Maps Land Use Designation & Applicable Plans/Guidelines Comp. Plan Designation:Regional/Community Commercial Zoning Designation:Community Commercial (CC) Yes Yes Yes Baylands Master Plan/Guidelines (2008/2005) El Camino Real Guidelines (1976) Housing Development Project x Downtown Urban Design Guidelines (1993) South El Camino Real Guidelines (2002) Utilizes Chapter 18.24 - Objective Standards Individual Review Guidelines (2005) Within 150 feet of Residential Use or District Context-Based Design Criteria applicable Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 11     Item No. 2. Page 4 of 10 SOFA Phase 1 (2000)Within Airport Influence Area SOFA Phase 2 (2003) None apply. Prior City Reviews & Action City Council:Prescreening, September 12, 2022 Report, Video PTC:None HRB:None ARB:Preliminary ARB, December 7, 2023 Report, Video Council held a prescreening on September 12, 2022 for the proposed rezoning of this property. The initial proposal included 20 condominium units in a five-story building. Council‘s feedback included concerns about the transition in scale between this project and the shopping center, and getting Ellis Partner‘s (the operators of Town & Country) support, but noted positive aspects such as proximity to transit, and the ongoing need for housing projects. Ellis Partners commented on the project during the study session and encouraged scaling down the building to better align with Town and Country. In response to early feedback from Council and neighbors, the project was redesigned to a ten-unit, three-story development. The applicant filed a preliminary Architectural Review Board (ARB) application to obtain ARB feedback on the revised conceptual design prior to submitting a formal application in March 2024. The ARB reviewed the preliminary ARB application on December 7, 2023. Board members provided the following feedback: •Encouraged more useable landscaped area; •Expressed that the project needed a clearer relationship between this building and the adjacent shopping center, particularly on the sides and rear; •Encouraged further consideration of privacy between units and consideration of the project’s context with the adjacent parking lot, including views from public parking lot into the units; •Some ARB members also voiced support for a denser building more similar to the Prescreening proposal. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The applicant requests approval to rezone the subject properties from CC (Community Commercial to Planned Community/Planned Home Zoning (PHZ), demolish the existing surface parking lot, and to redevelop the site with a new multi-family residential development with ten condominium units, two of which would be provided at below market rate, one at a rate affordable to low income and one at a rate affordable to moderate income. The building would be three stories (38 feet 9 inches tall) and 22,552 sf with a 1.86:1.0 floor area ratio (FAR). The Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 12     Item No. 2. Page 5 of 10 units would be organized around a common access court that provides both vehicular and pedestrian access from Encina Avenue. A location map of the project site is included in Attachment A. As a PC/PHZ application, the project requests to deviate from the CC development standards with respect to setbacks, useable open space, landscaped open space, floor area ratio, and lot coverage. It is not required to meet the Objective Design Standards or Context Based Design Criteria because these requirements do not apply to PC zone districts. The development program statement and development schedule are included in Attachment E. The development plans are provided in Attachment G. Requested Entitlements, Findings and Purview: The following discretionary applications are being requested and subject to PTC purview: •Planned Community (PC/PHZ): The process for evaluating this type of application is set forth in PAMC 18.38. Planned Community is intended to accommodate all types of developments, including combinations of uses appropriately requiring flexibility under controlled conditions not otherwise attainable under other districts. The planned community district is particularly intended for unified, comprehensively planned developments that are of substantial public benefit and which conform with and enhance the policies and programs of the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan. The application requires initial review of preliminary plan, development program statement and schedule by the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC), followed by review of the development plan by the Architectural Review Board (ARB). Upon recommendation of a more detailed development plan from the ARB, a draft ordinance for the project is presented along with the more detailed development plan to the PTC for recommendation to the City Council for final action. •On February 3, 2020, Council unanimously endorsed using Planned Housing Zoning (PHZ) for housing and mixed-use housing projects to help spur housing production. In exchange for deviation from certain standards as allowed under the rezoning, if approved by Council, the project must include at least 20% of the housing units as deed restricted for lower income households. The full Council staff report on this topic is here: https://bit.ly/PHZ-CouncilReport A tentative map and Final map would also be required prior to issuance of a building permit for the proposed project in order to merge the two parcels and to subdivide the parcel for a 10 unit condominium subdivision. ANALYSIS As this is an initial review, the project plans are only required to be conceptual. Accordingly, there are elements of the project that may not comply with code requirements at this time and the project is still being reviewed by various departments for consistency with applicable regulations Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 13     Item No. 2. Page 6 of 10 and policies. The intent of this early hearing is to provide feedback from the PTC that may inform the design of the project. The applicant would refine the design through the ARB process and then return to the PTC for a formal recommendation. Neighborhood Setting and Character This property consists of two parcels located within the Town and County Village Shopping Center (Town & Country), but that are not owned or leased by Town & Country. The sites were previously leased by Ellis Partners, the owner of Town & Country, and provided parking for that site. Adjacent zoning and uses include Town & Country and its associated parking areas to the south, east, and west. The portion of Town & Country adjacent to the site is mostly developed with one- story structures, though the building height increases to two stories towards the eastern side of the building. To the north across Encina Avenue are CS zoned office buildings and further down the street is the LifeMoves Opportunity Center. The offices are one and two-story buildings. The Opportunity Center is five stories. The project does not provide a buffer between the existing parking lot and the proposed residences, particularly on the rear side adjacent to a delivery drive aisle. It is also not set back from the front property line. On the interior sides, the five-foot setback is the minimum setback necessary for fire access. Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, Area Plans and Guidelines2 The Comprehensive Plan includes Goals, Policies, and Programs that guide the physical form of the City. The Comprehensive Plan provides the basis for the City’s development regulations and is used by City staff to regulate building and development and make recommendations on projects. Further, Architectural Review (AR) Finding #1 requires that the design be consistent and compatible with applicable elements of the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan designation is Community Commercial, which is defined as: ”Larger shopping centers and districts that have a wider variety of goods and services than the neighborhood shopping areas. They rely on larger trade areas and include such uses as department stores, bookstores, furniture stores, toy stores, apparel shops, restaurants, theaters and non-retail services such as offices and banks. Examples include Stanford Shopping Center and Town & Country Village. Non-retail uses such as medical and dental offices may also locate in this designation. In some locations, residential and mixed-use projects may also locate in this category. Non-residential FARs range from 0.35 to 2.0. Consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s encouragement of housing near transit centers, higher density multifamily housing may be allowed in specific locations.” On balance, the project is consistent with the policies in the Comprehensive Plan. A detailed review of the project’s consistency with the Comprehensive Plan is provided in Attachment D. 2 The Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan is available online: bit.ly/PACompPlan2030 Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 14     Item No. 2. Page 7 of 10 Improvements could be made with regards to the amount of greenspace on site, and consideration for internal and nearby circulation. The scale of the structure is generally appropriate for the setting. It is not expected to be adjacent to other development in the near future, since the adjacent parking lots are under the same ownership as Town and Country and spaces are in demand for that shopping center. Zoning Compliance3 Staff performed a detailed review of the proposed project’s consistency with applicable Community Commercial (CC) zoning development standards. A summary table is provided in Attachment C. The proposed project requests a floor area ratio of 1.84:1 where 0.5:1 is allowed, 58.6% lot coverage where 50% is allowed, and a reduced rear setback. The project also has less landscaped area and less usable open space than the CC zone development standard. The second floor slightly overhangs the ground floor, to be aligned with the property line, as is allowed in the CC zone district, which does not require a front setback. While the PTC can discuss how the reduced setbacks may impact the relationship of the building adjacent to a shopping center delivery corridor, and how the reduction in usable open space may affect the experience of future residents of the building, these issues are primarily in the purview of the ARB and are directly addressed in the AR findings. Multi-Modal Access & Parking 70 Encina Avenue is within walking distance (0.5 mile) of the Palo Alto CalTrain station (aka University Avenue station). In accordance with Assembly Bill (AB) 2097, because the project is located within one half mile of a major transit stop, no vehicular parking spaces are required. However, the proposed plan provides each unit with at least one parking space in a ground-level garage. Six of the dwelling units would each have two garage spaces, and four of the dwelling units would each have one parking space. If the development was more than one half mile from a major transit stop, the development standards for the CC zone would require two parking spaces for each unit. In terms of multi-modal access, each garage will have one long-term bike storage space (wall rack or designated space in the garage). One short term bike rack is proposed in the public right of way. While the City has allowed for this in the downtown area, particularly where existing developments built up to the lot line may preclude adding new short-term bicycle parking on site, the proposed project would need to provide required bicycle parking on site. Pedestrian access is provided through pedestrian gates flanking the main driveway, or along the five-foot side setbacks to doors that enter the garages of the units. 3 The Palo Alto Zoning Code is available online: bit.ly/PAZoningCode Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 15     Item No. 2. Page 8 of 10 The project plans include two bulb outs into the Encina Avenue right of way. The purpose of these bulb outs is to add landscaped area and provide a queuing space for cars turning into the driveway while the gate is opening. It also provides space for street trees and a transformer, since the lack of setbacks precludes placement of these on the property or in the existing right of way. However, the Public Works Engineering Division and Office of Transportation cannot support this proposed off-site improvement as it would result in the loss of existing street parking spaces and is inconsistent with the existing street design. These installations may also impede bike traffic and could preclude future opportunities for improved bicycle connections along Encina Avenue. For these reasons, staff has conveyed to the applicant that any security gate would need to be placed further back on the property. PTC discussion of the security gate and setbacks would be appreciated. BMR Units The project is proposing to provide 20% of the units (two of the ten units) as below market rate. One unit is proposed to be provided at a rate affordable to low income (51-80% of Area Median Income[AMI]) and one at a rate affordable to moderate income (81-120% AMI). In June 2020, Council had expressed an interest in considering rezoning applications for new Planned Community zone district for housing projects meeting certain criteria, including, at minimum, providing more housing than jobs and providing at least 20% of the units as affordable units. The Council endorsed four possible options that developers could consider in meeting the 20% with the intent of providing flexibility in the project’s financial bottom line while also creating options that may help the City meet its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) targets for units with deeper affordability (low income and very low income), which are often harder to achieve. The project most closely aligns with Option 1 or Option 2. Option 1 considered allowing for some of the units to be provided at 121-140% of AMI (workforce housing and not considered below market rate) so long as the weighted average of the provided units resulted in the equivalent of 20% being provided at BMR (i.e. by providing some of the units at low or very low income levels). Option 2 explored a similar concept to Option 1, allowing for only 15% of the units to be provided at BMR in total but again, providing more weight to very low and low income units such that it provided an equivalent benefit to the City as providing 20% of the units as BMR. Staff considers the applicant’s proposal to be equivalent to Option 1. It provides 20% of the actual units as below market rate and it proposes one of those units at a lower income level, consistent with the expressed goal of meeting RHNA targets for deeper affordability levels. . These units would represent 20% of the total project. The below market rate (BMR) distribution is currently under review and does not agree that the selected units are and equivalent mix to the market rate units as required per PAMC Section 16.65. Specifically, the two BMR units are two of the four units that have reduced parking. The project would need to be revised accordingly. Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 16     Item No. 2. Page 9 of 10 FISCAL IMPACTS Processing of this application has no fiscal impact as applicants are responsible for staff and consultant costs through applicable fees through the deposit-based cost recovery program. This project is also subject to Development Impact Fees. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION, OUTREACH AND COMMENTS The Palo Alto Municipal Code requires notice of this public hearing be published in a local paper and mailed to owners and occupants of property within 600 feet of the subject property at least ten days in advance. Notice of a public hearing for this project was published in the Daily Post on August 30, 2024, which is 12 days in advance of the meeting. Postcard mailing occurred on August 28, 2024, which is 10 days in advance of the meeting. Public Comments As of the writing of this report, two public comments were received. Both were letters from Ellis Partners, owners of Town & Country, including a secondary letter they commissioned from Randy Popp. They are included in Attachment F. Ellis Partners have two main concerns: interruption of their current operations, and architectural compatibility. They are concerned that their existing refuse pick up, delivery, and cleaning schedules will be viewed as nuisances by future tenants. Particularly, the project site abuts a major delivery corridor for the shopping center. According to their letter, these activities begin as early as 4 am. They are also concerned guests of the future residents will park in the retail parking spaces. In terms of architectural compatibility, they are concerned that the proposed building will be viewable from locations around the shopping center. They also believe the proposed materials are visually incompatible. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The City, acting as the lead agency, is currently analyzing the project in accordance with the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines, and the environmental regulations of the City. Specifically, the City is preparing an analysis of the project in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15183, which evaluates the project’s consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and the Comprehensive Plan EIR. The 15183 exemption allows for streamlining of infill projects where the previous adopted EIR for a Comprehensive Plan has been adopted and adequately addresses the impacts of the proposed project. Plan level technical reports are being prepared to confirm that the Comprehensive Plan EIR, including any mitigation that would be addressed as required through that EIR, would adequately address the impacts of the proposed project. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS In addition to the recommended action, the Planning and Transportation Commission may: 1. Continue the project to a date (un)certain Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 17     Item No. 2. Page 10 of 10 ATTACHMENTS A. Location Map B. Required Findings for PTC Approval C. Zoning Comparison Table D. Comprehensive Plan Consistency Analysis E. Applicant’s Project Description and Development Schedule F. Public Comments G. Project Plans Report Author & Contact Information PTC4 Liaison & Contact Information Emily Kallas, Planner Jonathan Lait (650) 617-3125 (650) 329-2679 emily.kallas@cityofpaloalto.org jonathan.lait@cityofpaloalto.org 4 Emails may be sent directly to the PTC using the following address: planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.org Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 18     3 Bldg 3 Bldg 1 Bldg 2 Bldg 4 50.0' 121.2' 50.0' 121.2' 121.2' 121.2' 56.0' 121.2' 56.0' 100.0' 121.2' 100.0' 121.2' 50.0' 121.2' 50.0' 121.2' 18.8' 535.5' 938.0' 10 100.0' 50.0' 121.2' 50.0' 121.2' 50.0' 121.2' 50.0' 121.2' 50.0' 121.2' 50.0' 121.2' 50.0' 121.2' 50.0' 121.2' 50.0' 121.2' 50.0' 121.2' 50.0' 121.2' 50.0' 121.2' 50.0' 121.2' 50.0' 121.2' 121.2' 121.2' 50.0' 50.0' 121.2' 100.0' 100.0' 121.2' 121.2' 182.3' 200.0' 121.1'14.3' 72.6' 137.4' 84.5' 112.3' 39.0' 48.0'43.5' 112.3' 82.2' 224.6' 212.7' 72.0' 51 75 63 44 87 98 67 81 855 25 ALMA STRE EL CAMINO REAL CAMINO REAL EMBARCADERO ROAD URBAN LANE ENUE ENCINA AVENUE CC CS CS 5 PAMF PARKING STRUCTURE This map is a product of the City of Palo Alto GIS This document is a graphic representation only of best available sources. Legend Project Site 0' 71' Attachment A70 EncinaLocation Map CITY OF PALO ALTOINCORPORATED CALIFORNIA P a l o A l t oT h e C i t y o f APRIL 16 1894 The City of Palo Alto assumes no responsibility for any errors. ©1989 to 2016 City of Palo Altoekallas, 2024-09-04 15:59:55 (\\cc-maps\Encompass\Admin\Personal\Planning.mdb) Item 2 Attachment A: Location Map     Packet Pg. 19     ATTACHMENT B ZONING COMPARISON TABLE 70 Encina, 24PLN-00095 Table 1: COMPARISON WITH CHAPTER 18.16 (CC DISTRICT) Mixed Use and Residential Development Standards Regulation Required CC Residential Standards Existing Proposed PHZ Minimum Site Area, width and depth No Requirement 100.0 feet x 121.19 feet 12,119 sf 100.0 feet x 121.19 feet 12,119 sf Minimum Front Yard 0 feet N/A 0 feet Rear Yard 10 feet N/A 0 feet 3 inches Interior Side Yards No Requirement N/A Varies, 0 feet – 5 feet Max. Site Coverage 6,059 sf 50%N/A 7,108 sf 58.64% Min. Landscape/Open Space 3,630 sf 30% 0%, no ground-level landscaping or qualifying open space Min. Useable Open Space 150 sf per unit 1500 sf total N/A Unit terraces vary 79 sf – 155 sf 950 sf total Max. Building Height 50 feet N/A 38 feet 9 inches Residential Density No Requirement N/A 10 units 28 du/acre Max. Floor Area Ratio (FAR)1.25 15,150 sf N/A 22,355 sf 1.84:1 100% residential Daylight Plane None N/A N/A Table 2: CONFORMANCE WITH CHAPTER 18.52 (Off-Street Parking and Loading) for Office* Type Required Existing Proposed Vehicle Parking No parking required per AB 2097 Approximately 36 uncovered spaces 16 spaces Bicycle Parking 1 LT space per unit None 1 LT space in each unit garage Item 2 Attachment B: Zoning Comparison Table     Packet Pg. 20     ATTACHMENT C DRAFT PC AND ARB FINDINGS Planned Community Findings Finding #1: The site is so situated, and the use or uses proposed for the site are of such characteristics that the application of general districts or combining districts will not provide sufficient flexibility to allow the proposed development. Finding #2: Development of the site under the provisions of the PC planned community district will result in public benefits not otherwise attainable by application of the regulations of general districts or combining districts. In making the findings required by this section, the planning commission and city council, as appropriate, shall specifically cite the public benefits expected to result from use of the planned community district. Finding #3: The use or uses permitted, and the site development regulations applicable within the district shall be consistent with the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan, and shall be compatible with existing and potential uses on adjoining sites or within the general vicinity. Architectural Review Findings Finding #1: The design is consistent with applicable provisions of the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, coordinated area plans (including compatibility requirements), and any relevant design guides. Finding #2: The project has a unified and coherent design, that: a. creates an internal sense of order and desirable environment for occupants, visitors, and the general community, b. preserves, respects and integrates existing natural features that contribute positively to the site and the historic character including historic resources of the area when relevant, c. is consistent with the context-based design criteria of the applicable zone district, d. provides harmonious transitions in scale, mass and character to adjacent land uses and land use designations, e. enhances living conditions on the site (if it includes residential uses) and in adjacent residential areas. Finding #3: The design is of high aesthetic quality, using high quality, integrated materials and appropriate construction techniques, and incorporating textures, colors, and other details that are compatible with and enhance the surrounding area. Finding #4: The design is functional, allowing for ease and safety of pedestrian and bicycle traffic and providing for elements that support the building’s necessary operations (e.g. convenient vehicle access to property and utilities, appropriate arrangement and amount of open space and integrated signage, if applicable, etc.). Finding #5: The landscape design complements and enhances the building design and its surroundings, is appropriate to the site’s functions, and utilizes to the extent practical, regional indigenous drought resistant plant material capable of providing desirable habitat that can be appropriately maintained. Finding #6: The project incorporates design principles that achieve sustainability in areas related to energy efficiency, water conservation, building materials, landscaping, and site planning. Item 2 Attachment C: Draft PC and ARB Findings     Packet Pg. 21     ATTACHMENT D DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ANALYSIS Comp Plan Goals and Policies How project adheres or does not adhere to Comp Plan The Comprehensive Plan land use designation for the site is Community Commercial. This designation allows higher density multi- family housing in a designation in appropriate locations. Land Use Element Policy L-1.3 Infill development in the urban service area should be compatible with its surroundings and the overall scale and character of the city to ensure a compact, efficient development pattern. This project proposes to redevelop an existing parking lot into a ten unit condominium building. The proposed three story height is appropriate to the area that contains mostly one and two story buildings with a 5-story building approximately 200 feet away. Policy L-2.5 Support the creation of affordable housing units for middle to lower income level earners, such as City and school district employees, as feasible. This project includes two BMR units, which serve as a public benefit to this PHZ application. Policy L-2.11 Encourage new development and redevelopment to incorporate greenery and natural features such as green rooftops, pocket parks, plazas and rain gardens. The proposed building includes a central courtyard with seven trees and perimeter planter boxes with wall vines where feasible. The ARB has recommended adding additional greenery as part of their preliminary review. In response to this the applicant added bulb outs. Policy L-6.1 Promote high-quality design and site planning that is compatible with surrounding development and public spaces. The proposed residential building will meet the high-quality standards of the Architectural Review Board before it is recommended for approval. The proposed materials are high quality, but items such as site circulation, private and public open space, and privacy may need refinement. Policy L-6.7 Where possible, avoid abrupt changes in scale and density between residential and non-residential areas and between residential areas of different densities. To promote compatibility and gradual transitions between land uses, place zoning district boundaries at mid-block locations rather than along streets wherever possible. This project would stand alone, surrounded by parking lot for the immediate future. Some units directly abut a parking aisle/delivery route, and is approximately 25 feet from the nearest shopping center building. The proposed three story height is in scale with nearby buildings. Program L2.4.4 Assess non-residential development potential in the Community Commercial, Service, Commercial and Downtown Commercial Districts (CC, CS and CD) and the Neighborhood Commercial District (CN), and convert non-retail commercial FAR to residential FAR, where appropriate. Conversion to Although this property is adjacent to Town and Country, it does not include the conversion of retail to residential, and therefore conforms with this Program. Item 2 Attachment D: Draft Comprehensive Plan Analysis     Packet Pg. 22     residential capacity should not be considered in Town and Country Village. Policy L-4.12 Recognize and preserve Town and Country Village as an attractive retail center serving Palo Altans and residents of the wider region. Future development at this site should preserve its existing amenities, pedestrian scale and architectural character while also improving safe access for bicyclists and pedestrians and increasing the amount of bicycle parking. This property is not owned or leased by Town and Country Village and the property owners are not required to maintain the prior parking use. The proposed development would not impact current Town and Country Village amenities or character, and Town and Country is expected to be able to maintain their current operations. The building includes sufficient short and long term bicycle parking. However, this project includes minimal pedestrian circulation in and around the project site. Policy L-4.13 In Town and Country Village, encourage a vibrant retail environment and urban greening. This project could benefit from additional screening landscaping between the residential project and existing commercial uses. Policy L-4.14 In Town and Country Village, encourage improvement of pedestrian, bicycle and auto circulation and landscaping improvements, including maintenance of existing oak trees and planting additional trees. This project proposes to remove existing trees, and replace them through a combination of on- site trees and in-lieu payments. As noted above, this project includes minimal pedestrian circulation in and around the project site. Policy B-6.6 Retain Town & Country Village as an attractive, local-serving retail center This property is adjacent to Town and Country, and care should be taken to ensure that the residential use does not disrupt the current operations of the shopping center. Item 2 Attachment D: Draft Comprehensive Plan Analysis     Packet Pg. 23     Aug. 30th, 2024 Emily Kallas / Jodie Gerhardt City of Palo Alto Planning & Development Services Department 285 Hamilton St, 1st Floor Palo Alto, CA 94301 PROJECT DESCRIPTION RE: 70 ENCINA AVE – PLANNING REVIEW PROJECT DESCRIPTION Dear Ms. Kallas, On behalf of our client Stormland LLC., Hayes Group Architects submits this project description along with an application form, a set of design drawings and required documents to request planning review for entitlement. The site is comprised of two parcels totaling 12,120 SF located in the CC zone along Encina Avenue, behind the Town & Country shopping center. The site was previously used as a surface parking lot for the shopping center. Proposed Project The proposed project consists of a new 3-story, 22,355 SF building (1.84 FAR), and full site improvements to replace the existing surface parking area. The proposed design organizes 10 new 3- story townhouse style residential units around a common central courtyard. The front facade creates a strong edge along Encina Ave, with the building mass pulled back 3 feet at the ground floor behind raised planters. The building facades facing both interior side-yards are set back a minimum of 5 feet, with additional intermittent setbacks to break up the massing and accentuate the identity of each individual residential unit. The primary building materials exposed to public view are brick veneer (at the ground floor), board and batten, linear rainscreen siding, vertical slat screens, pre-finished glazing frames, clear glass, and standing seam metal roof. Project History Back in May of 2022 we submitted an application for a PHZ ‘Pre-Screening’ hearing for a larger project on the same parcel(s). That hearing was held on Sept 12, 2022. While the project received a warm reception by Council members, there was objection from the neighboring shopping center, mostly regarding the size and height of the proposed project. After reviewing the project with the neighbors and studying various alternative project configurations, we have determined to modify the project as follows: Item 2 Attachment E: Applicant’s Project Description and Development Schedule     Packet Pg. 24     1. Reduction in height from five (5) stories to three (3). This greatly reduces visibility of the project from within the neighboring Town & Country shopping center. 2. The reduction in height also results in a reduction in residential unit count from twenty units (20) to ten (10). The previous project configuration consisted of four (4) stories of residential area over one floor of parking and common area. The new configuration proposes two (2) stories of living area over individual private garages located at the ground level of each unit. 3. In an effort offset the financial impact of the reduced unit count, the project approach was changed from 'flat' (single story) units over a podium, to three-story town-house units, sometimes referred to as 'carriage units' since their ground floors consist of a private garage. This eliminates costly concrete construction at the ground level and minimizes interior common area. It also eliminates the need for common stairs and an elevator since all units are 'walk-up' units, accessed from grade level, and simplifies the configuration and cost of structural systems. 4. The now proposed ten (10) residential units are organized around a common access court that provides both vehicular and pedestrian access. This courtyard is 30 feet wide and roughly 80 feet long, mostly open to the sky, and is proposed to have pavers for the ground surface and include tall narrow trees to create a more natural and inviting environment with less focus on cars, and bollards to ensure protection of the pedestrian entry points to each unit. This concept is similar to the well-known and successful project: Fulton Grove, located at 421 to 457 Fulton Street in San Francisco, CA. 5. The proposed design incorporates numerous planting / green features throughout the building, contributing to enhancing the aesthetic appeal and softening the building façade. On December 7th 2024 this revised project direction was presented in a Preliminary ARB hearing. While opinions of board members varies widely, there was general consensus around the need to loosen up the vehicular entrance, the desire to activate the Encina street frontage, the need to provide some setback at the rear façade, and feedback from the fire department about the need to provide additional roof access provisions. We also attended a DRC meeting on January 17th 2024 and a formal PHZ application was submitted on March 17th 2024. In the formal submittal package we addressed comments received from the DRC as summarized below: 1. Vehicular Entry: The vehicular entry gate has been widened from the 14’ code minimum to 18 feet. The garage doors to the front units have also been pushed deeper into the site and the entry court width widened by 4 feet to create more maneuvering space. 2. Activate Encina Frontage: We have flipped the front unit layouts, so the stairways are on the front façade instead of being buried behind interior program. Locating a transitional semi-private space such stairs at the façade allows us to create more windows without concerns about visibility into more private spaces. 3. Rear Setback: The upper 2 stories have been set back 3’-9” from the rear property line. This breaks down the massing and allows us to introduce windows facing Town & Country, so the rear façade feels more open instead of closed. 4. Roof Access: We met several times with the Palo Alto Fire Department and established the need to provide ladder accessible paths to the roof at both the front and rear property lines. We also changed the side yards from private areas to common egress and access paths. Built-in roof access stairs have also been integrated into the architecture at both the front and rear facades. The front access is concealed behind the façade and connected to new front facing terraces. The rear access stairs are screened by a new vertical slat screen wall along the Item 2 Attachment E: Applicant’s Project Description and Development Schedule     Packet Pg. 25     property line that also provides privacy for the new rear facing windows. The slats are spaced far enough apart to allow the passage of light and filtered visibility. Following additional coordination with several city departments we further revised our design as follows and submitted the revised package at the end of July 2024. 1. Rear bedroom (Unit ‘D’) egress window: after additional meetings with the fire dept., it was concluded that there should be 12ft of horizontal clearance for rescue ladders. We pushed the window inwards to obtain the clearance. 2. Subsurface transformer in a planted island: due to various constraints, we are proposing a planted utility island to also accommodate a subsurface transformer, please see the letter provided separately for a detailed discussion of this proposal. 3. Expanded refuse room: in order to satisfy the refuse room layout requested by the waste management dept., we expanded the room by approx.100 SF (from 144SF to 240SF) while relocating the fire backflow device on the front façade. 4. To brighten up the façade: we replaced the dark gray color rainscreen with a lighter (to match with the brick veneer on ground level) color to enhance the building façade appearance and also to address some comments/ concerns made from some of the board members during the preliminary ARB hearing. PHZ Summary As noted in the previous PHZ Program Statement, the use of a PHZ designation continues to be essential for the following reasons: a. The underlying Zoning designation of CC would only allow for an FAR of 0.6:1. This limited development potential severely hinders the number of housing units that can be built. Coupled with the high price of land it also further challenges the inclusion of affordable housing. Under these regulations the site would be limited to a maximum of 4 residential units atop fully or semi- underground parking. Application of PHZ regulations would allow for a significant increase in unit count as illustrated in the attached plans. The proposed residential design is supported with the surroundings as there are adjacent planned community and hospital buildings of much greater heights. b. The proposed uses in this project are limited to private residential condominiums, including support and amenity spaces related to residential use. Support and amenity spaces include usable open space, parking, shared circulation, utilities, and trash & recycling. c. The nature of all proposed uses is that of residential living and associated activities. Each residential unit will contain its own private kitchen and bathing facilities, with all parking concealed in fully enclosed private garages. Below is a schedule of unit types and sizes and anticipated sales prices. Please note that sales prices are based on an estimated sales price of $1,250 per occupied square foot, not including common areas such as parking and utilities etc. unit description BR# unit size (avg) quantity sales price (avg) 3 BEDROOM (1 CAR PARKING) 3BR 1,572 SF 1 $1,896,250 3 BEDROOM (1 CAR PARKING) 3BR 1,632 SF 1 $1,998.500 3 BEDROOM (2 CAR PARKING) 3BR 1,555 SF 6 $1,937,500 Item 2 Attachment E: Applicant’s Project Description and Development Schedule     Packet Pg. 26     2 BEDROOM (1 CAR PARKING) 2BR 1,369 SF 2 $1,788,750 TOTAL: 10 Note: Sales prices shown above are for market rate units. Unit sizes represent livable area, not including ground floor garage and storage areas. 20% of units will be sold or rented as BMR units. Pricing for Below Market Rate units shall be established by the Director of Planning & Development Services in accordance with the City’s website. Expected Construction Timeline Construction Phase: Start Date End Date Overall Construction Schedule (start and completion date for entire project) Oct. 2025 Dec. 2026 Demolition 10/1/2025 10/15/2025 Site Preparation 10/1/2025 10/15/2025 Grading 10/16/2025 11/5/2025 Building Construction 11/6/2025 6/1/2026 Asphalt Paving 9/1/2026 9/4/2026 Architectural Coating 4/1/2026 12/31/2026 Other (e.g., Groundwater Dewatering): Other (e.g., Trenching/Utilities): 10/16/2025 12/1/2025 If you have any questions regarding the contents of this letter or the accompanying plans, please feel free to contact me by phone or email. Jeff Galbraith Principal Hayes Group Architects Inc. (650) 223-4026 jgalbraith@thehayesgroup.com Sincerely, Item 2 Attachment E: Applicant’s Project Description and Development Schedule     Packet Pg. 27     Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 28     Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 29     Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 30     Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 31     TCV - Center Delivery & Maintenance Schedule - Weekly Sunday Monday Tuesday 4 AM - Recyling Pick Up 4 AM - Trash Pick 4 AM - Teleferic Up - Bldg. 2 Wednesday 4 AM - Recyling Pick Up Thursday 4 AM - Recyling Pick Up 4 AM - Compost Pick Up - Bldg. 2 Friday 4 AM - Recyling Pick Up 4 AM - Teleferic Garbage, Recycling Up - Bldg. 2 & Compost Pick Up Saturday 4 AM - Recyling Pick Up 4 AM - Recyling Pick Up - Bldg. 2 4 AM - Compost Pick Up - Bldg. 2 4 AM - Trash Pick Recycling & Compost Pick Up 4 AM - Teleferic Recycling & Compost Pick Up 4 AM - Teleferic Recycling Pick Up Garbage, Recycling, 4 AM - Manresa 4 AM - Teleferic Recycling Pick Up Garbage, Recycling, 4 AM - Manresa 4 AM - Teleferic Recycling & Compost Pick Up Compost Pick Up Compost Pick Up 4 AM - Manresa Garbage, 4 AM - Manresa Recycling, 4 AM - Wildseed Garbage, 4 AM - Manresa Recycling, 4 AM - Wildseed Garbage, 4 AM - Manresa Recycling, Recycling,Compost Pick Up Recycling, Compost Pick Up 4 AM - Wildseed Garbage, Compost Pick Up Recycling, Compost Pick Up 4 AM - Wildseed Garbage, Compost Pick Up Compost Pick Up 4 AM - Wildseed Garbage, 4 AM - Wildseed Garbage, Recycling,Recycling,Recycling,Recycling, Compost Pick Up Compost Pick Up Compost Pick Up 5 AM - Recycling Compactor Pick Up - B.5 - Every other Week Compost Pick Up 9:30 PM - 10:30 PM - North Lot Sweeping 9:30 PM - 10:30 PM - North Lot Sweeping 9:30 PM - 10:30 PM - North Lot Sweeping 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Landscaping Maintenance, full property. 11:00 PM - 12:30 PM - Parking Lot Sweeping - 11:00 PM - 12:30 PM - Parking Lot Sweeping - 11:00 PM - 12:30 9:30 PM - 10:30 PM - Parking Lot Sweeping - PM - North Lot Sweeping remainder remainder remainder 11:00 PM - 6:00 AM - Sidewalk 11:00 PM - 12:30 PM - Parking Lot Pressure washing Sweeping - remainder 11:00 PM - 6:00 AM - Sidewalk Pressure washing 5 AM - Trader Joe's 5 AM - Trader Joe's 5 AM - Trader Joe's 5 AM - Trader Joe's 5 AM - Trader Joe's 5 AM - Trader Joe's 5 AM - Trader Joe's Morning Delivery Morning Delivery Morning Delivery Morning Delivery Morning Delivery Morning Delivery Morning Deliveryand employees and employees and employees and employees and employees and employees and employees park in North Lot. park in North Lot. park in North Lot. park in North Lot. park in North Lot. park in North Lot. park in North Lot. 7 AM - Jamba Juice 6 AM - Jamba Juice 6 AM - Jamba Juice 6 AM - Jamba Juice 6 AM - Jamba Juice 6 AM - Jamba Juice 7 AM - Jamba Juice employees arrive employees arrive employees arrive employees arrive employees arrive employees arrive employees arriveonsite & park in the onsite & park in onsite & park in the North Lot. onsite & park in the North Lot. onsite & park in the North Lot. onsite & park in the North Lot. onsite & park in the North Lot.North Lot.the North Lot. 7 AM - Douce 6 AM - Douce 6 AM - Douce 6 AM - Douce 6 AM - Douce 6 AM - Douce 6 AM - Douce France employees France employees France employees France employees France employees France employees France employees arrive onsite & park arrive onsite & park arrive onsite & park arrive onsite & park arrive onsite & park arrive onsite & park arrive onsite & parkin the North Lot. 7:30 AM - CVS in the North Lot.in the North Lot. 6:30 AM - CVS in the North Lot. 6:30 AM - CVS in the North Lot. 6:30 AM - CVS in the North Lot. 6:30 AM - CVS in the North Lot. 6:30 AM - CVS6:30 AM - CVS employees arrive employees arrive employees arrive employees arrive employees arrive employees arrive employees arrive onsite and park in onsite and park in onsite and park in onsite and park in onsite and park in onsite and park in onsite and park in the North Lot.the North Lot.the North Lot.the North Lot.the North Lot.the North Lot.the North Lot. 8 AM - Jamba Juice 7 AM - Jamba Juice 7 AM - Jamba Juice 7 AM - Jamba Juice 7 AM - Jamba Juice 7 AM - Jamba Juice 8 AM - Jamba Juice opens and begins opens and begins opens and begins opens and begins opens and begins opens and begins opens and beginsreceivingreceivingreceivingreceivingreceivingreceivingreceiving deliveries. 8 AM - Douce deliveries. 7 AM - Douce deliveries. 7 AM - Douce deliveries. 7 AM - Douce deliveries. 7 AM - Douce deliveries. 7 AM - Douce deliveries. 7 AM - Douce France opens and France opens and France opens and France opens and France opens and France opens and France opens and begins receiving deliveries. begins receiving deliveries. begins receiving deliveries. begins receiving deliveries. begins receiving deliveries. begins receiving deliveries. begins receiving deliveries. 8 AM - CVS opens 7 AM - CVS opens 7 AM - CVS opens 7 AM - CVS opens 7 AM - CVS opens 7 AM - CVS opens 7 AM - CVS opensand begins receiving and begins receiving and begins receiving and begins receiving and begins receiving and begins receiving and begins receiving deliveries. 9 AM - LaBelle employees arrive Layer Weekly at North lot. 10 AM - LaBelle Opens deliveries. 7 AM - Marine deliveries.deliveries. 8 AM - LaBelle deliveries. 8 AM - LaBelle deliveries. 7 AM - 8 AM - deliveries. 7 AM - 8 AM - Corepower Yoga Deliveries 9 AM - LaBelle employees arrive at North lot. 10 AM - LaBelle employees arrive employees arrive Corepower Yoga at North lot. 9 AM - LaBelle Delivery 8 AM - LaBelle employees arrive employees arrive Opens at North lot. 9 AM - LaBelle Opens at North lot. 9 AM - LaBelle Opens Deliveries 8 AM - LaBelle employees arrive Opens at North lot. 9 AM - LaBelle Opens 8 AM - LaBelle at North lot. 9 AM - LaBelle Opens 7:30 PM - Trader Joe's Evening Delivery 11 AM - T&C Tennis 3 PM - UPS Deliveries 3 PM - UPS Package PickupPackage Pickup 11 PM - Trader Joe's employees leave site. 10 AM - UPS 11 AM - 1 PM -3 PM - UPS 7:30 PM - Trader Joe's Evening Delivery 11 PM - Trader Joe's employees leave site. 11 AM - T&C Tennis 7:30 PM - Trader Packing Materials Fillmore & 5th Bi- Package Pickup Delivery 11 AM - 1 PM - Fillmore & 5th Bi- Package Pickup weekly Delivery Deliveries Joe's Evening Deliveryweekly Delivery 3 PM - UPS 7:30 PM - Trader Joe's Evening Delivery 3 PM - UPS Package Pickup 11 PM - Trader Joe's employees leave site. 11 AM - T&C Tennis 7:30 PM - Trader11 PM - Trader Joe's employees leave site. Deliveries Joe's Evening Delivery 3 PM - UPS Package Pickup 11 PM - Trader Joe's employees leave site. 7:30 PM - Trader Joe's Evening Delivery 11 PM - Trader Joe's employees leave site. Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 32     TCV - Monthly Operations Schedule January February March April May June July August September October November December 8 AM - 9:30 AM - Main Sewer Line Serena & Lily Large Maintenance - 4 Hydrojetting - 1 Day - North Lot & B.2 Alley 7 AM to 10 PM -8 AM - 11 AM - Tree 7 AM - 10 AM - 7 AM to 10 PM - Serena & Lily Large Main Sewer Line Deliveries 8 AM - 9:30 AM -7 AM - 10 AM - Wood Dry Rot Repair - 1 Week - Hydrojetting - 1 8 AM - 9:30 AM - Main Sewer LineWood Dry Rot Repair - 1 Week - Whole Center Deliveries days - Whole Center Hydrojetting - 1 Day - North Lot & B.2 Alley Whole Center Day - North Lot & B.2 Alley 5 AM - 7 AM - B2 Grease Interceptor Cleaning - 1 Day 8 AM - 9:30 AM - Main Sewer Line Hydrojetting - 1 Day - North Lot & B.2 Alley 8 AM - 11 AM - Tree Maintenance - 4 days - Whole Center 7 AM - 3 PM - Roof 5 AM - 7 AM - B2Maintenance - 1 Week - Whole Center Grease Interceptor Cleaning - 1 Day 7 AM - 11 AM - Parking Lot R&M - 2 Days - Whole Center 5 AM - 7 AM - B2 Grease Interceptor Cleaning - 1 Day 7 AM to 10 PM - Serena & Lily Large Deliveries 5 AM - 7 AM - B2 Grease Interceptor Cleaning - 1 Day Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 33     Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 34     Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 35     Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 36     8 September 2022 Sent via email: city.council@cityofpaloalto.org City of Palo Alto City Council Palo Alto City Hall 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 Re:Proposed Planned Home Zoning Project at 70 Encina Avenue Honorable Mayor, Vice Mayor, Council Members, and Staff: In response to the proposal submitted for 70 Encina Avenue, Ellis Partners has retained my services to assist in their understanding of the project and its potential impact on Town & Country Village. Having practiced in this community for over 32 years including serving on the Architectural Review Board, I believe my insight and evaluation could be beneficial as a part of your review of the application. While I am typically a proponent of increasing the availability of housing, I do not feel the proposal offered for this particular site meets the standards our city has set in several critical areas. I’ll preface all of this by stating my general appreciation for the projects Hayes Architects has designed. I think they are a valuable local resource and have enhanced our environment through their work time and again. One notable example of their work was the thoughtful and compatible Trader Joe’s addition to Town & Country Village. However, with this project, their client is not Ellis Partners, and the design is not compatible with Town & Country Village. To support my evaluation of the proposal I have worked with a well-known and widely respected renderer who has developed additional dimensionally accurate views of the building using the information provided in the proposal package. I have attached those images to this letter and, without attempting to alter the building design, believe they represent a range of building heights to help illustrate how a more reasonable two- or three-story proposal might be viewed within the existing context. As we all know, a new development in Palo Alto is generally obligated to conform to the review standards of the Architectural Review Board and as such, must satisfy findings to be deemed approved. This project falls short in almost every category. Consistency with ARB Review Standards: •Promote orderly and harmonious development of the city Our Comprehensive Plan, Municipal Code, and Zoning regulations clearly define what is appropriate regarding orderly and harmonious development within the city. The project is located in the Community Commercial Zoning District which is designed to encourage retail and some commercial uses. Notably, residential use in this area is highly restricted through both Zoning and Comprehensive Plan policy. As can be seen in the attached renderings, a five-story structure, placed in a parking lot, and adjacent to primarily single-story structures, is jarring and out-of-context. •Enhance the desirability of residence or investment in the city P a g e | 1 of 4 Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 37     While there might be some convenience to living in this location, the proposed height and massing in this location is entirely inappropriate. While many would argue that we need housing in any format we can achieve it, I would argue that there are other more appropriate locations. Compromising to allow a PHZ project of this scale at this location sets precedent for ignoring development standards we have agreed are necessary to maintain aesthetic balance across Palo Alto. Indicating encouragement for this type of dramatic change here would result in far reaching impacts that will significantly alter our environment. •Encourage the attainment of the most desirable use of land and improvements Approving a project of this scale and character at this location will result in unintended consequences for this street and Town & Country Village. The likelihood of other projects similar to this being developed in the near future is slim (Ellis Partners has a long-term ground lease) so this would remain an isolated anomaly for the foreseeable future. Based on current Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Policies, which indicate the most desirable use of the site is retail/commercial, the land use change necessary to achieve this type of development at this site would create a condition that is not in harmony with the existing surrounding development or what can be reasonably be anticipated for the future. •Enhance the desirability of living conditions upon the immediate site or in adjacent areas It is challenging to understand how an isolated, purely residential project, could be considered compatible with the adjacent properties. If a coordinated effort here was able to allow a significant land area to be developed for residential use, there might be enough benefit to the nearby retail to balance the visual impact it would cause. At that scale, it could be large enough to allow for transitions to the adjacent context in a way this small parcel cannot. The dimensions of this project site within the context of the single-story and parking lot adjacent uses allows for no reasonable transition to a building at the height proposed. The limited number of units possible simply does not outweigh the negative aesthetic impact the proposal creates. Additionally, the limited setbacks proposed, and overall building layout, will make any future adjacent project even more difficult to accommodate. •Promote visual environments which are of high aesthetic quality and variety and which, at the same time, are considerate of each other. As stated above, the scale of this project, exaggerated by the boxy massing, represents no acknowledgment of the adjacent environment and is inconsiderate of the low-slung Hacienda style. It is common practice for projects to terrace, or step back, from edges that border on parcels with lesser height. As this site is bordered by single-story and parking lot adjacent uses, the only possible approach would include a significant reduction in overall height. A more appropriate approach, as suggested in the attached images, might be a revised two- or three- story proposal that could transition from the adjacent single-story context and would then be more consistent with nearby 2-story structures. Consistency with Findings for Approval (1) The design is consistent with applicable provisions of the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, coordinated area plans (including compatibility requirements), and any relevant design guides. As outlined in the letter provided by Land Use Attorney Leigh Prince, this project is inconsistent with both the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning regulations. This Finding cannot be made. P a g e | 2 of 4 Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 38     (2) The project has a unified and coherent design, that: (C) Is consistent with the context-based design criteria of the applicable zone district The project is inconsistent with context-based design criteria for the district within which it is proposed. Notably, the FAR is significantly in excess of what would reasonably be anticipated. This Finding cannot be made. (2) The project has a unified and coherent design, that: (D) Provides harmonious transitions in scale, mass, and character to adjacent land uses and land use designations The project does not provide a harmonious transition in scale, mass, or character to the adjacent land uses and land-use designations. The project proposes a 5-story 55-foot high square stucco building amidst parking and adjacent to Town & Country Village, which is primarily a single-story Hacienda style collection of structures. As the images I provided show, the contrast between the two is severe and there seems to be no attempt toward transition. This Finding cannot be made. (3) The design is of high aesthetic quality, using high quality, integrated materials and appropriate construction techniques, and incorporating textures, colors, and other details that are compatible with and enhance the surrounding area. While acknowledging this is a preliminary proposal, my evaluation is that the current design does not suggest it will strive to be of the highest aesthetic quality, using high-quality integrated materials, or incorporating textures, colors, and other details that are compatible with and enhance the surrounding area. Although the immediate context is eclectic, the predominant style is the low-slung architecture of the Town & Country Village. Departing from that in the manner proposed will not unify or allow for a transition that could satisfy this requirement. This Finding cannot be made. (5) The landscape design complements and enhances the building design and its surroundings, is appropriate to the site's functions, and utilizes to the extent practical, regional indigenous drought resistant plant material capable of providing desirable habitat that can be appropriately maintained. Due in large part to the 86.5% site coverage proposed the minimal landscape design does not truly enhance the building or its surroundings. It appears to be only modestly appropriate to the site’s function and does not appear to represent a desirable habitat. This Finding cannot be made. Consistency with Objective Standards When evaluated in the context of the adopted Objective Design Standards for the CC Zoning District, and consistent with other requirements listed above, it seems important to understand the direction outlined in Section 18.24.050 Building Massing (underlining added for emphasis): (A) Intent To create buildings that are compatible with and enhance the surrounding area through the consideration of building scale, massing, and bulk. Massing should create a human-scale environment that is of high aesthetic quality and accommodates a variety of uses and design features. Building massing should include elements that: P a g e | 3 of 4 Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 39     - Are consistent in scale, mass and character to adjacent land uses and land use designations - Provide harmonious transitions between adjacent properties The project as proposed does not reflect consideration of this Standard and significant modification would be needed in the form of step-back/terracing and height reduction to conform to the many requirements the Palo Alto regulations describe. Note that these are similar and related to the other obligations described above and as I have repeatedly stated, the 5-story box is in no way compatible or consistent with Town & Country Village. Critique of the submitted documents A further critique of the submitted documents yields other problematic concerns. The lowest level of the building, which is primarily a parking garage, is an entirely solid wall for virtually all of the perimeter. While modestly appropriate along Encina, the remainder of the building, which is viewable from all sides, lacks articulation or character at the pedestrian level. The rendered representation of the building provided by the applicant, both in elevation and perspective, fails to fully clarify the character of this building relative to its context. I think it is important to note that the 2-foot-tall parapet as shown would not be sufficient to screen typical roof- mounted equipment that would need to be placed there. A more common screen height would be closer to 5-7 feet, pushing the total visual height of the building to somewhere in the neighborhood of 60 feet. That height will be approximately 40 feet more than the Town & Country building it is most adjacent to and similarly in contrast to the single-story buildings on the opposite side of Encina. The multi-story buildings shown in the renderings are misleading in that they are far from the project site at a distance of roughly 300 feet (the length of a football field). In closing, I believe there are many other housing opportunity sites that might be appropriate for this type of development but find the proposal presented for this site to be impossible to support based on established standards for review and approval. Sincerely, Randy Popp Randolph Popp, Architect P a g e | 4 of 4 Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 40     70 Encina Avenue – Study Illustrations View A Key Plan Five Level Three Level Two Level Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 41     70 Encina Avenue – Study Illustrations View B Key Plan Five Level Three Level Two Level Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 42     70 Encina Avenue – Study Illustrations View C Key Plan Five Level Three Level Two Level Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 43     70 Encina Avenue – Study Illustrations View D Key Plan Five Level Three Level Two Level Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 44     70 Encina Avenue – Study Illustrations View E Key Plan Five Level Three Level Two Level Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 45     JORGENSON, SIEGEL, McCLURE & FLEGEL, LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW 1100 ALMA STREET, SUITE 210 MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA 94025-3392 (650) 324-9300 OF COUNSEL WILLIAM L. McCLURE JOHN L. FLEGEL KE NT M I T CHE L L _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DAN K. SIEGEL FACSIMILE (650) 324-0227 JENNIFER H. FRIEDMAN MINDIE S . ROMANOWSKY LEIGH F. PRINCE www.jsmf.com RETIRED JOHN D. JORGENSON MARG ARE T A. S L O AN DAVID L. ACH DIANE S . GREENBERG GREGORY K. KLINGSPORN NICOLAS A. FLEGEL KRISTINA A. F E NTON CARA E . S I L V E R _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DECEASED MARVIN S . SIEGEL KI M BE RL Y J. BRUM M E R (1936 JOHN R. COSGROVE (1932 2017) - 2012) CAMAS J. STEINMETZ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _- BRITTNEY L. STANDLEY CHRISTIAN D. PETRANGELO JOSEPH H. FELDMAN September 7, 2022 Sent via email: City.Council@cityofpaloalto.org City of Palo Alto City Council Palo Alto City Hall 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 Re:Proposed Planned Home Zoning Project at 70 Encina Avenue Dear Honorable Mayor and City Council Members: Town and Country Village (“Town and Country”) is a specialty retail shopping center that was originally completed in the 1950s. Since acquiring Town and Country, Ellis Partners has been committed to retaining the original character of early western-style architecture with red tile roofs, heavy wood beam and column-supported covered walkways and stately oaks growing throughout. Over the years, Ellis Partners has completed renovations to Town and Country, including the construction of Trader Joe’s. These renovations have preserved the low-slung character of Town and Country, while increasing its appeal as one of Palo Alto’s primary retail destinations. Recently, a Planned Home Zoning (“PHZ”) project was proposed at 70 Encina Avenue (“project site”). The project site was previously used and permitted by the City of Palo Alto (“City”) as a part of Town and Country for parking (although in recent months the owner has fenced off the project site without City approval). The current proposal would rezone the project site from Community Commercial (“CC”) to PHZ to allow the development of a 55-foot high five-story condominium building. This proposed project is not only out of character with the adjacent Town and Country buildings, but it is also inconsistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Approving the proposed project, even at a more palatable height and scale, would require more than rezoning the project site to PHZ, it would require a Comprehensive Plan amendment and a zoning text amendment. As a result, Ellis Partners opposes the project because as proposed it would detract from this important and iconic pedestrian-oriented retail destination. Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 46     City of Palo Alto City Council Planned Home Zoning Project at 70 Encina September 7, 2022 Page 2 Town and Country Village Includes the Project Site Town and Country is defined as all properties zoned CC and bounded by El Camino Real, Embarcadero Road, Encina Avenue and Southern Pacific right-of-way – this includes the project site. See Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 18.16.030. Town and Country was originally constructed in phases between 1952 and 1958 including one and two-story buildings, an extensive parking lot, trees and landscaping. From the 1950s to the present (approx. 70 years), the City has considered Town and Country by these boundaries. A recent Planning Commission staff report dated February 10, 2021, included figures showing Town and Country. These figures illustrate how the City and the community at large understand Town and Country – as including the project site. Figures Showing Town and Country Residential is Inconsistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan Palo Alto’s Comprehensive Plan does not support the rezoning of the project site, which has historically been part of Town and Country, from its current CC zoning to PHZ zoning. Comprehensive Plan Policy B-6.6 provides that Town and County should be retained as an attractive, local-serving retail center. Most importantly, Comprehensive Plan Policy L2.4.4 provides that “Conversion to residential capacity should not be considered in Town and Country Village.” Rezoning the project site to allow a residential condominium building would violate these Comprehensive Plan policies. As a result, the finding needed to approve the proposed project and rezone to PHZ – that the proposed use would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan – cannot be made. Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 18.36.060. If there is a strong desire to alter the long-standing policy regarding preserving Town and Country for low-density retail, approving a PHZ rezoning to allow housing, even at a more palatable height and scale, would require approving a Comprehensive Plan amendment to change the language that housing should not be considered at Town and Country. In addition, a zoning text amendment would be needed to carve out the project site from the definition of Town and Country in Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 18.16.030. Such a significant policy shift should not be undertaken lightly as it may have lasting and precedent setting impacts on Town and Country, potentially undermining this iconic retail center and further eroding the City’s dwindling retail uses. It is Ellis Partners’ firm belief that the City Council cannot make the required finding to rezone, absent a Comprehensive Plan amendment and a zoning text amendment. As it currently stands, the Comprehensive Plan provides that residential capacity should not be considered at this location and Town and Country should be retrained as a local serving retail center. Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 47     City of Palo Alto City Council Planned Home Zoning Project at 70 Encina September 7, 2022 Page 3 Neither Consistent with Nor a Reasonable Modification to Existing Zoning The existing CC zoning for the proposed project site would not allow the development of the proposed project. Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 18.16.040 provides that in the CC zone residential is permitted, but only as part of a mixed-use development or on sites designated as housing inventory sites. The proposed project site is not listed as a housing inventory site (in fact it was administratively removed from the list of potential sites in this Housing Element cycle). In addition, while adding housing would make Town and Country mixed-use as a whole, the premise of the applicant’s proposal is founded on separating itself from Town and Country. Therefore, to be permitted the project itself would have to be mixed-use and it is not. Further, the City Council’s policy direction regarding the PHZ has been to look for reasonable modifications to the existing zoning. This project proposes a significant departure from the existing zoning. It proposes a project that is substantially different from and not compatible with Town and Country. See Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 18.38.060 requiring the Council to find the project would be compatible with existing and potential uses on adjoining sites or within the general vicinity. 1. Floor Area Ratio - The maximum allowable floor area ratio (“FAR”) is 0.35 for Town and Country. The maximum FAR for mixed-use development for Town and Country is limited to 0.50 provided that no more than 0.15 shall be residential. The project has proposed a FAR of 2.4 for residential only, far in excess of both the underlying zoning and the existing surrounding retail center. To put it into perspective, the proposed FAR is 6.8 times larger than the allowable FAR for retail and 16 times larger than the allowable FAR for residential in a mixed-use project. 2. Site Coverage – The maximum site coverage is 50 percent. The project proposes a site coverage of 86.5% or 36.5% percent more than allowable under the existing zoning or allowed for any of the surrounding Town and Country uses. 3. Height – Although the maximum allowable height is 50 feet in the CC zoning district, the majority of buildings in Town and Country are a blend of one and two stories approximately 18 to 24 feet in height. Thus, 55-feet and five stories is a significant departure from the low-slung character of the retail center. The proposed project would be the first and likely only building of this type and magnitude for the foreseeable future at Town and Country making it incompatible with the surrounding uses. Given the established retail uses, existing zoning regulations and long-term ground lease, Ellis Partners does not anticipate any significant change to Town and Country, and certainly nothing that would be compatible with the height and scale of the proposed project. Furthermore, the City’s Comprehensive Plan programs and policies speak to transitions in scale between developments (Policy L-1.3) and discouraging abrupt changes in scale and density (Policy L-6.7 and Program L6.7.1). The proposed project provides no transition and is an abrupt change in scale from Town and Country buildings and parking which would surround it. Conclusion Ellis Partners appreciates the significant amount of time and resources these pre-screening applications consume and thanks City staff and the Council for their time and attention to this matter. Ellis Partners understands the City’s need to plan for housing; however, housing development of this height and scale is not appropriate at Town and Country and if approved as Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 48     City of Palo Alto City Council Planned Home Zoning Project at 70 Encina September 7, 2022 Page 4 proposed would undermine the look and feel of this iconic retail center. Thus, Ellis Partners respectfully requests that the City Council not to support moving this project forward as proposed. Sincerely, Leigh F. Prince Leigh F. Prince cc: Jonathan Lait, Planning Director (Jonathan.Lait@cityofpaloalto.org) Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 49     December 2, 2023 Sent via email: arb@cityofpaloalto.org City of Palo Alto City Architectural Review Board Palo Alto City Hall 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 Re:Proposed Planned Home Zoning Project at 70 Encina Avenue Dear Chair Baltay, Vice-Chair Rosenberg, and Members of the Palo Alto Architectural Review Board: Town & Country Village is appreciative of the reduced scale and concept modifications represented in the submitted design but continues to be concerned about the proposed project at 70 Encina Avenue. We have been the thoughtful stewards of Town & Country Village as an important community asset for nearly 20 years and throughout our ownership we have been focused on preserving and protecting this unique neighborhood treasure in a manner that is entirely consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and all the City’s design guidelines. The proposed project, however, does not preserve and protect this community treasure and is wholly inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Comprehensive Plan Policy L-2.4, Program L2.4.4, states explicitly “Conversion to residential capacity should not be considered in Town and Country Village.” Although the 70 Encina parcels have no buildings on them and have existed for 70 years as parking for the center, this site is clearly listed under the Municipal Code as within the boundary of Town & Country Village. As such, when considering this project, we hope you will focus your attention on weighing the relative value of the zoning code concessions you are being asked to evaluate and the impact of the project on the Town & Country Village as a whole. We clearly understand there is a housing crisis and appreciate the City’s efforts to mitigate the deficit in Palo Alto by identifying locations for 6,086 potential new housing units (plus an additional 780 units to act as a “buffer”) within the city per the 6th Cycle Housing Element, with the majority (3465) being at moderate or below moderate-income levels. However, it seems inconsistent with the City’s housing goals to allow 10 luxury condominiums to take precedence over the continued preservation of a valued, historical neighborhood center at a location where the Comprehensive Plan specifically prohibits housing. As a reminder, the Comprehensive Plan, when speaking about the future of Town & Country Village in Policy L-4.12, states that proposed developments should, “recognize and preserve Town and Country Village as an attractive retail center serving Palo Altans and residents of the wider region. Future development at this site should preserve its existing amenities, pedestrian scale, and architectural character.” While we appreciate the applicant’s decision to reduce the scale of the project, which previously towered over the primarily single-story Town & Country Village, we continue to believe that the latest iteration is still lacking consistency within this important and sensitive setting and as proposed, would most certainly not contribute to the preservation of “its existing amenities, pedestrian scale, and architectural character. 152454300.2 Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 50     While we understand that the application is proposed as a PHZ/PC, which allows the City some leeway to depart from current zoning standards established for these parcels, it is essential to remember, as stated in the staff report, that “a planned community district is particularly intended for unified, comprehensively planned developments that are of substantial public benefit and which conform with and enhance the policies and programs of the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan.” The proposed project, even though scaled down, is not a unified, comprehensively planned development – it will exist as a small one-off residential development within the Town & Country Village shopping center parking lot. It does not provide substantial public benefit – likely providing a mere two affordable units amongst eight condos likely costing over $1.5 million each. It does not enhance the policies and programs of the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan but rather, stands in direct opposition to those policies and programs. We consider this proposal to be inappropriate in its attempt to use the PHZ/PC process. As proposed it will certainly result in a dramatic degradation of the community treasure that has been carefully protected for decades and that we have been working to preserve since 2005. The City Council, at the September 12, 2022 hearing clearly recognized the risk of this project adversely impacting Town & Country Village. As stated in the Staff Report, “they asked the applicant to work with Town & Country to receive their support of the project, and stated that consideration should be paid to how this development may affect the vitality of Town & County. Council also wanted any project at 70 Encina to provide a better visual connection with Town & Country, such as through the use of materials.” We encourage you to respond to this application in a manner that aligns with the City Council’s direction to achieve Town & Country support, limits conflict with the Comprehensive Plan, and aligns fully with the intent of the PHZ/PC process. As the proposed project does not yet achieve any of these, we respectfully request that you provide the applicant with such feedback. The proposal you are being asked to evaluate will have a lasting adverse impact if approved in its current form. We appreciate your partnership in maintaining Town & Country’s unique character, scale, and architectural charm for the future. Below is a more detailed evaluation provided in consultation with Randy Popp, an Architect and former Chair of the ARB, who we have asked to advise us in evaluating this design proposal, its consistency with City design guidelines, and the impact it would have on Town & Country Village. Also provided below is a list of significant operational concerns this proposal raises. Thank you for your careful consideration, Dean Rubinson Director of Development Ellis Partners LLC Architectural Review Findings: Regardless of the concessions granted through the PHZ regulations, the role of ARB is to ensure that all required Architectural Findings (PAMC 18.76.020(d)) must be met by the applicant. We find that it is inconsistent with the following criteria: 152454300.2 Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 51     1. The design is consistent with applicable provisions of the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, coordinated area plans (including compatibility requirements), and any relevant design guides. This project site was not intended to be developed as residential. While current changes in policy may make this project seem desirable, any departure from established plans or codes should provide significant community benefit, far beyond the enrichment of the development team. Furthermore, the proposal should seek to achieve the greatest possible alignment with all other established aspects of zoning regulations and policy. 2. The project has a unified and coherent design, that: a. Creates an internal sense of order and desirable environment for occupants, visitors, and the general community. A sense of order and desirability of the environment for the general community is not accomplished through the proposed design. The current proposal does not support or enhance the requirements for a desirable retail environment, as further explained in the operational section below. b. Preserves, respects and integrates existing natural features that contribute positively to the site and the historic character including historic resources of the area when relevant. The proposed project does not integrate into the existing historic character of Town & Country Village. Due to its proximity, the proposed project should seek to achieve greater compatibility in its design, massing, and use of materials. The submitted design stands in stark contrast to the historic character of Town & Country and must be substantially modified to meet this Finding. c. Is consistent with the context-based design criteria of the applicable zone district. N/A - we are not aware of any context-based design criteria for this site. d. Provides harmonious transitions in scale, mass and character to adjacent land uses and land use designations. While the applicant has reduced the scale, the proposed project is still inconsistent with adjacent architectural character and land use. Town & Country Village has a distinct scale and design vocabulary, (roof slope, materials, deep overhangs at comfortable pedestrian walkways, etc.) and we feel the current proposal is incompatible with the historic nature of the center. e. Enhances living conditions on the site (if it includes residential uses) and in adjacent residential areas. The design does not enhance living conditions on the site. The intensive operational needs of a thriving neighborhood center include receiving deliveries, handling trash, well-lit customer parking, and the like. We believe that residents would find these necessary operational demands to be 152454300.2 Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 52     unpalatable. Until the proposal can achieve mitigation of these existing necessary constraints, the application should be returned for modification. 3. The design is of high aesthetic quality, using high quality, integrated materials, and appropriate construction techniques, and incorporating textures, colors, and other details that are compatible with and enhance the surrounding area. As stated before, we do not find the current design to be compatible with the current historic design, massing, or character of Town & Country Village. 4. The design is functional, allowing for ease and safety of pedestrian and bicycle traffic and providing for elements that support the building's necessary operations (e.g., convenient vehicle access to property and utilities, appropriate arrangement and amount of open space and integrated signage, if applicable, etc.). We feel the proposed development will result in a net-negative to the safety and ease of access for pedestrians and bicycle traffic. The added vehicular traffic, loss of parking for retail use, and minimal setbacks combine to create an unmitigated series of impacts. Additionally, given the tight constraints of the site and the density of the proposed development, there is serious concern for the impact to retail vehicular access at an already constrained site, and certainly represents reduced access for operational needs. 5. The landscape design complements and enhances the building design and its surroundings, is appropriate to the site's functions, and utilizes to the extent practical, regional indigenous drought resistant plant material capable of providing desirable habitat that can be appropriately maintained. The current proposal has the property fully developed leaving little to no room for the required landscaping necessary to achieve compliance with this Finding. The project landscape design does not provide the necessary transition to the adjacent Center design. In addition, please note that the proposed development represents a net loss to the existing tree canopy. Currently, the canopy coverage on the site is approximately 2170 square feet across 8 existing trees, while the proposed development includes 7 replacement trees with limited growth potential for a proposed approximate canopy of 550 square feet. 6. The project incorporates design principles that achieve sustainability in areas related to energy efficiency, water conservation, building materials, landscaping, and site planning. We have yet to fully understand how this proposal achieves compliance with this Finding. As stated previously, the bar for approval should be set high due to the concessions being requested for approval of this proposal at this site. Operational Review Findings: Given that the proposed project stands in contrast to the City’s planning documents, it is not surprising that if approved it will likely create several significant impacts on the pedestrian, vehicular and other operational aspects of Town & Country Village: 152454300.2 Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 53     1) It is incompatible to locate residences within the parking lot of a busy commercial shopping center. Our shopping center receives tenants’ deliveries throughout the day and frequently these are more intense in the early morning hours before the center opens to customers. Additionally, certain dining tenants operate into the late evening hours which might impact potential new residences within the vicinity. Lastly, we have trash and recycling serviced daily, immediately proximate to the proposed development. While these operations are consistent with City codes and existing approvals, residents will almost certainly find them incompatible with their residential use. We would ask that you carefully consider these concerns in your evaluation of the project to avoid creating a cycle of complaints that cannot be resolved. 2) Given the density of the proposed development, we foresee constraints on parking and pedestrian access. The current proposal allows for no space for potential residents’ visitors, service vendors, or deliveries. With Encina Avenue already fully parked during the day, and with all our parking stalls restricted for our retail and restaurant uses at the Center, we feel the added traffic and parking load on Encina Avenue and the surrounding area would be untenable. The project should be designed in anticipation of all these needs, as would be required of any other proposal brought forward. 152454300.2 Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 54     July 22, 20224 Emily Kallas Planner, City of Palo Alto Emily.Kallas@CityofPaloAlto.com (650) 617-3125 Dear Emily, As you proceed with your staff level review of applicaꢀon number 24PLN-00095, request for Planned Community Zone Change (PHZ) to allow construcꢀon of a new 3-story, 22,552 sf residenꢀal condominium building, we, as the owners and operators of Town & Country Village (“TCV”) wish to raise our conꢀnued concerns with regards to the proposed 70 Encina development. Our concerns and objecꢀons were previously communicated in our September 8, 2022, leꢁer to the Palo Alto City Council, in our leꢁer from December 2, 2023 to the Architectural Review Board (both aꢁached) and we addressed these concerns in person at the City Council hearing on September 12, 2022 and at the Architectural Review Board (ARB) Study Session on December 7, 2023. We and our consultant architect, Randy Popp, have carefully reviewed the revised development plans, dated March 8, 2024. While we recognize that the applicant has made some minor changes to the proposal, our team and Mr. Popp believe that the vast majority of the concerns raised by the ARB on December 7, 2023 have gone completely ignored, notably the lack of a buffer between this zero lot line proposal and TCV and the lack of architectural compaꢀbility for this sensiꢀve seꢂng. Furthermore, all the operaꢀonal concerns that we have repeatedly raised about this problemaꢀc project remain unaddressed. Background We of course understand the criꢀcal need for new housing development in Palo Alto and throughout the region, but we request that you require the applicant to revise its proposal to address the concerns raised by the ARB as well as the aestheꢀc and operaꢀonal impacts that we have conꢀnued to highlight over the last three years. We do not consider this ¼ acre site surrounded by our north parking lot to be a suitable housing site and feel that the ten luxury townhomes this project will create will do liꢁle to address the City’s housing shortage. Furthermore, the addiꢀon of these ten units does not jusꢀfy the degradaꢀon of TCV, a unique and treasured community asset and source of significant sales taxes for the City of Palo Alto. As you may be aware, at the September 8, 2022, hearing, the City Council “asked the applicant to work with Town & Country to receive their support of the project and stated that consideraꢀon should be paid to how this development may affect the vitality of Town & Country. Council also wanted any project at 70 Encina to provide a beꢁer visual connecꢀon with Town & Country, such as through the use of materials.” Ever since that hearing, we have reviewed the prior revisions from the applicant and provided clear and consistent feedback to the applicant and to City staff in the hopes that the design would evolve in a manner that we can support and that is more appropriate and consistent with TCV’s architectural vocabulary, massing and operaꢀonal consideraꢀons. Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 55     In terms of specific feedback on the most recent submiꢀal, we are providing herein a summary of the impacts the proposed project would have on the operaꢁon of TCV and the potenꢁal areas of conflict it might create for our tenants and customers with the future occupants of the proposed development. Also aꢀached is a leꢀer from Randy Popp highlighꢁng his concerns with the current design and the lack of architectural compaꢁbility with TCV. TCV Operaꢀonal Concerns 1. The Planning Department has expressed concern mulꢁple ꢁmes about parking at TCV, and while we comply with current code and issued approvals, our concern is that guest parking for the proposed residenꢁal development is going to spill into our adjacent lots and displace our customers. The proposed design includes no guest parking for ten residences and only provides an average of 1.4 spaces for these three-bedroom units. While we understand the desire to not build large parking faciliꢁes in Palo Alto, it is inevitable that future guests and residents will park on our property given its proximity. TCV will then be forced to police and tow guest parking for this development, and TCV will need to involve the City in repeated complaints about unauthorized use of our property. 2. This development will also result in an increase in vehicular traffic on our property. Given its design and orientaꢁon, residents and guests will likely use our property to drive through from Embarcadero, given Encina is someꢁmes hard to access by car via El Camino Real. As stated above, we believe the increase in traffic posed by the proposed development will create adverse impacts to our property and our patrons. TCV will be forced to involve the City in miꢁgaꢁon of neighbors using our property for path of travel. 3. Poke House, Asian Box, Antoine’s Cookies, Jamba Juice, Douce France, and Horsefeather will all be operaꢁng food and beverage faciliꢁes adjacent to the new residents, whose homes will be along on our primary service alley. Our concern is that residents will complain and try to impose on our tenants’ ability to operate. Each of these food service operaꢁons receive deliveries at early hours, and early morning businesses like Jamba Juice & Douce France will have employees and patrons arriving at the site early each day. Horsefeather will be uꢁlizing a nearby outdoor paꢁo unꢁl 10 PM at night, as allowed in their planning approval, which poses a potenꢁal conflict with residents who will likely complain to the City about the incompaꢁbility of a these two nearly adjacent uses. 4. Since the proposed development abuts our rear service alleyway, we are concerned that residents will complain about off-hours deliveries, trash pickups, and other typical elements of commercial food operaꢁons. Employees occupy the service alleys adjacent to the residences at all hours of the day, and our concern is that residents will inevitably complain to the City about their presence, and the general operaꢁons of our tenants. The proposed development includes no buffer or setbacks to miꢁgate this and proposes high-end residenꢁal units directly adjacent to our acꢁve shopping center that has been operaꢁng for over 70 years in this locaꢁon. Zoning Violaꢀons Beyond our concerns with the revised proposal, we would also like to remind you and others at the City of Palo Alto, that the owners of the subject site installed a chain link fence on or about November 2021, surrounding their porꢁon of the parking lot. Based on conversaꢁons we had with planning staff in 2021, we were told that the installaꢁon of this fence was a clear zoning violaꢁon and that its installaꢁon would require an applicaꢁon by the 70 Encina property owners to modify prior planning approvals, factoring in changes in traffic flow and aestheꢁcs. Since no such applicaꢁon has been filed, we have repeatedly reminded staff of this situaꢁon and now aꢂer nearly three years of weeds, pavement cracks and overall Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 56     blight, this situaꢁon remains unchanged, as a result of a lack of zoning enforcement (current condiꢁon photos aꢀached). Given how meꢁculous City staff is in enforcing zoning codes and processes at TCV, it is quite surprising that the City is willing to process this new development applicaꢁon for a site that has a nearly three year old outstanding zoning violaꢁon that is blighꢁng such an important community asset. Please see the recent photos of the site for reference. We respecꢃully request that you put this applicaꢁon on hold unꢁl the property in quesꢁon is in full compliance with current zoning regulaꢁons and the blighted condiꢁons are addressed. Thank you for your consideraꢁon of our concerns. We truly appreciate being included in the review process for this applicaꢁon and are hopeful that it can be revised to result in a project that is more appropriate for this important and sensiꢁve seꢄng. We have been the careful stewards of TCV since 2005 and would be devastated if this project as proposed were to be built in such a dense and incompaꢁble configuraꢁon. Sincerely, Dean Rubinson Director of Development Ellis Partners LLC of behalf of CEP Town & Country Investors, LLC Cc:Jim Ellis, Ellis Partners Melinda Ellis Evers, Ellis Partners Mitchell Serrato, Ellis Partners Amy French, City of Palo Alto Aꢀachments: Design Review Leꢀer, Randolph Popp Architects - July 3, 2024 Current Photos Exhibit – July 22, 2024 Leꢀer to Palo Alto City Council – September 8, 2022 Leꢀer to Palo Alto Architectural Review Board – December 2, 2022 Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 57     3 July 2024 Dean J. Rubinson Partner, Director of Development Ellis Partners 111 Sutter Street, Suite 800 San Francisco, CA 94104 Re:Proposed Planned Home Zoning Project at 70 Encina Avenue Dean: I was excited to understand there was an updated package available for the proposal adjacent to Town & Country Village but after my review, I’m quite disappointed to find much of the constructive criticism the development team received when they presented to ARB on December 07, 2023 has not been addressed. In fact, in some areas, the impact has worsened. First and foremost, it still feels like more units are being squeezed into this property than can reasonably be accommodated. Board Member Chen mentioned this concern, and while I typically advocate for more density, in this particular case, I tend to agree with her perspective. A number of critical constraints and limitations have not been resolved as outlined below, and the overall design just feels too strained. The vehicular entry off of Encina has been widened. However, the interior courtyard space still seems to be too narrow, such that, as Board Member Hirsh pointed out, cars will have difficulty getting into and out of the garages. In particular, the first two stalls immediately adjacent to the entry will likely require multipoint turns to safely enter and exit. While this juggling is going on, other vehicles will not be able to enter or exit the property, potentially causing a queuing issue out on the street. At the opposite end of the drive aisle they have added an open weave CMU screen below a pair of outdoor terraces. Noise from the service drive, particularly in the early morning hours, will most certainly translate to the interior courtyard of the development, which will act like an echo chamber, creating an impact for all of the units, not just those adjacent to the service drive. Accessory to the above is the concern raised by Board Member Chen that interior-facing bedroom windows are directly aligned. This too is a byproduct of the excessive density they are trying to achieve. The impact is a very challenging privacy conflict. It’s unclear how this could be resolved without a significant retooling of the design. Another issue which has not been addressed but would require some significant reorganization is that the trash room is still only accessible by doors fronting on Encina. It’s difficult to understand how all of the townhomes will utilize this space efficiently and what the long-term impact of this will be for the most distant units. I personally can’t imagine walking my trash, recycling, and compost that distance on a regular (daily) basis. Both Board Members Rosenberg and Adcock raised valid concerns about the zero setback positioning of the massing at the 3 non-street frontage sides. Although there has been an attempt made to create some additional visual relief to the massing of the building, ultimately, P a g e | 1 of 2 Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 58     the concept remains essentially unchanged. In respect to the street-facing units, Board Member Baltay pointed out the potential for direct access via stoops on Encina. Rather than doing that, the design continues to exist as a ‘wall’ without addressing many of the objective design standards typically expected for the pedestrian-level street-facing portion of the building. It appears from some added sheets that additional work has been done relative to fire access. The result of this is the addition of a very intrusive stair configuration and a heavy screening element. I know from earlier conversations that you and I both feel this elevation is a primary component of the building because so much of it is visually accessible from the interior of Town & Country Village. This add-on is yet another element indicative of a density and massing which is greater than what the site can reasonably accommodate. Contextually, it increases the problematic nature of the development, which we know will continue to exist for decades as a singular building amid a large parking area. Turning to the elevations, materials, and color choices, Board Members Rosenberg and Baltay most vocally indicated they felt not enough deference was being paid to Town & Country Village. Board Member Chen suggested greater mass along Encina and a reduction in height closer to Town & Country Village. I’m ambivalent about the value of changing the massing to elevate height closer to Encina and feel that may not be productive on such a small site. In regards to architectural deference to Town & Country Village, the addition of a dark-colored rain screen is a positive step, but the beige sandstone-colored brick at the base of the building feels like an inappropriate approach regarding materials and color. I do not consider the current design to be successful concerning the important goal communicated by the ARB Members. In summary, I don’t believe this submittal addresses the concerns raised by the Board or in response to those identified by your team. I cannot see how, at this point, you might indicate your support for the proposal. I know that was the goal for the Council but we are just not there yet. Sincerely, Randy Popp Randolph Popp, Architect P a g e | 2 of 2 Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 59     Current Photos Exhibit - July 22, 2024 Page 1 Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 60     Current Photos Exhibit - July 22, 2024 Page 2 Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 61     Current Photos Exhibit - July 22, 2024 Page 3 Item 2 Attachment F: Public Comments     Packet Pg. 62     If you need assistance reviewing the above documents, please contact the Project Planner or call the Planner-on-Duty at 650-617-3117 or email planner@cityofpaloalto.org Project Plans In order to reduce paper consumption, a limited number of hard copy project plans are provided to Board members for their review. The same plans are available to the public, at all hours of the day, via the following online resources. Directions to review Project plans and environmental documents online: 1. Go to: bit.ly/PApendingprojects 2. Scroll down to find “70 Encina” and click the address link 3. On this project-specific webpage you will find a link to the project plans and other important information Direct Link to Project Webpage: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Current- Planning/Projects/70-Encina-Ave Item 2 Attachment G: Project Plans     Packet Pg. 63     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: September 11, 2024 Report #: 2409-3437 TITLE Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim Minutes of April 10, 2024 RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC) adopt the meeting minutes. BACKGROUND Draft verbatim minutes from the April 10, 2024 Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC) meeting were made available to the Commissioners prior to the September 11, 2024 meeting date. The previous draft appeared before the Commission and was voted to return back to the transcriptionist to clean up and omit filler words. This draft is the clean version in the same format as previous approved minutes. 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. 64     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: September 11, 2024 Report #: 2409-3438 TITLE Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim Minutes of April 24, 2024 RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC) adopt the meeting minutes. BACKGROUND Draft verbatim minutes from the April 24, 2024 Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC) meeting were made available to the Commissioners prior to the September 11, 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. 65     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: September 11, 2024 Report #: 2409-3439 TITLE Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Verbatim & Summary Minutes of June 12, 2024 RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC) adopt the meeting minutes. BACKGROUND Draft verbatim and summary minutes from the June 12, 2024 Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC) meeting were made available to the Commissioners prior to the September 11, 2024 meeting date. The draft PTC minutes can be viewed online on the City’s website at bit.ly/PaloAlto PTC. ATTACHMENTS There are no attachments. AUTHOR/TITLE: Veronica Dao, Administrative Associate Item 5 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 66