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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-02-12 Planning & Transportation Commission Agenda PacketPLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting Wednesday, February 12, 2025 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.Recommend that Council Adopt a Resolution Amending the Comprehensive Plan to Re‐ Classify a Portion of Ramona Street and California Avenue as Car‐Free Streets. CEQA Status: An Addendum to the Comprehensive Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH#2014052101) Has Been Prepared. Zone District: Not Applicable (Public Right‐of‐ Way). 6:10 PM – 7:30 PM STUDY SESSION Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker. 3.Update Planning and Transportation Commission Procedural Rules      7:30 PM – 8:00 PM 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, February 12, 2025Council 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 toten (10) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided that the non‐speaking members agreenot to 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.Recommend that Council Adopt a Resolution Amending the Comprehensive Plan to Re‐ Classify a Portion of Ramona Street and California Avenue as Car‐Free Streets. CEQA Status: An Addendum to the Comprehensive Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH#2014052101) Has Been Prepared. Zone District: Not Applicable (Public Right‐of‐ Way). 6:10 PM – 7:30 PM STUDY SESSION Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker. 3.Update Planning and Transportation Commission Procedural Rules      7:30 PM – 8:00 PM 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, February 12, 2025Council 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 toten (10) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided that the non‐speaking members agreenot to 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.Recommend that Council Adopt a Resolution Amending the Comprehensive Plan to Re‐ Classify a Portion of Ramona Street and California Avenue as Car‐Free Streets. CEQA Status: An Addendum to the Comprehensive Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH#2014052101) Has Been Prepared. Zone District: Not Applicable (Public Right‐of‐ Way). 6:10 PM – 7:30 PM STUDY SESSION Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker. 3.Update Planning and Transportation Commission Procedural Rules      7:30 PM – 8:00 PM 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, February 12, 2025Council 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 toten (10) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided that the non‐speaking members agreenot to 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.Recommend that Council Adopt a Resolution Amending the Comprehensive Plan to Re‐Classify a Portion of Ramona Street and California Avenue as Car‐Free Streets. CEQAStatus: An Addendum to the Comprehensive Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR)(SCH#2014052101) Has Been Prepared. Zone District: Not Applicable (Public Right‐of‐Way).6:10 PM – 7:30 PMSTUDY SESSIONPublic Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker.3.Update Planning and Transportation Commission Procedural Rules      7:30 PM – 8:00PMCOMMISSIONER 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: February 12, 2025 Report #: 2502-4124 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: Upcoming PTC Agenda Items PTC Meeting Schedule PTC Representative to City Council (Rotational Assignments) 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. 5     Item No. 1. Page 2 of 2 UPCOMING PTC ITEMS February 26, 2025 70 Encina: PHZ approval Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update 4335 and 4345 El Camino Real: Vesting Tentative Map ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: 2025 PTC Schedule & Assignments AUTHOR/TITLE: Jennifer Armer, Assistant Director Item 1 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 6     Planning & Transportation Commission 2025 Meeting Schedule 2025 Schedule Meeting Dates Time Location Status Planned Absences 1/8/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Canceled 1/15/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Special 1/29/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 2/12/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 2/26/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 3/12/2025 5:00 PM Hybrid Regular 3/26/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 4/9/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 4/30/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 5/14/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 5/28/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 6/11/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 6/25/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 7/9/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 7/30/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 8/13/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 8/27/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 9/10/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular Hechtman 9/24/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 10/8/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 10/29/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 11/12/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 11/26/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Canceled 12/10/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular 12/31/2025 6:00 PM Hybrid Canceled 2025 Assignments - Council Representation (primary/backup) January February March April May June Bryna Chang Bart Hechtman Allen Akin Doria Summa Doria Summa Cari Templeton Bart Hechtman Bryna Chang Cari Templeton Allen Akin Bryna Chang Cari Templeton July August September October November December Council Summer Break Allen Akin Bart Hechtman Bart Hechtman Bryna Chang Cari Templeton Allen Akin Allen Akin Cari Templeton Bryna Chang Bart Hechtman Item 1 Attachment A: 2025 PTC Schedule & Assignments     Packet Pg. 7     Item No. 2. Page 1 of 9 Planning & Transportation Commission Staff Report From: Planning and Development Services Director Lead Department: City Manager’s Office Meeting Date: February 12, 2025 Report #: 2501-4003 TITLE Recommend that Council Adopt a Resolution Amending the Comprehensive Plan to Re-Classify a Portion of Ramona Street and California Avenue as Car-Free Streets. CEQA Status: An Addendum to the Comprehensive Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH#2014052101) Has Been Prepared. Zone District: Not Applicable (Public Right-of-Way). RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) recommend that the City Council: 1. Consider the environmental analysis in Attachment C; 2. Adopt the Resolution in Attachment A amending the Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element; and 3. Adopt the Resolution in Attachment B approving the proposed street closures and setting forth the provisions for allowed uses within the street. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In March 2020, restrictions on indoor dining and social distance requirements associated with the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative economic effect on many local businesses in the City of Palo Alto. In June 2020, the City closed off portions of Ramona Street between Hamilton Avenue and University Avenue and California Avenue between El Camino Real and Birch Street to vehicular traffic, to facilitate pedestrian access and outdoor dining, and enhance the retail experience. Since June 2020, the City Council has taken action multiple times to continue the temporary closures, and these street segments are still closed to vehicular traffic. On November 6, 2023, the City Council provided direction to maintain the closed off portions of Ramona Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 8     Item No. 2. Page 2 of 9 Street and California Avenue as car-free streets, with current areas of street closure to be made permanent.1 In order to facilitate car-free areas of the City, an Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan is proposed (Attachment A) to re-classify the proposed portions of California Avenue and Ramona Street as a “Community Street” and “Pedestrian Only Street”, respectively, on Map T-5 of the Transportation Element, and to add definitions of these terms to the Glossary. These streets are currently identified as Residential/Collector Streets. The proposed Resolution in Attachment B would approve the street closures and sets forth the rules for the use of these streets. The environmental impacts associated with the Comprehensive Plan Amendment and the permanent closure of these segments of Ramona Street and California Avenue to through- vehicular traffic have been analyzed in an addendum to the Comprehensive Plan Environmental Impact Report included in Attachment C. The findings of the addendum show that the project will not result in any new or more severe impacts as compared to impacts previously identified for the planned buildout under the Comprehensive Plan through 2030. BACKGROUND Restrictions on indoor dining and social distance requirements associated with the 2020 COVID- 19 pandemic had a negative economic effect on many local businesses within the City of Palo Alto. Following is a summary of key actions taken by Council to temporarily close these street segments to vehicular traffic to facilitate pedestrian access and outdoor dining and enhance the retail experience: •On June 23, 2020, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 9909, temporarily closing portions of California Avenue and University Avenue and certain downtown streets intersecting University Avenue (including Ramona Street), pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21101. •On August 10, 2020, December 14, 2020, and May 10, 2021, the Council adopted successive resolutions extending the temporary street closures until to December 31, 2020, May 31, 2021, October 31, 2021, respectively. •On September 13, 2021, the City Council directed the re-opening of University Avenue on October 15, 2021, and adopted Resolutions No. 9987 and 9988 to continue with temporary closure of portions of California Avenue and Ramona Street respectively, through June 2022. •On May 16, 2022, the City Council adopted Resolutions No. 10039 and 10040, extending the temporary closures until December 31, 2023. •On November 6, 2023, the City Council directed staff to return with necessary actions to maintain the closed off portions of Ramona Street and California Avenue as car-free streets, with current areas of street closure to be made permanent. 1 The “permanent” closures mean that temporary authorizations to keep the streets closed will no longer be necessary. However, the City Council may amend or change the closed streets in the future in accordance with applicable laws. Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 9     Item No. 2. Page 3 of 9 •Council has approved subsequent resolutions extending the temporary closures through December 2025. These portions of California Avenue and Ramona Street have continued to remain car-free to date. Project Description The proposed project includes a resolution to amend the Comprehensive Plan 2030 to re- classify the proposed portions of California Avenue and Ramona Street as a “Community Street” and “Pedestrian Only Street”, respectively, on Map T-5 (page 67) of the Transportation Element and adding definitions of the new street classifications to the Glossary. The project also includes a resolution implementing the street closures and setting forth the provisions for allowed uses within these street classifications. The proposed new classifications include: •Community Streets – Streets that are restricted to pedestrians and bicycles. Emergency and utility maintenance vehicles are allowed; commercial vehicles may be allowed in limited capacities through an exception process. Outdoor dining, retail displays, and community events are encouraged on community streets. •Pedestrian Only Streets – Streets that are restricted to pedestrians, emergency vehicles, utility and maintenance vehicles only. Outdoor dining and retail displays are encouraged on pedestrian only streets. Car-Free California Avenue As proposed, California Avenue between El Camino Real and Birch Street will be restricted to pedestrian and bicycle traffic with limited access for emergency, utility, and maintenance vehicles and restricted access on an exception basis for commercial vehicles. Council took action on December 16, 2024, to facilitate the replacement of temporary barriers with near-term improvements at the car-free portion of California Avenue at the El Camino Real, Ash Street and Birch Street intersections.2 Improvements are comprised of repaving, stamped clay colored asphalt, bollards, bike lanes, planters and signage. At the El Camino Real and Birch Street intersections bicycle lane markings indicate to drivers and cyclists the bicycle path of travel to enter the car-free area. Retractable bollards at each intersection control vehicle access to the car free area. Large fiberglass planters are located to prohibit vehicle access. Signage at each intersection will indicate the road is closed to vehicles and open to bicycles and pedestrians. Additionally, two American with Disabilities (ADA) parking pick up and drop off areas are located at the Ash Street intersection. Construction start for these improvements is scheduled for February 18, 2025. 2 https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=426739a9-5371-4252-bf28-38b87dee1191 Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 10     Item No. 2. Page 4 of 9 The permanent closure of this section of California Avenue will require permanent relocation of the Santa Clara Valley Transit Route (SCVT) 89 which will operate using an alternative route as it has since 2020 when the temporary closures were initiated. Car-Free Ramona Street The Ramona Street segment will be pedestrian access only (including full ADA access) and emergency vehicle access. Access by vehicular traffic and mounted bicycles will be precluded to better support a safe pedestrian zone. The existing left turn lane from Hamilton Avenue to Ramona Street will be re-configured and signage installed indicating no right or left turns from Hamilton Avenue onto Ramona Street. To clearly indicate that a portion of the street is closed to vehicular traffic, removable bollards, planters, and signage will be placed at both ends of the car-free portion of Ramona Street. Signage will also be installed at University Avenue and Ramona Street to indicate that there is no outlet via Ramona Street, but that there is access to the existing Ramona/University Parking Garage, located across from 530 Ramona Street, approximately midblock between University Avenue and Hamilton Avenue. The removable bollards will provide access for emergency, utility, and maintenance vehicles on Ramona Street from Hamilton Avenue via a 40-foot-long and 20-foot-wide fire lane that will narrow to 16 feet wide through the remainder of the car-free portion of the street (approximately 160 feet). The fire lane will run through the center of the street, allowing eight (8) feet between the fire lane and the edge of the sidewalk for the first 40 feet and ten (10) feet on each side, for the remaining approximately 160 feet. The space within the public right-of- way between the fire lane and edge of sidewalk curbs will be available for outdoor dining and retail. ANALYSIS Staff has analyzed the proposed street closures and associated Comprehensive Plan Amendment and found these actions to be consistent with the relevant plans, policies, and regulations adopted by the City as detailed herein. Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, Area Plans, and Guidelines3 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. The proposed resolutions further several goals and policies in the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element, Natural Element, and Transportation Element to encourage walking and biking, prioritize alternative modes of transportation over single-occupancy vehicle use, and reduce emissions, as detailed in the Resolution in Attachments A and B. The project would conflict with Map T-5 of the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan, which identifies California Avenue and Ramona Street as residential/collector streets. The proposed amendment modifies this map to show the proposed segments of California Avenue 3 The Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan is available online: bit.ly/PACompPlan2030 Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 11     Item No. 2. Page 5 of 9 and Ramona Street as Community Streets and Pedestrian Only Streets, respectively. With approval of the proposed resolution, the proposed street configurations would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. This Comprehensive Plan Amendment to permanently close California Avenue and a portion of Ramona Street supports their transformation to be vibrant walkable destinations, prioritizing outdoor dining, pedestrian safety, and public gathering spaces to enhance community life and economic vibrancy. There are no area plans that apply to these proposed street segments. Ramona Avenue is located within the boundaries of the Downtown Design Guidelines. The proposed actions that facilitate and implement a car-free street for a portion of Ramona Avenue encourages pedestrian activity, consistent with these guidelines. Zoning Compliance4 The proposed work is located within public right-of-way and is therefore not subject to a specific land use designation. Nevertheless, the proposed actions do not include physical modifications to the proposed street segments, with the exception of the placement of removable bollards at the ends of each street segments, the addition of planters, and the addition of wayfinding markings and signage. These improvements would not conflict with any regulations set forth in the zoning ordinance or other municipal code sections. Adjacent properties along the proposed car-free segment of California Avenue are zoned Community Commercial (CC2) with Retail (R) and Pedestrian (P) combining districts. Adjacent properties along the proposed car-free segment of Ramona Avenue are zoned Commercial- Downtown Community with Ground Floor (GF) and P combining districts. Both commercial zone districts accommodate a range of commercial uses and these ground floor, retail, and pedestrian combining district generally encourage active ground floor uses, particularly retail and retail-like uses, and include urban design requirements that encourage pedestrian activity. The proposed actions are consistent with the intent of these base zoning districts and combining districts and add to the economic vitality of these areas. Bicycle Access A bicycle route through the car-free portion of California Avenue is essential for cross town bike circulation. California Avenue’s bike lanes connect the east and west sides of Palo Alto to the California Avenue Caltrain Station, with a connection under the Caltrain tracks, linking residential neighborhoods, regional transit, and employment at Stanford Research Park. Currently, Class II bike lanes extend from Hannover Street to Louis Road, including a bike tunnel under the Caltrain ROW, with California Avenue as a planned enhanced bikeway between the Caltrain right-of-way and El Camino Real. A Community Street designation will eliminate car traffic and prioritize pedestrians and bicycles, ensuring the route is permanently dedicated to bike access as part of the City’s bike network. 4 The Palo Alto Zoning Code is available online: bit.ly/PAZoningCode Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 12     Item No. 2. Page 6 of 9 The car-free portion of Ramona Street is approximately 200 feet long and Ramona Street is not considered an essential bike route. To support a safe pedestrian zone with outdoor dining, retail, and events, mounted bicycles will not be allowed in the pedestrian street. Bicyclists may use alternate parallel streets between Hamilton and University Avenue or choose to walk their bicycles in the 200 feet car-free segment of Ramona Street. Allowed and Prohibited Vehicles The reclassification of California Avenue as a Community Street prioritizes pedestrian and bicycle use and the re-classification of a portion of Ramona Street prioritizes pedestrian use. Both reclassifications restrict vehicle access to maintain safety and pedestrian usability. “Car- free” means no through vehicle traffic with limited exceptions as follows: Allowed Vehicles •Emergency vehicles are permitted access at any time during emergencies or for non- emergency situations that ensure public health and safety, including special events. •Utility and maintenance vehicles, operated by or on behalf of the City or utilities, can be granted access if no alternative method exists to reach the service location. •Utility and maintenance vehicles operated by businesses or private entities may also receive access per this criteria, otherwise they are excluded from routine use. •For special events, such as Farmers’ Markets, and other special circumstances, the City Manager or designee may authorize access on a limited basis, to the closed streets. Prohibited Vehicles •Commercial vehicles making routine deliveries to businesses and individuals are prohibited. Options for Bollard Access The operation of retractable and removable bollards on California Avenue and Ramona Street are to be managed through a key access system, with responsibility assigned to City staff, vendors, and emergency services. Police, fire department, utilities and maintenance will have access keys. Staff will work with stakeholders to develop a practical system of access for stakeholders such as the Farmers’ Market, 3rd Thursdays, and others. Parking and Circulation The primary concern raised by merchants and community members regarding the temporary closure of California Avenue is vehicle circulation rather than parking. Since the closure began in 2020, travel behavior has adjusted to mitigate some of these concerns, but some issues still need to be addressed. Parking Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 13     Item No. 2. Page 7 of 9 The closure of the car-free section of California Avenue has resulted in the loss of 53 on-street parking spaces, which includes three ADA spaces between Ash Street and Birch Street. The impact of the lost on-street parking is lessened due to an increase in parking supply with the new Sherman Avenue garage, a decrease in the demand for parking due to remote work, and the growth of on-line shopping. Additionally, changes in office occupancy trends, with employees concentrating in-office time midweek, has reduced informal weekday lunches, further reducing parking demand. The loss of ADA parking spaces, which affects access for disabled and senior customers, will be addressed by near-term improvements for two new ADA parking spaces on Ash Street, ensuring that merchants will have ADA accessible parking in close proximity to their businesses. Circulation Key circulation issues on California Avenue include wayfinding challenges, the need to improve alleyways and pedestrian pathways, resolving bicycle and pedestrian conflicts, and ensuring safety by addressing unauthorized pick-up and drop-off locations. Street design concepts under development by the consultant, Urban Field Studio, will address these issues. FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT Approval of the recommended action will not result in any immediate fiscal impact. The Project may result in increased revenue due to increased economic activity in downtown and on California Avenue. Costs associated with improvements on these streets are being developed and funded through separate design and construction projects for California Avenue and Ramona Street. As discussed with the City Council on February 3, 2025,5 the near-term improvements, including bollard installation, planters, stamped concrete, grinding/repaving of pavement and work at the California Ave & El Camino Real intersection is approximately $825,000. Any costs for additional project-specific investments will be further refined and discussed with the City Council as the project elements, such as implementation of the signage plan, continue to take shape. Improvements for the car-free portion of Ramona Street will be discussed with the City Council in late spring 2025; funding needed to implement approved improvements will be programmed in the FY 2025-2026 budget. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT The Palo Alto Municipal Code requires notice of this public hearing be published in a local paper at least ten days in advance. Notice of a public hearing for this project, accordingly, was published in the Daily Post on January 31, 2025, which is 13 days in advance of the meeting. Stakeholder and Community Engagement City staff and consultants conducted extensive outreach to engage merchants, business owners, and the broader community regarding the future of California Avenue and Ramona Street from October 2022 to April 2023, with a second round of outreach for California Avenue 5 https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=ea05cf69-abb5-47f4-80f1-973371604f2f Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 14     Item No. 2. Page 8 of 9 from February 2024 to November 2024. Key efforts included monthly workshops, interviews, focus group meetings and outreach to several stakeholder groups such as Stanford Research Park, Chamber of Commerce, Farmer’s Market, business and property owners, property managers and developers. Staff also held several online and in-person community meetings, conducted a survey, and engaged City Committees. A detailed Community & Stakeholder engagement report is available online and provides further detail of the stakeholder engagement work conducted for this project.6 Additionally, City Council report for the February 3, 2025, hearing provides a more recent update on stakeholder engagement on California Avenue.7 The two City surveys conducted for these car-free streets showed that a pedestrian oriented main street for both street segments aligns with resident preferences. Specifically, 79% of the survey respondents support keeping California Avenue car-free and 70% of the survey respondents support keeping a portion of Ramona Street car-free. While some property owners and retailers on California Avenue have expressed concern about reduced visibility and access for cars with the street closure, these challenges can be addressed through enhanced wayfinding, zoning reform to attract new business, and thoughtful urban design. The wide 90-foot right-of-way presents an opportunity to balance retail, restaurant, and community needs without vehicular traffic, which would compromise the pedestrian atmosphere. Making the closure permanent provides certainty for local business and property owners, encouraging investment in outdoor dining and other improvements. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The City, acting as the lead agency, has analyzed 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 prepared an addendum to the Comprehensive Plan EIR (SCH#2014052101) to evaluate the proposed comprehensive plan amendment and associated street closures. The addendum concludes that the Project will not have new, or substantially more severe significant effects compared to those identified in the Comprehensive Plan EIR. Furthermore, there are no new mitigation measures beyond those previously analyzed that would reduce one or more significant effects. During all Project construction activities, it is recommended applicable BMPs shown in Table 5.3 of the CEQA Analysis report be implemented in compliance with Mitigation Measure AIR-2a. On November 22, 2024, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority provided feedback on the potential impacts to Bus Route 89 which are incorporated into the transportation analysis of the Addendum. Although not required, the Administrative Draft Addendum to the EIR for this 6 A Community & Stakeholder Engagement report is available detailing stakeholder engagement conducted between 2022 and 2023 is available online at: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/projects/car-free-streets/cfs_fall-2022- spring-2023-community-and-stakeholder-engagement-report_final-for-web.pdf 7 The Council report update on car-free California Avenue is available online at: https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=15932 Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 15     Item No. 2. Page 9 of 9 project was sent to other Public Agencies that may have an interest in this proposed project, including Caltrans and California State Historic Preservation Office. Tribal Coordination SB 18 (GC Section 65352.3) requires lead agencies to contact and consult with California Native American tribes prior to amending or adopting any general plan, specific plan, or designating land as open space. In accordance with SB 18, notification of the proposed Project was mailed to the following tribes on December 5, 2024: •Amah Mutsun Tribal Band of Mission San Juan Bautista •Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe •Indian Canyon Mutsun Band of Coastanoan •Ohlone Indian Tribe •Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the SF Bay Area •Wuksachi Indian Tribe/Eshom Valley Band •Tamien Nation Two tribes requested consultation. Staff met with Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area on January 23, 2025. A meeting was also scheduled with Tamien Nation on January 22, 2025, but they were unable to attend. Staff is continuing to coordinate with these tribes to complete consultation prior to Council’s decision. ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: Draft Resolution Amending the Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element Attachment B: Draft Resolution Approving the Street Closures and Setting forth Provisions of the Closures Attachment C: Environmental Analysis Report Author & Contact Information PTC8 Liaison & Contact Information Ashwini Kantak, Special Projects Advisor Jennifer Armer (650) 329-2191 ashwini.kantak@cityofpaloalto.org Jennifer.Armer@cityofpaloalto.org 8 Emails may be sent directly to the PTC using the following address: planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.org Item 2 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 16     *NOT YET APPROVED* 1 0160166_KB2_20250203_AY16 Resolution No. ____ Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending the Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element Text to Add Two New Street Classifications, Pedestrian Only Streets and Community Streets, to Map T-5, and to Apply Those Designations to a Segment of Ramona Street and California Avenue, Respectively, As Well As to Add Definitions of These Terms in the Glossary. R E C I T A L S A. California Government Code Section 65300 et seq. requires every city and county in California to adopt a General Plan, known in Palo Alto as its Comprehensive Plan, for its long-range development, and further, to periodically update that plan to reflect current issues and conditions B. On November 13, 2017, the City Council for the City of Palo Alto (City) certified a Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the City of Palo Alto 2030 Comprehensive Plan through Resolution No. 9720, made findings in relation to the Final EIR, adopted a mitigation monitoring and report plan (MMRP), and adopted a statement of overriding considerations through Resolution No. 9721 and adopted the City of Palo Alto 2030 Comprehensive Plan through Resolution No. 9722. C. Map T-5 on Page 67 of the City of Palo Alto 2030 Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element identifies California Avenue and Ramona Street as residential/collector streets. D. On June 23, 2020, the Council adopted Resolution No. 9909 approving the temporary closure of portions of California Avenue and certain other Downtown streets through Labor Day 2020 to allow for outdoor dining and retail on those streets, consistent with the Santa Clara County Public Health Order in effect. The street closures were part of a Summer Streets Program initiated by the City to accommodate outdoor uses at a time when indoor dining remained prohibited in the County and the growing scientific evidence showed a lower risk of COVID-19 transmission outdoors compared to indoors. At that time, the City anticipated that indoor dining would be allowed to resume in the County, as had been allowed in neighboring counties, and sought to address the immediate needs of the community including residents, workers and businesses that had been severely impacted by loss of business activity and revenue. E. Through subsequent resolutions, including Resolutions 9909, 9911, 9933, 9954, 9962, 9987, 9988, 10039, 10040, 10129, 10130, 10207, and 10208, Council temporarily extended the street closures. F. On November 6, 2023 Council directed staff to return with the necessary actions to maintain California Avenue and Ramona Street as a car-free street with current areas of street closure to be made permanent. G. To align Map T-5 of the Transportation Element to reflect the partial closure of segments of Ramona Street and California Avenue, two new street classifications will be added to the map legend and reflected on the map. The new classifications of “Pedestrian Only Streets” and “Community Streets”, Item 2 Attachment A: Draft Resolution to Amend the Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element     Packet Pg. 17     *NOT YET APPROVED* 2 0160166_KB2_20250203_AY16 will be reflected on the map for the car-free segments of Ramona Street and California Avenue, respectively, and these classifications are further defined in the glossary. The associated provisions for these classifications are set forth in Resolution _____, which also approves the closure of these street segments to vehicular traffic. H. The Planning and Transportation Commission, after a duly noticed public hearing on February 12, 2025, recommended that the City Council amend Map T-5 of the City of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan as set forth below. I. The City Council considered said recommendation after a duly noticed public hearing held on ___________, 2025 and now desires to amend Map T-5 of the Transportation Element as set forth below. NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto RESOLVES as follows: SECTION 1. The City Council finds that the public interest, health, safety and welfare of Palo Alto and the surrounding region would be furthered by an amendment of the Transportation Element. SECTION 2. The Text Amendment to Map T-5 of the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan as a whole; in particular, it facilitates these partial streets closures, which furthers the following goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan: Table 1: Comprehensive Plan Policy Consistency Natural Element Goal N-5: Clean, healthful air for Palo Alto and the San Francisco Bay Area. The proposed comprehensive plan amendment facilitates the closure of two street segments to motor vehicles, prioritizing alternative modes of transportation, consistent with these policies that encourage reduction in emissions from automobiles. Policy N-5.2: Support behavior changes to reduce emissions of particulates from automobiles. Transportation Element GOAL T-1: Create a sustainable transportation system, complemented by a mix of land uses, that emphasizes walking, bicycling, use of public transportation and other methods to reduce GHG emissions and the use of single- occupancy motor vehicles. The proposed comprehensive plan amendment facilitates the closure of two street segments to motor vehicles, which encourages a transportation system that emphasizes alternative modes of transportation to single-occupancy motor vehicles and supports bicycling and walking. Policy T-1.3: Reduce GHG and pollutant emissions associated with transportation by reducing VMT and per-mile emissions through increasing transit options, supporting biking and walking, and the use of zero-emission vehicle technologies to meet City and State goals for GHG reductions by 2030. Item 2 Attachment A: Draft Resolution to Amend the Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element     Packet Pg. 18     *NOT YET APPROVED* 3 0160166_KB2_20250203_AY16 Policy T-1.19: Provide facilities that encourage and support bicycling and walking. Policy L-4.1. Encourage the upgrading and revitalization of selected Centers in a manner that is compatible with the character of surrounding neighborhoods, without loss of retail and existing small, local businesses. The project encourages a community center in retail areas that are intended to support the vibrant retail environment surrounding these areas. Policy L-4.4. Ensure all Regional Centers and Multi-Neighborhood Centers provide centrally located gathering spaces that create a sense of identity and encourage economic revitalization. Encourage public amenities such as benches, street trees, kiosks, restrooms and public art. The proposed comprehensive plan amendment facilitates the closure of two street segments in order to make these spaces central gathering places that create a sense of identity and encourage walkability and a vibrant retail area on both California Avenue and Ramona Street. Policy L-8.4: Create facilities for civic and intellectual life, such as better urban public spaces for civic programs and speakers, cultural, musical and artistic events. Policy L-4.7 Maintain and enhance the University Avenue/Downtown area as a major commercial center of the City, with a mix of commercial, civic, cultural, recreational and residential uses. Promote quality design that recognizes the regional and historical importance of the area and reinforces its pedestrian character. Policy L-7.5 To reinforce the scale and character of University Avenue/Downtown, promote the preservation of significant historic buildings. The City conducted consultation with tribes that are geographically and culturally affiliated with the area in accordance with Senate Bill 18 regulations and incorporate the tribe’s recommendations as part of the proposed project to ensure the protection of tribal cultural resources, if uncovered. The project does not include any proposed street modifications that would have the potential to impact adjacent historic buildings, which would be preserved as part of the proposed project. The project adds vitality to the areas around these historic buildings, enhancing pedestrian access to these areas. Policy L-7.16 Continue to consult with tribes as required by California Government Code Section 65352.3. In doing so, use appropriate procedures to accommodate tribal concerns when a tribe has a religious prohibition against revealing precise information about the location or previous practice at a particular sacred site. Policy L-7.17 Assess the need for archaeological surveys and mitigation plans on a project-by-project basis, consistent with the California Environmental Quality Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. Item 2 Attachment A: Draft Resolution to Amend the Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element     Packet Pg. 19     *NOT YET APPROVED* 4 0160166_KB2_20250203_AY16 Policy L-7.18 Require project proponents to meet State codes and regulations regarding the identification and protection of archaeological and paleontological deposits, and unique geologic features. SECTION 3. The City Council hereby amends the Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element as follows: Map T-5 on Page 67 of the Transportation Element as shown in Attachment A is hereby amended to identify two new street classifications, Community Streets and Pedestrian Only Streets, and to apply those classifications to a portion of California Avenue from El Camino Real to Birch Street and a portion of Ramona Street between Hamilton Avenue and University Avenue, respectively, as shown in Attachment B. SECTION 4. The City Council hereby amends the Comprehensive Plan glossary to add the following terms: Pedestrian Only Street, which is defined as: Streets that are restricted to pedestrians, emergency vehicles, and utility and maintenance vehicles only. Outdoor dining and retail displays are encouraged on pedestrian only streets. Community Street, which is defined as: Streets that are restricted to pedestrians and bicycles. Emergency, utility and maintenance vehicles are allowed, and commercial vehicles are allowed on a restricted basis. Outdoor dining, retail displays, and community events are encouraged on community streets. SECTION 5. In conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the environmental impacts of this Resolution were evaluated in an Environmental Impact Report Addendum entitled “City of Palo Alto Car Free Ramona Street and California Avenue Addendum to the Comprehensive Plan EIR” dated February 2025. This addendum supplements the analysis in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the 2030 Comprehensive Plan (SCH #2014052101), which the Council considered and adopted, together with the related Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan (MMRP) on November 13, 2017 in accordance with City Council Resolution 9721 and 9722. The addendum did not disclose any new significant impacts that were not previous evaluated and mitigated in the Comp plan EIR, for which a statement of overriding considerations was previously adopted. // // // // // Item 2 Attachment A: Draft Resolution to Amend the Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element     Packet Pg. 20     *NOT YET APPROVED* 5 0160166_KB2_20250203_AY16 SECTION 6. This resolution shall be effective upon adoption. INTRODUCED: PASSED: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTENTIONS: ATTEST: __________________________ _____________________________ City Clerk Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED: __________________________ __________________________ Assistant City Attorney City Manager APPROVED: __________________________ Chief Transportation Official Item 2 Attachment A: Draft Resolution to Amend the Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element     Packet Pg. 21     "X "X §¨¦280 |ÿ82 £¤101 Mountain View East Palo Alto Stanford Los Altos Hills Menlo Park S A N F R A N C I S C O B A Y Los Altos El Ca m i n o R e a l Footh i l l E x p r e s s w a y Oreg o n E x p r e s s w a y Embarca d e r o R o a d Univ e r s i t y A v e n u e East Charleston Road San A n t o n i o R o a d Alma S t r e e t Midd l e f i e l d R o a d California Ave Station Palo Alto Station Source: City of Palo Alto, 2013; PlaceWorks, 2014. M A P T - 5ROADWAY NETWORK P A L O A L T O C O M P R E H E N S I V E P L A NT R A N S P O R T A T I O N E L E M E N T 0 0.25 0.5 Miles Local/Collector Residential Arterial Arterial Expressway Freeway Railroads "X Caltrain Stations Parks Public Conservation Land Sphere of Influence City Boundary Attachment A: Existing Map T-5Item 2 Attachment A: Draft Resolution to Amend the Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element     Packet Pg. 22     "X "X §¨¦280 |ÿ82 £¤101 Mountain View East Palo Alto Stanford Los Altos Hills Menlo Park S A N F R A N C I S C O B A Y Los Altos El Cam i n o R e a l Foothil l E x p r e s s w a y Orego n E x p r e s s w a y Embarcadero R o a d Unive r s i t y A v e n u e East Charleston Road San A n t o n i o R o a d Alma S t r e e t Middlef i e l d R o a d California Ave Station Palo Alto Station Source: City of Palo Alto, 2025. MAP T-5 ROADWAY NETWORK P A L O A L T O C O M P R E H E N S I V E P L A NT R A N S P O R T A T I O N E L E M E N T 0 0.25 0.5 Miles Pedestrian Only Street Community Street Local/Collector Residential Arterial Arterial Expressway Freeway Railroads "X Caltrain Stations Parks Public Conservation Land Sphere of Influence City Boundary Attachment B: Proposed Map T-5Item 2 Attachment A: Draft Resolution to Amend the Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element     Packet Pg. 23     *NOT YET APPROVED* 1 0160165_KB2_20250203_AY16 Resolution No. ____ Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Closing a Portion of Ramona Street between Hamilton Avenue and University Avenue and California Avenue between El Camino Real and Birch Street to Vehicular Traffic Pursuant to the Amended Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan and Adopting Certain Rules for those Streets R E C I T A L S A. On June 23, 2020, the Council adopted Resolution No. 9909 approving the temporary closure of portions of California Avenue, University Avenue and certain other Downtown streets through Labor Day 2020 to allow for outdoor dining and retail on those streets, consistent with the Santa Clara County Public Health Order in effect. The street closures were part of a Summer Streets Program initiated by the City to accommodate outdoor uses at a time when indoor dining remained prohibited in the County and the growing scientific evidence showed a lower risk of COVID-19 transmission outdoors compared to indoors. At that time, the City anticipated that indoor dining would be allowed to resume in the County, as had been allowed in neighboring counties, and sought to address the immediate needs of the community including residents, workers and businesses that had been severely impacted by loss of business activity and revenue. B. Through Resolution No. 9909 the Council also approved a temporary pilot parklet program to allow parklets to be installed in on-street parking spaces on an expedited and temporary basis to provide more space for outdoor dining. C. On July 2, 2020, the County Public Health Officer issued a revised Shelter in Place Order, to become effective on July 13, 2020, that allowed certain additional activities to resume if specified strict across-the-board risk reduction measures were followed. The objective was to allow activities that were already allowed in surrounding jurisdictions, which had reopened more quickly than Santa Clara County, so long as the prescribed risk reduction measures were followed. D. On July 7, 2020, the State approved Santa Clara County’s requested variance that allowed the revised Shelter in Place Order to go into effect on July 13, 2020. E. However, with the number of COVID-19 cases dramatically increasing again in the State, on July 13, 2020, the Governor announced a sweeping roll back of the reopening that the State had allowed. The State mandated that all counties close certain indoor operations, including in-restaurant dining. For counties on the State’s monitoring list for 3 consecutive days (and thus placed on the State “watchlist”), the State required the closure of additional industries or activities unless they could be modified to operate outside or by pick-up; these included gyms and fitness centers, places of worship and cultural ceremonies, personal care services, hair salons and barbershops, and shopping malls. F. Through the summer, the United States including “hot spots” like California continued to hit new highs in confirmed cases and deaths, as the loosening of shelter-in-place restrictions had precipitated a resurgence of the virus in many states, including California. As of July 27, 2020, the Item 2 Attachment B: Draft Resolution Approving the Street Closures and Setting forth Provisions of Closures     Packet Pg. 24     *NOT YET APPROVED* 2 0160165_KB2_20250203_AY16 State was averaging nearly 10,000 new COVID-19 cases per day, and hospitals and their intensive care units were filling up. Thirty-seven counties representing 93% of the State’s population were on the State’s watchlist, and California had 460,550 confirmed cases of COVID-19, resulting in 8,445 deaths. G. On August 10, 2020, the Council adopted Resolution No. 9911, which amended Resolution 9909, to extend until December 31, 2020 the temporary closure of portions of California Avenue and University Avenue and certain intersecting streets to allow for continued use of these areas in the heart of the City’s commercial districts to allow for outdoor dining and potentially other activities as may be allowed by State and County Public Health Orders. Resolution No. 9911 also extended the temporary parklet program to September 7, 2021. H. Since August 2020, the County Public Health Officer issued a Risk Reduction Order on October 5, 2020, which coincided with the County moving into the orange tier under the State’s “Blueprint for a Safer Economy” tiered restriction system. I. However, on November 16, 2020, the State moved Santa Clara County two steps from the orange/moderate tier to the purple/widespread tier (the highest risk tier) due to a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases statewide. On that date, the County reported 388 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the cumulative total to 28,686. As of November 17, 2020, California reported 1,029,235 confirmed cases of COVID-19, resulting in 18,263 deaths, and 94.1% of the State’s population was now in the purple tier (according to the Governor’s Office). The State’s rules for the purple/widespread tier mandate that restaurants and gyms cannot have indoor service and retail stores may only have 25% capacity indoors. J. On December 14, 2020, the Council adopted Resolution 9933, which amended Resolution 9909, to extend until May 31, 2021 the temporary closure of portions of California Avenue and University Avenue and certain intersecting streets to allow for continued use of these areas in the heart of the City’s commercial districts to allow for outdoor dining and potentially other activities as may be allowed by State and County Public Health Orders. K. On March 3, 2021, the State moved Santa Clara County one step down from the purple/widespread tier to the red/substantial tier. As of March 16, 2021, the County reported a cumulative total of 112,909 COVID cases and 1,867 deaths. L. On May 10, 2021, the Council adopted Resolution 9954, which further extended until October 31, 2021 the temporary closure of portions of California Avenue and University Avenue and certain intersecting streets to allow for continued use of these areas in the heart of the City’s commercial districts to allow for outdoor dining and potentially other activities as may be allowed by State and County Public Health Orders. M. M. On June 7, 2021, the Council adopted Resolution 9962. Resolution 9962 amended and restated Section 4 of Resolution 9909 regarding the pilot parklet program on a nonemergency basis. N. On June 15, 2021, the State of California eliminated the Blueprint for a Safer Economy system of COVID-related rules and restrictions (also known as the color-tier system) amidst improvements in public health data and increasing availability of the COVID vaccine. The City of Palo Alto rescinded its declaration of local emergency on July 1, 2021. Item 2 Attachment B: Draft Resolution Approving the Street Closures and Setting forth Provisions of Closures     Packet Pg. 25     *NOT YET APPROVED* 3 0160165_KB2_20250203_AY16 O. However, since the rollback of restrictions and initial decrease of COVID cases, the number of COVID cases had increased. Since July 2021, the number of COVID Cases in the County of Santa Clara had moved upward, from fewer than 30 cases per day to more than 300 cases per day on many days in August 2021. As of September 1, 2021, the 7-day rolling average new cases is 361 in the County. On August 2, 2021, the County issued a requirement to wear face coverings indoors, regardless of vaccination status. P. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Delta variant of COVID-19 was the dominant strain of virus in the United States as of August 2021. The CDC founds that the Delta variant was more than 2x more contagious compared to previous variants, and fully vaccinated people with the Delta variant breakthrough infections can spread the virus to others. Q. In the midst of the continued COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Palo Alto continued to take measured steps to allow businesses to resume activities in outdoor settings. As a key part of those efforts, the Uplift Local Program (formerly known as the Summer Streets Program) created an attractive pedestrian environment on the closed streets resulting in increased foot traffic. A number of restaurants took advantage of the program and created outdoor seating in the streets, on sidewalks, and on parklets. Residents and visitors who have come to University Avenue and California Avenue have expressed delight and reported having a highly enjoyable experience. R. The increase of COVID cases across the State and the high likelihood that the pandemic will continue through the end of 2021 increases the chances that outdoor dining remains a key tool to reduce the risk from the spread of COVID-19 while allowing restaurants to continue some operations. Even if indoor dining is allowed, patrons may be unwilling to participate, or the opportunity may be rescinded if indoor restrictions return. S. On September 13, 2021 the Council voted to extend the street closures of portions of California Avenue and Ramona Street through June 30, 2022 to allow for the continued use of these streets for outdoor dining and other activities as may be allowed. The Council voted on each street separately and Resolution 9988 extended the closure of Ramona Street only; a separate resolution (no. 9987) extended the closure of California Avenue. T. On May 16, 2022 the Council voted to extend the street closures of California Avenue and Ramona Street through December 31, 2023 to allow for the continued use of these streets for outdoor dining and other activities as may be allowed and adopted Resolutions 10039 and 10040. U. On November 6, 2023 Council directed staff to return with the necessary actions to maintain California Avenue and Ramona Street as a car-free street with current areas of street closure to be made permanent and adopted Resolutions 10129 and 10130 allowing for the continued temporary closure of California Avenue and Ramona Street through December 2024. V. On December 16, 2024, the Council adopted Resolutions 10207 and 10208 to extend the street closures of California Avenue and Ramona Street through December 31, 2025. W. California Vehicle Code section 21101(g) allows the City to adopt a resolution to prohibit entry and exit to any street to implement the circulation element of a general plan. Item 2 Attachment B: Draft Resolution Approving the Street Closures and Setting forth Provisions of Closures     Packet Pg. 26     *NOT YET APPROVED* 4 0160165_KB2_20250203_AY16 X. The Planning and Transportation Commission, after a duly noticed public hearing on February 12, 2025, recommended that the City Council amend Map T-5 of the City of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan. Y. The City Council considered said recommendation after a duly noticed public hearing held on ___________, 2025 and Amended Map T-5 of the Transportation Element and the glossary through Resolution ______________and now desires to close a portion of Ramona Street between Hamilton Avenue and University Avenue as well as a portion of California Avenue from University Avenue to Birch Street to vehicular traffic, as set forth below. NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto RESOLVES as follows: SECTION 1. The City Council finds that the public interest, health, safety and welfare of Palo Alto and the surrounding region would be furthered by the street closures. With adoption of Resolution _______, which amends Map T-5 of the Comprehensive Plan to amend the classification of these two street segments from residential/collector to Community Streets and Pedestrian Only Streets for California Avenue and Ramona Street, respectively, the closures are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan as a whole. In particular, it furthers the following goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan: Table 1: Comprehensive Plan Policy Consistency Natural Element Goal N-5: Clean, healthful air for Palo Alto and the San Francisco Bay Area. The proposed closure of two street segments to motor vehicles prioritizes alternative modes of transportation, consistent with these policies that encourage reduction in emissions from automobiles. Policy N-5.2: Support behavior changes to reduce emissions of particulates from automobiles. Transportation Element GOAL T-1: Create a sustainable transportation system, complemented by a mix of land uses, that emphasizes walking, bicycling, use of public transportation and other methods to reduce GHG emissions and the use of single-occupancy motor vehicles. The proposed closure of these two street segments to motor vehicles encourages a transportation system that emphasizes alternative modes of transportation to single-occupancy motor vehicles and supports bicycling and walking. Policy T-1.3: Reduce GHG and pollutant emissions associated with transportation by reducing VMT and per-mile emissions through increasing transit options, supporting biking and walking, and the use of zero-emission vehicle technologies to meet City and State goals for GHG reductions by 2030. Policy T-1.19: Provide facilities that encourage and support bicycling and walking. Item 2 Attachment B: Draft Resolution Approving the Street Closures and Setting forth Provisions of Closures     Packet Pg. 27     *NOT YET APPROVED* 5 0160165_KB2_20250203_AY16 Policy L-4.1. Encourage the upgrading and revitalization of selected Centers in a manner that is compatible with the character of surrounding neighborhoods, without loss of retail and existing small, local businesses. The project facilitates the creation of a community center in two retail areas that are intended to support the vibrant retail environment surrounding these areas. Policy L-4.4. Ensure all Regional Centers and Multi-Neighborhood Centers provide centrally located gathering spaces that create a sense of identity and encourage economic revitalization. Encourage public amenities such as benches, street trees, kiosks, restrooms and public art. The proposed closure of two street segments provide an opportunity to make these spaces central gathering places that create a sense of identity and encourage walkability and a vibrant retail area on both California Avenue and Ramona Street. Policy L-8.4: Create facilities for civic and intellectual life, such as better urban public spaces for civic programs and speakers, cultural, musical and artistic events. Policy L-4.7 Maintain and enhance the University Avenue/Downtown area as a major commercial center of the City, with a mix of commercial, civic, cultural, recreational and residential uses. Promote quality design that recognizes the regional and historical importance of the area and reinforces its pedestrian character. Policy L-7.5 To reinforce the scale and character of University Avenue/Downtown, promote the preservation of significant historic buildings. The City conducted consultation with tribes that are geographically and culturally affiliated with the area in accordance with Senate Bill 18 regulations and incorporate the tribe’s recommendations as part of the proposed project to ensure the protection of tribal cultural resources, if uncovered. The project does not include any proposed street modifications that would have the potential to impact adjacent historic buildings, which would be preserved as part of the proposed project. The project adds vitality to the areas around these historic buildings, enhancing pedestrian access to these areas. Policy L-7.16 Continue to consult with tribes as required by California Government Code Section 65352.3. In doing so, use appropriate procedures to accommodate tribal concerns when a tribe has a religious prohibition against revealing precise information about the location or previous practice at a particular sacred site. Policy L-7.17 Assess the need for archaeological surveys and mitigation plans on a project-by-project basis, consistent with the California Environmental Quality Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. Item 2 Attachment B: Draft Resolution Approving the Street Closures and Setting forth Provisions of Closures     Packet Pg. 28     *NOT YET APPROVED* 6 0160165_KB2_20250203_AY16 Policy L-7.18 Require project proponents to meet State codes and regulations regarding the identification and protection of archaeological and paleontological deposits, and unique geologic features. SECTION 2. Street Closures. Pursuant to Resolution _______, which amended the Comprehensive Plan transportation Element to re-classify the streets from residential/collector to “Pedestrian Only Streets” and “Community Streets”, the City Council hereby closes the following segments of Ramona Street and California Avenue to vehicular traffic, subject to the following provisions: The portion of Ramona Street between Hamilton Avenue and University Avenue (as indicated in the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan) is hereby reclassified as a Pedestrian Only Street, which is defined as: Streets that are restricted to pedestrians, emergency vehicles, and utility and maintenance vehicles only. Outdoor dining and retail displays are encouraged on pedestrian only streets. California Avenue between El Camino Real and Birch Street is hereby reclassified as a Community Street, which is defined as: Streets that are restricted to pedestrians and bicycles. Emergency, utility and maintenance vehicles are allowed, and commercial vehicles are allowed on a restricted basis. Outdoor dining, retail displays, and community events are encouraged on community streets. SECTION 3. Additional Rules. 3.1. As determined by the City Manager, emergency vehicles shall be permitted access only during an emergency or if needed during a non-emergency to provide for public health and/or safety. This includes the staging of emergency vehicles during special events or other times when deployment is necessary to ensure public health and/or safety. 3.2 Utility and Maintenance vehicles that are operated by the City, a publicly or privately-owned utility, or contractors operating on behalf of the City or such utilities, may be allowed access if there is no other practicable method to access the location needing service. Utility and maintenance vehicles operating on behalf of other parties, including businesses, building owners, tenants, may be granted access by the City if there is no other practicable method to access the location needing service. Utility and maintenance vehicles do not include vehicles making routine deliveries to companies or persons. 3.3. Special Events. The City Manager or designee may authorize vehicles to access the closed street for special events. 3.4 The City Manager or designee may promulgate regulations to ensure the orderly and safe functioning of these rules. This includes time, place, and manner restrictions, as well as limiting the number of vehicles on these streets at any given time. Item 2 Attachment B: Draft Resolution Approving the Street Closures and Setting forth Provisions of Closures     Packet Pg. 29     *NOT YET APPROVED* 7 0160165_KB2_20250203_AY16 SECTION 4. Supersedes Resolutions 10207 and 10208. This Resolution shall supersede Resolutions 10207 and 10208, which are rescinded as of the effective date of this Resolution. SECTION 5. CEQA. In conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the environmental impacts of this Resolution were evaluated in an Environmental Impact Report Addendum entitled “City of Palo Alto Car Free Ramona Street and California Avenue Addendum to the Comprehensive Plan EIR” dated February 2025. This addendum supplements the analysis in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the 2030 Comprehensive Plan (SCH #2014052101), which the Council considered and adopted, together with the related Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan (MMRP) on November 13, 2017 in accordance with City Council Resolution 9721 and 9722. The addendum did not disclose any new significant impacts that were not previous evaluated and mitigated in the Comp plan EIR, for which a statement of overriding considerations was previously adopted. SECTION 6. This resolution shall be effective upon adoption. INTRODUCED AND PASSED: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTENTIONS: ATTEST: __________________________ __________________________ City Clerk Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED: __________________________ __________________________ Assistant City Attorney City Manager APPROVED: __________________________ Chief Transportation Official Item 2 Attachment B: Draft Resolution Approving the Street Closures and Setting forth Provisions of Closures     Packet Pg. 30     Attachment C Environmental Document The City, acting as the lead agency, prepared an addendum to the Comprehensive Plan Environmental Impact Report (SCH#2014052101) to evaluate the proposed comprehensive plan amendment and associated street closures. Direct Link to Project Webpage: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Transportation/Transportation-Projects/Car- Free-Streets-Cal-Ave.-Ramona-Street Item 2 Attachment C: Environmental Analysis     Packet Pg. 31     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: February 12, 2025 Report #: 2501-4070 TITLE Update Planning and Transportation Commission Procedural Rules RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC) modify the procedural rules regarding time limit for public speakers. ANALYSIS Section I.B.4.b of the Planning and Transportation Commission Procedural Rules1 provides: b) Other Agenda Items. Public comments or testimony on agenda items other than Oral Communications shall be limited to a maximum of five minutes per speaker unless additional time is granted by the presiding officer. The presiding officer may reduce the allowed time to speak to three minutes if necessary to accommodate a larger number of speakers. Staff recommends that the PTC modify the rule to allow the Chair to reduce time per speaker to two minutes, if needed, to accommodate a large number of speakers. This change would align the PTC procedures with those of the Architectural Review Board and Historic Resources Board. AUTHOR/TITLE: Jennifer Armer, Assistant Director 1 PTC Procedural Rules: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-development- services/file-migration/bc/ptc/ptc-procedural-rules-2018.pdf Item 3 Staff Report     Packet Pg. 32