HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-02-26 Planning & Transporation Commission Agenda PacketPLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, February 26, 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.PUBLIC HEARING / QUASI‐JUDICIAL. 4335 and 4345 El Camino Real [24PLN‐00153]:
Recommendation on Applicant’s Request for Approval of a Vesting Tentative Map to
Allow for a Condominium Subdivision to Create Eight Units on a 17,406 Square Foot
Parcel and to Create 21 Units on a 41,370 Square Foot Parcel. The Subdivision map
Would Facilitate Construction of 29 New Residential Units in Five Buildings (24PLN‐
00152). CEQA Status: Exempt from the Provisions of the California Environmental Quality
Act in Accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (In‐fill Development). Zoning
District: CS (Service Commercial). For More Information Contact the Project Planner Emily
Kallas at Emily.Kallas@CityofPaloAlto.org.
6:10 PM – 7:00 PM
3.PUBLIC HEARING/QUASI‐JUDICIAL: 70 Encina Avenue [24PLN‐00095]: Recommendation
on Applicant’s Request to Rezone the Subject Property and an Adjacent Vacant Parcel to
Planned Community/Planned Home Zoning, to Demolish a Surface Parking lot, and to
Construct a New Three‐Story, 19,035 Square Foot Building with 10 Residential
Condominium Units. CEQA Status: Streamlined Review in Accordance with CEQA
Guidelines Section 15183 (Comprehensive Plan Consistency). Zone District: CC
(Community Commercial). For More Information Please Contact the Project Planner,
Emily Kallas, at Emily.Kallas@Cityofpaloalto.org.
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
STUDY SESSION
Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker.
4.Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update: Provide Feedback on Draft
Proposed Bicycle Network and Facilities, Pedestrian District Guidelines, and Program and
Policy Recommendations.
8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker.
5.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Summary & Verbatim Minutes
of December 17, 2024
6.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Summary & Verbatim Minutes
of January 15, 2025
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 26, 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 to ten(10) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided that the non‐speaking members agree notto speak individually. The Chair may limit Public Comments to thirty (30) minutes for allcombined speakers. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak for Study Sessions andAction Items to two (2) minutes or less to accommodate a larger number of speakers.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to Planning.Commission@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. Touphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storagedevices are not accepted.Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks,
posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not
create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when
displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or
passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.
TIME ESTIMATES
Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the
meeting is in progress. The Commission reserves the right to use more or less time on any item,
to change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may
be heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best
manage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.
CALL TO ORDER/ ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. Three (3) minutes per speaker.
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
The Chair or Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.
CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS
1.Director's Report, Meeting Schedule, and Assignments
ACTION ITEMS
Public Comment is Permitted. Applicants/Appellant Teams: Fifteen (15) minutes, plus three (3) minutes rebuttal. All others:
Five(5) minutes per speaker.
2.PUBLIC HEARING / QUASI‐JUDICIAL. 4335 and 4345 El Camino Real [24PLN‐00153]:
Recommendation on Applicant’s Request for Approval of a Vesting Tentative Map to
Allow for a Condominium Subdivision to Create Eight Units on a 17,406 Square Foot
Parcel and to Create 21 Units on a 41,370 Square Foot Parcel. The Subdivision map
Would Facilitate Construction of 29 New Residential Units in Five Buildings (24PLN‐
00152). CEQA Status: Exempt from the Provisions of the California Environmental Quality
Act in Accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (In‐fill Development). Zoning
District: CS (Service Commercial). For More Information Contact the Project Planner Emily
Kallas at Emily.Kallas@CityofPaloAlto.org.
6:10 PM – 7:00 PM
3.PUBLIC HEARING/QUASI‐JUDICIAL: 70 Encina Avenue [24PLN‐00095]: Recommendation
on Applicant’s Request to Rezone the Subject Property and an Adjacent Vacant Parcel to
Planned Community/Planned Home Zoning, to Demolish a Surface Parking lot, and to
Construct a New Three‐Story, 19,035 Square Foot Building with 10 Residential
Condominium Units. CEQA Status: Streamlined Review in Accordance with CEQA
Guidelines Section 15183 (Comprehensive Plan Consistency). Zone District: CC
(Community Commercial). For More Information Please Contact the Project Planner,
Emily Kallas, at Emily.Kallas@Cityofpaloalto.org.
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
STUDY SESSION
Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker.
4.Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update: Provide Feedback on Draft
Proposed Bicycle Network and Facilities, Pedestrian District Guidelines, and Program and
Policy Recommendations.
8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker.
5.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Summary & Verbatim Minutes
of December 17, 2024
6.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Summary & Verbatim Minutes
of January 15, 2025
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 26, 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 to ten(10) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided that the non‐speaking members agree notto speak individually. The Chair may limit Public Comments to thirty (30) minutes for allcombined speakers. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak for Study Sessions andAction Items to two (2) minutes or less to accommodate a larger number of speakers.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to Planning.Commission@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. Touphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storagedevices are not accepted.Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks,posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do notcreate a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated whendisplaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view orpassage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.TIME ESTIMATES
Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the
meeting is in progress. The Commission reserves the right to use more or less time on any item,
to change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may
be heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best
manage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.
CALL TO ORDER/ ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. Three (3) minutes per speaker.
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
The Chair or Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.
CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS
1.Director's Report, Meeting Schedule, and Assignments
ACTION ITEMS
Public Comment is Permitted. Applicants/Appellant Teams: Fifteen (15) minutes, plus three (3) minutes rebuttal. All others:
Five(5) minutes per speaker.
2.PUBLIC HEARING / QUASI‐JUDICIAL. 4335 and 4345 El Camino Real [24PLN‐00153]:
Recommendation on Applicant’s Request for Approval of a Vesting Tentative Map to
Allow for a Condominium Subdivision to Create Eight Units on a 17,406 Square Foot
Parcel and to Create 21 Units on a 41,370 Square Foot Parcel. The Subdivision map
Would Facilitate Construction of 29 New Residential Units in Five Buildings (24PLN‐
00152). CEQA Status: Exempt from the Provisions of the California Environmental Quality
Act in Accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (In‐fill Development). Zoning
District: CS (Service Commercial). For More Information Contact the Project Planner Emily
Kallas at Emily.Kallas@CityofPaloAlto.org.
6:10 PM – 7:00 PM
3.PUBLIC HEARING/QUASI‐JUDICIAL: 70 Encina Avenue [24PLN‐00095]: Recommendation
on Applicant’s Request to Rezone the Subject Property and an Adjacent Vacant Parcel to
Planned Community/Planned Home Zoning, to Demolish a Surface Parking lot, and to
Construct a New Three‐Story, 19,035 Square Foot Building with 10 Residential
Condominium Units. CEQA Status: Streamlined Review in Accordance with CEQA
Guidelines Section 15183 (Comprehensive Plan Consistency). Zone District: CC
(Community Commercial). For More Information Please Contact the Project Planner,
Emily Kallas, at Emily.Kallas@Cityofpaloalto.org.
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
STUDY SESSION
Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker.
4.Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update: Provide Feedback on Draft
Proposed Bicycle Network and Facilities, Pedestrian District Guidelines, and Program and
Policy Recommendations.
8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker.
5.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Summary & Verbatim Minutes
of December 17, 2024
6.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Summary & Verbatim Minutes
of January 15, 2025
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 26, 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 to ten(10) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided that the non‐speaking members agree notto speak individually. The Chair may limit Public Comments to thirty (30) minutes for allcombined speakers. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak for Study Sessions andAction Items to two (2) minutes or less to accommodate a larger number of speakers.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to Planning.Commission@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. Touphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storagedevices are not accepted.Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks,posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do notcreate a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated whendisplaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view orpassage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.TIME ESTIMATESListed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while themeeting is in progress. The Commission reserves the right to use more or less time on any item,to change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items maybe heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to bestmanage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.CALL TO ORDER/ ROLL CALLPUBLIC COMMENT Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. Three (3) minutes per speaker.AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONSThe Chair or Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS1.Director's Report, Meeting Schedule, and AssignmentsACTION ITEMSPublic Comment is Permitted. Applicants/Appellant Teams: Fifteen (15) minutes, plus three (3) minutes rebuttal. All others:Five(5) minutes per speaker.2.PUBLIC HEARING / QUASI‐JUDICIAL. 4335 and 4345 El Camino Real [24PLN‐00153]:Recommendation on Applicant’s Request for Approval of a Vesting Tentative Map toAllow for a Condominium Subdivision to Create Eight Units on a 17,406 Square FootParcel and to Create 21 Units on a 41,370 Square Foot Parcel. The Subdivision mapWould Facilitate Construction of 29 New Residential Units in Five Buildings (24PLN‐00152). CEQA Status: Exempt from the Provisions of the California Environmental QualityAct in Accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (In‐fill Development). ZoningDistrict: CS (Service Commercial). For More Information Contact the Project Planner EmilyKallas at Emily.Kallas@CityofPaloAlto.org.6:10 PM – 7:00 PM3.PUBLIC HEARING/QUASI‐JUDICIAL: 70 Encina Avenue [24PLN‐00095]: Recommendationon Applicant’s Request to Rezone the Subject Property and an Adjacent Vacant Parcel toPlanned Community/Planned Home Zoning, to Demolish a Surface Parking lot, and toConstruct a New Three‐Story, 19,035 Square Foot Building with 10 ResidentialCondominium Units. CEQA Status: Streamlined Review in Accordance with CEQAGuidelines Section 15183 (Comprehensive Plan Consistency). Zone District: CC(Community Commercial). For More Information Please Contact the Project Planner,Emily Kallas, at Emily.Kallas@Cityofpaloalto.org.7:00 PM – 8:30 PMSTUDY SESSION
Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker.
4.Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update: Provide Feedback on Draft
Proposed Bicycle Network and Facilities, Pedestrian District Guidelines, and Program and
Policy Recommendations.
8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker.
5.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Summary & Verbatim Minutes
of December 17, 2024
6.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Summary & Verbatim Minutes
of January 15, 2025
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
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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
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older browsers including Internet Explorer.
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identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
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are called to speak.
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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
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PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONRegular MeetingWednesday, February 26, 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 to ten(10) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided that the non‐speaking members agree notto speak individually. The Chair may limit Public Comments to thirty (30) minutes for allcombined speakers. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak for Study Sessions andAction Items to two (2) minutes or less to accommodate a larger number of speakers.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to Planning.Commission@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.Once received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. Touphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storagedevices are not accepted.Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks,posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do notcreate a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated whendisplaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view orpassage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.TIME ESTIMATESListed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while themeeting is in progress. The Commission reserves the right to use more or less time on any item,to change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items maybe heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to bestmanage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.CALL TO ORDER/ ROLL CALLPUBLIC COMMENT Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. Three (3) minutes per speaker.AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONSThe Chair or Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS1.Director's Report, Meeting Schedule, and AssignmentsACTION ITEMSPublic Comment is Permitted. Applicants/Appellant Teams: Fifteen (15) minutes, plus three (3) minutes rebuttal. All others:Five(5) minutes per speaker.2.PUBLIC HEARING / QUASI‐JUDICIAL. 4335 and 4345 El Camino Real [24PLN‐00153]:Recommendation on Applicant’s Request for Approval of a Vesting Tentative Map toAllow for a Condominium Subdivision to Create Eight Units on a 17,406 Square FootParcel and to Create 21 Units on a 41,370 Square Foot Parcel. The Subdivision mapWould Facilitate Construction of 29 New Residential Units in Five Buildings (24PLN‐00152). CEQA Status: Exempt from the Provisions of the California Environmental QualityAct in Accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (In‐fill Development). ZoningDistrict: CS (Service Commercial). For More Information Contact the Project Planner EmilyKallas at Emily.Kallas@CityofPaloAlto.org.6:10 PM – 7:00 PM3.PUBLIC HEARING/QUASI‐JUDICIAL: 70 Encina Avenue [24PLN‐00095]: Recommendationon Applicant’s Request to Rezone the Subject Property and an Adjacent Vacant Parcel toPlanned Community/Planned Home Zoning, to Demolish a Surface Parking lot, and toConstruct a New Three‐Story, 19,035 Square Foot Building with 10 ResidentialCondominium Units. CEQA Status: Streamlined Review in Accordance with CEQAGuidelines Section 15183 (Comprehensive Plan Consistency). Zone District: CC(Community Commercial). For More Information Please Contact the Project Planner,Emily Kallas, at Emily.Kallas@Cityofpaloalto.org.7:00 PM – 8:30 PMSTUDY SESSIONPublic Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker.4.Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update: Provide Feedback on DraftProposed Bicycle Network and Facilities, Pedestrian District Guidelines, and Program andPolicy Recommendations.8:30 PM – 9:30 PMAPPROVAL OF MINUTESPublic Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker.5.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Summary & Verbatim Minutesof December 17, 20246.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Summary & Verbatim Minutesof January 15, 2025COMMISSIONER 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 26, 2025
Report #: 2502-4125
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.
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Item No. 1. Page 2 of 2
UPCOMING PTC ITEMS
March 12, 2025
•El Camino Real Focus Area Expansion
•660 University Avenue - PHZ
March 26, 2025
•3150 El Camino Real - Vesting Tentative Map
•Parking Programs Update
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: 2025 PTC Schedule & Assignments
AUTHOR/TITLE:
Jennifer Armer, Assistant Director
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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 Templeton
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
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Schedule & Assignments
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Item No. 2. Page 1 of 7
Planning & Transportation Commission
Staff Report
From: Planning and Development Services Director
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: February 26, 2025
Report #: 2501-3978
TITLE
PUBLIC HEARING / QUASI-JUDICIAL. 4335 and 4345 El Camino Real [24PLN-00153]:
Recommendation on Applicant’s Request for Approval of a Vesting Tentative Map to Allow for a
Condominium Subdivision to Create Eight Units on a 17,406 Square Foot Parcel and to Create
21 Units on a 41,370 Square Foot Parcel. The Subdivision map Would Facilitate Construction of
29 New Residential Units in Five Buildings (24PLN-00152). CEQA Status: Exempt from the
Provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act in Accordance with CEQA Guidelines
Section 15332 (In-fill Development). Zoning District: CS (Service Commercial). For More
Information Contact the Project Planner Emily Kallas at Emily.Kallas@CityofPaloAlto.org.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) take the following
actions:
1. Consider the project exempt from CEQA in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section
15532 (in-fill) as documented in Attachment D; and
2. Recommend approval of the Vesting Tentative Map to the City Council based on
findings and subject to conditions of approval in the Draft Record of Land Use Action
(RLUA) in Attachment B.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The applicant requests approval of a Vesting Tentative Map to allow eight residential
condominium units on the existing, 17,406 square foot parcel located at 4335 El Camino Real,
and 21 residential condominium units on the existing, 41,370 square foot parcel located at
4345 El Camino Real, for a total of 29 condominium units.
Through a separate, Streamlined Housing Development Review Entitlement Process, the
applicant proposed, and the Director of Planning and Development Services (Director)
tentatively approved, construction of a 29-unit residential townhome project. Four units of
which would be provided at below market rate and made affordable to moderate income
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Item No. 2. Page 2 of 7
households (80-120% of Area Median Income). The applicant would also pay in-lieu fees for the
remaining 0.35 unit in in-lieu fees, totaling 15% of the base units.
BACKGROUND
Project Information
Owner:Cesano, Inc.
Architect:SDG Architects, Inc.
Representative:John Hickey, SummerHill Homes
Legal Counsel:N/A
Property Information
Address:4333-4335 El Camino Real and 4345 El Camino Real
Neighborhood:Monroe Park
Lot Dimensions & Area:4335 El Camino Real:
Approximately 70 feet wide, 150 feet deep, 17,406 square feet total
4345 El Camino Real:
Approximately 169 feet wide, 266 feet deep, 41,370 square feet total
Housing Inventory Site:Yes, 12 units at 4335, 31 units at 4345 El Camino Real
Located w/in a Plume:No
Protected/Heritage Trees:Yes, street trees
Historic Resource(s):TBD
Existing Improvement(s):4335 El Camino Real:
One-story commercial building, 2,732 square feet
Two-story commercial building, 6,384 square feet
4345 El Camino Real:
One-to-two story motel building 10,913 square feet
Existing Land Use(s):Commercial/retail, motel
Adjacent Land Uses &
Zoning:
North: Hotel (CS)
West: Multi-Family Residential (PC)
East: Hotel (CS), Gas Station (City of Los Altos)
South: Multi-Family Residential (City of Mountain View)
Aerial View of Property:
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Source: Google Satellite Maps
Land Use Designation & Applicable Plans
Comp. Plan Designation:Service Commercial (CS)
Zoning Designation:Service Commercial (CS)
Prior City Reviews & Action
The proposed subdivision map has not gone to any other boards or commissions for review.
However, the proposed improvements associated with the map were reviewed by the
Architectural Review Board (ARB) on September 19, 2024.1
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The proposed project includes a request for approval of a Vesting Tentative Map to create eight
residential condominium units on the existing, 17,406 square foot parcel located at 4335 El
1 Link to the September 19, 2024 ARB Staff Report:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=13905, Video:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=WEp4UeH1qhM?feature=share
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Item No. 2. Page 4 of 7
Camino Real, and 21 residential condominium units on the existing, 41,370 square foot parcel
located at 4345 El Camino Real, for a total of 29 condominium units. Approval of the map also
includes acceptance of proposed public utility easements and private streets on the parcel,
which are required per City of Palo Alto Utility and Public Works Engineering Department
standards, respectively. A location map is included in Attachment A. A link to the proposed
Vesting Tentative Map is included in Attachment C.
On February 19, 2025, the proposed improvements associated with this condominium
subdivision were tentatively approved by the Director, following the September 19, 2024 ARB
meeting, in accordance with the Streamlined Housing Development Review Process. The
project includes demolition of a commercial building located at 4335 El Camino Real, which
contained retail and personal service uses, and a motel located at 4345 El Camino Real.
Requested Entitlements, Findings and Purview:
The following discretionary applications are being requested and subject to PTC purview:
•Vesting Tentative Map: The process for evaluating this type of application is set forth in
Title 21 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) and California Government Code 66474.
The process for approval of a Vesting Tentative Map for a condominium subdivision is
outlined in PAMC Sections 21.12.010 and 21.13.020. Vesting Tentative maps require PTC
review. The PTC reviews whether the amended subdivision is consistent with the
Subdivision Map Act (in particular, Government Code 66474), Title 21 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code, the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan, and other applicable provisions of
the Palo Alto Municipal Code and State Law. The PTC’s recommendation is forwarded to
the City Council for final approval. In accordance with Title 21 of the Palo Alto Municipal
Code, all entitlements are required to be completed prior to approval of the Vesting
Tentative Map. In compliance with this requirement, the applicant’s request for
Streamlined Housing Development Review was tentatively approved on February 19,
2025.
ANALYSIS
The proposed project and relevant discussion and findings herein reflect the Vesting Tentative
Map. The Director previously tentatively approved the proposed site improvements associated
with this condominium subdivision. The map also includes dedication of relevant public utility
easements associated with the new site improvements.
Neighborhood Setting and Character
This property is located adjacent to the city boundaries with both the City of Mountain View to
the south and the City of Los Altos to the west. The property currently contains one- and two-
story commercial buildings, which contain retail and personal service uses (4335 El Camino
Real) and a hotel use (4345 El Camino Real). The 4345 El Camino Real site is directly adjacent to
a five-story apartment building located within the City of Mountain View and the 4333-4335
parcel is immediately adjacent a four-story hotel (Homewood Suites). Behind the project site
along Cesano Court is a condominium building and seven single-family homes located within
PC-3036. This PC project also established the current lot configuration on the subject property,
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Item No. 2. Page 5 of 7
which is why the project plans refer to 4333-4335 El Camino Real as “parcel 1” and 4345 El
Camino Real as “parcel 3”. Across El Camino Real is a three-story hotel and a gas station. The
Los Altos City Council has approved demolition of the gas station and development of a five-
story multi-family complex.
Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, Area Plans, and Guidelines2
The proposed Vesting Tentative Map is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, in that the site
is designated as the “Commercial Service” land use designation, which allows for multi-family
residential uses. The site is also identified as a Housing Inventory Site in the Housing Element;
therefore, development of the site with multi-family residential use is appropriate and
consistent with the Housing Element, as discussed further below. The map facilitates the
redevelopment of a parcel within the City’s urban service area which is consistent Policy L-1.2
of the Comprehensive Plan. The associated development to be constructed on the lot would
add new residential units that contribute to the housing inventory including four affordable
housing units, consistent with Goal 2 of the Housing Element, which states “assist in the
provision of safe, attainable, and sustainable housing, especially affordable housing, to meet
the needs of all economic segments of the community.” Consistencies with other
Comprehensive Plan policies are included in Attachment B.
Housing Element
Both 4335 and 4345 El Camino Real are Housing Inventory Sites (HIS) in the City’s adopted
Housing Element. The 4335 El Camino Real parcel has a projected capacity of 12 units where 8
units are proposed, and the 4345 El Camino Real parcel has a projected capacity of 31 units
where 21 units are proposed. This is a total of 14 units below the anticipated capacity for the
two sites combined. In preparing the Housing Element to meet the City’s required Regional
Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) of 6,086 units, the City planned for and analyzed a buffer,
meaning that in identifying HIS, the City planned an additional 727 units to accommodate for
the fact that actual development of housing projects across the City are dependent on
numerous factors. Therefore, although the project does not build to the identified capacity for
the site, the project still proposes a housing development project on a HIS and includes four
inclusionary below market rate units on site, consistent with the City’s goals of providing
housing. The difference in the number of units between the 43 units identified in the housing
element and the 29 proposed is accounted for within the allotted buffer. Therefore, re-
designation of another HIS to accommodate this difference is not required.
Zoning Compliance3
The site is zoned CS (Service Commercial). The proposed multi-family development is a
permitted use within the CS Zone District and the applicant requested relief from retail
preservation requirements through use of State Density Bonus waivers and concessions. The
size of the parcels would not change and is consistent with code requirements for the zoning
2 The Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan is available online: bit.ly/PACompPlan2030
3 The Palo Alto Zoning Code is available online: bit.ly/PAZoningCode
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Item No. 2. Page 6 of 7
district, which has no minimum lot size requirements. Likewise, CS-zoned parcels have no
maximum density, and therefore the proposed 20-22 du/ac is sufficient. Staff finds that the
proposed Vesting Tentative Map complies with these code requirements for parcels.
The proposed public streets meet the minimum 32-foot width as required by PAMC Section
21.20.240.
Multi-Modal Access & Parking
As a housing development project proposed in accordance with State Density Bonus Law, this
project is required to provide 1.5 space per unit and no guest spaces are required. The
applicant proposes two parking spaces per unit (for a total of 56 spaces) plus two guest spaces
on the site, and therefore exceeds this requirement. The project proposes two new private
streets to provide access from Cesano Court to each of the units. The proposed project is
anticipated to provide fewer net trips than the existing uses.
There are no existing bike lanes on Cesano Court or El Camino Real in the vicinity of the project.
The planned El Camino Real improvements will add a bike lane on El Camino Real in this
location.
Consistency with Application Findings
As detailed in Attachment B, this project meets all required findings for a Vesting Tentative Map
and facilitates development of a housing development project that is consistent with the City’s
regulations, goals, and policies.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
The developer would be required to pay all applicable development impact fees estimated to
total $2,118,286.08 for the subdivision and the proposed improvements, plus the applicable
public art fees, as documented in Condition of Approval #8 in Attachment B and detailed
further in Condition of Approval #17 in the Tentative Approval Letter for the Streamlined
Housing Development Project Review Approval.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The Palo Alto Municipal Code requires notice of this public hearing be published in a local paper
and mailed to owners and occupants of property within 600 feet of the subject property at
least ten days in advance. Notice of a public hearing for this project was published in the Daily
Post on February 14, 2025, which is 12 days in advance of the meeting. Postcard mailing
occurred on February 12, 2025, which is 14 days in advance of the meeting.
Public Comments
As of the writing of this report, no project-related, public comments were received related to
the Vesting Tentative Map. Comments received on the proposed Streamlined Housing Review
application are included in Attachment C. Two members of the public advocated for a
connection to the existing bicycle path from Mountain View at the rear of the neighboring
development to Cesano Court. However, the connection point to Cesano Court is not part of
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Item No. 2. Page 7 of 7
the subject property. The connection point would affect a neighboring parcel that is currently
owned by the residents of the neighboring condominiums. Modifications to this parcel would
require unanimous approval of all the condominium owners and the applicant does not have
the authority to agree to this work.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The subject project has been assessed 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 proposed Vesting Tentative Map is
exempt from CEQA in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15332. A link to the exemption
documentation is available in Attachment D.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
In addition to the recommended action, the PTC may:
1. Approve the project with modified findings or conditions;
2. Continue the project to a date (un)certain with specific direction; or
3. Recommend project denial based on revised findings.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Location Map Attachment
Attachment B: Draft Record of Land Use Action
Attachment C: Public Comments
Attachment D: Link to Vesting Tentative Map and Environmental Analysis
Report Author & Contact Information PTC4 Liaison & Contact Information
Emily Kallas, AICP, Senior Planner Jennifer Armer, Assistant Director
(650) 617-3125 (650) 329-2191
emily.kallas@cityofpaloalto.org jennifer.armer@cityofpaloalto.org
4 Emails may be sent directly to the PTC using the following address: planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.org
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Item 2
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Map
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3
2
6
2
ACTION NO. 2025-__
RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO LAND USE ACTION
FOR 4335 and 4345 EL CAMINO REAL: VESTING TENTATIVE MAP, 24PLN-00153
At its meeting on _________, 2025, the City Council of the City of Palo Alto (“City
Council”) approved the Vesting Tentative Map for the development of a one-lot subdivision to
create 8 residential condominium units, and a one-lot subdivision to create 21 residential
condominium units making the following findings, determinations and declarations:
SECTION 1. Background.
A. On May 23, 2024, SummerHill Homes applied for a Vesting Tentative Map
for the development of a one (1) parcel, 8-unit condominium subdivision project for 4335 El
Camino Real and a one (1) parcel, 21-unit condominium subdivision project for 4345 El Camino
Real (“The Project”).
The project site is comprised of two existing lots. APN No. 148-09-010, approximately 17,406
square feet, contains a commercial retail building. APN No. 148-09-011, approximately 41,370
square feet, contains a motel. Uses abutting the site include a five-story apartment building
located within the City of Mountain View to the south, a four-story hotel to the north, and a
condominium building and several single-family homes to the east. Across El Camino Real is a
three-story hotel and a gas station.
A. Following staff review, the Planning and Transportation Commission
reviewed the project and recommended __________ on February 26, 2024, subject to
conditions of approval.
B. On ___________, 2025 the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing,
at which evidence was considered and all persons were afforded an opportunity to be heard in
accordance with the City Council’s policies and procedures.
SECTION 2. Environmental Review. The City, as the lead agency for the Project, has determined
that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in accordance
with CEQA Guideline section 15332, which provides an exemption for infill development
projects. Documentation to support the exemption is available as part of the public record on
file with the Planning and Development Services Division.
SECTION 3. Vesting Tentative Map Findings. A legislative body of a city shall deny approval of a
Parcel Map, if it makes any of the following findings (California Government Code Section
66474). The City Council cannot make these findings for the following reasons:
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1.That the proposed map is not consistent with applicable general and specific plans as
specified in Section 65451:
The site is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan as described below.
2.That the design or improvement of the proposed subdivision is not consistent with
applicable general and specific plans:
There is no adopted specific plan for this project site. The proposed vesting tentative map and
related improvements is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan in that it facilitates housing
development on a site designated for multi-family use within the urban services area,
consistent with Goal 2 of the Housing Element and Goal L1.2 of the Land Use Element. The
project does not replace existing housing. The project includes four units that will be offered at
a rate affordable to low income (50-80% of AMI). The project improves the city’s jobs housing
imbalance consistent with the Transportation Element’s goals and policies.
3. That the site is not physically suitable for the type of development:
The Project site is suitable for multi-family residential development in that it’s identified as a
Housing Inventory Site in the Housing Element. The existing parcel meets the minimum code
requirements for the CS zone district with respect to lot area, width and depth. The parcel
would not change with approval of this condominium subdivision. The proposed number of
condominium units complies with the applicable densities set forth in the land use element and
zoning code.
4.That the site is not physically suitable for the proposed density of development:
The project would create a total of 29 multi-family residential units and varies from 20-22
dwelling units (DU) per acre across the two lots. This density is lower than the anticipated
density for these sites in the Housing Element, therefore it is physically suitable.
5. That the design of the subdivision or the proposed improvements are likely to cause
substantial environmental damage or substantially and avoidably injure fish or wildlife
or their habitat:
The project is located within the built environment that does not contain quality habitat for fish
or other wildlife on the site or within the vicinity of the site. The nearest stream is a portion of
Adobe Creek approximately 700 feet northwest from the project site. The adopted Palo Alto
2030 Comprehensive Plan includes Map N-1, which identified sensitive animal and plant species
within the Palo Alto quadrangle, a large geographic area that includes the urban portions along
the bay and within the foothills, based on information in the California natural Diversity
Database (CNDDB). Based on this map, and the urban nature of the site, the subject property
does not contain any habitat for endangered, rare, or threatened species and has not
historically supported any of these species.
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6. That the design of the subdivision or type of improvements is likely to cause serious
public health problems:
The subdivision of this parcel and associated improvements would not have the potential to
result in serious health problems. The proposed multi-family use would not include use or
storage of hazardous materials and the use is located within the urban environment adjacent to
other residential uses. The site is not located on a hazardous waste site pursuant to
government code 65962.5.
7. That the design of the subdivision or the type of improvements will conflict with
easements, acquired by the public at large, for access through or use of, property within
the proposed subdivision. In this connection, the governing body may approve a map if
it finds that alternate easements, for access or for use, will be provided, and that these
will be substantially equivalent to ones previously acquired by the public. This subsection
shall apply only to easements of record or to easements established by judgment of a
court of competent jurisdiction and no authority is hereby granted to a legislative body
to determine that the public at large has acquired easements for access through or use
of property within the proposed subdivision.
There are no public access easements over the property currently. Therefore, the design of the
subdivision will not conflict with any public easements for access through, or use of, the
property. New public utility easements will be provided to existing and proposed electrical
utilities as part of this subdivision map as required in accordance with City of Palo Alto Utilities
standards. New public access easements will be provided to provide access to the new units.
SECTION 4. Vesting Tentative Map Approval Granted. Vesting Tentative Map Approval is filed
and processed in accordance to PAMC Section 21.13.020 and granted by the City Council under
PAMC Sections 21.12 and 21.20 and the California Government Code Section 66474, subject to
the conditions of approval in Section 6 of this Record of Land Use Action.
SECTION 5. Final Map. The Final Map submitted for review and approval by the City Council
shall be in substantial conformance with the Vesting Tentative Map prepared by CBG titled
“TM.1 - VESTING TENTATIVE MAP FOR CONDOMINIUM PURPOSES” consisting of 12 pages,
dated December 10, 2024 and submitted December 19, 2024, except as modified to
incorporate the conditions of approval in Section 6. A copy of the Vesting Tentative Map is on
file in the Department of Planning and Development Services, Current Planning Division. Prior
to the expiration of the Vesting Tentative Map approval, the subdivider shall cause the
subdivision or any part thereof to be surveyed, and a Final Map, as specified in Chapter 21.08,
to be prepared in conformance with the Vesting Tentative Map as conditionally approved, and
in compliance with the provisions of the Subdivision Map Act and PAMC Title 21 and submitted
to the City Engineer (PAMC Section 21.16.010[a]).
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SECTION 6. Conditions of Approval.
Planning
1. PROJECT PLANS. The Vesting Tentative Map submitted for review and approval by the
City Council shall be in substantial conformance with the Vesting Tentative Map titled
“Vesting Tentative Map 739 Sutter Avenue For Condominium Purposes”, prepared by
CBG and submitted December 19, 2024, except as modified to incorporate the
conditions of this approval.
2. FINAL MAP COVER PAGE. At such time as the Final Map is filed, the cover page shall
include the name and title of the Director of Planning and Development Services.
3. STANDARD CC&R REQUIREMENTS. Section 16.38 of Palo Alto’s Municipal Code provides
that all condominium and other “community housing projects” shall submit Covenants,
Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R’s) to the City Attorney for approval before issuance
of the Final Map. The City Attorney has developed the following standard covenants
which shall be included in all CC&R’s.
a. PROPERTY SHALL COMPLY WITH CITY ZONING ORDINANCES. The property,
including all common areas, private streets and, parks within the property,
shall at all times comply with the City’s Zoning Code and shall not be used for
any purpose other than as permitted in the City Zoning Code.
b. MODIFICATIONS TO PROPERTY. Any alterations, modifications, or other
improvements to the property shall comply with all applicable City Codes.
c. MAINTENANACE AND LANDSCAPING OF COMMON AREAS. The Association is
responsible for maintenance and landscaping of all parts of the community
housing project which are held in common and such maintenance shall be
performed to the standard of maintenance prevalent in the neighborhood.
(See PAMC Section 16.38.030(a)).
d. TERMINATION OF MANAGER OR MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS. The
association may terminate the contract of any person or organization
engaged by the developer to perform management or maintenance duties
three months after the association assumes control of the community
housing project or any time thereafter. (See PAMC Section 16.38.030(b).)
e. PROTECTION OF STORM WATER FACILITIES. Neither the association, its
residents, nor their agents, employees, representatives, invitees, licensees,
customers, or contractors shall alter or modify any storm water facilities in
any way including but not limited to placing, maintaining, constructing, or
planting any improvements, landscaping or other items, including without
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limitation decks, stairs, walls, irrigation systems, trees, or any vegetation on
any storm water facilities.
f.TRASH DISPOSAL AND RECYCLING AREAS SHALL COMPLY WITH CITY
ORDINANCES. All trash disposal and recycling areas shall be kept in a clean
and sanitary condition and shall comply with all applicable City Ordinances.
g. PROHIBITION AGAINST AIR AND WATER POLLUTION. Neither the association,
its residents, nor their agents, employees, representatives, invitees,
licensees, customers, or contractors shall use the property in any way which
emits pollution into the atmosphere in excess of environmental standards set
forth by City, State, and Federal laws, ordinances, and regulations. Neither
the association, its residents, nor their agents, employees, representatives,
invitees, licensees, customers, or contractors shall discharge garbage, trash,
waste, or any other substance or materials of any kind into any private or
public sewer or waterway on the property in violation of any regulations of
any private or public body having jurisdiction over such matters.
h. AMENDMENTS TO ORGANIZATION DOCUMENTS REQUIRE CITY APPROVAL.
Any amendments or modifications to the organizational documents shall be
submitted to the city attorney for approval. No amendment or modification
to the organizational documents shall be effective without prior written
consent of the city attorney.
i. CITY’S RIGHT TO ENFORCE COVENANTS AND RESTRICTIONS. The City is
hereby granted the right, but in no event the duty, to enforce the covenants
and restrictions set forth in this section of the organizational documents. The
association shall recognize that it has the primary responsibility for
enforcement of the organizational documents and unequivocally guarantees
to institute and expeditiously prosecute any required legal action to obtain
compliance with all provisions set forth in the organizational documents.
j. NO WAIVER OF CITY’S RIGHTS. No failure of the City to enforce any of the
covenants or restrictions contained in the organizational documents will in
any event render them ineffective.
k. CITY’S REMEDIES TO CURE A BREACH OR VIOLATION. Remedies available to
the City to cure any breach or violation of the organizational documents shall
be cumulative to any other provisions of law. The City’s failure to exercise
any remedy provided for in the organizational documents shall not, under
any circumstances, be construed as a waiver of the remedy.
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l. SEVERABILITY. Invalidation of any one of the City’s required covenants or
restrictions by judgment or court order shall in no way affect any other
provisions which shall remain in full force and effect.
5. ADDITIONAL CC&R REQUIREMENT. The CC&Rs shall also include a provision that dictates
the responsibilities of tenants for the trash pickup for the townhomes as shown in the
approved plan set.
6. PRIVATE STREET NAMING. Prior to approval of the Final Map, the private streets shall
receive Palo Alto Historical Association recommendation and Council approval, per
PAMC 21.20.140.
7. FINAL MAP EXPIRATION. A Final Map, in conformance with the approved Vesting
Tentative Map, all requirements of the Subdivision Ordinance (PAMC Section 21.16),
and to the satisfaction of the City of Palo Alto and its representatives, shall be filed with
the Planning Division and the Public Works Engineering Division within two years of the
Vesting Tentative Map approval date or this approval will expire. A one-year extension
may be granted in accordance with the allowances set forth in the municipal code.
8. DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES. The Property Owner or their designee shall pay all
applicable development impact fees associated with the proposed development and
subdivision prior to issuance of the building permit(s), as detailed in the Streamlined
Housing Development Review Approval.
9. INDEMNITY. To the extent permitted by law, the Applicant shall indemnify and hold
harmless the City, its City Council, its officers, employees and agents (the “indemnified
parties”) from and against any claim, action, or proceeding brought by a third party
against the indemnified parties and the applicant to attack, set aside or void, any permit
or approval authorized hereby for the Project, including (without limitation) reimbursing
the City for its actual attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in defense of the litigation. The
City may, in its sole discretion, elect to defend any such action with attorneys of its own
choice.
Public Works Engineering
10. PUBLIC WORKS APPLICATIONS, FORMS, AND DOCUMENTS: Applicant shall be advised
that most forms, applications, and informational documents related to Public Works
Engineering conditions can be found at the following link:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Public-Works/Engineering-
Services/Forms-and-Permits
11. SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT: The applicant shall execute a Subdivision
Improvement Agreement and provide improvement securities (Bonds) for all proposed
public improvements. THE AGREEMENT SHALL BE EXECUTED PRIOR TO MAP
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RECORDATION OR ISSUANCE OF ANY PERMITS FOR CONSTRUCTION, ONSITE AND
OFFSITE. ADVISORY -- The applicant shall provide a detailed itemized stamped and
signed engineer's estimate for all off-site public improvements which will be reviewed to
determine the security amount.
12. FINAL MAP: This project is subject to, and contingent upon the approval and recordation
of a Final Map. The submittal, approval and recordation of the Map shall be in
accordance with the provisions of the California Subdivision Map Act and Palo Alto
Municipal Code Title 21 Subdivision requirements. All existing and proposed property
lines, easements, dedications shown on the map are subject to the City’s technical
review and approval prior to issuance of any construction permits.
13. MAP THIRD-PARTY REVIEW: The City contracts with a third-party surveyor that will
review and provide approval of the map’s technical correctness as the City Surveyor, as
permitted by the Subdivision Map Act. The Public Works Department will forward a
Scope & Fee Letter from the third-party surveyor and the applicant will be responsible
for payment of the fee’s indicated therein, which is based on the complexity of the map.
SECTION 7. Term of Approval. Vesting Tentative Map. All conditions of approval of the Vesting
Tentative Map shall be fulfilled prior to approval of a Final Map (PAMC Section 21.16.010[c]).
Unless a Final Map is filed, and all conditions of approval are fulfilled within a two-year period
from the date of Vesting Tentative Map approval, the Vesting Tentative Map shall expire and all
proceedings shall terminate. An extension of time may be granted by the city council after
recommendation of the planning commission, upon the written application of the subdivider,
prior to the expiration of the Vesting Tentative Map approval, or any previous extension
granted. Such extension(s) shall be subject to the maximum limitations set forth in the
Subdivision Map Act.
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INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
_________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
___________________________ ___________________________
Assistant City Attorney Director of Planning and
Development Services
PLANS AND DRAWINGS REFERENCED:
Those plans prepared by CBG titled “TM.1 - VESTING TENTATIVE MAP FOR CONDOMINIUM
PURPOSES” consisting of 12 pages, dated December 10, 2024 and submitted December 19,
2024.
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If you need assistance reviewing the above documents, please contact the Project Planner or call the Planner-on-Duty at
650-617-3117 or email planner@cityofpaloalto.org
Project Plans
In order to reduce paper consumption, a limited number of hard copy project plans are provided to
Commission members for their review. The same plans are available to the public, at all hours of the
day, via the following online resources.
Directions to review Project plans and environmental documents online:
1. Go to: bit.ly/PApendingprojects
2. Scroll down to find “4345 El Camino” and click the address link
3. On this project-specific webpage you will find a link to the project plans and other important
information
Direct Link to Project Webpage:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Current-
Planning/Projects/43334335-and-4345-El-Camino-Real
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Item No. 3. Page 1 of 10
Planning & Transportation Commission
Staff Report
From: Planning and Development Services Director
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: February 26, 2025
Report #: 2411-3802
TITLE
PUBLIC HEARING/QUASI-JUDICIAL: 70 Encina Avenue [24PLN-00095]: Recommendation on
Applicant’s Request to Rezone the Subject Property and an Adjacent Vacant Parcel to Planned
Community/Planned Home Zoning, to Demolish a Surface Parking lot, and to Construct a New
Three-Story, 19,035 Square Foot Building with 10 Residential Condominium Units. CEQA Status:
Streamlined Review in Accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 (Comprehensive Plan
Consistency). Zone District: CC (Community Commercial). For More Information Please Contact
the Project Planner, Emily Kallas, at Emily.Kallas@Cityofpaloalto.org.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) take the following
actions:
1. Consider the CEQA Guidelines section 15183 analysis of the project’s consistency with
the Comprehensive Plan 2030 Environmental Impact Report (SCH #2014052101);
2. Recommend approval of an Ordinance (Attachment B) rezoning the subject site from
Community Commercial to Planned Community/Planned Home Zoning to the City
Council; and
3. Recommend approval of a Record of Land Use Action (Attachment C) approving the
proposed project, based on findings and subject to conditions of approval to the City
Council.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On March 28, 2024, Hayes Group Architecture filed an application requesting to rezone the
subject property at 70 Encina and an adjacent vacant parcel from CC (Community Commercial)
to Planned Community (PC)/Planned Home Zoning (PHZ).1 The project includes demolition of an
existing surface parking lot on two contiguous parcels adjacent to the Town and Country Village
1 Referred to in this report as "Planned Home Zoning (PHZ)” to emphasize the focus on housing as the benefit to
the community. Still, PAMC Section 18.38, which outlines the requirement and process for Planned Community
(PC) Zoning, remains the underlying code supporting application of this policy.
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Item No. 3. Page 2 of 10
Shopping Center (Town and Country) and construction of 10 condominium units, two of which
would be provided as below market rate. The applicant recently filed a separate application for
a tentative map. Approval of the tentative map and final map would be required, prior to
issuance of a building permit, to merge the two parcels and for the proposed 10-unit
condominium subdivision.
The PHZ application process requires PTC initial review of a conceptual plan (occurred on
September 11, 2024), followed by Architectural Review Board review of the development plan
(occurred November 7, 2024, and February 6, 2025). The project has now returned to the PTC
for review of the draft PC zoning ordinance and a final recommendation on the development
plan. The development plan, ordinance, and related documents will then be presented to
Council for a final decision.
The City, acting as the lead agency, prepared an analysis in accordance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15183, which includes streamlining of
infill projects that are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the associated
Comprehensive Plan Environmental Impact Report. The analysis concludes that the project is
consistent with the previously adopted EIR and would not result in any new or more significant
impacts than were previously evaluated.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The applicant requests approval to rezone the subject properties from Commercial Community
(CC) to Planned Home Zoning (PHZ), to demolish the existing surface parking lot, and to
redevelop the site with a new multi-family residential development with 10 condominium units.
Two of the proposed units would be deed restricted as below market rate and sold at a rate
affordable to 80-100% Area Median Income (AMI).
The building would be three stories (38 feet, 9 inches tall) and 19,035 square feet with a
1.57:1.0 floor area ratio (FAR). The units would be organized around a common access court
that provides both vehicular and pedestrian access from Encina Avenue. A location map of the
project site is included as Attachment A.
As a PHZ application, the project requests to deviate from the CC development standards with
respect to setbacks, useable open space, landscaped open space, floor area ratio, and lot
coverage as detailed in Attachment D. The development program statement and development
schedule are included in Attachment E. A link to the development plans and CEQA document is
provided in Attachment F.
Requested Entitlements, Findings, and Purview:
The following discretionary applications are being requested and subject to PTC purview:
•Planned Community/Planned Home Zoning: The process for evaluating this type of
application is set forth in PAMC Chapter 18.38 and is intended to accommodate all types
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Item No. 3. Page 3 of 10
of developments, including combinations of uses that requiring flexibility under
controlled conditions and not otherwise attainable under other districts. The Planned
Community zone district is particularly intended for unified, comprehensively planned
developments that are of substantial public benefit and which conform with and
enhance the policies and programs of the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan. The application
requires initial review of preliminary plan, development program statement, and
schedule by the PTC, followed by review of the development plan by the ARB. Upon
recommendation of a more detailed development plan from the ARB, a draft ordinance
for the project is presented along with the more detailed development plan to the PTC
for recommendation to the City Council for final action.
BACKGROUND
On February 3, 2020, Council unanimously endorsed using PHZ for housing and mixed-use
housing projects to help spur housing production. In exchange for deviation from certain
standards as allowed under the rezoning, if approved by Council, the project must generally
include approximately 20% of the housing units as deed restricted at below market rate.
Project Information
Owner: Ed Storm
Architect: Jeff Galbraith, Hayes Group
Representative: Jeff Galbraith, Hayes Group
Legal Counsel: Not Applicable
Property Information
Address:70 Encina Avenue and an unaddressed lot (APNS 120-34-006 and
120-34-007)
Neighborhood:Adjacent to Town & Country Village
Lot Dimensions & Area:100.0 feet x 121.19 feet; 12,119 square feet
Housing Inventory Site:Yes, 4 units
Located w/in a Plume:Not Applicable
Protected/Heritage
Trees:Not Applicable
Historic Resource(s):Not Applicable
Existing Improvement(s):Surface parking lot
Existing Land Use(s):Vacant (formerly leased as surface parking for Town & Country)
Adjacent Land Uses &
Zoning:
North: Office/Industrial (CS)
West: Parking Lot (CC)
East: Parking Lot (CC)
South: Town & Country Village Shopping Center (CC)
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Item No. 3. Page 4 of 10
Special Setbacks:Not Applicable
Aerial View of Property:
Source: Google Satellite Maps
Land Use Designation & Applicable Plans/Guidelines
Comp. Plan Designation:Regional/Community Commercial
Zoning Designation:Community Commercial (CC)
Yes Yes Yes
Baylands Master
Plan/Guidelines
(2008/2005)
El Camino Real
Guidelines (1976)
Housing
Development
Project
Downtown Urban
Design Guidelines
(1993)
South El Camino
Real Guidelines
(2002)
Utilizes
Chapter
18.24 -
Objective
Standards
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Item No. 3. Page 5 of 10
Individual Review
Guidelines (2005)
Within 150 feet of
Residential Use or
District
Context-
Based Design
Criteria
applicable
SOFA Phase 1 (2000)Within Airport
Influence Area
SOFA Phase 2 (2003)
one apply
Prior City Reviews & Action
City Council:Prescreening, September 12, 20222
PTC:Initial Review, September 11, 20243
HRB:None
ARB:Preliminary ARB, December 7, 20234
November 7, 20245
February 6, 20256
Council Prescreening
Council held a prescreening on September 12, 2022, for the proposed rezoning of this property.
The initial proposal included 20 condominium units in a five-story building. Council‘s feedback
encouraged the applicants to work with the operators of Town & Country, Ellis Partners, and
to scale down the building to better align with Town & Country. In response, the project was
redesigned to a 10-unit, three-story development. The applicant filed a preliminary ARB
application to obtained ARB feedback on December 7, 2023, prior to submitting a formal
application.
Planning and Transportation Commission Initial Review
Following submittal of the formal application, the PTC held a public hearing on September 11,
2024. At the PTC hearing on September 11, 2024, Commissioners commented that they:
• Recognized and appreciated the applicants’ work with Town & Country;
• Supported the proposed height as appropriate;
• Supported the accessible units and the bedroom count as desirable for families;
2 City Council, September 12, 2022 Staff Report:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Public/CompiledDocument?meetingTemplateId=9048&compileOutputType=1
3 Planning and Transportation Commission, September 11, 2024 Staff Report:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=13723
4 Architectural Review Board, December 7, 2023 Staff Report:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=12839
5 Architectural Review Board, November 7, 2024 Staff Report:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=13926
6 Architectural Review Board, February 6, 2024 Staff Report:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=15748
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• Generally supported current design in terms of visual compatibility with Town &
Country;
• Expressed concern with limited amount of greenspace and need for improved
circulation;
• Directed applicant to remove the proposed bulb-outs and entrance gate; and
• Suggested that future CC&Rs should include a provision to prevent residents and guests
from parking at Town & Country.
Architectural Review Board
The ARB reviewed the application at an initial hearing on November 7, 2024, and did not
recommend modifications to the design. However, because the environmental analysis was still
being prepared, the board continued the project to a date uncertain, requesting that the
project return once the environmental analysis was complete for a formal recommendation. On
February 6, 2025, the project returned to the ARB. The Board voted 4-1 (Hirsch dissenting) to
recommend that Council approve the project.
The ARB discussed the surrounding parcels and opportunities to develop a more cohesive plan
for future housing in this area, potentially through a coordinated area plan. In particular, one
Board member advocated for a coordinated approach to housing projects on all of the parcels
along this side of Encina Avenue. Other board members acknowledged that although they
would support opportunities for more housing units and for the lots to be developed in tandem
to create a more cohesive urban design, that they needed to make a decision on the project as
presented and acknowledged that the property owner of the subject parcels did not own the
neighboring parcels.
Ultimately, the ARB made a second motion to recommend that Council consider rezoning of the
entire north parking lot area, excluding the subject parcels, for residential use (referring to the
parking lot area north of the Town & Country Village along Encina Avenue). For this motion, the
Board also voted 4-1 (Hirsch dissenting).
ANALYSIS
As detailed in Attachment C, the project is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, particularly
the Land Use, Housing, and Business Elements. Approval of the proposed ordinance amending
the zoning of the site would be consistent with the zoning ordinance. The project is appropriate
to its context in terms of scale, massing, and materials and enhances the area by providing
residential uses adjacent to retail and other office uses.
Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, Area Plans and Guidelines7
The Comprehensive Plan includes Goals, Policies, and Programs that guide the physical form of
the City. The Comprehensive Plan provides the basis for the City’s development regulations and
is used by City staff to regulate building and development and make recommendations on
projects. Further, Architectural Review (AR) Finding #1 requires that the design be consistent
and compatible with applicable elements of the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan.
7 The Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan is available online: bit.ly/PACompPlan2030
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Item No. 3. Page 7 of 10
The Comprehensive Plan designation is Community Commercial, which is defined as: “Larger
shopping centers and districts that have a wider variety of goods and services than the
neighborhood shopping areas. They rely on larger trade areas and include such uses as
department stores, bookstores, furniture stores, toy stores, apparel shops, restaurants,
theaters and non-retail services such as offices and banks. Examples include Stanford Shopping
Center and Town & Country Village. Non-retail uses such as medical and dental offices may also
locate in this designation. In some locations, residential and mixed-use projects may also locate
in this category. Non-residential FARs range from 0.35 to 2.0. Consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan’s encouragement of housing near transit centers, higher density
multifamily housing may be allowed in specific locations.”
This project is consistent with this designation, as it proposes housing within a half-mile of the
Palo Alto Caltrain station and Transit Center. As discussed in the Record of Land Use Action
(Attachment C), this project promotes a number of Comprehensive Plan policies and does not
conflict with other policies specific to Town and Country Shopping Center. In summary, this
location is described as being within the Town and Country Shopping Center, however it does
not currently contain retail use, and will not decrease the retail use at the shopping center.
Additionally, one of the parcels (APN 120-34-006) was included in the Housing Element Sites
Inventory, with an expected capacity of four units. The proposed project merges parcels to
allow for additional capacity. The proposed ten units exceed the Housing Inventory
expectations. The project supports Comprehensive Plan policies to provide affordable housing,
infill development, and to promote high-quality design.
Zoning Compliance
Staff performed a detailed review of the proposed project’s consistency with applicable zoning
standards in Attachment D. The PHZ process rezones the site and, through the proposed
ordinance and development plan, sets forth the development standards for this project.
Therefore, through this rezoning process as set forth in PAMC Section 18.38, the project will
deviate from the existing zoning in a manner that is consistent with the zoning ordinance. There
are several aspects of the project that deviate from the CC zoning base district development
standards, including:
•Floor area ratio of 1.57:1, where 0.5:1 is allowed;
•Lot coverage of 58.6%, where 50% is allowed;
•Rear setback of seven inches, where 10 feet is required;
•No ground-level open space, where 30% is required; and
•An average of 95 square feet usable open space per unit, where 150 square feet is
required.
Water-Gas-Wastewater department review and conditions of approval are still pending as of
the publication of this report. Staff does not anticipate that any comments or conditions
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applied would require substantive changes to the proposed design. Final conditions of approval
would be added to the RLUA prior to the Council hearing.
Multi-Modal Access and Parking
The project site is within walking distance (0.5 mile) of the Palo Alto Caltrain station. In
accordance with Assembly Bill (AB) 2097, because the project is located within one half mile of
a major transit stop, no vehicular parking spaces are required.
However, the proposed plan provides each unit with at least one parking space in a ground-
level garage. Six of the dwelling units would each have two garage spaces, and four of the
dwelling units would each have one parking space. If the development was more than one-half
mile from a major transit stop, the development standards for the CC zone would require two
parking spaces for each unit. In terms of multi-modal access, each garage will have one long-
term bike storage space (wall rack or designated space in the garage). As only four spaces fewer
than what would normally be required are provided, staff determined a TDM plan would not be
appropriate.
Response to Prior PTC Comments
As a part of the plans reviewed by the ARB, the proposed plans have been modified to remove
the bulb-out, which resulted in removing the proposed street trees. The entrance gate is ten
feet back from the curb, which combined with the existing street parking, provides sufficient
space for a car outside of the drive aisle while the gate opens.
The landscaping plan has not changed, seven trees are proposed for the interior courtyard, and
the exterior includes planters on the front and sides. Due to the project’s proposed setbacks,
which are mainly required for fire access, adding additional landscaping would require
significant redesign and a reduction in the size of, and/or number of units provided. The
landscaping provided is consistent with an urban setting and allows for some greenery on the
front and sides of the building.
The recommendation for CC&Rs to include a provision to prevent residents and guests from
parking at Town & Country is noted. The CC&Rs for this project would be developed as part of
the project’s tentative map process, which was recently filed (25PLN-00034) and will come
before the board for a recommendation at a future date.
Public Benefit
In September 2020, City Council expressed an interest in allowing for housing development
projects to pursue Planned Community rezoning and these applications were referred to as
Planned Home Zoning (PHZ) to emphasize the focus on housing as the benefit to the
community. At the time, Council also expressed an expectation to have either more units be
provided at below market rate or for units to be provided at a deeper level of affordability with
the intent The intent of helping the City meet its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA)
targets for units with deeper affordability (low income and very low income), which are often
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harder to achieve. More specifically, Council endorsed four possible options3 that developers
could consider to increase the public benefit of PHZ projects, while providing flexibility in the
project’s financial bottom line.
While the proposed affordability levels for this project meet the base affordability levels
outlined in PAMC chapter 16.65, they do not align with the additional direction provided by
Council for PHZ project. The project is proposing to provide 20% of the units (two of the ten
units) as below market rate at 80-100% annual median income (AMI), while the Council’s
direction for PHZs would call for these units to be sold at prices affordable to 80% AMI. That
said, the Council direction on PHZ affordability does not differentiate between rental and
ownership housing projects. While the low-income (80% AMI) level are normal for BMR rental
housing, moderate income (120% AMI) is the norm for BMR ownership housing. As a result,
staff recommend that the Council find the project’s BMR units are adequate as proposed.
The proposal exceeds the basic BMR requirements of Chapter 16.65 in both quantity and depth
of affordability: where Chapter 16.65 would require one BMR unit (and payment of in-lieu fees
for a 0.5 fractional unit), the project proposes to provide two BMR units; where Chapter 16.65
would require, for two BMR units, that one be priced at 100% AMI and one be priced at 120%
AMI, the project proposes to limit both to a price affordable to 100% AMI.
Consistency with Application Findings
As detailed in the draft Record of Land Use Action (Attachment C) and within the analysis within
this report the project is consistent with application findings for a PC project.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Processing of this application has no fiscal impact as applicants are responsible for staff and
consultant costs through applicable fees through the deposit-based cost recovery program.
Additionally, the site is a vacant parking lot; therefore, there would be no loss in sales tax
revenue as a result of this project. The proposed development would require payment of
Development Impact Fees, currently estimated at $770,376.55 plus the Public Art fee.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The Palo Alto Municipal Code requires notice of this public hearing be published in a local paper
and mailed to owners and occupants of property within 600 feet of the subject property at
least ten days in advance. Notice of a public hearing for this project was published in the Daily
Post on February 6, 2025, which is 12 days in advance of the meeting. Postcard mailing
occurred on February 6, 2025, which is 14 days in advance of the meeting.
Public Comments
The Town & Country shopping center has continued to be a vocal neighbor regarding this
project. In their most recent letter, and in person at the February 6, 2025 ARB hearing, they
advocated for a single future housing project on their North parking lot, including this lot they
do not own or lease, and other surrounding properties they currently lease. We have also
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received several letters of support. All previously received comments are included in
Attachment E.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The subject project has been assessed 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 has prepared a streamlined analysis,
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15183, of the project’s consistency with the
Comprehensive Plan Environmental Impact Report (SCH #2014052101). The project will
incorporate all required mitigation measures from the Comprehensive Plan EIR and the city’s
standard conditions of approval. Overall, the findings of the 1583 checklist conclude that there
are no new or more significant impacts beyond what was previously assessed in the adopted
Comprehensive Plan EIR; therefore, further environmental analysis is not warranted.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
In addition to the recommended action, the PTC may:
1. Recommend approval of the project with modified findings or conditions;
2. Continue the project to a date (un)certain with specific direction; or
3. Recommend project denial based on revised findings.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Location Map
Attachment B: Draft PC Ordinance
Attachment C: Draft Record of Land Use Action Attachment
Attachment D: Zoning Consistency Analysis Attachment
Attachment E: Applicant’s Project Description
Attachment F: Neighbor’s Correspondence Attachment
Attachment G: Link to Project Plans and Environmental Analysis
Report Author & Contact Information PTC8 Liaison & Contact Information
Emily Kallas, AICP, Senior Planner Jennifer Armer Assistant Director
(650) 617-3125 (650) 329-2191
emily.kallas@cityofpaloalto.org jennifer.armer@cityofpaloalto.org
8 Emails may be sent directly to the PTC using the following address: ptc@cityofpaloalto.org
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Map
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Ordinance No. ____
Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Section 18.08.040 of
the Palo Alto Municipal Code (The Zoning Map) to Change the Classification of
Property Located at 70 Encina Avenue from Service Commercial (CS) Zone to
Planned Community Zone (PC)
The Council of the City of Palo Alto ORDAINS as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings and Declarations.
(a) On March 24, 2024, Hayes Group Architecture (“Applicant”) submitted an application for
Rezoning to Planned Community/Planned Home Zoning (PHZ) and Major Architectural
Review to redevelop the site at 70 Encina Avenue (the “Subject Property,” more particularly
described in Exhibit A) with ten condominium units, two of which would be below market
rate (the “Project”).
(b) Following Staff Review, the Planning and Transportation Commission (Commission)
reviewed the project on September 11, 2024 and recommended the project to the
Architectural Review Board.
(c) The Architectural Review Board reviewed the project on November 7, 2024 and, following
preparation of the environmental analysis, formally recommended approval of the project
to the City Council on February 6, 2025.
(d) The Planning and Transportation Commission reviewed the project on February 26, 2025;
and recommended approval of the project to the City Council.
(e) Approval of the Planned Community Project would constitute a project under the
provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, together with related state
and local implementation guidelines promulgated thereunder (“CEQA”).
(f) The City is the Lead Agency pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21067 as it has the
principal responsibility to approve and regulate the Planned Community Project.
(g) The City, in compliance with CEQA, determined that the project is eligible for streamlined
review in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15183. The City prepared an analysis
of the project in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15183, which evaluated the
project’s consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and the Comprehensive Plan EIR,
including relevant addenda. Plan level technical reports were prepared to confirm that
the Comprehensive Plan EIR, including any mitigation required through that EIR, would
adequately address the impacts of the proposed project.
(h) The Council is the decision-making body for approval of the Planned Community Project.
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(i) The site is so situated, and the use or uses proposed for the site are of such characteristics
that the application of general districts or combining districts will not provide sufficient
flexibility to allow the proposed development. Specifically, the project proposes family-
serving, ownership housing units. The existing CS zoning requires ground-floor retail and
limits the square footage for residential uses to a floor area ratio of no more than 0.35 to
1. The limitation on residential housing uses and development standards was intended to
apply to the shopping center, of which this site was previously a leased part. The site is
zoned and designated as part of the shopping center but is no longer leased by the Town
& Country Village shopping center owner and is part of a separate, adjacent parcel. In
order to provide an exclusively multi-family use on this site and to achieve a floor area, lot
coverage and setbacks that allow for development of the project as proposed, the
proposed rezoning is necessary.
(j) Development of the site under the provisions of the PC planned community district will
result in public benefits not otherwise attainable by application of the regulations of
general districts or combining districts, as set forth in Section 6 of this ordinance.
(k) The use or uses permitted, and the site development regulations applicable within the
district are consistent with the Palo Alto Comprehensive plan and compatible with existing
and potential uses on adjoining sites or within the general vicinity, as set forth in the
Record of Land Use Action (Exhibit B) accompanying this ordinance.
SECTION 2. Amendment of Zoning Map.
Section 18.08.040 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, the “Zoning Map,” is hereby amended by
changing the zoning of Subject Property from Service Commercial (CS) to “Planned Community
Zone (PC) _____”.
SECTION 3. Project Description.
The Project as a whole is described in the Development Plan, titled “Encina Housing 70 Encina
Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301” and uploaded to the Palo Alto Online Permitting Services Citizen
Portal on January 9, 2025. With respect to the Subject Property, the project comprises the uses
included in this Ordinance, depicted on the Development Plans, incorporated by reference,
including the following components:
(a) Redevelopment of an existing surface parking area, as described in more detail in the
Development Plan, to allow construction of a new 3-story, 22,355 sf building (1.84 FAR); to
include ten (10) residential condominium units organized around a common access court
that provides both vehicular and pedestrian access and site improvements. Two of the
proposed units will be deed restricted to be sold at a rate affordable to households earning
80-100% of area median income.
(b) Merger of two existing lots and subdivision into ten (10) residential condominium units
through a subdivision map, which will be filed at a later date.
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SECTION 4. Land Uses.
(a) The following land uses shall be permitted:
(1) Multi-family residential;
(2) Accessory Uses.
SECTION 5. Site Development Regulations and Development Schedule.
(a) Development Standards:
Development standards for the Subject Property shall be those conforming to the Development
Plans.
(b) Parking and Loading Requirements:
The Owner shall provide parking and loading as set forth in the Development Plan. Specifically,
the Owner shall provide four units with 1 space per unit and six units with 2 spaces per unit, for
a total of 16 parking spaces.
(c) Modifications to the Development Plan, Land Uses and Site Development Regulations:
Once the project has been constructed consistent with the approved Development Plan, any
modifications to the exterior design of the Development Plan or any new construction not
specifically permitted by the Development Plan or the site development regulations contained in
Section 5 (a) – (b) above shall require an amendment to this Planned Community zone. Any use
not specifically permitted by this ordinance shall require an amendment to the PC ordinance, as
required by Palo Alto Municipal Code 18.38.050.
(g) Development Schedule:
The project is required to include a Development Schedule pursuant to PAMC §18.38.100. The
applicant has indicated that development is anticipated to begin in October 2025 and conclude
in December 2026.
Notwithstanding the above, construction of the project shall commence within two years of the
effective date of this ordinance. Prior to expiration of this timeline, the Owner may seek a one
year extension from the Director of Planning and Development Services. All construction and
development of the project shall be complete within 3 years of the start of construction.
SECTION 6. Public Benefits.
(a) Public Benefits
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Development of the Project Site under the provisions of the PC Planned Community District will
result in public benefits not otherwise attainable by application of the regulations of general
districts or combining districts.
The public benefit provided by the Project is two dwelling units at below market rates (“BMR”),
affordable to households with income not exceeding 100% of area median income. This exceeds
the base requirement in Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 16.65, which would require one BMR
unit and the payment of in-lieu fees.
SECTION 7. Environmental Review
The City prepared an analysis of the project in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15183
and confirmed that the Comprehensive Plan EIR, including any mitigation that would be
addressed as required through that EIR, would adequately address the impacts of the proposed
project.
SECTION 8. Effective Date
This ordinance shall be effective on the thirty-first day after the date of its adoption (second
reading).
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
__________________________
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
__________________________
Assistant City Attorney
_________________________
Mayor
_________________________
City Manager
__________________________
Director of Planning and
Development Services
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Exhibit A Plan and Legal Description
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Exhibit B Record of Land Use Action
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APPROVAL NO. 2025-____
RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO LAND USE APPROVAL FOR 70 ENCINA AVENUE:
PLANNED COMMUNITY REZONING
(FILE NO 24PLN-00095)
On _______, 2025, the City Council of the City of Palo Alto (“City Council”) approved an application
to rezone the subject properties from Community Commercial (CC) to a Planned Community Zone District, making
the following findings, determinations and declarations:
SECTION 1. Background.
A. On March 28, 2024 Hayes Group Architects (“Applicant”), on behalf of the property owner,
applied for a Planned Community Rezoning to demolish an existing surface parking lot that
is not currently in use and to construct a 10-unit, three-story, approximately 19,035 square
foot townhome style housing development and associated site improvements (“The
Project”). The project site consists of two parcels, including the 6,060 square foot parcel
located at 70 Encina Avenue (APN 120-03-006) and an adjacent, 6,060 square foot,
unaddressed parcel (APN 120-03-007) for a total combined parcel size of 12,120 square feet.
B. On September 12, 2022 Council conducted a prescreening review of the proposed legislative
action in accordance with PAMC 18.79
C. On September 11, 2024, the Planning and Transportation Commission held a duly noticed
public hearing and recommended that the applicant submit the proposed plans to the
Architectural Review Board (ARB) based on the conceptual design and proposed project in
accordance with the Planned Community Rezoning Process.
D. Following the Planning and Transportation Commission’s Initial Review, the ARB held a duly
noticed public hearing on November 7, 2024 to provide feedback and allow for public
comment on the proposed project. On February 6, 2025 the ARB held a duly noticed public
hearing and recommended approval of the proposed project.
E. On February 26, 2025 the PTC held a duly noticed public hearing and recommended approval
of the proposed project.
F. On _______, 2025 the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing, at which evidence was
presented and all person were afforded an opportunity to be heard in accordance with the
Palo Alto Municipal Code and the Council’s Policies and Procedures. After hearing public
testimony, the Council voted to approve/adopt:
•Ordinance________amending the zoning of the proposed resulting parcel to
Planned Community; and
•This Record of Land Use Action
G. This application is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 7 of this Record of Land Use
Action
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SECTION 2. Environmental Review. In accordance with California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) Guidelines Section 15183, the City prepared an analysis of the project’s consistency with Comprehensive
Plan and Comprehensive Plan 2030 Environmental Impact Report (SCH # 2014052101). The analysis concluded
that the impacts of the proposed project were adequately address through the previously adopted EIR, including
implementation of any mitigation as required through that EIR.
SECTION 3. Planned Community Findings
Finding #1: The site is so situated, and the use or uses proposed for the site are of such characteristics that the
application of general districts or combining districts will not provide sufficient flexibility to allow the
proposed development.
The project is consistent with Finding #1 because:
The proposed project provides family-serving, ownership units. The existing zoning requires ground floor retail,
limits the square footage for residential uses to a floor area ratio of no more than 0.35 to 1, limits the site to
50% lot coverage and requires 10-foot setbacks on the rear and both side yards. The limitation on residential
housing uses and development standards was intended to apply to the shopping center, of which this site was
previously a leased part. The site is zoned and designated as part of the shopping center but is no longer leased
by the Town & Country Village shopping center owner and is part of a separate, adjacent parcel. In order to
provide an exclusively multi-family use on this site and to achieve a floor area, lot coverage and setbacks that
allow for development of the project as proposed, the proposed rezoning is necessary. The project is otherwise
in compliance with Zoning district requirements. There are no other general districts or combining districts that
could applied to this site to achieve the proposed project.
Finding #2: Development of the site under the provisions of the PC planned community district will result in
public benefits not otherwise attainable by application of the regulations of general districts or combining
districts. In making the findings required by this section, the planning commission and city council, as
appropriate, shall specifically cite the public benefits expected to result from use of the planned community
district.
The project is consistent with Finding #2 because:
The applicant proposes to provide increased housing on site to assist the City in reaching its Regional Housing
needs assessment goals, and in particular, inclusionary below market rate units (20% on site where 15% is
required), and to further restrict the income level of the below market rate units. Application of general districts
or combining districts would not allow for this increased housing or mandate changes to the percentage or
income level of the deed restricted units.
Finding #3: The use or uses permitted, and the site development regulations applicable within the district
shall be consistent with the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan and shall be compatible with existing and potential
uses on adjoining sites or within the general vicinity.
The project is consistent with Finding #3 because:
This project is consistent with the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan, as described further in Architectural Review
Finding #1 below. Specifically, the proposed exclusively residential use is identified in the Community Commercial
land use designation in areas adjacent to transit. Surrounding uses include Town & Country Village shopping center
to the south, east and west. Across Encina Avenue are one- and two-story office and industrial buildings. The
project is also in the vicinity of the Live Moves Opportunity Center. A portion of the project site (one of the two
subject parcels) is a Housing Inventory Site with an anticipated capacity of 4 units. This project includes merging
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two adjacent parcels in order to exceed the anticipated capacity planned for the single parcel by providing 10 total
units.
SECTION 4. Architectural Review Findings
Finding #1: The design is consistent with applicable provisions of the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan, Zoning
Code, coordinated area plans (including compatibility requirements), and any relevant design guides.
The project is consistent with Finding #1 because:
In conformance with the following Comp Plan Goals and Policies, the project will include high quality design
compatible with surrounding development.
Comp Plan Goals and Policies How project adheres or does not adhere to Comp
Plan
The Comprehensive Plan land use designation for
the site is Community Commercial.
This designation allows higher density multi-family
housing in locations near transit centers. The
proposed project is located adjacent the Palo Alto
Caltrain station. Therefore, the proposed use is
consistent with this land use designation.
Land Use Element
Policy L-1.3 Infill development in the urban service
area should be compatible with its surroundings
and the overall scale and character of the city to
ensure a compact, efficient development pattern.
This project proposes to remove an existing surface
parking lot into a ten-unit condominium building. The
proposed three-story height is appropriate to the area,
which contains mostly one- and two-story buildings
with a 5-story building approximately 200 feet away.
Policy L-2.5 Support the creation of affordable
housing units for middle to lower income level
earners, such as City and school district employees,
as feasible.
This project includes two below market rate units,
consistent with this policy.
Policy L-2.11 Encourage new development and
redevelopment to incorporate greenery and
natural features such as green rooftops, pocket
parks, plazas and rain gardens.
The proposed building includes a central courtyard
with seven trees and perimeter planter boxes with
wall vines.
Policy L-6.1 Promote high-quality design and site
planning that is compatible with surrounding
development and public spaces.
The proposed building incorporates high-quality
materials and design elements such as a “base-middle-
top” typology. The massing and height of the project is
compatible with the surrounding area.
Policy L-6.7 Where possible, avoid abrupt changes
in scale and density between residential and non-
residential areas and between residential areas of
different densities. To promote compatibility and
gradual transitions between land uses, place zoning
district boundaries at mid-block locations rather
than along streets wherever possible.
The proposed three-story height is in scale with
nearby buildings and has a 25-foot setback from Town
& Country Village. Although this project is currently
surrounded by existing parking lots, development of
these neighboring parcels could occur and, based on
the existing CC zone district regulations, would be
similar in scale with respect to height.
Program L2.4.4 Assess non-residential
development potential in the Community
Commercial, Service, Commercial and Downtown
Although this property is located within the
boundaries of Town & Country Village, as defined in
the municipal code, it does not include the conversion
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Commercial Districts (CC, CS and CD) and the
Neighborhood Commercial District (CN), and
convert non-retail commercial FAR to residential
FAR, where appropriate. Conversion to residential
capacity should not be considered in Town and
Country Village.
of retail to residential, and therefore would not
conflict with this Program.
Policy L-4.12 Recognize and preserve Town and
Country Village as an attractive retail center serving
Palo Altans and residents of the wider region.
Future development at this site should preserve its
existing amenities, pedestrian scale and
architectural character while also improving safe
access for bicyclists and pedestrians and increasing
the amount of bicycle parking.
The project is located adjacent to existing Town &
Country Village shopping center and its associated
improvements.
This property is not owned or leased by Town &
Country Village and the property owners are not
required to maintain the prior parking use. The
proposed development would not impact current
Town & Country Village amenities or character, and
Town and Country is expected to be able to maintain
their current operations.
The building includes sufficient short and long term
bicycle parking. However, this project includes
minimal pedestrian circulation in and around the
project site.
Policy L-4.13 In Town and Country Village,
encourage a vibrant retail environment and urban
greening.
The project is located within the defined area of Town
& Country Village and while it does not include
additional retail uses, it provides housing near these
uses, contributing to the vibrant retail environment.
Policy L-4.14 In Town and Country Village,
encourage improvement of pedestrian, bicycle and
auto circulation and landscaping improvements,
including maintenance of existing oak trees and
planting additional trees.
This project proposes to remove some of the existing
trees within this surface parking lot area, most of
which are less than 7 inches and are not considered
protected trees. The single existing oak tree within the
vicinity of the site would be protected, consistent with
this policy. Eight new trees would be planted on site
and additional payment of in-lieu fees would be
provided in accordance with the city’s tree canopy
replacement requirements.
Housing Element Policy 3.2 Provide adequate sites,
zoned at the appropriate densities and
development standards to facilitate both affordable
and market rate housing production.
One of the two CC-zoned properties is identified as a
Housing Inventory Site with a capacity of 4 above
moderate-income units. This 10-unit housing project
includes two affordable units and eight market rate
units.
Housing Element Policy 4.3 Implement
development standards, objective design
standards, and architectural and green building
standards that encourage new high-quality rental
and ownership housing.
With approval of the proposed rezoning, the project
would be consistent with the development standards.
The proposed development standards for this project
are appropriate to the site and surrounding area and
ensure an appropriate transition from neighboring
properties, consistent with this policy, as well as
Architectural Review Findings, and green building
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standards.
Policy B-6.6 Retain Town & Country Village as an
attractive, local-serving retail center
The project is located within the defined area of Town
& Country Village and while it does not include
additional retail uses, it provides housing near these
uses, contributing to the vibrant retail environment.
The overall scale of the project as a three-story
townhome design is consistent with the existing
improvements at the shopping center and do not
modify the existing circulation on the site.
As a PHZ project, the zoning development standards are custom built for the building. Therefore, with approval
of the proposed ordinance amending the zoning of this property to Planned community/PHZ this project will
comply with the zoning ordinance. No other design guidelines or documents apply to this location.
Finding #2: The project has a unified and coherent design, that:
a. creates an internal sense of order and desirable environment for occupants, visitors, and the general
community,
b. preserves, respects and integrates existing natural features that contribute positively to the site and
the historic character including historic resources of the area when relevant,
c. is consistent with the context-based design criteria of the applicable zone district,
d. provides harmonious transitions in scale, mass and character to adjacent land uses and land use
designations,
e. enhances living conditions on the site (if it includes residential uses) and in adjacent residential areas.
The project is consistent with Finding #2 because:
The central driveway provides an internal sense of order in that it provides multi-modal access for cars, bikes, and
pedestrians. The perimeter includes exterior doors from each unit facing the side property lines, providing an
additional pedestrian access to each unit. The three-story form is appropriate in mass, scale, and character to the
neighborhood, including development along Encina Avenue and the Town & Country Village Shopping Center. It
enhances living conditions by providing housing units for families that are within walking distance of the shopping
center, schools, and Caltrain.
Finding #3: The design is of high aesthetic quality, using high quality, integrated materials and appropriate
construction techniques, and incorporating textures, colors, and other details that are compatible with and
enhance the surrounding area.
The project is consistent with Finding #3 because:
The project incorporates a variety of materials, including sandy/tan brick veneer, cement, and fiber cement panel,
gray fiber cement panel, dark metal accents and roof, and landscape elements. These materials are utilized on all
four sides of the building, with the brick veneer providing a base to the upper floors. The proposed materials are
compatible with the neighborhood.
Finding #4: The design is functional, allowing for ease and safety of pedestrian and bicycle traffic and providing
for elements that support the building’s necessary operations (e.g. convenient vehicle access to property and
utilities, appropriate arrangement and amount of open space and integrated signage, if applicable, etc.).
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The project is consistent with Finding #4 because:
The design includes a single entrance (with separate gates) for cars, pedestrians, and bikes. It has limited open
space, primarily in the central driveway and balconies facing the driveway. Pedestrians can also access the side-
yard facing garage doors.
Finding #5: The landscape design complements and enhances the building design and its surroundings, is
appropriate to the site’s functions, and utilizes to the extent practical, regional indigenous drought resistant
plant material capable of providing desirable habitat that can be appropriately maintained.
The project is consistent with Finding #5 because:
The project provides landscaped area in the front and within the central courtyard. Eight existing trees, none of
which are protected trees, are proposed to be removed. Seven replacement trees planted on site, and additional
landscaping is provided in planters around the perimeter of the building including the Encina Avenue frontage.
The proposed landscaping will provide a suitable residential appearance.
Finding #6: The project incorporates design principles that achieve sustainability in areas related to energy
efficiency, water conservation, building materials, landscaping, and site planning.
The project is consistent with Finding #6 because:
In accordance with the City’s Green Building Regulations, the building will satisfy the requirements for CALGreen
Mandatory + Tier 2 and the Model Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance (MWELO).
SECTION 5. Architectural Review Approval Granted. Architectural Review Approval is hereby
granted for the Project by the City Council pursuant to PAMC Section 18.77.070 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
effective _______, 2025 and subject to the conditions of approval in Section 7 of this Record.
SECTION 6. Plan Approval. The plans submitted for Building Permit shall be in substantial
conformance with those plans prepared by the applicant titled Encina Housing, 70 Encina Avenue, Palo Alto, CA
94301, consisting of 56 pages, uploaded to Accela Citizen Access on February 19, 2025, 2025, except as modified
to incorporate the conditions of approval in Section 6. A copy of these plans is on file in the Department of Planning
and Community Development. This Record of Land Use Action shall be printed on the cover sheet of the plan set
submitted with the Building Permit application.
SECTION 7. Conditions of Approval.
PLANNING DIVISION
1. CONFORMANCE WITH PLANS. Construction and development shall conform to the approved plans
entitled, "70 Encina, Palo Alto, California,” stamped as received by the City on February 19, 2025 on file
with the Planning Department, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, California except as modified by these
conditions of approval.
2. BUILDING PERMIT. Apply for a building permit and meet any and all conditions of the Planning, Fire,
Public Works, and Building Departments.
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3. BUILDING PERMIT PLAN SET. A copy of this cover letter and conditions of approval shall be printed on
the second page of the plans submitted for building permit.
4. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS. All modifications to the approved project shall be submitted for review and
approval prior to construction. If during the Building Permit review and construction phase, the project
is modified by the applicant, it is the responsibility of the applicant to contact the Planning
Division/project planner directly to obtain approval of the project modification. It is the applicant’s
responsibility to highlight any proposed changes to the project and to bring it to the project planner’s
attention.
5. AFFORDABLE HOUSING REQUIREMENT (OWNERSHIP PROJECT): This project is subject to the affordable
housing requirements set forth in Section 16.65.030 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC). The PAMC
requires that “for projects on sites of less than five acres, fifteen percent (15%) of the dwelling units in
the project shall be made available at affordable sales price to very low, low, and moderate income
households.” As a public benefit, the project includes 20% of the dwelling units to be made available at
100% of Area Median Income. Therefore, the proposed project shall contain no less than two (2) below
market rate units at the moderate income level (restricted at 100% AMI). All Below Market Rate (BMR)
units constructed under this condition shall be in conformance with the City’s BMR Program rules and
regulations. Failure to comply with the timing of this condition and any adopted BMR Program rules and
regulations shall not waive its later enforcement.
6. BELOW MARKET RATE (BMR) HOUSING (DENSITY BONUS RESIDENTIAL PROJECT). A Density Bonus
Developer and Regulatory Agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney for the two (2) BMR
units shall be executed and recorded prior to final map approval or building permit issuance, whichever
occurs first. All BMR units constructed under this condition shall be in conformance with the City’s BMR
Program rules and regulations. Failure to comply with the timing of this condition and any adopted BMR
Program rules and regulations shall not waive its later enforcement.
7. MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM. The Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting
Program (MMRP) associated with the project and attached here as Exhibit A is incorporated by
reference and all mitigation measures shall be implemented as described in said document. Prior to
requesting issuance of any related demolition and/or construction permits, the applicant shall meet
with the Project Planner to review and ensure compliance with the MMRP, subject to the satisfaction of
the Director of Planning of Planning and Community Environment.
8. NESTING BIRD SURVEY. Vegetation or tree removal shall be prohibited during the general avian nesting
season (February 1 – August 31), if feasible. If nesting season avoidance is not feasible, the applicant
shall retain a qualified biologist, as approved by the City of Palo Alto, to conduct a preconstruction
nesting bird survey to determine the presence/absence, location, and activity status of any active nests
on or adjacent to the project site no more than 14 days prior to scheduled vegetation clearance and/or
demolition activities. If nesting birds are found to be present, a suitable buffer (typically a minimum
buffer of 50 feet for passerines and a minimum buffer of 250 feet for raptors) as determined
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appropriate by the biologist, shall be established around such active nests and no construction shall be
allowed within the buffer areas until a qualified biologist has determined that the nest is no longer
active (i.e., the nestlings have fledged and are no longer reliant on the nest). A report documenting any
data recovered during monitoring shall be prepared by a qualified biologist and submitted to the
Director of Planning prior to final planning inspection.
9. UNANTICIPATED DISCOVERY OF BURIED ARCHAEOLOGICAL, PALEONTOLOGICAL, AND TRIBAL CULTURAL
RESOURCES. No known archeological or paleontological resources are present on or within the
immediate vicinity of the site. However, in the unlikely event that an archeological resource or
paleontological resource is unearthed during ground disturbing activities, work in the immediate area
must be halted and an archaeologist meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications
Standards for archeology (National Park Service 1983) shall be contacted immediately to evaluate the
find. If the find is Native American in origin, then a Native American representative must also be
contacted to participate in the evaluation of the find. The qualified archaeologist, and, if applicable, the
Native American representative, shall examine the find and make recommendations regarding
additional work necessary to evaluate the significance of the find and the appropriate treatment of the
resource. Recommendations could include, but are not limited to, invasive or non-invasive testing,
sampling, laboratory analysis, preservation in place, or data recovery. A report of findings documenting
any data recovered during monitoring shall be prepared by a qualified archaeologist and submitted to
the Director of Planning prior to final planning inspection.
10. LANDSCAPE PLAN. Plantings shall be installed in accordance with the approved plan set and shall be
permanently maintained and replaced as necessary.
11. NOISE THRESHOLDS ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY. In accordance with PAMC Section 9.10.030, No person
shall produce, suffer or allow to be produced by any machine, animal or device, or any combination of
same, on residential property, a noise level more than six dB above the local ambient at any point
outside of the property plane.
12. NOISE THRESHOLDS ON COMMERCIAL PROPERTY. In accordance with PAMC Section 9.10.040, No
person shall produce, suffer or allow to be produced by any machine or device, or any combination of
same, on commercial or industrial property, a noise level more than eight dB above the local ambient at
any point outside of the property plane.
13. OPEN AIR LOUDSPEAKERS (AMPLIFIED MUSIC). In accordance with PAMC Section 9.12, no amplified
music shall be used for producing sound in or upon any open area, to which the public has access,
between the hours of 11:00pm and one hour after sunrise.
14.NOISE REPORT PRIOR TO INSPECTION. Where the acoustical analysis projected noise levels at or within 5
dB less than the Noise Ordinance limits, the applicant shall demonstrate the installed equipment
complies with the anticipated noise levels and the Noise Ordinance prior to final Planning inspection
approval.
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15. FINAL INSPECTION. A Planning Division Final inspection will be required to determine substantial
compliance with the approved plans prior to the scheduling of a Building Division final. Any revisions
during the building process must be approved by Planning, including but not limited to; materials,
landscaping and hard surface locations. Contact your Project Planner, Emily Kallas at
emily.kallas@cityofpaloalto.org to schedule this inspection.
16. ESTIMATED IMPACT FEE. Development Impact Fees, currently estimated in the amount of $769,498.15
plus the applicable public art fee, per PAMC 16.61.040, shall be paid in accordance with PAMC Chapter
16.64.
17. REQUIRED PUBLIC ART. In conformance with PAMC 16.61, and to the satisfaction of the Public Art
Commission, the property owner and/or applicant shall select an artist and received final approval of the
art plan, or pay the in-lieu fee equivalent to 1% of the estimated construction valuation, prior to
obtaining a Building permit. All required artwork shall be installed as approved by the Public Art
Commission and verified by Public Art staff prior to release of the final Use and Occupancy permit.
18. IMPACT FEE 90-DAY PROTEST PERIOD. California Government Code Section 66020 provides that a
project applicant who desires to protest the fees, dedications, reservations, or other exactions imposed
on a development project must initiate the protest at the time the development project is approved or
conditionally approved or within ninety (90) days after the date that fees, dedications, reservations or
exactions are imposed on the Project. Additionally, procedural requirements for protesting these
development fees, dedications, reservations and exactions are set forth in Government Code Section
66020. IF YOU FAIL TO INITIATE A PROTEST WITHIN THE 90-DAY PERIOD OR FOLLOW THE PROTEST
PROCEDURES DESCRIBED IN GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 66020, YOU WILL BE BARRED FROM
CHALLENGING THE VALIDITY OR REASONABLENESS OF THE FEES, DEDICATIONS, RESERVATIONS, AND
EXACTIONS. If these requirements constitute fees, taxes, assessments, dedications, reservations, or
other exactions as specified in Government Code Sections 66020(a) or 66021, this is to provide
notification that, as of the date of this notice, the 90-day period has begun in which you may protest
these requirements. This matter is subject to the California Code of Civil Procedures (CCP) Section
1094.5; the time by which judicial review must be sought is governed by CCP Section 1094.6.
19. INDEMNITY. To the extent permitted by law, the Applicant shall indemnify and hold harmless the City,
its City Council, its officers, employees and agents (the “indemnified parties”) from and against any
claim, action, or proceeding brought by a third party against the indemnified parties and the applicant to
attack, set aside or void, any permit or approval authorized hereby for the Project, including (without
limitation) reimbursing the City for its actual attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in defense of the
litigation. The City may, in its sole discretion, elect to defend any such action with attorneys of its own
choice.
20. SIGN APPROVAL NEEDED. No signs are approved at this time. All signs shall conform to the requirements of
Title 16.20 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code (Sign Code) and shall be subject to approval by the Director of
Planning.
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21. TRASH ROOM. The trash room shall be used solely for the temporary storage of refuse and recycling
that is disposed on a regular basis and shall be closed and locked during non-business hours.
22. REFUSE. All trash areas shall be effectively screened from view and covered and maintained in an orderly
state to prevent water from entering into the garbage container. No outdoor storage is allowed/permitted
unless designated on the approved plan set. Trash areas shall be maintained in a manner to discourage
illegal dumping.
23. UTILITY LOCATIONS. In no case shall utilities be placed in a location that requires equipment and/or
bollards to encroach into a required parking space. In no case shall a pipeline be placed within 10 feet of
a proposed tree and/or tree designated to remain.
BUILDING
24. Building permit submittal shall comply with 2022 CBSC if submitted to the City prior to 1/1/26.
25. Building permit submittal shall follow the checklist found at this link.
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/3/development-services/building-
division/checklists/simplified/r10-new-mf-checklist_1.16.2025.pdf
TRANSPORTATION
26. The Driveway shall be designed to the City's standard
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Public-Works/Engineering-Services/Public-Works-
Standard-Drawings-and-Specifications
27. Plans shall show the removal of on-street parking spaces as required for refuse service of this
development.
FIRE
28. FIRE FLOW IMPROVEMENTS. Fire flow test results (August 2024) were not sufficient to meet the min
PAFD required FH flow of 2000 gpm. Water main improvements will be required for this project. All
upgrades required to properly serve the project shall be completed at the expense of the applicant and
in conformance with the City’s standards.
29. FIRE HYDRANT. Install one public fire hydrant on project side of street.
30. Update references on sheet C-7.0 to reference CFC 2022.
PUBLIC WORKS ENGINEERING
31. PUBLIC WORKS APPLICATIONS, FORMS, AND DOCUMENTS. Applicant shall be advised that most forms,
applications, and informational documents related to Public Works Engineering conditions can be found
at the following link:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Public-Works/Engineering-Services/Forms-and-Permits
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32. MAP THIRD-PARTY REVIEW. The City contracts with a third-party surveyor that will review and provide
approval of the map’s technical correctness as the City Surveyor, as permitted by the Subdivision Map
Act. The Public Works Department will forward a Scope & Fee Letter from the third-party surveyor and
the applicant will be responsible for payment of the fee’s indicated therein, which is based on the
complexity of the map.
33. STREETWORK PERMIT. The applicant shall obtain a Streetwork Permit from the Department of Public
Works for all public improvements.
34. GRADING AND EXCAVATION PERMIT. A Grading Permit is required per PAMC Chapter 16.28. The permit
application and all applicable documents (see Section H of application) shall be submitted to Public
Works Engineering. Add the following note: “THIS GRADING PERMIT WILL ONLY AUTHORIZE GENERAL
GRADING AND INSTALLATION OF THE STORM DRAIN SYSTEM. OTHER BUILDING AND UTILITY
IMPROVEMENTS ARE SHOWN FOR REFERENCE INFORMATION ONLY AND ARE SUBJECT TO SEPARATE
BUILDING PERMIT APPROVAL.”
35. CIVIL ENGINEER CERTIFICATION. Upon completion of the rough grading work and at the final completion
of the work, applicant shall provide an as-graded grading plan prepared by the civil engineer that
includes original ground surface elevations, as-graded ground surface elevations, lot drainage patterns
and locations and elevations of all surface and subsurface drainage facilities. The civil engineer shall
certify that the work was done in accordance with the final approved grading plan.
36. GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER STATEMENT. The grading plans shall include the following statement signed
and sealed by the Geotechnical Engineer of Record: “THIS PLAN HAS BEEN REVIEWED AND FOUND TO
BE IN GENERAL CONFORMANCE WITH THE INTENT AND PURPOSE OF THE GEOTECHNICAL REPORT”.
37. ENCROACHMENT PERMIT. Prior to any work in the public right-of-way, the applicant shall obtain an
encroachment permit from the Public Works Department for any work that encroaches onto the City
right-of-way.
38. LOGISTICS PLAN. A construction logistics plan shall be provided addressing all impacts to the public
including, at a minimum: work hours, noticing of affected businesses, bus stop relocations, construction
signage, dust control, noise control, storm water pollution prevention, job trailer, contractors’ parking,
truck routes, staging, concrete pours, crane lifts, scaffolding, materials storage, pedestrian safety, and
traffic control. All truck routes shall conform to the City of Palo Alto’s Trucks and Truck Route
Ordinance, Chapter 10.48, and the route map. NOTE: Some items/tasks on the logistics plan may require
an encroachment permit.
39. STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION. All improvement plan sets shall include the “Pollution
Prevention – It’s Part of the Plan” sheet.
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40. C.3 THIRD-PARTY CERTIFICATION. Applicant shall provide certification from a qualified third-party
reviewer that the proposed permanent storm water pollution prevention measures comply with the
requirements of Provision C.3 and Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 16.11.
Submit the following:
a. Stamped and signed C.3 data form (August 2024 version) from SCVURPPP.
https://scvurppp.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SCVURPPP-C.3-Data-Form-
Fillable_2024_wp.pdf
b. Final stamped and signed letter confirming which documents were reviewed and that the
project complies with Provision C.3 and PAMC 16.11.
41. C.3 STORMWATER AGREEMENT. The applicant shall enter into a Stormwater Maintenance Agreement
with the City to guarantee the ongoing maintenance of the permanent storm water pollution prevention
measures. The City will inspect the treatment measures yearly and charge an inspection fee. The
agreement shall be executed by the applicant team prior to building permit final.
42. C.3 FINAL THIRD-PARTY CERTIFICATION PRIOR TO OCCUPANCY. Within 45 days of the installation of the
required storm water treatment measures and prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit for the
building, the third-party reviewer shall submit to the City a certification verifying that all the permanent
storm water pollution prevention measures were installed in accordance with the approved plans.
43. PAVEMENT RESTORATION. The applicant shall restore the pavement along the entire project frontage,
curb-to-curb, by performing a 3.5” grind and overlay. The exact restoration limits will be determined
once the resulting road condition is known following completion of heavy construction activities and
utility lateral installations, at minimum the extent will be the project frontage.
44. IMPERVIOUS SURFACE AREA. The project will be creating or replacing 500 square feet or more of
impervious surface. Accordingly, the applicant shall provide calculations of the existing and proposed
impervious surface areas with the building permit application. The Impervious Area Worksheet for Land
Developments form and instructions are available at the Development Center or on our website. To
determine the impervious surface area that is being disturbed, provide the quantity on the site plan.
45. PRIOR TO PUBLIC WORKS FINAL/ACCEPTANCE (STORM DRAIN LOGO). The applicant is required to paint
“No Dumping/Flows to SF Creek” in blue on a white background adjacent to all onsite storm drain inlets.
The name of the creek to which the proposed development drains can be obtained from Public Works
Engineering. Stencils of the logo are available from the Public Works Environmental Compliance
Division, which may be contacted at (650) 329-2598. Include the instruction to paint the logos on the
construction grading and drainage plan.
46. PRIOR TO PUBLIC WORKS FINAL/ACCEPTANCE (RECORD DRAWINGS). At the conclusion of the project
applicant shall provide digital as-built/record drawings of all improvements constructed in the public
right-of-way or easements in which the City owns an interest.
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47. PRIOR TO PUBLIC WORKS FINAL/ACCEPTANCE (INDEFINITE ENCROACHMENT PERMIT). An approved
indefinite encroachment permit will be required for private infrastructure constructed in the public
right-of-way, easement or on property in which the City holds an interest, but that was not authorized
by a building permit.
PUBLIC WORKS ZERO WASTE
48. Internal refuse bins shall be installed as listed below. Cut sheets of both the signage and bins are
required on the plan set.
c. Common Areas requires a green compost, black landfill, and blue recycle
d. Mail Area requires a black landfill, and blue recycle
e. *Signage with pictorial items of what goes where and a list of “no” items are required on each of
the bin.
49. If the scope of work involves internal and external bins (compost, recycle, and landfill) and its related
millwork, then on the overall site plan, please show where the bins will be placed and reference the cut
sheets of the three bins (recycle, compost, and landfill) that will be used at each location. The recycle,
compost, and landfill bin must be placed right next to each other. Please see requirements below.
50. The following comments below are part of the Palo Alto Municipality Code and must be reflected in the
plans submitted for building permit as applicable:
a. If your scope of work includes internal and external bins then cut-sheets for the color-coded
internal and external containers, related color-coded millwork, and it’s colored signage must be
included in the building plans prior to receiving approval from Zero Waste. Please see below for
more details.
b. Per Palo Alto Municipal Code 5.20.108 the site is required to have color-coded refuse
containers, related color-coded millwork, and colored signage. The three refuse containers shall
include recycle (blue container), compost (green container), and garbage (black container).
Applicant shall present on the plan the locations and quantity of both (any) internal and external
refuse containers, it’s millwork, along with the signage. This requirement applies to any external
or internal refuse containers located in common areas such as entrances, conference rooms,
back of the house kitchen, café, dining area, and etc. except for restrooms, copy area, and
mother’s room.
c. Millwork to store the color-coded refuse containers must have a minimum of four inches in
height worth of color-coding, wrapping around the full width of the millwork. Signage must be
color coded with photos or illustrations of commonly discarded items. Restrooms must have a
green compost container for paper towels and a small landfill bin for sanitary products. Copy
area must have either a recycle bin only or all three refuse receptacles (green compost, blue
recycle, and black landfill container). Mother’s room must minimally have a green compost
container and black landfill container. Please refer to PAMC 5.20.108 and the Internal Container
Guide. Examples of appropriate signage can be found in the Managing Zero Waste at Your
Business Guide. Electronic copies of these signage can be found on the Zero Waste Palo Alto’s
website, https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Public-Works/Zero-Waste/What-Goes-
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Where/Toolkit#section-2 and hard copies can be requested from the waste hauler, Greenwaste
of Palo Alto, (650) 493-4894.
URBAN FORESTRY
51. TREE REPLACEMENT IN-LIEU FEES. For the replacement value of 21 unplanted 24" box trees (where the
replacement value is 28 and 7 are proposed for planting) $13,650 must be paid to the Palo Alto Urban
Forestry fund prior to permit issuance. Invoice will be sent to applicant and fees applied, to make
payment.
52. ARBORIST REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS AND MONITORING. The owner and contractor shall implement
all protection and inspection schedule measures, design recommendations and construction scheduling
as stated in the TPR and/or Sheet T-1, and is subject to code compliance action pursuant to PAMC
8.10.080. The required protective fencing shall remain in place until final landscaping and inspection of
the project. If called for, project arborist approval must be obtained and documented in the monthly
activity report sent to the City. When required, the Contractor and Arborist Monthly Tree Activity Report
shall be sent monthly to the City (pwps@cityofpaloalto.org) beginning with the initial verification
approval, using the template in the Tree Technical Manual, Addendum 11.
53. TREE DAMAGE, INJURY MITIGATION AND INSPECTIONS APPLY TO CONTRACTOR. Reporting, injury
mitigation measures and arborist inspection schedule (1-5) apply pursuant to TTM, Section 2.20-2.30.
Contractor shall be responsible for the repair or replacement of any publicly owned or protected trees
that are damaged during construction, pursuant to Title 8 of the PAMC and city Tree Technical Manual,
Section 2.25. No storage of material, topsoil, vehicles or equipment shall be permitted within the tree
enclosure area. The ground under and around the tree canopy area shall not be altered. Trees to be
retained shall be irrigated, aerated and maintained as necessary to ensure survival.
54. TREE PROTECTION VERIFICATION INSPECTION REQUIRED. Prior to any site work, contractor must call
Uriel Hernandez at 650-329-2450 to schedule an inspection of any required protective fencing. The
fencing shall contain required warning sign and remain in place until final inspection of the project.
During the permit phase of a project an applicant must provide the proposed square footage of the
rehabilitated landscape to determine if the project requires a MWELO compliance review. Please see
the document titled “Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance Compliance Submittals and
Guidelines” (https://cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/76159) to determine if the project
qualifies for MWELO Review. If a MWELO review is required, please follow the instructions in the above
document when submitting your permit application and plan set.
55. NO NET LOSS OF CANOPY. To comply with the city’s no net loss of canopy policy (Urban Forest Master
Plan: Goals 6.A, 6.B & 6.C & Comprehensive Plan Natural Environment Chapter: Goal N-2 and others) all
trees 4” DBH and larger are subject to replacement to avoid a loss of canopy at the neighborhood level.
Replacement ratios are determined by table 3-1 in the Tree Technical Manual (Section 3.20.C). New
landscape tree plantings (24” box or larger) count towards the replacement total. Screening trees may
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also count toward the total depending on size and species selected. If unable to plant the required
number of trees on site (our preferred solution) there is the option to pay in-lieu fees of $650 per each
24” box tree into the forestry fund.
56. T-1 SHEET. The final Plans submitted for building permit shall include the T1 Sheet and all additional
TSheets regarding tree protection and mitigation.
PUBLIC WORKS WATERSHED PROTECTION
The following conditions are required to be part of any Planning application approval and shall be addressed
prior to any future related permit application such as a Building Permit, Excavation and Grading Permit,
Certificate of Compliance, Street Work Permit, Encroachment Permit, etc. as further described below.
57. Stormwater treatment measures:
f. All Bay Area Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit requirements shall be followed. Refer to the
Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program C.3 Handbook (download here:
http://scvurppp-w2k.com/c3_handbook.shtml) for details.
58. Stormwater quality protection
g. Temporary and permanent waste, compost and recycling containers shall be covered to prohibit
fly-away trash and having rainwater enter the containers.
h. Drain downspouts to landscaping (outward from building as needed).
i. Drain HVAC fluids from roofs and other areas to landscaping.
j. Offsite downgrade storm drain inlets shall also be identified on this plan set and protected. If
City staff removes protection from an inlet in the ROW during a rain event, the contractor shall
replace the inlet protection by the end of the following business day.
59. PAMC 16.09.165(h) Storm Drain Labeling
k. Storm drain inlets shall be clearly marked with the words "No dumping - Flows to [Creek]," or
equivalent.
WATER-GAS-WASTEWATER UTILITIES
60._____________.
SECTION 8. Term of Approval.
1. Effective Date. The approvals memorialized in this Record of Land Use Action shall be effective
on the same date that the accompanying ordinance, Ordinance _____, rezoning the subject
properties takes effect and construction shall occur in accordance with the development
schedule as indicated in the ordinance. Notwithstanding the above, construction of the project
shall commence within two years or the effective date of the ordinance.
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INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
_________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
___________________________ ___________________________
Director of Planning and Deputy City Attorney
Development Services
PLANS AND DRAWINGS REFERENCED:
1. Those plans prepared by the applicant titled Encina Housing, 70 Encina Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301, consisting
of 56 pages, uploaded to Accela Citizen Access on February 19, 2025, except as modified to incorporate the
conditions of approval in Section 7.
2. The Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program.
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ATTACHMENT D
ZONING COMPARISON TABLE
70 Encina, 24PLN-00095
Table 1: COMPARISON WITH CHAPTER 18.16 (CC DISTRICT)
Mixed Use and Residential Development Standards
Regulation Required CC
Residential Standards Existing Proposed PHZ
Minimum Site Area, width and
depth No Requirement
100.0 feet x 121.19
feet
12,119 sf
100.0 feet x 121.19
feet
12,119 sf
Minimum Front Yard 0 feet N/A 0 feet
Rear Yard 10 feet N/A 0 feet 3 inches
Interior Side Yards No Requirement N/A Varies, 0 feet 7 inches
– 5 feet
Max. Site Coverage 6,059 sf
50%N/A 7,108 sf
58.64%
Min. Landscape/Open Space 3,630 sf
30%
0%, no ground-level
landscaping or
qualifying open space
Min. Useable Open Space 150 sf per unit
1500 sf total N/A
Unit terraces vary 79
sf – 155 sf
952 sf total
Max. Building Height 50 feet N/A 37 feet 3 inches
Residential Density No Requirement N/A 10 units
28 du/acre
Max. Floor Area Ratio (FAR)1.25
15,150 sf N/A
19,035 sf
1.57:1
100% residential
Daylight Plane None N/A N/A
Table 2: CONFORMANCE WITH CHAPTER 18.52 (Off-Street Parking and Loading)
for Office*
Type Required Existing Proposed
Vehicle Parking No parking required
per AB 2097
Approximately 36
uncovered spaces
16 spaces
Bicycle Parking 1 LT space per unit None 1 LT space in each unit
garage
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Project Description
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If you need assistance reviewing the above documents, please contact the Project Planner or call the Planner-on-Duty at
650-617-3117 or email planner@cityofpaloalto.org
Project Plans
In order to reduce paper consumption, a limited number of hard copy project plans are provided to
commissioners for their review. The same plans are available to the public, at all hours of the day, via
the following online resources.
Directions to review Project plans and environmental documents online:
1. Go to: bit.ly/PApendingprojects
2. Scroll down to find “70 Encina” and click the address link
3. On this project-specific webpage you will find a link to the project plans and other important
information
Direct Link to Project Webpage:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Current-
Planning/Projects/70-Encina-Ave
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Planning & Transportation Commission
Staff Report
From: Planning and Development Services Director
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: February 26, 2025
Report #: 2412-3947
TITLE
Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update: Provide Feedback on Draft Proposed
Bicycle Network and Facilities, Pedestrian District Guidelines, and Program and Policy
Recommendations.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) provide feedback on the
draft proposed bicycle network (Attachment A) and facilities (Attachment B), Pedestrian District
Guidelines (Attachment C), and Program and Policy Recommendations (Attachment D).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City has developed a bicycle network over the past 40 years. The 2012 BPTP established the
City’s current network plan, and since then, the City has advanced the plan through specific
project development efforts, Safe Routes to School projects, new initiatives in developing areas,
and emergency projects prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This report outlines the
foundations for the development of the BPTP Update’s recommended bicycle network, an
overview of the recommended network of bicycle facilities and Pedestrian District Guidelines,
and introduces the project prioritization framework and projects list necessary for network
completion.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The City’s existing 2012 BPTP is a critical planning, policy, and implementation document that
supports efforts to improve the safety and attractiveness of walking, biking, and rolling as a
means of transportation and recreation. The intent of the BPTP Update is to seek robust
community feedback; reevaluate implementation progress from previous plans to adjust
recommendations for new policies, facilities, and programs; and to determine appropriate
criteria and metrics to prioritize recommendations and network routes. The BPTP Update will
introduce a revised bicycle network, leverage existing planning foundations, address changes in
context and needs since 2012, and integrate new ideas and innovations. The BPTP Update Draft
Plan is anticipated for fall 2025.
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BACKGROUND
Project Kick-off, Existing Conditions Analysis, and Needs & Concerns
On May 17, 2021, the City Council adopted a resolution supporting the City’s grant application
for the State Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 Funds for the BPTP Update
project. In September 2021, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) approved of
the allocation of Transportation Development Act Article 3 (TDA3) funds to the City of Palo Alto
in the amount of $334,852 for the purposes of updating the 2012 Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan.
On June 19, 2023, the City Council approved a professional services contract with Kittelson &
Associates, Inc. with subconsultant Mobycon, to prepare this BPTP Update.
On November 29, 2023, the PTC received a presentation introducing the project effort, the
schedule and project objectives, the baseline conditions, and met the project team.1
On March 27, 2024, the PTC reviewed and discussed the vision statement, objectives, and
provided feedback on the existing conditions technical analysis.2 The existing conditions
technical analysis included information on the local Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress (LTS), safety
and collisions, major barriers, e-bike and shared micromobility, and a bike parking inventory.3
Additionally, to understand community needs and concerns, the project team hosted a series of
engagement activities in spring 2024, including a bicycle network development workshop, a
community downtown walking tour, a community bike ride, pop-ups at neighborhood events,
and a second series of committee and working group meetings. See the April 29, 2024 City
Council Staff Report for details on the spring 2024 engagement activities.4
Vision Statement & Objectives
The project team revised the project Vision and Objectives based on public, committee,
working group, and City Council feedback, including a PTC meeting on March 27, 2024. While
there was positive sentiment around the content of the initial draft vision statement, many
people expressed an interest in shortening the statement, incorporating an educational
element, and reducing redundancy while emphasizing the intent of the plan to create an “all
ages and abilities” network.
1 Palo Alto Planning and Transportation Commission Meeting November 29, 2023. Study Session: Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP)
Update: Introduction & Overview, Community Engagement, Context & Baseline Conditions, and Next Steps.
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Public/CompiledDocument?meetingTemplateId=12785&compileOutputType=1
2 Palo Alto Planning and Transportation Commission Meeting, March 27, 2024. Study Session: Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update:
Share and confirm the vision statement, goals, and share and get feedback on the existing conditions technical analysis, and share and discuss upcoming
engagement. https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Public/CompiledDocument?meetingTemplateId=13627&compileOutputType=1
3 City of Palo Alto, BPTP Update Existing Conditions Technical Analysis: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Transportation/Bicycling-
Walking/bikepedplan/BPTP-Update-Existing-Conditions-Analysis
4 Palo Alto City Council Special Meeting April 29, 2024. Study Session: Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update: Review and discuss the
vision statement, objectives, performance measures, and share and obtain feedback on the existing conditions technical analysis.
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/api/compilemeetingattachmenthistory/historyattachment/?historyId=fcfab491-1dae-4afd-a309-be952790121e
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The updated vision statement reads: We envision a city where sustainable, safe, efficient,
equitable, and enjoyable transportation thrives. Together, we will create a comfortable and
connected street and trail network that supports walking, biking, and rolling for people of all
ages and abilities. We continue to be a leader in Safe Routes to School and invest more in active
transportation infrastructure, education, and encouragement programs.
The project Objectives outlined include:
•Safe and Inclusive: Prioritizing safety for all transportation network users regardless of
age and ability and ensuring equitable access to pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure
across the community while reducing fatal and severe injury crashes.
•Connected and Accessible: Featuring a convenient and interconnected network of
sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails that provide efficient travel options and easy access to
transit and important destinations, encouraging a shift away from driving and improving
environmental health through lower vehicle miles traveled and greenhouse gas
emissions.
•Community-Led and Cooperative: Fostering community engagement and participation in
promoting active transportation, supported by education, programming, and
infrastructure investments, in a way that cultivates learning for all network users of all
ages.
•Comfortable and Enjoyable: Enhancing the comfort and enjoyment of walking and
cycling through amenities such as shade, greenery, and well-designed streetscapes.
•Integrated and Collaborative: Collaborating with neighboring cities to create a seamless,
integrated, and efficient regional network of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
Performance Measures
Recommended performance measures were developed, shaped around the BPTP Update’s five
Objectives, and informed by a review of the 2012 BPTP and Bicycle Friendly Communities
benchmarking. For each measure, guidance for tracking performance included a detailed
description, reporting period, data needs and sources, methodology, and additional
information to assist with applying the measure in the coming years. Eight performance
measures were recommended by the project team, with another eight identified as potential
performance measures pending City resources. The detailed performance measure matrices are
included in Attachment E: Supplemental Materials: Recommended Performance Measures.
ANALYSIS
The following section presents a brief discussion on the bicycle network development approach
and facility selection.
Bicycle Network Development & Recommended Network
The Bicycle Network was revised using feedback from the community and working groups and
by aligning with existing and planned facilities outlined in other plans. The Draft Network
Corridor Criteria and Development Approach Memo (within Attachment E: Supplemental
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Materials) details the foundations for the development of the updated bicycle network,
including:
•2012 Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan
•2024 Existing Bicycle Facilities Map
•Palo Alto Bicycle Map (2021)
•High Injury Network for Bicyclists
•Bicycle Boulevard Planning (2016)
•Bicycle Network Development Workshops (2024)
•MTC Regional Active Transportation Plan (2023)
•VTA Countywide Bicycle Plan (2018)
•VTA Bicycle Superhighway Implementation Plan (2021)
•Safe Routes to School Plans
•Santa Clara County Active Transportation Plan (2025)
•Palo Alto Housing Element (2024)
The recommended changes to the network also considered the following inputs:
•Community and Agency Feedback
•2024 BPTP Level of Traffic Stress Analysis
•2024 BPTP Origins and Destinations Bicycle Activity Analysis
•2024 BPTP Major Barriers Analysis
•Dutch Network Planning Principles
•Bike/Ped Video Counts
To guide network development, the consultant team applied the following development
approach and Network Corridor Criteria.
Primary Network Development Criteria
These criteria are primary inputs into our network development process. The network is built
on the 2012 BPTP and refined with recent planning efforts conducted since then in Palo Alto
and the region.
Table 1: Proposed Primary Network Development Criteria
Attribute Source Criteria Rationale
2012 Plan
Network
Palo Alto Bicycle +
Pedestrian
Transportation Plan
Map 6-1
Route included in the
2012 plan network
Foundation of the plan update
Existing Bicycle
Facility
2024 Existing
Bicycle Facilities
map
Route exists today as
a formal bicycle
facility
Existing routes have value by
virtue of their presence and
current use
Palo Alto Bicycle
Map
Palo Alto Bicycle
Network Routes
Map
Route included in the
City published user
map
User map published by the City
of Palo Alto, identifying bike
friendly routes today
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High Injury
Network for
Bicyclists
2024 High Injury
Network for
Bicyclists
Route identified as a
high injury network
street in the 2024
BPTP Collision and
Safety Analysis
Route is a potential safety
hazard today, may be enhanced
to become an important or
improved network link
2016 Bike
Boulevard
Improvements
Project
City of Palo Alto
Bike Boulevards
Improvements
Project
Route included in
Bike Boulevard
Improvement Project
Detailed planning of future
bicycle boulevard
implementation offers a more
recent vetting of viable routes
Network
Development
Workshop
2024 Network
Development
Workshop
Outcomes
Route identified on
the 2024 Network
Development
Workshops
Network development
workshops identified key
destinations and potential direct
routes between them
Regional Active
Transportation
Plans
MTC Regional
Active
Transportation
Plan; VTA Bicycle
Superhighway
Implementation
Plan
Route identified as a
part of the regional
Active Transportation
network or Bicycle
Superhighway Plan
Regionally significant connection
between communities
Safe Routes to
School (SRTS)
SRTS system route
maps
Route identified on
the SRTS route
system
Important connection to schools
as a priority destination
This first round of network development identified: (1) a core network where these plans align
and agree; and (2) street segments and routes with less planning consensus.
Secondary Criteria for Network Refinement
Where multiple routes options exist (less planning consensus), secondary criteria were used for
route selection and refinement. The following advantages were used to make those selections:
•Direct routing to community destinations.
•Favorable existing conditions based on the traffic stress conditions identified in the 2024
LTS Analysis.
•Direct alignment with routes in high demand with higher volumes of people moving.
•Routes that overcome barriers identified in the 2024 BPTP Major Barriers Analysis.
The result is an updated network map that shows a low-stress vision for the Palo Alto network,
inclusive of bikeways and bicycle friendly zones to frame policy and influence trade-off
decision-making (Attachment A: Bicycle Network Update Map).
Updated Bicycle Facilities
The BPTP Update proposes a simplified array of facility types designed to improve safety and
embrace innovation. The facilities were selected to meet the goals and objectives of the BPTP
Update. The proposed bicycle facilities fall into three categories: mixed traffic, visually
separated, and physically separated. These three categories reflect the types of facilities and
how they are designed.
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Image 1: Bicycle facilities for the updated bikeway network
The BPTP Update proposes six types of bicycle facilities:
•Class I—Shared Use Path
•Class IIa—Bike Lane
•Class IIb—Buffered Bike Lane
•Class IIIa—Advisory Bike Lane
•Class IIIb—Bicycle Boulevard
•Class IV—Protected Bike Lane
The facility selection memo found in Attachment E: Supplemental Materials: Draft Bicycle
Network and Facilities Memo, provides a detailed overview of each facility type and the criteria
for using it. The facility selection memo also details changes from the 2012 BPTP bicycle
facilities—changes that are needed to facility selection that reflect significant advancements in
bicycle planning and design. These include the removal and changes to bicycle facilities,
including Class III Bike Routes, Sharrows, and Enhanced Bikeway option of floating bicycle lanes
or restricted hours bicycle lanes. Additionally, the bicycle facility selection approach is a
significant departure from 2012 because it embraces arterials with separated facilities,
increases comfort across the board, fills gaps, and completes missing network links. Attachment
E: Supplemental Materials: Bicycle Network Changes since 2012 Map, shows the changes to the
network lines from the 2012 BPTP.
Bicycle Facility Selection
A simplified approach to select the different types of bicycle facilities was chosen for the
updated bikeway network. The approach is informed by the Dutch CROW Design Manual for
Bicycle Traffic,5 the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Bikeway Selection Guide,6 and the
NACTO All Ages & Abilities Bikeways guidance.7 The bicycle facility selection first looked at road
classification (local, collector, and arterial). Then traffic volumes followed by posted speeds
were examined. The consultant team had limited access to traffic data and therefore relied on
network criteria that was used to create the bikeway network, community input, and on-the-
5 CROW. Design Manual for Bicycle Traffic. CROW, 2023. https://www.crow.nl/publicaties/design-manual-for-bicycle-traffic.
6 Federal Highway Administration. Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Guide and Countermeasure Selection System: FHWA-SA-18-077. U.S. Department of
Transportation, 2018. https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/tools_solve/docs/fhwasa18077.pdf.
7 National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO). "Choosing the Age and Ability of Bicycle Facility." NACTO, n.d.,
https://nacto.org/publication/urban-bikeway-design-guide/designing-ages-abilities-new/choosing-ages-abilities-bicycle-facility/.
Visually Separated
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ground knowledge from staff and the in-person working session in April 2024. This approach
was applied to each segment of the bikeway network, and the facilities were selected based on
the approach but also considered in the greater network and whether they met the BPTP
Update goals and objectives. The detailed facility selection approach is presented in
Attachment E: Supplemental Materials: Draft Bicycle Network and Facilities Memo.
Updated Bicycle Network with Facilities Identified
Attachment B, Recommended Bicycle Facility Map, is the map of the recommended bicycle
facilities for the BPTP Update applied to the recommended bikeway network, following the
Bicycle Facility Selection process described above. The map displays existing facility types and
proposes future facilities required to create more comfortable bicycling conditions. This map
helps illustrate the level of change proposed in the plan.
Existing facilities are shown as solid lines, differentiated by facility type. Streets proposed for
new, or upgrade facilities are displayed with dotted lines. Where these proposals upgrade
existing facilities, the lines are overlapping.
Bicycle Project List
A complete list of the projects proposed for the BPTP Update is provided in Attachment E:
Supplemental Materials: Project List. This list was developed through input from the City, in-
person working sessions held in April 2024, and meetings with the consultant team. The
complete list includes details such as the project number, project name, location (including the
extent start and end), project length, existing facilities, proposed bicycle facilities, bikeway
class, and a short project description. The project description provides a brief overview of the
project as well as indicates different elements that should be given attention, such as
intersections or projects that should be implemented alongside. Some larger projects have
been proposed as individual segments to give the City the ability to install projects in a phased
approach. Finally, notes about implementation are also provided including parking
reconfiguration, lane reconfiguration, traffic calming, traffic filtering, wayfinding, civil
construction, and whether the project is a quick-build candidate. In addition to corridor
projects, the project list includes key crossing projects, special projects, and proposals for
future studies.
Project Prioritization
The proposed factors and criteria for prioritizing projects are intended to align with the BPTP
Update objectives and are informed by NCHRP Report 803: ActiveTrans Priority Tool,8 the result
of a national research effort. Two factors (Safety and Connectivity) were identified for project
prioritization, each with evaluation criteria and weights to be used in the process. The safety
factor is weighed 70% and its criteria consider collision history and school routes; the
connectivity factor is weighed 30%, and its criteria consider the current level of stress for
8 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2015. Pedestrian and Bicycle Transportation Along Existing Roads—ActiveTrans Priority
Tool Guidebook. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/22163 .
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bicyclists and proximity to transit. The detailed draft prioritization framework is included in
Attachment E: Supplemental Materials: Draft Prioritization Framework.
Pedestrian District Guidelines
The Pedestrian District Guidelines provide a toolbox of treatments to enhance pedestrian safety
and the overall walking experience in the city. These guidelines build on previous plans,
incorporating new ideas and addressing changes since 2012. The toolbox includes infrastructure
improvements like raised crossings and curb extensions, alongside aesthetic enhancements
such as benches and street art, promoting safety, accessibility, and comfort. Priority pedestrian
districts and neighborhood commercial centers were identified citywide as informed by the
City’s 2023 Economic Development Strategic Plan, with area maps detailing the recommended
application of these treatments to create inviting and enjoyable walking environments. These
include University Avenue District, California Avenue District, Midtown District, and the
Embarcadero and El Camino Real neighborhood commercial centers. The Pedestrian District
Guidelines are presented in Attachment C: Pedestrian District Guidelines.
Programs, Policies, and Best Practices
The programs and policies from the 2012 BPTP were revised to align with the updated Vision
and Objectives. These updates also incorporate new programs and policies based on state-of-
the-art advancements from the Bicycle Friendly Communities benchmarking and research on
best practices to complement the BPTP Update’s projects. Overall, 60 programs, polices, and
best practices have been drafted, categorized by the BPTP Update’s five objectives. The
detailed program, policy, and best practice matrix is included in Attachment D: Policy &
Program Recommendations.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
The BPTP Update project cost is $333,945, including a 10% contingency. The City is eligible to
cover project expenditures under MTC’s TDA Article 3 program and has requested an allocation
of up to $334,852 for the effort. City staff anticipates that all eligible costs incurred will be
reimbursed through the TDA Article 3 payment reimbursement process. These funds are
included in the FY 2025 Adopted Capital Budget in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation
Plan Implementation Project (PL-04010).
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Phase 2 Engagement Activities
Engagement activities associated with Phase 2 Needs and Concerns occurred in spring 2024 and
included a series of committee and working group meetings and a week-long series of events
and workshops that included a bicycle network development workshop, a community walking
tour, and a community cycle tour. Activities were promoted on the City’s website, social media
channels, transportation mailing list, Uplift Local newsletter, and at the Committee and
Working Group meetings. Themes heard during these outreach efforts included celebration of
the best local bike routes; identification of infrastructure gaps; need for creating pedestrian
friendly zones; and need for enhanced safety and comfort on specific streets. The summary of
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the key insights gathered from these Phase 2 engagement activities are presented in
Attachment E: Supplemental Materials: Community Engagement Summary-Phase 2 Needs and
Concerns (Draft).
Overall, the feedback received reflects a comprehensive discussion on various aspects of
transportation planning in Palo Alto, ranging from safety concerns to the identification of key
destinations and routes for commuters and recreational users. This Phase 2 feedback informed
the development of the updated bike network and were a primary input to the project
recommendations identified in the BPTP Update.
Below are the key themes summarized from the walking tour held on April 17, 2024, in
partnership with Avenidas:
•Maintenance at Palo Alto Caltrain Station & Transit Center and sidewalk upheavals
•Increased wayfinding at Palo Alto Caltrain Station and along University Ave that is clear
and consistent
•Providing continuous sidewalks at the Alma Interchange and along University Ave
•Extending the main street feel beyond University Ave to the surrounding streets
•Interest in implementing more car-free streets
•Enhancing alleyways near Ramona Street and Lytton Plaza
Below are the key themes summarized from the cycling tour held on April 18, 2024, in
collaboration with Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition:
•Upgrades to existing infrastructure can make a large difference
•Transition from arterial road to residential street can be often sudden and unclear –
opportunity for continuous sidewalks
•Connector bike paths are done really well and are integral part of the bike network
•Clarity on bicycle boulevards needed
•Interest in seeing more protected bicycle lanes
Phase 3 Community Engagement Activities
The current phase, Phase 3 (Present recommended Network, Facilities, Programs & Policies)
engagement activities are planned to include a third series of committee and working group
meetings, online & street-level engagement, and a community meeting.
•Project website and interactive map. The project website can be accessed at:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/bikepedplan. The website will continue to be updated
with relevant material and information. An interactive map will be hosted on the
website where the community can provide the feedback on the proposed bicycle
network and projects.
•Committee and Working Group Meetings. The project team will engage the following
committees and working groups at during Phase 3:
o Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee (PABAC) (February 4, 2025)
o Parks and Recreation Commission (February 25, 2025)
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o Planning and Transportation Commission (February 26, 2025)
o City/School TSRs focus group: February and March 2025
o City Council (TBD)
o Internal Staff Working Group (March 2025)
•Community Meeting. The project team will host a joint community meeting with the
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity project in March 2025.
•Street Level Engagement: The project team will lead and participate in street level
engagement activities during Phase 3, such as tabling at local Farmer’s Markets.
Next Steps
Following public, committee, commission, working group, and City Council review and input on
the proposed draft bicycle network and facilities, Pedestrian District Guidelines, Program and
Policy Recommendations, and the project prioritization framework, the project team will assess
the feedback received and identify the network and priority projects, programs, and policies to
advance into the Draft BPTP Update Plan. The Draft Plan is anticipated for fall 2025.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
California Senate Bill 922 (2022), codified as Public Resources Code section 21080.20, exempts
active transportation plans, such as bicycle transportation plans like the BPTP Update from
environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Bicycle Network Update Map
Attachment B: Recommended Bicycle Facility Map
Attachment C: Pedestrian District Guidelines
Attachment D: Policy & Program Recommendations
Attachment E: Supplemental Materials:
Recommended Performance Measures
Draft Network Corridor Criteria and Development Approach Memo
Draft Bicycle Network and Facilities Memo
Bicycle Network Change since 2012 Map
Project List
Draft Prioritization Framework
Community Engagement Summary – Phase 2 Needs and Concern (Draft)
Pedestrian Improvements Toolbox
Bicycle Facility Types Visual
AUTHOR/TITLE:
Ozzy Arce, Senior Transportation Planner
Item 4
Staff Report
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Bicycle Network
Bicycle District
City of Palo Alto
Park/Open Space
School/University
Commercial Center
Community Center
Library
Caltrain Stop
Railroad
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC
0 1 2
Miles
Bicycle Network Update
02/10/2025
Item 4
Attachment A: Bicycle
Network Update Map
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F
Proposed Existing
Class I - Shared Use Path; Trail
Class IIa - Bike Lane
Class IIb - Buffered Bike Lane
Class IIIa - Bike Route
Class IIIb - Bike Boulevard
Class IV - Separated Bikeway
City of Palo Alto
Park/Open Space
School/University
Commercial Center
Railroad
Caltrain Stop
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC
0 1 2
Miles
Recommended Bicycle Facility Map
02/10/2025
Item 4
Attachment B:
Recommended Bicycle
Facility Map
Packet Pg. 116
DRAFT
February 5, 2025
The Palo Alto Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update (BPTP) will include Pedestrian
District Guidelines to help Palo Alto meet its vision of being a “city where sustainable, safe,
efficient, equitable, and enjoyable transportation thrives1”. This memo presents a toolbox of
potential pedestrian-oriented treatments for use and identifies priority pedestrian areas within the
City. These guidelines build upon existing foundational planning, bring in new ideas and
innovations, and address changes and developments since the prior plan was adopted in 2012.
The pedestrian toolbox includes a range of selected treatments aimed at improving pedestrian
safety and enhancing the pedestrian experience. The elements range from infrastructure
improvements such as raised crossings or curb extensions that improve yielding rates to aesthetic
changes such as benches or street art that can elevate the walking experience. Together these
elements will meet universal needs for safety and accessibility, and create conditions where
walking is comfortable and an enjoyable experience for all.
The plan identifies important pedestrian districts across the city as priority areas to apply these
toolbox treatments. For each pedestrian district, an area map identifies recommended application
of selected toolbox elements.
1 Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update: Vision, Objectives, and Performance Measures. Sept 2024.
To: Amanda Leahy, Kittelson & Associates
From: Nick Falbo, Mobycon
CC: Anna Wyner, Mobycon
RE: Draft Pedestrian District Guidelines for the Palo Alto Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 4
Attachment C: Pedestrian
District Guidelines
Packet Pg. 117
DRAFT
1. PEDESTRIAN TOOLBOX
Implementing pedestrian-oriented enhancements directly supports the Plan’s vision of a city that is
Safe and Inclusive, Connected and Accessible, and Comfortable and Enjoyable. The pedestrian
toolbox for Palo Alto features selected treatments grouped into categories: Enhanced Crossings,
Street Reconfiguration, Aesthetic and Functional Elements, Activation and Engagement, Signal
Adjustments, and Major Intersection Treatments. The toolbox is color-coded for reference
throughout this document.
Enhanced Crossings
1. Raised Crossings
2. Mid-block Crossings
3. Raised Intersections
4. Curb Extensions
Street Reconfiguration
5. Wider Sidewalks
6. Shared Streets
7. Gateway Treatments
8. Reduced Curb Radii
9. Bike Parking Corrals
10. On-street Parking Flex Zones
Aesthetic and Functional Elements
11. Rising Bollards
12. Pedestrian Lighting
13. Treewells in the Street
14. Decorative Pavers
15. Wayfinding
Activation and Engagement
16. Street Art or Murals
17. Alleyway Activation
18. Shade Sails
19. Street Furniture
Signal Adjustments
20. Pedestrian Crossing Signals
21. Leading Pedestrian Intervals
22. Increased Walk Time
23. Reduced Signal Cycle Length
24. Fixed Signal Timing and Automatic Recall
25. Pedestrian Countdown Signals
Major Intersection Treatments
26. Pedestrian Refuge Island/Median Island
27. Protected Intersection
Error! Reference source not found. below describes each pedestrian toolbox enhancement,
including their identification number, name, a brief explanation with associated advantages and
disadvantages, recommended locations, example photos, and implementation costs. Project costs
are categorized by their level of investment intensity:
Item 4
Attachment C: Pedestrian
District Guidelines
Packet Pg. 118
DRAFT
$ = Suitable for quick build programs
$$ = May be retrofit with minor capital investment
$$$ = Requires major capital investment and reconstruction
Enhancement Description Photo
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1. Raised
Crossings
Raised crossings are pedestrian crossings
elevated to the level of the sidewalk,
slowing down traffic and making crossings
safer.
Advantages: Increase pedestrian visibility,
slow vehicle speeds, and encourage
vehicles to yield to a crossing pedestrian
Disadvantages: High cost, may need to
remove parking and move drainage
Raised Crossing in Palo Alto
Recommended Location: Along a collector
street or mid-block crossings
Cost of Implementation: $$
2. Mid-block
Crossings
Mid-block crossings provide pedestrian
crossing points between intersections,
reducing the need to walk long distances
to cross streets.
Advantages: Facilitates crossings to places
that people want to go
Disadvantages: Vehicles may not
anticipate mid-block crossings
Mid-block crossing on California Avenue (Palo Alto)
Recommended Location: Significant
pedestrian desire lines or key access
points
Cost of Implementation: $-$$
3. Raised
Intersections
Raised intersections elevate the entire
intersection to the level of the sidewalk,
slowing down vehicles and making
crossings safer for pedestrians.
Advantages: Reduce vehicle speeds,
encourage traffic flow, flush crossing
increases accessibility
Disadvantages: Could lead to confusion
for new users
Raised intersection in Palo Alto
Recommended Location: Minor
intersectons between local streets
Cost of Implementation: $$$
Item 4
Attachment C: Pedestrian
District Guidelines
Packet Pg. 119
DRAFT
4. Curb
Extensions
Curb extensions, or bulb-outs, extend the
sidewalk into the street at intersections or
mid-block crossings, reducing crossing
distances and improving pedestrian
visibility.
Advantages: Decreases width of roadway,
tightens intersection curb radii and
encourage slower turning speeds, increase
visibility of pedestrians, reduces crossing
distances
Disadvantages: May require moving fire
hydrant or drainage, increasing cost
Curb Extensions in Palo Alto (Mobycon, 2024)
Recommended Location:
Mid-block or at intersections with wide
roads and long crossing distances
Cost of Implementation: $ - $$
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5. Wider
Sidewalks
Wide sidewalks provide more space for
pedestrians, reducing congestion and
allowing for additional amenities such as
seating, greenery, and street vendors.
Advantages: Supports street life activities
and pedestrian density
Disadvantages: N/A
Wide sidewalk on Univeristy Avenue in Palo Alto
(Mobycon, 2024)
Recommended Location: Sidewalks with
significant pedestrian demand and active
store fronts.
Cost of Implementation: $$$
6. Shared
Streets
Shared streets are designed to prioritize
pedestrians and cyclists over motor
vehicles. These streets often feature
minimal signage and barriers, encouraging
a slow and cautious driving environment.
Advantages: Slows motor vehicle traffic
and opens roadway space for use by
community and businesses.
Disadvantages: Generally requires
significant capital investment to transform
surface materials and curb drainage to
communicate the change of use.
Shared Street At the Rinconada Library in Palo Alto
Item 4
Attachment C: Pedestrian
District Guidelines
Packet Pg. 120
DRAFT
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Recommended Location: Local streets
with active store fronts, retail or
restaurants
Cost of Implementation: $$$
7. Gateway
Treatments
Gateway treatments are visual or physical
enhancements at the entrances of
neighborhoods or districts. They often
include signage and greenery to create a
sense of place and slow down traffic.
Advantages: May double as traffic
calming.
Disadvantages: N/A
Gateway signage at California Ave. & El Camino
Real (Palo Alto)
Recommended Location: On local or
collector streets at thresholds to
pedestrian districts.
Cost of Implementation: $-$$
8. Reduced
Curb Radii
Reduced curb radii at the corners of an
intersection create a more compact
intersection, slow vehicle speeds, and
shorten crossing distances for pedestrians.
Advantages: Allows for better pedestrian
ramp alignment, shortens crossing
distances
Disadvantages: May make it harder for
larger vehicles to turn
Reduced Curb Radii at Ross Rd. & Clara Dr. (Palo
Alto)
Recommended Location: Arterial and
collector intersections with large curb radii
Cost of Implementation: $$
9. Bike Parking
Corrals
These designated areas provide organized
parking for bicycles, e-scooters, and other
micromobility devices, helping to keep
sidewalks clear and organized. These can
be used for both personal and shared
micromobility systems.
Advantages: Consolidates parking in one
area for security and organization
Disadvantages: Must be well placed to
encourage use.
Bike parking rack in Palo Alto (Mobycon, 2024)
Item 4
Attachment C: Pedestrian
District Guidelines
Packet Pg. 121
DRAFT
Recommended Location: Downtown or
commercial areas
Cost of Implementation: $ - $$
10. On-street
Parking Flex
Zones
These zones allow for flexible use of curb
space, accommodating various needs such
as vehicle parking, loading, outdoor dining,
or parklets depending on the time of day
and local needs.
Advantages: Enhances the curb zone use
in response to community needs.
Disadvantages: Requires program
management/permitting and coordination
On-street parking flex zone on Hamilton Ave. (Palo
Alto)
Recommended Location: Cost of Implementation: $
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11. Rising
Bollards
Rising bollards are retractable barriers that
can be used to control vehicle access to
certain areas, enhancing pedestrian safety
and allowing for flexible use of urban
spaces.
Advantages: Limit traffic during times of
day
Disadvantages: Requires new approaches
to coordinating access management and
operations
Rising bollards on Stanford Campus
Recommended Location: Cost of Implementation: $$-$$$
12. Pedestrian
Lighting
Pedestrian lighting improves visibility and
safety for people walking, especially at
night. It often includes streetlights and
pathway lights designed to illuminate
sidewalks and crossings.
Advantages: Increased lighting improves
feelings of personal safety and reduces
crashes at conflict points.
Disadvantages: Lighting should be dark
sky compliant to minimize impacts on light
pollution.
Pedestrian lighting (Palo Alto)
Recommended Location: Arterial and
collector streets.
Cost of Implementation: $$
Item 4
Attachment C: Pedestrian
District Guidelines
Packet Pg. 122
DRAFT
13. Treewells in
the Street
Treewells are planted areas around street
trees, often integrated into parking lanes.
They provide greenery and shade, as well
as act as traffic calming elements by
narrowing the street when parking lanes
are empty.
Advantages: Adds greenery to street and
creates parking bays so that the street
remains narrow even when the parking is
empty
Disadvantages: May limit future roadway
reconfiguration. Trees require routine
maintenance.
Treewells on University Avenue in Palo Alto
(Mobycon, 2024)
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Recommended Location: In streets with
few trees and skinny sidewalks
Cost of Implementation: $$
14. Decorative
Pavers
Decorative pavers are aesthetically
pleasing paving materials used in
sidewalks, plazas, and streetscapes. They
enhance the visual appeal and be subtle
differences between uses.
Advantages: Is attractive and can have
traffic calming effects
Disadvantages: Requires maintenance if
tree roots grow and uproot bricks, is not a
smooth surface and decreases accessibility
Decorative Pavers on California Avenue in Palo Alto
(Mobycon, 2024)
Recommended Location: main streets or
commercial areas on local or collector
streets
Cost of Implementation: $$
15. Wayfinding Wayfinding involves the use of signs,
maps, and other visual cues to help people
navigate through an area. Effective
wayfinding systems improve accessibility
and user experience.
Advantages: Eases navigation and reduces
confusion, encourages users to visit new
places by walking
Disadvantages: Requires maintenance for
accuracy and can be costly to install
Temporary Wayfinding Signs in Palo Alto (Mobycon,
2024)
Recommended Location: high-traffic
areas, city centres, transit hubs
Cost of Implementation: $-$$
Item 4
Attachment C: Pedestrian
District Guidelines
Packet Pg. 123
DRAFT
16. Street Art or
Murals
Street art or Murals are large-scale
artworks painted on buildings or walls.
They enhance the visual appeal of an area,
making them more vibrant and engaging
for residents and visitors.
Advantages: Enhances public spaces,
supports local artists
Disadvantages: Requires maintenance to
remain in good condition Wall Mural in Palo Alto (Mobycon, 2024)
Recommended Location: Blank walls on
the sides of buildings or parking garages,
alleys
Cost of Implementation: $
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17. Street
Furniture
Street furniture includes benches, trash
bins, water fountains, and other amenities
that enhance the comfort and usability of
public spaces for pedestrians. They are
often strategically placed in parks, along
streets, and in plazas.
Advantages: Welcomes community into
street spaces creating a lively
environment.
Disadvantages: Requires ongoing
maintenance.
Adirondack Chairs for Public Seating in Palo Alto
(Mobycon, 2024)
Recommended Location: Along main
streets, Shared streets and street plazas.
Cost of Implementation: $-$$
18. Alleyway
Activation
Alleyway activation involves transforming
underused alleys into vibrant public
spaces. This can include adding lighting,
seating, art, and greenery to make alleys
safer and more inviting.
Advantages: Revitalizes underused spaces,
Disadvantages: Requires many elements
to become inviting, lighting increase costs
Alleyway activation (Palo Alto)
Recommended Location: Alleys in
business districts that connect streets or
to parking
Cost of Implementation: $-$$
Item 4
Attachment C: Pedestrian
District Guidelines
Packet Pg. 124
DRAFT
19. Shade Sails Shade sails are fabric structures that
provide shade and reduce heat in public
spaces. They can also be artistic and
enhance the visual appearance of an area.
Advantages: Can be attractive and provide
cooling effects
Disadvantages: Cost of materials and
maintenance Shade Sails in Spain (Deposit Photos, 2024)
Recommended Location: Shared streets
or pedestrian street plazas.
Cost of Implementation: $$
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20. Pedestrian
Crossing
Signals
Pedestrian crossing signals are traffic lights
specifically designed to assist pedestrians in
safely crossing streets. These signals often
include countdown timers and audible cues
for visually impaired individuals.
Advantages: Provides essential safety
information for pedestrians.
Disadvantages: N/A
Recommended Location: Signalized
intersections
Cost of Implementation: $-$$
21. Leading
Pedestrian
Intervals
Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) give
pedestrians 3-7 second head start when
crossing an intersection after which both
through and turning traffic are given a
green light.
Advantages: Reduce pedestrian-vehicle
collisions, increase visibility of pedestrians,
gives pedestrians priority in intersection
Disadvantages: Can require adjustments to
exiting signal timing
Leading pedestrian interval (Palo Alto)
Recommended Location: Intersection with
high pedestrian volumes and heavy turning
traffic
Cost of Implementation: $
Item 4
Attachment C: Pedestrian
District Guidelines
Packet Pg. 125
DRAFT
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22. Increased
Walk Time
Increased walk timing provides additional
time for pedestrians to cross streets.
Advantages: Increases functionality and
comfort at intersections for slower
pedestrians
Disadvantages: May increase traffic delay
Increased walk time in San Francisco
Recommended Location: Locations where
elderly pedestrians or children may be
present.
Cost of Implementation: $
23. Reduced
Signal Cycle
Length
Reduced signal cycle lengths rotate through
signal phases quickly, to serve more
movements in less time.
Advantages: short signal lengths minimize
pedestrian delay at signalized intersections
increasing pedestrian compliance and
convenience.
Disadvantages: May increase traffic delay
at intersections Reduced signal cycle intersection in downtown Los
Angeles (NACTO)
Recommended Location: Signalized
intersections in pedestrian districts
Cost of Implementation: $
24. Fixed Signal
Timing and
Automatic
Recall
Pedestrian signals may be automatically
called with fixed signal timing, increasing
convenience for pedestrians.
Advantages: Fixed timing and automatic
recall of pedestrian signals increases
convenience for pedestrians.
Disadvantages: Fixed timing and automatic
recall of pedestrian signals may increase
traffic delay.
Actuated signal (NACTO)
Recommended Location: At signalized
intersections with high levels of pedestrian
activity
Cost of Implementation: $
Item 4
Attachment C: Pedestrian
District Guidelines
Packet Pg. 126
DRAFT
28. 25. Pedestrian
Countdown
Signals
Pedestrian countdown signals tell users
how much time is left to cross an
intersection, creating a more predictable
environment for pedestrians.
Advantages: Predictable environment and
gives people warning before crossing ends
Disadvantages: Not everyone walks at the
same speed and crossing times may be too
short for some Pedestrian signal (Palo Alto)
Recommended location: Existing or new
pedestrian signal
Cost of Implementation: $
Ma
j
o
r
I
n
t
e
r
s
e
c
t
i
o
n
T
r
e
a
t
m
e
n
t
s
26. Pedestrian
Refuge
Island/
Median Island
A median island is a designated space in
the middle of an intersection for
pedestrians to pause and wait while
crossing the intersection.
Advantages: Shortens crossing distances
and time and reduces pedestrians exposure
in the intersection
Disadvantages: Requires adequate
roadway space, may limit space for turn
lanes.
Pedestrian refuge island at El Camino Real &
Stanford (Palo Alto)
Recommended Location: Collector and
arterial streets
Cost of Implementation: $ - $$
27. Protected
Intersection
Protected intersections create safer spaces
for cyclists and pedestrians at intersections
by physically separating them from vehicle
traffic.
Advantages: Enhances safety and comfort
for pedestrians
Disadvantages: May require more space
and increased cost in construction Protected intersection in Palo Alto
Recommended Location: Major
intersections with arterials and collectors
Cost of Implementation: $$$
Table 1: Pedestrian Toolbox Treatments
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2. PEDESTRIAN DISTRICTS
Priority pedestrian areas are key to creating a walkable, accessible, and enjoyable city. They offer
areas where walking is prioritized to allow people of all ages and abilities to get around without
competing with vehicles. Within these areas, slower movement is encouraged and opportunities
are provided for people to pause and enjoy their surroundings. Walking should be the preferred
mode of choice for all trips within these areas with sidewalks that support high volumes of
pedestrian activity through building a well-connected pedestrian network.
Based on prior planning efforts, including the 2030 Comprehensive Plan2, and the Palo Alto
Economic Development Strategies Plan3, as well as community input and on the ground knowledge
from the in-person working session held in April 2024, the following three pedestrian districts and
two priority areas are focus areas for pedestrian recommendations (Figure 1).
• University Avenue Pedestrian District
• California Avenue Pedestrian District
• Midtown Pedestrian District
• El Camino Real Neighborhood Commercial Center
• Embarcadero Neighborhood Commercial Center
The following sections describe the areas and present recommendations for the application of
toolbox treatments and identify special projects for implementation.
Figure 1: Pedestrian Districts and Neighborhood Commercial Centers in Palo Alto
2 City of Palo 2030 Alto Comprehensive Plan. https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-
Services/Housing-Policies-Projects/2030-Comprehensive-Plan
3 Palo Alto Economic Development Strategies. https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/city-
manager/advance-draft-streetsense-comprehensive-economic-development-strategy.pdf
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2.1 University Avenue Pedestrian District
The City of Palo Alto was originally centered around University Avenue and quickly grew south and
east to what it is today. Since then, the area surrounding University Avenue has served as an
important regional and commercial center for the city of Palo Alto. For many, University Avenue is
the first thing people experience and remember when they visit Palo Alto. This importance has
been reflected in recent planning efforts such as the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, which identified
the area as a ‘Regional Center,’ and the Palo Alto Economic Development Strategies Plan, which
recognized the area as a ‘Regional/Super-regional Center.’
The map below shows the boundaries of the University Avenue Pedestrian District with the
locations of the special projects and proposed locations for the toolbox elements to be
implemented which will be elaborated in the following sections.
Figure 2: Map of University Avenue Pedestrian District
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2.1.1 University Avenue Application of Pedestrian Toolbox
Key toolbox elements recommended in the University Avenue Pedestrian District are listed below
with recommended priority installation locations. These changes will reinforce the district’s distinct
character and improve the walking experience for everyone:
Mid-block Raised Crossings to prioritize pedestrians at mid-block locations
• Across Hamilton Avenue connecting City Hall to the Centennial Walk alleyways
• Updated the existing mid-block crossing at Forest Avenue connecting City Hall to the
Downtown Library
Bike Parking Corrals to organize bicycle and micromobility parking for visitors to the district at key
destinations such as transit locations
• Caltrain Parking lot at Alma Street
• Palo Alto Transit Center
• Lytton Plaza
Wayfinding to welcome and orient community to the district and destinations
• Anchor wayfinding map at the entrance of University Avenue & Alma Street
• Anchor wayfinding map at the Homer Tunnel
• Additional wayfinding signs in the vicinity to encourage walking in from different parts of
the district area
• Beginning January 2025, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) will begin a
pilot of its Regional Mapping & Wayfinding Project. The project seeks to simplify transit
travel by introducing consistent signage and maps throughout the region. MTC selected the
Palo Alto Transit Center as a pilot location (Image 1). Coordination with the city and MTC
should also include the provision of a neighborhood pedestrian map at the transit stop,
illustrating connections to nearby transit facilities, points of interest within walking distance,
and other Pedestrian Districts.
Image 1: Pilot wayfinding signage for MTC’s new regional wayfinding effort (MTC.ca.gov)
2.1.2 University Avenue Pedestrian District Special Project List
In addition to the application of standard pedestrian toolbox elements, five special projects
respond to the specific context of the University Avenue Pedestrian District support the goal of
creating safer and more enjoyable places for people to walk.
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Project ID Project Name Description Pedestrian Toolbox
Elements4
Univ_A Raised Side Street
Crossings along
University Avenue
As part of the University
Avenue Streetscape Project,
consider implementing
continuous crossings along
University Avenue to slow cars
down and create a continuous
walking experience for people
walking or rolling the street.
Raised Crossings (#1)
Univ_B Pedestrianized Ramona
Street
Transform the successful
temporary car-free Ramona
Street into a world-class
permanent pedestrian only
street. Upgrade the eastern
part of Ramona Street from
after the public parking garage
between University Avenue
and Hamilton Avenue.
Pedestrian toolbox elements
include rising bollards, to allow
for deliveries or emergency
access, and aesthetic elements
such as pedestrian lighting,
street furniture, decorative
pavers, street art or shade sails
to create a welcoming and
inviting place.
Rising Bollards (#11)
Pedestrian Lighting (#12)
Street Furniture (#17)
Decorative Pavers (#14)
Street Art or Murals (#16)
Shade Sails (#19)
Univ_C Alleyway Activation Transform University Avenue
district alleyways in the district
to revitalize spaces and create
new spaces for people to walk,
sit, eat, play, and more.
Implement pedestrian toolbox
elements such as pedestrian
lighting, street art, and street
furniture to create inviting and
safe places for people to use
and enjoy. Raised midblock
crossings should be used to
connect these alleyways into a
network.
Street Furniture (#17)
Pedestrian Lighting (#12)
Street Art or Murals (#16)
Alleyway Activation (#18)
Univ_D University Ave and Alma
Interchange
Reconfiguration
Reorganize the University
Avenue and the Circle
intersection to improve the
pedestrian experience arriving
from the Caltrain station to
Wider Sidewalks (#5)
Gateway Treatments (#7)
Wayfinding (#15)
4 See Section 2 for further details
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University Avenue. Implement
pedestrian toolbox elements
such as continuous sidewalks
and a gateway treatment to
slow cars down entering and
exiting University Avenue and
to create a safer walking
experience. Widen sidewalks to
provide space for large
numbers of pedestrians and
implement wayfinding signage
for people walking, cycling, and
driving to share with residents,
commuters, and visitors’
locations within and around
Palo Alto.
Univ_E Palo Alto Transit Center/
University Avenue
Undercrossings
Widen and improve the
existing sidewalk
undercrossings along University
Avenue at the Palo Alto Transit
Center. This project will
improve bicycle and pedestrian
access to transit and between
downtown Palo Alto and
Stanford University's main
entrance, and should include
lighting, wayfinding and public
art enhancements.
N/A
Table 2: Proposed Special Projects for the University Avenue Pedestrian District
2.1.3 Coordination with University Avenue Streetscape Project
As part of the University Avenue Streetscape Project, concept plans for a portion of University
Avenue have been developed and align with special project Univ_A (Image 2). One proposed
pedestrian improvement, wayfinding (section 2.1.1) is in line with a planned gateway at High Street
and University Ave (Image 3).
The community’s priorities for University Avenue include improving the pedestrian experience,
providing more bike parking, enhancing landscaping, revitalizing Lytton Plaza, and adding murals.
The concepts outlined in the University Avenue Pedestrian Toolbox and Special Projects list reflect
these priorities. The recommendations in sections 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 are intended to inform future
design and planning for the proposed University Avenue Pedestrian District, building upon the
work already completed with stakeholders and community members from the Streetscape Project.
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Image 2 Scope of Proposed Streetscape Concept. (City of Palo Alto Working Group Presentation, 11/13/24).
Image 3. Proposed Streetscape Concept for University Ave. (City of Palo Alto Working Group Presentation, 11/13/24).
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2.2 California Avenue Pedestrian District
The California Avenue Pedestrian District is a pedestrian activity center with compact blocks, back
alleys and ground floor commercial uses. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a portion of
California Avenue was closed to traffic to create room for expanded outdoor space and physical
distancing. This traffic closure has been extended through 2025, and permanent enhancements are
under development as part of the California Avenue Streetscape Project. Additional planning
efforts recognize the importance of this pedestrian district. The 2030 Comprehensive Plan
identifies the area as a “Multi-Neighborhood Center,” and is featured highly in the Palo Alto
Economic Development Strategies plan as a “Community-Serving Center.”
Figure 3: Map of California Avenue Pedestrian District
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2.2.1 California Avenue Application of Pedestrian Toolbox
Key toolbox elements recommended in the California Avenue Pedestrian District are listed below
with recommended priority installation locations:
On-Street Parking Flex Zones to encourage community placemaking but should be implemented in
coordination with local businesses
• Park Boulevard
Treewells in the street to add greenery to sidewalks lacking trees.
• Park Boulevard
• Ash Street
• Birch Street
Wayfinding to welcome and orient community to the district and destinations
• Anchor wayfinding map at the entrance of California Avenue & El Camino Real
• Anchor wayfinding map at Caltrain station. Coordinate with MTC to integrate California
Avenue Pedestrian District into the regional wayfinding signage at transit locations as part
of the MTC Regional Mapping and Wayfinding Project. For additional details, refer to
section 2.1.1.
• Smaller wayfinding signs in the vicinity to encourage walking in from different parts of the
district area
Street Art to add to beautification and community sense of place
• California Avenue & Birch Street Intersection
• Ash Street approaching California Avenue
2.2.2 California Avenue Pedestrian District Special Project List
In addition to the proposed locations for implementing the pedestrian toolbox elements, four
special projects are proposed. These projects will support the California Avenue District in
becoming a community center for the surrounding neighborhoods where everyone can walk safely,
comfortably, and enjoyably in the district.
Project
ID
Project Name Description Pedestrian Toolbox
Elements5
Cal_A California Avenue
Car-Free Street
Create a permanent pedestrianized
California Avenue from El Camino Real
to Birch Street. Create a
pedestrianized street using toolbox
elements such as rising bollards to
allow access to deliveries and
emergency vehicles, street furniture
to provide places for people to sit and
Shared Streets (#6)
Rising Bollards (#11)_
Pedestrian Lighting (#12)
Street Furniture (#17)
Decorative Pavers (#14)
Wayfinding (#15)
Street Art (#16)
Shade Sails (#19)
5 See Section 2 for further details
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rest, or wayfinding to direct people to
local businesses and transit options.
Cal_B Raised
Intersections
around California
Avenue District
Implemented raised intersections on
side streets around California Avenue
to create a sense of a pedestrian
district, indicating to vehicles that they
are entering a space where
pedestrians are the priority and they
need to change their behavior by
slowing down.
Raised Intersections (#3)
Curb Extensions (#4)
Cal_C Ash Street Green
Street to Sarah
Wallis Park
Connect California Avenue to the
Sarah Wallis Park via Ash Street.
Extend the park onto Ash Street by
creating a more open and welcoming
space for pedestrians through
continuous and wider sidewalks. Plant
large treewells and planting areas in
the street to increase greenery and
narrow and limit access on the street
for cars to slow them down.
Wider Sidewalks (#5)
Wayfinding (#15)
Treewells in the street (#13)
Cal_D California Avenue
Tunnel
Enhancements
Install special lighting/light up signage
that signals cyclists that a pedestrian is
in the tunnel. This would tell them to
dismount. This would help PAPD
enforce the current rules.
Pedestrian Lighting (#12)
Table 3: Proposed Special Projects for the California Avenue Pedestrian District
2.2.3 Coordination with Car-Free California Avenue
A permanent car-free California Avenue is underway, with key priorities highlighted by community
members including integrating bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, as well as adding trees and
shade to enhance comfort and aesthetics. Some toolbox elements above, such as district
wayfinding (see Image 4), have already been considered. Starting in February 2025, immediate
improvements will include the installations of bollards, street resurfacing, stamped concrete
crosswalks at several intersections, and other aesthetic upgrades. The California Avenue pedestrian
toolbox (section 2.2.1) and special projects listed in Table 3 are proposed as long-term
enhancements to be developed in collaboration with stakeholders and the Car-Free California
Avenue project team.
Image 4: “Cal Ave” Signage Program underway. Source: City Council Staff Report from February 3, 2025
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2.3 Midtown Pedestrian District
Originally developed in the 1950s, the Midtown shopping area is traditionally car-centric but since
then, Midtown has experienced substantial growth and continues to serve as a vital hub in the
neighborhood. Recent planning initiatives, such as the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and Palo Alto
Economic Development Strategies, have acknowledged its significance, identifying Midtown as a
“Neighborhood Center” or “Neighborhood-Serving.” It is now being emphasized as a pedestrian
district to ensure that residents can safely walk to access amenities, and that future growth
develops in a more walkable manner.
Figure 4: Map of Midtown Pedestrian District
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2.3.1 Midtown Application of Pedestrian Toolbox
Key pedestrian toolbox elements recommended in Midtown are listed below with recommended
priority installation locations:
Gateway Treatments to boldly signal the transition into a more pedestrian-oriented area
• On Middlefield, at Moreno Avenue to the west, and the Matadero Canal to the east
Bike Parking Corrals to welcome bicyclists with high quality parking areas
• At the entrance of Bryson Avenue & Middlefield Rd
Street Furniture to create a more welcoming pedestrian environment.
• On Middlefield Rd within the sidewalk furnishing zone
Wayfinding to welcome community to the district and destinations
• Anchor wayfinding map at the entrance of Bryson Avenue & Middlefield Road
• Smaller wayfinding signs in the vicinity to encourage walking in from different parts of the
district area
• Coordinate with MTC to integrate Midtown Pedestrian District into the regional wayfinding
signage at transit locations as part of the MTC Regional Mapping and Wayfinding Project.
2.3.2 Midtown Pedestrian District Special Project List
Five special projects are proposed for the midtown pedestrian district in addition to the proposed
pedestrian toolbox elements. These special projects include short- and long-term projects that will
help enhance the midtown district as a neighborhood center.
Project ID Project
Name
Description Pedestrian Toolbox Elements6
Mid_1 Master
street plan
for Midtown
Create a master street plan that
depicts both current and future
streets within midtown to help guide
future development in midtown and
create a more walkable and livable
district.
N/A
Mid_2 Middlefield
Road, Road
Diet
Implement a road diet on Middlefield
Road by decreasing the number of
travel lanes from four to three and
reconfiguring the road to
accommodate pedestrian and
bicyclists. Slow cars down by
narrowing road space, planting trees,
and raising intersections to create a
safer and more pleasant walking
experience for everyone.
Raised Intersections (#3)
Wider Sidewalks (#5)
Pedestrian Crossing Signals (#20)
On-street parking flex zones (#10)
Street Furniture (#17)
Treewells in the street (#13)
6See Section 2 for further details
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Mid_3 Pedestrian
Crossing
Improvemen
t at Sutter
Ave. crossing
Middlefield
Road
Improve pedestrian crossing
experience for people crossing
Middlefield Road from Sutter Avenue
to access local parks and schools.
Implement a raised mid-block
crossing with pedestrian crossing
signals to slow cars and shorten
crossing distances for people crossing
Middlefield Road.
Raised Crossings (#1)
Mid-Block Crossings (#2)
Pedestrian Crossing Signals (#20)
Mid_4 Midtown
Temporary
Parking Lot
Activation
Work with property owners to
transform parking lot spaces into
active public spaces such as food carts
and trucks. Create inviting spaces
through street art, pedestrian lighting,
and alleyway activation.
Pedestrian Lighting (#12)
Street Art (#16)
Alleyway activation (#18)
Mid_5 Plaza
Parkway
Entrance
Work with property owners to
construct a central plaza parkway to
provide a pedestrian-oriented public
space in the district. Integrate
lighting, seating, landscaping and
fencing to create a family friendly
space in the Midtown District.
Pedestrian Lighting (#13)
Street Furniture (#17)
Table 4: Proposed Special Projects for the Midtown Pedestrian District
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2.4 Neighborhood Commercial Centers
2.4.1 El Camino Real Neighborhood Commercial Center Application of Pedestrian Toolbox
The El Camino Real District serves as a vital commercial corridor with a diverse mix of businesses
and services. Characterized by its linear layout, the district caters to both local residents and
visitors with its accessible retail stores, restaurants, and essential services. Plans to improve
walkability, bike lanes, and streetscape elements are currently under construction and anticipated
to be ready in 2025, as part of ongoing revitalization efforts.
Figure 5: Map of the El Camino Real Neighborhood Commercial Center
Enhancements in this district can center around the future of El Camino Real as a more multimodal
main street. Orienting the streetscape toward people walking and biking can take advantage of
recent improvements. Recommended pedestrian toolbox elements for use in this context include:
Raised crossings along unsignalized El Camino Real side streets to prioritize pedestrians walking
along the main street and calm traffic entering neighborhoods.
Street furniture to create comfortable places for people to sit and wait for the bus.
2.4.2 Embarcadero Neighborhood Commercial Center Application of Pedestrian Toolbox
The Edgewood Plaza Shopping Center off Embarcadero Road is a key neighborhood hub, offering a
mix of grocery stores, cafes, and local businesses. Known for its mid-century modern design, it has
been revitalized to enhance its offerings while preserving its historic charm. Today, the Center
remains a vibrant, accessible destination for the local community.
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Figure 6: Map of the Embarcadero Neighborhood Commercial Center
Enhancements to the Embarcadero Neighborhood Commercial Center can accommodate and
encourage access for people walking and biking. Recommended pedestrian toolbox elements for
use in this context include:
Bike Parking Corral to organize bicycle and micromobility parking in the district.
Wayfinding to direct visitors to local businesses and nearby trails. Wayfinding to this commercial
center is particularly important to link visitors coming across US 101 and Embarcadero Rd.
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Policy and Programs
Objective Program/Policy/Practice
Name Description Reason for
Inclusion 2012 Plan
Older Adult Mobility Program Support older adult mobility options, including a Trishaw Pilot via Cycling Without Age, to provide access to statistically low-risk transit, possibly operated by trained student
and/or older adult volunteers along low volume residential streets.
received via
City/SRTS email
Bike Parking Inventory & Usage
Monitoring Program Conduct an inventory and monitor usage of bike parking at City properties and City right-of-way (such as sidewalks) and continue to provide sufficient supply. BFC benchmarking
Bike Parking Requirements For New
Development
Regularly review the City's minimum short- and long-term bike parking requirements for new development projects and update requirements to reflect changes in parking
demand. Update and maintain the City's list of approved bike parking designs to accommodate a variety of bicycle types such as e-bikes and cargo bikes.code review
Walk & Bike Friendly Development Consider prioritizing or requiring certification that encourages bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly developments, such as LEED-ND. Encourage developments that limit vehicle
parking.2012 Plan 2012 Plan (5.4.5-e,
modified)
Wayfinding Plan Develop a non-motorized wayfinding plan connecting bicycle and pedestrian facilities with key local and regional destinations such as trails, parks, and rail stations. Evaluate cut-
throughs, short connections, ramp access, and ADA compliance. Continue to expand wayfinding facilities as the bicycle and pedestrian networks are implemented.literature review
Bike Racks on Buses Work with Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) to monitor the use of bike racks on buses and determine if demand is being accommodated.
TDM Ordinance Develop a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) ordinance and program for multi-family and non-residential development projects that includes active transportation
strategies such as internal/external connectivity, bike repair stations, showers/lockers, and off-site improvements.2012 Plan 2012 Plan (5.4.3-c,
modified)
Crossing Guards
Periodically evaluate school crossing guard locations to determine their appropriateness and evaluate opportunities for new locations. As part of the evaluations, consider factors
such as the needs of younger bicyclists who may cross while walking, and incorporate collision and location data to assist in identifying opportunities for pilot locations that could
increase the walk to school mode share.
2012 Plan; Safety
Action Plan
2012 Plan (5.4.4-f,
modified)
Development Review Updates Development review and roadway design will be evaluated by metrics that focus on safety risk, user comfort, and access for all users including pedestrians and bicyclists such as
kintetic energy risk, level of traffic stress, and travel time by mode
Safety Action Plan;
Safe System Staff
Working Group
Comfortable and Enjoyable:
Enhancing the comfort and
enjoyment of walking and
cycling through amenities such
as shade, greenery, and well-
designed streetscapes.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update
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Policy and Programs
Objective Program/Policy/Practice
Name Description Reason for
Inclusion 2012 Plan
Bicycle Lending Library
Partner with the Palo Alto library and a local agency that has space, capacity and expertise to create a bicycle lending library that enables residents to check out different types of
bicycles, supplies, including trailers, and educational materials, including bike blenders, bike trivia wheels, safety vests for events, helmets and more; consult with agencies that
have implemented similar programs such as the City of Oakland and San Mateo County Libraries.
received via
City/SRTS email
TDM Pilot Program for City
Employees
Conduct a City of Palo Alto TDM pilot to improve facilities and encourage employee use of active transportation vehicles to reduce risk, given the high percentage of city vehicles
that are used for <2 mile single occupant trips around town. Determine how best to pilot and incentivize trips to focus on both the right tool for the trip relative to the distance.
Provide access to different types of bikes/trailers to support a wide range of users, access to an improved storage facility, conduct regular rides and safety trainings, ensure
bicycles are regularly maintained and that there are risk management and anti-theft provisions to ensure safety and security.
2012 Plan;
received via
City/SRTS email
2012 Plan (5.4.3-c,
modified)
Long-Term Education Program Prioritize education of decision-makers and City staff on the Safey Systems approach.
Safety Action Plan;
Comprehensive
Plan
Bike Education Program Partner with groups such as SVBC to advertise and carry out bike safety and education classes in the city, including classes oriented towards children, the elderly, and non-English
speakers.BFC benchmarking
Employee Education Program Encourage and fund the participation of employees in professional organizations and conferences (such as the Assocation of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals) in order stay
up-to-date on the state of the practice and successes in other cities.
Interactive Map Tool
Update the City's website to enhance its static bicycle facility and Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Walk & Roll Suggested Route maps with a regularly-updated app-based portal,
using free and accessible tools such as Plot a Route, Google Maps, Map My Run, or the City's ArcGIS online feature, or other tools. Work with PAUSD, PATMA, and other partners
to share this resource.
2012 Plan; scope 2012 Plan (5.4.2-c,
modified)
Community Rides Program Partner with organizations such as SVBC to lead all ages and abilities bicycle rides throughout the calendar year, including rides that utilize recently-implemented projects. Scope
Valet Parking Program for Events Partner with and budget for organizations such as SVBC to provide bike parking and/or bike valet services at City-sponsored or other large events. Scope
Street Closures - Open/'Car-Free'
Streets
Prioritize street closures on areas located on the High Injury Network (identified in the Safe System Plan), and where high bicycle and pedestrian activity is expected, such as
Pedestrian Districts identified in the BPTP Update
Safety Action Plan;
Comprehensive
Plan
Street Closures - School Streets
School streets implement timed closures that prevent vehicles from entering the specified school zone. Restrictions are in place for approximately 15 to 90 minutes during drop-
off and pick-up times and is enforced using signage and physical barrier(s). During this time, only pedestrians and cyclists can enter the School Street zone, aside from exempt
vehicles (e.g. residents living in the zone). Identify schools for implementing a pilot program that can be used to gather data and outcomes that could then be applied to other
schools.
Safety Action Plan;
Safe System Staff
Working Group
Active Transportation Incentives
Program Encourage PATMA to provide additional bicycle/scooter incentives and expand to employers outside the downtown area.
Safe Routes to School
Enhance and sustain the City/PAUSD/PTA/Youth community partnership to reduce risk to students en route to and from school, and encourage more families to choose healthy,
active, sustainable alternatives to driving solo more often. Grow and strengthen community-wide support through the SRTS 6 E's (Education, Encouragement, Engineering,
Engagement, Evaluation, and Equity) model for safe, active, healthy, sustainable, school commutes. Aim to:
• Adopt and institutionalize key SRTS practices and policies and gather best practices.
• Provide, expand, and enhance school and community-based SRTS education programs and materials.
• Expand and enhance encourgagement programs to communicate the value of SRTS.
• Gather data to assess and improve outcomes.
• Engineer routes to develop a more safe and efficient network.
• Deepen awareness and engagement with City staff and community representatives to advance and institutionalize SRTS.
• Commit an equitable distribution of resources to encourage broad community participation.
Scope
Safe Routes to School Action Plan
Updates
Continue to regularly update the City's Safe Routes to School Action Plan and documents in support of the plan such as the SRTS Partner Consensus Statement, Bylaws, TCP
Guidelines, and PAUSD Building for Excellence Guidelines.
Community Partnerships Program Consider establishing or working with an existing advocacy group such as Bike Palo Alto to reach out to local businesses or groups to help support and promote walking and
bicycle-related projects and to maximize public-private funding opportunities such as development of bicycle or walking maps and/or path maintenance.2012 Plan 2012 Plan (5.4.3-a,
modified)
Bike and Pedestrian Count Program
Establish regular bicycle and pedestrian counts at key corridors, intersections, destinations, and require that intersection traffic counts collected for development projects'
transportation studies include bicyclist and pedestrian volumes. Utilize the counts collected in 2024 to establish a baseline for select locations. Enhance bicycle count efforts and
collect more data to guide decisions by installing permanent automatic counters along key bikeways in representative locations. Using bike counters with displays along popular
routes can encourage people to bike more often.
2012 Plan;
Community Input
2012 Plan (5.4.5-a,
modified)
Performance Reporting Program Collect data and conduct analysis as part of periodic status reports detailing the City's performance in relation to metrics recommended in this plan.2012 Plan 2012 Plan (5.4.5-a,
modified)
Community-Led and
Cooperative: Fostering
community engagement and
participation in promoting
active transportation,
supported by education,
programming, and
infrastructure investments, in a
way that cultivates learning for
all network users of all ages .
Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update
Community Feedback Program Expand survey efforts such as the Palo Alto Community Survey and the Performance Reports and National Citizen surveys to collect information related to walking and bicycling
facility quality, Plan implementation, and programs.2012 Plan 2012 Plan (5.4.5-b,
modified)
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Policy and Programs
Objective Program/Policy/Practice
Name Description Reason for
Inclusion 2012 Plan
Institutionalize Safety Commit to reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries on the City's roadways. Institutionalize safety into all aspects of policies, planning, program, design, implementation, and
maintenance.
Scope; Safety
Action Plan
Speed Management Program Implement proactive speed management program following the FHWA Safe System Speed Management Framework to guide location specific interventions in all focus areas.
Lower speed limits and design speeds on streets wtihin the bike network and without protected bikeways to 25 mph or lower.Safety Action Plan
Systemic Uncontrolled Crosswalk
Placement/Enhancement Program
Develop a systemic uncontrolled crosswalk placement/enhancement program for ped safety and accessibility: DIB 94, FHWA Safe System Roadway Design Hierarchy, FHWA
Guide for Improving Pedestrian Safety at Uncontrolled Locations. Proactively design proposed crossings to provide bicyclists and pedestrians with context-appropriate facilities
such as marked crossings, bike boxes, bike signal heads, bike detection, and leading bicycle intervals (LBIs)/leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs), audible and/or countdown signals,
accessible push buttons, and curb ramps
Safety Action Plan;
Comprehensive
Plan; Scope
Update Traffic Calming Program
Systemically identify speed management needs and opportunities (such as speed humps and neighborhood traffic circle) and priorize into a yearly implementation program
based on kinetic energy risk, equity, proximity to schools, community input, and similar factors. Most funds should be programmed proactively, but some can be reserved for
quick response discretionary purposes. Implement speed management strategies to slow vehicles to a contextually appropriate target speed: AB 43, countermeasure toolbox,
FHWA Safe System Approach for Speed Management. It is recommended that that the Traffic Control Maintainer II position in Public Works (eliminated during the pandemic) be
restored, so City staff can respond more quickly to add, maintain, or repair roadway safety infrastructure such as delineators, bollards, signage, guardrails, crash attenuators,
faded striping and curb paints, and other features.
Safety Action Plan;
Comprehensive
Plan
Near-Miss Reporting Program Utilize SafeTREC Street Story mapping portal to allow residents to provide information on near-misses and other safety information that would otherwise not be included in
regularly-reported safety reports and statistics.
2012 Plan;
literature review
2012 Plan (5.4.2-c,
modified)
Maintenance Request Program Utilize the City's 311 portal for residents to report active transportation infrastructure maintenance needs and related issues by expanding reporting categories for issues that
may be faced such as faded or damaged bike lane striping, damaged bike parking, physical sidwalk blockages, or spills and other slip risks on sidewalks.BFC benchmarking
The City's Office of Transportation
Traffic Engineering Team Add or reallocate staff to administer quick build or traffic safety programs, including coordination, evaluation, planning, and engineering.
Prioritize Maintenance of Bicycle and
Pedestrian Facilities Incorporate and prioritize bicycle and pedestrian facility maintenance needs into the City's transportation maintance program standards and funding.Community Input
Prioritize Bikeways in the Repaving
Program Prioritize repaving of existing bikeways as part of the repaving program.Community Input
Incorporate Pedestrian
Improvements Into Repaving
Program
Change approach to repaving program to include pedestrian improvements including sidewalk widening and curb extensions. This would require additional funding and a change
in City processes for completing road and sidewalk repairs or installations.
Safety Action Plan;
Safe Streets Staff
Working Group
Safe and Inclusive: Prioritizing
safety for all transportation
network users regardless of
age and ability, and ensuring
equitable access to pedestrian
and bicycle infrastructure
across the community while
reducing fatal and severe injury
crashes .
Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update
Item 4
Attachment D: Policy & Program
Recommendations
Packet Pg. 144
Policy and Programs
Objective Program/Policy/Practice
Name Description Reason for
Inclusion 2012 Plan
Better Bikeways
Incorporate best design practices and guidance, such as those outlined in the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Urban Bikeway Design Guide, when
designing and implementing walking, biking, and rolling facilities to create a network that meets the needs of users of all ages and abilities; this includes guidance on
recommended facility widths and low-stress intersection treatments. Design and implement safer roads to facilitate travel by vulnerable users through appropriate walking and
biking facilities in the context of adjacent vehicle facilities, speeds, and volumes, including sufficient width and horizontal separation. Implement strategies to provide better bike
crossings of major streets, such as daylighting, dedicated signals and phasing, pavement markings, and protected intersections.
BFC
benchmarking;
scope
Signal Modification Program Incorporate the crossing needs of bicyclists and pedestrians and encourage safe driver behavior when reviewing and adjusting signal timing at City traffic signals. Consider adding
"Bicycle Detected" signal heads to recommended bike routes intersecting with arterials.
Received via
City/SRTS email;
Scope
Bicycle Detection Pilot Project Implement innovative "blue light" (or other) bicycle detection indicators and signs at complex bicycle crossings.
Safe Routes to Work, Shopping,
Downtown, Community Services,
and Parks
Where safe routes overlap with HIN, prioritize speed management and pedestrian/bicycle enhancements, especially at intersections: FHWA Guide for Improving Pedestrian
Safety at Uncontrolled Crossing Locations, FHWA Improving Intersections for Pedestrians and Bicyclists, DIB 94, FHWA Safe System Approach for Speed Management. Establish
non-HIN routes as primary access routes where possible and prioritize improvements on access routes with speeds over 25 mph: AB 43, countermeasure toolbox, DIB 94
Safety Action Plan;
Comprehensive
Plan
Suggested Walk and Roll Maps
Review & Update
Regularly review the city's safe routes to school to proactively determine if traffic controls or other engineering modifications may be needed to improve student safety while
walking, biking, and rolling to school.
Update CIP Funding to Prioritize
Bicycle and Pedestrian Access and
Route
Prioritize implementation of BPTP projects as part of the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Prioritize paving bike routes, streets on HIN, equity considerations: BPTP, HIN,
East Palo Alto Walk and Roll Routes, Palo Alto Population Below Poverty, Palo Alto Transit Corridors. Ensure funding is allocated beyond signing/striping so intersections are also
addressed through these projects: FHWA Guide for Improving Pedestrian Safety at Uncontrolled Crossing Locations, FHWA Improving Intersections for Pedestrians and Bicyclists.
CIP Projects will align with Safe System Approach: FHWA Safe System Roadway Design Hierarchy, CIP Implementation Guidance
Safety Action Plan;
Comprehensive
Plan
Identify Funding Opportunities Continue to monitor federal, state, and regional funding opportunities to augment local funds to implement recommended walking, biking, and rolling improvements.
Establish Dedicated Funding Source Establish dedicated funding for citywide walking and bicycling facilities and supporting infrastructure such as bike parking in the City's CIP. 2012 Plan 2012 Plan (5.4.1-b,
modified)
Quick-Build Program Implement quick-build pilot/trial projects of the Plan's walking and bicycling infrastructure recommendations. 2012 Plan 2012 Plan (5.4.1-d,
modified)
First/Last mile connection to Caltrain
stations Implement bikeways with connections to Caltrain stations to promote access
Existing Trail Access Improvements
project
Enhance on-street intersections along the existing trail network and key existing bridge/overpass approaches to improve ADA access, bikeway connectivity, and convenience for
all users. Priority upgrades include: modifying or replacing substandard safety corrals with bollards and associated striping/signage; installing accessible curb ramps and regrading
poor transitions; pedestrian-scaled lighting; installing high visibility crosswalks at key locations; and landscaping maintenance/removal.
Construction Traffic Management
Plan
Create a Construction Traffic Management Plan to manage traffic and circulation while projects are under development. Reviewers will ensure that, to the extent possible,
pedestrian and bicycle facilities are maintained during construction. Where this is not feasible, safe and alternative facilities should be temporarily implemented. These facilities
will prioritize separation and follow the most direct path for pedestrians and bicyclists, and sight distance should be evaluated to improve visibility. Clear signage is important to
communicate new traffic patterns to pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers
Safety Action Plan;
Comprehensive
Plan
2012 Plan (5.4.1-e,
modified)
Walk and Roll for Private Schools Encourage private schools to develop Walk and Roll Maps as part of Transportation Demand Management strategies to reduce vehicle trips. Evaluate locations near schools for
potential quickbuild improvements. Consider partnering with Private Schools to develop Walk and Roll maps based on low stress streets.
Safety Action Plan;
Comprehensive
Plan
Connected and Accessible:
Featuring a convenient and
interconnected network of
sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails
that provide efficient travel
options and easy access to
transit and important
destinations, encouraging a
shift away from driving and
improving environmental
health through lower vehicle
miles traveled and reduced
greenhouse gas emissions .
Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update
Item 4
Attachment D: Policy & Program
Recommendations
Packet Pg. 145
Policy and Programs
Objective Program/Policy/Practice
Name Description Reason for
Inclusion 2012 Plan
Decriminalize Walking, Biking, and
Rolling
Review the City's municipal code and ordinances to remove language that can discourage walking, biking, and rolling (such requirements to cross at crosswalks and at a right
angle, to report secondhand bike purchases to the police department, and for skateboarders to wear reflective devices while riding between sunset and sunrise).
BFC
benchmarking;
code review
Deprioritize Enforcement of Walking
and Biking Infractions Work with Palo Alto Police Department to deprioritize enforcement of walking and bicycling infractions.
BFC
benchmarking;
code review
Regional Network
Continue to consult with other agencies on bicycle and pedestrian improvement projects that abut or intersect jurisdictional boundaries to ensure consistency in facilities,
including Cities (East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Los Altos, and Mountain View), Counties (Santa Clara and San Mateo), Caltrans, and Caltrain. Partner with VTA and adjacent
jurisdictions to develop a regional bicycle superhighway system.
BFC
benchmarking;
MTC PBA 2050;
VTA
PABAC Membership Work with the Palo Alto Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee (PABAC) to discuss membership and the potential to include members and/or liaisons from local non-profit
organizations, advocacy groups, transportation management associations, City committees, and other groups.
Scope; Community
Input
E-Bike Ordinance
Update the City's e-bike ordinance to govern the use of e-bikes in public right-of-way. Develop an e-bike ordinance that embraces e-bikes and e-scooters as emerging mobility
options while establishing speed limits. Determine the level of e-bikes allowed in bike facilities. Reference available means-based e-bike subsidies. Pair ordinance with bicycle
traffic calming on major bike corridors. Consider partnering with SVBC and SRTS to provide education on e-bike use: DIB 94, NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide, FHWA Safe
System Roadway Design Hierarchy, FHWA Primer on Safe System Approach for Pedestrians and Bicyclists.
Safety Action Plan;
community input
E-Bike Enforcement Strategy Work with Palo Alto Police Department to develop strategies to encourage the safe use of e-bikes on public roads.
Discouraging Driver Speeding Work with Palo Alto Police Department and other partners when implementing and publicizing engineering, education, and enforcement efforts discouraging vehicle speeding
near schools and high-injury locations.Scope
Safe System Ordinance Develop and adopt a Palo Alto Vision Zero Ordinance to guide the City in its pursuit of zero fatalities and severe injuries on its roads, outlining its commitment to work with the
community, local agencies, and other partners to achieve this goal.Scope
Caltrans Coordination Work with Caltrans to streamline permitting and integrate connected bikeways into Caltrans projects. Improve bikeway design approaching and crossing Caltrans facilities. Community Input
Implementation Updates Work with other jurisdictions and agencies to ensure that new or upgraded facilities are reflected in each agencies' respective bikeway maps and applications. 2012 Plan 2012 Plan (5.4.2-d,
modified)
Integrated and Collaborative:
Collaborating with neighboring
cities to create a seamless,
integrated, and efficient
regional network of pedestrian
and bicycle infrastructure.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update
Item 4
Attachment D: Policy & Program
Recommendations
Packet Pg. 146
Palo Alto Planning & Transportation Commission
February 26, 2025 Meeting
Attachment E: Supplemental Materials
• Recommended Performance Measures
• Draft Network Corridor Criteria and Development Approach Memo
• Draft Bicycle Network and Facilities Memo
• Bicycle Network Change singe 2012 Map
• Project List
• Draft Prioritization Framework
• Community Engagement Summary—Phase 2 Needs and Concerns (Draft)
• Pedestrian Improvements Toolbox
• Bicycle Facility Types Visual
Item 4
Attachment E:
Supplemental Materials
Packet Pg. 147
Item No. 5. Page 1 of 1
Planning & Transportation Commission
Staff Report
From: Planning and Development Services Director
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: February 26, 2025
Report #: 2502-4175
TITLE
Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Summary & Verbatim Minutes of
December 17, 2024
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC) adopt the meeting
minutes.
BACKGROUND
Draft verbatim and summary minutes from the December 17, 2024 Planning & Transportation
Commission (PTC) meeting were made available to the Commissioners prior to the February 26,
2025 meeting date. The draft PTC minutes can be viewed online on the City’s website at
bit.ly/PaloAltoPTC.
ATTACHMENTS
There are no attachments.
AUTHOR/TITLE:
Veronica Dao, Administrative Associate
Item 5
Staff Report
Packet Pg. 148
Item No. 6. Page 1 of 1
Planning & Transportation Commission
Staff Report
From: Planning and Development Services Director
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: February 26, 2025
Report #: 2502-4176
TITLE
Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Summary & Verbatim Minutes of
January 15, 2025
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC) adopt the meeting
minutes.
BACKGROUND
Draft summary and verbatim minutes from the January 15, 2025 Planning & Transportation
Commission (PTC) meeting were made available to the Commissioners prior to the February 26,
2025 meeting date. The draft PTC minutes can be viewed online on the City’s website at
bit.ly/PaloAltoPTC.
ATTACHMENTS
There are no attachments.
AUTHOR/TITLE:
Veronica Dao, Administrative Associate
Item 6
Staff Report
Packet Pg. 149