HomeMy WebLinkAboutID-3256
City of Palo Alto (ID # 3256)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Action ItemsMeeting Date: 11/19/2012
Summary Title: Lytton Plaza Amplified Sound Ordinance
Title: Recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission Concerning
Amendment of Section 22.04.180 of Chapter 24.04 of Title 22 [Park And
Recreation Building Use And Regulations] of the Palo Alto Municipal Code
and Amendment of Park and Open Space Regulations R1-4, R1-5a, R1-5b, and
R1-10b to Impose Time Use Limitations on Sound Amplification Equipment at
Lytton Plaza.
From: City Manager
Lead Department: Community Services
Recommendation:
The Parks and Recreation Commission recommends that Council
1) Adopt the amendment to Palo Alto Municipal Code 22.04.180 to Title 22 of the
Palo Alto Municipal Code (Attachment A) to impose time and use limitations for
sound amplification equipment at Lytton Plaza, and
2) Approve the amendments to the Park and Open Space Rules and Regulations
R1-4, R1-5A, R1-5B, and R1-10B (Attachment B) to establish the specific times
frames for amplified sound and the rules for the management of amplified music
at Lytton Plaza (Attachment B).
Executive Summary:
Since October 25, 2011, Community Services Department staff and the Parks and
Recreation Commission have been working with concerned stakeholders and residents
to develop a plan to manage amplified sound at Lytton Plaza. After reaching out to
musicians, youth advocates, and the local business community, staff and the
stakeholders crafted a plan for modifying the Palo Alto Municipal Code and Park and
Open Space Rules and Regulations to allow for limited opportunities of first-come, first-
served amplified music and permitted amplified sound that will minimize the perceived
disturbance to residents and the business community while still allowing musicians to
perform at the site. On August, 28, 2012, the Parks and Recreation Commission voted
5-1 to recommend to Council the adoption of an ordinance, amending and updating the
Park and Open Space Rules and Regulations.
Background:
Lytton Plaza was renovated in 2009. During the park renovation several electrical
outlets were added to the plaza for the production of City-sponsored events and
activities. The electrical outlets were intended to be used primarily for special events.
Shortly after the renovation, Lytton Plaza became the site of a City-sponsored Farmer‟s
Market. Live, electric amplified music accompanied the Farmer‟s Market events. In
addition to their playing for the Farmer‟s Market, musicians also played at Lytton Plaza
on other days (without authorization or permits). The Farmer‟s Market was discontinued
in 2010, however, the unpermitted live music has continued and expanded. Individual
musicians, as well as groups, utilize Lytton Plaza to perform amplified music at all hours
of the day and night.
The open access to the electrical outlets in the plaza has had unintended consequences.
People have used the outlets to power portable stereos, heaters, stoves, and various
other household electronic devices. The plaza has become a „draw‟ for people seeking
use of „free‟ electricity. Community Services and Police staffs have received complaints
from the surrounding businesses regarding amplified music at the plaza during daytime
hours. There were registered complaints from residents about loud music being played
late at night at the plaza.
Staff tried to use the existing regulations and Municipal code provisions (laws,
Attachment C) to deal with the complaints. However, the existing laws are not written
in a manner to specifically address the concerns presented. Park Regulation (R1-34)
prohibits the use of electrical receptacles in parks without a special use permit.
However, there are several musicians that use battery powered amplifiers at Lytton
Plaza. Staff also tried to curb the use of the electrical outlets by locking the outlet
covers, but repeated acts of vandalism have made it difficult to fully secure the outlets.
Palo Alto Municipal Code section 22.04.180 prohibits amplified sound in parks when the
sound levels exceed 15 dB above the ambient at a distance of 25 feet. Unfortunately,
the amplified music is perceived to disturb the surrounding businesses even if the noise
level emissions fall below this threshold.
Police and Parks Departments staffs have contacted some of the musicians to seek their
assistance and input in dealing with the noise issues. In some cases there has been
cooperation, but the sense is there has not occurred enough to adequately address the
problem. Furthermore, the Police Department lacks the staffing to respond (and take
the necessary decibel noise readings) to the frequent noise complaints of street
musicians playing at Lytton Plaza.
Staff brought this issue to the Parks and Recreation Commission on October 25, 2011,
with a recommendation to prohibit amplified sound without a permit and limit the
amplified sound from 5:00pm to 9:00pm on Sundays through Thursdays, and 5:00pm
to 11:00pm on Fridays through Saturdays. The proposed permit fee was $300. The
Commission did not support the recommendation, as written, and suggested that a
Commission subcommittee be formed to work the issue. (Attachment D- October 25,
2011 Staff Report)
The subcommittee met with musicians and youth advocates on January 4, 2012. The
outcome was that the musicians want a place to perform amplified music with as few
restrictions as possible and with no fees. Similarly, youth advocates want a place for
youth to perform music and gather.
The subcommittee met with stakeholders from the business community on February 9,
2012. The business community stakeholders explained that the amplified music during
business hours is disruptive as the sound carries into nearby offices. They did not
express concerns with high amplified sound after 5:00 pm on weekdays. They also
explained that the 24-hour unfettered access to the electrical outlets has produced
other negative consequences, namely, the perception that Lytton Plaza is not a safe
place. The business community complained that people seeking the free electrical
power are „camping out‟ at the plaza, creating a mess, and creating an unwelcoming
environment for other visitors. They reported that the Palo Alto Police Department has
responded to 195 calls for service at Lytton Plaza in 2011; and there were 59 calls for
service in the first three months of 2012 (Attachment E).
Due to the ongoing vandalism and complaints about amplified sound, the City
Manager‟s Office requested that staff turn off the power at Lytton Plaza on April 29,
2012. Approximately once per week since then, the Plaza‟s electrical outlets and the
Plaza trees‟ twinkle lights have been vandalized. Staff also has had to increase the
frequency of pressure-washing the Plaza due to increases in unsightly stains and
unwanted debris.
Discussion:
The subcommittee provided an update to the Parks and Recreation Commission at the
March 27, 2012 meeting. A proposed plan for managing amplified music at the Plaza
was shared at the meeting. The plan included free first-come, first-served hours for
amplified music (Monday through Thursday from 5pm to 10pm, Friday from 5pm to
11pm, and Saturday noon to 11pm and Sunday from noon to 10pm. Some of the
feedback from the Commission include (a) the permit fees for amplified music outside
of the free first-come, first-served ($150) still seemed too high, (b) the piped-in music
from Pizza My Heart is somewhat undesirable, and (c) more community outreach would
be helpful.
Staff contacted the musicians and the business community stakeholders to seek
additional input regarding a slightly revised plan. Both groups agreed to the proposed
plan, including a permit fee of $90, and the addition of a statement, qualifying the
three-hour performance limit only if another musical group was waiting to perform.
Staff followed the Commission‟s direction and conferred with musicians and the
business community stakeholders to seek additional input, which was used to create the
following plan for managing amplified sound at the Plaza.
The Plan For Managing Amplified Sound At The Plaza
This is the plan that staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend that
the Council should approve:
Amplified sound at Lytton Plaza would be allowed on a first-come, first-served basis on:
Monday through Thursday 5pm to 10pm
Friday 5pm to 11pm
Saturday noon – 11pm
Sunday noon -10pm
There would be no permit, insurance or fees required during these standard hours -
unless a group wants to reserve the Plaza in advance for amplified music during these
hours. To reserve a time in advance a permit must be obtained by submitting a permit
request to the City‟s Special Event Team- headed by the Police Department. The permit
fee is $90.
Amplified sound outside of these standard approved hours might also be available via
the existing permit process. To obtain a permit for amplified sound outside of the
hours listed above, a permit request must be submitted to the City‟s Special Event
Team. The permit fee is $90.
City-sponsored and permitted events will have priority, and musicians without a permit
would not be able to use the plaza during the permitted event. The City will post
information relating to permitted events to the City‟s Web page (Lytton Plaza web page)
so that musicians can check to see if there is a conflict with their events. Businesses
can also check the website to see when music events will take place during business
hours and plan their work around the disturbance accordingly.
Only one outlet will be available for events, and the outlet will only be powered during
the times listed above (unless with an approved permit). The outlet will not be locked.
The power to the outlet would be remotely controlled and set on a timer.
Only one musical group may perform at a block of time. For musicians without permits
there is a three-hour limit on performing, should there be another musical group which
is waiting to perform. This will be a self-enforced limit. The available outlet is limited to
20 amps. If the circuit is overloaded and the breaker is tripped, power will not be
restored until the following work day. The outlet will be labeled “Do not exceed 20
amps”.
This plan allows for 47 hours a week of free amplified music, which is 2,444 hours per
year. Acoustic music would be allowed anytime in the plaza.
The existing noise ordinance will apply to all music (amplified or acoustic) at all times.
It should also be noted that if the group is going to have more than 25 people present
for an event, Palo Alto Municipal Code section 22.04.040 would require the group to
acquire a special use permit without regard to whether the music is amplified. Palo Alto
Municipal Code section 22.04.160, prohibiting commercial activity in city parks, applies
to all music in the plaza.
Feedback From The Musician Stakeholders Regarding The Proposed Plan For
Managing Amplified Sound At Lytton Plaza
●The proposed hours for Lytton Plaza power hours are just fine and very appropriate.
Good compromise for this challenging multi-use area, and we can support this plan.
Please ensure that the rules apply to everyone that uses the Plaza. There should be no
special treatment for religious or other groups.
●The proposed ordinance seems overly broad.
Feedback From The Business Community Regarding The Proposed Plan For
Managing Amplified Sound At Lytton Plaza
●The plan and the proposed hours for live amplified music seem like a good
compromise.
● Problems persist and action is needed. There was very loud amplified music with
drums on May 2, 2012 that negatively impacted business affairs.
●This ordinance should address “live” amplified music. The piped in music via Pizza My
Heart should be allowed under a City sponsored permit.
●Friends of Lytton Plaza researched successful urban parks across the country -
providing background music was one of the key elements of making a park welcoming
and highly utilized.
During the construction, negotiations with the Pizza My Heart building owners and
special contributions for additional speakers to be installed for this purpose were a
significant part of the building process. The park use was highly scrutinized by various
interest groups and this was something that appealed to all – legal agreements were
drawn up to enable this benefit to occur. This public private partnership cannot have
the rules changed after the project has been completed. The Park music should not be
confused with live musicians or special events!
● (Echoed the preceding sentiments). As a side note as a business that is close
to the park, the piped-in background music is not, and has not been, an issue. The
musicians that set up are different. Their music is significantly louder
than the background music and can be disruptive to business let alone
conversation at the park. If I had been the private party of the private/public
partnership I would be very concerned about a change to that partnership. The greater
issue here is if that agreement changes we would be sending the wrong message to
business regarding going into a public/private partnership!
● I served on the original committee that re-developed Lytton Plaza. We worked closely
with Pizza My Heart to provide music for our guests on the plaza – we remain extremely
grateful for our partnership - as music in urban parks is a contributing factor to its
success. Two important factors are that the volume needs to be kept low and discreet –
the melodic background is meant to relax visitors and not interfere with what they are
doing. The type of music needs to be soft, easy and familiar to all so there is a level of
comfort and familiarity.
Piped-In Music at the Plaza
The Friends of Lytton Plaza explained that the piped-in music, which is controlled by the
Pizza My Heart staff, was included in the plaza design that was approved by the City.
Their research showed that piped-in music could help create a quieter presence in the
park. The Friends pointed out that piped-in music in not uncommon in public places.
The City and the Friends of Lytton Plaza Park entered into a contract in 2009, whereby
the Friends constructed improvements at Lytton Plaza and the City assumed the
responsibility for maintaining it. The contract included the audio speakers for piped-in
music into the Plaza (See Attachment E). The policy question of whether piped-in music
should be allowed in the Plaza was decided by Council when they approved the
agreement between the owners of 22 University Avenue (Pizza My Heart is the tenant)
and the City for various improvements at Lytton Plaza, including the audio speakers for
the piped-in music.
Additional Outreach
Community Services staff made 11 visits to the Plaza (from March 27 to April 5) and
spoke with 60 Plaza visitors and asked the following questions:
1. Do you enjoy the piped-in music into the plaza?
Yes- 41 people
No- 10 people (most said they prefer other kinds of music, some said they
prefer quiet);
Don‟t care- 9 people
2. Are you in favor of the following limitations on amplified music (I
explained the proposed hours)?
Yes- 33 people (several comments mentioned enjoying live music on
weekends)
No- 7 people (4 prefer quiet; 3 want live music all the time);
I don‟t know/ don‟t care- 20 people.
Opportunities for Youth
Some of the stakeholders who were involved in discussions for how to manage
amplified sound at Lytton Plaza discussed the importance of providing a place for teens
to perform. In addition to the 2,444 hours per year that would be free of charge (first-
come, first-served), an additional idea is to offer three free City co-sponsored events
with the Teen Arts Council. The Teen Arts Council is in close contact with the local high
schools, and already hosts monthly open mic events, which typically draw
approximately 200 people in attendance. Their events are so well attended that they
frequently have to turn people away.
Beta Testing the Planned First-Come, First-Served Hours
On June 22, 2012, staff began the test of the planned first-come, first-served hours.
There was one initial problem with the power shutting off early due to a programming
error, but staff quickly corrected it. There have been no reports of problems or issues
from the business community, musicians, or plaza users.
Parks and Recreation Commission’s Recommendation
On August 28, 2012, the Commission voted 5-1 to recommend the attached
amendment to Palo Alto Municipal Code section 22.04.180(Attachment A) to impose
time and use limitations for sound amplification equipment at Lytton Plaza, and the
attached update to the Parks Rules and Regulations R1-4, R1-5A, R1-5B, and R1-10B
(Attachment B) to provide the specific times frames for amplified sound and some of
the ground rules for how amplified music will be managed at Lytton Plaza (Commission
meeting minutes -Attachment F). Commissioner Walsh dissented; she thought the
outreach and compromise was well done, but she wasn‟t pleased with the end result.
She explained that Lytton Plaza seems a little too loud.
Policy Implications:
The proposed amendments are consistent with Goal N-8 and Policy N-40 Policy N-40 of
the Natural Environment element of the Comprehensive Plan that encourages an
environment that minimizes the adverse impacts of noise, and calls for staff to evaluate
the potential for noise pollution and ways to reduce noise impacts when reviewing
development and activities in Palo Alto and surrounding communities.
Resource Impact:
Neither new staff nor an increase in the number of patrols is proposed to enforce the
permit requirement and time use limitations for sound amplification equipment at Lytton
Plaza. The penalty fee imposed for an administrative citation ($250) for violation of this
ordinance would cover the cost of staff time to issue and process the citation.
To implement this ordinance, $250.00 would be used from the Parks operating budget
to design, fabricate, and install new signage.
Environmental Review:
This proposed amendment to a City ordinance is not a project subject to California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements.
Attachments:
ATTACHMENT A-- Ordinance Lytton Plaza Amplified Sound (PDF)
ATTACHMENT B-- Parks and Open Space Regulations (PDF)
ATTACHMENT C (PDF)
ATTACHMENT D-- Parks and Recreation Commission Lytton staff report 10-25-11 (PDF)
ATTACHMENT E-- Lytton Plaza Police Calls for Service (PDF)
ATTACHMENT F-- Parks and Recreation Commission August 28, 2012 Meeting Minutes
(PDF)
Prepared By: Daren Anderson,
Department Head: Greg Betts, Director, Community Services
City Manager Approval: ____________________________________
James Keene, City Manager
*NOT YET APPROVED*
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ORDINANCE NO. ________
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO TO AMENDING
SECTION 22.04.180 OF CHAPTER 22.04 (PARKS AND RECREATION BUILDING USE
AND REGULATIONS) OF TITLE 2 OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE
PERTAINING TOAMPLIFIED NOISE IN LYTTON PLAZA
R E C I T A L S
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does ORDAIN as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 22.04.180 of Chapter 22.04 of Title 2 of the Palo Alto Municipal
Code is amended in its entirety to read:
“22.04.180 Amplified Sound.
(a) No person shall operate any device or sound amplification equipment in city
parks or open space lands, emitting sound in excess of the limits allowed under
Section 9.10.050 of this code.
(b) The director may restrict the use of sound amplification devices in connection
with any activity for which a permit is required, and such restrictions may include
constraints on capacity, volume, emission spectrum, location and arrangement,
when such restrictions are designed to reduce the noise impact on adjacent land
uses.
(c) No person shall operate any device or sound amplification in Lytton Plaza, except as
provided by the director by permit and in accordance with park and open space
regulations and Section 9.10.050 of this code.”
SECTION 2. Regulations R1‐4, R1‐5 and R1‐16 are amended, and R1‐10B Lytton Plaza
Noise Regulations is added, to the Park and Open Space Regulations, and they are attached to
this ordinance.
SECTION 3. The City Council finds that this ordinance is not a project for CEQA purposes
and, upon that basis, it determines that no environmental assessment is required.
*NOT YET APPROVED*
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SECTION 4. This ordinance shall be effective on the commencement of the thirty‐first
day after the date of its adoption.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
____________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: ___________________________
City Manager
____________________________
Senior Asst. City Attorney ___________________________
Director of Community Services
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Attachment A PARK AND OPEN SPACE REGULATIONS
R1-1. DEFINITIONS The following words and phrases, whenever used in these regulations, shall be
construed as defined in these regulations.
A. "city" means the City of Palo Alto.
B. "department" means the Department of Community Services of the City.
C. "facility" or "park facility" means any body of water, land, campsite, garden, trail, levee, recreation
area, building, structure, system, equipment, machinery or other appurtenance owned, managed,
controlled or operated by the Community Services Department.
D. “director” means the Director of Community Services of the City.
R1-2. APPLICABILITY The provisions of these regulations apply to all facilities under the jurisdiction of the
Community Services Department.
R1-3. CLOSURE OF FACILITIES-AUTHORITY The director shall have the authority to close any park
facility or portion thereof and require the exit of all persons therein when he or she determines that
conditions exist in said facility or portion thereof which presents a hazard to the facility or to public safety. No
person shall use, enter or remain in any facility, park or open space which has been posted as being closed
under this authority.
A. The Open Space, Parks and Golf Division Manager shall have the authority to close open space
trails which have been designated as “seasonal trails” when weather conditions predispose the
trail or surrounding habitat to damage or erosion. Such trail closures will be posted on park bulletin
boards and at the affected trail junction.
B. The Open Space, Parks and Golf Division Manager shall have the authority to temporarily close
open space trails or facilities when the damage of flora or fauna are threatened by humans or their
pets. Such facility closures will be posted on park bulletin boards and at affected trail junctions or
facilities.
R1-4. CONTENTS OF PERMIT APPLICATION; SUBMISSION Whenever a permit other than a city-wide
special event permit is required by provision in this chapter, an application shall be filed with the director
stating:
A. The name of each applicant, sponsoring organization and the person(s) who is in charge of or
responsible for the proposed activity;
B. The address and telephone numbers of each person and/or entity named in subsection (A);
C. The name of the park, open space land, building, field or tennis courts requested for the activity,
specifically identifying the location of the activity within the park or room within the building;
D. The date and starting time of the proposed activity, together with the anticipated arrival time of
guests;
E. The finish time of the proposed activity, including cleanup;
F. The number of persons expected to attend the activity;
G. Additional City facilities requested, such as personnel, tables, chairs, etc;
H. The nature of the proposed activity or activities, including equipment and vehicles to be brought
into the park or open space lands; nature and duration of the use of such equipment; nature and
duration of the use of any amplified sound; whether fees or donations for service will be solicited or
collected; and whether alcohol will be served.
I. Proof of Palo Alto residency may be required for the permit application.
The permit application shall be filed with the director by no later than seven (7) days prior to the date of the
proposed activity.
R1-5A. ACTION ON PERMIT APPLICATION The director shall issue a permit other than a city-wide special
event permit within five (5) business days after submission of a completed application if:
A. The proposed activity or use of the facility will not unreasonably interfere with or detract from the
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general public enjoyment of the facility;
B. A facility with the required occupancy load capacity is available;
C. All conditions, including, where applicable, the payment of fees, approval of the Director of
Community Services and insurance coverage, security deposits and/or requirements are met;
D. The proposed activity or use will not entail unusual, extraordinary or burdensome expense or
security operation by the department;
E. If the proposed special event will have more than twenty-five people, involve road closures, traffic
control, or the need for inter-departmental review (such as for fun runs), an additional City-wide
special event application from the Police Department may be required for the event. City-wide
special event permit applications are not generally required for standard picnic reservations.
FE. The facilities desired have not been reserved for other use;
GF. Special conditions requested in applications are reasonable and feasible.;
HG. The proposed activity will not negatively impact habitat, wildlife, or vegetation in the park or open
space area.; and
IH. Residency requirements, if any, have been satisfied.
R1-5B. ACTION ON SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION. The City shall issue a permit within sixty
(60) business days after submission of a completed application:
A. If the proposed city-wide special event will have more than twenty-five (25) individuals in
attendance or will involve road closures, traffic control, or the need for inter-departmental review
(for example, for a “fun run” or a “live music” event), an additional city-wide special event permit
application from the Police Department will be required for the event. The city-wide special event
permit application is not required for standard picnic reservations. A completed application for a
city-wide special event permit may be filed as early as one (1) year prior to the requested date of
the special event, but it must be filed by no later than thirty (30) days prior to the requested date of
the special event and by no later than ninety (90) days prior to the requested date of the special
event if a street closure will be required in order to stage the special event.
R1-6. FOOTHILLS PARK RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS Admittance and use of park facilities within
Foothills Park have additional residency requirements. Only residents of the city and regular or part-time
City employees, members of their households related by blood, marriage, domestic partnership, or
adoption, and their accompanied guests are entitled to enter and remain in Foothills Park. An
"accompanied guest" is one who enters Foothills Park in the presence of a resident of the city or a regular or
part-time City employee or members of their household as described above. A special use permit will not be
granted until these special requirements have been satisfied:
A. In the case of Foothills Park Wedding Use Permits, one member of fifteen guests of the guest list
must be Palo Alto residents.
B. In the case of Foothills Park Day Use Reservations for the Oak Grove Group Area or the
Interpretive Center, or Foothills Park Towle Camp Reservations, one member of fifteen guests of
the guest list must be a Palo Alto resident. A guest list which includes the home address of the
guests must be received one week prior to the proposed activity or activities.
C. In the case of Foothills Park Special Use/Group Permits or for groups of more than 24 persons,
one member of fifteen guests seeking admittance to the park accompanied by the permit
applicant must be a Palo Alto resident. (A guest list is not required for this type of permit.)
R1-7. PERMIT--EXHIBITION No person shall fail to produce and exhibit a permit he or she claims to have
upon request of any department employee, contracted park ranger or any public or peace officer who
desires to inspect the permit for the purpose of enforcing compliance with any regulations of this chapter.
R1-8. HOURS OF PARK CLOSURE For purposes of enforcement of the park and open space closure
restrictions promulgated in Title 22 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, the terms “sunset” and “sunrise” are
defined with reference to a table of times that is determined annually and posted at open space facilities.
Closure times specified in Title 22 as implemented by this regulation shall be posted prominently at each
park or open space facility and shall be posted on the City’s web site.
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R1-9. HAZARDOUS GAMES OR ACTIVITIES The playing of games and/or activities involving propelled or
thrown objects which are sharp or heavy (such as stones, shot puts, arrows or javelins) are prohibited
except when a permit is issued by the director in areas compatible for such use. Except in designated
areas of Mitchell Park where inflatable structures can be used by City staff or designated contractors as part
of a City-sponsored program, inflatable structures, miniature trains designed or used for passengers, pony
rides, and dunking tank attractions are prohibited in parks or open space areas. (Revised 6/28/04)
R1-9A. USE OF METAL DETECTORS IN PARKS Metal detectors for the purpose of scavenging can only
be used within park facilities in such a fashion where turf or landscaped areas are not disturbed, cut or dug
into.
R1-10. PICNIC SITE USAGE Group picnic site reservations at Foothills Park Oak Grove; Mitchell Park
Arbor, East Meadow, Pine Grove and Redwood areas; and Rinconada Park Sequoia area are available to
Palo Alto residents only. No more than 60 individuals shall occupy a group picnic site at Mitchell Park Arbor,
East Meadow and Redwood areas; 100 individuals at the Pine Grove picnic area; 75 individuals at
Rinconada Park Sequoia picnic area; or 150 individuals at Foothills Park Oak Grove. No more than 15
individuals shall occupy any table in an individual picnic site at Mitchell Park and Rinconada Park. With the
exception of the two table/one barbecue at individual picnic sites of Mitchell Park, each group of participants
shall not occupy more than one individual site. (Revised 6/28/04)
R1-10A LYTTON, COGSWELL AND KING PLAZA
A. Use of tables: For permitted events and activities, no more than four six-foot tables are permitted at
one time at Cogswell Plaza; no more than ten six-foot tables are permitted at Lytton Plaza; and no
more than twenty six-foot tables are permitted at King Plaza. Tables shall not be arranged in a
configuration longer than twelve-foot wide span and there must be a minimum of three-feet
between sets.
B. The City shall be compensated the full cost of replacement of any chair, tables or other
furnishings damaged by the event or special use.
C. Special event organizers must cover existing trash receptacles and provide their own waste
stations (compost/recycle/trash) that they will then be responsible for removing after the event.
D. Damage deposits may be required for any special event or use at the discretion of City staff.
E. No tables, tents or other structures shall be set up closer than ten-feet from the nearest structure.
F. Shade canopies may be authorized in a permit so long as the shade structure measures ten-foot
by ten-foot, or less.
G. Stage platforms shall be no higher than twenty-four inches tall and ten-feet by twelve-feet in
maximum area.
H. As per the Palo Alto Municipal Code, no alcoholic beverages may be served or consumed at
these plaza parks.
I. No barricades or cordoning off areas of the plaza.
J. No jump/bounce houses are permitted on plaza.
K. Special event organizers must supply a layout of all items to be placed within plaza and be
approved by City staff before the event.
L. As per Palo Alto Municipal Code 22.04.160, no commercial solicitation or business transactions
other than those associated with and supportive of city programs or city-sponsored activities for
which a permit has been issued by the director is permitted in parks or plazas.
R1-10B LYTTON PLAZA NOISE REGULATION
A. No permit or special event permit application is required of any person in accordance with Palo Alto
Municipal Code sections 22.04.040 and 22.04.050 in order to engage in the playing of an amplified
musical instrument at Lytton Plaza, which meets the requirements of sections 9.10.050 and
22.04.180, subject to the playing of an amplified musical instrument which may occur on a
first-come, first-served basis during the following days and times of day: (a) Monday through
Thursday, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM; (b) Friday, 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM; (c) Saturday, noon to 11:00 PM;
and (d) Sunday, noon to 10:00 PM. The term “first-come, first-served” means the first person or
group of persons to commence playing an amplified musical instrument at Lytton Plaza shall be
entitled to play to the exclusion of all others for a period not exceeding three (3) consecutive hours.
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B. A city-wide special event permit application is required of any person seeking to engage in the
playing of an amplified musical instrument at Lytton Plaza outside of the days and times of day
specified in paragraph A above. No amplified musical instrument, for which a permit is not required,
may be played during the period of time for which a person holds a city-wide special event permit to
play an amplified musical instrument.
C. Paragraph A notwithstanding, a person may file an application for a city-wide special event permit
to play an amplified musical instrument within the time period specified in paragraph A of this Rule.
If a city-wide special event permit is issued, the permit holder’s right to play any musical instrument
at Lytton Plaza will take precedence over any person claiming the right to play under the first-come,
first-served condition specified in paragraph A of this Rule.
D. The director will post or caused to be posted to the department’s web site the days and times of
days for which permits and city-wide special events permits to play musical instruments have been
obtained.
E. The preceding paragraphs A through D notwithstanding, the playing of any acoustic musical
instrument at Lytton Plaza is permitted during posted park use hour or, if no hours are posted,
during the regular park use hours.
F. The noise ordinances set forth in Palo Alto Municipal Code chapters 9.10 and 22.04 shall apply to
all persons playing amplified and acoustic musical instruments at Lytton Plaza.
R1-11. TENNIS COURT USAGE Any person or group using a City tennis court shall do so according to the
following rules:
A. No person shall operate, drive or ride a bicycle, unicycle, roller skates, roller blades, skateboard or
other coasting device on City owned tennis courts.
B. No person shall provide or offer tennis lessons for compensation on City owned tennis courts
except as part of a City-sponsored program, class or camps.
C. City owned tennis courts may be reserved for City programs and tournament play only.
D. All players must use the court control board to determine which court they shall play on and their
playing position.
E. No individual person can occupy a court by him or herself if other persons are waiting to play.
F. Unleashed dogs are not permitted within tennis courts.
G. No person shall play a sport other than tennis on City-owned tennis courts unless expressly
allowed via permit issued by the City’s Recreation Division. (Revised 6/28/04)
R1-12. ATHLETIC FIELD USE Any person or group using a City athletic field shall do so according to the
following rules:
A. No activity other than softball (or Little League baseball) is permitted at El Camino Park softball
field unless expressly allowed by permit.
B. No activity other than baseball is permitted at Baylands Athletic Center Baseball Field unless
expressly allowed by permit.
C. No activity other than softball is permitted at Baylands Athletic Center Softball Field unless
expressly allowed by permit.
D. No person shall use an athletic field which is posted (on-site, on-line, or by voice message) as
being closed, whether the closure is for excess rainfall or for field maintenance or other reason.
E. Field markings applied to athletic fields shall be allowed by permit only and must follow City of
Palo Alto Open Space, Parks and Golf Division guidelines.
F. Soccer goals must be anchored at all times when located on the playing fields. When goals are not
being utilized for play, they must be secured off the playing fields in a manner which will not permit
tipping or any hazardous condition that might cause injury to any person. When a field is being
utilized for multiple purposes, goals that interfere with the intended use of the field shall be
provided by the user groups that require the use of a soccer goal. These goals must be assembled
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and disassembled before and after each event. The storage of these goals can be coordinated
with the Recreation Division. Any goal left on site will be removed and stored until a
removal/storage fee of $75.00 is paid.
R1-13. PEERS PARK AND JOHNSON PARK VOLLEYBALL USE Any person or group playing volleyball or
related game at Peers or Johnson Parks shall do so according to the following rules:
A. Drop-in volleyball or related game play is permitted only in the posted area at Johnson Park or on
the north end of Peers Park.
B. The volleyball area may be reserved for volleyball play, by permit, only on the first Saturday and
first Thursday of each month. The director may make additional weekend days available for
reservation during the months of June, July and August.
R1-14. SKATEBOARD FACILITY The Skateboard Facility, located in John Lucas Greer Park, is for
skateboard use only. Use of roller blades, scooters, bicycles, or any other equipment, other than
skateboards is prohibited. Any person using or playing upon the skateboard facility shall do so according to
the following rules:
A. Each person skateboarding in the Skateboard Facility must wear a helmet, elbow pads and knee
pads.
B. Use of roller blades, scooters, bicycles, or any other equipment, other than skateboards is
prohibited.
C. No more than seven persons shall skate in the bowl at any given time.
D. No person shall do a body flip while riding a skateboard.
E. No person shall ride a skateboard facing entirely backwards.
F. Two or more persons may not ride on the same skateboard.
G. No person shall ride a skateboard on their knees.
H. No person shall cause a skateboard to shoot out away from their feet or body.
I. No persons shall skateboard in tandem within three feet in front or behind another rider.
J. No glass containers are allowed in the facility.
K. No skateboarding is allowed when the facility is wet or while it is raining.
L. Trash receptacles are to be used to dispose of waste or any other unwanted items.
No person shall use, remain in or enter the Skateboard Facility outside of regular park hours between
10:30 PM and sunrise (PAMC 22.04.320) No person shall enter or remain in the Skateboard Facility when
that facility is posted as being closed, whether such closure is because of excess moisture or hazard or for
any other reason.
R1-15. GOLF COURSE Any person or group using or playing upon the golf course shall do so according
to the following rules:
A. No person shall use the golf course, or any portion thereof, without first having obtained a receipt or
other written authorization in due form so to do.
B. No golf player shall cut in on, or double back over, any portion of the course, or to play upon the
course without a receipt duly issued for the round being played.
C. No golf player shall refuse to or fail to show such golf receipt or other written authorization to any
employee connected with the municipal golf course, when requested to do so.
D. No person shall willfully or maliciously injure any turf on the golf course or in any way destroy or
injure property thereon, or remove property or equipment from the golf course.
E. Privately owned power golf carts are not allowed to be used on the municipal golf course.
R1-16. SWIMMING No person shall swim, bathe or wade in any water or waterways within any park
facility when such activity is prohibited and so posted by the director. No person shall use, remain in or
enter the Rinconada Pool facility between the hours listed as follows: January 1 through June 15 9 p.m – 6
a.m. June 16 through December 31 10 p.m. – 6 a.m.
Rules for the safe use of the Rinconada Swimming complex:
1. Children 7 years of age and younger must be directly supervised by a chaperone 16 years of age and
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older. Chaperones must wear a swimsuit, accompany the child in the water and be within arm’s length at all
times. Children may not be left unattended in the facility at any time.
2. All swimmers must wear swimsuits. Clothing including undergarments is not permitted. Clean over shirts
are permitted for modesty or sun protection as long as they are worn over swimsuits. Infants and toddlers
who are not yet toilet trained must wear swim diapers.
3. Flotation devices including water wings, padded swimsuits and inner-tubes are not permitted except US
Coast Guard approved lifejackets.
4. Flippers, snorkel masks, and hard balls are not permitted.
5. All persons entering the facility must pay, including those not intending to swim, except children 2 years
of age and younger.
6. Patrons must pay again to reenter the facility after leaving.
7. Walk at all times on the pool deck.
8. Bicycles, rollerblades, scooters, and skateboards are not permitted on the pool deck.
9. Dogs, cats and other animals are not permitted on the pool deck.
10. Fighting, roughhousing, chicken fighting, screaming, profane language, and pretending to drown is not
permitted in the facility.
11. Patrons are not permitted to sit on guard chairs, lane lines, starting blocks or railings.
12. Barbecues, alcohol and glass/breakable containers are not permitted in the facility.
13. Food and drinks must be consumed at picnic tables, on grass or farther than 10 feet from poolside.
14. Heed instructions from Lifeguards and overhead announcements at all times.
15. Aquatics staff reserves the right to ask anyone who violates these rules to leave the facility.
16. To maintain a safe environment, pool rules are subject to change at anytimeany time. Lap Pool:
17. Swimmers must be able to swim competently for at least one lap to enter the deep end and/or use the
diving boards. Lifeguards have sole discretion. Please ask for a swim test.
18. Lap swimmers using lap lanes during recreation swim may use flippers, kickboards and snorkels as
needed. Flippers, kickboards and snorkels are not permitted outside of the lap swim lanes. Non-lap
swimmers are not permitted to swim across lap lanes.
19. Diving boards:
• One person on the board and ladder at a time.
• Wait to dive until area is clear.
• Walk or perform a proper diving approach. Do not run on the diving board.
• Bounce only once and jump/dive off the end of the board facing forward.
• Divers may not jump to anyone in the pool and must swim to the wall unassisted.
After diving, swim out toward the closest ladder. Do not swim under, between or in front of the
diving boards.
Wading Pool:
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20. Swimmers must be able to reach the foot pedals to use the “Aquaducks.” Pedaling with hands is not
permitted.
21. Swimmers may not sit on or otherwise block the water pressure of the fountains.
22. Slide: Swimmers must be no taller than the slide to use it. One person is permitted on the slide and
ladder at a time. Form line on the ground. Do not stand, jump or push other swimmers off the top of the
slide. Swimmers must go down slide sitting, feet first.
R1-17. BOAT USE
A. The dock at Foothills Park and the sailing platform at the Baylands Nature Preserve is intended for
the hand launching of canoes, kayaks, small inflatable boats and boats less than sixteen feet in
length. The launching of any larger vessel is prohibited. While hand carts may be used to carry
boats from the parking lot to the dock or sailing platform, hand carts or other personal equipment
may not be used on the docks or left unattended in the immediate vicinity of the dock or sailing
platform. Items left unattended will be impounded by a park ranger or police officer.
B. Sail boards, sail craft and motorized boats are prohibited on Boronda Lake in Foothills Park.
R1-18. BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS AND ROLLER SKATES
A. Bicycles are prohibited on unpaved trails of Foothills Park. Skateboards, roller skates or blades,
or other coasting devices are prohibited in Foothills Park.
B. Bicycles are prohibited on unpaved trails of open space parks and preserves, unless designated
for bike access within the Pearson-Arastradero and Baylands Preserves. Skateboards, roller
skates or blades, or other coasting devices are prohibited in open space parks and preserves,
except on paved, multi-use bike paths.
C. Helmets: No person shall operate a bicycle or similar device on parks or open space preserves
without wearing an A.N.S.I. or Snell-approved bicycle helmet for head protection. No parent or
guardian shall allow any child under the age of 18 to ride a bicycle without a helmet.
D. Unsafe operation: No person shall operate a bicycle in a reckless or negligent manner so as to
endanger public property, or the life, limb, or property of any person or animal. No person shall
ride in or upon a portion of a bicycle not intended for passengers. No person shall operate a
bicycle while wearing earphones that interfere with hearing ambient noise.
E. No person shall leave a bicycle, scooter or skateboard in any place or position where other
persons may trip over or be injured by it.
R1-19. HUMAN FLIGHT No person shall hang-glide, parachute, parasail or engage in any human flight
on, over, or into park or open space, except by written permit in designated areas.
R1-20. TRAIL USE SPEED LIMIT The maximum speed for all trail uses is 15 miles per hour, unless a lesser
maximum speed is posted, and no person shall exceed the maximum speed on any trail; however, no
person shall operate a bicycle, or ride a horse or other such animal at a speed greater than is reasonable,
prudent, or safe. Bicyclists and equestrians are required to slow to 5 miles per hour when passing others or
approaching blind turns.
R1-20A. USE OF DESIGNATED TRAILS, PATHS AND RECREATIONAL LAWN AREAS IN OPEN SPACE
LANDS No person other than authorized City staff or other persons specifically authorized by City staff shall
walk, run or tread in any open space lands except on designated trails, paths, recreational lawn areas or
roads, unless expressly permitted to do so pursuant to park regulations or a special use permit. “Designated
trails” is defined as those trails which appear on current City of Palo Alto park maps, planning documents,
trail guides and/or those trails marked with City directional signs. (Adopted 6/28/04)
R1-21. COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES AND SOLICITATION Commercial activities, commercial solicitation,
and solicitation for donations (including banners and signage), not associated with and supportive of City
programs or City-sponsored activities for which a permit has been issued by the director, are prohibited.
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R1-21A. COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMING No person shall operate a still, motion picture,
video, or other camera for commercial purposes on City lands except pursuant to a permit authorizing such
activity or except for those activities associated with and supportive of City programs or City-sponsored
events. This section shall not apply to the commercial operation of cameras as part of the bona fide
reporting of news. (Adopted 6/28/04)
A. Applications shall be submitted not less than ten (10) working days before the proposed use.
B. No sound amplification equipment, which will disturb the peace, may be used in connection with
any photo shoot, except when used by City employees or safety officers for purposes of crowd
control.
C. No permit shall be granted for any event between the hours of 8:00 pm and 9:00 am without the
prior approval of the Director.
D. No permit shall be granted when the closure would result in hampering prompt access to an area or
location by emergency vehicles.
E. Wherever appropriate, the City will require the applicant to provide and erect barricades according
to City specifications for public safety. The person or persons making the application shall be
responsible for placing and dismantling all barricades. All barricades shall be removed within
one-half (1/2) hour of the ending time of the event. Barricades shall also be immediately removed
upon request of any authorized officer or employee of the City. In some situations, the Permittee
may be required by the City to provide traffic control and a qualified flag person if City streets or
parking lots are involved.
R1-22. RESTROOMS Male persons shall not enter any restroom or washroom set apart for females, and
female persons shall not enter any restroom or washroom set apart for males; except, this shall not apply to
persons with special needs or their accompanying attendants or children under the age of six years old who
are accompanied by a person who is of the sex designated for that facility and who has reason to be
responsible for such person.
R1-23. UNAUTHORIZED USE OF KEYS OR LOCKS No person other than one acting under the direction
of the director shall duplicate or cause to be duplicated a key used by the department for a padlock or door
lock of any type or description, nor shall any person divulge the combination of any lock so equipped to any
unauthorized person. No person, other than the one acting under the direction of the director, shall use a
key to access any park and/or open space facilities. The director may issue keys to user groups. Said user
groups must use the keys for permitted activity only and return issued keys to the City upon completion of
the activity. No person shall place a lock upon any gate or fence in any park or open space area without
prior permission from the Director.
R1-24. WATER POLLUTION While within the boundaries of any park facility, no person shall throw,
discharge or otherwise place or cause to be placed in the waters of any fountain, pond, lake, stream, bay or
other body of water or in any tributary, stream or drain flowing into such waters any substance, matter or
thing, liquid or solid, including but without limitation to, particles or objects made of paper, metal, glass,
garbage, rubbish, rubber, fuel, plant material, food matter, fiber and plastics.
R1-25. HARMFUL SUBSTANCES No person shall possess, place, or apply any substance harmful to any
person, property, wildlife, or vegetation on park or open space lands.
R1-26. LITTERING Depositing refuse or other waste on or into fire rings, barbecues or other devices used
to contain fires or for cooking is prohibited.
R1-27. DISPOSAL OF EFFLUENT No person shall deposit waste water, sewage or effluent from sinks,
portable toilets, or other fixtures upon or into the ground or water.
R1-28. SMOKING No person shall smoke any substance in any public places or any area that is within
twenty feet of bleachers, backstops, or play structures or any area designated as a playground, nature trail
or nature area or in or on any park facility where smoking is posted as being prohibited. Pursuant to Palo
Alto Municipal Ordinance 9.14.010 (i), public places are defined as: "Public places" means enclosed areas
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within publicly and privately owned buildings, structures, facilities, or complexes that are open to, used by,
or accessible to the general public. Public places include, but are not limited to, stores, banks, eating
establishments, bars, hotels, motels, depots and transit terminals, theaters and auditoriums, enclosed
sports arenas, convention centers, museums, galleries, polling places, hospitals and other health care
facilities of any kind (including clinics, dental, chiropractic, or physical therapy facilities), automotive service
centers, general business offices, nonprofit entity offices and libraries. Public places further include, but are
not limited to, hallways, restrooms, stairways, escalators, elevators, lobbies, reception areas, waiting
rooms, indoor service lines, checkout stations, counters and other pay stations, classrooms, meeting or
conference rooms, lecture rooms, buses, or other enclosed places that are open to, used by, or accessible
to the general public.
R1-29. FIREWORKS No person shall possess, give, sell, discharge, set off, or cause to be discharged, on
or into any portion of park or open space lands any firecrackers, missiles, rockets, fireworks, or explosives.
R1-30. ANIMALS No person other than public or peace officers, rangers, city naturalists, animal control
officers in the discharge of their duties shall:
A. Hunt, molest, harm, provide a noxious substance to, frighten, kill, trap, chase, tease, shoot or throw
missiles at any animal within the boundaries of any park facility, nor remove nor have in his
possession the young, eggs or nest of any such creature;
B. Abandon any animal, dead or alive, within any park facility;
C. Remove any animal not his own from within any park facility; exception is made to the foregoing in
that proper season, fish may by fished and removed from areas designated for fishing by licensed
persons, in accordance with the California Fish and Game Code and other related laws, and
boarded horses may be removed from a park facility, upon proper notification to the department;
D. Bring into or maintain in or upon any park facility any dog, cat or other animal unless such animal
at all times is kept on a leash and under full control of its owner or custodian; provided, however,
the director may designate areas and times within which persons may exercise, show,
demonstrate or train unleashed animals under full control or their owners or custodians. No
person shall allow a dog, cat, or domesticated animal, even if leashed, to disturb, chase, molest,
injure, or take any kind of native wildlife, whether living or dead, or remove, destroy, or in any
manner disturb the natural habitat of any animal on parks or open space land.
E. Permit cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, or other animals owned by him/her or in his/her possession to
graze within the boundaries of any park facility without express approval of the director;
F. No person shall keep or raise cattle, horses, sheep, or other livestock on park or open space
land, unless pursuant to a lease, license, or other entitlement of use granted by the City of Palo
Alto.
G. Ride or lead a horse, pony, mule, burro or other animal onto or over any park facility, other than at
times and upon roads or trails designated for riding of animals; except with approval of the
director.
H. No person owning or having custody or control of any dog shall permit such dog to defecate on
any public street, sidewalk, park or parkway without immediately removing the resulting
excrement at the time of occurrence. The excrement so removed shall not be disposed of on any
property listed in this chapter except in public refuse receptacles. Persons using Seeing-Eye dogs
are exempt from this section.
I. No person owning or harboring any dog or other animal shall allow or permit such dog or animal to
swim, bathe or wade in any water or waterways within any park facility when such activity is
prohibited and so posted by the director.
R1-31. NUISANCE DOGS No person shall allow or have on park or open space land a dog that is
threatening or a nuisance to people, other animals, or property. This includes, but is not limited to growling,
barking, bearing of teeth, or challenging in any manner, people, animals, or property.
R1-32. DOG EXERCISE AREA Dogs may be allowed off leash in the dog exercise areas, designated as
such, in Herbert Hoover Park, John Lucas Greer Park and Mitchell Park. No person, with or without a dog,
shall be in a dog exercise area before sunrise or after 10:30 PM, consistent with normal park hours. City
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employees performing their assigned duties are exempt from this restriction. No dog is to be left unattended
in any dog exercise area. A muzzle shall be securely attached over the mouth of all aggressive dogs. Any
person with a dog in the dog exercise area shall properly dispose of any dog fecal matter by placing it in the
provided receptacles. All dogs shall be placed on a leash upon leaving any dog exercise area. Violations of
these regulations may result in a citation and /or limiting the use of the dog exercise area.
R1-33. UNAUTHORIZED CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES No person shall deposit any earth, sand, rock,
stone or other substance within any park facility, nor shall he/she dig or remove any such material from
within any park facility, nor shall he/she erect or attempt to erect any building, wharf or structure of any kind
by driving or setting up posts or piles, nor in any manner appropriate or encumber any portion of the real
property owned by, operated, controlled or managed by the department without a permit from the director.
R1-34. USE OF UTILITIES
A. Electrical, phone, data communication, and cable receptacles in parks and open space spaces
may only be used or accessed for private use within the terms of a special use permit granted by
the Community Services Department.
B. Gas fixtures, water faucet spigots and irrigation water outlets that require a key or opening device in
parks and open space spaces may only be used or accessed for private use within the terms of a
special use permit granted by the Community Services Department.
C. Sanitary sewers or storm drains in parks or open space areas may not be used for the clean-out
of personal septic systems under any circumstances.
R1-35. GATHERING WOOD IN OPEN SPACE AREAS Gathering wood from or possessing wood that has
been gathered from Open Space areas is not permitted.
R1-36. PARKING RESTRICTIONS No person shall park a motor vehicle, except an authorized emergency
vehicle, or when in compliance with the directions of a peace officer, ranger, or City employee, in any of the
following places:
A. In areas where prohibited by "NO PARKING" or “FIRE LANE - DO NOT BLOCK” signs.
B. On any fire trail.
C. On any equestrian or hiking trail.
D. In such a place or manner as would block or obstruct any gate, entrance, or exit.
E. In such a place or manner as to take up more than one marked parking space in any authorized
parking area.
F. In such a place or manner as to block or obstruct the free flow of traffic.
G. Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
H. Adjacent to any curb painted red.
I. In any park or open space land after sunset except pursuant to a written permit.
J. In areas signed for permit parking on park or open space land without a written permit.
K. In any other place on park or open space land not designated by the City as an authorized area.
L. The gravel parking lot at the Towle Campground at Foothills Park may only be used for parking by
persons with camping reservations. There is a limit of 2 vehicles for the eight person campsites and
4 vehicles for sixteen person campsites. The parking area is restricted to passenger vehicles and
small trucks. Recreational vehicles, trailers or other self-contained vehicles (regardless of size,
weight or number of axles) are not allowed in the Towle Campground parking lot or beyond the gate
at the edge of Orchard Glen Picnic Area. Recreation vehicles or other self-contained vehicles may
not be parked in Foothills Park over-night. Non-camping guests should park in the available
day-use parking lots.
R1-37. OPERATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES No person shall operate, propel, or leave standing any motor
vehicle on park or open space land, except:
A. Emergency vehicles operated within the scope of official use.
B. Upon roads, trails, or paths, which may from time to time be set aside and posted by the City for
the use of specifically designated vehicles.
C. Upon roads and parking areas open to the public during regular open hours.
D. Motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to, any vehicle as defined by section 415 and/or 670 of
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the California Vehicle Code, motorcycles, off-road vehicles, "dirt bikes", and similar vehicles.
E. This section shall apply to all motorized bicycles, carts, scooters and electric personal assistive
mobility devices (Segway or similar device) except those devices used by handicapped persons.
R1-37A. VEHICLE WEIGHT LIMIT ON BAYLANDS ROADS AND PARKING LOTS No person shall operate
or park any vehicle in excess of 6,000 pounds weight on Harbor Road or within any parking lot of the
City-owned Baylands or John Fletcher Byxbee Recreational Areas. (Adopted 6/28/04)
R1-38. VIOLATION - PENALTY
A. The director shall have authority to revoke a permit upon a finding of violation by the permittee or
persons acting under the permit of any regulation contained in this chapter or upon a finding of
violation of other City ordinance or law of this state in the exercise of the permit.
B. The director or designee shall have the authority to eject from any park facility any person acting in
violation of regulations contained in this chapter.
R1–39. COMMUNITY GARDEN
The City of Palo Alto provides, subject to a license agreement, space for Palo Alto residents to enjoy
organic gardening on a first-come, first serve basis as space allows. The Palo Alto Community Gardens
are designated for the use of Palo Alto residents only. Gardeners and prospective gardeners must
provide sufficient proof of residency (i.e., utility bill in the name of the gardener, driver’s license, etc.) and
sign a license agreement with the City. A post office box will not be accepted as a resident address.
A. No non-organic pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, or chemically treated wood products are
to be used in any garden site. Any gardener installing wood borders or planters may be required
to show proof that the wood has not been chemically treated. Violation of this rule will be cause for
termination of the Community Garden License Agreement and participation in the garden program.
B. Gardeners shall not contract for, or perform, any type of electrical or irrigation work without the
written permission of the Garden Coordinator.
C. Plots and walkways shall be kept free of weeds, debris and trash year-round. Any gardener
composting is restricted to the confines of their assigned plot. The entire garden plot must be
cultivated and contain an average planting density when it is not being mulched. A chair or small
bench is acceptable for use as a resting place, but no patio sets, furniture, tables, bar-b-ques,
sheds, or other structures or furnishings are allowed.
D. Gardeners are to keep one-half of the width of all the walkways around their garden plot free of
weeds and vegetation. .
E. All gardeners are expected to help on scheduled workdays. The Community Garden Volunteer
Liaison is responsible for scheduling garden workdays. The number of workdays per year will vary
according to size of the garden and the amount of maintenance required to keep the garden site
well groomed. Gardeners are required to attend at least two workdays per year. Those
gardeners who consistently avoid doing their share of community garden work are subject to verbal
or written warning, and possible loss of the garden plot.
F. Garden plots are confined to the assigned locations and a gardener may occupy only one garden
plot. No person may use a vacant plot or other area in the gardens without the prior written approval
from the Community Garden Coordinator. The Garden Coordinator may make exceptions in
unusual circumstances (i.e., extremely small plot or sunlight has deteriorated due to shade trees).
No garden plot shall be traded, divided, shared, sub-leased, or otherwise changed from the original
plot assigned and licensed to the signatory gardener. If any change is desired, contact the
Community Garden Coordinator. All requests will be reviewed and decided on an individual basis.
An exchange of plots is an option, but must be approved by the Community Garden Coordinator
before any exchange occurs.
G. Only vegetables, flowers, berries and herbs may be grown in the plots. Produce from the plot shall
not be used for commercial profit. Tall plants, such as corn, berries and tall vines should be
located so that they do not produce shade on adjacent plots, and do not extend into pathways.
Permanent plants (i.e., rose bushes) are not to be over 5’ in height. Berries are to be trimmed and
maintained. Fruit trees and bushes are not permitted because of their invasive roots and shading
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potential.
H. In the interest of water conservation, gardeners are required to remain in the vicinity of their plots
while watering and are requested to turn off faucets at unattended plots.
I. Automatic watering systems prevent other gardeners from accessing the community water supply
and contribute to low water pressure problems at some sites. Therefore, automatic watering
systems are not permitted unless each plot in the garden has a designated water faucet.
Automatic watering systems (drip systems preferred) will be allowed in some instances upon
request and only by the written permission of the Community Garden Coordinator. The approved
systems must be checked on a weekly basis and any system found leaking will be removed.
Please contact the Garden Coordinator for written approval before installing any type of watering
system.
J. Plot holders are expected to conduct themselves in a safe, respectful and courteous manner
toward other garden residents. Garden conflicts should be taken to the Garden Liaison for
resolution. In the event that the Garden Liaison cannot resolve the issue, the problem is to be
taken to the City’s Garden Coordinator for resolution. Non-compliance with this rule may subject
the offending gardener to immediate expulsion from the garden program and termination of license
agreement.
K. Dogs are not allowed inside any Community Garden site, either on or off a leash. Dispensation
will be granted in special cases (i.e., handicapped, blind, etc.). Please contact the Community
Garden Coordinator for dispensation consideration.
L. The amount of the fee associated with the right to cultivate any plot will be calculated by quarter on
a calendar year basis. If a garden plot is assigned during the year, payment will be made for the
remaining quarters and the remaining initial quarter, if the plot is assigned during the first 44 days of
the quarter. If the plot is assigned after the first 44 days of the quarter, only the remaining quarters
in the calendar year will be charged.
M. Any gardener who is 60 years of age or older, is eligible to receive a 25% discount. The gardener
is responsible for informing the Community Garden Coordinator that he or she is eligible to receive
the discount. The gardener must provide proof of age.
N. Invoices for the current year’s fees will be mailed in January. Fees are due within 30 days of
receiving the invoice. Bills will be considered past due 60 days after the invoice date and a late fee
of $10.00 (ten dollars) will be charged. Gardeners who fail to pay are subject to revocation of their
license to garden.
O. In the event of early termination of the License Agreement to cultivate a plot, the Community
Garden Coordinator is to be contacted in writing by the gardener and a refund will be issued for the
remaining quarter(s) of the calendar year. No refunds will be given for a part of a quarter (3
months) and no refunds of less than $10.00 (ten dollars) will be issued. In the event of early
termination of the license agreement (even if no refund is made) the garden plot will be available for
reassignment to the next applicant on the waiting list.
P. Pursuant to Palo Alto Municipal Code 22.04.320, no person shall use, remain in or enter any
Community Garden (Main Garden; Eleanor Pardee Garden, Johnson Park Garden or Timothy
Hopkins Creekside Garden) between 10:30 p.m. and sunrise. Closure times specified in Title 22 as
implemented by this regulation shall be posted prominently at each garden.
Violation of any Community Garden Rule may subject the gardener to a verbal or written warning and/or
possible revocation of his/her license to use a garden plot. If sufficient improvement is not demonstrated
on an on-going basis, the plot will be posted as abandoned, and the license to garden the plot will be
revoked. The plot will be issued to the next person on the waiting list. Any items remaining in the plot will
be given to the person taking the plot.
The good faith judgment of the Community Garden Coordinator will be sufficient cause for enforcement of
the Community Garden Rules, including revocation of the license to garden.
Adopted by City Council June 24, 2002; Revised June 28, 2004; Revised January 24, 2005. Revised
February 3, 2006. Revised April 14, 2008. Revised March 14, 2011. Revised _________, 2012.
PAMC 22.04.180 Amplified Sound
No devises or sound amplification equipment in City parks or open space lands emitting
sound in excess of the limits allowed under Section 9.10.050 of this code. Director may
restrict the use of sound amplification devices in connection with any activity for which a
permit is required.
PAMC 9.10.050 Public Property Noise Limits
a) No person shall produce, suffer or allow to be produced by any machine or device, or any
combination of same, on public property, a noise level more than fifteen dB above the local
ambient at a distance of twenty-five feet or more, unless otherwise provided in this chapter.
b) Sound performances and special events not exceeding eighty dBA measured at a distance
of fifty feet are exempt from this chapter when approval therefore has been obtained from the
appropriate governmental entity.
Park Rules and Regulations
R1-34. USE OF UTILITIES
A. Electrical, phone, data communication, and cable receptacles in parks and open space
spaces may only be used or accessed for private use within the terms of a special use permit
granted by the Community Services Department.
TO: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
DATE: OCTOBER 25, 2011
SUBJECT: AMENDMENT OF ORDINANCE 22.04.180 OF CHAPTER 24.04
OF TITLE 22 [PARK AND RECREATION BUILDING USE AND
REGULATIONS] OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE TO
IMPOSE A PERMIT REQUIREMENT AND TIME USE
LIMITATIONS ON SOUND AMPLIFICATION EQUIPMENT
AT LYTTON PLAZA.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend that Council adopt the
attached amendment to Palo Alto Municipal Code 22.04.180 to Title 22 of the Palo Alto Municipal
Code to impose a permit requirement and time use limitations for sound amplification equipment at
Lytton Plaza.
The amendment to 22.04.180 adds section (c):
(c) No person shall operate any device or sound amplification equipment in Lytton Plaza, unless the
director issues a permit for such operation. The operation of such device or sound amplification
equipment in Lytton Plaza shall be limited to 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM on Sundays through Thursdays
and 5:00 PM and 11:00 PM on Fridays through Saturdays. Sound amplification shall not exceed
fifteen dB above the local ambient noise level measured at a distance of twenty-five feet or more
from the park boundary of Lytton Plaza.
BACKGROUND
Lytton Plaza was renovated in 2009. During the renovation several electrical outlets added to the
plaza. The electrical outlets were intended to be used for special events. Shortly after the
renovation, Lytton Plaza became the site for a City sponsored Farmer’s Market. Live, electric
amplified music accompanied the Farmer’s Market events. In addition to playing for the
Farmer’s Market, musicians also played at Lytton Plaza on other days (without authorization or
permits). The Farmer’s Market was discontinued in 2010, however, the unpermitted live music
CMR:159:05 Page 1 of 2
CMR:159:05 Page 2 of 2
has continued and expanded. Individual musicians, as well as groups, utilize Lytton Plaza to
perform amplified music.
DISCUSSION
Community Services and Police staff have received numerous complaints over the past year
from the surrounding businesses regarding amplified music at the plaza during day time hours.
There have also been complaints from residents about loud music being played late at night at
the plaza.
Staff tried to use the existing regulations and municipal codes (Attachment B) to deal with the
problem. However the existing regulations and codes are not adequate to address the problem.
Park Regulation (R1-34) prohibits the use of electrical receptacles in parks without a special use
permit. However, there are several musicians that use battery powered amplifiers at Lytton
Plaza. Staff also tried to curb the use of the electrical outlets by locking the outlet covers,
however repeated vandalism has made it difficult to secure the outlets. Palo Alto Municipal
Code 22.04.180 prohibits amplified sound in parks when the sound levels exceed 15 dB above
the ambient at a distance of 25 feet. Unfortunately, the amplified music can disturb the
surrounding businesses even if the noise level is below this threshold.
Police and Parks staff have contacted some of the musicians to seek assistance in dealing with
the noise issues. In some cases there has been cooperation, but not enough to adequately address
the problem. Furthermore, the Police lack the staffing to respond (and take the necessary decibel
noise readings) to frequent noise complaints of street musicians playing at Lytton Plaza.
Police, Community Services, and City Manager’s Office staff have conferred with the Executive
Director of the Palo Alto downtown Business and Professional Association, Russ Cohen, and
agreed that it would be best to have amplified music by permit only, and limited to the
aforementioned hours. Russ Cohen consulted with several members of the business community
located around Lytton Plaza. Acoustic music would continue to be welcome in the plaza at any
time without a permit. Staff believes that prohibiting amplified sound without a permit will be a
useful tool in reducing noise complaints, and will help keep the park and surrounding area
enjoyable for everyone.
RESOURCE IMPACT
Neither new staff nor an increase in the number of patrols is proposed to enforce the permit
requirement and time use limitations for sound amplification equipment at Lytton Plaza. The penalty
fee imposed for an administrative citation ($250) for violation of this ordinance would cover the cost
of staff time to issue and process the citation.
To implement this ordinance, $250.00 would be used from the Parks operating budget to design,
fabricate, and install new signage.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
The proposed amendments are consistent with Goal N-8 and Policy N-40 Policy N-40 of the
Natural Environment element of the Comprehensive Plan that encourages an environment that
minimizes the adverse impacts of noise, and calls for staff to evaluate the potential for noise
pollution and ways to reduce noise impacts when reviewing development and activities in Palo
Alto and surrounding communities.
The proposed use of permits and limited hours is consistent with how rentals are handled at our
community centers and at the Art Center.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
This is not a project subject to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Draft Ordinance
Attachment B: Existing Palo Alto Municipal Code Ordinances and Park Rules and
Regulations related to amplified sound at Lytton Plaza.
PREPARED BY:__________________________________________________________
DAREN ANDERSON
Division Manager, Open Space, Parks, and Golf
ATTACHMENT B
PAMC 22.04.180 Amplified Sound
No devises or sound amplification equipment in City parks or open space lands emitting
sound in excess of the limits allowed under Section 9.10.050 of this code. Director may
restrict the use of sound amplification devices in connection with any activity for which a
permit is required.
PAMC 9.10.050 Public Property Noise Limits
a) No person shall produce, suffer or allow to be produced by any machine or device, or
any combination of same, on public property, a noise level more than fifteen dB above
the local ambient at a distance of twenty-five feet or more, unless otherwise provided in
this chapter.
b) Sound performances and special events not exceeding eighty dBA measured at a
distance of fifty feet are exempt from this chapter when approval therefore has been
obtained from the appropriate governmental entity.
Park Rules and Regulations
R1-34. USE OF UTILITIES
A. Electrical, phone, data communication, and cable receptacles in parks and open
space spaces may only be used or accessed for private use within the terms of a
special use permit granted by the Community Services Department.
Calls For Service @ Lytton Plaza
January-December 2011
Incident Date Call Type Location Rec Time
7/14/2011 NOISE VIOLATION LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 00:05:31
5/14/2011 NOISE VIOLATION LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 00:08:43
2/12/2011 NOISE VIOLATION LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 00:10:29
11/15/2011 ON FOOT PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 00:10:46
1/14/2011 ON FOOT PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 00:19:40
7/14/2011 DISTURBING:UNK PROB LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 00:24:27
1/29/2011 ON FOOT PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 00:28:40
11/15/2011 ON FOOT PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 00:51:19
6/15/2011 UTILITIES INFO CALL UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST 00:51:28
1/29/2011 ON FOOT PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 00:58:45
8/7/2011 DISTURBING:UNK PROB UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST 01:10:11
10/15/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:11:51
9/25/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:13:10
12/5/2011 DISTURBING:UNK PROB LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:14:43
6/18/2011 DIRECTED PATROL 200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:26:11
5/7/2011 MEET CITIZEN 200BLK UNIVERSITY AV 01:33:47
11/19/2011 DISTURBING:UNK PROB LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:33:48
10/22/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:36:52
11/24/2011 MEET CITIZEN LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:39:11
3/12/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:40:23
4/30/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:41:48
11/21/2011 FOUND PROPERTY LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:42:00
1/9/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:42:01
6/18/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:42:38
11/5/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:43:37
6/26/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:46:12
10/8/2011 COMM POLICE SCHOOLS LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:46:49
5/15/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:47:39
6/25/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:48:26
5/1/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:48:43
1/15/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:48:49
3/4/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:49:09
2/6/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:49:14
3/6/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:49:40
3/27/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:49:42
11/27/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:50:28
5/14/2011 DISTURBING:UNK PROB LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:51:00
3/5/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:51:06
4/30/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:51:38
9/4/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:52:14
2/5/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:52:23
5/14/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:52:24
1/16/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:53:37
8/20/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:53:38
7/2/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:54:17
3/13/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:55:16
12/17/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:55:57
10/23/2011 MEET CITIZEN LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:56:25
1/22/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:57:13
8/5/2011 DISTURBING:UNK PROB UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST 01:58:28
5/1/2011 TRAFFIC PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:58:28
Page 1 of 4
Calls For Service @ Lytton Plaza
January-December 2011
Incident Date Call Type Location Rec Time
1/23/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:58:38
2/12/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:59:28
2/5/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 01:59:35
11/26/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 02:00:52
7/9/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 02:01:14
8/6/2011 PARAMEDIC RESPONSE LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 02:01:39
1/29/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 02:02:31
3/20/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 02:03:10
12/24/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 02:04:20
2/13/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 02:04:36
6/26/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 02:04:45
2/26/2011 DISTURBING:UNK PROB LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 02:04:56
10/16/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 02:07:04
1/15/2011 DIRECTED PATROL 200BLK UNIVERSITY AV 02:08:36
10/8/2011 COMM POLICE SCHOOLS LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 02:09:19
4/24/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 02:12:09
6/19/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 02:14:28
4/17/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 02:14:40
1/15/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 02:14:56
4/30/2011 INTOXICATED PERSON LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 02:21:54
4/9/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 02:26:42
4/24/2011 FOUND PROPERTY LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 02:33:49
8/7/2011 PRIS IN CUST LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 02:34:14
4/24/2011 FOUND PROPERTY LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 02:35:16
11/20/2011 DISTURBING:UNK PROB LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 02:39:29
2/12/2011 INTOXICATED PERSON LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 03:27:25
5/22/2011 NOISE VIOLATION LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 03:34:48
6/28/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 06:04:24
11/13/2011 DISTURBING:UNK PROB LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 06:10:38
12/29/2011 MEET CITIZEN 200 UNIVERSITY AV 06:14:00
5/27/2011 REPORT ON CONDITIONS UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST 06:38:10
4/11/2011 MISC SERVICE (DEPT) UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST ; PW 08:49:58
7/11/2011 TRASH DUMP LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 09:25:57
11/29/2011 TRASH DUMP LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 09:59:05
9/6/2011 CITIZEN CRIME REPORT LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 10:00:47
12/23/2011 STOLEN VEHICLE REPORT 200BK UNIVERSITY AV 10:10:25
6/29/2011 ACCIDENT PROP DAMAGE 200BLK UNIVERSITY AV 10:30:32
6/6/2011 CITIZEN CRIME REPORT UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST 11:23:37
12/1/2011 CITIZEN CRIME REPORT LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 11:26:52
11/2/2011 TRAFFIC PATROL 200BLK UNIVERSITY AV 11:29:01
3/14/2011 VANDALISM REPORT UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST 11:29:39
10/15/2011 HEALTH&SAFETY IP/JO LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 12:08:42
10/19/2011 RECKLESS DRIVING UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST ; EB 12:10:52
5/10/2011 PERSON DOWN LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 12:45:59
11/8/2011 TRAFFIC PATROL 200BLK UNIVERSITY AV 12:47:04
10/15/2011 PARKING VIOLATION LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 12:47:29
11/3/2011 TRAFFIC PATROL 200BL UNIVERSITY AV 12:48:07
6/11/2011 DRIVE UNDER THE INFL UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST ;WB 13:20:01
2/5/2011 SELF INITIATED CALL 200BLK UNIVERSITY 13:20:49
9/13/2011 NOISE VIOLATION UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST ;W/B 13:32:51
4/25/2011 MISD HIT/RUN-REPORT UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST 13:48:37
Page 2 of 4
Calls For Service @ Lytton Plaza
January-December 2011
Incident Date Call Type Location Rec Time
12/3/2011 INFORMATION 200 UNIVERSITY AV 13:59:41
1/8/2011 STORED VEHICLE 200BL UNIVERSITY AV 13:59:45
9/17/2011 ON FOOT PATROL UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST 14:34:01
6/8/2011 CITIZEN CRIME REPORT 200BL UNIVERSITY AV 14:41:32
2/15/2011 COMMUNITY POLICE LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 14:57:17
7/7/2011 ON FOOT PATROL UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST 15:25:03
7/27/2011 MEET CITIZEN LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 15:33:17
10/27/2011 DISTURBING:UNK PROB LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 15:33:58
3/30/2011 PARKING VIOLATION LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 15:34:28
1/8/2011 FOUND PROPERTY 200BLK UNIVERSITY AV 15:36:20
12/17/2011 WELFARE CHECK LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 15:40:36
7/10/2011 BATTERY IP/JO LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 15:43:44
11/25/2011 POSS DEAD BODY LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 15:45:55
4/22/2011 ONCALL SCADA OP CALL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 15:46:18
7/15/2011 ON FOOT PATROL UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST 16:01:14
1/4/2011 INFORMATION UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST 16:20:20
6/12/2011 HEALTH&SAFETY IP/JO LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 16:26:32
12/20/2011 ON FOOT PATROL 200BLK UNIVERSITY AV 16:27:17
12/4/2011 MEET CITIZEN LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 16:28:11
12/9/2011 MISD HIT/RUN UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST 16:34:25
8/8/2011 BATTERY IP/JO UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST 16:38:44
10/13/2011 ON FOOT PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 16:38:47
12/9/2011 DIRECTED PATROL TEAM B LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 16:57:19
12/15/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 17:14:02
7/16/2011 PARAMEDIC RESPONSE UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST 17:27:01
8/12/2011 ON FOOT PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 17:35:46
7/7/2011 FOUND PROPERTY 200BL UNIVERSITY AV 17:43:32
3/20/2011 DISTURBING:UNK PROB LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 17:52:01
11/2/2011 DISTURBING:UNK PROB LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 18:16:57
11/16/2011 BATTERY IP/JO LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 18:18:58
6/12/2011 INTOXICATED PERSON LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 18:24:55
10/5/2011 DISTURBING:UNK PROB 200BLK UNIVERSITY AV 18:25:18
2/17/2011 ACCIDENT PROP DAMAGE UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST 18:29:27
7/22/2011 DISTURBING:UNK PROB LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 18:43:32
2/23/2011 INTOXICATED PERSON LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 18:45:28
5/29/2011 DISTURBANCE REPORT LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 18:48:45
3/12/2011 PARAMEDIC RESPONSE LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 18:50:34
7/22/2011 PARAMEDIC RESPONSE LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 18:54:25
1/31/2011 DISTURBING:UNK PROB LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 19:11:58
12/2/2011 DISTURBING:UNK PROB LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 19:12:53
10/21/2011 PARKING VIOLATION UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST 19:14:17
10/21/2011 ON FOOT PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 19:17:58
3/18/2011 DISTURBING:UNK PROB LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 19:20:41
11/18/2011 MEET CITIZEN LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 19:21:20
8/17/2011 NOISE VIOLATION LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 19:22:16
9/7/2011 STOLEN VEHICLE REPORT UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST 19:24:34
2/5/2011 NOISE VIOLATION LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 19:31:00
7/8/2011 ON FOOT PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 19:33:48
9/22/2011 MUNI CODE:NOISE VIOL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 19:35:37
8/17/2011 MEET CITIZEN LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 19:47:16
8/17/2011 DISTURBING:UNK PROB LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 19:50:05
Page 3 of 4
Calls For Service @ Lytton Plaza
January-December 2011
Incident Date Call Type Location Rec Time
1/13/2011 MISD HIT/RUN UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST 19:51:05
2/6/2011 LOOKOUT FOR UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST 20:02:55
8/30/2011 ON FOOT PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 20:11:10
1/24/2011 NOISE VIOLATION LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 20:24:17
11/3/2011 PARAMEDIC RESPONSE LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 20:44:22
5/6/2011 WARRANT/PALO ALTO LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 20:46:08
10/17/2011 MEET CITIZEN LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 21:00:11
11/12/2011 RECKLESS DRIVING UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST ; WB UNIV 21:01:14
12/21/2011 REPORT ON CONDITIONS LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 21:02:13
5/8/2011 ATTEMPT TO CONTACT LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 21:05:46
10/25/2011 DISTURBING:UNK PROB LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 21:14:12
12/3/2011 NOISE VIOLATION LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 21:21:21
12/21/2011 EMERGENCY SHUT OFF LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 21:28:27
9/30/2011 DISTURBING:UNK PROB LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 21:35:07
4/16/2011 ON FOOT PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 21:39:15
2/11/2011 NOISE VIOLATION LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 21:40:54
12/10/2011 PARKING VIOLATION LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 21:46:13
9/24/2011 DISTURBING:UNK PROB LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 21:52:26
4/12/2011 ON FOOT PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 22:06:52
9/16/2011 ON FOOT PATROL 200BLK UNIVERSITY AV 22:15:02
9/28/2011 ON FOOT PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 22:26:41
11/12/2011 PARAMEDIC RESPONSE LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 22:30:47
2/5/2011 HEALTH&SAFETY IP/JO LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 22:38:35
10/29/2011 PARAMEDIC RESPONSE UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST 22:41:08
11/26/2011 MUNI CODE:NOISE VIOL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 22:43:04
6/6/2011 SUSPICIOUS PERSON 200BL UNIVERSITY AV 22:47:19
2/5/2011 SPOT CHECK LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 22:49:05
2/11/2011 NOISE VIOLATION LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 22:56:32
12/21/2011 BATTERY IP/JO LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 22:58:23
11/12/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 23:00:38
10/24/2011 BATTERY IP/JO LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 23:00:46
4/22/2011 NOISE VIOLATION LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 23:02:30
6/20/2011 NOISE VIOLATION LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 23:09:43
2/11/2011 NOISE VIOLATION LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 23:12:58
5/6/2011 NOISE VIOLATION LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 23:19:27
10/23/2011 BATTERY IP/JO LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 23:23:02
10/7/2011 PARKING VIOLATION LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 23:28:22
12/22/2011 WELFARE CHECK UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST 23:40:23
3/11/2011 NOISE VIOLATION LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 23:40:53
8/21/2011 WELFARE CHECK UNIVERSITY AV / EMERSON ST 23:54:13
12/16/2011 DIRECTED PATROL LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 23:58:07
2/26/2011 DISTURBING:UNK PROB LYTTON PLAZA @200 UNIVERSITY AV 23:58:34
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APPROVED
August 28, 2012 Draft Minutes 1
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MINUTES
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
August 28, 2012
CITY HALL
250 Hamilton
Commissioners Present: Stacey Ashlund, Deirdre Crommie, Jennifer Hetterly, Ed Lauing, Pat
Markevitch, Daria Walsh
Commissioners Absent: Paul Losch
Others Present:
Staff Present: Rob de Geus, Catherine Bourquin, Daren Anderson
I. ROLL CALL CONDUCTED BY: Catherine Bourquin 23
II. AGENDA CHANGES, REQUESTS, and DELETIONS: 25
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None 27
IV. BUSINESS:
1. Approval of Draft Minutes from the July 24, 2012 special meeting – The Draft
Minutes from the July 24, 2012 minutes were approved as amended. Passed:
4:2 abstentions (Commissioner Walsh and Crommie)
2. Recommendation to place limits on amplified sound at Lytton Plaza – Staff
Anderson briefly spoke on the recommendation reminding the Commission what had
taken place and what the new regulation entailed. The Commission then received
public comment.
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Herb Borock – Mr. Borock spoke on the item and added that there might be the need
for mitigation if approved by Council, referencing the advanced reservation portion of
the regulation and having limitations added to it.
Commissioners were given time for comment and questions.
APPROVED
August 28, 2012 Draft Minutes 2
Commissioner Vice-chair Walsh commented that she did not feel comfortable voting
yes to the recommendation on the grounds that after observing the plaza on numerous
occasions during this trial period, that she felt the music was still too loud.
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Commissioner Chair Lauing – He commented that he was pleased with the survey
outlining 11 visits.
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Commissioner Crommie – She was pleased with the distinction between day and night
uses and found that you could still find a quiet time during the day at Lytton Plaza. Her
concern was on acoustic music playing during the hours amplified was allowed. She
asked how acoustic music would be accommodated and staff responded that there is no
restricted times for acoustic music.
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Commissioner Hetterly – She commented that she was very pleased with the huge
improvement on the revised wording in the Rules and Regulations that now clarifies
the permitting process and how amplified music will be accommodated in Lytton
Plaza.
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Commissioner Markevitch made a motion to approve the recommendation to place
limits on amplified sound at Lytton Plaza as defined in the staff report to the
Commission, seconded by Commissioner Crommie.
Motion: The Parks and Recreation Commission recommend to Council to approve
the Recommendation to place limits on amplified sound at Lytton Plaza.
Passed 5:1 (Commissioner Walsh)
3. Review draft amendment to the Comprehensive Plan – Natural Environment
Element - Staff de Geus introduced Steve Turner, Advanced Planning Manager for the
Planning and Transportation Department. Mr. Turner started the review off by
acknowledging Ms. Chitralekha Moitra a planner in the department who has worked
extensively on this component of the comprehensive plan. He provided some history on
the Plan and what the next steps are for the plan. He advised the Commission that any
written comments that they would like to provide can be emailed to him via staff de
Geus and will be incorporated into the Draft before review by the Planning and
Transportation Commission on September 12th. After this review the hope would be
that it will be ready to go forward to Council. And then it would go out for an
environmental analysis to bring it to its final stage in Spring of 2013.
Public Comment 80
Eileen McLaughlin, Citizens Committee To Complete the Refuge spoke on the portion
of the comprehensive plan as it pertains to Natural Eco systems. She wanted to make
sure the “invasive species” removal was included in the plan.
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The Ad hoc Committee consisting of Commissioner Crommie and Commissioner
Hetterly provided a report on their review of the Comprehensive Plan – Natural
APPROVED
August 28, 2012 Draft Minutes 3
Environment Element. They went through their suggested changes/edits for the
Commissions approval. (See attached).
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After comments from the Commissioners a motion was made by Commissioner Hetterly
to approve the recommended changes by the ad hoc committee and seconded by
Commissioner Crommie.
Motion: The Parks and Recreation Commission approve the recommended
changes by the ad hoc committee as presented. Passed: 6:0
4. Review and comment on landscape renovation plans for Eleanor Pardee Park –
Peter Jensen, Landscape Architect/Park Planner for the City of Palo Alto presented the
plans for the renovation of Eleanor Pardee Park to the Commission. After his
presentation the Commission was given time for questions and comments. Some
questions and comments from the Commissioners included; will there be sand in the
play area, why so many picnic tables without a restroom, why asphalt for pathways,
what is the criteria for replacement of playground equipment, has a dog park been
considered, revamping 9/11 memorial area, putting the two playgrounds together.
Mr. Jensen commented that the next steps will be to further develop the plan by looking
at some modifications that the commissioners have suggested. The plans will then be
brought back to the Commission for further review.
5. Presentation and discussion on the Highway 101 Pedestrian/Bicycle overcrossing
conceptual alignments at Adobe Creek and possible action recommending a letter
of support to apply for funding through the County of Santa Clara Alternative
Recreation Mitigation Projects Grant program – Holly Boyd, Project Engineer for
the project provided a brief description of what the expectation is for this item tonight
and introduced the consultant Casey Hildridge who presented a slide show on the
project outlining the four conceptual alignments with various approach options under
consideration. Commissioner Markevitch questioned the use of the private property for
alignments A, B, and C. Discussion centered on the differences in the ramps for each
of the alignments. Commissioner Hetterly emphasized the need to keep the tunnel
available as well as the bridge. The Commission then discussed the letter of support
from the Commission for the grant application to the Santa Clara County. Consultant
Casey Hildridge explained the process for the grant. Commissioner Ashlund questioned
why the inclusion of the other three projects for the grant funding. After some
discussion a motion was agreed upon by the Commission. Motion made by
Commissioner Crommie and seconded by Commissioner Hetterly.
Motion: The Parks and Recreation agree to provide a letter of support for the City to
apply for funding through the County of Santa Clara Alternative
Recreation Mitigation Projects Grant program for approximately 6 million
APPROVED
August 28, 2012 Draft Minutes 4
for four projects Adobe Creek Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge ($4M), Matadero
Creek trail ($1.5M), Arastradero Road Trail Repaving and Upgrades
($250K) and Park Bicycle Boulevard ($250K) in order of this priority.
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Passed: 5:1 (Commissioner Ashlund)
6. Preparation for September 10 Council Study Session – Chair Lauing lead the
discussion on preparing for the Joint meeting with City Council. A draft Agenda for
the meeting was provided and discussed. The Commission explored ways to express
the importance to the Council on PARC’s key goals for the present and future.
7. Parks and Recreation Commission Ad Hoc Committee and liaison updates – Chair
Lauing requested updates from the Commissioners ad hoc committees and liaison
representatives.
IRBC – Commissioner Markevitch commented that they will be getting back
together in early October to get an update on what Council has been doing.
Julia Morgan building sub-committee – Commissioner Markevitch commented
that they met with Steve Emslie, Deputy City Manager and put together a matrix
on the possible location options they found.
Cubberley committee – Commissioner Hetterly commented that the committee is
meeting every other week and are in the data collection stage still. They have
been told that the timeline has been moved up to February 2013 and the
Committee is feeling that they might not have enough time to finish there report
by then.
Byxbee committee – Commissioners Crommie, Hetterly, and Walsh stated that
they did a walk through with staff Anderson and reviewed the new trails which
looked good. They had a follow up meeting with the stakeholders at the water
treatment plant with Public Works.
Field Use Policy committee – Staff de Geus reported that they will be meeting on
Thursday and possibly have something to bring back to the Commissions next
meeting.
Golf Course – Staff de Geus spoke and informed the Commission that the design
work is continuing and that the current Committee for this will be meeting again
shortly.
V. COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS 164
1. Commissioner Walsh had a question on the Cogswell Plaza readings from the Important
Dates sheet. The response was that there are always two readings that occur with
Council on ordinance requests.
APPROVED
August 28, 2012 Draft Minutes 5
2. Commissioner Markevitch commented that she would like to emphasize the importance
of scheduling meetings that relate to the Commission on nights that they do not have their
regular meetings.
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3. Commissioner Hetterly reported on the Public Arts Commission informing the
Commission that they met on the Hoover Park art selection and has narrowed it down to
5 proposals.
4. Staff de Geus announced that the Enjoy catalog has been released.
VI. TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR NEXT REGULAR MEETING 176
Chair Lauing reported that the September 25th meeting will have to be moved and
discussed the options of a new date. September 10th, September 18th was suggested.
Agenda items suggested included:
1. Magical Bridge
2. Julia Morgan Building relocation
3. Urban Forestry
4. Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
VII. ADJOURNMENT 185
Meeting adjourned in honor of Russ Wright, Recreation instructor who passed away.
11:20pm