HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-05-02 City Council (3)TO:
BUDGET
’00-’01 City of Palo Alto
City Manager’s Report
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
ATTENTION: FINANCE COMMITTEE
FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: PLANNING AND
COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT
DATE:
SUBJECT:
MAY 2, 2000 CMR:235:00
REVIEW OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN STATUS REPORT
RECOMMENDATION ’
Staff recommends that the Finance Committee review and comment on the
Comprehensive Plan Status Report and direct staff to include the report in the budget
document to be reviewed by the City Council on June 19, 2000.
BACKGROUND
With City. Council adoption of the 1998-2010 Comprehensive Plan, staff committed to
ensuring that the Comprehensive Plan remained a dynamic document that shaped the
future of Palo Alto. To accomplish this, a number of steps have been taken, including
integrating the Comprehensive Plan into the budget process and budget documents
through the use of the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan Status Report.
Throughout the integration process, departments worked with the Comprehensive Plan
Implementation Plan, which summarizes all Comprehensive Plan policies and programs,
including lead department or fund, timing of the implementation and general financial
implications. Departments used the Implementation Plan as a guide as they developed
their operating and capital budget requests for 2000-01. This resulted in the integration of
the Comprehensive Plan into the operating budget. The capital budget already includes
reference to the Comprehensive Plan. The final version of the Implementation Plan
Status Report will be included in the 1999-2001 budget document scheduled to be
considered by the City Council on June 19, 2000.
DISCUSSION
The Status Report highlights the City’s progress in implementing the Comprehensive
Plan. The Status Report is organized by Comprehensive Plan element.
CMR:235:00 Page 1 of 4
The timing of items assumes that 1998-99 is year zero of the Comprehensive Plan, and is
broken down into the following categories:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
0
Ongoing, which indicates that the program is currently being addressed;
0 to 12 years, which indicates that activities will periodically occur over the life of
the Comprehensive Plan;
0 to 2 years, which applies only to the Planning Division and indicates that
implementation of the program would begin in the 1999-01 budget cycle (unless
otherwise indicated);
3 to 7 years, which again applies only to the Planning Division and indicates that a
program will be initiated in years 3 to 7 of the Comprehensive Plan;
0 to 7 years, which indicates that the program will be initiated within the next 7
years; and
8 to 12 years, which indicates that the program will not be initiated until year 8 or
later.
The Status Report identifies the timing of each policy or program, with an update on the
status of the project and the funding for the accomplishment of the programs. To make
the report easier to use, each program and policy number is listed in color, which
corresponds to the timing of the item. An ongoing item is dark blue, 0 to 12 years is lime,
0 to 2 years is gold, 3 to 7 years is aqua, 0 to 7 years is magenta, and 8 to 12 years is
purple.
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW
The Planning Commission reviewed the Implementation Plan Status Report on April 12,
2000. The primary focus of the Commission discussion at that time centered on the
priority to update the Zoning Ordinance. The Commission unanimously recommended
that the update start prior to the end of calendar year 2000 and be completed before the
end of the calendar year 2002. In addition to the discussion on the priority of the Zoning
Ordinance, the Commission recommended to the Council that it accept this status report
and note the good progress that has been made on the programs that are already being
implemented. The Commission further discussed the need for future implementation
plans to include more specific target dates for completion of tasks identified in the
policies.
When the, Capital Improvement Program (CIP) was reviewed by the Planning
Commission on February 9, 2000, the Commissioners asked the following three
questions about the Implementation Plan and its relationship to the CIP and overall
budget process.
1)How much of the CIP budget is allocated to implementing Comprehensive Plan
policies and programs?
CMR:235:00 Page 2 of 4
It is not possible at this time to discern how much of the total CIP budget is allocated
toward achieving Comprehensive Plan policies and programs. The CIP projects do not
currently identify which policy or program the specific CIP project achieves or what
portion of a policy or program would be achieved as part of a total CIP project budget.
Planning staff intends to work with staff from the Administrative Services Department
(ASD) over the upcoming year to develop the capability to organize and sort the CIP by
Comprehensive Plan policies and programs.
In general, however, 16 of the approximately 438 Comprehensive Plan policies and
programs have CIP funds allocated directly to them. Eight of the 16 policies and
programs are completely funded by the CIP while an additional eight have funds
allocated in both the capital and operating budgets. Additionally, 191 programs and
policies have money allocated in the operating budget. Seventeen of those 191 have been
identified as requiring more funding in the future. Of the total policies and programs in
the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan, 131 are not yet funded and are identified
as needing future funding.
2)What portion of the Comprehensive Plan would be achieved if we keep
progressing with its implementation at the present rate?
Since this is- only the second year of the Comprehensive Plan and staff is just beginning
to monitor its implementation progress, it is too early to know when all policies and
programs may be fully implemented. Staff will continue to monitor this progress so that
we are better able to estimate how long it may take to implement the entire
Comprehensive Plan.
3)Is it possible to review the Status Report and Implementation Plan at the
beginning of the budget cycle rather than toward the middle or end of the cycle?
Yes. Staff will review the pro’s and con’s of the timing of the report and make any
changes with the next reporting cycle.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Status Report and Implementation Plan are not considered projects subject to
environmental review by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). As
individual projects associated with specific policies and programs in the Plan are
planned and implemented, the appropriate environmental review will be conducted for
the projects.
ATTACHMENT
Attachment A: 1999-2001 Comprehensive Plan Implementation Status Report
CMR:235:00 Page 3 of 4
PREPARED BY:Lisa Grote, Chief Planning Official
DEPARTMENT HEAD REVIEW:
G. EDWARD GAWF~~_~
Director of Planning and Community Environment
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
HARRISON
Assistant City Manager
CMR:235:00 Page 4 of 4
Status Report:
Comprehensive Plan
Implementation Plan
Color Key for timing:
i ongoing
~ 0-2 years
i 0-7 years
i 3-7 years
i 8-12 years
~-~ 0-12 years
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0
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0
0
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0
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0
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Land Use and Community Design
L1
Maintain and update as appropriate the 1985
Land Use Policies Agreement that sets forth the
land use policies of the City, Santa Clara County
and Stanford University with regard to Stanford
unincorporated lands.
City staff will monitor Stanford development
proposals and traffic conditions within the Sand
Hill Road Corridor and annually report to the
Planning Commission and City Council.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing This is an ongoing project.Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Ongoing This is an ongoing task.Funds in proposed operating
budget.
L3
Maintain and periodically review height and
density limits to discourage single uses that are
inappropriate in size and scale to the surrounding
USES.
L4
Review and change zoning regulations to
promote gradual transitions in the scale of
development where residential districts abut
more intense uses.
L5
Establish new performance and architectural
standards that minimize negative impacts where
land use transitions occur.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning&
Community
Environment
3-7 This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year, and will be required.
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
A work program will be
developed by June 2000.
3-7 This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year, and will be required.
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
A work program will be
developed by June 2000.
3-7 This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year, and will be required.
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
L6
Revise the City’s Neighborhood Commercial
(CN) and Service Commercial (CS) zoning
requirements to better address land use
transitions.
A work program will be
developed by June 2000.
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7 This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year, and will be required.
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
A work program will be
developed by June 2000.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Land Use and Community Design
L7
Establish a system to monitor the rate of non-
residential development and traffic conditions
related to both residential and non-residential
development at key intersections including those
identified in the 1989 Citywide Study and
additional intersections identified in the
Comprehensive Plan E1R. If the rate of growth
reaches the point where the citywide
development maximum might be reached, the
City will reevaluate development policies and
regulations.
Planning &0-2 This is underway. Staff has Funds in proposed operating
Community established an annual traffic budget.
Environment count program to monitor
traffic conditions at key
intersections identified in the
Comprehensive Plan EIR.
18
Limit new non-residential development in the
Downtown area to 350,000 square feet, or 10
percent above the amount of development
existing or approved as of May 1986. Re-
evaluate this limit when non-residential
development approvals reach 235,000 square
feet of floor area.
Continue to monitor development, including the
effectiveness of the ground floor retail
requirement, in the University Avenue/
Downtown area. Keep the Planning
Commission and City Council advised of the
findings on an annual basis.
k]0
1) Create and apply the following four new
Mixed Use zoning standards: a) a "Live/Work"
designation that permits individuals to live on
the same site where they work by allowing
housing and other uses such as office, retail, and
light industrial to coexist in the same space; b)
"Retail/Office"; c) "Residual/Retail"; and d)
"Residential/Office designations that permit a
mix of uses on the same site or nearby sites.
2) Design standards for all mixed use
designations providing for buildings with one to
three stories, rear parking, or underground
parking, street-facing windows and entries, and
zero setback along the street, except that front
gardens may be provided for ground floor
residential uses.
Planning &Ongoing This is an ongoing project.Funds in proposed operating
Community Reports are provided to council budget.
Environment and the general public
annually.
Planning &Ongoing This is an ongoing project.Funds in proposed operating
Community Reports are provided to budget.
Environment Council and Planning
Commission on an annual
basis.
Planning &
Community
Environment
This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year, and will be required.
3-7
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
A work program will be
developed by June 2000.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Land Use and Community Design
Lll
Establish pedestrian-oriented design guidelines
for residences that encourage features that
enliven the street.
Planning &
Community
Environment
0-2 This project is planned for a
future year. Guidelines are
currently being discusssed by
the Future of Single-Family
Neighborhood advisory
committee, and will be further
considered in the zoning
ordinance update.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
L12
Where compatible with neighborhood character,
use Zoning and the Home Improvement
Exception Process to create incentives or
eliminate obstacles to remodel houses with
features that add street life and vitality.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing This is an ongoing project.
Guidelines are currently being
discusssed by the Future of
Single-Family Neighborhood
advisory committee, and will
be further considered in the
zoning ordinance update.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
L13
Create and apply zoning standards for Village
Residential housing prototypes. Develop design
guidelines for duplexes, townhouses, courtyard
housing, second units, and small lots that ensure
that such housing is compatible with single
family neighborhoods and other areas where it
may be permitted.
Evaluate alternative types of housing that
increase density and provide more diverse
housing opportunities.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7
Ongoing
This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
considered as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
considered as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Additional funds will be
required.
Additional funds will be
required.
L14
Create and apply zoning standards for Transit-
Oriented Residential housing prototypes,
including consideration of minimum density
standards. Develop design guidelines that
ensure that such housing is compatible with
single family neighborhoods and other areas
where it may be permitted.
Establish a planning process for Centers that
identifies the desired character of the area, its
role within the City, the locations of public
gathering spaces, appropriate land uses and
building forms and important street and
pedestrian connections to surrounding
Residential Neighborhoods.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7
8-12
This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
considered as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
This project is planned for a
future year.
Additional funds will be
required.
Additional funds will be
required.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Land Use and Community Design
116
Study the feasibility of using public and private
funds to provide and maintain landscaping and
public spaces such as parks, plazas, and
sidewalks within commercial areas.
Community
Services
Ongoing Used public and private
funding for landscaping at the
Golf Pro Shop and restaurant.
Public Art Commission has
agreed to study the feasibility
of developing a sculpture park
in partership with the Rotary
Club.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
/17
Through public/private cooperation, provide
obvious, clean, and accessible restrooms
available for use during normal business hours.
L18
Identify priority street improvements that would
make a substantial contribution to the character
of Centers, including widening sidewalks,
narrowing travel lanes, creating medians,
restdping to allow diagonal parking, and/or
planting street trees.
Support implementation of the Downtown Urban
Design Guide.
L20
Facilitate reuse of existing buildings.
L21
Improve the University Avenue/Downtown area
by adding landscaping and bicycle parking and
encouraging large development projects to
benefit the public by incorporating public art.
Community
Services
Planning &
Community
Environment
City Manager
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing
3-7
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Staff negotiatied a lease
agreement with JC DeCaux for
installation and lease of two
automated public toilets that
became operational in
February 2000.
Existing funds in proposed
operating budget.
Street tree planting is an Funds in proposed operating
ongoing task. Other budget for tree planting.
improvements are planned for Additional funds will be
future years,required for other
improvements:
This is-an ongoing task. Phase I Funds for Phase I in proposed
improvements on University operating budget. Additional
Avenue are underway,funding will be required for
future phases.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
This is an ongoing project.
Funds in proposed operating
and capital budgets.
L22
Prepare a Coordinated Area Plan for the SOFA
and Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) site.
Planning &
Community
Environment
0-2
This is an ongoing project.
The Coordinated Area Plan and Additional funds will be
associated development needed to complete the
agreement are nearing the final Coordinated Area Plan. Staff
stages prior to Council action, hopes to reappropriate existing
consultant funding.
Implementation will require
additional funds.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Land Use and Community Design
L23
Identify strategies to re-use surface parking lots
and improve pedestrian and transit connections
at Stanford Shopping Center.
Maintain a Stanford Shopping Center
development cap of 80,000 square feet of
additional development beyond that existing on
June 14, 1996.
Prepare a Coordinated Area Plan for the
University Avenue Multi-modal Transit Station
Area. (See Also T-14)
1.26
Establish the following unranked community
design priorities for the University Avenue
Multi-modal Transit Station Area: 1) improving
pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and auto connections
to create an urban link between University
Avenue and Stanford Shopping Center; 2)
creating a major civic space at the CalTraln
Station that links University Avenue and Palm;
3) infilling underutilized pamels with a mix of
uses such as shopping, housing, office, hotel, and
medical facilities; 4) improving public park
space; and 5) protecting views of the foothills by
guiding building heights and massing.
1.27
Create regulations for the California Avenue
area that allow for the replacement or
rehabilitation of smaller buildings while
preventing buildings that are out of scale and
character with the existing buildings.
1.28
Work with merchants, property owners, and City
representatives to create an urban design guide
for the California Avenue business district.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
0-2 Underway, as part of the Palo Additional funds will be
Alto Intermodal Transit Station required.
(PAITS) project.
Ongoing This is an ongoing project.Funds in proposed operating
budget.
0-7 Underway, as part of the Palo Additional funds will be
Alto lntermodal Transit Station required.
(PAITS) project.
0-2 This is being discussed as part Additional funds will be
of the Palo Alto Intermodal required.
Transit Station (PA1TS)
project.
3-7 This project is planned for a Additional funding will be
future year, and will be required.
considered as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
8-12 This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year.required.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Land Use and Community Design
L29
Revise zoning of the California Avenue business
district to reduce the non-residential
development potential to levels comparable to
other commercial areas in the City while
retaining substantial residential development
potential.
1.30
Prepare a Coordinated Area Plan for the Cal-
Ventura area. Use the land use diagram from the
Community Design Workshop as the starting
point for preparing this plan.
Establish the following unranked priorities for
redevelopment within the Cal-Ventura Area: 1)
Connect the Cal-Ventura area with the Multi-
modal Transit Station and California Avenue.
Provide new streets and pedestrian connections
that complete the street grid; 2) Fry’s Electronics
site (300 Portage): Continued retail activity is
anticipated for this site until 2019. A program
should be developed for the future use of the site
for mixed density multi-family housing and a
park or other open space; 3) Hewlett Packard:
Uses that are compatible with the surrounding
area and a site plan that facilitates pedestrian use
of Park Boulevard; 4) North of Sheridan
Avenue: Development of one or more of the
City-owned parking lots with primarily
residential uses, provided that public parking
spaces are replaced; and 5) Park Boulevard:
Streetscape improvements. (Also see B-12 & B-
17)
Prepare a Coordinated Area Plan for the South El
Camino Real area. Use the land use map from
the Community Design Workshop as a starting
point for preparing this Plan.
L33
Study ways to make South El Camino Real more
pedestrian-friendly, including redesigning the
street to provide wider sidewalks, safe pedestrian
crossings at key intersections, street trees, and
streetscape improvements.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7
8-12
8-12
8-12
8-12
This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
considered as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Additional funds will be
required.
This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year.required.
While this project is planned
for a future year, some action
has already been taken:
- Hewlett Packard:
construction is complete and
the site is occuppied.
- North of Sheridan:
Miscellaneous streetscape
improvements have been
completed via private
development approval
conditions.
Additional funds will be
required.
While this project is planned
for a future year, a reduced
land use and transportation
study has been initiated to
review the transportation
impacts of new development
on specific sites.
Additional funding will be
required.
While this project is planned Additional funds will be
for a future year, in interagency required.
study has been intiated to
evaluate the possiblity of
increasing the number of street
trees and other improvements
to public property.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Land Use and Community Design
L34
Provide better connections across El Camino
Real to bring the Ventura and Barron Park
neighborhoods together and to improve linkages
to local schools and parks.
Consider Transfer of Development Rights
(TDR) as a tool to encourage redevelopment
and/or community-serving amenities along
South El Camino Real.
La6
Evaluate current zoning to determine if it
supports the types of uses and scale of buildings
considered appropriate in Neighborhood
Centers.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7
8-12
3-7
This is an ongoing assignment. Additional funds will be
required.
This project is planned for a
future year.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
considered as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Additional funds will be
required.
L37
Encourage property owners within
Neighborhood Centers to prepare master plans,
with the participation of local businesses,
property owners and nearby residents.
L38
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing This is an ongoing project.Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Revise land use and zoning designations as
needed to encourage medium-density housing
(20 to 25 units per acre) within or near
Neighborhood Centers served by public
transportation to support a more vital mix of
commercial activities.
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7 This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
considered as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Additional funds will be
required.
L39
Prepare a Plan for Midtown with the
participation of property owners, local
businesses, and nearby residents. Consider the
Midtown Economic Study and the land use
concept identified during the 1994 Community
Design Workshop in developing the plan. The
plan should have a special emphasis on public
improvements, including parking, street
furniture and signage. (Also see L-37)
City Manager 8-12 A consultant has been selected Funds for current studies in
to conduct a Midtown parking proposed operating budget.
and circulation study. The Additional funds may be
Citywide Retail Strategy study required.
currently underway will
include Midtown.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 7
Land Use and Community Design
k40
Make improvements to Middlefield Road in
Midtown that slow traffic, encourage
commercial vitality, make the street more
pedestrian-friendly, and unify the east and west
sides of the commercial area, with consideration
given to traffic impacts on the residential
neighborhood.
Planning &
Community
Environment
8-12 This project is planned for a
future year.
Additional funds will be
required.
L41
Support bicycle and pedestrian trail
improvements along a restored Matadero Creek
within Hoover Park.
Planning &
Community
Environment
8-12 This project is planned for a
future year.
Additional funds will be
required.
L42
Retain the existing housing along Colorado
Avenue and consider increasing the density to
allow townhouses, co-housing, and/or housing
for the disabled.
I_ i
L43
Modify existing zoning regulations and create
incentives for employers to provide employee
services in their existing buildings - for example,
office support services, restaurants, convenience
stores, public gathering places, and child care
facilities - to reduce the need for employees to
drive to these services.
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7 This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
considered as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Additional funds will be
required.
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7 This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
considered as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Additional funds will be
required.
Design the paths and sidewalks to be attractive
and comfortable and consistent with the
character of the area where they are located.
L45
Create and apply zoning standards and design
guidelines for commercial hotels and conference
centers.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing This is an ongoing task. Staff
has adjusted City standards to
accommodate matching the
color of old and new concrete.
Also, the Mitchell Park
Improvement Plan calls for
path composition to match the
present composition of paths at
the park. New trail segments at
the Baylands were constructed
with materials matching the
composition of other Baylands
trails.
Funds in existing and proposed
capital budget.
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7 This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
considered as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Additional funds will be
required.
8 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Land Use and Community Design
L46
Work with Stanford to prepare an area plan for
the Stanford Medical Center.
L47
Undertake a Community Design workshop for
the East Meadow Circle Area.
L48
Use the Zoning Ordinance, design review
process, design guidelines, and Coordinated
Area Plans to ensure high quality residential and
commercial design.
1.49
In areas of the City having a historic or
consistent design character, design new
development to maintain and support the
existing character.
1_50
Undertake a comprehensive review of residential
and commercial zoning requirements to identify
additional architectural standards that should be
incorporated to implement Policy L-49.
1_51
Use illustrations and form code methods for
simplifying the Zoning Ordinance and to
promote well-designed buildings.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7
8-12
Ongoing
Ongoing
3-7
A draft area analysis has been Funds in proposed operating
prepared and will be forwarded budget.
to the Planning Commission
and City Council for review
and comment.
This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year.required.
Non-residential and multi-
family design review occurs
presently, and single family
review is currently under
study,
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
This is an ongoing project. Funds in proposed operating
Design review currently occurs budget.
on non-residential and multi-
family residential properites.
Additional funds will be
required.
This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
considered as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Additional funds will be
required.
L52
Discourage the use of fences that obscure the
view of houses.
1.53
Promote awards programs and other forms of
public recognition for projects of architectural
merit that contribute positively to the
community.
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7 This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
considered as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Planning &Ongoing This is an ongoing project.Funds in proposed operating
Community budget.
Environment
Planning &Ongoing This is an ongoing project.Funds in proposed operating
Community budget.
Environment
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Land Use and Community Design
L54
Review and update the City’s Inventory of
historic resources, including City-owned
structures.
Planning &0-2 Underway. Will be completed Funds in proposed operating
Community by late spring 2000.budget.
Environment
L55
Reassess the Historic Preservation Ordinance to
ensure its effectiveness in the maintenance and
preservation of historic resources, particularly in
the University Avenue/Downtown area.
Planning &0-2 This task was completed. The Funds in proposed operating
Community revised ordinance was placed budget.
Environment on the March 2000 ballot as
Measure G, and was not
approved by voters.
L56
Maintain and strengthen the design review
procedure for exterior remodeling or demolition
of historic resources. Discourage demolition of
historic resources and severely restrict
demolition of Landmark resources.
Planning &0-2 This task was completed. The Funds in proposed operating
Community revised ordinance was placed budget.
Environment on the March 2000 ballot as
Measure G, and was not
approved by voters.
1.57
Encourage salvage of discarded historic building
materials for re-use by the community.
For proposed exterior alterations or additions to
designated Historic Landmarks, require design
review findings that the proposed changes are in
compliance with the Secretary of the Interior
Standards for Rehabilitation.
1.59
Allow parking exemptions for historic buildings
to encourage rehabilitation. Require design
review findings that the historic integrity of the
building exterior will be maintained.
Continue to use a TDR Ordinance to allow the
transfer of development fights from designated
buildings of historic significance in the
Commercial Downtown (CD) zone to non-
historic receiver sites in the CD zone. Planned
Community (PC) zone properties in the
Downtown also qualify for this program.
Planning &Ongoing This is an ongoing task.Funds in proposed operating
Community budget.
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
0-2
0-2
For those structures protected Funds in proposed operating
by the interim ordinance still in budget.
place, major changes to
structures are required to meet
the Secretary .of the Interior’s
Standards for Rehabilitation.
Parking exemptions are Funds in proposed operating
allowed in the downtown area budget.
for historic rehabilitation.
Planning &Ongoing This is an ongoing project.Funds in proposed operating
Community budget.
Environment
10 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Land Use and Community Design
L61
Allow nonconforming uses for the life of historic
buildings.
L62
Promote awards programs and other forms of
public recognition for exemplary Historic
Preservation projects.
1_62
Provide comfortable seating areas and plazas
with places for public art adjacent to library and
community center entrances. (Also see C-23)
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing Nonconforming uses in historic Funds in proposed operating
buildings are subject to the budget.
same regulations as
nonconforming uses in non-
historic buildings.
Planning &Ongoing This is an ongoing task.Funds in proposed operating
Community
Environment
budget.
Public Works 0-12 This project is planned for a Additional funding will be
future year.required.
L63
Streamline to the maximum extent feasible, any
future processes for design review of historic
structures to eliminate unnecessary delay and
uncertainty for the applicant and to encourage
historic preservation.
1.64
Encourage and assist owners of historically
significant buildings in finding ways to adapt
and restore these buildings, including
participation in state and federal tax relief
programs.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
0-2
Ongoing
The review of historic Funds in proposed operating
structures will be subject to the budget.
streamlining efforts being
undertaken for all projects in
the development review
process.
This is an ongoing task.Funds in proposed operating
budget.
L65
Seek additional innovative ways to apply current
codes and ordinances to older buildings. Use the
State Historic Building Code for designated
historic buildings.
1_66
Revise existing zoning and permit regulations as
needed to minimize constraints to adaptive re-
use, particularly in retail areas.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
0-2
3-7
Implemented as an ongoing
program.
This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Additional funds will be
required.
Status Repot: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 11
Land Use and Community Design
L67
Using the archaeological sensitivity map in the
Comprehensive Plan as a guide, continue to
assess the need for archaeological surveys and
mitigation plans on a project by project basis,
consistent with the California Environmental
Quality Act and the National Historic
Preservation Act.
To help satisfy present and future community
use needs, coordinate with the School District to
educate the public about and to plan for the
future use of school sites, including providing
space for public gathering places for
neighborhoods lacking space.
I..69
Enhance all entrances to Mitchell Park
Community Center so that they are more inviting
and facilitate public gatherings.
L70
Study the potential for landscaping or park
furniture that would promote neighborhood
parks as outdoor gathering places and centers of
neighborhood activity.
Planning &
Community
Environment
City Manager
Ongoing This is an ongoing project.
Ongoing
0-7
This is an ongoing task.
PAUSD is currently assessing
space concerns for its facilities.
Mitchell Park renovation
planning process will address
entrance areas. Second round
of community meetings
scheduled for spring 2000.
This is an ongoing task.
Currently, the Mitchell Park
conceptual planning process is
underway. Updated gathering
areas are a part of the plan.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
No funding required at this
time.
Funds in proposed capital
budget.
Community
Services
L70
Enhance the appearance of streets and other
public spaces by expanding and maintaining
Palo Alto’s street tree system.
/71
Recognize Sand Hill Road, University Avenue,
Embarcadero Road, Page Mill Road, Oregon
Expressway, Interstate 280, Arastradero Road
(west of Foothill Expressway), Junipero Serra
Boulevard/Foothill Expressway, and Skyline
Boulevard as scenic routes.
Community
Services
Public Works
Ongoing
Ongoing Accomplished through
ongoing contracts and by City
crews,
This is an ongoing project.
Funds in proposed capital
budget.
Existing funds in operating
budget.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing Funds in proposed operating
budget.
12 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Land Use and Community Design
/72
Develop a strategy to enhance gateway sites with
special landscaping, art, public spaces, and/or
public buildings. Emphasize the creek bridges
and riparian settings at the entrances to the City
over Adobe Creek and San Francisquito Creek.
(Also see T-41 & T-42)
L73
Revise the Zoning Ordinance to require the
location of parking lots behind buildings rather
in front of them, under appropriate conditions.
k74
Modify zoning standards pertaining to parking
lot layout and landscaping for land uses within
Employment Districts.
1.75
Consider Zoning Ordinance amendments for
parking lot landscaping, including requiring a
variety of drought-tolerant, relatively litter-free
tree species capable of forming a 50 percent tree
canopy within 10 to 15 years. Consider further
amendments that would require existing
nonconforming lots to come into complianc~
wherever possible.
1_76
Evaluate parking requirements and actual
parking needs for specific uses. Develop design
criteria based on a standard somewhere between
average and peak conditions.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing
3-7
3-7
3-7
3-7
Accomplished on an ongoing
project by project basis.
Currently landscaaping is
being added as part of the Page
Mill/Foothill intersection
project. Public Art
Commission is working on
three gateway projects
including a partnership with
Menlo Park;a public forum on
gateways; and an artists
competition scheduled for
spring 2000.
This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Existing funds capital budget.
Additional funds will be
required.
Additional funds will be
required.
Additional funds will be
required.
Additional funds will be
required.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 13
Land Use and Community Design
L77
Revise parking requirements to encourage
creative solutions such as valet parking,
landscaped parking reserves, satellite parking,
and others that minimize the use of open land for
parking.
178
Encourage the use of Planned Community (PC)
zoning for parking structures Downtown and in
the California Avenue area.
Undertake a coordinated effort by the Public
Works, Utilities, and Planning Departments to
establish design standards for public
infrastructure and examine the effectiveness of
City street, sidewalk and street tree maintenance
programs.
Continue the citywide undergrounding of utility
wires. Minimize the impacts of undergrounding
on street tree root systems and planting areas.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7
Public Works 0-7
Ongoing
Electric Fund Ongoing
This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update. In
the interim, the Police
Department is currently
monitoring valet parking
activities in the downtown
area. Staff will implement,
monitor compliance and
enforce the adopted valet
parking municipal ordinance.
Additional funds may be
required depending on Council
direction.
The two downtown parking
structures were approved as
Planned Community Zones in
March 2000.
Funds in the proposed
operating budget.
Public Works and Planning Funds in proposed operating
Departments have initiated the budget.
establishment of design
standards. This is an ongoing
task..
Underground districts 37 and
38 have been formed and two
additional districts have been
identified for future years. The
Utility is continuing to use
construction practices that
minimize the impacts on tree
roots and planting areas.
Funds in proposed capital
budget.
L81
Encourage the use of compact and well-designed
utility elements, such as transformers, switching
devices, and back flow preventers. Place these
elements in locations that will minimize their
visual intrusion.
Electric Fund Ongoing The Utilities Department is
continuing discussions with
manufacturers on possible
visual design enhancements for
transformers and switches.
Current specifications call for
smaller sizes. In addition, the
Department is consulting with
the City’s Design consultant on
above ground equipment
placement to minimize the
visual impact.
Funds in proposed capital and
operating budgets.
14 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Transportation
T1
Encourage infill, redevelopment, and re-use of
vacant or underutilized parcels employing
minimum density requirements that are
appropriate to support transit, bicycling, and
walking.
T2
Promote mixed use development to provide
housing and commercial services near
employment centers, thereby reducing the
necessity of driving.
T3
Locate higher density development along transit
corridors and near intermodal transit stations.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7
Ongoing
3-7
This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
This is an ongoing project.
This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
completed as part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Additional funds will be
required.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Additional funding will be
required.
T4
Consider the use of additional parking fees and
tax revenues to fungi alternative transportation
projects.
Planning &
Community
Environment
0-7 This is being pursued through
the local shuttle system
program and will also be
studied during the update of the
city’s traffic impact fee in
1999/00.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Work with private interests such as the Chamber
of Commerce and major institutions to develop
and coordinate trip reduction strategies.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing Hired a commute corrdinator Funds in proposed operating
and established an employee budget to provide 25 percent of
shuttle to provide service from matching funds towards a
the CalTrain station to E.grant.
Bayshore businesses and City
employment locations, n/n/
This has been transferred to
Transportation and
incorporated in the current
Citywide shuttle project pilot.
T6
Expand Palo Alto’s car pooling incentive
programs.
T7
Encourage the Palo Alto Unified School District
to use parking fees, regulations, and education to
discourage students from driving to school.
Human
Resources
Ongoing Incentives are proposed to be
increased during 1999-00.
The incentives for the
employee Commute
Alternatives Program have
been increased.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Planning &Ongoing This is an ongoing task.
Community
Environment
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 15
Transportation
1"8
Create a long-term education program to change
the travel habits of residents, visitors and
workers by informing them about transportation
alternatives, incentives and impacts. Work with
the Palo Alto Unified School District and with
private interests such as the Chamber of
Commerce to develop and implement this
program.
Planning &
Community
Environment
0-7 A Commute Coordinator has
been hired and development of
a Travel Demand Management
Program is underway.
Funds in proposed operating
budget, for 2 year pilot
program.
T9
Support the development of regional on-line
transportation information services to provide
current information on transit, parking, and
roadway conditions, as well as computerized trip
planning. Provide information kiosks at
locations such as University and California
Avenues.
TIO
Expand the range of City services that can be
received via computers or through the mail.
TIO
Encourage amenities such as seating, lighting,
and signage at bus stops to increase rider comfort
and safety.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Administrative
Services
Department
3-7
Ongoing
The VTA Long Range Plan
Intelligent Transportation
Systems (ITS) contains
Traveler information projects
for Palo Alto.
In addition to the currently
available public access
applications on the Internet
(creek level monitoring
system, electronic RFP
postings, online job listings),
ASD has worked with
Community Services to
implement a new Family
Resource Center web site.
Additional applications either
currently or soon to be
available include: permit
tracking via Internet, on-line
class registration, e-gov.
solutions including on-line
payments for all cash
transactions, increasing
reliability for Web access, new
PCs at library branches and the
ability to access library
catalogs via the Internet.
Additional funds will be
required.
Funds in proposed operating
and capital budgets.
Public Works Ongoing Staff maintains bus shelters Funds in proposed operating
through lighting, glass repair, budget.
and cleaning.
16 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Transportation
Tll
Promote private delivery services to reduce the
necessity of driving.
Human
Resources
Tll
Support efforts to integrate train, bus, and shuttle
schedules at multi-modal transit stations to make
public transit more time efficient.
Encourage telecommuting, satellite office
concepts, and work-at-home options.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Human
Resources
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Lunchtime Trip Reduction
booklet completed and
provided to all City employees
in Fall 1998.
The Lunchtime Trip Reduction
booklet is scheduled for an
update in FY 2000-2001
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
This is an ongoing task Funds in proposed operating
involving formal and informal budget.
coordination with Caltrain
staff.
Ongoing programming and Funds in proposed operating
training to be enhanced during budget.
1999-00.
T12
Support efforts to decrease wait times for
intercity transit to a maximum of 20 minutes
between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Design for a
maximum wait time of 12 minutes for intra-city
transit, if feasible.
Tla
In two phases, establish a jitney bus system
similar to Stanford University’s Marguerite
Shuttle.
A telecommuting safety plan
is being developed and will be
completed by June, 2000.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing This is an ongoing task
involving coordination with
transit operators in the Palo
Alto area.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Planning &
Community
Environment
0-2 The local shuttle bus system Existing funds in proposed
began service in November operating budget.
1999. Ridership on the system Continuation of the Shuttle
had reached nearly 5,000 riders service beyond the 18-month
per month by February.demonstration period is
Planning is underway for contingent upon funding.
conversion of this service to
alternative fuels.
T14
In two phases, pursue development of the
University Avenue Multi-modal Transit Station
conceptual plan based on the 1993-94 design
study. (Also see L-25)
Planning &
Community
Environment
0-2 Design development for this Additional funding will be
project began in January 2000 required in future years for
under joint City-Stanford further design, environmental
auspices,studies, and implementation.
Implementation of the
Multimodal Transit Station
Plan is contingent upon
funding.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 17
Transportation
T15
Improve the environment at the University
Avenue Multi-modal Transit Station, including
connecting tunnels, through short-term
improvements and regular maintenance.
Planning &
Community
Environment
0-2 This is an ongoing project,
which involves coordination
with Caltrain and the Valley
Transportation Agency (VTA)
to make continuing short term
improvements at the station
and transit center.
Funding is anticipated from
Measure A.
T16
Evaluate the extension of a light rail line along
El Camino Real from Mountain View through
Palo Alto to Menlo Park.
T17
Support CalTraln electrification and its
extension to downtown San Francisco.
Develop and periodically update a
comprehensive bicycle plan.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
0-7
Ongoing
0-7
This project is planned for a Additional funding will be
future year.required.
This is an ongoing task.Funds in proposed operating
budget.
The bicycle plan update is Funding of improvements
underway in consultation with recommended and approved by
the Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory the City Council would require
Committee. The final report additional funding in future
will be presented to Council in years.
1999/00.
T19
Develop, periodically update, and implement
street, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities programs
that identify and pdodtize critical pedestrian and
bicycle links to parks, schools, retail centers, and
civic facilities.
T20
Periodically produce a local area bicycle route
map, jointly with adjacent jurisdictions.
T21
Study projects to depress bikeways and
pedestrian walkways under Alma Street and the
CalTrain tracks and implement if feasible.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
0-7
0-7
8-12
This is an ongoing task.Funds in proposed operating
budget.
The City will produce a new
bicycle route map in
conjunction with the bicycle
plan project (see T-18)
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Funding has been secured for Additional funds will be
the PAMF/SOFA required for implementation or
Undercrossing. The California any future studies.
Avenue undercrossing
feasiblity study is underway.
18 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Transportation
Implement a network of bicycle boulevards,
including extension of the southern end of the
Bryant Street bicycle boulevard into Mountain
View. (Also see T-19)
T22
Improve amenities such as seating, lighting,
bicycle parking, street trees, and interpretive
stations along bicycle and pedestrian paths and
in City parks to encourage walking and cycling
and enhance the feeling of safety.
Develop public sidewalks and bicycle facilities
in Stanford Research Park and other employment
areas.
Planning &
Community
Environment
8-12 This will be addressed in the Additional funds will be
bicycle plan update,required.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing Lighting assessment of all
Community Centers and parks
in completed. Johnson Park
lighting improvement project
in progress.
Tree maintenance is an onging
task. Seven benches were
installed along open space
trails and paths.
Additional funds will be
required. Some funding was
provided by individual
contributions.
Public Works 8-12 This project is planned for a
future year.
Additional funding will be
required.
T24
Provide adequate outside through-lane widths
for shared use by motorists and bicyclists when
constructing or modifying roadways, where
feasible.
T25
Evaluate the design of a Bay-to-Foothills path.
T26
Complete development of the Bay Trail and
Ridge Trail in Palo Alto.
T27
Work with CalTrain, Amtrak, and public bus
operators to expand bicycle storage on public
transit vehicles during both peak and off-peak
hours.
Public Works
Planning &
Community
Environment
Community
Services
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing
8-12
Ongoing
Ongoing
Staff continues to incorporate
adequate outside through-lane
widths when constructing or
modifying roadways. The Page
Mill/Foothill Intersection, Page
Mill/Hanover Intersection and
Arastradero Road Bike Lane
projects include these
modificiations.
Funds in capital budget.
This is planned for a future
year.
Additional funds will be
required.
A new bay trail segment Funds in proposed capital
connecting trails near the duck budget.
pond with trails in Byxbee Park
was completed to improve
marsh front accessibility.
This is an ongoing task.Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 19
Transportation
T28
Adjust the street evaluation criteria of the City’s
Pavement Management Program to ensure that
areas of the road used by bicyclists are
maintained at the same standards as, or at
standards higher than, areas used by motor
vehicles.
T29
Public Works 8-12 Annually streets are selected
for maintenance using the
City’s Pavement Management
System software.. The bike
lanes associated with the
selected streets are maintained
at the same standard as the
portion of the street used by
motor vehicles.
Esiting funds in captial budget.
Provide regular maintenance of off-road bicycle
and pedestrian paths, including sweeping, weed
abatement, and pavement maintenance.
Develop cooperative programs with the City and
businesses to keep sidewalks clean in the
University Avenue and California Avenue
business districts, and other centers.
Test the Urban Design Guide emphasis on the
use of alleyways for pedestrian- and bicycle-only
use. Allow controlled vehicle access for loading
and unloading where nb alternatives exist.
Evaluate smoothing and slowing traffic flow in
commercial areas by reducing through-traffic
lanes and trading the area for improved turning
lanes, landscaping, and bicycle lanes.
Improve pedestrian crossings with bulb outs,
small curb radii, street trees near corners,
bollards, and landscaping to create protected
areas.
Public Works
Public Works
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing
Ongoing
3-7
8-12
Ongoing
This is an ongoing task.
Continuing work with
Chamber of Commerce to
identify funding mechanism.
This project is planned for a
future year.
This project is planned for a
future year.
This is an ongoing task.
Existing funds available in
operating budget.
Additional funding will be
required.
Additional funds will be
required.
Additional funds will be
required.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
T33
Develop comprehensive roadway design
standards and criteria for all types of roads.
Emphasize bicycle and pedestrian safety and
usability in these standards.
Public Works 0-7 This project is planned for a
future year.
20 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Transportation
T34
Establish procedures for considering the effects
of street modifications on emergency vehicle
response time.
T35
Underway in the Fire and Additional funding may be
Police Departments. Reviewed required..
Fire
Additional funds may beConsider increased public transit, a shuttle, and
other traffic and parking solutions to ensure safe,
convenient access to the Stanford Shopping
Center/Medical Center area.
T36
Extend Sand Hill Road to El Camino Real and
construct related improvements consistent with
neighborhood and community interests, Do not
extend Sand Hill Road to Alma Street.
T36
Make new and replacement curbs vertical where
desired by neighborhood residents.
T37
Provide safe, convenient pedestrian, bicycle, and
shuttle connections between the Stanford
Shopping Center and Medical Center areas and
future housing along the Sand Hill Road
corridor, the University Avenue Multi-modal
Transit Station, Downtown Palo Alto, and other
primary destinations.
0-7
and provided feedback to
Transportation on options for
traffic calming on
Embarcadero Road and other
proposed developments.
Planning &0-7 Transit and parking
improvements are incorporated required from Stanford.
into the approved Stanford
Sand Hill Corridor projects and
are being implemented by
Community
Environment
Stanford University.
Private funds from Stanford
will be used to fund this
project.
Funds in proposed capital
budget.
T37
Where sidewalks are directly adjacent to curbs
and no planting strip exists, explore ways to add
planting pockets with street trees to increase
shade and reduce the apparent width of wide
streets.
Planning &0-7 This is underway.
Community
Environment
Public Works Ongoing Staff routinely make new and
replacement curbs vertical
when resurfacing an entire
street when desired by
neighborhood residents.
Additional funds will be
required.
0-7Planning&
Community
Environment
Public Works 8-12
Pedestrian, bike and shuttle
improvements have been
incorporated into the approved
Stanford Sand Hill Corridor
project. Improvement of the
path between El Camino and
the Transit Station is being
planned as part of the
Multimodal Transit Center
design development.
This project is planned for a
future year.
Additional funding will be
required.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 21
Transportation
T38
implement computerized traffic management
systems to improve traffic flow when feasible.
Planning &
Community
Environment ¯
0-7 Evaluation of the existing
traffic signal system has been
completed. System
improvements wll be subject to
Council approval.
Additional funds will be
required,
T39
Maintain the current program of not adding
traffic signals on: Alma Street north of Lytton
Avenue and south of Channing Avenue, on
Middlefield Road north of Lytton Avenue and
south of Channing Avenue to Embarcadero
Road.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing This is an ongoing task.Funds in proposed operating
budget.
T40
Evaluate the feasibility of changes to Palo Alto’s
through truck routes and weight limits to
consider such issues as relationship to
neighboring jurisdictions, lower weight limits,
increased number of routes, and economic and
environmental impacts.
The following roadways are designated as
residential arterials. Treat these streets with
landscaping and other visual improvements to
distinguish them as residential streets. 1)
Middlefield Road (between San Francisquito
Creek and San Antonio Road). 2) University
Avenue (between San Francisquito Creek and
Middlefield Road). 3) Embarcadero Road
(between Alma Street and West Bayshore Road).
4) Charleston/Arastradero Roads (between
Miranda Avenue and Fabian Way).
T42
Use landscaping and other improvements to
establish clear "gateways" at the points where
University Avenue and Embarcadero Road
transition from freeways to neighborhoods.
T4a
Establish a Neighborhood Traffic Calming
Program to implement appropriate traffic
calming measures. Consider using development
fees as a funding source for this program.
Planning&
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
0-7
0-12
8-12
This program is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year.required.
Feasibility study for calming
traffic on residential arterials
(Phase 1) from Embarcadero
Road has been completed.
Design and construction of
improvements along
Embarcadero Road and further
feasibility studies for
remaining streets will be
subject to Council direction.
Additional funding will be
required for studies on
Middlefield, University, and
Charleston, and to implement
findings.
This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year.required.
The Neigbhorhood Traffic Funds in proposed operating
Calming Program is scheduled and capital budgets.
for Council approval in 1999/
00. The study to update the
City’s traffic impact fee will
also be underway in 1999/00.
Planning &
Community
Environment
0-7
22 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Transportation
T44 Planning &0-2Evaluate changing Homer and Channing Community
Avenues to two-way streets with or without Environment
redevelopment of the Palo Alto Medical
Foundation campus.
"1"45 Police Ongoing This is an ongoing taskProvide adult crossing guards at school crossings accomplished through a formalthat meet adopted criteria,process involving the City
School Traffic Safety
Committee which is comprised
of PTA, PAUSD, Police, and
Transportation staff. A vendor
was selected and Council
approved a contract in August,
1999 for a vendor to provide
adult crossing guard services.
Four positions were just added
on a temporary basis bringing
the total to 18 locations. A
survey will be conducted this
Spring to see if the four
additional locations meet the
criteria.
To be completed as part of Additional funding will be
Phase II, PAMF/SOFA required.
Coordinated Area Plan study.
Funds in proposed operating
budget, Because the Palo Alto
Unified School District does
not contribute any funding for
crossing guards, the budget to
provide these services
increases annually. An
additional $50,000 for four
additional guards will be
requested from the Council and
additional funding will be
required for 2000-2001.
T46
Encourage extensive educational programs for
the safe use of bicycles, mopeds, and
motorcycles, including the City-sponsored
bicycle education programs in the public schools
and the bicycle traffic school program for
juveniles.
Fire Ongoing This is an ongoing task in the
Fire and Police Departments.
Fire continues to provide a
Bicycle Safety Program for all
3rd, 4th and 5th graders. Over
570 bicycles have been
licensed at two middle schools,
the Child Safety Fair, and local
bike shops. A request for
legislation requiring point of
sale registration of bicycles
statewide was sent to local
representatives. The Police
Department assists with annual
bike rodeos for third graders as
every elementary school in the
City.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
23
Transportation
"1"47
Utilize engineering, enforcement, and
educational tools to improve traffic safety on
City roadways.
Police
T48
Monitor Santa Clara County’s paratransit
program to assess its adequacy.
T49
Implement a comprehensive program of parking
supply and demand management strategies for
Downtown Palo Alto.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Police
Ongoing
Ongoing
0-7
This is an ongoing task. The
Police and Transportation
Departments have received
preliminary approval for Office
of Traffic Safety grants
totalling approximately
$191,000. Grant funds would
be used for a marketing
consultant to assist in the
implementation of a traffic
safety education campaign,
two motorcycles, moving
radar units, and other items that
would be use for traffic
enforcement especially in the
area of pedestrian safety, speed
reduction, and red light
violations. The Police
Department received an
additional Traffic Officer
position and associated
motorcycle for FY 1999-2000.
Due to the number of vacant
officer positions, this position
will not be filled until June,
2000.
Funds in proposed operating
budget. Additional funds will
be required for engineering and
possibly for education.
This is an ongoing task.Funds in proposed operating
budget.
This is an ongoing task through Funds are included in the
the enforcement of the color proposed operating budget for
zones in the downtown area. A color zone enforcement.
conceptual framework for a
residential permit parking
program in neighborhoods
adjacent to the Downtown area
was submitted to the Planning
and Transportation
Department. The
recommendations will be
presented to the Council this
spring.
Additional funding would be
required for implementation of
a residential parking permit
program or any additional new
programs.
T50
Continue working with merchants, the Chamber
of Commerce, neighbors, and a parking
consultant to explore options for constructing
new parking facilities or using existing parking
more efficiently.
Police 0-7 Staffhas met with the Chamber Funds in proposed capital
of Commerce to develop an budget for Phase I of
outreach program for the two downtown structures.
proposed downtown parking Additional funding will be
structures. The project will required for future phases via
return to the ARB for review of voter approval of a new
design revisions, assessment.
24 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Transportation
T51
Work with merchants to designate dedicated
employee parking areas.
T52
Evaluate options to ensure maximum use of the
City parking structures in :the Universfty
Avenue/Downtown and California Avenue
areas.
Planning &Ongoing This is an ongoing task.
Community
Environment
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Planning &
Community
Environment
0-7 This is an ongoing project.Funds in proposed operating
budget.
T53
Discourage parking facilities that would intrude
into adjacent residential neighborhoods.
Planning &
Community
Environment
T54
Work regionally, and in particular with adjacent
communities, to establish a system of parking
fees that discourages single-occupant vehicle use
and encourages other transportation modes.
Support provision of a new southbound entrance
ramp to Highway 101 from San Antonio Road,
in conjunction with the closure of the
southbound Charleston Road on-ramp at the
Rengstofff Avenue intemhange in Mountain
View.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing
0-7
0-7
This project will become a part Additional funding will be
of the Zoning Ordinance required.
Update. In the interim, staff
has worked with Downtown
neighborhood groups to
develop a residential permit
parking program proposal that
was submitted to the Planning
and Transportation
Commission..
This project is planned for a
future year.
Additional funds will be
required.
CalTrans is the lead agency Additional funds will be
and completion of the project is required.
dependent upon CalTrans
schedule.
T56
Implement, as appropriate, the "local action list"
of the Bay Area Air Quality Management
District (BAAQMD) and work with the Santa
Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s
Congestion Management Program (CMP).
Work with the CMP and other jurisdictions to
implement those actions that require a multi-
jurisdictional effort.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing This is an ongoing project.Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 25
Transportation
T57
Provide a planting strip and bicycle/pedestrian
path adjacent to Embarcadero Road that is
consistent with the open space character of the
baylands.
T58
Encourage Santa Clara County to relocate the
terminal building away from the Runway 3 l
clear zone, allowing for construction of a new
terminal.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
8-12
8-12
This project is planned for a
future year.
This project is planned for a
future year.
Additional funds will be
required.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
26 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Housing
H1
Allow for increased housing density
immediately surrounding commercial areas and
particularly near transit centers.
H2
Consider enacting minimum density
requirements in multiple family zones.
Evaluate zoning incentives that encourage the
development of diverse housing types, including
smaller, more affordable units and two- and
three-bedroom units suitable for families with
children.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7
This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
considered as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Additional funds will be
required.
Additional funds will be
required.
Additional funds will be
required.
Evaluate the provisions for second dwelling
units in single family areas to determine how
additional units might be provided.
H5
Create a Planned Development zone that allows
the construction of smaller lot single family units
and other innovative housing types without the
requirement for a public benefit finding.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7 This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year, and will be required.
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
3-7 This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year, and will be required.
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
H6
Amend zoning regulations to permit residential
lots of less than 6,000 square feet where smaller
lots would be compatible with the surrounding
neighborhood.
H7
Modify parking requirements to allow higher
densities and reduced housing costs in areas
appropriate for reduced parking requirements.
Evaluate the effectiveness of existing incentives
that encourage mixed use and residential
development on commemially zoned land and
determine additional incentives to be provided.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7 This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year, and will be required.
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
3-7 This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year, and will be required.
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
3-7 This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year, and will be required.
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 27
Housing
H9
Use coordinated area plans and other tools to
develop regulations that support the
development of housing above and among
commercial uses.
Planning &Ongoing This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
Community future year, and will be required.
Environment completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
H10
Encourage the development of housing on
parking lots by adopting incentives that will lead
to housing production while maintaining the
required parking.
Eliminate the requirement for Site and Design
review for mixed use projects.
Where appropriate and feasible, allow waivers of
development fees as a means of promoting the
development of housing affordable to very low-
and low-income households.
Planning &3-7 This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
Community future year, and will be required.
Environment completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7 This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year, and will be required.
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
City Attorney Ongoing This project will require Additional funds will be
municipal code amendments in required.
conjunction with the Zoning
Ordinance Update.
H13
Continue the citywide property maintenance,
inspection, and enforcement program.
Planning &Ongoing This is an ongoing project.
Community
Environment
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
H14 Planning &Ongoing This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
Enact development regulations that encourage
rehabilitation of historic residential buildings,
remodeling of older multifamily rental buildings
and retention of smaller single family residences.
Continue implementation of the Condominium
Conversion Ordinance.
Community future year, and will be required.
Environment completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Planning &Ongoing This is an ongoing project.Funds in proposed operating
Community budget.
Environment
28 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Housing
H’I6
Where a proposed subdivision or condominium
would cause a loss of rental housing, grant
approval only if at least two of the following
three circumstances exist: 1) The project will
produce at least a 100 percent increase in the
number of units currently on the site and will
comply with the City’s BMR program (described
in Program H-20); 2) the number or rental units
to be provided on the site is at least equal to the
number of existing rental units; and 3) no less
than 20 percent of the units will comply with the
City’s BMR program.
H17
Create community volunteer days and park
clean-ups, plantings, or similar events that
promote neighborhood enhancement.
H18
Conduct City-sponsored cleanup campaigns for
public and private properties.
Planning&Ongoing This is an ongoing project.Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Implement the "Action Plan" of the City of Palo
Alto’s Consolidated Plan or its successor
documents.
Community
Environment
City Manager Ongoing This is a departmental
responsibility.
Ongoing Graffiti removal, homeless
clean-ups and alley cleaning
are ongoing tasks. Open space
clean-up activities occur on a
regular basis.
An updated Consolidated Plan
is being prepared for Council
review in 2000.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
H20
Continue implementation of the City’s "Below
Market Rate" (BMR) Inclusionary Housing
Program that requires at least 10 percent of all
housing units built in for-sale projects of three
units or more and rental projects of five units or
more to be provided at below market rates to
very low-, low- and moderate-income
households.
Public Works
0-12
This is an ongoing project.
Additional funds may be
required.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing Funds in proposed operating
budget.
H21
Adopt a revised density bonus program that
allows the construction of up to three additional
market rate units for each BMR unit above that
normally required, up to a maximum zoning
increase of 25 percent in density. Allow an
equivalent increase in square footage (FAR) for
projects that meet this requirement.
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7 This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Additional funds will be
required.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 29
Housing
H22
Recognize the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park
as providing low- and moderate-income housing
opportunities.
Promote legislative changes and funding for
programs that facilitate and subsidize the
acquisition, rehabilitation and operation of
existing rental housing by housing assistance
organizations, nonprofit developers, and for-
profit developers.
1-124
Use existing agency programs such as Senior
Home Repair to provide rehabilitation assistance
to very low- and low-income households.
Support the preservation of existing group
homes and supported living facilities for persons
with special housing needs. Assist local
agencies and nonprofit organizations in the
construction or rehabilitation of new facilities for
this population.
H26
Maintain a high priority for acquisition of new
housing sites, acquisition and rehabilitation of
existing housing, and housing-related services in
the allocation of Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) funds or similar programs.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
This is an ongoing project.
This is an ongoing project.
This is an ongoing project.
This is an ongoing project.
This is an ongoing project.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
H27
Support and expand the City’s Housing
Development Fund or successor program.
On an on-going basis, seek funding from state
and federal programs, such as the HOME
Program and HUD Section 202 and 811
programs (or successor programs), to support the
development or rehabilitation of housing for
very low-, low- and moderate-income
households.
Planning &Ongoing This is an ongoing project.Funds in proposed operating
Community budget.
Environment
Planning &Ongoing This is an ongoing project.Funds in proposed operating
Community budget.
Environment
30 Status Report: Comprehensive Plall Implementation Plan
Housing
H29
Continue to require developers of employment-
generating commercial and industrial
developments to contribute to the supply of low-
and moderate-income housing.
H30
Continue to participate in the Santa Clara County
Homeless Collaborative as well as work with
adjacent jurisdictions to develop additional
shelter opportunities.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing This is an ongoing project.Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Community Ongoing The City is an active member Funds in proposed operating
Services of the Santa Clara County budget.
Collaborative on Affordable
Housing and Homeless Issues.
H31
Continue to participate with and support
agencies addressing homelessness.
Community Ongoing A significant portion of this Funds in proposed operating
Services work is accomplished through budget.
the Office of Human Services’
participation in the local
Working Group on Homeless
Services, the County
Collaborative and the Bay Area
Regional Initiative on
Homelessness.
H32
Work with appropriate state and federal agencies
to ensure that fair housing laws are enforced.
H33
Planning &Ongoing This is an ongoing task. The Funds in proposed operating
Community Human Services Division and budget.
Environment the Human Relation
Commission tracks pertinent
legislation and makes
recommendatiOns to the
Council.
Planning &Ongoing This is an ongoing program.Funds in proposed operatingContinue to support groups that provide fair
housing services, such as Mid-Peninsula
Citizens for Fair Housing.
H34
Continue the efforts of the Human Relations
Commission to combat discrimination in rental
housing, including mediation of problems
between landlords and tenants.
Community These organizations play an budget.
Environment active role on City task forces
and committees addressing
these issues.
Community Ongoing
Services
This is an ongoing program.
The HRC is a standing
commission, staffed by the
Office of Human Services. In
addition, funding for mediation
services is provided through
HSRAP.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 31
Housing
H35
Continue implementation of the City’s
Ordinances prohibiting discrimination in renting
or leasing housing based on age, parenthood,
pregnancy or the potential or actual presence of a
minor child.
Continue providing staff support and technical
assistance in energy conservation and demand
management to architects, developer and utility
customers.
Community
Services
Electric Fund
Ongoing
Ongoing
This is an ongoing activity of
the City’s Human Relations
Commission,
This program is ongoing and
has been recently expanded as
part of the Utilities Public
Benefits Plan. Consultant
contracts have been executed
and implementation details are
being evaluated. Beginning in
June 1999, programs will be
marketed and gradually
implemented.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
32 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Natural Environment
Review and update as needed the Open Space
(OS) zoning district regulations to ensure
consistency with Comprehensive Plan policies.
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7 This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Additional funds will be
required.
N2
Examine and improve management practices for
natural habitat and open space areas, including
the provision of access to open space for City
vehicles and equipment, to ensure that natural
resources are protected.
Community
Services
Review the need for access controls in
environmentally sensitive areas, including the
baylands, foothills, and riparian corridors.
N4
Seek additional sources of funding, including
state and federal programs, to finance open space
acquisition and development.
Work to maintain Williamson Act agricultural
preserves within the City.
N6
As part of the design review process for
proposed development in the Open Space zone
district that exceeds 6,500 square feet, require
that "story poles" be erected with outlining tape
depicting the building’s location, bulk and height
to aid in assessing the potential visual impacts of
the proposed project.
Community
Services
Community
Services
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
This is an ongoing task. Golf
Services is establishing
thresholds for native planting
in areas where groomed turf is
not necessary, and both parks
& golf are introducing pilot
programs in use of organic pre-
emergent weed control
products and recycled lumber
as mulching materials. Open
Space Services works with
staff, the public and local
agencies to continually monitor
trail usage.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
This is being accomplished
through the monitoring of
hikers, equestrians, and
vehicles by staff and other
agencies.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
A $50,000 grant was approved Funds in proposed operating
by the California Costal budget. State Proposition 12 is
Conservancy for Baylands trail a source of possible funds (if
development. A grant from the passed 3/712000).
California Department of Parks
for trail improvements will be
resubmitted in 2000-2001.
This is an ongoing task.
This is an ongoing project.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 33
Natural Environment
N7
Adopt a setback along natural creeks that
prohibits the siting of buildings and other
structures, impervious surfaces, outdoor activity
areas, and ornamental landscaped areas within
100 feet from the top of a creek bank. Allow
passive or intermittent outdoor activities and
pedestrian, equestrian, and bicycle pathways
where there are adequate setbacks to protect the
natural riparian environment. Within the setback
area, provide border of native riparian vegetation
at least 25 feet along the creek bank. Exception
to the 100-foot setback are as follows:l) Single
family property is exempt from the 100-foot
setback, except that undeveloped parcels west of
Highway 280 are not exempt. A creek ordinance
and guidelines will be prepared addressing
appropriate setbacks and creek conservation
measures. 2) Existing development within the
100-foot setback will be considered legal and
conforming. With the 100-foot setback as a goal
where feasible, redevelopment of such sites must
be designed consistently with basic creek habitat
objectives and make a significant net
improvement in the condition of the creek.
N8
Develop and adopt a creek ordinance that
establishes new development regulations for
properties abutting creeks, establishes an
exception process, and provides incentives to
achieve maximum creek setbacks, such as
reduced front yard setbacks and reduced on-site
parking requirements.
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7 This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Additional funds will be
required.
N9
Participate in a San Francisquito Creek
Coordinated Resource Management and
Planning (CRMP) process with adjacent cities.
!’110
Work with the Santa Clara Valley Water District
to establish guidelines for creek channel
maintenance that encourage preservation of
riparian habitat, including vegetation that
provides shade to creek bottoms.
Planning &
Community
Environment
City Manager
3-7
Ongoing
This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Additional funds will be
required.
Public Works 0-12
This is an ongoing task. A Joint Funds for administration of the
Powers Authority (JPA) with JPA in proposed operating
multiple agencies responsible budget. Additional funding
for creek management has been will be required for Creek
established, projects.
This project is planned for a Additional funding will be
future year.required.
34 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Natural Environment
Nll
Work with the Santa Clara Valley Water District
to develop a comprehensive riparian corridor
restoration and enhancement program that
identifies specific stretches of corridor to be
Public Works 0-7 This project is planned for a
future year.
restored, standards to be achieved, and sources
of funding, Include provisions for tree planting
to enhance natural habitat.
N12
Review and update the Grading Ordinance to
ensure that it adequately protects creeks from the
erosion and sedimentation impacts of grading.
Public Works 0-7
Additional funding will be
required.
Establish public education programs regarding
the conservation of creeks and riparian areas.
Implement the recommendations of the Tree
Task Force.
Public Works 0-12
Public Works 0-7
The grading ordinance, Funds in proposed operating
originally adopted in 1968, was budget.
reviewed, updated and was
approved by Council in May
1999 as part of permit
streamlining, the grading and
excavation ordinance. The
revised ordianance strengthens
staff’s ability to control erosion
and storm water pollution.
This is project is planned for a Additional funding will be
future year. required.
Funds available in operating
budget.
All recommendations have
been implemented.
Continue celebration of Arbor Day in Palo Alto.
N16
Public Works Ongoing This is an ongoing task. The Funds in proposed operating
Planning Arborist has taken the budget.
lead for this event.
Continue to require replacement of trees,
including street trees lost to new development,
and establish a program to have replacement
trees planted offsite when it is impractical to
locate them onsite.
Planning &Ongoing This is an ongoing project.
Community
Environment
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
N16
Provide ongoing education for City staff,
homeowners, and developers regarding
landscaping and irrigation practices that protect
the urban forest.
Public Works Ongoing Staff provides plan review and Funds in operating budget.
CANOPY provides ongoing
outreach.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 35
Natural Environment
N17
Develop and implement a plan for maintenance,
irrigation, and replacement of trees in parks,
parking lots, and City rights-of-way.
N18
Actively pursue funding for tree planting.
N19
F..stablish one or more tree planting programs
that seek to achieve the following objectives: 1)
A 50 percent tree canopy cover for streets, parks,
and parking lots. 2) The annual tree planting
goals recommended by the Tree Task Force and
adopted by the City Council. (Also see N-14)
N20
Establish procedures to coordinate City review,
particularly by the Planning, Utilities, and Public
Works Departments, of projects that might
impact the urban forest.
Work Cooperatively with the Paio Alto Unified
School District so that their tree planting and
maintenance practices are consistent with City
guidelines.
Public Works
Public Works
Public Works
Planning &
Community
Environment
Public Works
0-7
Ongoing
Ongoing
0-7
Ongoing
This is an ongoing task.Funds in operating budget.
Staffworks in conjunction with Funds in operating budget.
CANOPY ito pursue grant
funding.
Funds in operating budget.This is an ongoing task.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
This is an ongoing project.
Tree Section staff have met Existing funds in operating
with school district personnel budget.
on an as-needed basis.
36 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Natural Environment
N22
Work with the Santa Clara Valley Water District
to identify and map key groundwater recharge
areas for use in land use planning and permitting
and the protection of groundwater resources.
Water Fund 0-7 SCVWD continues to work on
identifying groundwater
recharge areas in Palo Alto.
Staff continues to work with
the Department of health
Services staff to identify
improvements necessary to the
City’s wellhead protection
program, The water Wells
Regional Storage and
Distribution System Study was
completed in December 1999.
The study recommendations
regarding future use of
groundwater wells in Palo Alto
have been included as
proposed projects in the FY
2000-2005 Water CIP. Staff is
using the consultant who
completed the Water Well
Regional Storage and
Distribution System Study to
examine the use of wells for
non-emergency use.
Funds in both proposed capital
and operating budgets. Future
funding will be needed for map
planning, consultant studies, or
projects.
N24
N23
Regularly review the water rate structure to
ensure that it encourages efficiency and is
competitive.
Water Fund Ongoing This is an ongoing task. Water Funds in proposed operating
rate structures continue to budget.
reflect conservation pricing in
the form of an inverted rate
structure. This Structure applies
ascending prices for rising
usage levels. On an annual
basis water rates are reviewed
and appropriate rate
adjustments are recommended
as part of the budget process.
Maintain citywide water conservation and
efficiency programs for all customer classes.
Water Fund Ongoing This is an ongoing task. The
current emphasis on water
conservation is addressed by
programs such as landscape
audits, high efficiency water
rebates (under development)
school education, dedicated
irrigation meters, and public
information and outreach. A
CIP project has been
recommended as part of the FY
2000-2005 Water CIP to
encourage the installation of
dedicated irrigation water
meters for large accounts.
Funds in proposed operating
and CIP budget.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 37
Natural Environment
N26
N25
Where practical, incorporate federal, state, and
other agency policies and standards for water
efficiency into City codes, regulations, and
procedures.
Implement incentives for the use of drought-
tolerant landscaping and recycled water for
landscape irrigation.
N27
Work with regulatory agencies, environmental
groups, affected businesses, and other
stakeholders to identify economically viable
Best Management Practices (BMP) for reducing
pollution. Participate in BMP pilot studies to
identify new pollution control measures.
Water Fund Ongoing This is an ongoing task. The
City has adopted California
Urban Water Conservation
Council’s Best Management
practices. Such practices are
reflected in a number of our
regulations, codes, and
procedures. For example, the
City Code reflects water
efficiency standards applicable
to commercial landscaping.
Also, Utility Rules and
Regulations prohibit water
waste.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Water Fund
Public Works
0-7
Ongoing
Incentives are being
developed.
During this year, new BMPs
development focused on
mercury pollution..
Fundsare in the proposed
operating budget.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
N28
Continue public education programs on water
quality issues, including Best Management
Practices for residents, businesses, contractors,
and City employees.
Public Works Ongoing A number of new publications
and outreach efforts occurred
this year.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
N29
Actively participate in programs such as the
Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution
Control program to improve the quality of storm
water runoff.
N30
Conduct regular street-sweeping to minimize
road surface pollutant runoff.
Public Works
Public Works
Ongoing
Ongoing
Staff isvery active in the Santa Funds in operating budget.
Clara Valley Urban Runoff
Pollution Prevention
Program.Staff also provides
annual storm drain flushing
and weekly street sweeping.
This is an ongoing task.Funds inoperating budget.
38 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Natural Environment
N31
Evaluate spill response, cleanup, and follow-up
investigation procedures to reduce the impacts of
toxic spills on water quality in the City’s creeks
and San Francisco Bay.
Fire Ongoing This is an ongoing task. Fire
has been working with the
Environmental Compliance
Division of the Public Works
Department to ensure that
procedures are in place to
minimize the impacts of
emergency response activities
on water quality in the City’s
creeks and the Bay,
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
N32
Actively work to reduce the amount of metals
contained in brake pads, tires, and other
automotive parts, thereby reducing urban runoff
pollution from metals. Continue Palo Alto’s
leadership role in encouraging the re-engineering
of vehicles to reduce pollution from metals.
N33
Study the impacts on storm water pollution of
architectural copper and consider limiting its
use, if warranted.
Evaluate the use of permeable paving materials
that allow for natural pemolation and site
drainage.
N35
Work with commercial and industrial
dischargers to recover metals on-site rather than
discharging them into the sanitary sewer system.
Public Works Ongoing
Public Works 0-7
Public Works Ongoing
Palo Alto continues to play a
leadership role in working on
vehicluar sources of water
pollution.
Data not sufficient now to
warrant regulatory action.
Staff will continue to collect
data to see if action warranted.
This is an ongoing task.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Public Works Ongoing Further copper reductions
achieved this year.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 39
Natural Environment
N36
Complete improvements to the storm drainage
system consistent with the priorities outlined in
the City’s 1993 Storm Drainage Master Plan,
provided that an appropriate funding mechanism
is identified and approved by the City Council.
N37
Monitor wastewater treatment industry practices
relating to the use of chlorine to disinfect
wastewater.
N38
Provide City input on significant proposals for
air quality legislation and state implementation
plans.
N39
Assist the Bay Area Air Quality Management
District (BAAQMD) in its efforts to achieve
compliance with existing air quality regulations.
Public Works
Public Works
City Manager
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Staff has developed a 30 year
plan for storm drainage
improvements, including
financing recommendations to
the Finance Committee and
Council. Staffis currently
working with a consultant to
analyze the existing storm
drainage feee structure for
compliance with Propostion
218. Staffwill submit a report
to the Finance Committee in
March 2000 forwarding a draft
version of the public outreach
materaials and the results of the
consultant’s analysis of the
storm drainage fee structure.
Additional funding will be
required.
Gathering information for Funds in proposed operating
upcoming goals determination, budget.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
This is an ongoing task.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
This is an ongoing project.
40 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Natural Environment
N40
Expand the use of alternative fuels for City
vehicles and establish a program to encourage
expanded use of such fuels in private vehicles.
To support this program, encourage the
development of alternative fuel infrastructure
(for instance, electric plug-ins) in parking
facilities and other key locations around the city.
N41
Support legislative programs that result in the
removal of the oldest and dirtiest vehicles on the
roadway.
Require all new wood-burning stoves or
fireplace inserts to comply with EPA-approved
standards.
Public Works
Public Works
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing
Ongoing
0-7
This is an ongoing task, For the CIP projects, funds in
Currently, a CIP is proposed in proposed capital budget.
the 1999-2004 Capital Additional funds will be
Improvement Program to required to expand the
develop a Compressed Natural program.
Gas (CNG) fueling station for
use by the public and as a
backup to the City’s Exisiting
CNG fueling station at the
MSC. Staff worked with
Stanford to try to site a second
CNG station on Stanford lands,
buth this effort has proved
unsuccessful. Staff is
continuing to look for an
alternate CNG fueling station
site. Another CIP proposed for
FY2000-2001 will use Electric
Public Benefits funds for
electrical system upgrades and
EV charger installations
necessary to accommodate
electric vehicles in public and
private parking lots (Lots R
and S/L near University
Avenue) and City facilities in
Palo Alto.
This is an ongoing task.Funds in proposed operating
budget.
City Attorney developed draft No funding requested at this
ordinance prohibiting new time
wood burning fireplaces.
N43
Provide a homeowner handout outlining low
emission alternatives to wood-burning stoves or
fireplaces.
N44
Public Works
Fire
Commenced in the Fall 1999
and now ongoing.
Fire is working with the
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Funds in proposed operating
Develop public information programs to educate
the public on Best Management Practices in the
use of wood burning appliances, including
reduction of wood burning during critical
periods of poor air quality.
Environmental Compliance
Division of the Public Works
Department to develop these
programs. A draft ordinance
has been developed and is out
for City department review.
budget.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 41
Natural Environment
N45
Recommend revisions to proposed projects as
needed to reduce air quality impacts, including
improvements that reduce single occupant
vehicle use.
Continually evaluate and revise forecasts for
electric power demand. Pursue adequate low
cost supplies to meet this demand by
participating in cost-effective programs offered
by Northern California Power Agency (NCPA)
or other suppliers and marketers of energy.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Electric Fund
Ongoing This is an ongoing task.
Staff continues to forecast
electric power demand on a
continual basis. Staff
purchases low cost supplies
through the Western Area
Power Administration and
other sources. All purchases
longer than one month are
made by staff and all purchases
less than one month are made
by Northern California Power
Agency. Due to the
introduction of customer
choice in Palo Alto, an
additional purchasing objective
is to manage risk. Staff has
developed an interim risk
management program and is in
the process of developing a risk
management program that will
be presented to Council in FY
2000-01. The risk
management program will be
implemented after a strategic
direction is determined for the
Utilities.
Funds in the proposed
operating budget.
Ongoing Funds in proposed operating
budget.
N46
Provide information to all user groups about: 1)
commonly used hazardous materials; 2) more
environmentally friendly alternatives; and 3)
safe recycling and disposal methods.
Fire Ongoing This is an ongoing task. Fire
and the Environmental
Compliance Division of the
Public Works Department
continue to develop and
distribute information to the
public, including use of
brochures, pamphlets, and
direct meetings, and postings
on City’s website. In 1999 the
City aggreed to participate in
the Green Business Program to
further assist business in
improving their environmental
performance.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
42 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Natural Environment
N47
Continue City permitting procedures for
commercial and industrial storage, use, and
handling of hazardous materials.
N48
Continue sponsoring a regular household
hazardous waste collection event.
N49
Study the relative costs, advantages, and
disadvantages of joining the regional household
hazardous waste program operated by the Santa
Clara County Department of Environmental
Health.
NS0
Continue the program that allows small quantity
generators to dispose of hazardous waste at cost.
N51
Regularly review the landfill fee structure to
ensure that it encourages a reduction in solid
waste disposal.
Improve City composting practices and continue
promoting a household composting program.
Continue to develop source separation programs
for recyclable solid waste materials for all waste
generators.
N54
Fire Ongoing
Public Works Ongoing
Public Works 8-12
Public Works Ongoing
Public Works Ongoing
Public Works Ongoing
Fire continues to implement
this through its annual
compliance inspection program
and its participation in the
Development Center.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
This is an ongoing task.
Staff currently participates in
standing County wide
household hazardous waste
committee. Staff is reviewing
whether to continue to
participate.
Funds in operating budget.
This is an ongoing task.
Continued participation would
require additional funding,
based upon level of usage.
Continue to develop long-term solid waste
management programs that include safe and
environmentally sound disposal methods such as
the SMART Station.
Funds in operating budget.
This is an ongoing task, which Additional funding will be
includes review of programs required for any new programs.
which will extend the life of
the landfill.
Public Works Ongoing
This is an ongoing task.Funds in operating budget.
This is an ongoing task.Funds in operating budget.
Public Works Ongoing This is an ongoing task.Additional funds may be
rquired to add new programs.
N55
Maintain and expand the use of the Recycling
Center at the City’s refuse disposal area.
Public Works Ongoing Plans for a permanent facility
are in process.
Additional funds will be
required.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 43
Natural Environment
N56
Participate in appropriate public forums to
ensure that future activities at large commercial
airports in the region do not negatively effect
noise levels in Palo Alto,
N57
Encourage the Joint Powers Board to pursue
technologies to reduce train whistle noise in
communities served by CalTrain.
N58
Continue to work to reduce noise impacts
created by events and activities taking place in
adjoining communities.
N59
Evaluate the feasibility of adopting noise criteria
in the purchase of new City vehicles and
equipment.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
City Manager
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
This is an ongoing task.
A feasibility study of "four-
quadrant gates" will be
completed in 2000.
This is an ongoing task,
including continued
implementation of the
Shoreline settlement agreement
and the pursuit of a regional
solution to San Francisco
Airport noise issues.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Update the Noise Ordinance to provide for clear
interpretation of the regulations, and to review
the appropriateness of existing standards.
Strictly enforce the Noise Ordinance.
Public Works
Police
This is an ongoing task,
Leaf blower recommendations
were presented to the City
Council in November, 1999.
In January, 2000, the Council
voted it ban the use of fuel
powered leaf blowers effective
7/1/2001. Staff will resume
work on construction noise
revisions. Work on revisions
to the remainder of the Noise
Ordinance will begin in several
years based upon the
availability of funding for
consultant assistance.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Additional funding will be
required for consultant
assistance. Based upon
Council’s decision to prohibit
City crews and contractors
from using fuel powered leaf
blowers, additional funding
probably will be required by
Public Works and Community
Services for equipment and
contracts.
N61
Evaluate changes to the Noise Ordinance to
reduce the impact of leaf blower noise.
Police 0-7 Staff presented
recommendations to the
Council in November, 1999.
In January,2000 Council voted
to ban the use of fuel powered
leaf blowers effective July 1,
2001. Council also adopted
ordinance changes that will
prohibit the use of fuel
powered blowers by City crews
and contractors.
Based upon Council’s decision
to prohibit City crews and
contractors from using fuel
powered leaf blowers,
additional funding will
probably be required by Public
Works and Community
Services for equipment and
contracts.
44 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Natural Environment
N62
Implement gas and electric rate structures that
encourage energy conservation and that are in
balance with other rate-making objectives, such
as providing competitive rates. Set rates to
achieve a balance between actual service costs,
market prices, and the goal of promoting
conservation and efficient use. Continue to
provide a baseline service rate.
N63
Implement energy efficiency programs.
N64
Encourage establishment of public education
programs addressing energy conservation and
efficiency.
N65
Incorporate cost-effective energy conservation
measures into construction, maintenance, and
City operation and procurement practices.
N66
Incorporate state and federal energy efficiency
standards and policies in relevant City codes,
regulations and procedures.
Electric Fund
Electric Fund
Electric Fund
Public Works
8-12
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
This is an ohgoing task. A
green power rate will be
available for residential and
commercial customers in FY
2000-01.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
This is an ongoing task, It has
been recently expanded as part
of the Utilities Public Benefits
Plan approved by Council.
Consultant contracts have been
executed and implementation
details are being evaluated as
part of the Public Benefits
program. Beginning in
Summer, 1999, programs were
marketed and are being
progressively implemented
every year.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Public education addressing Funds in proposed operating
energy conservation continues budget.
through the use of bill inserts,
customer contacts, and other
sources of information
available to the public.
Staff will continue to
incorporate effective energy
conservation measures into the
specifications and scope of
service for City contracts and
services.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing This is an ongoing practice.
Energy efficiency compliance
is mandated by the State of
California.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 45
Natural Environment
N67
Provide information and advice on the use of
alternative energy technologies, including the
relative costs and benefits of different types of
fuel, to all customers.
N68
Electric Fund Ongoing Council has recently approved Funds in the proposed
a photovoltaic demonstration operating budget.
program which will provide
residents with information on
the costs and benefits of this
alternative fuel source.
Incentives are also a
component.
Electric Fund Ongoing Since the passage of AB 1890
Monitor other utilities that successfully use
alternative energy sources and seek funding for
similar projects that would be appropriate in Palo
Alto.
N69
Strictly enforce Uniform Building Code seismic
safety restrictions.
NTO
Continue to provide incentives for seismic
retrofits of structures in the University Avenue/
Downtown area.
Planning &Ongoing
Community
Environment
Planning &Ongoing
Community
Environment
and the institution of a Public
Benefits charge on all customer funding required will come
bills, staff is monitoring and from the Public Benefits
evaluating cost-effective ways Program.
to fund investments in
¯ alternative energy sources.
Staff has developed a Public
Benefits plan that includes
investment in renewable
energy generation technology.
Implemented as an ongoing
program
Funds in proposed operating
and CIP budget. Additional
This is an ongoing project.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
N71
Allow development rights achieved through
seismic upgrading of specified sites to be
transferred to designated eligible receiver sites.
N72
Revise the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances
to recognize seismic, geologic, and soil related
hazards.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing
3-7
This is an ongoing project.
This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
considered as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Additional funds will be
required.
N73
Require preparation of a report from a
engineering geologist that reviews geologic,
soils, and engineering reports for development in
hazard areas. Establish appropriate fees to cover
the cost of this review.
Public Works 0-12 Staff requires engineering Additional funds will be
reports for hazard areas as part required.
of the Development Review
process. This is an ongoing
task.
46 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Natural Environment
N74
Review and update, as appropriate, City code
requirements for excavation, grading, and filling
to ensure that they conform to currently accepted
standards. Recover the cost of this work through
grading permit fees.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing Revised grading ordinance and Funds in proposed operating
revised fee schedule became budget.
effective July I, 1999.
N75
Establish a standardized process for evaluating
the impacts of development on the storm
drainage system.
N76
Implement the requirements of FEMA relating to
construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas as
illustrated on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
N77
Regularly review and update the Palo Alto
Foothills Fire Management Plan and the fire
emergency evacuation provisions in the City’s
Emergency Management Plan.
N78
Provide public education on fire safety,
including evacuation routes and guidelines for
clearance of landscaping and other hazards
around structures.
N79
Minimize fire hazards by implementing low
density zoning in wild land fire hazard areas.
Public Works
Public Works
Fire
Fire
0-7
0-7
Ongoing
Ongoing
This project is planned for a
future year.
Public Works reviews all new
construction and building
improvements for compliance
with flood hazard regulations
as part of the City’s permit
process. Revised Flood
Insrance Rate Map was
adopted by Council in June
1999.
This is an ongoing task. This
Plan will be reviewed by the
City’s Blue Ribbon Task Force
will review this Plan and there
will be public workshops
before final council approval.
This is an ongoing task.
Notices were sent last year to
remind residents to clear
landscaping around homes
located in hazardous fire zones.
Fire Safety education materials
were distributed at the annual
Fire Safety Show. Additional
information is intended to be
posted on the Internet. Supplies
will need to be purchased to
allow for annual distribution of
materials.
Additional funding will be
required.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Additional funding will be
required.
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7 This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
considered as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Additional funds will be
required.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 47
Natural Environment
N80
Evaluate measures for consolidation of services
with other jurisdictions and automatic or mutual
aid agreements with other jurisdictions to
improve efficiences.
Fire
N81
Regularly update and distribute the City of Palo
Alto Emergency Management Plan, including
the earthquake, flood, and fire emergency
evacuation plans. Consult with the Palo Alto
Unified School District in updating the Plan.
N82
Initiate public education programs that strongly
encourage that each household in the City is
prepared to be self-sufficient for 72 hours after a
major earthquake. Update and distribute the
City’s earthquake preparedness guide, "Living
with Our Faults."
Fire
Fire
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
The Fire Department has Funds in proposed operating
updated three automatic aid budget for existing programs.
agreements during fiscal year Additional funding may be
1998-99. The contract with Los required to expand services.
Altos Hills for staffing of fire
station 8 was renewed. The
department continues to work
through the Santa Clara County
Fire Chiefs’ Association on the
development of a regional
training facility. The
department jointly purchased a
reserve truck with Mountain
View Fire Department. Fire
Department staff worked on a
countywide committee to
improve the delivery of
paramedic services in Santa
Clara County through the
development of an RFP for the
private paramedic provider.
This is an ongoing task. The
final document was approved
in 1999. Copies are available at
all library branches, at fire
stations, and within each City
department. The Plan is now
being prepared to post on the
Intemet.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
This is an ongoing task. the Funds in proposed operating
earthquake preparedness guide budget.
continues to be distributed at
disaster fairs and homeowner
association presentations. It is
also posted on the Internet on
the Emergency Section of the
Fire Department’s website.
48 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Community Facilities and Services
Cl
In cooperation with existing public and private
agencies and PAUSD, develop a service
program that will coordinate the efforts of
agencies providing services to families and
youth in Palo Alto.
Continue to use the City/School liaison
committee to remove barriers to community use
of schools and facilities and coordinate other
areas of mutual interest.
Community 0-7
Services
Family Resources (FR) and the
Positive Alternatives for Youth
(PAY) are actively involved
with PAUSD and numerous
public and private nonprofit
agencies to collaborate and
coordinate services for families
and youth. Coordination also
occurs in the Parks, Child Care
and Recreation areas.
Funds in proposed operating
budget for the FRC. To
continue the PAY Program
after 1999, the Police and
Community Services
Departments will look for
alternative funding sources and
initiation of partial city
funding.
City Manager Ongoing This is an ongoing task.Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Assess the potential for City use of PAUSD
facilities for child care, libraries, recreational
facilities, community meeting space, education,
health care, culture, and computer resources.
C4
Work with PAUSD to determine ways that
schools can be made more available to the
community for weekend and evening use.
Consider joint provision of library services with
PAUSD.
City Manager 0-7 This is an ongoing task.Additional funds may be
required.
City Manager Ongoing
Community 0-7
Services
This is an ongoing task.Additional funds may be
required.
Library Advisory Commission Additional funding would be
review of the draft Library required.
Master Plan includes
consideration of a joint City/
PAUSD project at Gunn High
School. Library Commission
recommendations expected by
June 2000.
C6 Planning &Ongoing This is an ongoing project.
Provide regular status reports to the PAUSD on Community
potential and approved development projects.Environment
C7
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Require an assessment of school impacts prior to
the approval of development projects that require
legislative acts, including general plan
amendments and zoning changes.
Planning &Ongoing This is an ongoing project.Funds in proposed operating
Community budget.
Environment
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 49
Community Facilities and Services
t27
Actively work with private, nonprofit, and public
community service organization to avoid
duplication and to coordinate the delivery of
services like child care, senior services, and
recreation.
Community
Services
Ongoing Programs and groups such as
Family Resources, Positive
Alternatives for Youth, Child
Care Advisory Committee, and
others serve this function.
Additionally, the newly formed
Parks and Recreation
Commission will play a role in
program coordination.
Funds in proposed operating
budget,
128
Establish a program to facilitate continuing
corporate support for community services
through contributions of funds, time, materials,
and expertise.
Establish performance review criteria for City
employees that consider the quality of customer
service provided.
C10
Establish tangible incentives and enhance
rewards and recognition programs to encourage
City staff to deliver high quality services.
Community
Services
Human
Resources
Human
Resources
0-7
Ongoing
Ongoing
Individual programs exist
within City major activities,
but a City-wide program is
planned for a future year.
This is an ongoing program.
Customer service quality
review is included in current
performance appraisal systems.
Staff will emphasize this factor
in ongoing appraisal training.
Current Service Award
program to be reviewed and
enhanced during 1999-00 n/n/
The Service Award programs
were enhanced during 1999
with further evaluation and
enhancement under
consideration.
Additional funding may be
required.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Cll
Continue to budget for City staff training in
customer service oriented management
techniques.
Human
Resources
Ongoing Current training programs
address customer service.
Additional atention will be
given to this area in 2000-01
through the addition of a
certificate program for first-
time supervisors, n/n/Addition
of a Tech Academy is currently
being developed.
Implementation is expected in
fall, 2000.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
C12
Encourage City work groups to examine and
improve operating procedures.
City Manager 0-7 This is an ongoing task.
Examples include
Development Center
implementation, Children’s
Theatre staffing and
Infrastructure Management.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
50 Status RepoK: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Community Facilities and Services
(313
Use the Child Care Master Plan to guide the
delivery of child care services. Update and
amend this Plan to include standards for
evaluating the impacts of new development on
child care service needs,
C14
Work with the Child Care Advisory Committee
to evaluate the feasibility of requiring child care
impact assessments for proposed development
projects.
Study changes in zoning, parking, and
landscaping requirements that would facilitate
the development of neighborhood child and/or
senior care facilities.
Create development incentives (such as
increased floor area ratio or reduced parking
requirements) for employers or developers who
include child and/or senior care facilities in the
design of new housing and commercial
buildings.
Identify existing or potential locations for child
and/or senior care in public facilities and actively
promote the establishment of such facilities.
C17
Facilitate the application process for proposed
child and/or senior care centers. Work with
applicants or potential applicants to identify
appropriate locations for such centers.
Community
Services
Community
Services
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Community.
Services
0-7
0-7
3-7
3-7
Ongoing
The Child Care Master Plan is Funds in proposed operating
currently being updated, budget,
Underway, accomplished on a Funds in proposed operating
project-by-project basis, budget.
Additional funds will be
required.
This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Additional funds will be
required.
This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
The Child Care Advisory Funds in proposed operating
Committee, Family Resources budget.
and the Human Relations
Commission are currently
providing this function.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing This is an ongoing project.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 51
Community Facilities and Services
C18
Encourage the continuation and development of
after-school and evening programs for children
and youth. Maximize participation in such
programs by increasing the number of locations
where the programs are provided and by
supporting transportation options to these
locations.
Community
Services
Ongoing Ongoing after-school, evening
and weekend programs are
provided through Recreation
Services, Jr. Museum & Zoo,
Open Space Rangers,
Libraries, and Positive
Alternatives For Youth (PAY).
Recent additional sites include
Ventura School, Gamble
Garden Center, and all PACC
sites. Continuation of
Children’s Theatre Outreach
activities at elementary and
middle schools.
Funds in proposed operating
budget, with one exception.
PAY funds are due to expire
December 1999. Community
Services and Police
Departments will look for
alternative funding sources and
initiation of partial city
funding.
C19
Develop improvement plans for the
maintenance, restoration and enhancement of
community facilities, and keep these facilities
viable community assets by investing the
necessary resources.
Community
Services
0-7 Rinconada Pool renovation
completed. Rinconada Park
irrigation and landscape
upgrade renovations
completed; Multiple
infrastructure projects for
medians, parks and building
facilities will commence in late
2000. Seven park benches were
installed in open space parks.
Lighting, seating and exhibits
have been improved in
Foothills and Baylands
Interpretive Centers. New
trailside information panels
have been installed along trails
in the Baylands.
Funds in proposed capital and
operating budgets.
C20
Conduct comprehensive analyses of long-term
infrastructure replacement requirements and
costs.
Administrative
Services
Department
0-7 Staff has completed a long-
term Infrastructure
Management Plan that
identifies all required City
infrastructure work. Council
has approved in concept $75
million of $95 million in
infrastructure work over the
next 10 years. Infrastructure
projects have been budgeted in
1999-00 and in 2000-01 and
staff has proposed to Council
an augmented staffing plan to
implement those projects.
Funds in proposed operating
and capital budget.
C21
Incorporate as an additional criterion used in
prioritizing sidewalk repairs, a standard related
to the level of pedestrian usage.
Public Works 0-7 Implemented "intensive use" Funds in proposed capital
sidewalk replacement program, budget.
52 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Community Facilities and Services
C22
Assess the development of a performing arts
center as an asset to the community and local
economy.
Community
Services
0-7 Proceeding with a feasibility
study jointly funded by The
City of Palo Alto and Stanford
University. Expected to
complete the feasibility study
in early summer 2000.
City Council has approved
funding for a feasibility study.
C23
Study and recommend methods of private and
public financing for improved park maintenance,
rehabilitation, and construction.
Community
Services
C24
Preserve El Camino Park as a recreational
resource for the community at a reasonable cost.
C25
Consider potential park sites when preparing
coordinated area plans.
In conjunction with new development proposals,
pursue creation of park, plaza, or other public
gathering places that meet neighborhood needs.
C27
Continue to implement Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements in City
facilities including, but not limited to, sidewalk
curb cuts, building entrances, meeting room
access and sight and heating adjuncts.
City Manager
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Public Works
Ongoing The Adopt-A-Park program
continues to garner $10,000
annually for park
improvements. Staff will
match grant funds from the
Arastra fund with $75,000 in
private contributions for the
design and construction of the
Arastradero Preserve gateway
facility. Further, staff is
working on finalizing an
options memo to complete
financing of the infrastructure
modules.
Additional funding will be
required to complete the ten
year infrastructure financing
plan. Additional funding will
be required.
0-7 Secured as part of Sand Hill Funds in proposed operating
Road Development budget.
Agreement, which includes a
lease for one dollar per year
until 2033.
Ongoing This is an ongoing project.Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Ongoing This is an ongoing project.Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Ongoing Staff continues to implement Existing funds in capital
ADA upgrades on all City budget.
projects requiting them on a
project by project basis.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 53
Community Facilities and Services
54 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Business and Economics
B1
Initiate assessment districts or other programs to
facilitate neighborhood shopping center
improvements such as landscaping, parking, and
access to public transportation,
Administrative
Services
Department
Ongoing This is an ongoing task. With
Council’s recent approval of
the design for two downtown
parking structures, staff is
initiating the process for
creating a downtown parking
assessment district. Formation
of this district is governed by
Proposition 218 requirements.
A consultant has been hired to
formulate an assessment
methodology and facilitiate an
election process that conforms
to Prop. 218. If downtown
property owners approve the
new assessment, it is expected
that the downtown parking
space deficit will be
significantly reduced.
Funds for assessment services
are in the 1999-00 Budget.
B2
Implement the City’s Economic Resources Plan.
City Manager Ongoing This is an ongoing task. Funds in proposed operating
Several components of the Plan budget.
have been initiated, including a
Business Outreach Program
and Citywide Retail Strategy.
B3
On an ongoing basis, evaluate opportunities for
City involvement in public/private partnerships,
including public investment in infrastructure and
other improvements, siting of public art, and
modification of land use regulations and other
development controls.
City Manager Ongoing This is an ongoing task.
Examples of opportunities
include a potential child care
center in the PAMF/SOFA
area, provision of high speed
telecommunications and
studying the feasibility of
improvements to the E1
Camino Real cityscape.
Funding is included in the
proposed budget for the El
Camino Real feasibility study
and the Fiber-to-the-Home
trial. Additional funds may be
required for additional
partnerships.
Develop the City Council approved fiber optic
ring around the City as recommended in the
1996 Telecommunications Strategy Study and
evaluate and implement enhancements to the
system.
Electric Fund 0-7 The fiber optic cable network Funds in both the capital and
has been installed in all the operating budgets. CIP
areas planned in the original financing will occur annually
proposal. Completion of work for system additions and will
at splicing points will be done be less than $500,000 per year.
as required to provide service
to customers. System
enhancements are continuing
based on demand for services.
To date 16 customers have
been connected increasing to
22 customers by 3/2000.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 55
Business and Economics
B5
Simplify the design review process for small-
scale changes to previously approved site plans
and buildings.
Planning &0-2 This project is underway, and Additiona! funds will be
Community will be further modified as a required.
Environment part of the Zoning Ordinance
Update.
B6
Regularly evaluate ways to improve
coordination of the City’s environmental review,
permitting, and inspection processes, including
issues relating to hazardous materials and water
quality regulation.
Improve design guidelines to reduce ambiguity
and more clearly articulate design principles to
the business community.
B8
Evaluate methods to lessen the development
limitations currently imposed by adopted floor
area ratios in a more flexible manner. Such
methods could include the use of building
envelope restrictions.
Revise the Sign Ordinance to more clearly
reflect community design standards and
requirements relating to size, number of signs,
allowed locations and design.
Planning &Ongoing California Environmental Funds in proposed operating
Community Quality Act (CEQA) review budget.
Environment was streamlined in July 1999
by eliminating a separate
hazardous materials review.
The hazardous material review
is now incorporated into the
overall CEQA review for a
specific project.
Planning &3-7 This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
Community future year, and will be required.
Environment completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7
3-7
This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
considered as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
This project is planned for a
future year.
Additional funds will be
required.
Additional funds will be
required.
BIO
Revise zoning and other regulations as needed to
encourage the revitalization of aging retail areas.
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7 This project is planned for a
future year, and will be
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Additional funds will be
required.
Bll
Identify and prioritize Centers in need of
economic or physical revitalization.
City Manager 0-7 An inventory of vacant and
under-utilized buildings and
parcels has been completed and
development of a citywide
targeted retail strategy is
underway.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
56 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Business and Economics
Identify key sites on El Camino Real that would
be suitable for Neighborhood Centers. Evaluate
economic, design, and regulatory opportunities
and constraints for each site, and identify
potential incentives that could be offered by the
City to improve the area’s appearance and
economic vitality (Also see L-32)
Planning &
Community
Environment
8-12 This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year.required.
B13
Review the effect of size caps, parking
requirements, and other land use restrictions on
the viability a~d competitiveness of
neighborhood centers.
B14
Modify zoning regulations to allow
convenience-oriented businesses such as
restaurants and office support services within the
Research Park.
Review policies and regulations guiding
development at Stanford Research Park and
revise them as needed to allow improved
responsiveness to changing market conditions.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7 This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year, and will be required.
conisdered as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
3-7 This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year, and will be required.
considered as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
3-7 This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year, and will be required.
considered as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
B16
Study the feasibility of a "transfer of
development fights" (TDR) program and other
measures that would provide greater
development flexibility within Stanford
Research Park without creating significant
adverse traffic impacts or increasing allowable
floor area.
Planning &
Community
Environment
8-12 This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year.required.
B17
Identify opportunities along El Camino Real
where a concentration of commercial services
serving Research Park employees and visitors
might be created. (Also see L-32)
Evaluate the location near the northwest comer
of Page Mill Road and El Camino Real for a
hotel and conference facility.
Planning &
Community
Environment
City Manager
8-12 This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year.required.
0-7 NO action scheduled at this No funding necessary at this
time.time.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 57
Business and Economics
B18
Create incentives for providing multi-unit
housing on top of parking lots in or near
commercial centers and transit hubs.
B19
Use street corridor improvements as catalysts for
economic revitalization in selected Centers.
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7 This project is planned t~or a
future year, and will be
considered as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
City Manager Ongoing This is an ongoing task.
Currently developing a matrix
of City street improvements on
E1 Camino Real.
Additional funds will be
required.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
58 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Governance
G1
Initiate a charter amendment for the ballot ,that
would delegate specific final decision making
authority to the Planning Commission.
Periodically assess the need for citizen input on
various policy issues and appoint advisory
bodies and ad hoe committees as needed.
Use design workshops or charettes to address
design issues within the City.
City Attorney 0-7 This may be initiated at any
time upon Council direction.
Funds in proposed operating
budget. However, additional
funding may be required if the
scope of charter amendments is
broadened to include other
matters or an elected charter
revision commission.
City Manager Ongoing This is an ongoing task. A Additional funds may be
Parks and Recreation Advisory
Commission has been
established.
required for new groups.
Planning &Ongoing This is an ongoing project.Funds in proposed operating
Community budget.
Environment
134
Establish a City/neighborhood liaison system
using electronic and print media to inform
residents of current issues and to facilitate
resident feedback to City Council and staff.
Create electronic bulletin boards to increase
opportunities for interaction between citizens
and government, including the posting of
meeting agendas and other items of broad
interest.
Provide advanced communication opportunities
for the public at City libraries.
City Manager 0-7
Administrative
Services
Department
Ongoing
Community Ongoing
Services
City Manager Ongoing
This project is planned for a Additional funding will be
future year.required.
In addition to the meeting A new CIP has been budgeted
agendas already available on to fund development of on-line
the Internet, an e-government utility bill payments.
master plan is being developed Additional funding exists in the
which will dramatically expand operating budget.
citizens’ access to City services
through the Internet.
This is an ongoing project.Funds in proposed operating
Currently, public Intemet and capital budgets. As
stations for email are available demand increases, additional
at four libraries, and will be at funding will be required.
all in early 2000.
The Fire Department has
Prepare a handbook of information about
neighborhood and civic organizations addressing
subjects like earthquake preparedness,
neighborhood beautification, event planning,
how to communicate with City Hall, and
guidelines establishing and managing
neighborhood and civic organizations.
initiated a community
emergency response training
program, including a booklet
on earthquake and other
disaster preparedness. Other
parts of this project are planned
for a future year.
Funding included in proposed
operating budget for
community emergency
response training. Funding will
be required for additional
publications.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 59
Governance
G8
Establish consistent definitions of neighborhood
boundaries to facilitate notification and
communication.
Where feasible, assist residents with
neighborhood improvement, beautification, and
planting projects.
Work with neighborhood and civic organizations
on emergency preparedness and security
programs.
Gll
Continue and expand programs to enhance
opportunities for volunteer assistance.
Continue and expand the opportunities for public
and nonprofit organizations serving the City to
provide information about themselves to the
public.
Planning &Ongoing This is an ongoing project,Funds in proposed operating
Community budget.
Environment
City Manager Ongoing This is an ongoing task.
Fire Ongoing
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
This is an ongoing task in both Funds in proposed operating
Departments. Fire initiated the budget.
PANDA Program (Palo Alto
Neighborhood Disaster
Activities program ) in
September 1999. Forty five
representatives from various
neighborhoods have completed
the program to date. In the
Police Department, it is
accomplished through
numerous safety programs
including Neighborhood
Watch, house security
inspections, personal safety for
business employees, and bank
robbery prevention training.
Programs in 2000-01 include
implementation of an enhanced
senior safety program.
Additionally, Police staff have
increased presence on the high
school and middle school
campuses.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
This is an ongoing
departmental responsibility.
Funds in proposed operating
budget.
City Manager Ongoing
Community Ongoing
Services
This is an ongoing task. City
publications, bulletin boards
and distribution areas provide
information about community
organizations. Information is
provided through the libraries,
information and referral
materials provided by the
Office of Human Services, and
Recreation’s Community
Centers.
60 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan
Governance
G13
Continue the program to publicly recognize the
efforts of individuals, groups, and businesses
who provide volunteer services within the City,
G14
Establish a procedure that allows the City
Council to initiate coordinated area plans for
certain large areas that it has targeted for change.
Explore opportunities to establish a process for
developing precise development or economic
revitalization plans for smaller areas, frequently
with multiple ownership, where redevelopment,
re-use, or redesign is needed.
Encourage use of the Preliminary Development
Review (pre-screening) Ordinance for specific
development proposals to that may require
changes to current City policies. As appropriate,
test and refine application of this Ordinance.
G17
Use illustrations and a "form code" to simplify
the Zoning Ordinance, to make it more
understandable to readers, and to promote well-
designed neighborhoods.
Create brief, understandable written materials
that guide citizens and businesses through the
City review and approval processes.
Continue and expand a customer-oriented
process improvement effort.(Also see C-10)
City Manager
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing This is an .ongoing Funds in proposed operating
departmental responsibility,budget.
3-7 This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year, and will be required.
completed as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
3-7 This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year.required.
Ongoing This is an ongoing project.Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Planning &
Community
Environment
Planning &
Community
Environment
Human
Resources
3-7 This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year, and will be required.
considered as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Ongoing This is an ongoing project.Funds in proposed operating
budget.
Ongoing Current service award program Funds in proposed operating
were enhanced in 1999 with budget.
further evaluation and
enhancement under
consideration.
G20
Develop, use, and update when necessary,
design guidelines for various geographic areas of
the City or types of projects to supplement the
Architectural Review Board Ordinance.
Planning &
Community
Environment
3-7 This project is planned for a Additional funds will be
future year, and will be required.
considered as a part of the
Zoning Ordinance Update.
Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan 61
Governance
G21
Continually educate and remind policy and
decision-makers, staff, and the public about the
distinction between quasi-judicial and legislative
decision-making.
City Attorney Ongoing The City Attorney’s Office
provided detailed orientation
training materials to new
Council members. Staff has
plans to develop training
programs, to be completed in
1999-00.
Minor additional funding may
be required for publication
media (i.e., CD-ROM).
62 Status Report: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Plan