HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 13829
City of Palo Alto (ID # 13829)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Consent Calendar Meeting Date: 3/21/2022
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: Review of 2021 Comp Plan and Housing Element Annual
Progress Report
Title: Authorize Transmittal of the 2021 Comprehensive Plan Annual Progress
Report to the Office of Planning and Research and the 2021 Housing Element
Annual Progress Report to the Department of Housing and Community
Development
From: City Manager
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Recommendation:
The Planning and Transportation Commission and staff recommend Council review the
following State-mandated Annual Progress Reports (APR) and direct staff to submit them to the
appropriate State authorities by April 1, 2022:
1. 2021 Comprehensive Plan Annual Progress Report (Attachment A) to the Office of
Planning and Research (OPR); and
2. 2021 Housing Element Annual Progress Report (Attachments B and C) to the
Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
Executive Summary:
In accordance with Government Code Section 654001 and Palo Alto’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan
(Comp Plan), the City is required to submit Annual Progress Reports (APRs) to the State by April
1, 2022 for the Comprehensive Plan and the Housing Element implementation. This staff report
1Government Code Section 65400:
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV§ionNum=65400
City of Palo Alto Page 2
summarizes progress towards the programs set forth in Comprehensive Plan Implementation
Plan Table2 and the 2015-2023 Housing Element3.
• The Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan APR is submitted to the State Office of Planning
and Research (OPR). The APR summarizes the City’s progress implementing the 410
programs identified in the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan, including the 72 items in the
Housing Element.
• The Housing Element APR is submitted to the State Department of Housing and
Community Development (HCD). This APR describes the progress the City made in 2021
implementing the Housing Element programs and provides updated figures on the
City’s compliance with its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA).
Background:
This is the fourth year of annual reporting since the adoption of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan
in 2017. The City Council reviewed the last update for 2020 on March 15, 2021 (Staff Report4).
The following section provides the context for the annual reporting.
Comprehensive Plan Implementation Annual Progress Report
The Annual Comprehensive Plan Implementation Report is a State mandated report, required
by Government Code (GC) Section 65400. GC 65400 states that after a legislative body (City
Council) adopts the Comprehensive Plan, an annual review must be submitted to the City
Council, the Office of Planning and Research (OPR), and the Department of Housing and
Community Development (HCD) Department on the status of the plan’s progress and
implementation.
In addition, the Palo Alto Municipal Code (Section 19.04.0305) requires the Planning and
Transportation Commission (PTC) to annually review the Implementation Plan table of the
Comprehensive Plan. The code states that “the planning commission shall annually review the
2 Comprehensive Plan Implementation Table: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/planning-amp-
development-services/3.-comprehensive-plan/comprehensive-plan/2030-comp-plan-9-implementation-june-
21.pdf
3 Housing Element 2015-2023: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/planning-amp-development-
services/3.-comprehensive-plan/comprehensive-plan/compplan_2017_13_housingelement_pdf_w_links.pdf
4 City Council Staff Report, March 15, 2021: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/agendas-minutes-
reports/reports/city-manager-reports-cmrs/2021/id-11838.pdf
5 Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 19.04.030:
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0-0-0-82254#JD_19.04.030
City of Palo Alto Page 3
general plan and recommend to the city council such extensions, changes or additions to the
plan as the commission may consider necessary in the view of any change in conditions.”
Planning and Transportation Commission Review
On February 23, 2022, the PTC held a public hearing and discussed the two Annual Progress
Reports. The minutes for the meeting are available online6. The PTC did not make any
recommendations for changes to the existing programs or prioritization. The PTC unanimously
recommended that the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and Housing Element APRs be forwarded to
the City Council for authorization to submit to the appropriate state agencies before April 1,
2022.
2015-2023 Housing Element and the Annual Progress Report
The HCD Department requires an annual report addressing the City’s progress implementing
the Housing Element. The report includes data on housing production and accomplishments
toward the City’s RHNA goals. The City adopted its current Housing Element7 for the period of
2015-2023. The HCD mandates that the APR for the Housing Element focus on three topics:
1. Total number of net housing units produced or “permitted” by the City in a calendar
year
2. Status on jurisdiction’s progress in addressing its Regional Housing Needs Allocation
(RHNA)
3. Status of the implementation of the 2015-2023 Housing Element’s programs and goals
The previous Annual Progress Report for 2020 for this current Housing Element cycle can be
found here8.
Discussion:
This section provides an overview of the Comprehensive Plan APR and the Housing Element
APR and provides high-level summaries of the related data. See Attachments A, B, and C for
individual Comprehensive Plan and Housing Element program details and the City’s compliance
with its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) needs in 2021.
Comprehensive Plan Implementation Programs Annual Progress Report
6 PTC Meeting Minutes: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Planning-
and-Transportation-Commission-PTC/Current-PTC-Agendas-Minutes
7 2015-2023 Housing Element: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/37935
8 2020 Annual Progress Report: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/planning-amp-development-
services-1/housing-element/housingelement_2015_2023/2020-annual-element-progress-report.pdf
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The Implementation Plan Table9 of the Comprehensive Plan identified 410 programs the City
wants to undertake to help achieve the goals in the Comprehensive Plan, to the extent that
resources are available. These programs are attributed to approximately 15 different lead
agencies or departments. The programs in the Implementation Table describe and prioritize
actions to implement various aspects of the Comprehensive Plan goals and policies. Some
programs are budgeted and ongoing, while the implementation of other programs will require
identification of resources during future budget cycles.
Since the Comprehensive Plan was adopted in late 2017, the implementation of most of the
programs remains in “Ongoing” status (67%). Table 1 below provides the year-end status for all
the programs in 2021.
TABLE 1: 2021 STATUS OF PROGRAMS
Program Status # of Programs
Complete 10
Ongoing 277
Pending 95
Partially Complete 28
Total 410
Source: City of Palo Alto, Planning and Development Services, 2022 February
It should be noted that some programs when “complete” are 100% concluded and no further
action is required. When some programs move from a “complete” status to “on-going” that
means the initial work effort to set the program tasks up has been completed (moving the
program out of “pending” status), and the focus shifts to ongoing monitoring or other similar
work effort.
In 2021, seven programs changed status from previous year, with the majority of the programs
moving from Complete to Ongoing status. This has led to an increase in the number of
“ongoing” programs this year. There were no changes in status for the rest of the 403
programs. Table 2 below provides the list of programs that went through status change in 2021.
9 Comprehensive Plan Implementation Table: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/planning-amp-
development-services/3.-comprehensive-plan/comprehensive-plan/2030-comp-plan-9-implementation-june-
21.pdf
City of Palo Alto Page 5
TABLE 2: PROGRAM WITH STATUS CHANGE FROM 2020
Program Text Lead
Department
2020
Status
2021
Status
Status
Change
B6.1.1 Actively work with Downtown
businesses, professional associations
and the Palo Alto Chamber of
Commerce to retain successful retail
businesses that contribute to the
City’s goals for Downtown.
Planning and
Development
Services & City
Manager's
Office
C O Complete
to Ongoing
C3.3.4 Periodically assess the need to
adjust parkland dedication or fees in
lieu thereof to ensure they remain
proportional to real estate values in
Palo Alto.
Planning and
Development
Services and
Community
Services
Department
P C Pending to
Complete
N4.5.1 Study the supply and quality of local
groundwater aquifers to better
understand their utility as natural
water storage.
City of Palo
Alto Utilities &
Department of
Public Works
C O Complete
to Ongoing
N4.13.2 Develop and implement a green
stormwater infrastructure plan with
the goal to treat and infiltrate
stormwater.
Department of
Public Works C O Complete
to Ongoing
N7.8.1 Evaluate energy efficient
approaches for the treatment and
reuse of organic waste that
maximize resource recovery and
reduce greenhouse gas generation
at the RWQCP located in Palo Alto
and the Palo Alto Landfill.
Office of
Sustainability
and Office of
Emergency
Services
C O Complete
to Ongoing
S1.5.1 Promote neighborhood security by
providing crime prevention
information and training to residents
and continuing to fund resident
involvement in neighborhood safety
programs such as “Know Your
Neighbor” grants and Block
Preparedness Coordinators.
Police
Department
and Office of
Emergency
Services P O Pending to
Ongoing
S3.1.4 Establish protocols to monitor the
movement of hazardous materials
on Palo Alto roadways and respond
effectively to spills via established
truck and construction routes.
Fire
Department
C O Complete
to Ongoing
City of Palo Alto Page 6
Source: City of Palo Alto, Planning and Development Services, 2022 February
In the Implementation Plan Table, the programs are categorized by priority with the following
categories: In progress, Long-term, Medium-term, Routine, and Short-term. Table 3 below
provides the 2021 statuses of the programs within each of the mentioned categories, reflecting
the progress made by the City.
TABLE 3. PROGRAM DISTRIBUTION BY PRIORITY AND 2021 STATUSES
Priority of Program/Timing
Number of
Programs
Status
Complete Ongoing Pending
Partially
Complete
IP - “In progress” – programs that
were already underway to complete a
specific, defined work effort at the
time of the Comprehensive Plan’s
adoption
46 (11%) 2 38 5 1
L - “Long-term” – programs that would
be implemented or completed more
than ten years after Comprehensive
Plan adoption
11 (3%) 0 5 4 2
M - “Medium-term” – typically means
programs that would be implemented
or completed roughly within five to
ten years after Comprehensive Plan
adoption
91 (23%) 0 44 40 7
R - “Routine” activities that are part of
the normal course of business for staff
163 (39%) 3 132 20 8
S - “Short-term” – programs planned
for implementation within the first
five years after Comprehensive Plan
adoption
98 (24%) 5 58 25 10
S-M - "Short -term" to" Medium -
term" projects
1 (0.24%) 1
TOTAL 410 10 277 95 28
Source: City of Palo Alto, Planning and Development Services, 2022 February
Annual Progress Report and Regional Housing Needs Allocation
The State requires the APR to describe the City’s progress in meeting its share of RHNA and
efforts to preserve, rehabilitate, or produce housing. As part of the RHNA process overseen by
the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), the City of Palo Alto was assigned a
quantified goal of 1,988 units. This number represents the City’s “fair share” of projected
City of Palo Alto Page 7
housing need over the 5th Cycle 2015-2023 planning period. The projected need is distributed
among the following income groups: extremely low and very low (691 units), low (432 units),
moderate (278 units), and above moderate (587 units) income.
In 2021, Palo Alto made progress toward its RHNA requirement by adding 117 very low-income
and 120 above moderate (market rate) units; see Attachment C for the 2021 APR details. Table
4 shows the RHNA breakdown by income group. Please note that the 117 very low-income
units are the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park units. Although the acquisition of the mobile home
park occurred in 2017, at that time, the State did not allow the City to count the deed-restricted
mobile home units towards its RHNA. However, recent legislation changed the reporting
requirements allowing the City to count these units.
TABLE 4: CITY OF PALO ALTO REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ALLOCATION 2015-2023
Income Group % of County AMI
Palo Alto RHNA
(2014-2022) % of Units
Very Low 0-50% 691 35%
Low 51-81% 432 22%
Moderate 81-120% 278 14%
Above Moderate 120%+ 587 29%
Total 1,988 100%
Source: City of Palo Alto, Planning and Development Services, 2022 February
Table 5 below provides a summary of the City’s progress in meeting its RHNA through 2021. The
numbers are based on building permits issued as required by HCD. The City is more than 87%
complete in its current housing planning cycle and of note has produced 108% of its Above
Moderate Income RHNA goal. By making sufficient progress towards the City's Above Moderate
RHNA, the City retains more authority over the review process for housing development
projects. Per SB 35 requirements, a proposed development in the City requires a 50%
affordability component to be eligible for the streamlined ministerial approval process. If the
City was not on track with its Above Moderate RHNA, the required affordability threshold drops
to 10% to qualify for the SB 35 streamlined review process.
TABLE 5: CITY OF PALO ALTO RHNA PROGRESS 2014-2021 CUMULATIVE
Income Group Palo Alto RHNA
Number of Units
Permitted
% of RHNA
Accomplished
Very Low 691 218 32%
Low 432 65 15%
Moderate 278 26 9%
Above Moderate 587 634 108%
City of Palo Alto Page 8
Total 1,988 732 47%
Source: City of Palo Alto, Planning and Development Services, 2022 February
Housing Goals, Policies, and Programs Implementation
The Housing Element contains 72 adopted programs the City will need to implement during the
Housing Element period ending in 2023. Of the 72 programs listed in the Housing Element:
• 35 are ongoing programs (effectively completed)
• 21 have been completed
• 11 are underway
• five programs have not yet been completed
Currently, staff remain focused on the 6th Cycle Housing Element update, no additional
programs were implemented. Therefore, these numbers have not changed since last year. Its
also notable that additional housing related policy initiatives have been undertaken that are not
necessarily in the Housing Element (for example tenant protections). These additional projects
and programs are not accounted for.
Of the 72 adopted programs, 56 (79%) are considered complete (for example, established on-
going programs and completed programs). A summary table of each housing program is
included as Attachment B. The City is 87.5% of the way through the current Housing Element
cycle and is keeping pace with completing the Housing programs by 2023. Most of the
remaining programs not completed (i.e., partially completed or not completed) are addressed
in the Housing Work Program. Table 6 below shows which programs are ongoing, completed,
partially completed, and not completed.
TABLE 6. STATUS OF HOUSING ELEMENT PROGRAMS
(DECEMBER 2014 TO DECEMBER 2021)
Program Status Program Numbers Total # of
Programs
Ongoing Promote/Incentivize Rehabilitation and Neighborhood
Revitalization: 35
H1.1.1; H3.2.2; H1.3.1
Implementation of BMR Ordinance
H3.1.2; H3.1.3; H3.1.5
Enforcement of Condominium Conversion
H3.1.9; H3.1.10
Support of 100% Affordable Housing Projects
H3.1.11; H3.3.1; H3.3.2; H3.4.2; H2.3.1
Assisting Lower Income Households
H3.4.4; H3.2.1
City of Palo Alto Page 9
Regional Efforts to Support Housing
H3.3.6; H3.4.1; H3.5.1; H4.1.1; H5.1.3; H3.1.13
Fair Housing and CDBG Implementation
H4.1.2; H4.1.3; H4.1.4; H4.1.5; H4.1.6
Promote Green Building
H5.1.1; H5.1.2; H5.1.4; H5.1.5; H5.1.6
Completed Modifying Zoning Code for Promotion of ADU 21
H1.1.2; H3.3.5
Amending Zoning Code and BMR Ordinance to Create
Incentives for Affordable Housing and Workforce Housing
H2.1.4; H2.1.9; H3.6.1; H2.2.1; H3.1.1; H2.1.1; H2.1.2;
H2.2.8; H2.1.3; H2.1.6; H3.1.12; H2.2.7; H3.3.3;
Promotion of Housing Sites and Developed Plans
H2.1.8; H5.1.7; H2.2.6; H2.1.12;
Housing Preservation via Financial Incentives
H2.2.4; H3.1.8
Creation of Affordable Housing Fund via Impact and In-lieu
payments
H3.4.3; H3.1.6
Support of Transitional Housing
H3.5.2; H3.5.3;
Partially
Completed
Reduction of Fees and Flexible Development Standards for
Preservation of Cottages
11
H1.1.3; H2.1.4
BMR Requirements in Condominium Conversions and
Preservation of At-Risk Units
H1.2.1; H3.1.4;
Increase Connectivity and Walkability and Study of Parking
H2.1.7
Development of Coordinated Plans
H2.2.3; H2.1.10; H2.1.5
Outreach to Identify Housing Sites and Regional
Collaboration
H2.2.2; H4.2.2; 3.1.14;
Not Completed Pedestrian and Transit Oriented Overlay 5
H2.1.11
Identify Transit Rich Housing Sites
H2.2.5
Innovative Housing
City of Palo Alto Page 10
H3.1.7;
Group homes and Flexible Standards for Special Needs
H3.3.4; H4.2.1
TOTAL 72
Policy Implications:
The City is required under Government Code Section 65400 to submit these two Annual
Progress Reports in State specified format each year to the Office of Planning and Research and
to the Department of Housing and Community Development by April 1st of each year.
Resource Impact:
There is no resource impact. Staff time to prepare and submit reports was contemplated in the
allocation of resources to the department.
Timeline:
Following Council direction, staff will submit the two APR reports to the State by April 1, 2022.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Members of the public had the opportunity to comment on these APR reports during the PTC
hearing held on February 23, 2022 and December 8, 2021. Members of the public were also
permitted to submit comments in writing. At the PTC meeting, there were no speakers for this
item.
Environmental Review:
This report on the City’s progress of the existing Implementation Chapter of the Comprehensive
Plan and Housing Element is not a project requiring review under the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA).
Attachments:
Attachment A: Comprehensive Plan Implementation Table, 2021 (PDF)
Attachment B: Housing Element Programs Implementation Table, 2021 (PDF)
Attachment C: City RHNA Progress, 2021 (XLSX)
ATTACHMENT A
Guide to Review the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Table
The programs of the Implementation Table has the following fields:
Lead Department or Agency
The City Department that would have primary responsibility for tracking and completing the program.
Priority of Program/Timing
The City Council prioritized the timing of program implementation at the time of Comprehensive Plan adoption in 2017. The prioritization guided the
allocation of resources to implement the plan. The following five categories, which appear in Attachment A, reflect the level of priority for program
accomplishment:
S: “Short-term” – programs planned for implementation within the first five years after Comprehensive Plan adoption
M: “Medium-term” – typically means programs that would be implemented or completed roughly within five to ten years after Comprehensive Plan adoption
L: “Long-term” – programs that would be implemented or completed more than ten years after Comprehensive Plan adoption
IP: “In progress” – programs that were already underway to complete a specific, defined
work effort at the time of the Comprehensive Plan’s adoption, and
R: “Routine” activities that are part of the normal course of business for staff.
Level of Effort
The level of effort indicated in Attachment A reflects the magnitude of cost in terms of staff and monetary resources required to implement the program.
While the dollar sign ($) is used to reflect the cost, the exact associated financial cost for the project/program is difficult to determine since it varies over time
and depends on the scope of work. Attachment A reflects the following measures for level of effort: “$” low level effort and cost; “$$” moderate level effort
and cost; and “$$$” significant level of commitment and cost to complete the program.
2021 Status
The progress towards each of the 410 programs is identified in the “2021 Status” column in Attachment A. The key for the different statuses is as follows: C =
Complete, PC = Partially Complete, O = Ongoing, and P = Pending.
Staff Comments 2021
This includes an explanation provided by department staff on the programs.
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
B.1.1 Implement and periodically amend an Economic Development
Policy to guide business development in the City in a manner
consistent with Policy L-1.10.
Planning and
Development
Services & City
Manager's Office
R $O The City continues to monitor the office / Research &
Development growth. In 2021, there was a net loss of
8,139 sq. ft. of office space, leaving a remaining
development balance of 527,434 square feet. No related
policy recommendations were proposed.
B3.2.1 Continue to refine tools, such as the Business Registry, as data
sources on existing businesses, including the type of business,
number of employees, size, location, and other metrics to track the
diversity of Palo Alto businesses.
Administrative
Services
Department
IP $$O The City has engaged the firm Avenue to update the
business registry database with external data sources and
outreach to business that may not be registered or have
incomplete data. Previous efforts were placed on hold
due to pandemic. This work is expected to resume in
2022. In addition, with the possible upcoming business
license tax scheduled to be voted on in Nov. 2022 the
structure of BRC could change. The outcome of the vote
and possible impact on the BRC is expected to be
reviewed in late 2022.
B4.2.1 Revise zoning and other regulations as needed to encourage the
preservation of space to accommodate small businesses, start-ups
and other services.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P Work has not commenced.
B4.2.2 Consider planning, regulatory, or other incentives to encourage
property owners to include smaller office spaces in their buildings
to serve small businesses, non- profit organizations, and
independent professionals.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $P Work has not commenced.
Business & Economics Element
Goal B-1: Businesses in Palo Alto that contribute to economic vitality, enhance the city’s physical environment, promote municipal revenues and provide needed
local services.
Goal B-3: Careful management of City revenues and expenditures so that the fiscal health of the City is ensured and services are delivered efficiently and equitably.
Goal B-4: The stimulation of diverse commercial, retail and professional service business opportunities through supportive business policies and a culture of innovation.
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
Page 2 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
B4.6.1 Work with local merchants to encourage Palo Alto residents,
workers, and visitors to buy in Palo Alto.
Planning and
Development
Services & City
Manager's Office
R $$O The City Council has allocated resources toward a
dedicated Economic Development/Vitality staff person to
join the City Manager's team. This person will continue to
do business engagement, etc.
B4.6.2 Study the overall viability of ground-floor retail requirements in
preserving retail space and creating an active street environment,
including the types of locations where such requirements are most
effective.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P COVID-19 prioritized adjustments as determined by the
City. As the Economic Development Policy is updated,
resources may be assigned to this medium-term project.
B4.6.3 Maintain distinct neighborhood shopping areas that are attractive,
accessible, and convenient to nearby residents.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O This is an ongoing effort. There are no substantial actions
to report at this time.
B5.1.1 Regularly evaluate ways to improve coordination of the City’s
environmental review, permitting, and inspection processes.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O This is an ongoing effort.
B5.1.2 Improve design guidelines to reduce ambiguity and more clearly
articulate compatibility principles to the business community and to
the public.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P Objective Standards project will correct some sections of
ambiguity. Additional work will be starting in
approximately three years.
B5.1.3 Simplify the design review process for small-scale changes to
previously approved site plans and buildings.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$O This is an ongoing effort.
B5.1.4 Revise zoning and other regulations as needed to encourage the
revitalization of aging retail structures and areas. Encourage the
preservation of space to accommodate small, independent retail
businesses and professional services.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $$P No zoning regulation changes are proposed at this time.
Goal B-6: Attractive, vibrant retail centers, each with a mix of uses and a distinctive character.
Goal B-5: City regulations and operating procedures that provide certainty, predictability and flexibility and help businesses adapt to changing market conditions.
Page 3 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
B6.1.1 Actively work with Downtown businesses, professional associations
and the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce to retain successful retail
businesses that contribute to the City’s goals for Downtown.
Planning and
Development
Services & City
Manager's Office
R $$O The City continues to collaborate with the Chamber of
Commerce, the Downtown Business Improvement
Districts (BID), California Avenue businesses, hoteliers,
Stanford Shopping Center, and others to promote a
strong business climate. This includes Uplift Local
initiatives, public art, holiday events, and focused
business support.
B7.2.1 Review policies and regulations guiding development at Stanford
Research Park and revise them as needed to allow improved
responsiveness to changing market conditions in a manner
consistent with Policy L-1.10.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P The City meets regularly with Stanford University
regarding land use on an ongoing basis. The Housing
Element process in 2021-22 will include consideration of
this program.
B7.2.2 Study the feasibility of a “transfer of development rights” (TDR)
program and other measures that would provide greater
development flexibility within Stanford Research Park without
creating significant adverse traffic impacts or increasing the
allowable floor area.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P Work has not commenced.
C.1.15.3 Collaborate with Palo Alto Community Child Care (PACCC) to
identify, develop, and promote high quality early learning
environments to serve all families in our community.
Community Services
Department
R $O City staff continues to work collaboratively with Palo Alto
Community Child Care (PACCC) by managing our service
contracts with them in order to provide the best care
possible.
Goal B-7: Thriving business employment districts at Stanford Research Park, Stanford Medical Center, East Bayshore/San Antonio Road Area and Bayshore Corridor that complement the City’s
business and neighborhood centers.
Community Services & Facilities Element
Goal C-1: Deliver community services effectively and efficiently.
Page 4 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
C.1.17.2 Develop programs and activities for teens that strengthen
leadership skills, encourage a culture of community service,
inclusiveness, tolerance and acceptance of others.
Community Services
Department
R $O The City supports and the Community Services
Department staffs Teen Leadership Groups, including the
Art Center Teen Leadership Group (ACTL), Palo Alto Youth
Council (PAYC), Teen Advisory Board (TAB), and Teen Arts
Council (TAC), as well as overseeing Think Fund, a
supportive grant program for teens, and the makerspace,
MakeX. The teen leadership groups give Palo Alto high
school students the opportunity to serve the teen
community by acting as a voice toward action and
change. The City also continues to support Project Safety
Net on youth suicide prevention and mental health
awareness through community education, outreach, and
training; access to quality youth mental health services;
and policy advocacy. In conjunction with the Creative
Attention project funded by the Institute of Museum and
Library Services to the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation,
Art Center Teen Leadership teens will work with artist
Christine Wong Yap on a belonging project with seniors
and others in the community to identify places of
belonging. A map documenting these locations will be
exhibited in the Creative Attention exhibition in spring
2022 at the Art Center.
C.1.18.2 Support, promote, and publicize the provision of comprehensive
senior services in coordination with senior service providers.
Comprehensive services include addressing senior nutrition, mental
health and transportation.
Community Services
Department
R $O City continues to support Avenidas for senior
programming/services and La Comida for senior nutrition
needs.
C.1.18.3 Establish a support program for caregivers of seniors and people
with disabilities by partnering with private, nonprofit, faith-based
and public community service
organizations.
Community Services
Department
M $P Work has not commenced.
Page 5 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
C.1.2.2 Explore a City solution to help residents and others to resolve
questions and concerns and navigate the City’s community services
and facilities.
Community Services
Department
M $O Residents can now more easily navigate programs,
services and facilities offered by the Community Services
Department on the City's new website. Customer service
staff are available by phone, email or in person to assist
customers.
C1.1.1 Based on identified needs, continue to provide and expand the
provision of multilingual literature, program information and
educational displays at public community facilities and parks.
Community Services
Department
R $P No substantial action has occurred to report.
C1.1.2 Establish a cross-cultural outreach program to engage residents of
all ages, cultural, social and linguistic backgrounds in educational,
recreational and cultural activities offered throughout the City of
Palo Alto.
Community Services
Department
M $O With funding from First 5 Santa Clara, the Junior Museum
continues its pre-school science programing to
multicultural underserved neighborhoods in San Jose at
the same levels as the previous year. In FY21, the
Department will deliver in-person and virtual science
lessons to children and adults from 11 First 5 Family
Resource Centers. These families represent multiple
ethnicities and languages.
C1.12.1 In cooperation with public and private businesses, non- profit
organizations, and PAUSD, develop a service program that will
coordinate the efforts of agencies providing services to families and
youth in Palo Alto.
Community Services
Department
R $PC Community Services Department continued to convene a
group of local nonprofits in FY21 providing human service
needs to identify needs and coordinate resources. This
group continues to meet monthly. A group consisting of
the Early Childcare Education Committee and childcare
providers also continues to meet regularly with Human
Services staff to understand the challenges of childcare
providers.
C1.13.1 Determine the potential for City shared use of PAUSD facilities for
weekend, summer and evening use for community uses such as
child care, libraries, recreational facilities, community meeting
space, education, language education, health care, culture and
computer resources.
Community Services
Department
M O There are no substantial actions to report at this time.
Page 6 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
C1.15.1 Support and promote the provision of comprehensive child care
services in Palo Alto by public and private providers, including
employers.
Community Services
Department
S $O Early Care & Education Committee under the direction of
City staff continue to work to address the needs of
parents in Palo Alto. Community Services Department
staff and the Committee have been meeting regularly
with child care providers to understand their needs and
challenges due to COVID-19 and beyond.
C1.15.2 Utilize the Early Care and Education Committee to develop and
update the Child Care Master Plan, and to connect providers and
professionals working with families with young children, explore
challenges and opportunities to programs and services for young
children, and support early education programs in the community
in their efforts to enhance quality.
Community Services
Department
S $PC Staff and the Committee will be bringing a recommended
action plan to City Council for approval in October 2021.
City Council approved $30,000 from the Child Care Trust
Fund to provide support for Early Childcare Educators
through trainings, workshops, and mini grants for
professional consultants related to behavioral and mental
health support. As of January 2022, several mini grants
have been provided to educators.
C1.15.4 Explore opportunities to provide access to childcare for families of
City employees.
Community Services
Department
L $O Human Resources Department conducted an employee
survey to identify childcare needs during the COVID-19
pandemic. And in response to the needs of the
employees, the Human Resources department launched
an employee benefits resources pages that provide links
to help employees connect to resources that provide
services and information related to short term and long
terms dependent care needs and other local social media
providers.
Page 7 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
C1.16.1 Identify funding sources for expanded outreach and increased
involvement to support youth and teen leadership programs and
events.
Community Services
Department
M $O This is an ongoing effort and Community Services
Department's nonprofit partners provide some support
for these programs. There are no substantial actions to
report at this time.
C1.16.2 Leverage available funding to pursue support of teen mental,
physical, social and emotional health programs.
Community Services
Department
R $O The City continues to support Project Safety Net, now a
501(c)(3) and Youth Community Service, to support teen
mental health programs. The Palo Alto Art Center
Foundation received a grant from the Institute of
Museum and Library Services in fall 2021 to implement
the Creative Attention program of educational programs,
an exhibition, and residencies intended to support
individual and community resilience programs, including
teen activities.
C1.17.1 Optimize 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
Department
S $P Many programs shifted to a virtual format during the
pandemic. Providing transportation options has not
progressed.
C1.17.3 Promote a diverse range of interests and vocations among
programs offered to children, youth and teens.
Community Services
Department
M $O Community Services Department strives to offer
programs that appeal to all interests. These range from
visual and performing arts, sports, science, academics,
and leadership programs. Community Services
Department has continued many of these program
offerings in a virtual format during the COVID-19
pandemic.
Page 8 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
C1.18.1 Develop a program to engage the talents and skills that seniors
possess that would provide volunteer opportunities throughout the
City.
Community Services
Department
R $P Work has not commenced. The Art Center maintains an
active volunteer program that engages all ages in the
community, including seniors. Other volunteer
opportunities exist in open space preserves, middle
school sports, and other programs.
C1.2.1 Periodically review public information, outreach and community
relations activities to evaluate effectiveness.
Community Services
Department
R $O Working with the City Manager’s Office, the Community
Services Department conducts ongoing evaluation of
outreach efforts to ensure maximum reach to the
community.
C1.2.3 Identify barriers to participation in City programming and facilities
across gender, age, socioeconomic and ethnic groups and sexual
identity and orientation, as well as mental and physical abilities, and
adopt strategies to remove barriers to participation.
Community Services
Department
S $O The Art Center and Junior Museum & Zoo continue their
Working Together collaboration—focused on diversifying
the museum field-- and as the program concludes, are
actively working to identify private funding sources to
continue and expand the program. In Fall 2021 the Palo
Alto Art Center presents The Art of Disability Culture
exhibition, which features the work of 20 artists with
disabilities. The exhibition includes numerous access
features, including visual descriptions of all artworks
available online or in the gallery with QR codes, Braille
translated labels and large-print labels. Public programs
presented in conjunction with the exhibition include ASL
interpretation, live captioning, and virtual participation
opportunities.
Page 9 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
C1.2.4 Based on identified needs, expand program offerings to
underserved groups.
Community Services
Department
R $$$O Thanks to support from the Palo Alto Art Center
Foundation, the Art Center continues its Project Look
school tours and Cultural Kaleidoscope program to
underserved communities in East Palo Alto. Programs in
FY21 took place virtually, in fall 2021 these programs will
take place in-classroom or virtually. In addition, the Palo
Alto Art Center Foundation partnered with
Dreamcatchers in FY21 to offer scholarships to Art Center
classes for their low-income constituents.
C1.20.1 Partner with agencies for support and improved access so that all
can participate as appropriate in Palo Alto recreational programs.
Community Services
Department
R $O City has existing partnerships with PAUSD, Youth
Community Services, Friends Groups and Foundations to
provide accessible programs. Palo Alto Swim and Sport
provides scholarships through the Beyond Barriers
program to ensure all youth have access to the pool
facilities. The Golf Course offers low cost youth programs
through First Tee, Youth on Course and offers a junior golf
rate.
C1.22.1 Increase awareness about caring and compassion for the unhoused
and those who suffer from mental and/or physical conditions
through educational programming in partnership with community
and business organizations throughout the region.
Community Services
Department
R $O This is an ongoing task. City receives continued support of
major Human Services providers that work with the
unhoused.
Page 10 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
C1.22.2 Work with Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, the State of
California, the federal government, non-profit agencies, business
and other organizations to define roles and responsibilities in the
comprehensive provision of permanent supportive housing and
temporary shelter, food, clothing and transportation for those in
need.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O The City continues to be involved with the County and
local non profits to provide supportive permanent
housing/food/shelter/other basic human needs.
C1.3.1 Develop and implement a plan to collect and analyze data on
demographics, use of community service facilities and needs of the
community as related to parks, open spaces, recreation, arts and
culture.
Community Services
Department
M $O Community Services Department’s program areas
regularly collect and review demographic information
from program participants. The Parks, Trails, Open Space
and Recreation Master Plan contains information on
community needs.
C1.6.1 Establish a program to facilitate continuing corporate support for
community services through contributions of funds, time, materials
and expertise.
Community Services
Department
M $P A formal program to facilitate corporate support has not
been established. Corporate sponsorships for special
events have been received.
C2.2.1 Establish performance review criteria for City employees that
consider the quality of service provided.
Human Resources
Department
M $P In 2020 the City continued to utilize the current
evaluation process throughout the pandemic and until
more resources can be allocated to implement the on-line
evaluation platform.
C2.2.2 Periodically perform evaluations of City service delivery and
develop strategies for continuous improvement. Use metrics and
make information publicly available.
Community Services
Department
R $$O This is an ongoing effort.
Goal C-2: Demonstrate a commitment to excellence and high quality service to the public among City of Palo Alto officials and employees.
Page 11 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
C3.2.1 Develop a proactive Asset Management Program for infrastructure
requirements and costs.
Administrative
Services
Department/ OMB
M $$O The project is continuing and will include the evaluation of
all known buildings with GHG burning equipment to
provide the necessary capital planning required to reach
the 80% reduction in Greenhouse Gas consumption by
2030 (80/30 goals of the S/CAP) via the electrification
process.
C3.3.1 Periodically evaluate how parks and recreational facilities are being
used and develop strategies for improving their use overall.
Community Services
Department
IP $O Staff regularly analyze programs and solicit feedback from
program participants and use that information to improve
programs and provide desired amenities.
C3.3.2 Study and recommend methods of private and public financing for
improved park maintenance, rehabilitation, and construction of
facilities, including those used for arts and culture.
Community Services
Department
S $O The Junior Museum and Zoo (JMZ) is an example of public
private partnership for constructing the new JMZ.
The “Friendship Trail” project is an example of State and
private funding improvements to interpretive signage in
the Baylands. Parks staff have partnered with the Kiwanis
Club on several park maintenance projects (replacing
playground fencing, and painting park benches and
fences).
C3.3.3 Estimate the costs of retrofitting all park facilities with water
efficient appliances, fixtures and irrigation systems and develop an
implementation schedule to phase-in use of non-potable water
conservations measures where and when feasible.
Public Works
Department and
Community Services
Department
L $$O This is an ongoing effort. There are no substantial actions
to report at this time.
Goal C-3: Recognize the intrinsic value and everyday importance of our parks and community centers, libraries, civic buildings and cultural assets by investing in their maintenance and
improvement.
Page 12 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
C3.3.4 Periodically assess the need to adjust parkland dedication or fees in
lieu thereof to ensure they remain proportional to real estate
values in Palo Alto.
Planning and
Development
Services and
Community Services
Department
R $C City Council raised development impact fees for parks,
libraries, and community centers in April 2021 based on
the findings of a Park Community Center, and Library
Development Impact Fee Justification Study.
C4.1.1 Explore opportunities to dedicate City-owned land as parkland to
protect and preserve its community- serving purpose into the
future.
Community Services
Department
S $$$P The Parks and Recreation Commission and staff have
explored some opportunities to dedicate City-owned land
as parkland. Staff have not pursued dedicating any new
parkland this year.
C4.1.2 Encourage dedication of new land for parks through regulations and
incentives for new development and programs to solicit bequests of
land within the city.
Community Services
Department and
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P Work has not commenced.
C4.1.3 Pursue opportunities to create linear parks over the Caltrain tracks
in the event the tracks are moved below grade.
Community Services
Department and
Planning and
Development
Services
L $$$P Work has not commenced.
C4.1.4 Explore ways to dedicate a portion of in-lieu fees towards
acquisition of parkland, not just improvements.
Community Services
Department and
Planning and
Development
Services
M $P Work has not commenced.
Goal C-4: Plan for a future in which our parks, open spaces, libraries, public art, and community facilities thrive and adapt to the growth and change of Palo Alto.
Page 13 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
C4.5.1 Use Cubberley Community Center as a critical and vital part of the
City’s service delivery system while also planning for its future.
Community Services
Department
IP $$O The Cubberley Concept Plan provides a vision for the
future of this vital community asset. The CEQA analysis
was expected to be completed in 2020, but was delayed
due to new guidelines for assessing impacts related to
traffic and transportation, which will require an
amendment to the consultant’s contract. The contract
has now been amended and the analysis is being finalized.
C5.1.1 Allocate resources to create and support initiatives to increase the
health and well-being of the public.
Community Services
Department
R $O The City provided opportunities for the community to
access programs and resources such as, Wellness
Wednesdays, ArtLift, Uplift Local. The Palo Alto Art
Center’s Creative Attention exhibition and public program
series will focus on individual and community wellbeing,
with free public programs for all.
C5.1.2 Establish a community-sourced online clearinghouse of information
and activities related to health promotion in the community.
Community Services
Department
IP $O Community resources related to health and wellness have
been provided through the City Manager’s Office as part
of COVID response and communication and on the City's
new website.
Goal C-5: Sustain the health, well-being, recreation, and safety of residents and visitors, and improve the quality, quantity, and affordability of social services for all community members, including
children, youth, teens, seniors, the unhoused, and people with disabilities.
Page 14 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
C5.6.1 Incorporate health and well-being topics, including arts and culture,
into existing events and programs at City- owned park and
recreation facilities.
Community Services
Department
R $O Events this year are almost exclusively focused on brining
the community back together to improve connections,
and improve wellbeing. The City and many local partners
hosted a weeklong celebration in September called
Together Again with this goal in mind. The Clay and Glass
Festival on 9/11 and 9/12 drew more than 7,000 people
to the Art Center grounds. The Art Center's new exhibit,
Creative Attention: Art and Community Restoration
features the work of artists and showcases alternatives to
our chaotic world of stress and anxiety, through practices
of mending, healing, restoration, belonging, sustainability,
and resiliency.
C5.6.2 Work with schools and community organizations to provide
programs that educate residents, workers and visitors on health
and well-being topics.
Community Services
Department
R $$O Community resources related to health and wellness have
been provided through the City Manager’s Office as part
of COVID response. A series of Wellness Wednesday
events provide information to residents on relevant
wellness topics. Community Services Department staff
have been coordinating with local nonprofits who serve
vulnerable residents. The Art Center’s free Creative
Attention Community Day event on 4/10 will include
opportunities for local nonprofits to table and provide
information about health and wellbeing services in the
community.
Page 15 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
C5.9.1 Identify existing and potential indoor and outdoor locations for
community gardens and farmers markets at City-owned or leased
facilities and spaces.
Community Services
Department
M $O The Community Services Department continues to
manage the City's community garden program. There are
currently five community gardens in the program.
G1.1.1 Consider making data available at a transactional level on the Open
Data Portal.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $$C This task is completed. All Building Permit Applications
are available for viewing on our Open Data Portal. See
link:
https://data.cityofpaloalto.org/dashboards/7712/develop
ment-center-permits/
G1.2.1 Continue to hold regular, Town Hall-style meetings in
neighborhoods.
City Council & City
Clerk’s Office
R $$O We continue to regularly hold meetings on the first 3
Mondays of the month for City Council meetings.
Standing Committees, Boards and Commissions meetings
are held at a regular scheduled date With the pandemic G1.2.2 Periodically review the suite of engagement options used to solicit
citizen input and expertise on policy issues.
City Manager’s
Office
R $-$$$O The Communications Team updated the Policy and
Services Committee in 2021 about planned community
engagement.
G1.2.3 Continue to rely on neighborhood organizations, the City website,
local media, online technologies and other communication
platforms to keep residents informed of current issues and to
encourage citizen engagement.
City Manager’s
Office
R $O Staff is working on upcoming Town Hall meetings as well
as other community engagement and intends to continue
to collaborate with the neighborhood organizations.
Governance Chapter
Goal G-1: Effective opportunities for public participation in local government.
Page 16 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
G1.2.4 Provide access to communications technologies at City facilities,
including public libraries and City Hall, and explore innovative
locations for communication.
City Manager’s
Office
R $$O City facilities are opening back up to the public and staff
continues to make the spaces available to the public as
safely as possible. Additionally, staff is implementing a
Virtual Receptionist "Alice "in the City Hall Lobby to assist
the public upon entering the building.
G1.2.5 Continue to release City Council staff reports to the public up to 10
days prior to Council hearings to increase public awareness of City
decision-making.
City Clerk’s Office R $O We continue to release City Council staff reports up to 10
days prior to City Council meetings, with the exception of
amended agenda items which are provided on the
Thursdays before the meeting (latest).
G2.2.1 Continue to offer the use of City facilities to non-profit civic,
environmental, cultural, neighborhood and social service
organizations for meetings and events at discounted or
complimentary rates and via sponsorship programs.
City Manager’s
Office
R $O Ongoing though COVID-19 impacts access to the inside of
facilities.
G4.1.1 Continue and expand volunteer opportunities and the community’s
awareness of public and nonprofit organizations serving the City.
City Manager's
Office
R $O City continues to work with established Advisory Groups.
G4.1.2 Publicly recognize the efforts of individuals, groups, and businesses
that provide volunteer services within the City.
City Manager’s
Office
R $O This is an ongoing task.
G4.1.3 Coordinate with the Palo Alto Unified School District to develop
classroom-based leadership, governance and civic participation
programs.
City Manager’s
Office
M $$O This is an ongoing task. The City regularly meets with
PAUSD leadership and discusses recent issues of interest
to both organizations.
Goal G-2: Informed and involved civic, cultural, environmental, social service and neighborhood organizations and residents.
Goal G-4: Active involvement of local citizens as volunteers.
Page 17 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
G4.1.4 Support the transition from school-based volunteering to civic
participation via outreach to parent volunteers and student leaders.
City Manager’s
Office and
Community Services
Department
M $O This is an ongoing task.
G4.1.5 Coordinate with the real estate community to develop a welcome
package for new residents, containing City resources, information
and ways to contribute to livability.
City Manager’s
Office
M $$PC The City Manager’s Office works with the Utilities
Department to send an electronic welcome message to
new residents and customers, including businesses. In
2021 this was reviewed and updated.
G6.2.1 Provide clear information across multiple communications
platforms to guide citizens and businesses through the City review
and approval process.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O This is an ongoing effort.
G6.2.2 Continue and expand customer-oriented process improvement
efforts.
All Departments R $$O Launched online appointment booking system for
Development Services in-person and virtual
appointments; launched Development Center Virtual
Appointments March 2021; Will launch Online Parcel
Report Enhancement enabling the public to access related
documents and plan sets for planning entitlements and
building permit records online w/o visiting the
Development Center before end of 2021
G6.2.3 Use the pre-screening process to obtain early feedback from the
City Council and the community regarding ordinance changes
intended to facilitate specific development proposals.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O This is an ongoing practice.
Goal G-6: More clearly defined procedures, standards, and expectations for development review.
Land Use and Community Design Element
Goal L-1: A compact and resilient city providing residents and visitors with attractive neighborhoods, work places, shopping districts, public facilities, and open spaces.
Page 18 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
L1.6.1 Review regulatory tools available to the City and identify actions to
enhance and preserve the livability of residential neighborhoods
and the vitality of commercial and employment districts, including
improved code enforcement practices.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $$O Additional improvements to enable more tailored
responses within 311 are underway
L1.8.1 Maintain and update as appropriate the 1985 Land Use Policies
Agreement that sets forth the land use policies of the City, Santa
Clara County, and Stanford University with regard to Stanford
unincorporated lands.
all Departments IP $O The City meets regularly with Stanford University
regarding land use on an ongoing basis. In 2020 and
continuing into 2021, the County initiated a process to
update the Stanford Community Plan. The County is also
preparing an updated Municipal Services Study. Both of
these will be reviewed by the City as a stakeholder in
unincorporated area land use policies areas within the
City's Sphere of Influence and Urban Service Area.
L2.2.1 Explore whether there are appropriate locations to allow small-
scale neighborhood-serving retail facilities such as coffee shops and
corner stores in residential areas.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $O Uplift Local continued through 2021 given variants, and
Council directed the continuation of closed streets and
exploration of permanent parklets
L2.4.1 Amend the Housing Element to increase housing sites along San
Antonio Road between Middlefield Road and East Charleston Road
and increase residential densities in Downtown and the California
Avenue.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $O As part of HE update, staff is focusing on Downtown and
Cal Ave. region. However, to meet challenging RHNA
numbers sites along San Antonio Road is included by
amending this program. Council expanded area along San
Antonio Road between Middlefield Road and East
Charleston Road to increase housing opportunity areas.
Goal L-2: An enhanced sense of “community” with development designed to foster public life, meet citywide needs and embrace the principles of sustainability.
Page 19 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
L2.4.2 Allow housing at Stanford Shopping Center, provided that adequate
parking and vibrant retail is maintained and no reduction of retail
square footage results from the new housing.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $P Mixed Use development is allowed in the Community
Commercial (CC) zoning district since 2018. Future
housing development requires conversation with tenants
and Stanford University. The Housing Element process in
2021-22 will include consideration of this program.
L2.4.3 Allow housing on the El Camino Real frontage of the Stanford
Research Park. Explore multi-family housing elsewhere in Stanford
Research Park and near the SUMC.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $O The City meets regularly with Stanford University
regarding land use on an ongoing basis. The Housing
Element process in 2021-22 will include consideration of
this program.
L2.4.4 Assess non-residential development potential in the Community
Commercial, Service Commercial and Downtown Commercial
Districts (CC, CS and CD) and the Neighborhood Commercial District
(CN), and convert non-retail commercial FAR to residential FAR,
where appropriate. Conversion to residential capacity should not be
considered in Town and Country Village.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $O Conversion of commercial properties to residential and
mixed use (residential and commercial) is occurring with
pre-screening development applications filed in 2021
L2.4.5 Update the municipal code to include zoning changes that allow a
mix of retail and residential uses but no office uses. The intent of
these changes would be to encourage a mix of land uses that
contributes to the vitality and walkability of commercial centers and
transit corridors.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $P Vacancy rates continued to increase due to the extension
of the pandemic emergency. The Town and Country
Village center application was rejected by City Council. In
September 2021, Council directed continuation of closure
on California Avenue until June 2022, and exploration of
permanent parklets and closure of a portion of Ramona
Street.
L2.4.6 Explore changing the Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)
ordinances for both buildings of historic significance and for seismic
retrofits so that transferred development rights may only be used
for residential capacity.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $P This program has not been explored yet. The project
commencement is pending the availability of resources.
Page 20 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
L2.4.7 Explore mechanisms for increasing multi-family housing density
near multimodal transit centers.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $$PC City was awarded the PDA grant and scope refinement
began due to loss of other potential grant funding.
Housing Element 6th cycle process began and site
selection is underway.
L2.4.8 Identify development opportunities for BMR and more affordable
market rate housing on publicly owned properties in a way that is
integrated with and enhances existing neighborhoods.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $$O As part of HE update, staff is looking at City parking lots
for potential affordable housing sites.
L2.5.1 Collaborate with PAUSD in exploring opportunities to build housing
that is affordable to school district employees.
Planning and
Development
Services
IP $O City staff commented on the 231 Grant teacher housing
project EIR produced by Santa Clara County (SCC), and the
SCC Board of Supervisors certified the EIR and approved
the project January 11, 2022. Staff will continue to
collaborate regarding construction logistics for the area.
L2.7.1 Review development standards to discourage the net loss of
housing units.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $P Modifications to zoning code will be proposed to ensure
compliance with state law. It will be placed on the work
plan for 2022. State no net loss requirements recently
extended to 2030.
L2.8.1 Conduct a study to evaluate various possible tools for preventing
displacement of existing residents.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$PC Council provided direction in November 2021 regarding
renter protection policies, especially focused on cost-
burdened low income renters. On January 26, 2022, the
Planning and Transportation Commission reviewed and
recommended amendments to PAMC Chapter 9.68 on
relocation assistance for no fault evictions and Council
adopted the emergency and permanent ordinance on
January 31, 2022.
Page 21 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
L2.8.2 Develop and implement a system to inventory the characteristics of
existing housing units and track changes in those characteristics on
a regular basis. Make the information publicly available.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P Work has not commenced.
L2.10.1 Collaborate with PAUSD to plan for space to accommodate future
school expansions or new school sites, and evaluate zoning space to
accommodate new schools.
Planning and
Development
Services
IP $$O The lease on existing Cubberley facilities were extended
from July 1, 2020 to December 31, 2024 to accommodate
school district's need.
L3.2.1 Evaluate and implement strategies to prevent conversion of
residential and neighborhood-serving retail space to office or short-
term vacation rentals.
Planning and
Development
Services
IP $PC City's COVID-19 pandemic response continued with
strategies to assist commercial businesses.
L.3.5.1 Develop a program to assess and manage both the positive and
negative impacts of basement construction in single family homes
on the community and the environment, including:
§ Impacts to the natural environment, such as potential impacts to
the tree canopy, groundwater supply or quality, and soil
compaction.
§ Safety issues such as increased surface flooding increased
groundwater intrusion with sea level rise, emergency access and
egress, or sewage backflows.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $$C The Planning Department and Public Works staff monitors
secant walls and groundwater levels for all projects.
L4.2.1 Study the overall viability of ground-floor retail requirements in
preserving retail space and creating an active street environment,
including the types of locations where such requirements are most
effective.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P The City's COVID-19 pandemic response included
continuation of parklets and street closures and other
assistance.
Goal L-3: Safe, attractive residential neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and within walking distance of shopping, services, schools, and/or other public gathering places.
Goal L-4: Inviting pedestrian scale centers that offer a variety of retail and commercial services and provide focal points and community gathering places for the city’s residential neighborhoods
and employment districts.
Page 22 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
L4.2.2 Evaluate the effectiveness of formula retail limits adopted for
California Avenue. Develop incentives for local small businesses
where warranted.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$O Effectiveness of formula retail has not been evaluated but
as an incentive to small local businesses staff will be
working on development of a permanent parklet
ordinance under City Council direction in 2022.
L4.2.3 Explore and potentially support new, creative and innovative retail
in Palo Alto.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $$PC The street closure of University Avenue sunsets in mid-
October, and Cal Ave closure is to continue until June
2022. Additional exploration is underway for permanent
parklets and closure of a portion of Ramona Street.
L4.4.1 Study the feasibility of using public and private funds to provide and
maintain landscaping and public spaces such as parks, plazas,
sidewalks and public art within commercial areas.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $PC City's ArtLift program launched to fund art projects and
experiences in commercial corridors and neighborhoods
to help people remain engaged in the arts, reconnect with
each other, and recover together as a cohesive
community continues to operate.
L4.4.2 Through public/private cooperation, provide well- signed, clean,
and accessible restrooms.
Planning and
Development
Services and
Department of
Public Works
R $O This is an ongoing effort.
L4.4.3 Collaborate with merchants to enhance the appearance of streets
and sidewalks within all Centers. Encourage the formation of
business improvement districts and undertake a proactive program
of maintenance, repair, landscaping and enhancement.
Department of
Public Works /
Urban Forestry
Department
R $$P Work has not commenced.
L4.4.4 Identify priority street improvements that could make a substantial
contribution to the character of Centers, such as widening
sidewalks, narrowing travel lanes, creating medians, restriping to
allow diagonal parking, and planting trees.
Office of
Transportation
S $$$P California Avenue and University Avenue are currently in
consideration for enhancements such as street scape
projects and/or street closures. Seeking Council direction
on planning these areas for future improvements.
Page 23 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
L4.5.1 Revise zoning and other regulations as needed to encourage the
preservation of space to accommodate small businesses, start-ups
and other services.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P The project has not commenced. Due to the continued
COVID-19 pandemic throughout 2021, the focus remains
on temporary outdoor business operations and
exploration of a permanent parklet program.
L4.5.2 Consider planning, regulatory, or other incentives to encourage
property owners to include smaller office spaces in their buildings
to serve small businesses, non-profit organizations, and
independent professionals.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $P Work has not commenced.
L.4.6.1 Explore increasing hotel FAR from 2.0 to 3.0 in the University
Avenue/Downtown area and 2.5 in areas outside of Downtown.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P Work has not commenced.
L4.8.1 Prepare a Coordinated Area Plan for Downtown.Planning and
Development
Services
IP $$$P The City received the ABAG award for preparing a
Downtown CAP; however, additional monies were not
obtained to enable the full project. Staff is reducing the
scope of the project in order to retain and use the grant.
L4.8.2 Study the feasibility of converting parts of University Avenue to a
pedestrian zone.
Public Works,
Office of
Transportation, PDS
M $$O California Avenue and University Avenue are currently in
consideration for enhancements such as street scape
projects and/or street closures. Staff is eeking Council
direction on planning these areas for future
improvements. A RFP to hire consultant for Streetscape
project on University Avenue is currently in progress.
University Avenue reopened October 15, 2021; on
September 13 Council indicated desire to continue
Ramona Street block closure and parklets.
L4.9.1 While preserving adequate parking to meet demand, identify
strategies to reuse surface parking lots.
Planning and
Development
Services & Office of
Transportation
IP $O Work is in progress. There are no substantial actions to
report at this time.
Page 24 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
L4.9.2 Explore adding additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for retail at
Stanford Shopping Center.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $P Work will be started in approximately three years, no
change in status to report for 2020.
L4.10.1 Prepare a coordinated area plan for the North Ventura area and
surrounding California Avenue area. The plan should describe a
vision for the future of the North Ventura area as a walkable
neighborhood with multi- family housing, ground floor retail, a
public park, creek improvements, and an interconnected street grid.
It should guide the development of the California Avenue area as a
well-designed mixed use district with diverse land uses and a
network of pedestrian-oriented streets.
Planning and
Development
Services
IP $$$O The coordinated area plan work is in progress. The City
Council has reviewed the plan and provided directions.
Staff plans to continue working with the consultants on
plan details and environmental work.
L4.10.2 Create regulations for the California Avenue area that encourage
the retention or rehabilitation of smaller buildings to provide spaces
for existing retail, particularly local, small businesses.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P Project commencement is pending the availability of
resources.
L4.16.1 Maintain distinct neighborhood shopping areas that are attractive,
accessible and convenient to nearby residents.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O The PAMC commercial zoning regulations, Retail
Preservation Ordinance and proposed Objective
Standards ensure these shopping areas are maintained.
L5.1.1 Explore with Stanford University various development options for
adding to the Stanford Research Park a diverse mix of uses,
including residential, commercial hotel, conference center,
commercial space for small businesses and start-ups, retail, transit
hub, and other community-supporting services that are compatible
with the existing uses, to create a vibrant innovation-oriented
community.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$O The City meets regularly with Stanford University
regarding land use on an ongoing basis. The Housing
Element process in 2021-22 will include consideration of
this program.
Goal L-5: High quality employment districts, each with their own distinctive character and each contributing to the character of the city as a whole.
Goal L-6: Well-designed buildings that create coherent development patterns and enhance city streets and public spaces.
Page 25 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
L6.1.1 Promote awards programs and other forms of public recognition for
projects of architectural merit that contribute positively to the
community.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O The Architectural Review Board (ARB) met September 9,
2021 to kick off the 2020 Awards process. On February 3,
2022, the ARB selected seven award winning projects.
L6.3.1 Develop guidelines for bird-friendly building design that minimizes
hazards for birds and reduces the potential for collisions.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P Staff has not initiated any code change for this program,
but provides guidance to project applicants based on best
practices for bird-friendly design.
L6.6.1 Modify design standards for mixed use projects to promote a
pedestrian-friendly relationship to the street, including elements
such as screened parking or underground parking, street-facing
windows and entries, and porches, windows, bays and balconies
along public ways, and landscaping, and trees along the street.
Avoid blank or solid walls at street level.
Planning and
Development
Services
IP $O Staff is working on Objective Standards which included
public hearings before Architectural Review Board,
Planning and Transportation Commission, a community
meeting in July 2021, and City Council. The ARB ad hoc
committee met many times to refine the graphics for the
standards. Council is set to hold multiple meetings on
Objective Standards, beginning September 27, 2021, with
direction to staff to return in 2022 with responses. Staff
held a community meeting on February 1, 2022 and is
scheduled to hold a community in March before returning
with ordinance revisions/updates to Council.
L6.7.1 Implement architectural standards to assure they effectively
address land use transitions.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O This is an ongoing effort.
Goal L-7: Conservation and preservation of Palo Alto’s historic buildings, sites, and districts.
Page 26 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
Program
for Policy
L7.2
If a proposed project would substantially affect the exterior of a
potential historic resource that has not been evaluated for inclusion
into the City’s Historic Resources Inventory, City staff shall consider
whether it is eligible for inclusion in State or federal registers prior
to the issuance of a demolition or alterations permit. Minor exterior
improvements that do not affect the architectural integrity of
potentially historic buildings shall be exempt from consideration.
Examples of minor improvements may include repair or
replacement of features in kind, or other changes that do not alter
character-defining features of the building.”
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O Policy L 7.2 implementation continues. The passage of
SB9 implicates a need to update PAMC 16.49 and local
inventory to reference the properties found California
Register and National Register Eligible during and since
the 1998-2000 history survey.
L7.1.1 Update and maintain the City’s Historic Resource Inventory to
include historic resources that are eligible for local, State, or federal
listing. Historic resources may consist of a single building or
structure or a district.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O The City has not begun the effort to place on the local
inventory properties determined to be CRHR and NRHP
eligible resources. SB9 passage necessitates commencing
this program along with ordinances. Staff is seeking
resources from City Council to implement it.
L7.1.2 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 and
Development
Services
M $P The ordinance needs to be reassessed since it does not
protect properties found eligible for National and
California Register. The current focus is to implement
Program L7.1.1.
L7.8.1 Promote and expand available incentives for the retention and
rehabilitation of buildings with historic merit in all zones and revise
existing zoning and permit regulations to minimize constraints to
adaptive reuse.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $PC Rehabilitation is underway for several projects in Palo
Alto.
L7.8.2 Create incentives to encourage salvage and reuse of discarded
historic building materials.
Planning and
Development
Services &
Department of
Public Works
S $PC The Public Works Department is monitoring the
deconstruction ordinance for approved demolitions.
Page 27 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
L7.8.3 Seek additional innovative ways to apply current codes and
ordinances to older buildings. Use the State Historical Building Code
for designated historic buildings.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O Staff routinely applies the California Historical Building
Code to qualified projects as applicable.
L7.12.1 Review parking exceptions for historic buildings in the Zoning Code
to determine if there is an effective balance between historic
preservation and meeting parking needs.
Planning and
Development
Services
L $P Work has not commenced.
L9.1.1 Evaluate existing zoning code setback requirements to ensure they
are appropriate for scenic routes.
Planning and
Development
Services
L $P To be started in approximately three years, no change in
status in 2020.
L9.3.1 Review standards for streets and signage and update as needed to
foster natural, tree-lined streets with a minimum of signage.
Planning and
Development
Services, Office of
Transportation &
Department of
Public Works
M $O This program is ongoing. There are no updates to report
at this time.
L9.6.1 Analyze existing neighborhoods and determine where publicly
accessible shared, outdoor gathering spaces are below the citywide
standard. Create new public spaces, including public squares, parks
and informal gathering spaces in these neighborhoods.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$$P Work has not commenced.
L9.7.1 Develop a strategy to enhance gateway sites with special
landscaping, art, public spaces and/or public buildings. Emphasize
the creek bridges and riparian settings at the entrances to the City
over Adobe Creek and San Francisquito Creek.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $P Work has not commenced.
Goal L-9: Attractive, inviting public spaces and streets that enhance the image and character of the city.
Page 28 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
L9.8.1 Establish incentives to encourage native trees and low water use
plantings in new development throughout the city.
Planning and
Development
Services, Office of
Transportation &
Department of
Public Works
M $O Staff has continued to successfully encourage the planting
of native trees and low water use plantings through the
use of the ARB findings modified in the 2016 code update
(including a focus on regional, indigenous, drought
tolerant species). The Model Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance (MWELO) is implemented by staff review of
landscape permits.
L9.10.1 Continue the citywide undergrounding of utility wires. Minimize the
impacts of undergrounding on street tree root systems and planting
areas.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
R $$$O The Utilities Department in collaboration with the Urban
Forestry division has an ongoing program to underground
utility wires, and complies with all City ordinances
regarding minimizing impacts of construction on trees.
L9.10.2 Encourage the use of compact and well-designed utility elements,
such as transformers, switching devices, backflow preventers and
telecommunications infrastructure. Place these elements in
locations that will minimize their visual intrusion.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
R $O In addition to safety, reliability and cost-effectiveness, the
Utilities Department considers the visual impacts of utility
equipment before installation.
L9.11.1 Implement the findings of the City’s Infrastructure Blue Ribbon
Committee and its emphasis for rebuilding our civic spaces.
Department of
Public Works
IP $$$O The Infrastructure Blue Ribbon Committee’s findings
resulted in City Council’s adoption of the 2014 Council
Infrastructure Plan, including ten priority projects.
Implementation of the plan is underway, with two of the
projects completed, three projects in construction and
others in the design process.
Page 29 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
L9.11.2 Identify City-owned properties where combinations of wireless
facilities can be co-located, assuming appropriate lease agreements
are in place.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities & Planning
and Development
Services
M $O Utilities has identified five locations for the AMI base
collectors: East Meadow Substation, Hale Well, Maybell
Substation, Monte Bello Reservoir, and Peers Park Water
Pump Station. After Council approves the AMI contract,
Utilities will begin the Tier 2 Wireless Communications
Facilities application process with Planning.
L9.12.1 Coordinate with regional utility providers on activities that would
impact their infrastructure and right-of-way.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities, Planning
and Development
Services and
Department of
Public Works
R $O Utilities, Planning and Public Works Departments
coordinate with regional utility providers on activities that
impact the City’s infrastructure and right of way to ensure
they are in compliance with local ordinances and policies.
L10.1.1 Relocate the terminal building away from the Runway 31 clear zone
and closer to the hangars, allowing for construction of a
replacement terminal.
Department of
Public Works
L $$$PC The Airport received funding for first phase of the Airport
Layout Plan (ALP) project in 2021, which will begin the 18
month study. The final phase of funding is expecting in
2022. The relocation of the terminal will be studied in this
project.
L10.1.2 Update the Airport Layout Plan in accordance with Federal Aviation
Administration requirements, as needed, while ensuring
conformance with the Baylands Master Plan to the maximum
extent feasible.
Department of
Public Works
M $$$PC The Airport received funding for first phase of the Airport
Layout Plan (ALP) project in 2021, which will begin the 18
month study. The final phase of funding is expecting in
2022. The project is expected to be completed 2023.
L10.1.3 Identify and pursue funding to address maintenance, safety and
security improvements needed at PAO.
Department of
Public Works
R $O This program is ongoing. There are no updates to report
at this time.
Goal L-10: Maintain an economically viable local airport with minimal environmental impacts.
Page 30 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
L10.3.1 Establish and implement a system for processing, tracking and
reporting noise complaints regarding local airport operations on an
annual basis,
Department of
Public Works
S $$O Since the City began tracking complaints in 2014, the
Annual Aircraft Noise Complaints Report is completed
each January and submitted to City Council.
L10.3.2 Work with the airport to pursue opportunities to enhance the open
space and habitat value of the airport. These include:
Maintaining native grasses;
Reconstructing levees to protect the airport from sea level rise
while enhancing public access and habitat conservation; and
Evaluating the introduction of burrowing owl habitat.
This program is subject to federal wildlife hazard requirements and
guidelines for airports.
Community Services
Department and
Department of
Public Works
R $$P Work has not commenced.
L10.4.1 Continue to provide a bicycle/pedestrian path adjacent to
Embarcadero Road, consistent with the Baylands Master Plan and
open space character of the baylands subject to federal and State
airport regulations.
Department of
Public Works and
Office of
Transportation
R $O There is an existing bicycle/pedestrian path adjacent to
portions of Embarcadero Road (installed in 2000) that
Rangers continue to maintain.
N1.1.1 Develop Comprehensive Resource Conservation Plans for the
Pearson Arastradero Preserve, Esther Clark Preserve, and Foothills
Park to steward the protection of local ecosystems.
Community Services
Department
S-M $$$P Conservation Plans for Pearson Arastradero, Esther Clark,
and Foothills Nature Preserves are currently not funded in
the CIP.
Natural Environment Element
Goal N-1: Protect, conserve and enhance Palo Alto’s citywide system of open space, including connected and accessible natural and urban habitats, ecosystems, and natural resources, providing a
source of public health, natural beauty and enjoyment for Palo Alto residents.
Page 31 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
N1.1.2 Promote and support ecosystem protection and environmental
education programs in Palo Alto and neighboring school districts.
Community Services
Department
S $O Palo Alto Open Space partners with Grassroots Ecology
and Save the Bay (volunteer-based habitat restoration
organizations) to provide over 50 habitat restoration
programs in our open space preserves each year. In FY20,
there were 2,354 volunteer hours for a total of 7,472
volunteer hours. The Junior Museum and Zoo also
provides science outreach programs in local schools.
N1.3.1 Work to maintain Williamson Act agricultural preserve contracts
within the City.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $O The parcels under Williamson Act contract are reviewed
by the City Council every year and extended for an
additional one year term if the property owners choses to
continue it.
N1.3.2 Provide information and support programs that encourage
residents to enhance their private yards with native plant species
and low impact landscaping.
Department of
Public Works /
Urban Forestry
Department
R $$O Tree and landscape use of native plants is encouraged
during Individual Reviews of landscape plans for
residential projects. The South Palo Alto Tree Planting
Initiative is also ongoing. Funding is provided to the non-
profit organization Canopy to plant native and/or climate
adapted trees on private properties. Each tree is
inventoried on the open source platform so that it can be
monitored.
N1.4.1 Periodically review California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
thresholds of significance regarding special status species to identify
changes in listed species recommended by professionally
recognized scientific experts.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at this
time.
Page 32 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
N1.4.2 Explore the feasibility of expanding the use of overlay tools such as
the Site and Design (D) Review Combining District or similar
development review and restriction tools to protect special-status
species and their habitats from development.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $$P Work has not commenced.
N1.4.3 Assess opportunities to expand habitats of special – status species
within publicly-owned open spaces.
Community Services
Department
R $$O Palo Alto Open Space partners with Grassroots Ecology
and Save the Bay (volunteer-based habitat restoration
organizations) to provide over 50 habitat restoration
programs in our open space preserves each year. Work
has not commenced yet, but The Baylands Conservation
Plan, which is currently under CEQA review, provides
some analysis on habitat improvement in the Baylands
Nature Preserve.
N1.5.1 Maintain the value of local wetlands as habitats by ensuring
adequate flow from the Bay and minimizing effluent.
Community Services
Department
R $P Work has not commenced. The Baylands Conservation
Plan includes a recommendation to improve tidal flow to
the Renzel Marsh.
N1.6.1 Continue to coordinate City review, particularly by Planning, Public
Works and Community Services Departments, of projects that
might impact the City’s foothills and hillside areas.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $$O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at this
time.
N1.7.1 Examine and improve existing management practices, including the
provision of access to open space for City vehicles and equipment,
to ensure that natural resources are protected.
Community Services
Department
R $$O Open Space staff are careful to only utilize vehicles and
equipment where necessary and with an intent to protect
the natural resources.
Page 33 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
N1.7.2 Protect wildlife in public open space areas by improving litter
collection, restricting the use of non- recyclable plastics, prohibiting
the feeding of wild, feral and stray animals in open space, and
enforcing dog leash laws.
Community Services
Department
R $O Feeding wild, feral, and stray animals in Open Space was
prohibited on June 9, 2014. Litter collection is
accomplished through staff and volunteers. Rangers
enforce the dog leash laws.
N1.7.3 Provide information about responsible behavior in environmentally-
sensitive areas through signage, pamphlets and documents on the
City’s website.
Community Services
Department
R $O The Rangers educate park visitors through signage,
interpretive programs, and information on the City
webpage. Additional signage and educational materials
were created specifically for use at Foothills Nature
Preserve when it opened to nonresidents.
N1.7.4 Review and map existing easements and maintenance roads for
potential trails and trail connections.
Community Services
Department
S $$P Work has not commenced.
N1.10.1 Use City funds and seek additional sources of funding, including
State and federal programs, to finance open space acquisition,
maintenance or conservation.
Community Services
Department
R $O This is an ongoing effort, no updates to report at this
time.
N1.10.2 Create mechanisms to monitor, assess and respond quickly to land
acquisition opportunities that would expand or connect the City’s
system of parks and open spaces, and establish a long-term funding
strategy for acquisition that would enable the City to move quickly
when opportunities arise.
Community Services
Department
S $$$O The Parks and Recreation Commission has created an Ad
Hoc committee focused on identifying funding
opportunities for parks, recreation and open space
projects, including land acquisitions.
Page 34 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
N2.1.1 Explore ways to prevent and ameliorate damage to trees and tree
roots by above and below ground infrastructure and buildings.
Department of
Public Works
R $O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at this
time.
N2.2.1 Periodically update the UFMP and Tree Protection Ordinance to
ensure policies and regulations remain relevant set leading
standards for tree health practices.
Department of
Public Works
R $$O This is an ongoing program, tree ordinance updates are
currently being proposed (10/21).
N2.4.1 Promote landscape design that optimizes soil volume, porosity,
structure and health, as well the location, shape and configuration
of soil beds.
Planning and
Development
Services and Urban
Forestry
M $O This is an ongoing task. Collaborative review with Urban
Forestry staff of major projects is conducted through
Architectural Review Board.
N2.7.1 Maintain and irrigate healthy trees in parks, open space, parking
lots, and City rights-of-way, while identifying and replacing
unhealthy trees in those areas.
Department of
Public Works
S $$O This is an ongoing program. Summer time watering of
newly planted street trees by city staff continues.
N2.7.2 Continue to invest in the care, irrigation and monitoring of street
trees during drought conditions.
Department of
Public Works
R $$O This is an ongoing program. Summer time watering of
newly planted street trees by city staff continues.
N2.7.3 Actively pursue funding for tree planting to increase canopy cover
significantly across the city, avoid a net loss of canopy at the
neighborhood level, and attain canopy size targets in parks, open
space, parking lots, and City rights-of-way.
Department of
Public Works
R $O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at this
time.
N2.9.1 Increase awareness, severity and enforcement of penalties for tree
damage.
Department of
Public Works
M $O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at this
time.
N2.9.2 Develop a program for using the City’s Urban Forestry Fund to
replace trees lost to public improvement and infrastructure
projects, with replanting occurring onsite or as close to the original
site as is ecologically appropriate.
Department of
Public Works
M $$O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at this
time.
Goal N-2: A thriving urban forest that provides public health, ecological, economic, and aesthetic benefits for Palo Alto.
Page 35 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
N2.10.1 Continue to require replacement of trees, including street trees lost
to new development.
Planning and
Development
Services & Urban
Forestry
Department
R $O This is an ongoing requirement as part of the architectural
review and other development review processes.
Replacement trees are required to ensure ‘no net loss of
canopy’.
N2.10.2 As part of the update of the Tree and Landscape Technical Manual,
consider expanding tree protections to include additional mature
trees and provide criteria for making site-specific determinations of
trees that should be protected.
Planning and
Development
Services & Urban
Forestry
Department
S $PC The Tree and Landscape Technical Manual has been
updated. Final changes and City Manager review and
approval of the manual are pending the outcome of
proposed changes to Title 8 of Palo Alto Municipal Code.
N2.10.3 Consider revisions to the appeals process to increase transparency
regarding tree removals and expanded opportunities for
community members to appeal the removal of trees.
Planning and
Development
Services & Urban
Forestry
Department
L $$PC Changes proposed to Palo Alto Municipal Code will
initiate revisions to the appeals process for tree removals
if adopted.
N2.11.1 Develop a transparent and publicly accessible street tree removal
and replacement schedule.
Department of
Public Works
M $P There are no substantial actions to report at this time.
N2.11.2 Develop a program to replace unhealthy public trees over time.Department of
Public Works
M $$O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at this
time.
N2.12.1 Explore ways to leverage the fact that Palo Alto’s urban forest
alleviates climate change by capturing and storing carbon dioxide.
Department of
Public Works
M $P There are no substantial actions to report at this time.
N2.13.1 Work with local nonprofits to establish one or more tree planting
programs that are consistent with the UFMP, and rely on locally
native, resilient species. Review existing tree planting guidelines to
ensure they achieve these objectives.
Department of
Public Works
S $$PC The South Palo Alto Tree Planting Program continues,
there are no substantial actions to report at this time.
N2.13.2 Provide on-going education for City staff, residents, and developers
regarding landscape, maintenance, and irrigation practices that
protect the urban forest and wildlife species.
Department of
Public Works
R $P There are no substantial actions to report at this time.
Page 36 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
N2.13.3 Involve tree owners in tree maintenance programs.Planning and
Development
Services and Urban
Forestry
R $O There are no substantial actions to report at this time.
N2.13.4 Cooperate with the Palo Alto Unified School District, Stanford
University, Caltrain, Caltrans, Pacific Gas & Electric, and other public
and private entities to ensure that their tree planting, tree removal,
and maintenance practices are consistent with City guidelines.
Department of
Public Works
R $P There are no substantial actions to report at this time.
N3.3.1 Update the Stream Corridor Protection Ordinance to explore 150
feet as the desired stream setback along natural creeks in open
space and rural areas west of Foothill Expressway. This 150-foot
setback would prohibit the siting of buildings and other structures,
impervious surfaces, outdoor activity areas and ornamental
landscaped areas within 150 feet of the top of a creek bank. Allow
passive or intermittent outdoor activities and pedestrian,
equestrian and bicycle pathways along natural creeks where there
are adequate setbacks to protect the natural riparian environment.
Within the setback area, provide a border of native riparian
vegetation at least 30 feet along the creek bank.
The update to the Stream Protection Ordinance should establish:
Design recommendations for development or redevelopment of
sites within the setback, consistent with basic creek habitat
objectives and significant net improvements in the condition of the
creek.
Conditions under which single-family property and existing
development are exempt from the 150-foot setback
Appropriate setbacks and creek conservation measures for
undeveloped parcels.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $$P This program would be started in the next 2-4 years.
Goal N-3: Conservation of both natural and channelized creeks and riparian areas as open space amenities, natural habitat areas, and elements of community design.
Page 37 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
N3.3.2 Examine the development regulations of the Stream Corridor
Protection Ordinance, with stakeholder involvement to establish
appropriate setback requirements that reflect the varying natural
and channelized conditions along creeks east of Foothill
Expressway. Ensure that opportunities to provide an enhanced
riparian setback along urban creeks as properties are redeveloped
or improved are included in this evaluation.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $$P This program would be started in the next 2-4 years.
N3.3.3 For all creeks, update the Stream Corridor Protection Ordinance to
minimize impacts on wildlife by:
Limiting the development of recreational trails to one side of
natural riparian corridors.
Requiring careful design of lighting surrounding natural riparian
corridors to maximize the distance between nighttime lighting and
riparian corridors
and direct lighting away from the riparian corridor.
Planning and
Development
Services and
Department of
Public Works
S $$O Lighting near riparian areas is reviewed as a part of the
CEQA process.
N3.4.1 Develop a community creek stewardship program to promote
existing creek clean-up days, organize new events, and increase
appreciation of riparian corridors.
Department of
Public Works
M $$O Continue to work with Grassroots Ecology who manage a
creek stewardship and education program.
N3.6.1 Review and update the Grading Ordinance to ensure that it
adequately protects creeks from the erosion and sedimentation
impacts of grading.
Department of
Public Works
M $$PC Stormwater ordinance will be updated in 2022.
N3.8.1 Work with the SCVWD to develop a maintenance, restoration and
enhancement improvement program that preserves flood
protection while preserving riparian habitat, and identifies specific
stretches of corridor to be restored or daylighted, standards to be
achieved, and sources of funding. Include provisions for tree and
vegetation planting to enhance natural habitat and shade cover.
Department of
Public Works
M $$PC Limited progress has been made, except for the work on
the North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan.
N3.8.2 Participate cooperatively in the JPA to achieve increased flood
protection, habitat preservation, enhancement and improved
recreational opportunities along San Francisquito Creek.
Department of
Public Works
IP $O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at this
time.
Page 38 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
N4.2.1 Educate customers on efficient water use (indoor and outdoor),
tree care, and landscaping options.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities &
Department of
Public Works
R $O The City in partnership with Valley Water offers a suite of
water efficiency programs including landscape conversion
rebates, indoor and outdoor survey kits, graywater
laundry to landscape rebates, irrigation system rebates
and rain barrel rebates. The City offers a variety of
workshops on water efficiency and plant care throughout
the year.
N4.5.1 Study the supply and quality of local groundwater aquifers to better
understand their utility as natural water storage.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities &
Department of
Public Works
S $O Council accepted the Northwest County Recycled Water
Strategic Plan in 2020 that included the characterization
of hydrogeologic conditions in the region. In 2021, the
City will work on a One Water Plan that will analyze all
water sources within the City.
N4.5.2 Work with local public agencies to educate residents regarding the
public health, fire, and overall quality of life risks associated with
long-term drought.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities,
Department of
Public Works &
Office of Emergency
Services
R $O The City engages in public outreach and provides
information on the City website about the importance of
making water conservation a way of life.
N4.6.1 Encourage residents to use rain barrels or other rainwater reuse
systems.
Department of
Public Works
S $O Expanded outreach on rain barrel rebates with Valley
Water.
Goal N-4: Water resources and infrastructure that are managed to sustain plant and animal life, support urban activities, and protect public health and safety.
Page 39 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
N4.7.1 Support and participate in the work of the SCVWD to prepare a high-
quality groundwater management plan that will address
groundwater supply and quality, including, as appropriate:
An understanding of subsurface hydrology.
Strategies to reduce depletion.
Opportunities to recharge groundwater, including through use of
recycled water and extracted groundwater.
Methods to ensure that uncontaminated, toxin-free groundwater
is used in a manner that benefits the community, for example in
irrigation of parks, street cleaning, and dust suppression.
An approach to metering extracted groundwater.
Department of
Public Works
S $O City staff continues to work with Valley Water on the
monitoring of groundwater and map the toxic plumes in
our region.
N4.7.2 Support the SCVWD and the Regional Water Quality Control Board
(RWQCB) to implement their mandate to protect groundwater from
the adverse impacts of urban uses.
Department of
Public Works
S $O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at this
time.
N4.7.3 Work with the SCVWD and RWQCB to identify and map key
groundwater recharge and stormwater management areas for use
in land use planning and permitting and the protection of
groundwater resources.
Department of
Public Works
IP $O Staff finalized the Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI)
plan; now refining the plan to determine the best
locations for GSI in the future and how to maintain the
features to protect groundwater resources.
N4.8.1 Research and promote new construction techniques and recharge
strategies developed to reduce subsurface and surface water
impacts and comply with City dewatering policies.
Department of
Public Works
IP $O City is still monitoring the groundwater impacts with
different construction techniques to determine if the City
dewatering policies require modification.
N4.8.2 Explore appropriate ways to monitor all excavations and other
projects to ensure that dewatering does not result in recharge into
the aquifer where needed.
Department of
Public Works
S $O Staff is working with a consultant to refine how the City
monitors the dewatering projects.
Page 40 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
N4.10.1 Monitor and implement practices for reducing water pollution.
Examples include state-of-the-art best management practices
(BMPs), land use planning approaches, and construction of modern
stormwater management facilities.
Department of
Public Works
R $$$PC Stormwater ordinance will be updated in 2022.
N4.10.2 Continue public education programs on water quality issues,
including BMPs for residents, businesses, contractors, and City
employees.
Department of
Public Works
R $O This work continues via flyers, tabling, bill inserts,
targeted messages and the website.
N4.10.3 Implement swift and rigorous spill response, cleanup, and follow-up
investigation procedures to reduce the impacts of toxic spills on the
city’s creeks and San Francisco Bay.
Department of
Public Works
R $$PC Stormwater ordinance will be updated in 2022.
N4.10.4 Increase monitoring and enforcement of existing prohibitions on
materials and practices known to impact local water quality, such as
use of copper, in the design and construction industries.
Department of
Public Works
R $PC Stormwater ordinance will be updated in 2022.
N4.11.1 Evaluate neighborhoods where parking controls may hinder street
sweeping and recommend any changes that are needed.
Department of
Public Works
M $PC There are no substantial actions to report at this time.
N4.12.1 Implement the City’s Integrated Pest Management Policy with
periodic assessments of pesticide use and use of BMPs to reduce
pesticide applications and toxicity, and maximize non-chemical
control.
Department of
Public Works
R $O Continue to implement the City's Integrated Pest
Management Policy
N4.12.2 Revise the City’s Tree and Landscape Technical Manual to include
stronger requirements for least-toxic practices in the landscape
permitting process.
Department of
Public Works
S $PC There are no substantial actions to report at this time.
N4.12.3 Promote the value of toxin-free landscape management, and
educate residents about the impacts of common fertilizers,
herbicides, insecticides and pesticides on local water quality.
Department of
Public Works
R $O This is an ongoing effort. Staff continues to educate
residents and businesses regarding proper pest control.
N4.13.1 Promote the use of permeable paving materials or other design
solutions that allow for natural percolation and site drainage
through a Storm Water Rebate Program and other incentives.
Department of
Public Works
S $O The stormwater rebate program was revamped in
partnership with Valley Water.
Page 41 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
N4.13.2 Develop and implement a green stormwater infrastructure plan
with the goal to treat and infiltrate stormwater.
Department of
Public Works
S $$$O Currently implementing the Green Stormwater
Infrastructure Plan.
N4.13.3 Mitigate flooding through improved surface permeability or paved
areas, and stormwater capture and storage.
Department of
Public Works
S $$O This is an ongoing effort. There are no substantial actions
to report at this time.
N4.14.1 Establish a standardized process for evaluating the impacts of
development on the storm drainage system, including point source
discharge, base flow and peak flow.
Department of
Public Works
S $O Projects that require a building permit are reviewed by
Public Works staff to verify that the proposed runoff from
project sites is equal to or less than the existing runoff.
Any excess flow must be detained or retained on-site.
N4.14.2 Complete improvements to the storm drainage system consistent
with the priorities outlined in the City's Storm Drainage Master
Plan, as amended.
Department of
Public Works
IP $$$O Storm Drainage Master Plan projects are being
implemented through the Capital Improvement Program
using funding from the Stormwater Management Fee.
N4.15.1 Work with commercial and industrial dischargers to identify and
implement pollution prevention measures and BMPs to eliminate or
reduce the discharge of metals and other pollutants of concern.
Department of
Public Works
R $$O This is ongoing task. There are no substantial actions to
report at this time.
N4.15.2 Encourage commercial dischargers to consistently go beyond
minimum requirements of the Clean Bay Business Program.
Department of
Public Works
R $PC Stormwater ordinance will be updated in 2022.
N4.16.1 Implement approved recommendations based on the Long-Term
Facilities Plan prepared for the RWQCP.
Department of
Public Works
IP $$$O Design complete for the Outfall Project, Primary
Sedimentation Tank Rehabilitation and reviewing design
for the Secondary Treatment process. Started
construction on the Primary Sedimentation Tank
Rehabilitation Project.
Page 42 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
N4.16.2 Develop a plan to address ongoing operations of the RWQCP taking
potential sea level rise and growth in surrounding communities into
account.
Department of
Public Works
M $$$O A Sea Level Rise vulnerability assessment is being
completed and RWQCP raises all electrical equipment due
to Sea Level Rise Policy.
N4.17.1 Evaluate the expansion of existing recycled water infrastructure to
serve a larger area. Develop a plan to install “purple pipe” when
streets are opened for other infrastructure work.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
M $$O Council accepted the Northwest County Recycled Water
Strategic Plan in 2020. A plan to coordinate the
installation of purple pipe when streets are open has not
been developed and is not currently in the work plan.
N4.17.2 Evaluate the possibility of using recycled water as an emergency
water supply.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
L $O Using recycled water as an emergency water supply is not
under consideration.
N4.17.3 Investigate ways to reuse non-traditional water sources including
recycled, gray, black and storm water.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
R $PC Council accepted the Northwest County Recycled Water
Strategic Plan in 2020. The 2020 S/CAP update is
underway, and a key action is to develop a plan for
implementing a One Water portfolio. The One Water
approach to integrated water resource planning will take
a broader, more comprehensive look at water supply
options including recycled water and other non-
traditional water sources.
N5.1.1 Provide City input on significant proposals for air quality legislation
and state implementation plans.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O Planning Department works with the City lobbyist to
identify issues and provides ideas.
N5.1.2 Implement BAAQMD recommended standards for the design of
buildings near heavily traveled roads, in order to minimize exposure
to auto-related emissions.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $O Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)
standards are implemented through the CEQA process.
Goal N-5: Clean, healthful air for Palo Alto and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Page 43 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
N5.1.3 Explore adopting new standards that target the reduction of very
fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is associated with increased
impacts on health.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $O PM2.5 standards are implemented through the CEQA
process.
N5.2.1 Promote understanding of the impacts of extended idling on air
quality, for residents, auto-dependent businesses, and schools.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $P Work has not commenced.
N5.2.2 Consider adopting and enforcing penalties for drivers that idle for
longer than 3-5 minutes.
Office of
Transportation
M $P Project not commenced yet.
N5.3.1 Cooperatively work with Santa Clara County and the BAAQMD to
ensure that mining and industrial operations mitigate
environmental and health impacts.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O Industrial operations are mitigated through the CEQA
process. There are no mining resources within the City
limits.
N5.3.2 Monitor particulate emissions at local California Air Resources
Board monitoring stations and make the information easily
available to citizens.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)
provides monitoring information on their webpage -
http://www.baaqmd.gov/about-air-quality/current-air-
quality.
N5.3.3 Promote understanding of the health impacts of particulate
emissions and provide information to residents and businesses
about steps they can take to reduce particulate emissions, such as
reducing or eliminating wood burning or using low emission
alternatives to wood-burning stoves and fireplaces.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O This is an ongoing effort. There are no substantial actions
to report at this time.
N5.3.4 Explore feasible and cost-effective opportunities to reduce concrete
and asphalt use by the City, in parks and other public projects.
Department of
Public Works
R $O There are no substantial actions to report at this time.
N6.3.1 Continue working to reduce noise impacts created by events and
activities taking place in communities adjoining Palo Alto.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O This is an ongoing effort. There are no substantial actions
to report at this time.
Goal N-6: An environment that minimizes the adverse impacts of noise.
Page 44 of 82
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$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
N6.3.2 Evaluate the feasibility of adopting noise criteria in the purchase of
new City vehicles and equipment.
Department of
Public Works
M $P There are no substantial actions to report at this time.
N6.3.3 Update the Noise Ordinance, as needed, to provide for clear
interpretation of the regulations, to review the effectiveness of
existing standards, and to ensure that regulations address
contemporary issues.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $P This program would be started in the next 2-4 years.
N6.7.1 Update noise impact review procedures in the Noise Ordinance and
the Zoning Code to address appropriate requirements for analysis
and thresholds for impacts on residential land uses and publicly-
owned conservation land.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $P This program would be started in the next 2-4 years.
N6.10.1 Evaluate changes to the Noise Ordinance to further reduce the
impacts of noise from leaf blowers and residential power
equipment.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $P This program would be started in the next 2-4 years.
N6.11.1 For larger development projects that demand intensive
construction periods and/or use equipment that could create
vibration impacts, such as the Stanford University Medical Center or
major grade separation projects, require a vibration impact
analysis, as well as formal, ongoing monitoring and reporting of
noise levels throughout the entire construction process pertinent to
industry standards. The monitoring plan should identify hours of
operation and could include information on the monitoring
locations, durations and regularity, the instrumentation to be used
and appropriate noise control measures to ensure compliance with
the noise
ordinance.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $O Construction noise and vibration are reviewed as part of
the CEQA process. Mitigation measures, including limited
hours of operation, are used to reduce noise and vibration
impacts.
N6.12.1 Continue working to reduce noise associated with operations of the
Palo Alto Airport. Also, ensure compliance with the land use
compatibility standards for community noise environments, shown
in Table N- 1, by prohibiting incompatible land use development
within the 60 dBA CNEL noise contours of the airport.
Department of
Public Works
R $$O No updates at this time.
Page 45 of 82
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$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
N6.12.2 Participate in appropriate public forums and engage with other
governmental agencies and representatives to ensure that activities
at airports in the region do not negatively affect noise levels in Palo
Alto.
Department of
Public Works
IP $O Staff monitors current procedures into and out of the
Palo Alto Airport. If other procedural changes are
identified unrelated to the Palo Alto Airport, staff notifies
City Manager’s Office.
N6.13.1 Encourage the Peninsula Corridors Joint Powers Board to pursue
technologies and grade separations that would reduce or eliminate
the need for train horns/whistles in communities served by rail
service.
Office of
Transportation
IP $O Currently the efforts are toward developing alternatives
for grade separation, therefore no substantial action for
this item.
N6.13.2 Evaluate changing at-grade rail crossings so that they qualify as
Quiet Zones based on Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) rules
and guidelines in order to mitigate the effects of train horn noise
without adversely affecting safety at railroad crossings.
Office of
Transportation
S $$$O Currently the efforts are toward developing alternatives
for grade separation, therefore no substantial action for
this item.
N6.13.3 Participate in future environmental review of the California High-
Speed Rail (HSR) Project, planned to utilize existing Caltrain track
through Palo Alto, to ensure that it adheres to noise and vibration
mitigation measures.
Office of
Transportation
S $$O The City provided comprehensive comments on the
California High-Speed Rail (HSR) Environmental Impact
Report in 2020. This is an ongoing effort.
N7.1.1 Meet customer electricity needs with least total cost resources
after careful assessment of environmental cost and benefits.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
R $O Council approved the REC Exchange Program in August
2020, which authorizes staff to sell some of the City's
valuable in-state renewable energy and exchange it for
lower cost out-of-state renewable energy. The savings
from this program (~$2M-$3M/yr) are to be split between
rate relief and funding for local decarbonization efforts
(e.g. incentives for building electrification).
Goal N-7: A clean, efficient energy supply that makes use of cost-effective renewable resources.
Page 46 of 82
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Long (>10
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Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
N7.2.1 Promote the adoption of cost-effective, renewable energy
technologies from diverse renewable fuel sources by all customers.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
S $O Council approved the REC Exchange Program in August
2020, which authorizes staff to sell some of the City's
valuable in-state renewable energy and exchange it for
lower cost out-of-state renewable energy. The savings
from this program (~$2M-$3M/yr) are to be split between
rate relief and funding for local decarbonization efforts
(e.g. incentives for building electrification).
N7.2.2 Assess the feasibility of using life cycle analysis and total cost of
ownership analysis for public and private projects, funded by the
project proponent, in order to minimize the consumption of energy,
the production of greenhouse gases, including GHG emissions of
construction materials and demolition and costs over the life of the
project.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
M $$O To date, we have completed the analyses to compare the
energy use and annual bill of gas furnace versus heat
pump system for the pilot. The planning entitlement and
building permits have been issued. Construction will For
the rooftop gas pack electrification project, the facility
manager has secured project funding and has also
selected a contractor. Staff will develop a case study for
this project with cost estimates and lessons learned.
N7.4.1 Continue timely incorporation of State and federal energy efficiency
standards and policies in relevant City codes, regulations and
procedures, and higher local efficiency standards that are cost-
effective.
Planning and
Development
Services and
Building Services
R $O Staff is reviewing the 2020 version of Stand-Alone
Detached ADU Cost-Effectiveness Analysis and planning
on bringing forth to Council an associated All- Electric
Mandate in April 2022. Moving forward, staff will
continue to participate in the California Energy Codes &
Standards 2023 Reach Code Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
efforts. Once the final analysis are complete for each
building type staff will review the analysis, determine
feasible energy reach efforts, perform public outreach
and bring forth new a new 2023 Energy Reach Code
Ordinance for adoption. We are currently targeting late
Fall 2022 for adoption.
Page 47 of 82
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2021
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Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
N7.4.2 Implement cost effective energy efficiency programs for all
customers, including low income customers.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
R $O The Utilities Department continues to provide programs
around energy conservation and efficiency to all
customers, including low-income customers.
N7.4.3 Incorporate cost-effective energy conservation measures into
construction, maintenance, and City operation and procurement
practices.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
R $$O Public Works expects to bring the contract for the Facility
Condition and Electrification Assessment to Council
approval in December 2021 and the final report for the
electrification assessment will be completed in Q3 2022.
The report will cover the location and age of natural gas-
fired equipment in city facilities, and the cost for like-for-
like replacement versus gas-to-electric replacement.
N7.4.4 Implement gas and electric rate structures that encourage efficient
use of resources while meeting State law requirements that rates
be based on the cost of service.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
M $O The Utilities Department continues to implement gas and
electric rate structures that meet this program goal.
N7.4.5 Continue to provide public education programs addressing energy
conservation and efficiency.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
R $O The Utilities Department continues to provide public
education programs around energy conservation and
efficiency.
Utilities Department has also started to promote
electrification to raise public awareness on the benefits of
building electrification and electric vehicles.
Page 48 of 82
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2021
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years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
N7.5.1 Monitor professional and medically-sound research and studies on
light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
M $O The Utilities Department promotes voluntary conversion
to LED lighting in buildings, while the Building Division
requires its use in new development. The Utilities
Department also maintains LED street lights for the City.
The Utilities Department promotes the use of warm white
rather than cool white LEDs to avoid blue light
phototoxicity concerns. The Department uses LED street
light luminaires that minimize light pollution.
N7.6.1 Explore changes to building and zoning codes to incorporate solar
energy, energy storage and other energy efficiency measures into
major development projects, including City-owned projects.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $O Staff has shorten review timelines on electrification
projects as staff resources allow. We have also
implemented a daily tracking report that informs
department managers of late and pending reviews. This
tracking report is monitored daily by the Development
Services Permitting Manager and Department Managers.
Exploring outside technology such as Solar App+ as an
alternative to submitted qualified applications. We are
also working collaboratively with out side stakeholders to
update and our associated submittal, plan review and
field checklist/guidelines.
N7.6.2 Promote use of the top floors of new and existing structured
automobile garages for installation of photovoltaic panels and
green roofs.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $O This effort is ongoing
N7.6.3 Promote solar energy in individual private projects.City of Palo Alto
Utilities, Planning
and Development
Services and
Building Services
R $O Streamlining of residential and commercial building
applications is ongoing.
Page 49 of 82
Priority Level of
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2021
Status
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years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
N7.7.1 Evaluate the potential for a cost-effective plan for transitioning to a
completely carbon-neutral natural gas supply.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
S $O Staff monitors the market for innovative green product
availability and price. The Carbon Neutral Gas Plan using
carbon offsets was reaffirmed by Council in December
2020.
N7.7.2 Explore the transition of existing buildings from gas to electric or
solar water and space heating.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
S $$O Through an RFP process, Utilities has selected a vendor to
provide nonresidential electrification technical assistance
service to help building owners electrify gas-fired energy
systems in commercial buildings; staff will bring the
contract to Council for approval in December 2021, with a
program launch date in Q1 2022.
Utilities will launch new electrification rebates for
commercial customers in Q4 2021.
On the residential side, staff issued an RFP for residential
electrification services in June 2021 and expects to bring
contracts to Council for approval in January 2022. New
programs will provide technical assistance to assist
residential customers with electrification projects, as well
as direct install services for low income households. Staff
also plans to launch new Heat pump space heating
rebates to residential customers in Q1 2022.
N7.8.1 Evaluate energy efficient approaches for the treatment and reuse of
organic waste that maximize resource recovery and reduce
greenhouse gas generation at the RWQCP located in Palo Alto and
the Palo Alto Landfill.
Department of
Public Works
M $O Reuse organic waste from the RWQCP; currently create
Class A biosolids products and send a portion of the
organics through an anaerobic digester to convert
organics into a resource.
Goal N-8: Actively support regional efforts to reduce our contribution to climate change while adapting to the effects of climate change on land uses and city services.
Page 50 of 82
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years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
N8.1.1 Participate in cooperative planning with regional and local public
agencies, including on the Sustainable Communities Strategy, on
issues related to climate change, such as greenhouse gas reduction,
water supply reliability, sea level rise, fire protection services,
emergency medical services, and emergency response planning.
Office of
Sustainability and
Office of Emergency
Services
R $O Office of Sustainability in conjunction with Office of
Emergency Services, reviewed the Local Hazard Mitigation
Plan update and participated in regional working groups.
Topic was discussed at the S/CAP Ad Hoc Committee
meeting in January 2022
N8.1.2 Pursue or exceed State goals of achieving zero net carbon for
residential buildings by 2020 and commercial buildings by 2030,
without compromising the urban forest.
Office of
Sustainability, City
of Palo Alto Utilities
Department and
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
S $O Palo Alto's Energy Reach code, which advances an all-
electric requirement for new residential construction,
went into effect in 2020. Residential Building
electrification was discussed at the September 2021
S/CAP Ad Hoc Committee meeting and at a November
2021 S/CAP Ad Hoc Workshop. Commercial Building
Electrification was discussed at the October 2021 S/CAP
Ad Hoc Committee meeting.
N8.2.1 Periodically update the S/CAP consistent with the update schedule
in the approved S/CAP; this update shall include an updated
greenhouse gas inventory and updated short, medium, and long-
term emissions reduction goals.
Office of
Sustainability
M $$O Currently working on the Sustainability and Climate
Action Plan (S/CAP) Update. Working with the S/CAP Ad
Hoc Committee to finalize the S/CAP and the Three-Year
work Plan.
N8.3.1 Protect the Municipal Services Center, Utility Control Center, and
RWQCP from the impacts of sea level rise.
Department of
Public Works
M $$$O A sea level rise vulnerability assessment is underway and
anticipate to be completed in 2022
N8.4.1 Prepare response strategies that address sea level rise, increased
flooding, landslides, soil erosion, storm events and other events
related to climate change. Include strategies to respond to the
impacts of sea level rise on Palo Alto’s levee system.
Office of
Sustainability
S $$$O Currently finalizing the Sea Level Rise Vulnerability
Assessment. Once that is complete, the Sea Level Rise
Adaptation Plan will be drafted.
Safety Element
Goal S-1: A safe community that is aware of risks and prepared for emergencies.
Page 51 of 82
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Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
S1.1.1 Expand public education programs that help and encourage each
household in the City to be prepared to be self-sufficient, with
enough stored water and food to support the entire household for
at least one week after a major earthquake, flood, terrorism event,
COVID-19 pandemic or other major disaster.
Office of Emergency
Services
S $O (OES) continues to outreach to the community, per
FEMA's whole community guidelines, and provided public
safety education lectures, presentations, and trainings
throughout the community. The OES Preparedness
webpage also provides this information.
S1.1.2 Continue to implement and fund the Emergency Services Volunteer
program.
Office of Emergency
Services
S $O Office of Emergency Services (OES) continues to manage
the ESV program, there are currently over 700 registered
volunteers. OES apportions funds annually to support this
program including an annual community event, monthly
training sessions, quarterly leader meetings, and two
exercises per year.
S1.1.3 Conduct emergency hazard drills with key stakeholder organizations
across the community to improve preparedness for known threats
and hazards.
Office of Emergency
Services
R $$O Throughout the year, Office of Emergency Services (OES)
conducts emergency drills with key stakeholders that
include seminars, communications tests, table-top
exercises, functional, and full scale exercises. We
conducted three large scale emergency communications
drills with our Emergency Services Volunteers in February,
April, and November. We also host monthly radio drills
with the City Department Operations Centers, and
participated in monthly County radio drills. Additionally,
OES has partnered with our ESV members to promote the
Great California Shakeout - Oct 21, 2021 to raise
awareness for earthquake preparedness.
S1.1.4 Support an annual community public safety fair to educate and
engage the public on preparedness and offer the opportunity to buy
emergency disaster supplies for home and vehicle.
Office of Emergency
Services
R $$O As COVID-19 risks have continued to linger in the
community, we have not hosted such events.
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Medium (5‐10
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Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
S1.1.5 Encourage local businesses and other organizations to have disaster
preparedness, communication, mitigation and recovery plans in
place.
Office of Emergency
Services
R $O Business outreach has largely been narrowed to
supporting COVID recovery, leveraging the Uplift Local
outreach.
S1.2.1 Develop accessible, attractive marketing materials to promote
involvement in community crime safety programs.
Office of Emergency
Services
R $C Office of Emergency Services (OES) has developed various
marketing materials to promote preparedness and public
safety. Annually, OES provides two utility flyers for
earthquake awareness in April and floods/severe storms
in October (in partnership with Public Works). In 2019,
OES created multilingual preparedness products
(available on our website). In 2020, OES participated in
rollout of the new City Website.
S1.3.1 Explore the use of urban design principles to increase safety and
prevent crime in Palo Alto.
Planning and
Development
Services & Office of
Emergency Services
R $O Office of Emergency Services (OES) maintains expertise
and serves as a resource for Crime Prevention through
Environmental Design (CPTED)
https://www.ncpc.org/resources/home-neighborhood-
safety/crime-prevention-through-environmental-design-
training-program/ and other safety and security best
practices, in particular, for Critical Infrastructure and Key
Resources (CIKR). OES is assisting City of Palo Alto Utilities
(CPAU) with site protection and resilience matters. OES is
assisting Department of Public Works and Police
Department with the Public Safety Building.
S1.3.2 Support programs such as the Department of Housing and Urban
Development’s Good Neighbor Next Door, which incentivizes home
purchase for first responders with discounts.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $P Work has not commenced.
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Medium (5‐10
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Long (>10
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Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
S1.4.1 Make data available to maintain an accurate, up to date, and
complete real-time local crime mapping function to promote
neighborhood safety.
Police Department R $$O Police Department's webpage contains regularly updated
links to crime statistics.
S1.5.1 Promote neighborhood security by providing crime prevention
information and training to residents, and continuing to fund
resident involvement in neighborhood safety programs such as
“Know Your Neighbor” grants and Block Preparedness
Coordinators.
Police Department
and Office of
Emergency Services
R $O OES has resumed BPC certification courses as part of our
ESV program. In 2021 we held three BPC in person
training courses. We also have an online method to
become a BPC. BPC training also includes Neighborhood
Watch.
S1.5.2 Collaborate with the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD),
other school districts in the city, private schools, businesses, non-
profits, and local faith-based organizations provide community
safety education.
Police Department R $P The School Resource Officer program was discontinued in
July 2020 due to budget cuts from Palo Alto Unified
School District (PAUSD) and City. As-needed requests will
be handled as staffing permits. The Police Explorer
Program of youth cadets assisting with certain police
assignments is still in effect.
S1.5.3 Encourage the PAUSD to develop secure school facilities and
collaborate with Emergency Services Volunteers on disaster
preparedness activities; emergency disaster planning, exercises and
drills; and disaster recovery.
Office of Emergency
Services
R $O Office of Emergency Services meets routinely with the
Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) Safety and
Security Manager and other key staff. In 2020 the City
activated the Emergency Services Council / Citizen’s Corps
Council to improve collaboration for the COVID-19
emergency, of which PAUSD was a routine member.
S1.5.4 Continue to support and encourage participation in Police
Department programs to introduce youth to the importance and
benefits of local law enforcement.
Police Department R $P The School Resource Officer program was discontinued in
July 2020 due to budget cuts from Palo Alto Unified
School District (PAUSD) and City. As-needed requests will
be handled as staffing permits. The Police Explorer
Program of youth cadets assisting with certain police
assignments is still in effect.
Page 54 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
S1.6.1 Enhance public safety department training for evolving challenges,
such as small- to large-scale human threats, interacting with
individuals with mental illness, and non-lethal alternatives.
Police Department R $O Police Department is complying with state mandated
training in multiple topics annually. The Department is
working with County Mental Health and has staffed the
PERT response team since December 2021.
S1.6.2 Support the PAPD in implementing and maintaining approved
technologies for data gathering, surveillance, and recording
interactions with the public. Incorporate best practices in use
policies with special consideration in ensuring the programs protect
the public’s privacy rights and civil liberties, in accordance with
current legislation. Ensure transparency by communicating new
equipment implementation, usage, privacy considerations, and
retention of data.
Police Department R $$O Refer to Council Surveillance Policy.
S1.6.3 Communicate transparently with the community regarding
adoption of new PAPD equipment and/or tactics while balancing
the need for operational security.
Police Department R $O The Police Department will adhere to Council Surveillance
policy when applicable and will consult with City staff and
Council as directed with significant policy changes.
S1.7.1 Regularly monitor and review the level of public safety staffing and
satellite police station locations required for efficient local service
delivery.
Police Department R $O The police substation at Stanford Shopping Center works
in partnership with Simon Properties.
S1.7.2 Design the new Public Safety building to meet essential service
standards, the needs of the public safety departments and be
resilient against known threats and hazards.
Department of
Public Works
S $$$C Design of the Public Safety Building is complete and the
construction started in spring 2021.
Page 55 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
S1.7.3 Provide community notifications in the event of emergency using
the best available methods and explore new technologies for
emergency public information and warnings.
Office of Emergency
Services
R $$O OES remains proficient in the use of the Everbridge
software system, that provides the AlertSCC mass
notification functionality. OES also can provide
notifications via Nextdoor, and in working with City
communications managers - proliferate such messages on
other social mediums. OES also keeps abreast of new
technologies, such as ZoneHaven among others to
recommend best use of these technologies.
S1.8.1 Update Palo Alto’s 2001 Terrorism Response Plan.Office of Emergency
Services
S $$C The plan was completed in 2019.
S1.9.1 Develop an Infrastructure Master Plan that projects the future
needs of streets, underground utilities, and all City assets and plans
for the incorporation of new technology that improves efficiency
and effectiveness.
Department of
Public Works
S $$$O An Infrastructure Management System has been
implemented to track operating and capital improvement
costs and to maintain updates on deferred “catch-up”
maintenance and planned “keep-up” maintenance for
future improvements.
S1.10.1 Regularly update and make publicly available the City of Palo Alto
Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
Office of Emergency
Services
R $$$PC The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is available on the
City’s website; Office of Emergency Services is currently
staffing an update to the EOP which will be available later
in 2022.
Page 56 of 82
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Status
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years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
S1.10.2 Participate in local and regional planning efforts to mitigate,
prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.
Office of Emergency
Services
R $O OES continues to participate in regional planning efforts
including the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), the
Mutual Aid Regional Advisory Committee (MARAC), and
Santa Clara County Operational Area Signatories
Committee, and the Santa Clara County COVID-19
Community Working Group - among others. OES
continues to lead the San Francisquito Creek Multi-
Agency Coordination (SFC MAC) group as well as the
Silicon Valley Homeland Security Coordination Group (SV-
HSCG).
S1.10.3 Implement the mitigation strategies and guidelines provided by the
LHMP, including those that address evolving hazards resulting from
climate change.
Office of Emergency
Services
R $$O Annually, Office of Emergency Services updates the status
of Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) projects.
Currently, 38 projects are listed in the LHMP: 5 are
complete, 17 are in progress, 12 are ongoing activities, 4
reported no action taken this year.
S1.12.1 Encourage multiagency coordination in case of incidents that cross
disciplinary or jurisdictional boundaries or coordination that
involves complex incident management scenarios.
Office of Emergency
Services
R $O OES leads the city's multi-agency coordination by
integrating agencies into response efforts, as appropriate.
This is done in keeping with the National Incident
Management System (NIMS) and the State of California
Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS).
This is done for both internal city departments, as well as
for multi-jurisdictional incidents or events.
Page 57 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
S1.12.2 Explore the establishment of mutually-beneficial cooperative
agreements between Palo Alto’s police and fire departments and
those of neighboring cities.
Police Department
& Fire Department
M $O Currently the departments share Communication System
contracts with Mountain View and Los Altos Police
Departments. Joint Records Management Systems was
implemented in Dec 2021. CAD upgrade project under
review.
S1.13.1 Identify solutions to add an additional power line to Palo Alto to
ensure redundancy.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
S $$P The Utility's Department will retain a consultant to assist
pursuit of PG&E solution through the California
Independent System Operator (CAISO) transmission
planning process.
S1.13.2 Explore incentives to adopt emerging, residential off- grid
capabilities and technologies, including back-up power sources vital
in the event of natural disasters or other threats.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
M $O The City of Palo Alto Utilities Department is facilitating
customer adoption of technologies such as energy storage
systems. The Utilities department has also completed an
initial energy resiliency assessment of all-electric single-
family residences.
Page 58 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
S1.13.3 Continue citywide efforts to underground utility wires to limit
injury, loss of life, and damage to property in the event of human-
made or natural disasters.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
R $$$O To date, about 55% of City’s electric distribution lines are
underground, either through the underground conversion
program or having been placed underground when
originally installed.
Further eight districts are identified for conversion, with a
cost range of $20 to $24 million, which would bring the
underground distribution line percentage up to about
60%.
Undergrounding has started in the Foothills rebuild for
fire risk mitigation.
The City is evaluating a cost-share bundle package of
services to residential neighborhoods which includes
undergrounding, electrification and fiber-to-the-home.
S1.13.4 Enhance the safety of City-owned natural gas pipeline operations.
Work with customers, public safety officials, and industry leaders to
ensure the safe delivery of natural gas throughout the service area.
Provide safety information to all residents on City-owned natural
gas distribution pipelines.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
R $$O The City of Palo Alto Utilities Department maintains a
robust gas safety program and annually provides gas
safety information to residents.
Page 59 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
S1.13.5 Provide off-grid and/or backup power sources for critical City
facilities to ensure uninterrupted power during emergencies and
disasters.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities and
Department of
Public Works
R $$O City of Palo Alto staff continue to explore the use of
alternative forms of energy to offset the use of carbon
based fuels. In designing the rebuild of Fire Station 4 (East
Meadow), staff is evaluating a microgrid consisting of
solar, energy storage and diesel generation. This project is
planned for year 2024. The new public safety building has
the capability of accommodating a energy storage system
based microgrid at a future time. The solar generator
trailer was acquired in 2020-21(via a grant) to provide
back-up power for the mobile emergency operation
center (MEOC) and other emergency vehicles.
The Sustainability and Climate Action Plan also has
elements related to exploring the use of solar + energy
storage and microgrids to lower the community's carbon
footprint.
S2.5.1 Periodically review and update the City’s Seismic Hazard Ordinance.Planning and
Development
Services
IP $P Project commencement is pending the availability of
resources. Staff is exploring CalOES Hazard Mitigation
Grant Program (HGMP) opportunities.
S2.5.2 Continue to provide incentives for seismic retrofits of structures
throughout the city, particularly those building types that would
affect the most people in the event of an earthquake.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $P This effort is linked to measure S2.5.1. There are no
substantial actions to report at this time.
S2.6.1 Encourage efforts by individual neighborhood or block- level groups
to pool resources for seismic retrofits.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $P This effort is linked to measure S2.5.1. Work has not yet
commenced.
Goal S-2: Protection of life, ecosystems and property from natural hazards and disasters, including earthquake, landslide, flooding, and fire.
Page 60 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
S2.6.2 Continue to use a seismic bonus and a TDR Ordinance for seismic
retrofits for eligible structures in the Commercial Downtown (CD)
zone.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $P This effort is linked to measure S2.5.1. There are no
substantial actions to report at this time.
S2.6.3 Evaluate the TDR Ordinance so that transferred development rights
may be used for residential development on the receiver sites.
Planning and
Development
Services
R $P Work has not commenced.
S2.6.4 Study the possibility of revising the transfer of development rights
program to encourage seismic retrofits.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $P Work has not commenced.
S2.6.5 Explore the use of Community Development Block Grants, Palo Alto
Housing Funds and other sources of funding to support owners of
lower income and senior housing to retrofit seismically-unsafe
construction.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $O This is an ongoing effort.
S2.7.1 As part of the construction permitting process for proposed new
and redeveloped buildings in areas of identified hazard shown on
MapS-2, structures that would affect the most people in a seismic
event require submittal to the City of a geotechnical/seismic report
that identifies specific risks and appropriate mitigation measures.
Planning and
Development
Services and
Department of
Public Works
S $O The program is being implemented on applicable projects.
S2.7.2 Review and update, as appropriate, City code requirements for
excavation, grading, filling and construction to ensure that they
conform to currently accepted and adopted State standards.
Department of
Public Works
M $O The code requirements are currently up-to-date. Staff will
continue to monitor accepted and adopted standards and
update code as needed.
S2.7.3 Utilize the results of Palo Alto’s Seismic Hazards Identification
Program and inventory of potentially seismically vulnerable building
types to establish priorities and consider incentives to encourage
structural retrofits.
Planning and
Development
Services and
Building Services
S $P No work was done on this project this year. There are no
substantial actions to report at this time.
S2.8.1 Implement flood mitigation requirements of FEMA in Special Flood
Hazard Areas as illustrated on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
Department of
Public Works
R $$$O All private and public development projects within the
Special Flood Hazard Areas are reviewed for compliance
with FEMA regulations.
Page 61 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
S2.8.2 Continue participating in FEMA’s Community Rating System to
reduce flood insurance for local residents and businesses and strive
to improve Palo Alto’s rating in order to lower the cost of flood
insurance.
Department of
Public Works
R $O City of Palo Alto continues to participate in the
Community Rating System and to evaluate opportunities
to improve the rating.
S2.8.3 Collaborate with the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority
and the Santa Clara Valley Water District on environmentally-
sensitive efforts to stabilize, restore, maintain and provide one
percent (100-year) flood protection adjacent to San Francisquito
Creek.
Department of
Public Works
IP $$$O The Highway 101 to Bay project was completed in 2018.
The Upstream of Highway 101 project is currently in the
Design Development and Entitlements process.
S2.8.4 Work with East Palo Alto, Santa Clara Valley Water District and San
Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority on efforts to increase the
flows within the San Francisquito Creek possible solutions include
replacing the City-owned Newell Road Bridge and Francisquito
Creek. District-owned Pope Chaucer Street Bridge.
Department of
Public Works
S $$$O Design work continues on the Newell Road Bridge project
and the Upstream of Highway 101 project, which includes
Pope Chaucer Street Bridge. Regulatory permitting is
being coordinated for the two projects.
S2.10.1 Keep basement restrictions up to date with changing flood hazard
zones.
Department of
Public Works
S $O This is an ongoing effort, including PW's effort to enforce
an additional foot of height in flood prone areas to
minimize insurance impacts.
S2.11.1 Review development standards applicable in areas susceptible to
flooding from sea level rise, including east of Highway 101, West
Bayshore and East Meadow Circle, the area east of San Antonio
Road and north of East Charleston, and implement shoreline
development regulations to ensure that new development is
protected from potential impacts of flooding resulting from sea
level rise and significant storm events. Regulations should be
consistent with the Baylands Master Plan, as amended, and may
include new shoreline setback requirements, limits on lot line
adjustments to avoid the creation of vulnerable shoreline lots,
and/or triggers for relocation or removal of existing structures
based on changing site conditions and other factors.
Department of
Public Works
S $$P Work has not commenced.
Page 62 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
S2.11.2 Study appropriate restrictions on underground construction in
areas outside of flood zones, as shown on Map S-5, to
accommodate expected higher groundwater levels due to sea level
rise and minimize consequent flooding of underground
construction.
Department of
Public Works
S $P Work has not yet commenced.
S2.12.1 Work cooperatively with the Santa Clara Valley Water District and
the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority to provide flood
protection from high tide events on San Francisco Bay, taking into
account the impacts of future sea level rise, to provide one percent
(100-year) flood protection from tidal flooding, while being
sensitive to preserving and protecting the natural environment.
Department of
Public Works
R $$$O The City of Palo Alto continues to work with the project
team to plan for projects such as tide gate replacement
and Shoreline Study Phase 2 to improve Bay levees in
anticipation of future sea level rise.
S2.12.2 Work with regional, State, and federal agencies to develop
additional strategies to adapt to flood hazards to existing or new
development and infrastructure, including support for
environmentally sensitive levees.
Department of
Public Works
R $O A horizontal levee enhancement Feasibility Study is
complete. The results will be combined with a Sea Level
Rise Plan to determine courses of action.
S2.13.1 Regularly review and update the Fire Department’s operations,
training facilities and programs to ensure consistency with current
standards and Best Management Practices.
Fire Department R $O This is an ongoing effort.
S2.13.2 Explore technological tools, such as cameras or remote sensors, to
identify smoke or fires and initiate response as quickly as possible.
Fire Department S $$O This is an ongoing effort.
S2.14.1 Regularly review and fund updates to the Palo Alto Foothills Fire
Management Plan to ensure consistency with current standards
and Best Management Practices.
Fire Department M $$O Regular review and update is an ongoing effort.
S2.14.2 Implement the Foothills Fire Management Plan to balance
conservation of natural resources with reduction of fire hazards
especially in open space areas.
Fire Department R $$$O The Foothills Fire Management Plan is implemented as
required.
S2.14.3 Minimize fire hazards by maintaining low density zoning in wildland
fire hazard areas.
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
R $O This is an ongoing effort
Page 63 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
S2.14.4 Work collaboratively with other jurisdictions and agencies to reduce
wildfire hazards in and around Palo Alto, with an emphasis on
effective vegetation management and mutual aid agreements.
Fire Department R $O This is an ongoing effort.
S2.14.5 Consider implementation of CAL FIRE recommended programs in
educating and involving the local community to diminish potential
loss caused by wildfire and identify prevention measures to reduce
those risks.
Fire Department S $$O This is an ongoing effort.
S2.15.1 Evaluate measures for optimal service delivery to improve
efficiency; develop automatic or mutual aid agreements with other
jurisdictions, including Stanford, to improve efficiencies.
Fire Department M $$O This is an ongoing effort.
S2.15.2 Upgrade fire stations so that all remain fully functional following
earthquakes.
Fire Department IP $$$O This is an ongoing effort.
S2.15.3 Periodically update the Fire Department Standards of Cover
document.
Fire Department S $O This is an ongoing effort.
S2.16.1 Provide public education on fire safety, including wildland and
structural fire prevention, evacuation routes and guidelines for
clearance of landscaping and other hazards around structures.
Fire Department R $O This is an ongoing effort.
S3.1.1 Continue City permitting procedures for commercial and industrial
storage, use, and handling of hazardous materials and regulate the
commercial use of hazardous materials that may present a risk of
off-site health or safety effects.
Fire Department IP $O This is an ongoing effort.
S3.1.2 Minimize the risks of biohazards in Palo Alto, including Level 4
biohazards, by continuing to review and update, as necessary, local
regulations regarding use, handling and disposal.
Fire Department S $O This is an ongoing effort.
S3.1.3 Strengthen development review requirements and construction
standards for projects on sites with groundwater contamination.
Planning and
Development
Services and
Department of
Public Works
S $O This requirement is ongoing as a part of CEQA review.
Goal S-3: An environment free of the damaging effects of human-caused threats and hazardous materials.
Page 64 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
S3.1.4 Establish protocols to monitor the movement of hazardous
materials on Palo Alto roadways and respond effectively to spills via
established truck and construction routes.
Fire Department M $O This is an ongoing effort.
S3.1.5 Work with non-profit organizations to provide information to the
public regarding pesticides and other commonly used hazardous
materials, environmentally preferable alternatives, and safe
recycling and disposal practices to all user groups.
Fire Department R $O This is an ongoing effort.
S3.1.6 Continue providing regular household hazardous waste collection
events at the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant and
strive to make these programs more convenient and accessible to
residents.
Department of
Public Works
R $O Continue to promote the household hazardous waste
collection events and Reuse Cabinets.
S3.1.7 Continue to allow small quantity generators to dispose of hazardous
waste at cost.
Department of
Public Works
R $O Program continues to be available to small businesses.
S3.1.8 Continue to educate residents on the proper disposal of
pharmaceutical and household hazardous waste. Encourage proper
disposal of medications through pharmacies or drug take-back
programs rather than flushing.
Department of
Public Works
R $O Advertising pharmaceutical disposal options and providing
locations to residents is a continuous effort.
S3.6.1 Work with the freight industry to monitor the contents of freight
trains intersecting Palo Alto for potentially hazardous materials, and
to establish accountability for accidents and spills.
Office of Emergency
Services
R $P Work has not yet commenced; loss of staff positions
impacts this effort.
S3.6.2 Work with Caltrain and the PAUSD, to educate students and the
public on the dangers of rail trespass and the benefits of suicide
support services available in Palo Alto.
Community Services
Department
R $O Project Safety Net, now a 501(c)(3) and its partners
continue to collaborate and educate the community. The
City remains committed to participating and supporting
Project Safety Net.
Page 65 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
S3.8.1 Encourage residential and commercial food waste reduction
through incentives, educational outreach and programs.
Department of
Public Works
R $O This work continues and is increasing as it is a key activity,
to approach Zero Waste. Will expand ordinance
requirements to improve diversion of organic waste.
S3.8.2 To the extent allowed by law, use refuse rate structures that
incentivize waste reduction.
Department of
Public Works
R $O Will continue to review rates to ensure that this program
charges the correct amount for the service.
S3.8.3 Continue to work with CalRecycle and the Department of Toxic
Substances Control to develop and promote long-term solid waste
management, such as environmentally responsible recycling
programs, composting of food waste and other organics, and
citywide electronics and digital hardware recycling efforts.
Department of
Public Works
IP $O This work continues and new campaigns are cycled
through.
S3.9.1 Periodically review and update the adopted Construction and
Debris program.
Department of
Public Works
R $O Monitoring the new requirement in this area that was
adopted in July 2020.
S3.9.2 Educate Palo Alto residents and developers about available
incentives to use environmentally friendly deconstruction activities
to minimize our carbon footprint, and to save natural resources, as
well as space in our landfills.
Department of
Public Works
R $O This is an ongoing task.
S3.10.1 Support efforts to enforce extended producer responsibility for
solid waste to reduce waste produced from manufacturing,
shipping, packaging and the entire life-cycle of the product.
Office of
Sustainability
R $O This is an ongoing task.
S3.12.1 Complete an inventory of the City’s digital infrastructure to locate
vulnerabilities and gaps in system redundancies and develop
recommendations for improved cybersecurity.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
S $$C Completed for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
(SCADA) System.
The Utilities Department has an active program in place
to identify vulnerabilities and continuously improve
cybersecurity.
Page 66 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
S3.12.2 Establish criteria for the installation of high security
telecommunications technology in new local government projects.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities
M $P As part of the City's fiber backbone expansion project,
Magellan Advisors collaborated with multiple
departments (Community Services, Transportation, Public
Works, Public Safety, Utilities) and identified locations
where fiber is needed to enhance site security or provide
new services.
S3.12.3 Establish a wi-fi network that will be available to public safety
responders and Emergency Service Volunteers in the event of
power interruption during an emergency or disaster.
City of Palo Alto
Utilities and Office
of Emergency
Services
S $$P As part of the City's fiber backbone expansion project, the
City will deploy new wireless infrastructure to support
mobile and portable communications for command and
patrol vehicles, as well as incident command networks in
the areas where existing commercial wireless services are
often saturated due to a high concentration of public
users (i.e. sporting event). The detailed engineering
design is scheduled to be completed by March 31, 2022.
T1.2.1 Create a long-term education program to change the travel habits
of residents, visitors, shoppers, and workers by informing them
about transportation alternatives, incentives, and impacts. Work
with the PAUSD and with other public and private interests, such as
the Chamber of Commerce and Commuter Wallet partners, to
develop and implement this program.
Office of
Transportation
R $P Will likely be part of Sustainability and Climate Action Plan
(S/CAP) implementation if approved by Council.
T1.2.2 Advocate for improved connectivity to transit to serve workers who
live in the South Bay and work in Palo Alto.
Office of
Transportation
R $PC This is an ongoing effort by city staff and council members
appointed to various boards and commissions.
Transportation Element
Goal T-1: Create a sustainable transportation system, complemented by a mix of land uses, that emphasizes walking, bicycling, use of public transportation, and other methods to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and the use of single occupancy motor vehicles.
Page 67 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
T1.2.3 Formalize TDM requirements by ordinance and require new
developments above a certain size threshold to prepare and
implement a TDM plan to meet specific performance standards.
Require regular monitoring/reporting and provide for enforcement
with meaningful penalties for non-compliance. The ordinance
should also:
Establish a list of effective TDM measures that include transit promotion, prepaid
transit passes, commuter checks, car sharing, carpooling, parking cash-out, bicycle
lockers and showers, shuttles to Caltrain, requiring TMA membership and education
and outreach to support the use of these modes.
Allow property owners to achieve reductions by contributing to citywide or
employment district shuttles or other proven transportation programs that are not
directly under the property owner’s control.
Provide a system for incorporating alternative measures as new ideas for TDM are
developed.
Establish a mechanism to monitor the success of TDM measures and track the
cumulative reduction of peak hour motor vehicle trips. TDM measures
should at a minimum achieve the following: reduction in peak hour motor vehicle
trips, with a focus on single-occupant vehicle trips. Reductions should be based on
the rates included in the Institute of Transportation Engineers’ Trip Generation
Manual for the appropriate land use category and size:
•45 percent reduction in the Downtown district
•35 percent reduction in the California Avenue area
•30 percent reduction in the Stanford Research Park
•30 percent reduction in the El Camino Real Corridor
•20 percent reduction in other areas of the city
Require new development projects to pay a Transportation Impact Fee for all those
peak-hour motor vehicle trips that cannot be reduced via TDM measures. Fees
collected would be used for capital improvements aimed at reducing vehicle trips
and traffic congestion.
Ensure a stable, sustained funding source to support implementation of TDM
Office of
Transportation
S $PC Partially implemented due to SB743 (Level of Service -to-
Vehicle Miles Travel) implementation and TIF adoption.
Due to lack of staff and funding resources, the TDM
Ordinance element of task is delayed but could be funded
via S/CAP if adopted.
T1.2.4 Evaluate the performance of pilot programs implemented by the
Palo Alto Transportation Management Association and pursue
expansion from Downtown to California Avenue and other areas of
the city when appropriate.
Office of
Transportation
IP $O Quarterly reports and annual survey evaluate the
Transportation Management Association (TMA) with
Office of Transportation oversight. Council expanded use
of City funds to include Cal Ave business district in 2020
following successful 2019 pilot program.
Page 68 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
T1.2.5 Site City facilities near high-capacity transit and revise existing
regulations, policies, and programs to encourage telecommuting,
satellite office concepts, and work-at-home options.
Planning and
Development
Services, Office of
Transportation &
Human Resources
Department
R $P The online platform implementation is currently on-hold
with resources allocated to address the COVID-19
pandemic. However, the City’s current employee
performance appraisal process provides for City
management to review and evaluate the quality of
customer service in each department. In addition, the City
Manager’s Office has launched a customer service
feedback function to view the data collected and
to monitor trends.
T1.2.6 Pursue full participation of Palo Alto employers in the TMA.Office of
Transportation
R $$O Where appropriate, Planning and Development Services
includes Transportation Management Association (TMA)
membership in development conditions. The TMA
conducts ongoing outreach to employers, and the TMA's
mode shift survey now doubles as an outreach tool.
T1.3.1 Develop an electric vehicle promotion program that identifies policy
and technical issues, barriers and opportunities to the expansion of
electric vehicles.
Office of
Sustainability
M $$O This program is ongoing in conjunction with City of Palo
Alto Utilities and Office of Transportation.
T1.3.2 Use low-emission vehicles for the Palo Alto Free Shuttle and work
with transit providers, including SamTrans and VTA, to encourage
the adoption of electric, fuel cell or other zero emission vehicles.
Also work with private bus and shuttle providers, delivery
companies, and ride services.
Office of
Transportation
M $$$P There are no plans to re-start the Palo Alto Shuttle. Staff
are working to pilot a grant-funded two-year on-demand
transit service, targeted to start prior to the 2023-24
school year. Vehicle type will be considered via the RFP
process to select a vendor.
Page 69 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
T1.4.1 Update the Zoning Code to ensure compatibility with the electric
vehicle infrastructure requirements.
Planning and
Development
Services
IP $O During FY 20-21, Planning and Transportation Commission
recommended and Council approved zoning code
amendments to adjust parking regulations including
supporting electric vehicles. Additional changes are in
process.
T1.4.2 Periodically review requirements for electric and plug- in vehicle
infrastructure in new construction. Consider and periodically review
requirements for electric and plug-in infrastructure for remodels.
Consider costs to the City, including identifying payment options.
Office of
Sustainability and
City of Palo Alto
Utilities Department
R $O This program is ongoing in conjunction with City of Palo
Alto Utilities.
T1.6.1 Collaborate with transit providers, including Caltrain, bus operators
and rideshare companies, to develop first/last mile connection
strategies that boost the use of transit and shuttle service for local
errands and commuting.
Office of
Transportation
S $P City received a VTA grant for a pilot on-demand transit
project. Staff is working towards finalizing the agreement
with VTA and will follow up with procurement of services.
T1.6.2 Continue to work with Caltrain, Amtrak, and public bus operators to
expand bicycle storage on public transit vehicles and at transit hubs
during both peak and off-peak hours.
Office of
Transportation
IP $O No updates to report at this time.
T1.11.1 Collaborate with Stanford University, VTA, Caltrain and other
agencies to pursue improvements to the Palo Alto Transit Center
area aimed at enhancing pedestrian experience and improving
circulation and access for all modes, including direct access to El
Camino Real for transit vehicles.
Office of
Transportation
IP $$$P Project is on hold for long term. In the long term, a
Downtown Coordinated Area Plan is needed to address
this program.
T1.11.2 In collaboration with Caltrain and Stanford Research Park, pursue
expansion of service to the California Avenue Caltrain Station and
creation of an enhanced transit center at the Station, including
connections to VTA bus service, the Palo Alto Free Shuttle, the
Marguerite, and other private shuttles serving the Research Park.
Office of
Transportation
M $$$O No updates to report at this time. In the long term, a
California Ave Transit Center plan is needed to address
this program.
Page 70 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
T1.12.1 Strongly recommend that VTA maintain existing service and
coverage levels in Palo Alto.
Office of
Transportation
IP $O Ongoing effort by Council members on VTA Committees
and City staff. VTA's 2021 Transit Service Plan is paused
due to public health orders limiting bus capacity to
accommodate physical distancing.
T1.12.2 Work with VTA to expand VTA express bus service routes to serve
the Stanford Research Park, California Avenue, Stanford University,
and Downtown.
Office of
Transportation
S $$O VTA’s Express Bus Partnership Program was implemented
in early 2020 and continues partnerships with companies
in funding Express bus routes selected by the companies.
The program runs annually, and Stanford Research Park
continues to support Express Routes 101, 102, 103 and
104 through the end of 2021.
T1.12.3 Work with VTA to study the feasibility of, and if warranted provide,
traffic signal prioritization for buses at Palo Alto intersections,
focusing first on regional transit routes. Also, advocate for bus
service improvements on El Camino Real such as queue jump lanes
and curbside platforms.
Office of
Transportation
S $$O No updates to report at this time.
T1.13.1 Investigate a pilot program to subsidize a taxi, rideshare, or transit
program for Palo Altans to get to/from downtown, including
offering education and incentives to encourage users.
Office of
Transportation
M $O A trial program for downtown workers began in April
2016 via the Transportation Management Association
(TMA). The TMA continues to subsidize ridesharing and
transit for downtown service workers.
Page 71 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
T1.14.1 Evaluate the shuttle system in collaboration with community
members, people with special needs, and PAUSD to: § Evaluate
current routes and ridership; Identify potential service
improvements, including new or modified routes; expanded
schedules that accommodate daytime, evening, and weekend
demand; facilitating transit connections, and improvements to the
safety and appearance of shuttle stops;
Explore partnerships with other services that could complement
and supplement the Palo Alto Shuttle;
Develop clear and engaging materials to explain and promote
shuttle use with the purpose of reducing barriers to use; and
Establish a schedule for regular evaluation and reporting to
optimize shuttle system use and effectiveness.
Office of
Transportation
IP $$$O In the Spring of 2021, the City was awarded a $2 million
Innovative Transit Grant by VTA to pilot a two-year on-
demand transit service. Staff are working to initiate this
service prior to the 2023-2024 school year.
T1.16.1 Continue regular surveys of bicycle use across the city, by collecting
bicycle counts on important and potential bicycle corridors.
Office of
Transportation
IP $$O Ongoing as part of City of Palo Alto's Bicycle + Pedestrian
Transportation Plan (BPTP) implementation.
T1.16.2 Consider marketing strategies such as a recurring Palo Alto Open
Streets program of events, potentially in coordination with local
business groups, which would include street closures and
programming.
City Manager M $O This is an ongoing effort. There are no substantial actions
to report at this time.
T1.16.3 Encourage private schools to develop Walk and Roll Maps as part of
Transportation Demand Management strategies to reduce vehicle
trips.
Office of
Transportation
IP $O This is an ongoing effort, Gideon Hausner Jewish Day
School developed their own map in 2014.
T1.16.4 Participate in local and regional encouragement events such as Palo
Alto Walks and Rolls, Bike to Work Day, and Bike Palo Alto! that
encourages a culture of bicycling and walking as alternatives to
single occupant vehicle trips.
Office of
Transportation
M $O Coordination with City staff and various event sponsors
are ongoing.
Page 72 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
T1.19.1 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. Include bicycle and e-
bike detection in intersection upgrades.
Department of
Public Works
M $O City-wide street surveys are completed biennially and
include pavement inspections of bike lanes and bike
boulevards. Installation of video detection equipment is
included with street maintenance projects when
appropriate.
T1.19.2 Prioritize investments for enhanced pedestrian access and bicycle
use within Palo Alto and to/from surrounding communities,
including by incorporating improvements from related City plans,
for example the 2012 Bicycle + Pedestrian Transportation Plan and
the Parks, Trails & Open Space Master Plan, as amended, into the
Capital Improvements Program.
Department of
Public Works
IP $$$O This program is ongoing. There are no substantial actions
to report at this time.
T1.19.3 Increase the number of east-west pedestrian and bicycle crossings
across Alma Street and the Caltrain corridor, particularly south of
Oregon Expressway.
Department of
Public Works
L $$$O This program is ongoing. There are no substantial actions
to report at this time.
T1.19.4 Encourage the use of bike sharing, and the provision of required
infrastructure throughout Palo Alto, especially at transit stations
and stops, job centers, community centers, and other destinations.
Office of
Transportation
IP $P Micro mobility pilot delayed due to public health orders
preventing community engagement events required to
launch new services.
T1.19.5 Improve amenities such as seating, lighting, bicycle parking, street
trees, public art, and interpretive stations along bicycle and
pedestrian paths and in City parks to encourage walking and cycling
and enhance the feeling of safety.
Office of
Transportation and
Department of
Public Works
IP $$$O There are no substantial actions to report at this time.
Ongoing as opportunities arise.
T1.22.1 Collect, analyze and report transportation data through surveys and
other methods on a regular basis. Track progress on build-out of the
2012 Bicycle + Pedestrian Transportation Plan network.
Office of
Transportation
R $$O This program is ongoing. There are no updates to report
at this time.
Page 73 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
T1.25.1 As part of the effort to reduce traffic congestion, regularly evaluate
the City’s current Transportation Impact Fee and modify as needed
to implement transportation infrastructure improvements.
Modifications to the impact fee program should be structured in
keeping with the City’s desire to require new development to
reduce peak hour motor vehicle contributions to the provision of
transit services, shuttles, carpool/ rideshare incentives, and similar
programs.
Office of
Transportation
IP $C Transportation Impact Fee (TIF) update was approved by
City Council in 2019.
T1.26.1 In collaboration with regional agencies and neighboring
jurisdictions, identify and pursue funding for rail corridor
improvements and grade separation.
Office of
Transportation
S $O City is pursuing council review of the alternatives in
consideration for the grade separation at Churchill,
Meadow and Charleston Crossings. Currently, the council
has narrowed the alternatives, however additional studies
are needed to select the preferred alternative for each
location.
T2.1.1 Implement computerized traffic management systems to improve
traffic flow when feasible.
Office of
Transportation
IP $$O This program is ongoing. There are no updates to report
at this time.
T2.1.2 Implement a program to monitor, coordinate, and optimize traffic
signal timing a minimum of every two years along arterial and
residential arterial streets.
Office of
Transportation
IP $$P This program will need additional staffing and funding
resources to be implemented.
T2.2.1 Work in partnership with the Palo Alto TMA and Stanford University
to aggregate data and realize measurable reductions in single-
occupant vehicle commuting to and from Downtown and in the
Stanford Research Park.
Office of
Transportation
IP $O This program is ongoing. There are no updates to report
at this time.
Goal T-2: Decrease delay, congestion, and vehicle miles travelled with a priority on our worst intersections and our peak commute times, including school traffic.
Page 74 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
T2.3.1 When adopting new CEQA significance thresholds for VMT for
compliance with SB 743 (2013), adopt standards for vehicular LOS
analysis for use in evaluating the consistency of a proposed project
with the Comprehensive Plan, and also explore desired standards
for MMLOS, which includes motor vehicle LOS, at signalized
intersections.
Office of
Transportation
S $$P No updates to report at this time.
T2.4.1 Revise protocols for reviewing office, commercial, and multi-family
residential development proposals to evaluate multimodal level of
service and identify gaps in the low stress bicycle and pedestrian
network.
Office of
Transportation
S $P Methodologies for Multimodal Level of Service (MMLOS)
are neither standardized nor widely used. Level of stress
analysis of the bicycle and pedestrian network is
anticipated in the FY22 update of the Bicycle and
Pedestrian Transportation Plan. This analysis will inform
development review by staff.
T3.5.1 Continue to use best practices in roadway design that are
consistent with complete streets principles and the Urban Forest
Master Plan, focusing on bicycle and pedestrian safety and multi-
modal uses. Consider opportunities to incorporate best practices
from the National Association of City Transportation Officials
guidelines for urban streets and bikeways, tailored to the Palo Alto
context.
Office of
Transportation &
Department of
Public Works
S $$O No additional updates to report.
T3.5.2 Establish procedures for considering the effects of street design on
emergency vehicle response time.
Department of
Public Works & Palo
Alto Police
Department & Palo
Alto Fire
Department
R $O Input given when requested from the City. There are no
substantial actions to report at this time.
T3.10.1 Support increased public transit, traffic management and parking
solutions to ensure safe, convenient access to and from the
Stanford Shopping Center/ Medical Center area.
Office of
Transportation
R $O This program is ongoing. The Quarry Road Extension is a
potential project with regional transit benefits.
Goal T-3: Maintain an efficient roadway network for all users.
Page 75 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
T3.10.2 Implement and monitor Development Agreement traffic mitigations
at Stanford Medical Center.
Office of
Transportation
IP $O This program is ongoing lead by Planning Department
with Office of Transportation support as needed.
T3.10.3 Provide safe, convenient pedestrian, bicycle, and transit
connections between the Stanford Shopping Center/Medical Center
areas and housing along the Sand Hill Road/Quarry Road corridors
to Palo Alto Transit Center, Downtown Palo Alto, and other primary
destinations.
Office of
Transportation
R $$$P The Quarry Rd re-striping and path to Transit Center are
recent projects. The Quarry Road Extension is a future
project that will reduce transit travel time.
T3.10.4 Pursue extension of Quarry Road for transit, pedestrians and
bicyclists to access the Palo Alto Transit Center from El Camino
Real. Also study the feasibility of another pedestrian and bicycle
underpass of Caltrain at Everett Street.
Office of
Transportation
M $$P This project is on hold.
T3.15.1 Undertake studies and outreach necessary to advance grade
separation of Caltrain to become a “shovel ready” project and
strongly advocate for adequate State, regional, and federal funding
for design and construction of railroad grade separations.
Office of
Transportation
S $$$O The project is ongoing. City Council reviewed the details
of grade separation alternatives at Meadow and
Charleston on 8/23/21. Council plans to review Churchill
Avenue Alternatives on 10/18/21. Staff will pursue
additional studies and outreach. Future actions will
depend upon Council Direction on the selection of
Preferred Alternatives
T3.15.2 Conduct a study to evaluate the implications of grade separation on
bicycle and pedestrian circulation.
Office of
Transportation
S $$P Will need additional funding to conduct this review. Staff
needs to establish Capital Improvement Projects for such
studies and design efforts.
T3.17.1 Complete a Palo Alto Avenue crossing study to identify potential
near-term safety and accessibility improvements.
Office of
Transportation
S $$P This will be perfumed in conjunction with Downtown Area
Study. This is currently on hold.
T3.17.2 Work with Caltrain to ensure that the rail tracks are safe and secure
with adequate fencing and barriers.
Office of
Transportation
S $$O The project for safety improvements on Churchill Av. at-
grade crossings is currently in progress.
Page 76 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
T4.2.1 Periodically evaluate residential areas for traffic impacts and use
the results of that evaluation to prioritize traffic calming measures.
Office of
Transportation
IP $$O Ongoing Program. Implemented traffic calming in
Crescent Park Area
T4.4.1 Use landscaping and other improvements to establish clear
“gateways” at the points where the Oregon Expressway, University
Avenue and Embarcadero Road transition from freeways to
neighborhoods.
Department of
Public Works
L $$$O This is an ongoing effort. There are no substantial actions
to report at this time.
T5.1.1 Evaluate the need to update parking standards in the municipal
code, based on local conditions, different users’ needs and baseline
parking need. Allow the use of parking lifts for Office/R&D and
multifamily housing as appropriate.
Planning and
Development
Services and Office
of Transportation
S $PC OOT presented initial recommendations to PTC in
September 2021; for Finance Committee in October 2021,
recommendations were focused on moving forward for
adopting virtual permitting options. Additional
recommendations will be presented along with the
development of a commercial pilot process.
T5.1.2 Consider reducing parking requirements for retail and restaurant
uses as a way to encourage new businesses and the use of
alternative modes.
Planning and
Development
Services
M $P Work on this has not commenced yet, though the City has
allowed use of parking spaces temporarily to enable
parklets in the Right Of Ways and outdoor business on
private parking lots. Council directed exploration of
permanent parklets.
T5.1.3 Work with stakeholders in each commercial center and
employment district to monitor conditions and determine the
appropriate timing for revisions to parking requirements.
Planning and
Development
Services and Office
of Transportation
M $P Work has not commenced.
Goal T-4: Protect local streets that contribute to neighborhood character and provide a range of local transportation options.
Goal T-5: Encourage attractive, convenient, efficient and innovative parking solutions for all users.
Page 77 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
T5.1.4 Study the feasibility of unbundled parking for office, commercial,
and multi-family residential developments (including senior housing
developments) that are well- served by transit and demonstrated
walking and biking connections.
Planning and
Development
Services and Office
of Transportation
S $P Work has not commenced.
T5.1.5 Consider reducing parking requirements for multi- family uses as a
way to encourage new multi-family housing and the use of
alternative modes, where reduction in parking would not impact
the neighborhood.
Planning and
Development
Services
S $C Staff will continue exploration of permanent parklets and
parking reductions for multi family residential use
T5.2.1 Use technology to help identify parking availability and make it easy
to pay any parking fees.
Office of
Transportation
S $$$O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at this
time.
T5.2.2 Study and implement pricing strategies for public parking in
commercial districts, taking into consideration both employee
parking demand and the needs of retailers and customers. Use
pricing to encourage short term parking on street, long term
parking in parking garages, and the use of alternative modes of
transportation
Office of
Transportation
IP $$O PTC reviewed options in an initial study session in May
2021. Additional stakeholder outreach to occur in 2022.
T5.2.3 Implement Council-adopted recommendations from the parking
management study for the Downtown area, which address the
feasibility of removing color- coded parking zones, and dynamic
pricing and management policies to prioritize short-term parking
spaces closest to the commercial core for customers, garage
parking for employees, and neighborhood parking for residents.
Office of
Transportation
S $$$O Regular parking occupancy counts to occur with
Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR)
implementation in 2022. Initial recommendations and
additional engagement to occur as data is collected and
reviewed.
T5.4.1 Explore incentives to encourage privately initiated shared parking
among individual property owners when developments have excess
parking that can be available for other businesses to use.
Office of
Transportation
S $P Work has not yet begun.
T5.8.1 Study the feasibility of retrofitting City-owned surface parking lots
to implement best management practices for stormwater
management and urban heat island mitigation, including green
infrastructure, permeable pavement and reflective surfaces.
Department of
Public Works
S $$O Staff received a grant to retrofit an existing parking lot;
scoping for project will commence in 2022.
Page 78 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
T5.8.2 Identify incentives to encourage the retrofit of privately owned
surface parking areas to incorporate best management practices for
stormwater management and urban heat island mitigation as well
as incentives for the provision of publicly accessible pavement and
reflective surfaces.
Department of
Public Works
S $O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at this
time.
T5.8.3 Update City requirements regarding trees and other landscaping
that capture and filter stormwater within surface parking lots to
take advantage of new technology.
Department of
Public Works
R $O This is an ongoing program. There are no substantial
actions to report at this time.
T5.11.1 Coordinate with neighborhood groups and local businesses and
other stakeholders to evaluate the need for a residential parking
permit program in areas without existing programs.
Office of
Transportation
S $$O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at this
time.
T5.12.1 Work with employers, merchants, schools, and community service
providers, to identify ways to provide more bicycle parking,
including e-bike parking with charging stations, near existing shops,
services and places of employment.
Office of
Transportation
R $O This is an ongoing program via 311 requests for parking in
the public Right-of-Ways and through coordination with
the Safe Routes to School program.
T5.12.2 Install secure electronic bike lockers such as the BikeLink system, at
high theft locations, including transit stations and parking garages.
Office of
Transportation
M $$P Work has not commenced.
T5.12.3 Assess the need to provide additional bicycle parking in City-owned
parking lots and rights-of-way.
Office of
Transportation
M $$O This is an ongoing program via 311 requests for parking in
the public Right-of-Ways.
T6.1.1 Follow the principles of the safe routes to schools program to
implement traffic safety measures that focus on Safe Routes to
work, shopping, downtown, community services, parks, and
schools, including all designated school commute corridors.
Office of
Transportation
R $$O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at this
time.
T6.1.2 Develop, distribute and aggressively promote maps and apps
showing safe routes to work, shopping, community services, parks
and schools within Palo Alto in collaboration with stakeholders,
including PAUSD, major employers, TMAs, local businesses and
community organizations.
Office of
Transportation
IP $$O This is an ongoing program. School Walk and Roll Maps
are updated as needed. Walk and Roll to Libraries maps
has been updated in 2018.
Goal T-6: Provide a safe environment for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists on Palo Alto streets.
Page 79 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
T6.1.3 Address pedestrian safety along Alma Street between Embarcadero
Road and Lytton Street.
Office of
Transportation
S $$P Work has not commenced.
T6.1.4 Address pedestrian safety on shared-use paths through the use of
signs, pavement markings, and outreach to users, encouraging
them to be safe and courteous.
Office of
Transportation
R $O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at this
time.
T6.2.1 Regularly collect severity and location data on roadway collisions
for all modes of travel, including fatalities and severe injuries, and
use this data to make roadway design decisions. In collaboration
with Santa Clara County, develop an up-to-date, public database for
this information.
Office of
Transportation
R $$O This is an ongoing program via the County's collision
database.
T6.4.1 Consider the Adopted School Commute Corridors Network and
adopted “Walk and Roll” maps when reviewing development
applications and making land use and transportation planning
decisions. Incorporate these requirements into City code when
feasible.
Office of
Transportation
R $O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at this
time.
T6.4.2 Establish standards and procedures for maintaining safe bicycling
routes, including signage for warnings and detours during
construction projects.
Office of
Transportation
IP $C The Traffic Control Plan Guidelines was updated in 2016
and regularly reviewed.
T6.4.3 In collaboration with PAUSD, provide adult crossing guards at
school crossings that meet established warrants.
Police Department R $$O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at this
time.
T6.6.1 Periodically evaluate safety on roadways and at intersections and
enhance conditions through the use of signal technology and
physical changes. Consider the construction of traffic circles for
improved intersection safety.
Office of
Transportation
R $$$O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at this
time.
T6.6.2 Continue to provide educational programs for children and adults,
in partnership with community-based educational organizations, to
promote the safe walking and safe use of bicycles, including the City-
sponsored bicycle education programs in the public schools and the
bicycle traffic school program for juveniles.
Office of
Transportation
R $$O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at this
time.
T6.6.3 Work with PAUSD and employers to promote roadway safety for all
users, including motorized alternatives to cars and bikes such as
mopeds and e-bikes, through educational programs for children and
adults.
Office of
Transportation
R $$O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at this
time.
Page 80 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
T6.6.4 Complete a mobility and safety study for downtown Palo Alto,
looking at ways to improve circulation and safety for all modes.
Office of
Transportation
M $$P Work has not commenced.
T6.6.5 Identify and construct safety improvements for pedestrian
underpasses, including on Embarcadero Road.
Office of
Transportation
L $$$P Work has not commenced.
T6.6.6 Improve pedestrian crossings by creating protected areas and
better pedestrian and traffic visibility. Use a toolbox including bulb
outs, small curb radii, high visibility crosswalks, and landscaping.
Office of
Transportation
R $$$O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at this
time.
T6.6.7 Establish a program to educate residents to keep sidewalks clear of
parked cars, especially on narrow local streets in neighborhoods
with rolled curbs. Survey for compliance annually.
Office of
Transportation
M $$P Work has not commenced. A rolled curb parking flyer is
available on the City website.
T6.7.1 Evaluate the performance of safety improvements and identify
methods to encourage alternative transportation modes.
Office of
Transportation
R $O This is an ongoing program, no updates to report at this
time.
T7.1.1 Expand transportation opportunities for transit- dependent riders
by supporting discounts for taxi fares, rideshare services, and
transit, by coordinating transit systems to be shared by multiple
senior housing developments, and by maintaining a database of
volunteer drivers, and other transit options.
Office of
Transportation
M $$P Work has not commenced. The on-demand transit pilot
will include discount fares for seniors and possibly others.
T7.1.2 Coordinate with social service agencies and transit agencies to fill
gaps in existing transportation routes and services accessible to
transit-dependent riders no matter their means and design new bus
routes that enable them to access those services.
Office of
Transportation
R $$$O Due to the pandemic, free shuttle service was cancelled.
The future on-demand transit service will include fare
discounts.
T7.1.3 Pursue expanded evening and night time bus service to enhance
mobility for all users during off-peak times.
Office of
Transportation
R $P This program is unlikely to be pursued with VTA's 2021
New Service Plan.
Goal T-7: Provide mobility options that allow people who are transit dependent to reach their destinations.
Goal T-8: Influence the shape and implementation of regional transportation policies and technologies to reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.
Page 81 of 82
Priority Level of
Effort
2021
Status
S= Short (< 5
years), M=
Medium (5‐10
years), L=
Long (>10
years), IP= In
Progress, R=
Routine
$=Small,
$$=Medium
$$$=Substantia
l Effort
C= Complete,
PC= Partially
Complete, O=
Ongoing, P=
Pending
Program Text Lead
Department Staff Comments
T8.1.1 Continue to participate in regional efforts to develop technological
solutions that make alternatives to the automobile more
convenient.
Office of
Transportation
R $O Projects like Dumbarton Forward a MTC/AC Transit Travel
Time improvement Project, PASS Project, and Manager’s
Mobility Partnership address this.
T8.3.1 Advocate for provision of a new southbound entrance ramp to
Highway 101 from San Antonio Road, in conjunction with the
closure of the southbound Charleston Road on-ramp at the
Rengstorff Avenue interchange in Mountain View.
Office of
Transportation
S $O At present VTA is leading work effort to identify project
alternatives, define scope of upcoming analysis, and apply
for grant funding.
T8.7.1 Work with regional transportation providers to improve
connections between Palo Alto and the San Francisco International
Airport and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport.
Office of
Transportation
R $P Work has not commenced.
T8.8.1 Identify and improve bicycle connections to/from neighboring
communities in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties to support
local trips that cross city boundaries. Also advocate for reducing
barriers to bicycling and walking at freeway interchanges,
expressway intersections, and railroad grad crossings.
Office of
Transportation
IP $$$O This is an ongoing project. Peninsula Bikeway signage was
installed in 2018 via efforts of the Managers Mobility
Partnership, which continues to improve connections
between local jurisdictions. Adobe Creek Bridge will be
completed in Autumn of 2021. Newell Bridge project has
expected completion date in 2023. Class 1 or Class 4
bicycle facilities will be included in the reconstruction of
the 101/San Antonio interchange.
Source: City of Palo Alto, Planning and Development Services, 2022 February
Page 82 of 82
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 1 of 27 Revised December 2021
Status of Housing Element Programs 2015-2023
December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
H1 Goal ENSURE THE PRESERVATION OF THE UNIQUE CHARACTER OF RESIDENTIAL
NEIGHBORHOODS
H1.1 Policy Promote the rehabilitation of
deteriorating or substandard
residential properties using
sustainable and energy
conserving approaches.
H1.1.1 Program
Continue the citywide
property maintenance,
inspection, and
enforcement program.
Continue to
provide services
which promote
rehabilitation of
substandard
housing.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department;
Code
Enforcement
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
H1.1.2 Program
Consider modifying
development standards for
second units, where
consistent with maintaining
the character of existing
neighborhoods. The
modifications should
encourage the production of
second units affordable to
very low-, low-, or moderate-
income households.
Consider
modifying the
Zoning Code to
provide for
additional second
units.
General Fund Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Conduct a study
within three
years of adoption
of Housing
Element to
assess the
potential for
additional
second units with
modifications to
the development
standards.
Complete.
The new Ordinance
was adopted
November 2020. Staff
will return to PTC
regarding establishing
rules for Affordable
units.
H1.1.3 Program
Provide incentives to developers
such as reduced fees and
flexible development standards
Preserve 10
rental cottages
and duplexes.
City Housing funds Planning and
Development
Services
Explore
incentives within
three years of
Partially Complete.
ADU regulations were
approved in
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 2 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
to encourage the preservation
of existing rental cottages and
duplexes currently located in the
R-1 and R-2 residential areas.
Department Housing Element
adoption.
November 2020.
H1.2 Policy Support efforts to preserve
multifamily
housing units in existing
neighborhoods.
H1.2.1 Program
When a loss of rental housing
occurs due to subdivision or
condominium conversion
approvals, the project shall
require 25 percent BMR units.
Provide 10
additional
affordable
housing units on
sites where rental
housing will be
lost.
NA Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing Partially Complete.
There have not been
any projects subject to
this program to date.
H1.3 Policy Encourage community
involvement in the
maintenance and enhancement
of public and private properties
and adjacent rights-of-way in
residential
neighborhoods.
H1.3.1 Program
Create community volunteer
days and park cleanups,
plantings, or similar events that
promote neighborhood
enhancement and conduct
City- sponsored cleanup
campaigns for public and
private properties.
Coordin. with the
City’s waste and
disposal hauler
to conduct a
cleanup
campaign once a
year to promote
neighborhood
clean-up.
City Housing
Funds
Public Works
Department
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
H1.4 Policy Ensure that new developments
provide appropriate transitions
from higher density
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 3 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
development to single-family
and low-density residential
districts to preserve
neighborhood character.
H2 Goal SUPPORT THE CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSING NEAR SCHOOLS, TRANSIT, PARKS, SHOPPING, EMPLOYMENT, AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS
H2.1 Policy Identify and implement
strategies to increase housing
density and diversity, including
mixed-use development and a
range of unit styles, near
community services. Emphasize
and encourage the
development of affordable and
mixed-income housing to
support the City’s fair share of
the regional housing needs and
to ensure that the City’s
population remains
economically diverse.
H2.1.1 Program
To allow for higher density
residential development, consider
amending the Zoning Code to
permit high-density residential in
mixed use or single use projects in
commercial areas within one-half
a mile of fixed rail stations and to
allow limited exceptions to the 50-
foot height limit for Housing
Element Sites within one-quarter
mile of fixed rail stations.
Provide
opportunities
for a diverse
range of
housing types
near fixed rail
stations.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Consider Zoning
Code
amendments
within three
years of Housing
Element
adoption.
Complete.
Part of the Phase 1
Housing Element
implementation plan
for 2018. Completion
in Feb. 2019
H2.1.2 Program
.
Allow increased residential
densities and mixed-use
development only where
adequate urban services and
amenities, including roadway
Make sure that
adequate
services are
available when
considering
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing Complete.
Council did expand
additional area of the
Housing
Improvement
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 4 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
capacity, are available. increased
residential
densities.
Program Area in
2020.
H2.1.3 Program
Amend the zoning code to
specify the minimum density of
eight dwelling units per acre in all
RM-15 districts. Consider
amending the zoning code to
specify minimum density for
other multifamily zoning
districts, consistent with the
multi-family land use
designation in the
Comprehensive Plan.
To provide
opportunities
for up to10
additional
dwelling units
on properties
zoned RM-15
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Within three
years of Housing
Element
adoption.
Complete.
Adopted Housing
Incentive Ordinance
in 2019.
H2.1.4 Program
.
Amend the Zoning Code to
create zoning incentives that
encourage the development of
smaller, more affordable
housing units, including units for
seniors, such as reduced parking
requirements for units less than
900 square feet and other
flexible development standards.
Provide
opportunities
for 75 smaller,
more
affordable
housing units.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Within three
years of Housing
Element
adoption.
Partially Complete.
The new ADU
Ordinance was adopted
November 2020. Staff
to return to PTC
regarding establishing
rules for Affordable
units.
H2.1.5 Program
Use sustainable neighborhood
development criteria to
enhance connectivity,
walkability, and access to
amenities, and to support
housing diversity.
Increase
connectivity
and walkability
in new
development.
VTA and City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing Partially Complete.
North Ventura
Community Action
Plan underway.
H2.1.6 Program
Consider density bonuses
and/or concessions including
allowing greater concessions
for 100% affordable housing
developments.
Provide
opportunities
for 100%
affordable
housing
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing Complete.
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 5 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
developments.
H2.1.7 Program
Explore developing a Transfer
of Development Rights (TDR)
program to encourage higher-
density housing in appropriate
locations.
Create
opportunities
for higher-
density
housing.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Consider
program within
two years of
Housing Element
adoption.
Partially Complete.
Completed part of
the Phase 1 Housing
Element
implementation plan
for 2018, standards to
be developed.
H2.1.8 Program
Promote redevelopment of
underutilized sites by providing
information about potential
housing sites on the City’s
website, including the Housing
Sites identified to meet the
RHNA and information about
financial resources available
through City housing programs.
Provide
information to
developers
about
potential
housing sites.
City funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Post information
on website upon
adoption of
Housing
Element.
Complete.
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 6 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
H2.1.9 Program
Amend the Zoning Code to
create zoning incentives that
encourage the consolidation of
smaller lots identified as
Housing Inventory Sites and
developed with 100%
affordable housing projects.
Incentives may include
development review
streamlining, reduction in
required parking for smaller
units, or graduated density
when consolidated lots are over
one-half acre. Adopt
amendments as appropriate.
Provide information regarding
zoning incentives to developers.
Amend the
Zoning Code to
provide
development
incentives to
meet the
RHNA.
City funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Adopt
amendments
within two years
of Housing
Element
adoption.
Complete.
H2.1.10 Program
As a part of planning for the
future of El Camino Real, explore
the identification of pedestrian
nodes (i.e. “pearls on a string”)
consistent with the South El
Camino Design Guidelines, with
greater densities in these nodes
than in other
areas.
Explore the
identification of
pedestrian
nodes.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing in
conjunction with
the
Comprehensive
Plan update.
Partially Complete.
Part of the Phase 1
Housing Element
implementation plan;
in 2018. Comp. Plan
adopted.
H2.1.11 Program
Consider implementing the
Pedestrian and Transit Oriented
Development (PTOD) Overlay for
the University Avenue
downtown district to promote
Consider PTOD
for University
Avenue.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Within four years
of Housing
Element
adoption, in
conjunction with
Not Yet Complete.
The City is exploring
other options to
PTOD.
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 7 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
higher density multifamily
housing development in that
area.
the
Comprehensive
Plan update.
H2.1.12 Program
Evaluate developing specific or
precise plans for the downtown,
California Avenue, and El Camino
Real areas to implement in the
updated Comprehensive Plan.
Adopt plans for these areas, as
appropriate.
Evaluate
developing plans
for downtown,
California
Avenue, and El
Camino Real.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing in
conjunction with
the
Comprehensive
Plan update
Complete.
Comprehensive Plan
adopted the study of
Coordinated Plans for
Cal Ave and
Downtown.
H2.2 Policy
Continue to support
redevelopment of suitable lands
for mixed uses containing
housing to encourage compact,
infill development. Optimize the
use of existing urban services
and support transit.
•
.
H2.2.1 Program
Implement an incentive program
within three years of Housing
Element adoption for small
properties identified as a
Housing Element Site to
encourage housing production
on those sites. The incentive
eliminates Site and Design
Review if the project meets the
following criteria:
• The project has 9 residential
units or fewer
• A residential density of 20
dwelling units per acre or higher
Streamline
processing for
identified
Housing Element
Sites
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Adopt program
within three
years of Housing
Element
adoption
Complete.
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 8 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
Maximum unit size of 900 square
feet
H2.2.2 Program
Work with Stanford University to
identify sites suitable for housing
that may be located in the
Stanford Research Park and
compatible with
surrounding uses.
Identify sites
suitable for
housing to
accommodate
additional
housing
units.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Identify sites
within three
years of Housing
Element
adoption.
Not Yet Complete.
H2.2.3 Program
Use coordinated area plans
and other tools to develop
regulations that support the
development of housing above
and among commercial uses.
Explore
additional
opportunities to
encourage
housing in
commercial
areas.
VTA and City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing Partially Complete:
Underway. Part of the
Phase 1 Housing
Element
implementation plan
for 2018;
development of the
North Ventura
Coordinated Area
Plan in progress.
H2.2.4 Program
As detailed in the Resources
chapter of the Housing Element,
the City of Palo Alto has
committed to providing financial
assistance towards the
conversion of 23 multi-family
units to very low-income (30-
50% AMI) units for a period of 55
years, and is seeking to apply
credits towards the City’s RHNA
(refer to Appendix C - Adequate
Sites Program Alternative
Checklist). The Palo Alto Housing
Corporation (PAHC) approached
the City for assistance in
By the end of the
second year of
the housing
element planning
period, the City
will enter into a
legally
enforceable
agreement for
$200,000 in
committed
assistance to
purchase
affordability
covenants on 23
City Housing funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing Complete.
January 2016.
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 9 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
converting a portion of the 60
units at the Colorado Park
Apartments, to be reserved for
very low-income households.
The committed assistance will
ensure affordability of the units
for at least 55 years, as required
by law.
units at the
Colorado Park
Apartments. The
City will report to
HCD on the
status of
purchasing
affordability
covenants no
later than July 1,
2018, and to the
extent an
agreement is not
in place, will
amend the
Housing Element
as necessary to
identify
additional sites.
H2.2.5 Program
The City will continue to
identify more transit-rich
housing sites including in the
downtown and the California
Avenue area after HCD
certification as part of the
Comprehensive Plan Update
process and consider
exchanging sites along San
Antonio and sites along South
El Camino that are outside of
identified “pedestrian nodes”
for the more transit-rich
identified sites.
Explore
additional
appropriate
housing sites.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing Not Yet complete.
Amended to include
additional housing in
San Antonio corridor
in November 2019.
H2.2.6 Program
On parcels zoned for mixed use,
consider allowing exclusively
Consider transfer
of zoning
City Funds Planning and
Development
Within three
years of Housing
Complete.
Part of Housing
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 10 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
residential use on extremely
small parcels through the
transfer of zoning requirements
between adjacent parcels to
create horizontal mixed-use
arrangements. If determined to
be appropriate, adopt an
ordinance to implement this
program.
requirements to
create horizontal
mixed use.
Services
Department
Element
adoption
Program 2.1.9 above.
H2.2.7 Program
Explore requiring minimum
residential densities to
encourage more housing instead
of office space when mixed-use
sites develop and adopt
standards as appropriate.
Explore requiring
minimum
densities in
mixed use
districts.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing in
conjunction with
the
Comprehensive
Plan update
Complete.
Adoption new
development
standards
CS18.16.060.
H2.2.8 Program
Assess the potential of removing
maximum residential densities
(i.e. dwelling units per acre) in
mixed use zoning districts to
encourage the creation of
smaller housing units within the
allowable Floor Area Ratio (FAR)
and adopt standards as
appropriate.
Assess removal
of maximum
densities in
mixed use zoning
districts.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing in
conjunction with
the
Comprehensive
Plan update
Complete.
Feb. 2019.
H2.3 Policy Heighten community awareness
and to receive community input
regarding the social, economic
and environmental values of
maintaining economic diversity
in the City by providing
affordable and mixed income
higher density housing along
transit corridors and at other
appropriate locations.
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 11 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
H2.3.1 Program
Maintain an ongoing
conversation with the
community, using a variety of
forms of media, regarding the
need for affordable housing, the
financial realities of acquiring
land and building affordable
housing, and the reasons that
affordable housing projects
need higher densities to be
feasible developments.
Perform
outreach on
affordable
housing.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
H3 Goal MEET UNDERSERVED HOUSING NEEDS, AND PROVIDE COMMUNITY RESOURCES TO SUPPORT OUR
NEIGHBORHOODS
H3.1 Policy Encourage, foster, and preserve
diverse housing opportunities
for very low-, low-, and
moderate income
households.
H3.1.1 Program
Amend the City’s BMR ordinance
to lower the BMR requirement
threshold from projects of five or
more units to three or more
units, and to modify the BMR
rental section to be consistent
with case law related to
inclusionary rental housing.
Provide
opportunities for
four additional
BMR units.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Amend BMR
Ordinance within
three years of
Housing Element
adoption.
Complete.
Ordinance adopted
on April 17, 2017.
H3.1.2 Program
Implement the BMR ordinance
to reflect the City’s policy of
requiring:
a) At least 15 percent of all
housing units in projects must
be provided at below market
Provide 10
affordable units
through
implementation
of the City’s BMR
program.
Developers Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing –
implementation
of existing
program
Ongoing Program.
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 12 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
rates to very low-, low-, and
moderate-income households.
Projects on sites of five acres or
larger must set aside 20 percent
of all units as BMR units.
Projects that cause the loss of
existing rental housing may
need to provide a 25 percent
component as detailed in
Program H 1.2.1. BMR units
must be comparable in quality,
size, and mix to the other units
in the development.
b) Initial sales price for at
least two- thirds of the BMR
units must be affordable to a
household making 80 to 100
percent of the Santa Clara
County median income. The
initial sales prices of the
remaining BMR units may be set
at higher levels affordable to
households earning between
100 to
120 percent of the County’s
median income. For projects
with a 25 percent BMR
component, four-fifths of the
BMR
units must be affordable to
households
H3.1.3 Program
Continue implementation of the
Below Market Rate Program
Emergency Fund to prevent the
Use the BMR
Program
Emergency Fund
BMR Emergency
Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
On Ongoing Program
preserved one BMR
unit in 2016; CDBG
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 13 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
loss of BMR units and to provide
emergency loans for BMR unit
owners to maintain and
rehabilitate their units. Consider
expansion of program funds to
provide financial assistance for
the maintenance and
rehabilitation of older BMR
units.
to prevent the
loss of at least
two affordable
units and assist in
maintenance and
rehabilitation of
at least four older
BMR units
Department funding for Safe and
Sanitary maintenance
of 5 units inFY2018-19.
H3.1.4 Program
Preserve affordable housing
stock by monitoring compliance,
providing tenant education, and
seeking other sources of funds
for affordable housing
developments at risk of market
rate conversions. The City will
continue to renew existing
funding sources supporting
rehabilitation and maintenance
activities.
Prevent
conversion of
affordable
housing to market
rate and renew
funding sources
for rehabilitation
and maintenance
of housing stock.
City, CDBG funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing.
Continued
implementation
of existing
program
Partially Complete.
Underway, in
discussions with
property owners of
projects at risk of
conversion, including
Lytton Gardens,
Terman Apartments
and Webster Wood
Apartments.
H3.1.5 Program
Encourage the use of flexible
development standards,
including floor- area ratio limits,
creative architectural solutions,
and green building practices in
the design of projects with a
substantial BMR component.
Increase
opportunities for
BMR
development
through use of
flexible
development
standards.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing.
Continued
implementation
of existing
program
Ongoing Program.
The Planned Housing
Zone was adopted in
Sept. 2020 with more
affordable housing
options to provide
greater flexibility.
H3.1.6 Program
Require developers of
employment- generating
commercial and industrial
developments to contribute to
the supply of low- and
Generate in-lieu
fees to contribute
toward the
creation of low-
and moderate-
City Housing Fund Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing.
Continue to
regularly update
the commercial
in-lieu fee.
Complete.
The commercial in-
lieu fee housing
development fee is
regularly updated
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 14 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
moderate-income housing
through the payment of
commercial in-lieu fees as set
forth in a nexus impact fee study
and implementing ordinances.
income housing. with other city fees
based on nexus
impact fee studies.
H3.1.7 Program
Ensure that the Zoning Code
permits innovative housing
types such as co- housing and
provides flexible development
standards that will allow such
housing to be built, provided the
character of the neighborhoods
in which such housing is
proposed to be located is
maintained.
Review the
Zoning Code and
determine
appropriate
amendments to
allow innovative
housing types
with flexible
development
standards.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Consider
changes to the
Zoning Code
within four years
of Housing
Element
adoption.
Not Complete.
Included in Housing
Work Plan as
Program 2.8.
H3.1.8 Program
Recognize the Buena Vista
Mobile Home Park as providing
low- and moderate income
housing opportunities. Any
redevelopment of the site must
be consistent with the City’s
Mobile Home Park Conversion
Ordinance adopted to preserve
the existing units. To the extent
feasible, the City will seek
appropriate local, state and
federal funding to assist in the
preservation and maintenance
of the existing units in the Buena
Vista Mobile Home Park.
Preserve the 120
mobile home
units in the
Buena Vista
Mobile Home
Park as a low and
moderate
income housing
resource.
City, State and
Federal Funds
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing Complete.
Mobile home park
was preserved in
September 2017 with
interagency
cooperation.
H3.1.9 Program
Continue enforcing the
Condominium Conversion
Ordinance.
Maintain the
rental housing
stock.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 15 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
H3.1.10 Program
Annually monitor the progress
in the construction or
conversion of housing for all
income levels, including the
effectiveness of housing
production in mixed use
developments.
Provide
information to
the City Council
on the
effectiveness of
City programs.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Provide annual
reports.
Ongoing Program.
H3.1.11 Program
When using Housing
Development funds for
residential projects, the City
shall give a strong preference to
those developments which
serve extremely low-income
(ELI), very low-income, and low-
income households.
Provide funding
opportunities for
development of
housing for
Extremely Low
Income
households.
City Housing
Development funds
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
Housing funds
provided as needed
by housing projects.
H3.1.12 Program
Amend the Zoning Code to
provide additional incentives to
developers who provide
extremely low-income (ELI),
very low-income, and low-
income housing units, above
and beyond what is required by
the Below Market Rate
program, such as reduced
parking requirements for
smaller units, reduced
landscaping requirements, and
reduced fees.
Provide
incentives for
development of
housing for
Extremely Low
Income
households.
City Housing funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Within three
years of Housing
Element
adoption.
Complete.
Part of the Phase 1
Housing Element
implementation plan
for 2018. In, 2019
new
development/parking
standards were
adopted in Housing
Incentive Program,
CS18.16.060
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 16 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
H3.1.13 Program
For any affordable
development deemed a high
risk to convert to market rate
prices within two years of the
expiration of the affordability
requirements, the City will
contact the owner and explore
the possibility of extending the
affordability of the
development.
To protect those
affordable
developments
deemed a high
risk to converting
to market rate
City Housing funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
Underway, in
discussions with
property owners of
projects at risk of
conversion, including
Lytton Gardens,
Terman Apartments
and Webster Wood
Apartments.
H3.1.14 Program
Encourage and support the
regional establishment of a
coordinated effort to provide
shared housing arrangement
facilitation, similar to the HIP
Housing Home Sharing Program
in San Mateo County. Advocate
among regional and nonprofit
groups to establish the
necessary framework.
Meet with
regional groups
and work to
establish a Santa
Clara Home
Sharing Program
City Housing funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Within two years
of Housing
Element
adoption.
Partially Complete.
Underway. On April
2018, the Santa Clara
County's Board
approved the Santa
Clara Home Sharing
Program with
partnership with
Catholic Charities of
Santa Clara County.
H3.2 Policy Reduce the cost of housing by
continuing to promote energy
efficiency, resource management,
and conservation for new and
existing housing.
H3.2.1 Program
Continue to assist very low-
income households in reducing
their utility bills through the
Utilities Residential Rate
Assistance Program (RAP).
Provide assistance
to with utility bills
to 800 low-
income
households.
City Funds Palo Alto
Utilities
Department
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
H3.2.2 Program
Use existing agency programs
such as Senior Home Repair to
Provide
rehabilitation
assistance to 600
CDBG and General
Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
CDBG funds were
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 17 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
provide rehabilitation
assistance to very low- and
low-income households.
very low and low-
income
households.
Department allocated for a pilot
home repair program
in FY18.
H3.3 Policy Support the reduction of
governmental and regulatory
constraints, and advocate for
the production of affordable
housing.
H3.3.1 Program
When appropriate and feasible,
require all City departments to
expedite processes and allow
waivers of development fees as
a means of promoting the
development of affordable
housing.
Continue to
reduce
processing time
and costs for
affordable
housing
projects.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
Work continues on
objective zoning
standards.
H3.3.2 Program
Continue to exempt
permanently affordable
housing units from any
infrastructure impact fees
adopted by the City.
Reduce costs
for affordable
housing
projects.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
H3.3.3 Program
Promote legislative changes and
funding for programs that
subsidize the acquisition,
rehabilitation, and operation of
rental housing by housing
assistance organizations,
nonprofit developers, and for-
profit developers.
Continue as an
active member of
the Non- Profit
Housing
Association of
Northern
California to
promote
legislative
changes and funding
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department;
City Manager
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
Active membership
in the Non- Profit
Housing Association.
H3.3.4 Program
Support the development and
preservation of group homes
and supported living facilities for
persons with special housing
Regularly review
existing
development
regulations and
City & CDBG Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Amend Zoning
Code within
three years of
Housing Element
Ongoing Program.
As Housing Plan Work
Program 2.4.7.
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 18 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
needs by assisting local agencies
and nonprofit organizations in
the construction or
rehabilitation of new facilities
for this population.
amend the
Zoning Code
accordingly to
reduce
regulatory
obstacles to this
type of housing.
adoption.
H3.3.5 Program
Review and consider revising
development standards for
second units to facilitate the
development of this type of
housing, including reduced
minimum lot size and FAR
requirements. Based on this
analysis, consider modifications
to the Zoning Code to better
encourage development of
second units.
Complete study
on impact of
revised
standards, and
consider Zoning
Code
Amendments
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department,
City Council
Ongoing Complete.
New Ordinance
adopted November
2020. Staff to return to
PTC regarding
establishing rules for
Affordable units.
H3.3.6 Program
Continue to participate
with and support agencies
addressing homelessness.
Continue City
staff
participation in
prioritizing
funding for
County-wide
programs.
City, CDBG & HOME
funds
Planning and
Development
Services
Department,
City Council
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
H3.3.7 Program
Prepare a local parking
demand database to
determine parking standards
for different housing uses (i.e.
market rate multifamily,
multifamily affordable, senior
affordable, emergency
Determine
parking
standards for
different
residential uses.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Within four
years of
Housing
Element
adoption.
Not Yet Complete.
Underway,
consultant has been
retained to complete
a parking study.
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 19 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
shelters etc.) with proximity
to services as a consideration.
Adopt revisions to standards
as appropriate.
H3.4 Policy Pursue funding for the
acquisition, construction, and
rehabilitation of housing that is
affordable to very low-, low-and
moderate-income households.
H3.4.1 Program
Maintain a high priority for the
acquisition of new housing sites
near public transit and services,
the acquisition and
rehabilitation of existing
housing, and the provision for
housing-related services for
affordable housing. Seek
funding from all State and
federal programs whenever
they are available to support
the development or
rehabilitation of housing for
very low-, low-, and moderate-
income households.
Allocate CDBG
funding to acquire
and rehabilitate
housing for very
low-, low-, and
moderate income
households.
CDBG, State Local
Housing Trust Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
H3.4.2 Program
Support and expand local
funding sources including the
City’s Housing Development
Fund, Housing Trust of Santa
Clara County, CDBG Program,
County of Santa Clara’s
Mortgage Credit Certificate
Program (MCC), or similar
Increase the
supply of
affordable
housing stock.
City Housing
Development Fund,
Housing Trust of
Santa Clara County,
CDBG, Santa Clara
County MCC
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 20 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
program. Continue to explore
other mechanisms to generate
revenues to increase the supply
of low- and moderate-income
housing.
H3.4.3 Program
Periodically review the housing
nexus formula required under
Chapter 16.47 of the Municipal
Code to fully reflect the impact
of new jobs on housing
demand and cost.
Continue to
evaluate the
housing nexus
formula and
adjust the
required impact
fees to account
for the housing
demand from
new
development.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing Complete.
Housing nexus study
updated in 2016.
Development fees
evaluated and updated
annually.
H3.4.4 Program
The City will work with
affordable housing developers
to pursue opportunities to
acquire, rehabilitate, and
convert existing multi-family
developments to long-term
affordable housing units to
contribute to the City’s fair share
of the region’s housing needs.
Identify potential
sites for
acquisition and
conversion and
provide this
information to
developers.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Within three
years of Housing
Element
adoption.
Ongoing Program.
H3.5 Policy Support the provision of
emergency shelter, transitional
housing, and ancillary services
to address homelessness.
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 21 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
H3.5.1 Program
Continue to participate in the
Santa Clara County Homeless
Collaborative as well as work
with adjacent jurisdictions to
develop additional shelter
opportunities.
Continue City staff
participation as
members of the
Collaborative’s
CDBG and Home
Program
Coordinators
Group.
City, CDBG & HOME
funds
Planning and
Development
Services
Department,
City Council
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
Continued
participation in
regional
CDBG/housing
collaborative efforts.
H3.5.2 Program
Amend the Zoning Code to
clarify distancing requirements
for emergency shelters, stating
that “no more than one
emergency shelter shall be
permitted within a radius of 300
feet.”
Amend the
Zoning Code to
clarify distancing
requirements for
emergency
shelters.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Adopt
amendments
within one year
of Housing
Element
adoption.
Complete.
H3.5.3 Program
Amend the Zoning Code to revise
definitions of transitional and
supportive housing to remove
reference to multiple-family
uses, and instead state that
“transitional and supportive
housing shall be considered a
residential use of property and
shall be subject only to those
restrictions that apply to other
residential dwellings of the same
type in the same zone.”
Amend the
Zoning Code to
revise
transitional and
supportive
housing
definitions.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Adopt
amendments
within one year.
Complete.
H3.6 Policy Support the creation of
workforce housing for City and
school district
employees as feasible.
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 22 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
H3.6.1 Program
Conduct a nexus study to
evaluate the creation of
workforce housing for City and
school district employees.
Create the
opportunity for
up to five units of
workforce
housing.
City of Palo Alto
Commercial
Housing Fund
Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Conduct a study
within four years
of adoption of
the Housing
Element.
Complete.
City adopted
Workforce Housing
Overlay.
H4 Goal PROMOTE AN ENVIRONMENT FREE OF DISCRIMINATION AND THE BARRIERS THAT PREVENT CHOICE IN HOUSING.
H4.1 Policy Support programs and agencies
that
seek to eliminate housing
discrimination.
H4.1.1 Program
Work with appropriate State
and federal agencies to ensure
that fair housing laws are
enforced, and continue to
support groups that provide
fair housing services, such as
the Mid-Peninsula Citizens for
Fair Housing
Continue to
coordinate with
State and federal
agencies to
support programs
to eliminate
housing
discrimination
and provide
financial support
for fair housing
services.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
The City contracts
with Project Sentinel
to provide fair
housing services.
H4.1.2 Program
Continue the efforts of the
Human Relations
Commission to combat
discrimination in rental
housing, including
mediation of problems
between landlords and
tenants.
Continue to
provide mediation
services for rental
housing
discrimination
cases.
City Funds Human
Relations
Commission,
Planning &
Community
Environment
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
The City contracts
with Project Sentinel
to provide mediation
services.
H4.1.3 Program Continue implementation of Implement City Funds Planning and Ongoing Ongoing Program.
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 23 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
City’s ordinances and State
law prohibiting discrimination
in renting or leasing housing
based on age, parenthood,
pregnancy, or the potential or
actual presence of a minor
child.
existing
ordinances
regarding
discrimination
Development
Services
Department
H4.1.4 Program
Continue the City’s role in
coordinating the actions of
various support groups that
seek to eliminate housing
discrimination and in providing
funding and other support for
these groups to disseminate fair
housing information in Palo Alto,
including information on
referrals to pertinent
investigative or enforcement
agencies in the case of fair
housing complaints.
Continue to
provide funding
and other support
for these groups
to disseminate
fair housing
information in
Palo Alto.
City Funds, Human
Services Resource
Allocation Process
(HSRAP)
Community
Services
Department
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
The City contracts
with Project Sentinel
to provide fair
housing services.
H4.1.5 Program
Heighten community
awareness regarding and
implement the Reasonable
Accommodations procedure
for the siting, funding,
development, and use of
housing for people with
disabilities.
Continue to
provide
information to
residents on
reasonable
accommodation
procedures via
public counters
and on the City’s
website.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
H4.1.6 Program
Continue to implement the
Action Plan of the City of Palo
Provide for
increased use and
CDBG funds,
General Fund
Planning and
Development
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 24 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
Alto’s Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG)
Consolidated Plan and the
Analysis of Impediments to Fair
Housing Choice.
support of
tenant/landlord
educational
mediation
opportunities as
called for in the
CDBG Action Plan
and the Analysis
of Impediments
to Fair Housing
Choice.
Services
Department
H4.2 Policy Support housing that
incorporates facilities and
services to meet the health
care, transit, and social service
needs of households with
special needs, including seniors
and persons
with disabilities.
H4.2.1 Program
Ensure that the Zoning Code
facilitates the construction of
housing that provides services
for special needs households
and provides flexible
development standards for
special service housing that will
allow such housing to be built
with access to transit and
community services while
preserving the character of the
neighborhoods in which they are
proposed to be located.
Evaluate the
Zoning Code and
develop flexible
development
standards for
special service
housing.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Evaluate the
Zoning Code
within three
years of adoption
of the Housing
Element.
Not yet complete.
Implemented pilot
Safe Parking Program
for homeless.
Included as Housing
Work Plan Program
2.4.7.
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 25 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
H4.2.2 Program
Work with the San Andreas
Regional Center to implement
an outreach program that
informs families in Palo Alto
about housing and services
available for persons with
developmental disabilities. The
program could include the
development of an
informational brochure,
including information on
services on the City’s website,
and providing housing-related
training for
individuals/families through
workshops.
Provide
information
regarding
housing to
families of
persons with
developmental
disabilities.
General Fund Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Develop
outreach
program within
three years of
adoption of the
Housing
Element.
Partially Complete.
H5 Goal REDUCE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF NEW AND EXISTING HOUSING.
H5.1 Policy
Reduce long-term energy costs
and improve the efficiency and
environmental performance of
new and existing homes.
H5.1.1 Program
Periodically report on the
status and progress of
implementing the City’s Green
Building Ordinance and assess
the environmental
performance and efficiency of
homes in the following areas:
- Greenhouse gas emissions
- Energy use
- Water use (indoor and
outdoor)
- Material efficiency
- Storm water runoff
Prepare reports
evaluating the
progress of
implementing
the City’s Green
Building
Ordinance.
City funds,
Development fees
Planning and
Development
Services
Department,
Building Division
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 26 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
- Alternative transportation
H5.1.2 Program
Continue providing support to
staff and the public (including
architects, owners, developers
and contractors) through
training and technical assistance
in the areas listed under
Program H5.1.1.
Provide
educational
information
regarding the
City’s Green
Building
Ordinance.
City funds,
Development fees
Planning and
Development
Services
Department,
Building Division
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
H5.1.3 Program
Participate in regional planning
efforts to ensure that the
Regional Housing Needs
Allocation targets areas that
support sustainability by
reducing congestion and
greenhouse gas emissions.
Provide a regional
framework for
sustainability in
creating new
housing
opportunities
through the City’s
Regional Housing
Mandate
Committee.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
H5.1.4 Program
Review federal, State, and
regional programs encouraging
the improvement of
environmental performance
and efficiency in construction of
buildings, and incorporate
appropriate programs into Palo
Alto’s policies, programs and
outreach efforts.
Continue to
update
regulations for
environmental
sustainability.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department,
Building
Division; Public
Works &
Utilities
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
H5.1.5 Program
Enhance and support a proactive
public outreach program to
encourage Palo Alto residents to
conserve resources and to share
ideas about conservation.
Provide up-to-
date information
for residents
regarding
conservation
through
educational
brochures
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department,
Public Works &
Utilities
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
TABLE B
Program Implementation Status
Housing Element Program Status Page 27 of 27 Revised December 2021
Goal/Policy/Program Description Plan Objective Funding Source Responsible
Agency
Time Frame Status
available at City
Hall and posted
on the City’s
website.
H5.1.6 Program
Provide financial subsidies,
recognition, or other incentives
to new and existing
homeowners and developers to
achieve performance or
efficiency levels beyond
minimum requirements.
Continue to
recognize
homeowners and
developers who
incorporate
sustainable
features beyond
what is required
by the Green
Building
Ordinance.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Ongoing Ongoing Program.
H5.1.7 Program
In accordance with Government
Code Section 65589.7,
immediately following City
Council adoption, the City will
deliver to all public agencies or
private entities that provide
water or sewer services to
properties within Palo Alto a
copy of the 2015-2023 Housing
Element.
Immediately
following
adoption, deliver
the 2015-2023
Palo Alto
Housing Element
to all providers
of sewer and
water services
within the City.
City Funds Planning and
Development
Services
Department
Within one
month of
adoption of the
Housing
Element.
Complete.
Jurisdiction: PALO ALTO Reporting Year:2021 (JAN 01 - DEC 31)
Total Units Permitted by Year
YEAR 011 YEAR 02 YEAR 03 YEAR 04 YEAR 05 YEAR 06 YEAR 07 YEAR 08
Income Level RHNA Allocation by Income
Level 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Total Units
Permitted by
Income Level
Total Remaining
RHNA by Income
Level
% of RHNA
Permitted
Very Low Deed Restricted 43 58 117 218
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Low Deed Restricted 58 5 2 65
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Moderate Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 11 3 12 26
TOTALS 1988 286 18 89 54 107 178 212 0 944 1044 47.48%
691 473 31.55%
432 367 15.05%
108.18%
278 252 9.35%
Above Moderate 587 174 15 72 54 105 120 95 635 -48
NOTES:
1.For the Bay Area the "projection period" or the time period for which the Regional Housing Need is calculated is January 1, 2014 –October 31, 2022. The "planning period" for the Bay Area, or the time frame between the due date for one housing element and
the due date for the next housing element, is January 31, 2015 –January 31, 2023. California Department of Housing & Development (HCD) combined RHNA housing production for Bay Area jurisdictions for years 2014 & 2015 for consistency.
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
HOUSING ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION
(CCR Title 25 §6202)
Table B
Regional Housing Needs Allocation Progress
Permitted Units Issued by Affordability