HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2312-2388AA2.SECOND READING: Adoption of an Ordinance Implementing Program 1.1A and 1.1B of
the Housing Element, Including: 1) New Chapter 18.14: Housing Incentives, and 2)
Modifications to Base Zoning Districts Throughout Title 18. Adoption of a Resolution
Making Corresponding Changes to the Land Use and Design Element of the
Comprehensive Plan. (FIRST READING: November 13, 2023 PASSED 5-1-1, Kou no,
Veenker recused and PASSED 6-1, Kou no) New Item added
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: ACTION ITEMS
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: December 18, 2023
Report #:2312-2388
TITLE
SECOND READING: Adoption of an Ordinance Implementing Program 1.1A and 1.1B of the
Housing Element, Including: 1) New Chapter 18.14: Housing Incentives, and 2) Modifications to
Base Zoning Districts Throughout Title 18. Adoption of a Resolution Making Corresponding
Changes to the Land Use and Design Element of the Comprehensive Plan. (FIRST READING:
November 13, 2023 PASSED 5-1-1, Kou no, Veenker recused and PASSED 6-1, Kou no)
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council receive public comment and take the following actions:
1. Adopt a resolution updating the Land Use and Design Element of the Comprehensive
Plan to be consistent with Programs 1.1A and 1.1B of the Housing Element.
2. Adopt on second reading the attached housing element implementation ordinance that
includes a clarifying revision related to a building facade modulation requirement for
properties located in the Housing Focus Area.
3. Provide direction to staff if any other revisions to the ordinance are required, including
changes that would be addressed in a subsequent new ordinance at a future date.
BACKGROUND
On November 13, 2023, the City Council adopted, on first reading, an ordinance amending the
zoning code to implement programs in the City’s adopted Housing Element. These changes are
necessary to ensure that properties the City is relying on to plan for its regional housing needs
can support the projected unit density and feasibly redevelop for housing. The statutory
deadline to execute the zoning amendments is January 31, 2024. The ordinance becomes
effective on the 31st day following a second reading of the ordinance and therefore should be
adopted in December to meet the deadline.
On December 11, 2023, a property owner representative for a housing development at 3150 El
Camino Real (Subject Property) requested the ordinance be pulled from the consent calendar
to consider the following points:
1. A request to increase the height at which a step-back is required in the Housing Focus
Area from 55 feet to 59 feet along El Camino Real;
2. A request to increase the allowed floor area ratio in the Housing Focus Area from 4.0 to
4.5; and,
3. Clarification on how a building modulation requirement in the Housing Focus Area for
portions of a building that exceed 250 feet in length would be interpreted.
Staff subsequently met with the public speaker, conducted additional analysis and found that
the building modulation requirement was duplicative of an existing design standard; as a result,
staff have removed the requirement from the attached ordinance. Because this does not result
in a substantive change, it can be accomplished without triggering a new first reading. Staff
considers the other requests substantive policy changes, which if the Council agreed and
wanted to advance, would require the ordinance to be reintroduced on first reading.
Staff also met with representatives for the property located at 3400 El Camino Real after the
subject ordinance was pulled from the consent calendar. The representatives expressed
continued concern about the Planning and Transportation Commission recommendation, which
was adopted by the City Council, regarding the setback and transitional height for properties in
the Housing Focus Area adjacent to low density and R1 zoned properties. The representatives
noted an interest in asking the Council to revisit this provision if the ordinance were being
reconsidered.
Given the statutory deadline to implement required zoning changes by the end of January, staff
recommends the Council proceed with the second reading, with the recommended
modification, and provide direction as appropriate on the other requests.
A resolution amending the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan is also attached for
adoption. As explained in the December 11, 2023 report, the text to be amended was included
on November 13, but the actual resolution was inadvertently omitted. It is included here for
formal adoption.
ANALYSIS
Given the short turnaround for packet preparation, this report focuses on the specific requests
made during public comment. Additional information about the ordinance is available in two
prior Council reports for November 13 and December 11, 2023.1,2
1 November 13, 2023 Council Report:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/meetings/ItemWithTemplateType?id=3377&meetingTemplateType=2&comp
iledMeetingDocumentId=8399.
2 December 11, 2023 Council Report:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/meetings/ItemWithTemplateType?id=3674&meetingTemplateType=2&comp
iledMeetingDocumentId=8672.
Stepback Height Requirement. To accommodate additional building height in the Housing Focus
Area and provide reasonable transitions in scale from El Camino Real, staff recommended, and
Council supported, an upper level stepback above 55 feet in height. This provision requires
portions of the building above this height to be set back further from the property line or
building façade.3
The Subject Property has a modest slope of about three feet downward along El Camino Real
from the northern front property corner to the southern front corner. While the finished floor
elevation at the first floor generally follows this change in street grade elevation, the finished
floor elevation at each floor level above does not. For instance, where a second floor is
planned, the floorplate is 11' 4" above the highest street corner and a floorplate of 23' 4" at the
third level, and so on. A consistent floorplate is a reasonable objective that makes the design
and construction process more efficient and facilitates compliance with various technical codes,
including Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. This design solution, however, is not
absolute and changes in floorplate elevations can be incorporated into a building. In fact, the
subject project incorporates such changes in floorplate elevation in the subterranean garage
deck and first floor elevations.
A representative for the project located at 3150 El Camino Real asserts a 20 foot clearance is
required for the refuse collection and staging area, which is located on the side of the property
that has the higher street corner elevation. Applying that clearance and employing a consistent
floorplate design results in the third floor having a finished floor elevation of 23'4" above the
highest street corner elevation and 26' 4" above grade the lower street corner elevation. When
more floors are added that also employ a consistent floorplate elevation, it results in the fifth
floor exceeding the 55 foot height for the stepback requirement at the lower street corner
elevation by about four feet.
Accordingly, the project applicant requests the Council adjust the Housing Focus Area
ordinance to raise the 55 foot stepback requirement to 59 feet.4
Staff does not consider the change in the stepback height from 55 feet to 59 or 60 feet to be
perceptually significant from the street grade. This change would also facilitate design flexibility
for other Housing Focus Area sites and result in more generous interior volume spaces.
However, when taken in combination with the allowance for parapets to extend above the
height limit this change becomes more noticeable from street grade.
3 The City Council provided direction to staff on November 13 to develop standards to implement the upper level
stepback based on the Council’s discussion. Staff’s response to this direction was detailed in the December 11 staff
report, linked above.
4 The applicant also requested staff to consider whether the incorporation of a planter that raises the finished floor
elevation at grade would qualify as the point to measure height if used to address onsite drainage. Staff has
considered this request and found it is not applicable in this instance.
Alternatively, the applicant could decide to modify the design concept. The Housing Focus Area
was created with an awareness of the 3150 El Camino Real project but not designed to
precisely meet each aspect of the project on file with the City. Staff anticipated some design
modifications would be required to comply with the new requirements, which are substantially
more generous that the base district zoning and conveys greater development potential than
can be achieved from the state density bonus. Specifically, the applicant could adjust the
floorplate elevations at key locations in the design to accommodate the stepback height limit.
The first and second floor spaces have generous heights, which from a design perspective is
appropriate from the street elevation, but this space also does not serve retail uses, which tend
to need higher floor to ceiling space. The residential units at the upper levels provide a
generous, nearly 9 foot clearance that could be adjusted slightly to help achieve compliance.
The applicant could also reconsider the placement of the refuse location and staging area, or
slightly depress the entrance, so that the required clearance could be provided at a lower
overall height. There are likely other approaches the applicant could consider to address the
perceived limitations imposed by the height restriction. While the applicant has professed that
it is simply not feasible to comply with the 55 foot stepback height, staff believe there are likely
creative solutions that would allow a housing development at this scale, location and with a
comparable number of units, based on the Housing Focus Area proposed development
standards.
Floor Area Ratio. The representative for 3150 El Camino Real, when requesting the ordinance
be pulled from the consent calendar, noted an interest in seeing the City’s 4.0 floor area ratio,
or FAR, be increased to 4.5 in the Housing Focus Area. The Subject Property had a 4.07 FAR
when the Housing Focus Area standards were being created. A modest reduction in project
floor area (less than 7,800 square feet) was anticipated with the proposed standards.5 A recent
review of the project plans from the applicant suggests a minimum of 4.1 FAR is now needed
for the project, as designed.
Similar to the request to change height, increasing the FAR for the Housing Focus Area is a
policy consideration for Council. As noted, staff anticipated that some revisions to the subject
project plans would be required when the Council adopted the ordinance. The City established
the Housing Area Focus standards for several properties and did so with the intent to possibly
expand these housing incentives to other properties. Increasing the floor area would apply to
all properties in the Housing Focus Area.
Reducing the project floor area to achieve compliance would result in fewer housing units. As
many as 12 units may be lost to achieve compliance, but potentially fewer. The total number of
units proposed is 380. While every housing unit is valuable, the increase in development
potential generated by the Housing Focus Area substantially increases what could be achieved
5 The lot area for the project at 3150 El Camino Real is 111,030 square feet. A 4.0 FAR would allow up to 444,120
square feet. Notably, in addition to showing a 4.07 FAR (451,507 square feet), the plans include a detailed
calculation showing a total gross floor area of 441,817 square feet, which would be below 4.0 FAR.
based on existing zoning or through the state density bonus law. If the Council wants to
increase Housing Focus Area floor area, it could direct staff accordingly. Alternatively, the
applicant could modify the project to comply or may elect to pursue its builder’s remedy
project on file with the City.6
Building Modulation Requirement. The project representative for 3150 El Camino Real raised
concern about a building modulation requirement in the Housing Focus Area. Staff has
reviewed this and concurs that the language included in the ordinance is unnecessary and
confusing. The intent of the provision was to carve out an exception in the Housing Focus Area
from the City’s objective design standards that require a diversity of housing types for projects
on larger lots. The provision also included an additional building modulation requirement for
building facades in excess of 250 feet that imposed a more stringent design standard than the
existing objective design standards, which was not the intent. Accordingly, staff has modified
the ordinance to omit the more restrictive building modulation standard and instead require
projects to comply the existing objective requirement or seek modification to the requirement
from the Architectural Review Board.
This modification is a minor clarification to the ordinance and can be remedied with the
attached, second reading ordinance.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
This action has no significant fiscal impact as it can be performed with current adopted staffing
levels and consultant resources. Direction to prepare additional amendments to the Housing
Focus area in advance of other initiatives, including in advance of prior Council direction to
explore expanding the Housing Focus area, may result in a minor delay in other Housing
Element program implementation initiatives, including work on the Housing Incentive Program,
though such impacts are not expected to delay overall project timelines.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Since the subject ordinance was removed from the consent calendar by Councilmembers
Tanaka, Lauing and Vice Mayor Stone, staff meet with representatives of two properties
referenced in this report. Notice of this meeting was posted at least 72 hours in advance on the
City’s website and posted on King Plaza at City Hall.
6 As previously reported, the outcome of a builder’s remedy project is uncertain and may result in litigation.
Moreover, the builder’s remedy project is subject to potentially 5 public hearings, including appeals after the
receiving the Architectural Review Board’s recommendation and completing environmental review. By contrast, a
Housing Focus Area project requires one courtesy meeting before the ARB and completion of environmental
review.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
On November 13, 2023, the City Council adopted an Addendum to the Comprehensive Plan
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that analyzed the potential environmental impacts of the
2023-2031 Draft Housing Element. The recommendation included with this report is consistent
with that prior analysis; no further environmental review is required at this time.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Resolution Amending Land Use and Design Element of the Comprehensive Plan
Attachment B: Ordinance Adopting Amendments to Title 18 to Implement Housing Element
Program 1.1
APPROVED BY:
Jonathan Lait, Planning and Development Services Director
*NOT YET APPROVED* Attachment A
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Resolution No. ____
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending the
Land Use and Design Element of the City of Palo Alto
Comprehensive Plan to Reflect Policies and Programs adopted in
the 2023-2031 Housing Element and Related Updates to the
Zoning Code.
R E C I T A L S
A. On May 8, 2023, the City Council adopted the City of Palo Alto 2023-2031 Housing
Element (“Housing Element”) pursuant to Government Code Section 65585.
B. Program 1.1A of the Housing Element provides for amendments to the zoning ordinance
that are necessary to accommodate the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation
(“RHNA”) on the inventory of housing opportunity sites provided in Appendix D to the
Housing Element.
C. Program 1.1B of the Housing Element provides for additional amendments to the zoning
ordinance for ROLM and GM zoned properties that exceed those required under Program
1.1A.
D. On December XX, 2023, the City Council adopted an ordinance amending Title 18 (Zoning)
of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to implement Programs 1.1A and 1.1B of the Housing
Element.
E. The updates contemplated in Programs 1.1A and 1.1B of the Housing Element also require
related changes to the Land Use and Design Element of the Comprehensive Plan.
F. In order to maintain consistency with the between the Land Use and Design and Housing
Elements of the Comprehensive Plan, and between the Comprehensive Plan and the Palo
Alto Municipal Code, the City Council desires to amend the Land Use and Design Element
of the Comprehensive Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto RESOLVES as follows:
SECTION 1. The City Council finds that the public interest, health, safety and welfare of Palo Alto
and the surrounding region would be furthered by Text Amendments to the Land Use and
Community Design Element.
*NOT YET APPROVED* Attachment A
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SECTION 2. The proposed Land Use and Community Design Text Amendments are consistent with
the following goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan:
Policy L-1.1: Maintain and prioritize Palo
Alto’s varied residential neighborhoods
while sustaining the vitality of its
commercial areas and public facilities.
The proposed amendments will align with the
programs and policies of the Housing Element,
which promote the production of much-needed
housing in strategic locations throughout the
City.
Policy L-1.3: Infill development in the
urban service area should be compatible
with its surroundings and the overall
scale and character of the city to ensure a
compact, efficient development pattern.
The proposed amendments will allow for the
production of housing in accordance with the
Housing Element, which envisions urban infill
development throughout the City.
Policy L-1.4: Commit to creating an
inventory of below market rate housing
for purchase and rental. Work with
neighbors, neighborhood associations,
property owners and developers to
identify barriers to infill development of
below market rate and more affordable
market rate housing and to remove these
barriers, as appropriate. Work with these
same stakeholders to identify sites and
facilitate opportunities for below market
rate housing and housing that is
affordable.
The proposed amendments implement the
Housing Element, including provision that
promote the production of below market rate
housing.
Policy L-1.5: Regulate land uses in Palo
Alto according to the land use definitions
in this Element and Map L-6
The proposed amendments ensure compliance
with this policy and modify the land use
definitions to align with past, current, and future
uses of housing opportunity sites in the City.
Policy L-1.6: Encourage land uses that
address the needs of the community and
manage change and development to
benefit the community.
The proposed amendments encourage the
production of housing, which is a local, regional,
and statewide need.
Policy L-2.3: As a key component of a
diverse, inclusive community, allow and
encourage a mix of housing types and
sizes, integrated into neighborhoods and
designed for greater affordability,
particularly smaller housing types, such
as studios, co-housing, cottages,
clustered housing, accessory dwelling
units and senior housing
The proposed amendments align with the
Housing Element, which encourages the
development of all types of housing.
*NOT YET APPROVED* Attachment A
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Policy L-2.6: Create opportunities for new
mixed-use development consisting of
housing and retail.
The proposed amendments facilitate the
production of housing in commercial land use
designations.
SECTION 3. The City Council hereby amends Single-Family Residential land use description in the
City of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Land Use and Community Design Element to read as follows
(additions underlined and deletions struck through):
Single-Family Residential: This designation applies to residential neighborhoods
primarily characterized by detached single-family homes, typically with one
dwelling unit on each lot. Private and public schools and churches are conditional
uses requiring permits. Accessory dwelling units or duplexes are allowed subject
to certain size limitations and other development standards and duplexes may be
allowed in select, limited areas where they would be compatible with
neighborhood character and do not create traffic and parking problems. Multiple-
Family uses may be permitted on Housing Element opportunity sites. The net
density in single family areas will range from 1 to 7 units per acre, but rises to a
maximum of 14 units per acre on parcels where second units or duplexes occur,
except on Housing Element opportunity sites, for which higher density standards
may be specified in the Zoning Ordinance. Population densities will range from 1
to 30 persons per acre.
SECTION 4. The City Council hereby amends Multiple-Family Residential land use description in
the City of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Land Use and Community Design Element to read as
follows (additions underlined):
Multiple-Family Residential: The permitted number of housing units will vary by
area, depending on existing land use, proximity to major streets and public transit,
distance to shopping and environmental problems. Net densities will range from
8 to 40 units and 8 to 90 persons per acre, except on Housing Element opportunity
sites, for which higher density standards may be specified in the Zoning Ordinance.
Density should be on the lower end of the scale next to single-family residential
areas. Densities higher than what is permitted may be allowed where measurable
community benefits will be derived, services and facilities are available, and the
net effect will be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Population densities
will range up to 2.25 persons per unit by 2030.
SECTION 5. The City Council hereby amends Neighborhood Commercial land use description in
the City of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Land Use and Community Design Element to read as
follows (additions underlined):
*NOT YET APPROVED* Attachment A
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Neighborhood Commercial: Includes shopping centers with offstreet parking or a
cluster of street-front stores that serve the immediate neighborhood. Examples
include Charleston Center, Edgewood Center and Midtown. Typical uses include
supermarkets, bakeries, drugstores, variety stores, barber shops, restaurants, self-
service laundries, dry cleaners and hardware stores. In locations along El Camino
Real and Alma Street, residential and mixed use projects may also locate in this
category. Non-residential FARs will range up to 0.4. Consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan’s encouragement of housing near transit centers, higher
density multi-family housing may be allowed in specific locations, generally within
one-half mile of high quality transit.
SECTION 6. The City Council hereby amends Regional/Community Commercial land use
description in the City of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Land Use and Community Design Element
to read as follows (additions underlined):
Regional/Community Commercial: Larger shopping centers and districts that
have a wider variety of goods and services than the neighborhood shopping areas.
They rely on larger trade areas and include such uses as department stores,
bookstores, furniture stores, toy stores, apparel shops, restaurants, theaters and
nonretail services such as offices and banks. Examples include Stanford Shopping
Center, Town and Country Village and University Avenue/Downtown. Non-retail
uses such as medical and dental offices may also locate in this designation;
software development may also locate Downtown. In some locations, residential
and mixed use projects may also locate in this category. Non-residential FARs
range from 0.35 to 2.0. Consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s encouragement
of housing near transit centers, higher density multi-family housing may be
allowed in specific locations, generally within one-half mile of high quality transit.
SECTION 7. The City Council hereby amends Service Commercial land use description in the City
of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Land Use and Community Design Element to read as follows
(additions underlined):
Service Commercial: Facilities providing citywide and regional services and relying
on customers arriving by car. These uses do not necessarily benefit from being in
high volume pedestrian areas such as shopping centers or Downtown. Typical uses
include auto services and dealerships, motels, lumberyards, appliance stores and
restaurants, including fast service types. In almost all cases, these uses require
good automobile and service access so that customers can safely load and unload
without impeding traffic. In some locations, residential and mixed-use projects
may be appropriate in this land use category. Examples of Service Commercial
areas include San Antonio Road, El Camino Real and Embarcadero Road northeast
*NOT YET APPROVED* Attachment A
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of the Bayshore Freeway. Nonresidential FARs will range up to 0.4. Consistent with
the Comprehensive Plan’s encouragement of housing near transit centers, higher
density multi-family housing may be allowed in specific locations, generally within
one-half mile of high quality transit.
SECTION 8. The City Council hereby amends Service Commercial land use description in the City
of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Land Use and Community Design Element to read as follows
(additions underlined):
Service Commercial: Facilities providing citywide and regional services and relying
on customers arriving by car. These uses do not necessarily benefit from being in
high volume pedestrian areas such as shopping centers or Downtown. Typical uses
include auto services and dealerships, motels, lumberyards, appliance stores and
restaurants, including fast service types. In almost all cases, these uses require
good automobile and service access so that customers can safely load and unload
without impeding traffic. In some locations, residential and mixed-use projects
may be appropriate in this land use category. Examples of Service Commercial
areas include San Antonio Road, El Camino Real and Embarcadero Road northeast
of the Bayshore Freeway. Nonresidential FARs will range up to 0.4. Consistent with
the Comprehensive Plan’s encouragement of housing near transit centers, higher
density multi-family housing may be allowed in specific locations, generally within
one-half mile of high quality transit.
SECTION 9. The City Council hereby amends Mixed Use land use description in the City of Palo
Alto Comprehensive Plan Land Use and Community Design Element to read as follows (additions
underlined):
Mixed Use: The Mixed Use designation is intended to promote pedestrian-
oriented places that layer compatible land uses, public amenities and utilities
together at various scales and intensities. The designation allows for multiple
functions within the same building or adjacent to one another in the same general
vicinity to foster a mix of uses that encourages people to live, work, play and shop
in close proximity. Most typically, mixed-use developments have retail on the
ground floor and residences above. This category includes Live/Work,
Retail/Office, Residential/Retail and Residential/Office development. FARs will
range up to 1.15, although development located along transit corridors or near
multi-modal centers will range up to 2.0 FAR with up to 3.0 FAR possible where
higher FAR would be an incentive to meet community goals such as providing
affordable housing. The FAR above 1.15 must be used for residential purposes. Up
to 100% of FAR may be used for residential purposes in a Planned Community
zone. Consistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s encouragement of housing near
*NOT YET APPROVED* Attachment A
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transit centers, higher density multi-family housing may be allowed in specific
locations, generally within one-half mile of high quality transit.
SECTION 10. The City Council hereby amends Research/Office Park land use description in the
City of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Land Use and Community Design Element to read as follows
(additions underlined):
Research/Office Park: Office, research and manufacturing establishments whose
operations are buffered from adjacent residential uses. Stanford Research Park is
an example. Other uses that may be included are educational institutions and child
care facilities. Compatible commercial service uses such as banks and restaurants
and residential or mixed-uses that would benefit from the proximity to
employment centers, will also be allowed. Additional uses, including retail
services, commercial recreation, churches and private clubs may also be located
in Research/Office Park areas, but only if they are found to be compatible with the
surrounding area through the conditional use permit process. In some locations,
residential and mixed-use projects may also locate in this category. Maximum
allowable FAR ranges from 0.3 to 0.5, depending on site conditions. Consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan, multi-family housing may be allowed in specific
locations. On Housing Element opportunity sites, FAR will typically range from
1.25 to 2.5, as specified in the Zoning Ordinance. Higher FARs may be feasible
within one-half mile of high quality transit, as specified in the Zoning Ordinance.
SECTION 11. The City Council hereby amends Light Industrial land use description in the City of
Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Land Use and Community Design Element to read as follows
(additions underlined):
Light Industrial: Wholesale and storage warehouses and the manufacturing,
processing, repairing and packaging of goods. Emission of fumes, noise, smoke, or
other pollutants is strictly controlled. Examples include portions of the area south
of Oregon Avenue between El Camino Real and Alma Street that historically have
included these land uses, and the San Antonio Road industrial area. Compatible
residential and mixed use projects may also be located in this category. FAR will
range up to 0.5. On Housing Element opportunity sites, FAR will typically range
from 1.5 to 2.5, as specified in the Zoning Ordinance. Higher FARs may be feasible
within one-half mile of high quality transit. Consistent with the Comprehensive
Plan’s encouragement of housing near transit centers, higher density multi-family
housing may be allowed in specific locations, generally within one-half mile of high
quality transit.
*NOT YET APPROVED* Attachment A
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SECTION 12. In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City
prepared an Addendum to the 2017 Comprehensive Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR),
analyzing the potential environmental impacts of the 2023-2031 Housing Element. On May 8,
2023, the City Council adopted Resolution 10107, finding that the Addendum and the 2017 EIR
adequately analyzed the environmental impacts of the Housing Element, including Programs
1.1A and 1.1B of the Housing Element, which this resolution implements.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
__________________________ _____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM APPROVED
__________________________ __________________________
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
__________________________
Director of Planning and
Development Services
*NOT YET APPROVED* Attachment A
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Exhibit A: Existing and Proposed Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designations
*NOT YET APPROVED* Atachment B
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Ordinance No. _____
Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Adopting Chapter 18.14
(Housing Incentives) and Amending Various Chapters of Title 18 (Zoning) of the
Palo Alto Municipal Code to Implement Programs 1.1A and 1.1B of the City of
Palo Alto 2023-2031 Housing Element
The Council of the City of Palo Alto ORDAINS as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings and Declara�ons.
(a) On May 8, 2023, the City Council adopted the City of Palo Alto 2023-2031 Housing
Element (“Housing Element”) pursuant to Government Code Sec�on 65585.
(b) Program 1.1A of the Housing Element provides for amendments to the zoning ordinance
that are necessary to accommodate the City’s Regional Housing Needs Alloca�on (“RHNA”) on the
inventory of housing opportunity sites provided in Appendix D to the Housing Element.
(c) Program 1.1B of the Housing Element provides for addi�onal amendments to the zoning
ordinance for ROLM and GM zoned proper�es that exceed those required under Program 1.1A.
(d) Government Code Sec�ons 65583 and 65588 require that the City complete its rezoning
of sites under Program 1.1A by January 31, 2024, which is one year from the statutory deadline for
adop�on of the Housing Element.
(e) This ordinance implements Programs 1.1A and 1.1B of the Housing Element, resul�ng in
an inventory of sites suitable and available for development that is sufficient to meet the City’s RHNA
during the Housing Element planning period.
SECTION 2. Chapter 18.14 (Housing Incen�ves) of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code is added to read as follows:
CHAPTER 18.14: HOUSING INCENTIVES
18.14.010 Purpose
This chapter implements the regional housing needs strategy (RHNA) of the City’s Comprehensive Plan
Housing Element to rezone opportunity sites; facilitates housing produc�on; affirma�vely furthers fair
housing; and provides incen�ves for housing development, especially below-market rate housing.
18.14.020 Housing Element Opportunity Sites
This subsec�on implements the rezoning required to meet the RHNA in the 2023-2031 Housing Element,
pursuant to Appendix D. Regula�ons iden�fied in Table 1 and Table 2 modify and replace development
standards provided in base zoning district and applicable combining district regula�ons.
a) Applicability: This subsec�on applies to Housing Development Projects, as defined in
Government Code Sec�on 65589.5, on Housing Element opportunity sites listed in Appendix D
*NOT YET APPROVED* Atachment B
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and on sites within the GM/ROLM and El Camino Real Focus Areas depicted in Figure 1 and
Figure 3.
b) Permited Uses: Refer to the base zoning district and applicable combining districts for allowed
uses, except:
(1) Exclusively residen�al uses are permited on all Housing Element opportunity sites.
(2) Combining district use regula�ons shall not apply to exclusively residen�al projects on
housing opportunity sites designated in Appendix D of the Housing Element to
accommodate lower income households.
(3) Sites zoned to allow mixed use development and are iden�fied in Appendix D of the Housing
Element as suitable for lower income households, must be developed with a minimum of
two-thirds residen�al floor area.
c) Development Standards: Refer to base zoning district and applicable combining districts for
development standards except:
(1) Residen�al uses on R-1 zoned sites (faith-based ins�tu�ons) shall be subject to the
development standards for the RM-30 zoning district, pursuant to Chapter 18.13.040, except
that Maximum FAR shall be 1.25 and minimum density shall be 20 units per acre.
(2) RM-20, RM-30, RM-40, CN, CS, CC, CC(2), CD-C, and CD-N zoned sites as modified by Table 1
(3) GM, ROLM, and RP zoned sites as modified by Table 2
(4) PF zoned sites shall meet the following development standards:
(A) Downtown sites: CD-C standards, pursuant to Table 1 below
(B) California Avenue sites: CC(2) standards, pursuant to Table 1 below
(5) Specific Stanford University-owned sites and El Camino Real Focus Area sites may, as an
alterna�ve to State Density Bonus Law, meet base district regula�ons as modified by Table 3.
Housing Development Projects that u�lize State Density Bonus Law shall be subject to base
district standards or standards provided in Tables 1 and 2, as applicable. Addi�onally, El
Camino Real Focus Area sites shall:
(A) Complete Major Architectural Review pursuant to Sec�on 18.77.020
(B) Provide 20% of total units as on-site below-market rate housing affordable to
households earning up to 80% of AMI. This requirement shall apply in place of the
basic requirements set forth in Sec�ons 16.65.030 and 16.65.040.
(6) Combining district design and development standards shall not apply to exclusively
residen�al projects on housing opportunity sites designated in Appendix D of the Housing
Element to accommodate lower income households.
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Table 1
Housing Element Opportunity Site Development Standards (Residen�al and Commercial Mixed Use
Districts)
Base Zoning
District
Maximum FAR (1) Minimum
Landscape
Coverage
Residen�al Density (du/ac)(4) Other
Development
Standards Residen�al Total Minimum Maximum
CC(2) 1.5 2.0 (3) 20 See base district
regula�ons:
18.16.060
See base district
regula�ons:
18.16.060
CC 1.25 1.25 (3) 20
CS (El Camino
Real) 1.25 1.25 (3) 20
CS (Other) 1.25 1.25 (3) 20 See HE Appendix D
CN (El Camino
Real) 1.25 1.25 30% (3) 20
See base district
regula�ons:
18.16.060
CN (Other) 1.25 1.25 30% (3) 20 See HE Appendix D
CD-C 2.0 2.0 (2)
(3)
20
See base district
regula�ons:
18.18.060
See base district
regula�ons:
18.18.060 CD-N 1.5 1.5 (3) 20 See HE Appendix D
RP 1.25 1.25
(3)
25
None; 40 du/ac
an�cipated
See base district
regula�ons:
18.20.040
RM-40 1.5 1.5 (3) 31
See HE Appendix D
See base district
regula�ons:
18.13.040
RM-30 1.25 1.25 (3) 20
RM-20 1.25 1.25
See
18.13.040 20
(1) Nothing in this table increases the non-residen�al floor area permited in any district.
(2) FAR may be increased with transfer of development rights; see Chapter 18.18 for details.
(3) Landscape coverage may be provided above the ground-floor. If standard is not specified, refer
to base district regula�ons.
(4) Where no maximum density is provided in terms of du/ac, maximum density shall be
determined by es�ma�ng the realis�c development capacity of the site based on the objec�ve
development standards applicable to the project. Where noted, refer to Housing Element
Appendix D: Sites Inventory for specified densi�es.
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Table 2
GM/ROLM Focus Area Development Standards for Housing Development Projects Only
Base Zoning
District
Maximum FAR Minimum
Landscape
Coverage
Maximum
Lot
Coverage
Residen�al Density
(du/ac)(2)
Maximum
Height
Minimum
Residen�al
Parking
Ra�os
Other
Development
Standards Residen�al
Total
(3) Minimum Maximum
GM (Focus
Area, Figure
1) 2.5 2.5 20% (1) 70% 40
None; 90
du/ac
an�cipated 60
1 space per
studio/1-bed;
1.5 spaces per
2-bed+
See base
district
regula�ons:
18.20.040
GM (Other
Opportunity
Sites) 1.5 1.5 30% (1) 70% 25
None; See
HE Appendix
D for
an�cipated
densi�es
See
18.20.040 No change
ROLM
(Focus
Area, Figure
1) 2.5 2.5 20% (1) 70% 40
None; 90
du/ac
an�cipated 60
1 space per
studio/1-bed;
1.5 spaces per
2-bed+
ROLM
(Other
Opportunity
Sites) 1.5 1.5 (1) 70% 25
None; 50
du/ac
an�cipated 45 No change
(1) Landscape coverage may be provided above the ground-floor. If standard is not specified, refer
to base district regula�ons.
(2) These sites do not provide a maximum density in terms of du/ac; however, an�cipated densi�es
have been determined by es�ma�ng the realis�c development capacity of the site based on the
objec�ve development standards applicable to the project. Where referenced, the densi�es
specified in Housing Element Appendix D: Sites Inventory represent an�cipated densi�es based
on realis�c development capaci�es.
(3) Nothing in this table increases the non-residen�al floor area permited in any district.
//
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Figure 1: GM/ROLM Housing Element Focus Area
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Table 3
Site-Specific Development Standards (Stanford-Owned Sites & El Camino Real Focus Area)
Loca�on
Pasteur Dr. & 1100 Welch Rd. (1)(3)
(Figure 2)
El Camino Real Focus Area (1)
(Figure 3)
Minimum Front Setback 15 feet See base district regula�ons
Minimum Setback See base district regula�ons:
18.13.040
See base district regula�ons,
except:
For sites with a property line
abu�ng a low density
residen�al (RE, R2, or RMD) or
R1 single family residen�al
district: 20 feet
Maximum FAR 3.5 (Total) 4.0 (Total)
Maximum Site/Landscape
Coverage
(2) (2)
Maximum Lot Coverage 60% 70%
Maximum Density (du/ac) None None
Maximum Height(6) 85 85
Daylight Plane Sand Hill Rd. frontage only: ini�al
height 60 feet above grade at the
Sand Hill Rd. setback line and a
45-degree angle
See base district regula�ons for
standards for daylight planes
Height Transi�ons n/a Within 100 � of low density
residen�al (RE, R2, or RMD) or
R1 single family zone district
property line: 35 �.
Between 100 and 150 � of low
density or R1 zone district
property line: 45 �.
Upper Story Step Back None El Camino Real frontage above
55 feet in height: minimum 6
foot step-back from lower
façade, for a minimum 70% of
the façade length; and average
setback from the property line
for the en�re façade shall be 20
feet(7)
See Figure 4.
Open Space 100 sq. �/unit (any combina�on
of common and/or private)
100 sq. �/unit (any combina�on
of common and/or private)
Minimum Residen�al Parking
(5)
0.5 spaces/unit 1 space/unit
(Per AB2097: 0 space/unit within
½ mile of Caltrain)
Other Development Standards See base district regula�ons:
18.13.040
See base district regula�ons
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Design Criteria/Standards Compliance with Objec�ve
Design Standards pursuant to
Chapter 18.24 (4)
Architectural Review and
compliance with either
Objec�ve Design Standards
pursuant to Chapter 18.24 or
Context-Based Design Criteria
pursuant to base district
regula�ons. (4)
(1) Site locations as defined in the 2023-2031 Housing Element
(2) Permitted above the ground-floor. If standard is not specified, refer to base district regulations.
(3) Housing may be developed in phases and individual phases may not meet all standards.
However, upon completion the project as a whole must conform to these standards. Individual
parcels shall be deed restricted to address standards that are met in aggregate, but not on a
parcel-by-parcel basis. In addition, for each phase, the applicant shall demonstrate, to the
satisfaction of the Director, that the overall site is capable of meeting all standards upon
completion of the project as a whole.
(4) Except, the following objective design standards shall be modified to meet the realistic capacity
identified in the Housing Element:
(a.) 18.24.050(b)(5): Diversity of Housing Types shall not apply.
(b.) 18.24.060(b)(7): Parking/Loading/Utilities, shall be replaced with the following standard:
Above grade structured parking levels facing a public right-of-way or publicly accessible
open space/path with the exception of vehicular alleys, shall compose no more than 50% of
any public frontage. Garage façades fronting on public right-of-way shall be screened with
decorative architectural screening (e.g. perforated metal panels, murals), lined with
habitable uses, or screened with landscaping (e.g., green wall, climbing vines).
(5) Projects providing fewer than 50% of the parking spaces that would be required under Section
18.52.040 shall develop and implement a transportation demand management plan containing,
at a minimum: free transit passes for residents; and provision of outlets appropriately spaced
for e-bike charging at 20% of bicycle parking spaces.
(6) Railings and parapets shall be excluded from height calculations in this Table 3 only to the extent
they are required for health and safety standards in Titles 15 and 16 of this code.
(7) Average setback from the property line may be calculated by taking the area between the
property line and the upper façade. This area, in square feet, shall be greater than or equal to
the façade length multiplied by 20. Example: 200-foot façade length x 20-foot average setback =
minimum 4,000 sq. ft. area of setback per floor. For purposes of this calculation, portions of the
upper façade with a setback greater than 40 feet shall be treated as if the façade is located at 40
feet from the property line. For purposes of this calculation, roof projections and eaves up to
four feet in depth shall be excluded.
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Figure 2: Pasteur Drive Focus Area
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Figure 3: El Camino Real Focus Area
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Figure 4: Upper Story Step Back (El Camino Real Focus Area)
above 55’
85’ maximum height
minimum sidewalk width12’
pro
p
e
r
t
y
l
i
n
e
fac
e
o
f
c
u
r
b
15’
pro
p
e
r
t
y
l
i
n
e
20’ average stepback
ave
r
a
g
e
s
t
e
p
b
a
c
k
c
a
l
c
u
l
a
t
i
o
n
use
s
b
u
i
l
d
i
n
g
a
r
e
a
s
w
i
t
h
i
n
a
40
’
s
t
e
p
b
a
c
k
portions of buildings
more than 40 feet from
the property line shall be
counted as 40 feet
average stepback20’
Yx20 feet averagebuilding stepback above 55 feet
BUILDING AREA
Y (not pictured)
6' minimum
stepback from
façade for ≥70%
of façade below
≥
Figure 4: Upper Story Step Back (El Camino Real Focus Area)
Figure 4b
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18.14.030 Housing Incen�ve Program (Reserved)
18.14.040 Affordable Housing Incen�ve Program (Reserved)
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SECTION 3. Sec�on 18.12.030 (Land Uses) of Chapter 18.12 (R-1 Single-Family Residen�al District) of
Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code is amended to read as follows (CHANGES SHOWN IN
UNDERLINE STRIKEOUT):
18.12.030 Land Uses
The permited and condi�onally permited uses for the single family residen�al districts are shown in
Table 1:
Table 1
PERMITTED AND CONDITIONAL R-1 RESIDENTIAL USES
R-1 and all R-1
Subdistricts
Subject to Regula�ons in:
[. . .]
RESIDENTIAL USES
Single-Family P
Two-Family use, under one ownership P 18.42.180
Mobile Homes P 18.42.180
Mul�ple-Family P(2) 18.14.020
Residen�al Care Homes P
[. . .]
(1) An Accessory Dwelling Unit or a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit associated with a single-family
residence on a lot is permited, subject to the provisions of Chapter 18.09.
(2) Housing Element opportunity sites (faith-based ins�tu�ons) only.
SECTION 4. Sec�on 18.12.040 (Development Standards) of Chapter 18.12 (R-1 Single-Family
Residen�al District) of Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
18.12.040 Development Standards
(a) Site Specifica�ons, Building Size, Height and Bulk, and Residen�al Density
The development standards for the R-1 district and the R-1 subdistricts are shown in Table 2, except:
(1) To the extent such standards may be modified by Sec�on 18.42.180 for two-family uses pursuant
to California Government Code Sec�on 65852.21 (SB 9, 2021;
(2) On Housing Element opportunity sites (faith-based ins�tu�ons): development standards for
Mul�ple-Family uses are iden�fied in Sec�on 18.14.020, which states that sites shall meet the
development standards for the RM-30 zoning district, except that Maximum FAR shall be 1.25.
[. . .]
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SECTION 5. Chapter 18.13: MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (RM-20, RM-30 AND RM-40) DISTRICTS
[. . .]
18.13.040 Development Standards
(a) Site Specifica�ons, Building Size and Bulk, and Residen�al Density
The site development regula�ons in Table 2 shall apply in the mul�ple-family residence districts,
provided that more restric�ve regula�ons may be recommended by the Architectural Review Board and
approved by the Director of Planning and Development Services, pursuant to the regula�ons set forth in
Chapter 18.76, and the objec�ve design standards set forth in Chapter 18.24. Except that sites
designated as Housing Element Opportunity Sites shall meet the development standards specified in
Chapter 18.14.020.
Table 2
Mul�ple Family Residen�al Development Table
RM-20 RM-30 RM-40 Subject to
regula�ons in:
[. . .]
Maximum Site Coverage:
Base 35% 40% 45%
Addi�onal area permited to be covered by
covered pa�os or overhangs otherwise in
compliance with all applicable laws
5% 5% 5%
Maximum Floor Area Ra�o (FAR)(4) 0.5:1 0.6:1 1.0:1
Residen�al Density (units)
Maximum number of units per acre(3) 20 30 40 18.13.040(g)
18.14.020
Minimum number of units per acre(8) 11 16 21 18.14.020
Minimum Site Open Space(5) (percent) 35 30 20 18.13.040(e)
18.14.020
Minimum Usable Open Space (sf per unit)(5) 150 150 150
Minimum common open space (sf per unit) 75 75 75 18.13.040(e)
Minimum private open space (sf per unit) 50 50 50
Performance Criteria See provisions of Chapter 18.23 Ch. 18.23
Landscape Requirements 18.40.130
Parking(6) See provisions of Chapter 18.52 Ch. 18.52
[. . .]
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SECTION 6. Chapter 18.20: OFFICE, RESEARCH, AND MANUFACTURING (MOR, ROLM, RP, AND GM)
[. . .]
18.20.030 Land Uses
(a) Permited and Condi�onally Permited Land Uses
Table 1 lists the land uses permited or condi�onally permited in the industrial and manufacturing
districts.
Table 1
Industrial/Manufacturing District Land Uses
[P = Permited Use CUP = Condi�onal Use Permit Required]
MOR ROLM
ROLM(E)
RP
RP(5)
GM Subject to Regula�ons
in Chapter:
[. . .]
RESIDENTIAL USES
Single-Family Not permited 18.20.040(b)
Two-Family Not permited
Mul�ple-Family (Housing
Element Opportunity Site) P P P
18.14.020
Mul�ple-Family (Other
Sites) CUP CUP(1) CUP CUP(1)
18.14.020
Residen�al Care Homes P CUP CUP CUP 18.23.100(B)
[. . .]
(1) Adjacent to Bayshore Freeway and generally bounded by East Charleston Road and Loma
Verde Avenue (see Figure 1), subject to CUP
[. . .]
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Figure 1: GM/ROLM Housing Element Focus Area
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18.20.040 Site Development Standards
[. . .]
(b) Development Standards for Exclusively Residen�al Uses
Residen�al uses shall be permited in the MOR, RP, RP(5), ROLM, ROLM(E), and GM zoning districts,
subject to the following criteria.
(1) It is the intent of these provisions that a compa�ble transi�on be provided from lower density
residen�al zones to higher density residen�al or non-residen�al zones. The Village Residen�al
development type should be evaluated for use in transi�on areas and will provide the greatest flexibility
to provide a mix of residence types compa�ble with adjacent neighborhoods.
(2) No new single-family or two-family residen�al development is permited in any of the office,
research and manufacturing districts, and no new residen�al development is permited within 300 feet
of an exis�ng Hazardous Materials Tier 2 use. Exis�ng single-family and two-family uses and exis�ng
residen�al development within 300 feet of an exis�ng Hazardous Materials Tier 2 use shall be permited
to remain, consistent with the provisions of Chapter 18.70 (Nonconforming Uses and Noncomplying
Facili�es).
(3) MOR District. All mul�-family development in the MOR zoning district shall be permited subject to
approval of a condi�onal use permit and compliance with the development standards prescribed for the
RM-30 zoning district.
(4) RP and RP(5) Districts. All mul�-family development in the RP, and RP(5) zoning districts that is
located within 150 feet of an R-E, R-1, R-2, RMD, or similar density residen�al PC zone shall be permited
subject to the provisions above in 18.20.040(b)(2), approval of a condi�onal use permit, and compliance
with the development standards prescribed for the RM-20 zoning district, including Village Residen�al
development types. Mul�-family development in the MOR, RP, and RP(5) zoning districts that is located
greater than 150 feet from an R-E, R-1, R-2, RMD, or low density residen�al PC shall be permited subject
to the provisions above in 18.20.040(b)(2), approval of a condi�onal use permit, and compliance with
the development standards prescribed for the RM-30 zoning district, except for sites designated as
Housing Element Opportunity Sites or Focus Areas, which are regulated by Chapter 18.14.020.
(5) ROLM (E) District. All mul�-family development in the ROLM(E) zoning district shall be permited
subject to the provisions above in 18.20.040(b)(2), approval of a condi�onal use permit, and compliance
with the development standards prescribed for the RM-20 zoning district.
(6) ROLM District. All mul�-family development in the ROLM zoning district shall be permited subject
to the provisions above in 18.20.040(b)(2), approval of a condi�onal use permit, and compliance with
the development standards prescribed for the RM-30 zoning district, except for sites designated as
Housing Element Opportunity Sites or Focus Areas, which are regulated by Chapter 18.14.020.
(7) GM District. All residen�al development is prohibited in the GM zoning district, except for sites
designated as Housing Element Opportunity Sites or Focus Areas, which are regulated by Chapter
18.14.020.
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(8) Combining Districts. Combining district use regula�ons and design and development standards shall
not apply to exclusively residen�al projects on Housing Element opportunity sites designated to
accommodate lower income households. See Sec�on 18.14.020 for details.
(c) Development Standards for Mixed (Residen�al and Nonresiden�al) Uses in the MOR, ROLM,
ROLM(E), RP, and RP(5) zoning Districts
Mixed (residen�al and nonresiden�al) uses shall be permited in the MOR, ROLM, ROLM(E), RP, and
RP(5) zoning districts, subject to the following criteria:
(1) It is the intent of these provisions that a compa�ble transi�on be provided from lower density
residen�al zones to higher density residen�al, non-residen�al, or mixed use zones. The Village
Residen�al development type should be evaluated for use in transi�on areas and will provide the
greatest flexibility to provide a mix of residence types compa�ble with adjacent neighborhoods.
(2) New sensi�ve receptor land uses shall not be permited within 300 feet of a Hazardous Materials
Tier 2 or Tier 3 use. Exis�ng sensi�ve receptors shall be permited to remain, consistent with the
provisions of Chapter 18.70 (Nonconforming Uses and Noncomplying Facili�es).
(3) ROLM(E) District. Mixed (residen�al and nonresiden�al) development in the ROLM(E) zoning
district shall be permited, subject to the provisions above in 18.20.040(c)(2), approval of a condi�onal
use permit, determina�on that the nonresiden�al use is allowable in the district and that the residen�al
component of the development complies with the development standards prescribed for the RM-20
zoning district. The maximum floor area ra�o (FAR) for mixed use development is 0.3 to 1.
(4) ROLM District. Mixed (residen�al and nonresiden�al) development in the ROLM zoning district
shall be permited, subject to the provisions above in 18.20.040(c)(2), approval of a condi�onal use
permit, determina�on that the nonresiden�al use is allowable in the district and that the residen�al
component of the development complies with the development standards prescribed for the RM-30
zoning district. The maximum floor area ra�o (FAR) for mixed use development is 0.4 to 1. Except that
sites designated as Housing Element Opportunity Sites or Focus Areas shall meet the development
standards specified in Chapter 18.14.020.
(5) GM District. Mixed use (residen�al and nonresiden�al) development is prohibited in the GM
zoning district, except for sites designated as Housing Element Opportunity Sites or Focus Areas, which
are regulated by Chapter 18.14.020.
In compu�ng residen�al densi�es for mixed (residen�al and nonresiden�al) uses, the density
calcula�on for the residen�al use shall be based on the en�re site, including the nonresiden�al por�on
of the site.
[. . .]
//
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SECTION 7. Chapter 18.16: NEIGHBORHOOD, COMMUNITY, AND SERVICE COMMERCIAL (CN, CC
AND CS) DISTRICTS
[. . .]
18.16.060 Development Standards
[. . .]
(b) Mixed Use and Residen�al
Table 4 specifies the development standards for new residen�al mixed use developments and residen�al
developments. These developments shall be designed and constructed in compliance with the following
requirements and the objec�ve design standards in Chapter 18.24,except that sites designated as
Housing Element Opportunity Sites shall meet the development standards as modified in Chapter
18.14.020. Non-Housing Development Projects and Housing Development Projects that elect to deviate
from one or more objec�ve standards in Chapter 18.24 shall meet the context-based design criteria
outlined in Sec�on 18.16.090, provided that more restric�ve regula�ons may be recommended by the
architectural review board and approved by the director of planning and development services, pursuant
to Sec�on 18.76.020.
Table 4
Mixed Use and Residen�al Development Standards
CN CC CC(2) CS Subject to
regula�ons in:
[. . .]
Maximum Site Coverage 50% 50% 100% 50%
Minimum Landscape/Open Space
Coverage 35% 30% 20% 30% 18.14.020
Usable Open Space (Private and/or
Common)
150 sq � per unit (2) 18.16.090
Maximum Height (�)
Standard 35' (4) 50' 37' 50'
Por�ons of a site within 150 �. of an
abu�ng residen�al district (other than
an RM-40 or PC zone) (5)
35' 35' 35' 35' 18.08.030
Daylight Plane for lot lines abu�ng
one or more residen�al zoning
districts
Daylight plane height and slope shall be iden�cal to
those of the most restric�ve residen�al zoning district
abu�ng the lot line
Residen�al Density (net) (3) 15 or 20 (9) See sub-
sec�on
(e)
below
No maximum 30 18.16.060(i)
18.14.020
Sites on El Camino Real No maximum No maximum
Maximum Residen�al Floor Area Ra�o
(FAR) 0.5:1 (4) 0.6:1 0.6:1 18.16.065
18.14.020
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CN CC CC(2) CS Subject to
regula�ons in:
[. . .]
Maximum Nonresiden�al Floor Area
Ra�o (FAR) 0.4:1 2.0:1 0.4:1
Total Mixed Use Floor Area Ra�o (FAR) 0.9:1 (4) 2.0:1 1.0:1 18.16.065
18.14.020
Minimum Mixed Use Ground Floor
Commercial FAR (6) 0.15:1(10) 0.15:1(10)
0.25:1 (7) (10) 0.15:1 (10)
Parking See Chapters 18.52 and 18.54 (Parking) 18.52, 18.54
[. . .]
(c) Exclusively Residen�al Uses
Exclusively residen�al uses are generally prohibited in the CN, CS, CC(2) and CC zone districts, except
on housing inventory sites iden�fied in the Housing Element, subject to the standards in
Sec�on 18.16.060(b), and on CS and CN sites on El Camino Real and CC(2) sites, subject to the following.
(1) On CS and CN sites on El Camino Real and on CC(2) sites, where the retail shopping (R) combining
district or the retail preserva�on provisions of Sec�on 18.40.180 do not apply, exclusively residen�al
uses are allowed subject to the standards in Sec�on 18.16.060(b) and the following addi�onal
requirements:
(A) Residen�al units shall not be permited on the ground-floor of development fron�ng on El
Camino Real unless set back a minimum of 15 feet from the property line or the 12-foot effec�ve
sidewalk setback along the El Camino Real frontage, whichever is greater. Common areas, such as
lobbies, stoops, community rooms, and work-out spaces with windows and architectural detail are
permited on the ground-floor El Camino Real frontage.
(B) Parking shall be located behind buildings or below grade, or, if infeasible, screened by
landscaping, low walls, or garage structures with architectural detail.
(C) Combining district use regula�ons and design and development standards shall not apply to
exclusively residen�al projects on Housing Element opportunity sites designated to accommodate lower
income households. See Sec�on 18.14.020 for details.
SECTION 8. Chapter 18.18: DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL (CD) DISTRICT
18.18.060 Development Standards
[. . .]
(b) Mixed Use and Residen�al
Table 3 specifies the development standards for new residen�al mixed use developments and
residen�al developments. Housing Development Projects shall be designed and constructed in
compliance with the following requirements and the objec�ve design standards in Chapter 18.24. Non-
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Housing Development Projects and Housing Development Projects that elect to deviate from one or
more objec�ve standards in Chapter 18.24 shall meet context-based design criteria outlines in
Sec�on 18.18.110, provided that more restric�ve regula�ons may be recommended by the architectural
review board and approved by the director of planning and development services, pursuant to
Sec�on 18.76.020:
TABLE 3
MIXED USE AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
CD-C CD-S CD-N Subject to regula�ons
in Sec�on:
[. . .]
Maximum Site Coverage No requirement 50% 50%
Minimum Landscape Open Space
Coverage 20% 30% 35% 18.14.020
Usable Open Space (Private and/or
Common)
150 sq � per unit (1) 18.18.110
Maximum Height (�)
Standard 50' 50' 35' 18.08.030
Por�ons of a site within 150 �. of an
abu�ng residen�al district (other than
an RM-40 or PC zone)(4)
40' 40' 35' 18.08.030
Daylight Plane for lot lines abu�ng
one or more residen�al zoning
districts or a residen�al PC district
Daylight plane height and slope iden�cal to those
of the most restric�ve residen�al zone abu�ng
the lot line
Residen�al Density (net)(2) No maximum 30 30 18.14.020
Maximum Weighted Average
Residen�al Unit Size(5)
1,500 sq � per
unit No maximum No maximum
Maximum Residen�al Floor Area Ra�o
(FAR) 1.0:1(3) 0.6:1(3) 0.5:1(3) 18.14.020,
18.18.065, 18.18.070
Maximum Nonresiden�al Floor Area
Ra�o (FAR) 1.0:1(3) 0.4:1 0.4:1
Total Floor Area Ra�o (FAR)(3) 2.0:1(3) 1.0:1(3) 0.9:1(3) 18.14.020,
18.18.065, 18.18.070
Parking Requirement See Chapters 18.52 and 18.54 Chs. 18.52, 18.54
[. . .]
(c) Exclusively Residen�al Uses
(1) Exclusively residen�al uses are allowed in the CD-C subdistrict, except in the ground floor (GF)
combining district. However, GF combining district use regula�ons and design and development
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standards shall not apply to exclusively residen�al projects on Housing Element opportunity sites
designated to accommodate lower income households. See Sec�on 18.14.020 for details.
(2) Exclusively residen�al uses are generally prohibited in the CD-N and CD-S subdistricts. Such uses
are allowed, however, where a site is designated as a housing inventory site in the Housing Element of
the Comprehensive Plan. Such sites shall be developed pursuant to the regula�ons for the mul�-family
zone designa�on (RM-20, RM-30, or RM-40) iden�fied for the site in the Housing Element.
SECTION 9. Chapter 18.28 SPECIAL PURPOSE (PF, OS and AC) DISTRICTS
[. . .]
18.28.040 Land Uses
Table 1 shows the permited (P) and condi�onally permited (CUP) land uses for the Special Purpose
Districts.
Table 1
Land Uses
PF OS AC Subject to Regula�ons
in Chapter:
[. . .]
Single-family dwellings P
Manufactured housing (including mobile homes on
permanent founda�ons)
P 18.40.
Mul�ple-Family (Housing Element Opportunity Site) P 18.14.020
Guest ranches CUP
Residen�al care facili�es, when u�lizing exis�ng
structures on the site
CUP(1)
Residen�al Care Homes P
Residen�al use, and accessory buildings and uses
customarily incidental to permited dwellings;
provided, however, that such permited dwellings
shall be for the exclusive use of the owner or
owners, or lessee or lessor of land upon which the
permited agricultural use is conducted, and the
residence of other members of the same family and
bona fide employees of the aforemen�oned
P
[. . .]
[. . .]
18.28.050 Site Development Standards
(a) Development Standards. On Housing Element opportunity sites (City-owned parking lots):
development standards are iden�fied in Sec�on 18.14.020
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Table 2
Special Purpose District Site Development Standards
[. . .]
(b) Open Space Impervious Coverage and Floor Area
(1) Residen�al Use
The impervious coverage and floor area ra�os shall be determined based on a sliding scale
calcula�on. Table 3 provides the range of allowable percentages for the calcula�on. Allowable
development for other site sizes between 1 and 10 acres shall be calculated on a prorated basis between
the acreages shown in Table 3. Except that on Housing Element opportunity sites (City-owned parking
lots), development standards are iden�fied in Sec�on 18.14.020.
Table 3
Open Space Residen�al Impervious Coverage and Floor Area Ra�o Scale
[. . .]
SECTION 10. If any sec�on, subsec�on, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason
held to be invalid or uncons�tu�onal by a decision of any court of competent jurisdic�on, such decision
shall not affect the validity of the remaining por�ons of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares
that it would have passed this Ordinance and each and every sec�on, subsec�on, sentence, clause, or
phrase not declared invalid or uncons�tu�onal without regard to whether any por�on of the ordinance
would be subsequently declared invalid or uncons�tu�onal.
SECTION 11. In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City prepared
an Addendum to the 2017 Comprehensive Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR), analyzing the
poten�al environmental impacts of the 2023-2031 Housing Element. On May 8, 2023, the City Council
adopted Resolu�on No. 10107, finding that the Addendum and the 2017 EIR adequately analyzed the
environmental impacts of the Housing Element, including Program 1.1A and 1.1B of the Housing
Element, which this ordinance implements.
//
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SECTION 12. This ordinance shall be effec�ve on the thirty-first date a�er the date of its adop�on.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
____________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
____________________________ ____________________________
Assistant City Atorney City Manager
____________________________
Director of Planning and Development Services