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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2407-3264CITY OF PALO ALTO CITY COUNCIL Special Meeting Monday, August 12, 2024 Council Chambers & Hybrid 5:30 PM     Agenda Item     8.Approval of FY 2025 Architectural Review Board, Historic Resources Board, Planning and Transportation Commission Workplans; CEQA status – not a project Item Removed Off Agenda City Council Staff Report Report Type: ACTION ITEMS Lead Department: City Clerk Meeting Date: August 12, 2024 Report #:2407-3264 TITLE Approval of FY 2025 Architectural Review Board, Historic Resources Board, Planning and Transportation Commission Workplans; CEQA status – not a project RECOMMENDATION The Architectural Review Board, Historic Resources Board, and Planning and Transportation Commission recommend approval of each Commission’s respective Fiscal Year 2025 Workplan. BACKGROUND On November 30, 2020, the City Council adopted the Boards, Commissions and Committees (BCC) Handbook1, which implemented an annual review and approval of BCC workplans. Each BCC is required to prepare an annual workplan for Council’s review and approval. The annual report should include the results of the prior year’s workplan and should consist of up to three priorities. When applicable, the City Council would like to see metrics of community involvement and participation in meetings and activities included in the workplan. Council may refer additional items to the BCC in response to new developments. If the BCC would like to add an issue for review after an annual workplan has been approved the City Council, a prompt request by the BCC Chair to the City Council is required and the item will then be addressed by the City Council as a whole. BCC workplans for FY 2025 will be presented to Council batched by issue area. Each BCC will give a brief presentation summarizing its prior year accomplishments and FY 2025 workplan highlights. At this meeting, Council will review workplans for the Planning and Development- related BCCs: Architectural Review Board, Historic Resources Board, and Planning and Transportation Commission. Council will review Community Services- related BCCs (Human Relations Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Public Art Commission) and 1 City Boards, Commissions, and Committees Handbook: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/2/city-clerk/palo-alto-boards-commissions-and-committees- handbook_final_2022.pdf infrastructure-related BCCs (Stormwater Management Oversight Committee and Utilities Advisory Commission) at the August 19, 2024 meeting. FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT Projects included in commission workplans ultimately require staff time and other City resources to complete. When possible, staff provide input to the commissions during workplan development to ensure the impact on staff time and resources is reasonable given staff workload and other competing priorities. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT Commission workplans are discussed publicly either in regular commission meetings or commission retreats. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Council action on this item is not a project as defined by CEQA because this is a continuing administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5). ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: FY 2025 Architectural Review Board Workplan Attachment B: FY 2025 Historic Resources Board Workplan Attachment C: FY 2025 Planning and Transportation Commission Workplan APPROVED BY: Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk Architectural Review Board 2024-2025 Workplan Staff Liaison: Claire Raybould, AICP, Principal Planner Lead Department: Current Planning, Planning and Development Services Division About the Board The Architectural Review Board is composed of five members, at least three of whom are architects, landscape architects, building designers or other design professionals. Terms are for three years. See Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) Chapter 2.21. Residency is not required. For the ARB webpage go to bit.ly/paloaltoARB. Boardmembers •Peter Baltay (Chair) •Kendra Rosenberg (Vice Chair) •Mousam Adcock •Yingxi Chen •David Hirsch Mission Statement The Architectural Review Board reviews and makes recommendations to the Planning Director on the building design, site planning, landscape planning, massing and facades, material selection, lighting, signage and other related issues for most major new construction including additions and renovations that alter the exterior building face. The type of buildings reviewed include commercial, industrial, and multiple-family residential. In addition, the ARB is a resource as knowledgeable observers of many varied urban environments, to assist Palo Alto as it develops area plans to accommodate additional housing. The ARB Scope of Review is fully noted in Title 18 of the Municipal Code, Chapter 18.76 under Section 18.76.020 as well as in Chapter 18.77 under Section 18.77.073. Prior Year Accomplishments •See attached Summary PROJECT/GOAL 1:Review Planning applications for conformance with ARB Findings and Objective Standards BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED This is the Board's main mission and serves to ensure the City develops high quality projects On-Going Planning staff prepare staff reports, packets and presentations. They ensure paper plan sets and material boards are ready for ARB review. Other departments, such as, City Attorney, Urban Forestry, Transportation, etc., may be required from time to time. Consultants, including CEQA consultants, may also be required. Issuance of recommendations on projects and high-quality architecture throughout the City. Yes HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE •Projects that include new housing units that will help with City reach its regional housing needs allocation (RHNA) N/A PROJECT/GOAL 2: Assist the City as it considers modifications to Objective Standards; Provide feedback based on research from projects as they go through the objective standards ministerial processes. Suggest ways to better address different housing typology. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED Streamline the objective standard review process and ensure that projects using the streamlined review process/objective standards conform to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Goals and Policies, including its high-quality design standards Provide high level modifications to objective standards to Council by the end of 2024; If directed by Council, work with staff to propose specific code language for Council adopted by the end of FY 2025 Additional staff at Planning so that the quality and completeness of the work is maintained. Council Approval No HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE In order of priority:•Modifications to address objective standards (18.24) based on review of several projects using the standards•Modifications to address townhome projects based on the feedback from the ARB Ad Hoc Committee on townhomes •Modifications to SB 9 objective standards No PROJECT/GOAL 3: Discuss specific Coordinated Area Plans that the ARB would recommend exploring/implement; If the City Council directs the preparation of those plans to staff, provide comments on those Coordinated Area Plans BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED This project would enhance implementation of the City's Comprehensive Plan On-going Planning staff to help research policies and programs; coordination with long range planning section staff. Increased adherence to Comprehensive Plan policies Yes HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE •Coordinated Area Plan for San Antonio area•Downtown Housing Plan •California Avenue •Encina Avenue No PROJECT/GOAL 4:Provide feedback to staff and Council on the creation of new guidelines, ordinances, and/or streetscape, including but not limited to upcoming roof terraces, bird safe glazing and dark sky lighting regulations, parklets design, and streetscape designs. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED The ARB has unique feedback to provide as a stakeholder as they have interest in approving the aesthetic environment of the City while also understanding constraints that architects/developers may come across when implementing standards being considered Anticipated to return to the Board in spring/summer 2024 Staff time Council Approval Yes HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE •Roof Terraces•Bird safe glazing / dark skys•Riparian setbacks •Monitor parklet and streetscape design No PROJECT/GOAL 5: Improve Coordination between the Architectural Review Board and other boards, commissions and Council. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED •Improved coordination between boards/commissions and council to get feedback from colleagues on other board •More coordinated feedback from the City for developers On-going Staff time •Staff provide summary reports from PTC, ARB, and HRB meetings promptly following each meeting •Take direct feedback from the ARB on reviewed projects up for Council approval. The ARB can appoint a member to represent the board directly to the Council No HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE •Create liaisons between boards/commissions No Architectural Review Board of the City of Palo Alto Annual Report of Prior Year Accomplishments and ARB Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025 Following is a review of the ARB’s accomplishments over the past year and the Board’s recommendations to Council regarding areas of work that should be prioritized in next fiscal year and opportunities for better coordination. 1.Application Review. The ARB takes prides in its collaborative process of review, where members meld their individual opinions and experience into one democratic summary that improves proposed projects and therefore the quality of the Palo Alto built environment. This past year, the ARB reviewed approximately 20 projects including two major public projects, multi-family housing projects with inclusionary below market rate units, and commercial projects as well as larger retail modifications in Stanford Shopping Center, meeting Goal 1 of the 2024 annual work plan. Our review and oversight of the following projects has made a real and significant difference. Below are renderings of some of these projects showing the initial proposal and final design. Address/project Building type 3001 El Camino Real Affordable Housing 3200 Park Boulevard Development Agreement 420 Acacia Ave Housing (with inclusionary units) 739 Sutter Avenue Housing (with inclusionary units) 3600 Middlefield Road Fire Station 180 El Camino Real Arhaus Facade 180 El Camino Real Sushi Roku Facade 180 El Camino Real Restoration Hardware Facade 123 Sherman Avenue Office 2501 Embarcadero Advanced Water Purification System 800 San Antonio Road Mixed Use (Office and retail with inclusionary units) SB 9 Objective Standards Review Ordinance/Plan In addition, a number of projects came in as a preliminary review to obtain early feedback from the ARB. The ARB’s early review of these projects and boardmember feedback prior to formal application will help to incorporate key programming modifications and design changes in the early stage of development, helping to streamline the formal application. These included 640 Waverley Street, 616 Ramona Street, 1066 East Meadow Drive, and 70 Encina Avenue. •The ARB provided valuable feedback to assist Council with respect to updating SB 9 standards. They also provided a comprehensive review and made recommendations on updates to the objective standards to better address townhome style designs. This work was consistent with Goal 2 of the fiscal year 2024 work plan. •The ARB provided valuable feedback to assist Council with respect to Preapproved Parklets Design. Although not explicitly identified in the work plan, this work was consistent with Goal 2 of the fiscal year 2024 work plan. •The ARB provided valuable feedback to assist Council with respect to the Dark Skies and Bird Safe Glazing Ordinance as well as the North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan consistent with Goal 3 of the fiscal year 2024 work plan. Additional work on this effort is expected in the next few months to further assist with these efforts prior to a final Council decision. Recommendations PAMC Section 2.21.030 directs the Architectural Review Board to report annually our “concerns… with respect to the city’s plans, policies, ordinances and procedures as these affect the projects which the board reviews.” Our reviews are site specific – we look at individual development proposals, not broad policies. At the same time, we are directed to look at each project in both its physical and regulatory context – how it will enhance its neighborhood (or not) and how it will implement the City’s polices, from the Comprehensive Plan to the various design guidelines the City uses. Because we look at many projects each year, and because many board members have years of experience in Palo Alto, patterns emerge and specific areas of concern have been identified. Our comments this year are centered around the increasing importance of housing projects to the city. 2. Objective Design Standard Refinements. In our continuing response to recently enacted state legislation, Palo Alto previously adopted objective design review standards for housing projects, effectively eliminating architectural review on residential and mixed-use projects where objective standards can be met in order to streamline review of those applications. Several residential projects over the past year were townhouse type developments (3200 Park Boulevard, 739 Sutter Avenue, 420 Acacia). In our review, it was noted that some of the current standards focused more on larger multi-family buildings. Therefore, some aspects of townhouse style design were not fully addressed/accommodated for in the standards. Through an Ad Hoc committee we studied many local townhouse developments and have provided the planning department with recommendations to modify the Objective Design Standards to address townhome designs as well as larger multi-family designs. The ARB recommends that refinements be made to the objective standards based on implementation of the standards for a series of projects as well as with the recommendations from the ARB regarding modifications for townhome designs. 3. Coordinated Area Plans to encourage housing development and better planning •San Antonio Avenue area. The San Antonio Avenue area is experiencing increasing residential development but our zoning regulations for the area are outdated and focused on commercial development, resulting in applicant uncertainty and long entitlement processes. The existing one-story light industrial and commercial buildings will be substantially replaced in the coming decade. A coordinated area plan will allow us to consider larger issues such as transportation, neighborhood parks, city services, pedestrian/bicycle pathways, and integration with nearby developments in Mountain View as this area transforms. •Downtown. To increase housing, the downtown area needs revised standards to accommodate redevelopment of parking lots as to encourage housing additions while maintaining the vibrancy of the downtown area and its pedestrian friendly streetscape. •California Avenue area. With State requirements as outlined in AB 2097 and Builder’s Remedy, the California Avenue area will experience more development then in the past. This area should have a coordinated area plan to better scope future development. •Encina Avenue area. The Encina Avenue area, between El Camino and the railroad is an excellent location for higher density housing. However, the adjacent Town and County shopping center, a low lying and historically significant facility, must be protected. Parking considerations are also paramount in this area. A coordinated area plan offers an efficient path towards increased density while protecting a much loved shopping area. 4. Bird safe glazing and dark sky regulations. The ARB should provide feedback to the planning staff, PTC and Council regarding upcoming bird safe glazing and dark sky lighting regulations. The ARB has observed an increased use of roof terraces to meet open space requirements in multi-family projects. These roof terraces can be limited by height requirements and privacy concerns. 5. City Council/Planning Commission communication. The Architecture Review Board has very little formal interaction with the City Council, the Planning Commission and the Historic Resources Board. Board members are forced to act on individual initiative to gain input from council members and other commissioners. Joint meetings with full boards are rarely productive; yet uncoordinated serial meetings leave commissioners unaware of feedback from colleagues on other boards. Applicants often feel that they are ‘running a gauntlet’ of approvals rather than facing a coordinated review. •Request staff to provide summary reports from PTC, ARB and HRB meetings promptly following each meeting. •Take direct feedback from the ARB on reviewed projects up for council approval where Council approval is required. The ARB can appoint a member to represent the board directly to the council. •Request staff to schedule joint preliminary discussions between the ARB, PTC and HRB chairs/vice-chairs on projects of common interest. These ‘preliminary meetings’ would not be to review specifics of a project; rather they would serve to coordinate the review process between boards and planning staff. •Appoint HRB, PTC and Council liaisons to the ARB to facilitate open communication between boards and commissions and city council. ARB liaisons will provide a clear channel for passing information between reviewing bodies, enabling all board and commission and council members, as well as the general public, direct access to relevant information on a project-by-project basis. Below are Renderings of approved projects from Initial proposal to Final Design from the list of reviewed projects. A summary of key modifications that were made to the design based on ARB feedback is also included: 739 Sutter Avenue - Initial Proposal 739 Sutter - Final Design - Private outdoor balconies for residents were increased to two levels on Sutter side but removed the roof deck - Balconies facing single family residences were improved to maintain privacy for single family residences - Massing around building corners were greatly improved 3001 Camino Real - Initial Proposal 3001 El Camino Real - Final Design - Improved the central building circulation to make the site more useable and to facilitate the applicant’s building code compliance. - Recommended modification to the El Camino Real façade articulation to create greater visibility onto the street from the El Camino Real facing uses. - Recommended design modifications that allowed for more visibility into the community room from Acacia to provide a more pedestrian-friendly façade along that street frontage. 123 Sherman Avenue - Initial Proposal 123 Sherman Avenue - Final Design -The ARB focused on improving the entrance to and design of the first-floor commercial space at the corner to ensure the viability of a future tenant and to create interest at the corner -A focus on the detail and use of the full height decorative panels on portions of the perimeter of the upper floor office levels. -Increased vegetation planting -Revisions to the plans to ensure privacy of nearby residential uses and reduce light intrusion from this building into their units. 3200 Park Boulevard- Initial Proposal 3200 Park Boulevard - Final Design -Increased the widths of the pedestrian paseos to increase usability and reduce privacy impacts both through building setbacks and landscaping -recommended modifications to design, materials and color to increase the variability across different buildings, provide variation in height across the longer facades, and to provide interest on the end units -Simplified the forms along the southern façade of the cannery building, reducing design changes that detracted from the historic character of the building, particularly with respect to the windows below the monitor roof -Refined the color variations for the parking garage to help further break down the scale of the garage and brought down the height of the garage to reduce impacts on neighboring single-family residents and maintain the stepped height of the cannery, which relates back to its historic use with loading docks at the rear of the building 180 El Camino Arhaus- Initial Proposal 180 El Camino Real Arhaus - Final Design -The initial design was well received; however, the applicant returned later to propose modifications based on tenant preferences. The ARB’s initial recommendations, which were also incorporated into the final design, included minor revisions to the materials, to emphasize the entrance design, and to request additional details regarding the bicycle parking as it relates to this site and the overall facility 180 El Camino Restoration Hardware- Initial Proposal 180 El Camino Real Restoration Hardware- Final Design -Although the initial design was generally well received as a clean, light design, the ARB recommended minor modifications to make the white less glaring and more toned down. In particular, the ARB requested that metal accents to be a deeper hue to create more interest, depth, and warmth, recommended keeping green walls that were planned to be removed, and provided input to refine small details such as the lighting 180 El Camino Sushi Roku- Initial Proposal 180 El Camino Real Sushi Roku - Final Design -Sushi Roku came to the ARB with a comprehensive design, steeped in the culture and rich in texture. The ARB had some questions regarding maintenance and detailing of exterior materials, but generally approved the design as proposed ___________________________________ 800 San Antonio Road- Initial Proposal 800 San Antonio Road - Final Design - Building above grades were redesigned to avoid encroaching into setbacks - Main entrance volume expressed appropriately on the street with material and form - Improved trash pick-up logistics - Improved courtyard function and circulation - Improved internal circulation with widening hallways at back elevator - Provided planting soil depth above top of basement for ground floor softscape at base of building - (second ad hoc committee meeting pending) 2501 Embarcadero Road- Initial Proposal 2501 Embarcadero Road - Final Design - Colors muted to align with Baylands guidelines - Light pollution shielded from all sides using perforated metal below the roof - Color temperature of the lighting lowered, while maintaining high light levels for worker safety - Section of chain-link fence removed and replaced with board formed concrete to screen tank better from the street 420 Acacia Avenue- Initial Proposal 420 Acacia Avenue- Final Design - Overall, the project was well received as proposed. The ARB recommended minor improvements to provide better pedestrian circulation, clarify details of the rooftop open space, and ensure privacy between those spaces as well as for adjacent uses. - Refined the details of how the private street relates to the neighboring parking facility. Historic Resources Board 2024-2025 Workplan Staff Liaison: Amy French, Chief Planning Official Lead Department: Department Name About the Commission The HRB is now five members, effective July 4, 2024. Four candidates are set for August 2024 interviews, for two positions. The City is a Certified Local Government (CLG) responsible for historic preservation - to identify, evaluate, register, and preserve historic properties within its jurisdictions and promote the integration of local preservation interests and concerns into local planning and decision-making processes. Staff prepares an annual report of the activities of the Certified Local Government each spring for the prior year and submits these to the State Office of Historic Preservation. This HRB Work Plan covers July 2024 - July 2025. HRB member terms are for 3 years and are staggered per PAMC Section 2.27.020. For more information please visit https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/City-Hall/Boards-Commissions/Historic- Resources-Board. The Department webpages are a wealth of information, go to: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Historic-Preservation Current Commissioners •Alisa Eagleston-Cieslewicz (Chair) •Samantha Rohman (Vice Chair) •Christian Pease •Caroline Willis, Margaret Wimmer or Mike Makinen (until two successors are appointed) Mission Statement Per Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 2.27 Historic Resources Board, Section 2.27.040 Duties, HRB purview is: (a) Render advice and guidance to a property owner upon the owner's application for alteration of any historic singlefamily or duplex building in the downtown area and any such building designated as significant elsewhere in the city (b) Inform the ARB of the historical and/or architectural significance of historic commercial and multiple-family structures in the downtown area and any such buildings designated as significant elsewhere in the City that are under review by the ARB. Submit recommendations to the ARB regarding proposed exterior alterations of such historic structures (c) Recommend to the Council the designation of additional buildings and districts as historic. Research available information and add historical information to the inventory sheets of historic structures/sites. This inventory is maintained in the department of planning and development services. (d) Perform such other functions as may be delegated from time to time to the HRB by the City Council. The Board’s goals and purposes (purview) are set in Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 2.27 Historic Resources Board, Section 2.27.040 Duties. These duties include reviewing alterations to historic resources and providing recommendations on nominations to the local historic resources inventory. The City's historic program includes the implementation of Comprehensive Plan policies on an ongoing basis including Policy L7.2 (preparation of historic evaluations to determine eligibility for the California Register of Historical Resources and associated tracking), Policy L7.1.1 (recommend eligible resources to the local inventory), and Policy L7.1.2: Reassess Historic Preservation Ordinance. Prior Year Accomplishments During the work plan period the HRB held 14 public meetings, met the objectives in the 'ongoing' goals 1 and 2 of the plan, completed goal 3 of the plan (providing recommendations on nominations of properties previously found eligible for the National and State historic registers to the City's local historic inventory, unless property owners submitted objections to listing; known as the 2023 Historic Reconnaissance Survey), and many objectives set forth in goal 4 of the plan. The staff continued to implement policy L7.2 as an ongoing activity, and conducted three evening community meetings over the plan's term, to further encourage community participation. PROJECT/GOAL 1: Limited modification to PAMC 16.49, historic preservation, providing clarifications regarding the HRB’s role. The HRB could discuss language providing clarifications of its role with respect to three potential topics: (a) the nomination process, (b) the effect of HRB recommendations regarding exterior modifications to residential historic resources, and (c) category changes (upgrades, downgrades, removals) BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED The benefits are providing clarification of the HRB's role for the public Subject to Council direction, to begin in the second quarter City Council direction and accommodation in the PDS department workplan would be needed. HRB subcommittee and staff of planning and city attorney departments to prepare draft amendments for Council review and adoption Well-written ordinance language that assists the public's understanding and calms the fears of property owners about governmental overreach Council may provide direction to modify PAMC 16.49; CLG cities maintain historic preservation ordinances. HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE Priority is high to enable greater understanding of the HRB's role and address property owners' concerns with respect to Goal items (a) and (b) Lower priority: Goal item (c) - listed historic resources placed on the City's inventory in the late 1970s and 1980s have not been reviewed to determine whether any modifications reduce critical aspects of integrity and drop or lower the properties' local historic resource category. Council may provide direction to modify PAMC 16.49; CLG cities maintain historic preservation ordinances PROJECT/GOAL 2: Education and Creating New User-Friendly Resources/Communication Regarding Historic Preservation. (a) find new ways to promote preservation, including use of the existing zoning code incentives and State historic building code (b) improve upon communication types to provide the community accessible information, including the use of videos (linked to the City’s and State’s webpages) to help property owners understand the local and State preservation incentives and codes, (c) continue to provide updates to the historic review process bulletin as needed to communicate CEQA requirements related to PAMC 16.49 and listed historic resources, and (d) enable the HRB staff liaison(s), the City’s historic preservation consultant, and Chief Building Official to implement training providing an ongoing opportunity for HRB members, staff, and the community to gain working knowledge as to the use of the State’s historic building code BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED The benefits would be to improve preservation in Palo Alto and clarity for owners of historic properties. Goal 2 to begin during plan quarter 1 and continue through quarter 2 (October - December) Staff of PDS would be tasked as well as an HRB ad hoc committee to make progress. Website contains links to information resources and videos, to assist property owners, staff, and others. N/A HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE Item (a) a table of existing zoning code incentives and another table of historic building code provisions and Item (b) improvements to types of communications used to promote historic preservation. Items (c) and (d)N/A PROJECT/GOAL 3: Conduct a survey of the local inventory resources listed prior to the 2023 Historic Reconnaissance Survey, to determine historic conditions. If Council directs a survey update, that work would require resources and may extend into the next year work plan. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED Determining conditions of existing inventory properties (listed prior to April 22, 2024) would allow better clarity Subject to Council direction/ resource allocation and to begin in fourth quarter Budget for and assistance from qualified consultant to assess conditions of inventory properties listed prior to April 22, 2024 Data on conditions of buildings placed on the local inventory prior to April 22, 2024 No HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE Properties that have been demolished remove from local inventory Properties that have lost integrity over time that may need a category change No PROJECT/GOAL 4: Additional preservation incentives (a) discuss and recommend additional zoning code incentives to continue the community engagement process that began with the 2023 reconnaissance survey/ inventory update; (b) represent the HRB’s interests during public hearings, or participate in joint meetings with the Planning and Transportation Commission and City Council, to review any proposed zoning code modifications incentivizing historic preservation incentives; (c) outreach to the community after adoption of any adopted new incentives. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED Benefit will be for all property owners who do not currently see any benefit to listing their property on the City's historic inventory Goal 2 to begin during plan quarter 2 (item a) and subject to Council direction, continue through quarter 4 (April - June 2025, items b and c) PDS staff and CAO staff. City Council direction and accommodation in the PDS department workplan would be needed. More historic properties are preserved for future enjoyment of the owners and community, due to the additional incentives. Council may provide direction to modify PAMC title 18. HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE Item a is to gather ideas for new incentives in the zoning code to add to a table of existing incentives in the zoning code. Subject to Council direction, items b and c would follow item a.N/A Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) 2024-25 Workplan and 2023 -24 Workplan Overview Staff Liaison: Amy French, Chief Planning Official, Planning and Development Services (PDS) Lead Department: Planning and Development Services (PDS); Office of Transportation (OOT) Date reviewed by PTC April 24, 2024 About the Commission The seven-member Planning & Transportation Commission adopted its 2023-24 work plan on April 26, 2023. The members and chairs are listed below. Members serve 4-year terms. See Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC) webpage link: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/boards/ptc/default.asp Current Commissioners • Doria Summa (Chair) • Bryna Chang (Vice Chair) • Bart Hechtman • Keith Reckdahl • Carolyn Templeton • Allen Akin • George Lu Mission Statement The Planning & Transportation Commission advises the City Council, Planning Director, and Chief Transportation Official on land use and transportation matters, including the Comprehensive Plan, zoning, transportation programs, and related matters. The Commission's primary responsibilities include: • Preparing and making recommendations to the City Council on the City's Comprehensive Plan and applying the Comprehensive Plan to proposed development, public facilities, and transportation in Palo Alto • Considering and making recommendations to the City Council on zoning map and zoning ordinance changes; any changes to Title 18 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code must be reviewed by the PTC and the City Council • Reviewing and making recommendations to the City Council on subdivisions and Site and Design Reviews, on appeals on variances and use permits • Considering other policies and programs affecting development and land use in Palo Alto for final City Council action • Reviewing and making recommendations on individual projects as described in the Municipal Code, and Open Space development; • Reviewing and making recommendations to the City Council on transportation, parking, and other related mobility issues • Ensuring robust community engagement and dialogue regarding planning, land use, and transportation and providing recommendations to the City Council regarding these matters and incorporating the public discussion. The PTC hearings provide a forum for public comment and public interaction Prior Year Accomplishments https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/planning-and-transportation-commission/ptc-2023-2024-work-plan.pdf The PTC recommended the revised Housing Element, ordinances, and development, provided feedback in study sessions, recommended policy direction, reviewed annual reports, completed goals and continued the ongoing goals. Transportation Goal 1 Road Safety and Goal 9 BPTP: BPTP vision sessions (PTC, 4/29 CC), Safe Streets For All (PTC, 4/29 CC), El Camino Real bike lanes (PTC, 4/1 CC), traffic safety report reviews ongoing; Goal 2: Retail Recovery – sessions, ad-hoc, report to Council; Goal 3 ongoing; Goal 4 met: NVCAP and Certified SEIR and zoning code amendment (5/8 PTC, 6/10 CC); Goal 5 HE revision (4/15 PTC/Council adoption) and HE ordinances for: Safe Parking, Implementing HE Programs 1.1A, 1.1B (rezoning GM/ROLM), 1.3 (By-Right Housing on HE sites), Density Bonus law, HIP (6/12 PTC); Goal 6: State legislation implementation included SB9, AB2097 handouts and map; Goal 8: On Demand Transit – PA Link launched; Goal 10 Car Free St. - CMO; Goal 11 RRP 11/23 ord. - met; Goal 12: Dark Sky/ Bird-safe Glass (5/29 PTC); Goal 13: Stream Corridor not met (target dates end of summer); Other ordinances adopted in term: Electrification/Noise, Parklets, PHZs 800 San Antonio, 3265 ECR, 660 University; Projects reviewed: 575, 830 Los Trancos; 3200 Park/340 Portage, 2901 Middlefield; 4075 ECR, 2501 Embarcadero Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) 2024-2025 Workplan Staff Liaison: Amy French, Chief Planning Official, Planning and Development Services (PDS) Lead Departments: Planning and Development Services (PDS); Office of Transportation (OOT) PROJECT/GOAL 1: Safe Streets For All Safety Action Plan Review and support the adoption of the Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL- APPROVED Opportunity to investigate an area of considerable public concern. Estimated adoption by the end of 2024 Fully funded by a FHWA grant Adoption of plan by Council No HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE Safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists is important. Reducing and/or eliminating injury and death resulting from collisions is an important priority for many residents. A public dialogue at the PTC is welcomed by those concerned members of the public. The challenges in this area are addressed through existing committees and active projects. The work continues regardless. No PROJECT/GOAL 2: Retail Ordinance Updates Council is likely to direct PTC to amend Zoning Code after staff presents the Retail Study prepared by MBI, reviewed by the PTC with support from PTC ad hoc committee; the study included consideration of AB 2097 and outreach. This is a Council priority (objective 18 of EDT): “Present to Council recommendations for a citywide retail zoning strategy and receive direction for zoning ordinance implementation.” BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL- APPROVED Overall, this project aims to ensure a strong climate for retail businesses in Palo Alto that can allow residents to meet their daily needs and have a high quality of life. The high-level reviews of trends and best practices in retail will be presented to Council June 10, 2024. The PTC is likely to receive Council direction for Title 18 changes in the 2024-25 plan year. Consultant work, staff oversight, and meetings preparation, and participation from the local retail community. These interrelated projects may result in the development of new ordinances and/or broader policy recommendations to the City Council. Yes - Council assigned. HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE Any shifts in retail trends that will endure are occurring and can benefit from further and refined action by the City. While this is an impactful body of work, the need to get it right and coordinate with existing and new resources outweighs the need to quickly pursue the work. Yes PROJECT/GOAL 3: Area Planning This goal carries forward the prior year goal for neighborhood planning approaches and overall effectiveness of various approaches to neighborhood planning. The staff and PTC will consider new neighborhoods that result from the 6th cycle Housing Element sites and demand for public facilities/services. For the Downtown Housing Plan, staff retained consultants and began outreach in April/May, with community assessment, community advisory group, and technical advisory group meetings, and formulation of goals and policies. For the San Antonio Road Area Plan the RFP will be released in summer 2024, and work with a consultant on the area plan can begin. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL- APPROVED Development of preliminary schedule for new area plans would enable City Council to provide direction By December 2024 Staff time to research and prepare a staff report to PTC and ARB Successful conversation and possible identification of an approach (or approaches) to guide the City's future. No HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE Council directed work on a preliminary schedule It would be timely to hold study sessions after the Housing Element has been certified Yes PROJECT/GOAL 4: Housing Program Implementation The PTC reviewed responses to HCD second-round comments with Council on April 15, 2024. PTC reviewed zone changes and Comp Plan amendments to achieve RHNA housing yields. Commence work on HE program implementation goals (see Council objectives list) for 2024-25: Program 3.4 Housing Incentive Program (including Program 3.4 E, Expand the El Camino Real Housing Focus Area at strategic locations on El Camino Real) to be completed by December 31, 2024, Program 6.5 Alternative Housing to be completed by June 2025. The PTC may also begin work on Program 3.7 (Objective Standards in SOFA) toward the goal of December 31, 2026 adoption. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL- APPROVED Compliant housing element and programs to encourage housing development PTC and Council reviewed on April 15th submittal for HCD certification; targets for Programs 3.4 and 6.5 fall within plan term. Staff and consultant resources employed Implementation of programs by target dates Yes - State Mandated HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE Housing Incentive Program SOFA objective standards Yes PROJECT/GOAL 5: State Law Implementation – Laws with Prior Effective Dates (AB 2097, AB 2011, SB6) and any new 2024 Laws to Become Effective 2025 AB 2097, AB2011, SB6 Implementation and related policy considerations; includes development of policy considerations related to TDRs in Downtown and SOFA, parking district policies and in lieu parking fees, alternative parking facilities, loading zone, and ride-share passenger loading. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL- APPROVED Provide clarity to property owners and potential developers. Study session with PTC and Ordinance Recommendation during 2023-24 plan term Staff resources have been assigned. Adoption of ordinance amendments Yes - State HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE Implementing state laws and discuss policy considerations N/A Possibly - direction in April PROJECT/GOAL 6: Parking Programs The PTC will receive an update regarding options for improving the City’s parking programs. This includes a Roadmap for Residential Parking Permit Program improvements and commercial parking improvements. Parking Data Portal - PTC will receive an update regarding parking availability data. The new license plate reader technology allows for regular collection and reporting of parking availability. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL- APPROVED Improved parking operations. Ongoing. Ongoing. Feedback from PTC and continued engagement from the public. Yes HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE The staff work behind the project continues; proposed updates help advance the work. Additionally, the public welcomes opportunities to engage w/the PTC on this topic. This project represents a large body of ongoing work to manage parking supply and parking policy. Yes PROJECT/GOAL 7: Bicycle and Ped Transportation Plan Update A citywide evaluation of the bicycle network and pedestrian network. The plan will identify opportunities to enhance and connect the network. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL- APPROVED Updated bike/ped transportation plan Final plan update in 2025 Fully funded by a TDA3 grant Updated bike and ped plan No HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE N/A Update is timely, but not mandated by any state laws. No PROJECT/GOAL 8: Comprehensive Plan Policy Implementation. This includes Streamside Corridor changes in Title 18 and other Comp Plan policies that lead to Title 18 revisions. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED/LOCAL LAW/COUNCIL APPROVED Work through the relevant remaining Comprehensive Plan policies and programs to completion Stream corridor ordinance July 31 PTC. Others TBD; Staff identifies these tasks in annual reports Staff and consultant assistance – during a year when staff resources will be focused on implementation of the Housing Element Adopted ordinances to amend Title 18 No HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL Some of the programs and policies are higher priority Some of the programs and policies are lower priority Yes – Comprehensive Plan