HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2502-4211CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, March 10, 2025
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Agenda Item
8.Approval of the 2025 City Council Priority Objectives, as well as Committee Objectives
and Workplans. CEQA Status -- Not a Project. (Item Continued from February 24, 2025
City Council Meeting) Public Comment, Staff Presentation
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City Council
Staff Report
Report Type: ACTION ITEMS
Lead Department: City Manager
Meeting Date: March 10, 2025
Report #:2502-4211
TITLE
Approval of the 2025 City Council Priority Objectives, as well as Committee Objectives and
Workplans. CEQA Status -- Not a Project. (Item Continued from February 24, 2025 City Council
Meeting)
This item is a continuation of Agenda Item # 10 on the City Council February 24, 2025
agenda. The original report and materials may be found here:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=15969
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve: (a) 2025 City Council Priority Objectives, and (b)
Committee Objectives and Workplans
BACKGROUND
On January 25, 2025, the City Council held its annual retreat to discuss and establish the 2025
Council Priorities. The City Council Protocols and Procedures Handbook defines a priority as a
topic that will receive significant attention during the year. The City Council established the
following Priorities for 2025:
•Economic Development & Retail Vibrancy
•Climate Action and Adaptation & the Natural Environment Protection
•Implementing Housing Strategies for Social and Economic Balance
•Public Safety, Wellness & Belonging
As has been the City’s practice for the past few years, staff has followed the City Council
approval of its priorities by developing and recommending for City Council approval a set of
objectives to advance each priority throughout the calendar year.
These objectives reflect “SMARTIE” principles - Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant,
Time-bound, Inclusive, and Equitable. These Objectives primarily consist of City Council actions
and engagement and where significant staff resources are required throughout the calendar
year to further the Priorities. City Council engagement may include a variety of forms, such as
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City Council approval, committee/council ad hoc review and recommendations, legislative
advocacy, regional board/committee representation, and budgetary actions. Using the 2024
City Council Priorities and Objectives as a baseline, along with department proposed and City
Council suggested objectives during its Annual Retreat, staff has evaluated and included a
proposed list for City Council consideration in 2025.
In addition to City Council Priorities and Objectives, the City Council evaluates progress on
topics and issues of interest through the approval of Committee objectives, both for standing
and ad hoc committees. These are also included for consideration and approval.
ANALYSIS
The proposed 2025 City Council Priority Objectives lists a total of 68 objectives, compared to
last year’s 78. Attachment A includes the summary table with the following elements to help
guide the City Council in its decision making:
Carryforward/Revised/New- Objectives annotated by (C) are objectives that are carried over
from the 2024 list. (R) are objectives from the 2024 list that may have a second phase to the
project and have been revised to reflect 2025 goals. The number designation from the 2024
workplan is shown in parentheses. New Objectives (N) reflect a project that is new in 2025.
Objective Description- Summarizes the activity to be accomplished in calendar year 2025, and
if needed, a brief sentence describing the project. Once approved, a more thorough description
of the project and milestones will return to City Council at a later meeting.
Estimated Completion- Reflects the 2025 calendar quarter in which the Objective is expected
to be completed, subject to change. Q1 is January-March, Q2 is April-June, Q3 is July-
September, and Q4 is October-December.
City Council Priority Crossover- Identifies objectives that advance more than one City Council
Priority.
Funding Needed- Reflects a project that requires additional resources (staffing, capital
investment, or professional services) to achieve and complete the activity beyond current
budgeted levels. $ - up to 50K, $$ - 51-400K, $$$ - 500K+. Additional resources will be
considered for inclusion in the 2025-26 annual budget.
Staff Not Recommended- For a variety of reasons, any objectives that may have been carried
over from last year or suggested during the Annual Retreat that staff is not recommending be
considered in 2025 are identified in Attachment B.
Committee Objectives
The City Council retreat provided an opportunity to engage in a “big picture” discussion of what
the City Council would like to achieve over the year, and how the City’s decision-making
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structure should be used to this end. The City Council selected its ad hoc committees for 2025,
with the understanding that these committees will adhere to Brown Act requirements:
•Retail Ad Hoc Committee
•Rail Ad Hoc Committee
•Cubberley Ad Hoc Committee
•Climate Action & Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee
Based on the City Council action, staff has drafted Objectives for each of these committees and
are provided in Attachment C. In drafting these recommended Objectives, staff used the
principles presented at the City Council retreat:
•Ad hocs facilitate efficient Council meetings by vetting complex topics in advance
•Priorities and assignments, including ad hoc missions (objectives), will be made by the
full Council to ensure transparent management of resources
•Ad hoc recommendations proceed directly to the full Council, not heard by more than
one committee
•Recommendations from ad hocs will be developed in public
Objectives for the perennial Council Appointed Officers Committee and City/Schools Liaison
Committee are also included in Attachment C.
Recommended workplans for the standing Policy & Services Committee and Finance Committee
are provided in Attachments D and E.
As work proceeds over the year, it is likely that changes to committee objectives may be
desired. Staff or committees may recommend such changes for City Council approval at any
point during the year.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
City Council approval of Priority Objectives does not have an immediate fiscal impact; however,
resources will need to be allocated to implement Council Priorities. Opportunities to allocate
resources to projects include the FY 2026 annual budget process, with adoption scheduled for
June 2025. In addition, the City Council may amend the budget throughout the year.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
City Council, community and stakeholder engagement is a key area of focus that is woven into
the workplans to implement the proposed City Council objectives contained in this report.
The City uses the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) as a guide to structure
community participation and align that participation with the type of input or feedback needed
based on the project/issue. Workplan engagement typically fit within these general focus areas-
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Inform: Fact sheets, webpages, blog posts, information sessions, open houses, frequently asked
questions, community briefings, and website feedback forms
Consult & Involve: Surveys, focus groups, questions and answer sessions, office hours, public
meetings like community meetings, town halls, panel discussions, workshops, and polling
Collaborate & Empower: Working groups, ad hoc groups, feedback groups, boards,
commissions and committee meetings, community advisory panels, advisory groups, digital
engagement platforms, and voter ballot measures
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
City Council action on this item is not a project as defined by CEQA because the City Council
discussion on 2025 Priority and Committee Objectives are a continuing administrative or
maintenance activity. CEQA Guidelines section 15378 (b)(2).
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Proposed 2025 City Council Priority Objectives
Attachment B: 2025 Staff Not Recommended Objectives
Attachment C: Committee Objectives
Attachment D: 2025 Policy & Services Committee Workplan
Attachment E: 2025 Finance Committee Workplan
APPROVED BY:
Ed Shikada, City Manager
ATTACHMENT A
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A B C D E F G H I J O
ED CA IHS PS
X R Council approval of outdoor activation guidelines for California Avenue. Council approval of outdoor activity guidelines informed by continued engagement with
stakeholders on a refined priorities and recommendations and Initiate implementation. (2)
X
X R Resume work on new parking structure in downtown core (Lot D). Staff will present parking garage design options to City Council for selection. (8)X
X R Complete build-out of fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) pilot Phase 1 with grid modernization. Complete building out of a reliable and high-speed municipal fiber
service in a pilot area and work to establish internet service provider operations including necessary business tools such rate setting, billing and operations
software to roll out services in the initial build. (9)
X
X R Council consideration of an ordinance that expands retail opportunities and promotes retail resiliency. Consider further refinement to retail and retail-like
definition and explore changes to retail preservation ordinance. (12)
X
X N Council consideration of an ordinance restoring subjective wireless communication facility regulations. Hold a public hearing on a draft ordinance implementing
the City Council's direction from late 2024 to eliminate objective standards for the placement of wireless antennas within the public right of way on street light or
utility poles.
X
X R Enhance partnerships with private-sector stakeholders. Meet regularly with businesses, brokers, property owners, and other private-sector partners to shape,
inform, and enhance economic development efforts . (10)
X N Council approval of funding to continue Downtown cleanliness enhancements and other medium-term investments. Include necessary proposals and budget
appropriations as part of the development of the FY 2026 Operating Budget to continue enhanced Downtown Cleanliness enhancements.
X $$
X R Council approval of Ramona Street design and funding appropriations. Engage stakeholders to develop design proposals for Car-Free Ramona Street and present
to Council for necessary funding appropriations to implement initial phase(s). (4)
X $$
X R Council approval of a final signage plan for California Avenue and funding appropriations. Review the signage plan for California Avenue with the Architectural
Review Board (ARB), incorporate feedback, and seek Council approval to implement the plan. (2)
X $$$
X R Council approval of a design option for California Ave. Engage stakeholders to refine alternative street designs for California Avenue and present them to Council
for discussion and action, including funding appropriations to pursue a street design. (3)
X $$$
X N Begin feasibility analysis of Assessment District for University Avenue Streetscape. Conduct analysis to determine practicality of an assessment district or similarly
funding strategy as a funding mechanism for capital enhancements to University Avenue Streetscape.
X $$
X N Propose and implement outdoor activation guidelines for Car-Free Ramona Street. Initiate implementation of Council approved outdoor activity guidelines
informed by continued engagement with stakeholders on a refined priorities and recommendations.
X $$
X N Refine destination marketing efforts and enhance Palo Alto’s reputation. Meet with hospitality partners to assess willingness to partner with the City on
destination marketing efforts and propose next steps, including necessary appropriation actions, to City Council.
X $$
X R Council Adoption of the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan. Informed by feedback from the Policy & Services Committee, bring forward a Safety Action
Plan providing a roadmap for eliminating traffic deaths and severe injuries through the reduction of vehicle miles traveled enabling staff to seek grant funding for
implementation. (14)
X
X X R Begin construction of the Newell Road Bridge Replacement project. Award of a construction contract for the replacement of Newell Road Bridge in time to begin
construction taking advantage of the 2025 in-channel construction season. (32)
X
X C Complete construction of initial pilot area of electric grid modernization. Project will increase electrical capacity and reliability in initial pilot area bounded by
Louis, Amarillo, 101, & Embarcadero about 1,200 homes; once completed, staff will continue the grid upgrades to the "Phase 1" area which impacts approx 6,000
X
X X R Begin construction of Hamilton Avenue storm drain system capacity upgrades project. Prioritization of the Hamilton Avenue project from the list of 2017 ballot
measure priority projects will increase the ability of the storm drain system to convey water in the event of a San Francisquito Creek overflow. (31)
X
N/R
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C
2025 CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES
Climate Action and Adaptation, & Natural Environment Protection (CA)
Ongoing
Council Priority
Economic Development & Retail Vibrancy (ED)
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 $ N
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OBJECTIVES
(68 in total)
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ATTACHMENT A
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A B C D E F G H I J O
ED CA IHS PS N/R
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C
2025 CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES
Council Priority
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 $ N
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OBJECTIVES
(68 in total)
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X C Council consideration of an ordinance implementing updated Stream/Creek Corridor Setback requirements. (34)X
X C Council consideration of an ordinance implementing Bird Safe Glass & Wildlife Light Pollution Protections standards. (35)X
X R Council Adoption of the 2025 Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP). Consideration of the BPTP effort informed by stakeholder engagement and
review and feedback from the PTC for City Council adoption. (15)
X
X R Develop and begin implementing a City Facility Electrification Plan. Building on the citywide Facilities Assessment, create a multi-year plan to begin replacing
fossil fuel use in City buildings in alignment with S/CAP goals, and begin implementing through the Capital Improvement Program. (19)
X
X N Develop an updated Regional Water Quality Control Plant Biosolids Facility Plan. Complete initial work to develop plan, including consideration of PFAS pollutants
and the Measure E site, and review with a Council committee in advance of Council acceptance of the plan in late 2025 or early 2026.
X
X N Develop and obtain Council approval for strategies and a 2026/2027 work plan for the next phase of S/CAP implementation of climate and sustainability goals,
including engaging with Palo Alto Student Climate Coalition on its Heat Mapping project for possible inclusion.
X
X X R Refine Grade Separation Design Alternatives per Council Direction and Conduct Outreach to Support Rail Committee Review of Locally Preferred Alternatives.
Review advanced alternatives to minimize right of way impacts and improve traffic circulation, conduct outreach, and develop conceptual plans (15% design) for
X
X X C Advocate for the San Francisquito Creek Flood Protection capital project (Reach 2) through Council’s JPA representation and any Council approvals involved.
(31)
X
X X R Begin development of a Regional Shoreline Adaptation Plan meeting new standards approved by BCDC. Engage with neighboring cities for potential partnership
and review status with the City Council. (33)
X
X N Initiate Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Clearance Work for Quarry Road Extension in Partnership with Stanford University, Caltrans, & VTA.X
X C Complete deployment of 65,000 residential Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters by end of FY 2025 and begin deployment of commercial AMI
meters. (13)
X
X R Complete E-Mobility Strategic Plan for Council acceptance. Develop, approve and implement the Plan which reflects feedback on strategies reviewed by the
Council Ad Hoc Climate Protection Committee and its Working Group. (21)
X $
X R Share preliminary analysis of strategies for a physical and financial transition of the gas utility to relevant policymakers and stakeholders. Utilize initial subject
matter expert work that developed a minimum future gas grid need for system retirement to analyze alternatives for scaling down the gas distribution system. (17)
X $$
X N Present an ordinance to Council enacting the 2026 California Building Standards Code update, including the California Green Building Standards Code; submit to
the California Building Standards Commission for approval.
X $$
X R Council approval for Phase 2 (full service program) of the Advanced Whole Home Electrification Pilot Program and begin implementation. (19)X $$$
X R Develop an Advanced Commercial Rooftop HVAC Pilot Program proposal and review with the Climate Action and Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee for
recommendation to Council. (20)
X $$$
X N Propose an updated multifamily EV charger program (EV 2.0) for Council approval. X $$$
X R Prepare an ordinance for Council review expanding the housing focus area. Increase housing development potential along El Camino Real and consideration of an
exemption from payment of development impact fees for inclusionary units under certain circumstances, consistent with Housing Element Program 3.4 E. (41)
X
X C Present to Council an ordinance updating the City’s housing incentive program. Increase housing development potential and expand provisions to multi-family
zoning and other commercial districts in accordance with Housing Element Program 3.4 D. (46)
X
Implementing Housing Strategies for Social & Economic Balance (IHS)
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ATTACHMENT A
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A B C D E F G H I J O
ED CA IHS PS N/R
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C
2025 CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES
Council Priority
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 $ N
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OBJECTIVES
(68 in total)
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X N Prepare an update to the City's accessory dwelling unit ordinance. Update local implementation regulations to respond to changes in State Law, consistency with
the State Housing and Community Department's 2025 ADU Handbook and address applicable deficiencies identified in HCD's comment letter.
X
X C Partner with Santa Clara County Housing Authority to achieve construction timeline milestones for the Palo Alto Homekey project (which will provide
transitional housing and services for unhoused residents). (51)
X
X R Present a renter protection fair chance ordinance to Council. Present findings of an analysis and policy recommendations in the form of a draft ordinance to
reduce barriers to housing by individuals with criminal records, consistent with Housing Element Program 6.6 I. (54)
X
X R Report out on initial data from the rental registry program and project implementation; receive feedback and recommendations for next steps. (57)X
X R Present to Council an analysis related to anti-rent gouging. Consistent with prior Council direction, examine implications of a possible ordinance from a legal,
policy and anticipated resource demand perspectives; receive direction on next steps. (55)
X
X R Extend for one year or codify R1/SB 9 interim ordinance. Establish objective development standards and increases the maximum floor area for SB 9 units from 800
to 1200 square feet consistent with Housing Element Program 6.3A; consider implications of similar objective standards for R1 and SB 9 projects relative to the
City’s Individual Review Program. (45)
X
X N Initiate evaluation of South of Forest Area Coordinated Area Plan (SOFA) development standards. Review and explore options to amend the coordinated area
plan with the intent to replace subjective development standards with objective standards consistent with Housing Element Program 3.7.
X
X N Identify different housing typology options for the one-acre site near Matadero Creek. Use grant funded technical analysis to consider housing options for a
future affordable housing development on land to be dedicated to the City from the 2023 Sobrato/City Development Agreement; present findings and receive
direction from Council.
X
X N Prepare the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 5-Year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan. The Quinquennial update helps jurisdictions to
assess affordable housing and community development needs and market conditions to make data-driven, place-based investment decisions when distributing
federal CDBG grant funds.
X
X R Present to Council the Downtown Housing Plan Community Assessment report and receive Council direction on draft housing plan scenarios. Continue
advancing the plan development and public engagement strategy to prepare draft housing plan and environmental review. (36)
X X X X R Initiate the San Antonio Road Area Plan. Begin data gathering, document review, implementing a community outreach and engagement strategy, check-in
meetings with appointed and elected officials, and review by the City Council of a community assessment report and receive updated project direction, consistent
with Housing Element Program 6.6 C. (40)
X R Advance affordable housing project on Downtown surface parking lot (Lot T). Enter into an exclusive negotiating agreement with Alta Housing; receive an
updated project concept design & prescreening application for Council review; receive formal planning entitlement application, consistent with Housing Element
Program 1.4 A. (8)
X R Present an ordinance to Council that supports innovative housing structures. Creates zoning incentives or update development standards to support various
housing typologies, including micro-units, intergenerational housing, aging adults, students and lower-income units, consistent with Housing Element Program 6.5.
(48)
X $$
X R Present findings to Council on a study that explores code amendments reducing commercial floor area and possible extension of Downtown in-lieu parking
program to residential development: Evaluate opportunities that make multi-family housing an attractive alternative to commercial office development,
consistent with Housing Element Program 3.9. (50)
X $$
X C Work with the Santa Clara County Housing Authority to determine next steps to maintain affordability and improve conditions at Buena Vista Mobile Park. (56)$
X X X X N Update development impact fees for public safety, government facilities, housing, transportation, parks, and community services. Conduct a feasibility study to
ensure housing remains viable. Consider waiving fees for low-income units with 20% deed restrictions. (Housing Element Programs 2.1B; 3.1 B&C)
$$
Public Safety, Wellness & Belonging (PS)
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
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ATTACHMENT A
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A B C D E F G H I J O
ED CA IHS PS N/R
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C
2025 CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND OBJECTIVES
Council Priority
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 $ N
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OBJECTIVES
(68 in total)
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X C Open the new Public Safety Building for daily Police, OES, and Fire services. Complete construction, move-in of departments, and a ribbon-cutting event to
commemorate the official availability of public safety services from the facility for all. (72)
X
X C Council to adopt the updated Foothills Fire Management Plan and Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Plan to reflect alignment with Santa Clara County and
other agencies and entities to address early warning technology, planning and procedural elements and risk mitigation. (71)
X
X C Council approval of construction contract for Fire Station No. 4 Replacement project and initiation of construction. (73)X
X N Activate a fire engine at Fire Station 4. Augment staffing at Fire Station 4 to deploy either ambulance or fire engine response.X
X R Develop Master Plan for Cubberley site. Complete a master plan by December 2025 for 15 acres anticipated to be purchased from PAUSD pending a successful
bond measure in November 2026 and begin community polling to inform the development of a ballot measure for voter consideration. (61)
X
X N Implement the 2024-2025 Equity Action Plan. Complete the 28 action items in the action plan in collaboration with partners. X
X R Implement New Expanded CSD Recreation Special Events Workplan. Approve and implement the Workplan which expands Community Special Events that foster
togetherness, belonging and celebrate the rich diversity of our community (60)
X R Support visible police presence by maintaining full police officer staffing through continuous recruiting and retention efforts. Identify and plan for anticipated
vacancies and retirements, hold monthly testing and interview sessions and timely background checks to maintain a vacancy of less than 5%. (67)
X C Continue engagement with San Francisco Airport on SFO's Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) project and other potential opportunities to decrease
SFO noise impacts on Palo Alto. (79)
X R Open 445 Bryant Street Community Center. Complete construction and any necessary partnership agreements to begin La Comida Senior Lunch Program at the
facility by end of July, 2025; plan further work for general community center operations concurrently. (64)
X $$
X C Council Approval of Quiet Zone Concept Plans at Churchill Ave, Meadow Drive, and Charleston Rd Rail Crossings. (76)X $$
X N Enhance and Expand Inclusive Programs and Services. Enhance services to support individuals with disabilities seeking accommodation support, expand
community partnerships that serve the disability community, and implement new therapeutic recreation programs
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X R Support Community Mental Health. Provide support for all ages through community partnerships, programs, and initiatives. (65)$
X X N Enhance safety and improve quality of life in commercial areas by reducing criminal activity through business engagement and the deployment of officers and
technology. Establish a Business Watch program to enhance collaboration with businesses and assign two officers at a minimum to patrol high traffic commercial
areas.
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X R Initiate an update to the City’s seismic hazards ordinance. Conduct an assessment of previous study, update potentially eligible buildings, and begin work on
seismic hazard identify and mitigation ordinance. (75)
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X C Implement plan for phaseout of leaded fuel at Palo Alto Airport. With unleaded fuel now available at the airport, implement plan to conduct lead monitoring,
encourage and track use of the fuel, explore potentially subsidizing the cost of unleaded fuel, and develop updated lease requirements to promote unleaded fuel.
(77)
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Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
$ - up to 50K; $$ - 51-400K, $$$ - 500K+
(C) are objectives that are carried over from the 2024 list, (R) are objectives from the 2024 list that may have a second phase to the project and have been revised to reflect 2025 goals, (N) reflect a project that is new in 2025
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
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ATTACHMENT B
Staff Not Recommended Objectives
For various reasons—including staff capacity to advance, feasibility challenges, or that work is already
underway —some objectives from the 2024 Priority Objectives list, previous Council suggestions, or the
Annual Retreat suggestions are not recommended to become priority objectives for 2025. Objectives
that were part of the 2024 list will have their corresponding number in parentheses at the end of the
sentence. These objectives are listed below. Staff will be prepared to respond to any Councilmember’s
questions.
Economic Development and Retail Vibrancy
a)Develop and present preliminary options for activating vacant storefronts: Explore regulatory
strategy and low friction/barrier permitting for temporary popup stores. (11)
b)Facilitate the establishment of sustainable business organization in the Cal Ave, DT, and Midtown
districts. (1)
c)Council Consideration and Adoption of Parking Permit Policies and Program Updates: Improve
Customer Experience, Align with Environmental and Transportation Goals, and Recover Costs. (26)
d)Comprehensively Update the City's Zoning Code including policies that support Economic
Development Strategies. Reformat for improved readability, update definitions, use categories,
development standards and permitting processes. (12)
Climate Action and Adaptation & Natural Environment Protection (CA)
e)Evaluate the integration of biogas into the gas utility business model and share results with
Council and other policymakers.
Implementing Housing Strategies for Social & Economic Balance
f)Initiate study that identifies options and feasibility of regulations to limit short-term rentals
Citywide consistent with Housing Element Programs 4.2D&E.
g)Enforcement policy recommendations related to Ghost Houses: Survey existing enforcement
mechanisms and Ghost House (extended vacancy) data collection in other jurisdictions and return to
Council by end of 2024, consistent with Council direction from November 27, 2023.
h)Amend the zoning code to ensure residential uses in commercially zoned areas receive the same
protections as those in exclusively residential zones. The City Council on November 13, 2023
supported this request from the Palo Alto Redwoods Homeowners Association.
i)Amend the City’s Comprehensive Plan Safety Element to align with State law.
j)Evaluate and make policy recommendation to Council regarding a partnership with the California
Community Housing Agency (CalCHA). CalCHA issues governmental bonds for the purpose of
financing projects that provide, preserve and support affordable local housing for low-income,
moderate-income and middle-income families and individuals.
k)Present options to Council for increasing housing in the California Avenue corridor. Consistent with
Council direction from August 14, 2023.
ATTACHMENT B
l)Prepare a Coordinated Area Plan or similar for California Avenue.
m)Prepare a Coordinated Area Plan or similar for El Camino Real.
n)Present options to the City Council that identify and evaluate sources and methods to raise
significant funding to support new affordable housing production and preservation. (42)
Public Safety, Wellness & Belonging
o)Complete next steps for Palo Alto Airport Long Range Planning work. Develop new alternatives
considering Council's September 2024 Study Session input, conduct community engagement, and
return to Council for review and action.
p)Support Caltrain’s Corridor Safety and Security Initiatives. (74)
ATTACHMENT C
2025 Committee Objectives
And Tentative meeting schedules
Rail Ad Hoc Committee
To meet every other month
The Rail Committee reviews the projects and provides recommendations to the City Council based on
the Rail Guiding principles adopted by the City Council (August 8, 2022). The projects include: the grade
separations and safety improvements at existing crossings, additional east-west bicycle and pedestrian
crossings, and quiet zone improvements. Rail committee will review and advance projects for Council
approval.
With the exception of bicycle and pedestrian railway crossings, all matters related to cycling and
pedestrians such as the Bicycle Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) will be reviewed by the Policy &
Services Committee for recommendations to the full City Council.
Cubberley Ad Hoc Committee
To meet monthly, possibly immediately before the Finance Committee given the
membership of both are the same
The Cubberley Ad Hoc will ensure the City Council’s vision is reflected through the master plan process
and serve as the Council ambassador for engagement with the community and building community
support for development for a new community center at the Cubberley site. This includes making
recommendations to the Council on the future operating model (e.g. services available, approach to fees
& charges, space allocation) and master plan that will successfully receive voter support in 2026.
Coordination with PAUSD on Cubberley will occur through this committee rather than CSLC. Operations,
funding, and ballot measure work (including polling) may be heard by the Finance Committee rather
than the Cubberley Ad Hoc for recommendations to the full City Council.
Retail Ad Hoc Committee
To meet every other month
The retail committee will provide a regular forum for business and community stakeholders to engage
with Council members on implementation of the City’s economic development strategy. The retail
committee will make recommendations to the City Council on economic development and retail
vibrancy efforts, such as additional business support, proposed University and California Avenue
improvements, and citywide retail zoning code changes.
ATTACHMENT C
Climate Action & Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee
To meet monthly
The Climate Action & Sustainability Committee will support implementation of the Climate Action
workplan items of the Three-Year Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) Workplan and the 2025
Council Priority Objectives for the Climate Action & Adaptation, and Natural Environment Council
priority. The Committee will also discuss and provide input on S/CAP implementation strategy leading to
Council approval and the development of the Climate Action sections of the upcoming 2026-2027 S/CAP
Workplan, including consideration of appropriate actions toward the 2030 Carbon Neutrality goal.
Implementation of the Reliability and Resiliency Strategic Plan will continue to be reviewed primarily by
the Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC), and recommendations for funding S/CAP programs through the
budget process will be made by the UAC and Finance Committee based on priorities established by the
Climate Action & Sustainability Committee.
Council Appointed Officers Committee
Meets as needed
The CAO Committee meets on an as-needed schedule to address issues that Council has referred to the
Committee related to Council's four direct appointees: the City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk and
City Auditor. For example, the committee may be tasked with duties related to performance
evaluations, compensation, and the filling of vacancies. The CAO Committee is to make
recommendations to the Council annually regarding the process for CAO evaluations and the selection
of the consultant to serve as the facilitator for the CAO evaluations for the year. The CAO Committee is
also to schedule the CAO performance evaluations in partnership with staff.
City/Schools Liaison Committee
Typically meets monthly
The City-Schools Liaison Committee is composed of two Councilmembers and two members of the
Board of Education of the Palo Alto Unified School District. The committee’s purpose is to share
information, collaborate, and coordinate on issues related to Palo Alto’s school-aged children and youth.
Policy & Services Committee: See Attachment D
Finance Committee: See Attachment E
City of Palo Alto I 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA. I www.cityofpaloalto.org – February 2025
ATTACHMENT D
POLICY & SERVICES WORKPLAN
CALENDAR 2025
As of February 2025
The Municipal Code states that the role of the Council Policy & Services Committee is to consider and
make recommendations on matters referred to it by the Council relating to parliamentary and
administrative procedures and policy matters pertaining to intergovernmental relations, personnel
policies, planning and zoning, traffic and parking, public work, and community and human services.
(§2.04.220)
The end of the document contains information on the completed 2024 referrals as well as the pending
referral with no set date.
January
•Mayor appoints Committee and designates Chair; no Policy & Services Committee meeting
February
•Auditor Report: Grant Management Audit
•Auditor Report: Utility Billing Audit
•Nonprofit Partnerships Workplan
•Follow Up from City Council Retreat re Umbrella Operating Strategies
March
•Auditor Report: Dispatch Assessment
•Recommendations for Nonprofit Partnerships Workplan Phase 1
•Auditor Quarterly Report (tentative)
•Auditor Task Order Report (if needed)
April
•Update on Recent Race and Equity Work
•Legislative Update (State and Federal)
•Referral: Board and Commission Member Onboarding Support
•Auditor Report: TBD
•Auditor Report: TBD
May
•Recommended Approval of Safe Streets for All Action Plan
•Referral (2024): Establish a frequency for joint City Council meetings or Policy & Services meeting
with Boards and Commissions, Youth Council, and meetings with Boards and Commissions Chairs;
City of Palo Alto I 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA. I www.cityofpaloalto.org – February 2025
•Referral Follow Up: Discussion and Recommendation to Council Regarding Potential New
Procedure for Councilmembers to Make Referrals to Staff
•Auditor Report: TBD
June
•Referral (2024): Review of an annual schedule of repeat items that occur annually on agendas for
Policy & Services, Finance Committee, and City Council along with the approximate month they
occur
•Referral (2024): Policy & Services to review and make recommendations for any initiatives to
support and strengthen neighborhood programs (linked to discussions in 2021)
•Audit task orders
•Tentative: Bicycle Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP)
July
No meeting; Council break
August
•Auditor Report: TBD
•Auditor Report: TBD
•Race and Equity Update Report
•Legislative Update (State and Federal)
September
•Auditor Report: TBD
October
•Quarterly Audit Status Report
November
•Auditor Report: TBD
•Legislative Agenda and Guidelines (can also go in December)
•Quarterly Update on Recent Race and Equity Work
December
•Auditor Report: TBD
•Procedures & Protocols Handbook Discussion (Annual Discussion)
•2026 City Council Priorities Discussion (focused on process, the retreat and submitted ideas)
•Informational: Report out on Status of Committee Referrals
Completed Referrals (status and date of referral):
1. Public Arts Program Discussion
2. Council Discretionary Funds Policy
3.Discussion of the Creation of the Advisory Committee regarding Council Compensation
City of Palo Alto I 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA. I www.cityofpaloalto.org – February 2025
4. Initial Discussion Regarding Potential New Procedure for Councilmembers Referrals to Staff
Pending Referrals:
1. Continued follow up of: Seismic Ordinance Update
Previous Council Suggestions:
1. Lead inclusive engagement and outreach to co-create an implementation plan to address
homelessness in Palo Alto
2.Explore options to expand RV safe parking, in particular near Geng Road. Present findings to
Council
3.Pursue options for ensuring sanitary and safe conditions related to unhoused populations.
Relates to efforts to address health and safety impacts of homelessness.
City of Palo Alto I 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA. I www.cityofpaloalto.org
ATTACHMENT E
FINANCE COMMITTEE WORKPLAN
CALENDAR 2025
As of February 13, 2025
The Municipal Code states that the role of the Council Finance Committee is to consider and
make recommendations on matters referred to it by the Council relating to finance, budget,
financial audits, capital planning and debt. (§2.04.210).
See the end of the document for information on the completed 2024 referrals as well as the
outstanding and on hold referrals to date.
January
Mayor appoints Committee and designates Chair; usually no FC meeting
February
No Meeting, City Council meeting scheduled for Cubberley visioning
March (4th & 18th)
•Planning and Development Services Municipal Fee Update
•Real Property Transaction Review
•Storm Water Management Fee
April (1st & 15th)
•Utilities Advisory Commission Rate Forecasts and Five-Year Financial Plans: Gas, Electric,
Water, Wastewater Collection
•Review Human Services Resource Allocation Program recommended grants after Human
Resources Commission Review in March [tentative]
May (6th, 7th, & 20th)
•Annual Budget Review: Operating and Five-year Capital Improvement Plan
o Alternative meeting times (9:00am – 5:00pm) 5/6 and 5/7
•City-wide Municipal Fee Study
June (3rd & 17th)
•Review Cubberley [tentative]
•Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Report
•Adoption of Fiscal Year 2025 Investment Policy (to be done by June 30 per code)
July
No meeting; Council Break
Finance Committee Tentative Topics, Calendar 2025
As of February 13, 2025
August
•Grid Modernization Capital Improvement review issuance of debt for project financing
September
•Accept California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) Pension Annual Valuation.
Reports as of June 30, 2024
o Every 3-4-year review/decision on pension funding policy assumptions next review
scheduled for FY 2026.
October
November
•Informational: Report out on Status of Committee Referrals
•Discussion and Recommendation to the City Council to Accept the Macias Gini & O'Connell's
Audit of the City of Palo Alto's Financial Statements as of June 30, 2025 and Management
Letter
•Discussion and Recommendation to Approve the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Annual
Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Approve Budget Amendments in Various Funds
December
•Review and Forward the FY 2027 - FY 2036 Long Range Financial Forecast
•First Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Report
•Preliminary Utility Rate Forecast Review
Referred Topics:
A full report on the status of Finance Committee referrals and the status can be found here1,
Item 2 on the November 19, 2024 agenda.
Completed/Scheduled Referrals
1)JMZ ticket pricing analysis to understand interactions between changes to $18 ticket,
attendance, and cost recovery.
2)Planning and Development Services Fee Study [scheduled March 2025]
3) Parking Permits Pricing and Parking Permit Funds Financial Status. [scheduled for FY 2026
budget process]
4) Ability Path financial support [addressed in FY 2025 Mid-Year Report]
5) Analyze Fire Emergency Medical Response Fee. [scheduled for FY 2026 Municipal Fee
Schedule]
In Progress/Pending Referrals:
6) Fire Emergency Medical Response; Supplemental Resources. [Initial review completed
November 2024, additional resources addressed in FY 2025 Mid-Year Report]
7) Review Parks Restroom Prioritization; Specifically, Pardee Park.
8) Active Recruitment Digital Marketing Services (Contract Services)
Finance Committee Tentative Topics, Calendar 2025
As of February 13, 2025
9) Establish Organizational Development & Safety Division
10)Explore financial, outreach, and policy processes for adding East Palo Alto to resident rates
for the golf course
11)Increasing Revenue- Generating CSD Programming to Meet Demand
Item No. 10. Page 1 of 3
7
1
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4
City Council
Supplemental Report
From: Ed Shikada, City Manager
Meeting Date: February 24, 2025
Item Number: 10
Report #:2502-4185
TITLE
Approval of the 2025 City Council Priority Objectives, as well as Committee Objectives and
Workplans - Supplemental Information on Attachment B ‘Objectives Not Recommended’
REPORT UPDATE
Attachment B: Objectives Not Recommended provides a list of objectives that been suggested
in various venues, but for a variety of reasons, were not included in the proposed 2025 City
Council Priority Objectives. Below is the list of objectives not recommended (as outlined in
Attachment B), with an added brief bullet point explanation for the reason the objective is not
recommended.
Economic Development and Retail Vibrancy
a) Develop and present preliminary options for activating vacant storefronts: Explore regulatory
strategy and low friction/barrier permitting for temporary popup stores. (11)
This work is already underway for pop-up businesses that fall into the same use category.
Popups requiring a change of use raise significant building code and potential safety concerns
that require additional staff resources to address.
b) Facilitate the establishment of sustainable business organization in the Cal Ave, DT, and Midtown
districts. (1)
Staff will continue to meet with businesses to engage on key projects and investments,
however at this time there is not support from the business community to engage in
establishing new or more robust organizations.
c) Council Consideration and Adoption of Parking Permit Policies and Program Updates: Improve
Customer Experience, Align with Environmental and Transportation Goals, and Recover Costs. (26)
This item is an open referral with the Finance Committee and included in the Committee
workplan and is already underway. The next schedule discussion will be part of the FY 2026
Item No. 10. Page 2 of 3
7
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4
budget process. Proposed parking program amendments and relevant changes to Title 10 will
be presented to PTC on March 26, 2025.
d) Comprehensively Update the City's Zoning Code including policies that support Economic
Development Strategies. Reformat for improved readability, update definitions, use categories,
development standards and permitting processes. (12)
Staff capacity to advance this with the other priority objectives is not feasible given
prioritization of Housing Element programs. In addition, significant investment in consultant
services would be required.
Climate Action and Adaptation & Natural Environment Protection (CA)
e) Evaluate the integration of biogas into the gas utility business model and share results with Council
and other policymakers.
While not a component of the Sustainability & Climate Action Plan, biogas could support the
City’s climate goals; however, rising utility rates raise questions about its feasibility. Staff could
explore this strategy but would need direction on its desirability at this time.
Implementing Housing Strategies for Social & Economic Balance
f) Initiate study that identifies options and feasibility of regulations to limit short-term rentals
Citywide consistent with Housing Element Programs 4.2D&E.
An Ordinance Adoption is not required by Housing Element until July 1, 2027. This objective is
not recommended for approval in 2025 due to limited staff capacity to manage the effort
required. Instead, this will be a recommended priority in 2026.
g) Enforcement policy recommendations related to Ghost Houses: Survey existing enforcement
mechanisms and Ghost House (extended vacancy) data collection in other jurisdictions and return to
Council by end of 2024, consistent with Council direction from November 27, 2023.
This objective is not recommended for approval due to limited staff capacity to manage the
effort required given prioritization of Housing Element programs.
h) Amend the zoning code to ensure residential uses in commercially zoned areas receive the same
protections as those in exclusively residential zones. The City Council on November 13, 2023 supported
this request from the Palo Alto Redwoods Homeowners Association.
This objective is not recommended for approval due to limited staff capacity to manage the
effort required given prioritization of Housing Element programs.
i) Amend the City’s Comprehensive Plan Safety Element to align with State law. Update will include
modifications related to hazards, public safety, emergency response, and climate action to reflect State
requirements that have come into effect since 2018.
This project is currently underway and will be reflected in the Planning and Transportation
Commission (PTC) workplan for 2025.
Item No. 10. Page 3 of 3
7
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j) Evaluate and make policy recommendation to Council regarding a partnership with the California
Community Housing Agency (CalCHA). CalCHA issues governmental bonds for the purpose of financing
projects that provide, preserve and support affordable local housing for low-income, moderate-income
and middle-income families and individuals.
This objective is not recommended for approval due to limited staff capacity to manage the
effort required given prioritization of Housing Element programs.
k) Present options to Council for increasing housing in the California Avenue corridor. Consistent with
Council direction from August 14, 2023.
This objective is not recommended for approval due to limited staff capacity to manage the
effort required given prioritization of Housing Element programs.
l) Prepare a Coordinated Area Plan or similar for California Avenue.
This objective is not recommended for approval due to limited staff capacity to manage the
effort required given prioritization of Housing Element programs.
m) Prepare a Coordinated Area Plan or similar for El Camino Real.
This objective is not recommended for approval due to limited staff capacity to manage the
effort required given prioritization of Housing Element programs.
n) Present options to the City Council that identify and evaluate sources and methods to raise
significant funding to support new affordable housing production and preservation. (42)
This objective is not recommended for approval due to limited staff capacity to manage the
effort required given prioritization of Housing Element programs.
Public Safety, Wellness & Belonging
o) Complete next steps for Palo Alto Airport Long Range Planning work. Develop new alternatives
considering Council's September 2024 Study Session input, conduct community engagement, and return
to Council for review and action.
Based on Council feedback at the Airport study session and to meet constraints to not expand
its footprint, staff are reconsidering planning alternatives while also working to make near-
term progress on leaded fuel and noise issues. The Airport long range plan will therefore pause
while this work proceeds.
p) Support Caltrain’s Corridor Safety and Security Initiatives. (74)
Caltrain has begun installing safety fencing along the rail corridor. City staff will support these
efforts but are not positioned to lead these investments, and no City Council action is required.
APPROVED BY:
Ed Shikada, City Manager
From:Jason Edelman
To:Council, City
Subject:Fwd: Agenda Item #8 - March 10 - 2025 City Council/Committe Priority Objectives and Workplans
Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 9:43:09 AM
Attachments:SCVWD-Unhoused-JPA-28Feb2025.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Mayor Lauing and Councilmembers,
Please consider directing Staff to explore and assess the formation of a JPA dedicated to
addressing homelessness, encampments, and the increasing need for housing, shelter, andsocial services across Santa Clara County, as formally proposed by Valley Water in its recent
letter to Mayor Lauing et al. See attached.
--
Jason Edelmanjedelman1973@gmail.com
(415) 672-9945
www.linkedin.com/in/edelmanjason
Santa Clara Valley Water District | 5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95118-3686 | (408) 265-2600 | www.valleywater.org
Clean Water • Healthy Environment • Flood Protection
♺
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
John L. Varela (District 1)
Shiloh Ballard (District 2)
Richard P. Santos / Vice Chair (District 3)
Jim Beall (District 4)
Nai Hsueh (District 5)
Tony Estremera / Chair (District 6)
Rebecca Eisenberg (District 7)
INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Melanie Richardson, P.E.
INTERIM CLERK OF THE BOARD
Candice Kwok-Smith
February 28, 2025
The Honorable Otto Lee The Honorable Sergio Lopez
President, County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors Mayor, City of Campbell 70 West Hedding Street, 10th Floor 70 North First Street San Jose, CA 95110 Campbell, CA 95008
The Honorable Liang Chao The Honorable Greg Bozzo Mayor, City of Cupertino Mayor, City of Gilroy 10300 Torre Avenue 7351 Rosanna Street Cupertino, CA 95014 Gilroy, CA 95020 The Honorable Pete Dailey The Honorable Kavita Tankha Mayor, City of Los Altos Mayor, Town of Los Altos Hills 1 North San Antonio Road 26379 W Fremont Road Los Altos, CA 94022 Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
The Honorable Matthew Hudes The Honorable Carmen Montano Mayor, Town of Los Gatos Mayor, City of Milpitas 110 East Main Street 455 East Calaveras Boulevard
Los Gatos, CA 95030 Milpitas, CA 95035 The Honorable Burton Craig The Honorable Mark Turner
Mayor, City of Monte Sereno Mayor, City of Morgan Hill 18041 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road 17575 Peak Avenue Monte Sereno, CA 95030 Morgan Hill, CA 95037
The Honorable Ellen Kamei The Honorable Ed Lauing Mayor, City of Mountain View Mayor, City of Palo Alto 500 Castro Street, 3rd Floor 250 Hamilton Avenue Mountain View, CA 94041 Palo Alto, CA 94301 The Honorable Matt Mahan The Honorable Lisa M. Gillmor Mayor, City of San José Mayor, City of Santa Clara
200 East Santa Clara Street, 18th Floor 1500 Warburton Avenue San Jose, CA 95113 Santa Clara, CA 95050
The Honorable Belal Aftab The Honorable Larry Klein Mayor, City of Saratoga Mayor, City of Sunnyvale 13777 Fruitvale Avenue 456 West Olive Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070 Sunnyvale, CA 94086 Attachment 1
Page 1 of 2
Santa Clara Valley Water District | 5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95118-3686 | (408) 265-2600 | www.valleywater.org ♺
Clean Water • Healthy Environment • Flood Protection
Dear Esteemed Colleagues,
As we continue to face the growing and pressing issue of unsheltered homelessness in our community, I write to you today on behalf of the Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) Board of Directors to propose an idea that could help us address this challenge in a more coordinated and impactful way. Given the complexities of homelessness, I encourage local officials to explore the possibility of forming a county-wide Joint Powers Authority (JPA) focused on this issue. This could serve as a platform for representatives of our respective jurisdictions to collaborate and take collective, action-oriented steps toward meaningful solutions.
As we all know, homelessness in Santa Clara County, particularly unsheltered homelessness, has reached humanitarian, environmental, and public safety crises levels. While each of our jurisdictions has made significant strides in addressing this issue, the scale and scope of the problem requires an approach that transcends individual city or county efforts. We must collaborate in a more coordinated and effective manner to truly make progress.
The JPA could function similarly to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), which was established in 1993 as a joint powers authority between the City and County of Los Angeles. LAHSA has proven to be an effective mechanism for the coordination of resources, policy development, and service delivery across a diverse and complex region. A JPA in Santa Clara County would bring together the expertise and resources of each of our jurisdictions, while providing a platform for accountability, shared decision-making, and innovation on the most pressing issues surrounding homelessness.
By leveraging the strengths and collective resources of each participating jurisdiction, we would be better positioned to develop and implement policies that help address the underlying causes of homelessness and provide comprehensive solutions. The JPA could focus on a variety of critical areas, including emergency shelter expansion, permanent supportive housing development, mental health and substance use disorder services, outreach strategies, and more. Through this collaboration, we can better serve the public, reduce duplication of efforts, and maximize our collective impact.
I am confident that by working together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness in our community. Valley Water is happy to facilitate a joint discussion to explore this idea if there is interest. We invite you to share any thoughts and feedback with Marta Lugo, Deputy Administrative Officer for Valley Water’s Office of Government Relations, at MLugo@valleywater.org or (408) 630- 2237, by Friday, March 28, 2025.
Thank you for your time and consideration, as well as your dedicated leadership, partnership, and commitment to serving all residents of Santa Clara County. We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Richard P. Santos Vice Chair, Board of Directors
cc: Valley Water Board of Directors, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, Campbell City Council, Cupertino City Council, Gilroy City Council, Los Altos City Council, Los Altos Hills City Council, Los Gatos Town Council, Milpitas City Council, Monte Sereno City Council, Morgan Hill City Council, Mountain View City Council, Palo Alto City Council, San José City Council, Santa Clara City Council, Saratoga City Council, Sunnyvale City Council rb:jh 0228a-l Attachment 1
Page 2 of 2
From:a_m_mason@yahoo.com
To:Council, City
Cc:Lait, Jonathan; Shikada, Ed; Maggie Bening; Julie Baskind
Subject:Fwd: PAR Zoning Text Amendment request - 3/10 ITEM #8
Date:Sunday, March 9, 2025 10:40:22 PM
Attachments:PAR Proposed Amendments to PAMC Sec 18.16.060 Dev Stds.docxPAR Proposed Amendments to PAMC Section 18.16.040.b.docximage001.pngimage002.pngimage003.pngimage004.pngimage005.pngPAR Proposed Amendments to PAMC Sec 18.16.060 Dev Stds.docxPAR Proposed Amendments to PAMC Section 18.16.040.b.docx
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links.
Dear Mayor Lauing and City Council Members,
The Planning and Development Department's 2025 Work Plan is item #8 on the City Council’s agenda 3/10.
I am writing to reiterate Kristi Bascom’s letter to Director Jonathan Lait dated 12/3/2024, to ask whether the motionpassed unanimously by the City Council on November 13, 2023 will be placed on the Planning and DevelopmentDepartment's 2025 Work Plan?
Quoting from Bascom letter dated 12/3/2024:
At the City Council meeting on November 13, 2023, the Council unanimously supported a request from the
Palo Alto Redwoods Homeowner’s Association to consider specific amendments to the City’s zoning code,
and directed Staff to review the amendments that PAR proposed. The proposed amendments were written
to ensure that higher density housing constructed on properties zoned for commercial uses are buffered
from impacts created by commercial neighbors such as noise, reduction in access to daylight, and impacts
to privacy. These are the protections that are provided to residentially-zoned properties throughout the
City. In a letter to the City Council dated November 7, 2023, I outlined PAR’s request and provided the
exact text amendments proposed for PAMC Sections 18.16.040(b) and 18.16.060 (attached to this email
for reference).
In February 2024, on behalf of PAR, I sent you the email below and asked when the proposed amendments
were going to be reviewed by Staff and moved forward for City Council consideration. You responded that,
due to other priorities, the work would not be undertaken in the near term and that the proposed
amendments would not be added to thedepartment’s work
plan for the upcoming fiscal year. I am reaching out today with a relatively simple ask: to see if you’ll
please add these amendments to thedepartment’s work
plan for FY 25/26. In calendar year 2023, for example, the City adopted five (5) amendments to Title 18. It
is likely more are forthcoming in the near future. PAR’s proposed amendments are minor in nature, are
completely drafted, and can simply be included in an upcoming Zoning Ordinance amendment initiated by
the City.
PAR is suggesting this citywide zoning text amendment (as opposed to a rezoning action that would benefit
the PAR property only) since the issue of protecting high density residential uses from commercial impacts
is not unique to our property. We believe it is an issue that all high density housing in commercial corridors
would like to see addressed.
Thank you,Anne Mason
Begin forwarded message:
From: Kristi Bascom <kbascom@smwlaw.com>Subject: PAR Zoning Text Amendment request - follow-upDate: December 3, 2024 at 10:29:57 PSTTo: "Lait, Jonathan" <Jonathan.Lait@CityofPaloAlto.org>Cc: "a_m_mason@yahoo.com" <a_m_mason@yahoo.com>, Sharlene Carlson
<carlsonsharlene@gmail.com>, Julie Baskind <julie.baskind@gmail.com>,"ed.shikada@cityofpaloalto.org" <ed.shikada@cityofpaloalto.org>, "pat.burt@cityofpaloalto.org"<Pat.Burt@cityofpaloalto.org>, Lydia Kou <Lydia.Kou@cityofpaloalto.org>, Ed Lauing
<Ed.Lauing@cityofpaloalto.org>, "Lythcott-Haims, Julie"<Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>, Greer Stone <Greer.Stone@cityofpaloalto.org>,"greg.tanaka@cityofpaloalto.org" <Greg.Tanaka@cityofpaloalto.org>,
"Vicki.Veenker@cityofpaloalto.org" <Vicki.Veenker@cityofpaloalto.org>, "Laura D. Beaton"<Beaton@smwlaw.com>
Dear Mr. Lait (copy to City Manager and City Council),
On behalf of the homeowners at Palo Alto Redwoods (4250 El Camino Real), I am writing to request once
again that the Planning and Development Department include the attached proposed zoning code
amendments related to commercial impacts on residential uses in the department’s workplan for next
year.
At the City Council meeting on November 13, 2023, the Council unanimously supported a request from the
Palo Alto Redwoods Homeowner’s Association to consider specific amendments to the City’s zoning code,
and directed Staff to review the amendments that PAR proposed. The proposed amendments were written
to ensure that higher density housing constructed on properties zoned for commercial uses are buffered
from impacts created by commercial neighbors such as noise, reduction in access to daylight, and impacts
to privacy. These are the protections that are provided to residentially-zoned properties throughout the
City. In a letter to the City Council dated November 7, 2023, I outlined PAR’s request and provided the
exact text amendments proposed for PAMC Sections 18.16.040(b) and 18.16.060 (attached to this email
for reference).
In February 2024, on behalf of PAR, I sent you the email below and asked when the proposed amendments
were going to be reviewed by Staff and moved forward for City Council consideration. You responded that,
due to other priorities, the work would not be undertaken in the near term and that the proposed
amendments would not be added to the department’s workplan for the upcoming fiscal year. I am reaching
out today with a relatively simple ask: to see if you’ll please add these amendments to the department’s
workplan for FY 25/26. In calendar year 2023, for example, the City adopted five (5) amendments to Title
18. It is likely more are forthcoming in the near future. PAR’s proposed amendments are minor in nature,
are completely drafted, and can simply be included in an upcoming Zoning Ordinance amendment initiated
by the City.
PAR is suggesting this citywide zoning text amendment (as opposed to a rezoning action that would benefit
the PAR property only) since the issue of protecting high density residential uses from commercial impacts
is not unique to our property. We believe it is an issue that all high density housing in commercial corridors
would like to see addressed.
We are happy to discuss PAR’s request further or provide any additional explanation if it would be helpful.
As always, we appreciate your consideration of this request and hope that the City Council’s unanimous
support of this issue means that these proposed amendments find their way into your department’s
workplan for next fiscal year.
Kind regards,
Kristi Bascom
Kristi Bascom, AICP
Urban Planner
Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP
396 Hayes Street
San Francisco, CA 94102-4421
office: 415/552-7272 x 202 | direct: 925/872-6327
www.smwlaw.com | A San Francisco Green Business
From: Lait, Jonathan <Jonathan.Lait@CityofPaloAlto.org>
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2024 10:40 PM
To: Kristi Bascom <kbascom@smwlaw.com>; Gerhardt, Jodie <Jodie.Gerhardt@CityofPaloAlto.org>
Cc: a_m_mason@yahoo.com; Sharlene Carlson <carlsonsharlene@gmail.com>; Julie Baskind
<julie.baskind@gmail.com>
Subject: RE: Zoning Text Amendment workplan - follow-up
Thank you for the email, Kristi.
The City Council is expected to consider department workplans for the upcoming fiscal year on March 4.
Based on available long range planning staff resources and competing Council priorities, I do not anticipate this
item being recommended for the upcoming year.
As an alternative, your client could consider filing a text amendment, which would be processed by our current
planning staff. @Gerhardt, Jodie can provide more information about the application submittal process if
interested in pursuing that route. Otherwise you may provide comment to the City Council on March 4.
You don't often get email from kbascom@smwlaw.com. Learn why this is important
JONATHAN LAIT
Director
Planning and Development Department
(650) 329-2676 | jonathan.lait@cityofpaloalto.org
www.cityofpaloalto.org
From: Kristi Bascom <kbascom@smwlaw.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 6, 2024 5:50 PM
To: Lait, Jonathan <Jonathan.Lait@CityofPaloAlto.org>
Cc: a_m_mason@yahoo.com; Sharlene Carlson <carlsonsharlene@gmail.com>; Julie Baskind
<julie.baskind@gmail.com>
Subject: Zoning Text Amendment workplan - follow-up
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links.
Mr. Lait,
Following up on my email from last week regarding the question on timing to move forward thisrezoning analysis. Your insight is much appreciated.
Thank you,Kristi Bascom
Kristi Bascom
Urban Planner
Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP
396 Hayes Street
San Francisco, CA 94102-4421
p: 415/552-7272 x 202 | c: 925/872-6327
www.smwlaw.com | A San Francisco Green Business
From: Kristi Bascom
Sent: Monday, January 29, 2024 1:33 PM
To: jonathan.lait@cityofpaloalto.org
Subject: Zoning Text Amendment workplan
Mr. Lait,
Our clients, the Palo Alto Redwoods Homeowners Association, received support from the City Councilat their November 13, 2023 meeting when they directed staff to review the zoning text amendmentswe proposed amendments to PAMC 18.16.040(b) and 18.16.060. I’ve attached the proposal to thisemail for easy reference.
Can you please advise on Staff’s plan and timing to review these amendments and (hopefully) movethem forward to the City Council for their consideration?
Thank you,Kristi Bascom
Kristi Bascom, AICP
Urban Planner
Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP
396 Hayes Street
San Francisco, CA 94102-4421
p: 415/552-7272 x 202 | c: 925/872-6327
www.smwlaw.com | A San Francisco Green Business
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18.16.060 Development Standards (a) Exclusively Non-Residential Uses Table 3 specifies the development standards for exclusively non-residential uses and alterations to non-residential uses or structures in the CN, CC, CC(2) and CS districts. These developments shall be designed and constructed in compliance with the following requirements and the context-based design criteria outlined in Section 18.16.090, provided that more restrictive regulations may be recommended by the architectural review board and approved by the director of planning and development services, pursuant to Section 18.76.020.
Table 3
Exclusively Non-residential Development Standards
CN CC CC(2) CS Subject to regulations in Section
Minimum Site Specifications Site Area (ft 2 ) Site Width (ft) Site Depth (ft)
None required
Minimum Setbacks
Front Yard (ft)
0 - 10' to create an 8' - 12' effective sidewalk width (1), (2), (8)
None Required (8)
0 - 10' to create an 8' - 12' effective sidewalk width (1), (2), (8)
0 - 10' to create an 8' - 12' effective sidewalk width (1), (2), (8)
Setback lines imposed by a special setback map pursuant to Chapter 20.08 of this code
Rear Yard (ft) None required Interior Side Yard (ft) Street Side Yard (ft) 20' (2) None required Minimum Yard (ft) for lot lines abutting or opposite residential districts or residential PC districts or properties developed with exclusively residential uses
10’ (2) 10’ (2) 10’ (2) 10’ (2)
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CN CC CC(2) CS Subject to regulations
in Section
Build-To-Lines 50% of frontage built to setback (7) 33% of side street built to setback (7) Minimum setbacks from alleys for structures other than public parking garages (ft) (3)
Corner lots, from rear lot line on the alley
Not applicable
8’
Not applicable
Corner lots, from side lot line on the alley None
All lots other than corner lots 20’
Maximum Site Coverage 50% None required
Maximum Height (ft)
18.08.030
Standard
25' and 2 stories
50’ 37’ (4) 50’ Portions of a site within 150 ft. of an abutting residential district (other than a PC zone) or within 150 ft. of an abutting property developed with exclusively residential uses. (9)
35’ 35’ 35’
Maximum Floor Area
Ratio (FAR) 0.4:1 2.0:1 0.4:1 18.18.060(e)
Maximum Floor Area
Ratio (FAR) for Hotels N/A - (5) 2.0:1 2.0:1 18.18.060(d)
Daylight Plane for lot
lines abutting one or more residential zone districts other than an
RM-40 or PC zone or for
lot lines abutting a property developed with
3
CN CC CC(2) CS Subject to regulations
in Section
exclusively residential uses. Initial Height at side or rear lot line (ft) - (6) - (6) - (6) - (6)
Slope - (6) - (6) - (6) - (6) (1) No parking or loading space, whether required or optional, shall be located in the first 10 feet adjoining the street property line of any required yard. (2) Any minimum front, street side, or interior yard shall be planted and maintained as a landscaped screen excluding areas required for access to the site. A solid wall or fence between 5 and 8 feet in height shall be constructed along any common interior lot line. (3) No setback from an alley is required for a public parking garage. (4) As measured to the peak of the roof or the top of a parapet; penthouses and equipment enclosures may exceed this height limit by a maximum of five feet, but shall be limited to an area equal to no more than ten percent of the site area and shall not intrude into the daylight plane. (5) See additional regulations in subsection (e) of this Section 18.16.050. (6) The initial height and slope shall be identical to those of the most restrictive residential zone abutting the site line in question. (7) Twenty-five-foot driveway access permitted regardless of frontage; build-to requirement does not apply to CC district. (8) A 12-foot sidewalk width is required along El Camino Real frontage. (9) Distance shall be measured from the property line of the subject site. 150-foot measurement may be reduced to 50 feet at minimum, subject to approval by the Planning Director, upon recommendation by the Architectural Review Board pursuant to criteria set forth in Chapter 18.76. (b) Mixed Use and Residential Table 4 specifies the development standards for new residential mixed use developments and residential developments. These developments shall be designed and constructed in compliance with the following requirements and the objective design standards in Chapter 18.24. Non-Housing Development Projects and Housing Development Projects that elect to deviate from one or more objective standards in Chapter 18.24 shall meet the context-based design criteria outlined in Section 18.16.090, provided that more restrictive regulations may be recommended by the architectural review board and approved by the director of planning and development services, pursuant to Section 18.76.020.
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Table 4 Mixed Use and Residential Development Standards
CN CC CC(2) CS Subject to regulations
in:
Minimum Site Specifications Site Area (ft2) None required Site Width (ft) Site Depth (ft)
Minimum Setbacks Setback lines imposed by a special setback map pursuant to Chapter 20.08 of this code may apply
Front Yard (ft) 0' - 10' to create an 8' - 12' effective sidewalk width (8)
None Required (8)
0' - 10' to create an 8' - 12' effective sidewalk width (8)
0' - 10' to create an 8' - 12' effective sidewalk width (8)
Rear Yard (ft) 10' for residential portion; no requirement for commercial portion Rear Yard abutting residential zone district or a property developed with exclusively residential uses (ft) 10’
Interior Side Yard if abutting residential zone district or a property developed with exclusively residential uses (ft) 10’
Street Side Yard (ft) 5’ Built-to-Lines 50% of frontage built to setback (1) 33% of side street built to setback (1)
Permitted Setback Encroachments
Balconies, awnings, porches, stairways, and similar elements may extend up to 6' into the setback. Cornices, eaves, fireplaces, and similar architectural features (excluding flat or continuous walls or enclosures of interior space) may extend up to 4' into the front and rear setbacks and up to 3' into interior side setbacks
Maximum Site Coverage 50% 50% 100% 50%
Minimum Landscape/Open Space Coverage 35% 30% 20% 30%
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CN CC CC(2) CS Subject to regulations
in:
Usable Open Space (Private and/or Common) 150 sq ft per unit (2) 18.16.090
Maximum Height (ft) Standard 35’ (4) 50’ 37’ 50’ Portions of a site within 150 ft. of an abutting residential district (other than an RM-40 or PC zone) or within 150 ft of an abutting property developed with exclusively residential uses.
35’ 35’ 35’ 35’ 18.08.030
Daylight Plane for lot
lines abutting one or more residential zoning districts or abutting a property developed with exclusively residential uses.
Daylight plane height and slope shall be identical to those of the most restrictive residential zoning district abutting the lot line. If no residential zoning district abuts the lot line, the daylight plane and slope shall be identical to that of any exclusively residential use abutting the lot line.
Residential Density (net)(3) 15 or 20 (9)
See sub- section (e) below
No maximum 30 18.16.060(i) Sites on El Camino Real No maximum No maximum Sites on San Antonia Rd between Middlefield Rd and E. Charleston Rd. 15 or 20 (9) No maximum
Maximum Residential Floor Area Ratio (FAR) 0.5:1(4) 0.6:1 0.6:1 18.16.065
Maximum Nonresidential Floor Area Ratio (FAR) 0.4:1 2.0:1 0.4:1
Total Mixed Use Floor Area Ratio (FAR) 0.9:1 (4) 2.0:1 1.0:1 18.16.065 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 (1) Twenty-five-foot driveway access permitted regardless of frontage; build-to requirement does not apply to CC district. (2) Required usable open space: (1) may be any combination of private and common open spaces; (2) does not need to be located on the ground (but rooftop gardens are not included as open space except as provided below); (3) minimum private open space dimension six feet; and (4) minimum common open space dimension twelve feet.
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For CN and CS sites on El Camino Real and CC(2) sites that do not abut a single- or two-family residential use or zoning district, rooftop gardens may qualify as usable open space and may count as up to 60% of the required usable open space for the residential component of a project. In order to qualify as usable open space, the rooftop garden shall meet the requirements set forth in Section 18.40.230. (3) Residential density shall be computed based upon the total site area, irrespective of the percent of the site devoted to commercial use. (4) For CN sites on El Camino Real, height may increase to a maximum of 40 feet and the FAR may increase to a maximum of 1.0:1 (0.5:1 for nonresidential, 0.5:1 for residential). (5) Distance shall be measured from the property line of the subject site. 150-foot measurement may be reduced to 50 feet at minimum, subject to approval by the Planning Director, upon recommendation by the Architectural Review Board pursuant to criteria set forth in Chapter 18.76. (6) Ground floor commercial uses generally include retail, personal services, hotels and eating and drinking establishments. Office uses may be included only to the extent they are permitted in ground floor regulations. (7) If located in the California Avenue Parking Assessment District. (8) A 12-foot sidewalk width is required along El Camino Real frontage. (9) Residential densities up to 20 units/acre are allowed on CN zoned housing inventory sites identified in the Housing Element. Other CN zoned sites not located on El Camino Real are subject to a maximum residential density of up to 15 units/acre. (10) In the CC(2) zone and on CN and CS zoned sites on El Camino Real, there shall be no minimum mixed use ground floor commercial FAR for a residential project, except to the extent that the retail preservation requirements of Section 18.40.180 or the retail shopping (R) combining district (Chapter 18.30(A)) applies.
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18.16.040 Land Uses (b) Late Night Use and Activities The following regulations restrict businesses that operate or have associated activities at any time between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., where such site abuts or is located within 50 feet of residentially zoned properties or properties with exclusively residential uses. (1) Such businesses shall be operated in a manner to protect residential properties from excessive noise, odors, lighting or other nuisances from any sources during those hours. (2) For properties located in the CN or CS zone districts, businesses that operate or have associated activities at any time between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. shall be required to obtain a conditional use permit. The director may apply conditions of approval as are deemed necessary to assure that the operations or activities are compatible with the nearby residentially zoned property or property developed with exclusively residential uses.
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18.16.060 Development Standards (a) Exclusively Non-Residential Uses Table 3 specifies the development standards for exclusively non-residential uses and alterations to non-residential uses or structures in the CN, CC, CC(2) and CS districts. These developments shall be designed and constructed in compliance with the following requirements and the context-based design criteria outlined in Section 18.16.090, provided that more restrictive regulations may be recommended by the architectural review board and approved by the director of planning and development services, pursuant to Section 18.76.020.
Table 3
Exclusively Non-residential Development Standards
CN CC CC(2) CS Subject to regulations in Section
Minimum Site Specifications Site Area (ft 2 ) Site Width (ft) Site Depth (ft)
None required
Minimum Setbacks
Front Yard (ft)
0 - 10' to create an 8' - 12' effective sidewalk width (1), (2), (8)
None Required (8)
0 - 10' to create an 8' - 12' effective sidewalk width (1), (2), (8)
0 - 10' to create an 8' - 12' effective sidewalk width (1), (2), (8)
Setback lines imposed by a special setback map pursuant to Chapter 20.08 of this code
Rear Yard (ft) None required Interior Side Yard (ft) Street Side Yard (ft) 20' (2) None required Minimum Yard (ft) for lot lines abutting or opposite residential districts or residential PC districts or properties developed with exclusively residential uses
10’ (2) 10’ (2) 10’ (2) 10’ (2)
2
CN CC CC(2) CS Subject to regulations
in Section
Build-To-Lines 50% of frontage built to setback (7) 33% of side street built to setback (7) Minimum setbacks from alleys for structures other than public parking garages (ft) (3)
Corner lots, from rear lot line on the alley
Not applicable
8’
Not applicable
Corner lots, from side lot line on the alley None
All lots other than corner lots 20’
Maximum Site Coverage 50% None required
Maximum Height (ft)
18.08.030
Standard
25' and 2 stories
50’ 37’ (4) 50’ Portions of a site within 150 ft. of an abutting residential district (other than a PC zone) or within 150 ft. of an abutting property developed with exclusively residential uses. (9)
35’ 35’ 35’
Maximum Floor Area
Ratio (FAR) 0.4:1 2.0:1 0.4:1 18.18.060(e)
Maximum Floor Area
Ratio (FAR) for Hotels N/A - (5) 2.0:1 2.0:1 18.18.060(d)
Daylight Plane for lot
lines abutting one or more residential zone districts other than an
RM-40 or PC zone or for
lot lines abutting a property developed with
3
CN CC CC(2) CS Subject to regulations
in Section
exclusively residential uses. Initial Height at side or rear lot line (ft) - (6) - (6) - (6) - (6)
Slope - (6) - (6) - (6) - (6) (1) No parking or loading space, whether required or optional, shall be located in the first 10 feet adjoining the street property line of any required yard. (2) Any minimum front, street side, or interior yard shall be planted and maintained as a landscaped screen excluding areas required for access to the site. A solid wall or fence between 5 and 8 feet in height shall be constructed along any common interior lot line. (3) No setback from an alley is required for a public parking garage. (4) As measured to the peak of the roof or the top of a parapet; penthouses and equipment enclosures may exceed this height limit by a maximum of five feet, but shall be limited to an area equal to no more than ten percent of the site area and shall not intrude into the daylight plane. (5) See additional regulations in subsection (e) of this Section 18.16.050. (6) The initial height and slope shall be identical to those of the most restrictive residential zone abutting the site line in question. (7) Twenty-five-foot driveway access permitted regardless of frontage; build-to requirement does not apply to CC district. (8) A 12-foot sidewalk width is required along El Camino Real frontage. (9) Distance shall be measured from the property line of the subject site. 150-foot measurement may be reduced to 50 feet at minimum, subject to approval by the Planning Director, upon recommendation by the Architectural Review Board pursuant to criteria set forth in Chapter 18.76. (b) Mixed Use and Residential Table 4 specifies the development standards for new residential mixed use developments and residential developments. These developments shall be designed and constructed in compliance with the following requirements and the objective design standards in Chapter 18.24. Non-Housing Development Projects and Housing Development Projects that elect to deviate from one or more objective standards in Chapter 18.24 shall meet the context-based design criteria outlined in Section 18.16.090, provided that more restrictive regulations may be recommended by the architectural review board and approved by the director of planning and development services, pursuant to Section 18.76.020.
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Table 4 Mixed Use and Residential Development Standards
CN CC CC(2) CS Subject to regulations
in:
Minimum Site Specifications Site Area (ft2) None required Site Width (ft) Site Depth (ft)
Minimum Setbacks Setback lines imposed by a special setback map pursuant to Chapter 20.08 of this code may apply
Front Yard (ft) 0' - 10' to create an 8' - 12' effective sidewalk width (8)
None Required (8)
0' - 10' to create an 8' - 12' effective sidewalk width (8)
0' - 10' to create an 8' - 12' effective sidewalk width (8)
Rear Yard (ft) 10' for residential portion; no requirement for commercial portion Rear Yard abutting residential zone district or a property developed with exclusively residential uses (ft) 10’
Interior Side Yard if abutting residential zone district or a property developed with exclusively residential uses (ft) 10’
Street Side Yard (ft) 5’ Built-to-Lines 50% of frontage built to setback (1) 33% of side street built to setback (1)
Permitted Setback Encroachments
Balconies, awnings, porches, stairways, and similar elements may extend up to 6' into the setback. Cornices, eaves, fireplaces, and similar architectural features (excluding flat or continuous walls or enclosures of interior space) may extend up to 4' into the front and rear setbacks and up to 3' into interior side setbacks
Maximum Site Coverage 50% 50% 100% 50%
Minimum Landscape/Open Space Coverage 35% 30% 20% 30%
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CN CC CC(2) CS Subject to regulations
in:
Usable Open Space (Private and/or Common) 150 sq ft per unit (2) 18.16.090
Maximum Height (ft) Standard 35’ (4) 50’ 37’ 50’ Portions of a site within 150 ft. of an abutting residential district (other than an RM-40 or PC zone) or within 150 ft of an abutting property developed with exclusively residential uses.
35’ 35’ 35’ 35’ 18.08.030
Daylight Plane for lot
lines abutting one or more residential zoning districts or abutting a property developed with exclusively residential uses.
Daylight plane height and slope shall be identical to those of the most restrictive residential zoning district abutting the lot line. If no residential zoning district abuts the lot line, the daylight plane and slope shall be identical to that of any exclusively residential use abutting the lot line.
Residential Density (net)(3) 15 or 20 (9)
See sub- section (e) below
No maximum 30 18.16.060(i) Sites on El Camino Real No maximum No maximum Sites on San Antonia Rd between Middlefield Rd and E. Charleston Rd. 15 or 20 (9) No maximum
Maximum Residential Floor Area Ratio (FAR) 0.5:1(4) 0.6:1 0.6:1 18.16.065
Maximum Nonresidential Floor Area Ratio (FAR) 0.4:1 2.0:1 0.4:1
Total Mixed Use Floor Area Ratio (FAR) 0.9:1 (4) 2.0:1 1.0:1 18.16.065 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 (1) Twenty-five-foot driveway access permitted regardless of frontage; build-to requirement does not apply to CC district. (2) Required usable open space: (1) may be any combination of private and common open spaces; (2) does not need to be located on the ground (but rooftop gardens are not included as open space except as provided below); (3) minimum private open space dimension six feet; and (4) minimum common open space dimension twelve feet.
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For CN and CS sites on El Camino Real and CC(2) sites that do not abut a single- or two-family residential use or zoning district, rooftop gardens may qualify as usable open space and may count as up to 60% of the required usable open space for the residential component of a project. In order to qualify as usable open space, the rooftop garden shall meet the requirements set forth in Section 18.40.230. (3) Residential density shall be computed based upon the total site area, irrespective of the percent of the site devoted to commercial use. (4) For CN sites on El Camino Real, height may increase to a maximum of 40 feet and the FAR may increase to a maximum of 1.0:1 (0.5:1 for nonresidential, 0.5:1 for residential). (5) Distance shall be measured from the property line of the subject site. 150-foot measurement may be reduced to 50 feet at minimum, subject to approval by the Planning Director, upon recommendation by the Architectural Review Board pursuant to criteria set forth in Chapter 18.76. (6) Ground floor commercial uses generally include retail, personal services, hotels and eating and drinking establishments. Office uses may be included only to the extent they are permitted in ground floor regulations. (7) If located in the California Avenue Parking Assessment District. (8) A 12-foot sidewalk width is required along El Camino Real frontage. (9) Residential densities up to 20 units/acre are allowed on CN zoned housing inventory sites identified in the Housing Element. Other CN zoned sites not located on El Camino Real are subject to a maximum residential density of up to 15 units/acre. (10) In the CC(2) zone and on CN and CS zoned sites on El Camino Real, there shall be no minimum mixed use ground floor commercial FAR for a residential project, except to the extent that the retail preservation requirements of Section 18.40.180 or the retail shopping (R) combining district (Chapter 18.30(A)) applies.
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18.16.040 Land Uses (b) Late Night Use and Activities The following regulations restrict businesses that operate or have associated activities at any time between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., where such site abuts or is located within 50 feet of residentially zoned properties or properties with exclusively residential uses. (1) Such businesses shall be operated in a manner to protect residential properties from excessive noise, odors, lighting or other nuisances from any sources during those hours. (2) For properties located in the CN or CS zone districts, businesses that operate or have associated activities at any time between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. shall be required to obtain a conditional use permit. The director may apply conditions of approval as are deemed necessary to assure that the operations or activities are compatible with the nearby residentially zoned property or property developed with exclusively residential uses.
From:Bob Lenox
To:Council, City
Subject:Council 2025 Priorities - Palo Alto Airport
Date:Sunday, March 9, 2025 12:02:18 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.Council members,
On behalf of the Palo Alto Airport Association, I urge you to reject the “Not Recommended” position for moving
forward with the Long Range Facility and Sustainability Plan. It is imperative that together we plan for an updated
airfield.
Much of the physical plant is outdated and in need of replacement and/or repair.
The terminal building, a gateway to our city, is a double wide trailer from the 1960’s.
The runway requires rehabilitation. These and other projects are funded by Federal grants covering 90 percent of
the cost, and airport generated revenues pay the balance.
We envision a major solar array project on the airport, providing power for the airport and other facilities such as the
water treatment plant. This decarbonization effort, and the other projects, cannot begin without the LRFSP being
completed.
The PAAA understands the council direction for the airport to maintain its’ current footprint without major
expansion, and is ready to work with staff to optimize the layout.
Senior city staff seems to think that airport staff does not have the “bandwidth” to work on the LRFSP due to other
commitments; specifically the transition to unleaded fuel, and noise abatement. Let me briefly address these two
issues:
The transition to unleaded fuels is an ongoing effort. Simply put, there is not yet a viable widely available product.
We have one unleaded fuel on the field, but it is not certified, yet, for roughly 90 percent of the aircraft on the
airport. Hopefully that will change, but it is a Federal matter, and out of staff’s hands. We continue to champion the
transition to unleaded fuel as soon as possible.
Staff meets monthly with users and FAA tower personnel in order to optimize noise abatement procedures and
compliance. We all work together to emphasize flying as good neighbors. The airport staff have recently contracted
for a tracking service so they can identify noncompliant flights and work with the pilots to ensure an understanding
of these procedures. In the last five months (October-February) PAO had over 57,000 takeoffs and landings. During
that same period, airport staff received a total of 39 noise complaints, 12 of which came from Palo Alto residents.
In summary we urge you to direct staff to move forward with the LRFSP so that the upkeep, modernization and
decarbonization of our Palo Alto Airport can proceed without further delay.
Respectfully,
Bob Lenox, President
Palo Alto Airport Association
From:Mr. Shore
To:Council, City
Subject:Agenda Item #8 - March 10 - 2025 City Council/Committe Priority Objectives and Workplans
Date:Saturday, March 8, 2025 11:30:25 AM
Attachments:SCVWD-Unhoused-JPA-28Feb2025.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Mayor Lauing and Councilmembers,
Please consider directing Staff to explore and assess the formation of a JPA dedicated toaddressing homelessness, encampments, and the increasing need for housing, shelter, and
social services across Santa Clara County, as formally proposed by Valley Water in its recentletter to Mayor Lauing et al. See attached.
Regards,
Jeffrey Shore
Santa Clara Valley Water District | 5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95118-3686 | (408) 265-2600 | www.valleywater.org
Clean Water • Healthy Environment • Flood Protection
♺
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
John L. Varela (District 1)
Shiloh Ballard (District 2)
Richard P. Santos / Vice Chair (District 3)
Jim Beall (District 4)
Nai Hsueh (District 5)
Tony Estremera / Chair (District 6)
Rebecca Eisenberg (District 7)
INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Melanie Richardson, P.E.
INTERIM CLERK OF THE BOARD
Candice Kwok-Smith
February 28, 2025
The Honorable Otto Lee The Honorable Sergio Lopez
President, County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors Mayor, City of Campbell 70 West Hedding Street, 10th Floor 70 North First Street San Jose, CA 95110 Campbell, CA 95008
The Honorable Liang Chao The Honorable Greg Bozzo Mayor, City of Cupertino Mayor, City of Gilroy 10300 Torre Avenue 7351 Rosanna Street Cupertino, CA 95014 Gilroy, CA 95020 The Honorable Pete Dailey The Honorable Kavita Tankha Mayor, City of Los Altos Mayor, Town of Los Altos Hills 1 North San Antonio Road 26379 W Fremont Road Los Altos, CA 94022 Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
The Honorable Matthew Hudes The Honorable Carmen Montano Mayor, Town of Los Gatos Mayor, City of Milpitas 110 East Main Street 455 East Calaveras Boulevard
Los Gatos, CA 95030 Milpitas, CA 95035 The Honorable Burton Craig The Honorable Mark Turner
Mayor, City of Monte Sereno Mayor, City of Morgan Hill 18041 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road 17575 Peak Avenue Monte Sereno, CA 95030 Morgan Hill, CA 95037
The Honorable Ellen Kamei The Honorable Ed Lauing Mayor, City of Mountain View Mayor, City of Palo Alto 500 Castro Street, 3rd Floor 250 Hamilton Avenue Mountain View, CA 94041 Palo Alto, CA 94301 The Honorable Matt Mahan The Honorable Lisa M. Gillmor Mayor, City of San José Mayor, City of Santa Clara
200 East Santa Clara Street, 18th Floor 1500 Warburton Avenue San Jose, CA 95113 Santa Clara, CA 95050
The Honorable Belal Aftab The Honorable Larry Klein Mayor, City of Saratoga Mayor, City of Sunnyvale 13777 Fruitvale Avenue 456 West Olive Avenue
Saratoga, CA 95070 Sunnyvale, CA 94086 Attachment 1
Page 1 of 2
Santa Clara Valley Water District | 5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA 95118-3686 | (408) 265-2600 | www.valleywater.org ♺
Clean Water • Healthy Environment • Flood Protection
Dear Esteemed Colleagues,
As we continue to face the growing and pressing issue of unsheltered homelessness in our community, I write to you today on behalf of the Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) Board of Directors to propose an idea that could help us address this challenge in a more coordinated and impactful way. Given the complexities of homelessness, I encourage local officials to explore the possibility of forming a county-wide Joint Powers Authority (JPA) focused on this issue. This could serve as a platform for representatives of our respective jurisdictions to collaborate and take collective, action-oriented steps toward meaningful solutions.
As we all know, homelessness in Santa Clara County, particularly unsheltered homelessness, has reached humanitarian, environmental, and public safety crises levels. While each of our jurisdictions has made significant strides in addressing this issue, the scale and scope of the problem requires an approach that transcends individual city or county efforts. We must collaborate in a more coordinated and effective manner to truly make progress.
The JPA could function similarly to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), which was established in 1993 as a joint powers authority between the City and County of Los Angeles. LAHSA has proven to be an effective mechanism for the coordination of resources, policy development, and service delivery across a diverse and complex region. A JPA in Santa Clara County would bring together the expertise and resources of each of our jurisdictions, while providing a platform for accountability, shared decision-making, and innovation on the most pressing issues surrounding homelessness.
By leveraging the strengths and collective resources of each participating jurisdiction, we would be better positioned to develop and implement policies that help address the underlying causes of homelessness and provide comprehensive solutions. The JPA could focus on a variety of critical areas, including emergency shelter expansion, permanent supportive housing development, mental health and substance use disorder services, outreach strategies, and more. Through this collaboration, we can better serve the public, reduce duplication of efforts, and maximize our collective impact.
I am confident that by working together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness in our community. Valley Water is happy to facilitate a joint discussion to explore this idea if there is interest. We invite you to share any thoughts and feedback with Marta Lugo, Deputy Administrative Officer for Valley Water’s Office of Government Relations, at MLugo@valleywater.org or (408) 630- 2237, by Friday, March 28, 2025.
Thank you for your time and consideration, as well as your dedicated leadership, partnership, and commitment to serving all residents of Santa Clara County. We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Richard P. Santos Vice Chair, Board of Directors
cc: Valley Water Board of Directors, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, Campbell City Council, Cupertino City Council, Gilroy City Council, Los Altos City Council, Los Altos Hills City Council, Los Gatos Town Council, Milpitas City Council, Monte Sereno City Council, Morgan Hill City Council, Mountain View City Council, Palo Alto City Council, San José City Council, Santa Clara City Council, Saratoga City Council, Sunnyvale City Council rb:jh 0228a-l Attachment 1
Page 2 of 2
From:David Coale
To:Council, City
Cc:Shikada, Ed; Abendschein, Jonathan; Eggleston, Brad
Subject:Bike and pedestrian infrastructure needs to be at a higher priority.
Date:Thursday, March 6, 2025 8:11:07 PM
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!
Mayor and Councilmembers,
Here is my public input from two weeks ago as a reminder about City priorities.
-------
Thanks for this opportunity to speak to you this evening. Bike and pedestrian infrastructure
needs to be at a higher priority.
Over the last 12 years Palo Alto has built/completed many projects: housing, fire stations,
Libraries, a new public Safety building, and more. But in the same time frame, we have only completed 30% of our last bike and pedestrian plan. I know we can do better.
In fact, I would like to thank the Mayor and Council member Burt for their efforts on the Ad Hoc committee to make the bike lanes on El Camino better then the initial Caltrans plans
called for. I was skeptical they could do this is such a short time frame, but they did and have set a great example of what the rest of El Camino should be on the Peninsula.
Palo Alto needs to be a leader again in this area. Our SCAP goals depend on it. The safety of our school children depend on it. The success of our housing build-out depends on it, along
with the vitality of our downtown areas and the health of our community.
There is a lot of support for this. In looking at the people that have signed on to my letter, I
see the following groups:
SVBC Palo Alto
Carbon Free Palo Alto
350.org Palo Alto
Palo Alto Forward
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Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast
Acterra
Transition Palo Alto members
Safe Routes to School members
Bike Palo Alto
School Parents
And more
In addition, the Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan needs to also be a high priority as this
is the basis for funding the bike and pedestrian transportation plan.
The east-west crossing in south Palo Alto are very important as this is vital to the safety of our
school children and needs to be completed before any rail crossing projects are started. This is also a real game changer for getting around Palo Alto.
Thanks for your attention on addressing this issue.
David Coale
March 10, 2025 www.cityofpaloalto.org
2025 City Council Priority Objectives & Committee Objectives and Workplans
March 10, 2025
2025 Council Priorities & Objectives Introduction
•Lists the 68 proposed Objectives that build on the 2024 incomplete or returning objectives, department proposed, or Council suggested during the 2025 Annual Retreat.
•Reinforces the Council’s annual priority setting process
•Shares the role of Council Committees in the work ahead, including Council ad hoc committees and standing committees (committee objectives and workplans review
tonight)
•Begins discussion on the Council, community and stakeholder engagement necessary to implement the proposed Council Objectives
•Recognizes tension between capacity, resource limitations, and potential interest in
additional objectives for the year
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March 10, 2025
Discussion Facilitation
•Staff is seeking input on and approval of the 2025 Council Objectives and will guide
Council through a review and discussion of the proposed Objectives by Council Priority.
•Council Objectives are stated in a manner to reflect a milestone of completion within
calendar year 2025, work on many of these objectives will continue beyond 2025 with
subsequent milestones.
•Both estimated completion and funding needs are reflective of the 12-month
milestone goal and resource needs; additional resources are expected to be
necessary for subsequent milestones of some objectives in future years.
•Staff will guide Council to discuss the Committee objectives and Standing Committee
Workplans following discussion of Objectives
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2025 Council Priorities & Objectives (68 objectives)
Economic Development and Retail Vibrancy
# of Objectives $$ Needs
13 7
Climate Action and Adaptation & Natural Environment
Protection
# of Objectives $$ Needs
21 6
Implementing Housing Strategies for Social & Economic
Balance
# of Objectives $$ Needs
18 4
Public Safety, Wellness & Belonging
# of Objectives $$ Needs
16 5*
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*Updated to reflect reduced funding needs upon further
consideration.
Economic Development & Retail Vibrancy (13 Objectives)
Resource Needs- $ up to 50K, $$ 51-400K, $$$ 500K+C- 2024 Carryover R- Revised Objective N-New Objective 5
Climate Action and Adaptation & Natural Environment Protection (21 Objectives)
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Implementing Housing Strategies for Social and Economic Balance (18 Objectives)
7Resource Needs- $ up to 50K, $$ 51-400K, $$$ 500K+C- 2024 Carryover R- Revised Objective N-New Objective
Public Safety, Wellness & Belonging (16 Objectives)
Resource Needs- $ up to 50K, $$ 51-400K, $$$ 500K+C- 2024 Carryover R- Revised Objective N-New Objective 8
March 10, 2025
Committee Objectives and Workplans
•Committee Objectives reflect principles reflected at the City Council Retreat:
•Ad hocs facilitate efficient Council meetings by vetting complex topics in advance
•Priorities and assignments, including ad hoc missions (objectives), will be made by the full Council to ensure transparent management of resources
•Ad hoc recommendations proceed directly to the full Council, not heard by more than one committee
•Recommendations from ad hocs will be developed in public
•Standing committee workplans reflect annual agenda items and current referrals (to the best of our knowledge) from Council
•As work progresses on the 2025 Objectives, these committees will be used for review and feedback as appropriate to ensure continued progress
•Council may discuss and identify any adjustments to the Committee Objectives and Standing Committee Workplans including updates on the status of Council referrals
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Committee Objectives
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Rail Ad Hoc Committee
The Rail Committee reviews the projects and provides recommendations to the City Council based on the Rail
Guiding principles adopted by the City Council (August 8, 2022). The projects include: the grade separations and
safety improvements at existing crossings, additional east-west bicycle and pedestrian crossings, and quiet zone
improvements. Rail committee will review and advance projects for Council approval.
With the exception of bicycle and pedestrian railway crossings, all matters related to cycling and pedestrians such
as the Bicycle Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) will be reviewed by the Policy & Services Committee for
recommendations to the full City Council.
Cubberley Ad Hoc Committee
The Cubberley Ad Hoc will ensure the City Council’s vision is reflected through the master plan process and serve
as the Council ambassador for engagement with the community and building community support for
development for a new community center at the Cubberley site. This includes making recommendations to the
Council on the future operating model (e.g. services available, approach to fees & charges, space allocation) and
master plan that will successfully receive voter support in 2026.
Coordination with PAUSD on Cubberley will occur through this committee rather than CSLC. Operations, funding,
and ballot measure work (including polling) may be heard by the Finance Committee rather than the Cubberley
Ad Hoc for recommendations to the full City Council.
Committee Objectives
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Retail Ad Hoc Committee
The retail committee will provide a regular forum for business and community stakeholders to engage with
Council members on implementation of the City’s economic development strategy. The retail committee
will make recommendations to the City Council on economic development and retail vibrancy efforts, such
as additional business support, proposed University and California Avenue improvements, and citywide
retail zoning code changes.
Climate Action & Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee
The Climate Action & Sustainability Committee will support implementation of the Climate Action workplan
items of the Three-Year Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) Workplan and the 2025 Council
Priority Objectives for the Climate Action & Adaptation, and Natural Environment Council priority. The
Committee will also discuss and provide input on S/CAP implementation strategy leading to Council
approval and the development of the Climate Action sections of the upcoming 2026-2027 S/CAP Workplan,
including consideration of appropriate actions toward the 2030 Carbon Neutrality goal.
Implementation of the Reliability and Resiliency Strategic Plan will continue to be reviewed primarily by the
Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC), and recommendations for funding S/CAP programs through the
budget process will be made by the UAC and Finance Committee based on priorities established by the
Climate Action & Sustainability Committee.
Policy & Services Committee Workplan
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January
•Mayor appoints Committee and designates Chair; no Policy &
Services Committee meeting
February
•Auditor Report: Grant Management Audit
•Auditor Report: Utility Billing Audit
•Nonprofit Partnerships Workplan
•Follow Up from City Council Retreat re Umbrella Operating
Strategies
March
•Auditor Report: Dispatch Assessment
•Recommendations for Nonprofit Partnerships Workplan Phase 1
•Auditor Quarterly Report (tentative)
•Auditor Task Order Report (if needed)
April
•Update on Recent Race and Equity Work
•Legislative Update (State and Federal)
•Referral: Board and Commission Member Onboarding Support
•Auditor Report: TBD
•Auditor Report: TBD
May
•Recommended Approval of Safe Streets for All Action Plan
•Referral (2024): Establish a frequency for joint City Council
meetings or Policy & Services meeting with Boards and
Commissions, Youth Council, and meetings with Boards and
Commissions Chairs;
•Referral Follow Up: Discussion and Recommendation to Council
Regarding Potential New Procedure for Councilmembers to Make
Referrals to Staff
•Auditor Report: TBD
June
•Referral (2024): Review of an annual schedule of repeat items that occur annually on
agendas for Policy & Services, Finance Committee, and City Council along with the
approximate month they occur
•Referral (2024): Review and make recommendations for any initiatives to support and
strengthen neighborhood programs (linked to discussions in 2021)
•Audit task orders
•Tentative: Bicycle Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP)
July No meeting; Council break
August
•Auditor Report: TBD
•Auditor Report: TBD
•Race and Equity Update Report
•Legislative Update (State and Federal)
September
•Auditor Report: TBD
October
•Quarterly Audit Status Report
November
•Auditor Report: TBD
•Legislative Agenda and Guidelines (can also go in December)
•Quarterly Update on Recent Race and Equity Work
December
•Auditor Report: TBD
•Procedures & Protocols Handbook Annual Discussion
•2026 City Council Priorities Discussion (focused on process, the retreat and submitted
ideas)
•Informational: Report out on Status of Committee Referrals
Finance Committee Workplan
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January
•Mayor appoints Committee and designates Chair; usually no
FC meeting
February
•No Meeting, City Council meeting scheduled for Cubberley
visioning
March (4th & 18th)
•Planning and Development Services Municipal Fee Update
•Real Property Transaction Review
•Storm Water Management Fee
April (1st & 15th)
•Utilities Advisory Commission Rate Forecasts and Five-Year
Financial Plans: Gas, Electric, Water, Wastewater Collection
•Review Human Services Resource Allocation Program
recommended grants after Human Resources Commission
Review in March [tentative]
May (6th, 7th, & 20th)
•Annual Budget Review: Operating and Five-year Capital
Improvement Plan
o Alternative meeting times (9:00am – 5:00pm) 5/6 and
5/7
•City-wide Municipal Fee Study
June (3rd & 17th)
•Review Cubberley [tentative]
•Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Report
•Adoption of Fiscal Year 2025 Investment Policy (to be done
by June 30 per code)
July
No meeting; Council Break
August
•Grid Modernization Capital Improvement review issuance of debt for project
financing
September
•Accept California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) Pension Annual
Valuation. Reports as of June 30, 2024
o Every 3-4-year review/decision on pension funding policy assumptions next
review scheduled for FY 2026.
October
November
•Informational: Report out on Status of Committee Referrals
•Discussion and Recommendation to the City Council to Accept the Macias Gini &
O'Connell's Audit of the City of Palo Alto's Financial Statements as of June 30, 2025
and Management Letter
•Discussion and Recommendation to Approve the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Annual
Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and Approve Budget Amendments in
Various Funds
December
•Review and Forward the FY 2027 - FY 2036 Long Range Financial Forecast
•First Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Report
•Preliminary Utility Rate Forecast Review
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Subtitle 32 font
March 10, 2025
Summary and Potential Council Direction
Summary
•Council Priority and Committee Objectives reflect Council action from retreat on January 25th
•Proposed Objectives continue work from previous year and support Council Priorities adopted, and suggested objectives at the retreat.
•Proposed Objectives described to reflect organization’s capacity to accomplish and advance within the calendar year
Potential Action:
•Council approval of 2025 Council Objectives
•Council approval of Committee Objectives and workplans
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Lupita Alamos
Assistant to the City Manager
Kiely Nose
Assistant City Manager
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Subtitle 32 font
March 10, 2025
Options for Additional Objectives
Priority Objectives have already been through initial vetting:
Objective → Scope → Resources Required → Schedule → 2025 Milestone
•Should Council wish to add additional objectives, staff will seek clarity on the scope of proposal and may seek the opportunity to review and provide feedback on resource needs.
•As a general path of escalation should Council seek to add:
Seek to understand from the department if the new addition is part of a current body of work/objective under way OR if it is a new effort.
If not in an existing project, seek to better understand the effort sought. Options include but
aren’t limited to referral to committee(s), colleagues' memos, etc.
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