HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-12-01 City Council Agenda PacketCITY COUNCIL
Regular Meeting
Monday, December 01, 2025
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by
teleconference or in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the
meeting is located at the end of the agenda. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel
26, live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen Media
Center https://midpenmedia.org.
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238)
Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900-6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
General Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted in person for up to three
minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. General public comment will be heard
for 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda.
Public comments for agendized items will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to
three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. Requests to speak will be taken
until 5 minutes after the staff’s presentation or as determined by the Chair. Written public
comments can be submitted in advance to city.council@PaloAlto.gov and will be provided to
the Council and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which
agenda item you are referencing in your subject line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only
by email to city.clerk@PaloAlto.gov at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the
Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong
cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not
accepted.
Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks,
posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not
create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when
displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or passage
of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.
TIME ESTIMATES
Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the
meeting is in progress. The Council reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to
change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be
heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best
manage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.
1 December 01, 2025
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas.
CALL TO ORDER
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT (5:35 - 6:05 PM)
Members of the public may speak in-person ONLY to any item NOT on the agenda. 1-3 minutes depending on number of
speakers. Public Comment is limited to 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda.
COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS (6:05 - 6:20 PM)
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s).
STUDY SESSION (Item 1: 6:20 - 7:20 PM, Item 2: 7:20 - 8:20 PM)
1.Receive an update and provide feedback on the City Council’s priority Implementing
Neighborhood Town Halls.
2.Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update: Draft Plan and Near-Term
Projects. CEQA Status: Exempt Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.20.
CONSENT CALENDAR (8:20 - 8:25 PM)
Items will be voted in one motion unless removed from the calendar by three Council Members.
3.Approval of Minutes from November 10 and November 17, 2025 Meetings
4.Policy & Services Committee Recommendation to Adopt Updates to the Advocacy
Process Manual; CEQA Status - Not a Project
5.PUBLIC HEARING: Finance Committee Recommends City Council Adopt a Resolution
Approving the 2026 Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis Report, Amending Rate
Schedules G-1 (Residential Gas Service), G-2 (Residential Master-Metered and
Commercial Gas Service), G-3 (Large Commercial Gas Service) and repealing G-10
(Compressed Natural Gas Service). CEQA Status: Not a Project under Public Resources
Code Section 21065.
6.Approval of Purchase Order C26196043 with Carahsoft, Utilizing a General Services
Administration Cooperative Agreement, to Procure S/4 Hana Implementation Services,
for a term of Twelve Months and a Total Amount Not-To-Exceed of $5,839,230, including
$4,399,300 for Basic Services and $439,930 for Additional Services, and Approval of
Budget Amendments to the Information Technology; CEQA Status – Not a Project.
2 December 01, 2025
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas.
7.Approval of Two Contracts: 1) Blanket Purchase Order with Minsait Advanced Control
Systems (ACS) in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $1,000,000 to Purchase As-Needed Hardware
and Software Components, 2) Professional Services Contract No. C26195119 with
Minsait ACS in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $439,450 for SCADA System Software Licensing
and Support for a Period of Five Years in an Combined Contracts Amount Not-to-Exceed
$1,439,450; CEQA Status – Not a Project
8.Approval of Two Blanket Purchase Orders with S&S Trucking in the Amount of $2,543,677
and with Zanker Road Resource Management LLC in the Amount of $1,090,753 for On-
Call Off Hauling Services for a Total Amount Not-to-Exceed of $3,634,430 for a Five Year
Term. CEQA Status: Exempt. Pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15302(c) – Maintenance of
Existing Utility Systems.
9.Approval of Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. C22181106 with Universal Site Services
Inc., to Provide Additional High Pressure Steam Cleaning Services for Downtown
University and California Ave Business Districts, and to Extend the Contract for Six
Months for an Additional Amount Not-to-Exceed $239,832; CEQA Status - Not a Project
10.Adoption of (Corrected) Resolution Amending Five Rate Schedules Setting Forth Utility
Connection Fees and Other Charges: Utilities Rate Schedule E-15 (Electric Service
Connections), W-5 (Water Service Connections), G-5 (Gas Service Connections), S-5
(Sewer Service Connections) and C-1 (Utility Miscellaneous Charges); CEQA Status: Not
a Project Under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15378(b)(4) and (5) and Exempt Under
Section 15273(a).
11.Approval of Amendment No. 2 to Contract C09124501A with GreenWaste of Palo Alto
to Extend the Term for an Additional Four Years Through June 30, 2030, for an
Estimated Average Annual Compensation of $24,840,211, including an Estimated
$1,400,589 in Additional Expenses; Approval of Replacement of Aging Collection
Vehicles for an Estimated $5,900,000 in Additional Expenses; Approval of a Budget
Amendment in the Refuse Fund; and Approval of Amendment No. 1 to the Revocable
Non-Exclusive License For Use of a Portion of the Former Los Altos Treatment Plant
Located at 1237 San Antonio Road by GreenWaste of Palo Alto Through June 30, 2030;
CEQA Status - Not a Project
12.Approval of Seven Items to Support the Automated Weather Observation System
Project, AP-19000, at Palo Alto Airport: 1) Approval of Construction Contract No.
C26194026 with Vellutini Corporation DBA Royal Electric Company, in an Amount Not to
Exceed $1,699,810; 2) Authorization for the City Manager or Designee to Negotiate
Change Orders Up to a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $254,971; 3) Approval and
Authorization for the City Manager or Designee to Execute Contract Amendment 3 to
3 December 01, 2025
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas.
Contract No. C21178372C with C&S Engineers, Inc. for a Not-to-Exceed Amount of
$464,613 and a Contract Extension Through December 31, 2026; 4) Authorization and
Approval for the City Manager or Designee to Execute Contract Amendment 1 to
Contract No. C21178372B with Burns & McDonnell for a Contract Extension Through
December 31, 2026; 5) Approval and Authorization for the City Manager or Designee to
Execute Contract Amendment 1 to Contract No. C211783782A with Centurion Planning
& Design LLC to extend the contract term through December 31, 2027; 6) Adoption of a
Resolution Authorizing the Submittal of Applications and Execution of Grant
Agreements with the California Department of Transportation for Airport Improvement
Program Matching Grants; and 7) Approval of a Budget Amendment in the Airport
Enterprise Fund; CEQA Status - Exempt Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15302
13.Approval for the City Manager or their Designee to Execute Contract No. C26195084
with SCA of CA, LLC, to Procure Services for the Sweeping of City Parking Garages,
Parking Lots and an Underpass for a Period of Five Years for a Total Not to Exceed
Amount of $581,852; CEQA Status – Not a Project
14.FIRST READING: Adoption of an ordinance to Amend Chapters 4.54 and 4.56 of the Palo
Alto Municipal Code to Amend the Regulation of Massage Establishments and Hot
Tub/Sauna Establishments as Recommended by the Policy & Services Committee; and
Adoption of a Resolution to Amend the Administrative Penalty Schedule to Amend
Related Penalties; CEQA status - not a project. Supplemental Report added
15.SECOND READING: Ordinance Repealing Chapter 15.04 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code
and Adopting a New Chapter 15.04, the California Fire Code (2025 Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related Findings (FIRST READING: 11/3/2025, PASSED 6-0-1, Veenker
absent)
16.SECOND READING: Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Sections
of Chapter 10.56 (“Special Speed Zones”) of Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) to Reflect the
2025 Traffic Survey (FIRST READING: November 10, 2025, PASSED 5-0-2, Stone, Veenker
absent)
17.SECOND READING: Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code (The Zoning Map) to Change the
Classification of Property Located at 511 Byron St, 660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave/500 Middlefield Rd from RM-20 Low Density Multiple-Family Residential
(RM-20) to Planned Community (PC) (FIRST READING: November 10, 2025, PASSED: 4-1-
2, Lu no, Stone, Veenker absent)
4 December 01, 2025
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS (8:25 - 8:40 PM)
BREAK (15 MINUTES)
ACTION ITEMS (Item 18: 8:55 - 10:25 PM, Item 19: 10:25 - 10:40 PM)
Include: Report of Committees/Commissions, Ordinances and Resolutions, Public Hearings, Report of Officials, Unfinished
Business and Council Matters.
18.Recommendation from Rail Committee for City Council on the South Palo Alto Bike/Ped
Connectivity: Initial Review of Conceptual Design Alternatives and Elimination of
Alternatives from Further Consideration; CEQA Status - Not a Project as Defined by
CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(4)
19.Approval of Amendments to the Employment Agreements between the City of Palo Alto
and Council Appointed Officers, specifically the City Manager, City Attorney, and City
Clerk. CEQA Status - Not a Project
ADJOURNMENT
INFORMATION REPORTS
Information reports are provided for informational purposes only to the Council and the public but are not listed for action or
discussion during this meeting’s agenda.
A.Final Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) - 2025 Quarter 3 (July - September 2025) Report
B.Monthly Investment Report - October 2025 (Unaudited)
OTHER INFORMATION
Standing Committee Meetings this week
Finance Committee December 2, 2025
Public Comment Letters
Schedule of Meetings
SUPPLEMENTAL / AMENDED AGENDA ITEMS
5 December 01, 2025
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas.
14.FIRST READING: Adoption of an ordinance to Amend Chapters 4.54 and 4.56 of the Palo
Alto Municipal Code to Amend the Regulation of Massage Establishments and Hot
Tub/Sauna Establishments as Recommended by the Policy & Services Committee; and
Adoption of a Resolution to Amend the Administrative Penalty Schedule to Amend
Related Penalties; CEQA status - not a project. Supplemental Report added
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1.Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@PaloAlto.gov.
2.For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the
table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to
discussion of the item.
3.Spoken public comments for agendized items using a computer or smart phone will be
accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link
below to access a Zoom-based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
◦You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in- browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up-to-date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto
your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the
Meeting ID below.
◦You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
◦When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
◦When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4.Spoken public comments for agendized items using a phone use the telephone number
listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we
know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before
addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called
please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 362-027-238 Phone: 1-669-900-6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
6 December 01, 2025
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas.
(650) 329-2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@PaloAlto.gov. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
California Government Code §84308, commonly referred to as the "Levine Act," prohibits an
elected official of a local government agency from participating in a proceeding involving a
license, permit, or other entitlement for use if the official received a campaign contribution
exceeding $500 from a party or participant, including their agents, to the proceeding within the
last 12 months. A “license, permit, or other entitlement for use” includes most land use and
planning approvals and the approval of contracts that are not subject to lowest responsible bid
procedures and have a value over $50,000. A “party” is a person who files an application for, or
is the subject of, a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use. A
“participant” is a person who actively supports or opposes a particular decision in a proceeding
involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use, and has a financial interest in the
decision. The Levine Act incorporates the definition of “financial interest” in the Political Reform
Act, which encompasses interests in business entities, real property, sources of income, sources
of gifts, and personal finances that may be affected by the Council’s actions. If you qualify as a
“party” or “participant” to a proceeding, and you have made a campaign contribution to a
Council Member exceeding $500 made within the last 12 months, you must disclose the
campaign contribution before making your comments.
7 December 01, 2025
Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas.
8
5
9
8
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: STUDY SESSION
Lead Department: City Manager
Meeting Date: December 1, 2025
Report #:2511-5440
TITLE
Receive an update and provide feedback on the City Council’s priority Implementing
Neighborhood Town Halls.
RECOMMENDATION
Receive an update on implementing Neighborhood Town Halls and provide feedback on future
planning efforts.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the direction of the City Council in 2022, the City implemented a series of eight (8)
Neighborhood Town Halls in partnership with Palo Alto Neighborhood (PAN) leadership. The
series of quarterly meetings from October 2022 through August 2025 engaged approximately
2,100 community members in person and the live-stream video on YouTube. Overall, this
initiative improved communication on neighborhoods issues, increased resident/staff
awareness, and importantly, built familiarity and relationships to address neighborhood issues.
This staff report outlines lessons learned over the series of meetings and seeks to engage the
Council should there be interest to continue a next iteration of Neighborhood Town Hall
meetings.
Key success factors:
Meeting locations were set in the neighborhoods, where possible, to support
convenient and informal conversations
Following the meetings, e-mails to participants were sent closing the loop with what
was discussed and action items/follow-up on items not answered at the meeting
Council engagement co-hosting, and City Manager’s Office planning, with neighborhood
leaders was tremendously valuable in reinforcing the Council’s priority and City
commitment to Neighborhood Town Halls
Item 1
Item 1 Staff Report
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 8 of 828
8
5
9
8
Agenda topics were developed with the neighborhood leaders engaged in planning all
aspects of the meeting
General question and answer sessions for each meeting was key in hearing about
emerging and/or long-standing issues
Outreach evolved with mailed postcards, posted flyers and signs in neighborhoods, and
neighborhood leader emails the most impactful ways to reach residents
Neighborhood groupings developed by geographic areas in partnership with PAN and
Council provided greater resident engagement, similarity of neighborhood issues, and
ensured staff ability to implement at a quarterly cadence
Tapping established neighborhood association leaders was key to reaching residents
and implementing successful meetings
Areas for further review/development:
Refinement of the Neighborhood Groupings to ensure resident representation, noting a
new Palo Alto Neighborhoods map in development
Evolve meeting publicity
Refine Council co-host process and engagement
BACKGROUND
In 2022, as part of the City Council approval of its annual priorities workplan directed staff to
implement a series of Neighborhood Town Halls. The City Manager’s Office supported the
implementation of this priority on the Council’s behalf. Initial planning to implement this
priority took place in the Fall of 2022 with then Mayor Burt, Vice Mayor Kou, Palo Alto
Neighborhood Leadership and City Staff.
Through these initial discussions, staff developed an overall framework to plan and host
Neighborhood Town Hall meetings. Additionally, in June 2023, the Council adopted a Council
engagement protocol of up to three Councilmembers co-hosting with priority given to those
Councilmembers whose home is represented within the neighborhood grouping.1 All
Councilmembers were invited to attend and listen to resident feedback.
At the outset of the Neighborhood Town Hall series, the community was still transitioning out
of the pandemic. This series created a new feedback loop within neighborhoods and began as
in-person meetings with a live-stream viewing option. To represent each neighborhood
equitably, grouping by geographic area and population were considered, which helped focus
discussion topics. Staff worked with Palo Alto Neighborhoods leadership, the PAN
1 June 12, 2023 Council Staff Report on Councilmember Co-Hosting Neighborhood Town Hall Meetings:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/viewer/preview?id=2432&type=0
Item 1
Item 1 Staff Report
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 9 of 828
8
5
9
8
neighborhood map3, the map on Nextdoor, Google Maps, and Census population data to
configure the series groupings.
MEETING DATE COUNCIL CO-HOSTS NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPINGS
12-OCT-22
26-MAR-23
11-JUN-23
24-SEP-23
15-OCT-23
28-MAR-24
11-JUN-25
20-AUG-25
Meeting Agenda Development
3 Palo Alto Neighborhood Map: https://paneighborhoods.org/neighborhood-map/
Item 1
Item 1 Staff Report
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 10 of 828
8
5
9
8
relevant department heads would be prepared to share updates and answer questions at
theTown Hall.
Planning meetings with Council co-hosts, Neighborhood leaders and City staff together
to discuss neighborhood issues and meeting logistics provided high value
Social time among attendees and networking was well received
Feedback supported maximizing time for agenda topics and listening session, keeping
opening and closing comments short
Designating neighborhood leaders as emcees was helpful with overall meeting
management
Iterative Process with Lessons Learned Applied to Future Meetings
Hybrid approach streaming the meeting live on YouTube continues to be requested and
utilized
Meeting attendees respected time limits, time-keeper was not necessary
Informal updates, without slides were helpful in keeping meeting less structured
Check-in table for materials/sign-in
Closing the loop following the meeting is important to reinforce what was heard and
address issues raised, with follow-up as necessary
Publicity evolved over time, building on what worked at each meeting with highest
impact mailed postcards, posted flyers and signage within neighborhoods and
neighborhood leader emails
Item 1
Item 1 Staff Report
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 11 of 828
8
5
9
8
ANALYSIS
The Neighborhood Town Hall effort improved communication on neighborhood issues,
increased resident/staff awareness, and importantly, built familiarity and relationships to
address issues of importance to neighborhoods. Based on residents signing in at the meeting,
physical head counts at the meeting, and YouTube views, approximately 2,100 Palo Alto
community members attended Neighborhood Town Hall meetings. Staff shared Citywide
information and neighborhood-identified topics of interest and heard from the community
about concerns and issues. This form of engagement provided immediate opportunities to hear
from residents and report back about progress on issues raised.
Each Neighborhood Town Hall provided an opportunity to learn and enhance subsequent
meetings. This iterative process applied what worked well and provided refinements based on
feedback heard from meeting attendees, neighborhood leaders helping to plan the meetings,
as well as input from Councilmembers and City staff participating.
A key value of the Neighborhood Town Hall process was building relationships with residents
and neighborhood leaders. Having direct contacts that staff can connect with on other
community issues has been extremely valuable.
Additionally, Council co-hosting and direct participation in the planning was key in surfacing key
neighborhood issues and reinforced the City Council’s priority implementing the Neighborhood
Town Hall series. It was also helpful to communicate to residents attending the meeting that
Council was co-hosting. Should there be interest in continuing the series, it would assist staff to
gain feedback on the Council co-hosting process noting some imbalance in participation.
Partnering with Palo Alto Neighborhoods was critical in identifying neighborhood leaders to
assist with planning, where there was not an identified leader. The varying level of
neighborhood association engagement impacted planning efforts over the series of eight
meetings. Notably, the last two meetings took longer to schedule due to identifying
neighborhood leaders to support outreach, agenda topic development, etc. Engaged
neighborhood leads supported resident attendance through delivering flyers, putting out large
posters at key intersections/locations, and sharing details through their email lists.
Over the series of meetings, staff built on what worked well at the meetings prior. One priority
that evolved over time, was closing the loop following each meeting. Follow up emails became
more responsive with each meeting, ultimately leading to coordinated follow-up eBlasts
containing all the meeting materials and flyers, YouTube video recordings, specific staff
responses, and related website links for additional updates on key neighborhood topics. This
evolution was in direct response to resident feedback, Council input and improving
transparency and responsiveness.
Item 1
Item 1 Staff Report
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 12 of 828
8
5
9
8
Additionally, as the pandemic evolved, staff anticipated possibly phasing out the YouTube Live
element to the meetings. After the first couple meetings where hundreds of people viewed the
live-stream YouTube versions, staff continued to provide this as a way for community members
to listen and learn about topics. Residents noted value in having the flexibility to watch the
recording should they not be able to attend and opportunity of sharing information with limited
mobility residents without the ability to attend in person.
Addressing Neighborhood Issues & Neighborhood Map Refinement
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Item 1
Item 1 Staff Report
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 13 of 828
8
5
9
8
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
www.PaloAlto.gov/engagement
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
APPROVED BY:
Item 1
Item 1 Staff Report
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 14 of 828
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: STUDY SESSION
Lead Department: Transportation
Meeting Date: December 1, 2025
Report #:2507-4967
TITLE
Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update: Draft Plan and Near-Term Projects.
CEQA Status: Exempt Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.20.
RECOMMENDATION
Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update: Receive Report and Provide
feedback on the Draft Plan and Near-Term Projects for which the Planning and Transportation
Commission unanimously recommended approval by the City Council.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Palo Alto is currently updating its 2012 Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan
(BPTP) to establish an updated 10-year strategy for bicycle and pedestrian network
investments, policies, and programs, building on the 2012’s projects and programs that set the
foundation from which to build this updated Plan. This report presents the Draft 2026 Bicycle
and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update (Attachment A), Near-Term Projects Map and List
(Attachment B and Attachment C), and Appendices (Attachment D). The Draft 2026 BPTP
Update introduces a revised citywide bicycle network (Complete Vision and Low-Stress),
introduces Pedestrian Districts, leverages existing planning foundations, and addresses changes
in context and needs since 2012.
The Draft 2026 BPTP Update is the culmination of multiple rounds of community engagement
starting in late 2023, including in-person events, online surveys, and meetings with
Committees, Commissions and the City Council. Staff released the Draft Plan on October 3,
2025, and the public comment period extended through November 14, 2025. Staff received
feedback from the public, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee (PABAC), and at their
November 12, 2025 meeting, the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) voted
unanimously to recommend that Council adopt the 2026 BPTP Update. Staff recommends the
City Council provide feedback on the Draft Plan and Near-Term Projects; based on stakeholder
feedback, staff has included some recommended changes to the draft BPTP update in the
Stakeholder Engagement section of this staff report. A Final Plan for City Council adoption is
expected in early 2026.
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 15 of 828
BACKGROUND
1 and
City Council approved a professional services contract with Kittelson & Associates for this
purpose on June 19, 2023.2
3 and provided feedback on the vision statement, objectives, and existing
conditions on April 29, 2024.4 The existing conditions analysis included information on Bicycle
Level of Traffic Stress (LTS), collisions, major barriers, e-bikes and shared micromobility, and
bicycle parking.5 To understand community concerns, the project team hosted a series of
engagement activities in spring 2024 as outlined under Stakeholder Engagement. The updated
vision statement is:
We envision a city where sustainable, safe, efficient, equitable, and enjoyable transportation
thrives. Together, we will create a comfortable and connected street and trail network that
supports walking, biking, and rolling for people of all ages and abilities. We continue to be a
leader in Safe Routes to School and invest more in active transportation infrastructure,
education, and encouragement programs.
Focus on low-stress residential streets and low-cost, high-impact improvements by
prioritizing bike boulevards in the recommended bicycle network;
1 Palo Alto City Council Meeting, May 17, 2021. Item 6, Action Minutes:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Public/CompiledDocument?meetingTemplateId=3426&compileOutputType=1
2 Palo Alto City Council Meeting, June 19, 2023. Consent Calendar: Approval of Professional Services Contract with Kittelson & Associates for a Not-to-
Exceed Amount of $333,945 for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update. CEQA Status: Exempt under Public Resources Code Section
21080.20. https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Public/CompiledDocument?meetingTemplateId=1172&compileOutputType=1
3 Palo Alto City Council Meeting, January 22, 2024. Informational Report: Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update: an active
transportation plan--Introduction & Overview, Community Engagement, Context & Baseline Conditions, and Next Steps.
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Public/CompiledDocument?meetingTemplateId=13335&compileOutputType=1
4 Palo Alto City Council Meeting, April 29, 2024. Study Session: Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update: Review and discuss the vision
statement, objectives, performance measures, and share and obtain feedback on the existing conditions technical analysis.
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Public/CompiledDocument?meetingTemplateId=15058&compileOutputType=1
5 City of Palo Alto, BPTP Update Existing Conditions Technical Analysis: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Transportation/Bicycling-
Walking/bikepedplan/BPTP-Update-Existing-Conditions-Analysis
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 16 of 828
Avoid major corridor wide-investments along arterials except safety enhancement
where there is no parallel alternative such as San Antonio Road; and
Consider options for both the car-free portion of California Avenue and adjacent
Cambridge Avenue.11
Relationship to Other Plans
Other efforts that relate to the City’s 2026 BPTP Update, include the 2025 Safety Action Plan,12
the Southern Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project,13 and the San Antonio Road Area Plan.14
The Safety Action Plan is a policy document for all modes of travel, using a safety lens to pivot
existing plans and proposed projects, in order to institutionalize a new safety framework and
enhance safety at hot spots along the High Injury Network. By contrast, the City’s 2026 BPTP
focuses on bicycle and pedestrian needs, builds off the Safety Action Plan policy framework,
and identifies new projects to address connectivity and the attractiveness of the active
transportation network. As shown in Figure 1, the Safety Action Plan sets the policy foundation
for transportation planning while the BPTP Update designates network and facilities for
implementation. Area Plans such as San Antonio Road Area Plan provide an integrated
transportation and land use framework that ties to the BPTP within a geographic area. Specific
projects and feasibility studies, like the Churchill Avenue Bikeway project and South Palo Alto
Pedestrian/Bicycle Connectivity project advance specific implementation items.
Figure 1: Relationship between BPTP Update and Other Efforts
ANALYSIS
After incorporating public, committee, and Council input on the draft recommendations, City
staff released the Draft 2026 Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update on October 3,
11 Palo Alto City Council Meeting, June 2, 2025. Study Session: Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update: Draft Project Prioritization
Framework and Prioritized Project Lists.
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Public/CompiledDocument?meetingTemplateId=16124&compileOutputType=1
12 City of Palo Alto Safety Action Plan, 2025. https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/projects/ss4a-safety-action-plan/palo-
alto-safety-action-plan_final_june_2025.pdf
13 City of Palo Alto, South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project Webpage. https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/Transportation/Transportation-
Projects/South-Palo-Alto-BikePed-Connectivity
14 City of Palo Alto, San Antonio Road Area Plan Project Webpage. https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Housing-
Policies-Projects/San-Antonio-Road-Area-Plan
Specific Projects (e.g.
South Palo Alto
Bike/Ped Connectivity)
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 17 of 828
2025. The public review period was open through November 14, 2025. The document includes
the following sections:
Existing Facilities
Class I—Shared Use Path
Class IIa—Bike Lane
Class IIb—Buffered Bike Lane
Class IIIa—Advisory Bike Lane
Class IIIb—Bicycle Boulevard
Class IV—Separated Bikeway
Figure 2: Bicycle Facilities in the Updated Bikeway Network
Table 1: Existing Bicycle Network, 2012 and 2025 (miles)
Visually Separated
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 18 of 828
In terms of existing pedestrian facilities and assets, sidewalks are generally provided along
arterial and residential streets throughout Palo Alto, providing walking connectivity to
destinations such as schools, parks, retail, and transit. However, there are some gaps in the
sidewalk network, including around key walking destinations such as rail and bus stops. For
example, the presence of sidewalk gaps along Alma Street (near the Palo Alto Transit Station)
and San Antonio Road (near San Antonio Transit Station) affect the directness and convenience
of walking to and from high quality transit service. In addition, some neighborhoods such as
Barron Park and near San Antonio Transit Station, lack complete sidewalks along their
residential streets.
2026 BPTP Recommendations
The 2026 BPTP recommendations aim to create a safe, comfortable bicycle and pedestrian
network that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.19
Bicycle Network
In relation to bicycle transportation, the recommended network is structured around two tiers,
the Complete Vision Bicycle Network and the Low-Stress Bicycle Network:
The Complete Bicycle Network represents the long-term vision for a fully connected, all-
ages-and-abilities bikeway system reflecting the full network once it is fully realized. The
network encompasses existing bicycle facilities, near term projects and some lower-
priority projects that may be reevaluated as opportunities arise.
The Low-Stress Bicycle Network is the foundation for citywide bicycle connectivity,
focused on delivering safe, comfortable, and familiar routes in the relatively near term.
It builds upon the City’s existing network of low-stress streets, primarily composed of
shared-use paths and neighborhood-based Bicycle Boulevards, to expand access with
minimal disruption and broad community support. In the near term, the focus will be on
developing the low-stress bicycle network, along calm, residential routes that are
19 All Ages and Abilities facilities are designed to serve everyone—not just confident adult riders who have historically been the primary focus of street
design. An All Ages and Abilities network provides safe and comfortable travel for children, seniors, women, people with disabilities, people of color, low-
income users, bike share riders, and individuals carrying goods.
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 19 of 828
preferred by many community members, rather than relying on separated bikeways on
busy arterial streets. Bicycle Boulevards were identified as the most comfortable and
familiar type of bikeway in Palo Alto, offering a practical path forward with fewer trade-
offs in terms of cost, complexity, and impacts to vehicle traffic or parking.
To achieve the near-term vision, the 2026 BPTP focuses staff resources to make incremental
progress on the highest priority locations shown on the Near-Term Improvement Projects map
(Attachment B) and tables (Attachment C). The Near-Term Projects list is not a ranked list and
represents a total of 12 miles of enhancements on the network. Cost estimates outlined in the
Draft Plan rely on a small number of inputs and use various construction costs to estimate
dollar ($) amounts for items like mobilization, traffic control, engineering & construction
management, yet omit other potentially significant cost drivers, such as Right-of-Way
acquisition, grading/retaining wall construction, utility relocation, landscaping, and striping
removal. More detailed and realistic cost estimates for individual projects will be developed as
individual projects are more clearly defined. Some funding is available in the Five-Year Capital
Improvement Program; however, additional funding would be necessary to implement the Plan
in full as drafted.
Pedestrian Districts
In relation to pedestrian districts, Pedestrian District Guidelines provide a toolbox of treatments
to enhance pedestrian safety and the overall walking experience in the City. These guidelines
build on previous plans, incorporating new ideas and addressing changes since 2012. The
toolbox includes infrastructure improvements like raised crossings and curb extensions,
alongside aesthetic enhancements such as benches and street art, promoting safety,
accessibility, and comfort. Priority pedestrian districts and neighborhood commercial centers
were identified citywide as informed by the City’s 2023 Economic Development Strategic Plan,
with area maps detailing the recommended application of these treatments to create inviting
and enjoyable walking environments. These include University Avenue District, California
Avenue District, Midtown District, and the Embarcadero and El Camino Real neighborhood
commercial centers. Additionally, as a response to public feedback, the San Antonio Road Area
is also designated as a Pedestrian District, recognizing the improved transit access and
anticipating the changes in active transportation needs of the area in the future.
In addition to these Pedestrian District Guidelines, 23 intersection and crossing projects are
included in the near-term enhancements. These projects would incorporate both pedestrian
and bicycle safety features.
The above recommendations in the Draft Plan reflect the following feedback from the
community and City Council (on June 2, 2025):
Focus on high-comfort, low-stress facilities, rather than big streets. Based on this input,
bike boulevards are the core component of the Low-Stress Bicycle Network including
actions highlighted in a new near-term projects list and map.
Prioritize improvements on tree-lined, high-comfort Cowper Street Bike Boulevard,
rather than corridor-wide bike facilities along Middlefield Road.
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 20 of 828
As an exception to the above, advance bicycle safety enhancements on arterials lacking
parallel routes, such as San Antonio Road, which should also serve as a Pedestrian
District.
Designate the car-free portion of California Avenue as a community street, and provide
adequate bicycle access on both Cambridge Avenue and California Avenue.
Advance University Avenue as a slow-speed street (Class IIIc), rather than a bike
boulevard (Class IIIb).
Highlight the relationship between the BPTP Update and the South Palo Alto
Pedestrian/Bicycle Connectivity Project.
Include stop sign orientation in the Bike Boulevard description (stop signs should be
oriented to favor bicycle travel).
Prioritize Homer Avenue separated bikeway; and advance a Feasibility Study for a
crossing of E. Meadow Drive on the Bryant Street bike boulevard.
Programs, Policies, and Best Practices
Programs and policies from the 2012 BPTP were revised to align with the updated Vision and
Objectives and incorporate best practices from the Bicycle Friendly Communities benchmarks.
Overall, 60 programs, polices, and best practices have been drafted under the BPTP Update’s
five objectives: Safe and Inclusive; Connected and Accessible; Comfortable and Enjoyable;
Community-led and Cooperative; Integrated and Collaborative.
Next Steps, Implementation and Funding
Following City Council review of the Draft Plan and Near-Term Projects on December 1, 2025,
City staff will prepare a Final Plan for presentation to City Council in early 2026.
Pending adoption of Final Plan by the City Council, staff will then advance specific projects
through the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and budget process as well as potential
development proposals, if applicable. Projects will require feasibility and concept planning,
community engagement, and engineering design before they can be constructed. Staff will also
work to identify and apply for grant funding to support and supplement project implementation
through these project phases. Staff will also consider opportunities for quick build and/or
interim improvements for long-term projects.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Funding to develop the 2026 BPTP Update was included in the Capital Budget as part of the
Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Implementation Project (PL-04010). Consistent with
City Council Direction, Plan development was funded under a reimbursable Transportation
Development Act Article 3 funding grant in the amount of $334,852.
Additional funding of $500,000 per year for Fiscal Years 2027 through 2030 is included in the
Capital Budget (PL-04010) to implement the initial projects identified in the 2026 BPTP Update.
Funding for additional projects is subject to availability of funding and Council appropriation as
part of the annual budget process.
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 21 of 828
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Phase 1, Engagement on Visioning
Safety as the top priority, particularly for students traveling to and from school;
Strong demand for separated or wider bike lanes and safer street crossings;
Need for a seamless network that crosses major barriers like highways and railroads;
Direct connections to schools, transit hubs, and key community destinations;
Integration of e-bikes and other micromobility options;
Emphasis on high-quality design, comfort, aesthetics, wayfinding and shade; and,
Education, outreach, and ongoing community input as essential.
Phase 2, Existing Conditions, Needs & Concerns: Overview & Key Themes
Strengthen the existing network by addressing critical gaps;
Prioritize improvements along key corridors, including San Antonio Road, Alma Street,
Embarcadero Road, Middlefield Road, and El Camino Real;
Enhance sidewalk continuity, wayfinding, and placemaking in pedestrian-oriented areas
such as University Avenue and California Avenue; and,
Improve transitions between different types of bicycle facilities to create a smoother,
more consistent experience.
Phase 3, Recommended Project and Programs: Overview & Key Themes
Mixed reactions to “Big Streets” projects that provide direct connections, but may not
have the highest overall return on investment;
Call for a prioritization framework that includes quantitative and qualitative factors;
Desire for more pedestrian-focused recommendations;
Emphasis on improving overall network connectivity and cohesion; and,
Support for non-infrastructure strategies such as education, policy tools, funding
mechanisms, and planning for emerging mobility modes.
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 22 of 828
Phase 4, Draft Plan: Overview & Key Themes
The fourth phase of engagement involved public release and feedback on the Draft 2026 BPTP
Update, and presentation to PABAC, PTC. The project team publicized the Draft Plan through
the City’s communication channels, such as the Uplift Local and “Transportation Connect” e-
newsletters, and tabled at community events, including Bike Palo Alto (October 5, 2025) and
Cal. Ave. Third Thursday (October 16, 2025), and the public comment period was open from
October 3, 2025 through November 14, 2025.
On October 7, 2025 and November 4, 2025, PABAC reviewed the Draft Plan and provided
feedback.21 22 The public also sent comments on the Draft Plan via an open comment box on
the project webpage and through email directly to the City’s Office of Transportation. Key
themes from PABAC and the public include:
San Antonio Road: Strong support for prioritizing San Antonio Road bikeway
improvements, including advancing implementation in advance of anticipated high-
density housing development.
Park Boulevard Extension: Support for adding the Castilleja, Wilkie and Miller to the Park
Boulevard Bike Boulevard project (BLVD_24).
Maintenance & Pavement: High priority on improved maintenance and pavement
quality for all existing and future bike boulevards. Matadero Avenue was specifically
cited as having unacceptable pavement conditions.
Bryant Street Focus: Support for immediate upgrades to the flagship Bryant Street Bike
Boulevard, particularly in Professorville/Downtown and at East Meadow Drive crossing.
Speed Reduction: Support for establishing a maximum speed of 20 MPH (or less) on all
bike boulevards to enhance safety.
E-Device Concerns: Concerns regarding the increasing use of electric bikes and scooters
and their operational impact on network safety and design.
Age-Specific Education: Support for incorporating bike education programs tailored for
an older population to help residents remain active and mobile.
Justification & Policy: Requests for clear justification for each near-term project as well
as legislative efforts to allow the use of speed cameras in Palo Alto.
PABAC’s Role: The Committee requested establishing a formal, direct communication
channel between PABAC, PTC, and the City Council.
Bike Boulevards and traffic calming: some support for traffic circles and other
improvements to slow cars and increase safety on bike boulevards, and others argued
devices like modal filters cause worse gridlock and backups.
Embarcadero/Kingsley/Emerson/Waverly Safety: support for traffic calming measures to
also be installed on adjacent streets when improvements are made to Bryant Street.
21 Palo Alto Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting, October 7, 2025. Agenda Packet, Discussion Item 7b::
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/bicycling-walking/pabac/pabac-meetings-2025/2025-10-07_pabac-
agenda_packet_final_v2.pdf
22 Palo Alto Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting, November 4, 2025. Agenda Packet, Discussion Item 7b:
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/bicycling-walking/pabac/pabac-meetings-2025/2025-11-04_pabac-agenda-
packet_final.pdf
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 23 of 828
Traffic Diversion: some expressed concern to the recommended turn restriction onto
northbound Bryant Street from Embarcadero (as a part of BLVD_2 project), arguing it
will divert vehicle traffic to adjacent streets, thereby exacerbating existing safety
problems.
Finally, on November 12, 2025, Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) voted
unanimously (7-0) to recommend adoption of the 2026 BPTP Update by the City Council.25 The
Commission expressed enthusiastic and unanimous support for the overall quality,
presentation, and collaborative process behind the Draft Plan. Consensus was strong in
supporting the Plan’s focus on low-stress residential streets (Bike Boulevards), adopting a 20
Miles Per Hour speed limit on those corridors, and prioritizing El Camino Way Safe Routes to
School project (BBL_4) with special consideration for parking impacts to adjacent businesses
and the potential to use James Road to offset impacts. Some members expressed concern with
prioritizing projects on Cowper Street and Middlefield Road considering these are redundant
residential routes and major arterial segments that may conflict with Council’s direction to
focus resources on the core low-stress network.
Recommended Changes to Near-Term Projects in response to Community Feedback
In response to feedback received from community members on the Draft Plan Near-Term
projects, staff recommends the following changes to the Near-Term Projects (Attachment C) for
inclusion in the Final Near-Term Project List of the Final Plan:
1. Modify project BLVD_24 (Park Boulevard Bike Boulevard) to include the Park-Maclane-
Wilkie-Miller to Mountain View section, including wayfinding;
2. Modify project SB_11a (Middlefield Road Separated Bikeway Connection to Menlo Park)
to a Class II Bike Lane, and extend the project boundaries from Channing Avenue to
Menlo Park instead of Everett Avenue to Menlo Park.
3. Add a new project: Class IV (separated bikeway) on Churchill Avenue from Alma Street
to Bryant Street, with a traffic circle at Churchill Avenue & Bryant Street.
4. Programmatic: A new program to fill pedestrian facility gaps along key pedestrian routes
without specifying specific locations as a response to the desire for more pedestrian-
focused recommendations.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
California Senate Bill 922 (2022), codified as Public Resources Code section 21080.20, exempts
active transportation plans, such as bicycle transportation plans like the BPTP Update, from
environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Draft 2026 Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update
Attachment B: Map of Near-Term Projects
Attachment C: Table of Near-Term Projects
25 Palo Alto Planning and Transportation Commission Meeting, November 12, 2025. Action Item: Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP)
Update: Provide Feedback and Recommend the Draft Plan to the City Council for Adoption. CEQA Status: Exempt Pursuant to Public Resources Code
Section 21080.20. https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Public/CompiledDocument?meetingTemplateId=16612&compileOutputType=1
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 10 Packet Pg. 24 of 828
Attachment D: Links to the Appendices for the Draft 2026 BPTP Update
APPROVED BY:
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 11 Packet Pg. 25 of 828
October 2025
Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update
Draft
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 12 Packet Pg. 26 of 828
Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
LIST OF ACRONYMS
2. EXISTING FACILITIES
2.1 Existing Pedestrian Facilities 43
2.2 Existing Bicycle Facilities 45
2.3 Walking and Biking Activity 49
2.4 Barriers to Walking and Biking 52
2.5 Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress 56
2.6 Collision Analysis 59
2.7 Shared Micromobility and E-bikes 65
0. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
0.1 Purpose and Vision 11
0.2 Existing Bicycle Facilities 12
0.3 Community Engagement 15
0.4 Recommendations 16
0.5 Project Prioritization 22
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose 26
1.2 Plan Organization 26
1.3 Benefits and Barriers to Walking and Biking 27
1.4 Vision, Objectives, and Performance
Measures 28
1.5 Setting 31
1.6 Relationship to Other Documents 35
1.7 Public Outreach Summary 37
3. RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1 Bicycle Network Corridor Criteria 70
3.2 Recommended Bicycle Network
and Facilities 71
3.3 Recommended Bicycle Support Facilities 81
3.4 Pedestrian District Guidelines and Toolbox 87
3.5 Policies and Programs 94
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 13 Packet Pg. 27 of 828
4. IMPLEMENTATION ANDFUNDING
4.1 Project Delivery Process 103
4.2 Project Prioritization 104
4.3 Cost Estimates 112
4.4 Funding Sources 113
5. CONCLUSION
APPENDICES
3
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 14 Packet Pg. 28 of 828
LIST OF MAPS
Figure 1: Existing Activity Generators 33
Figure 2: Walk and Bike Sheds for Major Transit Stops 34
Figure 3: Existing Bicycle Facilities Map 47
Figure 4: Existing Bicycle Parking Location 48
Figure 5: Demand for Walking and Biking Improvements 51
Figure 6: Linear Barriers 53
Figure 7: Transit Barrier Study Areas 55
Figure 8: Segment LTS Results 57
Figure 9: Intersection LTS Results 58
Figure 10: Total Number of Pedestrian Collisions by Year and Severity 61
Figure 11: Total Number of Bicycle Collisions by Year and Severity 61
Figure 12: Pedestrian Collisions by Severity (2018 – 2022) 62
Figure 13: Bicycle Collision by Severity (2018 – 2022) 63
Figure 14: Bicycle and Pedestrian High Injury Network 64
Figure 15: Recommended Bicycle Network 72
Figure 16: Recommended Bicycle Facility Map – Complete Vision Bicycle Network 79
Figure 17: Recommended Bicycle Facility Map – Low-Stress Bicycle Network 80
Figure 18: Recommended Pedestrian District Location 89
Figure 19: Near-Term Improvement Projects 110
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Performance Measures 29
Table 2: Potential Performance Measures 30
Table 3: Palo Alto Demographic Indicators 32
Table 4: Existing Bicycle Network in 2012 vs 2025 46
Table 5: Collision Data Summary (2018-2022) 61
Table 6: Primary Network Development Criteria 70
Table 7: Summary of Proposed Bicycle Projects (Complete Vision: Bicycle Network) 78
Table 8: Prioritization Factors and Evaluation Criteria 104
Table 9: Near-Term Bicycle Projects 105
Table 10: Priority Intersection and Crossing Projects 107
Table 11: Other Priority Projects 109
Table 12: Planning Level Cost Estimates for Bicycle Projects 112
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 15 Packet Pg. 29 of 828
The BPTP Update is grant funded
by the Metropolitan Transportation
Commission's (MTC) Transportation
Development Act 3 program.
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Literature Review
Appendix B: Phase 1 – Visioning Community Engagement Summary
Appendix C: Phase 2 – Needs & Concerns Community Engagement Summary
Appendix D: Phase 3 – Recommended Project & Programs Community Engagement Summary
Appendix E: Bicycle Parking Data Collection Summary
Appendix F: Future Activity Levels and Benefits Analysis Memorandum
Appendix G: Major Barriers Analysis Memorandum
Appendix H: Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress Memorandum
Appendix I: Collision and Safety Analysis Memorandum
Appendix J: E-Bikes and Shared Micromobility Memorandum
Appendix K: Network Corridor Criteria and Development Approach
Appendix L: List of Projects
Appendix M: Pedestrian District Guidelines
Appendix N: Policy and Program Recommendations
Appendix O: Project Prioritization Framework
Appendix P: List of Funding Sources
LIST OF IMAGES
Image 1: Palo Alto Demographic Indicators 31
Image 2: Four Phases of Engagement 37
Image 3: Virtual Visioning Workshop held on January 31, 2024 38
Image 4: Bike Palo Alto Event held on October 1, 2023 38
Image 5: Bicycle Network Development Workshop 39
Image 6: Community Walking Tour 39
Image 7: Types of Bicycle Facilities 45
Image 8: Relationship between LTS and Comfort 56
Image 9: Existing Bike Route on Oregon Avenue 73
Image 10: Existing Sharrow Pavement Marking 73
Image 11: Existing Restricted Hours Bicycle Lane 73
Image 12: Updated Bicycle Facility Types 74
Image 13: Bicycle Facility Types 74
Image 14: Bicycle Facility Selection Approach 77
Image 15: Bicycle Parking Types - Short-Term 81
Image 16: Placement and Spacing Requirements 82
Image 17: Types of Wayfinding Signs 83
Image 18: Existing Signs in Palo Alto 84
Image 19: Recommended Crossing and Intersection Improvements 88
Image 20: University Avenue Pedestrian District 90
Image 21: California Avenue Pedestrian District 91
Image 22: Midtown Pedestrian District 92
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 16 Packet Pg. 30 of 828
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The City of Palo Alto would like to express our gratitude to the residents, community leaders, community-
based organizations, agencies, and other stakeholders who have helped shape the 2026 Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan. We appreciate your continued support and commitment to promoting Palo Alto as a healthy,
safe, and vibrant community.
2025-2026 City Council
Ed Lauing, Mayor
Vicki Veenker, Vice Mayor
George Lu
Greer Stone
Julie Lythcott-Haims
Keith Reckdahl
Patrick Burt
2025-2026 Planning & Transportation Commission
Allen Akin, Chair
Bryna Chang, Vice Chair
Bart Hechtman
Carolyn Templeton
Forest Peterson
Kevin Ji
Todd James
Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee
Bruce Arthur, Chair
Nicole Rodia, Vice Chair
Alan Wachtel
Art Liberman
Bill Zaumen
Cedric de la Beaujardiere
Eric Nordman
Jane Rosten
Kathy Durham
Ken Joye
Paul Goldstein
Penny Ellson
Robert Neff
Steve Rock
City/School Transportation Safety Committee
Lt. Ben Becchetti, PAPD
Lt. Kara Apple, PAPD
Lara Anthony, PTAC SRTS Liaison
Rachel Vazquex-Reina, PTAC SRTS Liaison
Leslie Crane, PAUSD
Mike Jacobs, PAUSD
Eric Holm, PAUSD
2025-2026 Parks and Recreation Commission
Nellis Freeman, Chair
Jeff Greenfield, Vice Chair
Amanda Brown
Anne Warner Cribbs
Bing Wei
Shani Kleinhaus
Yudy Deng
City of Palo Alto Team
Ria Hutabarat Lo, Chief Transportation Official
Philip Kamhi, Chief Transportation Official, Former
Sylvia Star-Lack, Transportation Planning Manager
Ozzy Arce, Senior Transportation Planner & Project Manager
Charlie Coles
Katie Heuser
Rose Mesterhazy
Ana Lopez
Consultant
Kittelson & Associates
Mobycon
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 17 Packet Pg. 31 of 828
Page left blank intentionally
7
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 18 Packet Pg. 32 of 828
LIST OF ACRONYMS
AAA All Ages and Abilities
AB Assembly Bill
BPTP Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan
CIP Capital Improvement Program
Caltrans California Department of Transportation
CIP Capital Improvement Projects
CSAP Comprehensive Safety Action Plan
CSTSC City/School Transportation Safety Committee
DIB Design Information Bulletin
DP Director’s Policy
E-Bike Electric Bike
EPC Equity Priority Community
FHWA Federal Highway Administration
HIN High-Injury Network
IIJA Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
ITE Institute of Transportation Engineers
KSI Killed or Seriously Injured
LTS Level of Traffic Stress
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 19 Packet Pg. 33 of 828
MPH Miles per Hour
MTC Metropolitan Transportation Commission
NACTO National Association of City Transportation Officials
NRSS National Roadway Safety Strategy
PABAC Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee
PAPD Palo Alto Polic Department
PAUSD Palo Alto Unified School District
PCF Primary Collision Factor
PDO Property Damage Only
PTA Parent-Teacher Association
PTAC Palo Alto Council of PTAs
PTC Planning and Transportation Commission
SB Senate Bill
SRTS Safe Routes to School
SS4A Safe Streets and Roads for All
US DOT United States Department of Transportation
VMT Vehicle Miles Traveled
VTA Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
9
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 20 Packet Pg. 34 of 828
0. Executive Summary 10
0.
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 21 Packet Pg. 35 of 828
11
The City of Palo Alto (City) last updated its Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation
Plan (BPTP) in 2012. An update to BPTP is necessary to maintain funding
eligibility, respond to evolving community needs, account for recent trends in
cycling and technology, and align with current planning and design standards.
The City undertook a comprehensive effort to update the BPTP by analyzing
the existing walking and bicycling conditions, engaging the community, and
incorporating the best practices in multimodal transportation planning.
0.1 Purpose and Vision
The 2026 BPTP serves as a comprehensive action plan for the City to provide improved bicycle and pedestrian
facilities for its residents, employees, and visitors. The purpose of the 2026 BPTP is to gather meaningful
input from the community, evaluate progress since the 2012 plan, and update the City’s approach to policies,
programs, and infrastructure that support walking and biking.
To guide the 2026 BPTP Update, a vision statement and set of objectives were created based on strong
community input gathered during the visioning workshop and early engagement activities. The resulting vision
statement is
We envision a city where sustainable, safe, efficient, equitable, and enjoyable
transportation thrives. Together, we will create a comfortable and connected street
and trail network that supports walking, biking, and rolling for people of all ages
and abilities. We continue to be a leader in Safe Routes to School and invest more in
active transportation infrastructure, education, and encouragement programs.
All Ages and Abilities facilities are designed to serve everyone—not just confident adult riders who have
historically been the primary focus of street design. An All Ages and Abilities network provides safe and
comfortable travel for children, seniors, women, people with disabilities, people of color, low-income users, bike
share riders, and individuals carrying goods.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 22 Packet Pg. 36 of 828
0. Executive Summary 12
0.2 Existing Bicycle Facilities
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) defines four classes of bicycle facilities: Class I, II, III, and
IV, as illustrated in Image EX 1. In addition to these statewide classifications, the City of Palo Alto uses further
sub-classifications: Class IIa – standard bike lanes, Class IIb – buffered bike lanes, Class IIIa – bike routes, and
Class IIIb – bike boulevards.
Image EX 1: Types of Bicycle Facilities
Source: Caltrans, Toward an Active California, State Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, 2017.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 23 Packet Pg. 37 of 828
13
Figure EX 1 illustrates the existing bikeway network in Palo Alto and surrounding jurisdictions. In 2012, the City
had 59.3 miles of bikeways. Since then, approximately 14 miles have been added, bringing the total to 73.5
miles as of 2025. Notably, there were no Class II buffered or Class IV separated (or protected) bikeway in 2012;
today, the City boasts 3.3 miles of buffered bike lanes and 4.3 miles of separated bikeway. Table EX 1 includes
comparison between 2012 bicycle network mileage with existing network in 2025.
Table EX 1: Existing Bicycle Network in 2012 vs 2025
FACILITY TYPE 2012 2025
Class I Multi-Use Path 13.9 11.7
Class II Bike Lane 33.2 34.6
Class II Buffered Bike Lane 3.3
Class III Shared Lane 8.0 12.6
Class III Bicycle Boulevard 4.2 7.1
Class IV Separated Bikeway*4.3
TOTAL 59.3 73.5
Source: 2012 BPTP
Note: Includes the recently constructed El Camino Real separated bikeway.
2012 lane mile data is sourced from the 2012 BPTP; 2025 lane mileage is calculated using the 2025 roadway centerline file. The Class I length has not decreased between 2012 and 2025—differences are due only to the calculation method.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 24 Packet Pg. 38 of 828
14
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!s
!s
!s
!s
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
M i dd
l
e
f
i
e
l
d
R
d
Al ma
S
t
Brya
n
t
S
t
H am
i
l
t
o
n
A
v
e
U ni
v
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
Lyt
t
o
n
A
v
e
Add
i
s
o
n
A
v
e
N e
w
e
l
l
R
d
Channi ng Ave
San
d
H
i
l
l
R
d
Cow
p
e
r
S
t
Embarca
d
e
r
o
R
d
Lou
i
s
R
d
Ore
g
o
n
E
x
p
y
Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Pag
e
M
i
l
l
R
d
Col o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Lom
a
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
M ead
o
w
D
r
El D
o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Charl
e
s
t
o
n
R
d
Fa
b
i
a
n
W
y
San Antonio Rd
Bay
s
h
o
r
e
R
d
Gree
r
R
d
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Los
R
o
b
l
e
s
A
v
e
Wi l k
i
e
W
y
Ara
s
t
r
a
d
e
r
o
R
d
Foot
h
i
l
l
E
x
p
y
H an
o
v
e
r
S
t
H i
l
l
v
i
e
w
A
v
e
Junipero Serra Blvd
Sta
n
f
o
r
d
A
v
e
Ross
R
d
M at
a
d
e
r
o
A
v
e
M a
y
b
e
l
l
A
v
e
H om
e
r
A
v
e
Col o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
El C
a
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
M i l l e
r
A
v
e
Centr
a
l
E
x
p
y
M i d dlefield Rd
King
s
l
e
y
A
v
e
E AST
PALO ALTOM E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
Byxbee Park
M i tchel l
Park
H oover
Park
Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve
Greer
Park
El eanor
Pardee
Park
Ramos
Park
Robl es
Park
Bol
Park
Al ta M esa
M emori al
Park
Ri nconada
Park
Bayl ands
N ature
Preserve
Pal o Al to
H i gh
School
Gunn
H i gh
School
JLS
M i ddl e
School
Greene
M i ddl e
School
Fl etcher
M i ddl e
School
Wal ter H ays
El ementary
Duveneck
El ementary
Ohl one
El ementary
El Carmel o
El ementary
Pal o Verde
El ementary
Addi son
El ementary
H oover
El ementary
Greendel l
School
Juana
Bri ones
El ementary
Barron
Park
El ementary
Pal o Al to
Cal trai n
Cal i forni a Ave
Cal trai n
San Antoni o
Cal trai n
M enl o Park
Cal trai n Pal o Al to
Ai rport
Mata
d
e
r
o
C
r
e
e
k
Barro
n
C
r
e
e
k
Adobe
C
r
e
e
k
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
E AST
PALO ALTO
M E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
PALO ALTO
PORTOLA
VALLE Y
F
Class I - Shared Use Path
Class IIa - Bike Lane
Class IIb - Buffered Bike Lane
Class IIIa - Bike Route
Class IIIb - Bike Boulevard
Class IV - Separated Bikeway
Trail
!f Ped/Bike Bridge
!s Ped/Bike Underpass
City of Palo Alto
Park/Open Space
School/University
Commercial Center
Railroad
Caltrain Station
Library
Community Center
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC, Kittelson
0 1 2
Miles
As of 9/1/2025
Figure EX 1: Existing Bicycle Facilities Map Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 25 Packet Pg. 39 of 828
15
0.3 Community Engagement
The 2026 BPTP was shaped by a four-phase community engagement process combining online tools, in-
person events, and meetings with the City Council, committees, commissions, and focus groups. Outreach was
promoted through City channels, community partners, and local events.
PHASE 1:
VISIONING
Gathered nearly 1,000 public comments through
surveys, workshops, and events. Key themes included
prioritizing student safety, closing network gaps,
expanding separated bikeway, improving crossings
of major barriers (Caltrain, US-101), and integrating
micromobility.
PHASE 2:
NEEDS & CONCERNS
Involved walking and biking tours and workshops
that identified priority corridors (El Camino Real,
Middlefield Road, Embarcadero Road, San Antonio
Road, Alma Street), the need for smoother transitions
between facility types, and improved pedestrian
environments on streets like University Avenue and
California Avenue.
Across all phases, safety (especially for students), network connectivity, high-quality separated facilities, and
strong pedestrian-focused design emerged as top community priorities, alongside support for education, policy,
and funding strategies.
PHASE 3:
RECOMMENDED PROJECTS
& PROGRAMS
Solicited feedback on draft projects through
workshops, focus groups, and an interactive map
(around 400 comments). Support was strong for
safety improvements, pedestrian features, bike
boulevards, quick-builds, and wayfinding, though
projects on major arterials drew mixed reactions due
to traffic and parking concerns.
PHASE 4:
PLAN ADOPTION
Presented the Draft Plan to committees, commissions,
and City Council for review and approval.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 26 Packet Pg. 40 of 828
0. Executive Summary 16
0.4 Recommendations
Network Development Approach
The 2026 BPTP bikeway network builds on the 2012 Plan and incorporates recent regional and local planning
efforts, including the MTC Regional Active Transportation Plan, VTA Bicycle Superhighway Plan, and Safe Routes
to School maps.
Primary Criteria: The first round of network development synthesized these plans to identify areas of agreement
and highlight routes with less consensus.
Secondary Criteria: Where multiple options existed, routes were refined by prioritizing directness to key
community destinations, lower traffic stress, alignment with high-demand travel flows, and the ability to
overcome major barriers.
0.4.1 RECOMMENDED
NETWORK
Figure EX 2 shows the updated bikeway network and
bicycle friendly zones developed using the network
corridor criteria explained in the previous section. It
presents the complete vision of the bicycle network,
including both the existing facilities and the low-stress
network.
Bicycle-Friendly Zones are cohesive areas with
concentrations of destinations, commercial activity,
and pedestrian activity. These areas should see
area-wide investment in bicycle-friendly amenities
such as signal timing and traffic calming. A bicycle
friendly zone is an area where cycling is convenient,
comfortable, and direct on all of the streets within
a designated area and is the preferred method of
transportation.
0.4.2 LOW-STRESS BICYCLE
NETWORK
Figure EX 3 shows the Low-Stress Bicycle Network
map. The Low-Stress Bicycle Network is the
foundation for citywide bicycle connectivity, focused
on delivering safe, comfortable, and familiar routes
in the near term. It builds upon the City’s existing
network of low-stress streets, primarily composed of
shared-use paths and neighborhood-based Bicycle
Boulevards, to rapidly expand access with minimal
disruption and promote broad community support.
0.4.3 COMPLETE VISION
NETWORK
Figure EX 4 shows the Complete Vision Bicycle
Network map. The Complete Vision Network
represents the long-term vision for a fully connected,
all-ages-and-abilities bikeway system. This map also
includes existing bicycle facilities that are not being
upgraded to illustrate the full network once fully
implemented. The Complete Vision Network includes
some lower-priority projects that may be reevaluated
as the City grows.
A total of 138 projects have been identified in 2026
BPTP to achieve the Complete Vision Network.
These consist of 94 bicycle projects, 33 crossing
and intersection projects, 5 special projects, and 5
recommended studies.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 27 Packet Pg. 41 of 828
17
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!s
!s
!s
!s
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
Middl
e
f
i
e
l
d
R
d
Alma
S
t
Brya
n
t
S
t
Ham
i
l
t
o
n
A
v
e
Univ
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
Lytt
o
n
A
v
e
Add
i
s
o
n
A
v
e
New
e
l
l
R
d
Channing Ave
Sand
H
i
l
l
R
d
Cowp
e
r
S
t
Embarcad
e
r
o
R
d
Louis
R
d
Oreg
o
n
E
x
p
y
Cali
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Cali
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Pag
e
M
i
l
l
R
d
Colora
d
o
A
v
e
Loma
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
Meado
w
D
r
El D
o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Charle
s
t
o
n
R
d
Fa
b
i
a
n
W
y
San Antonio Rd
Bay
s
h
o
r
e
R
d
Gree
r
R
d
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Los
R
o
b
l
e
s
A
v
e
Wilkie
W
y
Ara
s
t
r
a
d
e
r
o
R
d
Footh
i
l
l
E
x
p
y
Han
o
v
e
r
S
t
Hil
l
v
i
e
w
A
v
e
Junipero Serra Blvd
Sta
n
f
o
r
d
A
v
e
Ross
R
d
Mat
a
d
e
r
o
A
v
e
May
b
e
l
l
A
v
e
Hom
e
r
A
v
e
Color
a
d
o
A
v
e
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Miller
A
v
e
Centra
l
E
x
p
y
Middlefield Rd
King
s
l
e
y
A
v
e
Sea
l
e
A
v
e
EAST
PALO ALTOMENLO
PARK
STANFORD
UNIVERSITY
LOS
ALTOS
MOUNTAIN
VIEW
LOS ALTOS
HILLS
Byxbee Park
Mitchell
Park
Hoover
Park
Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve
Greer
Park
Eleanor
Pardee
Park
Ramos
Park
Robles
Park
Bol
Park
Alta Mesa
Memorial
Park
Rinconada
Park
Baylands
Nature
Preserve
Palo Alto
High
School
Gunn
High
School
JLS
Middle
School
Greene
Middle
School
Fletcher
Middle
School
Walter Hays
Elementary
Duveneck
Elementary
Ohlone
Elementary
El Carmelo
Elementary
Palo Verde
Elementary
Addison
Elementary
Hoover
Elementary
Greendell
School
Juana
Briones
Elementary
Barron
Park
Elementary
Palo Alto
Caltrain
California Ave
Caltrain
San Antonio
Caltrain
Menlo Park
Caltrain Palo Alto
Airport
Mata
d
e
r
o
C
r
e
e
k
Barro
n
C
r
e
e
k
Adobe
C
r
e
e
k
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
EAST
PALO ALTO
MENLO
PARK
STANFORD
UNIVERSITY
LOS
ALTOS
MOUNTAIN
VIEW
PALO ALTO
PORTOLA
VALLEY
LOS ALTOS
HILLS
F
Bicycle Network
Bicycle-Friendly Zones
City of Palo Alto
!f Ped/Bike Bridge
!s Ped/Bike Underpass
Park/Open Space
School/University
Commercial Center
Community Center
Library
Caltrain Station
Railroad
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC, Kittelson, Mobycon
0 1 2
Miles
To East Palo Alto
To Menlo Park
To Mountain
View
To Los Altos
As of 9/1/2025
To Stanford
Figure EX 2: Recommended Bicycle Network Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 28 Packet Pg. 42 of 828
18
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!s
!s
!s
!s
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
Middl
e
f
i
e
l
d
R
d
Alma
S
t
Brya
n
t
S
t
Ham
i
l
t
o
n
A
v
e
Univ
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
Lytt
o
n
A
v
e
Add
i
s
o
n
A
v
e
New
e
l
l
R
d
Channing Ave
Sand
H
i
l
l
R
d
Cowp
e
r
S
t
Embarcad
e
r
o
R
d
Louis
R
d
Oreg
o
n
E
x
p
y
Cali
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Cali
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Pag
e
M
i
l
l
R
d
Colora
d
o
A
v
e
Loma
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
Meado
w
D
r
El D
o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Charle
s
t
o
n
R
d
Fa
b
i
a
n
W
y
San Antonio Rd
Bay
s
h
o
r
e
R
d
Gree
r
R
d
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Los
R
o
b
l
e
s
A
v
e
Wilkie
W
y
Ara
s
t
r
a
d
e
r
o
R
d
Footh
i
l
l
E
x
p
y
Han
o
v
e
r
S
t
Hil
l
v
i
e
w
A
v
e
Junipero Serra Blvd
Sta
n
f
o
r
d
A
v
e
Ross
R
d
Mat
a
d
e
r
o
A
v
e
May
b
e
l
l
A
v
e
Hom
e
r
A
v
e
Color
a
d
o
A
v
e
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Miller
A
v
e
Centra
l
E
x
p
y
Middlefield Rd
King
s
l
e
y
A
v
e
Sea
l
e
A
v
e
EAST
PALO ALTOMENLO
PARK
STANFORD
UNIVERSITY
LOS
ALTOS
MOUNTAIN
VIEW
LOS ALTOS
HILLS
Byxbee Park
Mitchell
Park
Hoover
Park
Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve
Greer
Park
Eleanor
Pardee
Park
Ramos
Park
Robles
Park
Bol
Park
Alta Mesa
Memorial
Park
Rinconada
Park
Baylands
Nature
Preserve
Palo Alto
High
School
Gunn
High
School
JLS
Middle
School
Greene
Middle
School
Fletcher
Middle
School
Walter Hays
Elementary
Duveneck
Elementary
Ohlone
Elementary
El Carmelo
Elementary
Palo Verde
Elementary
Addison
Elementary
Hoover
Elementary
Greendell
School
Juana
Briones
Elementary
Barron
Park
Elementary
Palo Alto
Caltrain
California Ave
Caltrain
San Antonio
Caltrain
Menlo Park
Caltrain Palo Alto
Airport
Mata
d
e
r
o
C
r
e
e
k
Barro
n
C
r
e
e
k
Adobe
C
r
e
e
k
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
EAST
PALO ALTO
MENLO
PARK
STANFORD
UNIVERSITY
LOS
ALTOS
MOUNTAIN
VIEW
LOS ALTOS
HILLS
PALO ALTO
PORTOLA
VALLEY
F
Proposed Existing
Class I - Shared Use Path; Trail
Class IIa - Bike Lane
Class IIb - Buffered Bike Lane
Class IIIa - Advisory Bike Lane
Class IIIb - Bike Boulevard
Class IV - Separated Bikeway
!f Existing Ped/Bike Bridge
!s Existing Ped/Bike Underpass
Proposed Bike Blvd Crossing
Proposed Intersection
Improvement
Proposed Ped/Bike Bridge or
Underpass
Caltrain Station
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC, Kittelson
0 1 2
Miles
As of 9/1/2025
To East Palo Alto
To Menlo Park
To Mountain
View
To Los Altos
Bicycle-Friendly Zone
City of Palo Alto
Figure EX 3: Low-Stress Bicycle Network Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 29 Packet Pg. 43 of 828
19
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!s
!s
!s
!s
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
Middl
e
f
i
e
l
d
R
d
Alma
S
t
Brya
n
t
S
t
Ham
i
l
t
o
n
A
v
e
Univ
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
Lytt
o
n
A
v
e
Add
i
s
o
n
A
v
e
New
e
l
l
R
d
Channing Ave
Sand
H
i
l
l
R
d
Cowp
e
r
S
t
Embarcad
e
r
o
R
d
Louis
R
d
Oreg
o
n
E
x
p
y
Cali
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Cali
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Pag
e
M
i
l
l
R
d
Colora
d
o
A
v
e
Loma
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
Meado
w
D
r
El D
o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Charle
s
t
o
n
R
d
Fa
b
i
a
n
W
y
San Antonio Rd
Bay
s
h
o
r
e
R
d
Gree
r
R
d
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Los
R
o
b
l
e
s
A
v
e
Wilkie
W
y
Ara
s
t
r
a
d
e
r
o
R
d
Footh
i
l
l
E
x
p
y
Han
o
v
e
r
S
t
Hil
l
v
i
e
w
A
v
e
Junipero Serra Blvd
Sta
n
f
o
r
d
A
v
e
Ross
R
d
Mat
a
d
e
r
o
A
v
e
May
b
e
l
l
A
v
e
Hom
e
r
A
v
e
Color
a
d
o
A
v
e
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Miller
A
v
e
Centra
l
E
x
p
y
Middlefield Rd
King
s
l
e
y
A
v
e
Sea
l
e
A
v
e
EAST
PALO ALTOMENLO
PARK
STANFORD
UNIVERSITY
LOS
ALTOS
MOUNTAIN
VIEW
LOS ALTOS
HILLS
Byxbee Park
Mitchell
Park
Hoover
Park
Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve
Greer
Park
Eleanor
Pardee
Park
Ramos
Park
Robles
Park
Bol
Park
Alta Mesa
Memorial
Park
Rinconada
Park
Baylands
Nature
Preserve
Palo Alto
High
School
Gunn
High
School
JLS
Middle
School
Greene
Middle
School
Fletcher
Middle
School
Walter Hays
Elementary
Duveneck
Elementary
Ohlone
Elementary
El Carmelo
Elementary
Palo Verde
Elementary
Addison
Elementary
Hoover
Elementary
Greendell
School
Juana
Briones
Elementary
Barron
Park
Elementary
Palo Alto
Caltrain
California Ave
Caltrain
San Antonio
Caltrain
Menlo Park
Caltrain Palo Alto
Airport
Mata
d
e
r
o
C
r
e
e
k
Barro
n
C
r
e
e
k
Adobe
C
r
e
e
k
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
EAST
PALO ALTO
MENLO
PARK
STANFORD
UNIVERSITY
LOS
ALTOS
MOUNTAIN
VIEW
LOS ALTOS
HILLS
PALO ALTO
PORTOLA
VALLEY
F
Proposed Existing
Class I - Shared Use Path; Trail
Class IIa - Bike Lane
Class IIb - Buffered Bike Lane
Class IIIa - Advisory Bike Lane
Class IIIb - Bike Boulevard
Class IV - Separated Bikeway
Class IIIc - Slow Street
Class Ib - Community Street
Caltrain Station
!f Existing Ped/Bike Bridge
!s Existing Ped/Bike Underpass
Proposed Bike Blvd Crossing Improvements
Proposed Intersection Improvements
Proposed Ped/Bike Bridge or Underpass
Bicycle-Friendly Zone
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC, Kittelson
0 1 2
Miles
As of 9/1/2025
To East Palo Alto
To Menlo Park
To Mountain
View
To Los Altos
Figure EX 4: Complete Vision Bicycle Network Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 30 Packet Pg. 44 of 828
0. Executive Summary 20
0.4.4 PEDESTRIAN DISTRICT GUIDELINES AND TOOLBOX
The pedestrian district toolbox includes a range of selected treatments aimed at improving pedestrian safety
and enhancing the pedestrian experience. The elements range from infrastructure improvements, such as
raised crossings or curb extensions that improve yielding rates, to aesthetic changes, such as benches or public
art, that can elevate the walking experience. Together, these elements will meet universal needs for safety and
accessibility and create conditions making walking comfortable and an enjoyable experience for all.
Priority pedestrian areas are key to creating a walkable, accessible, and enjoyable City. They offer areas where
walking is prioritized to allow people of all ages and abilities to get around without competing with vehicles.
Within these areas, slower vehicle movement is encouraged, and opportunities are provided for people to
pause and enjoy their surroundings. Three pedestrian districts and three priority areas which are focus areas for
pedestrian recommendations are included in the 2026 BPTP, these include:
Pedestrian Districts
• University Avenue Pedestrian District
• California Avenue Pedestrian District
• Midtown Pedestrian District
Pedestrian Priority Areas
• El Camino Real Neighborhood Commercial Center
• Embarcadero Neighborhood Commercial Center
• San Antonio Road Area
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 31 Packet Pg. 45 of 828
21
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 32 Packet Pg. 46 of 828
0. Executive Summary 22
0.5 Project Prioritization
Project prioritization helps direct the City’s resources and develop a near-term implementation strategy. This
2026 BPTP prioritizes intersections and bikeway corridors, studies, and special projects, for implementation over
the next ten years. An initial prioritization was conducted to develop scores for each roadway segment in Palo
Alto based on quantitative criteria to assess the level of alignment with the objectives of safety and connectivity.
Projects that scored higher than 70 points were advanced to supplemental evaluation along with a subset of
additional projects selected for further review. The supplemental evaluation considered project readiness,
project cost, and project support to determine the top priority projects for near-term implementation. Table EX
2 presents the prioritization factors and evaluation criteria used in the prioritization process.
Table EX 2: Prioritization Factors and Evaluation Criteria
Note: *Only the projects that scored 70 or more points with a few exceptions in the Initial Evaluation advance to the Supplemental Evaluation.
PRIORITIZATION FACTOR CRITERIA
Initial Evaluation
Safety
High-Injury Corridors
Recommended Walk & Roll SRTS suggested
route maps
Connectivity Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress
Access to Transit
Supplemental Evaluation*
Project Cost and Funding
High, Medium, and LowProject Readiness
Project Support
Near-Term Implementation:
A total of 16 bicycle projects
(covering approximately 12 miles
of the proposed network) and 22
intersection and crossing projects
have been identified for near-term
implementation. These projects
are illustrated in Figure EX 5. The
estimated cost of implementing
all 16 bicycle projects is $12.8
million.
Cost Estimation:
The total cost to implement
all 94 bicycle projects included
in the 2026 BPTP is estimated
at approximately $78 million.
This does not include cost
for intersection and crossing
improvements as they vary
widely by project and cannot be
accurately estimated at this stage.
Funding Strategy:
Bicycle and pedestrian projects
can be funded through a range
of local, regional, state, and
federal sources. To enhance its
competitiveness for these funds,
the City of Palo Alto should
ensure its projects align with
the core goals of the funding
programs—typically centered on
equity, safety, sustainability, and
connectivity.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 33 Packet Pg. 47 of 828
23
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
EAST
PALO ALTOMENLO
PARK
STANFORD
UNIVERSITY
LOS
ALTOS
MOUNTAIN
VIEW
LOS ALTOS
HILLS
Byxbee Park
Mitchell
Park
Hoover
Park
Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve
Greer
Park
Eleanor
Pardee
Park
Ramos
Park
Robles
Park
Bol
Park
Alta Mesa
Memorial
Park
Rinconada
Park
Baylands
Nature
Preserve
Palo Alto
High
School
Gunn
High
School
JLS
Middle
School
Greene
Middle
School
Fletcher
Middle
School
Walter Hays
Elementary
Duveneck
Elementary
Ohlone
Elementary
El Carmelo
Elementary
Palo Verde
Elementary
Addison
Elementary
Hoover
Elementary
Greendell
School
Juana
Briones
Elementary
Barron
Park
Elementary
Palo Alto
Caltrain
California Ave
Caltrain
San Antonio
Caltrain
Menlo Park
Caltrain Palo Alto
Airport
Mata
d
e
r
o
C
r
e
e
k
Barro
n
C
r
e
e
k
Adobe
C
r
e
e
k
Middl
e
f
i
e
l
d
R
d
Alma
S
t
Brya
n
t
S
t
Ham
i
l
t
o
n
A
v
e
Univ
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
Lytt
o
n
A
v
e
Add
i
s
o
n
A
v
e
New
e
l
l
R
d
Channing Ave
Sand
H
i
l
l
R
d
Cowp
e
r
S
t
Embarcad
e
r
o
R
d
Louis
R
d
Oreg
o
n
E
x
p
y
Cali
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Cali
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Pag
e
M
i
l
l
R
d
Colora
d
o
A
v
e
Loma
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
Meado
w
D
r
El D
o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Charle
s
t
o
n
R
d
Fa
b
i
a
n
W
y
San Antonio Rd
Bay
s
h
o
r
e
R
d
Gree
r
R
d
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Los
R
o
b
l
e
s
A
v
e
Wilkie
W
y
Ara
s
t
r
a
d
e
r
o
R
d
Footh
i
l
l
E
x
p
y
Han
o
v
e
r
S
t
Hil
l
v
i
e
w
A
v
e
Junipero Serra Blvd
Sta
n
f
o
r
d
A
v
e
Ross
R
d
Mat
a
d
e
r
o
A
v
e
May
b
e
l
l
A
v
e
Hom
e
r
A
v
e
Color
a
d
o
A
v
e
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Miller
A
v
e
Centra
l
E
x
p
y
Middlefield Rd
King
s
l
e
y
A
v
e
Sea
l
e
A
v
e
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
EAST
PALO ALTO
MENLO
PARK
STANFORD
UNIVERSITY
LOS
ALTOS
MOUNTAIN
VIEW
LOS ALTOS
HILLS
PALO ALTO
PORTOLA
VALLEY
F
Proposed Near-Term Improvements
Class I - Shared Use Path
Class Ib - Community Street
Class IIa - Bike Lane
Class IIb - Buffered Bike Lane
Class IIIb - Bike Boulevard
Class IV - Protected Bike Lane
Proposed Bike Blvd Crossing
Proposed Intersection Improvement
Proposed Ped/Bike Bridge or Underpass
City of Palo Alto
Railroad
Caltrain Stop
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC, Kittelson
0 1 2
Miles
As of 9/1/2025
Figure EX 5: Proposed Near-Term Projects Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 34 Packet Pg. 48 of 828
1. Introduction 24
1.
INTRODUCTION
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 35 Packet Pg. 49 of 828
25
Famous as the birthplace of Silicon Valley, the
City of Palo Alto (City) is also a pioneer in active
transportation, home to the nation’s first bicycle
boulevard on Bryant Street. With its relatively flat
geography, mild climate, abundant green spaces, and
vibrant, historic downtown, the City offers an ideal
setting for walking and bicycling. Strong connections
to Stanford University and regional transit further
enhance its appeal, helping Palo Alto achieve some of
the highest walking and biking rates in the Bay Area
and nation.
The City last updated its Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan (BPTP) in 2012. That plan
established key planning, policy, and implementation
strategies to enhance the safety and appeal of
walking, biking, and rolling for both transportation and
recreation. Since then, the share of residents driving
alone to work has decreased significantly from 64.4%
in 2012 to 51.65% in 2023. The Covid-19 pandemic
also brought major shifts in travel behavior, including
a sharp rise in telecommuting. By 2023, 27.9% of Palo
Alto residents worked from home, nearly 2.5 times
the rate in 2019 (9.7%).1 These changes, along with
the growing use of emerging mobility options such
as e-bikes and ridesharing, have prompted the City
to initiate an update to the BPTP to better respond to
current trends and future needs for walking and biking.
The 2026 BPTP reflects community needs and
desires, considers recent trends in cycling and
bicycle technology, and addresses changes in bicycle
and pedestrian planning and design. It builds upon
extensive planning and design efforts already
underway by the City, including the implementation
of the 2012 BPTP, Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety
Action Plan, and land use planning such as the 2023-
2031 Housing Element Update, Downtown Housing
Plan, and the San Antonio Road Area Plan. The 2026
BPTP was drafted in collaboration with the City and the
community through multiple phases of engagement
occurring over the course of BPTP development.
1 U.S. Census Bureau. 2012 and 2023 American Community Survey, Table S0801: Commuting Characteristics by Sex. Accessed June 28,
2025.
A pedestrian is someone
traveling on foot along sidewalks,
crosswalks, or pathways. This also includes
individuals using assistive devices such as
canes, walkers, or wheelchairs.
A bicyclist is a person riding a
bicycle, which may include pedal-
powered bicycles, electric bicycles
(e-bikes) with pedal-assist or
throttle features, and adaptive bicycles
such as hand-cycles or tricycles.
Shared micromobility refers to
the use of small, low-speed
vehicles like bicycles and
scooters that are available
for public rental on a short-
term basis.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 36 Packet Pg. 50 of 828
1. Introduction 26
1.1 Purpose
The 2026 BPTP serves as a comprehensive action plan
for the City to provide improved bicycle and pedestrian
facilities for its residents, employees, and visitors. The
purpose of the 2026 BPTP is to gather meaningful
input from the community, evaluate progress since the
2012 plan, and update the City’s approach to policies,
programs, and infrastructure that support walking and
biking.
To achieve this purpose, the 2026 BPTP investigates
safety data to propose impactful recommendations,
explores the role of emerging transportation
technologies such as electric-bicycles and micro-
mobility devices, and establishes a long-term vision
to make walking and biking easier, safer, and more
accessible for everyone. This plan is also intended to
support the City’s broader goals, including those in
the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, the Sustainability and
Climate Action Plan, and the City’s Safety Action Plan.
1.2 Plan Organization
Who Can Use the Bike Lane?
All bicycles are allowed on the bikeway
network, including modified types such as
unicycles, cargo bikes, bikes with trailers, and
longtail bikes. E-bikes with pedal-assist speeds
up to 28 mph are permitted on most bikeways
but are not allowed on unpaved trails (See
Palo Alto Open Space and Park Rules and
Regulations for more information).
Who Can Use the Sidewalk?
Pedestrians can use sidewalk. In Palo Alto,
riding on sidewalks in the California Avenue
and Downtown Business Districts is prohibited
(See Palo Alto MC 10.64.130 (c)).
Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter summarizes the vision statement and
objectives that guided the development of 2026 BPTP.
It includes performance measures that will help track
the City’s progress toward these goals, describes the
relationship between other planning efforts and 2026
BPTP, and summarizes the public engagement efforts.
Chapter 2: Existing Facilities
This chapter documents the existing walking and
bicycling infrastructure in Palo Alto. It analyzes the
walking and bicycle activity, barriers and safety
conditions. It includes information on the use of
micromobility and e-bikes, and bicycle parking.
Chapter 3: Recommendations
This chapter includes the bicycle and pedestrian
recommendations. It includes the process for
developing bikeway network corridor criteria. For
pedestrians, it includes recommendations related to
the pedestrian district guidelines and toolbox. Lastly,
it includes recommended policies and programs.
Chapter 4: Implementation and Funding
This chapter includes a prioritization framework
classifying the recommended projects into near- and
long-term categories. Additionally, it includes planning
level cost estimates and identifies potential funding
sources.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 37 Packet Pg. 51 of 828
27
1.3 Benefits and Barriers to Walking and Biking
Walking and biking offer significant public health,
environmental, and economic benefits that align with
the goals for sustainable transportation. The Caltrans’
Toward an Active California plan highlights how active
transportation improves physical and mental health,
reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and supports
equitable access to mobility.2 Additionally, walking
and biking reduce auto ownership costs, estimated
at $8,500 annually per car and save $830 million
in congestion, collision, and vehicle maintenance
costs for the state of California. Furthermore, active
transportation enhances community character,
supports local businesses, and results in increased
land values.
However, key barriers remain. State and national
reports emphasize challenges such as high-speed
traffic, incomplete or disconnected pedestrian
and bicycle networks, missing first- and last-mile
connections, and a lack of secure bicycle parking. In
Palo Alto, these issues are echoed by local feedback
that calls for safer crossings, better lighting, and more
low-stress, separated bicycle facilities. Equity also
remains a concern, with a need to ensure access to
high-quality infrastructure for all ages and abilities.
2 Caltrans. Toward and Active California. 2017. Retrieved from https://dot.ca.gov/programs/transportation-planning/division-of-
transportation-planning/complete-streets/toward-an-active-california-state-bicycle-pedestrian-plan
What does “All Ages and Abilities (AAA)”
mean?
To truly encourage walking and biking,
facilities must be designed for everyone—
not just confident adult men who have
historically been the focus of street design.
An All Ages and Abilities network ensures
that children, seniors, women, people with
disabilities, people of color, low-income
users, bike share riders, and those carrying
goods can travel safely and comfortably.
These groups often face unique barriers,
including safety concerns, visibility challenges,
accessibility needs, inequitable investment,
or inadequate infrastructure. By prioritizing
comfort, traffic separation, and equity, All
Ages and Abilities design expands the reach
of walking and bicycling, enhances mobility
and independence, and makes active
transportation a safe and appealing choice for
all.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 38 Packet Pg. 52 of 828
1. Introduction 28
1.4 Vision, Objectives, and Performance Measures
To guide the 2026 BPTP Update, a vision statement and set of objectives were created based on community
input gathered during the visioning workshop and early engagement activities. The 2026 BPTP also includes
performance measures that will help track the City’s progress toward these goals.
1.4.1 VISION STATEMENT
We envision a city where sustainable, safe, efficient, equitable, and enjoyable
transportation thrives. Together, we will create a comfortable and connected
street and trail network that supports walking, biking, and rolling for people
of all ages and abilities. We continue to be a leader in Safe Routes to School
and invest more in active transportation infrastructure, education, and
encouragement programs.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 39 Packet Pg. 53 of 828
29
1.4.2 OBJECTIVES
To achieve the vision for the 2026 BPTP, the following objectives were developed that guide the
recommendations.
Safe and Inclusive: Prioritizing safety for all transportation network users regardless of age and ability
and ensuring equitable access to pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure across the community while
reducing fatal and severe injury collisions.
Connected and Accessible: Featuring a convenient and interconnected network of sidewalks, bike lanes,
and trails that provide efficient travel options and easy access to transit and important destinations,
encouraging a shift away from driving and improving environmental health through lower vehicle miles
traveled and greenhouse gas emissions.
Community-Led and Cooperative: Fostering community engagement and participation in promoting
active transportation, supported by education, programming, and infrastructure investments, in a way
that cultivates learning for network users of all ages.
Comfortable and Enjoyable: Enhancing the comfort and enjoyment of walking and cycling through
amenities such as shade, greenery, and well-designed streetscapes.
Integrated and Collaborative: Collaborating with neighboring cities to create a seamless, integrated,
and efficient regional network of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
1.4.3 PERFORMANCE MEASURES
Table 1 lists performance measures that have been established to track progress toward achieving the Plan vision
and objectives and document the results of investments in biking, walking, and rolling in Palo Alto.
Table 1: Performance Measures
OBJECTIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURE REPORTING PERIOD
Safe and Inclusive
Annual pedestrian and bicycle collisions per 100,000
residents Annual
Annual pedestrian and bicycle killed and severe injury (KSI)
collisions per 100,000 residents Annual
Connected and
Accessible
Walk/bike/roll to school and commute mode shares Annual (school mode share);
Annual (commute mode share)
Walking and biking volumes at key locations Annual
Community-Led
and Cooperative
Number of walking and biking promotion events held per
year at schools in the City Annual
Number (and percent) of schools with at least one
Transportation Safety Representative Annual
Number of open street events held Annual
Number of active pedestrian and/or bicycle advocacy groups Annual
Source: Kittelson & Associates, Inc. 2025
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 40 Packet Pg. 54 of 828
1. Introduction 30
Table 2 outlines potential performance measures that could be introduced as the 2026 BPTP is implemented
and as walking, biking, and rolling network grows, prompting the need to expand how the 2026 BPTP is tracked.
Biannually (every 2 years), the City of Palo Alto can consult with the Palo Alto Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory
Committee (PABAC) to determine if the annual performance measures exhibit trends (compared to baseline
conditions and year-over-year) that illustrate a clear path forward for allocating resources. If it is determined that
additional direction is needed to invest in the network to achieve 2026 BPTP vision and goals, then performance
measures such as the following could potentially be established. Developing these measures will require
further research and a formalized methodology including identifying reliable data sources that could be tracked
periodically.
Table 2: Potential Performance Measures
OBJECTIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURE REPORTING PERIOD
Safe and Inclusive
Number of top pedestrian and bicycle KSI collision or
high injury network locations improved or studied Annual
Percentage of existing affordable housing projects
within 1,000 feet of completed and connected
all ages and abilities (AAA) cycling infrastructure
(bikeways, trails)
Annual
Connected and
Accessible
Miles of bikeway facilities (per each bikeway type and
total network)Annual
Share of transportation budget spent on walk/bike/
roll improvements Annual
Comfortable and
Enjoyable
Percentage of cycling infrastructure mileage that are
AAA routes or Level of Traffic Stress1 (LTS) 1/2 Annual
Canopy coverage percentage of designated walking
and bicycling routes.Annual
Integrated and
Collaborative
Number of completed walking/bicycling projects that
improve cross-jurisdictional gateways Every 3 years
Percentage of transit stops and stations accessible on
AAA cycling routes.Every 3 years
Source: Kittelson & Associates, Inc. 2025
Notes: 1Level of traffic stress (LTS) is an approach that quantifies the amount of discomfort that people feel when they bicycle close to traffic. It is further described in section 2.5.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 41 Packet Pg. 55 of 828
31
1.5 Setting
Located between the open space preserves of the foothills and the tidal flats of San Francisco Bay, Palo Alto
encompasses an area of approximately 26 square miles, nearly half of which is designated as parks, open space,
and Baylands. With an established grid network of streets, vibrant business districts, a well-known park and trail
system, and direct proximity to Stanford University, Palo Alto is an ideal place for walking and biking. Flat terrain,
tree-lined streets, and a temperate climate also make Palo Alto a relatively easy place to bicycle. Palo Alto’s main
transportation corridors are Interstate 280, Highway 101, Highway 84 (the Dumbarton Bridge), State Route 82
(El Camino Real), and Oregon Expressway/Page Mill Road. Within the City, commuter rail stations include the
Palo Alto University Avenue stop (one of the most frequently used in the Caltrain system) and the California
Avenue station. Bus service is primarily provided by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and
limited service is provided by SamTrans (San Mateo County Transit District), Dumbarton Express, and Standford’s
Marguerite Shuttle. Since 2012, the City of Palo Alto’s population has remained relatively consistent with around
66,000 residents, whereas the median household income has increased by 55 percent. Image 1 and Table 3
shows the key demographic indicators as obtained from 2023 U.S. Census ACS 1-Year estimates.
Image 1: Palo Alto Demographic Indicators
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023 1-Year Estimates.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 42 Packet Pg. 56 of 828
1. Introduction 32
Table 3: Palo Alto Demographic Indicators
DEMOGRAPHIC INDICATOR ESTIMATE
Total Population 65,881
Population Density 2,846 Population per square mile
Sex ratio (males per 100 females)98.6
Average Household Size 2.35
High School Graduate or Higher 97.6%
Median Household Income $184,068
Per Capita Income $97,307
Unemployment Rate 3.5%
Mean Travel Time to Work 20.4 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023 1-Year Estimates.
1.5.1 KEY DESTINATIONS
There are several key destinations, community amenities, and resources, including medical and education
centers, schools, grocery stores, childcare centers, pharmacies, parks, libraries, and transit stops, within a
walkable distance of half a mile and a bikeable distance of two miles of many Palo Alto residents.
Figure 1 identifies key destinations, or existing activity generators, that will benefit from improved bicycle and
pedestrian connections.
Figure 2 illustrates the 10-minute walk and bike sheds (area that is accessible within 10-minutes of walking or
biking based on the existing street network without consideration of available existing facility) for major transit
stops, which include Caltrain stations and bus stops served by rapid bus service. These walk and bike shed areas
represent the majority of populated areas within the City. Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements
on streets and sidewalks connecting to these stops are critical in providing safe and comfortable connections to
transit.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 43 Packet Pg. 57 of 828
33
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
M i dd
l
e
f
i
e
l
d
R
d
Al ma
S
t
Brya
n
t
S
t
H am
i
l
t
o
n
A
v
e
U ni
v
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
Lyt
t
o
n
A
v
e
Add
i
s
o
n
A
v
e
N e
w
e
l
l
R
d
Channi ng Ave
San
d
H
i
l
l
R
d
Cow
p
e
r
S
t
Embarca
d
e
r
o
R
d
Lou
i
s
R
d
Ore
g
o
n
E
x
p
y
Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Pag
e
M
i
l
l
R
d
Col o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Lom
a
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
M ead
o
w
D
r
El D
o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Charl
e
s
t
o
n
R
d
Fa
b
i
a
n
W
y
San Antonio Rd
Bay
s
h
o
r
e
R
d
Gree
r
R
d
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Los
R
o
b
l
e
s
A
v
e
Wi l k
i
e
W
y
Ara
s
t
r
a
d
e
r
o
R
d
Foot
h
i
l
l
E
x
p
y
H an
o
v
e
r
S
t
H i
l
l
v
i
e
w
A
v
e
Junipero Serra Blvd
Sta
n
f
o
r
d
A
v
e
Ross
R
d
M at
a
d
e
r
o
A
v
e
M a
y
b
e
l
l
A
v
e
H om
e
r
A
v
e
Col o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
El C
a
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
M i l l e
r
A
v
e
Centr
a
l
E
x
p
y
M i d dlefield Rd
E AST
PALO ALTOM E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
PALO ALTO
Byxbee Park
M i tchel l
Park
H oover
Park
Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve
Greer
Park
El eanor
Pardee
Park
Ramos
Park
Robl es
Park
Bol
Park
Al ta M esa
M emori al
Park
Ri nconada
Park
Bayl ands
N ature
Preserve
Pal o Al to
H i gh
School
Gunn
H i gh
School
JLS
M i ddl e
School
Greene
M i ddl e
School
Fl etcher
M i ddl e
School
Wal ter H ays
El ementary
Duveneck
El ementary
Ohl one
El ementary
El Carmel o
El ementary
Pal o Verde
El ementary
Addi son
El ementary
H oover
El ementary
Greendel l
School
Juana
Bri ones
El ementary
Barron
Park
El ementary
Pal o Al to
Cal trai n
Cal i forni a Ave
Cal trai n
San Antoni o
Cal trai n
M enl o Park
Cal trai n Pal o Al to
Ai rport
Mata
d
e
r
o
C
r
e
e
k
Barro
n
C
r
e
e
k
Adobe
C
r
e
e
k
Stanford
M edi cal
Center
Luci l e Packard
Chi l dren's
H ospi tal
VA Pal o Al to
M edi cal Care
System
Stanford
Shoppi ng Center
Downtown
Shoppi ng Area
Town &
Country
Vi l l age
Cal i forni a Avenue
Shoppi ng Area
M i dtown
Shoppi ng Center
Downtown
Li brary
Chi l dren's
Li brary
Ri nconada
Li brary
Luci e Stern
Communi ty
Center
M i tchel l Park
Communi ty
Center
Cubberl ey
Communi ty
Center
Jewi sh
Communi ty
Center
Col l ege
Terrace
Li brary
Pal o Al to
M edi cal
Foundati on
Santa Cl ara
County
Superi or
Court
Pal o Al to
Transi t Center
Stanford
Research
Park
East
Bayshore
San Antoni o Road/
Bayshore Corri dor
Al ma
Vi l l age
Edgewood
Pl aza
Pal o Al to
Art Center
Charl eston
Shoppi ng
Center
Publ i c Safety
Bui l di ng
!!TC
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
E AST
PALO ALTO
M E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
PALO ALTO
PORTOLA
VALLE Y
F
City of Palo Alto
Commercial
Neighborhood Commercial
Mixed Use
Employment District or Other High-Intensity Uses
School
Parks and Open Space
Community Center
Library
Medical Center
Shopping Center/Area
Employment Center
!!TC Transit Center
Rapid Bus Stop
Caltrain Station
Railroad
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC, Kittelson
0 1 2
Miles
As of 9/1/2025
Figure 1: Existing Activity Generators Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 44 Packet Pg. 58 of 828
34
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
M i dd
l
e
f
i
e
l
d
R
d
Al ma
S
t
Brya
n
t
S
t
H am
i
l
t
o
n
A
v
e
U ni
v
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
Lyt
t
o
n
A
v
e
Add
i
s
o
n
A
v
e
N e
w
e
l
l
R
d
Channi ng Ave
San
d
H
i
l
l
R
d
Cow
p
e
r
S
t
Embarca
d
e
r
o
R
d
Lou
i
s
R
d
Ore
g
o
n
E
x
p
y
Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Pag
e
M
i
l
l
R
d
Col o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Lom
a
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
M ead
o
w
D
r
El D
o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Charl
e
s
t
o
n
R
d
Fa
b
i
a
n
W
y
San Antonio Rd
Bay
s
h
o
r
e
R
d
Gree
r
R
d
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Los
R
o
b
l
e
s
A
v
e
Wi l k
i
e
W
y
Ara
s
t
r
a
d
e
r
o
R
d
Foot
h
i
l
l
E
x
p
y
H an
o
v
e
r
S
t
H i
l
l
v
i
e
w
A
v
e
Junipero Serra Blvd
Sta
n
f
o
r
d
A
v
e
Ross
R
d
M at
a
d
e
r
o
A
v
e
M a
y
b
e
l
l
A
v
e
H om
e
r
A
v
e
Col o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
El C
a
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
M i l l e
r
A
v
e
Centr
a
l
E
x
p
y
M i d dlefield Rd
E AST
PALO ALTOM E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
Byxbee Park
M i tchel l
Park
H oover
Park
Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve
Greer
Park
El eanor
Pardee
Park
Ramos
Park
Robl es
Park
Bol
Park
Al ta M esa
M emori al
Park
Ri nconada
Park
Bayl ands
N ature
Preserve
Pal o Al to
H i gh
School
Gunn
H i gh
School
JLS
M i ddl e
School
Greene
M i ddl e
School
Fl etcher
M i ddl e
School
Wal ter H ays
El ementary
Duveneck
El ementary
Ohl one
El ementary
El Carmel o
El ementary
Pal o Verde
El ementary
Addi son
El ementary
H oover
El ementary
Greendel l
School
Juana
Bri ones
El ementary
Barron
Park
El ementary
Pal o Al to
Cal trai n
Cal i forni a Ave
Cal trai n
San Antoni o
Cal trai n
M enl o Park
Cal trai n Pal o Al to
Ai rport
Mata
d
e
r
o
C
r
e
e
k
Barro
n
C
r
e
e
k
Adobe
C
r
e
e
k
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
E AST
PALO ALTO
M E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
PALO ALTO
PORTOLA
VALLE Y
F
10-Minute Walk Area
10-Minute Bike Area
Rapid Bus Stop
Caltrain Station
City of Palo Alto
Park/Open Space
School/University
Commercial Center
Community Center
Library
Railroad
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC, Kittelson
0 1 2
Miles
As of 9/1/2025
Figure 2: Walk and Bike Sheds for Major Transit Stops Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 45 Packet Pg. 59 of 828
35
1.6 Relationship to Other Documents
The 2012 BPTP, along with a variety of local, regional, state and federal plans, legislation, and policy directives,
provides guidance for the development and safe operation of bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Appendix A:
Literature Review provides a more detailed review of existing plans and policies.
Across various plans, there is strong alignment
on promoting sustainability, climate action, and
increasing the rate of people walking and biking.
Common vision and goals include:
• Increasing biking and walking trips for all purposes
• Constructing and maintaining safe and accessible
streets for walking and biking and people of all
ages and abilities
• Developing a network of bikeways, pathways,
and traffic-calmed streets that connect various
business districts, residentials areas, open spaces
and parks
• Improving the aesthetics of walkways and bike
paths to attract more walking and biking trips
• Reducing the overall vehicle miles traveled (VMT)
• Seeking to improve the quality of life, as well
as environmental quality, economic health, and
social equity
The 2030 City of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan
introduces programs and policies such as collecting
bicycle counts and conducting surveys to understand
bicycle use (Program T1.16.1); encouraging
participation in local walking and biking events
(Program T1.16.4); providing facilities that encourage
walking and biking (Policy T-1.19); and prioritizing
investments for enhanced pedestrian access and
bicycle use within Palo Alto (Program T1.19.2).3
Furthermore, the policies align with the Metropolitan
Transportation Commission’s (MTC) Regional Active
Transportation Plan4 and City’s Safe Routes to School
(SRTS) Program.
The common themes from the review of documents
surrounding the needs and challenges include:
• Limited access to commercial areas
• Insufficient bike parking
• Safety concerns at crossings and high-traffic areas
• Environmental risks
• Funding uncertainty
• Bicycle theft, and
• Poor infrastructure maintenance
3 City of Palo Alto. 2030 Comprehensive Plan. (2014) Accessed
from https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/Planning-
Development-Services/Housing-Policies-Projects/2030-
Comprehensive-Plan
4 Metropolitan Transportation Commission. Regional Active
Transportation Plan. (2023) Accessed from https://mtc.ca.gov/
planning/transportation/bicycle-pedestrian-micromobility/
regional-active-transportation-plan
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 46 Packet Pg. 60 of 828
1. Introduction 36
1.6.1 RELATIONSHIP TO
CITY’S ONGOING EFFORTS
At the time of the 2026 BPTP development, the City
of Palo Alto was advancing several related planning
efforts, including:
• Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan
• 2023-2031 Housing Element
• San Antonio Road Area Plan
• Downtown Housing Plan
• South Palo Alto Connectivity Project
• Quarry Road Transit Connection at El Camino Park
• Car-Free Streets: California Avenue and Ramona
Street
• El Camino Real Pavement, Rehabilitation, and
Bikeways
• Cubberley Community Center Project
The BPTP team engaged with staff and consultants
leading these initiatives to ensure coordination
and consistency across planning efforts.
Recommendations from projects that were further
along in their development, such as the SS4A Safety
Action Plan and the 2023–2031 Housing Element,
were incorporated into the BPTP as appropriate. The
Safety Action Plan prioritizes addressing risks for
pedestrians on major downtown streets, pedestrians
on arterials at night, youth bicyclists, broadside
collisions between bicyclists and vehicles, and bicycle
crossings on high-stress streets. The Housing Element
highlights that improvements to walking and biking
infrastructure can reduce household transportation
costs and enhance residents’ quality of life. It also
promotes strategies such as Pedestrian-Transit
Oriented Development (PTOD) and mixed-use land
development to foster more walkable and bikeable
communities. Other efforts, including the San Antonio
Road Area Plan and the South Palo Alto Connectivity
Project, were still in progress at the time of 2026 BPTP
development. The 2026 BPTP recognizes that the
outcomes of these ongoing projects will continue to
inform and influence the recommendations presented
in this plan.
The following active transportation projects were
recommended as a part of the plans reviewed:
• Across barrier connections across the City (Adobe
Creek Highway 101 Overcrossing (completed),
Caltrain/Alma Barrier Crossing at Matadero
Creek (ongoing via the South Palo Alto Bike/Ped
Connectivity Project), etc.)
• Trails and Shared Use Pathway projects
(Embarcadero Road / Rinconada Park Sidepath,
Adobe Creek Reach Trail (completed) etc.)
• Bicycle boulevard projects (Castilleja-Park-Wilkie
Bicycle Boulevard, Bryant Street Bicycle Boulevard
Update, etc.)
• Intersection spot improvements (El Camino Real
Intersection Through-Markings (completed),
Charleston Road at Middlefield Road Bicycle
Through-Lanes (completed), etc.)
• Infrastructure Programs (Bicycle Parking Corral /
Rack Installation Program (on-going), Pedestrian
Countdown Signals & Crossings Program (on-
going), etc.)
• System rehabilitation and Maintenance
(Castilleja Street-Park Boulevard, Lytton Avenue
(completed), etc.)
• Design, Feasibility, and Planning (Middlefield Road
“Complete Street” Plan Line Study, Embarcadero
Road Plan Line Study (completed), etc.)
• Non-Infrastructure - Education Encouragement
(Citywide Traffic Counts and Data Collection, Bike
Palo Alto! / Palo Alto Sunday Streets (on-going)
etc.)
• Freeway interchange improvements (I-280/Page
Mill Interim Improvements (completed))
• Planned Bicycle Bridge/Undercrossing (Stanford
Avenue /Seale Avenue, San Francisquito Creek
Trail (Bay Trail Crossing Complete), Adobe Creek
Bridge (complete))
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 47 Packet Pg. 61 of 828
37
1.7 Public Outreach Summary
The development of the 2026 BPTP was guided by an extensive, four-phase community engagement process: 1)
Visioning; 2) Needs & Concerns; 3) Recommended Projects and Programs; and 4) Plan Adoption. The community
engagement effort included a combination of digital outreach and in-person events. Events were promoted on
the City’s website, social media channels, “Transportation Connect” mailing list, tabling and community events,
Uplift local newsletter, and at the Committee and Working Group meetings.
Image 2: Four Phases of Engagement
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 48 Packet Pg. 62 of 828
1. Introduction 38
Key Themes from Phase 1:
• Safety is the top priority, particularly for students traveling to and from school.
• Strong demand for separated or wider bike lanes and safer street crossings.
• Need for a seamless network that crosses major barriers (e.g., highways, rail).
• Direct connections to schools, transit hubs, and key community destinations.
• Integration of e-bikes and other micromobility options.
• Emphasis on high-quality design, including comfort, aesthetics, wayfinding, and shade.
• Education, outreach, and ongoing community input are essential.
PHASE 1:
VISIONING
The initial phase focused on establishing a shared
vision through a variety of public engagement
activities. A variety of methods were used to engage
the public, including an interactive map, public survey
(developed and distributed in partnership with the
Safe Streets for All Action Plan team), a series of
seven committee and working group meetings, an
in-person pop-up event at Bike Palo Alto, and a virtual
community visioning workshop. Appendix B: Phase
1 – Visioning Community Engagement Summary
summarizes Phase 1 community engagement efforts.
The interactive map received nearly 1,000 unique
comments, with 54 percent citing safety concerns
and 29 percent requesting new infrastructure. Many
comments emphasized the need to close connectivity
gaps in the bicycle network, improve safety,
expand bike lanes for greater comfort, and provide
infrastructure near schools.
Engagement with committees and a staff working
group surfaced several key themes: (1) safety,
especially for students; (2) demand for high-quality
walking and biking infrastructure; (3) the need for
across-barrier connections over obstacles like U.S.
101 and Caltrain; (4) interest in transformative
technologies (e.g., e-bikes, sensors); and (5) alignment
of transportation planning with future growth areas
such as San Antonio Road.
At the Bike Palo Alto event, residents echoed the
importance of separated bikeway and identified
El Camino Real as a major barrier. The visioning
workshop led to the development of a vision
statement and the objectives presented in Chapter 2.
Image 3: Virtual Visioning Workshop held on January
31, 2024
Image 4: Bike Palo Alto Event held on October 1, 2023
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 49 Packet Pg. 63 of 828
39
PHASE 2:
NEEDS & CONCERNS
The second phase of engagement included a series of
committee and working group meetings and a week-
long series of events and workshops that included a
bicycle network development workshop, a community
walking tour, and a community cycle tour. Appendix C:
Phase 2 – Needs & Concerns Community Engagement
Summary summarizes Phase 2 community
engagement efforts.
The Bikeway Network Development workshop guided
participants to identify key destinations, connect
destinations through a schematic “Star” network, and
apply the schematic network to the street grid. The
resulting networks highlighted the need for crossing
across railway tracks and opportunities to improve
facilities on major roads such as Middlefield Road, El
Camino Real, and Embarcadero Road.
The community walking tour, hosted in partnership
with Avenidas (a senior activity center), explored
University Avenue and the Palo Alto Caltrain Station
area. Feedback from the tour contributed to the
development of the Pedestrian Design Guidelines.
The community bike tour, organized with the Silicon
Valley Bicycle Coalition, involved 24 community
members and covered a range of existing bicycle
facility types over a seven-mile bike ride. Participants
emphasized the need for smoother transitions
between street types, stronger connectivity, and
infrastructure that supports riders of all ages and
abilities.
Image 5: Bicycle Network Development Workshop
Image 6: Community Walking Tour
Key Themes from Phase 2:
• Strengthen the existing network by addressing critical gaps.
• Prioritize improvements along key corridors, including San Antonio Road, Alma Street, Embarcadero Road,
Middlefield Road, and El Camino Real.
• Enhance sidewalk continuity, wayfinding, and placemaking in pedestrian-oriented areas such as University
Avenue and California Avenue.
• Improve transitions between different types of bicycle facilities to create a smoother, more consistent
experience.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 50 Packet Pg. 64 of 828
1. Introduction 40
PHASE 3:
RECOMMENDED PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
This phase sought feedback on draft project and program concepts through focus group meetings (3), committee
meetings (3), commission meetings (2), a public workshop, tabling and public events, online interactive map
feedback and electronic feedback submissions. Appendix D: Phase 3 – Recommended Project & Programs
Community Engagement Summary summarizes Phase 3 community engagement efforts.
Discussions with focus groups, commission and committee members highlighted concerns about the cost
and return on investment on bikeways on “Big Streets.” There appeared to be consensus on the need for
micromobility supporting infrastructure, pedestrian-oriented streets, implementation of bike boulevards, Quick-
Build projects, wayfinding, and, most importantly, safety enhancements.
A joint workshop for the 2026 BPTP and South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity5 project was held at the Mitchell
Park Community Center. Key takeaways included strong support for expanding the pedestrian toolbox with
features such as pedestrian beacons, pedestrian-only zones, raised crossings, wider sidewalks, permanent
wayfinding, and improved bike parking. Feedback on separated bikeway was mixed.
In addition to in-person events, an online interactive map and feedback form were made available on the
project website. The map tool collected over 400 public comments, with 40 percent expressing support for
improvements along corridors like Homer Avenue, Channing Avenue, Quarry Road, Charleston Road, and Oregon
Expressway. Some (13%) raised concerns about specific treatments, while 24 percent opposed certain proposals,
particularly where they could impact vehicle traffic—such as on San Antonio Road, Middlefield Road, and
Embarcadero Road. Several commenters suggested leveraging creek corridors for non-motorized transportation.
The feedback form received over 100 responses, which largely supported making Palo Alto more bike- and
pedestrian-friendly but also raised concerns about the safety and practicality of certain proposed projects,
particularly those involving busy arterial roads and parking removal.
5 City of Palo Alto. South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Accessed from www.paloalto.gov/bikepedcrossings
Key Themes from Phase 3:
• Mixed reactions to “Big Streets” projects while they provide direct connections, many questioned their
overall return on investment.
• Strong call for a clearer prioritization framework that accounts for real-world constraints.
• Desire for more pedestrian-focused recommendations.
• Emphasis on improving overall network connectivity and cohesion.
• Support for non-infrastructure strategies such as education, policy tools, funding mechanisms, and
planning for emerging mobility modes.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 51 Packet Pg. 65 of 828
41
PHASE 4:
PLAN ADOPTION
The final phase involved presenting the draft 2026 BPTP Update to committees, commissions and Council for
review and adoption.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 52 Packet Pg. 66 of 828
2. Existing Facilities 42
2.
EXISTING FACILITIES
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 53 Packet Pg. 67 of 828
43
This chapter provides an overview of walking and biking in Palo Alto and presents relevant demographic data,
existing walking and biking infrastructure, the High Injury Bicycle and Pedestrian Network, and the results of the
bicycle level of traffic stress analysis. This inventory and analysis of existing conditions sets the stage for identifying
pedestrian and bicycle needs and informs the prioritization process and network recommendations.
A pedestrian is someone traveling on foot along sidewalks, crosswalks, or pathways. This also includes individuals
using assistive devices such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs. A bicyclist is a person riding a bicycle, which may
include pedal-powered bicycles, electric bicycles (e-bikes) with pedal-assist or throttle features, and adaptive
bicycles such as hand-cycles or tricycles. Shared micromobility refers to the use of small, low-speed vehicles like
bicycles and scooters that are available for public rental on a short-term basis.
2.1 Existing Pedestrian Facilities
Facilities that support people walking include sidewalks, shared-use paths, and trails, as well as crossing facilities
such as curb ramps and marked crosswalks. Amenities such as street furniture, pedestrian-scale lighting,
pedestrian-oriented wayfinding, shade, benches, water fountains, and landscaping also serve to support and
create an environment that is convenient and inviting for people walking.
Sidewalk on Hamilton Avenue.
Source: Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Marked crosswalks and curb ramps at University
Avenue and Ramona Street.
Source: Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 54 Packet Pg. 68 of 828
2. Existing Facilities 44
Sidewalk shade on University Avenue.
Source: Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Pedestrian-oriented wayfinding signage on Hamilton
Avenue.
Source: Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Sidewalks are generally provided throughout Palo Alto on its arterial and residential streets, providing walking
connectivity to destinations such as schools, parks, retail, and transit. However, there are some gaps in the
sidewalk network, including around key walking destinations such as rail and bus rapid transit stops. For
example, the presence of sidewalk gaps along Palo Alto Avenue (near Palo Alto Transit Station) and along San
Antonio Road (near San Antonio Transit Station) affect the directness and convenience of walking to and from
high quality transit service. In addition, some neighborhoods may lack complete sidewalk networks on their
residential streets, such as those within proximity of San Antonio Transit Station.
Marked crosswalks are provided at signalized and unsignalized intersections in the City. However, there are
locations where consistent marked crosswalks are lacking. For example, at-grade arterials and expressways which
bisect the City can have marked crosswalks that are limited and distant from one another. In addition, some
signalized intersections do not provide marked crosswalks at all four legs, requiring pedestrians to undertake a
three-stage crossing; for example, this condition occurs in proximity of Palo Alto Transit Station. Some signalized
intersections also lack pedestrian crossing signals especially in key commercial areas like Downtown Palo Alto.
The unsignalized intersections of side streets at arterial streets often lack marked crosswalks in any direction; for
example, this condition is present near California Avenue Transit Station along streets such as Page Mill Road,
California Avenue, and El Camino Real.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 55 Packet Pg. 69 of 828
45
2.2 Existing Bicycle Facilities
Facilities that support people bicycling include bike lanes, bike boulevards, separated bikeway, shared-use paths,
and trails, as well as crossing facilities such as protected intersections and conflict zone markings. Amenities
such as bicycle parking, bicycle-oriented wayfinding, and bicycle signals also serve to support and create an
environment that is convenient and inviting for people bicycling.
The City of Palo Alto has been a pioneer in developing bicycle facilities, having
implemented the first Bicycle Boulevard in the United States on Bryant Street in the
1970s. The corridor is named in honor of Ellen Fletcher, a longtime councilwoman
and former Palo Alto Vice-Mayor who helped transform the City into a nationally
recognized bike-friendly community through her persistent advocacy.
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) defines four classes of bicycle facilities: Class I, II, III, and
IV, as illustrated in Image 7. In addition to these statewide classifications, the City of Palo Alto uses further sub-
classifications: Class IIa – standard bike lanes, Class IIb – buffered bike lanes, Class IIIa – bike routes, and Class IIIb
– bike boulevards.
Image 7: Types of Bicycle Facilities
Source: Caltrans, Toward an Active California, State Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, 2017.
Note: A pedestrian or bicycle facility is any infrastructure designed to support, enhance, and encourage bicycle use by improving the safety and convenience for pedestrians or bicyclists.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 56 Packet Pg. 70 of 828
2. Existing Facilities 46
Table 4: Existing Bicycle Network in 2012 vs 2025
FACILITY TYPE 2012 2025
Class I Multi-Use Path 13.9 11.7
Class II Bike Lane 33.2 34.6
Class II Buffered Bike Lane 3.3
Class III Shared Lane 8.0 12.6
Class III Bicycle Boulevard 4.2 7.1
Class IV Separated Bikeway*4.3
TOTAL 59.3 73.5
Source: 2012 BPTP
Note: Includes the recently constructed El Camino Real separated bikeway.
2012 lane mile data is sourced from the 2012 BPTP; 2025 lane mileage is calculated using the 2025 roadway centerline file. The Class I length has not decreased between 2012 and 2025—differences are due only to the calculation method.
Figure 3 illustrates the existing bikeway network in Palo Alto and surrounding jurisdictions. In 2012, the City had
59.3 miles of bikeways. Since then, approximately 14 miles have been added, bringing the total to 73.5 miles as
of 2025. Notably, there were no Class II buffered or Class IV separated bikeway in 2012; today, the City boasts
3.3 miles of buffered bike lanes and 4.3 miles of separated bikeways. Table 4 includes comparison between 2012
bicycle network mileage with existing network in 2025.
2.2.1 EXISTING DOWNTOWN BICYCLE PARKING FACILITIES
In December 2024, a team conducted a comprehensive inventory of bicycle parking facilities along University
Avenue, Hamilton Avenue, and Lytton Avenue between Middlefield Road and the Palo Alto Downtown Caltrain
Station. Figure 4 shows the distribution of bicycle parking locations within this area. The team identified a
total of 142 locations, providing capacity for up to 679 bicycles in a variety of rack types, including inverted U –
circular, inverted U - rectangle, series inverted U, elevated racks, wave racks, and lockers.
High utilization was observed at many locations, particularly near University Avenue and the Caltrain Station.
Most bike parking is conveniently located on or near sidewalks. However, some individuals were observed
securing bicycles to sign poles or trees, likely for convenience or due to limited availability. The detailed
observation and analysis from the bicycle parking survey is presented in Appendix E: Bicycle Parking Data
Collection Summary.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 57 Packet Pg. 71 of 828
47
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!s
!s
!s
!s
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
Middl
e
f
i
e
l
d
R
d
Alma
S
t
Brya
n
t
S
t
Ham
i
l
t
o
n
A
v
e
Univ
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
Lytt
o
n
A
v
e
Add
i
s
o
n
A
v
e
New
e
l
l
R
d
Channing Ave
Sand
H
i
l
l
R
d
Cowp
e
r
S
t
Embarcad
e
r
o
R
d
Louis
R
d
Oreg
o
n
E
x
p
y
Cali
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Cali
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Pag
e
M
i
l
l
R
d
Colora
d
o
A
v
e
Loma
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
Meado
w
D
r
El D
o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Charle
s
t
o
n
R
d
Fa
b
i
a
n
W
y
San Antonio Rd
Bay
s
h
o
r
e
R
d
Gree
r
R
d
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Los
R
o
b
l
e
s
A
v
e
Wilkie
W
y
Ara
s
t
r
a
d
e
r
o
R
d
Footh
i
l
l
E
x
p
y
Han
o
v
e
r
S
t
Hil
l
v
i
e
w
A
v
e
Junipero Serra Blvd
Sta
n
f
o
r
d
A
v
e
Ross
R
d
Mat
a
d
e
r
o
A
v
e
May
b
e
l
l
A
v
e
Hom
e
r
A
v
e
Color
a
d
o
A
v
e
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Miller
A
v
e
Centra
l
E
x
p
y
Middlefield Rd
King
s
l
e
y
A
v
e
EAST
PALO ALTOMENLO
PARK
STANFORD
UNIVERSITY
LOS
ALTOS
MOUNTAIN
VIEW
LOS ALTOS
HILLS
Byxbee Park
Mitchell
Park
Hoover
Park
Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve
Greer
Park
Eleanor
Pardee
Park
Ramos
Park
Robles
Park
Bol
Park
Alta Mesa
Memorial
Park
Rinconada
Park
Baylands
Nature
Preserve
Palo Alto
High
School
Gunn
High
School
JLS
Middle
School
Greene
Middle
School
Fletcher
Middle
School
Walter Hays
Elementary
Duveneck
Elementary
Ohlone
Elementary
El Carmelo
Elementary
Palo Verde
Elementary
Addison
Elementary
Hoover
Elementary
Greendell
School
Juana
Briones
Elementary
Barron
Park
Elementary
Palo Alto
Caltrain
California Ave
Caltrain
San Antonio
Caltrain
Menlo Park
Caltrain Palo Alto
Airport
Mata
d
e
r
o
C
r
e
e
k
Barro
n
C
r
e
e
k
Adobe
C
r
e
e
k
Sea
l
e
A
v
e
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
EAST
PALO ALTO
MENLO
PARK
STANFORD
UNIVERSITY
LOS
ALTOS
MOUNTAIN
VIEW
LOS ALTOS
HILLS
PALO ALTO
PORTOLA
VALLEY
F
Class I - Shared Use Path
Class IIa - Bike Lane
Class IIb - Buffered Bike Lane
Class IIIa - Bike Route
Class IIIb - Bike Boulevard
Class IV - Separated Bikeway
Trail
!f Ped/Bike Bridge
!s Ped/Bike Underpass
City of Palo Alto
Park/Open Space
School/University
Commercial Center
Railroad
Caltrain Station
Library
Community Center
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC, Kittelson
0 1 2
Miles
As of 9/1/2025
Figure 3: Existing Bicycle Facilities Map Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 58 Packet Pg. 72 of 828
48
∙þ82
M i dd
l
e
f
i
e
l
d
R
d
H am
i
l
t
o
n
A
v
e
U ni
v
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
Lyt
t
o
n
A
v
e
Add
i
s
o
n
A
v
e
H om
e
r
A
v
e
For
e
s
t
A
v
e
Eve
r
e
t
t
A
v
e
Cow
p
e
r
S
t
Wave
r
l
e
y
S
t
Brya
n
t
S
t
Eme
r
s
o
n
S
t
Al ma
S
t
Webs
t
e
r
S
t
Pal o Al to
Cal trai n
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
E AST
PALO ALTO
M E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
PALO ALTO
PORTOLA
VALLE Y
F
Elevated
Inverted U
Wave
Locker
Other
Study Area
City of Palo Alto
Park/Open Space
Commercial Center
Library
Caltrain Station
Railroad
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC, Kittelson
0 500 1,000
Feet
As of 9/1/2025
Figure 4: Existing Bicycle Parking Location Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 59 Packet Pg. 73 of 828
49
2.3 Walking and Biking Activity
Existing walking and biking activity data was analyzed, including travel characteristics such as the purpose of the
trip, trip duration, time of day, origin and destination, and traveler demographics. This information is used to
identify improvements that would lead to the highest return on investment.
The 2026 BPTP utilizes surveys, counts, and location-based data from Replica to understand the existing walking
and biking activity. The Spring 2023 data from Replica was included as part of this analysis for bicycle and
pedestrian trips originating within two miles of city limits.
Additional details are provided in Appendix F: Future Activity Levels and Benefits Analysis Memorandum.
Replica (Big-Data provider) uses a comprehensive modeling technique that simulates the movements of
residents, visitors, and commercial vehicles based on a synthetic population. This synthetic population
is statistically representative of our community and constructed from a blend of mobile location data,
consumer/resident data, built environment data, economic activity data, and, when available, bike and
pedestrian counts. 1
Replica uses cell phone telemetry data to determine the relative popularity of points of interest.
However, it’s important to note that this data isn’t utilized to determine the mode of transportation for
a trip. This is because the GPS-derived speed of a device lacks the precision necessary to differentiate
between modes such as bus trips and biking trips. Instead, the determination of a trip’s mode is based
on factors such as the proximity between the origin and destination, the availability of roadways
suitable for bicycles and pedestrians, as well as household and commute characteristics. These variables
collectively influence the mode choice.
Replica’s methodology allows us to explore mobility patterns with a granularity previously unattainable,
offering detailed insights into how, when, and why different population segments navigate our City. Such
detailed modeling can uncover latent needs and opportunities for infrastructure improvements that
might not be evident from traditional data sources alone.
1 For more information on Replica methodology, visit: https://documentation.replicahq.com/docs/seasonal-mobility-model-
methodology-summary-places
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 60 Packet Pg. 74 of 828
2. Existing Facilities 50
Walking Activity
Based on Replica data, the highest percentage of walking trips were associated with shopping (31%),
work (9%), and restaurant (9%) related trips. With only 7% of the population, Hispanic and Latino travelers
represent 20% of the total walking trips. With about 15% of the population, people aged 18-34 made
almost 37% of the total walk trips. The peak time for pedestrian trips occurs between 3 and 5 p.m. Most
walking trips are under 5 minutes with a mean of 11 minutes and median of 7 minutes. Most walking trips
(56%) are under 0.5-mile, and 96% of trips are under two miles. Major destinations include Stanford University
with other walking hubs in downtown, Barron Park, and Adobe Meadow/Meadow Park.
Biking Activity
Based on Replica data, the highest percentage of biking trips was associated with schools and colleges
(17%), followed by shopping (11%) and work (8%) trips. With only 7% of the population, Hispanics and
Latinos represent 20% of the total bike trips. With about 15% of the population, people aged 18-34
made almost 45% of the total bike trips. The highest percentage of trips in the morning occurs at 7 a.m.,
constituting around 11% of the overall bike trips. Over 59% of trips take place between 12 noon and 9 p.m.,
with the peak time observed at 3 p.m., representing 13% of the total bike trips. The average bike trip is 14.2
minutes, and the median travel time is 10 minutes. The average bike trip length is 2.5 miles, and 56% of trips are
less than two miles in length, 23% are between 2 and 4 miles, and 20% are over two miles.
Walking and Biking in Numbers
To assess existing walking and biking activity at key locations, 12-hour bicycle and pedestrian counts
were conducted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 32 locations citywide on both a weekday and a weekend in May
2024. The highest pedestrian activity was recorded along University Avenue on both days, followed by
Embarcadero Road and California Avenue. Pedestrian volumes were relatively consistent across the
morning, midday, and evening peak periods, with slightly higher activity observed during the morning
peak. Bicycle activity was highest along Bryant Street, particularly near Churchill Avenue. On weekdays, bicycle
volumes peaked in the morning, while weekend activity was more evenly distributed throughout the day.
2.3.2 POTENTIAL AND FUTURE ACTIVITY
Approximately 49% of all vehicle trips are less than two miles (10-minute biking distance), presenting an
opportunity for a potential transition to walking and biking. With a diverse land use mix and improved bicycle
and pedestrian infrastructure, there is a possibility to encourage a mode shift towards active transportation.
Furthermore, the City is exploring the option of shared micromobility options, and the rising popularity of
e-bikes could further assist the City in achieving its climate action goals of reducing transportation-related
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 65% below 1990 levels.
Figure 5 shows the latent demand score for walking and biking. The latent demand score is a measure of the
relative amount of walking or biking activity that would be expected on each roadway segment based on
proximity to key destinations and the quality of the existing pedestrian or bicycle facility.
The highest demand for pedestrian and bicycle facilities is around the Downtown Caltrain Station and California
Avenue Caltrain Station. This map was developed based on the key destinations and their relative usage. The
other locations with the highest demand include areas near Mitchell Park and JLS Middle School stretching west
of El Camino Real along Arastradero Road. Investing in bicycle infrastructure improvements along these roadways
would be most beneficial in serving the major activity generators.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 61 Packet Pg. 75 of 828
51
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
M i dd
l
e
f
i
e
l
d
R
d
Al ma
S
t
Brya
n
t
S
t
H am
i
l
t
o
n
A
v
e
U ni
v
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
Lyt
t
o
n
A
v
e
Add
i
s
o
n
A
v
e
N e
w
e
l
l
R
d
Channi ng Ave
San
d
H
i
l
l
R
d
Cow
p
e
r
S
t
Embarca
d
e
r
o
R
d
Lou
i
s
R
d
Ore
g
o
n
E
x
p
y
Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Pag
e
M
i
l
l
R
d
Col o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Lom
a
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
M ead
o
w
D
r
El D
o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Charl
e
s
t
o
n
R
d
Fa
b
i
a
n
W
y
San Antonio Rd
Bay
s
h
o
r
e
R
d
Gree
r
R
d
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Los
R
o
b
l
e
s
A
v
e
Wi l k
i
e
W
y
Ara
s
t
r
a
d
e
r
o
R
d
Foot
h
i
l
l
E
x
p
y
H an
o
v
e
r
S
t
H i
l
l
v
i
e
w
A
v
e
Junipero Serra Blvd
Sta
n
f
o
r
d
A
v
e
Ross
R
d
M at
a
d
e
r
o
A
v
e
M a
y
b
e
l
l
A
v
e
H om
e
r
A
v
e
Col o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
El C
a
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
M i l l e
r
A
v
e
Centr
a
l
E
x
p
y
M i d dlefield Rd
E AST
PALO ALTOM E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
Byxbee Park
M i tchel l
Park
H oover
Park
Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve
Greer
Park
El eanor
Pardee
Park
Ramos
Park
Robl es
Park
Bol
Park
Al ta M esa
M emori al
Park
Ri nconada
Park
Bayl ands
N ature
Preserve
Pal o Al to
H i gh
School
Gunn
H i gh
School
JLS
M i ddl e
School
Greene
M i ddl e
School
Fl etcher
M i ddl e
School
Wal ter H ays
El ementary
Duveneck
El ementary
Ohl one
El ementary
El Carmel o
El ementary
Pal o Verde
El ementary
Addi son
El ementary
H oover
El ementary
Greendel l
School
Juana
Bri ones
El ementary
Barron
Park
El ementary
Pal o Al to
Cal trai n
Cal i forni a Ave
Cal trai n
San Antoni o
Cal trai n
M enl o Park
Cal trai n Pal o Al to
Ai rport
Mata
d
e
r
o
C
r
e
e
k
Barro
n
C
r
e
e
k
Adobe
C
r
e
e
k
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
E AST
PALO ALTO
M E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
PALO ALTO
PORTOLA
VALLE Y
F
Low Demand
High Demand
City of Palo Alto
Park/Open Space
School/University
Commercial Center
Community Center
Library
Caltrain Station
Railroad
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC, Kittelson
0 1 2
Miles
As of 9/1/2025
Figure 5: Demand for Walking and Biking Improvements Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 62 Packet Pg. 76 of 828
2. Existing Facilities 52
2.4 Barriers to Walking and Biking
Barriers to safely and comfortably walking and biking in Palo Alto can take many forms, such as:
• Linear barriers, including freeways/highways, water bodies, and rail lines that lack comfortable crossings.
• Gaps in pedestrian facilities, including sidewalks, curb ramps, crosswalk markings, and signals, or the street
network itself (e.g., disconnected cul-de-sacs).
Major barriers in Palo Alto were analyzed to determine where people may need to take detours and increase the
length of their walking and biking trips. This assessment is summarized below, with additional details provided in
Appendix G: Major Barriers Analysis Memorandum.
Linear barriers in Palo Alto consist of the following, as illustrated in Figure 6:
• Freeways and highways – Major roadway barriers such as the Bayshore Freeway (US 101), which provides
limited crossing opportunities at bicycle and pedestrian bridge at Adobe Creek and Embarcadero, spaced-out
ramp locations, as well as expressways such as the Oregon Expressway which do not provide marked crossing
opportunities at several side-street intersections.
• Water bodies – Channels such as Adobe Creek or Matadero Canal cannot be crossed by an easily accessible
street or pedestrian bridge.
• Rail lines – Freight and passenger rail lines often provide few and distant crossing opportunities for all
modes, significantly increasing the distance of walking trips.
Freeways/highways, water bodies, and rail lines were analyzed to answer the following questions:
How far does someone need to walk to cross a barrier at an available crossing location? Is there a lack of
available crossings at a barrier that requires someone to travel a significant distance around that barrier?
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 63 Packet Pg. 77 of 828
53
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!s
!s
!s
!s
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
M i dd
l
e
f
i
e
l
d
R
d
Al ma
S
t
Brya
n
t
S
t
H am
i
l
t
o
n
A
v
e
U ni
v
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
Lyt
t
o
n
A
v
e
Add
i
s
o
n
A
v
e
N e
w
e
l
l
R
d
Channi ng Ave
San
d
H
i
l
l
R
d
Cow
p
e
r
S
t
Embarca
d
e
r
o
R
d
Lou
i
s
R
d
Ore
g
o
n
E
x
p
y
Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Pag
e
M
i
l
l
R
d
Col o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Lom
a
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
M ead
o
w
D
r
El D
o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Charl
e
s
t
o
n
R
d
Fa
b
i
a
n
W
y
San Antonio Rd
Bay
s
h
o
r
e
R
d
Gree
r
R
d
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Los
R
o
b
l
e
s
A
v
e
Wi l k
i
e
W
y
Ara
s
t
r
a
d
e
r
o
R
d
Foot
h
i
l
l
E
x
p
y
H an
o
v
e
r
S
t
H i
l
l
v
i
e
w
A
v
e
Junipero Serra Blvd
Sta
n
f
o
r
d
A
v
e
Ross
R
d
M at
a
d
e
r
o
A
v
e
M a
y
b
e
l
l
A
v
e
H om
e
r
A
v
e
Col o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
El C
a
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
M i l l e
r
A
v
e
Centr
a
l
E
x
p
y
M i d dlefield Rd
E AST
PALO ALTOM E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
Byxbee Park
M i tchel l
Park
H oover
Park
Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve
Greer
Park
El eanor
Pardee
Park
Ramos
Park
Robl es
Park
Bol
Park
Al ta M esa
M emori al
Park
Ri nconada
Park
Bayl ands
N ature
Preserve
Pal o Al to
H i gh
School
Gunn
H i gh
School
JLS
M i ddl e
School
Greene
M i ddl e
School
Fl etcher
M i ddl e
School
Wal ter H ays
El ementary
Duveneck
El ementary
Ohl one
El ementary
El Carmel o
El ementary
Pal o Verde
El ementary
Addi son
El ementary
H oover
El ementary
Greendel l
School
Juana
Bri ones
El ementary
Barron
Park
El ementary
Pal o Al to
Cal trai n
Cal i forni a Ave
Cal trai n
San Antoni o
Cal trai n
M enl o Park
Cal trai n Pal o Al to
Ai rport
Mata
d
e
r
o
C
r
e
e
k
Barro
n
C
r
e
e
k
Adobe
C
r
e
e
k
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
E AST
PALO ALTO
M E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
PALO ALTO
PORTOLA
VALLE Y
F
Rail Barrier
Freeway/Highway
Barrier
Waterway Barrier
High Traffic
Roadway Barrier
!f Ped/Bike Bridge
!s Ped/Bike
Underpass
City of Palo Alto
Park/Open Space
School/University
Commercial
Center
Community Center
Library
Railroad
Caltrain Station
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC, Kittelson
0 1 2
Miles
As of 9/1/2025
Figure 6: Linear Barriers Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 64 Packet Pg. 78 of 828
2. Existing Facilities 54
Note that the linear barriers assessment specifically focuses on freeways/highways, water bodies, and rail lines,
and does not assess major streets which can be stressful for walking and bicycling and serve as barriers. This
assessment found that a number of linear barriers affect the convenience of walking and bicycling in Palo Alto:
• A lack of consistently available crossing opportunities across Highway 101 results in noticeable detours
for walking trips. The most significant gap in crossing opportunities occurs between the two walking and
bicycling bridges over the highway, limiting access to the Adobe Creek Loop Trail.
• People walking and bicycling may need to divert and increase their trip lengths to pass around Adobe Creek,
especially to the south. This highest level of diversions occur in the area between the Los Altos-Palo Alto Bike
Path and the Foothill Expressway, where the creek runs between the Alta Mesa Memorial Park to the west
and residences to the east.
• Crossing Matadero Canal may require detours that approximately double the walking or bicycling trip
distance, which can be increased due to the presence of the rail line.
• There are multiple areas along the rail line where substantial walking and bicycling diversions are required
for crossing. These include the approximately 0.65-mile gap between the Churchill Avenue and California
Avenue crossings and the approximately 1.3-mile gap between the California Avenue and Meadow Drive
crossings in south Palo Alto.
Barriers to transit access consisting of gaps in pedestrian facilities and street network connectivity were assessed
in the areas surrounding the City’s rail stations and high-frequency bus stops, as shown in Figure 7. Gaps in safe
and convenient walking access to high-quality transit vary throughout the City:
• Near the Palo Alto Station, Palo Alto Transit Center, and El Camino Real/Embarcadero Road bus stops,
barriers to transit access consist of channelized turn lanes, crossing locations with missing marked
crosswalks, and sidewalk gaps, including longer segments where a sidewalk is only provided on one side of
the street.
• Near the California Avenue Station and El Camino Real/California Avenue bus stops, barriers to transit access
include missing crosswalks, sidewalks (south side of the California Avenue Caltrain Station parking lot), and a
channelized turn-turn lane at the intersection of El Camino Real and Page Mill Road.
• Near the San Antonio Station and El Camino Real/Charleston Road bus stops, barriers to transit access
primarily consists of a lack of sidewalks in residential neighborhoods and along a portion of San Antonio
Road.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 65 Packet Pg. 79 of 828
55
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U
®¯U
®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U
®¯U
®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U
®¯U
®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
M i dd
l
e
f
i
e
l
d
R
d
Al ma
S
t
Brya
n
t
S
t
H am
i
l
t
o
n
A
v
e
U ni
v
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
Lyt
t
o
n
A
v
e
Add
i
s
o
n
A
v
e
N e
w
e
l
l
R
d
Channi ng Ave
San
d
H
i
l
l
R
d
Cow
p
e
r
S
t
Embarca
d
e
r
o
R
d
Lou
i
s
R
d
Ore
g
o
n
E
x
p
y
Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Pag
e
M
i
l
l
R
d
Col o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Lom
a
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
M ead
o
w
D
r
El D
o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Charl
e
s
t
o
n
R
d
Fa
b
i
a
n
W
y
San Antonio Rd
Bay
s
h
o
r
e
R
d
Gree
r
R
d
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Los
R
o
b
l
e
s
A
v
e
Wi l k
i
e
W
y
Ara
s
t
r
a
d
e
r
o
R
d
Foot
h
i
l
l
E
x
p
y
H an
o
v
e
r
S
t
H i
l
l
v
i
e
w
A
v
e
Junipero Serra Blvd
Sta
n
f
o
r
d
A
v
e
Ross
R
d
M at
a
d
e
r
o
A
v
e
M a
y
b
e
l
l
A
v
e
H om
e
r
A
v
e
Col o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
El C
a
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
M i l l e
r
A
v
e
Centr
a
l
E
x
p
y
M i d dlefield Rd
E AST
PALO ALTOM E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
Byxbee Park
M i tchel l
Park
H oover
Park
Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve
Greer
Park
El eanor
Pardee
Park
Ramos
Park
Robl es
Park
Bol
Park
Al ta M esa
M emori al
Park
Ri nconada
Park
Bayl ands
N ature
Preserve
Pal o Al to
H i gh
School
Gunn
H i gh
School
JLS
M i ddl e
School
Greene
M i ddl e
School
Fl etcher
M i ddl e
School
Wal ter H ays
El ementary
Duveneck
El ementary
Ohl one
El ementary
El Carmel o
El ementary
Pal o Verde
El ementary
Addi son
El ementary
H oover
El ementary
Greendel l
School
Juana
Bri ones
El ementary
Barron
Park
El ementary
Pal o Al to
Cal trai n
Cal i forni a Ave
Cal trai n
San Antoni o
Cal trai n
M enl o Park
Cal trai n Pal o Al to
Ai rport
Mata
d
e
r
o
C
r
e
e
k
Barro
n
C
r
e
e
k
Adobe
C
r
e
e
k
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U
®¯U
®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U
®¯U
®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U
®¯U
®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U
®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U®¯U __`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
E AST
PALO ALTO
M E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
PALO ALTO
PORTOLA
VALLE Y
F
Caltrain Station
®¯U Rapid Bus Stop
Rail Station Half-Mile Buffer
Rapid Bus Stop Quarter-Mile Buffer
Railroad
City of Palo Alto
Park/Open Space
School/University
Commercial Center
Community Center
Library
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC, VTA, Kittelson
0 1 2
Miles
As of 9/1/2025
Figure 7: Transit Barrier Study Areas Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 66 Packet Pg. 80 of 828
2. Existing Facilities 56
2.5 Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress
Bicycle level of traffic stress (LTS) is a rating given to a road segment or crossing indicating the traffic stress it
imposes on bicyclists. Levels of traffic stress range from 1 to 4 with LTS 1 indicating low stress facility and LTS 4
indicating a high stress facility, as shown in Image 6.
Image 8: Relationship between LTS and Comfort
The segment analysis considers roadway functional classification, vehicle volume, posted or prevailing vehicle
speeds, number of vehicle lanes, the presence of on-street parking, and vehicle parking and bicycle lane widths.
Figure 8 shows the LTS results from segment analysis. Streets with the highest stress levels or least comfortable
conditions for bicyclists are typically those with narrow bike lanes (less than 5.5 feet), higher speeds (over 35
mph), multiple travel lanes, and adjacent on-street parking. Based on these criteria, the most stressful segments
were identified along Alma Street between Embarcadero Road and San Antonio Road, Oregon Expressway
between the US 101 ramps and El Camino Real, San Antonio Road between Casey Avenue (Mountain View) and
Alma Street, and Foothill Expressway between Page Mill Road and the eastern city limit.
The crossing analysis considers the right-turn lane configuration and length, bike lane approach, vehicle turning
speeds, and the presence of a median refuge. Among the 1,233 intersections, 139 are signalized and are
assigned LTS 1 as traffic signals do not create a barrier and provide a protected way across. The remaining low
stress intersections are typically located on residential streets characterized by low speeds and minimal vehicular
activity. Notably, the corridors with the highest stress levels, including El Camino Real, Alma Street, San Antonio
Road, and Oregon Expressway, are associated with the majority of high stress intersections. Figure 9 shows
the LTS results from the crossing analysis. Detailed LTS methodology and evaluation summary is presented in
Appendix H: Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress Memorandum.
LTS 1
California Avenue in front
Greene Middle School
LTS 2
Hanover Street
near Page Mill Road
LTS 3
Meadow Drive
near Wilkie Way
LTS 4
San Antonio Road
near Leghorn Streets
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 67 Packet Pg. 81 of 828
57
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
M i dd
l
e
f
i
e
l
d
R
d
Al ma
S
t
Brya
n
t
S
t
H am
i
l
t
o
n
A
v
e
U ni
v
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
Lyt
t
o
n
A
v
e
Add
i
s
o
n
A
v
e
N e
w
e
l
l
R
d
Channi ng Ave
San
d
H
i
l
l
R
d
Cow
p
e
r
S
t
Embarca
d
e
r
o
R
d
Lou
i
s
R
d
Ore
g
o
n
E
x
p
y
Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Pag
e
M
i
l
l
R
d
Col o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Lom
a
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
M ead
o
w
D
r
El D
o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Charl
e
s
t
o
n
R
d
Fa
b
i
a
n
W
y
San Antonio Rd
Bay
s
h
o
r
e
R
d
Gree
r
R
d
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Los
R
o
b
l
e
s
A
v
e
Wi l k
i
e
W
y
Ara
s
t
r
a
d
e
r
o
R
d
Foot
h
i
l
l
E
x
p
y
H an
o
v
e
r
S
t
H i
l
l
v
i
e
w
A
v
e
Junipero Serra Blvd
Sta
n
f
o
r
d
A
v
e
Ross
R
d
M at
a
d
e
r
o
A
v
e
M a
y
b
e
l
l
A
v
e
H om
e
r
A
v
e
Col o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
El C
a
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
M i l l e
r
A
v
e
Centr
a
l
E
x
p
y
M i d dlefield Rd
E AST
PALO ALTOM E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
Byxbee Park
M i tchel l
Park
H oover
Park
Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve
Greer
Park
El eanor
Pardee
Park
Ramos
Park
Robl es
Park
Bol
Park
Al ta M esa
M emori al
Park
Ri nconada
Park
Bayl ands
N ature
Preserve
Pal o Al to
H i gh
School
Gunn
H i gh
School
JLS
M i ddl e
School
Greene
M i ddl e
School
Fl etcher
M i ddl e
School
Wal ter H ays
El ementary
Duveneck
El ementary
Ohl one
El ementary
El Carmel o
El ementary
Pal o Verde
El ementary
Addi son
El ementary
H oover
El ementary
Greendel l
School
Juana
Bri ones
El ementary
Barron
Park
El ementary
Pal o Al to
Cal trai n
Cal i forni a Ave
Cal trai n
San Antoni o
Cal trai n
M enl o Park
Cal trai n Pal o Al to
Ai rport
Mata
d
e
r
o
C
r
e
e
k
Barro
n
C
r
e
e
k
Adobe
C
r
e
e
k
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
E AST
PALO ALTO
M E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
PALO ALTO
PORTOLA
VALLE Y
F
LTS 1 (Most Comfortable)
LTS 2
LTS 3
LTS 4 (Least Comfortable)
City of Palo Alto
Park/Open Space
School/University
Commercial Center
Community Center
Library
Caltrain Stop
Railroad
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC, Kittelson
0 1 2
Miles
Note: Split lines are only used for roadways
with different conditions per direction (for
example: bike lane in only one direction or
parking only on one side), otherwise all roads
are shown with only a centerline.
As of 9/1/2025
Figure 8: Segment LTS Results Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 68 Packet Pg. 82 of 828
58
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
M i dd
l
e
f
i
e
l
d
R
d
Al ma
S
t
Brya
n
t
S
t
H am
i
l
t
o
n
A
v
e
U ni
v
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
Lyt
t
o
n
A
v
e
Add
i
s
o
n
A
v
e
N e
w
e
l
l
R
d
Channi ng Ave
San
d
H
i
l
l
R
d
Cow
p
e
r
S
t
Embarca
d
e
r
o
R
d
Lou
i
s
R
d
Ore
g
o
n
E
x
p
y
Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Pag
e
M
i
l
l
R
d
Col o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Lom
a
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
M ead
o
w
D
r
El D
o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Charl
e
s
t
o
n
R
d
Fa
b
i
a
n
W
y
San Antonio Rd
Bay
s
h
o
r
e
R
d
Gree
r
R
d
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Los
R
o
b
l
e
s
A
v
e
Wi l k
i
e
W
y
Ara
s
t
r
a
d
e
r
o
R
d
Foot
h
i
l
l
E
x
p
y
H an
o
v
e
r
S
t
H i
l
l
v
i
e
w
A
v
e
Junipero Serra Blvd
Sta
n
f
o
r
d
A
v
e
Ross
R
d
M at
a
d
e
r
o
A
v
e
M a
y
b
e
l
l
A
v
e
H om
e
r
A
v
e
Col o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
El C
a
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
M i l l e
r
A
v
e
Centr
a
l
E
x
p
y
M i d dlefield Rd
E AST
PALO ALTOM E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
Byxbee Park
M i tchel l
Park
H oover
Park
Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve
Greer
Park
El eanor
Pardee
Park
Ramos
Park
Robl es
Park
Bol
Park
Al ta M esa
M emori al
Park
Ri nconada
Park
Bayl ands
N ature
Preserve
Pal o Al to
H i gh
School
Gunn
H i gh
School
JLS
M i ddl e
School
Greene
M i ddl e
School
Fl etcher
M i ddl e
School
Wal ter H ays
El ementary
Duveneck
El ementary
Ohl one
El ementary
El Carmel o
El ementary
Pal o Verde
El ementary
Addi son
El ementary
H oover
El ementary
Greendel l
School
Juana
Bri ones
El ementary
Barron
Park
El ementary
Pal o Al to
Cal trai n
Cal i forni a Ave
Cal trai n
San Antoni o
Cal trai n
M enl o Park
Cal trai n Pal o Al to
Ai rport
Mata
d
e
r
o
C
r
e
e
k
Barro
n
C
r
e
e
k
Adobe
C
r
e
e
k
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
E AST
PALO ALTO
M E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
PALO ALTO
PORTOLA
VALLE Y
F
LTS 1 (Most Comfortable)
LTS 2
LTS 3
LTS 4 (Least Comfortable)
City of Palo Alto
Park/Open Space
School/University
Commercial Center
Community Center
Library
Caltrain Station
Railroad
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC, Kittelson
0 1 2
Miles
As of 9/1/2025
Figure 9: Intersection LTS Results Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 69 Packet Pg. 83 of 828
59
2.6 Collision Analysis
Analyzing pedestrian- and bicyclist-involved collisions helps understand the location, severity, circumstances, and
timing of collisions affecting people walking and biking. Recent collision data from 2018 to 2022 was analyzed
to help determine the streets and types of improvements that should be prioritized to make it safer for people
walking and biking. This assessment is summarized below, with additional details provided in Appendix I:
Collision and Safety Analysis Memorandum.
Table 3 presents an overview of the five-year collision data. For the five years under review, a total of 104
pedestrian and 257 bicycle collisions were reported in the City of Palo Alto, with three collisions involving both
pedestrians and bicyclists. Around 12%, or 12, of the pedestrian collisions resulted in a fatality (3 collisions)
or severe injury (9 collisions). Around 5%, or 13, of the bicycle collisions resulted in a fatality (one collision) or
severe injury (12 collisions). These collisions are organized by year and by severity in Figure 10 and Figure 11;
they are mapped by severity in Figure 12 and Figure 13.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 70 Packet Pg. 84 of 828
2. Existing Facilities 60
Key pedestrian and bicycle collision trends are summarized below:
• Severity: Collisions involving people walking or biking were more likely to result in an injury or a fatality
compared to motor vehicle collisions. Approximately 12% of pedestrian collisions and 5% of bicycle collisions
resulted in a fatality or severe injury.
• Temporal Trends: The number of pedestrian and bicycle collisions has been decreasing over the most recent
five-year period (2018-2022) likeley reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on traffic patterns.
• Bicycle Collision Types: The most commonly-cited collision types for bicyclist-involved collisions were
broadside collisions (61%) followed by sideswipe collisions (13%). For fatal and severe injury bicycle collisions
specifically, the most common collision types were broadside collisions (54%), followed by head-on and hit
object collisions (15% each).
• Pedestrian Collision Factors: The most commonly-cited primary collision factors (PCFs) for pedestrian-
involved collisions were pedestrian right of way (51%) followed by pedestrian violation and improper turning
(13% each).2 For fatal and severe injury pedestrian collisions specifically, the most common PCFs were
pedestrian violation at (42%), improper turning (25%), and pedestrian right of way at (17%).
• Bicycle Collision Factors: The most commonly-cited PCFs for bicycle-involved collisions were improper
turning (21%), automobile right of way (19%), and riding on the wrong side of the road (13%). For fatal and
severe injury bicycle collisions specifically, the most common PCFs were improper turning and traffic signals
and signs (23% each).3
An analysis of the collision data and Palo Alto’s roadway network was conducted to identify a set of bicycle
and pedestrian high-injury streets, together called a High-Injury Network (HIN). For the 2026 BPTP, the Bicycle
HIN is defined as the top 10 roadway segments with the highest concentration of bicycle collisions, weighted
by severity. Similarly, the Pedestrian HIN is defined as the roadway segments with the highest concentration of
pedestrian collisions. Note, the Palo Alto Safety Action Plan also identifies an HIN which accounts for collisions
involving all travel modes, including collisions involving motor vehicles only. The bicycle and pedestrian HIN
constitutes the worst-performing street segments based on both the frequency and the severity of collisions
involving people walking and biking. The bicycle HIN and pedestrian HIN are shown in Figure 14.
Bicycle HIN Includes Pedestrian HIN Includes
• Wilton Ave between Park Blvd and El Camino Real • High St between Lytton Ave and Channing Ave
• W Meadow Dr between Alma St and El Camino Way • Quarry Rd between El Camino Real & Vineyard Ln
• Alma St between Meadow Dr and El Verano Ave • El Dorado Ave between Alma St & Cowper St
• Gailen Ave between Bibbits Dr and Grove Ave • South Ct between Oregon Expy & Matadero Creek
• Quarry Rd between El Camino Real and Welch Rd • Hamilton Ave between Alma St and Guinda St
• Hamilton Ave between Alma St and Guinda St • California Ave between Park Blvd and Hanover St
• Melville Ave between Channing Ave & Embarcadero Rd • Waverly St between Lytton Ave and Churchill Ave
• California Ave between Park Blvd and Hanover St • Charleston Rd between Alma St & San Antonio Rd
• Charleston Rd between Alma St and Embarcadero Rd • University Ave between Alma St & Woodland Ave
• E Meadow Dr between Fabian Way and Alma St • Loma Verde Ave between Alma St & Bayshore Rd
2 Pedestrian Right-of-Way Violation – Occurs when a driver fails to yield to a pedestrian who has the legal right-of-way, such as at a
marked or unmarked crosswalk (CVC §21950).
Pedestrian Violation – Refers to instances where a pedestrian fails to follow traffic laws, such as crossing outside of a crosswalk (CVC
§§21954, 21955).
Improper Turning – Describes a collision caused by a motorist making a left or right turn that violates traffic regulations, such as turning
from the wrong lane or failing to yield appropriately (CVC §§22100–22101).
3 Traffic Signals and Signs - describes a party disobeying a traffic control device, such as a traffic signal or roadside sign (CVC §§38280-
38302).
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 71 Packet Pg. 85 of 828
61
Table 5: Collision Data Summary (2018-2022)
PARTIES INVOLVED FATAL SEVERE INJURY MODERATE INJURY MINOR INJURY REPORTED TOTAL
Pedestrian 3 (2.9%)9 (8.7%)49 (47.1%)43 (41.3%)104
Bicyclist 1 (0.4%)12 (4.7%)175 (68.1%)69 (26.8%)257
Source: Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) data from January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2022
Figure 10: Total Number of Pedestrian Collisions by Year and Severity
Figure 11: Total Number of Bicycle Collisions by Year and Severity
Source: Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) data from January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2022
Source: TIMS data from January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2022
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 72 Packet Pg. 86 of 828
62
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
M i dd
l
e
f
i
e
l
d
R
d
Al ma
S
t
Brya
n
t
S
t
H am
i
l
t
o
n
A
v
e
U ni
v
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
Lyt
t
o
n
A
v
e
Add
i
s
o
n
A
v
e
N e
w
e
l
l
R
d
Channi ng Ave
San
d
H
i
l
l
R
d
Cow
p
e
r
S
t
Embarca
d
e
r
o
R
d
Lou
i
s
R
d
Ore
g
o
n
E
x
p
y
Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Pag
e
M
i
l
l
R
d
Col o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Lom
a
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
M ead
o
w
D
r
El D
o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Charl
e
s
t
o
n
R
d
Fa
b
i
a
n
W
y
San Antonio Rd
Bay
s
h
o
r
e
R
d
Gree
r
R
d
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Los
R
o
b
l
e
s
A
v
e
Wi l k
i
e
W
y
Ara
s
t
r
a
d
e
r
o
R
d
Foot
h
i
l
l
E
x
p
y
H an
o
v
e
r
S
t
H i
l
l
v
i
e
w
A
v
e
Junipero Serra Blvd
Sta
n
f
o
r
d
A
v
e
Ross
R
d
M at
a
d
e
r
o
A
v
e
M a
y
b
e
l
l
A
v
e
H om
e
r
A
v
e
Col o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
El C
a
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
M i l l e
r
A
v
e
Centr
a
l
E
x
p
y
M i d dlefield Rd
E AST
PALO ALTOM E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
Byxbee Park
M i tchel l
Park
H oover
Park
Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve
Greer
Park
El eanor
Pardee
Park
Ramos
Park
Robl es
Park
Bol
Park
Al ta M esa
M emori al
Park
Ri nconada
Park
Bayl ands
N ature
Preserve
Pal o Al to
H i gh
School
Gunn
H i gh
School
JLS
M i ddl e
School
Greene
M i ddl e
School
Fl etcher
M i ddl e
School
Wal ter H ays
El ementary
Duveneck
El ementary
Ohl one
El ementary
El Carmel o
El ementary
Pal o Verde
El ementary
Addi son
El ementary
H oover
El ementary
Greendel l
School
Juana
Bri ones
El ementary
Barron
Park
El ementary
Pal o Al to
Cal trai n
Cal i forni a Ave
Cal trai n
San Antoni o
Cal trai n
M enl o Park
Cal trai n Pal o Al to
Ai rport
Mata
d
e
r
o
C
r
e
e
k
Barro
n
C
r
e
e
k
Adobe
C
r
e
e
k
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
E AST
PALO ALTO
M E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
PALO ALTO
PORTOLA
VALLE Y
F
Fatal and Severe Injury
Other Injuries
City of Palo Alto
Park/Open Space
School/University
Commercial Center
Community Center
Library
Caltrain Station
Railroad
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC, Kittelson, TIMS 2018-2022
0 1 2
Miles
As of 9/1/2025
Figure 12: Pedestrian Collisions by Severity (2018 – 2022)Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 73 Packet Pg. 87 of 828
63
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
M i dd
l
e
f
i
e
l
d
R
d
Al ma
S
t
Brya
n
t
S
t
H am
i
l
t
o
n
A
v
e
U ni
v
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
Lyt
t
o
n
A
v
e
Add
i
s
o
n
A
v
e
N e
w
e
l
l
R
d
Channi ng Ave
San
d
H
i
l
l
R
d
Cow
p
e
r
S
t
Embarca
d
e
r
o
R
d
Lou
i
s
R
d
Ore
g
o
n
E
x
p
y
Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Pag
e
M
i
l
l
R
d
Col o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Lom
a
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
M ead
o
w
D
r
El D
o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Charl
e
s
t
o
n
R
d
Fa
b
i
a
n
W
y
San Antonio Rd
Bay
s
h
o
r
e
R
d
Gree
r
R
d
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Los
R
o
b
l
e
s
A
v
e
Wi l k
i
e
W
y
Ara
s
t
r
a
d
e
r
o
R
d
Foot
h
i
l
l
E
x
p
y
H an
o
v
e
r
S
t
H i
l
l
v
i
e
w
A
v
e
Junipero Serra Blvd
Sta
n
f
o
r
d
A
v
e
Ross
R
d
M at
a
d
e
r
o
A
v
e
M a
y
b
e
l
l
A
v
e
H om
e
r
A
v
e
Col o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
El C
a
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
M i l l e
r
A
v
e
Centr
a
l
E
x
p
y
M i d dlefield Rd
E AST
PALO ALTOM E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
Byxbee Park
M i tchel l
Park
H oover
Park
Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve
Greer
Park
El eanor
Pardee
Park
Ramos
Park
Robl es
Park
Bol
Park
Al ta M esa
M emori al
Park
Ri nconada
Park
Bayl ands
N ature
Preserve
Pal o Al to
H i gh
School
Gunn
H i gh
School
JLS
M i ddl e
School
Greene
M i ddl e
School
Fl etcher
M i ddl e
School
Wal ter H ays
El ementary
Duveneck
El ementary
Ohl one
El ementary
El Carmel o
El ementary
Pal o Verde
El ementary
Addi son
El ementary
H oover
El ementary
Greendel l
School
Juana
Bri ones
El ementary
Barron
Park
El ementary
Pal o Al to
Cal trai n
Cal i forni a Ave
Cal trai n
San Antoni o
Cal trai n
M enl o Park
Cal trai n Pal o Al to
Ai rport
Mata
d
e
r
o
C
r
e
e
k
Barro
n
C
r
e
e
k
Adobe
C
r
e
e
k
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
E AST
PALO ALTO
M E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
PALO ALTO
PORTOLA
VALLE Y
F
Fatal and Severe Injury
Other Injuries
City of Palo Alto
Park/Open Space
School/University
Commercial Center
Community Center
Library
Caltrain Station
Railroad
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC, Kittelson, TIMS 2018-2022
0 1 2
Miles
As of 9/1/2025
Figure 13: Bicycle Collision by Severity (2018 – 2022)Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 74 Packet Pg. 88 of 828
64
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
M i dd
l
e
f
i
e
l
d
R
d
Al ma
S
t
Brya
n
t
S
t
H am
i
l
t
o
n
A
v
e
U ni
v
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
Lyt
t
o
n
A
v
e
Add
i
s
o
n
A
v
e
N e
w
e
l
l
R
d
Channi ng Ave
San
d
H
i
l
l
R
d
Cow
p
e
r
S
t
Embarca
d
e
r
o
R
d
Lou
i
s
R
d
Ore
g
o
n
E
x
p
y
Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Pag
e
M
i
l
l
R
d
Col o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Lom
a
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
M ead
o
w
D
r
El D
o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Charl
e
s
t
o
n
R
d
Fa
b
i
a
n
W
y
San Antonio Rd
Bay
s
h
o
r
e
R
d
Gree
r
R
d
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Los
R
o
b
l
e
s
A
v
e
Wi l k
i
e
W
y
Ara
s
t
r
a
d
e
r
o
R
d
Foot
h
i
l
l
E
x
p
y
H an
o
v
e
r
S
t
H i
l
l
v
i
e
w
A
v
e
Junipero Serra Blvd
Sta
n
f
o
r
d
A
v
e
Ross
R
d
M at
a
d
e
r
o
A
v
e
M a
y
b
e
l
l
A
v
e
H om
e
r
A
v
e
Col o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
El C
a
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
M i l l e
r
A
v
e
Centr
a
l
E
x
p
y
M i d dlefield Rd
E AST
PALO ALTOM E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
Byxbee Park
M i tchel l
Park
H oover
Park
Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve
Greer
Park
El eanor
Pardee
Park
Ramos
Park
Robl es
Park
Bol
Park
Al ta M esa
M emori al
Park
Ri nconada
Park
Bayl ands
N ature
Preserve
Pal o Al to
H i gh
School
Gunn
H i gh
School
JLS
M i ddl e
School
Greene
M i ddl e
School
Fl etcher
M i ddl e
School
Wal ter H ays
El ementary
Duveneck
El ementary
Ohl one
El ementary
El Carmel o
El ementary
Pal o Verde
El ementary
Addi son
El ementary
H oover
El ementary
Greendel l
School
Juana
Bri ones
El ementary
Barron
Park
El ementary
Pal o Al to
Cal trai n
Cal i forni a Ave
Cal trai n
San Antoni o
Cal trai n
M enl o Park
Cal trai n Pal o Al to
Ai rport
Mata
d
e
r
o
C
r
e
e
k
Barro
n
C
r
e
e
k
Adobe
C
r
e
e
k
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
E AST
PALO ALTO
M E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
PALO ALTO
PORTOLA
VALLE Y
F
Bicycle High Injury Network
Pedestrian High Injury Network
City of Palo Alto
Park/Open Space
School/University
Commercial Center
Community Center
Library
Caltrain Station
Railroad
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC, Kittelson, TIMS 2018-2022
0 1 2
Miles
As of 9/1/2025
Figure 14: Bicycle and Pedestrian High Injury Network Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 75 Packet Pg. 89 of 828
65
2.7 Shared Micromobility and E-bikes
Electrification of the transportation system has expanded in various ways with the development of electric
bicycles (e-bikes) (which now out-sell electric cars in the USA) and e-scooters. The widespread use of internet-
connected mobile phones has also allowed shared mobility to take off with bike, e-bike, and e-scooter
sharing systems being implemented in cities around the world. A summary of shared micromobility and
e-bikes is presented in this section and additional information is presented in Appendix J: E-Bikes and Shared
Micromobility Memorandum.
Electric Bicycles: The State of California Department
of Motor Vehicles (DMV) defines e-bikes as “a bicycle
equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric
motor of less than 750 watts.” California Vehicle Code
§ 312.5 preempts cities from regulating e-bike traffic
provisions unless the legislature specifically authorizes
it.4 Within this definition, the DMV has established
three classes of e-bikes.
• Class 1: A low-speed, pedal-assisted electric
bicycle equipped with a motor which provides
assistance only when the rider is pedaling and
ceases to provide assistance when a speed of 20
mph is reached.
• Class 2: A low-speed, throttle-assisted electric
bicycle equipped with a motor used exclusively to
propel the bicycle and not capable of providing
assistance when a speed of 20 mph is reached.
• Class 3: A low-speed, pedal-assisted electric
bicycle equipped with a speedometer, and a
motor which provides assistance only when the
rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance
when a speed of 28 mph is reached.
4 California Vehicle Code. Defining electric bicycle classes and
standards. Accessed from https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/vehicle-
code/veh-sect-312-5/
E-bikes enable people to travel further by bicycle
and can contribute to increased mode shifts and
decongestion if they are replacing trips that would
otherwise be made by personal automobile. Studies
show that e-bike riders travel further and cycle more
often with one study from 2020 finding that after
purchasing an e-bike, riders increased their total
bicycle usage from 1.3 miles to 5.7 miles per day and
that their share of all trips made by bike increased
from 17% to 49%.
Although the advantages of e-bikes far outweigh the
disadvantages, there are some challenges that must
be addressed. E-bikes can allow users to travel at
relatively high speeds, which may present a safety risk
to e-bike users and other active transportation users
(pedestrians, traditional cyclists) around them when
there is a great speed differential. Additionally, while
e-bikes are not drastically different than traditional
bicycles, safely and effectively accommodating them
in the transportation system requires wider facilities
and additional separation to enable faster riders to
overtake slower ones. Facility recommendations and
design guidance developed for this BPTP Update
consider potential increases in bike volumes and
greater speed differential related to increases in
e-bike usage.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 76 Packet Pg. 90 of 828
2. Existing Facilities 66
Shared Micromobility: The United States Department
of Transportation Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA) defines micromobility as “any small, low-
speed, human- or electric-powered transportation
device, including bicycles, scooters, electric-assist
bicycles, electric scooters (e-scooters), and other
small, lightweight, wheeled conveyances.” Generally,
micromobility vehicles (or devices) are expected to
operate in the same road space as bicycles, using bike
lanes and paths if available, otherwise sharing the
roadway with motorists. While there is no California
statewide law specifically permitting or prohibiting
riding a bicycle on a sidewalk, the State DMV does
not allow motorized scooters to be used on sidewalks
and does not allow them to exceed 15 mph. In Palo
Alto, riding on sidewalks in the Cal Ave and Downtown
Business Districts is prohibited.5 E-scooter users under
the age of 18 must wear a helmet and users must
have a valid driver’s license.
Over the past decade, a variety of shared
micromobility systems have emerged with the most
common being shared e-scooters and e-bike share
systems. While e-bikes and e-scooters are the most
common form of micromobility, some niche forms
are emerging including e-cargo bikes, mopeds, and
neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs), although these
forms of mobility are yet to become widespread.
Advancements in technology have allowed many
systems to now use a hybrid docked and dockless
system based on geofencing. Municipalities and
operators can now designate specific zones for
parking shared micromobility vehicles, reducing the
need for docking infrastructure while still allowing the
municipality control over where vehicles can park.
5 City of Palo Alto. Bicyclist FAQs: Sharing the Road. Accessed from
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/
safe-routes-to-schools/sharing-
the-road_-bicyclist-faqs-1.pdf
California’s New Daylighting Law (AB 413) makes it
illegal to park a vehicle within 20 feet of a crosswalk
(marked or unmarked) regardless of whether the
curb is painted red. This applies only to the direction
of travel when you are approaching a crosswalk. This
provides an opportunity for the City to allow parking
of bicycles and shared micromobility.6
The City of Palo Alto adopted a one-year bicycle and
electric scooter sharing pilot program in March 2018
(City Manager Report #8546) and developed permit
guidelines for vendors to operate within the City of
Palo Alto. The City Council extended pilot program
in 2019 (Resolution #9822), in 2020 (Resolution
#9882), and in 2021 (Resolution #9914). The pilot
program implementation was initially delayed due to
staff resources and delayed further as a result of the
COVID-19 pandemic. The pilot program expired on
September 30, 2022, and other shared micromobility
partnerships have not been secured since the 37-bike
system run by Motivate was discontinued.
The City of Palo Alto began the Shared Micromobility
Feasibility Study in December 2024 to determine a
program structure that would best serve the City’s
goals for mobility, environmental sustainability,
and fiscal solvency. The recommendations from the
Feasibility Study will inform the design of a new pilot
program. As a part of the study, the City is exploring
opportunities to collaborate with neighboring
jurisdictions for a regional shared micromobility
system, including joining the Bay Wheels partnership
with MTC and Motivate (a subsidiary of Lyft). In early
2026, City staff will present recommendations to City
Council for a pilot program to be initiated in summer
of 2026.
6 California Bicycle Coalition. Nine Uses for Daylighting Space.
Accessed from https://www.calbike.org/nine-uses-for-daylighting-
space/
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 77 Packet Pg. 91 of 828
67
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 78 Packet Pg. 92 of 828
3. Recommendations 68
3.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 79 Packet Pg. 93 of 828
69
The vision for the BPTB Update includes creating a safe, comfortable bicycle and pedestrian network that can
be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. To build on the strengths of the existing bikeway network, the
recommended bikeway network is structured around two tiers: The Low-Stress Bicycle Network and the Complete
Vision Bicycle Network.
Low-Stress Bicycle Network
The Low-Stress Bicycle Network forms the foundation
for citywide bicycle connectivity, expanding on existing
low-stress routes between neighborhoods. Built
primarily around Bicycle Boulevards, this network uses
traffic-calmed local streets to provide safe, comfortable
routes through residential areas. It also includes key
connections to adjacent cities and destinations. Major
streets with separated bikeways are included on the
Low-Stress Bicycle Network only where the street
network is disconnected and major roadways are
the only way to/through a neighborhood. The City’s
near-term investments will focus on the Low-Stress
Network, closing gaps in the existing network and
providing greater access to transit and schools within
the next ten years.
Complete Vision Bicycle Network
The Complete Vision Bicycle Network represents
the long-term vision for a fully connected, all-ages-
and-abilities bikeway system. It expands the Low-
Stress Network by adding separated bikeways on
major streets, filling critical gaps and enabling direct
connections to destinations. Implementation of this
network involves more significant changes to street
design, delivering transformative improvements in
safety, access, and mobility. This network includes new
railroad crossings and connections to those longer-
term crossings.
This chapter describes the network corridor criteria, project identification and prioritization process, and
pedestrian districts and recommendations.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 80 Packet Pg. 94 of 828
3. Recommendations 70
3.1 Bicycle Network Corridor Criteria
To guide bicycle network development, the following development approach and network corridor criteria were
applied. The approach includes primary network development criteria which was further supplemented with
secondary criteria for network refinement. The detailed network corridor criteria and development approach is
provided in Appendix K: Network Corridor Criteria and Development Approach.
3.1.1 PRIMARY NETWORK DEVELOPMENT CRITERIA
The network is built on the 2012 BPTP and refined with recent planning efforts in Palo Alto and the region
including MTC Regional Active Transportation Plan; VTA Bicycle Superhighway Implementation Plan, and
SRTS suggested route maps. The first round of network development synthesized these plans into a bikeway
network where these plans align and agree, as well as identifying street segments and routes with less planning
consensus. The primary network development criteria are presented in Table 4.
Table 6: Primary Network Development Criteria
ATTRIBUTE SOURCE CRITERIA RATIONALE
2012 Plan
Network
Palo Alto 2012 Bicycle
and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan
Route included in the 2012
plan network Foundation of the plan update.
Existing Bicycle
Facility
2024 Existing Bicycle
Facilities map
Route exists today as a formal
bicycle facility
Existing routes have value by
virtue of their presence and
current use.
Palo Alto
Bicycle Map Palo Alto Bicycle Map Route included in the City
published user map.
User map published by the City of
Palo Alto, identifying bike friendly
routes today.
High Injury
Network for
Bicyclists
2024 High Injury
Network for Bicyclists
Route identified as a high
injury network street in the
2024 BPTP Collision and
Safety Analysis
Route is a potential safety hazard
today, may be enhanced to
become an important or improved
network link.
2016 Bike
Boulevard
Improvements
Project
City of Palo Alto
Bike Boulevards
Improvements Project
Route included in Bike
Boulevard Improvement
Project
Detailed planning of future bicycle
boulevard implementation offers
a more recent vetting of viable
routes.
Network
Development
Workshop
2024 Network
Development Workshop
Outcomes
Route identified on the
2024 Network Development
Workshops
Network development workshops
identified key destinations and
potential direct routes between
them.
Regional Active
Transportation
Plans
MTC Regional Active
Transportation Plan; VTA
Bicycle Superhighway
Implementation Plan
Route identified as a part of
the regional AT network or
Bicycle Superhighway Plan
Regionally significant connection
between communities.
Safe Routes to
School SRTS route maps Route identified on a SRTS
suggested route map
Important connection to schools
as a priority destination
Source: Mobycon, 2025
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 81 Packet Pg. 95 of 828
71
3.1.2 SECONDARY CRITERIA FOR NETWORK REFINEMENT
Where multiple route options exist, secondary criteria were used to support route selection and refinement.
When selecting between alternative routes the following was considered:
• More direct route to community destinations, as identified in the Community Destinations map.
• Traffic stress conditions as identified in the LTS Analysis to identify routes with more favorable existing
conditions.
• Direct alignment with high demand flows as identified in the Activity Analysis map of bicycle Origins and
Destinations.
• Routes that overcome barriers identified in the Major Barriers Analysis.
3.2 Recommended Bicycle Network and Facilities
3.2.1 BICYCLE NETWORK
Figure 15 shows the updated bikeway network and bicycle friendly zones developed using the network corridor
criteria explained in the previous section. The map extends outside the City limits to illustrate the potential
regional connections. It presents the complete vision of the bicycle network, including both the existing facilities
and the low-stress network.
Bicycle-Friendly Zones are cohesive areas with concentrations of destinations, commercial activity, and
pedestrian activity. These areas should see area-wide investment in bicycle-friendly amenities such as signal
timing and traffic calming. A bicycle friendly zone is an area where cycling is convenient, comfortable, and direct
on all of the streets within a designated area and is the preferred method of transportation. The commercial
areas around University Avenue and California Avenue are the two proposed zones in the BPTP Update. All
streets within these districts should have elements of traffic calming so that bicyclists and other micromobility
users can conveniently and comfortably share the space. Additionally, signage should be included to indicate to
people that they are in a bicycle-friendly zone.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 82 Packet Pg. 96 of 828
72
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!s
!s
!s
!s
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
Middl
e
f
i
e
l
d
R
d
Alma
S
t
Brya
n
t
S
t
Ham
i
l
t
o
n
A
v
e
Univ
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
Lytt
o
n
A
v
e
Add
i
s
o
n
A
v
e
New
e
l
l
R
d
Channing Ave
Sand
H
i
l
l
R
d
Cowp
e
r
S
t
Embarcad
e
r
o
R
d
Louis
R
d
Oreg
o
n
E
x
p
y
Cali
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Cali
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Pag
e
M
i
l
l
R
d
Colora
d
o
A
v
e
Loma
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
Meado
w
D
r
El D
o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Charle
s
t
o
n
R
d
Fa
b
i
a
n
W
y
San Antonio Rd
Bay
s
h
o
r
e
R
d
Gree
r
R
d
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Los
R
o
b
l
e
s
A
v
e
Wilkie
W
y
Ara
s
t
r
a
d
e
r
o
R
d
Footh
i
l
l
E
x
p
y
Han
o
v
e
r
S
t
Hil
l
v
i
e
w
A
v
e
Junipero Serra Blvd
Sta
n
f
o
r
d
A
v
e
Ross
R
d
Mat
a
d
e
r
o
A
v
e
May
b
e
l
l
A
v
e
Hom
e
r
A
v
e
Color
a
d
o
A
v
e
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Miller
A
v
e
Centra
l
E
x
p
y
Middlefield Rd
King
s
l
e
y
A
v
e
Sea
l
e
A
v
e
EAST
PALO ALTOMENLO
PARK
STANFORD
UNIVERSITY
LOS
ALTOS
MOUNTAIN
VIEW
LOS ALTOS
HILLS
Byxbee Park
Mitchell
Park
Hoover
Park
Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve
Greer
Park
Eleanor
Pardee
Park
Ramos
Park
Robles
Park
Bol
Park
Alta Mesa
Memorial
Park
Rinconada
Park
Baylands
Nature
Preserve
Palo Alto
High
School
Gunn
High
School
JLS
Middle
School
Greene
Middle
School
Fletcher
Middle
School
Walter Hays
Elementary
Duveneck
Elementary
Ohlone
Elementary
El Carmelo
Elementary
Palo Verde
Elementary
Addison
Elementary
Hoover
Elementary
Greendell
School
Juana
Briones
Elementary
Barron
Park
Elementary
Palo Alto
Caltrain
California Ave
Caltrain
San Antonio
Caltrain
Menlo Park
Caltrain Palo Alto
Airport
Mata
d
e
r
o
C
r
e
e
k
Barro
n
C
r
e
e
k
Adobe
C
r
e
e
k
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
EAST
PALO ALTO
MENLO
PARK
STANFORD
UNIVERSITY
LOS
ALTOS
MOUNTAIN
VIEW
PALO ALTO
PORTOLA
VALLEY
LOS ALTOS
HILLS
F
Bicycle Network
Bicycle-Friendly Zones
City of Palo Alto
!f Ped/Bike Bridge
!s Ped/Bike Underpass
Park/Open Space
School/University
Commercial Center
Community Center
Library
Caltrain Station
Railroad
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC, Kittelson, Mobycon
0 1 2
Miles
To East Palo Alto
To Menlo Park
To Mountain
View
To Los Altos
As of 9/1/2025
To Stanford
Figure 15: Recommended Bicycle Network Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 83 Packet Pg. 97 of 828
73
3.2.2 BICYCLE FACILITIES
The 2026 BPTP introduces an updated set of bicycle facility types aimed at enhancing safety and supporting
design innovations and advancements since completion of the 2012 BPTP.
Class III Bike Routes
Class III bike routes prioritize motor vehicles over
people riding bicycles and feature minimal signage
and striping. In the 2026 BPTP, the Class III Bike Route
is not proposed. Instead, bike boulevards or advisory
bike lanes are proposed to prioritize bicycling and
include traffic calming features to promote the use of
facility by users of all ages and abilities. Existing bike
routes such as Cowper Street or Oregon Avenue (see
Image 9) that are already part of the bike network
will be upgraded to either bike boulevards or advisory
bike lanes. For routes located on higher-traffic or
higher-speed streets, context-appropriate facilities are
proposed based on traffic and geometric conditions.
Sharrows
In the 1990s, sharrows were introduced as an
innovative, quick solution for creating safer cycling
infrastructure. Sharrows are pavement markings
that indicate bicycles and motor vehicles can
share the same travel lane, encouraging drivers to
accommodate bicyclists and guiding cyclists to the
safest lane position. While sharrows became widely
popular across the U.S., experience has shown that
they are not the ideal solution for safety. For bicyclists
and vehicles to safely share a lane, traffic volumes
and speeds must be low—criteria often unmet on
roads where sharrows are used today, leading to
unsafe conditions. As a result, in 2026 BPTP, sharrows
are not proposed as a bicycle facility. Roads in the
bike network with existing sharrows (Image 10) will
be upgraded to more convenient and comfortable
infrastructure, such as bike boulevards or dedicated
bike lanes.
Image 9: Existing Bike Route on Oregon Avenue
Image 10: Existing Sharrow Pavement Marking
Enhanced Bikeway Option: Floating Bicycle Lanes or Restricted Hours Bicycle Lanes
In the 2012 BPTP, enhanced bikeway options such
as a floating bicycle lane or restricted hours were
proposed and implemented to accommodate cycling
and parking needs. Since then, they have been found
to be ineffective due to non-compliance and lack
of enforcement. These enhanced bikeway options
are not included in the 2026 BPTP. Existing floating
bicycle lanes or restricted hours bicycle lanes are
upgraded to other bicycle facilities.
Image 11: Existing Restricted Hours Bicycle Lane
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 84 Packet Pg. 98 of 828
3. Recommendations 74
The 2026 BPTP proposes the six bicycle facility types illustrated and described in Image 12 and Image 13.
Image 12: Updated Bicycle Facility Types
Image 13: Bicycle Facility Types
TYPE OF FACILITY DESCRIPTION
Class I Shared Use Path A shared use path is a physically separated path from vehicles that
can be used by both pedestrians and bicyclists. They should be
implemented on high volume collectors and arterial roads where
speeds and volumes are high. They can also be implemented
through parks and recreational areas. The City of Palo Alto has an
extensive existing shared use pathway network that is used for
both recreational and non-recreational use as they are low-stress
routes that are attractive, comfortable, and for people of all ages
and abilities.
Considerations: Shared use paths must be designed with care at
intersection crossings, to promote visibility and proper yielding
behavior. At high user volumes, increased width or user-separated
zones should be considered.
Challenges: Major challenges in planning and designing a shared
use path include limited right-of-way and gaps in the trail network
that hinder connections to key destinations. Environmental
considerations, such as potential impacts to habitat areas or heritage
trees, also pose constraints. In addition, trail maintenance can be
difficult when responsibilities are shared across multiple agencies.
Class IIa Bicycle Lanes
A bicycle lane is a dedicated lane for bicycles that is visually separated
from the motor vehicle lane through pavement markings. As they are
only visually separated, bike lanes should only be implemented on
low-to-moderate collector roads where the speeds are less than or
equal to 30 mph. Repurposing the public space for dedicated bicycle
facility. Bike lanes should be at a minimum of 5 feet but preferably 6
feet when space allows.
Considerations: Existing bike lanes that are 4 feet should be updated
when possible.
Challenges: Major challenges in designing bicycle lanes include
limited right-of-way, safe crossings at intersections, and conflicts
with right-turning vehicles.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 85 Packet Pg. 99 of 828
75
TYPE OF FACILITY DESCRIPTION
Class IIb Buffered Bicycle Lanes
A buffered bicycle lane is similar to a painted bicycle lane, but it has
an extra painted buffer to create more space between bicyclists and
motorists. A buffered bike lane should be implemented on collector
roads with low to moderate volumes, around 4,000-6,000 vehicles
per day (vpd).
Considerations: Parking lane or travel lane reconfiguration may be
necessary to create space for buffered bike lanes.
Challenges: Major challenges in designing bicycle lanes include
limited right-of-way, safe crossings at intersections, and conflicts
with right-turning vehicles.
Class IIIa Advisory Bike Lanes An Advisory Bike Lanes or Edge Lane Road is a treatment where
people riding bicycles and motor vehicles share the road space.
These should only be used on local streets or on collectors with low
volumes and speeds. With low traffic volumes drivers can negotiate
the reduced space, then the travel area can then be reduced to 1
lane for two-way travel, and advisory bike lanes can be painted on
either side.
Considerations: Advisory bike lanes are an experimental and
emerging facility type. Outreach and education should be conducted
before any installation to promote user awareness and project
success.
Challenges: Major challenge with advisory bike lanes is that they are
suitable only for roadways with low traffic volumes and low vehicle
speeds.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 86 Packet Pg. 100 of 828
3. Recommendations 76
TYPE OF FACILITY DESCRIPTION
Class IIIb Bicycle Boulevards A bicycle boulevard is a low-stress shared roadway, where bicycles
are prioritized and share the roadway with motor vehicle traffic.
A bicycle boulevard should be implemented on a local street or a
collector where speeds are low, and volumes are typically less than
or equal to 2,000 vpd. A bicycle boulevard is recognizable based on
the wayfinding and traffic calming elements. Gateway treatments
should be implemented along major roadway entrances to indicate
to drivers that they are entering a bicycle boulevard and to slow their
speeds. Stop signs should be oriented to favor bicycle travel. Traffic
filters should also be installed along the route to manage traffic
access and keep motor vehicle volumes low. Design exceptions
should be considered for situations such as Suggested School
Walking and Rolling SRTS System Route Maps.
Considerations: For bicycle boulevards to provide a low-stress
experience, traffic volumes and speeds must be intentionally
managed and monitored over time.
Challenges: Major challenge with advisory bike lanes is that they
are suitable only for roadways with low traffic volumes. In addition,
design bike boulevard crossing at major streets can be challenging.
Class IV Separated Bikeway
A separated bikeway, also referred to as a Protected Bike Lane, is
a dedicated facility for bicycles that is physically separated from
motor vehicle traffic. Separated bikeways should be implemented
above 6,000 vpd, or when motor vehicles are travelling above 30
mph, and it is unsafe for them to mix and share the same space.
Separated Bikeway travel area width should be 5 feet to 7 feet with
an additional 2- to 3-foot or larger buffer depending on the available
road space.
Considerations: Care should be taken at intersections to improve
the visibility and slow the speed of turning drivers. Maintenance of
separated bikeway spaces is important to maintain their usability.
Challenges: Major challenges in designing bicycle lanes include
limited right-of-way, safe crossings at intersections, and conflicts
with right-turning vehicles.
Source: Mobycon, 2025
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 87 Packet Pg. 101 of 828
77
3.2.3 BICYCLE FACILITIES SELECTION APPROACH
A simplified facility selection approach to the different types of bicycle facilities was chosen for the updated
bikeway network presented in 4.2.1. The approach is informed by the Dutch CROW Design Manual for Bicycle
Traffic1, the FHWA Bikeway Selection Guide2, and the NACTO All Ages & Abilities Bikeways guidance3. The bicycle
facility selection approach (Image 14) first looked at road classification (local, collector, and arterial). Then traffic
volumes followed by posted speeds were examined. Given the limited availability of traffic volumes, the network
criteria relied on community input, and on-ground knowledge from the in-person working session in April 2024.4
This approach was applied to each segment of the bikeway network and the facilities were selected based on the
approach but also considered in the greater network and whether they met the 2026 BPTP vision and objectives.
1 CROW. “CROW Manual Updates Bike Lane Width Recommendations” CROW, 2023.
2 Federal Highway Administration. Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Guide and Countermeasure Selection System: FHWA-SA-18-077. U.S.
Department of Transportation, 2018.
3 National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO). “Choosing the Age and Ability of Bicycle Facility.” NACTO, n.d.,
4 BPTP Team conducted a series of site visit in April 2024 to understand the roadway context. This is further described in the community
engagement section.
Image 14: Bicycle Facility Selection Approach
Source: Mobycon, 2025
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 88 Packet Pg. 102 of 828
3. Recommendations 78
3.2.4 RECOMMENDED BICYCLE NETWORK
Figure 16 shows the Complete Vision Bicycle Network map. The Complete Vision Network represents the long-
term vision for a fully connected, all-ages-and-abilities bikeway system. This map also includes existing bicycle
facilities that are not being upgraded to illustrate the full network once fully implemented. The Complete Vision
Network includes some lower-priority projects that may be reevaluated as the City grows. In the near term, the
focus will be on developing the low-stress bicycle network, as described in the following section.
Low-Stress Bicycle Network
Figure 17 shows the Low-Stress Bicycle Network map. The Low-Stress Bicycle Network is the foundation for
citywide bicycle connectivity, focused on delivering safe, comfortable, and familiar routes in the near term.
It builds upon the City’s existing network of low-stress streets, primarily composed of shared-use paths and
neighborhood-based Bicycle Boulevards, to rapidly expand access with minimal disruption and promote broad
community support.
This approach prioritizes calm, residential routes that are already preferred by many community members,
rather than rely on separated bikeway on busy arterial streets. Through public engagement, Bicycle Boulevards
were identified as the most comfortable and familiar type of bikeway, offering a practical path forward with
fewer trade-offs in terms of cost, complexity, and impacts to vehicle traffic or parking.
The Low-Stress Network emphasizes continuity and citywide coverage. While most of the network is routed
along local streets, Class IV protected bike lanes are included in strategic locations—specifically on high-traffic
gateway corridors where no safe, parallel alternative exists and where regional connectivity demands it.
Additionally, short segments of separated bikeways may be used to close key gaps between Bicycle Boulevards,
enhancing network cohesion.
The goal is to create a citywide bikeway system that is connected, calmed, and protected, delivering meaningful
benefits to people biking now while laying the groundwork for a more complete network in the future. By
focusing on what works well today, the Low-Stress Network allows the city to move quickly and cost-effectively
toward a safer, more accessible future for active transportation.
The 2026 BPTP proposed a total of 94 bicycle projects, representing 62 miles of upgraded and new bicycle
facilities, as shown in Table 5. A total of 63 projects, representing 37 miles of upgraded and new bicycle facilities
is proposed as part of the Low-Stress Network. Additionally, 33 Crossing Projects, 5 Studies, and 5 Special
Projects are recommended. A list of projects that make up the Complete Vision Network is included in Appendix
L: List of Projects.
Table 7: Summary of Proposed Bicycle Projects (Complete Vision: Bicycle Network)
PROJECT TYPE
COMPLETE VISION NETWORK LOW-STRESS NETWORK
Number of
Proposed Projects Length (Miles)Number of
Proposed Projects Length (Miles)
Shared Use Path (Class I)14 7.95 7 1.27
Bicycle Lane (Class IIa)11 3.78 9 3.38
Buffered Bicycle Lane (Class IIb)10 5.93 9 5.09
Advisory Bike Lane (Class IIIa)2 0.30 2 0.30
Bicycle Boulevard (Class IIIb)25 21.00 24 19.86
Separated Bikeway (Class IV)32 22.80 12 7.50
Total 94 62.29 63 37.39
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 89 Packet Pg. 103 of 828
79
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!s
!s
!s
!s
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
Middl
e
f
i
e
l
d
R
d
Alma
S
t
Brya
n
t
S
t
Ham
i
l
t
o
n
A
v
e
Univ
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
Lytt
o
n
A
v
e
Add
i
s
o
n
A
v
e
New
e
l
l
R
d
Channing Ave
Sand
H
i
l
l
R
d
Cowp
e
r
S
t
Embarcad
e
r
o
R
d
Louis
R
d
Oreg
o
n
E
x
p
y
Cali
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Cali
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Pag
e
M
i
l
l
R
d
Colora
d
o
A
v
e
Loma
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
Meado
w
D
r
El D
o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Charle
s
t
o
n
R
d
Fa
b
i
a
n
W
y
San Antonio Rd
Bay
s
h
o
r
e
R
d
Gree
r
R
d
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Los
R
o
b
l
e
s
A
v
e
Wilkie
W
y
Ara
s
t
r
a
d
e
r
o
R
d
Footh
i
l
l
E
x
p
y
Han
o
v
e
r
S
t
Hil
l
v
i
e
w
A
v
e
Junipero Serra Blvd
Sta
n
f
o
r
d
A
v
e
Ross
R
d
Mat
a
d
e
r
o
A
v
e
May
b
e
l
l
A
v
e
Hom
e
r
A
v
e
Color
a
d
o
A
v
e
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Miller
A
v
e
Centra
l
E
x
p
y
Middlefield Rd
King
s
l
e
y
A
v
e
Sea
l
e
A
v
e
EAST
PALO ALTOMENLO
PARK
STANFORD
UNIVERSITY
LOS
ALTOS
MOUNTAIN
VIEW
LOS ALTOS
HILLS
Byxbee Park
Mitchell
Park
Hoover
Park
Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve
Greer
Park
Eleanor
Pardee
Park
Ramos
Park
Robles
Park
Bol
Park
Alta Mesa
Memorial
Park
Rinconada
Park
Baylands
Nature
Preserve
Palo Alto
High
School
Gunn
High
School
JLS
Middle
School
Greene
Middle
School
Fletcher
Middle
School
Walter Hays
Elementary
Duveneck
Elementary
Ohlone
Elementary
El Carmelo
Elementary
Palo Verde
Elementary
Addison
Elementary
Hoover
Elementary
Greendell
School
Juana
Briones
Elementary
Barron
Park
Elementary
Palo Alto
Caltrain
California Ave
Caltrain
San Antonio
Caltrain
Menlo Park
Caltrain Palo Alto
Airport
Mata
d
e
r
o
C
r
e
e
k
Barro
n
C
r
e
e
k
Adobe
C
r
e
e
k
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
EAST
PALO ALTO
MENLO
PARK
STANFORD
UNIVERSITY
LOS
ALTOS
MOUNTAIN
VIEW
LOS ALTOS
HILLS
PALO ALTO
PORTOLA
VALLEY
F
Proposed Existing
Class I - Shared Use Path; Trail
Class IIa - Bike Lane
Class IIb - Buffered Bike Lane
Class IIIa - Advisory Bike Lane
Class IIIb - Bike Boulevard
Class IV - Separated Bikeway
Class IIIc - Slow Street
Class Ib - Community Street
Caltrain Station
!f Existing Ped/Bike Bridge
!s Existing Ped/Bike Underpass
Proposed Bike Blvd Crossing Improvements
Proposed Intersection Improvements
Proposed Ped/Bike Bridge or Underpass
Bicycle-Friendly Zone
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC, Kittelson
0 1 2
Miles
As of 9/1/2025
To East Palo Alto
To Menlo Park
To Mountain
View
To Los Altos
Figure 16: Recommended Bicycle Facility Map – Complete Vision Bicycle Network Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 90 Packet Pg. 104 of 828
80
Figure 17: Recommended Bicycle Facility Map – Low-Stress Bicycle Network
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!f
!s
!s
!s
!s
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
Middl
e
f
i
e
l
d
R
d
Alma
S
t
Brya
n
t
S
t
Ham
i
l
t
o
n
A
v
e
Univ
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
Lytt
o
n
A
v
e
Add
i
s
o
n
A
v
e
New
e
l
l
R
d
Channing Ave
Sand
H
i
l
l
R
d
Cowp
e
r
S
t
Embarcad
e
r
o
R
d
Louis
R
d
Oreg
o
n
E
x
p
y
Cali
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Cali
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Pag
e
M
i
l
l
R
d
Colora
d
o
A
v
e
Loma
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
Meado
w
D
r
El D
o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Charle
s
t
o
n
R
d
Fa
b
i
a
n
W
y
San Antonio Rd
Bay
s
h
o
r
e
R
d
Gree
r
R
d
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Los
R
o
b
l
e
s
A
v
e
Wilkie
W
y
Ara
s
t
r
a
d
e
r
o
R
d
Footh
i
l
l
E
x
p
y
Han
o
v
e
r
S
t
Hil
l
v
i
e
w
A
v
e
Junipero Serra Blvd
Sta
n
f
o
r
d
A
v
e
Ross
R
d
Mat
a
d
e
r
o
A
v
e
May
b
e
l
l
A
v
e
Hom
e
r
A
v
e
Color
a
d
o
A
v
e
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Miller
A
v
e
Centra
l
E
x
p
y
Middlefield Rd
King
s
l
e
y
A
v
e
Sea
l
e
A
v
e
EAST
PALO ALTOMENLO
PARK
STANFORD
UNIVERSITY
LOS
ALTOS
MOUNTAIN
VIEW
LOS ALTOS
HILLS
Byxbee Park
Mitchell
Park
Hoover
Park
Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve
Greer
Park
Eleanor
Pardee
Park
Ramos
Park
Robles
Park
Bol
Park
Alta Mesa
Memorial
Park
Rinconada
Park
Baylands
Nature
Preserve
Palo Alto
High
School
Gunn
High
School
JLS
Middle
School
Greene
Middle
School
Fletcher
Middle
School
Walter Hays
Elementary
Duveneck
Elementary
Ohlone
Elementary
El Carmelo
Elementary
Palo Verde
Elementary
Addison
Elementary
Hoover
Elementary
Greendell
School
Juana
Briones
Elementary
Barron
Park
Elementary
Palo Alto
Caltrain
California Ave
Caltrain
San Antonio
Caltrain
Menlo Park
Caltrain Palo Alto
Airport
Mata
d
e
r
o
C
r
e
e
k
Barro
n
C
r
e
e
k
Adobe
C
r
e
e
k
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
EAST
PALO ALTO
MENLO
PARK
STANFORD
UNIVERSITY
LOS
ALTOS
MOUNTAIN
VIEW
LOS ALTOS
HILLS
PALO ALTO
PORTOLA
VALLEY
F
Proposed Existing
Class I - Shared Use Path; Trail
Class IIa - Bike Lane
Class IIb - Buffered Bike Lane
Class IIIa - Advisory Bike Lane
Class IIIb - Bike Boulevard
Class IV - Separated Bikeway
!f Existing Ped/Bike Bridge
!s Existing Ped/Bike Underpass
Proposed Bike Blvd Crossing
Proposed Intersection
Improvement
Proposed Ped/Bike Bridge or
Underpass
Caltrain Station
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC, Kittelson
0 1 2
Miles
As of 9/1/2025
To East Palo Alto
To Menlo Park
To Mountain
View
To Los Altos
Bicycle-Friendly Zone
City of Palo Alto
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 91 Packet Pg. 105 of 828
81
3.3 Recommended Bicycle Support Facilities
This section includes a description of bicycle support facilities such as signs and bicycle parking.
3.3.1 BICYCLE PARKING
Easy access to secure parking makes bicycling a more attractive option. People are more likely to ride if
they know they’ll find a safe place to lock up their bike near their destination. Lack of parking often leads to
uncertainty or inconvenience, discouraging trips by bike. Bicycle parking is generally categorized into short-term
and long-term installations. These two kinds of parking serve different needs, and the starting point for most bike
parking projects is recognizing whether the installation should serve short-term users, long-term users, or both.
If users typically park for two hours or longer, they are likely to value security and shelter above the convenience
and ease that should characterize short-term parking.5 Image 15 shows common short-term bicycle parking
options that are currently available in the City.
5 Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals. Essentials of Bike Parking. 2015
Image 15: Bicycle Parking Types - Short-Term
Source: Kittelson, 2025
Inverted U - Circular
Elevated
Inverted U - Rectangle
Wave
Series Inverted U
81
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 92 Packet Pg. 106 of 828
3. Recommendations 82
Short-term bike parking should be visible from and close to the entrance it serves—50’ or less is a good
benchmark. When installing sidewalk racks, maintain the pedestrian through zone. Racks should be placed
in line with existing sidewalk obstructions to maintain a clear line of travel for all sidewalk users. Image 16
shows guidance on placement and spacing requirements for bicycle racks. Additionally, the City could explore
opportunities to install high security smart racks such as integrated electronic locking swingarms.6
Long-term parking is designed to meet the needs of
employees, residents, public transit users, and others
with a need to park for several hours and leave their
bicycles unmonitored. Appropriate locations for long-
term parking vary with context. Long-term parking
facilities should anticipate the presence of a variety
of bicycles and accessories, including—depending on
context—recumbents, trailers, children’s bikes, long-
tails, and others. To accommodate trailers and long
bikes, a portion of the racks should be on the ground
and should have an additional 36” of in-line clearance.
As a part of 2026 BPTP, the City has included the
following policy and programs to ensure ample
availability of bicycle parking.
• Bike Parking Inventory & Usage Monitoring
Program: Conduct an inventory and monitor
usage of bike parking at City properties and City
right-of-way (such as sidewalks) and continue
to provide sufficient supply. Ensure the City’s
bike parking program provides facilities that are
publicly accessible and available for use by all
members of the public, helping achieve a mode
shift and corresponding lower motor vehicle
emissions and traffic congestion.
• Bike Parking Requirements For New
Development: Regularly review the City’s
minimum short- and long-term bike parking
requirements for new development projects and
update requirements to reflect changes in parking
demand. Update and maintain the City’s list of
approved bike parking designs to accommodate a
variety of bicycle types such as e-bikes and cargo
bikes.
Additionally, the City has been working with advocacy
groups to reach out to local businesses or groups
to help support and promote installation of bicycle
parking.
6 BART. High Security Bike Racks. Accessed from https://www.bart.gov/guide/bikes/parking
Image 16: Placement and Spacing Requirements
Source: APBP Essentials of Bike Parking. 2015
Locker
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 93 Packet Pg. 107 of 828
83
3.3.2 WAYFINDING SIGNS
Wayfinding involves the use of signs, maps, and other visual cues to help people navigate through an area.
Effective wayfinding systems improve accessibility and user experience. Image 16 illustrates the comprehensive
bicycle wayfinding sign system family, incorporating both fundamental and enhanced wayfinding components.
Image 17 shows the existing signs in Palo Alto that assist bicyclists in wayfinding.
Image 17: Types of Wayfinding Signs
Source: Alta Planning + Design, 2025
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 94 Packet Pg. 108 of 828
3. Recommendations 84
Image 18: Existing Signs in Palo Alto
Source: City of Palo Alto, Kittelson and Mobycon, 2025
Bicycle Boulevard Sample
Signage
Temporary Wayfinding Signs
Sign regulating direction
Bicycle Boulevard Sign at Bryant
Street and Forest Avenue
Sign at Caltrain Station
Sign regulating parking and bike
lanes
Downtown Pedestrian
Wayfinding Signs
Bicycle Wayfinding Signage
Wayfinding Sign assisting with
confirmation and navigation
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 95 Packet Pg. 109 of 828
85
The 2026 BPTP includes a program to develop a non-motorized wayfinding plan connecting bicycle and
pedestrian facilities with key local and regional destinations such as schools, trails, parks, and rail stations.
Additionally, the wayfinding facilities will be implemented as part of the bicycle and pedestrian projects.
3.3.3 SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROGRAM
The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program represents a local community partnership between the City of Palo
Alto, Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD), and Palo Alto Council of PTAC. The partnership mission is to
reduce risk to students en route to and from school and encourage families to choose healthy, active, sustainable
alternatives to driving solo more often.
Educating Student Bicyclists and Pedestrians
Palo Alto’s history as a bicycle-friendly town is about more than its flat terrain and many bicycle facilities, it’s
about shared community values. Since the 1960s, transportation staff, the Palo Alto Police Department and the
school district have met regularly to reduce risk to students en route to and from school and encourage families
to choose healthy, active, sustainable alternatives to driving solo more often.
In 2025, SRTS partners recognized the thirty-year anniversary of the Palo Alto School District (PAUSD), Parent
Teacher Association (PTA), and City of Palo Alto-supported Safe Routes to School (SRTS) education program.
Educational efforts, in tandem with engineering and encouragement programming, are foundational to helping
families enjoy safe, active, healthy, sustainable school commutes in Palo Alto. Beyond Education, Encouragement
and Engineering, Engagement, Evaluation, and Equity considerations guide partnership outcomes and
considerations. Key 30-year achievements include:
1. National Recognition - Compared with national walk/bike school commute percentages of 11 percent,
more than 53 percent of Palo Alto students walk and bike to school. Since 2016, students have completed
approximately 17 million walk/bike school commutes, reducing risk for families who walk and bike and
improving access for families who must drive.
2. Lifelong Safety Skills - Over 23,000 students in the Palo Alto Unified School District now receive 560 minutes,
(nine hours) of in-school transportation safety education between grades K-6 compared with 45 minutes of
third grade education in 1991. Palo Alto’s Bicycle Life Skills program, including Bicycle Rodeo events, have
helped thousands of families gain confidence and learn important road-sharing safety skills. Palo Alto is one
of the few communities to offer such robust safety education programming. In 2025, transportation safety
education was expanded to middle and high schools, and the City is constructing the Bay Area’s first bicycle
safety education traffic garden to enhance offsite programming to even more students throughout Palo Alto
and the surrounding community.
3. Car Trip Reductions - A 76-mile network of dedicated school commute bicycle lanes, boulevards and
shared-use pathways, bicycle rack and facilities upgrades at all PAUSD campuses and the subsequent 2016
development of twenty Walk and Roll Suggested School Route to help families navigate this network has
helped prevent the carbon emissions equivalent of more than 3,500 gasoline-powered cars annually,
eliminating roughly 3,824,000 car trips from local roadways between 1994 and 2025.
4. Parent Involvement - During the past three decades, more than 450 parent volunteers have stepped up to
serve as PTA-appointed Transportation Safety Representatives at each PAUSD school. Parents are essential to
validating SRTS Partner projects and programming and setting community expectations. PTA Transportation
Safety Events like biannual Walk and Roll to School days and 3rd-grade bicycle skills rodeos engage more
than 2,000 parents and students annually, significantly Since 1994, the Palo Alto PTA has been at the
forefront of hosting monthly City School Transportation Safety Committee meetings, demonstrating that
SRTS is more than a program, it’s a community value.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 96 Packet Pg. 110 of 828
3. Recommendations 86
Safe Routes to School Policies
In the face of changing transportation habits, SRTS policies ensure families have a voice in shaping Palo Alto’s
local transportation landscape. SRTS is directly referenced in four City Comprehensive Plan 2030 Programs and
Policies. In 2021, the PAUSD Board of Education-approved a dedicated SRTS policy. SRTS is also cited in the 2022
Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP). In 2025, unanimous support from the PAUSD Board of Education,
City Council and Palo Alto Parent Council of PTAs (PTAC) led to the renewal of an updated SRTS Partnership
Agreement, rededicating Palo Alto to the SRTS Partnership’s mission, goals and objectives. The 2026 BPTP
builds off these efforts by prioritizing bicycle and pedestrian connectivity to schools, and by recognizing the
foundational nature of this work within the Office of Transportation.
Moving Toward the Future of Safe Routes to School
Between 2017 and 2022, a City School Transportation Safety Committee-approved Palo Alto a Five-Year Action
Plan. Core objectives are paraphrased below:
1. Adopt and institutionalize key SRTS practices and policies
2. Provide SRTS education programs, materials and communications
3. Expand and enhance events and encouragement programs and materials
4. Gather data to assess and improve SRTS program outcomes
5. Engineer routes to school to develop a more safe and efficient network for families
6. Increase awareness & engagement between City Departments and the community
7. Commit to an equitable distribution of SRTS resources
Five-Year Plan yearly strategic objectives yielded a mean completion rate of 72 percent, while Five-Year Work
Plan ongoing objectives yielded a 100 percent completion rate. Several emergent trends, including a post-
pandemic contraction of parent involvement, transit service reductions, restricted school access and the
adoption of new transportation modes suggest that a second SRTS Five-Year Action Planning process may help
support 2026 BPTP implementation, in addition to helping reverse net losses in post-pandemic active school
commute mode share at the secondary level.
TRAFFIC GARDEN/ PALO ALTO BIKE SAFETY PARK
The City installed a Traffic Garden at the Ventura Community Center. The course, roughly the size of two
basketball courts, serves as a hands-on classroom for young cyclists to learn road safety and cycling skills.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 97 Packet Pg. 111 of 828
87
For three decades, the SRTS Partnership has shaped Palo Alto’s identity as a leader in student bicycling and
walking. Its achievements, millions of active commutes, improved infrastructure, and parent engagement,
demonstrate the power of collaboration. While pandemic-related disruptions and emerging mobility trends
present new challenges, the Partnership’s history of resilience and innovation provides a strong foundation for
Palo Alto to continue supporting safe, healthy, and sustainable school commutes for the next generation.
The 2026 BPTP further supports SRTS program by enhancing the bicycle and pedestrian connectivity to schools.
Additionally, it includes the following programs:
• “Enhance and sustain the City/PAUSD/PTA/Youth community partnership to reduce risk to students enroute
to and from school, and encourage more families to choose healthy, active, sustainable alternatives to
driving solo more often. Grow and strengthen community-wide support through the SRTS 6 E’s (Education,
Encouragement, Engineering, Engagement, Evaluation, and Equity) model for safe, active, healthy,
sustainable, school commutes. Safe Routes to School Action Plan Updates: Revisit incomplete 2019 Safe
Routes to School 5-Year Action Plan yearly strategic objectives and determine whether to move forward to
complete those goals.”
3.4 Pedestrian District Guidelines and Toolbox
This section identifies priority pedestrian areas within Palo Alto and presents a toolbox of potential pedestrian-
oriented treatments for use within these areas. These guidelines build upon existing foundational planning, bring
in new ideas and innovations, and address changes and developments since the prior plan was adopted in 2012.
3.4.1 PEDESTRIAN DISTRICT
TOOLBOX
The pedestrian district toolbox includes a range of
selected treatments aimed at improving pedestrian
safety and enhancing the pedestrian experience. The
elements range from infrastructure improvements,
such as raised crossings or curb extensions that
improve yielding rates, to aesthetic changes, such as
benches or public art, that can elevate the walking
experience. Together, these elements will meet
universal needs for safety and accessibility and create
conditions where walking is comfortable and an
enjoyable experience for all.
Implementing pedestrian-oriented enhancements
help in advancing the plan objectives of supporting
a City that is Safe and Inclusive, Connected and
Accessible, and Comfortable and Enjoyable.
Image 18 lists pedestrian toolbox enhancements.
Detailed information about these tools and their
recommended application in the three pedestrian
districts and two priority areas is available in
Appendix M: Pedestrian District Guidelines.
3.4.2 PEDESTRIAN DISTRICTS
Priority pedestrian areas are key to creating a
walkable, accessible, and enjoyable City. They offer
areas where walking is prioritized to allow people
of all ages and abilities to get around without
competing with vehicles. Within these areas, slower
vehicle movement is encouraged, and opportunities
are provided for people to pause and enjoy their
surroundings. Walking should be the preferred mode
of choice for all trips within these areas with wider
sidewalks that support high volumes of pedestrian
activity through building a well-connected pedestrian
network.
Figure 18 maps three pedestrian districts and three
priority areas which are focus areas for pedestrian
recommendations. These areas were identified
based on prior planning efforts, including the 2030
Comprehensive Plan, and the Palo Alto Economic
Development Strategies Plan, as well as community
input and on-the-ground knowledge from the in-
person working session held in April 2024.7
7 BPTP Team conducted a series of site visit in April 2024 to
understand the roadway context. This is further described in the
community engagement section.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 98 Packet Pg. 112 of 828
3. Recommendations 88
Image 19: Recommended Crossing and Intersection Improvements
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 99 Packet Pg. 113 of 828
89
U ni versi ty
Avenue
Di stri ct
Cal i forni a
Avenue
Di stri ct
El Cami no Real
N ei ghborhood
Commerci al Center
M i dtown
Di stri ct
Embarcadero
N ei ghborhood
Commerci al Center
San Antoni o
Road Area
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
M i dd
l
e
f
i
e
l
d
R
d
Al ma
S
t
Brya
n
t
S
t
H am
i
l
t
o
n
A
v
e
U ni
v
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
Lyt
t
o
n
A
v
e
Add
i
s
o
n
A
v
e
N e
w
e
l
l
R
d
Channi ng Ave
San
d
H
i
l
l
R
d
Cow
p
e
r
S
t
Embarca
d
e
r
o
R
d
Lou
i
s
R
d
Ore
g
o
n
E
x
p
y
Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Cal
i
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Pag
e
M
i
l
l
R
d
Col o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Lom
a
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
M ead
o
w
D
r
El D
o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Charl
e
s
t
o
n
R
d
Fa
b
i
a
n
W
y
San Antonio Rd
Bay
s
h
o
r
e
R
d
Gree
r
R
d
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Los
R
o
b
l
e
s
A
v
e
Wi l k
i
e
W
y
Ara
s
t
r
a
d
e
r
o
R
d
Foot
h
i
l
l
E
x
p
y
H an
o
v
e
r
S
t
H i
l
l
v
i
e
w
A
v
e
Junipero Serra Blvd
Sta
n
f
o
r
d
A
v
e
Ross
R
d
M at
a
d
e
r
o
A
v
e
M a
y
b
e
l
l
A
v
e
H om
e
r
A
v
e
Col o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
El C
a
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
M i l l e
r
A
v
e
Centr
a
l
E
x
p
y
M i d dlefield Rd
Ki n
g
s
l
e
y
A
v
e
E AST
PALO ALTOM E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
Byxbee Park
M i tchel l
Park
H oover
Park
Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve
Greer
Park
El eanor
Pardee
Park
Ramos
Park
Robl es
Park
Bol
Park
Al ta M esa
M emori al
Park
Ri nconada
Park
Bayl ands
N ature
Preserve
Pal o Al to
H i gh
School
Gunn
H i gh
School
JLS
M i ddl e
School
Greene
M i ddl e
School
Fl etcher
M i ddl e
School
Wal ter H ays
El ementary
Duveneck
El ementary
Ohl one
El ementary
El Carmel o
El ementary
Pal o Verde
El ementary
Addi son
El ementary
H oover
El ementary
Greendel l
School
Juana
Bri ones
El ementary
Barron
Park
El ementary
Pal o Al to
Cal trai n
Cal i forni a Ave
Cal trai n
San Antoni o
Cal trai n
M enl o Park
Cal trai n Pal o Al to
Ai rport
Mata
d
e
r
o
C
r
e
e
k
Barro
n
C
r
e
e
k
Adobe
C
r
e
e
k
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
E AST
PALO ALTO
M E N LO
PARK
STAN FORD
U N I VE RSI TY
LOS
ALTOS
M OU N TAI N
VI E W
LOS ALTOS
H I LLS
PALO ALTO
PORTOLA
VALLE Y
F
Recommended Pedestrian District
City of Palo Alto
Park/Open Space
School/University
Community Center
Library
Caltrain Station
Railroad
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC, Kittelson
0 1 2
Miles
As of 9/1/2025
Figure 18: Recommended Pedestrian District Location Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 100 Packet Pg. 114 of 828
These pedestrian districts and priority areas include:
Pedestrian Districts:
• University Avenue Pedestrian District
• California Avenue Pedestrian District
• Midtown Pedestrian District
Pedestrian Priority Areas
• El Camino Real Neighborhood Commercial Center
• Embarcadero Neighborhood Commercial Center
• San Antonio Road Area
Note: Numbers refer to the pedestrian toolbox elements recommended at these locations. Additional information about Pedestrian
Toolbox Elements and Special Projects is provided in Appendix M: Pedestrian District Guidelines.
Image 20: University Avenue Pedestrian District
Pedestrian District Recommendations
University Avenue Pedestrian District
Downtown Palo Alto’s historic main street and original civic/commercial core; today it functions as the City’s
primary regional and commercial center and the “front door” many visitors remember.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 101 Packet Pg. 115 of 828
91
• Add midblock raised crossings (Hamilton Ave) and update existing midblock crossing (Forest Ave) to prioritize
pedestrians.
• Install bike/micromobility corrals at key destinations (Caltrain lot at Alma Street, Palo Alto Transit Center,
Lytton Plaza) and anchor district wayfinding at University & Alma and the Homer Tunnel, coordinated with
the MTC pilot.8
• Advance special projects: raised side-street crossings on University (Univ_A); permanent pedestrianized
Ramona Street (Univ_B); alleyway activation (Univ_C); University & Alma interchange reconfiguration
(Univ_D)(continuous/wider sidewalks, gateway, wayfinding); and improvements to the Transit Center/
University undercrossing.
8 The MTC Regional Mapping & Wayfinding Project, https://mtc.ca.gov/operations/transit-regional-network-management/regional-
mapping-wayfinding
Note: Numbers refer to the pedestrian toolbox elements recommended at these locations. Additional information about Pedestrian
Toolbox Elements and Special Projects is provided in Appendix M: Pedestrian District Guidelines.
Image 21: California Avenue Pedestrian District
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 102 Packet Pg. 116 of 828
California Avenue Pedestrian District
A pedestrian activity center with compact blocks, back alleys, and active ground-floor commercial uses;
recognized in City policy as a Multi-Neighborhood/Community-Serving center.
• Use on-street flex zones for placemaking and add street treewells on Park Blvd, Ash St, and Birch St.
• Provide wayfinding at El Camino Real/California Ave and the Caltrain station; add street art at key
approaches.
Midtown Pedestrian District
A mid-century neighborhood shopping area that has grown into a vital, neighborhood-serving hub; identified in
recent plans as a neighborhood serving place for everyday needs.
Note: Numbers refer to the pedestrian toolbox elements recommended at these locations. Additional information about Pedestrian
Toolbox Elements and Special Projects is provided in Appendix M: Pedestrian District Guidelines.
Image 22: Midtown Pedestrian District
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 103 Packet Pg. 117 of 828
93
• Apply gateway treatments at Middlefield (Moreno Ave to the west; Matadero Canal to the east), plus bike
corrals, street furniture, and wayfinding.
• Advance special projects: a Midtown master street plan (Mid_1); a Middlefield Rd road diet (Mid_2) (raised
intersections, continuous/wider sidewalks, pedestrian signals, flex zones, street furniture, treewells); a Sutter
Ave mid-block crossing with ped signals (Mid_3); temporary parking-lot activation (Mid_4); and a central
plaza parkway (Mid_5).
Commercial Center Recommendations
El Camino Real Neighborhood Commercial Center
A linear, citywide commercial corridor with a diverse mix of shops, restaurants, and services serving both
residents and visitors.
• Treat the corridor as a multimodal main street: add raised crossings on unsignalized side streets and provide
street furniture to improve waiting areas.
• Enhance Corridor walkability, bike lanes, and streetscape upgrades are underway as part of ongoing
revitalization by caltarans in coordination with the City.
Embarcadero Neighborhood Commercial Center (Edgewood Plaza)
A neighborhood hub anchored by the Edgewood Plaza Shopping Center, known for its mid-century modern
character and a mix of groceries, cafés, and local businesses—remaining a vibrant, accessible destination for
nearby residents.
• Provide bike parking corrals and wayfinding to local businesses and trail connections (notably the US-101/St.
Francis Dr link), to support short local walking and biking trips.
San Antonio Road Area
A STET district to be guided by the same framework as other pedestrian districts—prioritizing walking, slower
movement, and a connected sidewalk network—using the plan’s toolbox (e.g., raised crossings, wider sidewalks,
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 104 Packet Pg. 118 of 828
3. Recommendations 94
bike corrals, gateway/wayfinding) as sites redevelop.
• As sites redevelop, apply the plan’s pedestrian toolbox to create a walk-first environment: raised crossings/
raised intersections, curb extensions/reduced curb radii, continuous and wider sidewalks, bike corrals, and
flexible curb zones.
• Coordination with the City’s San Antonio Road Area Plan
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 105 Packet Pg. 119 of 828
95
3.5 Policies and Programs
As part of developing the Plan, the City identified
policies, programs, and practices to improve
conditions for walking and biking in Palo Alto. City
staff from multiple departments participated in
discussions to assess how the City is implementing
existing policies, programs, and practices and ranked
the highest priorities for inclusion in the Plan. This
section presents the 2026 BPTP’s recommended
programs and policies. It provides recommended
strategies and actions to support walking and biking
in Palo Alto as well as best practices that the City can
undertake in developing programs to encourage active
transportation.
The recommendations are organized under the 2026
BPTP’s five objectives, identified previously in section
1.4.2 Objectives:
• Comfortable and Enjoyable
• Community-Led and Cooperative
• Safe and Inclusive
• Connected and Accessible
• Integrated and Collaborative
Recommended strategies are summarized below and
presented in more detail in Appendix N: Policy and
Program Recommendations.
Comfortable and Enjoyable
• Active Transportation Design Policy and
Standards: Adopt a policy to develop or adopt
design standards and specifications based on
recent research and modern best practice for
pedestrian, bicycle, and transit friendly street
design and green stormwater infrastructure.
• Older Adult Mobility Program: Support older
adult mobility options, including a Trishaw Pilot
via Cycling Without Age, to provide access to
statistically low-risk transit, possibly operated by
trained student and/or older adult volunteers
along low volume residential streets.
• Bike Parking Inventory & Usage Monitoring
Program: Conduct an inventory and monitor
usage of bike parking at City properties and City
right-of-way (such as sidewalks) and continue to
provide sufficient supply. Establish a program for
members of the public to request site inspections
and evaluation for installation of bicycle racks
or parking corrals. Ensure the City’s bike parking
program provides facilities that are publicly
accessible and available for use by all members
of the public, helping achieve a mode shift and
corresponding lower motor vehicle emissions and
traffic congestion.
• Bike Parking Requirements For New
Development: Regularly review the City’s
minimum short- and long-term bike parking
requirements for new development projects and
update requirements to reflect changes in parking
demand. Update and maintain the City’s list of
approved bike parking designs to accommodate a
variety of bicycle types such as e-bikes and cargo
bikes.
• Walk- & Bike-Friendly Development: Consider
prioritizing or requiring certification that
encourages bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly
developments, such as Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design (LEED) or Fitwel
certification. Encourage developments that limit
vehicle parking.
• Wayfinding Plan: Develop a non-motorized
wayfinding plan connecting bicycle and pedestrian
facilities with key local and regional destinations
such as schools, trails, parks, and rail stations.
Evaluate cut-throughs, short connections, ramp
access, and ADA compliance. Continue to expand
wayfinding facilities as the bicycle and pedestrian
networks are implemented and in coordination
with Caltrans. Develop a Wayfinding Signage
Program specific to El Camino Real to help cyclists
connect to the local bicycle network.
• Bike Racks on Buses: Work with Santa Clara Valley
Transportation Authority (VTA) and coordinate
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 106 Packet Pg. 120 of 828
3. Recommendations 96
with their Wheels on the Bus Pilot Program,
to monitor the use of bike racks on buses and
determine if demand is being accommodated.
• TDM Program: Promote and expand the
Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
program and continue to support implementation
of TDM programs in an effort to increase the share
of trips made by walking and biking and advance
the City’s sustainability, climate action, vehicle
miles traveled and carbon reduction goals. Pursue
full participation of Palo Alto employers in the
Transportation Management Association (TMA)
and pursue expanding the TMA from Downtown
to California Avenue and other areas of the City
when appropriate.
• Crossing Guards: Periodically evaluate school
crossing guard locations and warrants to
determine their appropriateness and evaluate
opportunities for new locations. As part of the
evaluations, consider factors such as the needs of
younger bicyclists who may cross while walking,
and incorporate collision and location data
to assist in identifying opportunities for pilot
locations that could increase the walk to school
mode share.
• Development Review Updates: Development
review and roadway design will be evaluated by
metrics that focus on safety risk, user comfort,
and access for all users including pedestrians
and bicyclists such as kinetic energy risk, level of
traffic stress, and travel time by mode. Clearly
communicate to help residents understand why
proactive enhancements to support low-stress
network buildout may be needed.
Community-Led and Cooperative
• Bicycle Lending Library: Partner with the Palo
Alto library and local community partners that has
space, capacity and expertise to create a bicycle
lending library that enables residents to check
out different types of bicycles, supplies, including
trailers, and educational materials, including
bike blenders, bike trivia wheels, safety vests for
events, helmets and more; consult with agencies
that have implemented similar programs such
as the City of Oakland and San Mateo County
Libraries.
• TDM Pilot Program for City Employees:
Conduct a City of Palo Alto TDM pilot to improve
facilities and encourage employee use of active
transportation vehicles, given the high percentage
of City vehicles that are used for <2 mile single
occupant trips around town. Determine how best
to pilot and incentivize trips to focus on both the
right tool for the trip relative to the distance.
Formally incorporate a variety of bicycle types and
trailers into the City vehicle fleet for employees
to use. Provide access to different types of bikes/
trailers and access to an improved storage facility,
conduct regular rides and safety trainings, ensure
bicycles are regularly maintained and that there
are risk management and anti-theft provisions to
ensure safety and security.
• Long-Term Education Program: Create a long-
term education program to change the travel
habits of residents, visitors, shoppers, and
workers by informing them about transportation
alternatives, incentives, and impacts. Work with
the PAUSD and with other public and private
interests, such as the Chamber of Commerce
and Commuter Wallet partners, to develop and
implement this program.
• Bike Education Program: Partner with groups to
advertise and carry out bike safety and education
classes in the City, including classes oriented
towards children, older adults, and non-English
speakers.
• Employee Education Program: Encourage and
fund the participation of employees working on
bicycle and pedestrian facilities in professional
organizations and conferences in order stay up-
to-date on the state of the practice and successes
in other cities. Provide resources and support for
employees to further their education, develop
new skills, and keep up with changing patterns
and transportation technologies.
• Interactive Map Tool: Update the City's website to
enhance its static bicycle facility and Safe Routes
to School (SRTS) Walk & Roll Suggested Route
maps with interactive mapping applications when
these are viable. Work with PAUSD, PATMA, and
other partners to share this resource.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 107 Packet Pg. 121 of 828
97
• Community Rides Program: Partner with
organizations to lead all ages and abilities bicycle
rides throughout the calendar year, including rides
that utilize recently-implemented projects.
• Valet Parking Program for Events: Collaborate
with the Community Services Department to
partner with and budget for organizations to
provide bike parking and/or bike valet services at
City-sponsored or other large events.
• Street Closures - Open Streets: Prioritize street
closures on areas located on the High Injury
Network (identified in the Safety Action Plan),
where high bicycle and pedestrian activity is
expected, and where there is community support.
• Street Closures - School Streets Pilot: Implement
a Street Closure - School Streets Pilot Program
that can be used to gather data and outcomes
that could then be applied to other schools.
Community input will be used to identify locations
for the pilot. School streets implement timed
closures that prevent vehicles from entering the
specified school zone. Restrictions are in place for
approximately 15 to 90 minutes during drop-off
and pick-up times and is enforced using signage
and physical barrier(s). During this time, only
pedestrians and cyclists can enter the School
Street zone, aside from exempt vehicles (e.g.
residents living in the zone).
• Active Transportation Incentives Program:
Encourage or require PATMA to provide additional
bicycle/scooter incentives citywide.
• Safe Routes to School: Enhance and sustain the
City/PAUSD/PTA/Youth community partnership
to reduce risk to students enroute to and from
school, and encourage more families to choose
healthy, active, sustainable alternatives to
driving solo more often. Grow and strengthen
community-wide support through the SRTS 6
E's (Education, Encouragement, Engineering,
Engagement, Evaluation, and Equity) model
for safe, active, healthy, sustainable, school
commutes. Aim to:
• Adopt and institutionalize key SRTS practices
and policies and gather best practices.
• Provide, expand, and enhance school and
community-based SRTS education programs
and materials.
• Promote and encourage use of the new traffic
garden at the Ventura Community Center to
increase bike education.
• Expand and enhance encouragement
programs to communicate the value of SRTS.
• Gather data to assess and improve outcomes.
• Engineer routes to develop a more safe and
efficient network.
• Deepen awareness and engagement with City
staff, Council, and community representatives
to advance and institutionalize SRTS.
• Commit an equitable distribution of resources
to encourage broad community participation.
• Maintain a Secondary School SRTS
Coordinator to develop a youth SRTS program
for grades 6-12
• Safe Routes to School Action Plan Updates:
Update the 2019 Safe Routes to School 5-Year
Action Plan, relaunch the process to establish
strategic objectives and define a five-year action
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 108 Packet Pg. 122 of 828
3. Recommendations 98
plan to advance safe routes to school.
• Community Partnerships Program: Consider
establishing or working with existing advocacy
groups to reach out to local businesses or groups
to help support and promote walking and bicycle-
related projects and to maximize public-private
funding opportunities.
• Bike and Pedestrian Count Program: Establish
regular citywide bicycle and pedestrian counts
at key corridors, intersections, destinations, and
require that intersection traffic counts collected
for development projects' transportation studies
include bicyclist and pedestrian volumes. Utilize
the counts collected in 2024 to establish a
baseline for select locations. Enhance bicycle
count efforts and collect more data to guide
decisions by installing permanent automatic
counters along key bikeways in representative
locations. Using bike counters with displays along
popular routes can encourage people to bike
more often.
• Performance Reporting Program: Collect data and
conduct analysis as part of periodic status reports
detailing the City's performance in relation to
metrics recommended in this plan.
• Community Feedback Program: Expand survey
efforts such as the Palo Alto Community Survey
and the Performance Reports and National Citizen
surveys to collect information related to walking
and bicycling facility quality, Plan implementation,
and programs.
Safe and Inclusive
• Institutionalize Safety: Via the 2025 Safety
Action Plan, the City has committed to reducing
traffic fatalities and serious injuries on the
City's roadways. Institutionalize safety into all
aspects of policies, planning, program, design,
implementation, and maintenance.
• Safe Routes to Work, Shopping, Downtown,
Community Services, and Parks: Where the Walk
and Roll Map Suggested School Routes overlap
with the HIN, prioritize speed management and
pedestrian/bicycle enhancements, especially at
intersections.
• Review Protocols for Updating Suggested Walk
and Roll Maps: Develop protocols to review the
City's walk and roll suggested routes to school to
proactively determine if traffic controls or other
engineering modifications may be needed to
improve student safety.
• Speed Management Program: Implement a
proactive speed management program following
the FHWA Safe System Speed Management
Framework to guide location specific interventions
in all focus areas. Lower speed limits and design
speeds on streets within the bike network and
without separated bikeways to 25 mph or lower.
• Systemic Uncontrolled Crosswalk Placement/
Enhancement Program: Develop a systemic
uncontrolled crosswalk placement/enhancement
program for pedestrian safety and accessibility,
and proactively design proposed crossings to
provide bicyclists and pedestrians with context-
appropriate facilities such as marked crossings,
bike boxes, bike signal heads, bike detection, and
leading bicycle intervals (LBIs)/leading pedestrian
intervals (LPIs), audible and/or countdown signals,
accessible push buttons, and curb ramps.
• Update Traffic Calming Program: Systemically
identify speed management needs and
opportunities (such as speed humps and
neighborhood traffic circle) and prioritize into
a yearly implementation program based on
kinetic energy risk, equity, proximity to schools,
community input, and similar factors. Most
funds should be programmed proactively,
but some can be reserved for quick response
discretionary purposes. Implement speed
management strategies to moderate vehicle
speeds to a contextually appropriate target speed.
It is recommended that that the Traffic Control
Maintainer II position in Public Works (eliminated
during the pandemic) be restored, so City staff can
respond more quickly to add, maintain, or repair
roadway safety infrastructure such as delineators,
bollards, signage, guardrails, crash attenuators,
faded striping and curb paints, and other features.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 109 Packet Pg. 123 of 828
99
• Near-Miss Reporting Program: Utilize SafeTREC
Street Story mapping portal (https://streetstory.
berkeley.edu/city/palo-alto) to enable and
encourage residents to provide information on
near-misses and other safety information that
would otherwise not be included in regularly-
reported safety reports and statistics.
• The City's Office of Transportation Traffic
Engineering Team: Add or reallocate staff to
administer quick-build or traffic safety programs,
including coordination, evaluation, planning, and
engineering.
• Prioritize Maintenance of Bicycle and Pedestrian
Facilities: Incorporate and prioritize bicycle and
pedestrian facility maintenance needs into the
City's transportation maintenance program
standards and funding.
• Prioritize Bikeways in the Repaving Program:
Prioritize repaving of existing bikeways as part of
the repaving program.
• Incorporate Pedestrian Improvements Into
Repaving Program: Change the approach to
the repaving program to include pedestrian
improvements including sidewalk widening and
curb extensions. This would require additional
funding and a change in City processes for
completing road and sidewalk repairs or
installations.
Connected and Accessible
• Better Bikeways: Incorporate best design
practices and guidance, such as those outlined in
the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide, when
designing and implementing walking, biking, and
rolling facilities to create a network that meets
the needs of users of all ages and abilities; this
includes guidance on recommended facility
widths and low-stress intersection treatments.
Design and implement safer roads to facilitate
travel by vulnerable users through appropriate
walking and biking facilities in the context of
adjacent vehicle facilities, speeds, and volumes,
including sufficient width and horizontal
separation. Implement strategies to provide better
bike crossings of major streets, such as diverters,
daylighting, dedicated signals and phasing,
pavement markings, and protected intersections.
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects Capital
Improvement Program: Establish dedicated
funding for implementation of projects identified
in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan
Update and Pedestrian District Guidelines.
• Station Access Program: Coordinate with Caltrain
to deliver local station area access improvements
that meet universal design principles such as curb
ramps, tactile and audio crossing cues, improved
sidewalks, slower traffic speeds, shorter crossing
distances, and increased crossing time. Partner
with Caltrain to encourage plans for low-stress
active transportation facilities to Caltrain stations
and coordinate to ensure that grade separation
projects adjacent to stations reflect multi-modal
access needs.
• Signal Modification Program: Incorporate the
crossing needs of bicyclists and pedestrians and
encourage safe driver behavior when reviewing
and adjusting signal timing at City traffic signals.
• Bicycle Detection Pilot Project: Implement
innovative "blue light" (or other) bicycle detection
indicators and signs at complex bicycle crossings.
Consider adding "Bicycle Detected" signal heads
to recommended bike routes intersecting with
arterials.
• Update CIP Funding to Prioritize Bicycle and
Pedestrian Access and Route: Allocate funding
and prioritize implementation of bicycle and
pedestrian projects as part of the City's Capital
Improvement Program (CIP).
• Identify Funding Opportunities: Continue to
monitor federal, state, and regional funding
opportunities to augment local funds to
implement recommended walking, biking, and
rolling improvements.
• Maintain Dedicated Funding Source: Maintain
(and increase as available) the existing dedicated
funding for BPTP implementation in the City's CIP.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 110 Packet Pg. 124 of 828
3. Recommendations 100
• Quick-Build Program: Implement quick-build
pilot/trial projects of the Plan's walking and
bicycling infrastructure recommendations.
• First-/Last-Mile Connection to Caltrain Stations:
Implement bikeways with connections to Caltrain
stations to promote access.
• Existing Trail Access Improvements Project:
Enhance on-street intersections along the existing
trail network, key existing bridge/overpass
approaches, and school route shared use paths,
to improve ADA access, bikeway connectivity,
and convenience for all users. Priority upgrades
include: modifying or replacing substandard safety
corrals with bollards and associated striping/
signage; installing accessible curb ramps and
regrading poor transitions; pedestrian-scaled
lighting; installing high visibility crosswalks at key
locations; and landscaping maintenance/removal.
• Safe Routes for Private Schools: At the request
of private schools with dedicated staff available
to support Safe Routes to School program
development, and as resources are available,
provide guidance to private schools regarding Safe
Routes programming and developing Walk and
Roll suggested route maps to reduce vehicle trips.
Integrated and Collaborative
• Update Municipal Code to Revise Walking,
Biking, and Rolling Guidance: Review the City's
municipal code and ordinances to remove
language that can discourage walking, biking, and
rolling (such requirements to cross at crosswalks
and at a right angle, to report secondhand bike
purchases to the police department, and for
skateboarders to wear reflective devices while
riding between sunset and sunrise). Update
code to align with State guidelines and create
consistent language (e.g., for bike access on
bridges, over and underpasses).
• Regional Network: Continue to consult with other
agencies on bicycle and pedestrian improvement
projects that abut or intersect jurisdictional
boundaries to ensure consistency in facilities,
including Cities (East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Los
Altos, and Mountain View), Counties (Santa Clara
POTENTIAL CHANGES TO
PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE STRUCTURE
Membership Structure & Term Limits
• Establish staggered term limits (e.g.,
3-year terms, renewable once) to ensure
fresh perspectives while maintaining
continuity.
Representation Balance
• Limit the number of representatives from
the same organization or stakeholder
group to avoid overrepresentation.
• Ensure a balance of residents, business
representatives, and institutional partners
(e.g., major employers).
Demographic Representation
• Update membership criteria to reflect
the community’s demographics, with
attention to age, gender, race/ethnicity,
and income diversity.
• Establish specific seats for
underrepresented groups, such as youth,
seniors, people with disabilities, and
residents of underserved communities.
Duties & Responsibilities
• Revise duties to align with the 2026 BPTP
Vision and Objectives and current needs
• Expand the committee’s role to include
reviewing performance measures
Transparency & Accountability
• Require annual reports summarizing
recommendations, progress, and
community input.
• Create clear conflict of interest guidelines
for members representing organizations
with potential project interests.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 111 Packet Pg. 125 of 828
101
and San Mateo), Caltrans, and Caltrain. Partner with VTA and adjacent jurisdictions to develop a connected
network prioritizing access while minimizing distance between regional access points.
• PABAC Structure: Work with the Palo Alto Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee (PABAC) to evaluate
existing role and structure, discuss membership and the potential to include members and/or liaisons from
local non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, transportation management associations, City committees,
and other groups, and propose changes that increase efficiency and effectiveness of the committee.
• Effective Regulation and Education on Electric Bikes for Youth Safety: Advocate for comprehensive
statewide regulations and safety initiatives to ensure the responsible use of electric-bikes bicycles, electric
scooters, and other electric mobility devices, particularly by youth. Prioritize youth safety through effective
regulation and education. For example, mandatory safety courses, stricter age restrictions and helmet laws,
public awareness campaigns, and investment in bicycle infrastructure to create safer riding environments.
• Electric Bicycle Engagement Strategy: Work with the Palo Alto Police Department to develop strategies to
encourage the safe use of e-bikes on public roads.
• Discouraging Driver Speeding: Work with the Palo Alto Police Department and other partners when
implementing and publicizing engineering, education, and enforcement efforts discouraging vehicle speeding
in the city, particularly near schools and high-injury locations.
• Transit Integration: Some bikeway and crossing recommendations are on routes and at intersections
currently served by various transit. The City will coordinate with transit providers to provide comfortable and
convenient bike lanes, paths, and crossings to and from transit stations and to provide bike parking at transit
hubs with clearly marked routes to people navigate to transit easily.
• Caltrans Coordination: Work with Caltrans to streamline permitting and integrate connected bikeways into
Caltrans projects; improve bikeway design approaching and crossing Caltrans facilities.
• Implementation Updates: Work with other jurisdictions and agencies to ensure that new or upgraded
facilities are reflected in each agencies’ respective bikeway maps and applications.
• Green Street Principles: Incorporate stormwater management into bicycle and pedestrian planning by
applying the design strategies outlined in the NACTO Urban Street Stormwater Guide. Green infrastructure
elements should be integrated into street design to manage stormwater, improve sustainability, and extend
the life cycle of transportation infrastructure. Stormwater management plans should be overlaid with
recommended bicycle and pedestrian improvements to identify opportunities for co-investment and multi-
benefit projects.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 112 Packet Pg. 126 of 828
4. Implementation and Funding 102
4.
IMPLEMENTATION
AND FUNDING
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 113 Packet Pg. 127 of 828
103
This chapter provides an overview of the project delivery process, project prioritization process, project cost
estimates, and identifies funding sources to advance implementation.
4.1 Project Delivery Process
This 2026 BPTP adopts a long-range vision for Palo Alto’s pedestrian and bicycle networks. With implementation
of the Complete Vision Network recommendations, every resident in Palo Alto would have access to low-stress,
comfortable bikeways that connect to major destinations throughout the City, along with connected sidewalks
and frequent and appropriate crossing locations and designs. The recommendations included in 2026 BPTP
could require further project-specific planning, data collection, analysis, public engagement, and engineering
design before they can be implemented. Some portions of these networks will be implemented under near-
term (less than 10 years), while other recommendations are expected to be advanced beyond that timeframe.
Implementation of the proposed network and programs may occur in phases over time and would be dependent
on available resources.
When considering when and how to implement
these projects, the City incorporates design
requirements, including maintaining access for people
with disabilities, maintaining access for emergency
responders, preserving access for utilities and
maintenance, and meeting stormwater requirements,
among other considerations. As projects advance to
design, studies that consider the inclusion of bikeways
or other right-of-way reallocations will be evaluated
and potential trade-offs, such as repurposing of
parking or travel lanes will be reviewed. The project
development process generally consists of:
• Project development, scoping, funding. As the
first phase in the development of projects, the
City conducts meetings with key stakeholders
to define the scope of the project and identify
funding opportunities.
• Concept design. Concept design includes
identification of a preferred alternative for
approval by City Council. This stage typically
includes collecting traffic, safety, parking, and
operations data and analyzing the data to
understand existing conditions, and potential
concept design alternatives. Key studies would
be conducted to understand the project benefits
and impacts. Community engagement would
be conducted as part of this effort to identify a
preferred design.
• Detailed engineering design. After designs are
approved by City Council, detailed engineering
will be conducted to answer remaining technical
questions, develop accurate cost estimates,
finalize the funding plan, and solicit construction
bids.
• Construction. Following award of the construction
contract, the project will be built with notification
to affected residents, property owners, and
businesses.
Certain long-term projects may be advanced through
quick-build interim improvements, allowing the City to
deliver early benefits while funding, design, and other
challenges are being resolved. Quick-build strategies—
such as paint-and-post treatments, curb extensions,
or temporary traffic calming measures—can provide
immediate safety and mobility enhancements
at relatively low cost. In addition, quick-build
implementation offers an opportunity to test design
concepts, gather real-time performance data, and
evaluate community feedback. This phased approach
enables the City to strengthen community buy-in,
refine project elements, and build momentum toward
full implementation.
Project Initiation & Scoping
Concept Design Engineering
Construction
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 114 Packet Pg. 128 of 828
4. Implementation and Funding 104
4.2 Project Prioritization
Prioritization Framework
Project prioritization helps direct the City’s resources and develop a near-term list of improvements. This 2026
BPTP prioritizes intersections and bikeway corridors, studies, and special projects, for implementation over the
next ten years. An initial prioritization was conducted to develop scores for each roadway segment in Palo Alto
based on quantitative criteria to assess the level of alignment with the objectives of safety and connectivity.
Projects that scored higher than 70 points were advanced to supplemental evaluation along with a subset of
additional projects selected for further review. The supplemental evaluation considered project readiness,
project cost, and project support to determine the top priority projects for near-term implementation.
Table 7 presents proposed prioritization factors and evaluation criteria. The project prioritization included two
stages of evaluation. The initial evaluation quantitively prioritizes projects based on the safety and connectivity
factors. The second stage (supplemental evaluation) involved the consideration of three feasibility-oriented
factors of project readiness, project cost and funding opportunities, and project support. (Only the projects that
scored 70 or more points in the Initial Evaluation advance to the Supplemental Evaluation and those that are on
the Low-Stress Network are considered for near-term implementation.) Additional information is presented in
Appendix O: Project Prioritization.
Table 8: Prioritization Factors and Evaluation Criteria
Note: * Only the projects that scored 70 or more points in the Initial Evaluation advance to the Supplemental Evaluation.
Additionally, the list of near term implementation projects was revised based on the feedback from the
community and the City Council to prioritize the high-comfort, low-stress, tree-lined streets to encourage the
interested but concerned users.
PRIORITIZATION FACTOR CRITERIA
Initial Evaluation
Safety
High-Injury Corridors
Recommended Walk & Roll SRTS suggested
route maps
Connectivity Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress
Access to Transit
Supplemental Evaluation*
Project Cost and Funding
High, Medium and LowProject Readiness
Project Support
4. Implementation and Funding
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 115 Packet Pg. 129 of 828
105
Near-Term Implementation
The 2026 BPTP focuses staff resources to make incremental progress on the highest priority locations shown in
Table 9 (not a ranked list), representing a total of 12 miles of enhancements on the network. The estimated cost
of implementing all 16 projects is $12.8 million. Initially, projects scoring above 70 under the evaluation criteria
were considered for near-term implementation; however, based on guidance from City staff, City Council, and
community feedback, the list was refined. The remaining 78 bicycle projects would be considered for long-term
implementation.
Table 9: Near-Term Bicycle Projects
PROJECT NUMBER PROJECT NAME DESCRIPTION COST ESTIMATE
SUP_1
Quarry Road
Transit Connection
Project
Construct an extended trail from the intersection with El
Camino Real to the Palo Alto transit center and Mitchell Lane.$599,250.00
SB_11a
Middlefield Road
Separated Bikeway
Connection to
Menlo Park
Construct a new separated bikeway from Menlo Park to
Everett Ave to allow for intercity connectivity.$202,745.00
SB_12 Homer Avenue
Separated Bikeway
Upgrade a painted bike lane to a buffered or separated
bikeway on north side and Extend the protected bike lane
on south side on Homer Avenue from Alma Street to Bryant
Street.
$402,095.20
SB_18
East/West
Meadow Drive
Separated Bikeway
Upgrade a painted bike lane to separated bikeway on West
Meadow Drive from El Camino Way to Alma street and
continue onto East Meadow Drive from Alma Street to Fabian
Way. Consider raised crossings to slow traffic and create
safer crossings for students. (Coordinate with the Middlefield
Protected Bike Lane project for safe intersection crossings.)
$3,002,134.80
SB_20 San Antonio Road
Separated Bikeway
Construct a new separated bikeway along San Antonio
Avenue frontage street from Alma Street to E. Bayshore
Road. Request new developers to reconstruct street
according to new design. Coordinate with the City's San
Antonio Area Plan planning efforts and with surrounding
towns to create smooth transition between cities.
$4,220,679.40
SB_23 Fabian Way
Separated Bikeway
Coordinate with the existing South Palo Alto Bikeways
Demonstration Project as part of the Palo Alto Safety Action
Plan. Upgrade painted bike lane to buffered and/or separated
bikeway along Fabian Way from East Meadow Drive until
Charleston Road to separate road users and create a more
low-stress route for school commutes. Lane reconfiguration
needed.
$1,044,655.40
BLVD_2
Bryant Street
Bike Boulevard
Downtown Access
Project
Install traffic diverters, speed bumps, traffic circles, or
other similar interventions on Bryant Boulevard between
Embarcadero Road and downtown. Include a turn restriction
from Embarcadero Road going northbound onto Bryant
Boulevard.
$459,337.80
BLVD_15 Cowper Street
Bike Boulevard
Upgrade a bike route to a bike boulevard on Cowper
Street from Coleridge Avenue until East Meadow Drive.
Install raised crossings at Hoover Park. Implement traffic
calming elements and wayfinding along route and gateway
treatments at intersections.
$1,170,582.00
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 116 Packet Pg. 130 of 828
4. Implementation and Funding 106
PROJECT NUMBER PROJECT NAME DESCRIPTION COST ESTIMATE
BLVD_24 Park Boulevard
Bike Boulevard
Construct a new bike boulevard along Park Boulevard from
Castilleja Avenue to Lambert Avenue, transforming the
current bike lanes into a slow, calm shared roadway bicycle
boulevard environment. Use modal filters to lower traffic
volumes.
$1,204,620.20
BBL_4 El Camino Way
Buffered Bike Lane
Upgrade El Camino Way to a buffered bike lane from Los
Robles Avenue to Maybell Avenue. Parking removal needed.
Intersection improvement and wayfinding at the intersection
with West Meadow Drive to connect to the separated
bikeway and Wilkie Way bike boulevard. Coordinate with
major intersection improvement at El Camino Real and
Maybell Avenue intersection and new bike boulevard.
Alternatively, consider one-way traffic on El Camino Way to
retain parking and accommodate buffered bike lanes.
$86,486.40
BBL_7
Cambridge
Avenue Buffered
Bike Lane
Stripe a buffered bike lane on Cambridge Avenue and Yale
Street from Park Avenue to California Avenue, crossing
El Camino Real. This is an alternate route for use when
California Ave is occupied with community events.
$102,995.20
BBL_8 California Avenue
Buffered Bike Lane
Upgrade painted bike lane to a buffered bike lane on
California Avenue from El Camino Real to Hanover Street.
Parking reconfiguration needed to create space for buffered
bike lanes. Coordinate with the El Camino Separated Bikeway
project and the Hanover Street Buffered Bike Lane project to
create smooth intersection crossings.
$107,811.20
BBL_9 Amaranta - Clemo
Buffered Bike Lane
Stripe a buffered bike lane on Amaranta Avenue and
Clemo Avenue from Los Robles Avenue to Arastradero
Road. Consider design details appropriate for a more rural
neighborhood context. Coordinate with Arastradero Road
Separated Bikeway to create a safe intersection crossing.
$103,331.20
BL_5
Stanford Avenue
Bike Lane
connection to
Hanover
Upgrade bike route and sharrows to painted bike lane on
Stanford Avenue from Harvard Street to Dartmouth Street.
Connect to existing bike lanes on Stanford Avenue and new
Bike Boulevard on Hanover Street. Coordination is needed
with the Stanford University and Escondido Elementary
School. Consider a study of impacts of no left turns on to
Escondido Road and Hanover Street.
$11,688.90
BL_6 California Avenue
Bike Lane
Painted a bike lane on California Avenue from the Caltrain
station to Birch Street. Coordinate with California Avenue
Streetscape project. Consider reorientation of parking stalls
to create more space for bicycling.
$39,381.30
CS_1 California Avenue
Community Street
Community Street design on California Avenue from Birch
Street to El Camino Real to align with the California Avenue
Streetscape project.
$28,143.60
Source: Kittelson & Associates, 2025
Note: The costs include only construction expenses; additional funding may be required for planning and engineering assessments.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 117 Packet Pg. 131 of 828
107
PROJECT NUMBER PROJECT NAME DESCRIPTION
CROSSING_01 Seale Avenue Tunnel Construct an undercrossing of Caltrain and Alma street at Seale
Ave
CROSSING_09
Matadero Creek
Highway 101 Seasonal
Undercrossing
Convert the existing Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD)
maintenance road along Matadero Creek under Highway 101 to
a seasonal public trail with reconfiguration of the approaches
and addition of lighting, railings and signage. Constructing
the new undercrossing and other improvements will help
implement the Matadero Creek Trail/Midtown Connector
project.1
CROSSING_10 Southern Palo Alto Bike/
Ped Crossing
Construct a grade-separated pedestrian and bicycle crossing
of Caltrain/Alma Street in the vicinity of Matadero Creek/Park
Boulevard or between El Dorado and Loma Verde Avenues.
This project closes a 1.3 mile gap between existing crossings at
California Avenue and Meadow Street, greatly improving east-
west connectivity in conjunction with other improvements.2
BLVD_
CROSSING_01
Chaucer Street crossing
of University Avenue
Configure the approaches of Chaucer street with bike boxes to
prioritize people riding bicycles on this Bicycle Boulevard route.
BLVD_
CROSSING_02
Carlson Streer Crossing
of E Charleston Rd
Configure the approaches of Carlson Street with bike boxes to
prioritize people riding bicycles on this Bicycle Boulevard route.
BLVD_
CROSSING_03
Wilkie Way Crossing of
West Charleston Road
Configure the approaches of Wilkie Way with bike boxes to
prioritize people riding bicycles on this Bicycle Boulevard route.
BLVD_
CROSSING_04
Cowper Street Crossing
of East Meadow Drive
Construct jogged connection from Mitchell Park Path to
Cowper Street Integrate with East Meadow street bikeway
upgrades.
BLVD_
CROSSING_05
Seale Avenue Bike
Boulevard Crossing of
Middlefield Road
Construct a low-stress crossing of Middlefield Road to
encourage yielding to bicyclists on this Bicycle Boulevard route.
Consider a full intersection median to filter out auto traffic on
Seale Ave.
BLVD_
CROSSING_07
Greer Road Crossing of
Embarcadero Road
Configure the approaches of Green Road with bike boxes to
prioritize people riding bicycles on this Bicycle Boulevard route.
BLVD_
CROSSING_08
St. Francis Drive crossing
of Embarcadero Road
Configure the approaches of St Francis Drive with bike boxes to
prioritize people riding bicycles on this Bicycle Boulevard route.
BLVD_
CROSSING_10
Bryant St crossing of E
Meadow Dr
Enhance the crossing of East Meadow Dr with a median island,
flashing beacon or hybrid beacon.
BLVD_
CROSSING_11
Nelson Dr crossing of E
Charleston Rd
Enhance the crossing of East Charleston with a bike box and
crossing markings for clear connection between the pathway
and bike boulevard.
1 This project is on VTA’s Measure B Bike/Ped Candidate Project List, titled “Matadero Creek Trail and Undercrossing at US 101: https://www.vta.org/projects/funding/2016-measure-b#accordion-bicycle---pedestrian
2 This project is on VTA’s Measure B Bike/Ped Candidate Project List, titled, “South Palo Alto Caltrain Pedestrian/Bicycle Grade
Separation”: https://www.vta.org/projects/funding/2016-measure-b#accordion-bicycle---pedestrian
In addition to the recommended bicycle network projects, the following 22 intersection and crossing projects
should be considered for near-term enhancements. Of these, nine projects are on either bicycle or pedestrian
HIN. Figure 19 shows the 38 near-term bicycles, intersection and crossing projects.
Table 10: Priority Intersection and Crossing Projects
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 118 Packet Pg. 132 of 828
4. Implementation and Funding 108
PROJECT NUMBER PROJECT NAME DESCRIPTION
INTERSECTION_01
Page Mill Road
and Hanover
Street Intersection
Improvement
Construct protected intersection design features to improve
safety and comfort of this intersection.
INTERSECTION_02
West Meadow
Drive and El Camino
Way Intersection
Improvement
Construct protected intersection design features to improve
safety and comfort of this intersection.
INTERSECTION_03
Quarry Road and El
Camino Real Protected
Intersection
Construct a protected intersection at Quarry Road and El
Camino Real as part of the Quarry Road Transit Connection
project.
INTERSECTION_05
California Avenue and El
Camino Real Protected
Intersection
Widen and improve the existing sidewalk undercrossing along
University Avenue at the Palo Alto Transit Center. This project
will improve bicycle and pedestrian access to transit and
between downtown Palo Alto and one of Stanford University's
main entrance, and should include lighting, wayfinding and
public art enhancements. Include areas beyond the transit
center and undercrossing too, like the Quarry Road Connection.
INTERSECTION_06 Park to Serra Protected
Intersection
Construct a protected intersection to support circulation
between Park Avenue, Serra Avenue bike lanes, El Camino Real
and the Serra Avenue pathway.
INTERSECTION_07
E Charleston Road
and San Antonio Road
Intersection
Construct protected intersection design features to improve
safety and comfort of this intersection in coordination with
future bikeway upgrade projects
INTERSECTION_08 E Charleston Road and
Middlefield Road
Construct protected intersection design features to improve
safety and comfort of this intersection in coordination with
future bikeway upgrade projects
INTERSECTION_09 Maybell Avenue and El
Camino Real
Construct protected intersection design features to improve
safety and comfort of this intersection in coordination with
future bikeway upgrade projects
INTERSECTION_10
Embarcadero Road and
El Camino Real Protected
Intersection
Construct protected intersection design features to improve
safety and comfort of this intersection in coordination with
future bikeway upgrade projects
INTERSECTION_11
Quarry Road and
Arboretum Road
Protected Intersection
Construct protected intersection design features to improve
safety and comfort of this intersection in coordination with
future bikeway upgrade projects
INTERSECTION_12 San Antonio Road and
Middlefield Road
Construct protected intersection design features to improve
safety and comfort of this intersection in coordination with
future bikeway upgrade projects
Source: Kittelson & Associates, 2025
Projects that are not identified for near-term implementation may be advanced as opportunities arise
through existing infrastructure programs, as well as new developments, or other funding mechanisms. The
comprehensive list of projects is presented in Appendix L and includes 138 total projects: 94 bicycle projects, 33
crossing and intersection projects, 3 special projects, and 5 recommended studies.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 119 Packet Pg. 133 of 828
109
Table 11: Other Priority Projects
PROJECT NUMBER PROJECT NAME DESCRIPTION
Study_02 Embarcadero Road
Corridor Study
Following the recommendations of the Palo Alto Safety Action Plan,
conduct a corridor study to understand potential safety countermeasures
for use on Embarcadero Road. This will determine the feasibility of the
full corridor Embarcadero Road Separated Bikeway project.
Study_04
Bryant Blvd & E
Meadow Crossing
Feasibility Study
Assess the feasibility of a traffic signal or other crossing treatment to
facilitate crossings of the Bryant Street Bicycle Boulevard. This Study
would be coordinated with SB_18
Study_05
Cal Ave Station
Gap Closure
project
Explore ways to connect Cal Avenue Station over Oregon Expwy to Page
Mill Road, over the Page Mill Rd Bridge or via a new connection along
the railroad.
SpecProj_01
Hamilton Ave
Pedestrian Signal
Heads
Install pedestrian signal heads on Hamilton Ave in downtown.
SpecProj_03 Ellen Fletcher Bike
Blvd Project
Ellen Fletcher Bike Blvd. Project: Work with the Palo Alto Art Center and
local volunteers to assign a historic designation to the Fletcher Bicycle
Boulevard as the first in the US. Explore collaboration with Palo Alto
History Museum. Provide an interactive art installation/digital signage at
the El Carmelo/Bryant Bridge that identifies the number of daily cyclists
and provides useful education and encouragement messages. Examples
are in Fremont. Consider synching with apps like Strava for additional
feedback.
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 120 Packet Pg. 134 of 828
110
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
EAST
PALO ALTOMENLO
PARK
STANFORD
UNIVERSITY
LOS
ALTOS
MOUNTAIN
VIEW
LOS ALTOS
HILLS
Byxbee Park
Mitchell
Park
Hoover
Park
Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve
Greer
Park
Eleanor
Pardee
Park
Ramos
Park
Robles
Park
Bol
Park
Alta Mesa
Memorial
Park
Rinconada
Park
Baylands
Nature
Preserve
Palo Alto
High
School
Gunn
High
School
JLS
Middle
School
Greene
Middle
School
Fletcher
Middle
School
Walter Hays
Elementary
Duveneck
Elementary
Ohlone
Elementary
El Carmelo
Elementary
Palo Verde
Elementary
Addison
Elementary
Hoover
Elementary
Greendell
School
Juana
Briones
Elementary
Barron
Park
Elementary
Palo Alto
Caltrain
California Ave
Caltrain
San Antonio
Caltrain
Menlo Park
Caltrain Palo Alto
Airport
Mata
d
e
r
o
C
r
e
e
k
Barro
n
C
r
e
e
k
Adobe
C
r
e
e
k
Middl
e
f
i
e
l
d
R
d
Alma
S
t
Brya
n
t
S
t
Ham
i
l
t
o
n
A
v
e
Univ
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
Lytt
o
n
A
v
e
Add
i
s
o
n
A
v
e
New
e
l
l
R
d
Channing Ave
Sand
H
i
l
l
R
d
Cowp
e
r
S
t
Embarcad
e
r
o
R
d
Louis
R
d
Oreg
o
n
E
x
p
y
Cali
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Cali
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Pag
e
M
i
l
l
R
d
Colora
d
o
A
v
e
Loma
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
Meado
w
D
r
El D
o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Charle
s
t
o
n
R
d
Fa
b
i
a
n
W
y
San Antonio Rd
Bay
s
h
o
r
e
R
d
Gree
r
R
d
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Los
R
o
b
l
e
s
A
v
e
Wilkie
W
y
Ara
s
t
r
a
d
e
r
o
R
d
Footh
i
l
l
E
x
p
y
Han
o
v
e
r
S
t
Hil
l
v
i
e
w
A
v
e
Junipero Serra Blvd
Sta
n
f
o
r
d
A
v
e
Ross
R
d
Mat
a
d
e
r
o
A
v
e
May
b
e
l
l
A
v
e
Hom
e
r
A
v
e
Color
a
d
o
A
v
e
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Miller
A
v
e
Centra
l
E
x
p
y
Middlefield Rd
King
s
l
e
y
A
v
e
Sea
l
e
A
v
e
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
EAST
PALO ALTO
MENLO
PARK
STANFORD
UNIVERSITY
LOS
ALTOS
MOUNTAIN
VIEW
LOS ALTOS
HILLS
PALO ALTO
PORTOLA
VALLEY
F
Proposed Near-Term Improvements
Class I - Shared Use Path
Class Ib - Community Street
Class IIa - Bike Lane
Class IIb - Buffered Bike Lane
Class IIIb - Bike Boulevard
Class IV - Protected Bike Lane
Proposed Bike Blvd Crossing
Proposed Intersection Improvement
Proposed Ped/Bike Bridge or Underpass
City of Palo Alto
Railroad
Caltrain Stop
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC, Kittelson
0 1 2
Miles
As of 9/1/2025
Figure 19: Near-Term Improvement Projects Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 121 Packet Pg. 135 of 828
111
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 122 Packet Pg. 136 of 828
4. Implementation and Funding 112
4.3 Cost Estimates
To develop planning-level cost estimates, a sample of recent bicycle projects in Palo Alto provided by the City
was reviewed to determine unit costs (cost per mile) for each facility type. These estimates are based on the
assumption that corridors include an average of 12 intersections per mile and that contingency costs range from
20% to 40%, depending on the complexity of the facility. Standard assumptions were applied to estimate costs
for elements such as mobilization, traffic control, engineering, and construction management. The estimates do
not include costs related to right-of-way acquisition, grading or retaining walls, utility relocation, landscaping,
striping removal, or lighting, except in the case of Class I Shared Use Paths.
Table 11 summarizes the planning-level costs for the recommended bicycle projects. For bike boulevards and
separated bikeway, it is assumed that half of the projects will fall into the high-cost category and the other half
into the low-cost category. Based on these assumptions, the total cost to implement the 94 bicycle projects
included in the 2026 BPTP is estimated at approximately $78 million.
Table 12: Planning Level Cost Estimates for Bicycle Projects
TYPE OF FACILITY COST PER MILE LENGTH (MILE) COST
Class I Shared Use Path $4,700,000 7.95 $37,365,000
Class IIa Bike Lanes $141,000 3.78 $532,800
Class IIb Buffered Bike Lanes $224,000 5.93 $1,329,400
Class IIIa Advisory Bike Lanes $419,000 0.30 $124,400
Class IIIb Bike Boulevard (Low Cost) $466,000 10.77 $5,017,900
Class IIIb Bike Boulevard (High Cost) $720,000 10.77 $7,753,000
Class IV Separated Bikeway (Low Cost) $358,000 11.40 $4,080,500
Class IV Separated Bikeway (High Cost) $1,886,000 11.40 $21,496,900
Total (High Cost)62.29 $77,699,900
Costs for intersection and crossing improvements are not included in the 2026 BPTP, as they vary widely by
project and cannot be accurately estimated at the planning stage. The costs could be estimated using the
previous bid documents and Caltrans Contract Cost Database.1
1 Caltrans. Contract Cost Database. Accessed from https://d8data.dot.ca.gov/contractcost/index.php
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 123 Packet Pg. 137 of 828
113
4.4 Funding Sources
Bicycle and pedestrian projects can be funded through a range of local, regional, state, and federal sources. To
enhance its competitiveness for these funds, the City of Palo Alto should ensure its projects align with the core
goals of the funding programs—typically centered on equity, safety, sustainability, and connectivity. Besides
dedicated funding sources, some bicycle and pedestrian projects can be implemented by integrating project
elements into streets scheduled for repaving through the City’s five-year paving plan.
Certain grants such as Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA) require a project to reduce motor vehicle
emissions or traffic congestion to be eligible for funding.2 All near-term implementation projects identified
in the 2026 BPTP meet this criterion, as they were prioritized for their ability to improve access to transit and
encourage mode shift. Similarly, the Active Transportation Program (ATP) requires applicants to show public
health, safety, and greenhouse gas reduction benefits, as well as evidence of strong community engagement.3
The near-term projects satisfy these requirements, having received broad community support while advancing
health, safety, and sustainability outcomes.
Project readiness is another key factor; projects that have completed environmental clearance, secured right-
of-way, and are close to being shovel-ready are often prioritized. In addition, strong support from key agency
partners such as VTA, Caltrans, schools, nonprofit organizations, and neighboring jurisdictions can significantly
strengthen a project’s application. The list of funding sources is included in Appendix P: List of Funding Sources.
2 Bay Area Air District. TFCA Regional Fund. Accessed from https://www.baaqmd.gov/funding-and-incentives/funding-sources/regional-
fund
3 California Transportation Commission. Active Transportation Program. Accessed from https://catc.ca.gov/programs/active-
transportation-program
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 124 Packet Pg. 138 of 828
5. Conclusion
5.
CONCLUSION
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 125 Packet Pg. 139 of 828
115
Safe
and
Inclusive
Connected
and
Accessible
Community-
Led and
Cooperative
Comfortable
and
Enjoyable
Integrated
and
Collaborative
The Plan provides for both near-term and long-term investment in infrastructure, programs, and policies
to support the Plan’s vision and objectives. Together, these components create a comprehensive
approach that will guide, prioritize, and implement a network of quality bicycle and pedestrian facilities
to improve mobility, connectivity, and public health throughout Palo Alto.
The 2026 Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update promotes and
encourages active and sustainable transportation in Palo Alto and establishes the
City’s vision and comprehensive approach to improving conditions for walking,
biking, and rolling. The vision is a universally accessible, safe, convenient, and
integrated system that promotes walking and biking for people of all ages and
abilities. The Plan’s performance measures allow for the ongoing tracking of
progress towards implementation of the five objectives:
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 126 Packet Pg. 140 of 828
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft 2026
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 127 Packet Pg. 141 of 828
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
EAST
PALO ALTOMENLO
PARK
STANFORD
UNIVERSITY
LOS
ALTOS
MOUNTAIN
VIEW
LOS ALTOS
HILLS
Byxbee Park
Mitchell
Park
Hoover
Park
Pearson-Arastradero
Preserve
Greer
Park
Eleanor
Pardee
Park
Ramos
Park
Robles
Park
Bol
Park
Alta Mesa
Memorial
Park
Rinconada
Park
Baylands
Nature
Preserve
Palo Alto
High
School
Gunn
High
School
JLS
Middle
School
Greene
Middle
School
Fletcher
Middle
School
Walter Hays
Elementary
Duveneck
Elementary
Ohlone
Elementary
El Carmelo
Elementary
Palo Verde
Elementary
Addison
Elementary
Hoover
Elementary
Greendell
School
Juana
Briones
Elementary
Barron
Park
Elementary
Palo Alto
Caltrain
California Ave
Caltrain
San Antonio
Caltrain
Menlo Park
Caltrain Palo Alto
Airport
Mata
d
e
r
o
C
r
e
e
k
Barro
n
C
r
e
e
k
Adobe
C
r
e
e
k
Middl
e
f
i
e
l
d
R
d
Alma
S
t
Brya
n
t
S
t
Ham
i
l
t
o
n
A
v
e
Univ
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
Lytt
o
n
A
v
e
Add
i
s
o
n
A
v
e
New
e
l
l
R
d
Channing Ave
Sand
H
i
l
l
R
d
Cowp
e
r
S
t
Embarcad
e
r
o
R
d
Louis
R
d
Oreg
o
n
E
x
p
y
Cali
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Cali
f
o
r
n
i
a
A
v
e
Pag
e
M
i
l
l
R
d
Colora
d
o
A
v
e
Loma
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
Meado
w
D
r
El D
o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
Charle
s
t
o
n
R
d
Fa
b
i
a
n
W
y
San An
t
o
nio
R
d
Bay
s
h
o
r
e
R
d
Gree
r
R
d
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Los
R
o
b
l
e
s
A
v
e
Wilkie
W
y
Ara
s
t
r
a
d
e
r
o
R
d
Footh
i
l
l
E
x
p
y
Han
o
v
e
r
S
t
Hil
l
v
i
e
w
A
v
e
Junipero Serr
a
B
l
v
d
Sta
n
f
o
r
d
A
v
e
Ross
R
d
Mat
a
d
e
r
o
A
v
e
May
b
e
l
l
A
v
e
Hom
e
r
A
v
e
Color
a
d
o
A
v
e
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Miller
A
v
e
Centra
l
E
x
p
y
Middlefield Rd
King
s
l
e
y
A
v
e
Sea
l
e
A
v
e
__`101
§¨¦280
∙þ82
EAST
PALO ALTO
MENLO
PARK
STANFORD
UNIVERSITY
LOS
ALTOS
MOUNTAIN
VIEW
LOS ALTOS
HILLS
PALO ALTO
PORTOLA
VALLEY
F
Proposed Near-Term Improvements
Class I - Shared Use Path
Class Ib - Community Street
Class IIa - Bike Lane
Class IIb - Buffered Bike Lane
Class IIIb - Bike Boulevard
Class IV - Protected Bike Lane
Proposed Bike Blvd Crossing
Proposed Intersection Improvement
Proposed Ped/Bike Bridge or Underpass
City of Palo Alto
Railroad
Caltrain Stop
Data Sources: City of Palo Alto, MTC, Kittelson
0 1 2
Miles
As of 9/1/2025
Near-Term Improvement Projects Item 2
Attachment B - Map of Near
Term Improvement Projects
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 128 Packet Pg. 142 of 828
105
Near-Term Implementation
The 2026 BPTP focuses staff resources to make incremental progress on the highest priority locations shown in
Table 9 (not a ranked list), representing a total of 12 miles of enhancements on the network. The estimated cost
of implementing all 16 projects is $12.8 million. Initially, projects scoring above 70 under the evaluation criteria
were considered for near-term implementation; however, based on guidance from City staff, City Council, and
community feedback, the list was refined. The remaining 78 bicycle projects would be considered for long-term
implementation.
Table 9: Near-Term Bicycle Projects
PROJECT NUMBER PROJECT NAME DESCRIPTION COST ESTIMATE
SUP_1
Quarry Road
Transit Connection
Project
Construct an extended trail from the intersection with El
Camino Real to the Palo Alto transit center and Mitchell Lane.$599,250.00
SB_11a
Middlefield Road
Separated Bikeway
Connection to
Menlo Park
Construct a new separated bikeway from Menlo Park to
Everett Ave to allow for intercity connectivity.$202,745.00
SB_12 Homer Avenue
Separated Bikeway
Upgrade a painted bike lane to a buffered or separated
bikeway on north side and Extend the protected bike lane
on south side on Homer Avenue from Alma Street to Bryant
Street.
$402,095.20
SB_18
East/West
Meadow Drive
Separated Bikeway
Upgrade a painted bike lane to separated bikeway on West
Meadow Drive from El Camino Way to Alma street and
continue onto East Meadow Drive from Alma Street to Fabian
Way. Consider raised crossings to slow traffic and create
safer crossings for students. (Coordinate with the Middlefield
Protected Bike Lane project for safe intersection crossings.)
$3,002,134.80
SB_20 San Antonio Road
Separated Bikeway
Construct a new separated bikeway along San Antonio
Avenue frontage street from Alma Street to E. Bayshore
Road. Request new developers to reconstruct street
according to new design. Coordinate with the City's San
Antonio Area Plan planning efforts and with surrounding
towns to create smooth transition between cities.
$4,220,679.40
SB_23 Fabian Way
Separated Bikeway
Coordinate with the existing South Palo Alto Bikeways
Demonstration Project as part of the Palo Alto Safety Action
Plan. Upgrade painted bike lane to buffered and/or separated
bikeway along Fabian Way from East Meadow Drive until
Charleston Road to separate road users and create a more
low-stress route for school commutes. Lane reconfiguration
needed.
$1,044,655.40
BLVD_2
Bryant Street
Bike Boulevard
Downtown Access
Project
Install traffic diverters, speed bumps, traffic circles, or
other similar interventions on Bryant Boulevard between
Embarcadero Road and downtown. Include a turn restriction
from Embarcadero Road going northbound onto Bryant
Boulevard.
$459,337.80
BLVD_15 Cowper Street
Bike Boulevard
Upgrade a bike route to a bike boulevard on Cowper
Street from Coleridge Avenue until East Meadow Drive.
Install raised crossings at Hoover Park. Implement traffic
calming elements and wayfinding along route and gateway
treatments at intersections.
$1,170,582.00
Item 2
Attachment C - Tables of
Near Term Improvement
Projects
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 129 Packet Pg. 143 of 828
4. Implementation and Funding 106
PROJECT NUMBER PROJECT NAME DESCRIPTION COST ESTIMATE
BLVD_24 Park Boulevard
Bike Boulevard
Construct a new bike boulevard along Park Boulevard from
Castilleja Avenue to Lambert Avenue, transforming the
current bike lanes into a slow, calm shared roadway bicycle
boulevard environment. Use modal filters to lower traffic
volumes.
$1,204,620.20
BBL_4 El Camino Way
Buffered Bike Lane
Upgrade El Camino Way to a buffered bike lane from Los
Robles Avenue to Maybell Avenue. Parking removal needed.
Intersection improvement and wayfinding at the intersection
with West Meadow Drive to connect to the separated
bikeway and Wilkie Way bike boulevard. Coordinate with
major intersection improvement at El Camino Real and
Maybell Avenue intersection and new bike boulevard.
Alternatively, consider one-way traffic on El Camino Way to
retain parking and accommodate buffered bike lanes.
$86,486.40
BBL_7
Cambridge
Avenue Buffered
Bike Lane
Stripe a buffered bike lane on Cambridge Avenue and Yale
Street from Park Avenue to California Avenue, crossing
El Camino Real. This is an alternate route for use when
California Ave is occupied with community events.
$102,995.20
BBL_8 California Avenue
Buffered Bike Lane
Upgrade painted bike lane to a buffered bike lane on
California Avenue from El Camino Real to Hanover Street.
Parking reconfiguration needed to create space for buffered
bike lanes. Coordinate with the El Camino Separated Bikeway
project and the Hanover Street Buffered Bike Lane project to
create smooth intersection crossings.
$107,811.20
BBL_9 Amaranta - Clemo
Buffered Bike Lane
Stripe a buffered bike lane on Amaranta Avenue and
Clemo Avenue from Los Robles Avenue to Arastradero
Road. Consider design details appropriate for a more rural
neighborhood context. Coordinate with Arastradero Road
Separated Bikeway to create a safe intersection crossing.
$103,331.20
BL_5
Stanford Avenue
Bike Lane
connection to
Hanover
Upgrade bike route and sharrows to painted bike lane on
Stanford Avenue from Harvard Street to Dartmouth Street.
Connect to existing bike lanes on Stanford Avenue and new
Bike Boulevard on Hanover Street. Coordination is needed
with the Stanford University and Escondido Elementary
School. Consider a study of impacts of no left turns on to
Escondido Road and Hanover Street.
$11,688.90
BL_6 California Avenue
Bike Lane
Painted a bike lane on California Avenue from the Caltrain
station to Birch Street. Coordinate with California Avenue
Streetscape project. Consider reorientation of parking stalls
to create more space for bicycling.
$39,381.30
CS_1 California Avenue
Community Street
Community Street design on California Avenue from Birch
Street to El Camino Real to align with the California Avenue
Streetscape project.
$28,143.60
Source: Kittelson & Associates, 2025
Note: The costs include only construction expenses; additional funding may be required for planning and engineering assessments.
Item 2
Attachment C - Tables of
Near Term Improvement
Projects
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 130 Packet Pg. 144 of 828
107
PROJECT NUMBER PROJECT NAME DESCRIPTION
CROSSING_01 Seale Avenue Tunnel Construct an undercrossing of Caltrain and Alma street at Seale
Ave
CROSSING_09
Matadero Creek
Highway 101 Seasonal
Undercrossing
Convert the existing Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD)
maintenance road along Matadero Creek under Highway 101 to
a seasonal public trail with reconfiguration of the approaches
and addition of lighting, railings and signage. Constructing
the new undercrossing and other improvements will help
implement the Matadero Creek Trail/Midtown Connector
project.1
CROSSING_10 Southern Palo Alto Bike/
Ped Crossing
Construct a grade-separated pedestrian and bicycle crossing
of Caltrain/Alma Street in the vicinity of Matadero Creek/Park
Boulevard or between El Dorado and Loma Verde Avenues.
This project closes a 1.3 mile gap between existing crossings at
California Avenue and Meadow Street, greatly improving east-
west connectivity in conjunction with other improvements.2
BLVD_
CROSSING_01
Chaucer Street crossing
of University Avenue
Configure the approaches of Chaucer street with bike boxes to
prioritize people riding bicycles on this Bicycle Boulevard route.
BLVD_
CROSSING_02
Carlson Streer Crossing
of E Charleston Rd
Configure the approaches of Carlson Street with bike boxes to
prioritize people riding bicycles on this Bicycle Boulevard route.
BLVD_
CROSSING_03
Wilkie Way Crossing of
West Charleston Road
Configure the approaches of Wilkie Way with bike boxes to
prioritize people riding bicycles on this Bicycle Boulevard route.
BLVD_
CROSSING_04
Cowper Street Crossing
of East Meadow Drive
Construct jogged connection from Mitchell Park Path to
Cowper Street Integrate with East Meadow street bikeway
upgrades.
BLVD_
CROSSING_05
Seale Avenue Bike
Boulevard Crossing of
Middlefield Road
Construct a low-stress crossing of Middlefield Road to
encourage yielding to bicyclists on this Bicycle Boulevard route.
Consider a full intersection median to filter out auto traffic on
Seale Ave.
BLVD_
CROSSING_07
Greer Road Crossing of
Embarcadero Road
Configure the approaches of Green Road with bike boxes to
prioritize people riding bicycles on this Bicycle Boulevard route.
BLVD_
CROSSING_08
St. Francis Drive crossing
of Embarcadero Road
Configure the approaches of St Francis Drive with bike boxes to
prioritize people riding bicycles on this Bicycle Boulevard route.
BLVD_
CROSSING_10
Bryant St crossing of E
Meadow Dr
Enhance the crossing of East Meadow Dr with a median island,
flashing beacon or hybrid beacon.
BLVD_
CROSSING_11
Nelson Dr crossing of E
Charleston Rd
Enhance the crossing of East Charleston with a bike box and
crossing markings for clear connection between the pathway
and bike boulevard.
1 This project is on VTA’s Measure B Bike/Ped Candidate Project List, titled “Matadero Creek Trail and Undercrossing at US 101: https://www.vta.org/projects/funding/2016-measure-b#accordion-bicycle---pedestrian
2 This project is on VTA’s Measure B Bike/Ped Candidate Project List, titled, “South Palo Alto Caltrain Pedestrian/Bicycle Grade
Separation”: https://www.vta.org/projects/funding/2016-measure-b#accordion-bicycle---pedestrian
In addition to the recommended bicycle network projects, the following 22 intersection and crossing projects
should be considered for near-term enhancements. Of these, nine projects are on either bicycle or pedestrian
HIN. Figure 19 shows the 38 near-term bicycles, intersection and crossing projects.
Table 10: Priority Intersection and Crossing Projects
Item 2
Attachment C - Tables of
Near Term Improvement
Projects
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 131 Packet Pg. 145 of 828
4. Implementation and Funding 108
PROJECT NUMBER PROJECT NAME DESCRIPTION
INTERSECTION_01
Page Mill Road
and Hanover
Street Intersection
Improvement
Construct protected intersection design features to improve
safety and comfort of this intersection.
INTERSECTION_02
West Meadow
Drive and El Camino
Way Intersection
Improvement
Construct protected intersection design features to improve
safety and comfort of this intersection.
INTERSECTION_03
Quarry Road and El
Camino Real Protected
Intersection
Construct a protected intersection at Quarry Road and El
Camino Real as part of the Quarry Road Transit Connection
project.
INTERSECTION_05
California Avenue and El
Camino Real Protected
Intersection
Widen and improve the existing sidewalk undercrossing along
University Avenue at the Palo Alto Transit Center. This project
will improve bicycle and pedestrian access to transit and
between downtown Palo Alto and one of Stanford University's
main entrance, and should include lighting, wayfinding and
public art enhancements. Include areas beyond the transit
center and undercrossing too, like the Quarry Road Connection.
INTERSECTION_06 Park to Serra Protected
Intersection
Construct a protected intersection to support circulation
between Park Avenue, Serra Avenue bike lanes, El Camino Real
and the Serra Avenue pathway.
INTERSECTION_07
E Charleston Road
and San Antonio Road
Intersection
Construct protected intersection design features to improve
safety and comfort of this intersection in coordination with
future bikeway upgrade projects
INTERSECTION_08 E Charleston Road and
Middlefield Road
Construct protected intersection design features to improve
safety and comfort of this intersection in coordination with
future bikeway upgrade projects
INTERSECTION_09 Maybell Avenue and El
Camino Real
Construct protected intersection design features to improve
safety and comfort of this intersection in coordination with
future bikeway upgrade projects
INTERSECTION_10
Embarcadero Road and
El Camino Real Protected
Intersection
Construct protected intersection design features to improve
safety and comfort of this intersection in coordination with
future bikeway upgrade projects
INTERSECTION_11
Quarry Road and
Arboretum Road
Protected Intersection
Construct protected intersection design features to improve
safety and comfort of this intersection in coordination with
future bikeway upgrade projects
INTERSECTION_12 San Antonio Road and
Middlefield Road
Construct protected intersection design features to improve
safety and comfort of this intersection in coordination with
future bikeway upgrade projects
Source: Kittelson & Associates, 2025
Projects that are not identified for near-term implementation may be advanced as opportunities arise
through existing infrastructure programs, as well as new developments, or other funding mechanisms. The
comprehensive list of projects is presented in Appendix L and includes 138 total projects: 94 bicycle projects, 33
crossing and intersection projects, 3 special projects, and 5 recommended studies.
Item 2
Attachment C - Tables of
Near Term Improvement
Projects
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 132 Packet Pg. 146 of 828
109
Table 11: Other Priority Projects
PROJECT NUMBER PROJECT NAME DESCRIPTION
Study_02 Embarcadero Road
Corridor Study
Following the recommendations of the Palo Alto Safety Action Plan,
conduct a corridor study to understand potential safety countermeasures
for use on Embarcadero Road. This will determine the feasibility of the
full corridor Embarcadero Road Separated Bikeway project.
Study_04
Bryant Blvd & E
Meadow Crossing
Feasibility Study
Assess the feasibility of a traffic signal or other crossing treatment to
facilitate crossings of the Bryant Street Bicycle Boulevard. This Study
would be coordinated with SB_18
Study_05
Cal Ave Station
Gap Closure
project
Explore ways to connect Cal Avenue Station over Oregon Expwy to Page
Mill Road, over the Page Mill Rd Bridge or via a new connection along
the railroad.
SpecProj_01
Hamilton Ave
Pedestrian Signal
Heads
Install pedestrian signal heads on Hamilton Ave in downtown.
SpecProj_03 Ellen Fletcher Bike
Blvd Project
Ellen Fletcher Bike Blvd. Project: Work with the Palo Alto Art Center and
local volunteers to assign a historic designation to the Fletcher Bicycle
Boulevard as the first in the US. Explore collaboration with Palo Alto
History Museum. Provide an interactive art installation/digital signage at
the El Carmelo/Bryant Bridge that identifies the number of daily cyclists
and provides useful education and encouragement messages. Examples
are in Fremont. Consider synching with apps like Strava for additional
feedback.
Item 2
Attachment C - Tables of
Near Term Improvement
Projects
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 133 Packet Pg. 147 of 828
Attachment D: Links to the Appendices for the Draft 2026 Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan Update
• Appendix A: Literature Review
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/bicycling-
walking/bptp-update-2024/draft-plan-and-append/appendix-a-literature-review-
1.pdf
• Appendix B: Phase 1-Visioning Community Engagement Summary
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/bicycling-
walking/bptp-update-2024/draft-plan-and-append/appendix-b-phase-1-visioning-
community-engagement-summary-1.pdf
• Appendix C: Phase 2-Existing Conditions Community Engagement Summary
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/bicycling-
walking/bptp-update-2024/draft-plan-and-append/appendix-c-phase-2-visioning-
community-engagement-summary-1.pdf
• Appendix D: Phase 3-Recommendations Community Engagement Summary
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/bicycling-
walking/bptp-update-2024/draft-plan-and-append/appendix-d-phase-3-visioning-
community-engagement-summary-1.pdf
• Appendix E: Bicycle Parking Data Collection Summary
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/bicycling-
walking/bptp-update-2024/draft-plan-and-append/appendix-e-bicycle-parking-
data-collection-summary-1.pdf
• Appendix F: Future Activity Levels
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/bicycling-
walking/bptp-update-2024/draft-plan-and-append/appendix-f-future-activity-
levels-1.pdf
• Appendix G: Major Barriers Analysis
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/bicycling-
walking/bptp-update-2024/draft-plan-and-append/appendix-g-major-barriers-
analysis-1.pdf
• Appendix H: Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/bicycling-
walking/bptp-update-2024/draft-plan-and-append/appendix-h-bicycle-level-of-
traffic-stress-1.pdf
Item 2
Attachment D - Links to
Appendices for Draft 2026
BPTP Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 134 Packet Pg. 148 of 828
• Appendix I: Collision and Safety Analysis
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/bicycling-
walking/bptp-update-2024/draft-plan-and-append/appendix-i-collision-and-safety-
analysis-1.pdf
• Appendix J: E-Bikes and Shared Micromobility Memorandum
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/bicycling-
walking/bptp-update-2024/draft-plan-and-append/appendix-j-e-bikes-and-shared-
micromobility-memorandum-1.pdf
• Appendix K: Network Corridor Criteria and Development Approach
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/bicycling-
walking/bptp-update-2024/draft-plan-and-append/appendix-k-network-corridor-
criteria-and-development-approach-1.pdf
• Appendix L: List of Projects
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/bicycling-
walking/bptp-update-2024/draft-plan-and-append/appendix-l-list-of-projects-1.pdf
• Appendix M: Pedestrian District Guidelines
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/bicycling-
walking/bptp-update-2024/draft-plan-and-append/appendix-m-pedestrian-district-
guidelines-1.pdf
• Appendix N: Policy and Program Recommendations
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/bicycling-
walking/bptp-update-2024/draft-plan-and-append/appendix-n-policy-and-program-
recommendations-1.pdf
• Appendix O: Prioritization Framework
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/bicycling-
walking/bptp-update-2024/draft-plan-and-append/appendix-o-prioritization-
framework-1.pdf
• Appendix P: List of Funding Sources
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/bicycling-
walking/bptp-update-2024/draft-plan-and-append/appendix-p-list-of-funding-
sources-1.pdf
Also found on the project webpage: www.paloalto.gov/bikepedplan
Item 2
Attachment D - Links to
Appendices for Draft 2026
BPTP Update
Item 2: Staff Report Pg. 135 Packet Pg. 149 of 828
City Council
Staff Report
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: City Clerk
Meeting Date: December 1, 2025
Report #:2511-5433
TITLE
Approval of Minutes from November 10 and November 17, 2025 Meetings
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council review and approve the minutes.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: November 10, 2025 Draft Action Minutes
Attachment B: November 17, 2025 Draft Action Minutes
APPROVED BY:
Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk
Item 3
Item 3 Staff Report
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 150 of 828
CITY COUNCIL
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Page 1 of 4
Regular Meeting
November 10, 2025
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the Council Chambers and by virtual
teleconference at 5:30 P.M.
Present In Person: Burt, Lauing, Lu, Lythcott-Haims, Reckdahl
Present Remotely:
Absent: Stone, Veenker
Special Orders of the Day
1. Proclamation Recognizing National Police Records and Support Personnel Week
NO ACTION
Closed Session
2. Public Employee Performance Evaluations
Authority: Cal. Gov. Code section 54957(b)
Title: City Clerk, City Auditor, and City Attorney
3. Conference with Labor Negotiator
Authority: Cal. Gov. Code section 54957.6
Agency Representative: Dan Rich, Municipal Resources Group
Unrepresented Employees: City Attorney, City Clerk and City Manager
MOTION: Councilmember Reckdahl moved, seconded by Councilmember Lythcott-Haims to go
into Closed Session.
MOTION PASSED: 5-0-2, Stone, Veenker absent
Council went into Closed Session at 5:36 P.M.
Council returned from Closed Session at 8:20 P.M.
Mayor Lauing announced no reportable action.
Item 3
Attachment A - November
10, 2025 Draft Action
Minutes
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 151 of 828
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Page 2 of 4
City Council Meeting
Draft Action Minutes: 11/10/2025
Agenda Changes, Additions and Deletions
Public Comment
Council Member Questions, Comments and Announcements
Consent Calendar
MOTION: Councilmember Reckdahl moved, seconded by Councilmember Lu to approve
Agenda Item Numbers 4-5, AA1.
MOTION PASSED: 5-0-2, Stone, Veenker absent
4. FIRST READ: Adopt an Ordinance Amending PAMC Chapter 10.56 (Special Speed Zones)
to Update Speed Limit Studies for Nine Streets and Approve the 2025 Traffic Survey;
CEQA status – categorically exempt.
5. Approval of a Budget Amendment in the General Fund for the Planning and
Development Services Department’s Deposit-Based Fee Program for Private
Development Studies for a Net Zero Impact. CEQA Status: Not a Project
AA1. Adopt a Resolution Deferring CPAU Late Fees and Collection Actions for Certain
Customers Affected by the Ongoing Federal Government Shutdown; CEQA Status – Not
a Project.
Action Items
6. PUBLIC HEARING / QUASI-JUDICIAL. 660 University Ave [21PLN-00341]: Request for
Approval of a Planned Home Zoning (PHZ) on Three Parcels (511 Byron Street, 660
University Avenue, 680 University Avenue/500 Middlefield Road), to Demolish Existing
Buildings and Provide a New Six Story Mixed-Use Building with Approximately 1,900
Square Feet of Office, 70 Multi-Family Residential Units, and a Two Level Below-Grade
Parking Garage. CEQA Status: A Draft Environmental Impact Report Circulated for Public
Review Beginning on April 2, 2024, and Ending on May 17, 2024. The City published a
Final EIR in March 2025 and a revised Final EIR in October 2025. Zoning District: RM-20
(Multi-Family Residential).
Item 3
Attachment A - November
10, 2025 Draft Action
Minutes
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 152 of 828
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Page 3 of 4
City Council Meeting
Draft Action Minutes: 11/10/2025
MOTION: Councilmember Lu moved, seconded by Mayor Lauing to, as it relates to the 70-unit
proposal with balconies with modification to remove required mitigation for spillover parking:
1. Adopt the Resolution in Attachment B certifying the EIR and Adopting the Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP);
2. Adopt the Resolution in Attachment C amending the Comprehensive Plan Land Use
Element to modify the allowable uses in the Multiple Family Land Use Designation;
3. Adopt the Planned Community (PC) Ordinance in Attachment D rezoning the subject
property and approving the development plan, uses, and public benefits; and
4. Approve the Record of Land Use Action in Attachment E with approval findings and
conditions of approval.
MOTION FAILED: 3-2-2, Reckdahl, Burt no, Stone, Veenker Absent
AMENDMENT: Councilmember Burt moved, seconded by Councilmember Reckdahl to restore
the mitigations for spillover parking.
AMENDMENT FAILED: 2-3-2, Lu, Lauing, Lythcott-Haims no, Stone, Veenker Absent
MOTION: Councilmember Burt moved, seconded by Councilmember Reckdahl to, as it relates
to the 70-unit proposal with balconies:
1. Adopt the Resolution in Attachment B certifying the EIR and Adopting the Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP);
2. Adopt the Resolution in Attachment C amending the Comprehensive Plan Land Use
Element to modify the allowable uses in the Multiple Family Land Use Designation;
3. Adopt the Planned Community (PC) Ordinance in Attachment D rezoning the subject
property and approving the development plan, uses, and public benefits; and
4. Approve the Record of Land Use Action in Attachment E with approval findings and
conditions of approval.
MOTION PASSED: 4-1-2, Lu no, Stone, Veenker Absent
Item 3
Attachment A - November
10, 2025 Draft Action
Minutes
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 153 of 828
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Page 4 of 4
City Council Meeting
Draft Action Minutes: 11/10/2025
7. Approval of the Four-Quadrant Gate System as the preferred Quiet Zone
Implementation Measure at the Churchill, Meadow, and Charleston Rail Crossings as
Recommended by the Rail Committee; CEQA status - categorically exempt.
MOTION: Mayor Lauing moved, seconded by Councilmember Reckdahl to approve the Four-
Quadrant Gate System as the Quiet Zone implementation Measure at the Churchill Avenue,
Meadow Drive, and Charleston Road Rail Crossings for Quiet Zones along the Caltrain Corridor
in Palo Alto.
MOTION PASSED: 5-0-2, Stone, Veenker Absent
8. REINTRODUCED FIRST READING: Adoption of an Ordinance Updating Palo Alto
Municipal Code (PAMC) Section 18.40.250 (Lighting) of Chapter 18.40 (General
Standards and Exceptions) and Amending Chapters 18.10, 18.12, 18.28, and Section
18.40.230 of Title 18 (Zoning) to Adopt New Outdoor Lighting Regulations; CEQA Status
— Exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15308 (Actions for Protection of the
Environment)
Agenda Item Number 8 not heard and deferred to a date uncertain.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:38 P.M.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
____________________ ____________________
City Clerk Mayor
NOTE: Action minutes are prepared in accordance with Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC)
2.04.160(a) and (b). Summary minutes (sense) are prepared in accordance with PAMC Section
2.04.160(c). Beginning in January 2018, in accordance with Ordinance No. 5423, the City Council
found action minutes and the video/audio recordings of Council proceedings to be the official
records of both Council and committee proceedings. These recordings are available on the
City’s website.
Item 3
Attachment A - November
10, 2025 Draft Action
Minutes
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 154 of 828
CITY COUNCIL
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Page 1 of 4
Regular Meeting
November 17, 2025
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date in the Council Chambers and by virtual
teleconference at 5:30 P.M.
Present In Person: Burt, Lauing, Lu, Lythcott-Haims, Reckdahl, Stone, Veenker
Lythcott-Haims arrived at 5:32 P.M.
Present Remotely:
Absent:
Closed Session
1. CONFERENCE WITH CITY ATTORNEY - EXISTING LITIGATION
Swinerton v. City of Palo Alto (JAMS Reference #:5100003409)
Authority: Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
ITEM REMOVED OFF AGENDA – NOT HEARD
Agenda Changes, Additions and Deletions
Public Comment
Council Member Questions, Comments and Announcements
Consent Calendar
Councilmember Lu and Vice Mayor Veenker recused from Agenda Item Numbers 5 and 7.
MOTION: Councilmember Reckdahl moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Veenker to approve
Agenda Item Numbers 2-8.
Item 3
Attachment B - November
17, 2025 Draft Action
Minutes
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 155 of 828
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Page 2 of 4
City Council Meeting
Draft Action Minutes: 11/17/2025
MOTION PASSED ITEMS 2-4, 6, 8: 7-0
MOTION PASSED ITEMS 5, 7: 5-0-2, Lu, Veenker recused
2. Approval of Minutes from November 3, 2025 Meeting
3. Climate Action and Sustainability Committee Recommendation to Approve Program
Design Guidelines for Successor to Multi-family Electric Vehicle Charger Program; CEQA
Status - Not a Project
4. Climate Action and Sustainability Committee Recommendation to Approve Program
Design Guidelines for the Advanced Packaged HVAC Pilot Program; CEQA Status –
Categorically Exempt Under CEQA Guidelines Section 15302 (Replacement of Existing
Facilities)
5. Review and Approve the Williamson Act Contract Renewals Within Palo Alto City Limits
(2025).
6. QUASI-JUDICIAL. 3200 Park/340 Portage: Final Map and Street Naming [25PLN-00104]:
Request for a Final Map to Merge and Subdivide 11 Existing Parcels Totaling
Approximately 14.65 Acres To Create Five Resulting Parcels, Consistent with the
Approved Development Agreement and to Name the New Private Streets and Rename
Portage Avenue. Authorization for the City Manager to Take All Actions Necessary to
Acquire a 3.25 Acre Parcel by Grant Deed. Zone District: The Site Has a Split Zoning
Designation of Five Planned Community Zone Districts Where Each Zone District Aligns
with the Resulting Parcels (PC 5596, PC 5597, PC 5598, PC 5599, PC 5600). CEQA Status:
Council adopted resolution 10123 certifying the EIR for the project on September 12,
2023 (SCH # 2021120444).
7. Approval of Funding Agreements with Stanford University to Receive up to $600,000
and VTA for up to $456,000 to Partially Fund Palo Alto Link through June 2026, and
Related Budget Amendments in the General Fund; CEQA status – not a project.
8. Approval of Contract No. C26196096 with Soudi Consultants, Inc. in an Amount Not-to-
Exceed of $1,500,000 over a Period of Three Years to Provide As-Needed Electric
Engineering Consulting Services for System Protection Related to Palo Alto’s Electric
Sub-Transmission, Substations, and Distribution Systems, and Technical Training and
Peer Review Services; CEQA Status: Exempt Under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15302,
15303, and 15183.
City Manager Comments
Ed Shikada, City Manager
Item 3
Attachment B - November
17, 2025 Draft Action
Minutes
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 156 of 828
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Page 3 of 4
City Council Meeting
Draft Action Minutes: 11/17/2025
Action Items
9. Approval of the Study and Assessment of Turf Systems: Findings and Recommendation
for El Camino Park Synthetic Turf Replacement as Recommended by the Parks and
Recreation Commission; CEQA status - categorically and statutorily exempt.
MOTION: Mayor Lauing moved, seconded by Councilmember Burt to defer item to a date
uncertain and create an Ad Hoc Committee to further discuss with staff and bring back to
Council.
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Councilmember Lythcott-Haims moved, seconded by Councilmember
Reckdahl to:
1. Direct staff to proceed with replacement of the synthetic turf at El Camino Park in a
manner consistent with the Study’s findings and recommendations; and
a. Risk Mitigation Measures (RMM) to include as part of the design for El Camino
2. Set Cubberley Synthetic Field as the target for the pilot natural option.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION FAILED: 3-4, Burt, Stone, Lauing, Veenker no
10. Review and Provide Feedback on an Analysis of a Conceptual Affordable Housing Project
on Land to be Conveyed to the City and Associated With the Sobrato Development
Agreement (340 Portage Avenue); Consideration and Possible Direction to Staff to
Prepare a Future Request for Proposal for a Future Affordable Housing Project. CEQA
Status: Not a Project.
NO ACTION
11. Adopt a Resolution Establishing the City Council Annual Calendar of Meetings, Recesses,
and City Council Events for the Calendar Year 2026; CEQA status – not a project
ITEM HEARD OUT OF ORDER BEFORE AGENDA ITEM 10.
MOTION: Councilmember Lythcott-Haims moved, seconded by Councilmember Reckdahl to:
1. Set Annual Retreat/Priority Setting Meeting date as January 24th (for meetings that fall
on a holiday, schedule Special Meeting on next subsequent business day(s)); and
Item 3
Attachment B - November
17, 2025 Draft Action
Minutes
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 157 of 828
DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Page 4 of 4
City Council Meeting
Draft Action Minutes: 11/17/2025
2. Option 2 (4th Monday of the Month) for special City Council meetings as needed; and
3. Adopt a resolution establishing its calendar of meetings, recesses, and City Council
events for calendar year 2026; and
4. Direct staff to explore also avoiding Council Committee Meetings on holidays.
MOTION PASSED: 7-0
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 10:57 P.M.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
____________________ ____________________
City Clerk Mayor
NOTE: Action minutes are prepared in accordance with Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC)
2.04.160(a) and (b). Summary minutes (sense) are prepared in accordance with PAMC Section
2.04.160(c). Beginning in January 2018, in accordance with Ordinance No. 5423, the City Council
found action minutes and the video/audio recordings of Council proceedings to be the official
records of both Council and committee proceedings. These recordings are available on the
City’s website.
Item 3
Attachment B - November
17, 2025 Draft Action
Minutes
Item 3: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 158 of 828
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: City Clerk
Meeting Date: December 1, 2025
Report #:2511-5395
TITLE
Policy & Services Committee Recommendation to Adopt Updates to the Advocacy Process
Manual; CEQA Status - Not a Project
RECOMMENDATION
The Policy & Services Committee recommends the City Council adopt updates to the Advocacy
Process Manual as discussed at the October 29, 2025 Policy & Services Committee meeting.
BACKGROUND
The City’s legislative program is guided by the Council-approved Legislative Guidelines1, the
Advocacy Process Manual, and prior Council direction to strategically weigh in on legislative
issues.2 The City Council last updated the Advocacy Process Manual in 2020 and in 2021, gave its
direction regarding strategically weighing in.
At its April 8, 2025 meeting, the Policy & Services Committee expressed an interest in updating
the City’s Advocacy Process Manual. The City Council subsequently referred to the Committee a
review of the Manual and directed the Committee to forward any recommended changes to the
full City Council for final consideration and adoption.
ANALYSIS
The Policy & Services Committee recommended the following changes to the manual at its
October 29, 2025 meeting:3
1 City of Palo Alto’s 2025 Federal and State Legislative Guidelines:
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/city-manager/legislation/2025-legislative-guidelines.pdf
2 June 22, 2021 City Council Action Minutes
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=42803
3 October 29, 2025 Policy & Services Committee Action Minutes
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=83750&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto
Item 4
Item 4 Staff Report
Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 159 of 828
Update #2 in the Purpose section to read: “Ensure potentially impactful state and federal
legislation is identified, analyzed, tracked, and possibly, the subject of City advocacy.”
Update the Legislative Guidelines section to align with current practice
Incorporate the “strategic weighing in” language
Add language in the Role of the City Council section regarding coordinating with the City
Manager’s Office when advocating on behalf of the City
Incorporate role of the City Clerk’s Office
Clarify language in City Advisory Commissions and Committees section regarding speaking
in personal capacity vs. speaking on behalf of the City
Specify that when the City Council votes to take a position on a bill, the advocacy letters
should note if/when the vote is not unanimous
Specify that draft advocacy letters will be shared with the Mayor and Chair of the Policy
& Services Committee for review and input
Set the threshold to at least two Councilmembers for City bill sponsorship consideration
If the general ideal timeline for City-sponsored state legislation is not followed, the reason
why will be shared with the City Council
Edits to the Manual are noted in redline in Attachment A. Staff also made minor formatting
adjustments.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
None
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Staff from the City Manager’s and City Clerk’s Offices and the City’s legislative advocates
collaborated on this item in addition to the feedback from the Policy and Services Committee.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed Council action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA), as it involves organizational and administrative activities. (CEQA Guidelines, Section
15378(b)(2)).
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Advocacy Process Manual - Redline
APPROVED BY:
Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk
Ed Shikada, City Manager
Item 4
Item 4 Staff Report
Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 160 of 828
9
6
8
1
City of Palo Alto Advocacy Process Manual 20205 update
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE 2
PURPOSE
LEGISLATIVE GUIDELINES
COORDINATION OF THE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
PAGE 3
THE ROLE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
THE ROLE OF THE CMO
PAGE 4
THE ROLE OF CITY DEPARTMENTS
CITY ADVISORY COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
PAGE 5
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY IN SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES SIGNATURES ON LEGISLATIVE
COMMUNICATION LOBBYING BY CITY PERSONNEL
PAGE 6
ADVOCACY METHODS
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS WITH OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS
STATE LEGISLATIVE TIMELINE
CITY-SPONSORED STATE LEGISLATION
Item 4
Attachment A - Advocacy
Process Manual -Redline
Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 161 of 828
Advocacy Process Manual
20250 update
Page 2
PURPOSE
The goals of the City of Palo Alto’s Legislative Program (Program) are to:
1. Describe the internal procedures related to state and federal advocacy, and
2. Ensure potentially impactful state and federal legislation is identified, analyzed,
tracked, and possibly, the subject of City advocacy. communicated to policymakers
LEGISLATIVE GUIDELINES
Each year1 staff will suggest specific legislative priorities for City Council approval, first at a
Policy and Services Committee meeting, and then once approved, before the full City Council.
Ideally, the priorities will be fully approved by City Council in December or January in advance
of the upcoming state legislative session. As the priorities will have been discussed and
approved by the Policy and Services Committee, they will be placed on the Council’s consent
agenda, unless requested otherwise.
The Legislative Guidelines provide direction to the City Council, City staff, and the City’s state
and federal legislative advocates. Each update is drafted after discussion with lobbyists and
consideration of policy issues that are current and/or will most likely appear the following year.
COORDINATION OF THE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Immediately after a department or the City Manager’s Office (CMO) learns of governmental
action potentially affecting the City, internal communication and coordination to analyze the
action begins. If warranted, a formal City position and advocacy actions are developed for
recommendation to the City Council or City Manager. Departments are urged to proactively
identify legislation of importance to the City, and to communicate with the CMO.
At this point, action can proceed in either of two ways:
1. If the City Council has previously adopted a legislative guideline relevant to the
legislation, the CMO may act by engaging in the advocacy methods noted on page 6.
2. If there is no relevant legislative guideline or City Council direction related to a potentially
impactful bill, if the issue is politically controversial, or if there is significant local
1 1 If staff recommends no guideline changes - after a review of the current year’s approved guidelines,
Council’s adopted Citywide priorities, and a discussion with lobbyists - the priorities from one year will carry over
to the next year with no need to return to Council for a re-affirmation of previously approved guidelines.
Item 4
Attachment A - Advocacy
Process Manual -Redline
Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 162 of 828
Advocacy Process Manual
20250 update
Page 2
Item 4
Attachment A - Advocacy
Process Manual -Redline
Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 163 of 828
Advocacy Process Manual
20250 update
Page 3
interest in the issue, the proposed legislation is referred to Council for direction. (See
Legislative Advocacy, on page 5)
The City strategically weighs in on issues of interest to the City. The City thoughtfully
comments on a handful of bills to ensure that Palo Alto has a presence in Sacramento with
meaningful contributions for or against a limited number of bills of interest while
simultaneously working on other strategic initiatives outside of legislation that are
important to the City. With respect to draft bills, this strategy focuses on bills that directly
impact Palo Alto and have a fair or high likelihood of passage.
THE ROLE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
The City Council has ultimate responsibility for determining the City’s position on
legislative issues. The Council's specific responsibilities include:
Through a review process and staff suggestions, establish state and federal legislative
priorities
Meet with the City's State and Federal legislative advocates as needed or desired to
best represent the interests of Palo Alto
Work with external entities on issues of shared regional policy concern
Determine positions on resolutions proposed for adoption by the League of California
Cities, the National League of Cities, the Santa Clara County Cities Association, and
similar regional entities, as requested
Assume an active advocacy role with legislators on behalf of the City and coordinate
with the City Manager’s Office when advocating on behalf of the City. This may include
travel to Washington, DC and/or to Sacramento. Any such travel will be consistent with
current City travel policies.
THE ROLE OF THE CMO CITY MANAGER’S AND CITY CLERK’S OFFICES
The CMOCity Manager’s and City Clerk’s Offices, through the City’s Intergovernmental
Affairs Officerstaff, is are the central coordinators of the City's legislative program. The
responsibilities and activities of the office include:
Ensuring the consistency of legislative action throughout the City
Serving as a clearinghouse and record keeper for all legislation of interest and
monitoring bills of interest to the City
Coordinating contacts and communications with legislators and their staff
With departmental assistance, evaluating proposed legislation that may affect the
Item 4
Attachment A - Advocacy
Process Manual -Redline
Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 164 of 828
Advocacy Process Manual
20250 update
Page 4
City
Disseminating information on public policy items of interest to City departments
Directing and overseeing the City’s lobbyists, including setting priorities for action
that are consistent with Council direction
Preparing advocacy letters for the Mayor’s signature
Maintaining the City’s Intergovernmental Affairs web portal
Serving, as needed, as the liaison to stakeholder groups, legislative offices, and local
jurisdictions concerning legislative activities
Coordinating the regular review of Legislative Guidelines and presenting them at the
Policy and Services Committee
Coordinating, briefing, and providing support to Council members for visits with State
and/or Federal legislators, as requested
THE ROLE OF CITY DEPARTMENTS
Active departmental participation is essential to the success of the Legislative Program.
Departmental employees are the subject matter experts who can provide technical
assistance and unique insight into issues potentially impacting the City. Responsibilities of
the departments include, but are not limited to:
Informing the CMO of policy issues of importance to the City and any specific bills they
become aware of that may impact the department
Designating key contacts within the department or division who are responsible for
evaluating legislation and/or assisting the Intergovernmental Affairs Officer with
legislative analysis and advocacy letters
Suggesting organizations, individuals, publications, and/or legislators who may be allies
in advocating the City's position on certain legislation
CITY ADVISORY COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
City employees who are staff or liaison to Council appointed advisory commissions and
committees should encourage those bodies to bring to the CMO’s attention any proposed
legislation for which they recommend a position or wish the CMO to track.
Any advisory commission or committee, or member of any such body, that wishes to
represent the City in meetings or communications with a legislator or legislative staff
member while under the auspicious of the commission or committee must first coordinate
with the CMO. Any engagement while in an official City capacity requires approval from the
City Manager, to ensure adherence to the City’s guidelines, process, and current Council
priorities. City Manager approval is not necessary for commission or committee members
engaging legislators in a personal capacity, provided it is clear that the member is when not
Item 4
Attachment A - Advocacy
Process Manual -Redline
Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 165 of 828
Advocacy Process Manual
20250 update
Page 5
representing the City. A notation that the member “is speaking in their personal capacity”
may not be sufficient to avoid confusion, depending on the circumstances. Members are
encouraged to consult their liaison in advance to ensure clarity.
UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY IN SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
SIGNATURES ON LEGISLATIVE COMMUNICATION
Item 4
Attachment A - Advocacy
Process Manual -Redline
Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 166 of 828
Advocacy Process Manual
20250 update
Page 6
LOBBYING BY CITY PERSONNEL
Any meetings or communication with State of Federal elected officials must be done in a
coordinated way to ensure consistency of messaging, accurate information and record
keeping, and sharing of resources. Therefore, any departmental staff, including department
heads, or City contractors, wishing to directly engage with a state legislator, member of
Congress, legislative staff, or wishing to testify at a committee hearing shall first work with
the CMO’s office.
ADVOCACY METHODS
Drafting position letters is one advocacy tool, best used in conjunction with others. The City
Council, City Manager, Intergovernmental Affairs Officer, and lobbyists may use any, or a
combination of the below additional advocacy methods:
Calls to policymakers, their staff, or legislative committee staff
Meeting with legislators and their staff, stakeholders, and other groups active on
the same issue or bill
Testifying at a committee hearings regarding the City’s position and/or concerns
Building coalitions with like-minded entities
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS WITH OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS
From time to time, Council meets with the City’s County, State, and/or Federal
representatives, whether in Palo Alto or in other towns. These meetings are an important
component of building legislative relationships and sharing issues of significance to Palo
Alto. These meetings should be scheduled at the appropriate times during the respective
legislative calendars; City staff will work with the City’s lobbyists, as needed, to facilitate any
such meeting.
STATE LEGISLATIVE TIMELINE
Generally, the State legislature is in session from December to August or September; bills
must be introduced by February of each year. The Governor has 30 days after the end of
session to sign passed bills, depending on when the bill passed. The CMO will convey
specific legislative deadlines to the City Council as requested.
CITY-SPONSORED STATE LEGISLATION
If a department or at least two Council members would like the City to sponsor a state bill,
meaning the City asks a legislator to introduce a bill making changes to state law at our
request, it’s important to note the timing. The general ideal timeline, and the process for
such action, is noted below.: If the general ideal timeline is not followed, the reason why
will be shared with the City Council.
October: The bill idea is discussed internally, with the CMO, the affected department(s), the
City’s lobbyist, and possibly, the City Attorney’s Office. Potential allies are also discussed.
Item 4
Attachment A - Advocacy
Process Manual -Redline
Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 167 of 828
Advocacy Process Manual
20250 update
Page 7
November: A fully vetted bill idea, including a summary document and amendments to the
affected code section(s), is brought to a meeting with the potential author. If needed, more
than one meeting with more than one legislator takes place until an author is secured.
December-February: City staff and lobbyist work with the author’s office on the specific
language, as needed. The bill is sent to the State’s Legislative Council’s Office for official
drafting, and the bill is formally introduced.
February to October: City staff and lobbyist work on advancing the bill, to include testifying
at committee hearings, meeting with proponents and opponents, discussing amendments
and strategy, meeting with the author’s staff and the Governor’s staff crafting letters and
advocacy pieces, and the like.
Item 4
Attachment A - Advocacy
Process Manual -Redline
Item 4: Staff Report Pg. 10 Packet Pg. 168 of 828
7
6
9
8
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Utilities
Meeting Date: December 1, 2025
Report #:2506-4908
TITLE
PUBLIC HEARING: Finance Committee Recommends City Council Adopt a Resolution Approving
the 2026 Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis Report, Amending Rate Schedules G-1
(Residential Gas Service), G-2 (Residential Master-Metered and Commercial Gas Service), G-3
(Large Commercial Gas Service) and repealing G-10 (Compressed Natural Gas Service). CEQA
Status: Not a Project under Public Resources Code Section 21065.
RECOMMENDATION
The Finance Committee recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution (Attachment A)
that:
1. Approves the 2026 Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis Report (Exhibit 1 to Attachment
A); and
2. Amends Rate Schedules (Exhibit 2 to Attachment A) effective for gas usage beginning
February 1, 2026 (FY 2026):
a. G-1 (Residential Gas Service)
b. G-2 (Residential Master-Metered and Commercial Gas Service)
c. G-3 (Large Commercial Gas Service)
3. Repeals Rate Schedule G-10 (Compressed Natural Gas Service)1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff revised the Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis from the version reviewed in May and
June 2025 in collaboration with the Utilities Advisory Commission as directed by the City
Council. Council approval of this report and resolution would approve the 2026 Natural Gas
Cost of Service Analysis Report (2026 Report) shown in Exhibit 1 to Attachment A and adopt
1 Rate Schedule G-10 (Compressed Natural Gas Service)
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/10/utilities/rates-schedules-for-utilities/city-facility-utility-rates/g-
10-effective-2025-07-01.pdf
Item 5
Item 5 Staff Report
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 169 of 828
7
6
9
8
revised gas rate schedules shown in Exhibit 2 to Attachment A, resulting in revised Gas rates for
customers effective February 1, 2026.
3
3 Staff Report 2507-4958, September 15, 2025 outlines the five design principles:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/api/compilemeetingattachmenthistory/historyattachment/?historyId=043ab
d5a-f59f-4702-ad04-845541a8133f
Item 5
Item 5 Staff Report
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 170 of 828
7
6
9
8
The overall bill impact to the median use residential customer from the recommendations in
the 2026 Report is an 8% increase, while the bill impact for commercial customers ranges from
a 58% decrease for small commercial customers to a 7% increase for the largest G-2
commercial customers. Table 6 below shows additional bill impact details.
BACKGROUND
5 On
July 9, 2025, the Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC) considered Design Principles for the Gas
and Electric Cost of Service Rates and voted to move forward with Proposition 26 as the Gas
COSA design principles and to form a UAC Subcommittee to work with staff and the consultant
to develop a new 2026 gas COSA and provide regular report-outs to the full UAC.6
Subsequently, staff worked closely with the UAC Gas COSA Subcommittee to review key study
assumptions and recommendations.
5 On June 16, 2025, the City Council voted 5-1-1, (Lythcott-Haims no, Stone absent) to return the updated COSA to
the UAC for further review. See June 16, 2025 action minutes for action item 22, Gas Utility item e:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Public/CompiledDocument?meetingTemplateId=16148&compileOutputType
=1
6 July 9, 2025, UAC voted 6-1 with Gupta voting no; see action minutes
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/api/compilemeetingattachmenthistory/historyattachment/?historyId=40dc6
4ea-7e0c-4dca-9235-61e1a6516b07
Item 5
Item 5 Staff Report
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 171 of 828
7
6
9
8
3. The impact of any proposed changes on low-income customers should be evaluated
in alignment with state law, including, without limitation, Public Utilities Code
sections 890 and 898.
4. Determine the proper allocation of fixed and variable costs and how those can be
implemented in various rate designs.
5. Review non-rate revenue sources that may be available for rate discounts or
rebates.
These design principles form the basis for the 2026 Gas Cost of Service Analysis Report
presented as Exhibit 1 to Attachment A. Each design principle is discussed below in the
“Analysis - Gas COSA Design Principles” section.
The Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC) considered this item at its November 5, 2025 meeting,
agenda item 49. Ultimately, a 5-1 majority of the UAC recommended Finance Committee and
City Council approval. The UAC Subcommittee reported that staff and the cost-of-service
consultant had met multiple times over several months, and answered every question the UAC
Subcommittee members had, which built confidence in the process and resulted in a clear and
transparent staff report and cost-of-service report that achieves a reasonable cost allocation.
Additionally, the UAC Subcommittee members noted that by updating the mechanics of the
cost-of-service analysis, the resulting rates are more affordable for residential customers than if
the mechanics of the 2020 cost-of-service study were retained. The UAC Subcommittee
members also approved of the fact that the use of “green” funds10 are no longer being
proposed to subsidize gas service. The UAC Subcommittee members raised a question for
discussion in the context of future potential gas decommissioning about what the reductions in
the G2 service charges means for the city’s decarbonization and electrification efforts. A
minority of commissioners articulated concern with a lack of understanding of reducing the
small G2 meter charge by approximately 80% and one commissioner expressed a concern that
this disincentivizes electrification measures for small businesses. A representative from the UAC
Subcommittee will be available to aid in the Finance Committee discussion as well.
ANALYSIS
This project is a study to update the City’s Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis (2026 Report),
which provides the analytical foundation for and recommends adopting new City gas rates that
continue to be fair and legally compliant. The 2026 Report evaluates the gas utility’s revenue
requirements, allocates costs among customer classes based on cost-causation principles, and
proposes updated rate designs for each class based on the most up-to-date information
available to the City.
9 November 5, 2025 UAC meeting item 4,
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=17466
10 By “green” funds the Commissioner was referring to Cap and Trade auction revenue.
Item 5
Item 5 Staff Report
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 172 of 828
7
6
9
8
The 2026 COSA includes an updated financial forecast (consistent with the Council-approved
FY2026 Gas Utility Financial Forecast),13 refined cost allocation methodologies, and new meter
capacity groupings for the G-2 rate schedule. The proposed rate changes ensure rates are
aligned with actual service costs.
Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
The Gas Utility’s rates are evaluated and implemented in compliance with cost-of-service
requirements set forth in the California Constitution and applicable statutory law. Staff engaged
the services of EES Consulting (EES) to review and revise the Gas Utility’s Cost of Service (COS)
for FY 2026.14 A copy of the FY 2026 COS study titled “City of Palo Alto 2026 Natural Gas Cost of
Service Analysis Report,” (2026 Report), November 2025 is included as Exhibit 1 to Attachment
A to this report. The study examines and allocates the Gas Utility’s costs to each rate class to
develop proposed FY 2026 distribution rates and includes a recommendation to refine the G-2
rate schedule as explained below.
Distribution Revenue Requirement
The 2026 Report contains gas sales forecasts and estimates for Gas Utility assets and expenses
(including estimated contributions to reserves). The 2026 Report allocates these assets and
expenses estimates using updated classification and allocation factors to ensure that the Gas
Utility’s costs are properly assigned to each rate class. The 2026 Report uses the same estimate
of total distribution revenue requirement of $41.3 million for FY 2026 that was approved by
Council on June 16, 2026 as part of the FY 2026 Gas Utility Financial Forecast.15 This distribution
revenue requirement includes operating expenses, capital costs and reserve contributions. At
current rates, projected revenues also equal $41.3 million for FY 2026, so there is no overall
rate or revenue increase required as part of the 2026 Report for the Gas Utility as a whole.
However, individual customer class rates will change as a result the realignments as
summarized in Table 1.
Table 1 illustrates the projected revenue collected from each customer class using current
distribution rates (for the full year of FY 2025-2026 assuming the rates were effective all year)
and using the rates resulting from the 2026 Report. The total revenue requirement is the same
as that shown in the Council-approved FY 2026 Gas Utility Financial Forecast. This revenue
requirement estimate includes distribution costs, certain supply costs (such as administrative
charges allocated to gas supply), and additional reserve contributions required to restore the
Gas Utility’s operations reserve to within the guideline range in FY 2026. Supply-related costs
that are collected via a pass-through charge are not included.
13 Staff Report 2411-3776, June 16, 2025,
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/api/compilemeetingattachmenthistory/historyattachment/?historyId=35104f
06-6925-4fe3-89c7-b0e53e6eec42;
Resolution 10232 https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=62153
14 Since FY 2021, the City adjusted its distribution rates annually based on the COS study for FY 2020, which was
also conducted by EES.
15 Resolution 10232 https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=62153
Item 5
Item 5 Staff Report
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 173 of 828
7
6
9
8
The 2026 Report updates and adjusts the cost-of-service classification and allocation factors,
which leads to revenue requirements for the rate classes that differ from the projected FY 2026
revenues at current rates. The percentage of revenue increase needed varies by customer class
—ranging from -10.6% for G-2 to 8.3% for G-1 and 7.9% for G-3.
Table 1: Projected Revenues, Revenue Requirement and Revenue Changes Needed
Key Changes in 2026 Report
During the development of the 2026 Report, staff worked collaboratively with EES to update
the Gas Utility’s costs and usage information and refresh the model inputs with current data.
Some of the key changes described in more detail below are:
1) Updates to the customer weighting factors for meter costs;
2) Updates to the Average & Excess classification and allocation factor for G2 and G3
customers, while changing some of the methods used to calculate that factor and
changing some of the cost categories it is applied to for improved consistency;
3) The use of the Base & Excess Methodology to develop residential (G1) tiered rates;
4) Refinement of the G2 (Residential Master-Metered and Commercial Gas Service) rate
schedule; and
5) Elimination of the supply charge ranges for the Cap-and-Trade Compliance Charge and
the Transportation Charge.
During 2025 public meetings on the Gas COSA before the UAC, Finance Committee, and
Council, and in letters from the public, the February 2025 draft of the Gas Utility’s cost-of-
service study was critiqued, and stakeholders suggested that the 2026 Report retain prior cost-
of-service calculation methods. The UAC’s Gas COSA Subcommittee guided staff and EES to
examine this closely. Under this approach (retaining prior study methods and only updating
costs and revenues to current levels) the median residential monthly bill would be
approximately $80.88, which is $1.55 (or 2%) higher than the median bill under the 2026 Report
method shown in Table 1. Staff and EES do not recommend retaining the existing rate model
because it is not updated with relevant cost updates and is not updated with recent load, usage
and other relevant information); it would also result in a higher median residential customer
bill.
Item 5
Item 5 Staff Report
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 174 of 828
7
6
9
8
Customer Weighting Factors for Meter Costs
The 2026 Report ensures that the fixed portion of rates more accurately reflects customer
related costs, such as metering, by including the cost of each customer’s meter and accounting
for it in a comprehensive calculation of weighted average meter cost. The 2026 Report updates
the number of customers weighed by meter costs, which determine how certain costs are
assigned among customer classes. The weighting factors are based on current replacement cost
of meters, including materials and installation costs. The weighted average meter cost
calculation is appropriate because it considers all of the meter types used by customers in each
customer class and the total costs for each class.
Table 2 shows the meter costs used in the 2026 Report and in the prior study (May 2019) for
comparison.
Table 2: Customer Weighting for Meter Costs: FY 202619
G1 G2 G3
PRIOR VALUES (MAY 2019)
Meter Costs (Materials)$72.84 $888.00 $1,505.00
Weighting $1,549,452 $2,029,080 $52,675
Resulting Allocator 42.7%55.9%1.5%
UPDATED VALUES (OCT 2025)
Meter Costs (Materials and Labor)$414 $1,262 $10,473
Weighting $8,761,310 $2,772,869 $308,954
Resulting Allocator 74.0%23.4%2.6%
The 2026 Report method is comprehensive and takes into account the current costs of labor
and materials for each customer’s meter (compared to material costs only in the prior study).
The changes to the customer weighting for meter costs results in a larger share of meter values
being allocated to the residential G1 customer class and a relatively smaller share of meter
values allocated to the G2 commercial customer class, compared with the 2020 study. The prior
approach relied on representative meter costs that did not reflect the totality of service
demands of different meter sizes as fully as the 2026 COSA method.20 This customer weighting
for meter costs update is one of the primary drivers for the rate rebalancing recommended in
this study. This update is necessary to refresh the Gas Utility’s rates using the best available
information and to reflect the latest costs so that rates remain fair and cost-based.
19 This table has been updated here and in the 2026 Report (Exhibit 1 to Attachment A) to correct a typographical
error in the resulting allocator. This correction does not impact the cost allocation or rates.
20 The representative meters for the G1, G2, and G3 used in the 2020 COSA study were the CL250 House, 8C/175
Rotary and 5000 Rotary meters, respectively.
Item 5
Item 5 Staff Report
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 175 of 828
7
6
9
8
Average & Excess (A&E) Method for G2 and G3 Rates
The 2026 Report refines and improves the A&E cost allocation methodology to better align with
how the distribution system is designed and built, in light of declining average gas use. In the
2026 Report, costs assigned to A&E are classified as both energy and demand to accurately
reflect how the City’s distribution system is designed and built. The Gas Utility’s capital work
focuses on upgrading and maintaining aging infrastructure, rather than on expanding the
system for growth. When evaluating the sizing of gas mains, City engineers examine peak
demand as well as energy usage. This means that both energy and demand are important
factors in considering capacity investments in the system and supports the A&E classification as
both demand and energy. In previous studies, costs assigned to the A&E allocation and
classification factor were distributed primarily based on demand. This is appropriate for
systems experiencing growth. Now that the system is experiencing declining use, and because
capacity sizing is determined based on both energy and demand, the 2026 Report A&E method
modifications are appropriate and result in a fair allocation of expenses across customer
classes.
The 2026 Report uses the Base & Excess methodology to calculate the Tier 1 and Tier 2 rates for
Residential (G1) customers. This methodology is slightly different from the method used in the
2020 Study. While both studies use a measurement of baseline (or average) and excess demand
to apportion demand costs to the Tier 2 rate, the studies differ in the calculation of the
demand/excess portion.
The 2020 study allocated a share of distribution demand costs to Tier 2 based on the Average &
Excess calculation. The A&E excess portion was based on a measurement of average and excess
(peak) use in all 12 months. Alternatively, this study uses the Base & Excess method to assign
79% of the demand costs to the Tier 2 rate based on a single annual peak. The details of how this
calculation is computed is in the 2026 Report (Exhibit 1 to Attachment A) described in Section
4.1.1 and illustrated in Tables 4-3 and 4-4.
The shift to the Base & Excess method is appropriate for two reasons. The first is that the usage
profile for G1 supports an apportionment based on a single annual peak rather than all 12
months. Because the usage profile shows that there is significant difference in seasonal use, this
supports measuring excess demand using the highest single peak rather than summing 12
monthly peaks, as was done with A&E. Second, the Base & Excess method is supported by how
City engineers design the system. The engineers design the system capacity to meet annual
customer demands during a single January peak. Therefore, using Base & Excess is the best
method for the G1 tiered rate design as reflected in the high-demand winter month and in how
the system capacity is determined.
Item 5
Item 5 Staff Report
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 176 of 828
7
6
9
8
Refinement of G-2 (Residential Master-Metered and Commercial Gas Service) Rate Schedule
The G2 customer class includes a wide range of customer types including restaurants, other
types of small business, office space and master-metered multi-family properties. This class
includes a wide range of meter types and capacities. Based on a review of existing G-2 services’
meter capacities, associated costs and recorded sales, the Study recommends refining the rate
schedule into three meter capacity groupings using Standard Cubic Feet per Hour (scfh), with a
higher monthly service charge for larger meter capacity. The larger meters require a higher cost
to serve because generally they have higher average use, require larger service lines to connect
the meter to the distribution system, and impose greater demand on the system. This meter
capacity grouping refinement will better reflect customer-related fixed costs in the fixed
monthly service charge. The volumetric distribution charge is the same for all G-2 customers.
Table 3 presents the meter capacity groupings recommended for G-2 monthly service charge
application. EES analyzed average consumption for various meter capacities in the G-2 rate
class and developed three meter capacity ranges and customer-related costs for each range.
23
G-2: ≤ 220 scfh Less than 220 standard cubic feet per hour (scfh)1,134
G-2: > 220 and < 4,000 scfh More than 220 scfh and less than 4,000 scfh 942
G-2: ≥ 4,000 scfh 4,000 scfh and above 116
Staff and EES analyzed whether separating multifamily customers from existing G-1 and G-2
rate classes would improve cost alignment. The analysis found limited justification for creating
a new class at this time. Usage patterns, load factors, and service characteristics among
multifamily customers were not sufficiently distinct to warrant separate treatment. Therefore,
no additional subclassification is recommended.
There are four pass-through supply charges: 1) Commodity Charge (monthly market based), 2)
Cap-and-Trade Compliance Charge, 3) Transportation Charge and 4) Carbon Offset Charge.
While the focus of the 2026 Report is the gas distribution charges, staff is proposing some
administrative modifications to the two of the gas supply pass-through costs that vary based on
external factors and market conditions. The 2026 Report recommends continuing to pass
through the Cap-and-Trade Compliance Charge and the Transportation Charge but eliminating
the range mechanism for each. There are no rate impacts of this change.
23 Meter capacities in this staff report are all at an assumed pressure of 7 inches of water column (equivalent to
0.25 pounds per square inch).
Item 5
Item 5 Staff Report
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 177 of 828
7
6
9
8
The Cap-and-Trade Compliance Charge recover the costs of the City’s obligation under the
California Air Resources Board’s Cap-and-Trade Program to purchase allowances for all
greenhouse gas emissions associated with natural gas use within the City’s service territory.
Because these costs are regulatory, nondiscretionary, and beyond the City’s control,
maintaining a range is unnecessary.
Proposed Rates
25. The proposed rates reflect the 2026 Report adjustments.
25 City’s Rates Website https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/25/utilities/rates-schedules-for-
utilities/residential-utility-rates/monthly-gas-volumetric-and-service-charges-residential-3.pdf
Item 5
Item 5 Staff Report
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 10 Packet Pg. 178 of 828
7
6
9
8
Table 4: Current and Proposed Monthly Service Charges
G-1 (Residential)$18.40 $19.58 $1.18 6%
G-2 (Residential Master-Metered and Commercial)
G-2 (≤ 220 scfh)$170.55 $29.24 $(141.31)(83%)
G-2 (> 220 and < 4,000 scfh)$170.55 $94.56 $(75.99)(45%)
G-2 (≥ 4,000 scfh)$170.55 $419.08 $248.53 146%
G-3 (Large Commercial)$780.34 $1,712.36 $932.02 119%
(Residential)
Tier 1 Rates ($/therm)$0.8944 $1.0456 $0.15 17%
Tier 2 Rates ($/therm)$2.2873 $2.5203 $0.23 10%
(Residential Master-Metered and Commercial)
Uniform Rate $1.1749 $1.2204 $0.05 4%
(Large Commercial)
Uniform Rate $1.1633 $1.1874 $0.02 2%
Table 6 shows the impact of the proposed February 1, 2026 rate changes on the median
monthly residential bill for representative average winter and summer bills, excluding supply-
related cost changes.
Item 5
Item 5 Staff Report
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 11 Packet Pg. 179 of 828
7
6
9
8
Table 6: Bill Impacts of Proposed Rebalancing and Rate Design in 2026 Report
Monthly Bill1
Rate Schedule Monthly Usage (Therms)Current
Rates
Recommended
FY2026 Rate
Bill
Impact
RESIDENTIAL
Summer: 10; Winter: 30 $50.78 $54.73 8%
Summer: 17; Winter: 51
(median)
$73.44 $79.33 8%
Summer: 30; Winter: 80 $127.24 $134.60 6%
G-1
Summer: 45; Winter: 150 $247.31 $263.50 7%
COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL MASTER METER
Small: 35 $242.74 $103.05 (58%)
Medium: 280 $739.59 $676.33 (9%)
G-2
Large: 2,648 $5,558.74 $5,927.83 7%
G-3 20,834 $42,696.69 $44,131.74 3%
The annual gas bill for the median residential customer is projected to be 8% higher due to the
cost-of-service adjustments. The actual impact may be different because customer gas usage
varies and commodity price changes monthly.
Table 7 presents the median residential bills for Palo Alto and PG&E customers from FY 2022 to
FY 2026. The bill calculations for PG&E customers are based on PG&E Climate Zone X, an area
which includes Palo Alto’s surrounding communities.
In FY 2025, the estimated annual gas bill for the median Palo Alto residential customer was
about 16% lower than that of a PG&E customer with equivalent consumption. With the
implementation of the 2026 Report, Palo Alto median residential bills are expected to be about
8% lower than PG&E bills in FY 2026. This projection assumes PG&E does not implement
additional rate increases between now and July 2026.
FY 2022 $657.83 $724.24 (9%)
FY 2023 $891.89 $845.03 6%
FY 2024 $753.28 $764.70 (1%)
FY 2025 $836.93 $991.24 (16%)
FY 2026 Current $881.31 $1,040.18 (15%)
FY 2026 Recommended
Annual
(374 Therms)
$952.02 $1,040.18 (8%)
Item 5
Item 5 Staff Report
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 12 Packet Pg. 180 of 828
7
6
9
8
Table 8 presents the median commercial bills for Palo Alto and PG&E customers from FY 2022
to FY 2026. Palo Alto bills have been higher than PG&E’s bills over the years, mainly due to
higher customer charges. With the recommendations from the 2026 Report, commercial
customer charges have been adjusted downward for the majority of commercial customers,
making bills more competitive with PG&E. With the implementation of the 2026 Report and the
proposed rate increases, Palo Alto median commercial bills are expected to be about 16%
higher than PG&E bills in FY 2026, assuming PG&E does not implement additional rate
increases.
Table 8: Commercial Annual Natural Gas Bill Comparison ($/year)
Time Period Median Usage*Palo Alto PG&E Zone X % Difference
FY 2026 Current $8,875.07 $6,989.03 27%
FY 2026 Recommended $ 8,115.89 $6,989.03 16%
*Calculated based on G-2 with meter capacity of >220 and <4,000 scfh
Gas COSA Design Principles
Design Principle 1: Rates must be based on the reasonable cost to serve customers. This is the
overriding principle for the cost-of-service analysis (COSA); all other rate design
considerations are subsidiary to this basic premise.
Design Principle 2: The COSA should involve a review of all existing rate schedules for
applicability in the COSA.
Item 5
Item 5 Staff Report
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 13 Packet Pg. 181 of 828
7
6
9
8
distribution system, rather it is directly connected to the City’s intertie with PG&E. Since the
sole customer is the Public Works department, it is more efficient to recover fueling costs via an
interdepartmental cost recovery transfer than a separate rate schedule, and the City is
separately developing a cost-based fee for service administration.27 Changes in this fee do not
materially impact the COSA results.
Design Principle 3: The impact of any proposed changes on low-income customers should be
evaluated in alignment with state law, including, without limitation, Public Utilities Code
sections 890 and 898.
The study evaluated rate impacts on low-income residential customers. Approximately 400
customers participate in the City’s low-income program which is ratepayer funded, consistent
with Public Utilities Code Sections 890 and 898, with average monthly usage of 30 therms. Most
customers would see bill impacts under $5 per month, and the total cost to mitigate all bill
impacts of the 2026 Report on low-income customers who are enrolled in the Low-Income Rate
Assistance program or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program would be
approximately $30,000 per year.
Design Principle 4: Determine the proper allocation of fixed and variable costs and how those
can be implemented in various rate designs.
All rate classes include a fixed monthly charge to recover customer-related costs such as
metering, billing, and service connections. The 2026 Report recommends a scaled fixed charge
in the G-2 customer class to reflect the diversity within that class. The G-1 class includes a
tiered variable rate structure that distributes capacity costs between Tier 1 and Tier 2 using the
base and excess method to appropriately collect demand costs from customers impacting
system capacity costs. The G-2 and G-3 classes recover capacity costs through uniform
volumetric charges, maintaining simplicity while reflecting consistent cost drivers.
Design Principle 5: Review non-rate revenue sources that may be available for rate discounts
or rebates
The 2026 Report also reviewed non-rate revenue sources that could potentially fund rate
discounts or rebates. In FY 2025, an estimated $0.399 million in interest income was available
for this purpose. At the end of FY 2025 there was $15.046 million available in the gas utility’s
Cap & Trade Reserve. The Cap & Trade Reserve holds revenues from the auction of freely
allocated Gas Utility greenhouse gas emission allowances. Cap & Trade reserve funds must be
spent in accordance with California Air Resources Board regulations as well as with the City
Council’s policies in Resolution 9487 and 10077.28 CARB’s regulations require that the City
utilize the auction sale proceeds exclusively for the benefit of the City’s natural gas retail
ratepayers and consistent with the goals of AB 32.29 The City Council’s policy allows for the use
27 The CNG station has a public station that is currently non-operational and a CNG station for refueling City
vehicles. Both portions of the station are operated by the Public Works department.
28 Resolution 9487 https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=53850 ; Resolution
10077 https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=61567
29 Title 17 California Code of Regulations Sections 95892 (d)(2) and 95893 (d)(3).
Item 5
Item 5 Staff Report
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 14 Packet Pg. 182 of 828
7
6
9
8
of Gas Cap and Trade revenue for investment in energy efficiency programs for the natural gas
portfolio and retail customers, purchases or investment in cost-effective renewable biogas
resources for the gas portfolio, fuel switching from natural gas to electricity that reduces
greenhouse gas emissions, investment in other carbon reduction activities for the natural gas
utility, including system maintenance or replacement to reduce fugitive gas emissions; and
rebates to natural gas retail ratepayers. The policy expresses a preference for greenhouse gas
reduction activities over rebates.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
33 The
Commissioner who voted against the climate credit option said that green funds should not be
used to subsidize the use of fossil fuels. The video of the meeting is available on the City’s
website at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=021zJQHLADI
34
33 The Gas Utility is a covered entity under California’s Cap-and-Trade program. California Air Resources Board’s
Cap-and-Trade regulations authorize utilities to distribute Cap-and-Trade auction proceeds to some or all
ratepayers in a non-volumetric manner. (See CA. Code of Regs. Tit. 17 Sec. 95893(d)(3)(C)).
34 Staff presented the 2025 City of Palo Alto Natural Gas Cost of Service and Rate Study to the UAC and Finance
Committee.
Item 5
Item 5 Staff Report
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 15 Packet Pg. 183 of 828
7
6
9
8
additional information to the Finance Committee, including an interim alternative
recommendation to continue the current FY 2025 rate structure based on the 2020 Cost Study,
with rate increases to meet FY 2026 revenue requirements, and provide a climate credit to
some of the G-2 small commercial customers (small and medium meter capacities), using
approximately $1.1 million in funding from the City’s Cap and Trade program revenue37
If the 2025 COSA had been implemented July 1, 2025, G-2 small and medium customers would
have received a reduction in their monthly service charges, as well as an increase in the
distribution charge per therm. The climate credit amount was calculated to make the G-2 small
and medium customer groups pay the same net amount as a result of retaining the current FY
2025 rate structure from July through December 2025, relative to what G-2 small and medium
customers would have paid under the 2025 COSA rates. The total cost of this climate credit is
$1.1 million. After discussion, the Committee voted unanimously to recommend the City
Council: 1) Revise the proposed FY 2026 rates to retain the current FY 2025 rate structure, with
rate increases to meet the revenue requirement for FY 2026 in the gas utility; 2) In FY 2026
only, apply a combination of climate credit (using Cap and Trade auction revenues) and FY 2025
gas utility interest income to G-2 customers (small and medium meter capacities) in the total
amount of $1.1 million and 3) Refer staff to return to the Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC) to
further review the FY 2025 Cost of Service Study (COSA) assumptions and principles.
On May 12, 2025 staff briefed the City Council on this topic and Council members asked
questions and discussed the item but did not take any action.
On June 16, 2025 the City Council returned the issue of a one-time credit to the UAC to be
considered at the time they review the updated COSA.
On September 2, 2025, the Finance Committee considered the UAC’s recommendation to direct
staff to use Proposition 26 as the Design Principle for the Gas Cost of Service Analysis and work
with the UAC on review of a recommended gas rate schedule effective by January 2026. The
Finance Committee voted unanimously to recommend the City Council direct staff to follow the
reasonable-cost analysis required by Proposition 26, and that staff work with the UAC on a
recommendation to the Council on revised gas rates effective January 2026.
On September 15, 2025, (Staff Report 2507-4958) the City Council directed staff to follow the
reasonable-cost analysis required by Proposition 26, and that staff collaborate with the UAC to
develop revised gas rates effective January 2026, based on the following design principles: (1)
Rates must be based on the reasonable cost to serve customers. This is the overriding principle
for the cost of service analysis (COSA); all other rate design considerations are subsidiary to this
basic premise; (2) The COSA should involve a review of all existing rate schedules for
37 May 7, 2025 Finance Committee Meeting
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/api/compilemeetingattachmenthistory/historyattachment/?historyId=530a4f
25-5455-4cec-a95c-5190d95d9a4f; Video: https://youtube.com/watch?v=kW97GWkgaY0?feature=share; Item
2.a., 3.b. Supplemental Report https://youtube.com/watch?v=kW97GWkgaY0?feature=share; Video
Item 5
Item 5 Staff Report
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 16 Packet Pg. 184 of 828
7
6
9
8
applicability in the COSA; (3) The impact of any proposed changes on low-income customers
should be evaluated in alignment with state law, including, without limitation, Public Utilities
Code sections 890 and 898; (4) Determine the proper allocation of fixed and variable costs and
how those can be implemented in various rate designs; (5) Review non-rate revenue sources
that may be available for rate discounts or rebates.
39. Ultimately, a majority of the UAC recommend Finance Committee and City
Council approval. More details are described above in the “Background” section and a video
recording of the meeting is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e6NrB2KDCw.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
39 November 5, 2025 UAC meeting item 4,
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=17466
Item 5
Item 5 Staff Report
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 17 Packet Pg. 185 of 828
7
6
9
8
Environmental Quality Act’s definition of a project, pursuant to Public Resources Code Section
21065, thus no environmental review is required.
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY:
Item 5
Item 5 Staff Report
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 18 Packet Pg. 186 of 828
Attachment A
* NOT YET APPROVED *
1
6059692
Resolution No.
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Approving the 2026
Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis Report, Amending Rate Schedules
G-1 (Residential Gas Service), G-2 (Residential Master-Metered and
Commercial Gas Service), and G-3 (Large Commercial Gas Service), and
repealing G-10 (Compressed Natural Gas Service).
R E C I T A L S
A. The City of Palo Alto (“City”) periodically conducts a Natural Gas Cost of Service
Analysis to follow the reasonable-cost analysis required by Proposition 26.
B. Pursuant to Chapter 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, the Council of
the City of Palo Alto may by resolution adopt rules and regulations governing utility services,
fees and charges.
C. On December 1, 2025, the City Council heard and approved the proposed rate
increase at a noticed public hearing.
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does hereby RESOLVE as follows:
SECTION 1. The Council hereby approves the 2026 Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
Report (Exhibit 1);
SECTION 2. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility Rate
Schedule G-1 (Residential Gas Service) is hereby amended to read as attached and incorporated.
Utility Rate Schedule G-1, as amended, shall become effective February 1, 2026 (Exhibit 2);
SECTION 3. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility
Rate Schedule G-2 (Residential Master-Metered and Commercial Gas Service) is hereby
amended to read as attached and incorporated. Utility Rate Schedule G-2, as amended, shall
become effective February 1, 2026 (Exhibit 2);
SECTION 4. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility
Rate Schedule G-3 (Large Commercial Gas Service) is hereby amended to read as attached and
incorporated. Utility Rate Schedule G-3, as amended, shall become effective February 1, 2026
(Exhibit 2);
SECTION 5. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility
Rate Schedule Rate Schedule G-10 (Compressed Natural Gas Service) is hereby repealed,
effective February 1, 2026.
Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 19 Packet Pg. 187 of 828
Attachment A
* NOT YET APPROVED *
2
6059692
SECTION 6. The City Council finds as follows:
a. Revenues derived from the gas rates approved by this resolution do not exceed the
funds required to provide gas service.
b. Revenues derived from the gas rates approved by this resolution shall not be used
for any purpose other than providing gas service, and the purposes set forth in
Article VII, Section 2, of the Charter of the City of Palo Alto.
SECTION 7. The Council finds that the fees and charges adopted by this resolution are
charges imposed for a specific government service or product provided directly to the payor
that are not provided to those not charged, and do not exceed the reasonable costs to the City
of providing the service or product.
//
//
//
//
//
//
//
Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 20 Packet Pg. 188 of 828
Attachment A
* NOT YET APPROVED *
3
6059692
SECTION 8. The Council finds that approving the FY 2026 Natural Gas Cost of Service
Analysis Report does not meet the California Environmental Quality Act’s (CEQA) definition of a
project under Public Resources Code Section 21065 and CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5),
because it is an administrative governmental activity which will not cause a direct or indirect
physical change in the environment, and therefore, no environmental assessment is required.
The Council finds that changing gas rates to meet operating expenses, purchase supplies and
materials, meet financial reserve needs and obtain funds for capital improvements necessary to
maintain service is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to
California Public Resources Code Sec. 21080(b)(8) and Title 14 of the California Code of
Regulations Sec. 15273(a). After reviewing the staff report and all attachments presented to
Council, the Council incorporates these documents herein and finds that sufficient evidence has
been presented setting forth with specificity the basis for this claim of CEQA exemption.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
Director of Utilities
Director of Administrative Services
Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 21 Packet Pg. 189 of 828
22213852.2
Natural Gas Cost of Service
Analysis Report
City of Palo Alto
P R E P A R E D B Y E E S C O N S U L T I N G
November 6 , 202 5
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 22 Packet Pg. 190 of 828
16701 NE 80th Street Suite 102 Redmond, WA 980 52 425-889 -2700 Fax 866-611-3791 www.eesconsulting.com
G e o r g i a Te x a s A l a b a m a N e w H a m p s h i r e Wi s c o n s i n Mai n e Wa s h i n g t o n C a l i f o r n i a
Amber Gschwend, Director
amber.gschwend@gdsassociates.com
direct 425-655-1042
November 6, 2025
Lisa Bilir, Senior Resource Planner
City of Palo Alto
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
SUBJECT: Draft 2026 Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis Report
Dear Ms. Bilir:
Attached please find the draft 2026 Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis (2026 Report) for the City of Palo
Alto (City) prepared by EES Consulting (EES), a GDS Associates company.
We based the conclusions and recommendations contained within this report on industry practice and
accepted rate setting principles consistent with California law. The assumptions are based upon the
financial and metering data provided by the City. The results are consistent with the cost of service and
rate making principles considered by the City.
EES developed this study in consultation with the City’s staff and legal counsel, and we appreciate the
internal efforts that have helped to refine the study. We also would like to thank the Utility Advisory
Commission subcommittee members for their input and feedback. Collaboration among all these
stakeholders has improved the recommendations and strengthened the foundation in this utility planning
effort. The findings, conclusions, and recommendations of this report supply the basis for the
recommended, fair and equitable rates.
Very truly yours,
Amber Gschwend
Director, EES Consulting Director, EES Consulting
amber.gschwend@gdsassociates.com russ.schneider@gdsassociates.com
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 23 Packet Pg. 191 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................... 1
1.1 System Description ............................................................................................................................................. 2
1.2 Rate Study Overview .......................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2.1 Revenue Requirement .................................................................................................................. 3
1.2.2 Cost of Service Analysis ............................................................................................................... 5
1.2.3 Rate Design Recommendations .................................................................................................. 5
1.2.4 Rate Change Recommendations ............................................................................................... 10
2 REVENUE REQUIREMENT DEVELOPMENT ................................................................. 12
2.1 Overview of the City’s Revenue Requirement Methodology........................................................... 12
2.2 Supply Costs ....................................................................................................................................................... 12
2.3 Distribution Costs ............................................................................................................................................. 13
2.4 Debt Service and Rate-Funded Capital Improvement Program (CIP) .......................................... 13
2.5 General Fund Transfer .................................................................................................................................... 14
2.6 Miscellaneous/Other Revenues .................................................................................................................. 14
2.7 Transfers to/from Reserves ........................................................................................................................... 14
2.8 Summary of Revenue Requirement........................................................................................................... 14
3 COST OF SERVICE ANALYSIS ....................................................................................... 16
3.1 COSA Definition and General Principles .................................................................................................. 16
3.2 City Natural GAs Distribution COSA Methodology ............................................................................. 17
3.2.1 Functionalization ........................................................................................................................ 17
3.2.2 Classification and Allocation of Costs ..................................................................................... 17
3.3 Average & Excess (A&E) ................................................................................................................................ 22
3.3.1 Average & Excess Calculation ................................................................................................... 23
3.4 Customer Weighting for Meter Costs ...................................................................................................... 26
3.5 Customer Classes of Service ......................................................................................................................... 27
3.6 Cost of Service Results ................................................................................................................................... 27
4 RATE DESIGN ................................................................................................................ 32
4.1 Recommended Rate Design: Distribution ............................................................................................... 32
4.1.1 Residential (G1) .......................................................................................................................... 32
4.1.2 Small Commercial and Residential Master-Metered (G2) ..................................................... 35
4.1.3 Large Commercial (G3) .............................................................................................................. 37
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 24 Packet Pg. 192 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING ii
4.2 Supply Charges ................................................................................................................................................. 38
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 25 Packet Pg. 193 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 1
1 Executive Summary
The City of Palo Alto (City) retained EES Consulting (EES), a GDS Associates company, to perform a natural
gas cost of service analysis (COSA) and rate study for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (FY 2025-2026)1 (2026 Report)
as part of its ongoing efforts to maintain fiscally prudent, fair, cost-based rates for its natural gas
customers. This 2026 Report is primarily concerned with the development of natural gas distribution
rates.
While distribution rates are the primary focus of this study, the City also charges four supply-related rates.
These supply-related rates recover the costs that are outside of the immediate control of the City, such
as the cost of purchasing gas and transporting it to the City’s distribution system. These four rates are: 1)
the gas commodity rate, which represents the cost of buying gas in the markets, 2) the gas transportation
rate, which represents the cost of transporting purchased gas to Palo Alto, 3) the Cap and Trade
compliance rate, which represents the cost of mandated participation in the State’s cap and trade
program, and 4) the carbon offset rate, which represents the cost of buying offsets for the City’s Carbon
Neutral Gas Portfolio. These four charges are discussed at the end of this report.
The recommendations from this report are the second step in a 2-step rate adjustment process. The City
adopted this 2-step approach as a phase-in of rate changes. The first adjustment was an 8.7% across the
board rate increase effective July 1, 2025. This second adjustment is a rebalancing adjustment across rate
classes based on the results of this study.
The starting point for this analysis was the study completed for FY 2019-2020 (2020 Study). The City
updated the 2020 COSA model for FY 2020-2021 period (2021 Study), with some assistance by EES. Since
then, the City has implemented distribution system rate adjustments by uniformly adjusting distribution
rates using the percent change in the distribution revenue requirement; thus, distribution rates since 2021
have reflected the 2020 Study framework with an 8.7% increase to all rate schedules in July of 2025 based
on the City’s budget increase.
This 2026 Report is a comprehensive update to the 2020 Study. All assumptions and inputs have been
updated and new rate designs incorporated into the recommendations. This 2026 Report also
incorporates the City’s design principles in its recommendations.2
EES worked closely with the City’s technical staff, management, and Utility Advisory subcommittee
members to refine data inputs for gas sales, expenses, and assets. EES had no issues obtaining appropriate
1 July 2025 through June 2026.
2On September 15, 2025, (Staff Report 2507-4958) the City Council directed staff to follow the reasonable-cost
analysis required by Proposition 26, and that staff collaborate with the UAC to develop revised gas rates effective
January 2026, based on the following design principles: (1) Rates must be based on the reasonable cost to serve
customers. This is the overriding principle for the cost of service analysis (COSA); all other rate design considerations
are subsidiary to this basic premise.; (2) The COSA should involve a review of all existing rate schedules for
applicability in the COSA; (3) The impact of any proposed changes on low-income customers should be evaluated in
alignment with state law, including, without limitation, Public Utilities Code sections 890 and 898; (4) Determine the
proper allocation of fixed and variable costs and how those can be implemented in various rate designs; (5) Review
non-rate revenue sources that may be available for rate discounts or rebates.
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 26 Packet Pg. 194 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 2
data responses or clarification when necessary and commends the transparency of the process and the
capability of internal resources.
1.1 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The City’s gas utility serves approximately 23,386 customer accounts over an area of approximately 26
square miles. The gas utility is responsible for the operations and maintenance of the distribution system,
and it purchases all gas from outside suppliers. Total gas consumption in the City forecasted for FY 2025-
2026 is 25.8 million therms. It is expected for sales to continue near their current weather-adjusted level
of 25 to 26 million therms per year and near the current volume of services. Table 1-1 shows the number
of services and annual gas use for each rate class.
TABLE 1-1: NUMBER OF SERVICES UNDER CURRENT RATE SCHEDULES AND
FORECASTED ANNUAL USE IN FY 2025-2026
Rate Schedule Services Annual Use, therms
G1 Residential 21,163 9,762,524
G2 Residential Master Metered and Commercial 2,193 11,506,051
G3 Large Commercial 30 4,510,914
Total 23,386 25,779,489
Gas utility rate schedules consist of a fixed Monthly Service Charge ($/meter/month) and a volumetric
Distribution Charge ($/therm), which vary by rate class. Volumetric charges recover the proportional costs
of both commodity purchases and variable distribution (infrastructure) costs.
Table 1-2 summarizes the rate classes and current rate design for the distribution portion of the rate
schedule. It does not include these volumetric supply charges: Commodity Charge (Monthly Market
Based), Cap and Trade Compliance Charge, Transportation Charge, and Carbon Offset Charge.
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 27 Packet Pg. 195 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 3
TABLE 1-2: CURRENT DISTRIBUTION RATE DESIGN
Utility Rate Schedule Description Current Rate Design
G1: Residential Separately metered:
Single-family residential customers
Multi-family residential customers
2-Tier Volumetric Charge with seasonal
lower-cost tier 1 quantities
Tier 1 Summer:1 20 therms/30-day-billing
Tier 1 Winter: 60 therms/30-day-billing
G2: Residential Master-
Metered and
Commercial (“Small
Commercial”)
Commercial customers who use less
than 250,000 therms per year at one
site, and master-metered residential
customers in multifamily residential
Volumetric Charge, $/therm
G3: Large Commercial
least 250,000 therms per year at one
3
Volumetric Charge, $/therm
1. Summer rates are effective April 1 through October 31. Winter rates are effective November 1 through March
31.
1.2 RATE STUDY OVERVIEW
The purpose of this report is to discuss the data inputs, assumptions, and results that were part of
developing the rate study. A comprehensive rate study generally consists of three separate, yet
interrelated analyses. These three analyses include a revenue requirement, COSA, and rate design.
1. Revenue Requirement Analysis: This analysis examines the various sources and uses of funds for the
utility, and it determines the overall revenue required to operate the utility.
2. Cost-of-Service Analysis (COSA): COSA is used to determine the fair allocation of the total revenue
requirement to the various customer classes of service (e.g., residential, small commercial, large
commercial). This analysis provides a determination of the level of revenue responsibility of each class
of service and the adjustments from current revenues required to meet the cost of service.
3. Rate Design Analysis: The third analysis involves evaluating the rate design options available and
designing rate schedules that can be applied to each rate class to collect revenues to cover the cost
to serve customers in that class.
1.2.1 Revenue Requirement
The first step in completing a rate study is to develop the revenue required from rates. A revenue
requirement analysis compares the overall rate revenue demands of the utility based on its forecasted or
budgeted expenses less any sources of non-rate revenue. Over the course of the study period, the City
prepared several financial analyses that included a forecast of FY 2025-2026 sales, revenues, and
expenses. The City has an in-depth accounting and data system that keeps track of ongoing and budgeted
or approved expenditures. EES based the forecasts on projected FY 2026 expenses and sales estimates for
the natural gas utility. The 2026 Report uses a cash-basis method for determining the City’s revenue
3 In addition to these standard rate classes, City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) provides service to its CNG facility. This
facility does not utilize the distribution system, rather it is directly connected to the intertie with PG&E. As such, the
City is separately developing a cost-based fee for service administration. Changes in this fee do not materially impact
the COSA results.
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 28 Packet Pg. 196 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 4
requirement based on the City’s financial forecast. The cash-basis revenue requirement is appropriate
because it is consistent with how the City forecasts expenses for the natural gas utility.
FY 2025-2026 natural gas commodity costs are included in City’s financial plan. However, these costs are
adjusted monthly to pass through actual commodity rates charged to the City by its wholesaler. Therefore,
commodity charges are not set based on the 2026 Report; the 2026 Report only evaluates appropriate
distribution charges for the year.
Table 1-3 summarizes the FY 2025-2026 distribution revenue requirement totaling $41.3 million. Rates
were adjusted on July 1, 2025 to meet this requirement using the straight-line inflator approach. Because
the rate levels have been adjusted to collect the FY2026 revenue required from rates, the proposed
rebalancing and rate design changes recommended in the 2026 Report do not require an overall increase
in rate revenue. The 2026 Report recommends rebalancing between rate classes based on the COSA
results, and this rebalancing has rate and bill impacts to individual customers and across rate classes, as
summarized in Table 1-4.
TABLE 1-3: GAS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM REVENUE REQUIREMENT: FY 2025-2026 Revenue Requirement
Distribution O&M $9,797,408
Customer Accounts and Services $3,208,008
Administration and General $5,002,927
Debt Service & CIP from Rates $8,339,643
General Fund Transfer $9,734,580
Total Expenses $36,082,566
Transfers to Reserves $5,874,887
Other Revenues ($689,111)
Total Revenue Required from Rates (Revenue Requirement) $41,268,342
Revenues Based on Rates Currently in Effect $41,268,342
Total Required Rate Revenue Increase (Decrease) 0%
TABLE 1-4 BILL IMPACTS OF PROPOSED REBALANCING AND RATE DESIGN
Rate Schedule Monthly Usage (Therms)
Current
Rates
Recommended
FY2025-2026 Rate
Bill
Impact
Residential
G-1 Summer: 10; Winter: 30 $50.78 $54.73 8%
Summer: 17; Winter: 51 $73.44 $79.33 8%
Summer: 30; Winter: 80 $127.24 $134.60 6%
Summer: 45; Winter: 150 $247.31 $263.50 7%
Commercial
G-2 Small: 35 $242.74 $103.05 (58%)
Medium: 280 $739.59 $676.33 (9%)
Large: 2,648 $5,558.74 $5,927.83 7%
G-3 20,834 $42,696.69 $44,131.74 3%
1. Includes supply-related costs; assumes 12-month impact.
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 29 Packet Pg. 197 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 5
1.2.2 Cost of Service Analysis
Cost-of-service is important for the fair allocation of the revenue requirement to the various customer
classes of service. The revenue requirement shown in Table 1-3 for the City was functionalized, classified
and allocated.
Functionalization is the attribution of each cost line-item to one of four different functional parts of
gas service: (1) production (commodity), (2) transportation, (3) distribution, or (4) shared services.
This 2026 Report evaluates only distribution costs and distribution-related overhead (shared services).
Classification is the determination of whether the costs associated with a functionalized line item are
most appropriately allocated based on energy use (therms), demand (maximum system capacity), or
customer (simply having a service).
Allocation is the process of using the classification for each functionalized line item to assign costs to
each customer class. For example, a cost item classified as “energy use” might be allocated based on
annual therm use. This means that the line-item cost is directly correlated to the quantity of energy
used by each customer class annually. This process is described in more detail in the section titled
“Cost of Service Analysis.”
Ultimately, the COSA process requires analysis of how each customer class contributes to the expenses
incurred by the utility to provide service. Table 1-5 shows, by customer class, the revenue requirement
and revenue change needed for FY 2025-2026.
TABLE 1-5: DISTRIBUTION COSA RESULTS: FY 2025-2026
Projected FY 2025-
Revenue
FY 2025-2026
Deficiency/
Revenue
G1 – Residential $17,738,316 $19,210,223 ($1,471,907) 8.3%
$18,006,240 $16,095,484 $1,910,756 (10.6%)
$5,523,787 $5,962,635 ($438,848) 7.9%
Total $41,268,342 $41,268,342 $0 0.0%
1.2.3 Rate Design Recommendations
The final step in the rate study process is to design rates for each class of service. In California, local
governments are subject to Article XIII C of the California Constitution, as amended by Proposition 26,
which requires that gas rates and charges must not exceed the reasonable costs of providing gas service,
and requires that the City’s costs of gas service are allocated to each customer in a manner that bears a
fair or reasonable relationship to the customer’s burdens on, or benefits received from, the gas utility. As
a result, the City sets rates based on COSA results. The goal of rate design is to create rates that recover
costs from customers within each class based on the utility’s cost of providing service. The basis for each
rate design recommendation is provided in this section followed by the recommended rates.
All rate classes are charged a monthly service charge and volumetric charge to recover distribution costs.
EES does not recommend changes to this basic rate design structure, except for a refinement in the
development of the Monthly Service Charge for G2 customers. The refinement is based on additional
analysis of G2 class usage and costs. Section 1.2.3.2, Commercial provides more details on this change.
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 30 Packet Pg. 198 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 6
1.2.3.1 Residential
The G1 distribution rates consist of a monthly service charge and a 2-tiered volumetric rate: the Tier 1
rate applies to usage up to the baseline quantity and the Tier 2 rate applies to all usage above the baseline.
The G1 rate structure proportionately recovers energy and demand (capacity) costs incurred by the class.
Specifically, individual residential customers have usage characteristics that are similar in both usage
profile and baseline usage. For the purposes of this 2026 Report, “Baseline” usage is defined as average
use and “usage profile” is defined as the shape of energy use over time. Figure 1-1 shows that the daily
usage profiles for residential customers are consistent between individual customers despite different
overall usage level (low, low-medium, medium-high, and high). Second, seasonal baseline usage within
the residential class is relatively uniform across individual customers. As such, a tier threshold can be
applied to customers without being discriminatory toward customers with higher use, because higher-use
customers only pay their proportional fair share of the incremental cost of serving that 2nd tier of use.
FIGURE 1-1: RESIDENTIAL DAILY GAS USE BY USAGE LEVEL:
DAILY SHARE (%) OF ANNUAL USE 4
While the tier rates do not change between seasons, the baseline quantity above which Tier 2 rates apply
does change and is higher in winter than in the summer because natural gas-based heating is used more
in the winter and causes higher gas consumption.5 Therefore, the class average therms are higher in the
winter than in the summer. This tiered structure ensures that all G1 customers pay for their Tier 1 demand,
but that all the costs of Tier 2 service are only borne by the customers that have Tier 2 demand. EES
calculated the G1 tiered rates using the Base and Excess method (discussed in more detail in Section 4.1)
and proposes a modest increase of summer baseline from 20 to 23 therms per thirty-day billing period.
4 CALMAC Customer Load Shapes - PG&E. https://www.calmac.org/customer_load_shapes_pge.asp
5 Usage above the Tier 1 baseline quantity is charged Tier 2 rate. The current quantity is 20 therms/30-day-billing in
summer and 60 therms/30-day-billing in winter.
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 31 Packet Pg. 199 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 7
Table 1-6 summarizes the costs to be recovered in each rate component for G1.
TABLE 1-6: G1 RATES AND COST RECOVERY
Rate Component Recovers The Following Costs:
Monthly Service Charge Customer-related costs such as customer service, billing, and overhead adders
Tier 1 Volumetric Rate Energy-related costs plus 21% of demand-related distribution unit costs1
Tier 2 Volumetric Rate Energy-related costs plus 79% of demand-related distribution unit costs1
1See calculations in Section 4.1.1. Residential (G1) Rate Design, Table 4-3.
G1 usage patterns are distinguishable from G2 and G3 usage, and that difference in usage patterns is the
cause for a tiered approach to allocate costs among customers in the G1 (residential) class, but not in the
G2 or G3 classes. Average use is much more consistent (less variable) among all individually metered
residential customers in comparison to G2 or G3 customers. As shown in Table 1-7 below, G1 therm
consumption has a small variation between the median (midpoint consumption) and the average, and the
spread across all the data is relatively low compared with G2 and G3. To illustrate the relative variability,
the average is divided by the spread to produce 0.88 for G1. A higher value indicates that data is more
closely centered around the average value. The spread around G2 and G3 average use is much greater
(showing more variability), as indicated by the lower values of 0.33 and 0.41, respectively.
TABLE 1-7: AVERAGE THERMS/MONTH BY SERVICE ACCOUNT
G1
Residential
G2
Small Commercial
G3
Large Commercial
Average 33 462 13,534
Median 27 78 3,530
% Difference between Average and Median 23% 494% 85%
Spread (Standard deviation) 38 1,382 33,362
Average/Spread (coefficient of variation) 0.88 0.33 0.41
When average usage across individual customers in a class is similar, a certain threshold is associated with
a consistent or baseline share of system capacity that is used relatively proportionately by all customers;
usage above that threshold creates additional system capacity costs that are caused by only a small
portion of the customer base. Average use is an equitable threshold in a relatively low-spread
environment because it identifies the average consistent demand placed on the system by all users. Use
that exceeds the average creates a demand for additional capacity used by only a fraction of the
customers. A tiered system then allocates the additional (“excess”) capacity costs only among the
customers that placed the Tier 2 excess demands on the system. By structuring the rate this way, average
users are not forced to subsidize the costs of larger infrastructure they do not use. At the same time, the
initial average increment of usage is charged identically – so all users pay the same rate for usage up to
the baseline.
Natural gas is a service. Customers must pay not only for the commodity (the natural gas itself) that is
served to their property, but also for all of the infrastructure necessary to distribute the natural gas to the
property. For example, when all houses are the same size and have the same end-use systems, customers
who use an average or below-average amount of natural gas should not only pay proportionally less for
the commodity than high users because they are using proportionally fewer molecules of natural gas; they
should also pay proportionally less of the additional costs incurred by the utility to serve the customers
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 32 Packet Pg. 200 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 8
who use excess energy at peak times (such as the incremental additional cost of a larger pipeline). A tiered
rate ensures that the City’s incremental additional costs to serve Tier 2 demands are charged to the cause
of those costs. Higher users therefore pay a marginally higher rate – but only for the portion of their use
that exceeds the average or baseline threshold.
1.2.3.2 Commercial
EES does not recommend changing the volumetric rate structure for G2 and G3 because the current
structure reasonably recovers individual customer energy and demand components according to how
each customer uses the system. While there are inherent differences in consumption across individual
customers within the G2 and G3 rate classes, the shape of these consumption profiles within each class
are relatively consistent as illustrated in Figure 1-2. Figure 1-2 illustrates the annual usage profiles for
different types of businesses. The differences in average consumption between customers are due
primarily to the type of business operation (end-use of natural gas i.e., refrigeration, heating, etc.) and
building footprint (square footage). Grocery store use averages 8 therms per day during the summer,
whereas government buildings average approximately 2 therms per day in the summer. Winter usage is
also significantly different between these business types, where grocery stores average 14 therms per day
and government buildings average closer to 8 therms per day. These differences in baseline usage mean
that a tiered rate applied to all customers within the class would result in subsidies between customers
with different baseline use. Because customers with higher baseline use would more often exceed the
threshold, those customers would pay more than their fair share of costs.
FIGURE 1-2: COMMERCIAL DAILY GAS USE BY BUILDING TYPE6
While these customers vary significantly in total gas usage, the usage profiles for commercial and
industrial customers are similar within each class (G2 or G3), as shown in Figure 1-2. Because customers
6 CALMAC Customer Load Shapes - PG&E. https://www.calmac.org/customer_load_shapes_pge.asp. The above
example profiles are included in G2 and G3 classes according to Table 3-4.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Th
e
r
m
s
Retail Religious Construction Office Government Grocery Health
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 33 Packet Pg. 201 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 9
within each class have similar usage profiles, the cost to serve individual customers within each class is
similar from a volumetric perspective ($/therm). The similar cost of service is determined from the COSA
methodology which allocates costs based on class usage profile. Therefore, a uniform variable charge is
an equitable rate design for both G2 and G3 classes.
This 2026 Report updated input, assumptions, and calculations of fixed charges. The methodology and
supporting assumptions are detailed in Section 3. In addition to the methodology review, the 2026 Report
provides additional analysis for G2 meter capacity-related costs by comparing the average consumption
for various meter capacities. Fixed costs are higher for customers with larger capacity service because of
the larger and more expensive equipment required to provide higher capacity service. Three G2
subclasses are defined based on meter capacity, as shown in Table 1-8. The recommended monthly
service charge is developed based on the COSA methodology which, in part, allocates costs to each
customer class based on meter costs.
With the recommended rates, G2 customers would be charged a Monthly Service Charge based on
maximum meter capacity; customers with lower-capacity meters would pay a lower Monthly Service
Charge than those with higher capacity meters. For example, a customer with a meter capacity of 200
standard cubic feet per hour (scfh) would pay the lowest Monthly Service Charge, at $29.24.
TABLE 1-8: G2 MONTHLY SERVICE CHARGES: FY 2025-2026
CPAU Approved Maximum
7
Number of
Current Monthly
Service Charge
Monthly Service
Charge
1,136 $170.55 $29.24
940 $170.55 $94.56
117 $170.55 $419.08
While Table 1-8 shows the lower Monthly Service Charge for smaller G2 customers (defined as customers
with meter capacity up to 220 scfh), Table 1-9 illustrates that this same group of customers should also
receive an overall rate decrease. The rate decrease is primarily achieved through the lower monthly
service charge. The column “Revenue Requirement” in Table 1-9 presents the total revenue requirement
amounts (including fixed and variable costs) that correspond to the recommended Monthly Service
Charges shown in Table 1-8 above. The recommended rates for G2 are provided in Section 1.2.4.
7 All meters have a manufacturer-rated capacity and an approved for engineering maximum capacity. The CPAU
approved capacity is typically slightly lower than the manufacturer maximum capacity due to connected
characteristics and other variable conditions.
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 34 Packet Pg. 202 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 10
TABLE 1-9: G2 REVENUES AND REVENUE REQUIREMENT: FY 2025-2026
CPAU Approved Maximum
2026 Revenues
at Current
Monthly Service
Revenue
Projected
FY 2026
Revenue
Change
$3,251,805 $1,740,448 ($1,511,358) (46.5%)
Above 220 but Below 4,000 $8,235,944 $7,630,668 ($605,276) (7.3%)
4,000 and Above $6,518,490 $6,724,368 $205,878 3.2%
Total G2 $18,006,240 $16,095,484 ($1,910,756) (10.6%)
Customers that exceed 250,000 therms per year in consumption are placed on the G3 rate schedule. For
this level of consumption, the service sizes and meter costs are much more uniform within the class
compared with G2. For example, the cost for the smallest meters in G3 is 56% of the cost for the largest
capacity meters. The same comparison for G2 results in the smallest capacity meter cost at less than 2%
of the cost of the largest capacity meter. Meter cost uniformity within a customer class is a factor in
determining a cost-based rate design for each class. Customers with larger meters are charged a higher
monthly Service Charge. Because individual customers within G3 have relatively uniform meter sizes and
costs, it is reasonable to charge the same monthly service charge to all G3 customers.
1.2.4 Rate Change Recommendations
Table 1-10 provides a comparison of current rates and recommended rates for FY 2026, including the
newly developed G2 Monthly Service Charge by meter capacity.
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 35 Packet Pg. 203 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 11
TABLE 1-10: CURRENT AND RECOMMENDED RATES
Current FY 2025-2026 Percent
$18.40 $19.58 $1.18 6.4%
Distribution Charge ($/therm)
Tier 1
For Winter: first 60 therms/30-day-billing
For Summer: first 20 therms/30-day-billing
(current); first 23 therms/30-day-billing
$0.8944 $1.0456 $0.1512 16.9%
Tier 2
For Winter: over 60 therms/30-day-billing
For Summer: over 20 therms/30-day-billing
(current); over 23 therms/30-day-billing
$2.2873 $2.5203 $0.2330 10.2%
G2: Small Commercial (Total)
Monthly Service Charge $170.55 $78.03 ($92.52) (54.2%)
Distribution Charge ($/therm)
G2: Meter Capacity ≤ 220 scfh
Monthly Service Charge $170.55 $29.24 ($141.31) (82.9%)
Distribution Charge ($/therm) $1.1749 $1.2204 $0.0455 3.9%
G2: Meter Capacity > 220 scfh and < 4,000 scfh
Monthly Service Charge $170.55 $94.56 ($75.99) (44.6%)
Distribution Charge ($/therm) $1.1749 $1.2204 $0.0455 3.9%
G2: Meter Capacity ≥ 4,000 scfh
Monthly Service Charge $170.55 $419.08 $248.53 145.7%
Distribution Charge ($/therm) $1.1749 $1.2204 $0.0455 3.9%
G3 Large Commercial
Monthly Service Charge $780.34 $1,712.36 $932.02 119.4%
Distribution Charge ($/therm)
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 36 Packet Pg. 204 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 12
2 Revenue Requirement Development
This section presents the development of the natural gas revenue requirement in the 2026 Report. A
revenue requirement analysis compares the overall revenues of the utility to its projected expenses and
determines the overall adjustment to rate levels required for the utility’s revenues to meet those
expenses.
2.1 OVERVIEW OF THE CITY’S REVENUE REQUIREMENT METHODOLOGY
The City utilizes the cash basis approach for determining its revenue requirement. The revenue
requirement for the City’s natural gas utility includes the elements shown in Table 2-1.
TABLE 2-1: ELEMENTS OF A CASH BASIS REVENUE REQUIREMENT
+ Operating Expenses
Natural Gas Supply Expense
Distribution O&M Expense
Customer Accounting Expenses
Administrative and General Expense
+ Capital Improvements Funded from Rates
+ General Fund Transfer
= Total Revenue Requirement
- Transfers from Reserves
- Miscellaneous Revenue Sources
= Net Revenues Required From Rates (or Net Revenue Requirement)
In this basic analytical framework, the first step in determining the revenue requirement is to select a
period over which to review revenues and expenses. This 2026 Report uses a future fiscal year test period
to correspond with the City’s budget year. The revenue requirement in this 2026 Report reflects the City-
provided financial forecast (budget) for FY 2025-2026.
The next step in the analysis was to translate the City-budgeted costs into the system of accounts used by
a natural gas utility.
2.2 SUPPLY COSTS
While this 2026 Report does not include an analysis for gas supply costs, a summary of these costs is
provided here for reference. As with most natural gas utilities, a major expense associated with operating
the utility is the cost of natural gas supply. The City is projecting FY 2025-2026 gas supply costs at $29.2
million or 42 percent of the total FY 2025-2026 revenue requirement. Supply costs are charged to
customers via four pass-through rate components. The following rate components are adjusted monthly
to reflect actual costs:
1. Gas commodity: This represents the cost of buying gas in the market.
2. Gas transportation: This reflects the cost of transporting purchased gas from the delivery points
to Palo Alto.
3. Cap and Trade compliance: This covers the cost of mandated participation in the State’s cap and
trade program.
4. Carbon offset charge: This accounts for the cost of buying offsets needed to comply with the City’s
Carbon Neutral Gas Portfolio Program.
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 37 Packet Pg. 205 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 13
While the cost of natural gas supply is included in the 2026 Report, it is treated as a separate category
because the cost of natural gas supply is collected through separate rate components. A description of
these separate rates is provided in Section 4.2.
2.3 DISTRIBUTION COSTS
Total FY 2025-2026 revenue requirement for distribution is projected to be $41.3 million. Distribution
operating expenses include the following (other expenses are discussed in Sections 2.4 through 2.7):
Physical system costs of $9.8 million. These costs include the operation and maintenance of
distribution system infrastructure such as distribution mains, regulators, and meters.
Customer service-related costs of $3.2 million. These costs include meter reading, billing, key account
representatives and general customer service.
Administrative and general costs of $5.0 million. These costs include functions like accounting,
purchasing, legal, and other administrative functions provided by the City’s General Fund staff, as well
as Utilities Department administrative overhead, insurance, rent, and transfers to city non-enterprise
funds for items such as utility building improvements and to other enterprise funds for items such as
the gas utility’s share of Geographic Information System project costs.
The customer service category includes $0.5 million in expenses for energy efficiency, conservation
(demand side management), and low-income assistance programs. These expenses are incurred by the
gas enterprise as part of a program established by the City pursuant to California Public Utilities Code
Section 898. By virtue of this program, gas customers are exempted from a state surcharge that would
otherwise be collected on utility bills pursuant to Public Utilities Code Section 890. The City’s energy
efficiency and demand-side management programs reduce customer gas demand and are designed to
reduce the need for capital expenditures that would otherwise be needed to expand the capacity of the
gas distribution system.
2.4 DEBT SERVICE AND RATE-FUNDED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP)
The City must cover its capital improvement projects (CIP) through either debt, cash from rates, or
external sources such as grants or loans.
For FY 2025-2026, the City has debt service payments of $0.8 million for past borrowings to fund CIP,
specifically the 2011 Series A Utility Revenue Refunding Bonds. This bond issuance was to refinance the
$18 million principal remaining on the Utility Revenue Bonds, 2002 Series A issued for the Gas and Water
Utilities to finance various improvements to the distribution systems.
The majority of CIP is funded from rate revenues. For FY 2026, the budgeted CIP is $7.5 million. This
amount is partially offset by contributions made by new customers in the form of connection fees. The
$0.7 million in connection fees is included in other revenues, which is further discussed below. Total FY
2025-2026 debt service and rate-funded CIP is $8.3 million before customer contributions.
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 38 Packet Pg. 206 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 14
2.5 GENERAL FUND TRANSFER
The City calculates the equity transfer from its natural gas utility based on a methodology approved by
voters in November 2022.8 The General Fund Transfer is estimated to be $9.7 million in FY 2025-2026.
2.6 MISCELLANEOUS/OTHER REVENUES
The City receives additional operating and non-operating revenues. These revenues include interest
earned on City reserves, connection fees (customer charges that recover the cost of capital facilities
necessary to accommodate increased demand on the system) and other miscellaneous service revenues.
Miscellaneous revenues include customer discounts and uncollectible bills. These are recovered from non-
rate revenues, including interest income from investments. For FY 2025-2026, the projection for the total
miscellaneous/other revenues is $0.7 million. The miscellaneous/other revenues are separate from fixed
and volumetric charges for natural gas service and are therefore considered an offset to the total revenue
required from retail rates.
2.7 TRANSFERS TO/FROM RESERVES
In its FY 2025-2026 natural gas financial forecast, the City is anticipating that $5.9 million of rate revenues
will need to be added to the reserves in FY 2025-2026 to restore both the operating and CIP reserves. The
operating reserve balance is adjusted to meet future debt service requirements as projected from the
City’s financial plan. Additionally, the City plans to make contributions to the CIP reserve fund to balance
year-to-year fluctuations in CIP expenditures. The use of the reserve fund allows the City to have more
stable and gradual rate increases over time.
2.8 SUMMARY OF REVENUE REQUIREMENT
The City’s Distribution revenue requirement for the FY 2025-2026 test period is summarized in Table 2-2.
No overall rate increase is required to meet projected FY 2025-2026 costs, due to current overall rate
levels.
8 In November 2022, voters approved Measure L, amending the Municipal Code, Section 2.28.185, “Natural Gas
Utility Transfer” states: “Each fiscal year the City Council may transfer from the natural gas utility to the general fund
an amount equal to 18% of the gross revenues of the gas utility received during the fiscal year two fiscal years before
the fiscal year of the transfer. At its discretion, the City Council may decide to transfer a lesser amount. The projected
cost of the transfer shall be included in the City’s retail natural gas rates as part of the cost of providing gas service.”
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 39 Packet Pg. 207 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 15
TABLE 2-2: SUMMARY OF NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION REVENUE REQUIREMENT: FY 2025-2026 Revenue Requirement
Distribution O&M $9,797,408
Total Expenses $36,082,566
$5,874,887
Total Revenue Required from Rates (Revenue Requirement) $41,268,342
Additional Rate Revenue Needed without Gas Supply $0
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 40 Packet Pg. 208 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 16
3 Cost of Service Analysis
The objective of the cost-of-service analysis (COSA) is to allocate the costs in the revenue requirement to
each customer class of service to determine the cost to serve those customers. An essential principle of
cost allocation is the concept of cost-causation. Cost-causation evaluates which customer or group of
customers causes the utility to incur certain costs by linking system facility investments and the operating
costs to serve certain facilities to the way customers use those facilities and services. This section of the
report discusses the general approach used to allocate the City’s costs and presents a summary of the
results.
3.1 COSA DEFINITION AND GENERAL PRINCIPLES
A COSA study allocates the costs of providing utility service to the various customer classes served by the
utility based upon the cost-causal relationship associated with specific expense items. This approach is
taken to develop a fair and equitable designation of costs to each class of service. The COSA allocates joint
and common costs among the various classes using factors appropriate to each type of expense. The COSA
is the second step in a traditional three-step process for developing natural gas service rates, after
development of the revenue requirement but before designing rates.
This COSA study is an embedded cost analysis. Embedded costs generally reflect the actual costs incurred
by the utility and closely track the costs kept in its accounting records.
There are three basic steps to follow in developing a COSA: functionalization; classification; and allocation.
Functionalization separates costs into major categories that reflect the different services provided to
customers and the types of assets used to provide those services. The primary functional categories for
the City’s natural gas utility are supply and distribution.
Classification determines the portion of each cost that is related to specific cost-causal factors, or
“classifiers.” These classifiers might be demand-related (related to the class of service’s peak energy usage
over a given period), energy-related (related to the total energy used by the class of service over a given
period), or customer-related (costs incurred as a result of receiving service, regardless of the energy use
or peak demand). Natural gas supply or commodity costs are related to the amount of natural gas
purchased and are therefore considered energy-related. The distribution system is designed to extend
service to all customers attached to the system and to meet both the peak day demand and the annual
energy requirement of each customer, meaning that costs are both demand-related and energy-related.
Some operational costs, such as billing, are generally customer-related. Costs can also be classified based
on whether they are system-wide or specifically assigned to a customer or group of customers, if
appropriate.
Allocation of costs to specific classes of service happens after those costs have been classified. Allocation
factors are chosen to allocate the costs assigned to each classification, and the share of costs allocated to
each class of service are based on the class’s contribution to the specific allocation factor selected. For
example, certain distribution costs might be classified as partially demand-related and partially energy-
related. The demand-related costs could be allocated to the classes of service using each class’s
contribution to the annual system peak day demand (the highest day for the system as a whole at any
time during the year), while the energy-related costs would be allocated to classes based on their annual
energy usage. In this example, the allocation factors are 1) each class of service’s contribution to the
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 41 Packet Pg. 209 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 17
annual system peak day demand, and 2) the annual energy usage of each class of service. An analysis of
customer requirements and usage characteristics is completed to develop allocation factors reflecting
each of the classifiers employed within the COSA.
3.2 CITY NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION COSA METHODOLOGY
3.2.1 Functionalization
As mentioned previously, this rate study addresses only the distribution portion of the City’s gas utility.
As such, all costs included in the revenue requirement have already been functionalized as Distribution.
Distribution costs include are allocated based on the depreciated value of all the physical assets (“rate
base”) and all operating costs required to transport the natural gas commodity from the point of
interconnection across the City’s distribution system to customers at their meters.
3.2.2 Classification and Allocation of Costs
The classification and allocation factors used for each component of the rate base and revenue
requirement are shown in Table 3-1 and Table 3-2 and are discussed in more detail below. The purpose
of looking at the rate base in the COSA is to set the cost causation associated with the physical assets,
which are then used to guide the allocation of the annual expenses. The rate base for the City’s natural
gas utility consists of the net value of its physical assets – both the distribution system itself (“Distribution
Plant”) and the natural gas utility’s fair share of general City facilities, equipment, and other capital such
as software that provide for the administration and general costs of the utility (“General Plant”). The rate
base is taken from audited fiscal 2025 physical asset/plant values. The revenue requirement is a
forecasted future year.
Descriptions of each factor are included in Table 3-3. In general, this COSA employs the same methodology
used in the 2020 Study but with changes to allocation factors based on updated cost-causation.
Specifically, the distribution rate base classification was updated as discussed in Section 4.3 below.
Distribution costs are classified into the following components: demand, energy, customer, and direct
assignments. The demand component reflects the portion of costs driven by peak demand for natural gas.
The energy component is related to costs incurred to provide the annual amount of gas to customers or
groups of customers. The customer component covers the facility and operating costs that vary with the
number of customers, such as meters and billing. Directly assigned costs are costs that can be attributed
to just one or more rate classes. The following are the specific classifiers used for the City’s distribution
function:
Demand. Demand-related costs are those that vary with the peak demand or the maximum rates of
natural gas supply to classes of service. Customer and system demands for this analysis are measured
in peak day therms. Demand costs are generally related to the size of facilities needed to meet a
customer’s maximum daily demand. Generally, the rate base is allocated based on the Average &
Excess method which involves a demand component (see Section 3.3). The allocated rate base is then
used to allocate certain revenue requirement expenses.
Energy. Energy-related costs are those that vary with the total amount of natural gas consumed by
customer class. Usage measured in therms is used in this portion of the analysis. Energy costs are the
costs of consumption over a specified period, such as a month or year. Reserve fund contributions are
an example of a cost item that is allocated to customer classes based on therms used. This ensures
that each customer contributes to the reserve fund based on their proportional use of the system.
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 42 Packet Pg. 210 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 18
Customer. Customer-related costs are those that vary with the number of customers. Customer costs
are weighted to account for differences in the cost of providing services to those customers. For
example, the service line and metering associated with serving a large commercial customer is larger
and more costly and requires substantially more work and material than the service line and meter
for a small residential customer. Customer service expenses are typically allocated to customers based
on some measure of number of customers or weighted customer service factors based on the amount
of time and complexity to provide service to different types of customers.
Direct Assignment. Some costs are directly assigned to specific classes of service. For example, costs
associated with specific account representatives to large commercial customers are allocated directly
to the G3 rate class. In exchange, G3 does not share in other customer service costs incurred by the
other classes.
The methodology for classification and allocation of the City’s rate base is summarized in Table 3-1. All
line items in this table are functionalized as Distribution.
Note that the rate base does not reflect the annual expenses associated with running the utility but
instead reflects the capital investments made by the utility for the physical assets in the distribution
system or that are part of the general administration of the utility. The purpose of looking at the rate base
in the COSA is to set the cost causation associated with the physical assets, which are then used to guide
the allocation of the annual expenses.
Working capital is traditionally added to cover the cash on hand needed to run the utility. An estimate of
1/8th of operating costs is typically used to reflect the lag time between revenue collections and accounts
payable. This metric, 1/8th of annual expenses, or 45 days,9 is common because it accounts for the
operating expenses that need to be paid prior to the collection of revenues after metering and billing.
9 One eighth of 365 days is 45.
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 43 Packet Pg. 211 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 19
TABLE 3-1: DISTRIBUTION RATE BASE
Asset Description
Asset Value
FY 2021-2022 10
and Allocation
Equipment-Meters
$12,334,716 CUSTM Weighted by Meters and
Total Distribution Plant $155,578,873
General Plant
$1,910,425 GPLT Plant
$2,911,310 GPLT Plant
Total General Plant $4,821,735
Total Gross Plant in Service $160,400,608
Less: Accumulated Depreciation
Total Accumulated Depreciation
Total Net Plant
Working Capital: 1/8 Operating Costs
$2,251,043 OMWOP Expense
TOTAL RATE BASE
Constructions Working in Progress
(CWIP)
Total CWIP
TOTAL RATE BASE plus CWIP $117,034,679
Next, the methodology for classification and allocation for the City’s Natural Gas Distribution revenue
requirement can be found in Table 3-2. More detail on the classification and allocation factor codes used
in the classification and allocation process can be found in Table 3-3. Two changes were made to the
allocation factor assumptions since the prior study:
1. The general fund transfer allocation was updated from net plant to revenue. This update reflects
a policy change approved by the voters via Measure L, approved in 2022 where the transfer is
calculated as a share of rate revenue.
10 Fiscal year ending June 30, 2022 was the audited asset values available for the study period.
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 44 Packet Pg. 212 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 20
2. Reserves contributions or transfers are allocated based on therms. The reserves are used to
stabilize supply costs. Supply costs are 100% energy related; therefore, this line item should be
classified and allocated based on energy.
TABLE 3-2: DISTRIBUTION REVENUE REQUIREMENT
FY 2025-2026
Classification
and Allocation
Engineering Support 768,861 RBD Distribution Rate Base
Operations & Maintenance 9,028,547 RBD Distribution Rate Base
9,797,408
Admin - Customer & Marketing
$227,967 CUSTW Weighted for
$485,915 CUSTM
$543,152 CUSTW Weighted for
$9,850 CUSTW Weighted for
$155,106 DA1
$1,266,689 CUSTW2 Weighted for
Total Customer Service, Accounts &
Sales $3,208,008
Administrative & General
Administrative & General Salaries 11 $1,451,715 OMAG
Allocated Charges 12 $2,735,638 OMAG
Rents $574,830 OMAG
Transfers to Non-Enterprise Funds $59,411 OMAG
11 Administrative and General Salaries includes salaries and benefits for staff assigned directly to Gas Utility
Administration.
12 Allocated charges are general costs incurred on behalf of all of the City’s utilities (water, wastewater, fiber, electric
and gas) that are individually determined and allocated to each business line, as well as salaries and benefits
allocated based on Capital Improvement Project cost centers.
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 45 Packet Pg. 213 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 21
FY 2025-2026
Classification
and Allocation
Transfers to Enterprise Funds $181,333 OMAG
Administrative & General Salaries
Total Costs with A&G
Interest and Debt Service Expense
Total Debt Service /Capital
Improvement $8,339,643
Revenue Requirement Before Other
Revenues $41,957,453
Other (Revenues) & Expenses
$449,823 NETPLT
($625,693) NETPLT
Total Other Revenues
REVENUE REQUIREMENT for COST
ALLOCATION $41,268,342
Table 3-3 shows how each factor code classifies then allocates the costs to classes of service. The Average
& Excess (AE) allocator is described in greater detail below the table.
13 This includes uncollectible accounts for bad debt, low-income rate assistance discounts, and pre-1970s retired
employee discounts on utility bills at a primary residence. These are funded through non-rate revenues and Public
Utilities Code 890 revenues.
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 46 Packet Pg. 214 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 22
TABLE 3-3: NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION REVENUE REQUIREMENT
Factor Code Factor Name Classification Allocation Basis
AE Average and Excess 63% Demand
37% Energy and Above Average (Excess) coincident
peak demand. Energy portion is remaining
share of A&E attributed to average
Accounting/Metering w/o G3 accounting and metering but excluding G3
Rate Base 34% Energy
8% Customer
based on the net book value of all shared
services assets and other capital assets
Gas Supply and A&G) 30% Energy Gas Supply and A&G expenses
Rate Base 34% Energy based on the book value of all general plant
(w/o General Plant & 34% Energy value of all capital assets (initial cost)
34% Energy
8% Customer
value of all capital assets (initial cost less
accumulated depreciation) assigned to
Purchased Gas Supply) 30% Energy the cost of Purchased Gas Supply
3.3 AVERAGE & EXCESS (A&E)
The classification and allocation of several rate base line items in Table 3-1 are based on the Average &
Excess (A&E) method. This 2026 Report improves the A&E methodology to better align with how the
distribution system is designed and built for reliable service. The 2020 Study classified A&E costs as 100%
demand-related and then used each customer’s share of demand to allocate those distribution costs
across customer classes. In this study, A&E is classified as both energy and demand to more accurately
reflect how the City’s distribution system is designed and built. The previous A&E method primarily
attributed system costs entirely to demand, which is an appropriate option for systems experiencing
growth. Now that the system is expected to exhibit declining use, and because capacity sizing is
determined based on both energy and demand, the revised A&E method is recommended. The system
planning criteria and the associated recommended A&E method are described below.
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 47 Packet Pg. 215 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 23
The natural gas utility’s capital plan is primarily focused on upgrading and maintaining aging infrastructure
rather than expanding the system for growth. When evaluating the sizing of mains, City engineers model
the annual maximum demand (i.e., highest gas consumption during a January cold spell) to determine the
optimal system size to meet customers’ peak demand. The modeling also incorporates an analysis of
energy usage depending on the physical structure of the distribution system. The energy component is
particularly important to analyze when a network of mains result in endogenous impacts when one or
more of the pipes is replaced or resized. For example, the City’s engineers evaluate main sizing when
planning for replacement projects. In areas where a portion of the system has more than one main
providing service, engineers model the sizing of the main being replaced based on locational energy use
and available capacity of adjacent mains. Depending on the capacity and energy available from the other
mains, the replacement main can be resized to minimize cost on the system. This is particularly important
where usage has declined (or expected to decline) since the system was originally put into service.
Because both demand and energy use are important factors in considering current and future capacity
investments in the system, the distribution rate base is classified as both demand and energy under the
revised A&E method. Demand-related costs are then allocated to customer classes based on each class’s
contribution to peak demand. Energy-related costs are allocated to customer classes based on therms.
The revised A&E classification to demand and energy is based on a comparison of the energy used (the
“average”) against the maximum demand (the “excess”). Maximum demand is equal to the highest daily
usage for the class in each month or the non-coincident peak (NCP). The NCP is the sum of individual
customer peaks within the class independent of the system peak timing.
Overall, the A&E method makes the following assumptions:
1. Average energy represents the capital investment needed to serve the average customer in each class;
2. Excess use is the additional investment needed to serve customers with demands that vary by season.
Those customers with higher excess use require a larger investment in the system compared with
customers whose usage remains close to the average use year-round.14 Allocating excess use costs only to
excess users reasonably places those increased costs on only the customers that created the need for
capacity above their average use; otherwise, customers with lower use would arguably be subsidizing
customers higher use.
3.3.1 Average & Excess Calculation
As explained above, the A&E method classifies (splits) distribution costs between energy and demand
components. This classification recognizes that a portion of the distribution system is engineered to serve
a customer with average energy. In addition, another portion of the distribution system investment is
needed to meet customer maximum use (excess demand).
In order to develop the A&E calculation, daily or hourly load profile data is needed to calculate class load
factors. A load factor is the ratio of average use to peak use over a given time period. A low load factor
(for example 30%) indicates that average natural gas usage for that customer is relatively low compared
14 A good example of this type of customer is an individually metered multi-family unit. These customers have low
average use and the services needed for each unit are lower in cost compared with services needed to serve a single
family home (not shared).
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 48 Packet Pg. 216 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 24
to that customer’s peak usage. A low load factor customer is more costly to serve on a $/therm basis since
there are fewer therms over which to spread system capacity costs. Due to the relationship between load
factors and cost of service, these factors are key components of the recommended cost allocation
methodology from the COSA.
The City does not yet have hourly or daily meter data from which to calculate load factors. In lieu of specific
Palo Alto data, daily load profiles were developed using public data available from California Management
Advisory Council (CALMAC).15 These load profiles are a good approximation for Palo Alto customers
because they are developed by a neighboring utility for the portion of its service area that has similar
weather conditions to Palo Alto as well as similar building attributes (based on California building codes
for example).
The overall method applies Palo Alto monthly usage data by class to the daily curves from CALMAC. The
CALMAC data is based on PG&E load research data for calendar year 2024 and specifically for the coastal
region. This data is applied to the City’s FY2026 load data. Next, maximum day demands are calculated
for each rate class and for the system as a whole.
For the G1 class, several residential load shapes were aggregated to produce a class load curve. Figure 3-
1 illustrates the sample daily load curves for 4 usage groups ranging from low annual use (less than 235.4
therms) to high annual use (above 575.7 therms). The curves are similar in shape and differ primarily in
magnitude.
FIGURE 3-1: PG&E AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL DAILY LOAD BY HOME TYPE
Commercial building load shapes were aggregated to develop G2 and G3 class load shapes. In many cases,
building/business types can range in usage level; therefore, profiles may be included in more than one
class. Table 3-4 details the building segments included for each class.
15 CALMAC Customer Load Shapes - PG&E. https://www.calmac.org/customer_load_shapes_pge.asp
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
Th
e
r
m
s
0 - 235.37 therms 235.37 - 378.83 therms 378.83 - 575.72 therms > 575.72 therms
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 49 Packet Pg. 217 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 25
TABLE 3-4: COMMERCIAL INDUSTRY SEGMENT ASSIGNMENT TO CLASSES
Segment
G2 –
Small
G2 –
Medium
G2 –
Large
G3 –
Large Commercial
Multifamily Included Included Included
Automotive and Repair Included Included Included Included
Construction Included Included Included Included
Education Included Included Included Included
Full Service Restaurants Included Included
Gas Station & Convenience Stores Included Included
Government (Institutional) Included Included Included Included
Grocery Included Included Included Included
Health Included Included Included Included
Limited Service Restaurants Included Included
Lodging Included Included Included Included
Manufacturing Included
Office Included Included Included Included
Personal Care Services Included Included
Religious Included Included Included Included
Retail Included Included Included Included
Transportation & Utilities Included Included Included Included
Warehouse Included
Figure 3-2 compares the resulting daily therm usage by class after the class profiles are applied to monthly
Palo Alto use. Notably, the G1 profile is characterized by a much larger increase in peak winter demand
compared with G2 and G3 classes. This relationship is observed even after adjusting for relative load sizes
across classes.
FIGURE 3-2: PALO ALTO CLASS LOAD
0
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
140,000
160,000
180,000
7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6
Th
e
r
m
s
/
d
a
y
Month
G1 G2 Small G2 Medium G2 Large G3 Total System
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 50 Packet Pg. 218 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 26
3.3.1.1 Load Factor Calculations
Monthly class load factors were calculated from monthly usage, each month’s individual maximum day
usage (demand or non-coincident peak) and the number of days per month. Load factors are calculated
for each month according to the equation below where usage is the total therms per month, demand is
the maximum daily therms in that month, and days is the number of days in the month. So, a residential
customer who uses 60 therms in January, and has a maximum daily use of 2.74 therms, has a load factor
of 70.6% for January.16
𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳𝑳 𝑭𝑭𝑳𝑳𝑭𝑭𝑭𝑭𝑳𝑳𝑭𝑭= 𝑼𝑼𝑼𝑼𝑳𝑳𝑼𝑼𝑼𝑼(𝑫𝑫𝑼𝑼𝑫𝑫𝑳𝑳𝑫𝑫𝑳𝑳∗𝑫𝑫𝑳𝑳𝑫𝑫𝑼𝑼)
Table 3-5 contains the monthly load factor results by class. A lower load factor indicates that peak daily
use is relatively high compared to the average use over the same period. These customers typically have
a higher cost to serve because more capacity is needed to serve them, but energy use is relatively lower,
all else equal. The G1 rate class has the lowest average monthly load factor. The lower load factor is also
illustrated in Figure 3-2 where there is a larger difference in winter use compared with summer use. Lower
load factors result in higher volumetric rates because costs associated with the required system capacity
are spread over a lower number of therms. For example, two customers groups with the same maximum
consumption but different load factors will have different $/therm rates. Both groups use the same share
of system capacity; however, the customer group with lower energy use will have a higher rate in $/therm.
TABLE 3-5: LOAD FACTOR BY CLASS
CY Month G1 G2 – Small G2 – Medium G2 – Large G3
2025 7 70.6% 89.8% 90.0% 87.9% 87.6%
2025 8 73.8% 89.0% 89.1% 86.1% 90.6%
2025 9 74.8% 82.1% 82.1% 79.0% 83.2%
2025 10 55.7% 68.5% 68.3% 60.5% 68.8%
2025 11 59.5% 72.6% 72.4% 67.7% 72.1%
2025 12 65.1% 74.8% 74.5% 70.1% 74.0%
2026 1 75.4% 81.8% 81.8% 79.1% 81.9%
2026 2 59.7% 72.4% 72.2% 68.5% 71.7%
2026 3 63.2% 72.4% 72.3% 69.4% 71.8%
2026 4 58.7% 75.9% 75.6% 70.8% 75.5%
2026 5 65.0% 78.2% 78.2% 74.3% 78.7%
2026 6 75.5% 86.8% 86.8% 83.2% 87.1%
The load factors are used to calculate each class’s NCP (sum of individual customer peaks). The NCP is
used to measure the “excess” demand portion in the A&E calculation. The NCP is appropriate because the
system sizing is based on the sum of individual customer peaks regardless of when the peaks occur.
3.4 CUSTOMER WEIGHTING FOR METER COSTS
The number of customers weighted by meter costs is used in the study to allocate meter asset value in
the rate base. Weighted meter costs are appropriate for allocating meter asset values in the rate base
because they represent the relative cost of replacing meters for each class as infrastructure ages. “Meter
16 Load factor = 60 therms divided by (31 days x 2.74 therms) = 70.6%.
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 51 Packet Pg. 219 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 27
costs” for each customer class are equal to the current replacement cost of the meters (equipment) plus
labor costs for installation. Utilities typically do not record original meter and installation costs by
customer or location; therefore, the next best measure for service cost is the current replacement cost.
Table 3-6 compares the resulting meter costs. This 2026 Report uses an average of meter replacement
costs based on the count of all meter types currently in service within each class. This weighted average
cost is most appropriate because it considers all of the meter types and requisite costs used by each class
of service.
TABLE 3-6: CUSTOMER WEIGHTING FOR METER COSTS: FY2026 G1 G2 G3
Meter Costs1 $414 $1,262 $10,473
Weighting $8,761,310 $2,772,869 $308,954
1. Meter Costs include both the cost of the assets and labor costs for installation. Costs are based on current
replacement costs and labor rates.
The meter cost weighting from Table 3-6 results in a larger share of meter values from the rate base being
allocated to G1 and a relatively smaller share of meter rate base allocated to G2 compared with the 2020
Study. This update is one of the primary drivers for the rate rebalancing recommended in this study. Note
that the G2 class is later disaggregated into 3 subgroups based on meter size and usage. Meter costs for
G2 small, medium, and large are $313, $1,709, and $6,935, respectively. Taken together, the average G2
meter cost is $1,262 as shown in Table 3-6.
3.5 CUSTOMER CLASSES OF SERVICE
Customer classes of service refer to the arrangement of customers into groups that reflect common usage
characteristics or facility requirements.17 The classes of service used within this 2026 Report were as
follows: Residential (G1); Small Commercial (G2); and Large Commercial (G3). The City also serves its own
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) meter. The costs for the CNG service are paid by the City’s Public Works
department. The City is developing a cost-based fee to recover the CNG service’s fair share of metering
costs, service administration, and directly assigned costs. The estimated fee revenue is small (0.01% of
the total revenue requirement), and changes do not materially impact the results of this study.
3.6 COST OF SERVICE RESULTS
Given the key assumptions and updates discussed above, the COSA was completed. Tables 3-7 and 3-8
provide a summary of the Rate Base and Revenue Requirement amounts allocated to the various
customer classes.18 These schedules are calculated by multiplying the applicable classification and
allocation factors to each cost in the rate base and revenue requirement.
17 Breakpoints between or within rate classes are sometimes referred to as segmentation in rate making.
18 The rate base and revenue requirement tabs of the COSA model also show the rate base and revenue requirement
allocated to each class of service.
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 52 Packet Pg. 220 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 28
TABLE 3-7: DISTRIBUTION RATE BASE ALLOCATION RESULTS: FY 2025-2026
Asset Description Total G1 Residential
G2 Small
G3 Large
Equipment-Meters $12,334,716 $9,124,973 $2,364,799 $844,943
Equipment-Services $59,109,371 $25,762,073 $22,504,632 $10,842,665
Equipment-Misc. $2,729,148 $1,189,465 $1,039,065 $500,618
Equipment-Regulators $976,067 $425,406 $371,617 $179,044
Equipment-Distribution Mains $77,559,779 $33,803,451 $29,529,232 $14,227,096
Equipment-Measuring $2,869,793 $1,250,763 $1,092,612 $526,417
Building $1,910,425 $878,671 $698,726 $333,029
Equipment $2,911,310 $1,339,013 $1,064,793 $507,505
($49,833,503) ($22,920,160) ($18,226,279) ($8,687,064)
($3,812,789) ($1,753,634) ($1,394,503) ($664,652)
$2,251,043 $1,160,297 $761,319 $329,427
TOTAL RATE BASE
$8,029,320 $3,692,963 $2,936,671 $1,399,685
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 53 Packet Pg. 221 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 29
TABLE 3-8: DISTRIBUTION REVENUE REQUIREMENT ALLOCATION RESULTS: FY 2025-2026
Plant Description FY 2026 Total G1 Residential
G2 Small
G3 Large
Engineering Support $768,861 $353,626 $297,780 $117,455
Operations & Maintenance $9,028,547 $4,152,543 $3,496,760 $1,379,245
Total Distribution $9,797,408 $4,506,169 $3,794,540 $1,496,700
$465,537 $176,305 $207,750 $81,482
Total Customer Service $3,208,008 $2,197,456 $728,749 $281,803
Transfers to Non-Enterprise Funds
Total Administrative & General $5,002,927 $2,578,752 $1,740,020 $684,155
Total Costs with A&G $18,008,343 $9,282,376 $6,263,309 $2,462,658
Interest and Debt Service Expense
$23,348 $10,738 $9,042 $3,567
$778,250 $357,944 $301,417 $118,889
Total Debt Service /CIP Expense $8,339,643 $3,835,692 $3,229,947 $1,274,004
General Fund Transfer
Reserves Contribution
Revenue Requirement Before Other
Revenues $41,957,453 $19,527,169 $16,362,377 $6,067,907
Customer Discounts $318,105 $146,308 $123,202 $48,595
Connection Fees ($700,000) ($321,954) ($271,110) ($106,935)
$449,823 $206,889 $174,217 $68,717
($131,346) ($60,411) ($50,870) ($20,065)
Total Other Revenues ($689,111) ($316,946) ($266,893) ($105,272)
NET REVENUE REQUIREMENT $41,268,342 $19,210,223 $16,095,484 $5,962,635
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 54 Packet Pg. 222 of 828
C I T Y O F P A L O A L T O Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by E E S C O N S U L T I N G 30
Table 3-9 provides a summary of the COSA results with the recommended revenue changes. These results
are the basis for the recommended distribution charges provided in the next section.
TABLE 3-9: DISTRIBUTION COSA RESULTS: FY 2025-2026
Projected FY 2026
Revenues
Revenue
Requirement
Projected FY
2026 Deficiency
Revenue
Change
Needed
G1 – Residential $17,738,316 $19,210,223 ($1,471,907) 8.3%
G2 – Small Commercial $18,006,240 $16,095,484 $1,910,756 (10.6%)
G3 – Large Commercial $5,523,787 $5,962,635 ($438,848) 7.9%
Total $41,268,342 $41,268,342 $0 0.0%
Residential and Large Commercial classes require rate increases and the Small Commercial class requires
a rate decrease. EES compared this study with the previous analysis (FY 2019-2020) and found the
following significant drivers for these results:
1. Overall, the FY 2025-2026 Distribution revenue requirement is 171% of the FY 2019-2020 revenue
requirement. The increase is due to multiple years of significant inflationary pressures and
planned reserve fund contributions.19 However, because the rate was adjusted on July 1, 2025,
the overall revenue level does not need to be increased at this time.
2. The allocation of the General Fund Transfer was updated from Net Plant to Revenue. As a result,
G1 is being allocated a larger share of the General Fund Transfer. Despite the adverse impact on
G1 rates, this update better aligns the expense item with cost since the General Fund Transfer is
calculated based on gross revenues.20
3. Customer allocators, such as customers weighted for meter costs, were updated to reflect current
meter cost and billing cost information. More detail on this analysis can be found in Section 3.3.2.
Further, the method for calculating the meter costs for each class was changed from using a
representative meter to using a weighted average for all meters in each class. These updates
resulted in larger shares of expenses allocated to G1 and G3. The development of these allocators
included a detailed analysis of the average cost of the average capacity meter for each rate class
and rate class grouping.
4. Previous studies relied on Average & Excess for some aspects of Distribution System Allocation,
and that is maintained in the current revision. However, the Rate Base Allocation of Distribution
assets was updated to reflect updated Average & Excess calculations. This change moved some
asset value from G1 to G2 and G3 based on the classes relative share of total sales. The
19 Resolution 10232 https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=62153 approving the
Reserves Management Practices (Exhibit 3 to Resolution 10232)
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/3/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/city-council-
agendas-minutes/2025/june-16/rates-attachments/finalized-attachment-c-exhibit-3-fy26-gas-reserve-
management-practices.pdf)
20 In November 2022, voters approved Measure L, amending the Municipal Code, Section 2.28.185, “Natural Gas
Utility Transfer” states: “Each fiscal year the City Council may transfer from the natural gas utility to the general fund
an amount equal to 18% of the gross revenues of the gas utility received during the fiscal year two fiscal years before
the fiscal year of the transfer. At its discretion, the City Council may decide to transfer a lesser amount. The projected
cost of the transfer shall be included in the City’s retail natural gas rates as part of the cost of providing gas service.”
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 55 Packet Pg. 223 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 31
classification to both energy and demand better reflects how the system is planned and its current
operation, as discussed previously in the report. More detail on this update can be found in
Section 3.3.1.
5. Total use for all classes is lower in FY 2025-2026 compared with FY 2019-2020. Total G1 use
declined from 10.3 million therms to 9.8 million therms, G2 usage declined from 12.5 million
therms to 11.5 million therms, and G3 use declined from 5.6 million to 4.5 million therms. When
total use declines, fixed costs are spread across a smaller number of therms impacting the
$/therm rate.
In addition, all rate change aspects in this report are for distribution charges only and do not include
changes to supply. When considering overall rate impacts, it is important to note that most of these rate
changes are forecasted to be less than a 10% impact when considering combined commodity and
distribution charges.
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 56 Packet Pg. 224 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 32
4 Rate Design
The final step in the rate study process is to design rates for each class of service or customer class. In
California, local governments are subject to Article XIII C of the California Constitution, amended by
Proposition 26 (2010), which requires gas rates and charges to not exceed the reasonable costs of
providing gas service, and requires that the City’s costs of gas service are allocated to each customer in a
manner that bears a fair or reasonable relationship to the customer’s burdens on, or benefits received
from, the gas utility. As a result, the City has set rates to match the COSA results for each customer class.
The results of the revenue requirement and COSA study are based on forecasted load data estimates and
usage pattern assumptions. Actual load and usage patterns may differ from the forecast. For this 2026
Report, rates are developed based on the forecast loads and observed historical usage patterns for each
customer class.
The rates for the Residential and Commercial customers are designed to reflect the differences in costs
among the various customer classes. The costs per customer class differ based on the seasonal shape of
consumption (referred to as energy use) as well as the daily peak demand for each customer class.
Differences in energy use by season and the level of peak demand have an impact on the utility’s need for
distribution facilities and the costs to operate and maintain those facilities.
4.1 RECOMMENDED RATE DESIGN: DISTRIBUTION
This section of the report reviews the present rate structures for the City and provides a comparison with
the recommended rates based on this cost of service study. Table 4-1 summarizes the current rate design
for each rate schedule and recommended rate design updates. As mentioned previously, the
recommended rate design is the same as the current rate design with the exception of some updates and
refinement as described below.
TABLE 4-1: NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION RATE DESIGN RECOMMENDATION OVERVIEW
Rate Schedule Current Rate Design Recommended Rate Design
Residential G1 Fixed Monthly Charge
Seasonal Tiered Rate with
Inclining Blocks
Update fixed and volumetric charges to cost of service unit costs
Calculate tiered rates based on Base and Excess methodology
Update Tier 1 summer baseline quantity
Small Commercial G2 Fixed Monthly Charge
Volumetric Charge
Update fixed and volumetric charges to cost of service
Implement three separate fixed monthly charges based on
Large Commercial G3 Update fixed and volumetric charges to cost of service unit costs
Table 1-10 in Section 1.2.3, Rate Recommendations, summarizes the current and FY 2025-2026
recommended rates for each class. The rate recommendations and bill impacts by rate class are provided
below.
4.1.1 Residential (G1)
The G1 distribution rates consist of a monthly service charge and volumetric tier rates: The Tier 1 rate
applies to usage up to the baseline quantity and the Tier 2 rate applies to all usage above the baseline.
While the tier rates do not change between seasons, the baseline quantity varies by season and is higher
in winter than in the summer because natural gas-based heating is used more in the winter. Therefore,
the class average therms are higher in the winter than in the summer. The tiered rate structure ensures
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 57 Packet Pg. 225 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 33
that those customers contributing to higher seasonal demand are paying appropriately for their share of
the demand-related cost.
The current G1 Tier breakpoints (baselines) were evaluated using sales data for several test periods. Based
on average winter monthly use for 2022-2024, the winter baseline of 60 therms/30-day-billing is
appropriate. However, the most recent data supports increasing the summer baseline from 20 to 23
therms/30-day-billing. Table 4-2 shows the current baseline and average consumption values supporting
the recommendation.
TABLE 4-2: BASELINE QUANTITY ASSESSMENT
Tier 1 Baseline Assessment Therms/30-Day-Billing
Summer Winter
Current Baseline 20 60
Average Consumption
FY 2022 Actual 22 60
FY 2023 Actual 24 70
FY 2024 Actual 21 53
Gas Forecast FY 2026 24 56
Average of 3 Historical Years and 1 Forecast Year 23 60
Summer Winter
Recommended Baseline 23 60
The recommended baselines are used in the tiered rate calculations. The tiered rates recover all energy-
related distribution costs plus a share of demand-related distribution costs from each tier. The Base and
Excess capacity methodology is used to determine the portion of distribution demand costs collected from
each tier.21 The Base and Excess method first calculates G1 maximum annual use by applying G1 peak day
usage over the entire year. This assumes that the full capacity of the system is utilized year-round, which
is the basis for apportioning annual system capacity costs to Base use (Tier 1) and Excess use (Tier 2). If all
customers used this maximum amount of therms per day for the entire year, then the $/therm rate would
be a uniform rate. Because customers do not use the full capacity of the system year-round, the portion
of system capacity costs needed to serve demands above the base use level, are apportioned to the Tier
2 rate. Base level demand is thus collected in the Tier 1 rate by dividing distribution demand costs by the
annual use calculated at full capacity. The resulting $/therm is included in the Tier 1 rate. All excess
(remaining) demand costs are included in the Tier 2 rate. Table 4-3 illustrates the calculation of first tier
rate. Table 4-4 illustrates the calculation of the Tier 2 rate.
21 The Average & Excess methodology is used to apportion system costs to each rate class. The Base & Excess is used
only in the G1 tiered rate design.
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 58 Packet Pg. 226 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 34
TABLE 4-3: G1 RATE CLASS TIER 1 RATE CALCULATION: BASE & EXCESS CAPACITY
Formula/Line Value Cost Share
Tier 1 Therms A 7,029,018
Distribution Demand Costs B $5,742,961 100%
Class Peak, therms/day C 89,733
Annualized Usage based on Peak
Demand, Therms
d = 365 × c 32,752,486
Tier 1 Demand Component, $/therm e = b ÷ d $0.1753
Tier 1 Demand Cost f = a × e $1,237,498 21%
Distribution Energy Costs g $8,495,630
Total Therms h 9,762,524
Energy, $/therm i = g ÷ h $0.8702
Tier 1 Total, $/therm j = e + i $1.0456
TABLE 4-4: TIER 2 RATE CALCULATION: BASE & EXCESS CAPACITY Formula/Line Value Cost Share
Tier 2 Therms k 2,733,507
Excess Demand Costs l = b – f (Table 4-3) $4,510,463 79%
Tier 2 Demand
Component, $/therm
m =l ÷ k $1.6501
Energy, $/therm i (Table 4-3) $0.8702
Tier 2 Total, $/therm n = m + i $2.5203
Table 4-5 shows the distribution bill impacts for average customer use in summer and winter.
TABLE 4-5: G1 BILL IMPACTS AT AVERAGE CUSTOMER USE, DISTRIBUTION ONLY
At Current Recommended Average Use
$40.86 $42.58 $1.72 4.2% 22.0
$74.58 $85.08 $10.50 14.1% 61.1
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 59 Packet Pg. 227 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 35
Table 4-6 shows the impacts for a range of customer bills under various low, median and high usage levels.
TABLE 4-6: G1 BILL IMPACTS AT VARIOUS USAGE LEVELS, DISTRIBUTION ONLY
Season
Usage At
Current FY 26 Rates
At
Recommended
Distribution
Bill Impact
$/Month
Distribution
Bill Impact
$27.34 $30.03 $2.69 9.8%
$33.60 $37.35 $3.75 11.2%
30
45 $89.29 $99.07 $9.78 11.0%
Winter 30
(Median) 51 $64.01 $72.90 $8.89 13.9%
80
150 $277.92 $309.14 $31.22 11.2%
Annual (Median) 31
4.1.2 Small Commercial and Residential Master-Metered (G2)
The current G2 distribution rate design is composed of a fixed monthly service charge and a volumetric
charge. The fixed monthly service charge for a given rate schedule (customer class) is set to recover the
customer-related costs allocated to that schedule. As described in Section 1.2, Rate Study Overview, EES
recommends refinement in the development of the Monthly Service Charge for G2. Due to the diversity
in G2 meters and service sizes, and the methodology in the COSA that allocates fixed customer costs based
on meter costs, it is recommended to implement three separate Monthly Service Charges for G2 based
on service size. These service charges more precisely reflect the different services provided and the
associated costs for each of the three subclasses.
The creation of G2 subclasses (Small, Medium, and Large – defined below) is necessary to avoid intra-class
subsidies that exist from a single monthly service charge applied to customers that range in size from 36
therms per month to over 11,000 therms per month. G2 is unique in that the types of meters (and meter
costs) and customer usage represents a much wider range. To address the potential subsidies within the
class, G2 meter types and corresponding usage data is analyzed to determine G2 monthly service charges
that more precisely reflect customer-related fixed costs among differentiated subclasses within the class.
Figure 4-1 shows G2 meter capacity and associated average consumption. Meter size is positively
correlated with average use. This finding is expected and indicates that larger meters have higher average
use.22 Larger capacity meters also require larger service lines (connecting the meter to the distribution
system) and generally impose greater demand on the system. Recall that usage for commercial buildings
are uniform in shape but differ in relative size (Figure 1-3).
22 This is expected because meter capacity is sized to match the customer’s demand. City of Palo Alto, Utility Rule
and Regulation 15, Section B.6: Meter Installations, Capacity of Meters, April 2023.pdf
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/2/utilities/rules-and-regulations/rule-15-metering-april-
2023.pdf
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 60 Packet Pg. 228 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 36
FIGURE 4-1: AVERAGE MONTHLY USAGE BY METER CAPACITY
Figure 4-1 shows distinct patterns and separations in average usage levels that support 3 G2 meter
groupings based on maximum meter capacity. Figure 4-2 shows the distinct average usage levels
associated with the following three groupings by maximum meter capacity (in standard cubic feet per
hour or scfh).
1. Up to 220 scfh (≤ 220 scfh)
2. Above 220 scfh and below 4,000 scfh (> 200 scfh and < 4,000 scfh)
3. 4,000 scfh and above (≥ 4,000 scfh)
FIGURE 4-2: G2 – AVERAGE MONTHLY USAGE BY METER CATEGORY
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 61 Packet Pg. 229 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 37
The above G2 meter ranges were chosen based on a detailed examination of the use across different
meter types and capacities, according to summary data in Figures 4-1 and 4-2. This same rigor was also
applied to determine appropriate meter costs for G1 and G3.
The calculation for the G2 volumetric charge remains unchanged. As mentioned previously, the uniform
shape in G2 usage profiles supports a uniform volumetric rate. Recommended rates for G2 can be found
in Table 1-6, G2 Monthly Service Charges: FY 2025-2026, and Table 1-10, Current and Recommended
Rates.
Table 4-7 shows the G2 bill impacts for representative accounts in each G2 subgroup. Impacts for average
use and for 50% of average use are provided.
TABLE 4-7: G2 BILL IMPACTS, DISTRIBUTION ONLY
At Current
FY 2026-2027
FY 2025-2026
Average
# of
$684.29 $628.21 -$56.08 -8.2% 437 2,193
≤ 1,136
Average Use $235.17 $96.36 -$138.81 -59.0% 55
50% of Average Use $202.86 $62.80 -$140.06 -69.0% 28
˂ 940
Average Use $739.20 $685.24 -$53.96 -7.3% 484
50% of Average Use $454.88 $389.90 -$64.97 -14.3% 242
≥ 117
Average Use $4,615.20 $5,035.93 $420.74 9.1% 3,783
50% of Average Use $2,392.87 $2,727.51 $334.63 14.0% 1,892
4.1.3 Large Commercial (G3)
The present G3 rate design is composed of a monthly service charge and a volumetric charge. As noted
earlier, this class generally has large capacity meters and a high consumption threshold for service. G3
rate schedule applies to commercial customers who use at least 250,000 therms per year at one site.23
This threshold, which defines the rate class, results in a group of customers with similar services and usage
characteristics, but very different usage levels. The service size and service cost uniformity means that
fixed customer-related costs are also uniform within the rate class. Therefore, as a single charge fairly
recovers the fixed customer-related charges from each customer. And, for tiered rates to be
nondiscriminatory, the class would need to be both uniform in usage profile and average use. Individual
customer baseline use is not uniform within this rate class. Therefore, tiered rates are not appropriate as
they would result in higher-use customers subsidizing lower-use customers. No change is recommended
in the overall design of these charges.
For illustrative purposes, Table 4-8 presents the G3 bill impact at 20,833 therms, which is 1/12 of the
annual threshold level for G3 service.
23 Utility Rate Schedule G-3.
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 62 Packet Pg. 230 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 38
TABLE 4-8: G3 BILL IMPACTS, DISTRIBUTION ONLY
At Current FY FY 2025-2026
G3 Large Commercial $25,015.37 $26,450.39 $1,435.02 5.7%
4.2 SUPPLY CHARGES
The primary focus of the rate study was the distribution charges which vary based on budgets and
operating needs. The City also must pass through costs that vary based on external factors and market
conditions. These appear in the rate schedules as Supply Charges. Supply charges include the Commodity,
Cap and Trade Compliance, Carbon Offset, and Transportation Charges. These charges are on a $/therm
basis and require frequent updates due to the variable nature of the underlying costs.
Currently, the City has a range included in the rate schedules. Table 4-9 shows the current ranges.
TABLE 4-9: SUPPLY CHARGES
Supply Charges $/therm
1. Commodity (Monthly Market Based) $0.10-$4.00
2. Cap and Trade Compliance Charges $0.00-$0.25
3. Transportation Charge $0.00-$0.30
4. Carbon Offset Charge $0.00-$0.10
EES examined both the current calculation of each charge and the basis for that calculation, as well as
whether the charge should remain a pass-through and whether or not a range of values is appropriate.
EES does not recommend any changes to the Commodity charge range. For the Commodity supply charge,
Council amended the Gas Utility Long-term Plan (GULP) Objectives, Strategies and Implementation Plan
including collecting funds via a gas price mitigation adder to manage potential future short-term natural
gas price spikes above the $4.00 per therm maximum charge (Resolution 101187, August 9, 2024). The
Commodity charge range, therefore, is consistent with the Council-approved strategy.
The City’s gas utility is a covered entity under the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Cap-and-Trade
program, under which the City is obligated to purchase allowances to cover all greenhouse gas emissions
resulting from natural gas use within Palo Alto’s service territory. EES recommends eliminating the ranges
for the Cap and Trade Compliance charge and instead converting this charge to a pass-through of the
City’s actual costs because the City has little to no control over them, and they are largely non-
discretionary. The Cap and Trade Compliance Charge is calculated based on the Cap-and-Trade program
quarterly auction allowance closing prices.
Likewise, EES recommends eliminating the ranges for the Transportation Charge and passing through
these charges. The Transportation charge is the rate the City pays Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)
to transport gas from the PG&E Citygate to the City of Palo Alto distribution system. PG&E is regulated by
the California Public Utilities Commission. Palo Alto has no control over these charges and no alternatives
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 63 Packet Pg. 231 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 39
for transporting gas to its distribution system. The Transportation Charge is based on PG&E’s wholesale
tariff (G-WSL)24.
Recently, the transportation charge exceeded the published range and the Council increased the upper
limit on the Transportation Charge.25 This is likely to occur for both the Transportation Charge and the
Cap and Trade Compliance Charges in the future. Because the true costs can vary outside of the ranges
provided, the ranges do not appear to provide material value to customers. If the costs vary outside the
upper limit of the range the costs above the limit are paid for by the gas utility’s reserves unless the Council
increased the upper limit. Updating the ranges with a wider spread would also provide less practical
information to customers. Therefore, EES recommends eliminating the ranges for the Cap and Trade
Compliance and Transportation charges. Two years of historical monthly values for the Transportation
Charge and Cap and Trade Compliance Charge are posted publicly on the City’s website for reference.26
EES does not recommend changes to the Carbon Offset Charge range. In December 2020 Council adopted
Resolution 99303, amending the Carbon Neutral Gas Plan. This program is voluntary in the sense that it is
a local program approved by the City Council rather than a compliance obligation imposed by the state or
another governing body. The amended plan limited the purchase price of offsets to $19 per ton CO2e,
consistent with the original maximum 10 cents per therm rate impact, therefore the range is consistent
with the Council-approved program.
Second, EES recommends providing more detailed information on the source costs and calculation for all
four of the supply charges. Recommended additions include language in Table 4-10.
24 https://www.pge.com/tariffs/assets/pdf/tariffbook/GAS_SCHEDS_G-WSL.pdf
25 On October 7, 2024, Council adopted resolution 10190 increasing the upper limit on the Transportation Charge on
all of the City’s gas rate schedules from $0.25 per therm to $0.30 per therm effective November 1, 2024.
26 Residential: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/25/utilities/rates-schedules-for-
utilities/residential-utility-rates/monthly-gas-volumetric-and-service-charges-residential-3.pdf and
Non-Residential and Residential Master-Metered:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/24/utilities/business/business-rates/monthly-gas-volumetric-
and-service-charges-commercial-3.pdf
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 64 Packet Pg. 232 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 40
TABLE 4-10: SUPPLY LANGUAGE
Supply Charges Description
1. Commodity (Monthly Market Based) This charge is based on the monthly natural gas Bidweek Price Index for delivery at
PG&E Citygate, adjusted to account for delivery losses to the customer’s meter. The
Commodity Charge also includes adjustments to account for Council-approved
programs implemented to reduce the cost of Gas, including a municipal purchase
discount (Adopted via Resolution 9451, on September 15, 2014), and $0.055 per therm
for mitigating the impact of short-term natural gas market price spikes.
The Commodity Charge calculation formula is:
PG&E Citygate Monthly Bidweek Price ($/MMBtu)
+ Gas Supplier Adder ($/MMBtu)
– Municipal Gas Discount ($/MMBtu)
× (1+ Distribution Loss Multiplier)
+ Gas Price Spike Mitigation Charge ($/MMBtu)
÷ 10 (conversion from MMBtu to therm) (MMBtu/therm)
= Commodity Rate ($/therm)
Where :
PG&E Citygate Monthly Bidweek Price is the monthly price for PG&E Citygate as
reported in the first issue of the month of Natural Gas Intelligence’s Bidweek Survey
as published by Intelligence Press Inc.
The Gas Supplier Adder is the premium or discount applied to the Bidweek Price Index,
based on the City's actual transactions with its natural gas suppliers.
The Distribution Loss Multiplier, updated annually, is calculated by the variances of gas
supply purchases and gas retail sales for the past three fiscal years.
2. Cap and Trade Compliance Charge
with the State’s Cap and Trade Program, including the cost of acquiring compliance
instruments sufficient to cover the Gas Utility’s compliance obligations. The Cap and
Trade Compliance Charge is adjusted in response to market conditions, retail sales
volumes, and the quantity of allowances required. The calculation formula is based on
carbon allowance auction prices and allowances needed to comply with state law. One
allowance is equal to 1 metric ton (MT) of CO2.
The Cap and Trade Compliance Charge calculation formula is:
Most Recent Auction Price ($/MT CO2)
x Number of Allowances Required (%)
x (conversion from MT CO2 to therm) (MT CO2/therm)
= $/Therm
Where:
Number of Allowances Required (%) =
(Projected Emissions for Current Year- Palo Alto’s Allocated Allowances for Current
Year)
÷ Projected Emissions for Current Year
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 65 Packet Pg. 233 of 828
CITY OF PALO ALTO Natural Gas Cost of Service Analysis
prepared by EES CONSULTING 41
3. Transportation Charge The Transportation Charge is based on the current PG&E G-WSL rate for Palo Alto,
accounting for delivery losses to Customer Meters. The current rates are shown in
this tariff https://www.pge.com/tariffs/assets/pdf/tariffbook/GAS_SCHEDS_G-
WSL.pdf, provided by PG&E. Additionally, there is a distribution loss factor (updated
annually), which is calculated by the variances of gas supply purchases and gas retail
sales for the past three fiscal years.
The Transportation Charge calculation formula is:
PG&E G-WSL Transportation Charges ($/therm)
- Cap and Trade Cost Exemption ($/therm)
× (1+ Distribution Losses Multiplier)
= Transportation Charge ($/therm)
Where:
The Distribution Loss Multiplier, updated annually, is calculated by the variances of gas
supply purchases and gas retail sales for the past three fiscal years.
4. Carbon Offset Charge
gases produced when Gas is burned. The Carbon Offset Charge will change in response
to market conditions, sales volumes, and the quantity of offsets purchased within the
Council-approved cap of $19 per MT CO2e, calculated annually.
The Carbon Offset Charge calculation formula is:
Weighted Average Cost of Carbon Offset ($/MT CO2)
x (conversion from MT CO2 to therms) (MT CO2/therms)
= Carbon Offset Charge ($/therm)
Where:
Purchase Price of Carbon Offset ≤ $19/MT CO2e
Exhibit 1Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 66 Packet Pg. 234 of 828
RESIDENTIAL GAS SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-1
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No G-1-1 Effective 27-1-20265
dated 0711-1-20254 Sheet No G-1-1
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to the following Customers receiving Gas Service from City of Palo Alto
Utilities:
1. Separately-metered single-family residential Customers;
2.Separately-metered multi-family residential Customers in multi-family residential
facilities.
B. TERRITORY:
This schedule applies everywhere the City of Palo Alto provides Gas Service.
C. UNBUNDLED RATES:Per Service
Monthly Service Charge: ..............................................................................................$ 19.5818.40
Tier 1 Rates: Per Therm
Supply Charges:
1. Commodity (Monthly Market-Based) ......................................... $0.10-$4.00
2. Cap and Trade Compliance Charge ............................................ $0.00-
$0.25Pass-through
3. Transportation Charge ................................................................. Pass-
through$0.00-$0.30
4. Carbon Offset Charge .................................................................. $0.00-$0.10
Distribution Charge:....................................................................................... $
1.04560.8944
Tier 2 Rates: (All usage over 100% of Tier 1)
Supply Charges:
1.Commodity (Monthly Market-Based) ......................................... $0.10-$4.00
2. Cap and Trade Compliance Charge ............................................. $0.00-
$0.25Pass-through
3. Transportation Charge ................................................................. $0.00-
$0.30Pass-through
4. Carbon Offset Charge .................................................................. $0.00-$0.10
Exhibit 2Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 67 Packet Pg. 235 of 828
RESIDENTIAL GAS SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-1
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No G-1-2 Effective 27-1-20265
dated 0711-1-20254 Sheet No G-1-2
Distribution Charge:............................................................................................. $
2.52032.2873
D.SPECIAL NOTES:
1.Calculation of Cost Components
The actual bill amount is calculated based on the applicable rates in Section C above and
adjusted for any applicable discounts, surcharges and/or Taxes. On a Customer’s bill
statement, the bill amount may be broken down into appropriate components as
calculated under Section C.
The Commodity Charge is based on the monthly natural gas Bidweek Price Index for
delivery at PG&E Citygate, adjusted to account for delivery losses to the Customer’s
Meter. The Commodity Charge also includes adjustments to account for Council-
approved programs implemented to reduce the cost of Gas, including a municipal
purchase discount 1 and $0.055 per tTherm for mitigating the impact of short-term natural
gas market price spikes2.
The Cap and Trade Compliance Charge is a pass-through charge that reflects the City’s
cost of regulatory compliance with the state’s Cap and Trade Program, including the cost
of acquiring compliance instruments sufficient to cover the City’s Gas Utility’s
compliance obligations. The Cap and Trade Compliance Charge changes in response to
changing market conditions, retail sales volumes and the quantity of allowances required,
and is calculated based on the Cap-and-Trade Program’s quarterly auction allowance
closing prices.
The Carbon Offset Charge reflects the City’s cost to purchase offsets for greenhouse
gases produced when Gas is burned. The Carbon Offset Charge changes in response to
changing market conditions, sales volumes and the quantity of offsets purchased within
the Council-approved per Ttherm cap.
1 Adopted via Resolution 9451, on September 15, 2014.
2 Adopted via Resolution 10187 on August 19, 2024.
Exhibit 2Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 68 Packet Pg. 236 of 828
RESIDENTIAL GAS SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-1
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No G-1-3 Effective 27-1-20265
dated 0711-1-20254 Sheet No G-1-3
The Transportation Charge is a pass-through charge based on the current PG&E G-WSL 3
(Gas Transportation Service to Wholesale/Retail Customers) rate for Palo Alto,
accounting for delivery losses to the Customer’s Meter.
The Commodity and, Cap and Trade Compliance, Carbon Offset and Transportation
Charges will fall within the minimum/maximum ranges set forth in Section C. Current
and historic per tTherm rates for the Commodity, Cap and Trade Compliance, Carbon
Offset and Transportation Charges are posted on the City Utilities website.4
2. Seasonal Rate Changes:
The Summer period is effective April 1 to October 31 and the Winter period is effective
from November 1 to March 31. When the Bbilling Pperiod includes use in both the
Summer and the Winter periods, the usage will be prorated based on the number of days in
each seasonal period, and the charges based on the applicable rates for each period. For
further discussion of bill calculation and proration, refer to Rule and Regulation 11.
3. Calculation of Usage Tiers
Tier 1 Nnatural Ggas usage is calculated and billed based upon a level of 0.667 therms per
day23 Ttherms per 30 day Billing Period during the Summer period, and 60 tTherms per
30 day Billing Period during the Winter period, based on Meter reading days of Service,
and rounded to the nearest whole tTherm. As an example, Tier 1 Natural Gas is calculated
at 0.767 tTherms per day during the Summer period (.767 tTherms per day x 30 days = 23
tTherms) and 2.0 tTherms per day during the Winter period (2 tTherms per day x 30 days
= 60 tTherms). , rounded to the nearest whole therm, based on meter reading days of
service. As an example, for a 30 day bill, the Tier 1 level would be 20 therms during the
Summer period and 60 therms during the Winter period months. For further discussion of
bill calculation and proration, refer to Rule and Regulation 11.
{End}
3 https://www.pge.com/tariffs/assets/pdf/tariffbook/GAS_SCHEDS_G-WSL.pdf
4 Monthly gas and commodity and volumetric rates are available here, or by visiting
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/utilities/rates-schedules-for-utilities/residential-utility-rates/monthly-gas-
volumetric-and-service-charges-residential.pdf
Exhibit 2Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 69 Packet Pg. 237 of 828
RESIDENTIAL MASTER-METERED AND COMMERCIAL GAS SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-2
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No G-2-1 Effective 27-1-20265
dated 711-1-20245 Sheet No G-2-1
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to the following Customers receiving Gas Service from the City of Palo Alto
Utilities:
1. Commercial Customers who use less than 250,000 tTherms per year at one site;
2. Master-Mmetered residential Customers in multi-family residential facilities.
B. TERRITORY:
This schedule applies everywhere the City of Palo Alto provides Gas Service. C. UNBUNDLED RATES: Per Service
Monthly Service Charge:
For Meters with maximum capacity:
1. Up to 220 Standard Cubic Feet per Hour (scfh) .......................................................$ 29.24
2. Above 220 scfh and less than 4,000 scfh ................................................................$ 94.56
3. 4,000 scfh and above ...................................................................................$ 419.08170.55
Per Therm
Supply Charges:
1. Commodity (Monthly Market Based) ......................................................... $0.10-$4.00
2. Cap and Trade Compliance Charges ........................................................... $0.00-
$0.25Pass-through
3. Transportation Charge .................................................................................. $0.00-
$0.30Pass-through
4. Carbon Offset Charge ................................................................................... $0.00-$0.10
Distribution Charge: .................................................................................................. $
1.17491.2204
D. SPECIAL NOTES:
1. Calculation of Cost Components
The actual bill amount is calculated based on the applicable rates in Section C above and
adjusted for any applicable discounts, surcharges and/or Taxes. On a Customer’s bill
statement, the bill amount may be broken down into appropriate components as
calculated under Section C.
The Mmeter’s maximum capacity used to determine the applicable Monthly Service
Charge for G-2 Gas Service is the installed Meter’s City of Palo Alto-approved
Exhibit 2Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 70 Packet Pg. 238 of 828
RESIDENTIAL MASTER-METERED AND COMMERCIAL GAS SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-2
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No G-2-2 Effective 27-1-20265
dated 711-1-20245 Sheet No G-2-2
maximum capacity in standard cubic feet per hour (scfh), measured at 7 inches of water
column or equivalent to 0.25 pounds per square inch.
The Commodity Charge is based on the monthly natural gas Bidweek Price Index for
delivery at PG&E Citygate, adjusted to account for delivery losses to the Customer’s
Meter. The Commodity Charge also includes adjustments to account for Council-
approved programs implemented to reduce the cost of Gas, including a municipal
purchase discount 1 and $0.055 per tTherm for mitigating the impact of short-term natural
gas market price spikes2.
The Cap and Trade Compliance Charge is a pass-through charge that reflects the City’s
cost of regulatory compliance with the state’s Cap and Trade Program, including the cost
of acquiring compliance instruments sufficient to cover the City’s Gas Utility’s compliance
obligations. The Cap and Trade Compliance Charge changes in response to changing
market conditions, retail sales volumes and the quantity of allowances required, and is
calculated based on the Cap-and-Trade Program’s quarterly auction allowance closing
prices.
The Carbon Offset Charge reflects the City’s cost to purchase offsets for greenhouse gases
produced when Gas is burned. The Carbon Offset Charge changes in response to changing
market conditions, sales volumes and the quantity of offsets purchased within the Council-
approved per Ttherm cap.
The Transportation Charge is a pass-through charge based on the current PG&E G-WSL 3
(Gas Transportation Service to Wholesale/Retail Customers) rate for Palo Alto,
accounting for delivery losses to the Customer’s Meter.
The Commodity, Cap and Trade Compliance, and Carbon Offset and Transportation
Charges will fall within the minimum/maximum ranges set forth in Section C. Current
and historic per Ttherm rates for the Commodity, Cap and Trade Compliance, Carbon
Offset and Transportation Charges are posted on the City Utilities website.4
{End}
1 Adopted via Resolution 9451, on September 15, 2014.
2 Adopted via Resolution 10187 on August 19, 2024.
3 https://www.pge.com/tariffs/assets/pdf/tariffbook/GAS_SCHEDS_G-WSL.pdf
4 Monthly gas and commodity and volumetric rates are available here, or by visiting
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/utilities/business/business-rates/monthly-gas-volumetric-and-service-charges-
commercial.pdf
Exhibit 2Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 71 Packet Pg. 239 of 828
LARGE COMMERCIAL GAS SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-3
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No G-3-1 Effective 27-1-20265
dated 711-1-20254 Sheet No G-3-1
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to the following Customers Commercial Customers receiving Gas Service
from the City of Palo Alto Utilities, who use at least 250,000 Ttherms per year at one site.:
1. Commercial Customers who use at least 250,000 therms per year at one site;
2. Customers at City-owned generation facilities including the City’s Natural Gas fueling
station at the Municipal Services Center.
B. TERRITORY:
This schedule applies everywhere the City of Palo Alto provides Gas Service.
C. UNBUNDLED RATES: Per Service
Monthly Service Charge: $ 780.341,712.36
Per Therm
Supply Charges:
1. Commodity (Monthly Market Based) .................................................... $0.10-$4.00
2. Cap and Trade Compliance Charges ................................ $0.00-$0.25Pass-through
3. Transportation Charge .......................................................................... $0.00-
$0.30Pass-through
4. Carbon Offset Charge ........................................................................... $0.00-$0.10
Distribution Charge: .................................................................................................$ 1.16331.1874
D. SPECIAL NOTES:
1. Calculation of Cost Components
The actual bill amount is calculated based on the applicable rates in Section C above and
adjusted for any applicable discounts, surcharges and/or Taxes. On a Customer’s bill
statement, the bill amount may be broken down into appropriate components as calculated
under Section C.
The Commodity Charge is based on the monthly natural gas Bidweek Price Index for
delivery at PG&E Citygate, adjusted to account for delivery losses to the Customer’s
Meter. The Commodity Charge also includes adjustments to account for Council-
approved programs implemented to reduce the cost of Gas, including a municipal
Exhibit 2Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 72 Packet Pg. 240 of 828
LARGE COMMERCIAL GAS SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-3
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No G-3-2 Effective 27-1-20265
dated 711-1-20254 Sheet No G-3-2
purchase discount 1 and $0.055 per Ttherm for mitigating the impact of short-term natural
gas market price spikes2.
The Cap and Trade Compliance Charge is a pass-through charge that reflects the City’s
cost of regulatory compliance with the state’s Cap and Trade Program, including the cost
of acquiring compliance instruments sufficient to cover the City’s Gas Utility’s compliance
obligations. The Cap and Trade Compliance Charge changes in response to changing
market conditions, retail sales volumes and the quantity of allowances required, and is
calculated based on the Cap-and-Trade Program’s quarterly auction allowance closing
prices.
The Carbon Offset Charge reflects the City’s cost to purchase offsets for greenhouse gases
produced when Gas is burned. The Carbon Offset Charge changes in response to changing
market conditions, sales volumes and the quantity of offsets purchased within the Council-
approved per Ttherm cap.
The Transportation Charge is a pass-through charge based on the current PG&E G-WSL 3
(Gas Transportation Service to Wholesale/Retail Customers) rate for Palo Alto,
accounting for delivery losses to the Customer’s Meter.
The Commodity and , Cap and Trade Compliance, Carbon Offset and Transportation
Charges will fall within the minimum/maximum ranges set forth in Section C. Current
and historic per Ttherm rates for the Commodity, Cap and Trade Compliance, Carbon
Offset and Transportation Charges are posted on the City Utilities website.4
2. Request for Service
A qualifying Customer may request Sservice under this schedule for more than one
Aaccount or Mmeter if the Aaccounts are located on one site. A site consists of one or
more contiguous parcels of land with no intervening public right-of- ways (e.g. streets).
3. Changing Rate Schedules
Customers may request a rate schedule change at any time to any applicable City of Palo
Alto full-service rate schedule.
1 Adopted via Resolution 9451, on September 15, 2014.
2 Adopted via Resolution 10187 on August 19, 2024.
3 https://www.pge.com/tariffs/assets/pdf/tariffbook/GAS_SCHEDS_G-WSL.pdf
4 Monthly gas and commodity and volumetric rates are available here, or by visiting
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/utilities/business/business-rates/monthly-gas-volumetric-and-service-charges-
commercial.pdf
Exhibit 2Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 73 Packet Pg. 241 of 828
LARGE COMMERCIAL GAS SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-3
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Supersedes Sheet No G-3-3 Effective 27-1-20265
dated 711-1-20254 Sheet No G-3-3
{End}
Exhibit 2Item 5
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 5: Staff Report Pg. 74 Packet Pg. 242 of 828
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: IT Department
Meeting Date: December 1, 2025
Report #:2509-5266
TITLE
Approval of Purchase Order C26196043 with Carahsoft, Utilizing a General Services
Administration Cooperative Agreement, to Procure S/4 Hana Implementation Services, for a
term of Twelve Months and a Total Amount Not-To-Exceed of $5,839,230, including $4,399,300
for Basic Services and $439,930 for Additional Services, and Approval of Budget Amendments to
the Information Technology; CEQA Status – Not a Project.
RECOMMENDATION
The Finance Committee and staff recommend the City Council:
1. Approve and authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute PO C26196043
with Carahsoft, utilizing a General Services Agreement (GSA) Cooperative Agreement
Contract Number 47QSWA18D008F, to procure SAP S/4HANA implementation services
for a total not-to-exceed amount of $5,839,230, including $4,399,300 for basic services,
$439,930 for additional services, for a term of 12 months (Attachment A)
2. Amend the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Appropriation for the Information Technology Fund
by [requires a two-thirds approval by the Council]:
a. Increasing the expenditure appropriation for the Enterprise Resource Planning
Upgrade 2026 Project (TE-19000) in the Information Technology Department by
$5,839,230 ($4,839,230 to fund this PO and up to $1,000,000 to fund existing
SAP on-call agreements for additional implementation support), and
b. Decreasing the Technology Reserve by $5,839,230.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Approval of these consulting services in combination with the Council previously approved
purchase of S/4 Hana licensing on September 29, 2025 will result in the upgrade of the City’s
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, currently SAP, to the most current version. This
contract specifically, working alongside City staff, will help implement the new version and
provide increased functionality for City staff.
Item 6
Item 6 Staff Report
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 243 of 828
This project (Phase I) is critical to ensure the City’s Finance, Payroll/HR, and Utilities systems
remain secure, reliable, and supported beyond 2027 when the current platform support will
end on January 1, 2028. In total, the upgrade is estimated to cost $13.3 million over five years.
BACKGROUND
SAP is the City’s core business system, also known as our Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
system. It supports essential functions including Finance, Payroll/HR, and Utilities billing. The
City has relied on SAP as its core Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system since 2003,
enabling integration and support for key business functions such as Finance, Human Resources,
Payroll, Procurement, Budgeting, and Utilities. Over time, the City has continued to invest in the
platform—most notably with a major upgrade in 2021 that transitioned the system to SAP
HANA, enabled cloud hosting, improved performance, and introduced single sign-on (SSO).
These improvements have delivered meaningful gains in efficiency, accuracy, and user
experience.
SAP has announced that support for the current SAP ERP platform will end on January 1, 2028.
Running the system beyond this date would introduce increased risk, including the loss of
vendor support, potential security vulnerabilities, and limited access to future enhancements.
The Finance Committee heard staff’s recommendation at its meeting on September 16, 20251,
and unanimously recommended City Council approval of the recommendation to migrate to
SAP S/2HANA – SAP’s latest cloud-based ERP platform. The Committee commented on the
importance of being on a fully support version and innovations using features such as AI to
improve process efficiencies. City Council approved the upgraded licensing costs for five years
of $6.6 million unanimously on September 29, 20252. The Committee review and Council
approval acknowledged the total cost of $13.3 million once implementation and transition
costs, recommended in this report, and additional temporary staffing costs were included.
ANALYSIS
In 2021, staff issued a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP 182051) for cloud hosting and
SAP support services. Sixteen proposals were received and carefully reviewed. After extensive
evaluation, EPI-USE was identified as the top vendor. The City plans to contract with EPI-USE
through Carahsoft, an established government contracting vehicle. Key qualifications include:
Strong track record and expertise in SAP cloud migrations
Experience with public-sector clients
1 Finance Committee, September 16, 2025, Item #3, Staff Report # 2507-5015
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=64844
2 City Council Meeting, September 29, 2025, Item #AA1, Staff Report # 2509-5240
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=83618
Item 6
Item 6 Staff Report
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 244 of 828
Qualified staff and proven customer references
Competitive pricing and partnership with SAP
Project Approach:
The migration will take place in two phases:
Phase I – Migration and Upgrade (Contract through Carahsoft)
Timeline: Approximately 12 months from project start
Scope:
Upgrade to the latest SAP software to ensure long-term support and stability
Move the City’s SAP systems and data to the secure S/4 HANA cloud platform
Identify potential enhancements and efficiencies to be considered for Phase II
Provide “train-the-trainer” sessions so staff can guide end users on the updated system
Deliver one month of post Go-Live support
Engage limited-term staff as part of phase I to assist with implementation and transition
activities in preparation of Phase II
Phase II – Enhancements
Timeline: To be determined after Phase I.
Scope:
Implement business process improvements and new SAP tools (such as AI features and
WalkMe for user support)
Enhance productivity and streamline workflows
Costs for Phase II will be refined as part of Phase I planning. Staff will return to Council for
approval once solidified.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Funding for this purchase order is available in the Information Technology Fund, specifically the
Technology Reserve. This Reserve is intended to cover system upgrades costs such as these.
The FY 2026 forecasted ending balance for the Technology Reserve is $16.4 million. If this
budget amendment is approved, the reserve balance is anticipated to be $10.5 million at year-
end. There are no ongoing costs associated with this purchase order.
The Phase I five-year estimated project cost of $13.3 million is comprised of licensing costs $6.6
million, implementation and transition services $5.8 million, and approximately $900,000 in
other costs such as limited-term staffing backfill costs. Additional one-time funding for limited-
term staffing to support Phase I enhancements is anticipated to be requested as part of the FY
2027 budget process. These temporary costs will be funded by the Information Technology
Reserve and will not increase the City’s authorized FTE count.
Item 6
Item 6 Staff Report
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 245 of 828
The Information Technology (IT) Department is funded by an Internal Service Fund (ISF) that
allocates costs across the City to provide technology-related services to other departments and
funds. Approximately 49% of services are provided to the General Fund, with the remaining
51% supporting Enterprise, special revenue, and other internal service funds.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY:
Item 6
Item 6 Staff Report
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 246 of 828
PRICE QUOTATION
CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORP
11493 SUNSET HILLS ROAD | SUITE 100 | RESTON, VIRGINIA 20190
PHONE (703) 871-8585 | FAX (703) 871-8505
WWW.CARAHSOFT.COM | SALES@CARAHSOFT.COM
TO:Jitendra Kulkarni
IT Enterprise Systems Manager
City Of Palo Alto
250 Hamilton Ave
2nd Floor
Palo Alto, CA 94301 USA
EMAIL:jitendra.kulkarni@cityofpaloalto.org
PHONE: (925) 216-6256
FROM:Jonathan Gutierrez
Carahsoft Technology Corp.
11493 Sunset Hills Road
Suite 100
Reston, Virginia 20190
EMAIL:Jonathan.Gutierrez@carahsoft.com
PHONE: (571) 662-3375 FAX: (703) 871-8505
TERMS:GSA Schedule No: 47QSWA18D008F
Term: August 22, 2018 - August 21, 2028
FTIN: 52-2189693
Shipping Point: FOB Destination
Credit Cards: VISA/MasterCard/AMEX
Remit To: Same as Above
Payment Terms: Net 30 (On Approved Credit)
Cage Code: 1P3C5
DUNS No: 088365767
UEI: DT8KJHZXVJH5
Business Size: Other than Small
Sales Tax May Apply
QUOTE NO:55316029
QUOTE DATE:11/07/2025
QUOTE EXPIRES:12/31/2025
RFQ NO:
SHIPPING:ESD
TOTAL PRICE:$4,399,299.34
TOTAL QUOTE:$4,399,299.34
LINE NO.PART NO.DESCRIPTION -QUOTE PRICE QTY EXTENDED PRICE
PMO & ARCHITECTURE
1 CON-SPM-611 Senior Project Manager (Per Hour)
Client Partner/QA
Carahsoft Technology Corporation - CON-SPM
Start Date: 01/05/2026
End Date: 02/28/2027
$263.16 GSA 408 $107,369.28
2 CON-SPM-611 Senior Project Manager (Per Hour)
Project Manager
Carahsoft Technology Corporation - CON-SPM
Start Date: 01/05/2026
End Date: 02/28/2027
$221.05 GSA 1,760 $389,048.00
3 CON-SPM-611 Senior Project Manager (Per Hour)
S/4HANA Technical Solution Architect
Carahsoft Technology Corporation - CON-SPM
Start Date: 01/05/2026
End Date: 02/28/2027
$210.53 GSA 1,640 $345,269.20
PMO & ARCHITECTURE SUBTOTAL:$841,686.48
S/4HANA - TECHNICAL & DATA MIGRATION
4 CON-IA-611 Information Architect (Per Hour)
S/4HANA ABAP Developer Lead
Carahsoft Technology Corporation - CON-IA
Start Date: 01/05/2026
End Date: 02/28/2027
$105.26 GSA 1,240 $130,522.40
5 CON-IA-611 Information Architect (Per Hour)
S/4HANA ABAP Developer
Carahsoft Technology Corporation - CON-IA
Start Date: 01/05/2026
End Date: 02/28/2027
$84.21 GSA 800 $67,368.00
6 CON-IA-611 Information Architect (Per Hour)
Fiori Architect
Carahsoft Technology Corporation - CON-IA
Start Date: 01/05/2026
End Date: 02/28/2027
$105.26 GSA 600 $63,156.00
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 1 of 3
QUOTE DATE:11/07/2025
QUOTE NO:55316029
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 247 of 828
PRICE QUOTATION
CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORP
11493 SUNSET HILLS ROAD | SUITE 100 | RESTON, VIRGINIA 20190
PHONE (703) 871-8585 | FAX (703) 871-8505
WWW.CARAHSOFT.COM | SALES@CARAHSOFT.COM
LINE NO.PART NO.DESCRIPTION -QUOTE PRICE QTY EXTENDED PRICE
7 CON-IA-611 Information Architect (Per Hour)
Reporting Remediation & Development (BW 7.5)
Carahsoft Technology Corporation - CON-IA
Start Date: 01/05/2026
End Date: 02/28/2027
$200.00 GSA 1,320 $264,000.00
8 CON-IA-611 Information Architect (Per Hour)
S/4 BASIS
Carahsoft Technology Corporation - CON-IA
Start Date: 01/05/2026
End Date: 02/28/2027
$189.47 GSA 2,530 $479,359.10
9 CON-IA-611 Information Architect (Per Hour)
S/4 Security Remediation
Carahsoft Technology Corporation - CON-IA
Start Date: 01/05/2026
End Date: 02/28/2027
$200.00 GSA 700 $140,000.00
S/4HANA - TECHNICAL & DATA MIGRATION SUBTOTAL:$1,144,405.50
S/4HANA - FUNCTIONAL - UTILITIES & WORK MANAGEMENT
10 CON-CE-611 Consulting Engineer (Per Hour)
S/4HANA - ISU - Architect Functional
Carahsoft Technology Corporation - CON-CE
Start Date: 01/05/2026
End Date: 02/28/2027
$210.53 GSA 1,440 $303,163.20
11 CON-CE-611 Consulting Engineer (Per Hour)
S/4HANA - ISU - FI-CA Functional
Carahsoft Technology Corporation - CON-CE
Start Date: 01/05/2026
End Date: 02/28/2027
$121.05 GSA 1,360 $164,628.00
12 CON-CE-611 Consulting Engineer (Per Hour)
S/4HANA - ISU - Billing
Carahsoft Technology Corporation - CON-CE
Start Date: 01/05/2026
End Date: 02/28/2027
$121.05 GSA 1,360 $164,628.00
13 CON-CE-611 Consulting Engineer (Per Hour)
S/4HANA - ISU - Device Management, AMI and Integration
Carahsoft Technology Corporation - CON-CE
Start Date: 01/05/2026
End Date: 02/28/2027
$121.05 GSA 1,440 $174,312.00
14 CON-CE-611 Consulting Engineer (Per Hour)
S/4HANA - CRM or UI5 (per decision)
Carahsoft Technology Corporation - CON-CE
Start Date: 01/05/2026
End Date: 02/28/2027
$121.05 GSA 1,520 $183,996.00
S/4HANA - FUNCTIONAL - UTILITIES & WORK MANAGEMENT
SUBTOTAL:
$990,727.20
S/4HANA - FUNCTIONAL - HCM/PAYROLL
15 CON-CE-611 Consulting Engineer (Per Hour)
HCM Architect and Spot Consulting
Carahsoft Technology Corporation - CON-CE
Start Date: 01/05/2026
End Date: 02/28/2027
$200.00 GSA 1,000 $200,000.00
S/4HANA - FUNCTIONAL - HCM/PAYROLL SUBTOTAL:$200,000.00
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 2 of 3
QUOTE DATE:11/07/2025
QUOTE NO:55316029
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 248 of 828
PRICE QUOTATION
CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORP
11493 SUNSET HILLS ROAD | SUITE 100 | RESTON, VIRGINIA 20190
PHONE (703) 871-8585 | FAX (703) 871-8505
WWW.CARAHSOFT.COM | SALES@CARAHSOFT.COM
LINE NO.PART NO.DESCRIPTION -QUOTE PRICE QTY EXTENDED PRICE
S/4HANA - FUNCTIONAL - FINANCE/PROCUREMENT
16 CON-CE-611 Consulting Engineer (Per Hour)
New GL Migration Architect
Carahsoft Technology Corporation - CON-CE
Start Date: 01/05/2026
End Date: 02/28/2027
$210.53 GSA 320 $67,369.60
17 CON-CE-611 Consulting Engineer (Per Hour)
FI Architect and Spot Consulting
Carahsoft Technology Corporation - CON-CE
Start Date: 01/05/2026
End Date: 02/28/2027
$210.53 GSA 1,520 $320,005.60
18 CON-CE-611 Consulting Engineer (Per Hour)
S/4HANA Funds and Grants Management
Carahsoft Technology Corporation - CON-CE
Start Date: 01/05/2026
End Date: 02/28/2027
$200.00 GSA 1,360 $272,000.00
19 CON-CE-611 Consulting Engineer (Per Hour)
S/4HANA Supply Chain/Procurement/EAM
Carahsoft Technology Corporation - CON-CE
Start Date: 01/05/2026
End Date: 02/28/2027
$200.00 GSA 1,520 $304,000.00
S/4HANA - FUNCTIONAL - FINANCE/PROCUREMENT SUBTOTAL:$963,375.20
TRAINING SERVICES
20 CON-IA-611 Information Architect (Per Hour)
Train-the-Trainer Development & Delivery
Carahsoft Technology Corporation - CON-IA
Start Date: 01/05/2026
End Date: 02/28/2027
$184.21 GSA 576 $106,104.96
TRAINING SERVICES SUBTOTAL:$106,104.96
ESTIMATED TRAVEL & EXPENSE
21 121-TE-2 Travel & Expenses
QTY = Number of Trips
Carahsoft Technology Corporation - 121-TE
Start Date: 01/05/2026
End Date: 02/28/2027
$1,800.00 OM 85 $153,000.00
ESTIMATED TRAVEL & EXPENSE SUBTOTAL:$153,000.00
SUBTOTAL:$4,399,299.34
TOTAL PRICE:$4,399,299.34
TOTAL QUOTE:$4,399,299.34
Quote Notes:
City of Palo Alto must reference Carahsoft Quote Number 55316029 and GSA MAS 8F : 47QSWA18D008F on any resulting purchase order.
By providing a purchase order referencing Carahsoft quote #55316029, City of Palo Alto hereby agrees to the terms and conditions as outlined in the order form below.
CONFIDENTIAL
PAGE 3 of 3
QUOTE DATE:11/07/2025
QUOTE NO:55316029
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 249 of 828
S tatement of Work:
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 250 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 2 of 46
Source and destination
Sender(s)
From Carahsoft Technology Corporation
Author Jonathan Gutierrez
Capacity Senior Account Representative
Contact details 571-662-3375
Jonathan.gutierrez@carahsoft.com
Address 11493 Sunset Hills Rd. Suite 100, Reston, VA 20190
Receiver(s)
Entity City of Palo Alto, CA
Recipient Jitendra Kulkarni
Capacity Information Technology Enterprise Systems Manager
Contact details 650-329-2466
Jitendra.Kulkarni@PaloAlto.gov
Address 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301.
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 251 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 3 of 46
Legal notice
The information in this SOW is confidential and may not be disclosed outside of City of Palo Alto (CoPA), however,
subject to regulatory requirements CoPA may disclose this as required to regulatory authorities or interveners and
will request that the document be considered confidential. Except as otherwise provided herein, the SOW and its
contents may not be duplicated, used, or disclosed in whole or in part.
EPI-USE, the EPI-USE logo, Data Sync Manager, Variance Monitor, and Query Manager are trademarks or registered
trademarks of EPI-USE Systems. All other trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 10 Packet Pg. 252 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 4 of 46
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................. 6
2. Project Scope ............................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Organizational Scope ...................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Functional Scope ............................................................................................................................ 8
2.2.1 Finance Scope .......................................................................................................................... 8
2.2.2 Procurement Scope ................................................................................................................. 9
2.2.3 Utilities and Work Management Scope ................................................................................. 10
2.2.4 HCM and Payroll Scope ......................................................................................................... 12
2.3 Technical and Data Migration Scope ............................................................................................ 13
2.3.1 Integration Scope .................................................................................................................. 13
2.3.2 Upgrade Scope ...................................................................................................................... 13
2.3.3 Fiori Scope ............................................................................................................................. 13
2.4 Basis and Infrastructure Scope ..................................................................................................... 14
2.4.1 Infrastructure ........................................................................................................................ 14
2.4.2 Basis ....................................................................................................................................... 14
2.5 Security Scope .............................................................................................................................. 15
2.6 Reporting and Analytics Scope ..................................................................................................... 16
2.7 Training Scope ............................................................................................................................... 18
2.8 Organizational Change Management Scope................................................................................. 19
2.9 Project Management Scope ......................................................................................................... 19
3. Project Approach, Timeline, and Effort ....................................................................... 20
3.1 Approach, Methodology and Phases ............................................................................................ 20
3.1.1 Stages of the Activate+ Methodology ................................................................................... 22
3.2 Estimated Timeline and Staffing Levels ........................................................................................ 25
3.3 System Migration and Conversion Strategy .................................................................................. 26
3.3.1 System Migration and Conversion ......................................................................................... 27
3.3.2 Data Migration ...................................................................................................................... 27
3.3.3 S/4 System Migration ............................................................................................................ 27
3.3.4 Functional Preparation .......................................................................................................... 27
3.3.5 Realization ............................................................................................................................. 28
3.3.6 Cut-over ................................................................................................................................. 29
4. Project Organization ................................................................................................... 30
4.1 Project Governance ...................................................................................................................... 30
4.2 Project Sites .................................................................................................................................. 31
4.3 Roles and Responsibilities ............................................................................................................ 32
5. Project Fees ............................................................................................................... 37
5.1 Total Implementation Cost ........................................................................................................... 37
5.2 Travel Expenses ............................................................................................................................. 37
5.3 Payment Terms ............................................................................................................................. 38
6. Assumptions .............................................................................................................. 39
7. Contact Persons ......................................................................................................... 41
8. Acceptance and Approvals.......................................................................................... 42
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 11 Packet Pg. 253 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 5 of 46
9. Appendix A Pricing detail and rate card ...................................................................... 43
9.1 Pricing Detail ................................................................................................................................. 43
9.2 Rate Card ...................................................................................................................................... 44
10. Appendix B – Project Procedures ................................................................................ 45
B.1 Project Change Control Procedure .................................................................................................... 45
B.2 Project Escalation Procedure ............................................................................................................. 45
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 12 Packet Pg. 254 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 6 of 46
1. INTRODUCTION
This Statement of Work (“SOW”) is by and between Carahsoft Technology Corporation
(“Carahsoft”) and City of Palo Alto (“CoPA”, the “City ” or “Client”) with services being provided
by EPI-USE America, (“EPI-USE”). This SOW is effective as of August 31, 2025 (“Effective Date”.)
This SOW defines the scope, services, responsibilities, estimated timeline, estimated level of
effort, fees, assumptions, and other items for the implementation of RISE with SAP S/4HANA
Migration (the “Project”).
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 13 Packet Pg. 255 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 7 of 46
2. PROJECT SCOPE
The following components are in scope for this Project and the sections/ tables below provide
the detailed scope for each component:
1. Finance;
2. Procurement;
3. Utilities and Work Management;
4. HCM and Payroll;
5. Integration;
6. Conversion;
7. Training Delivery: Conduct Train-the-Trainer sessions;
8. Project Management Office.
2.1 Organizational Scope
The scope of this Project includes employees only in the US and CoPA has union contracts
affecting employees.
Country Code Flag Language Approx. number of employees
United States of America US English 1,100
Total 1,100
Table 1: Organizational Scope
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 14 Packet Pg. 256 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 8 of 46
2.2 Functional Scope
2.2.1 Finance Scope
The City of Palo Alto will migrate to S/4HANA as a Brownfield migration utilizing the base premise
of “lift and shift” where possible. Additions and Enhancements to existing functionality will not
be implemented as part of the migration project but will be addressed in a future Phase 2 or
project(s). New GL has not been implemented but will be completed as part of the migration to
S/4HANA. There is some additional complexity that must be addressed as part of the migration
since the go-live will not coincide with the Fiscal Year (July – June). As part of the S/4 Readiness
Check analysis, open items from prior years need to be cleaned, managed, and considered prior
to and during the migration.
Component Detailed Scope
Finance
Migration of the existing Financial Scope: FICO (GL, AP, AR, Fixed
Assets, Funds Management, Cost Center Accounting, Order
Accounting; Treasury (BAI Banks Statements only); Project Systems
• Custom tables being utilized to develop custom
hierarchies (2 Balance Sheet and 2 Profit & Loss) and use
of interfaces will need to be tested and remediated, if
necessary.
• In Controlling, the custom table for capturing labor
distribution will be tested/addressed.
• In AP, there are a large number of vendors blocked
(30,000) that should be cleaned prior to the migration
• The custom procurement card process and other custom
transactions will be reviewed, as necessary.
During the Design/Process Review phase, workshops will be
conducted to validate the processes in S/4 and configured during
Realize for those needing attention.
New GL Migration: As part of the system conversion, SAP
recommends the migration from Classic General Ledger to the New
General Ledger without activating document splitting during the
initial go-live. This phased approach allows the client to maintain
existing business continuity while transitioning foundational
finance structures to the Universal Journal (ACDOCA). The current
Special Ledger setup and document splitting logic, will remain in
place post-go-live. Existing GUI transactions and reports are
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 15 Packet Pg. 257 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 9 of 46
expected to function as they did prior to the migration, minimizing
end-user disruption. Financial reporting will require validation by
the CoPA team as part of each system build.
As part of Phase 2, document splitting within the New S4 GL
structure using the “Subsequent Implementation of Document
Splitting” functionality will be activated. The activation of
document splitting should be timed as close as possible to the start
of a new fiscal year to minimize reconciliation complexity and
facilitate clearer financial reporting segmentation.
There are other options available to CoPA that we can explore prior
to commencement of the project. These will be discussed in the
coming months.
EPI-USE does recommend that a Proof of Concept New GL
migration be executed prior to the start of the project.
Data Conversion
Business Partner conversion will need to be completed for
Vendors, Customers, and Employees during the implementation.
There is some added complexity due to overlapping number
ranges based on the EPI-USE initial analysis. Business Partner
numbering schemas will be determined during the design phase.
Other
The project will migrate the existing SAP Financial system to S/4
using a lift and shift strategy. No functional enhancements or
structural redesigns are in scope unless identified as necessary. The
goal is to maintain current-state processes and integrations with
minimal disruption.
Table 2: Functional Scope
2.2.2 Procurement Scope
Component Detailed Scope
Procurement
The current processes and functionality will be migrated to
standard S/4 Operational Procurement. Existing functionality for
Purchase Orders, Blanket Orders and Framework Orders will be
maintained. Though Contracts are not currently utilized, there may
be an opportunity to use in S/4 as part of standard.
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 16 Packet Pg. 258 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 10 of 46
Inventory Management functionality for using Serialization of
Assets, Materials Requirements Planning (MRP)
Data Conversion Business Partner conversion for vendors is required during the
implementation. Open PR’s, PO’s, etc.
Other
The project will migrate the existing SAP Procurement system to
S/4 using a lift and shift strategy. No functional enhancements or
structural redesigns are in scope unless identified as necessary. The
goal is to maintain current-state processes and integrations with
minimal disruption.
Table 3: Functional Scope
2.2.3 Utilities and Work Management Scope
Component Detailed Scope
Utilities and Work
Management
• Validation of all migrated processes related to the current
IS-U environment into S4 for Utilities.
• Configuration and corrective development to ensure
migrated processes work as they do in the current
environment where possible.
• The use of Fiori views will be used where functional screens
do not exist in the S4 for Utilities. For Fiori available
screens, see Section 2.3.3 Fiori for scope.
• Develop or modify existing test scripts and execute SIT
testing of processes in the S4 environment for existing IS-U
processes. Assist with User Acceptance Testing.
• Migration, validation, and necessary corrections of the CIC0
screen and current front office processes into S4 for Utilities
Embedded Customer Services.
• EPI-USE will guide determination of utilizing CoPA’s custom
Customer Overview screen or adoption of the SAP
delivered version and commercially reasonable
modification to provide “like” functionality
• Migration and validation of all open Meter Read, Billing,
and Invoicing exception management cases.
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 17 Packet Pg. 259 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 11 of 46
• Coding related to custom development programs and
interfaces in the current environment will be identified and
led by EPI-USE while actual code mitigation will be done by
CoPA developers. It is recommended to implement SAP’s
BTP Integration Suite in Phase 2.
• The Embedded Customer Service Request will be used to
be consistent with current functionality. The S4 Service
Order with Advanced Execution will be in Phase 2.
• All process changes will be the responsibility of CoPA with
assistance from EPI-USE in a “Train the Trainer ”
methodology
Data Migration
• Migration, validation, and correction of all IS-U master
data
• Migration, validation, and correction of all IS-U
transaction data or the agreed upon subset. Transactional
data not migrated is to be left in legacy environment for
reference until an archiving environment is established.
Other
The following web interface objects do not exist in the S4
environment. Usage is currently unknown. An evaluation of each
will be done to determine if loss of functionality exists. EPI-USE will
make a commercially reasonable effort to address these on a
priority basis if they are tied to critical business functions.
• S4TWL - Enterprise Services for SAP for Utilities (IS-U) The
object CO_ISU_UTILITIESTIMESERIECRTCO does not exist in
the target SAP S/4HANA release.
• S4TWL - Enterprise Services for SAP for Utilities (IS-U) The
object CO_ISU_UTILITIESTIMESERIECRTRQ does not exist in
the target SAP S/4HANA release.
• The object CO_ISU_UTILITIES_CONNECTION_RC does not
exist in the target SAP S/4HANA release. S4TWL - Enterprise
Services for SAP for Utilities (IS-U)
• The object CO_ISU_UTILITIES_CONNECTION_S1 does not
exist in the target SAP S/4HANA release. S4TWL - Enterprise
Services for SAP for Utilities (IS-U)
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 18 Packet Pg. 260 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 12 of 46
• The object CO_ISU_UTILITIES_CONNECTION_ST does not
exist in the target SAP S/4HANA release. S4TWL - Enterprise
Services for SAP for Utilities (IS-U)
• ISU_EL40 for function module ISU_IDOC_INPUT_ISU not
currently used and will not be utilized in the S4
environment
Table 4: Functional Scope
2.2.4 HCM and Payroll Scope
Component Detailed Scope
HCM and Payroll
Support
Migration of current OM, PA, PT/CATS, BN, and PY configuration
and functionality.
Inventory all standard/custom Infotypes; confirm data migration
strategy
Review compatibility of custom Infotypes and schemas.
Inventory all custom transactions and validate compatibility
Inventory all custom reports and validate compatibility
Inventory all inbound and outbound interfaces and create plan for
regression testing
Regression testing of all current HCM functionality
Payroll posting to S4
Payment Medium Workbench: Retest file generation and layout in
H4S4
Data Conversion Business Partner Conversion
Other
The project will migrate the existing SAP HCM system using a lift
and shift strategy. No functional enhancements, schema changes,
or structural redesigns are in scope. The goal is to maintain
current-state processes and integrations with minimal disruption.
Table 5: Functional Scope
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 19 Packet Pg. 261 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 13 of 46
2.3 Technical and Data Migration Scope
2.3.1 Integration Scope
Component Detailed Scope
Integration
Existing integrations will not be redesigned or re-written as part of
this initiative.
SFTP access to existing AL11 directories on the S4 system will be
enabled via RISE service requests.
Any required connection outbound, via RFC or web service, will be
requested via RISE service requests.
Other SAP BTP Business Integration Suite is out of scope
Table 6: Technical Integration Scope
2.3.2 Upgrade Scope
Component Detailed Scope
Upgrade Preparation
Checks
Required SAP OSS notes for the S/4HANA pre-check reports and
required notes for the upgrade itself will be validated and
installed if required.
SPAU/SPDD SPAU and SPDD functions during the upgrade to S/4HANA will be
performed with inputs needed from the City.
Code Remediation
ABAP code remediation for items that will block the S/4HANA
upgrade will be analyzed and adjusted.
Other
ABAP code remediation for items that will not block the S/4HANA
upgrade are out of scope.
Table 7: Technical Upgrade Scope
2.3.3 Fiori Scope
Component Detailed Scope
Fiori Only pre-existing Fiori applications and Fiori Applications that are
mandatory as a result of the migration to S/4HANA will be
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 20 Packet Pg. 262 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 14 of 46
deployed. Any additional Fiori App requirements will be
considered additional scope and will be estimated on a time and
material basis.
Other
Will perform analysis of moving to embedded Fiori and
decommissioning the stand-alone Fiori Gateway during the design
phase.
Table 8: Technical Fiori Scope
2.4 Basis and Infrastructure Scope
2.4.1 Infrastructure
With the RISE with SAP construct, CoPA and SAP are responsible for the networking, VPN and
infrastructure scope and related activities for this Project. The EPI-USE team will provide guidance
where required to ensure the network connectivity needed for the project is in place.
2.4.2 Basis
BASIS support for the SAP ECC 6.0 Suite on HANA to S/4HANA 2024 migration on RISE will
encompass the planning, design, and execution of all foundational technical activities necessary
to support the migration. This includes initial system landscape planning and architecture
design, followed by the technical migration of the Sandbox environment to validate migration
process. The DEV and QA systems will then be built and configured in alignment with SAP and
RISE standards to support subsequent development, testing, and validation activities. Two
mock conversion runs will be executed to refine the technical migration approach, validate data
consistency, and confirm runtime estimates. The BASIS team will lead the technical execution of
the production cutover, ensuring a stable and secure transition to the new S/4HANA
environment. Post go-live, Basis will provide ongoing support during the hyper care phase to
monitor system performance, resolve technical issues, and ensure overall system stability.
Component Detailed Scope
Systems in Scope Sandbox, Development, Quality Assurance and Production
Exclusions
• Setup/configure target VM’s
• Setup/configure network on target systems
• Setup/configure Linux on target VM’s
• All Infrastructure setup excluded
• Desktop installations/setup excluded
• Interfaces configuration
• ABAP Functional fixes
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 21 Packet Pg. 263 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 15 of 46
• SAP HANA Code remediations
• SAP User Security/Authorization management
• Source/Target backups
• Documentation (Only Blueprint documentation to be
provided if required)
• DR and HA setup and testing excluded
• Travel costs are excluded
BASIS Assumptions
• SAP to set up WD's and CC, EPI-USE Labs to configure
• Work will be conducted remotely
• Labs do technical migrations only
• Access to Source systems required - O/S + DB + SAP access
• Access to Staging server in RISE - O/S
• Access to DB in Rise (via HANA-Studio)
Table 9: BASIS and Infrastructure Scope
2.5 Security Scope
This section outlines the security scope of the SAP S/4 migration. Security consists of the
components used to provide users access and authorization to appropriate areas of the SAP
application. In preparation of the migration to S/4, SAP IAG will be deployed for the purposes of
risk identification and remediation, user access provisioning, privileged access management, and
entitlement management. The implementation will be executed in two major phases. The details
of these phases are outlined in the subsequent section.
Phase #1 – Security Migration Preparation
Primary focus will be review of current security design, identification of legacy and non-
migratable authorizations, and the definition of role-based provisioning model.
Phase #2 – SAP Identity Access Governance (IAG) Implementation
Primary focus will be the deployment of SAP IAG solution to address/provide functionality for
emergency access management, entitlement management, risk identification/remediation and
access request provisioning. In addition, the support of all security role creations, updates, and
deletions.
Component Detailed Scope
Discovery
• Review current security role design/strategy
• Examine role assignment strategy; including security
control points
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 22 Packet Pg. 264 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 16 of 46
• Examine provisioning model for SAP; user life cycle
management
• Assess/prepare security role library for migration
Definition
• Define new security role design strategy for S/4
• Identify user provisioning triggers; including conditional
attributes
• Develop security role provisioning logic (based on
function)
Delivery
• Execute pre-migration role level risk analysis
• Documentation and knowledge transfer
Phase #2
SAP IAG & Role
Validation including
Role Definition and
Testing
Subscribe and Configure SAP IAG:
• Access Risk Analysis for compliant user provisioning and
compliant role maintenance
• Privilege Access Management to provide auditable and
temporary elevated access
• Access Request Provisioning to support automated user
provisioning
• Entitlement Management to enforce a repeatable process
for security role maintenance
Deploy SAP IAG in hybrid-architecture
• Integration with SAP Cloud Applications and SAP On-
Premise Applications
• Leverage customized role provisioning logic for automated
access provisioning
Test and Validate IAG
• Confirm deployed and configured components
Unit, Integration, User Acceptance Testing for Security Roles
• Test/validate all new and changed security roles
Support testing cycles for authorization validation
Table 10: Security Scope
2.6 Reporting and Analytics Scope
This section defines the services required to migrate the existing SAP BW 7.5 environment to
BW4HANA in SAP Business Data Cloud (BDC), transition BW data models from reliance on
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 23 Packet Pg. 265 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 17 of 46
Classic GL to New General Ledger (New GL) structures and preserve reporting continuity using
the existing SAP BusinessObjects (BOBJ) platform.
Objectives
• Migrate the BW 7.5 environment into BW4HANA in SAP Business Data Cloud via lift and
shift
• Realign BW data models, transformations, and reporting layers with New GL
dimensions, hierarchies, and fields already active in the source S/4HANA system.
• Ensure continued availability and consistency of SAP BusinessObjects reports post-
migration.
Component Detailed Scope
SAP BW
BW 7.5 Migration to SAP Business Data Cloud
• Conduct system readiness and inventory of BW objects
(InfoProviders, DataSources, transformations, DTPs,
queries).
• Migration approach:
• Full system migration of BW 7.5 to the cloud
infrastructure within the BDC framework.
• Establish connectivity to other systems where applicable.
New GL Alignment in SAP BW
• Identify BW InfoProviders, Multiproviders,
CompositeProviders, and queries that rely on Classic GL
structures.
• Replace outdated extractors with ODP-enabled standard
extractors or CDS views aligned to the New GL.
• Modify transformation logic and routines to ensure
compatibility with new field structures and document
splitting behavior.
• Update BW hierarchies and characteristic relationships to
reflect New GL structural changes.
Table 11: Reporting and Analytics Scope
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 24 Packet Pg. 266 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 18 of 46
Assumptions
• New GL will be active and operational in the source SAP S/4HANA development system
before BW development work commences.
• Legacy Classic GL fields will be decommissioned in reporting scope, if necessary.
• BW 7.5 is not being converted to Datasphere in this phase.
2.7 Training Scope
Train-the-Trainer Course Development Approach
As part of the end-user readiness strategy for your brownfield S/4HANA RISE migration, we
recommend a targeted Train-the-Trainer (TTT) approach that equips internal trainers to train
and support end users across key functional areas. Given the minimal changes to core business
processes, training will focus on:
• Navigating updated user interfaces
• Understanding new terminology or transaction paths where applicable
• Becoming familiar with relevant system enhancements
We estimate the need for approximately up to seven (7) TTT courses, based on the lift and shift
approach utilized:
Functional Area Training Focus Areas Estimated
TTT Courses
Finance New GL/Month End Close
SAP BW Reporting
2
Procurement General Procurement Course 1
Utilities & Work
Management
Customer Service Request
Service Order
Fiori Views
CRM
4
HCM & Payroll
No changes to processes, functions or
User Interface due to lift and shift
approach
0
Business
Warehouse
No changes to processes, functions or
User Interface due to lift and shift
approach
0
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 25 Packet Pg. 267 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 19 of 46
Table 12: Train-the-Trainer Scope
These TTT courses will be designed for internal trainers and super users, with clear facilitation
guides, role-based scenarios, and supporting materials to ensure consistent and confident
knowledge transfer.
Training Delivery Support
We will provide:
• Advice as to the Training Needs Assessment, Training Strategy and Training Design Plan,
as well as to end user training materials such as Reference Guides created by CoPA.
• Instructor-ready training decks and lesson plans
• Delivery of live/virtual Train-the-Trainer sessions to teach City of Palo Alto selected
trainers how to utilize the instructor led training decks and lesson plans to deliver
training to end users
• Provide feedback to City of Palo Alto trainers to maximize their ability to support end
users
This focused TTT strategy will help accelerate end-user confidence while maximizing training
efficiency during your transition to S/4HANA.
2.8 Organizational Change Management Scope
Organizational Change Management aspects are out of scope for this SOW and will be CoPA’s
responsibility.
2.9 Project Management Scope
Component Detailed Scope
Project Management
Office (“PMO”)
• Provide coordination and planning for this Project
• Develop and maintain the project plan in collaboration
with the CoPA Project Manager
• Provide input to weekly status reporting
• Co-lead PMO meetings and co-manage project budget
• Provide input to Issue and Risk logs
• Serve as escalation point
• Manage overall quality of the implementation
Table 13: Project Management Scope
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 26 Packet Pg. 268 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 20 of 46
3. PROJECT APPROACH, TIMELINE, AND EFFORT
3.1 Approach, Methodology and Phases
EPI-USE will utilize a blend of SAP Activate and EPI-USE tailored methodology, which
incorporates our lessons learned from other implementations, best practices and extensions
which are required to meet the needs of an organization similar to CoPA. Our methodology is a
framework to drive completeness of the project, rather than a hard and fast rule that activities
must be done in a certain way. We tailor our approach to meet your business and project needs
while incorporating project management, quality assurance, documentation, and best practice
documentation. This methodology and approach are a combination of our methods and tools
that represent an overall integrated project approach resulting in a repeatable, high -quality
experience for our clients. This methodology provides the foundation for a holistic solution that
responds to your needs across strategy, people, processes, and technology with a constant
focus on quality.
Our approach and experience produce practical solutions that yield measurable results as
defined and benchmarked at the onset of the solution lifecycle. EPI-USE plans to use our
Activate+ methodology and iterative approach, which combines aspects of Agile and Waterfall
methodologies. The following graphic depicts the Activate+ methodology phases:
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 27 Packet Pg. 269 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 21 of 46
Figure 1: Activate+ Methodology Phases
Activate+ guides the project’s quality and efficiency and incorporates continuous improvement
while utilizing the major components of SAP’s Activate methodology. In addition, this
methodology brings along templates, accelerators, and overall deliverables which have been
honed, modified, and advanced over our 40 years of experience.
Activate+ defines the full life cycle of project management and presents processes, tools,
techniques, templates, and example artefacts that enable effective execution of engagements
for complex operational environments. It also provides a consistent discipline for managing
engagements across workstreams, minimizes risk, and reduces the total cost of the
implementation.
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 28 Packet Pg. 270 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 22 of 46
3.1.1 Stages of the Activate+ Methodology
The Activate+ methodology delivers the solution in five stages: Prepare, Design, Realize,
Validate, and Launch. Each phase involves key activities/deliverables throughout the project as
explained below. We develop deliverables to help stakeholders make informed decisions and to
provide the foundation for decisions and efforts in subsequent phases.
Figure 2: Stages of Activate+
3.1.1.1 Prepare
Initial stage where teams and roles are established. High-level project planning, including setting
key milestone dates, is completed. Initial system access is granted.
Task Description
Project Schedule Project document listing tasks, owners, durations, and start/end
dates.
Kick off Presentation
PowerPoint presentation to communicate the goals of the
project, team structure, implementation methodology timeline
and next steps.
Project Readiness Checks
Understand current environment (data and technical).
Establish early feasibility for conversion.
Check readiness reports.
Run simplification pre-checks.
Review target architecture.
Sandbox System Build Create the Sandbox Environment and perform initial unit testing
and validation capabilities.
Table 14: Prepare Task Description
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 29 Packet Pg. 271 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 23 of 46
3.1.1.2 Design
Best business practices are used to determine system configuration and technical development.
Strategy plans are developed, and final project schedule is communicated.
Task Description
Project Plan Project document listings tasks, owners, durations, start/end
dates, dependencies, and responsibilities.
Strategy Documents Communication, testing, training, data conversion and support.
Issue Log Oversight, tracking and closure of project issue log.
Design Document
Document detailing business processes, configuration
requirements; including integration touchpoints, standard
reports, roles, authorizations, etc.
Initial System Build Create Development and Testing environment for configuration
and validation capabilities.
Table 15: Design Task Description
3.1.1.3 Realize
Configuration and technical development of the solution based on the system design.
Task Description
Configuration &
development of the system Application configuration and technical development.
Data load templates Data is cleansed, prepared and ready to load into the system.
User Acceptance,
Integration Plans
Document that defines specific data and processes required for
testing to successfully process business transactions and transfer
data into or out of SAP.
First & Second Solution
Reviews Overview of system configuration and in-scope processes.
Test Scenarios and Scripts Documentation that defines CoPA’s business scenarios to be
executed during the Validate stage.
Table 163: Realize Task Description
3.1.1.4 Validate
Validation and testing of configuration and business processes. Includes Administrator and End-
User Training.
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 30 Packet Pg. 272 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 24 of 46
Task Description
Integration, Payroll
Comparison, & User
Acceptance Test execution
Execution of all applicable test scripts.
Final Solution Review Review detailed configuration and processes.
End-User Training Finalize training material and conduct end-user training.
Cut-over Plan
A plan that documents the system cut-over, which includes cut-
over activities, roles and responsibilities, activation of
integration, and job scheduling.
Administrator Training Training for identified administrators for in-scope processes.
Table 174: Validate Task Description
3.1.1.5 Launch
Establish the productive environment, perform hyper-care and post-production support.
Task Description
Go/No-Go Meeting Final decision on project status.
Final Issue Log Validate post go-live issues list.
System Go Live Production system available for users.
Hypercare Support Post go-live support provided for resolution of critical issues.
Transition to AMS team Communication of issues and postproduction enhancements to
be performed by Support team.
Project Sign Off Close project and confirm deliverables.
Table 18: Launch Task Description
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 31 Packet Pg. 273 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 25 of 46
3.2 Estimated Timeline and Staffing Levels
Based on our discussions to date, the proposed start date for this Project is January 5, 2026, and
the planned go live date is February 1, 2027, followed by a 1-month HyperCare support period
through February 28, 2027.
The following is a high-level timeline for how we propose to work with CoPA on this project.
Figure 3: Timeline
Based on the date provided in the RFP with a targeted start of January 5, 2026, the chart below
assumes a go-live of February 1, 2027. These dates will be confirmed as part of contract
negotiations and project onboarding.
Implementation Phase
Estimated
Duration
(Months)
Estimated Begin
Date
Estimated End
Date
Prepare 1 1/5/2026 1/31/2026
Design - Process Review 3 2/1/2026 4/30/2026
Realize - Remediate/Build 5 5/1/2026 9/30/2026
Validate - Test/Validate 3 10/1/2026 12/31/2026
Launch 1 1/1/2027 1/31/2027
Post Go-Live Support
(Hypercare) 1 2/1/2027 2/28/2027
Table 19: Begin and End date per Phase
`M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 M7 M8 M9 M10 M11 M12 M13 M14
Prepare Planning &
Staffing
Design
Realize
Validate
Launch Training and
Cutover
Support Post Go-Live
Support
Project Plan, Workshops, Process Review,
Communication
Configuration, Integrations, Test Planning & Preparation
System Integration, User Acceptance
Testing, Train-the-Trainer
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 32 Packet Pg. 274 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 26 of 46
Additionally, we have provided a detailed estimated staffing plan below based on the
information we have gathered to date and through our experience with like clients.
Figure 4: Staffing Plan
3.3 System Migration and Conversion Strategy
EPI-USE supports a Brownfield Migration approach to minimize disruption to business users
while preserving prior investments in CoPA’s current SAP environment during the transition to
S/4HANA on RISE. Our expertise in SAP implementations – combined with a strong focus on
clean core principles, cloud migration, and business process transformation – positions us to
deliver a seamless and future-ready transition to CoPA’s SAP RISE landscape.
The next subsections delve into specifics of the S/4 Migration, including System Migration and
Conversion, and Data Migration.
EPI-USE S/4HANA Migration Staffing Month 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Phases Prepare Design Design Design Realize Realize Realize Realize Realize Validate Validate Validate Launch Support
Activities Prep / Design Process Review Process Review Process Review Data Validation Data Validation Data Validation
and Test Prep
Data Validation
and Test Prep
Data Validation
and Test Prep SIT Prep SIT SIT/UAT Cutover/ Go-
Live Hypercare
EPI-USE S/4HANA Migration Staffing Hours
PMO & Architecture 3,808 192 312 272 312 264 264 184 184 264 352 352 192 352 312
Client Partner/QA 408 32 32 32 32 24 24 24 24 24 32 32 32 32 32
Project Manager 1,760 80 160 120 160 120 120 80 80 120 160 160 80 160 160
S/4HANA Technical Solution Architect 1,640 80 120 120 120 120 120 80 80 120 160 160 80 160 120
S/4HANA - Technical & Data Migration 7,190 190 340 380 460 540 620 620 660 660 700 580 480 480 480
S/4HANA ABAP Developer Lead 1,240 40 80 80 120 120 120 120 120 120 80 80 80 80
S/4HANA ABAP Developer 800 80 160 160 160 160 80
Fiori Architect 600 40 40 40 80 80 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40
Reporting Remediation & Development (BW 7.5)1,320 80 80 120 120 120 80 120 120 120 120 80 80 80
S/4 BASIS 2,530 190 180 180 180 180 180 180 180 180 180 180 180 180 180
S/4 Security Remediation 700 40 40 40 40 40 40 80 80 100 100 100
S/4HANA - Functional - Utilities & Work Mgmt 7,120 40 440 600 600 600 600 400 600 600 600 600 400 600 440
S/4HANA - ISU - Architect Functional 1,440 40 120 120 120 120 120 80 120 120 120 120 80 120 40
S/4HANA - ISU - FI-CA Functional (Configuration/Testing)1,360 40 120 120 120 120 80 120 120 120 120 80 120 80
S/4HANA - ISU - Billing 1,400 80 120 120 120 120 80 120 120 120 120 80 120 80
S/4HANA - ISU - Device Mangement, AMI and Integration 1,400 80 120 120 120 120 80 120 120 120 120 80 120 80
S/4HANA - CRM 1,520 120 120 120 120 120 80 120 120 120 120 80 120 160
S/4HANA - Functional - HCM/Payroll 1,000 0 40 40 40 40 40 80 80 80 120 120 120 120 80
HCM Architect and Spot Consulting 1,000 40 40 40 40 40 80 80 80 120 120 120 120 80
S/4HANA - Functional - Finance/Procurement 4,720 104 264 384 384 384 384 340 300 340 384 384 264 404 400
New GL Migration Architect 320 24 24 24 24 24 24 20 20 20 24 24 24 24 20
FI Architect and Spot Consulting 1,520 40 80 120 120 120 120 120 80 120 120 120 80 140 140
S/4HANA Funds and Grants Management 1,360 80 120 120 120 120 80 80 80 120 120 80 120 120
S/4HANA Supply Chain/Procurement/EAM 1,520 40 80 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 80 120 120
Training Services 576 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 56 160 160 160 40 0
Train-the-Trainer Development & Delivery 576 56 160 160 160 40
Total Estimated Implementation Labor Cost 24,414 526 1,396 1,676 1,796 1,828 1,908 1,624 1,824 2,000 2,316 2,196 1,616 1,996 1,712
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 33 Packet Pg. 275 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 27 of 46
3.3.1 System Migration and Conversion
EPI-USE will manage the complete migration of CoPA's SAP ECC 6.0 system, along with all
associated custom objects, add-ons, and interfaces, to the SAP S/4HANA environment. This
migration will adhere to the Brownfield approach, preserving existing configurations, data, and
customizations while ensuring compatibility with the new system. New functionality will be a
focus of Phase 2 and determined in coordination with CoPA.
3.3.2 Data Migration
Our data migration strategy will ensure that all historical transactional and master data from the
current SAP ECC 6.0 system is successfully transferred to the new S/4HANA system. We will
execute a phased data migration process that will include development, quality assurance, and
production environments to ensure data accuracy and system reliability. While performing this
data migration, EPI-USE will ensure that all necessary data is available for system builds and user
acceptance testing with a focus on preserving data integrity throughout the migration.
3.3.3 S/4 System Migration
The system migration from ECC to S/4 is a major event for any organization. Many see this as
‘just an upgrade,’ but we understand S/4HANA conversions are really three projects in one ,
occurring on parallel paths. First, there is a business process impact that must be handled.
There are new terms, new data objects, some different screens, and in most cases a much faster
system. Next, there is a database upgrade, in this case Suite on HANA to S/4HANA in the cloud,
but this step is a sizeable technical endeavor. Finally, there is the data center move to consider.
3.3.4 Functional Preparation
Once the Design – Process Review phase is complete, functional preparation for the upgrade
begins. This includes executing SAP consistency checks, analyzing simplification items, and
identifying process adjustments needed before the upgrade. A critical activity during this phase
is data cleansing, as SAP tools will highlight data that must be added, corrected, or removed.
A key requirement is the Customer/Vendor Integration (‘CVI’) setup to align the legacy system
with the Business Partner model in S/4HANA—essential for passing consistency checks. This
also includes properly configuring Employee-to-Business Partner relationships and reviewing
master data number ranges to prevent conflicts. We have noticed that there are many
overlapping number ranges which adds to CVI complexity
Throughout this phase, SAP migration tools will support analysis and system build activities.
Based on findings, configuration changes may be recommended and applied to the legacy
system in advance, helping reduce both downtime and upgrade risk.
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 34 Packet Pg. 276 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 28 of 46
3.3.5 Realization
At the start of the Realize phase, Software Update Manager (SUM) becomes the primary tool for
executing the technical S/4HANA upgrade. It uses both a source and target system to guide the
upgrade step-by-step, with rollback options at key checkpoints. Once complete, the new S/4
system is ready for post-processing, while the ECC system remains intact but functionally offline.
EPI-USE will document each step of the SUM process to capture decisions, actions, and lessons
learned – helping reduce downtime and issues in future upgrades. This documentation is
continuously refined and reused for subsequent iterations. The diagram below illustrates where
SUM fits into the overall upgrade process.
Figure 5: SUM Process Diagram (from SAP documentation)
The SUM process includes key milestones such as locking the system for development and
restricting end-user access. A critical component during this phase is the Database Migration
Option (DMO), which handles the conversion from the legacy database to HANA. Since the
source and target databases often reside in separate data centers, maintaining stable
connectivity between them is essential throughout both uptime and downtime phases.
Figure 6: SUM Process (from SAP documentation)
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 35 Packet Pg. 277 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 29 of 46
One thing the SAP guides do not convey is the four-dimensional experience of living through the
upgrade from the user's point of view. While the actual upgrade SUM process may take multiple
weeks, the downtime should be minimized for the users.
3.3.6 Cutover
We maintain a comprehensive runbook detailing the sequenced steps, including the specific
timing and document resolution of any errors encountered during the migration process. Below
is a summary of our proven approach.
Figure 7: Summary of Approach
All early phases (ECC Side, Pre-Upgrade, and Uptime) can be performed on a copy of the live
production system well ahead of the actual cutover—potentially starting months in advance.
The final phase (Post-Upgrade Steps) represents the converted system before it is released for
general use. Only during the fourth phase (Upgrade Steps) is the system unavailable to end-
users until the migration is complete.
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 36 Packet Pg. 278 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 30 of 46
4. PROJECT ORGANIZATION
4.1 Project Governance
The following resources will form part of the Governance and Project Management Office:
Party Role Named resource Assignment
CoPA Project Sponsors Darren Numoto Part-time
CoPA Project Manager TBD Full-time
EPI-USE Client Partner Mark Schexnaildre Part-time
EPI-USE Project Manager TBD Full-time
Table 20: Governance and Project Management Office resources
EPI-USE employs a methodical approach for organizing and executing projects. Representatives
from each organization will serve as key stakeholders, representing various business areas and
project workstreams. These representatives will furnish metrics, enhancing project visibility
crucial for timely decision-making and recommendations, ultimately ensuring the project's
overall success. In terms of project governance, our perspective on the decision -making process
is outlined below:
Figure 8: Overview of Decision-Making Practice
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 37 Packet Pg. 279 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 31 of 46
Furthermore, the management of communications will be a collaborative effort, offering
valuable insights to inform project stakeholders. This includes updates on the project's overall
progress, key decisions, issues, risks, and tracking key deliverables. The project plan updates
will be supported by proposed meetings described below to facilitate effective communication
among project stakeholders.
Steering Committee Meetings – EPI-USE recommends the Steering Committee meet once every
month. The Project Managers of EPI-USE and the client shall jointly prepare and present the
status reports to the Steering Committee. These may include reports on the summary of tasks
completed, milestones achieved, unresolved issues, changes affecting the project, status on
deliverables, etc.
Review Meetings – Design and document review meetings will be scheduled as required, with
EPI-USE overseeing these sessions. The active involvement of end users and process owners is
pivotal for the meetings' effectiveness. The EPI-USE leads or coordinators will be responsible for
publishing meeting minutes and action items, ensuring that they are disseminated to all
stakeholders.
Weekly Status Meeting – EPI-USE proposes to conduct a project status meeting every week.
This meeting will primarily concentrate on the progress achieved in the previous week, the plan
for the current/next week, any issues that need resolution and other open items.
4.2 Project Sites
Work will take place at the following locations:
• Palo Alto, CA;
• Remotely.
In the event that travel is required, it must be pre-approved via Change Order prior to the time
of travel. If on-site presence is required, then the parties will mutually agree on the schedule.
Physical access to CoPA’s offices will be required if EPI-USE resources work on-site. CoPA will
provide access to the work sites, including VPN access, as reasonable and necessary, based
upon CoPA’s sole discretion. Travel expenses will be reimbursed based on actuals/CoPA travel
policy.
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 38 Packet Pg. 280 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 32 of 46
4.3 Roles and Responsibilities
This section identifies the applicable activities, tasks, roles and responsibilities of CoPA and EPI-
USE (and any third party under CoPA’s or EPI-USE’s respective supervision) for the Project.
Figure 2 indicates the definition for
each code used in the table below,
where R stands for responsible, A
for accountable, C for consulted,
and I for informed.
Figure 9: RACI Definition
The key activities, tasks, and responsibilities associated with the Project are outlined in the table
below.
Stage Item Deliverable Definition EPI-USE CoPA
Prepare
Statement of
Work Review
Statement of
Work
Develop the Statement of Work
to validate alignment for project
activities.
R A
Project Kick-off
Presentation
Kick off
presentation
PowerPoint presentation to
communicate the goals of the
project, team structure,
implementation methodology
timeline, and next steps.
R A
Project Charter Project Charter
Document detailing project
requirements; including
schedule, roles and
responsibilities, project
objectives, etc.
R A
Phase Sign off Phase Sign off
Confirm Phase deliverables are
complete, and project is ready
to move to next phase
R A
Design Project Kick-off N/A Meeting to signify the start of
the project and align all
R, A C
•The individual(s) who performs the task and are responsible for the action.
•R’s can be shared.R
•The individual who is ultimately accountable and responsible for acceptance.
•Has Yes/No power, as well as power of veto.
•Only one A can be assigned to an activity/ deliverable.A
•The individual(s) to be consulted.
•C ’s can be shared.C
•Optional participation, and/or
•Provided a copy of the final deliverable for informational purposes.I
RESPONSIBLE
ACCOUNTABLE
CONSULTED
INFORMED
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 39 Packet Pg. 281 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 33 of 46
Stage Item Deliverable Definition EPI-USE CoPA
stakeholders on the project
details.
Implementation
Project Plan Project Plan
Project document listing tasks,
owners, durations, start/end
dates, and dependencies.
R A
Communication
Strategy & Plan
Communication
Strategy
Document
Document outlining the plan for
communicating the project
details to the project team and
stakeholders.
C R, A
Design
Organizational
Change
Management
(OCM) Strategy
& Plan*
OCM Plan,
Framework and
Organizational
Impact
Assessment
This document lays out the
overall purpose, goals and
approach the team will follow
as they execute the
Organizational Change
Management (OCM) work
associated with the
transformation.
C R, A
Design
Document
Design Document
Functionality
Workbooks
Functional Design
Specifications
Document detailing business
processes, configuration
requirements; including
integration touchpoints,
standard reports, roles and
authorizations, etc. (including
solution configuration
workbooks).
R, A C, I
Issue Log
Management
and Resolution
Issue Log Oversight, tracking and closure
of project Issue log. R A
Inventory
Reports
Report
Requirement
Document
Document outlining existing
reports C, I R, A
Reporting
Strategy
Reporting
Strategy
Document
Document mapping existing
reports to CDS Views
Identified gaps documented
R, A C, I
Testing Strategy Testing Strategy
Document
Document outlining the
approach for the various levels
R A
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 40 Packet Pg. 282 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 34 of 46
Stage Item Deliverable Definition EPI-USE CoPA
of testing the configuration,
integration, and interfaces.
Training Needs
Assessment
Training Needs
Assessment
Document of the assessment of
the training requirements which
arise from the project.
C R, A
Design
Training Strategy
& Plan
Training Plan and
Coordination
Document
Document outlining the steps
and tasks for training Client
resources beyond what training
SAP provides.
C R, A
Data Conversion
Strategy
Data Conversion
Strategy
Document
Document identifying the data
specification for conversion -
including source, data
requirements, extraction,
cleansing, etc.
C, I R, A
Post
Implementation
Support Plan
Support Strategy
Document
Document detailing Client plans
for supporting their internal
resources for support.
C, I R, A
Phase Sign off Phase Sign off
Confirm Phase deliverables are
complete, and project is ready
to move to next phase
R A
Realize
Configuration
and
development of
the system
Functionality
Workbooks
Technical Design
Specifications
Application configuration and
technical development
R, A C, I
Data Load
templates
Data Load
Templates
Templates for data loads. Data
will be provided by customer
per project requirements.
R A
Data cleansing
and preparation
Completed Data
Load Templates
Perform data cleansing and
prepare for data migrations.
C, I R, A
Training Material
development Training Material
Create identified training
material from the Training
Analysis Framework
C R, A
Realize
Test Plans (to
include
acceptance
criteria)
Relevant Test
Plans
Document that defines specific
data and/or processes required
for testing to successfully
process business transactions
and transfer data into or out of
the target system.
C, I R, A
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 41 Packet Pg. 283 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 35 of 46
Stage Item Deliverable Definition EPI-USE CoPA
Reporting
Development Reports Development of identified
reports in BW4HANA
R, A C, I
First Solution
Review
(Iteration 1)
Business Process
Procedures
Configuration
Change Log
Overview of system
configuration and in scope
processes
R A
Test Scenarios
and Test Scripts
Test Scripts with
relevant data
scenarios
Documentation that defines
Client business scenarios to be
executed during the Testing
Phase.
C, I R, A
Second Solution
Review (Iteration
2)
Updated Business
Process
Procedures
Configuration
Change Log
Overview of system
configuration and in scope
processes
R A
Phase Sign off Phase Sign off
Confirm Phase deliverables are
complete, and project is ready
to move to next phase
R A
Validate
System
Integration
Testing (SIT) Test
Scenarios &
Scripts
Test Scripts with
relevant data
scenarios
Documentation that defines
client’s business scenarios to be
executed during the Testing
Phase.
C, I R, A
System
Integration
Testing Execution
Completed
Integration Test
Scripts
Execution and visibility of
business processes and
integration processes that bring
data into or out of S/4.
C, I R, A
Validate
Reporting Testing
Execution
Completed
Reporting Test
Scripts
Execution of report validation C, I R, A
User Acceptance
Testing Execution
Completed UAT
Test Scripts
Execution of User Acceptance
Testing.
C, I R, A
Payroll
Comparison Test
Execution
Completed
Payroll
Comparison Test
Scripts
Execution and visibility of
business processes and
integration processes for payroll
to ensure valid and accurate
payroll calculations.
C, I R, A
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 42 Packet Pg. 284 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 36 of 46
Stage Item Deliverable Definition EPI-USE CoPA
Final Design
Documentation
Final Workbooks
Final Process
Flows
Updated functional workbooks
at the conclusion of testing.
Finalized business process flows
R A, C
Training data
creation N/A Creation of training data. C R, A
Training
Materials /
Manuals
Training Material Creation of End-User Training
Materials.
C R, A
Train-the-Trainer
Instruction
Instructor-ready
training decks
and lesson plans
Virtual delivery of sessions to
CoPA selected trainers
R, A C
Perform End-
User Training N/A Execution of end-user training. I R, A
Develop Cut-over
plan Cutover Plan
A plan that documents the
system cutover, including
cutover activities, roles and
responsibilities, activation of
integrations, and job
scheduling.
R, A C, I
Technical
Administrator
Training
Administrator
Training
Presentation
Training for client- identified
admins of in-scope processes,
configuration, and technical
documentation
I R, A
Validate Phase Sign off Phase Sign off
Confirm Phase deliverables are
complete, and project is ready
to move to next phase
R A
Launch
Go/No-Go
Meeting
Go/No Go
decision Perform Go/No-Go meeting R A
Issue Log Final Issue Log Validate post go live issues list R A
Go-Live N/A Productive system available R, A I
Hypercare
Support Project Sign off Post Go-live support provided
for resolution of critical issues
R A
Table 215: RACI
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 43 Packet Pg. 285 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 37 of 46
5. PROJECT FEES
5.1 Total Implementation Cost
The professional services are provided on a Time and Material basis. The estimate for this
project is $4,246,299.34 (“Time and Material Estimate”), which is based on the scope and
assumptions defined in this SOW. Detailed pricing is provided in Appendix A.
Should the staffing, scope, and/or timeline change, then Carahsoft, CoPA and EPI-USE will follow
the Project Change Control Procedure (Appendix B.1) to formally confirm the adjustment, which
may include changes to the Time and Material estimate. Only upon the formal approval from
CoPA and signature of the Project Change Request by each Party’s authorized representatives,
will EPI-USE proceed with the changes. The rate card is provided as part of Appendix A.
5.2 Travel Expenses
EPI-USE shall bill actual and allowable expenses in accordance with the Expense Reimbursement
policy as defined in the Professional Services Agreement.
To estimate the expenses over the 14-month duration of the project, the number of trips by
resource was estimated as shown below with an estimated trip cost of $1,800. EPI-USE has
made this assumption but is open to discussions and guidance from CoPA.
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 44 Packet Pg. 286 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 38 of 46
Resource Number of Trips Amount
Client Partner 3 $5,400
Project Manager 16 $28,800
S/4HANA Technical Solution Architect 11 $19,800
Reporting Remediation & Development 11 $19,800
S/4 Security Remediation 8 $14,400
S/4HANA - ISU - Architect Functional 11 $19,800
HCM / Payroll Architect 1 $1,800
New GL Migration Architect 1 $1,800
FI Architect and Spot Consulting 11 $19,800
S/4HANA Funds and Grants Management 6 $10,800
S/4HANA Procurement/EAM 6 $10,800
Total 85 $153,000
Table 22: Estimated Travel Expenses
5.3 Payment Terms
The Professional Services shall be provided on a Time and Material basis and authorized by this
mutually executed SOW.
Carahsoft will invoice and be paid according to the payment terms defined in the Agreement.
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 45 Packet Pg. 287 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 39 of 46
6. ASSUMPTIONS
All assumptions and commitments from the Agreement are hereby included by reference and
assumptions and commitments that are specifically applicable to this SOW are listed below:
1. The Parties agree that a standard solution will be implemented where possible and that
the intent of the migration is a Brownfield or lift and shift strategy.
2. CoPA will appoint a full-time Project Manager for co-ordination of resources, personnel,
subject matter experts, and also obtaining timely approval of decisions.
3. CoPA will provide appropriate access to work facilities, SAP and other systems, subject
matter experts, etc. for the EPI-USE team to perform their tasks.
4. The Time and Material estimated price is based on the project approach, timeline,
estimated effort, resources and scope mentioned throughout this SOW. Should any of
these factors change, then CoPA and EPI-USE will need to address these changes via the
Project Change Control Procedure, which may result in timeline, scope, staffing, cost,
and other adjustments.
5. Pricing estimate assumes the use of offshore resources for the following:
a. S/4HANA ABAP Developer Lead
b. S/4HANA ABAP Developer
c. Fiori Architect
d. S/4HANA - ISU - FI-CA Functional
e. S/4HANA - ISU - Billing
f. S/4HANA - ISU - Device Management, AMI and Integration
g. S/4HANA - CRM or UI5 (per decision)
6. The Parties understand that major business changes (e.g., acquisitions, re-organizations,
third-party providers) during the project may impact the approach, timeline, estimated
effort, resources and scope and will be addressed via the Project Change Control
Procedure.
7. The Parties understand and are committed in staffing the appropriate number of
resources, with the necessary skills, to implement this Project successfully.
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 46 Packet Pg. 288 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 40 of 46
8. Solutions and services not specifically stated herein shall be considered “out of scope”
and are subject to additional fees, terms and conditions as applicable and mutually
agreed to by the Parties.
9. CoPA will be responsible for any activities and/or changes to internal systems.
10. Coordination, data requests, and testing with external vendors and internal/external
systems will be CoPA’s responsibility.
11. All documents will be generated in US English only.
12. CoPA will be responsible for producing and formatting source data (on a regular basis)
for migration and ongoing interfaces.
13. No licensing fees are included in this SOW and CoPA should procure these directly from
the software vendor(s).
14. The systems/instance(s) should be available at the start of this project.
15. The most current version (as available at the start of the Build phase) of the software will
be implemented. No updates and/or upgrades are planned during the project unless
mutually agreed by the Parties.
16. CoPA resources will be responsible for any additional training material, other than the
Train-the-Training materials developed by EPI-USE.
17. CoPA resources will be responsible for any Organizational Change Management material
and execution.
18. Any changes to the design of the system will be signed off at the end of the Realize
Phase and no changes will be included after that point, without PMO approval.
Note: Deviations that arise during the Project will be managed through the procedure described
in the Project Change Control Procedure (Appendix B.1), and may result in adjustments to the
project scope, estimated schedule, charges and other terms. If an assumption deviation is not
resolved through the Project Change Control Procedure within thirty (30) days, then the issue
will be resolved in accordance with the Project Escalation Procedure (Appendix B.2).
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 47 Packet Pg. 289 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 41 of 46
7. CONTACT PERSONS
The contact persons for CoPA and EPI-USE on this SOW shall be:
CoPA EPI-USE
Name Jitendra Kulkarni Mark Schexnaildre
Address 250 Hamilton Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
2002 Summit Boulevard, Suite 825
Atlanta, GA 30319
Phone (650) 690-6791 (225) 333-0158
E-mail Jitendra.kulkarni@cityofpaloalto.org mark.schexnaildre@epiuse.com
The contact persons for Carahsoft and CoPA on this SOW for invoicing shall be:
Carahsoft CoPA
Name Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable
Address 11493 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 100
Reston, VA 20190
250 Hamilton Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Phone (888) 662-2724
E-mail Accounting@carahsoft.com ITInvoices@CityofPaloAlto.org
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 48 Packet Pg. 290 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 42 of 46
8. ACCEPTANCE AND APPROVALS
The Agreement and this SOW constitute the entire agreement between the Parties with respect
to the subject matter thereof, and there are no representations, understandings or agreements
that are not fully expressed herein.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties hereto have executed this SOW, via a valid Purchase Order, as
of the Effective Date.
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 49 Packet Pg. 291 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 43 of 46
9. APPENDIX A PRICING DETAIL AND RATE CARD
9.1 Pricing Detail
EPI-USE S/4HANA Migration Staffing Rate/Hr. Hours Total
PMO & Architecture 3,808
Client Partner/QA $263.16 408 $107,369.28
Project Manager $221.05 1,760 $389,048.00
S/4HANA Technical Solution Architect $210.53 1,640 $345,269.20
S/4HANA - Technical & Data Migration 7,190
S/4HANA ABAP Developer Lead $105.26 1,240 $130,522.40
S/4HANA ABAP Developer $84.21 800 $67,368.00
Fiori Architect $105.26 600 $63,156.00
Reporting Remediation & Development (BW 7.5) $200.00 1,320 $264,000.00
S/4 BASIS $189.47 2,530 $479,359.10
S/4 Security Remediation $200.00 700 $140,000.00
S/4HANA - Functional - Utilities & Work Management 7,120
S/4HANA - ISU - Architect Functional $210.53 1,440 $303,163.20
S/4HANA - ISU - FI-CA Functional $121.05 1,360 $164,628.00
S/4HANA - ISU - Billing $121.05 1,360 $164,628.00
S/4HANA - ISU - Device Management, AMI and Integration $121.05 1,440 $174,312.00
S/4HANA - CRM or UI5 (per decision) $121.05 1,520 $183,996.00
S/4HANA - Functional - HCM/Payroll 1,000
HCM Architect and Spot Consulting $200.00 1,000 $200,000.00
S/4HANA - Functional - Finance/Procurement 4,720
New GL Migration Architect $210.53 320 $67,369.60
FI Architect and Spot Consulting $210.53 1,520 $320,005.60
S/4HANA Funds and Grants Management $200.00 1,360 $272,000.00
S/4HANA Supply Chain/Procurement/EAM $200.00 1,520 $304,000.00
Training Services 576
Train-the-Trainer Development & Delivery $184.21 576 $106,104.96
Total Estimated Implementation Labor Cost 24,414 $4,246,299.34
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 50 Packet Pg. 292 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 44 of 46
9.2 Rate Card
EPI-USE S/4HANA Rate Card Onshore
Rate/Hr.
Offshore
Rate/Hr.
PMO & Architecture
Client Partner/QA $263.16
Project Manager $221.05
S/4HANA Technical Solution Architect $210.53
S/4HANA - Technical & Data Migration
S/4HANA ABAP Developer Lead $189.47 $105.26
S/4HANA ABAP Developer $168.42 $84.21
Fiori Architect $189.47 $105.26
Reporting Remediation & Development (BW 7.5) $200.00 $200.00
S/4 BASIS $189.47 $189.47
S/4 Security Remediation $200.00 $200.00
S/4HANA - Functional - Utilities & Work Management
S/4HANA – ISU - Contract Management $210.53
S/4HANA - ISU - FI-CA Functional $210.53 $121.05
S/4HANA - ISU - Billing $210.53 $121.05
S/4HANA - ISU - Device Management, AMI and Integration $210.53 $121.05
S/4HANA - CRM or UI5 (per decision) $210.53 $121.05
S/4HANA - Functional - HCM/Payroll
HCM Architect and Spot Consulting $200.00
S/4HANA - Functional - Finance/Procurement
New GL Migration Architect $210.53
FI Architect and Spot Consulting $210.53
S/4HANA Funds and Grants Management $200.00
S/4HANA Supply Chain/Procurement/EAM $200.00
Training Services
Train-the-Trainer Development & Delivery $184.21
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 51 Packet Pg. 293 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 45 of 46
10. APPENDIX B – PROJECT PROCEDURES
B.1 Project Change Control Procedure
The following process will be followed if a change to this SOW is required:
1. A Project Change Request (PCR) will be the vehicle for communicating a change. The PCR
must describe the change; the rationale for the change and the effect the change will have
on the Project. EPI-USE will provide the form to be completed for this purpose.
2. The designated Project/Engagement Manager of the requesting party will review the
proposed change and determine whether to submit the request to the other party.
3. The Project and Engagement Managers will review the proposed change and recommend
it for further investigation or reject it. If the proposed change is recommended for further
investigation, the Project and Engagement Managers will determine the scope of the
investigation, the amount of investigation that will be done and what, if any, charges may
apply. A PCR must be signed by authorized representatives from all parties to authorize
investigation of the recommended changes. The investigation will determine the effect
that the implementation of the PCR will have on price, schedule and other terms and
conditions of the SOW.
4. A written Change Authorization and/or PCR must be signed by authorized representatives
from all parties to authorize implementation of the investigated changes. Until a change
is agreed in writing, all parties will continue to act in accordance with the latest agreed
version of the SOW.
B.2 Project Escalation Procedure
The following procedure will be followed if resolution is required for a project-related conflict
arising during the performance of this SOW:
1. When a conflict arises between Client and EPI-USE, the project team member(s) will first
strive to work out the problem internally.
2. Level 1: If the project team cannot resolve the conflict within two (2) business days, the
Client Project Manager and EPI-USE Project Manager will meet to resolve the issue.
3. Level 2: If the conflict is not resolved within three (3) working days after being escalated
to Level 1, the Client Project Manager will meet with the EPI-USE Client Partner to resolve
the issue.
4. Level 3: If the conflict is not resolved within three (3) working days after being escalated
to Level 2, the Project Sponsors will meet to resolve the issue.
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 52 Packet Pg. 294 of 828
RISE with SAP S/4HANA Migration
Page 46 of 46
5. Level 4: If the conflict remains unresolved after Level 3 intervention, resolution will be
addressed in accordance with Project Change Control Procedure or termination of this
SOW under the terms of the Agreement.
6. During any conflict resolution, EPI-USE agrees to provide services relating to items not in
dispute, and Client agrees to pay Carahsoft invoices for items not in dispute.
Item 6
Attachment A -
Carahsoft_EPI-USE S4 HANA
Implementation;
C26196043
Item 6: Staff Report Pg. 53 Packet Pg. 295 of 828
8
3
9
0
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Utilities
Meeting Date: December 1, 2025
Report #:2510-5314
TITLE
Approval of Two Contracts: 1) Blanket Purchase Order with Minsait Advanced Control Systems
(ACS) in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $1,000,000 to Purchase As-Needed Hardware and Software
Components, 2) Professional Services Contract No. C26195119 with Minsait ACS in an Amount
Not-to-Exceed $439,450 for SCADA System Software Licensing and Support for a Period of Five
Years in an Combined Contracts Amount Not-to-Exceed $1,439,450; CEQA Status – Not a
Project
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager or their
designee to execute:
1. As-needed blanket purchase orders with Minsait Advanced Control Systems (ACS) in an
amount not-to-exceed $200,000 annually for a term of five years for a total not-to-
exceed amount of $1,000,000 for new or replacement SCADA hardware and software
components; and
2. Approve and authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute General Services
Contract No. C26195119 (Attachment A) with Minsait Advanced Control Systems (ACS)
to provide licensing and professional support for a term of five years and a total not-to-
exceed $439,450, including $399,500 for basic services, and $39,950 for additional
services.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) uses a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
system to monitor and control the City’s electric, water, and gas substations. These contracts
ensure the SCADA system proprietary equipment, software, and technical support is supported
for the next five years. Minsait Advanced Control Systems (ACS) will ensure continued system
reliability, equipment upgrade, and compatibility, via the recommended contract and blanket
Item 7
Item 7 Staff Report
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 296 of 828
8
3
9
0
purchase order in an amount not-to-exceed $1,439,450 (approximately $280,000 annually) over
a period of five years.
BACKGROUND
ANALYSIS
Item 7
Item 7 Staff Report
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 297 of 828
8
3
9
0
maintain safe and reliable utility operations, sustain cybersecurity protections, and allocate
staff and financial resources toward electrification and other strategic priorities.
Licensing & Support Continuity: Annual software support, updates, and technical
assistance from ACS to ensure operational reliability, cybersecurity compliance, and
compatibility with evolving technologies.
Hardware & Software Upgrades: Planned replacement and upgrade of critical RTUs,
network equipment, servers, and software modules at substations and the Utility
Control Center.
Standardization: Maintaining a standardized SCADA architecture simplifies future
upgrades, operational training, cybersecurity management, and vendor coordination.
Cost Stability: Establishing a long-term sole source contract provides predictable
budgeting and reduces administrative burden.
New reporting app for operational intelligence
Firewall intrusion detection system upgrades
Proxy server and patch management updates
RTU replacements and upgrades at substations
Two-factor authentication security enhancements
Backup server provisioning for operational resiliency
Item 7
Item 7 Staff Report
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 298 of 828
8
3
9
0
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Year Support Support Contingency Hardware (As-Needed)Total
Total $399,500 $39,950 $1,000,000 $1,439,450
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY:
Item 7
Item 7 Staff Report
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 299 of 828
City of Palo Alto General Services Agreement 1 Rev. April 9, 2025
CITY OF PALO ALTO CONTRACT NO. C26195119
GENERAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made and entered into on the 1st day of December 2025, by and
between the CITY OF PALO ALTO, a California chartered municipal corporation (“CITY”),
and MINSAIT ACS INC. (“ACS”), a Georgia Corporation, located at 2755 Northwoods
Parkway, Norcross, GA 30071, Telephone Number: 770-446-8854, (“CONTRACTOR”). In
consideration of their mutual covenants, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. SERVICES. CONTRACTOR shall provide or furnish the services (the “Services”)
described in the Scope of Services, attached at Exhibit A.
Optional On-Call Provision (This provision only applies if checked and only
applies to on-call agreements.)
Services will be authorized by CITY, as needed, with a Task Order assigned and
approved by CITY’s Project Manager. Each Task Order shall be in substantially the
same form as Exhibit A-1. Each Task Order shall designate a CITY Project Manager
and shall contain a specific scope of work, a specific schedule of performance and
a specific compensation amount. The total price of all Task Orders issued under
this Agreement shall not exceed the amount of Compensation set forth in Section
5 of this Agreement. CONTRACTOR shall only be compensated for work
performed under an authorized Task Order and CITY may elect, but is not required,
to authorize work up to the maximum compensation amount set forth in Section
5.
2. EXHIBITS. The following exhibits are attached to and made a part of this
Agreement:
“A” - Scope of Services
“B” - Schedule of Performance
“C” – Compensation
“C-1” – Schedule of Rates for Additional Services
“D” - Insurance Requirements
3. TERM.
The term of this Agreement is from December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2030
inclusive, subject to the provisions of Sections R and W of the General Terms and
Conditions.
Docusign Envelope ID: 3748EDF5-14EB-4012-B44D-1E2A6A25A9DC
Item 7
Attachment A - Minsait
Advanced Control Systems;
Contract C26195119
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 300 of 828
City of Palo Alto General Services Agreement 2 Rev. April 9, 2025
4. SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE. CONTRACTOR shall complete the Services within
the term of this Agreement in a reasonably prompt and timely manner based upon
the circumstances and direction communicated to CONTRACTOR, and if
applicable, in accordance with the schedule set forth in the Schedule of
Performance, attached at Exhibit B. Time is of the essence in this Agreement.
5. COMPENSATION FOR ORIGINAL TERM. CITY shall pay and CONTRACTOR agrees
to accept as not-to-exceed compensation for the full performance of the Services
and reimbursable expenses, if any:
The total maximum lump sum compensation of dollars ($ );
OR
The sum of dollars ($ ) per hour, not to exceed a total
maximum compensation amount of dollars ($ ); OR
A sum calculated in accordance with the fee schedule set forth at Exhibit
C, not to exceed a total maximum compensation amount of Three Hundred
Ninety-Nine Thousand Five Hundred dollars ($399,500.00).
CONTRACTOR agrees that it can perform the Services for an amount not to exceed
the total maximum compensation set forth above. Any hours worked or services
performed by CONTRACTOR for which payment would result in a total exceeding
the maximum amount of compensation set forth above for performance of the
Services shall be at no cost to CITY.
CITY has set aside the sum of Thirty-Nine Thousand Nine Hundred Fifty
dollars ($39,950) for Additional Services. CONTRACTOR shall provide
Additional Services only by advanced, written authorization from the City
Manager or designee. CONTRACTOR, at the CITY’s request, shall submit a
detailed written proposal including a description of the scope of services,
schedule, level of effort, and CONTRACTOR’s proposed maximum
compensation, including reimbursable expense, for such services.
Compensation shall be based on the hourly rates set forth above or in
Exhibit C (whichever is applicable), or if such rates are not applicable, a
negotiated lump sum. CITY shall not authorize and CONTRACTOR shall not
perform any Additional Services for which payment would exceed the
amount set forth above for Additional Services. Payment for Additional
Services is subject to all requirements and restrictions in this Agreement.
Docusign Envelope ID: 3748EDF5-14EB-4012-B44D-1E2A6A25A9DC
Item 7
Attachment A - Minsait
Advanced Control Systems;
Contract C26195119
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 301 of 828
City of Palo Alto General Services Agreement 3 Rev. April 9, 2025
6. COMPENSATION DURING ADDITIONAL TERMS.
CONTRACTOR’S compensation rates for each additional term shall be the
same as the original term; OR
CONTRACTOR’s compensation rates shall be adjusted effective on the
commencement of each Additional Term. The lump sum compensation
amount, hourly rates, or fees, whichever is applicable as set forth in section
5 above, shall be adjusted by a percentage equal to the change in the
Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers for the
San Francisco-Oakland- San Jose area, published by the United States
Department of Labor Statistics (CPI) which is published most immediately
preceding the commencement of the applicable Additional Term, which
shall be compared with the CPI published most immediately preceding the
commencement date of the then expiring term. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, in no event shall CONTRACTOR’s compensation rates be
increased by an amount exceeding five percent of the rates effective
during the immediately preceding term. Any adjustment to
CONTRACTOR’s compensation rates shall be reflected in a written
amendment to this Agreement.
7. CLAIMS PROCEDURE FOR “9204 PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS”. For purposes of this
Section 7, a “9204 Public Works Project” means the erection, construction,
alteration, repair, or improvement of any public structure, building, road, or other
public improvement of any kind. Public Contract Code Section 9204 mandates
certain claims procedures for Public Works Projects, which are set forth in
“Appendix __ Claims for Public Contract Code Section 9204 Public Works
Projects”.
This project is a 9204 Public Works Project and is required to comply with
the claims procedures set forth in Appendix __, attached hereto and
incorporated herein.
OR
This project is not a 9204 Public Works Project.
8. INVOICING. Send all invoices to CITY, Attention: Project Manager. The Project
Manager is: Raymond Chin, Dept.: Utilities Electric Operations, Telephone: 650-
456-5925 email: raymond.chin@paloalto.gov.. Invoices shall be submitted in
arrears for Services performed. Invoices shall not be submitted more frequently
than monthly. Invoices shall provide a detailed statement of Services performed
Docusign Envelope ID: 3748EDF5-14EB-4012-B44D-1E2A6A25A9DC
Item 7
Attachment A - Minsait
Advanced Control Systems;
Contract C26195119
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 302 of 828
City of Palo Alto General Services Agreement 4 Rev. April 9, 2025
during the invoice period and are subject to verification by CITY. CITY shall pay
the undisputed amount of invoices within 30 days of receipt.
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
A. ACCEPTANCE. CONTRACTOR accepts and agrees to all terms and conditions of
this Agreement. This Agreement includes and is limited to the terms and
conditions set forth in sections 1 through 8 above, these general terms and
conditions and the attached exhibits.
B. QUALIFICATIONS. CONTRACTOR represents and warrants that it has the expertise
and qualifications to complete the services described in Section 1 of this
Agreement, entitled “SERVICES,” and that every individual charged with the
performance of the services under this Agreement has sufficient skill and
experience and is duly licensed or certified, to the extent such licensing or
certification is required by law, to perform the Services. CITY expressly relies on
CONTRACTOR’s representations regarding its skills, knowledge, and certifications.
CONTRACTOR shall perform all work in accordance with generally accepted
business practices and performance standards of the industry, including all
federal, state, and local operation and safety regulations.
C. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. It is understood and agreed that in the
performance of this Agreement, CONTRACTOR and any person employed by
CONTRACTOR shall at all times be considered an independent CONTRACTOR and
not an agent or employee of CITY. CONTRACTOR shall be responsible for
employing or engaging all persons necessary to complete the work required under
this Agreement.
D. SUBCONTRACTORS. CONTRACTOR may not use subcontractors to perform any
Services under this Agreement unless CONTRACTOR obtains prior written consent
of CITY. CONTRACTOR shall be solely responsible for directing the work of
approved subcontractors and for any compensation due to subcontractors.
E. TAXES AND CHARGES. CONTRACTOR shall be responsible for payment of all taxes,
fees, contributions or charges applicable to the conduct of CONTRACTOR’s
business.
F. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. CONTRACTOR shall in the performance of the Services
comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, regulations,
and orders.
G. PALO ALTO MINIMUM WAGE ORDINANCE. CONTRACTOR shall comply with all
requirements of the Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 4.62 (Citywide Minimum
Docusign Envelope ID: 3748EDF5-14EB-4012-B44D-1E2A6A25A9DC
Item 7
Attachment A - Minsait
Advanced Control Systems;
Contract C26195119
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 303 of 828
City of Palo Alto General Services Agreement 5 Rev. April 9, 2025
Wage), as it may be amended from time to time. In particular, for any employee
otherwise entitled to the State minimum wage, who performs at least two (2)
hours of work in a calendar week within the geographic boundaries of the City,
CONTRACTOR shall pay such employees no less than the minimum wage set forth
in Palo Alto Municipal Code section 4.62.030 for each hour worked within the
geographic boundaries of the City of Palo Alto. In addition, CONTRACTOR shall
post notices regarding the Palo Alto Minimum Wage Ordinance in accordance with
Palo Alto Municipal Code section 4.62.060.
H. DAMAGE TO PUBLIC OR PRIVATE PROPERTY. CONTRACTOR shall, at its sole
expense, repair in kind, or as the City Manager or designee shall direct, any
damage to public or private property that occurs in connection with
CONTRACTOR’s performance of the Services. CITY may decline to approve and
may withhold payment in whole or in part to such extent as may be necessary to
protect CITY from loss because of defective work not remedied or other damage
to the CITY occurring in connection with CONTRACTOR’s performance of the
Services. CITY shall submit written documentation in support of such withholding
upon CONTRACTOR’s request. When the grounds described above are removed,
payment shall be made for amounts withheld because of them.
I. WARRANTIES. CONTRACTOR expressly warrants that all services provided under
this Agreement shall be performed in a professional and workmanlike manner in
accordance with generally accepted business practices and performance
standards of the industry and the requirements of this Agreement. CONTRACTOR
expressly warrants that all materials, goods and equipment provided by
CONTRACTOR under this Agreement shall be fit for the particular purpose
intended, shall be free from defects, and shall conform to the requirements of this
Agreement. CONTRACTOR agrees to promptly replace or correct any material or
service not in compliance with these warranties, including incomplete, inaccurate,
or defective material or service, at no further cost to CITY. The warranties set
forth in this section shall be in effect for a period of one year from completion of
the Services and shall survive the completion of the Services or termination of this
Agreement.
J. MONITORING OF SERVICES. CITY may monitor the Services performed under this
Agreement to determine whether CONTRACTOR’s work is completed in a
satisfactory manner and complies with the provisions of this Agreement.
K. CITY’S PROPERTY. Any reports, information, data or other material (including
copyright interests) developed, collected, assembled, prepared, or caused to be
prepared under this Agreement will become the property of CITY without
restriction or limitation upon their use and will not be made available to any
Docusign Envelope ID: 3748EDF5-14EB-4012-B44D-1E2A6A25A9DC
Item 7
Attachment A - Minsait
Advanced Control Systems;
Contract C26195119
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 304 of 828
City of Palo Alto General Services Agreement 6 Rev. April 9, 2025
individual or organization by CONTRACTOR or its subcontractors, if any, without
the prior written approval of the City Manager.
L. AUDITS. CONTRACTOR agrees to permit CITY and its authorized representatives
to audit, at any reasonable time during the term of this Agreement and for three
(3) years from the date of final payment, CONTRACTOR’s records pertaining to
matters covered by this Agreement. CONTRACTOR agrees to maintain accurate
books and records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for
at least three (3) following the terms of this Agreement.
M. NO IMPLIED WAIVER. No payment, partial payment, acceptance, or partial
acceptance by CITY shall operate as a waiver on the part of CITY of any of its rights
under this Agreement.
N. INSURANCE. CONTRACTOR, at its sole cost, shall purchase and maintain in full
force during the term of this Agreement, the insurance coverage described at
Exhibit D. Insurance must be provided by companies with a Best’s Key Rating of A-
:VII or higher and which are otherwise acceptable to CITY’s Risk Manager. The Risk
Manager must approve deductibles and self-insured retentions. In addition, all
policies, endorsements, certificates and/or binders are subject to approval by the
Risk Manager as to form and content. CONTRACTOR shall obtain a policy
endorsement naming the City of Palo Alto as an additional insured under any
general liability or automobile policy. CONTRACTOR shall obtain an endorsement
stating that the insurance is primary coverage and will not be canceled or
materially reduced in coverage or limits until after providing 30 days prior written
notice of the cancellation or modification to the Risk Manager. CONTRACTOR shall
provide certificates of such policies or other evidence of coverage satisfactory to
the Risk Manager, together with the required endorsements and evidence of
payment of premiums, to CITY concurrently with the execution of this Agreement
and shall throughout the term of this Agreement provide current certificates
evidencing the required insurance coverages and endorsements to the Risk
Manager. CONTRACTOR shall include all subcontractors as insured under its
policies or shall obtain and provide to CITY separate certificates and endorsements
for each subcontractor that meet all the requirements of this section. The
procuring of such required policies of insurance shall not operate to limit
CONTRACTOR’s liability or obligation to indemnify CITY under this Agreement.
O. HOLD HARMLESS. To the fullest extent permitted by law and without limitation
by the provisions of section N relating to insurance, CONTRACTOR shall indemnify,
defend and hold harmless CITY, its Council members, officers, employees and
agents from and against any and all demands, claims, injuries, losses, or liabilities
of any nature, including death or injury to any person, property damage or any
other loss and including without limitation all damages, penalties, fines and
Docusign Envelope ID: 3748EDF5-14EB-4012-B44D-1E2A6A25A9DC
Item 7
Attachment A - Minsait
Advanced Control Systems;
Contract C26195119
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 10 Packet Pg. 305 of 828
City of Palo Alto General Services Agreement 7 Rev. April 9, 2025
judgments, associated investigation and administrative expenses and defense
costs, including, but not limited to reasonable attorney’s fees, courts costs and
costs of alternative dispute resolution), arising out of, or resulting in any way from
or in connection with the performance of this Agreement. CONTRACTOR’s
obligations under this Section apply regardless of whether or not a liability is
caused or contributed to by any negligent (passive or active) act or omission of
CITY, except that CONTRACTOR shall not be obligated to indemnify for liability
arising from the sole negligence or willful misconduct of CITY. The acceptance of
the Services by CITY shall not operate as a waiver of the right of indemnification.
The provisions of this Section survive the completion of the Services or
termination of this Agreement.
P. NON-DISCRIMINATION. As set forth in Palo Alto Municipal Code section 2.30.510,
CONTRACTOR certifies that in the performance of this Agreement, it shall not
discriminate in the employment of any person because of the race, skin color,
gender, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation,
housing status, marital status, familial status, weight or height of such person.
CONTRACTOR acknowledges that it has read and understands the provisions of
Section 2.30.510 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code relating to Nondiscrimination
Requirements and the penalties for violation thereof and agrees to meet all
requirements of Section 2.30.510 pertaining to nondiscrimination in employment.
Q. WORKERS' COMPENSATION. CONTRACTOR, by executing this Agreement,
certifies that it is aware of the provisions of the Labor Code of the State of Califor-
nia which require every employer to be insured against liability for workers'
compensation or to undertake self-insurance in accordance with the provisions of
that Code, and certifies that it will comply with such provisions, as applicable,
before commencing and during the performance of the Services.
R. TERMINATION. The City Manager may terminate this Agreement without cause
by giving ten (10) days’ prior written notice thereof to CONTRACTOR. If
CONTRACTOR fails to perform any of its material obligations under this
Agreement, in addition to all other remedies provided by law, the City Manager
may terminate this Agreement immediately upon written notice of termination.
Upon receipt of such notice of termination, CONTRACTOR shall immediately
discontinue performance. CITY shall pay CONTRACTOR for services satisfactorily
performed up to the effective date of termination. If the termination is for cause,
CITY may deduct from such payment the amount of actual damage, if any,
sustained by CITY due to CONTRACTOR’s failure to perform its material obligations
under this Agreement. Upon termination, CONTRACTOR shall immediately deliver
to the City Manager any and all copies of studies, sketches, drawings,
computations, and other material or products, whether or not completed,
Docusign Envelope ID: 3748EDF5-14EB-4012-B44D-1E2A6A25A9DC
Item 7
Attachment A - Minsait
Advanced Control Systems;
Contract C26195119
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 11 Packet Pg. 306 of 828
City of Palo Alto General Services Agreement 8 Rev. April 9, 2025
prepared by CONTRACTOR or given to CONTRACTOR, in connection with this
Agreement. Such materials shall become the property of CITY.
S. ASSIGNMENTS/CHANGES. This Agreement binds the parties and their successors
and assigns to all covenants of this Agreement. This Agreement shall not be
assigned or transferred without the prior written consent of CITY. No
amendments, changes or variations of any kind are authorized without the written
consent of CITY.
T. CONFLICT OF INTEREST. In accepting this Agreement, CONTRACTOR covenants
that it presently has no interest, and will not acquire any interest, direct or
indirect, financial or otherwise, which would conflict in any manner or degree with
the performance of this Agreement. CONTRACTOR further covenants that, in the
performance of this Agreement, it will not employ any person having such an
interest. CONTRACTOR certifies that no CITY officer, employee, or authorized
representative has any financial interest in the business of CONTRACTOR and that
no person associated with CONTRACTOR has any interest, direct or indirect, which
could conflict with the faithful performance of this Agreement. CONTRACTOR
agrees to advise CITY if any conflict arises.
U. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed and interpreted by the laws
of the State of California.
V. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, including all exhibits, represents the entire
agreement between the parties with respect to the services that may be the
subject of this Agreement. Any variance in the exhibits does not affect the validity
of the Agreement and the Agreement itself controls over any conflicting provisions
in the exhibits. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements, representations,
statements, negotiations and undertakings whether oral or written.
W. NON-APPROPRIATION. This Agreement is subject to the fiscal provisions of the
Charter of the City of Palo Alto and the Palo Alto Municipal Code. This Agreement
will terminate without any penalty (a) at the end of any fiscal year in the event
that funds are not appropriated for the following fiscal year, or (b) at any time
within a fiscal year in the event that funds are only appropriated for a portion of
the fiscal year and funds for this Agreement are no longer available. This Section
shall take precedence in the event of a conflict with any other covenant, term,
condition, or provision of this Agreement.
X. ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERRED PURCHASING AND ZERO WASTE
REQUIREMENTS. CONTRACTOR shall comply with CITY’s Environmentally
Preferred Purchasing policies which are available at CITY’s Purchasing Division,
which are incorporated by reference and may be amended from time to time.
Docusign Envelope ID: 3748EDF5-14EB-4012-B44D-1E2A6A25A9DC
Item 7
Attachment A - Minsait
Advanced Control Systems;
Contract C26195119
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 12 Packet Pg. 307 of 828
City of Palo Alto General Services Agreement 9 Rev. April 9, 2025
CONTRACTOR shall comply with waste reduction, reuse, recycling and disposal
requirements of CITY’s Zero Waste Program. Zero Waste best practices include
first minimizing and reducing waste; second, reusing waste and third, recycling or
composting waste. In particular, CONTRACTOR shall comply with the following
zero waste requirements:
• All printed materials provided by CONTRACTOR to CITY generated from a
personal computer and printer including but not limited to, proposals,
quotes, invoices, reports, and public education materials, shall be double-
sided and printed on a minimum of 30% or greater post-consumer content
paper, unless otherwise approved by CITY’s Project Manager. Any
submitted materials printed by a professional printing company shall be a
minimum of 30% or greater post-consumer material and printed with
vegetable based inks.
• Goods purchased by Contractor on behalf of CITY shall be purchased in
accordance with CITY’s Environmental Purchasing Policy including, but not
limited to, Extended Producer Responsibility requirements for products
and packaging. A copy of this policy is on file at the Purchasing Division’s
office.
• Reusable/returnable pallets shall be taken back by CONTRCATOR, at no
additional cost to CITY, for reuse or recycling. CONTRACTOR shall provide
documentation from the facility accepting the pallets to verify that pallets
are not being disposed.
Y. AUTHORITY. The individual(s) executing this Agreement on behalf of the parties
represent and warrant that they have the legal capacity and authority to do so on
behalf of their respective legal entities.
Z. PREVAILING WAGES
This Project is not subject to prevailing wages. CONTRACTOR is not required to
pay prevailing wages in the performance and implementation of the Project in
accordance with SB 7, if the Agreement is not a public works contract, if
Agreement does not include a public works construction project of more than
$25,000, or the Agreement does not include a public works alteration, demolition,
repair, or maintenance (collectively, ‘improvement’) project of more than
$15,000.
OR
Contractor is required to pay general prevailing wages as defined in Subchapter
3, Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations and Section 16000 et seq. and
Section 1773.1 of the California Labor Code. Pursuant to the provisions of Section
1773 of the Labor Code of the State of California, the City Council has obtained
Docusign Envelope ID: 3748EDF5-14EB-4012-B44D-1E2A6A25A9DC
Item 7
Attachment A - Minsait
Advanced Control Systems;
Contract C26195119
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 13 Packet Pg. 308 of 828
City of Palo Alto General Services Agreement 10 Rev. April 9, 2025
the general prevailing rate of per diem wages and the general rate for holiday and
overtime work in this locality for each craft, classification, or type of worker
needed to execute the Agreement for this Project from the Director of the
Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR”). Copies of these rates may be obtained
at the Purchasing Division’s office of the City of Palo Alto. Contractor shall provide
a copy of prevailing wage rates to any staff or subcontractor hired, and shall pay
the adopted prevailing wage rates as a minimum. Contractor shall comply with
the provisions of all sections, including, but not limited to, Sections 1775, 1776,
1777.5, 1782, 1810, and 1813, of the Labor Code pertaining to prevailing wages.
AA. DIR REGISTRATION. In regard to any public work construction, alteration,
demolition, repair or maintenance work, CITY will not accept a bid proposal from
or enter into this Agreement with CONTRACTOR without proof that CONTRACTOR
and its listed subcontractors are registered with the California Department of
Industrial Relations (“DIR”) to perform public work, subject to limited exceptions.
City requires CONTRACTOR and its listed subcontractors to comply with the
requirements of SB 854.
CITY provides notice to CONTRACTOR of the requirements of California Labor
Code section 1771.1(a), which reads:
“A contractor or subcontractor shall not be qualified to bid on, be listed in a bid
proposal, subject to the requirements of Section 4104 of the Public Contract Code,
or engage in the performance of any contract for public work, as defined in this
chapter, unless currently registered and qualified to perform public work pursuant
to Section 1725.5. It is not a violation of this section for an unregistered contractor
to submit a bid that is authorized by Section 7029.1 of the Business and
Professions Code or Section 10164 or 20103.5 of the Public Contract Code,
provided the contractor is registered to perform public work pursuant to Section
1725.5 at the time the Agreement is awarded.”
CITY gives notice to CONTRACTOR and its listed subcontractors that CONTRACTOR
is required to post all job site notices prescribed by law or regulation and
CONTRACTOR is subject to SB 854-compliance monitoring and enforcement by
DIR.
CITY requires CONTRACTOR and its listed subcontractors to comply with the
requirements of Labor Code section 1776, including:
Keep accurate payroll records, showing the name, address, social security
number, work classification, straight time and overtime hours worked each day
and week, and the actual per diem wages paid to each journeyman, apprentice,
Docusign Envelope ID: 3748EDF5-14EB-4012-B44D-1E2A6A25A9DC
Item 7
Attachment A - Minsait
Advanced Control Systems;
Contract C26195119
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 14 Packet Pg. 309 of 828
City of Palo Alto General Services Agreement 11 Rev. April 9, 2025
worker, or other employee employed by, respectively, CONTRACTOR and its listed
subcontractors, in connection with the Project.
The payroll records shall be verified as true and correct and shall be certified and
made available for inspection at all reasonable hours at the principal office of
CONTRACTOR and its listed subcontractors, respectively.
At the request of CITY, acting by its project manager, CONTRACTOR and its listed
subcontractors shall make the certified payroll records available for inspection or
furnished upon request to the project manager within ten (10) days of receipt of
CITY’s request.
[For state- and federally-funded projects] CITY requests CONTRACTOR and
its listed subcontractors to submit the certified payroll records to the
project manager at the end of each week during the Project.
If the certified payroll records are not produced to the project manager within the
10-day period, then CONTRACTOR and its listed subcontractors shall be subject to
a penalty of one hundred dollars ($100.00) per calendar day, or portion thereof,
for each worker, and CITY shall withhold the sum total of penalties from the
progress payment(s) then due and payable to CONTRACTOR.
Inform the project manager of the location of CONTRACTOR’s and its listed
subcontractors’ payroll records (street address, city and county) at the
commencement of the Project, and also provide notice to the project manager
within five (5) business days of any change of location of those payroll records.
BB. CONTRACT TERMS. All unchecked boxes do not apply to this Agreement. In the
case of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the exhibits hereto
or CONTRACTOR’s proposal (if any), the Agreement shall control. In the case of
any conflict between the exhibits hereto and CONTRACTOR’s proposal, the
exhibits shall control.
Docusign Envelope ID: 3748EDF5-14EB-4012-B44D-1E2A6A25A9DC
Item 7
Attachment A - Minsait
Advanced Control Systems;
Contract C26195119
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 15 Packet Pg. 310 of 828
City of Palo Alto General Services Agreement 12 Rev. April 9, 2025
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have by their duly authorized representatives
executed this Agreement on the date first above written.
CITY OF PALO ALTO MINSAIT ACS INC.
_________________________ By________________________________
City Manager or Designee
Name _____________________________
Title_______________________________
Approved as to form: By________________________________
Name _____________________________
___________________________
City Attorney or Designee
Title_______________________________
Docusign Envelope ID: 3748EDF5-14EB-4012-B44D-1E2A6A25A9DC
Jeronimo Bucero 11/7/2025
CEO
Omar Elias
CFO
11/13/2025
Item 7
Attachment A - Minsait
Advanced Control Systems;
Contract C26195119
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 16 Packet Pg. 311 of 828
City of Palo Alto General Services Agreement 13 Rev. April 9, 2025
EXHIBIT A
SCOPE OF SERVICES
CONSULTANT shall provide the Services detailed in this Exhibit A, entitled “SCOPE OF
SERVICES”. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, CONSULTANT’s duties
and services described in this Scope of Services shall not include preparing or assisting
CITY with any portion of CITY’s preparation of a request for proposals, request for
qualifications, or any other solicitation regarding a subsequent or additional contract
with CITY. CITY shall at all times retain responsibility for public contracting, including
with respect to any subsequent phase of this project. CONSULTANT’s participation in the
planning, discussions, or drawing of project plans or specifications shall be limited to
conceptual, preliminary, or initial plans or specifications. CONSULTANT shall cooperate
with CITY to ensure that all bidders for a subsequent contract on any subsequent phase
of this project have access to the same information, including all conceptual,
preliminary, or initial plans or specifications prepared by CONSULTANT pursuant to this
Scope of Services.
1. ACS Software Full Subscription Support
A. Software Covered under long-term service agreement (LTSA) Long-Term
Service Agrement.
i. Base Software
a. ACS Base Prism Software Bundle
b. PRISM Master Redundant System License
ii. Third Party Software
a. Web Portal with Business Objects
b. ePrism (51)
c. RedHat Linux (ES-6, WS-6)
d. Oracle
iii. Distributed Applications
a. Distributed Database/OI – Seat License (4)
iv. Advanced Applications
a. OpEn Data Warehouse
b. Short Term Load Forecasting
c. HeadsUp & eAlarm
d. OpenOffice Advanced Report Writer
e. PRISM Report Server Enterprise
f. MultiSpeak
g. JReport Server
2. Hardware Full Subscription Support
QTY OR HP P/N Product Description Serial Number
1 PCI Switch N/A
Docusign Envelope ID: 3748EDF5-14EB-4012-B44D-1E2A6A25A9DC
Item 7
Attachment A - Minsait
Advanced Control Systems;
Contract C26195119
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 17 Packet Pg. 312 of 828
City of Palo Alto General Services Agreement 14 Rev. April 9, 2025
1 VPN Key Client N/A
2 PRISM Linux
Restore
C1099A Terminal Console US02330366
Q5987A HP Color LaserJet
3600N Printer
CNWBF75365
Q5987A HP Color LaserJet
3600N Printer
CNWBF75340
HP LA2405x 24” LED
Monitor
CN4404031M
HP LA2405x 24” LED
Monitor
CN4404031N
HP LA2405x 24” LED
Monitor
CN4404031K
HP LA2405x 24” LED
Monitor
CN4404031P
HP LA2405x 24” LED
Monitor
CN44040326
HP LA2405x 24” LED
Monitor
CN4404033L
HP 1910-24G 24
Port Switch
CN3ABX24V6
HP 1910-24G 24
Port Switch
CN3ABX24VQ
HP Z6 G4
Workstation
MXL21949Z8
HP Z6 G4
Workstation
MXL1382LJC
HP Z6 G4
Workstation
MXL1402YPW
- HP Z6 G4
Workstation
MXL1393GD9
HP Z6 G4
Workstation
MXL1402YPZ
HP Z6 G4
Workstation
MXL1393GD8
- HP ProLiant DL380
G10 Server
2M21450572
- HP ProLiant DL380
G10 Server
2M213205NP
Docusign Envelope ID: 3748EDF5-14EB-4012-B44D-1E2A6A25A9DC
Item 7
Attachment A - Minsait
Advanced Control Systems;
Contract C26195119
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 18 Packet Pg. 313 of 828
City of Palo Alto General Services Agreement 15 Rev. April 9, 2025
293765-001 HP ProLiant DL380
G8 Server
SGH34261CS
293765-001 HP ProLiant DL380
G8 Server
SGH34261CP
3. Patch Management - 16 Nodes patched quarterly
4. Network Terminal Unit (NTU) Network Terminal Unit Software Support with IED
Library
In addition, Contractor shall provide the following services in accordance with the
provisions of the Agreement
5. SCADA Software Coverage
• (1) PRISM Master Server-based License
• (1) PRISM Master Redundant System License
• (4) Distributed Database/OI Architecture – System License
• (1) eAlarm Event Notification and Summary
• (12) Red Hat Enterprise Linux
• (52) ePRISM
• (1) PRISM Web Services Gateway – Non-redundant
• (1) PRISM Enterprise Historian
• (1) PRISM Reporter Standard – link to UDM schema
• (1) Short Term Load Forecasting
6. SCADA Hardware Coverage
Quantity ACS Product Description Serial Number
2 PRISM VPN Router
1 Firewall
4 2-Factor VPN ACS Remote
1 PRISM System Restore BackUp
2M2335003K
2 HP Smart Switch Aruba 2930F
CN85HKT03S;
CN85HKT05D
1 PRISM DB DL380 G10 2M292062M
1 PRISM DMZ DL380 G10 2M2003015G
Docusign Envelope ID: 3748EDF5-14EB-4012-B44D-1E2A6A25A9DC
Item 7
Attachment A - Minsait
Advanced Control Systems;
Contract C26195119
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 19 Packet Pg. 314 of 828
City of Palo Alto General Services Agreement 16 Rev. April 9, 2025
EXHIBIT B
SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE
CONTRACTOR shall perform the Services according to the following schedule
CONTRACTOR shall perform the Services according to the following schedule, which City will
review and renew on an annual basis as per Palo Alto Municipal Code section 2.28.080
(Amendments after adoption).
1. ACS Software Full subscription Support: 12/01/2025 to 11/30/2030
2. Hardware Full Subscription Support: 12/01/2025 to 11/30/2030
3. Patch Management – 8 Nodes Patched Quarterly: 12/01/2025 to 11/30/2030
4. NTU SW Support with entire IED library: 12/01/2025 to 11/30/2030
Docusign Envelope ID: 3748EDF5-14EB-4012-B44D-1E2A6A25A9DC
Item 7
Attachment A - Minsait
Advanced Control Systems;
Contract C26195119
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 20 Packet Pg. 315 of 828
City of Palo Alto General Services Agreement 17 Rev. April 9, 2025
EXHIBIT C
COMPENSATION
Compensation based upon fee schedule
CITY shall pay CONTRACTOR according to the following rate schedule. The maximum
amount of compensation to be paid to CONTRACTOR, including both payment for services
and reimbursable expenses, shall not exceed the amounts set forth in Sections 5 and 6 of
the Agreement. Any services provided or hours worked for which payment would result
in a total exceeding the maximum amount of compensation set forth herein shall be at
no cost to CITY.
RATE SCHEDULE
Support Plan Coverage Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Total
Software Maintenance $ 40,348 $ 41,558 $ 42,805 $ 44,089 $ 45,412 $ 214,212
Technical HelpDesk Support $ 7,123 $ 7,337 $ 7,557 $ 7,784 $ 8,017 $ 37,818
Hardware Full Subscription
Support $ 6,485 $ 6,680 $ 6,879 $ 7,085 $ 7,298 $ 34,427
Red Hat Patch Management - 16
Nodes Quarter $ 18,910 $ 19,477 $ 20,062 $ 20,664 $ 21,284 $ 100,397
Minsait ACS Outstation Support $ 2,382 $ 2,453 $ 2,527 $ 2,603 $ 2,681 $ 12,646
Subtotal $ 75,248 $ 77,505 $ 79,830 $ 82,225 $ 84,692 $ 399,500
Additional Services $ 7,525 $ 7,750 $ 7,983 $ 8,223 $ 8,469 $ 39,950
Total $ 82,773 $ 85,255 $ 87,813 $ 90,448 $ 93,161 $ 439,450
Docusign Envelope ID: 3748EDF5-14EB-4012-B44D-1E2A6A25A9DC
Item 7
Attachment A - Minsait
Advanced Control Systems;
Contract C26195119
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 21 Packet Pg. 316 of 828
City of Palo Alto General Services Agreement 18 Rev. April 9, 2025
EXHIBIT C-1
SCHEDULE OF RATES FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICES
CONSULTANT’s schedule of rates is as follows:
Additional Services Rate
Schedule
Engineering Hours (As
Needed)
$200/hour
Docusign Envelope ID: 3748EDF5-14EB-4012-B44D-1E2A6A25A9DC
Item 7
Attachment A - Minsait
Advanced Control Systems;
Contract C26195119
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 22 Packet Pg. 317 of 828
City of Palo Alto General Services Agreement 19 Rev. April 9, 2025
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
CONTRACTORS TO THE CITY OF PALO ALTO (CITY), AT THEIR SOLE EXPENSE, SHALL FOR THE TERM
OF THE CONTRACT OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN INSURANCE IN THE AMOUNTS FOR THE COVERAGE
SPECIFIED BELOW, AFFORDED BY COMPANIES WITH AM BEST’S KEY RATING OF A-:VII, OR
HIGHER, LICENSED OR AUTHORIZED TO TRANSACT INSURANCE BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF
CALIFORNIA.
AWARD IS CONTINGENT ON COMPLIANCE WITH CITY’S INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS, AS SPECIFIED,
BELOW:
REQUIRED TYPE OF COVERAGE REQUIREMENT
MINIMUM LIMITS
EACH
OCCURRENCE AGGREGATE
YES
YES
WORKER’S COMPENSATION
EMPLOYER’S LIABILITY
STATUTORY
STATUTORY
YES
GENERAL LIABILITY, INCLUDING
PERSONAL INJURY, BROAD FORM
PROPERTY DAMAGE BLANKET
CONTRACTUAL, AND FIRE LEGAL
LIABILITY
BODILY INJURY
PROPERTY DAMAGE
BODILY INJURY & PROPERTY
DAMAGE COMBINED.
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
YES AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY,
INCLUDING ALL OWNED, HIRED,
NON-OWNED
BODILY INJURY
- EACH PERSON
- EACH OCCURRENCE
PROPERTY DAMAGE
BODILY INJURY AND PROPERTY
DAMAGE, COMBINED
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
NO
PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY,
INCLUDING, ERRORS AND
OMISSIONS, MALPRACTICE (WHEN
APPLICABLE), AND NEGLIGENT
PERFORMANCE
ALL DAMAGES $1,000,000
YES THE CITY OF PALO ALTO IS TO BE NAMED AS AN ADDITIONAL INSURED: CONTRACTOR, AT
ITS SOLE COST AND EXPENSE, SHALL OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN, IN FULL FORCE AND
EFFECT THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE TERM OF ANY RESULTANT AGREEMENT, THE
INSURANCE COVERAGE HEREIN DESCRIBED, INSURING NOT ONLY CONTRACTOR AND
ITS SUBCONSULTANTS, IF ANY, BUT ALSO, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF WORKERS’
COMPENSATION, EMPLOYER’S LIABILITY AND PROFESSIONAL INSURANCE, NAMING AS
ADDITIONAL INSUREDS CITY, ITS COUNCIL MEMBERS, OFFICERS, AGENTS, AND EMPLOYEES.
I. INSURANCE COVERAGE MUST INCLUDE:
A CONTRACTUAL LIABILITY ENDORSEMENT PROVIDING INSURANCE COVERAGE
FOR CONTRACTOR’S AGREEMENT TO INDEMNIFY CITY.
II. CONTACTOR MUST SUBMIT CERTIFICATES(S) OF INSURANCE EVIDENCING REQUIRED
COVERAGE.
III. ENDORSEMENT PROVISIONS, WITH RESPECT TO THE INSURANCE AFFORDED TO
“ADDITIONAL INSUREDS”
A. PRIMARY COVERAGE
Docusign Envelope ID: 3748EDF5-14EB-4012-B44D-1E2A6A25A9DC
Item 7
Attachment A - Minsait
Advanced Control Systems;
Contract C26195119
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 23 Packet Pg. 318 of 828
City of Palo Alto General Services Agreement 20 Rev. April 9, 2025
WITH RESPECT TO CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF THE OPERATIONS OF THE NAMED INSURED,
INSURANCE AS AFFORDED BY THIS POLICY IS PRIMARY AND IS NOT ADDITIONAL TO OR
CONTRIBUTING WITH ANY OTHER INSURANCE CARRIED BY OR FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE
ADDITIONAL INSUREDS.
B. CROSS LIABILITY
THE NAMING OF MORE THAN ONE PERSON, FIRM, OR CORPORATION AS INSUREDS UNDER THE
POLICY SHALL NOT, FOR THAT REASON ALONE, EXTINGUISH ANY RIGHTS OF THE INSURED
AGAINST ANOTHER, BUT THIS ENDORSEMENT, AND THE NAMING OF MULTIPLE INSUREDS,
SHALL NOT INCREASE THE TOTAL LIABILITY OF THE COMPANY UNDER THIS POLICY.
C. NOTICE OF CANCELLATION
1. IF THE POLICY IS CANCELED BEFORE ITS EXPIRATION DATE FOR ANY
REASON OTHER THAN THE NON-PAYMENT OF PREMIUM, THE ISSUING
COMPANY SHALL PROVIDE CITY AT LEAST A THIRTY (30) DAY WRITTEN
NOTICE BEFORE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF CANCELLATION.
2. IF THE POLICY IS CANCELED BEFORE ITS EXPIRATION DATE FOR THE NON-
PAYMENT OF PREMIUM, THE ISSUING COMPANY SHALL PROVIDE CITY AT
LEAST A TEN (10) DAY WRITTEN NOTICE BEFORE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF
CANCELLATION.
NOTICES SHALL BE EMAILED TO: PurchasingSupport@PaloAlto.Gov
Docusign Envelope ID: 3748EDF5-14EB-4012-B44D-1E2A6A25A9DC
Item 7
Attachment A - Minsait
Advanced Control Systems;
Contract C26195119
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 24 Packet Pg. 319 of 828
Certificate Of Completion
Envelope Id: 3748EDF5-14EB-4012-B44D-1E2A6A25A9DC Status: Completed
Subject: Complete with Docusign: C26195119 Minsait AC.pdf
Source Envelope:
Document Pages: 20 Signatures: 2 Envelope Originator:
Certificate Pages: 2 Initials: 0 Renee Howard
AutoNav: Enabled
EnvelopeId Stamping: Enabled
Time Zone: (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
250 Hamilton Ave
Palo Alto , CA 94301
renee.howard@paloalto.gov
IP Address: 199.33.32.254
Record Tracking
Status: Original
11/6/2025 9:48:44 AM
Holder: Renee Howard
renee.howard@paloalto.gov
Location: DocuSign
Security Appliance Status: Connected Pool: StateLocal
Storage Appliance Status: Connected Pool: City of Palo Alto Location: Docusign
Signer Events Signature Timestamp
Jeronimo Bucero
jbucero@minsait.com
CEO
Security Level: Email, Account Authentication
(None)Signature Adoption: Uploaded Signature Image
Using IP Address: 163.116.252.78
Sent: 11/6/2025 9:51:32 AM
Resent: 11/7/2025 12:38:16 PM
Viewed: 11/7/2025 12:39:44 PM
Signed: 11/7/2025 12:40:26 PM
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Not Offered via Docusign
Omar Elias
oelias@indracompany.com
CFO
Security Level: Email, Account Authentication
(None)Signature Adoption: Pre-selected Style
Using IP Address: 163.116.252.34
Sent: 11/7/2025 12:40:28 PM
Resent: 11/10/2025 1:42:54 PM
Resent: 11/13/2025 10:23:15 AM
Viewed: 11/13/2025 12:32:14 PM
Signed: 11/13/2025 12:32:44 PM
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Not Offered via Docusign
In Person Signer Events Signature Timestamp
Editor Delivery Events Status Timestamp
Agent Delivery Events Status Timestamp
Intermediary Delivery Events Status Timestamp
Certified Delivery Events Status Timestamp
Carbon Copy Events Status Timestamp
Witness Events Signature Timestamp
Notary Events Signature Timestamp
Envelope Summary Events Status Timestamps
Envelope Sent Hashed/Encrypted 11/6/2025 9:51:32 AM
Item 7
Attachment A - Minsait
Advanced Control Systems;
Contract C26195119
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 25 Packet Pg. 320 of 828
Envelope Summary Events Status Timestamps
Certified Delivered Security Checked 11/13/2025 12:32:14 PM
Signing Complete Security Checked 11/13/2025 12:32:44 PM
Completed Security Checked 11/13/2025 12:32:44 PM
Payment Events Status Timestamps
Item 7
Attachment A - Minsait
Advanced Control Systems;
Contract C26195119
Item 7: Staff Report Pg. 26 Packet Pg. 321 of 828
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Utilities
Meeting Date: December 1, 2025
Report #:2507-5012
TITLE
Approval of Two Blanket Purchase Orders with S&S Trucking in the Amount of $2,543,677 and
with Zanker Road Resource Management LLC in the Amount of $1,090,753 for On-Call Off
Hauling Services for a Total Amount Not-to-Exceed of $3,634,430 for a Five Year Term. CEQA
Status: Exempt. Pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15302(c) – Maintenance of Existing Utility Systems.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager or their
designee to execute a blanket purchase order with S&S Trucking in the amount of $2,543,677
and blanket purchase order with Zanker Road Resource Management LLC in the amount of
$1,090,753 for on-call construction debris off haul services for a total not-to-exceed amount of
$3,634,430 over a five-year term.
BACKGROUND
The City’s Public Works and Utilities Departments (Departments) are responsible for the
maintenance, repair, replacement, and construction of City streets, sidewalks, and
underground utilities. These activities generate construction debris that must be picked up,
hauled away, and disposed of at an appropriate location. Construction debris from the Utilities
Department consists of mixed concrete, asphalt rubble, mixed dirt and concrete/asphalt rubble.
In addition, the Public Works Department’s construction debris includes clean concrete rubble,
clean asphalt, yard waste, and brush material. With the inclusion of off-hauling costs within the
updated utility customer connection fees, a portion of these contract costs will be recovered
with new or reconstructed gas, water, and wastewater services.
ANALYSIS
The Utilities and Public Works Department has issued joint solicitations seeking an off-haul
vendor in 2016, 2019, and most recently in 2025.
Item 8
Item 8 Staff Report
Item 8: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 322 of 828
Table 1: Summary of Request for Proposal
Proposal Description On-call off-haul services of construction material
debris on an as needed basis
Proposed Length of Project 5 years
Number of Vendors Notified 3523
Number of Proposal Packages Downloaded 27
Total Days to Respond to Proposal 30
Pre-Proposal Meeting Yes
Pre-Proposal Meeting Date June 17, 2025
Number of Proposals Received 5
Proposal Price Range $2,543,677 - $11,633,821
Public Link to Solicitation https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/palo-
alto-ca/projects/174054
The 2025 solicitation was a Request for Quotation (RFQ) 194393 where the City received five
bids ranging from $2,543,677 to $11,633,821 for the requested five years of service. The RFQ
included the City’s option to award the contract to multiple vendors. An advantage of awarding
the bid to multiple vendors was that it created more competitive pricing. After evaluation the
Departments recommend awarding contracts to the two lowest bidders, S&S Trucking and
Zanker Road Resource Management LLC.
When comparing the results of this RFQ to the last solicitation done in 2019, there were only
two bids received in 2019, both of which were over $5 million dollars for a five year term. The
2025 RFQ lowest bids were both below $5 million dollars and therefore well under Staff’s
estimated costs.
Table 2: RFQ 194393 Bid Results
ABSL
Construction Lagestic LLC
P. Kavanagh
Construction S & S Trucking
Zanker Road
Resource
Management LLC
Year 1 $2,160,575 $1,775,315 $939,735 $446,455 $790,197
Year 2 $2,240,288 $1,855,484 $979,246 $481,354 $829,374
Year 3 $2,320,000 $1,935,652 $1,009,158 $504,857 $870,555
Year 4 $2,399,713 $2,022,078 $1,040,018 $539,631 $913,757
Year 5 $2,479,425 $2,102,246 $1,072,687 $571,378 $959,129
AWARD BASIS:
Low bid
$11,633,821 $9,690,777 $5,040,847 $2,543,677 $4,363,013
Item 8
Item 8 Staff Report
Item 8: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 323 of 828
Due to the high volume of construction material debris to be off-hauled throughout the year, it
is imperative that the Departments have a reliable system in place to dispose of debris.
Historically over the past five years, the City spent approximately $500,000 annually for off-haul
services. This is reflected in alignment with the recommended award to S&S Trucking. Staff
anticipates a higher volume of materials may arise in the coming years for infrastructure
maintenance, customer improvement projects, and new housing developments.
Table 3: Award Breakdown
Year S&S Trucking Zanker Resource
Management (25%)
Total Amount
1 $446,455 $197,549 $644,004
2 $481,354 $207,344 $688,698
3 $504,858 $217,639 $722,497
4 $539,632 $228,439 $768,071
5 $571,378 $239,782 $811,160
1-5 (Total Sum)$2,543,677 $1,090,753 $3,634,430
Item 8
Item 8 Staff Report
Item 8: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 324 of 828
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Table 4: Department Allocation for S&S Trucking Blanket Order
Year Public Works Utilities Total
1 $80,000 $366,455 $446,455
2 $84,000 $397,354 $481,354
3 $88,200 $416,657 $504,857
4 $92,610 $447,021 $539,631
5 $97,241 $474,137 $571,378
1-5 (Total Sum)$442,051 $2,101,627 $2,543,677
Table 5: Department Allocation for Zanker Resource Management Blanket Order
Year Public Works Utilities Total
1 15,000 182,549 197,549
2 15,750 191,594 207,344
3 16,538 201,101 217,639
4 17,364 211,075 228,439
5 18,232 221,550 239,782
1-5 (Total Sum) 82,884 1,007,869 1,090,753
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
APPROVED BY:
Item 8
Item 8 Staff Report
Item 8: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 325 of 828
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Public Works
Meeting Date: December 1, 2025
Report #:2509-5179
TITLE
Approval of Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. C22181106 with Universal Site Services Inc., to
Provide Additional High Pressure Steam Cleaning Services for Downtown University and
California Ave Business Districts, and to Extend the Contract for Six Months for an Additional
Amount Not-to-Exceed $239,832; CEQA Status - Not a Project
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager or their
designee to execute Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. C22181106, with Universal Site Services
Inc., to continue providing additional high pressure steam cleaning services for selected
sidewalks and garages located within the Downtown University and California Ave business
districts, and to extend the contract for an additional six months (November 2026 to May
2027). The contract will be adjusted to a new total amount Not-to-Exceed $1,345,807, which
includes $94,816 for additional cleaning services within the downtown business districts and
$145,016 for the six-month extension.
BACKGROUND
To maintain clean and vibrant business districts, the Public Works Public Services Division has
historically contracted for high pressure and steam cleaning services on University Avenue and
California Avenue sidewalks, King Plaza, Lytton Plaza, Mitchell Park Library and Community
Center, Palo Alto Art Center, the Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP), underpasses,
and parking garages. Pressure washing keeps the community clean and safe by removing dirt,
grease, fine metals, petroleum products, and other debris that regularly collect on the
sidewalks and in parking garages.
The frequency of steam cleaning varies, depending on location. The base level of service under
the existing contract includes that the sidewalks within the Downtown University Avenue area
are cleaned once a month year-round; the sidewalks on California Avenue are cleaned once a
month for six months out of the year (May-October); Lytton Plaza is cleaned twice a month
Item 9
Item 9 Staff Report
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 326 of 828
year-round; King Plaza and Mitchell Park Library and Community Center are cleaned four times
a year; the RWQCP pathways and loading area are cleaned six times a year; the underpasses
(which include University Avenue, Homer Avenue, Embarcadero Road, and California Avenue)
are cleaned once a month year-round; and lastly, most parking garages are cleaned once a year
(typically in May or June). The current contract was approved by City Council on January 10,
20221.
The introduction of outdoor dining and car-free streets for new public activities has increased
foot traffic to certain areas within the business districts. During several Retail Committee
meetings, participants voiced concerns regarding the level of cleanliness in these areas. City
staff responded to these concerns by increasing pressure washing in high foot traffic locations,
leading to positive feedback received from the community regarding these changes. Staff
proposed additional funding during the FY 2026 budget process to make the changes
permanent, and the funding was approved by Council.
ANALYSIS
Amendment No. 1 (Attachment A) will address existing locations that have been identified for
additional cleaning or new locations that need to be added into the contract. Upon approval,
these adjustments will begin in the final year of the contract and continue through the six-
month extension period. The majority of the contract scope of services will remain unchanged;
however, in the final year of the contract, the downtown University Avenue sidewalk cleaning
services (Task 1) will be increased to two times a month in select locations, and the downtown
California Avenue sidewalk cleaning services (Task 2) will be performed monthly throughout the
year. Garage Q and Civic Center will be added into the contract to have floors cleaned annually
(Task 1). Ted Thompson, Cambridge, and Sherman parking garages will be added to Task 2 for
top to bottom cleaning to be performed once per contract term.
If the 2022-2026 Pressure Washing Contract is extended, Universal Site Services has agreed to
hold their current rates for the six-month extension period (see Table 1), which is advantageous
for the City because the current contract does not include annual increases. When this contract
goes out for solicitation, staff anticipates an increase in cost of at least 5-10%.
This extension includes all routine service work to continue from November 14, 2026 to May
14, 2027. This includes the annual floor cleanings for both California Avenue and University
Avenue Parking Garages. This work is performed in May or June of each year and is therefore
part of the amendment scope (see Table 1).
1 City Council, January 10, 2022; Agenda Item #3; SR #12091;
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=81680
Item 9
Item 9 Staff Report
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 327 of 828
Table 1: Current Contract costs per task and costs for additional services and 6-month extension
Categories
2022-2026
Existing
Contract
Increased Costs due
to Frequency and
Location Changes
6-Month
Extension
Costs
Total Additional
Funding Needed
University Ave. Sidewalks (Task 1)$584,400 $31,500 $73,440 $104,940
University Ave. Parking Garages (Task 1)$20,875 $20,588 $24,763 $45,351
California Ave. Sidewalks (Task 2)$41,550 $11,025 $6,780 $17,805
California Ave. Parking Garages (Task 2)$10,000 $31,703 $8,618 $40,321
Lytton Plaza/ City Hall (Task 3)$158,000 $0 $15,800 $15,800
Mitchell Park Library/ Community
Center/ Rinconada Park/ Art Center
(Task 4)
$42,400 $0 $4,040 $4,040
RWQCP (Task 5)$7,650 $0 $765 $765
Homer/Embarcadero Underpass
(Task 6)
$30,600 $0 $3,060 $3,060
Emergency Services/ Unscheduled
Services (Task 7)
$77,500 $0 $7,750 $7,750
Sherman Garage (Task 9)$15,800 $0 $0 $0
Parking garage (Task 8) $117,200 $0 $0 $0
Total $1,105,975 $94,816 $145,016 $239,832
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Funding for the additional cleaning services is available in the Fiscal Year 2026 Adopted
Operating Budget for the University Avenue and California Avenue Parking District Funds,
Community Services Department General Fund, Public Works Department General Fund, Public
Works Department Wastewater Treatment Fund, and the Public Works Department Refuse
Fund.
As the six-month extension period falls under Fiscal Year 2027, funding for the extension will be
determined through the upcoming Fiscal Year 2027 annual budget development process and is
subject to Council approval.
The following table shows the breakdown of the additional cost by fund and department:
Table 2: Funding by Department
Dept Location
Fiscal Year 2026
Tasks 1 & 2
Fiscal Year
2027 Tasks 1-7 Fund
PWD University downtown sidewalks,
garages and underpass
$52,088 $98,203 University Parking District Fund
PWD California Ave sidewalk, garages
and underpass
$42,728 $15,398 California Parking District Fund
CSD Lytton Plaza and King Plaza $0 $15,800 General Fund
Item 9
Item 9 Staff Report
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 328 of 828
Table 2: Funding by Department
Dept Location
Fiscal Year 2026
Tasks 1 & 2
Fiscal Year
2027 Tasks 1-7 Fund
PWD Mitchell Park Library/
Community Center/ Rinconada
Park/ Art Center
$0 $4,040 General Fund
PWD Regional Water Quality Control
Plant (RWQCP)
$0 $765 Wastewater Treatment Fund
PWD Homer and Embarcadero
Underpass, emergency and
Unscheduled Services
$0 $10,810 Refuse Fund
TOTAL $94,816 $145,016
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Adjustments to the frequencies and locations proposed in Amendment No. 1 result from
discussion at Council Retail Committee meetings and with University and California Avenue
Business District groups.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This contract is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
under Sections 10560 and 10561.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Universal Site Services Inc.; Contract C22181106 Amendment No. 1
APPROVED BY:
Brad Eggleston, Director Public Works/City Engineer
Item 9
Item 9 Staff Report
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 329 of 828
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO CONTRACT NO. C22181106
BETWEEN THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AND
UNIVERSAL SITE SERVICES INC.
This Amendment No. 1 (this “Amendment”) to Contract No. C22181106 (the
“Contract” as defined below) is entered into as of November 1, 2025, by and between the
CITY OF PALO ALTO, a California chartered municipal corporation (“CITY”), and UNIVERSAL
SITE SERVICES INC., a California corporation, located at 760 E. Capitol Ave., Milpitas, CA
95035, Telephone Number: 408-210-0836 (“CONTRACTOR”) are referred to collectively as
the “Parties” in this Amendment.
R E C I T A L S
A. The Contract (as defined below) was entered into by and between the Parties
hereto for the provision of steam cleaning services for various areas located throughout the CITY
, as detailed therein.
B. The Parties now wish to amend the Contract in order to increase compensation
by Two Hundred Thirty-Nine Thousand Eight Hundred Thirty-Two Dollars ($239,832.00) from One
Million Two Hundred Fourteen Thousand Three Hundred Seventy-Three dollars ($1,214,373.00)
to a new total not-to-exceed amount of One Million Four Hundred Fifty-Four Thousand Two
Hundred Five Dollars ($1,454,205.00); to add additional locations and frequencies; and to extend
the term until May 14, 2027.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants, terms, conditions, and provisions
of this Amendment, the Parties agree:
SECTION 1. Definitions. The following definitions shall apply to this Amendment:
a. Contract. The term “Contract” shall mean Contract No. C22181106
between CONSULTANT and CITY, dated January 10, 2022.
b. Other Terms. Capitalized terms used and not defined in this Amendment
shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Contract.
SECTION 2. Section 3 “TERM” of the Contract is hereby amended to read as follows:
“The term of this Agreement is from the date of its full execution through May 14,
2027, inclusive, subject to the provisions of Sections R and W of the General Terms
and Conditions.”
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 330 of 828
SECTION 3. Section 5 “COMPENSATION FOR ORIGINAL TERM” of the Contract is hereby
amended to read as follows:
“CITY shall pay and CONTRACTOR agrees to accept as not-to-exceed compensation for
the full performance of the Services and reimbursable expenses, if any:
A sum calculated in accordance with the fee schedule set forth at Exhibit C, not to
exceed a total maximum compensation amount of One Million Three Hundred
Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty-Five dollars ($1,308,785.00).
CONTRACTOR agrees that it can perform the Services for an amount not to exceed the
total maximum compensation set forth above. Any hours worked or services performed
by CONTRACTOR for which payment would result in a total exceeding the maximum
amount of compensation set forth above for performance of the Services shall be at no
cost to CITY.
Optional Additional Services Provision (This provision applies only if checked and a not-to-
exceed compensation amount for Additional Services is allocated below under this
Section 5.)
In addition to the not-to-exceed compensation specified above, CITY has set aside the
not-to-exceed compensation amount of One Hundred Forty-Five Thousand Four
Hundred Twenty dollars ($145,420.00) for the performance of Additional Services (as
defined below). The total compensation for performance of the Services, Additional
Services and any reimbursable expenses specified in Exhibit C, shall not exceed One
Million Four Hundred Fifty-Four Thousand Two Hundred Five dollars ($1,454,205.00), as
detailed in Exhibit C.
“Additional Services” means any work that is determined by CITY to be necessary for the
proper completion of the Project, but which is not included within the Scope of Services
described at Exhibit A. CITY may elect to, but is not required to, authorize Additional
Services up to the maximum amount of compensation set forth for Additional Services in
this Section 5. CONTRACTOR shall provide Additional Services only by advanced, written
authorization from CITY as detailed in this Section. Additional Services, if any, shall be
authorized by CITY with a Task Order assigned and authorized by CITY’s Project Manager,
as identified in Section 8 (Invoicing). Each Task Order shall be in substantially the same
form as Exhibit A-1, entitled “GENERAL SERVICES TASK ORDER”. Each Task Order shall
contain a specific scope of services, schedule of performance and maximum
compensation amount, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
Compensation for Additional Services shall be specified by CITY in the Task Order, based
on whichever is lowest: the compensation structure set forth in Exhibit C or a negotiated
lump sum.
To accept a Task Order, CONTRACTOR shall sign the Task Order and return it to CITY’s
Project Manager within the time specified by the Project Manager, and upon
authorization by CITY (defined as counter-signature by the CITY Project Manager), the
fully executed Task Order shall become part of this Agreement. The cumulative total
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 331 of 828
compensation to CONTRACTOR for all Task Orders authorized under this Agreement shall
not exceed the amount of compensation set forth for Additional Services in this Section
5. CONTRACTOR shall only be compensated for Additional Services performed under an
authorized Task Order and only up to the maximum amount of compensation set forth
for Additional Services in this Section 5. Performance of and payment for any Additional
Services are subject to all requirements and restrictions in this Agreement.”
SECTION 4. The following exhibit(s) to the Contract is/are hereby amended or added, as
indicated below, to read as set forth in the attachment(s) to this Amendment, which is/are
hereby incorporated in full into this Amendment and into the Contract by this reference:
a. Exhibit “A” entitled “SCOPE OF SERVICES”, ADDED, AMENDED PREVIOUS.
b. Exhibit “B” entitled “SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE”, ADDED, AMENDED
PREVIOUS
SECTION 5. Legal Effect. Except as modified by this Amendment, all other provisions of
the Contract, including any exhibits thereto, shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 6. Incorporation of Recitals. The recitals set forth above are terms of this
Amendment and are fully incorporated herein by this reference.
(SIGNATURE BLOCK FOLLOWS ON THE NEXT PAGE.)
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 332 of 828
SIGNATURES OF THE PARTIES
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have by their duly authorized representatives
executed this Amendment effective as of the date first above written.
CITY OF PALO ALTO
_____________________________
City Manager
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________
City Attorney or designee
UNIVERSAL SITE SERVICES INC.
By:______________________________
Name:___________________________
Title:____________________________
Attachments:
Exhibit “A” entitled “SCOPE OF SERVICES”, ADDED, AMENDED PREVIOUS.
Exhibit “B” entitled “SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE”, ADDED, AMENDED PREVIOUS.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
President
Jerry Nunez
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 333 of 828
EXHIBIT A
SCOPE OF SERVICES
AMENDMENT NO. 1, ADDED, AMENDED PREVIOUS
The CONTRACTOR will provide the Services detailed below in this Scope of Services on an on-
call basis via City-approved Task Order as detailed in Section 1 (“Services”) of this Agreement.
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
CONTRACTOR will provide steam cleaning services for various areas located throughout the
CITY. Areas that require service include, but are not limited to, University Ave and California
Ave Downtown Business Districts, various parking garages and community gathering areas,
Region Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP), and pedestrian underpasses.
The sidewalk area to be steam cleaned will be between the face of curb and the adjoining
private or public property line. The sidewalks are made of either concrete or special treatment
surfaces (brick, exposed aggregate, tile, etc.). Steam cleaning will be limited to one side of the
street at a time. The CONTRACTOR will examine, inspect, and have full knowledge of the limits
of work and physical conditions of the sidewalks to be steam cleaned.
CONTRACTOR is responsible for noting the different maximum vehicle height limits for each
parking garage to ensure their equipment does not damage CITY property.
2. RECOGNIZED SURFACE CLEANER
The CONTRACTOR will be a Recognized Surface Cleaner by the Bay Area Stormwater
Management Agencies Association (BASMAA) and uphold the Best Management Practices
(BMP) from the RWQCP. If a non-recognized Surface Cleaner is awarded the contract, they must
be certified by BASMAA as recognized Surface Cleaner prior to starting the cleaning services.
CONTRACTOR will maintain an up-to-date certification on file for the duration of the contract.
Prior to the CITY issuing the Notice to Proceed, the CONTRACTOR will provide a pollution
prevention BMP plan to ensure that they are following the requirements as a certified Recognized
Surface Cleaner and the requirements set forth in the City’s Municipal Code. This BMP plan will
be reviewed and approved by the City’s Watershed Protection Group.
3. SERVICES OVERVIEW
Task 1 – University Downtown Business District/Parking Garages
1A. UNIVERSITY AVENUE SIDEWALKS - CONTRACTOR will steam clean twice (2) a month for the
duration of the contract. (See Exhibit A, Map No. 1)
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 334 of 828
Street From To Side of Street
UNIVERSITY AVENUE Alma Street Webster Street Both
1B. DOWNTOWN SIDEWALKS (NORTH TO SOUTH STREETS) - CONTRACTOR will steam clean
once (1) a month for the duration of the contract. (Excluding University Avenue) (See Exhibit A,
Map No. 1)
Street From To Side of Street
LYTTON AVENUE Alma Street Cowper Street Both
LYTTON AVENUE Cowper Street Webster Street South only
HAMILTON AVENUE Alma Street Webster Street Both
FOREST AVENUE Alma Street Waverley Street North only
FOREST AVENUE Ramona Street Bryant Street South only
1C. DOWNTOWN SIDEWALKS (WEST TO EAST STREETS): CONTRACTOR will steam clean once (1)
a month for the duration of the contract. (Excluding University Avenue) (See Exhibit A, Map No.
1)
Street From To Side of Street
ALMA STREET Lytton Avenue Forest Avenue East only
HIGH STREET Lytton Avenue Forest Avenue Both
EMERSON STREET Lytton Avenue Forest Avenue Both
RAMONA STREET Lytton Avenue Forest Avenue Both
BRYANT STREET Lytton Avenue Forest Avenue Both
FLORENCE STREET Lytton Avenue University Avenue Both
GILMAN STREET Hamilton Avenue Forest Avenue Both
WAVERLEY STREET Lytton Avenue Forest Avenue Both
KIPLING STREET Lytton Avenue University Avenue Both
COWPER STREET Lytton Avenue Hamilton Avenue Both
TASSO STREET Lytton Avenue University Avenue Both
WEBSTER STREET Lytton Avenue Hamilton Avenue West only
Street From To Side of Street
EMERSON STREET Lytton Avenue Forest Avenue Both
RAMONA STREET Lytton Avenue Hamilton Avenue Both
BRYANT STREET University Avenue Hamilton Avenue Both
WAVERLEY STREET Lytton Avenue Forest Avenue Both
1D. PARKING GARAGES - CONTRACTOR will steam clean the following garages once (1) a year in
the month of June. (limited to the floor, handrails, and stairs only) (See Exhibit A, Map No. 2):
Bryant Lytton Parking Garage (Lot J) – Located at 445 Bryant Street. It is the
responsibility of the CONTRACTOR to steam clean all floors and stairs. CONTRACTOR
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 10 Packet Pg. 335 of 828
will lightly rinse handrails located within the stairwells. When CONTRACTOR is within
three (3) feet of elevator doors CONTRACTOR will reduce the nozzle pressure and
direct water away from elevator to ensure that water will not enter elevator. If
necessary, CONTRACTOR will place a barrier to prevent water from intruding into the
elevators. CONTRACTOR will remain liable for any damage to the elevator due to steam
cleaning.
High Street Parking Garage (Lot R) – Located at 528 High Street. It is the responsibility
of the CONTRACTOR to steam clean all floors and stairs. CONTRACTOR will lightly rinse
handrails located within the stairwells. When CONTRACTOR is within three (3) feet of
elevator doors CONTRACTOR will reduce the nozzle pressure and direct water away
from elevator to ensure that water will not enter elevator. If necessary, CONTRACTOR
will place a barrier to prevent water from intruding into the elevators. CONTRACTOR
will remain liable for any damage to the elevator due to steam cleaning.
Webster Cowper Parking Garage (S/L) – Located at 534 Webster Street. It is the
responsibility of the CONTRACTOR to steam clean all floors and stairs. CONTRACTOR
will lightly rinse handrails located within the stairwells. When CONTRACTOR is within
three (3) feet of elevator doors CONTRACTOR will reduce the nozzle pressure and
direct water away from elevator to ensure that water will not enter elevator. If
necessary, CONTRACTOR will place a barrier to prevent water from intruding into the
elevators. CONTRACTOR will remain liable for any damage to the elevator due to steam
cleaning.
Garage Q – Located at 430 High Street. It is the responsibility of the CONTRACTOR to
steam clean all floors and stairs. CONTRACTOR will lightly rinse handrails located within
the stairwells. When CONTRACTOR is within three (3) feet of elevator doors
CONTRACTOR will reduce the nozzle pressure and direct water away from elevator to
ensure that water will not enter elevator. If necessary, CONTRACTOR will place a
barrier to prevent water from intruding into the elevators. CONTRACTOR will remain
liable for any damage to the elevator due to steam cleaning.
Civic Center – Located at 250 Hamilton Avenue. It is the responsibility of the
CONTRACTOR to steam clean all floors and stairs. CONTRACTOR will lightly rinse
handrails located within the stairwells. When CONTRACTOR is within three (3) feet of
elevator doors CONTRACTOR will reduce the nozzle pressure and direct water away
from elevator to ensure that water will not enter elevator. If necessary, CONTRACTOR
will place a barrier to prevent water from intruding into the elevators. CONTRACTOR
will remain liable for any damage to the elevator due to steam cleaning.
Task 2 - California Ave Downtown Business District/Parking Garages
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 11 Packet Pg. 336 of 828
2A. CALIFORNIA AVE - CONTRACTOR will steam clean both sidewalks of California Ave from El
Camino Real to Park Blvd. This service is to be completed once (1) a month for the duration of
the contract. (See Exhibit A, Map No. 3)
2B. PARKING GARAGES - CONTRACTOR will steam clean the following garages once (1) a year in
the month of June. (limited to the floor, handrails, and stairs only) (See Exhibit A, Map No. 4):
Ted Thompson Parking Garage – Located at 275 Cambridge Avenue. It is the
responsibility of the CONTRACTOR to steam clean all floors and stairs. CONTRACTOR
will lightly rinse handrails located within the stairwells.
Cambridge Parking Garage/Lot 5 – Located at 437 Cambridge Ave. It is the
responsibility of the CONTRACTOR to steam clean all floors and stairs. CONTRACTOR
will lightly rinse handrails located within the stairwells.
Sherman Parking Garage – Located at 350 Sherman Ave. It is the responsibility of the
CONTRACTOR to steam clean all floors and stairs. CONTRACTOR will lightly rinse
handrails located within the stairwells.
Task 3 - Lytton Plaza/Palo Alto City Hall
3A. LYTTON PLAZA - Southeast corner of University Avenue and Emerson Street. Area to be
power washed 2x (2nd and 4th week) per month, including fountain, chairs and tables. Tables
and chairs are to be temporarily re-located onto decomposed granite pad (red box in Exhibit A,
Map No.5) during steam cleaning and put back to original locations once work has been
completed. Do not steam clean decomposed granite pad in middle of Lytton Plaza. (See Exhibit
A, Map No. 5)
3B. PALO ALTO CITY HALL/KING PLAZA - CONTRACTOR will steam clean all walkways, sidewalks
and stairs located at King Plaza, City Hall, and Police Station. The stairs located on Hamilton Ave
that lead down to the parking garage are not included in this contract. This service is to be
completed four (4) times a year for the duration of the contract. During the months of January,
April, July and October. (See Exhibit A, Map No. 6)
Task 4 - Mitchell Park Community Center/Rinconada Park/ Palo Alto Art Center
4A. MITCHEL PARK COMMUNITY CENTER/LIBRARY - CONTRACTOR will steam cleaning Mitchell
Park Community Center located on 3700 Middlefield Rd. CONTRACTOR will steam clean main
library entrance, coffee seating area, and adjacent sidewalks. This service is to be completed
once a month for the duration of the contract.
The CONTRACTOR will steam clean center patio and sidewalks located behind the Community
Center/Library on a Quarterly basis. This service is to be completed four (4) times a year for the
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 12 Packet Pg. 337 of 828
duration of the contract. During the months of March, June, September, December. (See Exhibit
A, Map No. 7)
4B. RINCONADA PARK/PALO ALTO ART CENTER - CONTRACTOR will steam clean front entrances
and adjacent sidewalks. This service is to be completed four (4) times a year for the duration of
the contract. During the months of March, June, September, and December. (See Exhibit A,
Map No. 8)
Task 5: RWQCP – Water Treatment Plant
CONTRACTOR will steam clean sidewalks and front entrances of the Administration building and
Operations building plaza. CONTRACTOR will steam clean the loading area of the Maintenance
building. Six (6) times a year for the duration of the contract. During the months of January,
March, May, July, September, November. (See Exhibit A, Map No. 9)
Task 6: Pedestrian Underpasses
6A. UNIVERSITY AVENUE PEDESTRIAN UNDERPASS – CONTRACTOR will steam clean the
pedestrian underpass on both the North and South side of University Ave. This underpass is
located on University Ave between High Street and El Camino Real. CONTRACTOR will steam
clean pedestrian underpass including pedestrian walkways, bicycle paths, and four (4) walkways
that lead to Caltrans train station. CONTRACTOR is responsible for lightly rinsing hand railings
and walls located within Exhibit A, Map No. 10. CONTRACTOR will steam clean the underpass
once (1) per month for the duration of the contract. (See Exhibit A, Map No. 10)
6B. HOMER AVENUE PEDESTRIAN UNDERPASS – CONTRACTOR will steam clean all walkways,
stairs and ADA ramps associated with Homer Avenue Pedestrian Underpass. This Underpass is
located on Homer Ave between Alma Street and Urban Lane. CONTRACTOR will steam clean
pedestrian underpass including pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths. CONTRACTOR is
responsible for lightly rinsing hand railings and walls located within Exhibit A, Map No. 11.
CONTRACTOR will steam clean the underpass once (1) per month for the duration of the
contract. (See Exhibit A, Map No. 11)
6C. EMBARCADERO ROAD PEDESTRIAN UNDERPASS – CONTRACTOR will steam clean the
pedestrian underpass on both the North and South side of Embarcadero Rd. This underpass is
located on Embarcadero Rd under Alma street between Kingsley Ave and Town and Country
Shopping Center. Steam cleaning will start from either side of the metal railing and conclude at
the end of the railing. CONTRACTOR will lightly rinse handrails and walls located within in the
underpass. CONTRACTOR will steam clean the underpass once (1) per month for the duration of
the contract. (See Exhibit A, Map No. 12)
6D. CALIFORNIA AVE PEDESTRIAN UNDERPASS – California Ave underpass travels under Alma
Street to California Avenue. CONTRACTOR will start steam cleaning the walkway from the metal
fence on N. California Ave near Jerry Bowden Park to the end of the metal fence on California
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 13 Packet Pg. 338 of 828
Ave. CONTRACTOR will steam clean the underpass once (1) per month for the duration of the
contract. (See Exhibit A, Map No. 13)
Task 7: Additional Services – On Call as Needed T&M (Time & Materials) Emergency/
Unscheduled Services
In addition to the other tasks detailed in this Section 3 (Services Overview) of this Exhibit A, Scope
of Services, the CONTRACTOR may be called upon by City to provide, and will provide, Additional
Services via City-approved Task Order as detailed in Section 5 (Compensation for Original Term)
of this Agreement. Such Additional Services may include but are not limited to the following:
7A. EMERGENCY SERVICES - CONTRACTOR will provide steam cleaning services including
collection and disposal of any wash water on an On-Call basis. CONTRACTOR will provide up to
an additional 50 hours per year of steam cleaning to deal with problematic areas throughout the
CITY. CONTRACTOR must be on site within three (3) hours of notification from the CITY. For
emergency service, CONTRACTOR will bill CITY on an hourly basis, with an emergency
mobilization charge added per occurrence. These services will be used only when necessary, so
it is possible that all, few or none of the additional hours will be used during a year. CITY will only
pay for actual hours of steam cleaning and will not pay for any unused contingency hours.
7B. UNSCHEDULED SERVICES – CONTRACTOR will provide, if required by the CITY, unscheduled
steam cleaning. CONTRACTOR will provide up to an additional fifty (50) hours per year of
contingency steam cleaning to deal with problematic areas throughout the CITY. CONTRACTOR
will satisfactory complete any contingency steam cleaning with in seven (7) business days after
notification from CITY. These steam cleaning services will be billed at an hourly rate. These
services will be used only when necessary, so it is possible that all, few or none of the additional
hours will be used during a year. CITY will only pay for actual hours of steam cleaning and will not
pay for any unused contingency hours.
Task 8: Parking Garages – floors, ceilings, walls, doors and frames, columns, ductwork, piping,
handrails, stairwells. (See Exhibit A, Map No. 2 and 4)
The work in general consists of power washing ceilings, floors, walls, doors and frames,
columns, metals, ductwork, piping, handrails, stairwells, and the removal and disposal of debris,
litter, dirt, and wash water generated by the cleaning operation. Each garage has different
washing requirements. Final scheduling needs to be approved by the project manager prior to
the start of the work.
8A. THE CIVIC CENTER PARKING GARAGE - located at 250 Hamilton Avenue has three
subterranean levels (A, B, and C). The garage has no effective drainage systems other than for
storm water runoff. Parking stalls below drainage holes for each level must be posted with No
Parking signs as appropriate to prevent dirty wash water from draining to the parking stalls
beneath each drain hole. The garage has a parking floor area of approximately 230,000 S.F.
used for permit and hourly parking, accessible both day and night. The Civic Center parking
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 14 Packet Pg. 339 of 828
garage cleaning activities will be limited to the hours of 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., Sunday
through Thursday. The CONTRACTOR will submit a schedule to the City for approval prior to
the start of work. CONTRACTOR will complete the Civic Center Garage within 10-12 consecutive
days. CONTRACTOR will start at the top floor (A Level) and work down to lowest floor (C Level).
CONTRACTOR will steam clean the garage once during the contract term as scheduled by the
City, which usually occurs during the month of June.
The Contractor will thoroughly inspect and review the parking garage to observe any conditions
that might hinder the completion of this project. Low overhead, disposal location, electrical
outlets, water outlets, etc.
1. Walls, Columns, and Ceilings
• The CONTRACTOR will use cold water only for power washing walls and all surfaces
other than the floor.
• Power wash all piping including sewer, water, fire sprinkler and electrical conduit.
CONTRACTOR will assure that the topside of all suspended piping will be free of dirt
and dust.
• Power wash all ventilating ducts attached to or suspended from the ceilings. The
topside of all ducts will be free of dirt and dust.
• All lighting fixtures, exit lights, fire alarms, strobe lights, fire hose and extinguisher
cabinets, and switches will be protected to prevent damage during the cleaning
operation and will be hand wiped free of dirt, dust and water marks. If damaged, all
repairs will be made within one day at the CONTRACTOR’s expense. If the repairs
are not made immediately, the City will have the repairs made and the amount
deducted from CONTRACTOR’s final payment. Do not power wash lighting fixtures or
other electrical items.
• The wall and column mounted carbon monoxide sensors are to be protected during
the wall cleaning operation. If a sensor is damaged the CONTRACTOR will make
repairs within one day. If the repairs are not made immediately, the City will have
the repairs made and the amount deducted from CONTRACTOR’s final payment.
• Main Power Buss - During ceiling cleaning operation the CONTRACTOR will take
steps necessary to protect the main power feed located on Level B ceiling to prevent
the intrusion of water.
• Fire Sprinkler Risers - The three fire risers located on Level B on the Bryant Street
side will be protected against damage and accidental alarms during the cleaning
operation.
• The ceiling mounted carbon monoxide sensors are to be protected during the ceiling
cleaning operation. If a sensor is damaged the CONTRACTOR will make repairs
within one day. If the repairs are not made immediately, the City will have the
repairs made and the amount deducted from CONTRACTOR’s final payment.
• All signs and graphics attached to or a part of the walls, columns, and beams will be
protected during the cleaning operation. If necessary, they will be hand cleaned and
wiped, and free of dirt, dust and water marks. The CONTRACTOR will make any
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 15 Packet Pg. 340 of 828
repairs or replace any signs damaged or broken during project.
• Fire sprinkler heads are to be protected during the ceiling cleaning operation.
2. Elevators
• Floor area in front of elevators to be cleaned at each level.
• Elevator lobby doors and trim will be wiped free of watermarks.
• The CONTRACTOR will prevent any water from entering into the elevator shafts,
cars, and equipment rooms.
• The CONTRACTOR will prevent water from entering the main building elevator
lobbies.
3. Storage Rooms (5)
• The CONTRACTOR will prevent water from entering the five storage rooms. The
storage rooms will require extra protection to prevent water from seeping under the
floor plates and doors, and the open screened area at the top of the walls.
4. Floors
• The CONTRACTOR will sweep the entire parking garage floor area and remove all
dust at or around ventilator ducts, corners, elevators, curbs, and walls prior to any
soaking or scrubbing operations.
• The CONTRACTOR will use absorbent materials i.e. wipes, rags or granules to
remove any standing or ponded petroleum products such as oil, anti-freeze, or
grease.
• The CONTRACTOR will apply a biodegradable cleaner to the heavily oil soaked
concrete surfaces and scrub the surface using a non-destructive method, which must
be pre-approved by the Project Manager. Care in selection of cleaners to prevent
noxious odors or any residue is imperative. The CONTRACTOR will hotpressure wash
stall surfaces to remove the balance of the accumulated oil drippings left by
automobiles.
• The CONTRACTOR will hot pressure wash and scrub by mechanical method the
entire parking garage floor area to remove all gum, stains, adhesives, and other
substances adhering to the surfaces of the project area including collection and
disposal of wash water to an approved City provided disposal site.
• The CONTRACTOR will clean any water spots on doors, walls, etc., which result from
the floor cleaning.
• The CONTRACTOR will prevent noxious fumes and odors from entering into the
office and workspaces.
5. Stairwells
• Stairwell cleaning to include floors (steps, landings, walkways leading to garage
parking areas, and under stairwells), walls, ceiling, doors, piping, and lights.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 16 Packet Pg. 341 of 828
8B. LOT Q PARKING GARAGE - located at 430 High Street has four subterranean levels (A, B, C,
and D). The garage has no effective drainage systems other than for storm water runoff. The
garage has a parking floor area of approximately 48,000 S.F. used for permit and hourly parking,
accessible both day and night. Lot Q parking garage cleaning activities will be limited to the
hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays only. The CONTRACTOR will submit a
schedule to the City for approval prior to the start of work. CONTRACTOR will complete the
work within one (1) day. CONTRACTOR will steam clean the garage once during the contract
term as scheduled by the City, which usually occurs during the month of March.
Lot Q Parking Garage cleaning project includes the cleaning of floors, walls, ceilings, beams,
columns, ventilating ducts, piping, doors, and light fixtures in the garage and stairwell areas
(including under stairwells in fenced area and walkways to garage) and floors in front of
elevators. A key is required for access to fenced area under stairwells. CONTRACTOR will
furnish all labor, materials, tools, and equipment necessary to complete this work.
The CONTRACTOR will thoroughly inspect and review the parking garage to observe any
conditions that might hinder the completion of this project. Low overhead, disposal location,
electrical outlets, water outlets, etc.
6. Walls, Columns, and Ceilings
• The CONTRACTOR will use cold water only for power washing walls and all surfaces
other than the floor.
• Power wash all piping including sewer, water, fire sprinkler and electrical conduit.
CONTRACTOR will assure that the topside of all suspended piping will be free of dirt
and dust.
• Power wash all ventilating ducts attached to or suspended from the ceilings. The
topside of all ducts will be free of dirt and dust.
• All lighting fixtures, exit lights, fire alarms, strobe lights, fire hose and extinguisher
cabinets, and switches will be protected to prevent damage during the cleaning
operation and will be hand wiped free of dirt, dust and water marks. If damaged, all
repairs will be made within one day at the CONTRACTOR’s expense. If the repairs are
not made immediately, the City will have the repairs made and the amount
deducted from CONTRACTOR’s final payment. Do not power wash lighting fixtures or
other electrical items.
• The wall mounted carbon monoxide sensors are to be protected during the ceiling
and wall cleaning operation. If a sensor is damaged the CONTRACTOR will make
repairs within one day. If the repairs are not made immediately, the City will have
the repairs made and the amount deducted from CONTRACTOR’s final payment.
• All signs and graphics attached to or a part of the walls, columns, and beams will be
protected during the cleaning operation. If necessary, they will be hand cleaned and
wiped, and free of dirt, dust and water marks. The CONTRACTOR will make any
repairs or replace any signs damaged or broken during project.
• Fire sprinkler heads are to be protected during the ceiling cleaning operation.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 17 Packet Pg. 342 of 828
7. Elevators
• Floor area in front of elevators to be cleaned at each level.
• Elevator lobby doors and trim will be wiped free of watermarks.
• The CONTRACTOR will prevent any water from entering into the elevator shafts,
cars, and equipment rooms.
8. Floors
• The CONTRACTOR will sweep the entire parking garage floor area and remove all
dust at or around ventilator ducts, corners, elevators, curbs, and walls prior to any
soaking or scrubbing operations.
• The CONTRACTOR will use absorbent materials i.e. wipes, rags or granules to
remove any standing or ponded petroleum products such as oil, anti-freeze, or
grease.
• The CONTRACTOR will apply a biodegradable cleaner to the heavily oil soaked
concrete surfaces and scrub the surface using a non-destructive method, which must
be pre-approved by the Project Manager. Care in selection of cleaners to prevent
noxious odors or any residue is imperative. The CONTRACTOR will hot-pressure
wash stall surfaces to remove the balance of the accumulated oil drippings left by
automobiles.
• The CONTRACTOR will hot pressure wash and scrub by mechanical method the
entire parking garage floor area to remove all gum, stains, adhesives, and other
substances adhering to the surfaces of the project area including collection and
disposal of wash water to an approved City provided disposal site.
• The CONTRACTOR will clean any water spots on doors, walls, etc., which result from
the floor cleaning.
• The CONTRACTOR will prevent noxious fumes and odors from entering into the
office and workspaces.
9. Stairwells
• Stairwell cleaning to include floors (steps, landings, walkways leading to garage
parking areas, and under stairwells), walls, ceiling, doors, piping, and lights.
8C. COWPER/WEBSTER (S/L) PARKING GARAGE - located at 425 Bryant Street has five upper
floors (1 through 5) and three subterranean floors (A, B, and C). The garage has no effective
drainage systems other than for storm water runoff. The garage has a parking floor area of
approximately 229,380 S.F. used for permit and hourly parking, accessible both day and night.
Lot S/L parking garage cleaning activities will be limited to the hours of 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.,
Sunday through Thursday. The CONTRACTOR will submit a schedule to the City for approval
prior to the start of work. CONTRACTOR will complete the work within two (2) consecutive
days. CONTRACTOR will steam clean the garage once during the contract term as scheduled by
the City, which usually occurs during the month of April.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 18 Packet Pg. 343 of 828
Lot S/L Parking Garage cleaning project includes the cleaning of the parking garage and stairwell
(including under stairwells in fenced area) walls, ceilings, beams, columns, ventilating ducts,
doors, piping, and light fixtures, and floors in front of elevators. CONTRACTOR will furnish all
labor, materials, tools, and equipment necessary to complete this work. This will be for all
levels except the top floor, which will only receive floor cleaning in front of the elevators.
The CONTRACTOR will thoroughly inspect and review the parking garage to observe any
conditions that might hinder the completion of this project. Low overhead, disposal location,
electrical outlets, water outlets, etc.
1. Walls, Columns, and Ceilings
• The CONTRACTOR will use cold water only for power washing walls and all surfaces
other than the floor.
• Power wash all piping including sewer, water, fire sprinkler and electrical conduit.
CONTRACTOR will assure that the topside of all suspended piping will be free of dirt
and dust.
• Power wash all ventilating ducts attached to or suspended from the ceilings. The
topside of all ducts will be free of dirt and dust.
• All lighting fixtures, exit lights, fire alarms, strobe lights, fire hose and extinguisher
cabinets, and switches will be protected to prevent damage during the cleaning
operation and will be hand wiped free of dirt, dust and water marks. If damaged, all
repairs will be made within one day at the CONTRACTOR’s expense. If the repairs are
not made immediately, the City will have the repairs made and the amount
deducted from CONTRACTOR’s final payment. Do not power wash lighting fixtures
or other electrical items.
• Fire Sprinkler Risers - Fire risers located in the garage will be protected against
damage and accidental alarms during the cleaning operation.
• The wall mounted carbon monoxide sensors are to be protected during the wall
cleaning operation. If a sensor is damaged the CONTRACTOR will make repairs
within one day. If the repairs are not made immediately, the City will have the
repairs made and the amount deducted from CONTRACTOR’s final payment.
• All signs and graphics attached to or a part of the walls, columns, and beams will be
protected during the cleaning operation. If necessary, they will be hand cleaned and
wiped, and free of dirt, dust and water marks. The CONTRACTOR will make any
repairs or replace any signs damaged or broken during project.
• Fire sprinkler heads are to be protected during the ceiling cleaning operation.
2. Elevators
• Floor area in front of elevators to be cleaned at each level.
• Elevator lobby doors and trim will be wiped free of watermarks.
• The CONTRACTOR will prevent any water from entering into the elevator shafts,
cars, and equipment rooms.
3. Stairwells
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 19 Packet Pg. 344 of 828
• Stairwell cleaning to include floors (steps, landings, walkways leading to garage
parking areas, and under stairwells), walls, ceiling, doors, piping, and lights.
8D. HIGH STREET (LOT R) PARKING GARAGE - located at 528 High Street has five upper floors (1
through 5). The garage has no effective drainage systems other than for storm water runoff.
The garage has a parking floor area of approximately 93,930 S.F. used for permit and hourly
parking, accessible both day and night. Lot R parking garage cleaning activities will be limited to
the hours of 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday. The CONTRACTOR will submit
a schedule to the City for approval prior to the start of work. CONTRACTOR will complete the
work within one (1) day. CONTRACTOR will steam clean the garage once during the contract
term as scheduled by the City, which usually occurs during the month of April.
Lot R Parking Garage cleaning project includes the cleaning of the parking garage and stairwell
walls, ceilings, beams, columns, ventilating ducts, doors, piping, and light fixtures, and floors in
front of elevators. CONTRACTOR will furnish all labor, materials, tools, and equipment
necessary to complete this work. This will be for all levels except the top floor, which will only
receive floor cleaning in front of the elevators.
The CONTRACTOR will thoroughly inspect and review the parking garage to observe any
conditions that might hinder the completion of this project. Low overhead, disposal location,
electrical outlets, water outlets, etc.
1. Walls, Columns, and Ceilings
• The CONTRACTOR will use cold water only for power washing walls and all surfaces
other than the floor.
• Power wash all piping including sewer, water, fire sprinkler and electrical conduit.
CONTRACTOR will assure that the topside of all suspended piping will be free of dirt
and dust.
• Power wash all ventilating ducts attached to or suspended from the ceilings. The
topside of all ducts will be free of dirt and dust.
• All lighting fixtures, exit lights, fire alarms, strobe lights, fire hose and extinguisher
cabinets, and switches will be protected to prevent damage during the cleaning
operation and will be hand wiped free of dirt, dust and water marks. If damaged, all
repairs will be made within one day at the CONTRACTOR’s expense. If the repairs are
not made immediately, the City will have the repairs made and the amount
deducted from CONTRACTOR’s final payment. Do not power wash lighting fixtures or
other electrical items.
• Fire Sprinkler Risers - Fire risers located in the garage will be protected against
damage and accidental alarms during the cleaning operation.
• The wall mounted carbon monoxide sensors are to be protected during the wall
cleaning operation. If a sensor is damaged the CONTRACTOR will make repairs
within one day. If the repairs are not made immediately, the City will have the
repairs made and the amount deducted from CONTRACTOR’s final payment.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 20 Packet Pg. 345 of 828
• All signs and graphics attached to or a part of the walls, columns, and beams will be
protected during the cleaning operation. If necessary, they will be hand cleaned and
wiped, and free of dirt, dust and water marks. The CONTRACTOR will make any
repairs or replace any signs damaged or broken during project.
• Fire sprinkler heads are to be protected during the ceiling cleaning operation.
2. Elevators
• Floor area in front of elevators to be cleaned at each level.
• Elevator lobby doors and trim will be wiped free of watermarks.
• The CONTRACTOR will prevent any water from entering into the elevator shafts,
cars, and equipment rooms.
3. Stairwells
• Stairwell cleaning to include floors (steps, landings, walkways leading to garage
parking areas, and under stairwells), walls, ceiling, doors, piping, and lights.
8E. BRYANT/LYTTON (LOT J) PARKING GARAGE - located at 520 Webster Street has six upper
floors (1 through 6) and one subterranean floor. The garage has no effective drainage systems
other than for storm water runoff. The garage has a parking floor area of approximately
148,000 S.F. used for permit and hourly parking, accessible both day and night. Lot J parking
garage cleaning activities will be limited to the hours of 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., Sunday
through Thursday. The CONTRACTOR will submit a schedule to the City for approval prior to
the start of work. CONTRACTOR will complete the work within one (1) day. CONTRACTOR will
steam clean the garage once during the contract term as scheduled by the City, which usually
occurs during the month of June.
Lot J Parking Garage cleaning project includes the cleaning of the parking garage painted walls
and lower block walls, doors, piping (lower level only), stairwells (all levels), and floors in front
of elevators (all levels). CONTRACTOR will furnish all labor, materials, tools, and equipment
necessary to complete this work.
The upper levels 1 – 6 will consist of power washing stairwells and floors in front of elevators
and cleaning light fixtures only.
The CONTRACTOR will thoroughly inspect and review the parking garage to observe any
conditions that might hinder the completion of this project. Low overhead, disposal location,
electrical outlets, water outlets, etc.
1. Walls, Columns, and Ceilings
• The CONTRACTOR will use cold water only for power washing walls and all surfaces
other than the floor.
• Power wash all piping including sewer, water, fire sprinkler and electrical conduit.
CONTRACTOR will assure that the topside of all suspended piping will be free of dirt
and dust.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 21 Packet Pg. 346 of 828
• All lighting fixtures, exit lights, fire alarms, strobe lights, fire hose and extinguisher
cabinets, and switches will be protected to prevent damage during the cleaning
operation and will be hand wiped free of dirt, dust and water marks. If damaged, all
repairs will be made within one day at the CONTRACTOR’s expense. If the repairs are
not made immediately, the City will have the repairs made and the amount
deducted from CONTRACTOR’s final payment. Do not power wash lighting fixtures or
other electrical items.
• Fire Sprinkler Risers - Fire risers located in the garage will be protected against
damage and accidental alarms during the cleaning operation.
• All signs and graphics attached to or a part of the walls, columns, and beams will be
protected during the cleaning operation. If necessary, they will be hand cleaned and
wiped, and free of dirt, dust and water marks. The CONTRACTOR will make any
repairs or replace any signs damaged or broken during project.
2. Elevators
• Floor area in front of elevators to be cleaned at each level.
• Elevator lobby doors and trim will be wiped free of watermarks.
• The CONTRACTOR will prevent any water from entering into the elevator shafts,
cars, and equipment rooms.
3. Stairwells
• Stairwell cleaning to include floors (steps, landings, walkways leading to garage
parking areas, and under stairwells), walls, ceiling, doors, piping, and lights.
8F. CAMBRIDGE PARKING GARAGE - located at 437 Cambridge Avenue has two (2) floors.
The garage has no effective drainage systems other than for storm water runoff. Cambridge
parking garage cleaning activities will be limited to the hours of 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.,
Sunday through Thursday. The CONTRACTOR will submit a schedule to the City for approval
prior to the start of work. CONTRACTOR will complete the work within one (1) day.
CONTRACTOR will steam clean the garage once during the contract term as scheduled by
the City, which usually occurs during the month of June.
Cambridge Parking Garage cleaning project includes the cleaning of the parking garage
painted walls and lower block walls, doors, piping, stairwells (all levels), and
dusting/cleaning of light fixtures. CONTRACTOR will furnish all labor, materials, tools, and
equipment necessary to complete this work.
The CONTRACTOR will thoroughly inspect and review the parking garage to observe any
conditions that might hinder the completion of this project. Low overhead, disposal
location, electrical outlets, water outlets, etc.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 22 Packet Pg. 347 of 828
1. Walls, Columns, and Ceilings
• The CONTRACTOR will use cold water only for power washing walls and all surfaces
other than the floor.
• Power wash all piping including sewer, water, fire sprinkler and electrical conduit.
CONTRACTOR will assure that the topside of all suspended piping will be free of dirt
and dust.
• All lighting fixtures, exit lights, fire alarms, strobe lights, fire hose and extinguisher
cabinets, and switches will be protected to prevent damage during the cleaning
operation and will be hand wiped free of dirt, dust and water marks. If damaged, all
repairs will be made within one day at the CONTRACTOR’s expense. If the repairs are
not made immediately, the City will have the repairs made and the amount
deducted from CONTRACTOR’s final payment. Do not power wash lighting fixtures or
other electrical items.
• Fire Sprinkler Risers - Fire risers located in the garage will be protected against
damage and accidental alarms during the cleaning operation.
• All signs and graphics attached to or a part of the walls, columns, and beams will be
protected during the cleaning operation. If necessary, they will be hand cleaned and
wiped, and free of dirt, dust and water marks. The CONTRACTOR will make any
repairs or replace any signs damaged or broken during project.
2. Stairwells
• Stairwell cleaning to include floors (steps, landings, walkways leading to garage
parking areas, and under stairwells), walls, ceiling, doors, piping, and lights.
8G. TED THOMPSON parking garage - located at 275 Cambridge Avenue this garage has two
(2) floors. The garage has no effective drainage systems other than for storm water runoff.
Ted Thompson parking garage cleaning activities will be limited to the hours of 11:00 p.m.
to 6:00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday. The CONTRACTOR will submit a schedule to the
City for approval prior to the start of work. CONTRACTOR will complete the work within one
(1) day. CONTRACTOR will steam clean the garage once during the contract term as
scheduled by the City, which usually occurs during the month of June.
Ted Thompson Parking Garage cleaning project includes the cleaning of the parking garage
painted walls and lower block walls, doors, piping, stairwells (all levels), and
dusting/cleaning of light fixtures. CONTRACTOR will furnish all labor, materials, tools, and
equipment necessary to complete this work.
The CONTRACTOR will thoroughly inspect and review the parking garage to observe any
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 23 Packet Pg. 348 of 828
conditions that might hinder the completion of this project. Low overhead, disposal
location, electrical outlets, water outlets, etc.
3. Walls, Columns, and Ceilings
• The CONTRACTOR will use cold water only for power washing walls and all surfaces
other than the floor.
• Power wash all piping including sewer, water, fire sprinkler and electrical conduit.
CONTRACTOR will assure that the topside of all suspended piping will be free of dirt
and dust.
• All lighting fixtures, exit lights, fire alarms, strobe lights, fire hose and extinguisher
cabinets, and switches will be protected to prevent damage during the cleaning
operation and will be hand wiped free of dirt, dust and water marks. If damaged,
all repairs will be made within one day at the CONTRACTOR’s expense. If the repairs
are not made immediately, the City will have the repairs made and the amount
deducted from CONTRACTOR’s final payment. Do not power wash lighting fixtures
or other electrical items.
• Fire Sprinkler Risers - Fire risers located in the garage will be protected against
damage and accidental alarms during the cleaning operation.
• All signs and graphics attached to or a part of the walls, columns, and beams will be
protected during the cleaning operation. If necessary, they will be hand cleaned
and wiped, and free of dirt, dust and water marks. The CONTRACTOR will make any
repairs or replace any signs damaged or broken during project.
4. Stairwells
• Stairwell cleaning to include floors (steps, landings, walkways leading to garage
parking areas, and under stairwells), walls, ceiling, doors, piping, and lights.
8H. Sherman parking garage - located at 350 Sherman Ave has both above ground floors
and subterranean floors. The garage has no effective drainage systems other than for storm
water runoff. The garage hourly parking, accessible both day and night. Sherman parking
garage cleaning activities will be limited to the hours of 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., Sunday
through Thursday. The CONTRACTOR will submit a schedule to the City for approval prior to
the start of work. CONTRACTOR will complete the work within three (3) days. CONTRACTOR
will steam clean the garage once during the contract term as scheduled by the City, which
usually occurs during the month of June.
Sherman Parking Garage cleaning project includes the cleaning of the parking garage
painted walls and lower block walls, doors, piping, stairwells (all levels), and floors in front
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 24 Packet Pg. 349 of 828
of elevators (all levels). CONTRACTOR will furnish all labor, materials, tools, and equipment
necessary to complete this work.
The upper levels will consist of power washing stairwells and floors in front of elevators and
cleaning light fixtures only.
The CONTRACTOR will thoroughly inspect and review the parking garage to observe any
conditions that might hinder the completion of this project. Low overhead, disposal
location, electrical outlets, water outlets, etc.
5. Walls, Columns, and Ceilings
• The CONTRACTOR will use cold water only for power washing walls and all surfaces
other than the floor.
• Power wash all piping including sewer, water, fire sprinkler and electrical conduit.
CONTRACTOR will assure that the topside of all suspended piping will be free of dirt
and dust.
• All lighting fixtures, exit lights, fire alarms, strobe lights, fire hose and extinguisher
cabinets, and switches will be protected to prevent damage during the cleaning
operation and will be hand wiped free of dirt, dust and water marks. If damaged, all
repairs will be made within one day at the CONTRACTOR’s expense. If the repairs are
not made immediately, the City will have the repairs made and the amount
deducted from CONTRACTOR’s final payment. Do not power wash lighting fixtures or
other electrical items.
• Fire Sprinkler Risers - Fire risers located in the garage will be protected against
damage and accidental alarms during the cleaning operation.
• All signs and graphics attached to or a part of the walls, columns, and beams will be
protected during the cleaning operation. If necessary, they will be hand cleaned and
wiped, and free of dirt, dust and water marks. The CONTRACTOR will make any
repairs or replace any signs damaged or broken during project.
6. Elevators
• Floor area in front of elevators to be cleaned at each level.
• Elevator lobby doors and trim will be wiped free of watermarks.
• The CONTRACTOR will prevent any water from entering into the elevator shafts,
cars, and equipment rooms.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 25 Packet Pg. 350 of 828
7. Stairwells
• Stairwell cleaning to include floors (steps, landings, walkways leading to garage
parking areas, and under stairwells), walls, ceiling, doors, piping, and lights.
CONTRACTOR SUPERVISION: In addition to the lead position, the CONTRACTOR will assign an
onsite superintendent to supervise the work for the duration of the project. The project
superintendent will walk jobsite and review work to be completed with City's project manager
prior to each job.
All CONTRACTORS and SUBCONTRACTOR’S employees will wear an acceptable form of
identification, such as a uniform or identification badge, indicating their status as employees of
the CONTRACTOR while servicing any City facility.
SCHEDULING MEETING: The CONTRACTOR will provide the City with a preliminary schedule
prior to any work. The Project Manager will review and approve the schedule that include
various phases of the operations such as, the traffic control plan, and all required submittals.
The approved progress schedule will be adhered to throughout the contract. CONTRACTOR will
also provide emergency phone numbers for after-hour calls at this meeting.
CONTRACTOR may be issued keys for facilities requiring access under this contract. Keys will be
arranged through the Project Manager at the Pre-Wash meeting. CONTRACTOR will secure all
areas they open as soon as the work in that particular area is completed. CONTRACTOR will not
duplicate keys. Keys picked up before the job will be returned within two business days after
job completion.
TRAFFIC CONTROL: The CONTRACTOR will submit a traffic control plan showing the method of
warning, directing and guiding traffic for review and approval by the Project Manager. The
CONTRACTOR will post "No Parking" signs in areas where work is to be done at least 72 hours
prior to work being performed. At the City Hall parking garage and Lot Q notification will
consist of City-furnished "No Parking" signs posted in front of each stall to be closed. At Lot S/L,
Lot R, & Lot J there is the ability to close off whole floors, so each parking space does not have
to be posted in these lots. Signage will still need to be posted 72 hours prior to the work
starting. “No Parking” signs will be provided by the Public Works Department. The logistics of
floor closures will be discussed with the project manager prior to start of work.
STORM DRAIN PROTECTION:
A. The CONTRACTOR will prevent any discharge into the building storm drain system by
damming or blocking the inlets and collecting any accumulations for proper disposal.
The CONTRACTOR will not drain any effluent, water or chemicals into any street,
drain, or any location not approved by the Project Manager.
B. The storm water collection points at each floor level will be properly blocked during
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 26 Packet Pg. 351 of 828
cleaning to prevent water or cleaners from migration to the next lower level. Care in
preventing water seeping through expansion joints or water stops onto lower levels
is also important to prevent damage to vehicles that may be parked under those
locations.
STORM WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION:
A. General
a. Designated Area - The Contractor will propose designated areas of the project
site, for approval by the Project Manager, suitable for material delivery, storage,
and waste collection that, to the maximum extent practicable, are near
construction entrances and away from catch basins, gutters, drainage courses,
and creeks
b. Disposal - At the end of each working day, the Contractor will collect all scrap,
debris, and waste material, and dispose of such materials off site.
B. Hazardous Material/Waste
a. Storage
i. The Contractor will label and store all hazardous materials, such as
pesticides, paints, thinners, solvents, and fuels; and all hazardous wastes,
such as waste oil and antifreeze; in accordance with the City of Palo Alto
Hazardous Materials Storage Ordinance and all applicable State and
Federal regulations.
ii. The Contractor will store all hazardous materials and all hazardous
wastes in accordance with secondary containment regulations, and it is
recommended that these materials and wastes are covered, as needed,
to avoid potential management of collected rainwater as a hazardous
waste.
iii. The Contractor will keep an accurate, up-to-date inventory, including
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), of hazardous materials and
hazardous wastes stored on-site, to assist emergency response personnel
in the event of a hazardous materials incident.
C. Spill Prevention and Control
a. The Contractor will keep a stockpile of spill cleanup materials, such as rags or
absorbents, readily accessible on-site.
b. The Contractor will immediately contain and prevent leaks and spills from
entering storm drains, and properly cleanup and dispose of the waste and
cleanup materials. If the waste is hazardous, the Contractor will handle the
waste as described B.i above.
c. The Contractor will not wash any spilled material into streets, gutters, storm
drains, or creeks and will not bury spilled hazardous materials.
d. The Contractor will report any hazardous materials spill to the City of Palo Alto
Public Works, Facilities Management Division, and (650) 496-6900.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 27 Packet Pg. 352 of 828
D. Vehicles
a. The Contractor will use secondary containment, such as a drip pan, to catch leaks
or spills any time that vehicle or equipment fluids are dispensed, changed, or
poured.
b. The Contractor will keep a stockpile of spill cleanup materials, such as rags or
absorbents, readily accessible on-site.
c. The Contractor will clean up leaks and spills of vehicle or equipment fluids
immediately and dispose of the waste and cleanup materials as hazardous
waste, as described in B.i above.
d. The Contractor will not wash any spilled material into streets, gutters, storm
drains, or creeks and will not bury spilled hazardous materials.
e. The Contractor will report any hazardous materials spill to the City of Palo Alto
Public Works, Facilities Management Division (650) 496-6900.
f. The Contractor will inspect vehicles and equipment arriving on-site for leaking
fluids and will promptly repair leaking vehicles and equipment. Drip pans will be
used to catch leaks until repairs are made.
E. Contractor Training and Awareness
a. The Contractor will train all employees and subcontractors on the storm water
pollution prevention requirements contained in these specifications.
b. The Contractor will inform subcontractors of the storm water pollution
prevention contract requirements and include appropriate subcontract
provisions to ensure that these requirements are met.
4. STEAM CLEANING EQUIPMENT
The steam cleaning equipment to be used will have the capability of removing stains and other
substances adhering to the sidewalk surfaces especially gum. The steam cleaning equipment will
deliver a minimum of 4 gallons per minute of 200 0F water at a working pressure of 3,000 psi. The
noise level from CONTRACTOR’s cleaning equipment, when used in public streets in business
districts will be allowed during the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. daily, providing no such
piece of equipment will produce a noise level that exceeds 90 dBA at a distance of 25 feet, as
specified in Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 9.10, Noise Ordinance.
5. NOTIFICATIONS
The CONTRACTOR will notify all businesses adjacent to the cleaning locations 72 hours in advance
of steam cleaning as to the specific date of steam cleaning of each month. The City will furnish
notices to the CONTRACTOR for this purpose. The CONTRACTOR will fill in the form completely
and will hand deliver the notices to a personal representative of each business in the project
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 28 Packet Pg. 353 of 828
areas. In the event of delays in steam cleaning after the notices are delivered, the CONTRACTOR
will re-notify all affected businesses as to the revised schedule in accordance with the
requirements outlined above.
6. PROPERTY PROTECTION
The CONTRACTOR will take all necessary precautions to prevent water intrusion into adjacent
buildings. Damage to any existing improvements on both public and private property within and
adjacent to the project area during the steam cleaning will be the responsibility of the
CONTRACTOR at no cost to the City. The CONTRACTOR will steam clean away from business
doorways and if required, will seal the bottom of the doors and other openings. The
CONTRACTOR will remove any water spots and dirt on windows, doors, and walls of adjacent
buildings that result from the steam cleaning. The CONTRACTOR will repair or replace at no cost
to the City all existing improvements that are damaged during the cleaning operation. The
CONTRACTOR will immediately notify the Police Department at (650) 329-2413 of any damage
(e.g. broken windows) which affects the integrity or security of any structure or property. The
CONTRACTOR will immediately make temporary repairs necessary to secure the structure or
property until such time as permanent repairs can be completed.
Garage alarms such as fire sprinkler risers and CO sensor alarms must be protected during
cleaning. Any false alarms caused by the CONTRACTOR, that are responded to by the Police
and/or Fire Department, are subject to a service fee which will be deducted from the
CONTRACTOR’s next monthly invoice.
7. WATER USAGE
The CONTRACTOR will furnish all water for steam cleaning. Water may be obtained from any City
fire hydrant. The CONTRACTOR will obtain a fire hydrant meter permit (renewable every three
(3) months). A deposit fee is required for the fire hydrant meter. Contact the Utilities Department
Business Office, Customer Service, at (650) 329-2161 for instructions. The CONTRACTOR will be
responsible for paying all the water bills used for steam cleaning operation for the entire Contract
period. The CONTRACTOR will not use residential or business water services for any purpose.
8. CLEAN – UP
All clean up requirements must be followed in accordance to BASMAA Surface Cleaner
certification. CONTRACTOR will remove all debris and litter on locations prior to steam cleaning
to ensure a reduction of hazardous run-off.
9. SITE CONDITIONS
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 29 Packet Pg. 354 of 828
Before beginning work, the CONTRACTOR will compare actual site conditions with the
requirements of the specifications and will verify all existing conditions and dimensions. Should
any discrepancy be found, report it immediately to the Project Manager before proceeding with
the work. Data and information indicated are as accurate as could be obtained but are not
guaranteed.
10. PARKING AND STORAGE OF MATERIALS OR EQUIPMENT
A. CONTRACTOR is solely responsible for the storage of all equipment and materials.
B. CONTRACTOR will be required to pay either a Monthly or daily permit for all parking
spaces used for storage. As it pertains to Section 3, Task 8.
11. SAFETY AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
A. CONTRACTOR will post and maintain all signs, notices, barricades and other
safeguards as required by State and/or local ordinances. The CONTRACTOR will
take all necessary precautionary action to protect the safety of the members of
the public, City and CONTRACTOR personnel, and protect materials, equipment
and surfaces in the vicinity and adjacent to the work being performed.
B. City retains the right to stop work if CONTRACTOR does not comply with all required
safety procedures. No additional time will be authorized to the contract for this
reason.
12. WASTE DISPOSAL
A. CONTRACTOR will be responsible for testing and disposal of wastewater in
compliance with all applicable local, state and federal regulations. The
CONTRACTOR will contain and remove all accumulated effluent by means of a
vacuum or pump to a vessel by which the material will be hauled away off site
for filtering/disposal or CONTRACTOR will get a discharge permit from the CITY
to allow discharge into sanitary sewer system.
B. Wash water from the cleaning operations may be discharged to the City’s sanitary
sewer system without an Industrial Waste Discharge permit by following the
steps detailed in this specification. Wash water will not be discharged at more
than 15 gallons per minute or as directed by the Utilities Department.
C. Any alteration of the procedure will require an Industrial Waste Discharge Permit
from the Regional Water Quality Control Plant. For further guidance, contact the
Environmental Compliance Division at (650) 329-2598.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 30 Packet Pg. 355 of 828
D. CONTRACTOR will provide City with written advanced notification of
proposed plan for disposal of waste materials.
13. MEETINGS/CONTRACT SUPERVISION
CONTRACTOR will provide competent supervision and adequate training for all personnel
employed on the job site, which includes the proper use of equipment. If the quality of work is
determined to be unsatisfactory and/or not in accordance to Contract specifications, the
CONTRACTOR will provide a Supervisor for an on-site meeting if requested by the Project
Manager. This supervisor will possess the authority to address concerns and mitigate issues
when called upon, and will be on site promptly after given notice, which may require his/her
presence within hours if the situation warrants it.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 31 Packet Pg. 356 of 828
Contractor will use the corresponding maps below as listed in this Exhibit A.
1. Task 1 – University Downtown Business District: Sidewalk Cleaning and Parking Garage
maps
a. Map No. 1
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 32 Packet Pg. 357 of 828
b. Map No. 2
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 33 Packet Pg. 358 of 828
2. Task 2 - California Ave Downtown Business District: Sidewalk Cleaning and Parking
Garage maps
a. Map No. 3
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 34 Packet Pg. 359 of 828
b. Map No. 4
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 35 Packet Pg. 360 of 828
3. Task 3 - Lytton Plaza and Palo Alto City Hall Maps
a. Map No. 5
b. Map No. 6
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 36 Packet Pg. 361 of 828
4. Task 4 - Mitchell Park Community Center and Library and Palo Alto Art Center Maps
a. Map No. 7
b. Map No. 8
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 37 Packet Pg. 362 of 828
5. Task 5: RWQCP – Water Treatment Plant Map, Map No. 9
6. Task 6: California, University and Embarcadero Pedestrian Underpasses Maps
a. Map No. 10
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 38 Packet Pg. 363 of 828
b. Map No. 11
c. Map No. 12
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 39 Packet Pg. 364 of 828
d. Map No. 13
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 40 Packet Pg. 365 of 828
EXHIBIT B
SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE
AMENDMENT NO. 1, ADDED, AMENDED PREVIOUS
CONTRACTOR will perform the Services according to the following schedule:
1. CONTRACTOR will steam clean all of the above referenced locations as specified in
Exhibit A for the term of the contract. University Avenue, California Avenue, Pedestrian
underpasses and Water Treatment Plant will be steam cleaned monthly for the duration
of the contract.
2. Lytton Plaza will be steam cleaned twice a month, the first cleaning will occur during the
second week of the month, and the second cleaning will occur during the fourth week of
the month.
3. Mitchell Park Community Center/ Library Plaza, Palo Alto City Hall/King Plaza and
Rinconada Park/Palo Alto Art Center will be steam cleaned on a quarterly basis as
specified in Exhibit A.
4. Lot Q, Civic Center, Sherman, Bryant/Lytton (Lot J), High street (Lot R), Webster/Cowper
(S/L), Ted Thompson, and Cambridge Parking Garages floors will be steam cleaned once
a year in June as specified in Exhibit A.
5. Civic Center, Lot Q, Bryant/Lytton (S/L), High Street (Lot R) and Bryant/Lytton (Lot J),
Ted Thompson, Cambridge, and Sherman Parking Garage will be steam cleaned as
specified in Exhibit A, Task 8.
6. All steam cleaning will be performed between the hours of 10:00 p.m. through 7:00
a.m., Sunday through Thursday.
Exception: The sidewalks adjacent to the following hotels and condominiums will be
steam cleaned between the hours of 5:00 a.m. through 7:00 a.m., Sunday through
Thursday:
a. Barker Hotel, 439 Emerson Street: sidewalks from University Avenue to Lytton
Avenue.
b. NOBU, 180 Hamilton Avenue: sidewalks at the corner of Hamilton Avenue and
Emerson Street.
c. Cardinal Hotel, 235 Hamilton Avenue: sidewalks at the corner of Ramona Street
and Hamilton Avenue.
d. Garden Court Hotel, 520 Cowper: sidewalks from University Avenue through
Hamilton Avenue.
e. Hotel Keen, 425 High Street: sidewalks from University Avenue to Lytton Avenue.
f. President Hotel Apartments, 488 University Avenue: sidewalks from Webster
Street to Waverley Street.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 41 Packet Pg. 366 of 828
7. CONTRACTOR will change their steam cleaning schedule if the City receives complaints
from hotels and condominiums residents. The City will notify the CONTRACTOR the time
change of steam cleaning. The CONTRACTOR will position their cleaning equipment in the
least disruptive locations when providing cleaning services.
8. CONTRACTOR will submit the steam cleaning schedule for the entire contract to the City’s
Project Manager at the pre-construction meeting. Schedule will be reviewed and
approved by the City prior to the issuance of the Notice to Proceed.
9. CONTRACTOR will perform Additional Services on a Task Order basis for Emergency
Services and Unscheduled Services, on the schedule detailed in the Task Order
(approved by CITY per Section 1 of this Agreement). Additional Services are described on
Exhibit A, Tasks 7 a and 7b, and in Section 5 (“Compensation for the Original Term”) of
this Agreement.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 42 Packet Pg. 367 of 828
Certificate Of Completion
Envelope Id: 9D809015-DE6E-4C4D-A653-E08886366000 Status: Completed
Subject: Complete with Docusign: C22181106 Amendment 1 final.pdf
Source Envelope:
Document Pages: 38 Signatures: 1 Envelope Originator:
Certificate Pages: 2 Initials: 0 Ann Marie Romero
AutoNav: Enabled
EnvelopeId Stamping: Enabled
Time Zone: (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
250 Hamilton Ave
Palo Alto , CA 94301
annmarie.romero@paloalto.gov
IP Address: 199.33.32.254
Record Tracking
Status: Original
9/4/2025 3:53:31 PM
Holder: Ann Marie Romero
annmarie.romero@paloalto.gov
Location: DocuSign
Security Appliance Status: Connected Pool: StateLocal
Storage Appliance Status: Connected Pool: City of Palo Alto Location: Docusign
Signer Events Signature Timestamp
Jerry Nunez
Jnunez@universalsiteservices.com
President
Security Level: Email, Account Authentication
(None)Signature Adoption: Pre-selected Style
Using IP Address: 12.216.234.226
Sent: 9/4/2025 3:59:07 PM
Resent: 9/8/2025 12:38:19 PM
Resent: 9/10/2025 2:48:54 PM
Resent: 9/11/2025 10:01:06 AM
Resent: 9/15/2025 4:18:08 PM
Viewed: 9/15/2025 4:18:58 PM
Signed: 9/16/2025 9:43:19 AM
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Not Offered via Docusign
In Person Signer Events Signature Timestamp
Editor Delivery Events Status Timestamp
Agent Delivery Events Status Timestamp
Intermediary Delivery Events Status Timestamp
Certified Delivery Events Status Timestamp
Carbon Copy Events Status Timestamp
Kaela Noakes
kaela.noakes@paloalto.gov
City of Palo Alto
Security Level: Email, Account Authentication
(None)
Sent: 9/16/2025 9:43:20 AM
Viewed: 9/16/2025 12:46:40 PM
Electronic Record and Signature Disclosure:
Not Offered via Docusign
Witness Events Signature Timestamp
Notary Events Signature Timestamp
Envelope Summary Events Status Timestamps
Envelope Sent Hashed/Encrypted 9/4/2025 3:59:07 PM
Envelope Updated Security Checked 9/8/2025 12:38:18 PM
Envelope Updated Security Checked 9/8/2025 12:38:18 PM
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 43 Packet Pg. 368 of 828
Envelope Summary Events Status Timestamps
Envelope Updated Security Checked 9/8/2025 12:38:18 PM
Certified Delivered Security Checked 9/15/2025 4:18:58 PM
Signing Complete Security Checked 9/16/2025 9:43:19 AM
Completed Security Checked 9/16/2025 9:43:20 AM
Payment Events Status Timestamps
Item 9
Attachment A - Universal
Site Services Inc.; Contract
C22181106 Amendment
No. 1
Item 9: Staff Report Pg. 44 Packet Pg. 369 of 828
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Utilities
Meeting Date: December 1, 2025
Report #:2511-5408
TITLE
Adoption of (Corrected) Resolution Amending Five Rate Schedules Setting Forth Utility
Connection Fees and Other Charges: Utilities Rate Schedule E-15 (Electric Service Connections),
W-5 (Water Service Connections), G-5 (Gas Service Connections), S-5 (Sewer Service
Connections) and C-1 (Utility Miscellaneous Charges); CEQA Status: Not a Project Under CEQA
Guidelines Sections 15378(b)(4) and (5) and Exempt Under Section 15273(a).
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment A) and related Rate
Schedules (Attachments B - F) to correct a clerical error in a resolution adopted on October 20,
2025.
BACKGROUND
The City Council periodically adopts a resolution amending Utility Rate Schedules E-15, G-5, W-
5, S-5, And C-1 (Connection and Capacity Fees for the Electric, Water, Gas, and Wastewater
Utilities, and Miscellaneous Utility Charges). At its meeting on October 20, 2025, following a
noticed public hearing, the Council adopted its resolution amending these rate schedules
effective January 1, 2026. For Rate Schedule C-1 (Utility Miscellaneous Charges), staff
inadvertently uploaded a summary draft 2026 rate table, rather than the full text of the C-1
2026 rate schedule. Also, due to agenda revisions, Resolution 10253 misstated its adoption
date; this has been corrected to reflect Council’s October 20, 2025 adoption of the Resolution.
ANALYSIS
To avoid the confusion that could be caused by this clerical error, Staff recommends adoption
of the attached corrected resolution that includes the C-1 (Utility Miscellaneous Charges) rate
schedule rather than the summary rate table, which also included draft rate calculations rather
than final rates in some lines. Because the adopted rate schedules do not go into effect until
January 1, 2026, there has been no negative impact on Customers from this clerical error.
Item 10
Item 10 Staff Report
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 370 of 828
On October 20, 2025 (Staff Report #2505-4736), Council adopted Resolution 10253, which
adopted 2026 rate schedules for certain connection charges and miscellaneous utility charges.
Proposed 2026 Connection Fee Rate Schedules E-15, W-5, G-5 and S-5 were all properly
uploaded to the system and matched what was intended for Council approval and described in
the staff report. However, staff inadvertently uploaded a 2026 rate table summary of Rate
Schedule C-1, an early draft of the rates and included some rates that were different from the
amounts recommended in the staff report and the uploaded rate schedules.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY:
Item 10
Item 10 Staff Report
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 371 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED Attachment A
1
027111225
Resolution No. _________
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Connection and Capacity
Fees for the Electric, Water, Gas, and Wastewater Utilities, and Amending Miscellaneous
Utility Charges (Utility Rate Schedules E-15, G-5, W-5, S-5, And C-1)
R E C I T A L S
A. Pursuant to Chapter 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, the Council of
the City of Palo Alto may by resolution adopt rules and regulations governing
utility services, fees and charges.
B. On October 20, 2025, at a noticed public hearing, the City Council heard and
approved the proposed amendments to utility connection and capacity fees,
and miscellaneous utility charges.
C. Resolution 10253, the rate resolution adopted by the City Council on October
20, 2025, included a clerical error.
D. The City Council desires to correct the clerical error.
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does hereby RESOLVE as follows:
SECTION 1. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
Utility Rate Schedule E-15 (Electric Service Connection Charges) is hereby amended to
read as attached and incorporated. Utility Rate Schedule E-15, as amended, shall
become effective January 1, 2026.
SECTION 2. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
Utility Rate Schedule G-5 (Gas Service Connection Charges) is hereby amended to read
as attached and incorporated. Utility Rate Schedule G-5, as amended, shall become
effective January 1, 2026.
SECTION 3. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
Utility Rate Schedule W-5 (Water Service Connection Charges) is hereby amended to
read as attached and incorporated. Utility Rate Schedule W-5, as amended, shall
become effective January 1, 2026.
SECTION 4. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
Utility Rate Schedule S-5 (Wastewater Service Connection Charges) is hereby amended
to read as attached and incorporated. Utility Rate Schedule S-5, as amended, shall
become effective January 1, 2026.
SECTION 5. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code,
Utility Rate Schedule C-1 (Utility Miscellaneous Charges) is hereby amended to read as
attached and incorporated. Utility Rate Schedule C-1, as amended, shall become
effective January 1, 2026.
Item 10
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 372 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED Attachment A
2
027111225
SECTION 6. The Council finds that the revenue derived from the adoption of
this resolution shall be used only for the purpose set forth in Article VII, Section 2, of the
Charter of the City of Palo Alto.
SECTION 7. The Council finds that the fees and charges adopted by this
resolution are charges imposed for a specific government service or product provided
directly to the payor that are not provided to those not charged, and do not exceed the
reasonable costs to the City of providing the service or product.
SECTION 8. Council finds that the adoption of this resolution is statutorily
exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to California
Code of Regulations Title 14, Chapter 3, Section 15273(a), because the fees and charges
proposed are necessary to recover the cost of providing utility service and meet
operating expenses. After reviewing the report and related attachments as presented,
the Council incorporates these documents herein and finds that sufficient evidence has
been presented setting forth with specificity the basis for this claim of CEQA exemption.
Alternatively, correction of a clerical error in a rate schedule is not a project under CEQA
Guidelines Sections 15378(b)(4) and (5), as government fiscal and administrative
activities that will not result in physically significant changes in the environment.
//
//
//
//
//
//
Item 10
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 373 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED Attachment A
3
027111225
SECTION 9. The purpose of this Resolution is to correct a clerical error in
Resolution 10253 adopted by the City Council on October 20, 2025. Instead of the
complete text of Utility Rate Schedule C-1 (Utility Miscellaneous Charges), that
resolution included a table summary of the utility miscellaneous charges, as well as the
other utility connection fees, with some discrepancies from the final Rate Schedules. For
administrative convenience, and avoidance of any confusion, the City Council has
chosen to readopt the entire resolution, substituting the complete text of Utility Rate
Schedule C-1 (Utility Miscellaneous Charges) included here in place of the summary rate
table that was part of the resolution adopted on October 20, 2025. This resolution is
intended to ratify, rather than repeal, those parts of the previously adopted resolution
that are unchanged.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
Assistant City Attorney
Director of Administrative Services
Item 10
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 374 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED Attachment A
4
027111225
Attachments:
Utility Rate Schedule E-15
Utility Rate Schedule G-5
Utility Rate Schedule W-5
Utility Rate Schedule S-5
Utility Rate Schedule C-1
Item 10
Attachment A - Resolution
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 375 of 828
ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-15
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 0101-01-260
Supersedes Sheet No. E-15-1 dated 01-01-209-01-19 Sheet No.E-15-1
8
4
7
9
A. APPLICABILITY:
This Rate Schedule applies to all connections, interconnections, expansions, and upgrades to the
City's Electric Distribution System, except connections that serve street lighting or traffic
signals.
This Rate Schedule applies anywhere the City of Palo Alto provides Electric Service.
All Charges must be pre-paid by the Applicant prior to the scheduling of any construction or
connections to the City's Electrical Distribution System.
The Applicant must pay all Advance Engineering Fees to start the engineering process which
are non-refundable. The Advance Engineering Fees will be credited against the estimated job
cost prior to the collection of construction fees. For Service connections that do not require a
job estimateapplicable to fixed electric service connection fees, CPAU will not require Advance
Engineering Fees.
(A)Service Connection Charges:
Service Connection Charges are required when the City connects any Customer to the
City’s electrical Distribution System. A one-time waiver of this fee may be granted for
Services connected during the construction of an underground conversion utility district.
(1) Residential or Small Commercial - Single Familyservice, single phase, 200 (or less)
and 400 amp services that do not require customer contribution for transformer
upgrades or replacement.
These fees apply to a development in which Electric Metering will be on a single-family
dwellings, with or without an ADU, and small commercial businesses basis..
Item 10
Attachment B - Rate
Schedule E-
15_effective_2026-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 376 of 828
ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-15
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 0101-01-260
Supersedes Sheet No. E-15-2 dated 01-01-209-01-19 Sheet No.E-15-2
8
4
7
9
(a) For a 250 volt maximum, 200 amp or less underground service..
………..$1,0403,940.00
(b) For a 250 volt maximum, 400 amp underground service …..………………
$4,360.00any connection requiring greater capacity the fee shall be CPAU’s estimate
of the installation cost or $1040, whichever is greater.
(c)For a 250 volt maximum, 200 amp max service from a rear
easement..............................................................................................$2,330
(d)(c)For any rear easement connection requiring greater capacity or system
upgrades, the fee shall be CPAU’s estimate of the installation cost or $2330,
whichever is greater.
(2) Commercial/Industrial
These fees apply to commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential services.
(a) For a 250 volt maximum, 200 amp or less service ...........................$1,420
(b) For any connection requiring greater capacity, the fee shall be CPAU’s
estimate of the installation costs or $1420, whichever is greater.
(B) On-site Distribution System Charges:
Where the customer is financially responsible for CPAU installations or will installof
the underground conductors (primary or secondary), switches or transformers in and
on facilities provided by the developer within the boundaries of a sub-division or other
development, an on-site distribution system fee shall be charged, based on CPAU’s
estimate of all applicable installation costs.
(C) Off-Site Distribution System Charges:
Where the customer is financially responsible for CPAU installations or will installof
an Electric Distribution system, system extension, or system reinforcement outside the
boundaries of a sub-division or other development to be served, an off-site distribution
system fee shall apply, based on CPAU’s estimate of all applicable installation costs.
3. OVERHEAD SYSTEMS
Connection Charges shall apply for all new single-phase Services or Service upgrades
exceeding 2400 amps or less.
(A)Overhead Service Connection Replacement Charges:
Item 10
Attachment B - Rate
Schedule E-
15_effective_2026-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 377 of 828
ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-15
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 0101-01-260
Supersedes Sheet No. E-15-3 dated 01-01-209-01-19 Sheet No.E-15-3
8
4
7
9
(1) Residential or Commercial – Single Familyservice, single phase, for 200 amps (or
less) and 400 amps services that do not require customer contribution to transformer
upgrades or replacement.
These fees apply to single-family dwellings, with or without ADU, or small commercial
businesses. development in which Electric Metering will be on a single-family service
basis.
(a)For a 250 volt maximum, 200 amp or less, 3 and 4 wire services, single phase
overhead service of
(a)80 feet in length maximum service…………………………………………s
$1,0402,910.00
(b)For a 250 volt maximum, 4200 amp or less, 3 and 4 wire single phase overhead
services,
(c)80 feet in length maximum services, mid-span connection
…………………………………………………………….$2,3703,540.00
(b)
(d)(c)For all other connections, the fee shall be CPAU’s estimate of the installation cost
or $1040, whichever is greater.
(a) For a 250 volt maximum, 200 amp or less, 3 and 4 wire services,
100 feet in length maximum service ..............................................$1,440
(b) For all others the fee shall be CPAU’s estimate of the installation cost or
$1440, whichever is greater.
(2) Charges for replacement or upgraded Overhead Services not described above, shall be based
on CPAU’s estimate of applicable costs.
4. TEMPORARY SERVICE
(A) Overhead Temporary Service Charges:
(1) For a 250 volt, 200 amp or less, 3 wire service, within 50 feet if a suitable
secondary system ……………………………………………..
………………………………………………………$1,1901,040.00
(2) Fees for a Temporary Service of greater length and capacity or voltage shall be
based on CPAU’s estimate of all applicable installation and removal costs, or
$1,040.001,190, whichever is greater.
Item 10
Attachment B - Rate
Schedule E-
15_effective_2026-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 378 of 828
ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-15
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 0101-01-260
Supersedes Sheet No. E-15-4 dated 01-01-209-01-19 Sheet No.E-15-4
8
4
7
9
(B) Underground Temporary Service Charges:
(1) For a 250 volt, 200 amp or less, 3-wire maximum service, within 100 feet of
suitable secondary system and service box. Customer is responsible for all
substructure.
………………………………………………….....................................................
.......................................$1,1901,060.00
(2) If a suitable secondary system and/or service box is not available at the property,
the Customer will be responsible for all cost necessary to extend or rearrange the
system to allow for the temporary electric service.
(3) Fees for a Temporary Service of greater length and capacity or Voltage shall be
based on CPAU’s estimate of the installation and removal costs, or
$11901,060.00, whichever is greater.
5. GENERATOR INTERCONNECTION
CPAU shall charge a fee for evaluation of Generator (Photo Voltaic (PV), Energy Storage
System (ESS)) Interconnection Applications performed pursuant to Rule and Regulation 27.
(A) Advance Engineering Fees:
(1) Net Energy Metering p or pProjects with a size less than or equal to 10kW in
capacity……………………………………………………………..……..$520.0
0
(1) Net Energy Metering projects or projects with a size less than or equal to 10 kW
taking Service under the Net Energy Metering Successor Program................$0
(2) All Projects which are greater than 10 kW and less than 100 kW in capacity
...............................................................................................……...$8401,140.00
(3) All Projects which are greater than or equal to 100 kW and less than 500 kW in
capacity ........................................................................................$5,5507,560.00
(4) All Projects which are 500 kW or greater in capacity .............$10,70014,500.00
(B) Supplemental and Detailed Studies:
Item 10
Attachment B - Rate
Schedule E-
15_effective_2026-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 10 Packet Pg. 379 of 828
ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-15
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 0101-01-260
Supersedes Sheet No. E-15-5 dated 01-01-209-01-19 Sheet No.E-15-5
8
4
7
9
Net Energy Metering projects or projects with a size less than or equal to 10 kW taking
Service under the Net Energy Metering Successor Program)$0(1) Supplemental
and Detailed Study fees for all Net Energy Metering Projects requiring additional
study per Rule and Regulation 27 not covered under section 4(B)(1) shall be based
on CPAU’s estimate of applicable costs.
(C) Interconnection Review Charges:
Net Energy Metering projects or projects taking Service under the Net Energy
Metering Successor Program).........................................................................$0
(1) All projects less than or equal to 10 kW not under section 4(C)(1)…...$152520.00
(2) Interconnection fees for all Projects not covered under section 4(C)(1) or 4(C)(2)
will be based on CPAU’s estimate of applicable costs.
6. PALO ALTO CLEAN LOCAL ENERGY ACCESSIBLE NOW PROGRAM
Meter maintenance and administrative service Charge for Generators participating in the
Palo Alto Clean Local Energy Accessible Now (CLEAN) Program.................$34.73207.00
DG. CREDITS:
For single family or multi-family Service Connections only, if the installation of Electric
Vehicle Supply Equipment will require a capacity upgrade of Electric Distribution System
Equipment, a connection fee credit may be available under the City’s Low Carbon Fuel
Standard (“LCFS”) Program. The credit shall be equal to the estimated cost of the upgrade of
electric distribution system equipment, and may not exceed $3,000 per connection. When
Service Connection is triggered by EVSE installation, the connection fee shall be the greater
of
a) the estimate of the installation costs minus the LCFS credit, or b) the minimum fee shown
in section C.2(A)(1) (for single family Service Connections) or C.2(A)(2) (for multi-family
Service Connections). The availability of the credit is subject to LCFS Program rules and
funding availability.
Rebates or credits may be available to defray electric service connection chargers, if the service
upgrade is a result of higher electrical loads caused by electric vehicle charging. For additional
information visit: https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/Utilities or call 650-329-2241
Item 10
Attachment B - Rate
Schedule E-
15_effective_2026-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 11 Packet Pg. 380 of 828
ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-15
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 0101-01-260
Supersedes Sheet No. E-15-6 dated 01-01-209-01-19 Sheet No.E-15-6
8
4
7
9
EH. NOTES:
1. These Charges apply to all vacant land except where the Charges are recorded as previously
paid.
2. CPAU can generally provide service availability from 30 to 45 days after all Charges are
paid except when long lead-time equipment or materials are required. Consult the City for
estimated lead-times.
3.All fees and minimum charges are subject to DGS California Construction Cost Index
(CCCI) adjustments, to be applied annually effective on July 1.
3.4. CPAU is not responsible for delays in Service connection caused by conditions beyond its
control, including, but not limited to, delays in the arrival of equipment such as transformers,
switches and cable.
{End}
Item 10
Attachment B - Rate
Schedule E-
15_effective_2026-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 12 Packet Pg. 381 of 828
GAS SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-5
Sheet No. G-5-1
Effective 09-01-201901-01-2026
Supersedes Sheet No.G-5-1
dated 05-01-201509-01-2019
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
8
4
8
0
A. TERRITORY:
This Rate Schedule applies everywhere the City of Palo Alto provides Gas Service.
B. CHARGES:
Customer must pay plan review and connection fees in full prior to scheduling any Utility
construction work or inspections. CPAU will mail send invoices to the responsible party listed on
the Service application. All invoices are valid for 90 days from date of issuance. Once CPAU
receives full payment, determines that all applicable Service requirements are met, and the Utilities
Inspector determines that the project is ready for utility installation, CPAU Water, -Gas, and-
Wastewater Utilities Operations (WGW Operations) staff will schedule the project for construction.
Depending on material availability and scheduling constraints, Utility Services are generally
installed 60 to 90 days later. While CPAU staff makes best efforts to install Services as planned,
construction delays may occur as a result of unforeseen conditions. Contact WGW Operations for
scheduling lead-time.
Regular CPAU work hours are 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding legal City
holidays. Any work the City deems necessary to be performed during non-regular work hours shall
be charged at the overtime rate per Utility Rate Schedule Rate C-1. Conditions in which work may
need to be performed during non-regular work hours may include, but are not limited to, performing
work on arterial streets, in business districts, in front of major commercial establishments, and near
schools.
1. COMMERCIAL PLAN REVIEW:
New commercial building or remodeling permit valuation greater than $200,000
...........................................................................................................................................$2,557.003
,536.00
New subdivision residential unit
.......................................................................................................................................$379.00520.0
0/unit
System extension of 2-inch polyethylene (PE) Gas main
.............................................................................................................................................$13.0020.
00/ft
2. RESIDENTIAL PLAN REVIEW:
New single-family residential (SFR) building or SFR remodeling permit valuation greater than
$100,000
Item 10
Attachment C - Rate
Schedule G-
5_effective_2026-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 13 Packet Pg. 382 of 828
GAS SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-5
Sheet No. G-5-2
Effective 09-01-201901-01-2026
Supersedes Sheet No.G-5-2
dated 05-01-201509-01-2019
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
8
4
8
0
..............................................................................................................................................$924.001
,270.00
3.DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM EXTENSIONDESIGN:
Charge per linear footGas system design .........................................................................$205.00
/ftUtility Estimate
4. DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM EXTENSION:
Charge per linear foot.......................................................................................................$350.00/ft
4.5.CONNECTION FOR SERVICE INSTALLED ON EXISTING MAIN:
Service connection Charges include up to 40 feet of Service Line installation inside the property
line. Service Lines will be installed along the shortest most practical route, as determined by the
Utilities Department (perpendicular from the Gas main in the adjoining street, alley, lane road, or
easement to the nearest suitable Meter location at the building or structure).
Size
1-inch directionally bored connection
........................................................................................................................................$5,892.008
,636.00
2-inch directionally bored connection
........................................................................................................................................$6,999.001
3,439.00
Excess length Charge for directionally bored connection
..........................................................................................................................................$52.0069.0
0 /ft*
1-or 2-inch trenched connection
.......................................................................................................................................$7,126.008
,500.00
2-inch main installation in contractor-provided trench.......................................................$68.00245
/ft
Connections above 2-inches.....................................................................................Utility Estimate
1-or 2-inch excess flow valve (EFV) installation on PE service
.....................................................................................................................................$2,740.006
,713.00
*Excess Length Charge: An additional Charge ($52.0069.00 /foot) will apply to an extension
Item 10
Attachment C - Rate
Schedule G-
5_effective_2026-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 14 Packet Pg. 383 of 828
GAS SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-5
Sheet No. G-5-3
Effective 09-01-201901-01-2026
Supersedes Sheet No.G-5-3
dated 05-01-201509-01-2019
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
8
4
8
0
greater than 40 feet from the property line closest to the street, to the Gas Meter location,
measured along a line perpendicular to the street property line.
Replacement of Service connections made necessary because of ordinary wear and deterioration
will be made without Charge. However, if the need for replacement arises due to meeting an
increase in load or relocation of a non- polyethylene (PE) pipe Service, the installation of the
Service will be charged as a new Service.
5. METERS:
250 Cubic Foot Per Hour (CFH) House Meter
............................................................................................................................................$1,012.001
,097.00
250 CFH Curb Meter
............................................................................................................................................$2,124.002
,601.00
400 CFH House Meter
............................................................................................................................................$1,191.001
,457.00
400 CFH Curb Meter
............................................................................................................................................$2,331.002
,782.00
630 CFH House Meter
............................................................................................................................................$1,602.001
,969.00
630 CFH Curb Meter
............................................................................................................................................$2,657.002
,796.00
800 CFH Diaphragm – Commercial House Meter
............................................................................................................................................$1,772.002
,782.00
1000 CFH Diaphragm - Commercial House Meter
............................................................................................................................................$2,213.003
,217.00
1500 CFH Rotary-Commercial House Meter
............................................................................................................................................$2,894.003
,202.00
2000 CFH Rotary-Commercial
............................................................................................................................................$3,924.004
,165.00
Item 10
Attachment C - Rate
Schedule G-
5_effective_2026-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 15 Packet Pg. 384 of 828
GAS SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-5
Sheet No. G-5-3
Effective 09-01-201901-01-2026
Supersedes Sheet No.G-5-3
dated 05-01-201509-01-2019
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
8
4
8
0
Item 10
Attachment C - Rate
Schedule G-
5_effective_2026-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 16 Packet Pg. 385 of 828
GAS SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-5
Sheet No. G-5-4
Effective 09-01-201901-01-2026
Supersedes Sheet No.G-5-4
dated 05-01-201509-01-2019
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
8
4
8
0
3000 CFH Rotary-Commercial
...........................................................................................................................................$3,966.004
,278.00
5000 CFH Rotary-Commercial
...........................................................................................................................................$4,469.004
,827.00
7000 CFH Rotary-Commercial
...........................................................................................................................................$5,174.005
,594.00
11000 CFH Rotary-Commercial
.........................................................................................................................................$12,639.001
5,898.00
16000 CFH Rotary-Commercial
.........................................................................................................................................$13,980.001
8,314.00
23000 CFH Rotary-Commercial
.........................................................................................................................................$16,628.00
Utility Estimate
Electronic Volume Corrector System................................................................................Utility
Estimate$5,808.00
Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) Encoder Receiver Transmitter – Diaphragm Meter
..............................................................................................................................................$205.002
32.00
AMR Encoder Receiver Transmitter – Rotary Meter
..............................................................................................................................................$269.003
24.00
Vent line for Gas Regulator
..............................................................................................................................................$385.004
54.00
2-inch bollard (to protect Gas Meter) installation fee
...........................................................................................................................................$394.005
25.00
4-inch bollard (to protect Gas Meter) installation fee
..............................................................................................................................................$564.008
23.00
Other Meter sizes......................................................................................................Utility Estimate
6. ADDITIONAL METERS ON CONNECTION:
These Charges apply to Meters up to 630 CFH.Charges for Meters above 630 CFH will be
Item 10
Attachment C - Rate
Schedule G-
5_effective_2026-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 17 Packet Pg. 386 of 828
GAS SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-5
Sheet No. G-5-5
Effective 09-01-201901-01-2026
Supersedes Sheet No.G-5-5
dated 05-01-201509-01-2019
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
8
4
8
0
based on the Utilities Department’s estimate.
Per Meter
With new connection
..............................................................................................................................................$578.006
48.00
On existing Metered connection
...........................................................................................................................................$1,412.001
,585.00
7. SERVICE RELOCATION:
Service riser relocation
...........................................................................................................................................$1,920.002
,791.00
Service riser relocations will only be performed on 1-inch and larger polyethylene (PE) pipe
Service Lines that have been approved by Utilities Department. All Service Lines made of non-
PE materials must be replaced from the main to the Meter at the Charges listed in Section B(64)
of this Rate Schedule.
Curb Meter- Riser relocation on existing 1-inch PE pipe
............................................................................................................................................$1,026.001
,337.00
Curb Meter- New Service from main to house
............................................................................................................................................$2,946.003
,887.00
8. RELOCATION OF FACILITIES:
Approved relocation of Service Lines and other facilities will be done at the cost of the
Applicant. Payment of estimated costs is required before relocation work begins.
9. TAPPING THE GAS MAIN FOR CONTRACTOR-INSTALLED SERVICES:
Tap Gas main for 1- to 2-inch Service
...........................................................................................................................................$1,799.002
,290.00
Tap Gas main for 4- to 6-inch Service
Item 10
Attachment C - Rate
Schedule G-
5_effective_2026-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 18 Packet Pg. 387 of 828
GAS SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE G-5
Sheet No. G-5-6
Effective 09-01-201901-01-2026
Supersedes Sheet No.G-5-6
dated 05-01-201509-01-2019
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
8
4
8
0
...........................................................................................................................................$2,505.002
,864.00
1. ABANDONMENT OF GAS SERVICES:
1-inch to 2-inch Gas service abandonment ………………………………………………… $6,092
1.2.WORK PERFORMED BY OUTSIDE CONTRACTORS:
Engineering and inspection service Charges per Utility Rate Schedule C-1 will apply to utility
work performed by outside contractors, which may be done only with the prior written approval
of the Utilities Department.
C. NON-STANDARD CONDITIONS:
1. Any condition which, in the opinion of the Engineering Manager, Water-Gas-Wastewater, will
result in a cost higher than the Charges set forth in Section B will be classified as non-standard.
The Charge for a non-standard installation will be based on the Engineering Manager's estimate
of the total costs of all materials, labor, and other costs required to complete the installation.
2. In the event Gas Service to a Premise is requested and insufficient capacity exists to provide such
Service, the Applicant shall bear the total cost for designing and enlarging the Distribution
System to accommodate serving the Applicant. The Engineering Manager, Water-Gas-
Wastewater, may require the Applicant to make arrangements for the design and construction of
said expansion in accordance with applicable CPAU Rules and Regulations, standards and
specifications. Alternatively, CPAU may elect for City staff or contractors to design and install
such facilities at the Applicant's expense. Credit to the Applicant will be provided for any over
sizing or extra facilities installed to meet Service demands above the specific capacity needs of
the Applicant.
D. SPECIAL NOTES:
1. All fees and minimum charges are subject to DGS California Construction Cost Index (CCCI)
adjustments, to be applied annually effective on July 1.
{End}
Item 10
Attachment C - Rate
Schedule G-
5_effective_2026-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 19 Packet Pg. 388 of 828
WATER SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE W-5
Sheet No. W-5-1
Effective 09-01-201901-01-2026
Supersedes Sheet No. W-5-1
dated 09-01-201905-01-2015
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
8
4
8
1
A. TERRITORY:
This Rate Schedule applies anywhere the City of Palo Alto provides Water Service.
B. CHARGES:
Customer must pay plan review and connection fees in full prior to scheduling any Utility construction
work or inspections. The invoice will be mailed sent to the responsible party listed on the Service
application. All Invoices are valid for 90 days from date of issuance. Once CPAU receives full
payment, determines that all applicable Service requirements are met, and the Utilities Inspector
determines that the project is ready for utility installation, CPAU Water, Gas, and Wastewater Utilities
Operations (WGW Operations) staff will schedule the project for construction. Depending on material
availability and scheduling constraints, Utility Services will be installed between 60 and 90 days.
While CPAU staff makes best efforts to install Services as planned, construction delays may occur as
a result of unforeseen conditions. Contact WGW Operations for scheduling lead-time.
Regular CPAU work hours are 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding legal City holidays.
Any work the City deems necessary to be performed during non-regular work hours shall be charged
at the overtime rate per Utility Rate Schedule Rate C-1. These conditions include but are not limited
to performing work on arterial streets, in business districts, in front of major commercial
establishments, and near schools.
1. PLAN REVIEW:
New single family residence or residential remodel …………………………………………
$635.00
New commercial building or remodeling permit valuation greater than $200,000...........…
$3,369.004,653.00
New subdivision residential unit
……………………………………………………...$378.00526.00/unit
System extension of 8-inch high-density polyethylene (HDPE) Water main
.............................................................................................................................................$13.0019.
00/ft
2. DESIGN:
Water System Design ………………………………………………………………Utility Estimate
2.3.DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM EXTENSION:
City standard 8-inch main, Charge per linear foot
..............................................................................................................................................$252.003
83.00
Item 10
Attachment D - Rate
Schedule W-
5_effective_2065-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 20 Packet Pg. 389 of 828
WATER SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE W-5
Sheet No. W-5-2
Effective 09-01-201901-01-2026
Supersedes Sheet No. W-5-2
dated 09-01-201905-01-2015
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
8
4
8
1
3. SERVICE CONNECTIONS:
Water Service: Domestic, Irrigation, and Fire
Size Amount
1-inch copper connection ………………………………………………………………$10,773.00
2-inch copper connection ………………………………………………………………$11,965.00
2-inch connection
............................................................................................................................................$7,671.001
2,236.00
4-inch connection
............................................................................................................................................$9,932.001
5,030.00
6-inch connection
..........................................................................................................................................$11,274.001
7,.920.00
8-inch connection
..........................................................................................................................................$13,170.001
9,482.00
10-inch connection
..........................................................................................................................................$14,669.002
1,826.00
Replacement of Service connection made necessary because of ordinary wear and deterioration
will be made without Charge. Replacement due to inadequacy because of additional demand or
load will be charged as a new Service connection.
Additional Domestic or Irrigation Services
For Service installations connecting to a pre-existing Service or installations of a new, larger
Service.
2-inch connection
............................................................................................................................................$3,523.005
,626.00
4-inch connection
............................................................................................................................................$4,663.007
,956.00
Item 10
Attachment D - Rate
Schedule W-
5_effective_2065-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 21 Packet Pg. 390 of 828
WATER SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE W-5
Sheet No. W-5-3
Effective 09-01-201901-01-2026
Supersedes Sheet No. W-5-3
dated 09-01-201905-01-2015
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
8
4
8
1
Combination Domestic or Irrigation Water Service and Fire Service
Combination Water Service connections require CPAU approval. If approved, connection
Charges for both the fire Service and the domestic or irrigation Service connection will apply.
Master Water Service
Connections that serve domestic Water Service and fire protection through a detector Meter require
CPAU approval. Applicable Charges for master Water Service connections will be based on
CPAU’s estimate of the total costs, including materials, labor, metering, and all other costs
required for the installation.
4. METERS:
5/8-inch x 3/4-inch Meter
...............................................................................................................................................$795.001
,193.00
1-inch Meter
........................................................................................................................................$1,002.001
,318.00
1 ½-inch Meter
............................................................................................................................................$1,593.002
,509.00
2-inch Meter
........................................................................................................................................$1,945.002
,726.00
3-inch Meter
…………………………………………………………………………………$4,478.00
4-inch Meter
............................................................................................................................................$6,561.007
,259.00
6-inch Meter
............................................................................................................................................$9,324.009
,805.00
Automatic Meter Reading - AMR Encoder Receiver Transmitter
...............................................................................................................................................$108.002
16.00
Item 10
Attachment D - Rate
Schedule W-
5_effective_2065-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 22 Packet Pg. 391 of 828
WATER SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE W-5
Sheet No. W-5-3
Effective 09-01-201901-01-2026
Supersedes Sheet No. W-5-3
dated 09-01-201905-01-2015
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
8
4
8
1
Item 10
Attachment D - Rate
Schedule W-
5_effective_2065-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 23 Packet Pg. 392 of 828
WATER SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE W-5
Sheet No. W-5-4
Effective 09-01-201901-01-2026
Supersedes Sheet No. W-5-4
dated 09-01-201905-01-2015
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
8
4
8
1
5. CAPACITY CHARGES:
Capacity Charges apply to new Utility Services and added demand on existing Services.
Domestic:
5/8-inch x 3/4-inch Meter...................................................................................................$3,750.00
1-inch Meter.......................................................................................................................$6,250.00
1 ½-inch Meter.................................................................................................................$18,850.00
2-inch Meter.....................................................................................................................$31,250.00
4-inch Meter and larger........................................................By estimate at $125/fixture unit (FU)*
*These charges vary and are based on the total number of fixture units (FU) estimated for the water
supply demand. Water supply fixture units are estimated per California Uniform Plumbing Code.
Fire Service Capacity Charges:
2-inch.....................................................................................................................................$750.00
4-inch..................................................................................................................................$8,425.00
6-inch................................................................................................................................$18,250.00
8-inch................................................................................................................................$30,950.00
10-inch..............................................................................................................................$48,110.00
If a Customer is upgrading the capacity of an existing Service, then the capacity Charge will be
the difference between the new Service size and the existing Service size.
6. ADDITIONAL METERS:
With new connection, up to 2-inch
...........................................................................................................................................$1,381.001
,823.00
With existing connection, up to 2-inch …………………………………………………….2,463
2 Meter Manifold on 2” PE or 1” CU service
..............................................................................................................................................$868.001
,037.00
7. RELOCATION OF FACILITIES:
The costs of CPAU-approved relocation of Services, hydrants, or other facilities will be the
responsibility of the Applicant. Payment of estimated cost is required before relocation work
begins.
Item 10
Attachment D - Rate
Schedule W-
5_effective_2065-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 24 Packet Pg. 393 of 828
WATER SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE W-5
Sheet No. W-5-4
Effective 09-01-201901-01-2026
Supersedes Sheet No. W-5-4
dated 09-01-201905-01-2015
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
8
4
8
1
Item 10
Attachment D - Rate
Schedule W-
5_effective_2065-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 25 Packet Pg. 394 of 828
WATER SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE W-5
Sheet No. W-5-5
Effective 09-01-201901-01-2026
Supersedes Sheet No. W-5-5
dated 09-01-201905-01-2015
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
8
4
8
1
8. FIRE HYDRANT:
(A) Install new hydrant without lateral
...................................................................................................................................$3,542.005
,135.00
(B) Install new hydrant with lateral
.................................................................................................................................$15,285.002
4,341.00
(C) Relocation behind curb (up to 5 feet)
...................................................................................................................................$8,585.001
3,518.00
Relocations more than 5 feet will require a new lateral and the existing lateral will be disconnected
and abandoned at the main.
9. TAPPING THE WATER MAIN FOR CONTRACTOR-INSTALLED SERVICES:
(A) Tap Water main for 2-inch Service
...................................................................................................................................$1,929.002
,435.00
(B) Tap Water main for 4-inch Service
...................................................................................................................................$2,539.003
,137.00
(C) Tap Water main for 6-inch Service
...................................................................................................................................$3,852.005
,170.00
(D) Tap Water main for 8-inch Service
...................................................................................................................................$5,244.006
,959.00
10. ABANDONMENT:
(A) Small Service 2-inch and less
...................................................................................................................................$3,341.006
,593.00
(B) Large Service more than 2-inch
...................................................................................................................................$4,439.008
,991.00
11. WORK PERFORMED BY OUTSIDE CONTRACTORS:
Engineering and inspection service Charges per Utility Rate Schedule C-1 will apply to utility
work performed by outside contractors, which may be done only with the prior written approval
Item 10
Attachment D - Rate
Schedule W-
5_effective_2065-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 26 Packet Pg. 395 of 828
WATER SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE W-5
Sheet No. W-5-6
Effective 09-01-201901-01-2026
Supersedes Sheet No. W-5-6
dated 09-01-201905-01-2015
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
8
4
8
1
of the Utilities Department.
(A) Engineering and inspection for new 2-inch Service
...................................................................................................................................$1,923.002
,631.00
(B) Engineering and inspection for new 2-inch Service connected to larger Service
...................................................................................................................................$1,282.001
,754.00
(C) Engineering and inspection for new 4-inch to 8-inch Service
...................................................................................................................................$2,885.003
,946.00
(D) Engineering and inspection for new hydrant and Service
...................................................................................................................................$2,885.003
,946.00
(E) Engineering and inspection for abandonment of 2-inch and smaller Service
......................................................................................................................................$962.001
,315.00
(F) Engineering and inspection for abandonment of 3-inch and larger Service
...................................................................................................................................$1,282.001
,754.00
(G) Engineering and inspection for new 8-inch main (per linear foot)
........................................................................................................................................$32.004
4.00
C.NON-STANDARD CONDITIONS:
1. Any condition which, in the opinion of the Engineering Manager, Water-Gas-Wastewater, will
result in a cost higher than the Charges set forth in Section B will be classified as non-standard.
The Charge for a non-standard installation will be based on the Engineering Manager’s estimate
of the total costs of all materials, labor, and other costs required to complete the installation.
2. If CPAU determines that insufficient capacity exists to provide Water Service to an Applicant,
Applicant will be responsible for the CPAU’s costs to complete a hydraulic system capacity study
to determine whether Distribution System upgrades will be required to serve the Applicant, as well
the costs of completing the upgrades deemed necessary by CPAU.
D. SPECIAL NOTES:
1. All fees and minimum charges are subject to DGS California Construction Cost Index (CCCI)
adjustments, to be applied annually effective on July 1.
{End}
Item 10
Attachment D - Rate
Schedule W-
5_effective_2065-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 27 Packet Pg. 396 of 828
WASTEWATER SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE S-5
Sheet No. S-5-1
Effective 09-01-2019 01-01-2026Supersedes Sheet No. S-5-1 dated
05-01-201509-01-2019
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
8
4
8
4
A. TERRITORY:
This Rate Schedule applies anywhere the City of Palo Alto provides Wastewater Service.
B. CHARGES:
Customer must pay plan review and connection fees in full prior to scheduling any Utility construction
work or inspections. CPAU will mail send invoices to the responsible party listed on the Service
application. All Invoices are valid for 90 days from date of issuance. Once CPAU receives full
payment, determines that all applicable Service requirements are met, and the Utilities Inspector
determines that the project is ready for utility installation. CPAU Water, Gas, and Wastewater Utilities
Operations (WGW Operations) staff will schedule the project for construction. Depending on material
availability and scheduling constraints, Utility Services are generally installed between
60 and 90 days later. While CPAU staff makes best efforts to install Services as planned, construction
delays may occur as a result of unforeseen conditions. Contact WGW Operations for scheduling lead-
time.
Regular CPAU work hours are 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding legal City holidays.
Any work the City deems necessary to be performed during non-regular work hours shall be charged
at the overtime rate per Utility Rate Schedule Rate C-1. Conditions in which work may need to be
performed during non-regular work hours may include, but are not limited to, performing work on
arterial streets, in business districts, in front of major commercial establishments, and near schools.
1. PLAN REVIEW:
New single family residential building or remodel ………………………………………...
$635.00
New commercial building or remodeling permit valuation greater than $200,000
.........................................................................................................................................$2,547.003
,520.00
New subdivision residential unit
....................................................................................................................................$172.00232.0
0/unit
System extension 8-inch HDPE Wastewater main
..........................................................................................................................................$24.0034.
00/ft
2. DESIGN:
Wastewater system design fee …………………………………………………… Utility Estimate
Item 10
Attachment E - Rate
Schedule S-
5_effective_2026-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 28 Packet Pg. 397 of 828
WASTEWATER SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE S-5
Sheet No. S-5-2
Effective 09-01-2019 01-01-2026Supersedes Sheet No. S-5-2 dated
05-01-201509-01-2019
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
8
4
8
4
2. COLLECTION SYSTEM EXTENSIONS:
City standard 8-inch main, Charge per linear foot
........................................................................................................................................$248.00479
.00/ft
3. CONNECTIONS:
4-inch connection, depth at 6 feet and below
.........................................................................................................................................$8,559.001
5,615.00
6-inch connection, depth at 6 feet and below
.........................................................................................................................................$9,846.001
7,478.00
4-inch lateral, depth between 6 feet and 10 feet
.......................................................................................................................................$11,456.002
1,858.00
6-inch lateral, depth between 6 feet and 10 feet
......................................................................................................................................$12,186.002
2,938.00
Rehabilitation of existing 4” to 6” lateral by pipe bursting
........................................................................................................................................$5,861.009
,694.00
Connections of sewer laterals over 25 feet in length will be charged for the additional footage at
a rate of $106206/linear foot for 4-inch connections and $110213/linear foot for 6-inch
connections.
Special arrangements must be made for connections larger than 6-inch. CPAU will estimate the
cost which will serve as the basis for a Customer deposit. Upon receipt of this deposit CPAU
will install the connection and the Customer will be responsible for the actual costs that exceed
the deposit amount.
4. REPLACEMENT OR RELOCATION OF FACILITIES:
Replacement of Lateral connections made necessary because of ordinary wear and
deterioration will be made without Charge. Replacement due to inadequacy because of increased
demand or load, relocation due to location will be charged as a new connection.
Item 10
Attachment E - Rate
Schedule S-
5_effective_2026-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 29 Packet Pg. 398 of 828
WASTEWATER SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE S-5
Sheet No. S-5-3
Effective 09-01-2019 01-01-2026Supersedes Sheet No. S-5-3 dated
05-01-201509-01-2019
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
8
4
8
4
Costs associated with CPAU-approved relocation of lateral, and other facilities are the
responsibility of the Applicant. Payment of estimated costs is required before relocation work
begins.
5. CAPACITY CHARGES:
4-inch connection with 5/8-inch Water Meter (WM).....................................................$5,250.00
4-inch connection with 1-inch WM..............................................................................$10,500.00
4- or 6-inch connection with 1-1/2-inch WM...............................................................$31,668.00
6-inch connection with 2-inch WM..............................................................................$52,500.00
6-inch and larger connection with 4-inch or larger WM.........................By estimate at $210/FU*
* FU = fixture unit (1 FU = 15 gallons per day).
Capacity upgrades to an existing Lateral will be calculated as the difference between the new
Lateral size and the existing Lateral size.
6. INSTALL AND CORE DRILL MANHOLE:
(A) Depth, 6 feet or less
..............................................................................................................................$12,952.001
8,404.00
(B) Depth, greater than 6 feet
..............................................................................................................................$16,346.002
4,812.00
(C) Core Drill and Connection Tap to Manhole (Shallow) ……………………………...
$5,488.00
(D) Core Drill and Connection Tap to Manhole (Deep) …………………………………
$6,435.00
7. ABANDONMENT AND DEMOLITION:
(A) Sewer Lateral
................................................................................................................................$3,261.005
,142.00
8. INSTALL SEWER CLEANOUT
........................................................................................................................................$2,523.004
,240.00
Item 10
Attachment E - Rate
Schedule S-
5_effective_2026-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 30 Packet Pg. 399 of 828
WASTEWATER SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE S-5
Sheet No. S-5-4
Effective 09-01-2019 01-01-2026Supersedes Sheet No. S-5-4 dated
05-01-201509-01-2019
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
8
4
8
4
9. WORK PERFORMED BY OUTSIDE CONTRACTORS:
Engineering and inspection service Charges per Utility Rate Schedule C-1 will apply to utility
work performed by outside contractors, which may be done only with the prior written approval of
the Utilities Department.
(A) Engineering and inspection for new lateral
................................................................................................................................$2,564.003
,508.00
(B) Engineering and inspection for new main (per lineal foot)
.....................................................................................................................................$40.005
5.00
(C) Engineering and inspection for new manhole
................................................................................................................................$3,205.004
,385.00
(D) Engineering and inspection for lateral abandonment
................................................................................................................................$1,603.002
,192.00
C. NON-STANDARD CONDITIONS
1. Any condition which, in the opinion of the Engineering Manager, Water-Gas-Wastewater,
will result in a cost higher than the Charges set forth in Section B will be classified as non-
standard. The Charge for a non-standard installation will be based on the Engineering
Manager’s estimate of the total costs of all materials, labor, and other costs required to
complete the installation.
2. In the event Wastewater Service to a Premise is requested and insufficient capacity exists to
provide such Service, the Applicant shall bear the total cost for flow monitoring the existing
main to determine remaining capacity, design of new sewer main and construction cost for
enlarging the collection system to accommodate serving the Applicant. The Engineering
Manager, Water-Gas-Wastewater may require the Applicant to make arrangements for the
design and construction of said expansion in accordance with applicable CPAU Rules and
Regulations, standards and specifications. Alternatively, CPAU may elect for City staff or
contractors to design and install such facilities at the Applicant’s expense.
3. PUMPING PLANTS:
If the development requires a pumping facility to drain into the City’s Wastewater collection
system, the developer is responsible for the cost of construction of the pumping plant and the on-
going plant operation and maintenance costs.
Item 10
Attachment E - Rate
Schedule S-
5_effective_2026-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 31 Packet Pg. 400 of 828
WASTEWATER SERVICE CONNECTION CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE S-5
Sheet No. S-5-5
Effective 09-01-2019 01-01-2026Supersedes Sheet No. S-5-5 dated
05-01-201509-01-2019
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
8
4
8
4
A. SPECIAL NOTES:
1. All fees and minimum charges are subject to DGS California Construction Cost Index (CCCI)
adjustments, to be applied annually effective on July 1.
{End}
Item 10
Attachment E - Rate
Schedule S-
5_effective_2026-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 32 Packet Pg. 401 of 828
UTILITY MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE C-1
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 04/03/2301/01/26
Supersedes Sheet No.C-1-1 dated 09/1/1904/03/23
Sheet No.C-1-1
Charges under this Rate Schedule may be either mailed to the responsible party in a form
of invoice or added to the regular monthly Utilities bill of the Customer receiving the
Service, and non-payment may result in termination of Service.
Charges During Charges After
Regular Hours1 Regular Hours
A. SERVICE CALLS AND OTHER SERVICE WORK:
1.Setting Electric Meter2 No Charge
$204.00263.00
2.Disconnection of Service
for non-payment of Utilities Charges $152.00207.00
Not applicable
3.Restoration of Service following
disconnection for non-payment of Utilities Charges
$152.00 $207.00
$204.00 263.00
4.Restoration of Electric Service at power pole following
disconnection for non-payment of Utilities Charges
$390304.00 $526 408.00
B. LABOR, ENGINEERING AND INSPECTION RATES PER HOUR PER PERSON:
Service provided during regular work hours
1.$152.00 $207.00
Not applicable
2.Service provided on overtime basis where the
1 Regular hours are 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays.
2 For Water Meters see Utility Rate Schedule W-5, for Gas Meters see Utility Rate Schedule G-5.
Item 10
Attachment F - Rate
Schedule C-
1_effective_2026-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 33 Packet Pg. 402 of 828
UTILITY MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE C-1
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 04/03/2301/01/26
Supersedes Sheet No.C-1-1 dated 09/1/1904/03/23
Sheet No.C-1-1
overtime is scheduled at the City's convenience.
Not applicable $178.00243.00
1.Service provided on overtime basis where the
overtime is scheduled at the Customer's convenience.
Not applicable
$$204.00279.00
C. EQUIPMENT CHARGES
See Caltrans Equipment Rental Rates and Labor Surcharge at
https://dot.ca.gove/programs/construction/equipment-rental-rates-and-labor-
surcharges
D. RETURNED PAYMENTS:
See City of Palo Alto Municipal Fee Schedule.
DE. LATE PAYMENTS:
Two percent (2%) of unpaid balance of Utilities Charges
EF. DEPOSITS:
A.Customer deposit for Meter accuracy test $0-300.00 Not
applicable
GF. AMI OPT-OUT FEES:
1. Set Up Charge $100.00 Not applicable
2. Monthly $25.00 Not applicable
H. CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL NON-COMPLIANCE FEES Charge Per Unit
Delinquency Backflow Prevention Assembly Non-Compliance Administrative &
Processing Fee
$57.00
Item 10
Attachment F - Rate
Schedule C-
1_effective_2026-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 34 Packet Pg. 403 of 828
UTILITY MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE C-1
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 04/03/2301/01/26
Supersedes Sheet No.C-1-1 dated 09/1/1904/03/23
Sheet No.C-1-1
Test/certify 1/2”- 16" Reduced Pressure Principle Assemblies (RPPA);
Double Check Valve Assemblies (DCVA);
and Pressure Vacuum Breaker Assemblies (PVB)
$310.00
Test/certify 2"- 16” Fire Service Reduced Pressure Principle Assemblies (RPDA); Fire
Service
Double Check Detector Assemblies (DCDA)
$517.50
Item 10
Attachment F - Rate
Schedule C-
1_effective_2026-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 35 Packet Pg. 404 of 828
UTILITY MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE C-1
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 04/03/2301/01/26
Supersedes Sheet No.C-1-1 dated 09/1/1904/03/23
Sheet No.C-1-1
Item 10
Attachment F - Rate
Schedule C-
1_effective_2026-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 36 Packet Pg. 405 of 828
UTILITY MISCELLANEOUS CHARGES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE C-1
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 04/03/2301/01/26
Supersedes Sheet No.C-1-1 dated 09/1/1904/03/23
Sheet No.C-1-1
I. SPECIAL NOTES:
1.All fees and minimum charges are subject to California Construction Cost Index
(CCCI) adjustments, to be applied annually on July 1.
{End}
Item 10
Attachment F - Rate
Schedule C-
1_effective_2026-01-
01_redline
Item 10: Staff Report Pg. 37 Packet Pg. 406 of 828
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Public Works
Meeting Date: December 1, 2025
Report #:2511-5409
TITLE
Approval of Amendment No. 2 to Contract C09124501A with GreenWaste of Palo Alto to
Extend the Term for an Additional Four Years Through June 30, 2030, for an Estimated Average
Annual Compensation of $24,840,211, including an Estimated $1,400,589 in Additional
Expenses; Approval of Replacement of Aging Collection Vehicles for an Estimated $5,900,000 in
Additional Expenses; Approval of a Budget Amendment in the Refuse Fund; and Approval of
Amendment No. 1 to the Revocable Non-Exclusive License For Use of a Portion of the Former
Los Altos Treatment Plant Located at 1237 San Antonio Road by GreenWaste of Palo Alto
Through June 30, 2030; CEQA Status - Not a Project
RECOMMENDATION
The Finance Committee and staff recommend that City Council:
1. Approve Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. C09124501A with GreenWaste of Palo Alto
to extend the term for an additional four years to end June 30, 2030, for an estimated
average annual compensation of $24,840,211, including an estimated additional cost of
$1,400,589 for additional expenses in vehicle repairs and maintenance, and container
replacements;
2. Approve and authorize the replacement of aging collection vehicles for an estimated
total of $5,900,000;
3. Amend the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Appropriation for the Refuse Fund (requires a 2/3
majority vote) by:
a. Decreasing the Refuse Fund balance by $2,610,000; and
b. Increasing the Collection, Hauling, Disposal appropriation for Refuse Collection
by $2,610,000; and
4. Approve Amendment No. 1 to the revocable non-exclusive license for GreenWaste of
Palo Alto to continue using a portion of the Former Los Altos Treatment Plant, located at
1237 San Antonio Road, for an additional four years to end June 30, 2030.
Item 11
Item 11 Staff Report
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 407 of 828
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff recommends that the contract with GreenWaste of Palo Alto be amended to extend its
term by an additional four years through June 2030. In addition, staff requests that the Finance
Committee review and consider the GWPA requests for 1) replacing aging collection vehicles
and 2) providing additional compensation for vehicle repairs and incrementally increasing
maintenance on the remaining fleet vehicles, and container replacements during the extended
term. Extending the contract will ensure continuity of essential waste collection services for the
community and enable a long-term strategy to consolidate the currently separate collection
and processing contracts. This alignment will also position the City to explore its post-2030 zero
waste goals and implement further sustainability enhancements aimed at reducing greenhouse
gas emissions.
On November 4, 2025, the Finance Committee reviewed and unanimously recommended that
Council adopt the staff recommendations1.
BACKGROUND
GreenWaste of Palo Alto (GWPA) is the City’s exclusive contractor for the collection and
processing of recyclable, compostable, deconstruction, and construction and demolition
materials, as well as the collection of landfill waste. The processing of landfill materials is
handled through a separate contract with GreenWaste Recovery, approved by City Council in
May 2021.2
GWPA was awarded the contract as the City’s waste collector in 20093 after a competitive
solicitation process, and the contract now has been extended and amended multiple times. The
previous waste collector, Waste Management, purchased the local company, PASCO, in 1998
which had provided services to the City for the prior 50+ years. Long-term contracts for waste
collection and processing services are very common in the waste industry and are often
extended due to key factors that provide benefits and stability for both the service provider and
the municipality receiving the services.
For the City, the GWPA contract has locked in an efficient, stable, and consistent high-quality
service, innovative processing facilities, predictable pricing, and the ability to expand on
services to achieve the City’s zero waste and sustainability goals. This has helped with long-
term budgeting and protected the City from volatile market prices, and the cost volatility and
risks associated with competitive bidding processes. GWPA benefited and strategizes on how
1 Finance Committee, November 4, 2025; Agenda Item #2 SR# 2508-5141
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=83791
2 City Council, May 24, 2021; Agenda Item #7 SR# 11632
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=2264
3 City Council, August 4, 2008 SR # 329:08
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=71349
Item 11
Item 11 Staff Report
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 408 of 828
best to manage the waste collected and processed through its specialized collection vehicles,
containers, and the materials processing facilities.
Long-term contracts provide service providers the financial security to make large investments
in equipment, and the predictable revenue stream allows them to secure financing and
amortize the cost over many years. GWPA has also benefited in helping the City implement
ground-breaking services and pilot programs that have helped the City achieve its current
diversion rate of 88%.7 The contract was amended and extended in 2019, which extended the
contract through June 30, 20268, added new services (including an enhanced Clean Up Day
collection and deconstruction services), added new staffing to help the City achieve increased
compliance with zero waste requirements, and included vehicle replacements to the GWPA
fleet including electric vehicles. The contract was most recently amended on December 12,
20229 to implement domestic recycling of mixed paper and mixed rigid plastics. Another
development is that as of February 2024 the GWPA drivers are unionized.
The City Council approved a limited-term site license agreement for the Los Altos Treatment
Plant (LATP) in 201610 providing GWPA the use of the site for the storage of containers. In
January 2024, the Revocable Non-Exclusive License for the Use of Real Property (License) was
approved for GWPA to remain at LATP, located at 1237 San Antonio Road, through June 30,
2026.11
ANALYSIS
GWPA’s past amendments and term extensions have mutually benefited both the City and
GWPA. Similarly, this next (and final), term extension leverages the experience and trust for this
contract to continue an additional four years from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2030, with a vetted
contractor that has allowed competitive rates in comparison to neighboring jurisdictions, and
provided high quality performance and consistent service reliability and responsiveness to the
City and the community. The 2019 contract extension8 anticipated the possibility of the City
taking action on extending the contract term with GWPA and included the ability for the City to
extend the term up to four additional years without altering any of the terms or provisions in
the agreement. Staff considered multiple options and alternatives to extending the term, from
7 Zero Waste Progress Report;
https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Zero-Waste/About-Us/Progress-Report#section-2
8 Special Meeting, January 22, 2019; Agenda Item #6 SR# 9752
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=2037
9 City Council, December 12, 2022; Agenda Item #1 SR# 14834
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=82083
10 City Council, August 15, 2016; Agenda Item # 6 SR# 7082
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=79687
Item 11
Item 11 Staff Report
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 409 of 828
considering conducting a formal solicitation process to exploring various lengths of time to
extend the contract and ultimately determined its recommendation that the option that most
benefits and provides the best contract flexibility to the City is the last option listed in Table 1,
which is to extend the GWPA contract for four years and accommodate some contract requests
from GWPA that provides the continuity of services to the community while minimizing
financial impacts to both the City and GWPA.
Table 1: Summary of Options Considered for the Contract Amendment
Options Considered Challenges
Extend contract 2 years and
initiate new solicitation
Most costly to the City due to procurement process, transition,
and less advantages to the City
Estimated cumulative additional increased costs of 15 to 20%
No economies of scale of combining solid waste contracts
Less time to align with City goals with innovation and
improvement to the waste industry from artificial intelligence
Extend contract 4 years with
current services (no
compensation changes)
Financially beneficial to the City since it would minimize
expenses
Increased risk of collection service issues with aging vehicles
Increased risk of operational difficulties vehicle breakdowns,
potential unsafe conditions, increased maintenance needs, and
environmental violations
Extend agreement 4 years, use
the 10-year industry standard for
vehicle replacements and create
specific parameters to determine
which vehicles should be
replaced by GWPA
(Recommended)
Process for vehicle replacements is described in the current
agreement
Compromise approach for both City and GWPA
Increased expenses on vehicle replacement, and container
replacements
Ensure the continuity and reliability of essential services, control expenses to the City,
and lessen disruptions to residents and businesses;
Maintain price stability by continuing a predictable compensation amount; further
protects the City from the current market, tariffs, and labor volatility;
Continue to benefit from the local processing facilities with close proximity to Palo Alto
as well as the current structure for materials processing expenses. It maintains and
continues the processing commitments for recyclable, compostables, and construction
and demolition materials at the GreenWaste processing facilities located in San Jose;
Provide staff more time to develop a long-term vision and strategy for solid waste
management services beyond 2030 and enable the consolidation of all the solid waste
Item 11
Item 11 Staff Report
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 410 of 828
collection and processing services into one new future contract. This would combine the
services that are currently provided by GWPA and the GreenWaste Recovery contract
that handles the processing of landfill materials and will end on June 30, 2030.17 In
addition, it will provide staff the opportunity to strategize into the future solicitation
process the benefits from artificial intelligence being developed in the solid waste field.
Enable staff to explore post-2030 zero waste goals and determine how best to enhance
sustainability efforts to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Staff held multiple discussions with GWPA over numerous months, and continues to work with
GWPA with the mutual goal of a contract term extension and continuing existing services while
minimizing increased expenses to the City and managing the financial impacts to GWPA
operations and services. The recommendations reflect a strategy to reduce the frequency of
vehicle replacements and align it with solid waste industry standards of a ten-year replacement
schedule instead of using an eight-year replacement schedule. Initial discussions contemplated
the eight-year replacement lifespan of approximately 50 vehicles, which would have led to
additional expenses to the City above $21 million over the extended term. The current
recommendations significantly reduce these costs for the City in the final extended term of the
contract.
The initial GWPA contract was for an eight-year term starting in 2009 and included both newly
purchased vehicles as well as nine used vehicles obtained from the previous hauler. The
replacement of collection vehicles is allowed in the current agreement with GWPA and has
been approved in the past by the City both administratively through an approval letter from the
Public Works Director as well as through City Council action as was last done through the
contract amendment in 2019.
At the end of the GWPA contract term, the City will have the option to either acquire the
vehicles from GWPA or to instruct them to sell the vehicles and provide the City with the
amount received for the sale. The contract requires that GWPA obtain from the City approval to
use any vehicles that exceed eight years of age. Given that the additional four-year term
impacts the current fleet vehicle lifespan, and with the industry standard being ten years, staff
recommends replacing the vehicles reaching ten years of age during the additional term and
proposes one exception, which is to replace the rear loader electric vehicle sooner than the
ten-year standard life. For the remaining fleet vehicles, both for collection and support, it is
recommended to address potential repairs and maintenance issues by allocating some
additional expenses for vehicle repair and maintenance during the extended term.
The following sections describe the estimated proposed GWPA additional compensation for
Fiscal Year 2026 and during the four-year term extension, which are also summarized in Table
2:
17 GreenWaste LATP License 2024
Item 11
Item 11 Staff Report
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 411 of 828
Replacement of Nine Collection Vehicles – Estimated Total Expense of $5,900,000, with
approximately $2,610,000 in current Fiscal Year 2026, and $3,290,000 in the Extended Term
Table 2: Summary of Options Considered for Vehicle Replacement Expenses
Options
Considered
Advantages & Disadvantages
Item 11
Item 11 Staff Report
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 412 of 828
Use Refuse Fund
rate stabilization
reserves
(Recommended)
Advantages:
GWPA has an open vehicle order and the initial four vehicles could be put into
operation as early as Spring 2026; Refuse Fund reserves are able to sustain the
expense
Estimated total cost impact, in addition to direct vehicle costs, of $600,000
considering foregone investment income from Refuse Fund reserves
Payment based on invoices as vehicles are received by GWPA
Disadvantages:
Large impact to the Refuse Fund with an estimated $5,900,000 expense over the
extended term that reduces the rate stabilization reserves as vehicles are
ordered and expenses are incurred
Amortization or
smoothing the
cost of vehicles
over the term
Advantages:
Spreads the cost and depreciation of the expensive specialized collection
vehicles across the 4.25 years of the proposed term, Fiscal Years 2026 through
2030
Reduces the expense impact on the Refuse Fund rate stabilization reserves
Enables a predictable and consistent operating budget for the Refuse Fund
Disadvantages:
Adds the complexity of requiring GWPA to obtain a loan with interest which
would be a pass-through expense to the City
Estimated total cost impact, in addition to direct vehicle cost, of $1,100,000
considering interest payments on 7% loan and foregone investment income
from Refuse Fund reserves
Staff recommends the first option presented in Table 2, which would compensate GWPA for the
vehicle replacements based on the invoice price as the vehicles are received into the fleet over
the proposed extended term of the contract (some in Fiscal Year 2026 plus some during the
proposed recommended extended 4-year term to end in Fiscal Year 2030). This option reduces
the City’s overall expenses that would be incurred with the amortizing option of spreading the
interest and financing debt over the extended term, with an estimated difference in total cost
impact of approximately $500,000. This approach aligns the replacement timing with the
vehicle 10-year lifecycle, offers a consistent and manageable framework for expenses that is
similar to the recent process used for the vehicle replacements approved in 2019, and uses the
Refuse Fund reserves to minimize the financial strain on the Refuse Fund and ratepayers.
The proposed estimated expenses would be incurred by the City in Fiscal Years 2026, 2027, and
2028.
The following requests for additional compensation to GWPA require City Council approval:
Item 11
Item 11 Staff Report
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 413 of 828
Vehicle Repair and Maintenance for the Aging Fleet – Estimated Total Expense of $1,400,589
with $82,688 in current Fiscal Year 2026 and $1,317,900 in the Extended Term
Table 3: GWPA Additional Compensation Requests Distributed by Fiscal Year
Items Estimated Additional Expenses
FY2026 FY2027 FY2028 FY2029 FY2030 Total
Vehicle repair &
maintenance
$82,688 $213,500 $222,100 $277,300 $373,000 $1,168,589
Bin replacements $58,000 $58,000 $58,000 $58,000 $232,000
Vehicle replacements $2,610,000 $570,000 $2,720,000 $5,900,000
Total $2,692,688 $841,500 $3,000,100 $335,300 $431,000 $7,300,589
Item 11
Item 11 Staff Report
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 414 of 828
GWPA utilizes the site at LATP for charging electric vehicles, storing containers, and serving as a
transitional yard to temporarily hold illegally disposed items collected by staff. On June 12,
2023, the City Council approved a HomeKey Lease Agreement with LifeMoves for the use of the
LATP site.19 The project required GWPA to relocate to a different area of the LATP site and a
new license agreement was approved for the relocation while HomeKey is under
construction.20 Once the HomeKey project is finalized, GWPA will relocate to a new,
approximately 52,246 square foot premise adjacent to the HomeKey Project. New EV chargers
for the GWPA electric vehicles have been installed and will be used by GWPA. Staff proposes
extending the license agreement (Attachment C) on substantially the same terms as the current
agreement, to expire in 2030 concurrently with the agreement.
During the Finance Committee discussion, there were questions about the square footage of
the LATP Area C needed by Greenwaste, and whether there could be space for parking or
storage of oversized vehicles. Greenwaste does need to fully use the Area C location included in
the license agreement. However, approval of the license agreement extension does not
foreclose the possibility of using part of the former LATP site for oversized vehicle program
needs. Although there are challenges around environmental remediation, wetlands mitigation,
and costs due to the half-ownership of LATP by the Refuse Fund, the potential use of Area B,
where Greenwaste has been temporarily operating during the Homekey construction, can be
considered as part of staff and the City Council’s efforts to address oversized vehicles issues and
has been referred to that team’s work.
Zero Waste Services and Future Major Projects Timeline
Extending the GWPA agreement term to end in June 2030 will ensure continuity of essential
waste collection services for the community and enable a long-term strategy to consolidate the
currently separate collection and processing contracts. Table 4 is an estimated timeline and
plan for upcoming major projects for the Refuse Fund.
Table 4: Timeline of Major Projects for the Refuse Fund
Projects Timeline
Refuse Fund Cost of Service Study update to Finance Committee.January/February 2026
Engagement with the community and City Council on considerations for changes
to the future solid waste contract service and to develop a new zero waste vision
post-2030 (the current Zero Waste Plan,21 as established in Staff Report 8988,
sets targets through 2030).
January to September 2027
19 Special Meeting, June 12, 2023; Agenda Item #14 SR #2308-1895
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=2316
21 GreenWaste LATP License 2024
https://paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/public-works/staff-reports-all/2025/greenwaste-license-final.pdf
Item 11
Item 11 Staff Report
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 415 of 828
Begin solicitation process for new consolidated contract for collection,
processing and disposals services for landfill, recyclable, compostable,
deconstruction, and construction and demolition materials.
New Zero Waste vision post 2030 is approved.
January to June 2028
Finance Committee and City Council review and approve finalized and negotiated
consolidated agreement for solid waste services.
January to June 2029
Current solid waste contracts with GreenWaste Recovery for garbage processing
and disposal ends.
June 30, 2030
Proposed amended contract with GWPA ends.June 30, 2030
New consolidated solid waste contract begins.July 1, 2030
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Table 5 provides the estimated proposed additional GWPA compensation for current Fiscal Year
2026 and the extended 4-year term.
Table 5: Proposed GWPA Compensation for the Extended Term
FY 2026
(Current
contract term)
FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030
GWPA estimated annual
compensation for current services
(without additional new expenses)
$22,900,000 $23,701,500 $24,531,053 $25,389,639 $26,278,277
Additional vehicle repair and
maintenance and bin
replacements (also included in
Table 3)
$82,688 $271,500 $280,100 $335,300 $431,000
Additional vehicle replacements
(also included in Table 3)$2,610,000 $570,000 $2,720,000
Subtotal of Estimated additional
compensation $2,692,688 $841,500 $3,000,100 $335,300 $431,000
Total $25,592,698 $24,543,000 $27,531,153 $25,724,939 $26,709,277
In Fiscal Year 2026, the additional one-time compensation recommendation of $2,692,688, can
be accommodated using Refuse Fund reserves, but requires a budget amendment for the
additional expense. Appropriations for subsequent contract years will be determined through
the annual budget development process and are subject to Council approval.
The Refuse Fund beginning Fiscal Year 2026 rate stabilization reserve (RSR) balance is $15.5
million and exceeds the recommended guideline range of ten to twenty percent of sales, which
is estimated at $6.8 million. The Fund has not implemented residential rate increases since
Fiscal Year 2018 and commercial rate increases since Fiscal Year 2017. A cost-of-service study is
being conducted, and staff expects to bring the results to the Finance Committee at the
beginning of calendar year 2026.
Item 11
Item 11 Staff Report
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 10 Packet Pg. 416 of 828
The current contract, which staff proposes to extend, has resulted in competitive rates for Palo
Alto ratepayers. Table 6 provides a summary of FY 2025 residential rates for Palo Alto and
neighboring cities. Approximately 88% of Palo Alto residential ratepayers are under the 20 or 32
gallon cart rates. The comparison does not capture any FY 2026 rate increases implemented in
other cities, while Palo Alto did not have a FY2026 rate increase. Additionally, Palo Alto funds its
exceptional Household Hazardous Waste program and street sweeping services through its
refuse rates, while many other cities have alternative funding sources for these programs.
Given the current Refuse Fund RSR balance, the recommended contract amendment and
vehicle replacement are not expected to be a near-term driver for rate increases, although the
cost-of-service-study underway and planning for anticipated cost increases under a new 2030
contract will incorporate any appropriate adjustments and/or increases.
Table 6: Fiscal Year 2025 Refuse/Solid Waste Rates
Supersaver
(20-24 gallon)
Small
(32-35 gallon)
Medium
(65-65 gallon)
Large
(95-96 gallon)
Palo Alto $27.81 $50.07 $100.15 $150.22
Hayward $31.20 $45.59 $81.31 $116.99
Los Altos $47.58 $51.26 $102.49 $153.76
Los Gatos $42.72 $53.22 $97.15 $141.09
Menlo Park $50.31 $58.64 $73.93 $92.21
Mountain View $34.90 $46.55 $93.10 $139.65
Redwood City $30.87 $52.86 $80.20 $107.31
San Jose N/A $53.45 $106.90 $160.35
Santa Clara $43.61 $51.51 $75.83 $100.05
Saratoga $44.95 $55.81 $101.81 $147.80
Sunnyvale $40.00 $46.43 $54.56 N/A
Average $39.40 $51.40 $87.95 $130.94
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Item 11
Item 11 Staff Report
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 11 Packet Pg. 417 of 828
Stakeholder engagement for the LATP license included meetings with GWPA as the Homekey
project progresses.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY:
Item 11
Item 11 Staff Report
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 12 Packet Pg. 418 of 828
Vers.: Aug. 5, 2019
Page 1 of 5
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO CONTRACT NO. C09124501A
BETWEEN THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AND
GREENWASTE OF PALO ALTO
This Amendment No. 2 (this “Amendment”) to Contract No. C09124501A (the “Contract”
as defined below) is entered into as of ________________, by and between the CITY OF PALO
ALTO, a California chartered municipal corporation (“CITY”), and GreenWaste of Palo Alto, a
California limited liability company, located at 610 E. Gish Road, San Jose, CA 95112
(“CONTRACTOR”). CITY and CONTRACTOR are referred to collectively as the “Parties” in this
Amendment.
R E C I T A L S
A. The City of Palo Alto and GreenWaste of Palo Alto entered into Contract No.
C09124501A, entitled "the Second Amended and Restated Agreement for Solid
Waste, Recyclable Material, and Compostable Materials Collection and Processing
Services" on January 22, 2019.
B. Contract No. C09124501A is set to expire on June 30, 2026. That contract gives
the City the unilateral option to extend the term for up to four additional years,
through June 30, 2030.
C. The Parties now wish to amend the Contract in order to memorialize the extension
of term through June 30, 2030 and provide for additional compensation for vehicle
repair and maintenance and commercial bin replacements for the term of the
Contract as extended.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants, terms, conditions, and provisions
of this Amendment, the Parties agree:
SECTION 1. Definitions. The following definitions shall apply to this Amendment:
a. Contract. The term “Contract” shall mean Contract No. C09124501A
between CONSULTANT and CITY, dated January 22, 2019, as amended by:
Amendment No. 1, dated December 12, 2022.
b. Other Terms. Capitalized terms used and not defined in this Amendment
shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Contract.
SECTION 2. Section 2.02 of the Contract is amended to read as follows:
Item 11
Attachment A - Amendment
No. 2 to Contract No
C09124501A With
GreenWaste of Palo Alto
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 13 Packet Pg. 419 of 828
Vers.: Aug. 5, 2019
Page 2 of 5
2.02 Term. The initial Term of the Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and
shall end at midnight on June 30, 2017 (“Term”). Contractor’s obligation to collect Solid
Waste and Recyclable Materials and provide other services to customers as required by
this Agreement shall commence July 1, 2009. The Term has been extended through June
30, 2021 as provided in Section 2.03. Pursuant to City Council action on January 22, 2019,
the Parties now further agree to extend the Term for an additional five years through
midnight on June 30, 2026. Pursuant to City Council action and as provided in Section 2.03
Option to Extend Term, the parties agree to extend the Term for an additional four years
through midnight on June 30, 2030.
SECTION 3. Section 9.01 of the Contract is hereby amended to read as follows (bracketed
ellipses indicate text that is unchanged but omitted for brevity):
9.01 General.
[…]
In subsequent years, for rate periods 12, FY 2020/21, through 21, FY 2029/30, Base
Compensation will be adjusted annually, based on the application of specified indices
produced by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics to
specified cost pools and to the profit allowance, which together comprise Base
Compensation.
[…]
SECTION 4. Section 9.04 of the Contract is hereby amended to read as follows:
9.04 Compensation for Subsequent Rate Periods. Contractor’s Base Compensation for all
Rate Periods following Rate Period Ten shall be determined using the index-based
adjustment method presented in Attachment N-2. The method involves use of specified
cost adjustment factors (the percentage change in various consumer price indices) to
calculate changes in the Contractor’s Base Compensation. The percentage change in the
applicable indices is applied to the calculated cost pools and calculated net revenues from
sale of materials collected that comprise the Contractor’s Base Compensation for the
then-current Rate Period to determine the Contractor’s Base Compensation for the
coming Rate Period. For example, in January 2012 when calculating Contractor’s Base
Compensation for Rate Period Four (FY 2012/2013), the percentage change in cost indices
will be applied to the calculated Rate Period Three cost pools to calculate Rate Period
Four costs. The revised N-1 details this for Rate Periods Ten and Eleven.
The Contractor’s Total Annual Compensation for all Rate Periods following Rate Period
Eleven, FY 2019/20, shall equal the sum of the following:
• Base Compensation calculated using the formula presented in Attachment N-2
and one-time costs identified on Attachment N-1 (including, but not limited to,
Item 11
Attachment A - Amendment
No. 2 to Contract No
C09124501A With
GreenWaste of Palo Alto
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 14 Packet Pg. 420 of 828
Vers.: Aug. 5, 2019
Page 3 of 5
compensation for new vehicles received during the Rate Period as approved by
the City based on the invoiced purchase price paid by Contractor, subject to the
profit allowance in Attachment N-2, Section 3.B); and
• Extra Service Compensation for extra services performed during the Rate Period;
and
• Adjustment (reduction) for revenues/fees collected by Contractor from on-call
service provided to Customers.
Additionally, for rate periods 17 (FY 2025/26) through 21 (FY 2029/30), Contractor’s Total
Compensation shall also include the following:
• Rate Period 17:
o $82,688 for vehicle repair and maintenance
• Rate Period 18:
o $213,500 for vehicle repair and maintenance
o $58,000 for additional bin replacements
• Rate Period 19:
o $222,100 for vehicle repair and maintenance
o $58,000 for additional bin replacements
• Rate Period 20:
o $277,300 for vehicle repair and maintenance
o $58,000 for additional bin replacements
• Rate Period 21:
o $373,000 for vehicle repair and maintenance
o $58,000 for additional bin replacements
For vehicles received in Rate Period 17 or later, either depreciation on the new vehicles
shall be included in Contractor’s Compensation as described in Section 9.13, or
compensation for new vehicles received during the Rate Period as approved by the City
shall be included in Contractor’s base compensation for that Rate Period based on the
invoiced purchase price paid by Contractor. City and Contractor shall agree in writing on
the method of compensation.
SECTION 5. The following attachment to the Contract is/are hereby amended or added,
as indicated below, to read as set forth in the attachment(s) to this Amendment, which is/are
hereby incorporated in full into this Amendment and into the Contract by this reference:
a. ATTACHMENT “G” entitled “Vehicle Specifications and Quantities”
AMENDED, REPLACES PREVIOUS.
SECTION 6. Legal Effect. Except as modified by this Amendment, all other provisions of
the Contract, including any exhibits thereto, shall remain in full force and effect.
Item 11
Attachment A - Amendment
No. 2 to Contract No
C09124501A With
GreenWaste of Palo Alto
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 15 Packet Pg. 421 of 828
Vers.: Aug. 5, 2019
Page 4 of 5
SECTION 7. Incorporation of Recitals. The recitals set forth above are terms of this
Amendment and are fully incorporated herein by this reference.
SECTION 8. Due Execution. The person(s) executing this Amendment on behalf of a Party
hereto warrant(s) that (i) such Party is duly organized and existing; (ii) such person(s) are duly
authorized to execute and deliver this Amendment on behalf of said Party; (iii) by so executing
this Amendment, such Party is formally bound to the provisions of this Amendment; and (iv)
entering into this Amendment does not violate any provision of any other agreement to which
said Party is bound.
SECTION 9. Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of
which shall be considered an original.
(SIGNATURE BLOCK FOLLOWS ON THE NEXT PAGE.)
Item 11
Attachment A - Amendment
No. 2 to Contract No
C09124501A With
GreenWaste of Palo Alto
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 16 Packet Pg. 422 of 828
Vers.: Aug. 5, 2019
Page 5 of 5
SIGNATURES OF THE PARTIES
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have by their duly authorized representatives
executed this Amendment effective as of the date first above written.
CITY OF PALO ALTO
City Manager
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney or designee
GREENWASTE OF PALO ALTO, LLC
Officer 1
By:
Name:
Title:
Officer 2
By:
Name:
Attachments:
Attachment G, Vehicle Specifications and Quantities, AMDENDED, Replaces Previous
Item 11
Attachment A - Amendment
No. 2 to Contract No
C09124501A With
GreenWaste of Palo Alto
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 17 Packet Pg. 423 of 828
- Amended
Item 11
Attachment A - Amendment
No. 2 to Contract No
C09124501A With
GreenWaste of Palo Alto
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 18 Packet Pg. 424 of 828
The amended GWPA Vehicle Inventory and Replacement Plan included in this Attachment G is current as of October 2025. It reflects GWPA's vehicle inventory and the parties' agreed-upon schedule for replacing the vehicles in use during the remaining term of the agreement. To the extent that this amended replacement schedule requires GWPA to use vehicles that exceed 8 years of age to perform services under this agreement, the adoption of this amended Vehicle Inventory and Replacement Plan constitutes written approval of the Director to do so, as described in this Attachment G.
Item 11
Attachment A - Amendment
No. 2 to Contract No
C09124501A With
GreenWaste of Palo Alto
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 19 Packet Pg. 425 of 828
GWPA Vehicle Master List
YEAR MAKE MODEL VEHICLE TYPE TRUCK ID ROUTE VIN #TYPE FUEL Replacement Year
2009 GMC Sierra C3500 Service Truck PA321 642 1GDJC34688E175280 Non Collection Diesel
2009 GMC Sierra C3500 Scat Truck PA320 SPARE 1GDJC34648E198250 Non Collection Diesel
2009 TCM FG30T3L Forklift PA402 PA402 A2H901329 Non Collection PROPANE
2015 GMC Sierra Pick-up PA104 (K. Navarro)OUTREACH 3GTP1UEC5FG275163 Non Collection Unleaded
2016 Peterbilt COE 320 ASL PA228 R1 3BPZX20X2GF104738 Collection CNG
2016 Peterbilt COE 321 ASL PA220 SPARE 3BPZX20X0GF104737 Collection CNG
2016 Peterbilt COE 322 ASL PA221 SPARE 3BPZX20X9GF104736 Collection CNG
2016 Peterbilt COE 323 ASL PA224 R3 3BPZX20X7GF104735 Collection CNG
2016 Peterbilt COE 324 ASL PA225 M1 3BPZX20X4GF104739 Collection CNG
2016 Peterbilt COE 320 ASL PA222 R3 3BPZX20X0GF104740 Collection CNG 2026
2016 Peterbilt COE 320 ASL PA223 R4 3BPZX20X1GF104732 Collection CNG 2026
2016 Peterbilt COE 320 ASL PA226 R2 3BPZX20X5GF104734 Collection CNG 2026
2016 Peterbilt COE 320 ASL PA227 M4 3BPZX20X3GF104733 Collection CNG 2026
2018 Dodge Ram 1500 Pick-up PA700 (J. Lopez)640 1C6RR7NM7JS351678 Non Collection Unleaded
2018 Peterbilt 348 Roll Off - Rail PA921 SPARE 2NP3L20X7JM479639 Collection CNG
2018 Peterbilt 520 Side Loader PA212 SPARE 3BPDK29X4JF160702 Collection CNG 2028
2018 Peterbilt 520 Front Load PA560 SPARE 3BPDX20X2JF160700 Collection CNG 2028
2018 Peterbilt 520 Front Load PA561 322 3BPDX20X4JF160701 Collection CNG 2028
2018 Peterbilt 348 Roll Off - Rail PA920 534 2NP3L20X5JM479638 Collection CNG 2028
2019 Toyota Prius-Prime Sedan PA101 (K.Shanda)OUTREACH JTDKARFPXK3106598 Non Collection Unleaded
2019 Toyota Prius-Prime Sedan PA102 (A. Cushing)OUTREACH JTDKARFP5K3106105 Non Collection Unleaded
2019 BYD 8RT9M ASL PA230 M3 LA9CCBD8XK1LC0041 Collection Electric
2019 Peterbilt 337 Flat bed PA300 400 2NP2H26X5MM734071 Non Collection CNG
2019 BYD T7MA Electric Flat bed PA302 401 LA95B65EXL1LC0047 Non Collection Electric
2019 Ram 3500 Scat Truck PA312 SPARE 3C7WRSBL8LG242069 Non Collection Diesel
2019 Peterbilt 520 Front Load PA562 123 3BPDX20X4KF102976 Collection CNG
2019 Peterbilt 520 Front Load PA563 120 3BPDX20X6KF102977 Collection CNG
2019 Peterbilt 520 Front Load PA564 320 3BPDX20X6KF104289 Collection CNG
2019 Ram 3500 Service Truck PA641 641 3C7WRSBL4KG597688 Non Collection Diesel
2019 Toyota RAV4 SUV PA701 (E. Cissna)746 JTMDWRFV0KD500503 Non Collection Unleaded
2019 Ram 1500 Pick-up PA705 (A. Legrande)440 1C6RR7NMXKS749274 Non Collection Unleaded
2019 Peterbilt 348 Roll Off-Hook PA904 533 2NP3L20X1JM498915 Collection CNG
2019 8FG35U-187FSV Forklift PA403 PA403 SPR25071471-R3 Non Collection PROPANE
2019 BYD T9M Electric Rear Loader PA305 405 LA95B6D84L1LC0041 Collection Electric 2026
2020 Peterbilt 520 ASL PA201 C1 3BPDL20X5LF108332 Collection CNG
2020 Peterbilt 520 ASL PA202 C2 3BPDL20X3LF108331 Collection CNG
2020 Peterbilt 520 ASL PA203 C3 3BPDL20X5LF108329 Collection CNG
2020 Peterbilt 520 ASL PA204 C4 3BPDL20X1LF108330 Collection CNG
2020 Peterbilt 520 Front Load PA565 323 3BPDX20X5LF108335 Collection CNG
2020 Peterbilt 520 Front Load PA566 321 3BPDX20X1LF108333 Collection CNG
2020 Peterbilt 520 Front Load PA567 122 3BPDX20X7LF108336 Collection CNG
2020 Peterbilt 520 Front Load PA568 121 3BPDX20X9LF108337 Collection CNG
2020 Peterbilt 520 Front Load PA569 SPARE 3BPDX20X3LF108334 Collection CNG
2020 BYD T7M Electric Wash Truck PA603 603 LA95B65E8L1LC0032 Non Collection Electric
2020 Ram 1500 Quad Pick-up PA706 SPARE 1C6SRFBM6LN239682 Non Collection Unleaded
2020 Peterbilt 348 Roll Off-Hook PA905 531 1NP3L20X7LD709916 Collection CNG
2020 Peterbilt 348 Roll Off-Hook PA906 532 1NP3L20X9LD709917 Collection CNG
2020 Peterbilt 348 Roll Off-Hook PA907 SPARE 1NP3L20X5LD709915 Collection CNG
2020 Hyundai Kona Sedan PA707 (C. Soper)n/a KM8K53AGXLU063350 Non Collection Electric
2021 Ford Escape SUV PA100 (E. Torres)OUTREACH 1FMCU9CZ2MUA19191 Non Collection Unleaded
2021 Ford Escape SUV PA103 (M. Wong)OUTREACH 1FMCU0CZ8MUA08109 Non Collection Unleaded
2021 Peterbilt 520 ASL PA205 C5 3BPDL20X2NF112633 Collection CNG
2021 Peterbilt 520 ASL PA211 360 3BPDK29X6MF109769 Collection CNG
2021 Ram Ram 1500 Pick-up PA702 (J. Ramirez)340 1C6RREJTXMN631177 Non Collection Unleaded
2021 GMC Sierra Pick-up PA703 (M. Hill)745 3GTU9CED7MG277184 Non Collection Unleaded
2021 Toyota Tacoma Pick-up PA704 (M. Guillen)140 3TMDZ5BN2MM112895 Non Collection Unleaded
2023 Peterbilt 520EV Fully-Auto PA231 M2 3BPDHL0X8RF115243 Collection Electric
2024 Ford F350 Scat Truck PA311 260 1FDRF3GT3REE58117 Non Collection Unleaded
2025 Peterbilt 520EV Roll Off-Hook PA900 SPARE 3BPDHL0X9SF117900 Collection Electric
2025 Peterbilt 520EV ASL PA232 3BPDHL0X6SF117899 Collection Electric
GWPA Vehicle Inventory and Replacement Plan - October 2025Item 11
Attachment A - Amendment No. 2 to Contract No
C09124501A With GreenWaste of Palo Alto
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 20 Packet Pg. 426 of 828
Month and date, 2025
Eric Cissna
Kelley Johannsen
GreenWaste of Palo Alto
2765 Lafayette Street
Santa Clara, CA 95050
Re: Purchase of Replacement Collection Vehicles
Dear Mr. Cissna and Mr. Johannsen:
Pursuant to Section 7.02 B Purchase of Vehicles and Section 12.16 Right of City to Make
Changes of Contract No. C09124501A (the Contract) between GreenWaste of Palo Alto
(GWPA) and the City of Palo Alto (the City), the City authorizes GWPA to purchase five (5) new
CNG Peterbilt collection vehicles in Fiscal Year 2026 and four (4) new CNG Peterbilt
collection vehicles in Fiscal Year 2028, for a total estimated cost of $5.9 million. The parties
understand that while the rear loader (PA305) is authorized to be replaced as soon as 2026,
the replacement vehicle may not be available until 2027. These vehicles will operate on CNG
fuel and will replace the older collection vehicles listed in Attachment A to this letter.
The City will compensate GWPA for the vehicles based on the invoiced purchase price paid
by GWPA, pursuant to Section 9.04 Compensation for Subsequent Rate Periods.
As required in the Contract, all details for the new vehicles, including specifications, size,
color and location of text, identification numbers and logo will need to be pre-approved by
my staff.
Sincerely,
Brad Eggleston
Director of Public Works
City of Palo Alto
CC: Karin North
Paula Borges Fujimoto
Attachment A: GWPA Vehicles Approved for Replacement
Item 11
Attachment B - Approval
Letter to GWPA for vehicle
replacements
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 21 Packet Pg. 427 of 828
Attachment A - GreenWaste of Palo Alto
Vehicle Replacements for Extension Term
YEAR MAKE Replacement
Year MODEL VEHICLE TYPE TRUCK ID ROUTE VIN #TYPE FUEL
GreenWaste
Replacement
Cost
City of Palo Alto
Replacement
Cost [Including
markup and
applicable tariffs]
2016 Peterbilt 2026 COE 320 ASL PA222 R3 3BPZX20X0GF104740 Collection CNG $581,834.22 $651,654.33
2016 Peterbilt 2026 COE 320 ASL PA223 R4 3BPZX20X1GF104732 Collection CNG $581,834.22 $651,654.33
2016 Peterbilt 2026 COE 320 ASL PA226 R2 3BPZX20X5GF104734 Collection CNG $581,834.22 $651,654.33
2016 Peterbilt 2026 COE 320 ASL PA227 M4 3BPZX20X3GF104733 Collection CNG $581,834.22 $651,654.33
2018 Peterbilt 2028 520 Side Loader PA212 SPARE 3BPDK29X4JF160702 Collection CNG $728,828.19 $816,287.57
2018 Peterbilt 2028 520 Front Load PA560 SPARE 3BPDX20X2JF160700 Collection CNG $609,224.88 $682,331.87
2018 Peterbilt 2028 520 Front Load PA561 322 3BPDX20X4JF160701 Collection CNG $609,224.88 $682,331.87
2018 Peterbilt 2028 348 Roll Off - Rail PA920 534 2NP3L20X5JM479638 Collection CNG $479,794.64 $537,370.00
2019 BYD 2027 T9M Electric Rear Loader PA305 405 LA95B6D84L1LC0041 Collection CNG $440,000.00 $566,720.00
Item 11
Attachment B - Approval Letter to GWPA for vehicle
replacements
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 22 Packet Pg. 428 of 828
AMENDMENT TO LICENSE AGREEMENT
This Amendment to the Existing License as described below (this “Amendment”) is made and entered into
as of _______________, by and between the City of Palo Alto, a California chartered municipal corporation
(“City”), and GreenWaste of Palo Alto, a California limited liability company (“Licensee”).
City and Licensee are parties to that certain license, dated January 4, 2024, (the “Existing License”).
Pursuant to the Existing License, City has licensed to Licensee a portion of the old Los Altos
Treatment Plant located at 1237 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto (the “Premises”).
The term of the Existing License expires on June 30, 2026.
The parties desire to extend the term of the Existing License, all on the following terms and
conditions.
Now, therefore, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained and other good
and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, City and
Licensee agree as follows:
The original term is hereby extended to and shall expire on June 30, 2030, unless sooner
terminated in accordance with the terms of the Existing License and Licensee shall have no right to
extend the extended term.
Recital F is amended to read:
“Licensee desires to obtain from the City, and the City desires to grant to Licensee, this License
to provide Licensee the right to initially access and use an approximate 1.2-acre portion of the
Property as depicted in more detail in “Exhibit A”, attached hereto and incorporated by
reference (“Initial Premises”) for the purpose of container storage, temporary storage and
sorting of construction and deconstruction waste, dedicated debris box for illegally dumped
items collected by City crew, and temporary charging location for electric vehicles, pursuant to
the terms of this License and as provided in the Second Amended and Restated Agreement for
Solid Waste, Recyclable Materials, and Compostable Materials Collection and Processing
Services between City and Licensee executed in February 2019 (“Second Amended and Restated
Agreement”).”
. Section 5 is amended to read:
“Description of Premises Licensed. The Initial Premises consist of approximately 1.2 acres of
land on the Property, as shown on Exhibit “A” attached hereto. Upon 90 days’ prior written
notice provided by City to Licensee towards the completion of the Project, Licensee shall
surrender the Initial Premises to City and relocate to the New Premises that is to be determined,
but currently anticipated to be the approximate 53,249 square foot area shown on Exhibit “B”,
attached hereto. Prior to the notice to relocate described in this Section, the City may grant
Licensee written approval to access the New Premises for the purpose of accessing EV chargers
and trailer on the New Premises.”
Section 11.4 is amended to read:
Item 11
Attachment C - Amendment
No. 1 to the Revocable non-
exclusive license for
GreenWaste of Palo Alto to
continue using a portion of
LATP located at 1237 San
Antonio Road, an additional
four years to end June 30,
2030
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 23 Packet Pg. 429 of 828
“Responsibilities. Unless otherwise agreed to by the Parties in writing, Licensee shall be solely
responsible for all costs, fees, liabilities, and obligations solely resulting from its use of the
Premises, including but not limited to, parking management, security (including installation of
construction fencing to separate Licensee’s portion of the Property from other contractors’
portions), maintenance, clean-up, traffic management, excessive noise (excluding any noise
associated with Licensee's business) management, response to enforcement of violations, labor,
materials, equipment, and liability insurance. Licensee agrees to adhere to the terms of the
“Good Neighbor Agreement LifeMoves Palo Alto” between Licensee and LifeMoves and to take
reasonable affirmative steps to investigate and/or address any noise complaints. Licensee shall
not be responsible for maintaining or repairing any stormwater management devices installed
by City or LifeMoves.”
5. Miscellaneous.
5.1 This Amendment sets forth the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the
matters set forth herein. There have been no additional oral or written representations or
agreements.
5.2 Except as herein modified or amended, the provisions, conditions and terms of the Existing
License shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect. In the case of any inconsistency
between the provisions of the Existing License and this Amendment, the provisions of this
Amendment shall govern and control. The capitalized terms used in this Amendment shall have
the same definitions as set forth in the License to the extent that such capitalized terms are
defined therein and not redefined in this Amendment.
5.3 Submission of this Amendment by City is not an offer to enter into this Amendment but rather
is a solicitation for such an offer by Licensee. City shall not be bound by this Amendment until
City has executed and delivered the same to Licensee.
5.4 Licensee hereby represents to City that Licensee has dealt with no broker in connection with
this Amendment. Licensee agrees to indemnify and hold City harmless from all claims of any
brokers claiming to have represented Licensee in connection with this Amendment.
[Signature Page Follows]
Item 11
Attachment C - Amendment
No. 1 to the Revocable non-
exclusive license for
GreenWaste of Palo Alto to
continue using a portion of
LATP located at 1237 San
Antonio Road, an additional
four years to end June 30,
2030
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 24 Packet Pg. 430 of 828
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, City and Licensee have entered into and executed this Amendment as of the
date first written above.
CITY: LICENSEE:
CITY OF PALO ALTO, GreenWaste of Palo Alto,
Item 11
Attachment C - Amendment
No. 1 to the Revocable non-
exclusive license for
GreenWaste of Palo Alto to
continue using a portion of
LATP located at 1237 San
Antonio Road, an additional
four years to end June 30,
2030
Item 11: Staff Report Pg. 25 Packet Pg. 431 of 828
8
1
9
0
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Public Works
Meeting Date: December 1, 2025
Report #:2511-5472
TITLE
Approval of Seven Items to Support the Automated Weather Observation System Project, AP-
19000, at Palo Alto Airport: 1) Approval of Construction Contract No. C26194026 with Vellutini
Corporation DBA Royal Electric Company, in an Amount Not to Exceed $1,699,810; 2)
Authorization for the City Manager or Designee to Negotiate Change Orders Up to a Not-to-
Exceed Amount of $254,971; 3) Approval and Authorization for the City Manager or Designee to
Execute Contract Amendment 3 to Contract No. C21178372C with C&S Engineers, Inc. for a
Not-to-Exceed Amount of $464,613 and a Contract Extension Through December 31, 2026; 4)
Authorization and Approval for the City Manager or Designee to Execute Contract Amendment
1 to Contract No. C21178372B with Burns & McDonnell for a Contract Extension Through
December 31, 2026; 5) Approval and Authorization for the City Manager or Designee to Execute
Contract Amendment 1 to Contract No. C211783782A with Centurion Planning & Design LLC to
extend the contract term through December 31, 2027; 6) Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing
the Submittal of Applications and Execution of Grant Agreements with the California
Department of Transportation for Airport Improvement Program Matching Grants; and 7)
Approval of a Budget Amendment in the Airport Enterprise Fund; CEQA Status - Exempt Under
CEQA Guidelines Section 15302
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Approve and authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute construction
contract No. C26194026 with Vellutini Corporation DBA Royal Electric Company, in the
amount not to exceed $1,699,810 for the Airport Automated Weather Observation
Project (AP-19000);
2. Approve and authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute one or more
change orders to the contract with Vellutini Corporation DBA Royal Electric Company for
related, additional but unforeseen work that may develop during the project, the total
value of which shall not exceed $254,971;
Item 12
Item 12 Staff Report
Item 12: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 432 of 828
8
1
9
0
3. Approve and authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute Amendment 2 to
Contract No. C21178372C with C&S Engineers Inc. to increase compensation by
$464,613 and extend the contract term through December 31, 2027 to provide
construction administration and management services related to the Airport Automated
Weather Observation Project;
4. Approve and authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute Amendment 1 to
Contract No. C21178372B with Burns & McDonnell to extend the contract term through
December 31, 2027 to provide construction engineering services;
5. Approve and authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute Amendment 1 to
Contract No. C211783782A with Centurion Planning & Design LLC to extend the contract
term through December 31, 2027 to provide construction environmental services;
6. Adopt a Resolution authorizing the submittal of an application and execution of grant
agreements with the California Department of Transportation, for Airport Improvement
Program matching grants; and
7. Amend the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Appropriation for the Airport Fund by (requires a
2/3 vote):
a. Increasing the estimate for revenue from the Federal Government by
$1,140,739;
b. Increasing the estimate for revenue from the State of California by $70,239;
c. Increasing the Advanced Weather Observation System Project (AP-19000)
expenditure appropriation by $1,164,157; and
d. Increasing the fund balance in the Airport Fund by $46,821 (reimbursement of
expenses already incurred).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report was initially agendized on the consent agenda for the November 3, 2025 City
Council meeting. Following concerns raised by community members, the City Manager
removed the item from the agenda to allow time for more stakeholder outreach, including a
community meeting about the project that was held on November 13.
The Palo Alto Airport Automated Weather Observation System Project will install new weather
monitoring equipment and replace aging navigational aids to enhance flight safety and
operational reliability. The project includes constructing a 24/7 AWOS to provide continuous
real-time weather data, as well as replacing the Precision Approach Path Indicators and Runway
End Identifier Lights, both of which have reached the end of their useful life. The City has
received three grants from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) totaling $2,431,789 for
the project.
Item 12
Item 12 Staff Report
Item 12: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 433 of 828
8
1
9
0
Staff recommends the City Council approve multiple contracts totaling $2,504,394, including
the construction contract with Vellutini Corporation DBA Royal Electric Company1, consultant
contract extensions, and a resolution allowing the City Manager to apply for California
Department of Transportation (CalTrans) matching grants in the amount of $70,239. With the
FAA and CalTrans funding, the Airport Fund’s contribution to the project is $104,460.
BACKGROUND
ANALYSIS
1 Vellutini Corporation DBA Royal Electric Company Construction Contract Contract for AWOS C26194026;
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/public-works/palo-alto-airport/c26194026-awos-final-contract-
revised-10.21.25.pdf
Item 12
Item 12 Staff Report
Item 12: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 434 of 828
8
1
9
0
addition, the project will replace aging Precision Approach Path Indicators and Runway End
Identifier Lights by demolishing outdated equipment, installing new systems, upgrading control
relays, and improving power connections and conduits. These upgrades will provide
continuous, real-time weather information, improve navigational aids, and support the safe and
efficient operation of the airport.
Table 1: Summary of invitation for Bids
Project Bid Name/Number Automated Weather Observation System
Installation IFB #194026
Proposed Length of Project 296 days
Number of Bid Packages Downloaded by Contractors 21
Total Day to Respond to Bid 31
Pre-Bid Meeting (Non-mandatory) Yes
Number of Company Attendees at Pre-Bid Meeting 1
Number of Bids Received 2
Public Link to Solicitation https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/palo-
alto-ca/projects/154303
Bid Range $1,699,810.00 - $1,979,900.00
Item 12
Item 12 Staff Report
Item 12: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 435 of 828
8
1
9
0
Corporation DBA Royal Electric Company in the amount of $1,699,810, and that Vellutini
Corporation DBA Royal Electric Company be declared the responsible lowest bidder. The
construction contingency amount of $254,971, which equals 15% of the contract value, is
requested for related, additional, but unforeseen work which may develop during the project,
implemented via City-approved Change Order. A contingency amount of 15% is the maximum
allowed contingency by the FAA, and is requested for this project to maximize eligible funding
beyond the City’s standard 10% contingency.
The project is broken down into 3 portions with the base bid including infrastructure for all
portions of the project and the PAPIs, while Bid Alternative 1 includes the REILs, and Bid
Alternative 2 includes the AWOS. The breakdown of the costs can be seen below:
Base Bid – $1,151,200
Alternative 1 - $79,810
Alternative 2 - $468,800
The above costs are for construction only.
Consultant Services
Consultant services are critical to the successful delivery of Airport Capital Improvement
Program (ACIP) projects, providing on-call design services, construction administration,
environmental studies, and planning support. On December 7, 2020, the City executed3 the
original contracts with C&S Engineers, Burns & McDonnell, and Centurion Planning and Design.
All of the contracts are set to expire on December 31, 2025 and require extensions to allow for
the completion and closeout of the project with the FAA. The FAA permits contract extension
beyond five years if the project was included in the ACIP at the time of the original Request for
Qualifications; these projects were included.
C&S Engineers, who have been closely involved in the project, will provide construction
management and grant administration services. Contract Amendment 2 (Attachment B) to
Contract No #C21178372C will add additional funds to cover the costs and extend the contract
to December 31, 2027 to allow time for closeout of the grant.
As the design engineer, Burns & McDonnell will continue to provide construction
administration services as needed. Contract Amendment 1 (Attachment C) to Contract No
#C21178372B will extend the contract to December 31, 2027 to allow for time to close out the
grant.
3 City Council, December 7, 2020, Agenda Item #10; SR#11654;
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=80946
Item 12
Item 12 Staff Report
Item 12: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 436 of 828
8
1
9
0
Centurion Planning & Design performed the environmental review for the project, and will
provide environmental services during construction. Contract Amendment 1 (Attachment D) to
Contract No #C21178372A will extend the contract to December 31, 2027 to allow for time to
closeout the grant.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Contracts and Awarded
Grants
Recommended
Total Amount
Included in FY 2026
Adopted Budget
Recommended
Budget Adjustment
Federal Grants $2,431,789 $1,291,050 $1,140,739
State Grants $70,239 $ - $70,239
Total Revenue $2,502,028 $1,291,050 $1,210,978
Recommended Contracts $2,504,394 $1,340,237 $1,164,157
Total Expenditure $2,504,394 $1,340,237 $1,164,157
Net Impact ($2,366)($49,187) $46,821
Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG): $1,027,000
Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Grant #1: $677,822
Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Grant #2: $726,967
Item 12
Item 12 Staff Report
Item 12: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 437 of 828
8
1
9
0
Additionally, staff requests Council adopt a Resolution (Attachment E) authorizing the City
Manager to execute matching grant agreements with the California Department of
Transportation (Caltrans) for the two AIP grants. Caltrans does not match the AIG grant;
therefore, no funding is requested for that grant. The matching funds from Caltrans contribute
the following:
Caltrans Match Agreement for AIP Grant #1: $33,891
CalTrans Match Agreement for AIP Grant #2 $36,348
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Item 12
Item 12 Staff Report
Item 12: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 438 of 828
8
1
9
0
facilities, that the required environmental review processes were completed, and that the
project was designed to minimize environmental impact. Since the project involves
replacement of existing equipment, no public outreach was required under NEPA or CEQA for
the environmental review.
5. Those documents were provided after the meeting.
An additional request to separate the cost of the REIL and PAPI portion from the AWOS
portion of the project is reflected in this report.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ATTACHMENTS
5 https://www.faa.gov/airports/aip/grant_assurances/assurances-airport-sponsors-2025
Item 12
Item 12 Staff Report
Item 12: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 439 of 828
8
1
9
0
Attachment C: BM C21178372B Amendment 1
Attachment D: Centurion C21178372A Amendment 1
Attachment E: RESO DOT Grant Agreement
APPROVED BY:
Item 12
Item 12 Staff Report
Item 12: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 440 of 828
Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) Project IFB 194026
IFB Post Date: 3/10/2025
IFB Due Date: 4/21/2025
UNIT PRICE TOTAL ITEM PRICE UNIT PRICE TOTAL ITEM PRICE UNIT PRICE TOTAL ITEM PRICE
115-1 1-2”C or 1-4”C PVC CONDUIT, CONCRETE ENCASED IN DIRT OR NON-PAVED EARTH
DESCRIPTION, WITH UNIT PRICE IN WORDS (EACH BID ITEM SHALL INCLUDE ALL
APPLICABLE TAXES, PROFIT, INSURANCE, BONDS, AND OTHER OVERHEAD)
ENGINEERS ESTIMATE
Vellutini Corporation DBA Royal
Electric Company
BID
ITEM
APPRO
X.QTY.UNIT
LOWEST BIDDER
Engineers Estimate Estate Design and Construction
Vellutini Coorporation DBA Royal
Electric Company
Estate Design and Construction
% above Engineers Estimate 40%20%
Item 12
Attachment A - Bid Summary
Item 12: Staff Report Pg. 10 Packet Pg. 441 of 828
1 Revision July 20, 2016
9
5
2
2
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO CONTRACT NO. C21178372C
This Amendment No. Two to Contract No. C21178372C (“Contract”) is entered
into [Date] by and between the CITY OF PALO ALTO, a California chartered municipal corporation
(“CITY”), and C & S ENGINEEERS, INC., a New York corporation, located at 499 Col.
Eileen Collins Boulevard, Syracuse, New York 13212 (“CONSULTANT”).
A. The Contract was entered into between the parties for the provision of
On-call engineering services including planning, design engineering,
environmental analyses, grant management and construction management.
B. The parties wish to amend the Contract to extend the term.
C. The parties wish to amend the Contract to increase the compensation to
cover additional anticipated task order for Phase III of the Airport Apron Reconstruction Capital
Improvement Project; to increase the total not-to-exceed amount of the Contract by an amount
not to exceed Four Hundred Sixty Four Thousand Six Hundred Thirteen Dollars ($464,613.00)
from One Million Seven Hundred Fifteen Thousand Twenty Three Dollars ($1,715,023.00)to a
new total not-to-exceed amount of Two Million One Hundred Seventy Nine Thousand Six
Hundred Thirty Six Dollars (2,179,636.00); as detailed herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants, terms, conditions, and
provisions of this Amendment, the parties agree:
SECTION 1. Section 2. TERM is hereby amended to read as follows:
“The term of this Agreement shall be from the date of its full execution through
December 31, 2027.”
SECTION 2. Section 4. NOT TO EXCEED COMPENSATION is hereby amended to read
as follows:
“The compensation to be paid to CONSULTANT for performance of services
described in Exhibit “A” (“Basic Services”), and reimbursable expenses, shall not
exceed Two Million One Hundred Seventy Nine Thousand Six Hundred Thirty Six
Dollars (2,179,636.00)
SECTION 2. Except as herein modified, all other provisions of the Contract,
including any exhibits and subsequent amendments thereto, shall remain in full force and effect.
Item 12
Attachment B - CS
C211783782C Amendment
2
Item 12: Staff Report Pg. 11 Packet Pg. 442 of 828
2 Revision July 20, 2016
9
5
2
2
SIGNATURES OF THE PARTIES
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have by their duly authorized representatives executed this
Amendment effective as of the date first above written.
_________________________
City Manager or Designee
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________
City Attorney or Designee
_________________________
Director of Public Works
:
By:
Name:
Title:
By:
Name:
Title:
Item 12
Attachment B - CS
C211783782C Amendment
2
Item 12: Staff Report Pg. 12 Packet Pg. 443 of 828
1 Revision July 20, 2016
9
5
2
4
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO CONTRACT NO. C21178372B
This Amendment No. One to Contract No. C21178372A (“Contract”) is entered
into [Date] by and between the CITY OF PALO ALTO, a California chartered municipal corporation
(“CITY”), and BURNS & MCDONNELL ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC, a Missouri corporation,
located at 9400 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64114 (“CONSULTANT”).
A. The Contract was entered into between the parties for the provision of
On-call engineering services including planning, and design engineering.
B. The parties wish to amend the Contract to extend the term.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants, terms, conditions, and
provisions of this Amendment, the parties agree:
SECTION 1. Section 2. TERM is hereby amended to read as follows:
“The term of this Agreement shall be from the date of its full execution through
December 31, 2027.”
SECTION 2. Except as herein modified, all other provisions of the Contract,
including any exhibits and subsequent amendments thereto, shall remain in full
force and effect.
Item 12
Attachment C - BM
C21178372B Amendment 1
Item 12: Staff Report Pg. 13 Packet Pg. 444 of 828
2 Revision July 20, 2016
9
5
2
4
SIGNATURES OF THE PARTIES
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have by their duly authorized representatives executed this
Amendment effective as of the date first above written.
_________________________
City Manager or Designee
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________
City Attorney or Designee
_________________________
Director of Public Works
:
By:
Name:
Title:
By:
Name:
Title:
Item 12
Attachment C - BM
C21178372B Amendment 1
Item 12: Staff Report Pg. 14 Packet Pg. 445 of 828
1 Revision July 20, 2016
9
5
2
3
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO CONTRACT NO. C21178372A
This Amendment No. One to Contract No. C21178372A (“Contract”) is entered
into [Date] by and between the CITY OF PALO ALTO, a California chartered municipal corporation
(“CITY”), and CENTURION PLANNING & DESIGN, LLC, a Texas Limited Liability Company, located
at 69 N. Chadbourne St, San Angelo, TX 76903 (“CONSULTANT”).
A. The Contract was entered into between the parties for the provision of
On-call engineering services including planning, and design engineering.
B. The parties wish to amend the Contract to extend the term.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants, terms, conditions, and
provisions of this Amendment, the parties agree:
SECTION 1. Section 2. TERM is hereby amended to read as follows:
“The term of this Agreement shall be from the date of its full execution through
December 31, 2027.”
SECTION 2. Except as herein modified, all other provisions of the Contract,
including any exhibits and subsequent amendments thereto, shall remain in full
force and effect.
Item 12
Attachment D - Centurion
C21178372A Amendment 1
Item 12: Staff Report Pg. 15 Packet Pg. 446 of 828
2 Revision July 20, 2016
9
5
2
3
SIGNATURES OF THE PARTIES
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have by their duly authorized representatives executed this
Amendment effective as of the date first above written.
_________________________
City Manager or Designee
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________
City Attorney or Designee
_________________________
Director of Public Works
:
By:
Name:
Title:
By:
Name:
Title:
Item 12
Attachment D - Centurion
C21178372A Amendment 1
Item 12: Staff Report Pg. 16 Packet Pg. 447 of 828
Page 1
Resolution No.
Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palo Alto Authorizing the City Manager to
Execute Grant Agreements Offered to the City of Palo Alto by the California Department of
Transportation for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Matching Grant Funds to be Used for
Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS), for the Palo Alto Airport; and Authorizing the
City Manager or his Designee to Execute, on Behalf of the City, any Other Documents Associated
with the Application and Acceptance of Grant Funds from the California Department of
Transportation; and Certifying that the Airport Enterprise Fund has Sufficient Local Matching Funds
to Finance One Hundred Percent (100%) of the California Department of Transportation Grant
Funded Projects
R E C I T A L S
A. The City of Palo Alto (“the City”) and the Federal Aviation Administration are parties
to federal Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants 3-06-0182-23-2025 & 3-06-0182-25-2025 for
Apron Reconstruction, Phase II, at Palo Alto Airport.
B. The California Department of Transportation (“DOT”), pursuant to Public Utilities
Code Section 21683.1, is authorized to provide AIP matching grants of up to five percent (5%) of
FAA grant amounts.
C. The DOT requires a local agency, as a condition of receiving these AIP matching
grant funds, to adopt a resolution authorizing the submittal of an application and the execution of
grant agreements for the acceptance of said grant funds and to certify the availability of the local
matching funds for AIP grants.
D. The Council wishes to authorize the City to receive the maximum of available DOT
grant funds for Apron Reconstruction, Phase II, for the Palo Alto Airport.
E. The Council has recommended that grant agreements offered to the City by DOT for
the Palo Alto Airport be executed by the City Manager or his designee on behalf of the City.
F. This Council has considered the recommendation of the City Manager.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto does hereby RESOLVE, as follows:
SECTION 1. Authorizes the City Manager to execute AIP Matching Grant agreements
offered to the City by the California Department of Transportation to be used for Apron
Reconstruction, Phase II, for Palo Alto Airport.
SECTION 2. Authorizes the City Manager or his designee to execute on behalf of the City
any other documents associated with the application and acceptance of the allocation of AIP
Matching grant funds from the California Department of Transportation.
Item 12
Attachment E - RESO DOT
Grant Agreement
Item 12: Staff Report Pg. 17 Packet Pg. 448 of 828
Page 2
SECTION 3. Certifies that the Airport Enterprise Fund has sufficient local matching funds
to finance one hundred percent (100%) of the California Department of Transportation grant
funded projects.
SECTION 4. The Council finds that the adoption of this resolution does not constitute a
‘project’ under Section 21065 of the California Public Resources Code and Sections 15378(b)(4) and
9b)(5) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, and therefore,
no environmental assessment is required.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
___________________________ ___________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
___________________________ ____________________________
Chief Assistant City Attorney City Manager
____________________________
Director of Public Works
Item 12
Attachment E - RESO DOT
Grant Agreement
Item 12: Staff Report Pg. 18 Packet Pg. 449 of 828
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Public Works
Meeting Date: December 1, 2025
Report #:2509-5205
TITLE
Approval for the City Manager or their Designee to Execute Contract No. C26195084 with SCA
of CA, LLC, to Procure Services for the Sweeping of City Parking Garages, Parking Lots and an
Underpass for a Period of Five Years for a Total Not to Exceed Amount of $581,852; CEQA
Status – Not a Project
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager or their
designee to execute contract no. C26195084 with SCA of CA, LLC. in the amount of $581,852
over a five-year term for scheduled sweeping services for the City’s parking garages, Cubberley
Community Center parking lots, and University Avenue underpass.
BACKGROUND
The Public Works Public Services Division is responsible for the cleanliness of parking garages,
parking lots, and underpasses within the City. Historically, staff has used a contractor (currently
Hermes Robotics) for the sweeping services at the High/Alma North Garage, Civic Center
Parking Garage, Cambridge Parking Garage, Ted Thompson Parking Garage, Sherman Parking
Garage, Cubberley Community Center parking lots, and University Avenue Underpass. Sweeping
service occurs weekly with the exception of Cubberley Community Center which occurs twice
per month.
Since 2020, staff has witnessed a shift in the use of City parking garages. Over the last three
years, the extended use of these garages has generated a greater workload for the City’s
contractor, including the need for additional labor. Additionally, Parking Garage J
(Cowper/Webster) has been maintained by City staff who would remove debris by hand and
perform frequent spot cleanings. The increase in use of this garage now requires more
thorough cleaning than can be provided with existing staff resources. Parking Garage J has low
vertical clearance, which does not allow access by the City’s parking lot sweeper. In order to
properly clean this garage, Parking Garage J has been included in the recommended contract
(Attachment A).
Item 13
Item 13 Staff Report
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 450 of 828
SCA of CA, LLC, is the current contractor for the City’s residential and commercial street
sweeping. They have provided reliable sweeping services to the City over the past ten years and
met standards for quality and responsiveness. Their personnel have demonstrated flexibility in
accommodating service requests and have been effective in addressing concerns raised by City
staff and residents.
ANALYSIS
The sweeping services and frequency will remain unchanged from previous years: Parking
Garage Q, Civic Center Parking Garage, Cambridge Parking Garage, Ted Thompson Parking
Garage, Sherman Parking Garage, and University Underpass will continue to be swept weekly
and Cubberley Community Center parking lots twice per month. Parking Garage J has been
added and will be swept weekly.
If the recommendation for the proposed sweeping services contract is not approved, the City
may face cleanliness impacts and compliance issues with its stormwater discharge permit. The
San Francisco Bay Municipal Regional Stormwater National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) Permit1, also known as the Municipal Regional Permit (MRP), requires the City
to use an effective approach to reduce trash from entering the City’s storm water system, such
as sweeping. In the absence of a contractor, the City would in-source these duties requiring
additional staff and purchase of additional equipment to provide these services in-house. A
comparative cost analysis would be required to pursue an alternative.
Procurement Process
On July 2, 2025, a Request for Quotations (RFQ) was posted on OpenGov for the Parking
Garage, Underpass and Parking Lot Sweeping Services. Bids were received from two contractors
on August 11, 2025. See Table 1, for a brief overview of the procure process.
1 Municipal regional NPDES Permit, May 1, 2022; municipal-regional-stormwater-npdes.pdf
Item 13
Item 13 Staff Report
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 451 of 828
Table 1: Summary of Procurement Process
Bid Name/Number
RFQ # 195084 Parking Garage, Underpass and Parking
Lot Sweeping Services
Proposed Length of Contract 5 years
Where was Bid posted OpenGov
Total Days on Open Gov 40
Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting Yes
Number of Companies attended Pre-Bid Meeting 4
Number of Bids Received 2
Number of Qualified Bids Received 2
Bid Price Range From a low of $581,853 to a high of $2,112,663 for the
full 5-year term.
Staff reviewed both bids, and both were deemed responsive. Staff recommends awarding the
contract to SCA of CA, LLC. Table 2 provides cost comparisons between the SCA of CA, LLC and
Elite Maintenance bids over five years.
Table 2: Bids Summary
Year of Contract Elite Maintenance Inc.SCA of CA, LLC
Y1 $234,740 $105,300
Y2 $234,740 $110,565
Y3 $234,740 $116,095
Y4 $234,740 $121,898
Y5 $1,173,1701 $127,994
Total $2,112,662 $581,852
In comparison to the 2022-2025 contract with Hermes Robotics3, the annual cost of the
contract has more than doubled, as the prior contract consisted of a flat annual cost of $49,500.
The increase in cost is believed to be due to the following reasons:
Hermes Robotics did not build in annual cost increases.
Parking Garage J was added to the contract scope
The workload associated with each location has increased
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Funding for the first year of the contract recommended in this report is available in the Fiscal
Year 2026 Adopted Operating Budget for the University Avenue Parking District Fund, California
3 Hermes Robotics Contract for Garage Sweeping Services S23183986B;
paloalto.gov//files/assets/public/v/1/public-works/public-services/s23183986b-hermes-robotics.pdf
Item 13
Item 13 Staff Report
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 452 of 828
Avenue Parking District Fund, and Public Works Department General Fund as summarized by
the following table:
Table 3: Funding by Department
Dept Location Tasks 1-3 Fund
PWD University Business District: Garage Q, Civic Center Parking
Garage, Parking Garage J, and University Underpass
$56,160 University Avenue
Parking District Fund
PWD California Business District: Sherman Parking Garage, Ted
Thompson Parking Garage, and Cambridge Parking Garage
$42,120 California Avenue
Parking District Fund
PWD Cubberley Community Center Parking Lots $7,020 General Fund
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY:
Item 13
Item 13 Staff Report
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 453 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 1 Rev. August 20, 2025
CITY OF PALO ALTO CONTRACT NO. C26195084
MINOR PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT
THIS CONTRACT (“Contract”) is made and entered into on the 1st day of December, 2025,
by and between the City of Palo Alto, a California chartered municipal corporation
(“City”), and SCA of CA, LLC, a Limited Liability Company, located at 4141 Rockside Road,
Suite 100, Seven Hills, OH 44131, telephone number: (216) 393-0656, Department of
Industrial Relations Registration No. 1000880302(“Contractor”). In consideration of their
mutual covenants, the parties hereto agree as follows:
RECITALS
A. City has determined that this Contract is a “public works contract” as defined in
Section 2.30.100 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code (“PAMC”) and in Public Contract Code
section 1101 based on the required Work, as defined below.
B. City has further determined that this Contract is not subject to public bidding
pursuant to Section 2.30.300 of the PAMC.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. WORK. Contractor will fully perform and complete the work (“Work”) described
in the Scope of Work attached as Exhibit A within the time required for full completion
of the Work, as specified in Section 4, below, including all labor, materials, supplies, and
equipment and all other direct or indirect costs including, but not limited to, taxes,
insurance and all overhead, for the compensation specified in Section 5, below. All Work
must be provided in a manner that meets or exceeds the standard of care applicable to
the same type of work in Santa Clara County. Contractor must promptly correct, at
Contractor’s sole expense, any Work that the City determines is deficient or defective.
Optional On-Call Provision (This provision applies only if checked and
applies only to on-call (aka task-order) contracts.
Work will be authorized by City, as needed, with a Task Order assigned and
approved by City’s Project Manager. Each Task Order will be in substantially
the same form as the document provided as Exhibit A-1. Each Task Order
will designate a City Project Manager and will contain a specific scope of
work, a specific schedule of performance and a specific compensation
amount. The total price of all Task Orders issued under this Contract will not
exceed the amount of compensation set forth in Section 5 of this Contract.
Contractor will only be compensated for Work performed under an
authorized Task Order and City may elect, but is not required, to authorize
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 454 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 2 Rev. August 20, 2025
on-call Work up to the maximum compensation amount set forth in Section
5.
2. EXHIBITS. The following exhibits are attached to and made a part of this Contract:
“A” - Scope of Work
“A-1” - On-Call Task Order (Optional)
“B” - Schedule of Performance
“C” - Schedule of Fees
“D” - Insurance Requirements
“E” – Bond Forms (required if Contract Sum exceeds $25,000)
CONTRACT IS NOT COMPLETE UNLESS ALL INDICATED EXHIBITS ARE ATTACHED .
3. TERM.
The term of this Contract begins on the date the Contract is fully executed
by both parties through November 30, 2030, subject to Subsection O
(Termination) and Subsection R (Non-Appropriation) of Section 11
(General Terms and Conditions).
OR
The term of this Agreement is from through , subject to
Subsection O (Termination) and Subsection R (Non-Appropriation) of
Section 11 (General Terms and Conditions).
OR
The term of this Contract ends upon the earliest of: (a) City’s final payment
to Contractor for the Work, (b) City’s termination of the Contract in
accordance with Subsection O (Termination) of Section 11 (General Terms
and Conditions), or (c) non-appropriation under Subsection R (Non-
Appropriation) of Section 11 (General Terms and Conditions).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term of this Contract may not exceed
three years from the date the Contract is fully executed.
4. SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE. Contractor will complete the Work in a reasonably
prompt and timely manner based upon the circumstances and direction communicated
by City to Contractor, and in accordance with the Schedule of Performance, attached at
Exhibit B. Time is of the essence for the performance of the Work required under this
Contract.
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 455 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 3 Rev. August 20, 2025
Liquidated Damages. This Contract is subject to liquidated damages, as
specified in this paragraph. It is expressly understood that if the Work is
not completed within the time specified in Exhibit B, City will suffer
damages from the delay that are difficult to determine and accurately
specify. Pursuant to Public Contract Code section 7203, if Contrac tor fails
to fully complete the Work within the time specified in Exhibit B due to
Contractor’s failure to diligently prosecute the Work, including failure to
provide an adequate workforce, failure to effectively manage the work, or
failure timely procure materials and equipment, City will charge Contractor
$ for each calendar day that completion of the Work is delayed
beyond the time required under the Contract, as liquidated damages and
not as a penalty. City is entitled to deduct accrued liquidated damages
from any payments otherwise due to Contractor, including retention. If
there are insufficient Contract funds remaining to cover the full amount of
liquidated damages assessed, City is entitled to recover the balance from
Contractor or its performance bond surety. Any waiver of accrued
liquidated damages, in whole or in part, is subject to approval of the City
Council or its authorized delegee.
5. COMPENSATION. City will pay and Contractor agrees to accept as not-to-exceed
compensation (“Contract Sum”) for the full and satisfactory performance of the Work
based on the terms associated with the box checked below, and as may be further
specified in Exhibit C, Schedule of Fees:
Alternative 1: Lump sum compensation of $ .
OR
Alternative 2: Time and material compensation based on the rate
schedule set forth in Exhibit C, not to exceed a total maximum
compensation amount of $ .
OR
Alternative 3: Unit pricing based on the unit pricing schedule set forth in
Exhibit C, and subject to a not to exceed a total maximum compensation
amount of Five Hundred Eighty-One Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty-Two
dollars and Seventy cents ($581,852.70).
Contractor agrees that it can perform the Work for the Contract Sum set
forth above. Any Work performed by Contractor for which payment would
result in a total exceeding the maximum amount of the Contract Sum will
be at no cost to City, except as provided for Additional Work, if checked
below.
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 456 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 4 Rev. August 20, 2025
Additional Work. City has set aside the sum of dollars ($ ) for
potential work which may be authorized by City in addition to the Work
specified in Exhibit A, Scope of Work (“Additional Work”). Contractor will
provide Additional Work pursuant only to prior written authorization from
the City Project Manager. Contractor, at the City’s request, will submit a
detailed written proposal including a description of the scope of Work,
schedule, level of effort, and Contractor’s proposed maximum
compensation for such Additional Work. Unless otherwise specified in the
City’s written authorization to perform Additional Work, compensation for
the Additional Work will be based on the method of compensation
selected forth above. City will not authorize and Contractor will not
perform any Additional Work for which payment would exceed the
amount set forth in this paragraph for Additional Work. Additional Work is
subject to all requirements and restrictions in this Contract.
6. PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS. Pursuant to the Recitals set forth
above, this Contract is subject to provisions in the Public Contract Code that apply to
municipal “public works contracts” in the Public Contract Code (with the exception of
bidding requirements), including, but not limited to, the following:
A. Differing Site Conditions. Pursuant to Public Contract Code section 7104,
the following terms apply if the Work involves digging trenches or other
excavations that extend deeper than four feet below the surface.
1) Contractor will promptly, and before the following conditions are
disturbed, provide written notice to City if the Contractor finds any of the
following conditions:
a) Material that Contractor believes may be a hazardous
waste, as defined in Section 25117 of the Health and Safety Code,
that is required to be removed to a Class I, Class II, or Class III
disposal site in accordance with the provisions of existing law.
b) Subsurface or latent physical conditions at the site differing
from those indicated by information about the site made available
to Contractor before the parties executed this Contract.
c) Unknown physical conditions at the site of any unusual
nature, differing materially different from those ordinarily
encountered and generally recognized as inherent in work of the
character provided for in the Contract and Exhibits hereto.
d) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, and as
specified under law, including Public Contract Code Section 7104,
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 457 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 5 Rev. August 20, 2025
Contractor is responsible for performing the Work subject to
existing site conditions, without adjustment to the Contract
compensation as specified in Section 5, above, or adjustment to the
Contract schedule, as specified in Section 4, above.
2) City will promptly investigate any of the above the conditions and
if City finds that the conditions do materially so differ, or do involve
hazardous waste, and cause a decrease or increase in Contractor’s cost of,
or the time required for, performance of any part of the Work, will issue a
change order to modify the Contract.
3) If a dispute arises between the City and the Contractor regarding any of the
matters specified above, Contractor will not be excused from any scheduled
completion date provided for in this Contract, but must proceed with all Work to be
performed under the Contract. Contractor will be entitled to submit a claim with
respect to any such dispute, as further specified in Section 6.C, below.
B. Retention. If the Work will be performed over a period of time exceeding
30 days, City may retain 5% of the amount due on each monthly progress
payment, as retention to ensure full and complete performance of the Work,
subject to the terms of Public Contract Code sections 7107 and 22300, each of
which is incorporated by reference herein.
C. Claim Procedures. In addition to the provisions of Public Contract Code
section 9204 and sections 20104 et seq., which are incorporated by reference
herein, any claim by Contractor (“Claim”) is subject to the following requirements
and procedures.
1) A Claim may only be submitted after a written request by
Contractor for an increase in compensation or time to perform the Work
has been rejected in writing by the City. A written and substantiated Claim,
as specified below, must be received by the Project Manager no later than
21 days following City’s rejection, in whole or in part, of the Contractor’s
request for additional compensation or time.
2) The Claim must be submitted by registered or certified mail with
return receipt requested and clearly identified as a “Claim.” The Claim
must include all of the documents necessary to substantiate the Claim
including a copy of Contractor’s written request that was rejected in whole
or in part, and a copy of City’s written rejection of that request. The Claim
must clearly identify and describe the basis for the Claim, including
references to applicable portions of the Contract or Exhibits, and a
chronology of relevant events. Any Claim for additional payment must
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 458 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 6 Rev. August 20, 2025
include a complete, itemized breakdown of all known or estimated labor,
materials, taxes, insurance, and subcontract, or other costs. Substantiating
documentation such as payroll records, receipts, invoices, or the like, must
be submitted in support of each component of claimed cost. Any Claim for
an extension of time or delay costs must be substantiated with a schedule
analysis and narrative depicting and explaining claimed time impacts.
3) The cover letter for the Claim must provide a summary of the basis
for the Claim and included the following certification, executed by
Contractor’s authorized representative: “The undersigned Contractor
certifies under penalty of perjury that its statements and representations
in this Claim submittal are true and correct. Contractor warrants that this
Claim submittal is comprehensive and complete as to the matters in
dispute, and agrees that any costs, expenses, or delay not included herein
are deemed waived.”
4) Contractor bears the burden of proving entitlement to and the
amount of any claimed damages. Contractor is not entitled to damages
calculated on a total cost basis, but must prove actual damages. Contractor
is not entitled to speculative, special, or consequential damages, including
home office overhead or any form of overhead not directly incurred at the
Work site; lost profits; loss of productivity; lost opportunity to work on
other projects; diminished bonding capacity; increased cost of financing
for the Project; cost increases; extended capital costs; non-availability of
labor, material or equipment due to delays; or any other indirect loss
arising from the Contract. The Eichleay Formula or similar formula will not
be used for any recovery under the Contract. The City will not be directly
liable to any Subcontractor or supplier.
5) Notwithstanding the submission of a Claim or any other dispute
between the parties related to the Work, Contractor must perform the
Work and may not delay or cease Work pending resolution of a Claim or
other dispute, but must continue to diligently prosecute the performance
and timely completion of the Work, including the Work pertaining to the
Claim or other dispute.
6) This Contract will be governed by California law and venue will be
in the Superior Court of Santa Clara County, and no other place. It is
expressly agreed, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 1296, that in
any arbitration to resolve a dispute relating to this Contract, the
arbitrator’s award must be supported by law and substantial evidence.
7) Subject to the Claim requirements set forth in this Contract, a Claim
will be processed as specified in the applicable provisions of Public
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 10 Packet Pg. 459 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 7 Rev. August 20, 2025
Contract Code section 9204 and sections 20104 et seq. A Claim that fails
to comply with the requirements of this Section 6.C, will be deemed
waived by the Contractor.
D. Trenching of Five Feet or More. As required by Labor Code section 6705,
if the Contract Sum exceeds $25,000 and the Work includes the excavation of any
trench or trenches of five feet or more in depth, a detailed plan must be submitted
to City for acceptance in advance of the excavation. The detailed plan must show
the design of shoring, bracing, sloping, or other provisions to be made for worker
protection from the hazard of caving ground during the excavation. If the plan
varies from the shoring system standards, it must be prepared by a California
registered civil or structural engineer. Use of a shoring, sloping, or protective
system less effective than that required by the Construction Safety Orders is
prohibited.
E. Utilities, Trenching and Excavation. As required by Government Code
section 4215, if, during the performance of the Work, Contractor discovers utility
facilities not identified by City in the Contract documents, Contractor must
immediately provide written notice to City and the utility. In performing any
excavations or trenching work, Contractor must comply with all applicable
operator requirements in Government Code sections 4216 through 4216.5.
F. License Compliance. Contractor, at its sole expense, must obtain and
maintain during the term of this Contract, all appropriate permits, certificates and
licenses including, but not limited to, a California contractor’s license for
classification(s) .
G. Assignment of Unfair Business Practice Claims. Pursuant to Public
Contract Code section 7103.5, Contractor and its subcontractors agree to assign to
City all rights, title, and interest in and to all causes of action they may have under
section 4 of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. section 15) or under the Cartwright Act
(Chapter 2 (commencing with section 16700) of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business
and Professions Code), arising from purchases of goods, services, or materials
pursuant to the Contract or any subcontract. This assignment will be effective at
the time City tenders final payment to Contractor, without further
acknowledgement by the parties.
H. Provisions Deemed Inserted. Every provision of law required to be
inserted in this Contract is deemed to be inserted, and the Contract will be
construed and enforced as though such provision has been included. If it is
discovered that through mistake or otherwise that any required provision was not
inserted, or not correctly inserted, the Contract will be deemed amended
accordingly.
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 11 Packet Pg. 460 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 8 Rev. August 20, 2025
7. LABOR CODE REQUIREMENTS.
This Contract is NOT subject to California prevailing wage laws. Pursuant to Labor
Code Section 1782, Contractor is not required to pay prevailing wages for (1)
construction work if the Contract is $25,000 or less, or (2) for alteration,
demolition, repair, or maintenance work if the Contract is $15,000 or less.
OR
This Contract IS subject to California prevailing wage laws. Pursuant to California
Labor Code section 1720 et seq., this Contract is subject to the prevailing wage
requirements applicable to the locality in which the Work is to be performed for
each craft, classification or type of worker needed to perform the Wor k, including
employer payments for health and welfare, pension, vacation, apprenticeship and
similar purposes, and as further specified below. This Contract is subject to
compliance monitoring and enforcement by the California Department of Industrial
Relations (“DIR”), pursuant to Labor Code section 1771.4. This Contract is also
subject to the following Labor Code requirements:
A. DIR Registration. City may not enter into the Contract with Contractor,
without proof that Contractor and its subcontractors, if applicable, are registered
with the DIR to perform public work pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5.
B. Eight Hour Day. Pursuant to Labor Code section 1810, eight hours of labor
constitute a legal day’s work under this Contract. Pursuant to Labor Code section
1813, Contractor will forfeit to City as a penalty, the sum of $25.00 for each day
during which a worker employed by Contractor or any subcontractor is required
or permitted to work more than eight hours in any one calendar day or more than
40 hours per calendar week, except if such workers are paid overtime under Labor
Code section 1815.
C. Apprentices. If the Contract Sum is $30,000 or more, Contractor is
responsible for compliance with the requirements governing employment and
payment of apprentices, as set forth in Labor Code section 1777.5, which is fully
incorporated by reference.
D. Notices. Pursuant to Labor Code section 1771.4, Contractor is required to
post all job site notices prescribed by law.
E. Prevailing Wages. Each worker performing Work under this Contract that
is covered under Labor Code sections 1720, 1720.3, or 1720.9, including cleanup
at the project site, must be paid at a rate not less than the prevailing wage as
defined in sections 1771 and 1774 of the Labor Code. The prevailing wage rates
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 12 Packet Pg. 461 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 9 Rev. August 20, 2025
are on file with the City’s Purchasing Division’s office. Contractor must post a copy
of the applicable prevailing rates at the project site. Pursuant to Labor Code
section 1775, Contractor and any subcontractor will forfeit to City as a penalty up
to $200.00 for each calendar day, or portion thereof, for each worker paid less
than the applicable prevailing wage rate. Contractor must also pay each worker
the difference between the applicable prevailing wage rate and the amount
actually paid to that worker.
F. Payroll Records. Contractor must comply with the provisions of Labor
Code sections 1771.4, 1776, and 1812 and all implementing regulations, which are
fully incorporated by this reference, including requirements for monthly
electronic submission of payroll records to the DIR. Contractor and each
Subcontractor must keep accurate payroll records, showing the name, address,
social security number, work classification, straight time and overtime hours
worked each day and week, and the actual per diem wages p aid to each
journeyman, apprentice, worker, or other employee employed in connection with
the Work. Each payroll record must contain or be verified by a written declaration
that it is made under penalty of perjury, stating both of the following:
1) The information contained in the payroll record is true and correct;
and
2) Contractor or the subcontractor has complied with the
requirements of Labor Code sections 1771, 1811, and 1815 for any Work
performed by its employees pursuant to this Contract.
G. Certified Record. A certified copy of an employee’s payroll record must be
made available for inspection or furnished to the employee or his or her
authorized representative on request, to City, to the Division of Labor Standards
Enforcement, to the Division of Apprenticeship Standards of the DIR, and as
further required by the Labor Code.
(Check if the Work for this Contract is funded in whole or in part by state or
federal funds.) Contractor and its subcontractors must submit certified
payroll records to the Project Manager at the end of each week during
performance of the Work.
H. Enforcement. Upon notice of noncompliance with the payroll record
requirements of Labor Code section 1776, Contractor or its subcontractor has ten
days in which to comply with the requirements of this section. If Contractor or its
subcontractor fails to do so within the ten-day period, Contractor or its
subcontractor will forfeit a penalty of $100.00 per day, or portion thereof, for each
worker for whom compliance is required, until strict compliance is achieved. Upon
request by the Division of Apprenticeship Standards, or the Division of Labor
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 13 Packet Pg. 462 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 10 Rev. August 20, 2025
Standards Enforcement, these penalties will be withheld from payments then due
to Contractor.
8. INSURANCE AND BONDS.
A. Insurance. Contractor, at its sole cost, will purchase and maintain in full
force during the term of this Contract, the insurance coverage described in Exhibit
D. Insurance must be provided by companies with a Best’s Key Rating of A -:VII or
higher and which are otherwise acceptable to City’s Risk Manager. The Risk
Manager must approve deductibles and self-insured retentions. In addition, all
policies, endorsements, certificates and/or binders are subject to approval by the
Risk Manager as to form and content. Contractor will obtain a policy endorsement
naming the City of Palo Alto as an additional insured under any general liability or
automobile policy. Contractor will obtain an endorsement stating that the
insurance is primary coverage and will not be canceled or m aterially reduced in
coverage or limits until after providing 30 days prior written notice of the
cancellation or modification to the Risk Manager. Contractor will provide
certificates of such policies or other evidence of coverage satisfactory to the Risk
Manager, together with the required endorsements and evidence of payment of
premiums, to City concurrently with the execution of this Contract and will
throughout the term of this Contract provide current certificates evidencing the
required insurance coverages and endorsements to the Risk Manager. Contractor
will include all subcontractors as insured under its policies or will obtain and
provide to City separate certificates and endorsements for each subcontractor
that meet all the requirements of this section. The procuring of such required
policies of insurance will not operate to limit Contractor’s liability or obligation to
indemnify City under this Contract.
B. Bond Requirements for Contracts over $25,000. If the maximum
compensation for Work as set forth in Section 5, above, is greater than $25,000,
before commencing the Work Contractor must provide a payment bond and a
performance bond, each in the penal sum of not less than 100% of the maximum
Contract price, and each executed by Contractor and its surety using the bond
forms attached hereto as Exhibit E. Each bond must be issued and executed by a
surety admitted in California.
Contractor is required to provide a payment bond and a performance bond
for the Work, each based on the maximum Contract price of Five Hundred
Eighty-One Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty-Two dollars and Seventy cents
($581,852.70).
OR
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 14 Packet Pg. 463 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 11 Rev. August 20, 2025
Contractor is not required to provide a payment bond or a performance
bond for the Work, unless the maximum Contract price is increased to an
amount over $25,000, in which case Contractor must promptly provide the
required bonds before it may proceed with the Additional Work.
9. INVOICING AND PAYMENT. Each invoice for Work to City, via email, Attention:
Project Manager. The Project Manager is: Kaela Knoakes, Dept.: Public Works, telephone:
(650)496-5945, email: kaela.noakes@paloalto.gov. Invoices will be submitted in arrears
for Work performed, but may not be submitted more frequently than monthly. Each
invoice must reference the Contract number set forth on the first page of this Contract,
and provide a detailed statement of Work performed during the invoice period and
supporting documentation for all claimed costs, e.g., payroll records and receipts, all of
which will be subject to verification by City. Pursuant to Public Contract Code section
20104.50, City will pay the undisputed amount of each properly submitted invoice within
30 days of receipt, subject to withholding of retention, if applicable, as set forth in Section
6.B, above. Contractor warrants that title to all work, materials and equipment
incorporated into the Work will pass to City free of any claims, liens, or encumbrances
upon payment to Contractor.
10. NOTICES. All notices, demands, or requests (including Change Order Requests and
Claims) from Contractor must be address to the City at:
To City: Office of the City Clerk
City of Palo Alto
Post Office Box 10250
Palo Alto, CA 94303
With a copy to the Purchasing Manager
To Contractor: Attention of the Project Manager at the address of
Contractor recited on the first page of this Contract.
11. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
A. Acceptance, Amendment, Interpretation, Severability, and Assignment.
By executing this Contract, Contractor accepts and agrees to all terms and
conditions of this Contract, including the exhibits incorporated by reference
herein. No amendment or modification of this Contract will be binding unless it is
in a writing duly authorized and signed by the parties to this Contract. This
Contract and the Contract documents incorporated herein, including authorized
amendments or change orders thereto, constitute the final, complete, and
exclusive terms of the agreement between City and Contractor. Any variance in
the exhibits does not affect the validity of the Contract and the Contract itself
controls over any conflicting provisions in the exhibits. This Contract supersedes
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 15 Packet Pg. 464 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 12 Rev. August 20, 2025
all prior contracts, representations, statements, negotiations and undertakings
between the parties, whether oral or written. None of the unchecked boxes apply
to this Contract. If any provision of the Contract documents, or portion of a
provision, is determined to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable, the remaining
provisions of the Contract documents will remain in full force and effect.
Contractor may not assign its rights or obligations under this Contract, in part or
in whole, without City’s prior written consent. This Contract is binding on
Contractor’s and City’s lawful heirs, successors and permitted assigns .
B. Qualifications. Contractor represents and warrants that it has the
expertise and qualifications to complete the Work described in Section 1 of this
Contract, and that every individual charged with the performance of the Work
under this Contract has sufficient skill and experience and is duly licensed or
certified, to the extent such licensing or certification is required by law, to perform
the Work. City expressly relies on Contractor’s representations regarding its skills,
knowledge, and certifications. Contractor will perform all work in accordance with
generally accepted business practices and performance standards of the industry,
including all federal, state, and local operation and safety regulations.
C. Independent Contractor. It is understood and agreed that in the
performance of this Contract, Contractor and any person employed by Contractor
will at all times be considered an independent Contractor and not an agent or
employee of City. Contractor will be responsible for employing or engaging all
persons necessary to complete the work required under this Contract.
D. Subcontractors. Contractor may not use subcontractors to perform any
Work under this Contract unless Contractor obtains prior written consent of City.
Contractor will be solely responsible for directing the work of approved
subcontractors and for any compensation due to subcontractors.
E. Taxes and Charges. Contractor will be responsible for payment of all taxes,
fees, contributions or charges applicable to the conduct of Contractor’s business.
F. Compliance with Laws. Contractor will in the performance of the Work
comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, regulations,
and orders, including, but not limited to the following requirements of the PAMC.
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 16 Packet Pg. 465 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 13 Rev. August 20, 2025
1) Palo Alto Minimum Wage Ordinance. Contractor will comply with
all requirements of the PAMC Chapter 4.62, as it may be amended from
time to time. In particular, for any employee otherwise entitled to the
State minimum wage, who performs at least two hours of work in a
calendar week within the geographic boundaries of the City, Contractor
will pay such employees no less than the minimum wage set forth in PAMC
section 4.62.030 for each hour worked within the geographic boundaries
of the City of Palo Alto. In addition, Contractor will post noti ces regarding
the Palo Alto Minimum Wage Ordinance in accordance with PAMC section
4.62.060.
2) Non-Discrimination. As set forth in PAMC section 2.30.510,
Contractor certifies that in the performance of this Contract, it will not
discriminate in the employment of any person because of the race, skin
color, gender, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual
orientation, housing status, marital status, familial status, weight or height
of such person. Contractor acknowledges that it has read and understands
the provisions of Section 2.30.510 of the PAMC relating to
Nondiscrimination Requirements and the penalties for violation thereof,
and agrees to meet all requirements of Section 2.30.510 pertaining to
nondiscrimination in employment.
3) Environmentally Preferred Purchasing And Zero Waste
Requirements. Contractor will comply with City’s Environmentally
Preferred Purchasing policies which are available at City’s Purchasing
Division, which are incorporated by reference and may be amended from
time to time. Contractor will comply with waste reduction, reuse, recycling
and disposal requirements of City’s Zero Waste Program. Zero Waste best
practices include first minimizing and reducing waste; second, reusing
waste and third, recycling or composting waste. In particular, Contractor
will comply with the following zero waste requirements:
(a) All printed materials provided by Contractor to City generated
from a personal computer and printer including but not limited to,
proposals, quotes, invoices, reports, and public education materials,
will be double-sided and printed on a minimum of 30% or greater post-
consumer content paper, unless otherwise approved by City’s Project
Manager. Any submitted materials printed by a professional printing
company will be a minimum of 30% or greater post-consumer material
and printed with vegetable-based inks.
(b) Goods purchased by Contractor on behalf of City will be
purchased in accordance with City’s Environmental Purchasing Policy
including, but not limited to, Extended Producer Responsibility
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 17 Packet Pg. 466 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 14 Rev. August 20, 2025
requirements for products and packaging. A copy of this policy is on file
at the Purchasing Division’s office.
(c) Reusable/returnable pallets will be taken back by Contractor,
at no additional cost to City, for reuse or recycling. Contractor will
provide documentation from the facility accepting the pallets to verify
that pallets are not being disposed.
G. Damage to Public or Private Property. Contractor will, at its sole expense,
repair in kind, or as the City Manager or designee will direct, any damage to public
or private property that occurs in connection with Contractor’s performance of
the Work. City may decline to approve and may withhold payment in whole or in
part to such extent as may be necessary to protect City from loss because of
defective work not remedied or other damage to the City occurring in connection
with Contractor’s performance of the Work. City will submit written
documentation in support of such withholding upon Contractor’s request. When
the grounds described above are removed, payment will be made for amounts
withheld because of them.
H. Warranties. Contractor expressly warrants that all Work provided under
this Contract will be performed in a professional and workmanlike manner in
accordance with generally accepted business practices and performance
standards of the industry and the requirements of t his Contract. Contractor
expressly warrants that all materials, goods and equipment provided by
Contractor under this Contract will be fit for the particular purpose intended, will
be free from defects, and will conform to the requirements of this Contract.
Contractor agrees to promptly replace or correct any material or service not in
compliance with these warranties, including incomplete, inaccurate, or defective
material or service, at no further cost to City. The warranties set forth in this
section will be in effect for a period of one year from completion of the Work and
will survive the completion of the Work or termination of this Contract.
I. Monitoring of Work. City may monitor the Work performed under this
Contract to determine whether Contractor’s work is completed in a satisfactory
manner and complies with the provisions of this Contract.
J. City’s Property. Any reports, information, data or other material
(including copyright interests) developed, collected, assembled, prepared, or
caused to be prepared under this Contract will become the property of City
without restriction or limitation upon their use and will not be made available to
any individual or organization by Contractor or its subcontractors, if any, without
the prior written approval of the City Manager.
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 18 Packet Pg. 467 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 15 Rev. August 20, 2025
K. Audits. Contractor agrees to permit City and its authorized
representatives to audit, at any reasonable time during the term of this Contract
and for three years from the date of final payment, Contractor’s records
pertaining to matters covered by this Contract. Contractor agrees to maintain
accurate books and records in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles for at least three following the terms of this Contract.
L. No Implied Waiver. No payment, partial payment, acceptance, or partial
acceptance by City will operate as a waiver on the part of City of any of its rights
under this Contract. A waiver by City of any breach of any term, covenant, or
condition in this Contract will not be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach
of the same or any other term, covenant, or condition contained herein,
regardless of the character of any such breach.
M. Hold Harmless. To the fullest extent permitted by law and without
limitation by the provisions of this Contract relating to insurance, Contractor will
indemnify, defend and hold harmless City, its Council members, officers,
employees and agents from and against any and all demands, claims, injuries,
losses, or liabilities of any nature, including death or injury to any person, property
damage or any other loss and including without limitation all damages, penalties,
fines and judgments, associated investigation and administrative expenses and
defense costs, including, but not limited to reasonable attorney’s fees, courts
costs and costs of alternative dispute resolution), arising out of, or resulting in any
way from or in connection with the performance of this Contract, except that
Contractor will not be obligated to indemnify City for liability arising from the
active or sole negligence or willful misconduct of City. The acceptance of the Work
by City will not operate as a waiver of the right of indemnification. This
indemnification obligation is not limited by any limitation on the amount or type
of damages or compensation payable under Workers’ Compensation or other
employee benefit acts, or by insurance coverage limits, and will survive the
expiration or early termination of this Contract. City will notify Contractor of any
third-party claim pursuant to Public Contract Code section 9201.
N. Workers’ Compensation Certification. Pursuant to Labor Code section
1861, by signing this Contract, Contractor certifies as follows: “I am aware of the
provisions of Labor Code section 3700 which require every employer to be insured
against liability for workers’ compensation or to undertake self -insurance in
accordance with the provisions of that code, and I will comply with such provisions
before commencing the performance of the Work on this Contract.”
O. Termination. The City Manager may terminate this Contract without
cause by giving ten days’ prior written notice thereof to Contractor. If Contractor
fails to perform any of its material obligations under this Contract, in addition to
all other remedies provided by law, the City Manager may terminate this Contract
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 19 Packet Pg. 468 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 16 Rev. August 20, 2025
immediately upon written notice of termination. Upon receipt of such notice of
termination, Contractor will immediately discontinue performance. City will pay
Contractor for Work satisfactorily performed up to the effective date of
termination. If the termination is for cause, City may deduct from such payment
the amount of actual damage, if any, sustained by City due to Contractor’s failure
to perform its material obligations under this Contract. Upon termination,
Contractor will immediately deliver to the City Manager any and all copies of
studies, sketches, drawings, computations, and other material or products,
whether or not completed, prepared by Contractor or given to Contractor, in
connection with this Contract. Such materials will become the property of City.
P. Conflict of Interest. In accepting this Contract, Contractor covenants that
it presently has no interest, and will not acquire any interest, direct or indirect,
financial or otherwise, which would conflict in any manner or degree with the
performance of this Contract. Contractor further covenants that, in the
performance of this Contract, it will not employ any person having such an
interest. Contractor certifies that no City officer, employee, or authorized
representative has any financial interest in the business of Contractor and that no
person associated with Contractor has any interest, direct or indirect, which could
conflict with the faithful performance of this Contract. Contractor agrees to advise
City if any conflict arises.
Q. Governing Law. This Contract will be governed and interpreted by the
laws of the State of California.
R. Non-Appropriation. This Contract is subject to the fiscal provisions of the
Charter of the City of Palo Alto and the PAMC. This Contract will terminate without
any penalty (1) at the end of any fiscal year in the event that funds are not
appropriated for the following fiscal year, or (2) at any time within a fiscal year in
the event that funds are only appropriated for a portion of the fiscal year and
funds for this Contract are no longer available. This paragraph will take
precedence in the event of a conflict with any other covenant, term, condition, or
provision of this Contract.
S. Authority. The individual(s) executing this Contract on behalf of the parties
represent and warrant that they have the legal capacity and authority to do so on
behalf of their respective legal entities.
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 20 Packet Pg. 469 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 17 Rev. August 20, 2025
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have by their duly authorized representatives
executed this Contract on the date first above written.
CITY OF PALO ALTO SCA of CA, LLC , CONTRACTOR
_____________________________ By__________________________________
City Manager or Designee
Name ______________________________
Title________________________________
Approved as to form:
___________________________
City Attorney or Designee
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 21 Packet Pg. 470 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 18 Rev. August 20, 2025
EXHIBIT A
SCOPE OF WORK
SWEEPING SERVICES OVERVIEW AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
The CITY’s parking garages, parking lots and underpass to be swept and cleaned are
located within the University Avenue Business District, California Avenue Business District,
and Cubberley Community Center. The CITY parking garages located within the University
Avenue Business District include Garage Q, Lot J and Civic Center Garage; and within the
California Avenue Business District include Cambridge Garage, Ted Thompson Garage and
the Sherman Parking Garage. The CITY’s parking lots are at Cubberley Commu nity Center.
University Avenue underpass is located on University Avenue, adjacent to Alma Street and
the train tracks. Maps of these service locations are included in “Attachment A”.
For these sweeping services, CONTRACTOR will remove all paper, glass, leaves, dirt and
other debris from garage floors, parking lots, parking stalls, driveways, driving lanes,
driving aisles, walkways, stairways, pedestrian ramps, and around obstacles such as
recycling area, wheel stops, bollards, EV Stations, columns, trash cans, etc. CONTRACTOR
will use a parking lot sweeper, mechanical broom sweeper, blower, and broom for
sweeping and cleaning. CONTRACTOR will disinfect/sanitize garage floors and/or
stairwells as needed or upon request. CONTRACTOR will use an approved
disinfectant/sanitizer for spraying all pedestrian ramps and walkways as needed.
The sweeping services shall be between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., Monday
through Friday. With the exception, the sweeping and cleaning at the Civic Center Parking
Garage will be between the hours of 10:00 p.m. Monday and 1:30 a.m. Tuesday.
A parking lot sweeper shall be used for sweeping Parking Garage Q, Civic Center Parking
Garage, Lot J, Cambridge Parking Garage, Ted Thompson Parking Garage, and Sherman
Paring Garage.
A Mechanical broom sweeper shall be used for sweeping Cubberley School Parking Lots
and connecting driveways. Mechanical broom sweepers shall meet or exceed current City
Noise Ordinance.
CONTRACTOR will obtain or possess the necessary equipment to perform the work, such
as the proper equipment to accommodate the different maximum vertical clearances for
each parking garage to ensure their equipment does not damage CITY property.
CONTRACTOR shall repair or replace, at no cost to the City, all existing improvements
damaged or removed as a result of its sweeping services.
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 22 Packet Pg. 471 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 19 Rev. August 20, 2025
Any additional related sweeping or cleaning services that may be required will be added
as a Change Order at a negotiated price.
TASK 1 – UNIVERSITY DOWNTOWN GARAGES
PARKING GARAGE Q, 430 High Street (Task 1a):
- Sweep all garage floor areas (parking stalls, driving aisles and ramps). This garage has
four parking levels.
- Sweep and clean all stairways.
- Spray disinfectant/sanitizer in parking stalls, stairwells, and walkways that have been
contaminated by human biohazards.
- Service is to be performed weekly.
LOT J PARKING GARAGE, 520 Webster Street (Task 1b):
- Sweep all garage floor areas (parking stalls, driving aisles and ramps). This garage has
six parking levels.
- Sweep and clean all stairways.
- Spray disinfectant/sanitizer in parking stalls, stairwells, and walkways that have been
contaminated by human biohazards.
- Service is to be performed weekly.
CIVIC CENTER PARKING GARAGE, 250 Hamilton Avenue (Task 1c):
- Sweep all garage floor areas (parking stalls, driving aisles and ramps). This garage has
three parking levels.
- Sweep and clean all stairways.
- Clean recycling bin storage area, recycling dumpsters and garbage dumpsters at Level
A. The cleaning shall include removing and reinstalling recycling bins (excluding
dumpsters), sweeping, and removing all debris.
- Spray disinfectant/sanitizer in parking stalls, stairwells, and walkways that have been
contaminated by human biohazards.
- Service is to be performed weekly.
UNIVERSITY AVENUE UNDERPASS (Task 1d):
- Sweep and clean all underpass walkways.
- Sweep and clean all four (4) pedestrian ramps.
- Spray disinfectant/sanitizer on all four (4) pedestrian ramps.
- Service is to be performed weekly.
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 23 Packet Pg. 472 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 20 Rev. August 20, 2025
TASK 2 – CALIFORNIA AVE DOWNTOWN GARAGES
CAMBRIDGE PARKING GARAGE, 451 Cambridge Avenue (Task 2a):
- Sweep all garage floor areas (parking stalls, driving aisles and ramps). This garage has
two parking levels.
- Sweep and clean all stairways and under stairways.
- Remove all debris from planted areas.
- Spray disinfectant/sanitizer in parking stalls, stairwells, and walkways that have been
contaminated by human biohazards.
- Service is to be performed weekly.
TED THOMPSON PARKING GARAGE, 275 Cambridge Avenue (Task 2b):
- Sweep all garage floor areas (parking stalls, driving aisles and ramps). This garage has
two parking levels.
- Sweep and clean all stairways and under stairways.
- Sweep pigeon droppings on all garage floors (scraping may be necessary).
- Remove all debris from planted areas.
- Spray disinfectant/sanitizer in parking stalls, stairwells, and walkways that have been
contaminated by human biohazards.
- Service is to be performed weekly.
SHERMAN PARKING GARAGE, 350 Sherman Avenue (Task 2c):
- Sweep and clean all stairways.
- Sweep all garage floor areas (parking stalls, driving aisles and ramps).
- Spray disinfectant/sanitizer in parking stalls, stairwells, and walkways that have been
contaminated by human biohazards.
- Service is to be performed weekly.
TASK 3 – CUBBERELY COMMUNITY CENTER
CUBBERLEY COMMUNITY CENTER & Connecting Driveways, 4000 Middlefield Road (Task
3a):
- Sweep all parking lots (parking stalls, driving aisles and driving lanes).
- Sweep all connecting driveways.
- Hand sweep/blow between islands and obstructions where mechanical
sweepers cannot sweep.
- Remove, sweep and clean all excess accumulation of dirt/rock debris at the
parking lots when required.
- Service is to be performed twice per month.
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 24 Packet Pg. 473 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 21 Rev. August 20, 2025
Attachment A
Map of Locations
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 25 Packet Pg. 474 of 828
Lot J Parking Garage
Civic Center Parking
Garage
Parking Garage Q
University Ave Underpass
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 26 Packet Pg. 475 of 828
Sherman
Parking Garage
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 27 Packet Pg. 476 of 828
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 28 Packet Pg. 477 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 22 Rev. August 20, 2025
EXHIBIT A-1
MINOR PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT TASK ORDER
Contractor hereby agrees to perform the Work detailed below in accordance with all
the terms and conditions of the Contract referenced in Item 1A below. All attachments
referenced in Item 8 are incorporated into the Contract by this reference. The
Contractor will furnish the necessary facilities, professional, technical and supporting
personnel required by this Task Order as described below.
CONTRACT NO.
ISSUE DATE
Purchase Requisition No.
1A. Master Contract Number
1B. Task Order No.
2. Contractor
3. Period Of Performance: Start: Completion:
4 Total Task Order Price: $__________________
Balance remaining in Contract $_________________
5. Budget Code: _______________
Cost Center: _________________
Cost Element______________ WBS/CIP___Phase___
6. City Project Manager’s Name/Department:
_____________________________________
7. Description of Scope Of Work
Must Include:
1. Work To Be Performed
2. Schedule Of Work
3. Basis For Payment & Fee Schedule
8. Attachments: Attachment 1: Task Order Scope of Work Attachment 2:
__________________________________
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPROVALS:
CITY OF PALO ALTO:
On behalf of the City of Palo Alto, I hereby authorize the performance of the Work
specified in this Task Order, in conformance with the requirements of the Contract.
By: ____________________________ Date: ________________________
Name: _________________________
Title: __________________________
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 29 Packet Pg. 478 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 23 Rev. August 20, 2025
, CONTRACTOR
On behalf of Contractor, I hereby acknowledge receipt and approvals and acceptance of
this Task Order under the terms of the Contract, and warrant that I have authority to
execute this Task Order on behalf of Contractor.
By: ____________________________ Date: _______________________
Name: _________________________
Title: __________________________
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 30 Packet Pg. 479 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 24 Rev. August 20, 2025
EXHIBIT B
SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE
Contractor must comply with the schedule requirements for the Work based on the
Alternative checked below:
Alternative 1. Contractor will perform the Work according to the following
schedule:
Commencement: After the Term of the Contract has commenced, Contractor must
begin performing the Work within days after City has issued a written
Notice to Proceed (“NTP”) for the Work, which may be transmitted to Contractor
via email.
Completion: Contractor must fully complete the Work within days following
issuance of the Notice to Proceed with the Work.
OR
Alternative 2. Contractor will perform the Work to complete each task within the
time period specified below. The time to complete each task may be increased or
decreased by mutual written Contract of the project managers for Contractor and
City so long as all work is completed within the term of the Contract. Upon request
Contractor will provide a detailed schedule of work consistent with the schedule
below.
Task Approx. Square
Footage (S.F.)
Schedule Estimated
Hours per
service*
Parking Garage Q (Task 1a) 48,000 Weekly 3
Lot J Parking Garage (Task 1b) 148,000 Weekly 3
Civic Center Parking Garage (Task 1c) 230,000 Weekly 3
University Avenue Underpass (Task 1d) 22,680 Weekly 2
Cambridge Parking Garage (Task 2a) 55,080 Weekly 2
Ted Thompson Parking Garage (Task 2b) 62,940 Weekly 2
Sherman Parking Garage (Task 2c) 240,000 Weekly 3
Cubberley Community Center (Task 3a) 220,500 Twice per month 2
*City recommends Contractor have a minimum of (2) workers on site during servicing.
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 31 Packet Pg. 480 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 25 Rev. August 20, 2025
EXHIBIT C
SCHEDULE OF FEES
ALTERNATIVE 1. Lump Sum Compensation. If the box for Alternative 1, lump sum
pricing, is checked in Section 5 of the Contract, Contractor’s compensation will not exceed
the amount stated for Alternative 1, unless this Contract is modified by City to add to the
scope of work set forth in Exhibit A.
ALTERNATIVE 2. Time and Materials Compensation. If the box for Alternative 2, time
and materials pricing, is checked in Section 5 of the Contract, Contractor’s compensation
will not exceed the amount stated for Alternative 2, unless this Contract is modified by
City to add to the scope of work set forth in Exhibit A. Compensation will be based on the
following terms, subject to substantiation of all actual costs to the City’s reasonable
satisfaction:
(1) 100% of all reasonable direct labor costs
(2) 100% of all reasonable direct material costs
(3) 100% of all reasonable direct equipment costs
(4) 100% of all reasonable direct incidental costs*
(5) Markup of % on the sum of the allowable costs in items (1)-(4)
* Item (4) excludes home office overhead, insurance, costs attributed to vehicles owned
or leased by Contractor, salaried supervisory staff, administrative staff and any other
costs that were not incurred solely for this Contract.
ALTERNATIVE 3. Unit Pricing. If the box for Alternative 3, unit pricing, is checked in
Section 5 of the Contract, Contractor’s compensation will not exceed the amount stated
for Alternative 3, unless this Contract is modified by City to add to the scope of work set
forth in Exhibit A. Compensation will be based on the mutually agreed unit prices set forth
below and based on actual quantities as determined by City. The unit prices provided are
deemed to be fully inclusive of all costs to provide and install the items, including labor,
materials, equipmen.t
YEAR 1
TASK QTY. UNIT DESCRIPTION UNIT PRICE TOTAL PRICE
1a 52 EA Sweeping Services for Parking
Garage Q
$270.00 $14,040.00
1b 52 EA Sweeping Services Parking Lot J $270.00 $14,040.00
1c 52 EA Sweeping Services Civic Center
Parking Garage
$270.00 $14,040.00
1d 52 EA Sweeping Services University Ave
Underpass
$270.00 $14,040.00
2a 52 EA Sweeping Services for Cambridge
Parking Garage
$270.00 $14,040.00
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 32 Packet Pg. 481 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 26 Rev. August 20, 2025
2b 52 EA Sweeping Services for Ted
Thompson Parking Garage
$270.00 $14,040.00
2c 52 EA Sweeping Services for Sherman
Parking Garage
$270.00 $14,040.00
3a 26 EA Sweeping Services for Cubberley
Community Center Parking Lots
$270.00 $7,020.00
YEAR 1 TOTAL $105,300.00
YEAR 2
TASK QTY. UNIT DESCRIPTION UNIT PRICE TOTAL PRICE
1a 52 EA Sweeping Services for Parking
Garage Q
$283.50 $14,742.00
1b 52 EA Sweeping Services Parking Lot J $283.50 $14,742.00
1c 52 EA Sweeping Services Civic Center
Parking Garage
$283.50 $14,742.00
1d 52 EA Sweeping Services University Ave
Underpass
$283.50 $14,742.00
2a 52 EA Sweeping Services for Cambridge
Parking Garage
$283.50 $14,742.00
2b 52 EA Sweeping Services for Ted
Thompson Parking Garage
$283.50 $14,742.00
2c 52 EA Sweeping Services for Sherman
Parking Garage
$283.50 $14,742.00
3a 26 EA Sweeping Services for Cubberley
Community Center Parking Lots
$283.50 $7,371.00
YEAR 2 TOTAL $110,565.00
YEAR 3
TASK QTY. UNIT DESCRIPTION UNIT PRICE TOTAL PRICE
1a 52 EA Sweeping Services for Parking
Garage Q
$297.68 $15,479.36
1b 52 EA Sweeping Services Parking Lot J $297.68 $15,479.36
1c 52 EA Sweeping Services Civic Center
Parking Garage
$297.68 $15,479.36
1d 52 EA Sweeping Services University Ave
Underpass
$297.68 $15,479.36
2a 52 EA Sweeping Services for Cambridge
Parking Garage
$297.68 $15,479.36
2b 52 EA Sweeping Services for Ted
Thompson Parking Garage
$297.68 $15,479.36
2c 52 EA Sweeping Services for Sherman
Parking Garage
$297.68 $15,479.36
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 33 Packet Pg. 482 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 27 Rev. August 20, 2025
3a 26 EA Sweeping Services for Cubberley
Community Center Parking Lots
$297.68 $7,739.68
YEAR 3 TOTAL $116,095.20
YEAR 4
TASK QTY. UNIT DESCRIPTION UNIT PRICE TOTAL PRICE
1a 52 EA Sweeping Services for Parking
Garage Q
$312.56 $16,253.12
1b 52 EA Sweeping Services Parking Lot J $312.56 $16,253.12
1c 52 EA Sweeping Services Civic Center
Parking Garage
$312.56 $16,253.12
1d 52 EA Sweeping Services University Ave
Underpass
$312.56 $16,253.12
2a 52 EA Sweeping Services for Cambridge
Parking Garage
$312.56 $16,253.12
2b 52 EA Sweeping Services for Ted
Thompson Parking Garage
$312.56 $16,253.12
2c 52 EA Sweeping Services for Sherman
Parking Garage
$312.56 $16,253.12
3a 26 EA Sweeping Services for Cubberley
Community Center Parking Lots
$312.56 $8,126.56
YEAR 4 TOTAL $121,898.40
YEAR 5
TASK QTY. UNIT DESCRIPTION UNIT PRICE TOTAL PRICE
1a 52 EA Sweeping Services for Parking
Garage Q
$328.19 $17,065.88
1b 52 EA Sweeping Services Parking Lot J $328.19 $17,065.88
1c 52 EA Sweeping Services Civic Center
Parking Garage
$328.19 $17,065.88
1d 52 EA Sweeping Services University Ave
Underpass
$328.19 $17,065.88
2a 52 EA Sweeping Services for Cambridge
Parking Garage
$328.19 $17,065.88
2b 52 EA Sweeping Services for Ted
Thompson Parking Garage
$328.19 $17,065.88
2c 52 EA Sweeping Services for Sherman
Parking Garage
$328.19 $17,065.88
3a 26 EA Sweeping Services for Cubberley
Community Center Parking Lots
$328.19 $8,532.94
YEAR 5 TOTAL $127,994.10
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 34 Packet Pg. 483 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 28 Rev. August 20, 2025
YEARS 1 - 5
GRAND TOTAL TOTAL PRICE
A. Year One (items 1a through 3a)
$105,300.00
B. Year Two (items 1a through 3a)
$110,565.00
C. Year Three (items 1a through 3a)
$116,095.20
D. Year Four (items 1a through 3a)
$121,898.40
E. Year Five (items 1a through 3a)
$127,994.10
Grand Total Schedule A through Schedule E)
$581,852.70
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 35 Packet Pg. 484 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 29 Rev. August 20, 2025
EXHIBIT D
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
Contractors to the City of Palo Alto (“City”), at their sole expense, will for the term of the
contract obtain and maintain insurance in the amounts for the coverage specified below,
provided by insurers with A.M. Best’s key rating of A-:VII, or higher, licensed or authorized
to transact insurance business in the state of California. Award is contingent on
compliance with City’s insurance requirements, as specified, below:
REQUIRED TYPE OF COVERAGE REQUIREMENT
MINIMUM LIMITS
EACH OCCURRENCE AGGREGATE
YES
YES
WORKER’S COMPENSATION EMPLOYER’S
LIABILITY
STATUTORY
STATUTORY
YES
GENERAL LIABILITY, INCLUDING PERSONAL
INJURY, BROAD FORM PROPERTY DAMAGE
BLANKET CONTRACTUAL, AND FIRE LEGAL
LIABILITY
BODILY INJURY
PROPERTY DAMAGE
BODILY INJURY & PROPERTY DAMAGE
COMBINED.
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
YES AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY, INCLUDING ALL
OWNED, HIRED, NON-OWNED
BODILY INJURY
1. EACH PERSON
2. EACH OCCURRENCE
PROPERTY DAMAGE
BODILY INJURY AND PROPERTY
DAMAGE, COMBINED
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
$1,000,000
NO
PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY, INCLUDING,
ERRORS AND OMISSIONS, MALPRACTICE
(WHEN APPLICABLE), AND NEGLIGENT
PERFORMANCE
ALL DAMAGES $1,000,000
YES The City of Palo Alto is to be named as an additional insured: Contractor, at its sole cost and
expense, will obtain and maintain, in full force and effect throughout the entire term of any
resultant Contract, the insurance coverage herein described, insuring not only Contractor
and its subcontractors, if any, but also, with the exception of workers’ compensation,
employer’s liability and professional insurance, naming as additional insureds City, its
Council Members, officers, agents, and employees.
1. Contractor’s insurance coverage must include a contractual liability endorsement
providing insurance coverage for Contractor’s contractual obligation to indemnify
City.
II. Prior to commencing the Work under the Contract, Contactor must submit
certificates(s) of insurance evidencing required coverage.
III. Endorsement provisions, with respect to the insurance afforded to “additional
insureds” must include the following:
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 36 Packet Pg. 485 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 30 Rev. August 20, 2025
1. Primary coverage
With respect to claims arising out of the operations of the named insured,
insurance as afforded by this policy is primary and is not additional to or
contributing with any other insurance carried by or for the benefit of the
additional insureds.
2. Cross liability
The naming of more than one person, firm, or corporation as insureds under the
policy will not, for that reason alone, extinguish any rights of the insured against
another, but this endorsement, and the naming of multiple insureds, will not
increase the total liability of the company under this policy.
3. Notice of cancellation
1. If the policy is canceled before its expiration date for any reason other than the
non-payment of premium, the issuing company will provide City at least a thirty
(30) day written notice before the effective date of cancellation.
2. If the policy is canceled before its expiration date for the non -payment of
premium, the issuing company will provide City at least a ten (10) day written
notice before the effective date of cancellation.
IV. Notices to City will be e-mailed to: Purchasingsupport@paloalto.gov
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 37 Packet Pg. 486 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 31 Rev. August 20, 2025
EXHIBIT E
REQUIRED CITY BOND FORMS
[Require use of the attached City payment and performance bond forms if the Contract
Sum exceeds $25,000.]
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 38 Packet Pg. 487 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 32 Rev. August 20, 2025
PERFORMANCE BOND
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Palo Alto, State of California (“City”)
and SCA of CA, LLC , (“Principal”) have entered into an agreement dated December 1,
2025, and identified as Parking Garage, Underpass and Parking Lot Sweeping Services
(“Agreement”), which is hereby referred to and made a part hereof whereby Principal
agrees to install and complete certain designated public improvements; and
WHEREAS, Principal is required under the terms of the Agreement to furnish a
surety bond for the faithful performance of the Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, Principal and ______________________________________,
as Surety, incorporated under the Laws of the State of , and duly authorized to
transact business as an admitted surety, under the laws of the State of California, are held
and firmly bound unto City in the penal sum of Five Hundred Eighty-One Thousand Eight
Hundred Fifty-Two dollars and Seventy cents ($581,852.70), for the payment whereof
Principal and Surety bind themselves, their respective heirs, executors, administrators,
successors, and assigns, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents.
The condition of this obligation is such that if the Principal, Principal’s heirs, executors,
administrators, successors, or assigns will promptly and faithfully keep and perform the
covenants, conditions, and provisions of the Agreement and any alteration thereof, with
or without notice to the Surety, and if Principal will satisfy all claims and demands incurred
under the Agreement and will fully protect, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless City, its
officers, agents, and employees from all claims, demands, or liabilities which may arise by
reason of Principal’s failure to do so, and will reimburse and repay City all outlay and
expenses which City may incur in making good any default, then this obligation will be
null and void; otherwise, it will remain in full force and effect.
As part of the obligations secured hereto, and in addition to the face amount specified
above, there will be included costs and reasonable expenses and fees, including
reasonable attorney’s fees incurred by City in successfully enforcing such obligations, all
to be taxed as costs and included in any judgment rendered. Surety will be liable for any
liquidated damages for which the Principal may be liable under its Agreement, and such
liquidated damages will be part of the obligations secured hereto, and in addition to the
face amount specified above.
The Surety hereby stipulates and agrees that no change, extension of time, alteration, or
addition to the terms of the Agreement or to the work to be performed thereunder or
the specifications accompanying the same, shall in any way affect its obligations on this
security, and it does hereby waive notice of any such change, extension of time,
alteration, or addition to the terms of the agreement or to the work or to the
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 39 Packet Pg. 488 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 33 Rev. August 20, 2025
specifications. Surety hereby waives the provisions of California Civil Code Section s 2845
and 2849. The City is the principal beneficiary of this bond and has all rights of a party
hereto.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this instrument has been duly executed by the Surety and
Principal above named on ______________, 2025.
____________________________________ Phone Number: _____________________
Name of Surety
Signature of Surety
By: Its:
Typed or Printed Name Title
Name of Contractor/Principal
Signature of Contractor/Principal
By: Its:
Typed or Printed Name Title
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 40 Packet Pg. 489 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 34 Rev. August 20, 2025
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
(Civil Code § 1189)
STATE OF )
COUNTY OF )
On , before me, , a notary public in and
for said County, personally appeared , who proved to me on
the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to
the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in
his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/t heir signature(s) on the
instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted,
executed the instrument.
I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the
foregoing paragraph is true and correct.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
(Seal)
A notary public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the
document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document.
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 41 Packet Pg. 490 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 35 Rev. August 20, 2025
PAYMENT BOND
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Palo Alto, State of California (“City”) and
SCA of CA, LLC, (“Principal”), have entered into an agreement dated December 1, 2025,
and identified as Parking Garage, Underpass and Parking Lot Sweeping Services
(“Agreement”), which is hereby referred to and made a part here of, whereby Principal
agrees to install and complete certain designated public improvements; and
WHEREAS, under the terms of the Agreement, Principal is required before
entering upon the performance of the work to file a good and sufficient payment surety
bond with City to secure the claims to which reference is made in Titles 1 and 3
(commencing with Section 8000) of Part 6 of Division 4 of the Civil Code of the State of
California.
NOW, THEREFORE, Principal and _______________________________________,
as Surety, incorporated under the laws of the State of ___________________________,
and duly authorized to transact business as an admitted surety, under the laws of the
State of California, are held and firmly bound unto City in the penal sum of Five Hundred
Eighty-One Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty-Two dollars and Seventy cents ($581,852.70),
this amount being not less than one hundred percent of the total amount payable by the
terms of the Agreement per Civil Code section 9554, for the payment whereof Principal
and Surety bind themselves, their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors,
and assigns, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents.
The condition of this obligation is such that if Principal, Principal’s subcontractors,
heirs, executors, administrators, successors, or assigns shall fail to pay any of the persons,
companies, or corporations, referred to in section 9100 of the California Civil Code, as
amended, with respect to any work of labor performed or materials supplied by any such
persons, companies, or corporations, which work, labor, or materials are covered by the
Agreement and any amendments, changes, change order, additions, a lterations, or
modifications thereof, or any amounts due under the California Unemployment Insurance
Code with respect to such work or labor, or for any amounts required to be deducted,
withheld, and paid over to the Employment Development Department from the wages of
employees of the Principal and its subcontractors pursuant to Section 13020 of the
Unemployment Insurance Code, as amended, with respect to such work and labor, the
Surety will pay for the same, as specified in Civil Code section 9554, in an amount not
exceeding the sum herein above specified, and also, in case suit is brought upon this bond,
the Surety will pay reasonable attorney’s fees in an amount to be fixed by the court.
It is hereby expressly stipulated and agreed that this surety bond shall inure to the
benefit of any and all persons, companies, and corporations entitled named in Section
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 42 Packet Pg. 491 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 36 Rev. August 20, 2025
9100 of the California Civil Code, as amended, so as to give a right of action to them or
their assigns in any suit brought upon this surety bond.
The Surety agrees that no amendment, change, change order, addition, alteration,
or modification to the terms of the agreement of the work to be performed thereunder
or the specifications accompanying the same, shall in any way affect its obligations on this
surety bond, provided the City waives the requirement for a new bond, and Surety does
hereby waive notice of any such amendment, change, change order, addition, alteration,
or modification to the terms of the agreement or to the work performed thereund er or
to the specifications accompanying the same. Surety hereby waives the provisions of
California Civil Code Sections 2845 and 2849.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this instrument has been duly executed by the Surety and
Principal above named on ______________, 2025.
____________________________________ Phone Number: _____________________
Name of Surety
Signature of Surety
By: Its:
Typed or Printed Name Title
Name of Contractor/Principal
Signature of Contractor/Principal
By: Its:
Typed or Printed Name Title
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 43 Packet Pg. 492 of 828
City of Palo Alto Minor Public Works Contract 37 Rev. August 20, 2025
CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
(Civil Code § 1189)
STATE OF )
COUNTY OF )
On , before me, , a notary public in and
for said County, personally appeared , who proved to me on
the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to
the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in
his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/t heir signature(s) on the
instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted,
executed the instrument.
I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the
foregoing paragraph is true and correct.
WITNESS my hand and official seal.
(Seal)
A notary public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the
document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document.
Item 13
Attachment A - SCA of CA
LLC, Contract C26195084
Item 13: Staff Report Pg. 44 Packet Pg. 493 of 828
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Police
Meeting Date: December 1, 2025
Report #:2510-5383
TITLE
FIRST READING: Adoption of an ordinance to Amend Chapters 4.54 and 4.56 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code to Amend the Regulation of Massage Establishments and Hot Tub/Sauna
Establishments as Recommended by the Policy & Services Committee; and Adoption of a
Resolution to Amend the Administrative Penalty Schedule to Amend Related Penalties; CEQA
status - not a project.
RECOMMENDATION
The Policy and Services Committee and staff recommend the City Council adopt an ordinance
(Attachment A) amending the Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 4.54 on massage
establishments and Chapter 4.56 on hot tub/sauna establishments, as unanimously
recommended by the Policy and Services Committee on October 29, 2025. Staff also
recommend adoption of a resolution amending the Municipal Penalty Schedule (Attachment B)
to conform existing penalties to new code numbering and delete penalties for sections no
longer used.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The proposed ordinance updates the Palo Alto Municipal Code to regulate massage and
massage therapists in Palo Alto as well as hot tub/sauna businesses. For massage businesses
and therapists, the codes provide clear standards to ensure massage therapy businesses are run
safely and legally by setting basic rules for their buildings, cleanliness, and staff qualifications,
while also deterring illegal activities like human trafficking, wage theft, and prostitution. This
update allows only massage therapists certified by the state-sanctioned non-profit California
Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) to conduct massage in the City. The new framework also
offers City enforcement staff a broader mandate, increased options for enforcement, and
clearer parameters for action. For Hot Tub/Sauna establishments, the proposed code directs
the business operator to comply with Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health
requirements so the City can delete redundant codes.
Item 14
Item 14 Staff Report
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 494 of 828
BACKGROUND
Palo Alto’s regulation of massage and hot tub/sauna businesses has evolved over the years. For
massage businesses, it began formally in the early 1970s when the city enacted PAMC 4.54 to
regulate massage businesses, in response to concerns about health and public safety. Codes
were amended in 1997 to allow home-based massage businesses1.
In 2008, California passed Senate Bill 731 (SB 731), which changed how massage therapy is
regulated in the state. This law created the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC), a
state-sanctioned nonprofit organization that certifies massage therapists across California.
Before this law, each city had its own rules, which created confusion. SB 731 replaced this
inconsistent system with statewide standards, making it easier to regulate massage schools and
conduct background checks on therapists. This improved both professional standards and
public safety but caused some tension between state and local control.
In 2011, the state passed another law (AB 619) that gave some control over massage business
licensing back to cities. The City responded by updating its Municipal Code in 2012, which
remains the current regulation for massage businesses2.
California AB 1504, authored by Assemblymember Marc Berman and signed into law in October
2025, and extends the CAMTC's authority until 2030 while implementing reforms including
salary caps for staff, modernized criminal conviction standards aligned with fair chance
licensing, and enhanced public transparency requirements. The law also restructures the
council's governance, relaxes certain practice restrictions like healthcare referral requirements,
and removes specific attire prohibitions while maintaining general professional standards3.
About CAMTC
CAMTC is a state-regulated nonprofit public benefit corporation with a 501(c)(3) tax exempt
status that sets and regulates professional standards in the California massage industry,
protecting the public and legitimizing the valued benefits of massage. The organization is run by
a volunteer Board of Directors made up of 13 members from different backgrounds.
California law specifies how board members are selected: Four members represent local
governments, including law enforcement and public health agencies; two members represent
massage schools; one member represents an anti-human trafficking organization; and one
member is appointed by the Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs. Two board
1 City Council, June 10, 1997 Report #273-97 https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=65065&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto
2 City Council, September 4, 2012, Second reading Full Report #2988 in first reading on 7/23/12
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/reports/city-manager-reports-
cmrs/year-archive/2012/id-2988-original.pdf
3 California Assembly Bill 1504, 2025-2026 Regular Session (Cal. 2025)
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1504
Item 14
Item 14 Staff Report
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 495 of 828
positions are reserved for actual massage therapists. The American Massage Therapy
Association California Chapter appoints one certified therapist who has at least three years of
experience. Another therapist is chosen from any professional massage organization that has at
least 1,000 members in California, was established since 2000, and requires members to follow
a code of ethics. That seat rotates among the professional organizations every four years.
ANALYSIS
Item 14
Item 14 Staff Report
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 496 of 828
as building and health regulations. Overall, the main similarities lie in their goals of ensuring
only qualified people can operate or work in massage establishments, maintaining high health
and safety standards, and providing clear procedures for permitting, enforcement, and appeals
for both businesses and their practitioners.
Despite many similarities with the existing code, the proposed code introduces several major
changes. One of the biggest differences is the strong reliance on California’s statewide
certification system for individual professionals. Under the new code, only CAMTC-certified
professionals can legally provide massage services for compensation, eliminating the City’s
existing system of issuing separate permits to individual massage technicians and trainees who
do not want to be state-certified. This will shift credentialing and background checks of
individual therapists to the non-profit, whereas the existing code required the police chief, or
designee, to review the education, background, and criminal history for each applicant.
Another difference is that the proposed code adds more clarity for massage operators about
the permitting process. The proposed code details exactly what information is required for
business permits and includes more requirements for transparency, such as proof of lease or
property owner acknowledgment and documentation of compliance with wage and hour laws.
The proposed code also expands operational requirements, like stricter rules on business hours
(10 p.m. to 8 a.m. overnight closure, compared to 11 p.m. to 9 a.m. in the existing code),
customer privacy, and hygiene, and prohibits certain items like beds. There are also more
specific rules for facility layout, signage, and clothing requirements, and mandatory posting of
human trafficking notices.
Additionally, the proposed code sets out more comprehensive grounds and procedures for
permit suspension or revocation, including violations of labor laws and advertising regulations.
It also gives the City the power to impose a five-year moratorium on massage businesses at
locations where a permit was revoked, temporarily impacting a property owner’s ability to
lease space to other massage businesses. Finally, the proposed code adds administrative
penalties and citations as enforcement tools and more clearly separates mobile and home-
based businesses from fixed establishments. These changes will increase the responsibility of
property and business owners to comply with regulations, thereby enhancing worker
protection, public safety, and business integrity. The amended administrative penalty schedule
(Attachment B) also updates the numbering of existing penalties to match updated code
sections, as well as deletes penalties related to saunas that will no longer be in use.
Staff would like to express appreciation to the Santa Clara County Human Trafficking Task Force,
CAMTC staff, and City of Sunnyvale personnel for their valuable input and collaboration in
developing these amendments to the massage ordinance. Their expertise and support were
instrumental in shaping these changes.
Item 14
Item 14 Staff Report
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 497 of 828
For hot tub/sauna code sections, much of the code is deleted and the licensing requirement is
changed from City issuance to a requirement it be licensed by Santa Clara County Department
of Environmental Health, which already licenses such businesses for compliance with County
environmental health standards.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
The work to create this proposal has been done by City staff with no-cost support by the
previously mentioned organizations. The adoption of the proposed ordinance would not
significantly impact existing workload of staff. Department revenue and expenses are not
expected to change. Updated fees related to permitting will be updated in the FY 2027 budget
cycle if they are required.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
As massage establishments and massage therapist applicants have contacted code enforcement
over the last year, staff has notified them that the City is exploring significant updates regarding
regulation and permitting processes for massage establishments. Staff also hosted a meeting in
mid-November to which representatives from all current massage establishments in Palo Alto
were invited, where staff discussed the proposed changes, answered questions, and heard
feedback.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Council action on this item is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), as it can be seen with certainty
that the activity will not have a significant effect on the environment.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Ordinance Amending PAMC Chapters 4.54 and 4.56 to update regulation of
massage practitioners, businesses, hot tub/sauna businesses
Attachment B: Resolution Amending the Administrative Penalty Schedule to adjust the
numbering of some penalties and delete penalties for sections no longer in use
APPROVED BY:
Andrew Binder, Police Chief
Item 14
Item 14 Staff Report
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 498 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
1
147_202511117_ts24
Ordinance No. _____
Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Chapter 4.54
(“Massage Establishments”) and Chapter 4.56 (Hot Tub/Sauna Establishments)
of Title 4 (Business Licenses and Regulations).
The Council of the City of Palo Alto ORDAINS as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings and Declarations. The City Council finds and declares as follows:
A. Massage establishments are primarily regulated in the Palo Alto Municipal Code at PAMC
Chapter 4.54. The last major update to this chapter was in 2012. Chapter 4.54 is currently
enforced primarily by the Palo Alto Police Department.
B. Massage is also regulated in state law under the Massage Therapy Act, codified in the
Business and Professions Code section 4600 et seq. The State Legislature enacted the Act
in 2008. The Act was substantially amended in 2014 under AB 1147, and has been
amended again in 2025 under AB 1504.
C. Through this ordinance, the City desires to amend Chapter 4.54 in order to respond to the
changes to the Act and codify existing practices. Foremost, this ordinance will result in
the City no longer licensing individual massage technicians; instead, technicians must be
certified by the California Massage Therapy Council (“CAMTC”). The CAMTC is the state-
recognized body in charge of such certification and enacts statewide standards for
training and certification. The CAMTC also approves massage schools in an effort to
uphold training standards and prevent bad actors from opening degree mills. This update
also ensures that local regulations stay current with industry standards and public health
requirements, enhancing safety and professionalism. These updates also help address
new trends, prevent illicit activities, and clarify licensing procedures for businesses.
D. This ordinance also amends Chapter 4.56 (Hot Tub/Sauna Establishments) to remove
existing permitting requirements. These establishments are already regulated by the
County’s Department of Environmental Health.
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 499 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
2
147_202511117_ts24
SECTION 2. Chapter 4.54 (Massage Establishments) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code
is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
4.54.010 Purpose and intent.
In enacting this chapter, the City Council recognizes that massage therapy is a professional
pursuit which can offer the public valuable health and therapeutic services, but that unless
properly regulated, the practice of massage therapy and the operation of massage businesses
may be associated with unlawful activity and pose a threat to the quality of life in the local
community. It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to provide for the orderly regulation of
offices and establishments providing massage therapy services, and to prevent and discourage
the misuse of massage therapy as a front for human trafficking, prostitution, and related activities
in violation of state law, all in the interests of the public health, safety, and welfare, by providing
certain minimum building, sanitation, and operation standards for such businesses, and by
requiring certain minimum qualifications for the operators and practitioners of such businesses.
It is the further intent of this chapter to streamline local massage therapy permitting procedures,
while still facilitating and advancing the ethical practice of massage therapy, by relying upon the
uniform statewide regulations enacted by the Legislature in 2008 as Business and Professions
Code Sections 4600 et seq., known as the Massage Therapy Act, as subsequently amended, and
by restricting the commercial practice of massage in the city to those persons duly certified to
practice by the California Massage Therapy Council formed pursuant to those statutes.
4.54.020 Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning, the
words, terms, and phrases set forth in this section shall have the meanings that are given them
in this section:
"Authorized massage professional" means a massage professional who is identified in a permit
issued pursuant to this chapter as a person employed or retained by a massage establishment
to practice massage.
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 500 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
3
147_202511117_ts24
"California massage therapy council" or "CAMTC" means the massage therapy organization
formed pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 4600 et seq.
"CAMTC-certified massage professional" means any individual currently certified by the
California Massage Therapy Council as a massage therapist or massage practitioner pursuant
to Business and Professions Code Section 4600 et seq.
"Compensation" means the payment, loan, advance, donation, contribution, deposit, exchange,
or gift of money or anything of value.
"Department" means the Chief of the Palo Alto Police Department or designee charged with
the administration of this chapter.
"Inspector" means the person or persons designated by the city to conduct any inspections
required or permitted under this chapter.
"Massage," "massage therapy," and/or "bodywork" for purposes of this chapter mean the
skillful application of touch, including but not limited to, pressure, stroking, kneading,
compression on or movement of the external surfaces of the body by a practitioner to produce
increased awareness, relaxation, pain relief, injury rehabilitation, or neuromuscular
reeducation.
"Massage establishment" means any business that offers massage therapy, baths or health
treatments including, but not limited to, aromatherapy, vapor, shower, electric tub, sponge, hot
towels, mineral fermentation, sauna, steam or any other type of bath, involving massages or
baths in exchange for compensation. Home-based massage businesses and businesses that
provide mobile massage services are also considered to be massage establishments. For
purposes of this chapter, the term "massage establishment" may be applied to include
establishments which offer or advertise themselves as providing "relaxation" or "tanning"
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 501 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
4
147_202511117_ts24
where the essential nature of the interaction between the employee and the customer involves
"massage" as defined herein. The terms, names or phrases listed on business license or
fictitious name application forms are not necessarily conclusive as to the nature of the business.
"Owner" or "massage establishment owner" means any of the following persons:
(1) The sole proprietor of a sole proprietorship operating a massage establishment.
(2) Any general partner of a general or limited partnership that owns a massage
establishment.
(3) Any person who has a ten percent or greater ownership interest in a corporation that
owns a massage establishment.
(4) Any person who is a member of a limited liability company that owns a massage
establishment.
(5) All owners of any other type of business association that owns a massage establishment.
"Operator" or "massage establishment operator" means any person who is an owner or
manager of a massage establishment.
"Mobile massage service" means the engaging in or carrying on of massage therapy for
compensation at locations other than a massage establishment at a fixed location.
"Patron" means an individual on the premises of a massage establishment for the purpose of
receiving massage therapy.
"Person" means any individual, firm, association, partnership, corporation, joint venture,
limited liability company, or combination of individuals.
"Reception and waiting area" means an area immediately inside the main entry door of the
massage establishment dedicated to the reception and waiting of patrons or visitors of the
massage establishment and which is not a massage therapy room or otherwise used for the
provision of massage therapy services.
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 502 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
5
147_202511117_ts24
“School of massage” means any school or institution of learning that is recognized as an
approved school pursuant to Business and Professions Code Division 2, Chapter 10.5 (known as
the Massage Therapy Act), as may be amended.
"Sole proprietorship" means a massage establishment where the owner owns one hundred
percent of the business and has one or no other employees or independent contractors.
"Visitor" means any individual not retained or employed by the massage establishment and not
receiving or waiting to receive massage therapy services, but excluding law enforcement
personnel or governmental officials performing governmental business.
4.54.030 Business registration required.
The requirements of this chapter are in addition to any business registration and business tax
requirements imposed pursuant to PAMC Chapters 4.60 and 2.37, respectively of this code.
4.54.040 Other permits and authorizations required.
The requirements of this chapter are in addition to any permits or authorizations that may be
required under other applicable laws including but not limited to the city's building, fire, zoning,
and health regulations.
4.54.050 Exemptions.
This chapter shall not apply to the following classes of individuals while engaged in the
performance of the duties of their respective professions:
(a) Physicians, surgeons, chiropractors, osteopaths, podiatrists, physical therapists, nurses,
acupuncturists or any other person licensed to practice any healing art under the
provisions of Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) of the Business and Professions
Code when engaging in such practice within the scope of his or her license. This
subsection (a) shall apply only to a person who meets the qualifications above and shall
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 10 Packet Pg. 503 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
6
147_202511117_ts24
not extend to any other person, including by virtue of being a tenant, independent
contractor, employee, or co-worker of the exempted person.
(b) Trainers of any amateur, semi-professional, or professional athlete or athletic team, so
long as such persons do not practice massage therapy as their primary occupation at
any location where they provide such services in the city.
(c) Barbers, estheticians, and cosmetologists who are duly licensed under the laws of the
State of California, while engaging in practices within the scope of their licenses. This
subsection (c) shall apply only to a person who meets the qualifications above and shall
not extend to any other person, including by virtue of being a tenant, independent
contractor, employee, or co-worker of the exempted person.
(d) Individuals administering massages or health treatments involving massage to persons
participating in single occurrence athletic, recreational, or educational events such as
road races, track meets, triathlons, educational events, or conferences, provided that
the event is open to the public or to a significant segment of the public such as
employees of sponsoring or participating corporations, and the massage services are
provided at the site of the event during, immediately preceding, or immediately
following the event.
(e) Individuals administering massages or health treatments involving massage to persons
at a state-licensed “general acute care hospital” or other “health facilities” as defined by
California Health and Safety Code section 1250 when employed or contracted at the
direction of the hospital or health facility.
(f) Somatic practitioners who use no physical touch of any kind at any time in their
practice.
(g) Enrolled students of a school of massage when they are performing massage within the
city as part of a formal supervised internship or training program operated by the
school, without compensation other than school credit, on the premises of a massage
establishment duly authorized to operate pursuant to the terms of this chapter; and
provided that the operator of the massage establishment has first notified the
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 11 Packet Pg. 504 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
7
147_202511117_ts24
Department in writing of the name, residence address, and school of the students and
the dates of the trainings.
4.54.060 CAMTC certification required.
It is unlawful for any individual to practice massage therapy for compensation within the city
unless that individual is a CAMTC-certified massage professional.
4.54.070 Reserved.
4.54.080 Massage establishment permit required—Prohibited conduct.
(a) It is unlawful for any person to operate a massage establishment within the city without
first obtaining a massage establishment permit from the Department.
(b) It is unlawful for a massage establishment operator to employ or retain any person to
practice massage therapy for compensation, or to allow any person to perform massage
therapy for compensation on the premises of a massage establishment, unless that
person is a CAMTC-certified massage professional and unless that person is identified as
an authorized massage professional on the permit issued pursuant to this chapter. For
purposes of this chapter, a massage establishment operator "employs or retains" a
person to practice massage therapy for compensation when:
(1) That person is a directly paid employee of the massage establishment; or
(2) That person's association with a massage establishment is that of an
independent contractor who receives compensation for massage therapy provided to
patrons of the massage establishment; or
(3) That person receives a referral of patrons from the massage establishment and,
at any time before or after the referral, arranges in any way for compensation to flow to
the massage establishment operator.
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 12 Packet Pg. 505 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
8
147_202511117_ts24
(c) It is unlawful for a massage establishment to operate under any name or conduct
business under any designation not specified in the massage establishment permit
issued pursuant to this chapter.
(d) It is unlawful for a massage establishment to continue to operate following the sale or
transfer of any interest in the massage establishment to a person who was not
identified as an owner in the massage establishment permit application.
4.54.090 Permit application.
The owners of the massage establishment shall file an application for a permit on a form provided
by the Department. The application shall be accompanied by the fee established by the city's fee
schedule. The application shall include the following information:
(a) The name, address, and telephone number of the massage establishment.
(b) The name, residence address and telephone number, and business address and
telephone number of each owner of the massage establishment.
(c) The form of business under which the applicant will be conducting the massage
`establishment, i.e., corporation, general or limited partnership, limited liability
company, or other form. If the applicant is a corporation, the name of the corporation
shall be set forth exactly as shown in its articles of incorporation, together with the
names and residence addresses of each of its officers, directors, and each shareholder
holding more than ten percent of the stock of the corporation. If the applicant is a
general or limited partnership, the application shall set forth the name and residence
address of each of the partners, including limited partners. If one or more of the
partners is a corporation, the provisions of this section pertaining to a corporate
applicant shall apply. If the applicant is a limited liability company, the application shall
set forth the name and residence address of each of the members. If one or more of the
members is a partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, the provisions of
this section pertaining to a partnership, limited liability company, or corporate applicant
shall apply, as applicable.
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 13 Packet Pg. 506 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
9
147_202511117_ts24
(d) The name, address, and telephone number of the owner of the real property upon, in,
or from which the certified massage establishment is to be operated. In the event the
applicant is not the legal owner of the property, the application shall be accompanied by
a copy of any written lease between the applicant and the property owner authorizing
use of the premises for a massage establishment, or, alternatively, if there is no written
lease, then a written, notarized acknowledgment from the property owner that the
property owner has been advised that a massage establishment will be operated by the
applicant upon, in, or from the property owner's property.
(e) If the massage establishment will be located on a property in a residential or
commercial condominium or other common interest development, the applicant shall
submit a notarized statement from the homeowner's association or condominium
owner's association acknowledging that the association has been advised that a
massage establishment will be operated by the applicant and that such use of the
property is allowed by the property's covenants, codes, and restrictions. This
requirement is in addition to any applicable zoning code requirements or regulations.
(f) A description of the proposed massage establishment, including the type of treatments
to be administered.
(g) The name of each individual who the massage establishment employs or retains to
perform massage therapy for compensation, whether on or off the massage
establishment premises.
(h) The name of each individual who is regularly employed or retained by the massage
establishment to perform services on the premises other than massage therapy, and the
nature of their services.
(i) For each individual who the massage establishment does or will employ or retain to
perform massage therapy for compensation, whether on or off the massage
establishment premises, a copy of that individual's current certification from the CAMTC
as a certified massage practitioner or certified massage therapist, and a copy of his or
her current CAMTC-issued identification card.
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 14 Packet Pg. 507 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
10
147_202511117_ts24
(j) For each owner of the massage establishment who is a CAMTC-certified massage
professional, a copy of his or her current certification from the CAMTC as a certified
massage practitioner or as a certified massage therapist and a copy of his or her current
CAMTC-issued identification card.
(k) For each owner of the massage establishment who is not a CAMTC-certified massage
professional, the following information:
(1) Whether any owner of the massage establishment has within the five years
immediately preceding the date of application been convicted of any felony in
any state.
(2) Whether any owner of the massage establishment is currently required to
register under the provisions of Section 290 of the California Penal Code.
(3) The business, occupation, and employment history of each owner of the
massage establishment for five years preceding the date of application, and the
inclusive dates of same.
(4) One set of fingerprints, and any required fee for such fingerprinting shall be paid
by the applicant.
(l) Whether any certificate, license or permit has ever been issued to the applicant by any
jurisdiction under the provisions of any ordinance or statute governing massage or
somatic practice, and as to any such certificate, license or permit, the name and address
of the issuing authority, the effective dates of such certificate, license or permit,
whether such certificate, license or permit was ever suspended, revoked, withdrawn, or
denied; and copies of any documentary materials relating to such suspension,
revocation, withdrawal, or denial.
(m) Such other information as may be required by the permit authority to determine
compliance with any other eligibility requirements for issuance of the permit as
specified by federal, state, or local law.
(n) A statement that within the last five years the applicant has not failed to comply with a
final court order or administrative action of an investigatory agency finding a violation of
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 15 Packet Pg. 508 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
11
147_202511117_ts24
applicable federal, state and local wage and hour laws, including, but not limited to, the
Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the California Labor Code, and any local minimum
wage ordinance or prevailing wage requirements. For purposes of this subsection, a
final court order or administrative action is one as to which there is no pending appeal
and the time for filing an appeal has passed.
4.54.100 Permit issuance.
(a) The Department shall issue a massage establishment permit if the applicant meets the
requirements of this chapter and no grounds for denial exist under Section 4.54.110.
The Department may impose conditions on the permit consistent with this chapter and
applicable law.
(b) Notice to Property Owner. If the applicant is not the record owner of the property where
the massage establishment is located, the Department may send a written notice to the
property owner advising of the issuance of the permit and of the regulations applicable
to the massage establishment. The Department may also provide the property owner
with copies of any other notices or communications with the applicant sent at any time
before or after issuance of the permit.
(c) Term. A massage establishment permit issued pursuant to the terms of this chapter shall
be valid for a term of one year from the date of issuance, and, unless suspended or
revoked, must be renewed by the massage establishment operator annually so long as
the massage establishment is operating within the city.
(d) Insurance. Insurance coverage is a condition of receiving a permit and proof of such
coverage is required. Unless specified otherwise by Department regulation, proof of
liability insurance, or the equivalent, for not less than one hundred thousand dollars
($100,000) per massage therapist licensed, or to be licensed, at the massage
establishment up to a maximum of one million dollars ($1,000,000) shall be required by
the time of permit issuance. This requirement can be satisfied by insurance provided in
the name of a massage therapist or the massage establishment. Coverage must be
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 16 Packet Pg. 509 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
12
147_202511117_ts24
maintained for the entirety of the permit period. The Department may establish
regulations governing insurance requirements that do not conflict with this section.
4.54.110 Permit denial.
The Department may deny an application for a massage establishment permit on any of the
following grounds:
(a) The massage establishment, as proposed by the applicant, would not comply with the
requirements of this chapter.
(b) The massage establishment, as proposed by the applicant, would not comply with any
applicable law, including, but not limited to the city's building, fire, zoning, and health
regulations or regulations under the CAMTC.
(c) The applicant has knowingly made any false, misleading or fraudulent statement of
material fact in the application for a massage establishment permit.
(d) Any owner of the massage establishment, within five years immediately preceding the
date of filing of the application, has been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction
of any offense that relates directly to the operation of a massage establishment
whether as a massage establishment owner or operator or as a person practicing
massage for compensation, or as an employee of either; or has at any time been
convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of any felony the commission of which
occurred on the premises of a massage establishment.
(e) Any owner of the massage establishment is currently required to register under the
provisions of Section 290 of the California Penal Code.
(f) Any owner of the massage establishment, within five years of the date of application,
has been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of any violation of Sections 266,
266a, 266e, 266f, 266g, 266h, 266i, 266j, 315, 316, 318, 647(b) of the California Penal
Code, or conspiracy or attempt to commit any such offense, or any offense in a
jurisdiction outside of the State of California that is the equivalent of any of the
aforesaid offenses.
(g) Any owner of the massage establishment has been subjected to a permanent injunction
against the conducting or maintaining of a nuisance pursuant to Sections 11225 through
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 17 Packet Pg. 510 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
13
147_202511117_ts24
11235 of the California Penal Code, or any similar provision of law in a jurisdiction
outside the State of California.
(h) Any owner of the massage establishment, within five years of the date of application,
and as established by clear and convincing evidence, has engaged in acts prohibited
under California Penal Code Sections 266, 266a, 266e, 266f, 266g, 266h, 266i, 266j, 315,
316, 318, 647(b).
(i) Any owner of the massage establishment is an individual who has not attained the age
of eighteen years.
(j) Any owner of the massage establishment, within five years immediately preceding the
date of filing of the application, has had a certificate, permit or license to practice
massage for compensation or to own and/or operate a massage establishment revoked
or denied in any jurisdiction, including CAMTC.
(k) Any owner of the massage establishment currently owns or operates a massage
establishment in the city of Palo Alto that is not in good standing due to the existence of
uncorrected violations or unpaid fines or fees.
(l) Within the last five years, the applicant has failed to comply with a final court order or
administrative action of an investigatory agency finding a violation of applicable federal,
state and local wage and hour laws, including, but not limited to, the Federal Fair Labor
Standards Act, the California Labor Code, and any local minimum wage ordinance or
prevailing wage requirements. For purposes of this subsection, a final court order or
administrative action is one as to which there is no pending appeal and the time for
filing an appeal has passed.
4.54.120 Notice of denial—Appeal.
(a) If an application for a massage establishment permit is denied, the Department shall
give written notice to the applicant specifying the grounds for denial.
(b) The applicant may appeal the decision to deny a massage establishment permit by filing
a written notice of appeal with the Department within fifteen days after deposit of the
decision in the mail, specifying in detail the grounds for such appeal.
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 18 Packet Pg. 511 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
14
147_202511117_ts24
(c) The City Clerk shall set a time and place for the hearing on the appeal not less than
thirty days after the date the appeal was received by the Department, and shall give
written notice by mail to the applicant of the date, time, and place for the hearing. The
hearing may be conducted virtually or by phone at the discretion of the City. The
hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Section 4.54.180.
(d) After the hearing on the appeal, the City’s hearing officer may refer the matter back to
the Department for a new investigation and decision, may affirm the decision of the
Department, or may direct the Department to issue the license. The decision of the
hearing officer or designee upon such appeal shall be final and shall be subject to
judicial review according to the provisions and time limits set forth in Code of Civil
Procedure Section 1094.6.
4.54.130 Amendments to permit required upon change of information.
(a) Within 14 days of a change of the information provided in the application for a certified
massage establishment on file with the City, the operator shall file an application to
amend the permit to reflect such change. An application to amend a massage
establishment permit shall be made by submitting an application on a form provided by
the Department. The application shall be accompanied by the fee established by the
city's fee schedule.
(b) The application shall not be approved unless the Department determines that the terms
of the amended permit comply with all requirements of this chapter and all other local,
state, and federal laws, and the massage establishment has no outstanding violations or
unpaid citations or fees. Inspection of the massage establishment may be required prior
to approval of the amendment.
(c) An amendment shall not be used to change the location or owners of a massage
establishment. Instead, a new permit application is required.
(d) A denial of an application to amend a massage establishment permit may be appealed
in the same manner as a denial of an application for a permit under Section 4.54.120.
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 19 Packet Pg. 512 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
15
147_202511117_ts24
4.54.140 Requirements for all massage establishment facilities and operations.
(a) Operational Requirements. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, the
following operational requirements shall be applicable to all massage establishments
located within the city:
(1) No massage establishment shall be kept open for business between the hours of
ten p.m. of one day and eight a.m. of the following day. A massage begun any
time before ten p.m. must nevertheless terminate at ten p.m.
(2) The hours of operation of the massage establishment shall be displayed in a
conspicuous public place in the reception and waiting area and in any front
window clearly visible from outside of the massage establishment.
(3) Patrons and visitors shall be permitted in the massage establishment only during
the hours of operation.
(4) During the hours of operation, patrons shall be permitted in massage therapy
rooms only if at least one duly authorized certified massage professional is
present on the premises of the massage establishment. Patrons shall not be
permitted in any employee break room on the premises.
(5) During the hours of operation, visitors shall not be permitted in massage therapy
rooms except as follows:
(A) The parents or guardian of a patron who is a minor child may be present
in the massage therapy room with that minor child;
(B) The minor child of a patron may be present in the massage therapy room
with the patron when necessary for the supervision of the child; or
(C) The conservator, aid, or other caretaker of a patron who is elderly or
disabled may be present in the massage therapy room with that elderly
or disabled person.
(6) During the hours of operation, except as otherwise provided herein, no visitors
shall be permitted in massage therapy rooms, break rooms, dressing rooms,
showers, or any other room or part of the massage establishment premises
other than the reception and waiting area or toilet rooms.
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 20 Packet Pg. 513 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
16
147_202511117_ts24
(7) Except for a patron who is inside a massage therapy room for the purpose of
receiving a massage, no patrons or visitors shall be permitted in or on the
massage establishment premises at any time who are less than fully clothed in
outer garments of nontransparent material, or who display or expose
themselves in underclothing or similar intimate apparel.
(8) A list of services available and the cost of such services shall be posted in an
open and conspicuous public place on the premises. The services shall be
described in English and may also be described in such other languages as may
be convenient. No massage establishment operator shall permit, and no person
employed or retained by the massage establishment shall offer to perform any
services or request or demand fees other than those posted.
(9) The massage establishment shall keep on the premises a complete and current
roster of all owners, operators, and managing employees of the massage
establishment and all massage professionals and other persons employed or
retained by the massage establishment. The roster shall include the name,
residence address, and phone number of each individual. The roster shall be
available for inspection by city officials charged with the enforcement of this
chapter.
(b) Physical Facility and Building and Fire Code Requirements. Except as otherwise
specifically provided in this chapter, the following physical facility and building code
requirements shall be applicable to all massage establishments located within the city:
(1) Main entry door and reception and waiting area required. One main entry door
shall be provided for patron entry to the massage establishment, which shall
open to an interior patron reception and waiting area immediately. All patrons
and any persons other than individuals employed or retained by the massage
establishment shall be required to enter and exit through the main entry door.
Unless the massage establishment is a sole proprietorship or a home occupation
with one or no other employees, the main entry door shall be unlocked at all
times during business hours.
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 21 Packet Pg. 514 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
17
147_202511117_ts24
(2) No massage establishment located in a building or structure with exterior
windows fronting a public street, highway, walkway, or parking area shall block
visibility into the interior reception and waiting area through the use of curtains,
closed blinds, tints, or any other material that obstructs, blurs, or unreasonably
darkens the view into the premises.
(3) All interior doors, including massage therapy rooms or cubicles, but excluding
individual dressing rooms, showers, and toilet rooms, shall be incapable of being
locked and shall not be blocked to prevent opening. Draw drapes, curtain
enclosures, or accordion-pleated closures in lieu of doors are acceptable on all
inner massage therapy rooms or cubicles.
(4) Minimum lighting equivalent to at least one forty-watt light shall be provided in
each massage therapy room or cubicle.
(5) A massage table or professional massage chair specifically designed for seated
massage shall be used for all massage therapy, with the exception of "Thai,"
"Shiatsu," and similar forms of massage therapy, which may be provided on a
padded mat on the floor, provided the patron is fully attired in loose clothing,
pajamas, scrubs, or similar style of garment. Massage tables shall have a
minimum height of eighteen inches.
(6) Beds, floor mattresses, and waterbeds are not permitted on the premises of the
massage establishment, and no massage establishment shall be used for
residential or sleeping purposes, which may be shown by circumstantial
evidence such as the presence of bedding, pillows, sleeping bags, suitcases,
clothing, toiletries or other personal belongings, cooking appliances, utensils or
food in excess of a business establishment's normal requirements.
(7) All locker facilities that are provided for the use of patrons shall be fully secured
for the protection of the patrons' valuables, and each patron shall be given
control of the key or other means of access.
(8) The massage establishment shall comply with all applicable state and local
building and fire codes as adopted in Title 16 of this code.
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 22 Packet Pg. 515 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
18
147_202511117_ts24
(9) Any signage referring to the massage establishment located on or adjacent to
the building housing the massage establishment must match the business name
that is listed on the massage establishment permit. A massage establishment
shall not have signage that refers to another business name.
(c) Health and Safety Requirements. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this
chapter, the following health and safety requirements shall be applicable to all massage
establishments located within the city:
(1) The massage establishment shall at all times be equipped with an adequate
supply of clean sanitary towels, coverings, and linens. Massage table or chair
shall be covered with a fresh, clean sheet or other clean covering appropriate to
the equipment for each patron, just before the client arrives. After a towel,
covering, or linen has been used once, it shall be deposited in a closed receptacle
and not used again until properly laundered and sanitized. Towels, coverings,
and linens shall be laundered either by regular commercial laundering, or by a
noncommercial laundering process that includes immersion in water at least one
hundred forty degrees Fahrenheit for not less than fifteen minutes during the
washing or rinsing operation. Clean towels, coverings, and linens shall be stored
in closed, clean cabinets when not in use. A certified massage professional
engaged in the practice of mobile massage shall carry a sufficient quantity of
clean and sanitary towels, sheets, and linens to comply with the requirements.
(2) All massage therapy rooms or cubicles, wet and dry heat rooms, toilet rooms,
shower compartments, hot tubs, and pools shall be thoroughly cleaned and
disinfected as needed, and at least once each business day when the premises
has been or will be open and such facilities in use. All bathtubs shall be
thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each use.
(3) All liquids, creams, or other preparations used on or made available to patrons
shall be kept in clean and closed containers. Powders may be kept in clean
shakers. All bottles and containers shall be distinctly and correctly labeled to
disclose their contents. When only a portion of a liquid, cream, or other
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 23 Packet Pg. 516 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
19
147_202511117_ts24
preparation is to be used on or made available to a patron, it shall be removed
from the container in such a way as not to contaminate the remaining portion.
(4) No invasive procedures shall be performed on any patron. Invasive procedures
include, but are not limited to:
(A) Application of electricity that contracts the muscle;
(B) Penetration of the skin by metal needles;
(C) Abrasion of the skin below the nonliving, epidermal layers;
(D) Removal of skin by means of any razor-edged instrument or other device
or tool;
(E) Use of any needle-like instrument for the purpose of extracting skin
blemishes; and
(F) Other similar procedures.
(5) All bathrobes, bathing suits, and/or other garments that are provided for the use
of patrons shall be either fully disposable and not used by more than one patron,
or shall be laundered after each use pursuant to subsection (c)(1) of this section.
(6) All combs, brushes, and/or other personal items of grooming or hygiene that are
provided for the use of patrons shall be either fully disposable and not used by
more than one patron, or shall be fully disinfected after each use.
(7) No patrons shall be allowed to use any shower facilities of the massage
establishment unless such patrons are wearing slip-resistant sandals or flip-flops
while in the shower compartment. All footwear such as sandals or flip-flops that
are provided for the use of patrons either shall be fully disposable and not used
by more than one patron, or shall be fully disinfected after each use.
(8) Patrons' genitals and female patrons' breasts must be fully draped at all times
while any individual employed or retained by the massage establishment is in
the massage room or cubicle with the patron. No massage shall be provided to a
patron that results in intentional contact, or occasional and repetitive contact,
with the genitals or anal region of a patron.
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 24 Packet Pg. 517 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
20
147_202511117_ts24
(9) No alcoholic beverages shall be sold, served, or furnished to any patron; nor shall
any alcoholic beverages be kept or possessed on the premises of a massage
establishment.
(d) Attire and Physical Hygiene Requirements. The following attire and physical hygiene
requirements shall be applicable to all employees and any other persons who work
permanently or temporarily on the premises of a massage establishment within the city,
including, but not limited to, all persons who are employed or retained to practice massage for
the massage establishment:
(1) No person shall dress in:
(A) Attire that is transparent, see-through, or substantially exposes the
person's undergarments;
(B) Swim attire, unless providing a water-based massage modality approved
by the CAMTC;
(C) A manner that exposes the person's chest, breasts, buttocks, or genitals;
(2) No massage establishment operator, employee, or visitor shall, while on the
premises of a massage establishment or while performing any mobile massage
service, and while in the presence of any patron, customer, employee or visitor,
expose his or her chest, breast, buttocks, or genitals.
(3) All persons shall thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water or any equally
effective cleansing agent immediately before providing massage to a patron. No
massage shall be provided upon a surface of the skin or scalp of a patron where
such skin is inflamed, broken (e.g., abraded or cut), or where a skin infection or
eruption is present.
(e) Display of Permit and Certifications.
(1) The massage establishment permit shall be displayed in an open and
conspicuous place on the premises visible from the main entry door and/or
reception and waiting area of the massage establishment.
(2) Each person employed or retained by a massage establishment to perform
massage in or on the premises or through an mobile massage service shall
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 25 Packet Pg. 518 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
21
147_202511117_ts24
display on his or her person the valid current photograph-bearing identification
card issued to that employee by the CAMTC. A copy of each such identification
card and the person's original CAMTC certificate shall also be displayed in an
open and conspicuous place visible from the main entry door and/or reception
and waiting area of the massage establishment. The home address of any
employee need not be displayed.
(f) Display of Human Trafficking Notices. The massage establishment shall comply with the
requirements in California Civil Code Section 52.6 related to the posting of information for
victims of human trafficking.
(g) Home Occupation and Mobile-Only Businesses—Exemptions.
(1) Where a certified massage establishment is a home occupation, and the
operator has complied with the provisions of Section 18.42.010 of this code
pertaining to home occupations, the provisions of subsections (a)(2), (b)(1)—(3),
and (b)(6) of this section shall not apply, and the portions of the residence
subject to the requirements of subsections (b) and (c) of this section shall be only
those portions that are used at any time by the patron of the massage
establishment.
(2) For massage establishments that provide mobile-only services and have no fixed
location for performing massage, provisions of this section related to businesses
with fixed locations shall not apply. Specifically, the provisions of subsections
(a)(2)—(9), (b)(1)—(4), (b)(6)—(8), (c)(2) and (7), (e)(1), and (f) of this section
shall not apply to mobile-only establishments.
4.54.150 Massage establishment inspections.
(a) As a condition of the massage establishment permit, investigating officials of the
Department shall have the right to enter any massage establishment, other than an
establishment providing mobile only services, during regular business hours, to make
reasonable inspection to ascertain whether there is compliance with the provisions of
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 26 Packet Pg. 519 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
22
147_202511117_ts24
this chapter. For home occupations, reasonable inspection shall be limited to the
portions of the residence open to patrons.
(b) The massage establishment operator shall take immediate action to correct each
violation noted by the inspector. A reinspection will be performed to ensure that each
violation noted by the inspector has been corrected.
4.54.160 Reserved.
4.54.170 Revocation or suspension.
All massage establishment operators shall be deemed to know and understand the requirements
and prohibitions of this chapter. Any massage establishment permit issued pursuant to this
chapter may be suspended or revoked by the Department after a hearing, where the Department
finds that any of the following have occurred on even a single occasion:
(a) The permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment has
violated any provision of this chapter.
(b) The permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment has
been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of having violated, or has engaged in
conduct constituting a violation of, any of the following: California Penal Code Sections
266, 266a, 266e, 266f, 266g, 266h, 266i, 266j, 315, 316, 318, 647(b), or conspiracy or
attempt to commit any such offense, or any offense in a jurisdiction outside of the State
of California that is the equivalent of any of the aforesaid offenses.
(c) The permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment is
required to register under Section 290 of the California Penal Code.
(d) The permittee has been subject to a permanent injunction against the conducting or
maintaining of a nuisance pursuant to this code, or Sections 11225 through 11235 of the
California Penal Code, or any similar provision of law in any jurisdiction outside the
State of California.
(e) The permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment has
engaged in fraud or misrepresentation or has knowingly made a misstatement of
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 27 Packet Pg. 520 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
23
147_202511117_ts24
material fact while working in or for the massage establishment as it pertains to the
massage establishment.
(f) The permittee has continued to operate the massage establishment after the massage
establishment permit has been suspended.
(g) Massage has been performed on the premises of the massage establishment, with or
without the permittee's actual knowledge, by any person who is not a duly authorized
CAMTC-certified massage professional.
(h) A person who is not a duly authorized CAMTC-certified massage professional has
provided mobile massage services through or on behalf of the massage establishment.
(i) There have been one or more acts prohibited under California Penal Code Sections 266,
266a, 266e, 266f, 266g, 266h, 266i, 266j, 315, 316, 318, or 647(b), taking place on the
premises of the massage establishment, whether or not any criminal prosecution has
been pursued or conviction obtained for such acts, and whether or not they occurred
with or without the actual knowledge of the permittee.
(j) The permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment or any
other person on the premises of the massage establishment has engaged in conduct or
committed acts that a reasonable person in the patron's position would understand as
an offer to perform on or engage in with the patron acts that are sexual in nature or that
involve touching of the patron's genitals, or anal region.
(k) The permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment has
engaged in sexually suggestive advertising related to massage services available at the
massage establishment, including, but not limited to displaying photographs of
individuals clothed in swim attire, or attire that is transparent, see-through or
substantially exposes the individual's undergarments, breasts, buttocks, or genitals,
describing massage services as "erotic," "sensual" or similarly sexual in nature, listing
advertisements in any media (including online) intended for adults only, or describing
the appearance or age of massage providers.
(l) If the applicant has failed to comply with a final court order or administrative action of
an investigatory agency finding a violation of applicable federal, state and local wage
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 28 Packet Pg. 521 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
24
147_202511117_ts24
and hour laws, including, but not limited to, the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the
California Labor Code, and any local minimum wage ordinance or prevailing wage
requirements. For purposes of this subsection, a final court order or administrative
action is one as to which there is no pending appeal and the time for filing an appeal has
passed. In addition, any disciplinary action taken by CAMTC shall be considered in
determining grounds for revocation, suspension or nonrenewal.
4.54.180 Hearing for revocation or suspension.
(a) The Department shall give written notice of a hearing for the revocation or suspension
of any permit granted pursuant to this chapter to the permittee. The notice shall set
forth the time and place of the hearing, the ground or grounds upon which the hearing
is based, the pertinent code sections, and a brief statement of the factual issues in
support thereof. The notice shall be mailed, postage prepaid, addressed to the
permittee at the last known address of the permittee, or it shall be delivered to the
permittee personally, at least ten days prior to the hearing date.
(b) Within ten days of the hearing the Department shall render its decision in writing,
stating its findings and the action taken, if any. The decision letter shall be mailed,
postage prepaid, addressed to the permittee at the last known address of the
permittee, or it shall be delivered to the permittee personally.
(c) Within ten days from the deposit of the decision letter in the mail or its receipt by the
permittee, whichever occurs first, the permittee may appeal the decision in writing to
the city manager or designee, setting forth with particularity the ground or grounds for
the appeal.
(d) The hearing officer shall give written notice of the hearing on the appeal not less than
ten days from the date the appeal was received by the city. The hearing shall be
conducted in accordance with Section 4.54.190.
(e) After the hearing on the appeal, the hearing officer or designee may refer the matter
back to the Department for a new investigation and decision, may affirm the decision of
the Department, may dismiss the disciplinary action, or may revoke or suspend the
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 29 Packet Pg. 522 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
25
147_202511117_ts24
permit. The decision of the hearing officer upon such appeal shall be final and shall be
subject to judicial review according to the provisions and time limits set forth in Code of
Civil Procedure Section 1094.6.
(f) The notices provided to the massage establishment pursuant to this section may also be
sent to the owner of the premises where the massage establishment is located.
However, failure to provide notice to the property owner shall not invalidate any actions
taken by the city.
4.54.190 Hearing rules.
The following rules shall apply to any hearing required by this chapter. All parties involved shall
have the right to offer testimonial, documentary, and tangible evidence bearing on the issues, to
be represented by counsel, and to confront and cross-examine witnesses. Any relevant evidence
may be admitted if it is the sort of evidence upon which reasonable persons are accustomed to
rely in the conduct of serious affairs. Any hearing under this chapter may be continued for a
reasonable time for the convenience of a party or witness.
4.54.200 Violations a public nuisance—Penalties, nuisance abatement, and other remedies.
Any massage establishment operated, conducted, or maintained contrary to the provisions of
this chapter shall be, and the same is hereby declared to be, unlawful and a public nuisance, and
the city attorney may, in addition to or in lieu of prosecuting a criminal action hereunder,
commence an action or actions, proceeding or proceedings, for the abatement, removal and
enjoinment thereof, in the manner provided by law. Such remedies shall be in addition to any
other judicial and administrative penalties and remedies available to the city under this code or
under state law.
(a) For the purpose of enforcing the requirements of this chapter, all owners and operators
of the massage establishment shall be jointly and severally responsible for the conduct
of all massage establishment employees, agents, independent contractors, or other
representatives while such persons are on the premises of the massage establishment
or providing mobile massage services on behalf of the massage establishment.
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 30 Packet Pg. 523 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
26
147_202511117_ts24
(b) In addition to any other remedy available to the city under applicable law, a massage
establishment permit may be suspended or revoked as provided in
Sections 4.54.170 and 4.54.180. Upon issuance of a final order by the Department or
Hearing Officer to revoke the massage permit, the massage establishment shall
immediately cease operation, and, if so ordered by the hearing officer, no other
massage establishment shall be permitted to operate at that location by any person for
a period of not less than five years ("the moratorium period"). If the operator is not also
the legal owner of the real property on which the massage establishment is situated,
notice of such revocation and the five-year prohibition shall be provided by the permit
authority to the owner of record of the property as shown on the latest county
assessment roll.
(c) In addition to any other remedy available to the city under applicable law, a massage
establishment permit may not be renewed or amended unless and until all due and
unpaid citations issued pursuant to this chapter are paid in full, and all outstanding
violations have been corrected.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, where a Notice of Revocation or
Suspension has been issued to the operator of a massage establishment pursuant to
Section 4.54.180 of this chapter, the Department shall not process or grant an
application for a massage establishment permit for a new massage establishment at the
same premises unless and until such Notice of Revocation or Suspension is dismissed; or
a final determination is made pursuant to that section that the current operator's
massage establishment permit is not or should not be revoked; or any moratorium
period imposed pursuant to this chapter has expired.
4.54.200 Administrative Citations and Penalties
(a) Violations. Upon a finding by the City that a business has violated any provision of this
chapter, the City may issue an administrative citation and/or compliance order resulting
in administrative fines pursuant to PAMC Chapters 1.12 and 1.16.
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 31 Packet Pg. 524 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
27
147_202511117_ts24
(b) Separate Violations. Each violation of any provision of this chapter shall constitute a
separate violation. Each client to whom massage is provided or offered in violation of this
chapter shall also constitute a separate violation. Each day upon which a massage
business remains open for business in violation of this chapter shall also constitute a
separate violation.
(c) Outstanding Fines. All outstanding penalties resulting from administrative citations
and/or compliance orders must be paid prior to the issuance or renewal of any
registration.
(d) Appeals. Appeals of administrative citations and compliance orders may be made
pursuant to the appeal procedures in PAMC Chapters 1.12 and 1.16, respectively.
SECTION 3. Chapter 4.56 (Hot Tub/Sauna Establishments) of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
4.56.010 Purpose and intent.
It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to provide for the orderly regulation of hot
tub/sauna establishments and hot tub/sauna establishment employees, as defined in this
chapter in the interests of the public health, safety and welfare by providing certain minimum
building, sanitation and health standards for hot tub/sauna establishments and by providing
certain minimum standards and regulations regarding the conduct and activities of the owners
and employees of hot tub/sauna establishments.Reserved.
4.56.020 Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning, the
words, terms, and phrases set forth in this section shall have the meanings given them in this
section:
(a) "Hot tub/sauna establishment" means any establishment having a fixed place of business
where any person, as defined in this section, for compensation, engages in, conducts, carries on
or permits to be engaged in, conducted or carried on any of the following as the principal
functions; provided, that any establishment wherein any employee provides any services
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 32 Packet Pg. 525 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
28
147_202511117_ts24
defined as massage or adult entertainment by Sections 4.54.020 or 4.55.020 shall be licensed
pursuant to the provisions of Chapters 4.54 or 4.55, respectively.
(1) Where Russian, Turkish, Finnish, Swedish, hot air, vapor, electric cabinet, steam, mineral,
sweat, salt, Japanese, sauna, fomentation, alcohol or baths of any kind whatsoever are
furnished or made available; and/or
(2) Where the public has access, on a rental basis, to private rooms or suites located within
the establishment, in which are located or provided hot tubs, jacuzzis, saunas, showers, similar
and/or related facilities, or any combination thereof.
The term "hot tub/sauna establishment" does not include licensed hospitals, nursing homes,
sanitaria, or individuals holding a valid certificate to practice the healing arts under the laws of
the state of California, or individuals working under the direction of any such certificated
persons. The term "hot tub/sauna establishment" does not include any type of a privately
owned and operated health spa, gymnasium or exercise facility where the primary purpose of
the establishment is the offering of exercise or physical fitness equipment and facilities to
prospective patrons; even though such establishment may have, on its premises, facilities for
hot baths, and/or hot tubs, jacuzzis, saunas and related facilities for the incidental use of
patrons.
(b) "Hot tub/sauna establishment employee" means every owner, partner, manager,
supervisor, employee or any other person, whether paid or not, who renders personal services
of any type in the operation of a hot tub/sauna establishment.
(c) "License" means the license to operate a hot/tub sauna establishment as required by this
chapter.
(d) "Permit" means the permit to engage in the activities of a hot tub/sauna establishment
employee as required by this chapter.
(e) "Person" means any individual, partnership, firm, association. joint venture, corporation.
or combination of individuals.
Whenever, in this chapter, the singular form of any of the terms defined in this section is
used, the same includes the plural form of such term.
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 33 Packet Pg. 526 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
29
147_202511117_ts24
4.56.030 Hot tub/sauna establishment County license required.
It is unlawful for any person to engage in, conduct or carry on, in or upon any premises within
the city the operation of a hot tub//sauna establishment without the any applicable valid
license(s) or permit(s) required by and obtained from the chief of police as required by this
chapter. A. hot tub/sauna establishment license the County of Santa Clara. shall be issued to
any person who has complied with the requirements of Sections 4.56.050 and 4.56.110, and all
applicable provisions of the code; unless grounds for denial of such license are found to exist. In
addition to those set forth in Section 4.04.140, grounds for denial shall include:
(a) The applicant made a material misstatement in the application for a license;
(b) The applicant has, within five years immediately preceding the date of the filing of the
application, been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of an offense involving conduct
which requires registration under California Penal Code Section 290, or any violations of
Sections 311 through 311.7, 313.1, 314, 315, 316, 318, or 647(a), 647(b), 647(d), or 647(h) of
the California Penal Code, or of any offense involving theft of property or violence;
(c) That the operation of a hot tub/sauna establishment, as proposed by the applicant, if
permitted, would not comply with all applicable laws including, but not limited to, all city
ordinances and regulations;
(d) That the operation of the proposed hot tub/sauna establishment is likely to be injurious
to the health, safety and welfare of the people of the city;
(e) That the applicant is lacking in the background and qualifications to conduct a bona fide
hot tub/sauna establishment; or
(f) That the applicant has violated any provision of this chapter, or of any similar ordinance,
law, rule or regulation of another public agency which regulates the operation of hot tub/sauna
or related establishments.
4.56.040 Hot tub/sauna establishment license application fee.
Any application for a license to operate a hot tub/sauna establishment shall be accompanied
by a nonrefundable fee as set forth in the municipal fee schedule. The application fee shall be
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 34 Packet Pg. 527 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
30
147_202511117_ts24
used to defray, in part, the costs of investigation and report, and is not made in lieu of any
other fees or taxes required under this code. A license to operate a hot tub/sauna
establishment shall be renewed annually. The renewal fee shall be as set forth in the municipal
fee schedule.
Reserved.
4.56.050 Application for hot tub/sauna establishment license.
Any application for a license to operate a hot tub/sauna establishment shall be made with the
chief of police. Within thirty working days following receipt of a completed application, the
chief of police shall either issue the permit or mail a written statement of his reasons for denial
thereof. The application shall set forth the exact nature of the hot tub/sauna operations or
activities to be conducted, the proposed place of business and facilities therefor, and the name
and address of each applicant. In addition to the requirements of Chapter 4.04 and this section,
any applicant shall furnish the following information:
(a) The previous address of applicant, if any, for a period of three years immediately prior to
the date of the application and the dates of residence at each;
(b) Written proof that the applicant is at least eighteen years of age;
(c) Applicant's height, weight, color of eyes and hair;
(d) The applicant shall allow the police department official processing the application to take
photographs and fingerprints of the applicant;
(e) Business, occupation or employment history of the applicant for the three years
immediately preceding the date of the application;
(f) If the applicant is a corporation, the name of the corporation shall be set forth exactly as
shown in its articles of incorporation, together with the names and residence addresses of each
of its officers, directors, and each stockholder holding more than five percent of the stock of
the corporation. If the applicant is a partnership, the application shall set forth the name and
residence address of each of the partners, including limited partners. If one or more of the
partners is a corporation, the provisions of this section pertaining to a corporate applicant shall
apply;
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 35 Packet Pg. 528 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
31
147_202511117_ts24
(g) The names and residence addresses of all persons currently employed or intended to be
employed in the hot tub/sauna establishment, regardless of the nature of the employment,
other than any person licensed pursuant to Section 4.56.060, along with the proposed or actual
nature of the work performed or to be performed, and recent passport-size photographs,
suitable to the police department official processing the application, of each such employee. All
such employees shall be requested to obtain the permit specified in Section 4.56.060. Any
applicant or licensee shall notify the city in writing of the names, addresses, and nature of the
work, of any new or proposed employees, and supply the photographs described in this
subsection upon determining to employ such person. No such person shall commence such
employment until a permit has been obtained as specified in Section 4.56.060. "Employee"
means "hot tub/sauna establishment employee" as defined herein. It shall be unlawful for any
licensee to employ any hot tub/sauna establishment employee who does not possess a valid
permit provided for in Section 4.56.020. Any licensee shall notify the chief of police in writing of
the termination of employment of any employee, whether terminated by the licensee or
employee, within five days of such termination;
(h) Such other information as may be deemed necessary by the chief of police.
Reserved.
4.56.060 Hot tub/sauna establishment employee permit required.
It is unlawful for any person to act as a hot tub/sauna establishment employee unless such
person holds a valid permit issued by the chief of police. A hot tub/sauna establishment
employee permit shall be issued to any person who has fulfilled the requirements of Section
4.56.080, and all other applicable provisions of this code; unless grounds for denial of such
permit are found to exist. In addition to those set forth in Section 4.04.140, grounds for denial
shall include:
(a) The applicant made a material misstatement in the application for the permit;
(b) The applicant, within five years immediately preceding the date of the filing of the
application, has been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of any offense involving
conduct which requires registration under California Penal Code Section 290, or any violation of
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 36 Packet Pg. 529 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
32
147_202511117_ts24
Sections 311 through 311.7, 313.1, 314, 315, 316, 318 or 647(a), 647(b), 647(d), or 647(h) of the
California Penal Code or of any offense involving theft of property;
(c) The issuance of the permit is likely to be injurious to the health, safety, welfare, and
interest of the people of the city;
(d) The applicant has previously violated any provision of this chapter, or of any similar
ordinance, law, rule or regulation of another public agency which regulates the operation of hot
tub/sauna establishments or hot tub/sauna establishment employees;
(e) The applicant is under eighteen years of age.
Reserved.
4.56.070 Hot tub/sauna establishment employee application fee.
Any application for a permit to act as hot tub/sauna establishment employee shall be
accompanied by a nonrefundable fee as set forth in the municipal fee schedule. A hot
tub/sauna establishment employee permit shall be renewed annually. The renewal fee shall be
as set forth in the municipal fee schedule. Any person who applies for a license to operate a hot
tub/sauna establishment and who desires to act as a hot tub/sauna establishment employee
within said establishment shall not be required to pay the fee required by the municipal fee
schedule, but shall be required to furnish the information set forth in Section 4.56.080.
Reserved.
4.56.080 Application for hot tub/sauna establishment employee permit.
Any application for a permit to act as a hot tub/sauna establishment employee shall be made
with the chief of police. Within thirty working days following receipt of a completed application,
the chief of police shall either issue the permit, or mail a written statement of his reason for
denial thereof. The chief of police may require the applicant to allow fingerprints to be taken. In
addition to the requirements of Chapter 4.04, the applicant shall furnish the following
information:
(a) Name, residence address and telephone number;
(b) Social security number and driver's license number if any;
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 37 Packet Pg. 530 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
33
147_202511117_ts24
(c) Applicant's weight, height, color of hair and eyes;
(d) The applicant shall furnish a recent photograph of applicant to the police department
official who processes the application;
(e) Written evidence that the applicant is at least eighteen years of age;
(f) Business, occupation or employment of the applicant for the three years immediately
preceding the date of application;
(g) The name and address of the establishment where the applicant is to be employed, and
the name of the owner or operator of the same. Any hot tub/sauna establishment employee
granted a permit pursuant to this section must report any change in hot tub/sauna
establishment employment within five days of said change;
(h) Whether such person has ever been convicted of any crime mentioned in Section
4.56.060. If any person has been so convicted, a statement must be made giving the place and
court in which said conviction was had, the specific charge or charges under which the
conviction was obtained, and the sentence imposed as a result of such conviction;
(i) Such other information as may be deemed necessary by the chief of police.
Reserved.
4.56.090 Appeal.
In the event a permit or license application has been denied, the applicant shall proceed
pursuant to the appeal and hearing provision of Chapter 4.04.
Reserved.
4.56.100 Hot tub/sauna establishment and operations requirements.
All hot tub/sauna establishments shall comply with the following facilities and operations
requirements and each of the requirements listed in this section shall be conditions of any hot
tub/sauna establishment license which is issued pursuant to the requirements of this chapter:
(a) Hot tub/sauna establishments shall comply with all applicable provisions of this code and
with all applicable health and sanitation laws, rules and regulations of the county of Santa Clara
and state of California.
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 38 Packet Pg. 531 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
34
147_202511117_ts24
(b) Toilet and lavatory facilities shall be provided for employees and patrons of a hot
tub/sauna establishment in a number and type not less than the minimum number and type
specified in the applicable code section for such type of use.
(c) A manager or other supervisory representative of the licensee shall be and remain on the
premises of the licensed hot tub/sauna establishment at all times during the operating hours of
the establishment. The licensee shall furnish the chief of police with a list of all persons
authorized by licensee to act as manager or representative of the licensee. Any change in said
list shall be reported to the chief of police immediately.
(d) All suites and rooms within hot tub/sauna establishments, for the use of patrons, shall be
provided with clean laundered sheets, towels and linens in sufficient quantities which shall be
laundered between consecutive uses thereof and stored in an approved sanitary manner. The
same sheets, towels and linens shall not be used in excess of one rental period. No sheets,
towels or linens shall be laundered or dried in any hot tub/sauna establishment unless such
establishment is provided with approved laundry facilities comparable to commercial
laundering facilities, for such laundering and drying. Approved receptacles shall be provided for
the storage of soiled sheets, linens, and towels. Heavy white paper may be substituted for
sheets; provided that such paper is used once for each person and then discarded into a
sanitary receptacle.
(e) All walls, ceilings, floors, pools, showers, bathtubs, hot tubs, jacuzzis, saunas, steam
rooms, and all other physical facilities within the establishment must be in good repair and
maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Wet and dry heat rooms, steam or vapor rooms,
or steam or vapor cabinets, shower compartments, bathrooms, toilet rooms, saunas, jacuzzis,
hot tubs, and individual suites shall be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected each day the
business is in operation. Bathtubs (not including hot tubs) shall be cleaned and thoroughly
disinfected after each use. Not more than one hot tub or similar water-holding device shall be
operated from the same heating or filtering device or any similar mechanism unless each such
hot tub or other similar device is capable of being emptied and refilled independent of any
other hot tub.
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 39 Packet Pg. 532 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
35
147_202511117_ts24
(f) The walls in all rooms where water or steam baths are given shall have a washable, mold-
resistant surface.
(g) All lavatories or wash basins shall be provided with hot and cold running water, soap and
single-service towels in wall-mounted dispensers.
(h) Cabinets or other covered space shall be provided for the storage of clean linen.
(i) To protect patrons from potential health and sanitary hazards, all hot tub/sauna
establishment employees shall be clean and shall perform all services on the premises in full,
clean outer garments.
(j) Security deposit facilities capable of being locked by the patron or a waterproof security
bag that may be carried by the patron shall be available for the protection of the valuables of
the patron.
(k) Each service or facility offered, the price thereof, and the minimum length of time such
service shall be performed shall be posted in a conspicuous public location within the hot
tub/sauna establishment. If the hot tub/sauna establishment contains within it one or more
individual rooms or suites, the hourly rental rate for such individual rooms or suites shall also
be posted in a conspicuous public location, along with the minimum and maximum periods of
time such individual rooms or suites can be rented. All letters and numbers shall be capitals,
and not less than one-half inch in height.
(l) No mirrors of any type shall be placed at any location within or inside the hot tub/sauna
establishment unless the approval of the chief of police has first been obtained; provided,
however, that if the hot tub/sauna establishment is comprised of one or more individual rooms
or suites, a small mirror, not more than three square feet in size, may be placed on the interior
of such room or suite on the door leading from such individual room or suite into any interior
hallway within such establishment, or such other comparable location not visible from the
exterior of such individual room or suite when the door thereto is open as may be approved by
the chief of police.
(m) If the hot tub/sauna establishment is comprised of one or more individual rooms or
suites which are rented to patrons, the interior of any such individual room or suite shall not be
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 40 Packet Pg. 533 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
36
147_202511117_ts24
visible from any point outside the room or suite when the door leading from such individual
room or suite into any interior hallway is closed.
(n) No alcoholic beverages of any type shall be permitted to be brought into or consumed
within or upon the premises or property of any hot tub/sauna establishment.
(o) No nudity shall be permitted or allowed to occur in any interior hallways of the
establishment, or in any other open patron area or areas located within the hot tub/sauna
establishment. Nudity shall only be permitted or allowed within the confines of an individual
room or suite located within the establishment and then only by the patrons who have rented
such room or suite.
(p) No individual under the age of eighteen years shall be allowed to enter into or to remain
upon or within the premises of any hot tub/sauna establishment unless such individual is
accompanied by his or her parent or guardian.
(q) All hot tub/sauna establishment employees, while on duty:
(1) Shall remain fully clothed at all times;
(2) Shall not remain inside any of the individual rooms or suites with any patrons of the
establishment while the doors leading to the hallways from such rooms or suites are closed.
Said doors shall remain closed at all times during which the individual room or suite is occupied
and utilized by any patron;
(3) Shall not perform, for compensation or otherwise, any type of personal services for the
patrons of the establishment, which personal services consist of the touching of any part of the
body of a patron with any part of the employee's body, or any implement utilized by an
employee.
(r) (1) Hot tub/sauna establishments shall close and remain closed from eleven p.m. to nine
a.m.
(2) After one year of operation, a hot tub/sauna establishment may be exempted from the
hours restrictions of this section by the chief of police upon a written request which details the
factual reasons supporting good cause for the exemption. The chief of police, in determining
what constitutes good cause for this exemption from the hours restrictions, shall consider and
weight the following factors:
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 41 Packet Pg. 534 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
37
147_202511117_ts24
(A) The criteria outlined in Section 4.04.140 of Chapter 4.04;
(B) The criteria outlined in Section 4.56.030 of this chapter;
(C) The impact which the hot tub/sauna establishment has had on the health, safety, and
welfare of the local community, including, but not limited to, parking and traffic congestion;
(D) The hot tub/sauna establishment's compliance or noncompliance with all federal, state,
and local laws, including, but not limited to, this municipal code.
If, upon review of these factors, the chief of police determines that good cause does exist for
the requested exemption, the chief may then exempt the particular hot tub/sauna
establishment from the hours restrictions of this section. However, in no event shall any hot
tub/sauna establishment close later than two a.m. nor open earlier than six a.m.
(3) The exemption from the hours restrictions of this section shall be subject to review and
renewal annually at the same time as the renewal of the underlying license and the same
factual showing shall be made as that required for the initial exemption. The chief shall not
grant an hours exemption unless said establishment has maintained the criteria specified in
Section 4.56.100(r)(2).
(s) No hot tub/sauna establishment shall be allowed in the following locations:
(1) Within two hundred fifty feet of the exterior property limits of any public or private
elementary school, junior high school or high school;
(2) Within two hundred fifty feet of the exterior limits of any district where residential use is
the principal permitted use, including all R and RM districts, O-S districts, and any P-C or P-F
districts where the principal use permitted or maintained is residential; or
(3) Within twelve hundred feet of the exterior property limits of any other premises lawfully
occupied by a hot tub/sauna establishment or by any establishment subject to the provisions of
Chapters 4.54 or 4.55, or any cardroom licensed pursuant to Chapter 4.52. Notwithstanding the
provisions of this subdivision, subject to all other provisions of this chapter, a hot tub/sauna
establishment license may be issued for an establishment located within twelve hundred feet of
another hot tub/sauna establishment, an establishment subject to the provisions of Chapters
4.54 or 4.55, or any cardroom licensed pursuant to Chapter 4.52 if the applicant has obtained,
and has in effect, a valid conditional use permit pursuant to Chapter 18.76 (Permits and
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 42 Packet Pg. 535 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
38
147_202511117_ts24
Approvals). Application for a license under this chapter shall be made and processed prior to an
application for a use permit. In the event it is determined that a license under this chapter
would be issued for the provisions of this subdivision, the application for a use permit shall then
be processed. A license under this chapter shall not be issued until completion of the use
permit application process. In the case of such an application, the time limit for action on a hot
tub/sauna establishment license application contained in Section 4.56.050 shall be
automatically extended as necessary to follow processing of the use permit application. For the
purpose of determining compliance with standard (3), as to, between and with respect to
establishments lawfully in operation on the effective date of this section, priority between such
existing establishments shall be assigned in accordance with the dates upon which said
establishments commenced such lawful operations. In the event any dispute arises regarding
said dates, the applicant shall have the obligation to establish the date on which he
commenced lawful operation.
Any hot tub/sauna establishment lawfully in operation on the effective date of this section
shall, within sixty days of said date apply to the chief of police for a determination as to
compliance with the provisions of this section. Said application shall be in such form as
prescribed by the chief of police.
Any hot tub/sauna establishment legally existing on the effective date of this subsection and
which is not in compliance with the provisions of this subsection shall comply with said
provisions within three years of the effective date of this subsection; provided, however, that
any such establishment which intends to in any way transfer ownership or alter or change the
nature of any such hot tub/sauna establishment on or after the effective date of this subsection
shall comply with the provisions of this subsection prior to such transfer, alteration or change.
Any such use which at the expiration of said period is not in compliance with the provisions of
this subsection shall at that time discontinue and abate its operation.
Any hot tub/sauna establishment lawfully in operation upon the effective date of this
subsection failing to comply with the provisions of this subsection shall be issued a limited-term
license containing a statement on its face reciting such noncompliance and the date by which
compliance must be accomplished, and that said license shall not be renewed beyond said date.
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 43 Packet Pg. 536 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
39
147_202511117_ts24
All distances referred to in this subsection shall be measured between the closest points on
the exterior property lines or area boundaries of the parcels or areas involved, except that
when a hot tub/sauna establishment subject to the provisions of this section occupies one unit
of a multi-unit structure located on a single parcel, distances shall be measured from the
exterior boundaries of the unit so occupied.
Reserved.
4.56.110 Inspection by officials.
Any and all investigating officials of the city shall have the right to enter hot tub/sauna
establishments from time to time during regular business hours to make reasonable inspections
to observe and enforce compliance with building, fire, electrical, plumbing or other health
safety regulations. A warrant shall be obtained whenever required by law.
4.56.120 Business name.
No person licensed to operate a hot tub/sauna establishment shall operate under any name
or conduct business under any designation not specified in the a County license(s).
4.56.130 Business location change.
Upon a change of location of a hot tub/sauna establishment, an application to the chief of
police shall be made in the same form as an original application, and such application shall be
granted, provided all applicable provisions of this code are complied with as in the case of an
original application, and a change of location fee as set forth in the municipal fee schedule to
defray, in part, the costs of investigation and report has been paid to the city.
Reserved.
4.56.140 Sale or transfer of hot tub/sauna establishment interest.
A sale or transfer of any interest in a hot tub/sauna establishment, which interest would be
reported as required in this chapter upon application for a hot tub/sauna establishment license,
shall be reported to the chief of police within ten days of such sale or transfer. The chief of
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 44 Packet Pg. 537 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
40
147_202511117_ts24
police shall investigate any person receiving any interest in a hot tub/sauna establishment as a
result of such sale or transfer, and if such person satisfies the requirements relating to hot
tub/sauna establishment license applicants, the existing license shall be endorsed to include
such person. A fee as set forth in the municipal fee schedule shall be paid to the city for the
investigation by the chief of police necessitated by each such sale or transfer.
Reserved.
4.56.150 Display of permits, licenses.
The owner or operator of a hot tub/sauna establishment shall display the hot tub/sauna
establishment license and the permit of each and every hot tub/sauna establishment employee
employed in the establishment in an open and conspicuous place on the premises. Passport-
size photographs of the licensee and permittees shall be affixed to the respective license and
permits on display pursuant to this section. Home addresses of hot tub/sauna establishment
employees need not be displayed.
Reserved.
4.56.160 Grounds for denial, probation, and disciplinary action.
In addition to any provisions contained in this chapter, the provisions of Section 4.04.140 shall
apply to licenses and permits required under this chapter. Any circumstances constituting
grounds for denial shall also constitute grounds for revocation, suspension or disciplinary
action.
Reserved.
4.56.170 Hearing.
Any licensee or permittee whose license or permit has been suspended or revoked shall
proceed pursuant to the appeal and hearing provisions of Chapter 4.04.
Reserved.
4.56.180 Application to existing establishments and employees.
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 45 Packet Pg. 538 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
41
147_202511117_ts24
All operators of existing hot tub/sauna establishments, and all hot tub/sauna establishment
employees in the city upon the effective date of this chapter shall comply with all application
and other requirements within thirty days following the effective date of this chapter.
Reserved.
4.56.190 Application of other code provisions.
Chapter 4.04 shall apply to the subject matter of this chapter in all respects, including those
not specifically mentioned in this chapter.
Reserved.
4.56.200 Employment of persons under the age of eighteen years prohibited.
No licensee shall employ, hire or retain the services of any individual who is under the age of
eighteen years old. No licensee shall knowingly employ, hire or retain the services of, or
continue to employ or retain, any individual who has been convicted of any of the offenses set
forth in subsection (b) of Section 4.56.060, or who has failed to obtain the permit required by
Section 4.56.060.
Reserved.
SECTION 4. If any section, subsection, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any
reason held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion or
sections of the Ordinance. The Council hereby declares that it should have adopted the
Ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase thereof irrespective of the
fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared
invalid.
SECTION 5. The Council finds that this project is exempt from the provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), pursuant to Section 15061 of the CEQA
Guidelines, because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the ordinance
will have a significant effect on the environment.
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 46 Packet Pg. 539 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
42
147_202511117_ts24
SECTION 6. This ordinance shall be effective 31 days after adoption.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
____________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
____________________________ ____________________________
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
____________________________
Chief of Police
Item 14
Attachment A - Ordinance
Amending PAMC Chapters
4.54 and 4.56 to update
regulation of massage
practitioners, businesses,
hot tubsauna businesses
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 47 Packet Pg. 540 of 828
*NOT YET APPROVED*
1
146_20251114_ts24
Resolution No. _____
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending and Restating the
Administrative Penalty Schedule and Civil Penalty Schedules for Certain
Violations of the Palo Alto Municipal Code
The Council of the City of Palo Alto RESOLVES as follows:
SECTION 1. Administrative Penalties. The administrative penalty schedule for
violations of the Palo Alto Municipal Code established by Resolution No. 10144 is hereby
amended and restated to read as follows (edited sections underlined, deleted sections in
strikethrough):
Standard penalty unless otherwise indicated below. $50
Second violation within 36 month period 150% of listed penalty
(unless otherwise specified)
Third & subsequent violations within 36 month period. 200% of listed penalty
(unless otherwise specified)
Delinquency penalty. 10% per month, simple interest, on
delinquent amount
4.04.020 License or permit required. 300
4.04.100 Display of license or permit. 300
4.10.045 License fees for pushcart vendors. 300
4.10.050 Regulations for solicitors and peddlers. 350
4.10.055 Identification cards for solicitors. 250
4.10.057 Regulations for pushcart vendors. 300
4.10.070 License required - circus etc. 300
4.10.120 Arcade prohibited. 250
4.10.200 Pawn brokers prohibited. 250
4.10.230 Daily report of second hand dealers. 250
4.10.240 Maintaining reports - second hand dealers. 250
4.10.260 Failure to make report - second hand dealers. 250
4.10.270 Second hand goods held for inspection. 250
4.18.040 Unlawful dog or cat kennel. 250
4.30.010 Soliciting without a permit. 250
4.30.100 Conduct of solicitations. 250
4.32.020 Soliciting without a permit. 250
4.32.060 Investigation of records of solicitor. 250
4.32.090 Acts required during solicitation. 250
4.32.100 Restriction of solicitation. 250
4.32.110 Hours of solicitation. 250
4.34.020 Permit required - closing out sale. 250
4.39.030 Audible alarms. 250
4.39.040 Limitation on automatic dialing devices. 250
4.39.060 Registration of alarm. 250
4.39.110 Alarm violations. 100
Item 14
Attachment B - Resolution
Amending the Admin
Penalty Schedule to adjust
the numbering of some
penalties and delete
penalties for sections no
longer in use
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 48 Packet Pg. 541 of 828
*NOT YET APPROVED*
2
146_20251114_ts24
4.42.020 Certificate of public convenience. 1000
4.42.085 Controlled substance and alcohol testing. 500
4.42.090 Taxi owners permit. 5000
4.42.100 Taxi drivers permit expired. 250
4.42.130(b) Taxi drivers permit not displayed. 250
4.42.190 Taximeters. 500
4.42.200 Taxi cab operating regulations. 250
4.42.210(a) Interference with inspection. 500
4.42.210(b) Inspection of vehicles. 500
4.42.220 Operating regulations. 500
4.42.230 Maintenance of vehicles. 500
4.51.030 License required - bingo. 250
4.51.050 Minors restricted - bingo. 50
4.51.080 Staffing and operations - bingo. 250
4.51.110 Physical presence required - bingo. 250
4.52.020 License required - billiards and bowling. 1000
4.52.040 Minors restricted - billiards and bowling. 250
4.52.060 Offensive conduct - billiards and bowling. 250
4.52.070 Interference w/emerg. Access -billiards/bowling. 250
4.54.060 CAMTC cert. required - massage tech. 250
4.54.080(a) Permit required - massage establishment. 1000
4.54.080(b)-(d) Prohibited conduct – massage establishment 250
4.54.130 Failure to amend massage estab. permit 100
4.54.140 Massage establishment facilities. 250
4.55.030 License required - adult entertainment. 1000
4.56.030 License required - hot tub and sauna. 1000
4.56.060 Employee permit required - hot tub and sauna. 250
4.56.100 Hot tub/sauna establishment and operations. 250
4.56.120 Business name - hot tub and sauna. 250
4.56.150 Display of permit - hot tub and sauna. 250
4.56.200 Employment of persons < 18 - hot tub and sauna. 250
4.57.020 Permit required - firearms sales. 1000
4.57.095 Firearms dealers – business and security. 500
4.58.020 Minors restricted - narcotics paraphernalia shop. 750
4.58.030 Regulations - narcotics paraphernalia shop. 750
4.59.010 Pet shop requirements. 250
4.59.020 Pet shop sanitation. 250
4.59.030 Pet shop food. 250
4.59.040 Pet shop notification. 250
4.59.050 Pet shop - sale of dangerous or wild animals. 250
4.59.070 Dead animals. 250
4.59.080 Permit required - pet shop and kennel. 250
4.59.090 Permit required - grooming shop. 250
4.59.095 Sales of kittens and puppies. 250
4.59.100 Sales of raccoons. 250
4.59.105 Sales of rabbits, chicks, ducklings. 250
4.60.030 Business registration required 250
4.60.060 Business registry application required 250
4.60.120(a) Business registry fee delinquency 50% of registry fee if 1-30 days late
100% of fee or 31+ days late
5.12.010 Permit required - refreshment stand. 250
5.20.030 Discarding solid waste. 250
5.20.040 Accumulation of garbage. 250
Item 14
Attachment B - Resolution
Amending the Admin
Penalty Schedule to adjust
the numbering of some
penalties and delete
penalties for sections no
longer in use
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 49 Packet Pg. 542 of 828
*NOT YET APPROVED*
3
146_20251114_ts24
5.20.050 Unauthorized bins, boxes, containers-first violation. 500
Second and subsequent violations. 1000
5.20.080 Number of containers required. 250
5.20.090 Collection of recyclable materials. 250 for Commercial Premises
50 for Residential Premises
5.20.100 Collection of compostable materials. 250 for Commercial Premises
50 for Residential Premises
5.20.105 Contamination of containers. 250 for Commercial Premises
50 for Residential Premises
5.20.108 Multifamily properties/Commercial premises. 250
5.20.109 Requirements for special events. 100
5.20.111 Self-haul in violation of code 100
5.20.120 Improper container condition. 250
5.20.130 Maintenance of bins and boxes- first violation. 250
Second and subsequent violations. 500
5.20.160 Spillage or leakage of solid waste. 250
5.20.180 No accumulation of solid waste. 250
5.20.190 No burning, burial, or dumping of solid waste. 250
5.20.200 Hazardous waste. 500
5.20.220 Scavenging prohibited. 100
5.30.020 Polystyrene & Non-Recyclable Plastic. 500
5.30.025(a)-(d) Limitation on use of Disposable Foodware items 100
and other Disposable products.
5.30.025(e) Prohibition of third-party vendors providing utensils 350
or condiments unless requested by customer.
5.35.020 Bags at retail establishments. 500
5.35.030 Bags at supermarkets. 500
6.08.020(b) Interference with animal control officer. 250
6.16.010 No dog license. 50
6.16.080 Number of dogs allowed. 100
6.16.100 Leash Law. 100
6.20.010 Animals at large. 100
6.20.020 Animals on unenclosed premises. 100
6.20.030 Animals kept in enclosures. 100
6.20.035 Tying animals to bicycle racks or trees. 100
6.20.040 Nuisance on sidewalk. 100
6.20.045 Animal waste removal - first offense. 25
6.20.045 Animal waste removal - second offense. 50
6.20.045 Animal waste removal - third offense. 125
6.20.055 Animals in vehicles. 250
6.20.060 Bees close to property line. 100
6.20.080 Permit required - livestock. 100
6.20.090 Maintaining birds, goats, pigs and rabbits. 100
6.20.110 Number of cats kept. 100
6.20.120 Permit required - breeding animals. 100
6.20.130 Cat or dog in heat. 100
6.20.140 Barking dogs. 100
6.20.150 Vaccination required - animals. 100
6.20.160 Sanitary enclosures. 100
6.20.170 Slaughter of animals. 500
6.24.020 Permit required - construction of stable. 250
6.24.050 Maintenance of stable. 250
6.28.040 Possession of dangerous or wild animals. 500
Item 14
Attachment B - Resolution
Amending the Admin
Penalty Schedule to adjust
the numbering of some
penalties and delete
penalties for sections no
longer in use
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 50 Packet Pg. 543 of 828
*NOT YET APPROVED*
4
146_20251114_ts24
6.32.010 Keeping diseased animals. 500
6.32.020 Confining animals with rabies. 500
6.32.050 Dead animals in public. 500
6.36.010 Sales of certain animals. 250
8.04.020 Unauthorized removal of public trees 5000 per tree or reproduction cost
up to 10,000, whichever is greater
8.04.020(a) Failure to comply with permit 500 per tree
for work on public trees.
8.04.020(a) Damage to public trees 150 per inch diameter of damaged
tree part
8.04.020(b) Fasten a sign, wire, or injurious material 250 per tree
to any public tree.
8.04.020(c) Excavate or pave near public trees 500 per tree
8.04.080 Interference with tree enforcement. 500
8.08.010 Weeds as public nuisance. 250
8.10.040 Failure to disclose protected tree 500 per tree
8.10.050 Unauthorized removal of protected tree 5000 per tree or reproduction cost
up to 10,000, whichever is greater
8.10.055 Failure to comply with tree replacement. 750 per tree
8.10.070 Failure to care for protected trees. 500 per tree
8.10.080(b) Failure to comply with development conditions. 500 per condition
9.04.010 Open container in business district. 100
9.04.020 Open container in City parking lot. 100
9.04.030 Open container near liquor store. 100
9.04.040 Social host. First violation 250
Second violation 500
Third & subsequent violation 1000
9.07.020 Safe Storage of Firearms 1000
9.08.010 Discharge of firearms/fireworks. 1000
9.09.010(a) Urinating/defecating on street or public place. 250
9.09.010(b) Igniting or maintaining outdoor fire. 250
9.10.030 Residential property noise limits. 100
9.10.040 Commercial property noise limits. 100
9.10.050 Public property noise limits. 100
9.10.060(b) Construction noise signs. 250
9.10.060(c) Construction noise. 250
9.10.060(d) Construction equipment noise. 100
9.10.060(e) Residential power equipment noise. 100
9.10.060(f) Leaf blower noise- first violation. 250
Leaf blower noise- second violation 500
Leaf blower noise- third and subsequent violation 1000
9.10.060(g) Street sweeping noise. 100
9.10.060(h) Refuse collection noise. 100
9.10.060(i) Safety device noise. 100
9.10.060(k) Public parking lot cleaning noise. 100
9.10.060(l) Business district street cleaning noise. 100
9.12.010 Loudspeakers. 150
9.14.020 Smoking prohibited - enclosed places. 250 (2nd violation in 1 year: $300;
3rd and subsequent violations
in 1 year: $500)
9.14.025 Smoking prohibited – unenclosed areas. 250 (2nd violation in 1 year: $300;
3rd and subsequent violations
Item 14
Attachment B - Resolution
Amending the Admin
Penalty Schedule to adjust
the numbering of some
penalties and delete
penalties for sections no
longer in use
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 51 Packet Pg. 544 of 828
*NOT YET APPROVED*
5
146_20251114_ts24
in 1 year: $500)
9.14.030 Smoking prohibited - city cars. 250 (2nd violation in 1 year: $300;
3rd and subsequent violations
in 1 year: $500)
9.14.035 Smoking prohibited – public parks and public events 250 (2nd violation in 1 year: $300;
3rd and subsequent violations
in 1 year: $500)
9.14.040 Smoking prohibited - child care facilities. 250 (2nd violation in 1 year: $300;
3rd and subsequent violations
in 1 year: $500)
9.14.050 Smoking prohibited – commercial areas
and public events. 250 (2nd violation in 1 year: $300;
3rd and subsequent violations
in 1 year: $500)
9.14.080 Location of tobacco vending machines. 1000
9.14.090 Display of tobacco products. 500
9.14.100 Failure to post “No Smoking” signs. 50
9.22.010 Impersonating public officials. 500
9.26.020 False representation as police officer. 250
9.28.010 Hotel guest register required. 250
9.28.020 Use of false name by hotel guest. 50
9.40.020 Landing aircraft at other than airport. 1000
9.44.010 Solicitation prohibited - public parking lot. 100
9.48.010 Displaying goods on sidewalk. 50
9.48.025 Sitting or lying on University Avenue sidewalks. 100
9.48.030 Operation of sidewalk elevator. 500
9.48.040 Throwing rubbish on streets. 250
9.48.050 Obligation to clean sidewalk. 200
9.50.010 Graffiti prohibited on public property. 500
9.56.030 Abatement of public nuisance. 500 unless otherwise specified
9.56.030(a)(5) Thirty-five foot site triangle. 200
9.56.030(a)(8) Foliage/branch obstruction. 200
9.56.030(a)(10) Excessive planting strip vegetation height. 150
9.60.030 Blocking entrances to City Hall. 500
9.60.050 Placing signs or climbing on City Hall. 500
9.60.060 Bicycles and skateboards at City Hall. 50
9.60.070 Alcoholic beverages prohibited - City Hall. 100
9.64.010 Overnight use of community facilities 250
9.74.030 Discrimination in housing. 250
9.78.020 Mosquito breeding places. 500
9.79.100 News rack violations. 100
12.08.010 Permit required - public right of way. 500
12.08.100 Removal of City Engineer monuments. 500
12.11.010 Building parklet on public right-of-way without 1000
permit
12.11.060 Violation of Chapter 12.11, permit, or regulations 500
12.12.010 Building on public easement without or in violation 1000
of encroachment permit
12.12.020 Failure to obtain or violation of commercial 500
sidewalk encroachment permit
12.16.030 Overhead wires in underground districts. 500
12.16.090 Property owner responsibility. 500
12.20.010 Utility rules and regulations 500 unless otherwise specified
Item 14
Attachment B - Resolution
Amending the Admin
Penalty Schedule to adjust
the numbering of some
penalties and delete
penalties for sections no
longer in use
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 52 Packet Pg. 545 of 828
*NOT YET APPROVED*
6
146_20251114_ts24
12.20.010 Emergency water conservation regulations 100 (2nd violation in 1 year: $250;
(Reso. Nos. 9509, 9460, 9449) 3rd and subsequent violations
in 1 year: $500)
12.20.020 Providing false information to City Utilities. 500
12.32.010 Water use regulation. 100
15.04.070 Violations of Uniform Fire Code. 500 unless otherwise specified
16.04.050 Violations of California Building Code as amended. 500 unless otherwise specified
16.05.040 Violations of California Mechanical Code as amended500
16.06.050 Violations of California Residential Code as amended.500
16.08.040 Violations of California Plumbing Code as amended. 500
16.09.200260 Violations of Sewer Use Ordinance 1000
16.10.020 Construction of private sewer system. 750
16.10.050 Permit required - private sewage system. 500
16.11 (All Sections) Violations of the Stormwater Pollution
Prevention Ordinance 1000
16.13 (All Sections) Violations of the Food Facilities Ordinance 1000
16.14.040 Violations of California Green Building 500
Standards Code as amended
16.14.260 Failure to meet diversion requirements. $150 per ton of waste not
diverted or $3000, whichever is
greater
16.14.370 Failure to meet diversion requirements. $150 per ton of waste not
diverted or $3000, whichever is
greater
16.16.060 Violations of California Electrical Code as amended. 500
16.17.020 Violations of California Energy Code as amended. 500
16.18.020 Violations of International Pool and Spa Code as 500
amended
16.20.020 Design review required - signs. 500
16.20.090 Prohibited signs. 250
16.20.100 Prohibited locations - signs. 250
16.20.110 Fuel price signs required. 250
16.20.210 Non-compliance with sign ordinance. 250
16.20.230 Abandoned signs. 250
16.20.250 Parking of advertising vehicles. 250
16.24.080 Fence violation. 250
16.28.060 Permit required - excavation and grading. 500
16.28.330 Protection of adjacent property. 500
16.28.340 Deposits of earth, rock, etc. 500
16.32.010 Permit required - moving a building. 250
16.36.050 Curb painting without a permit. 100
16.36.060 House numbering required. 100
16.38.020 Certificate of occupancy – community housing. 500
16.40.040 Dangerous and substandard buildings. 500
16.40.090 Non-compliance with order of building official. 500
16.40.180 Interference with repair or demolition work. 500
16.42.090 Failure to submit seismic report. 250
16.45.070 Failure to pay fee - Stanford Research Park. 250
16.46.060 Failure to pay fee - San Antonio - West Bayshore. 250
16.47.050 Failure to pay housing impact fee. 250
16.49.050 Exterior alteration of downtown historic structures 10000
or a significant structure outside the downtown
without or in violation of permit
Item 14
Attachment B - Resolution
Amending the Admin
Penalty Schedule to adjust
the numbering of some
penalties and delete
penalties for sections no
longer in use
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 53 Packet Pg. 546 of 828
*NOT YET APPROVED*
7
146_20251114_ts24
16.49.060 Demolition of a significant downtown building 10000
without or in violation of permit
16.49.070 Demolition of a contributing downtown structure 10000
or significant structure outside the downtown
without or in violation of permit
16.49.080 Maintenance of downtown historic structure. 10000
16.49.090 Demolition of downtown historic structure. 10000
16.52.070 Construction - flood hazards. 500
16.59.090 Failure to pay fee- Citywide Transportation Impact. 250
16.60.090 Failure to pay fee- Charleston/Arastradero. 250
16.62.020 Maintenance of expired building permit 200 for 31st through 60th day
400 for 61st through 120th day
800 for 121st day and thereafter
16.66 (All Sections) Violations of Hauled Liquid Waste 1000
Ordinance
17.04.020 Violations of hazardous materials storage. 500, unless otherwise specified
17.04.030 Specific obligation - hazardous materials. 500
17.10.010 General obligation - underground storage tanks. 750 unless otherwise specified
17.10.040 Permit required - underground storage. 500
17.10.140 Financial responsibility - underground storage. 500
17.10.150 Monitoring underground storage tanks. 1000
17.10.170 Unlawful abandonment - underground storage tanks.1000
17.12.010 Permit required - hazardous materials storage. 750
17.12.020 New hazardous materials storage facilities. 750
17.12.060 Hazardous materials storage facilities. 750
17.16.010 Hazardous materials management plan. 250
17.20.010 Hazardous materials inventory statement. 250
17.24.010 Hazardous materials discharge report. 750
17.32.010 Permit required - storage of hazardous materials. 1000
18.01.080 Violation of zoning laws. 500
18.16.060(d)Hotel stay in excess of 30 days. 200
18.38.020 Planned Community zoning (unless otherwise 500
specified in PC ordinance) 2500 beginning the 181st day
following notice of violation
Violations of Ordinance 5069 shall be subject to the penalties listed above except that the penalty
for violations of Sections 4(b)(1),
(2), (6), and (7) of Ordinance 5069
shall not be subject to the
penalties above or to the
escalators for second, third and
subsequent violations, but shall be
$2157 per day, for each and every
day that a grocery store is not in
operation within College Terrace
Centre in accordance with the
terms of Ordinance 5069. (The City
Council intends to adjust this
penalty amount periodically in
future updates to this
administrative penalty schedule to
account for periodic increases in
the Consumer Price Index for All
Item 14
Attachment B - Resolution
Amending the Admin
Penalty Schedule to adjust
the numbering of some
penalties and delete
penalties for sections no
longer in use
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 54 Packet Pg. 547 of 828
*NOT YET APPROVED*
8
146_20251114_ts24
Urban Consumers.) In calculating
the penalties for such violations,
the City will allow for a grace
period for any daily violations that
do not exceed six (6) cumulative
months in any five (5) year period.
However, this grace period was
previously applied to violations
from 1/10/18 through 7/10/18, so
there is no entitlement to any
further grace period prior to
1/10/23.
18.42.060(a)Incompatibility of home occupations. 200
18.42.060(b) Employees of home occupation. 200
18.42.060(c) On site advertising of home occupation. 200
18.42.060(d) Floor area of home occupation. 200
18.42.060(e) Traffic related to home occupation. 200
18.42.060(f) Home occupation as nuisance. 200
18.42.060(g) Outdoor storage related to home occupation. 200
18.42.070 Servicing vehicles in residential zone. 250
18.52.050 Transportation demand management conditions 1000
4000 beginning the 181st day
following notice of violation
18.84.200 Temporary uses. 250
22.04.030 Compliance with park regulations. 46 for violation of regulation R1-6
requiring payment of Foothills Park
entry fee; 250 for violation of all
other Park & Open Space
Regulations.
22.04.040 Failure to obtain use permit. 300
22.04.150(b) Entry at unapproved location - Foothills Park 50
22.04.150(c) Person in park after hours - Foothills Park. 250
22.04.150(d) Speed limit 20MPH - Foothills Park. 250
22.04.150(e) Vehicles in Foothills Park after hours. 100
22.04.150(f) Skateboards and motorcycles - Foothills Park. 250
22.04.150(g) Smoking on trails - Foothills Park. 1000
22.04.150(h) Fires in Foothills Park. 1000
22.04.150(i) Use of trails - Foothills Park. 100
22.04.150(l) Unleashed dog - Foothills Park. 250
22.04.155 Restraint of dogs in City parks. 250
22.04.160 Permit required - sales in parks. 250
22.04.170 Violation of park use permit. 250
22.04.180 Sound in parks. 250
22.04.190 Unauthorized golf and other games in parks. 250
22.04.200 Unauthorized models and kites in parks. 100
22.04.210 Parking in parks. 100
22.04.215 Launch and takeout from ramp or dock. 250
22.04.220 Bicycle not permitted on trails. 250
22.04.230 Dumping in park. 1000
22.04.240 Interference with park use permit. 250
22.04.250 Park regulations . 250 unless otherwise specified
22.04.260 Discharge of weapons in park. 500
22.04.270 Removal of flora or fauna. 500
Item 14
Attachment B - Resolution
Amending the Admin
Penalty Schedule to adjust
the numbering of some
penalties and delete
penalties for sections no
longer in use
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 55 Packet Pg. 548 of 828
*NOT YET APPROVED*
9
146_20251114_ts24
22.04.280 Removal of turf or soil. 500
22.04.290(a) Damaging, defacing, etc., property. 1000
22.04.290(b) Marking, writing or printing on property. 1000
22.04.290(c) Attaching sign, etc., without permit. 500
22.04.290(d) Entering, etc., structure after posted hours. 250
22.04.290(e) Bringing portable tables without a permit. 100
22.04.300 Unlawful fire in city park. 1000
22.04.310 Enid Pearson Arastradero, Esther Park closure. 250
22.04.315 Byxbee Park and Baylands closed. 250
22.04.320 Parks closed. 250
22.04.321(a)Skateboarding in park after hours. 50
22.04.322 Trespass at Rinconada Park pool. 50
22.04.330 Alcohol in Cogswell Park. 250
22.04.331 Alcohol in Lytton Plaza. 250
22.04.332 Alcohol in Johnson Park. 250
22.04.333 Alcohol in Boulware Park. 250
22.04.334 Alcohol in Scott St. Minipark. 250
22.04.335 Alcohol in Greer Park. 250
22.04.336(a)Alcohol in Rinconada Park. 250
22.04.337 Alcohol in Mitchell Park. 250
22.04.338 Alcohol in Robles Park. 250
22.04.339 Alcohol in Hopkins Park. 250
22.04.340 Vehicles in park. 250
22.04.341 Alcohol in El Palo Alto Park. 250
22.04.342 Alcohol in Heritage Park. 250
22.04.343 Alcohol in Pardee Park. 250
22.04.350 Consumption of alcoholic beverage in vehicles. 250
22.04.360 Open container in park - alcoholic beverage. 250
22.04.370 Reckless driving in park. 250
22.04.380 Unlawful riding and towing in parks. 250
22.04.390 Duck pond. 100
SECTION 2. Municipal Code Civil Penalties. The civil penalty schedule for violations of
the Palo Alto Municipal Code established by Resolution No. 10144 is hereby restated to read as
follows*:
Standard penalty unless otherwise indicated below. $46
10.36.020 No parking in parkways. 46
10.36.030(a)Storage on the street (72 hours). 86
10.36.040(a)(1)Vehicle for sale on street. 46
10.36.040(a)(2)Repairing vehicle on street. 46
10.36.050 Not w/in 18” of left curb--One-way street. 46
10.36.090 Removal of chalk markings. 111
10.40.020(a)(1)Parking violation – red curb. 46
10.40.020(a)(4)Parking violation – green curb. 46
10.40.020(a)(5)Parking violation – blue curb. 308
10.40.020(b)Parking in violation of sign (except blue curb). 46
10.40.020(b)Unlawful disabled parking - signs (blue curb). 308
10.40.040(b)Commercial vehicle double parking. 46
10.40.050 Unlawful parking in yellow loading zone. 46
10.40.060 Unlawful parking in passenger loading zone. 46
10.40.070 Unlawful alley parking. 46
Item 14
Attachment B - Resolution
Amending the Admin
Penalty Schedule to adjust
the numbering of some
penalties and delete
penalties for sections no
longer in use
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 56 Packet Pg. 549 of 828
*NOT YET APPROVED*
10
146_20251114_ts24
10.40.100(g)Parking in a bus zone. 46
10.44.010(b)Overtime parking (limited time zone). 41
10.44.010(c)Additional violation of time limited or no 44
parking zones.
10.44.020(a)Oversized vehicle parking in residential or 46
public facilities zones 2am-6am.
10.44.040(b)Not in space marking. 46
10.44.050(b)Parking violation--temporary sign. 46
10.44.060 Dealers--parking for sale or repair. 46
10.44.070(b)Parking in violation of posted sign. 46
10.44.080 Vehicle obstruction of roadway or lot. 46
10.44.090 Unattended vehicle, engine running. 111
10.45.110 Parking in on-street valet parking space. 46
10.46.110 Overtime residential parking permit (CT) 53
10.48.030 Truck route violation. 211
10.50.100(a)Violation of posted RPP permit sign 53
10.60.070(c)Permit not properly displayed. 41
10.60.070(d)Overtime permit parking in City lot. 41
10.60.070(e)Parking without permit in permit area. 46
22.04.150(e)In Foothills Park after hours. 111
22.04.210 Parking in parks. 111
Late payment penalty. 35
Collection cost penalty. 35% of listed penalty
*All penalties include state-mandated assessments pursuant to Gov’t. Code 76000, S.B 1407(2008), and
Government Code 76000.3 (S.B. 857, 2008) totaling $12.50.
SECTION 3. Vehicle Code Civil Penalties. The civil penalty schedule for violations of
the California Vehicle Code established by Resolution No. 10144 is hereby restated to read as
follows*:
5200 No front license plate. $78
(If corrected within 31 days) 10 (state mandated)
5204(a) No registration tabs on license plate. 78
(If corrected within 31 days) 10 (state mandated)
21113(a) Parking on public grounds. 46
22500(a) Parking in an intersection. 46
22500(b) Parking in a crosswalk. 46
22500(d) Parking w/in 15 feet--fire station driveway. 46
22500(e) Blocking driveway. 46
22500(f) Parking on sidewalk. 46
22500(g) Parking or stopping--excavation site, etc. 46
22500(h) Double parking on roadway. 46
22500(i) Parking in a bus zone. 261
22500(l) Parking in front of accessible curb. 303
22500.1 Parking in a fire lane (public or private). 46
22502 Right hand wheels not w/in 18” of rt. curb. 46
22505(b) Parking on state highway violation. 46
22507.8(a-b)Unlawful parking in handicapped space. 303
22507.8(c)(1-2)Straddling Lines/Cross hatched, disabled. 303
22511.57(a) Parking/standing of vehicle in disabled parking $753
stall or space with invalid license/placard.
Item 14
Attachment B - Resolution
Amending the Admin
Penalty Schedule to adjust
the numbering of some
penalties and delete
penalties for sections no
longer in use
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 57 Packet Pg. 550 of 828
*NOT YET APPROVED*
11
146_20251114_ts24
22511.57(b) Unauthorized use of license/placard for vehicle $753
parking/standing in disabled parking stall or space.
22511.57(c) Parking/standing of vehicle in disabled parking $753
stall or space with counterfeit, forged, altered or
mutilated license/placard for disabled.
22514 Parking within 15 feet of fire hydrant. 46
22515 Unattended vehicle, engine running. 111
22516 Person locked in vehicle. 111
22521 Parking within 7 1/2 feet of railroad tracks. 46
22522 Parking near sidewalk access ramp. 303
22523(a) Unlawful abandonment of vehicle on highway. 131
22523(b) Abandoned vehicle--public/private property. 131
22526 Entering/blocking intersection – anti-gridlock. 131
22951 No street, alley parking--patron vehicles. 46
*All penalties include state-mandated assessments pursuant to Gov’t. Code 76000, S.B 1407(2008), and
Government Code 76000.3 (S.B. 857, 2008) totaling $12.50.
SECTION 4. The Council finds that the adoption of this resolution does not meet the
definition of a project under Public Resources Code Section 21065, thus, no environmental
assessment under the California Environmental Quality Act is required.
//
//
//
//
//
//
//
//
//
//
//
//
Item 14
Attachment B - Resolution
Amending the Admin
Penalty Schedule to adjust
the numbering of some
penalties and delete
penalties for sections no
longer in use
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 58 Packet Pg. 551 of 828
*NOT YET APPROVED*
12
146_20251114_ts24
SECTION 5. The changes made in this Resolution shall be effective upon the effective
date of the ordinance amending PAMC Chapter PAMC 4.54 and 4.56 introduced on the same
date (December 1, 2025) as this Resolution.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
________________________________ ________________________________
City Clerk Mayor
________________________________ ________________________________
City Attorney or Designee City Manager
________________________________
Chief of Police
Item 14
Attachment B - Resolution
Amending the Admin
Penalty Schedule to adjust
the numbering of some
penalties and delete
penalties for sections no
longer in use
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 59 Packet Pg. 552 of 828
City Council
Staff Report
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: City Clerk
Meeting Date: December 1, 2025
Report #:2511-5426
TITLE
SECOND READING: Ordinance Repealing Chapter 15.04 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code and
Adopting a New Chapter 15.04, the California Fire Code (2025 Edition) With Local Amendments
and Related Findings (FIRST READING: 11/3/2025, PASSED 6-0-1, Veenker absent)
BACKGROUND
The City Council heard this item on 11/3/2025 for a first reading and approved it on a 6-0-1,
Veenker absent vote. No changes were made to the ordinance, and it is now before the City
Council for a second reading.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Ordinance Repealing Chapter 15.04 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code and Adopting
a New Chapter 15.04, the California Fire Code (2025 Edition) With Local Amendments and
Related Findings
APPROVED BY:
Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk
Item 15
Item 15 Staff Report
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 553 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
1
20251017_ms29
Ordinance No. ____
Adoption of an Ordinance Repealing Chapter 15.04 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code and
Adopting a New Chapter 15.04, the California Fire Code (2025 Edition) With Local Amendments
and Related Findings
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does ORDAIN as follows:
SECTION 1. Title 15 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code is hereby amended by repealing in its
entirety Chapter 15.04 and enacting a new Chapter 15.04 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 15.04
CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE,
CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 24, PART 9
Sections
15.04.010 2025 California Fire Code, Title 24, Part 9 adopted and amended.
15.04.020 Local Amendments.
15.04.030 Section 102.5 Application of residential code.
15.04.040 Section 103.2 Appointment.
15.04.050 Sections 105.3.9 Permits/Permit fees.
15.04.060 Table 105.5.9 Permit amounts for compressed gases.
15.04.070 Table 105.5.22 Permit amounts for hazardous materials.
15.04.080 Section 105.5.25 and Sections 105.5.55 through 105.5.59 Operational permits.
15.04.090 Section 105.6.13 Hazardous materials and Section 105.6.26 Construction
permits.
15.04.100 Reserved
15.04.110 Section 108.7 Certified Unified Program Agency Fees.
15.04.120 Section 109.1 Inspection authority.
15.04.130 Section 104.1.1 Enforcement/citation authority.
15.04.140 Section 113.4 Violation penalties.
15.04.150 Definitions Section 202
15.04.160 Section 316.7 Roof guiderails at interior courts.
15.04.170 320.3.13 Safety certification.
15.04.180 Section 322.6 Fire protection system.
15.04.190 Section 401.5 Making false report.
15.04.200 Section 503.1 Fire access roadways.
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 554 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
2
20251017_ms29
15.04.210 Section 503.2.1 Dimensions.
15.04.220 Section 503.2.2 Authority.
15.04.230 Section 504.5 Access control devices.
15.04.240 Section 505.1.1 and 505.1.2 Premises identification.
15.04.250 Section 509.1.2 Fire protection equipment identification.
15.04.260 Sections 603.10 through 603.12.
15.04.270 Section 4103.1.2.1.1 Prohibitive locations.
15.04.280 Section 903.2 Automatic sprinkler systems, where required.
15.04.290 Section 903.3.1.1 NFPA 13 sprinkler systems.
15.04.295 Section 903.3.1.1.5 Increase in fire sprinkler design criteria.
15.04.300 Section 903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems.
15.04.310 Section 903.3.1.3 and 903.3.1.3.1 NFPA 13D sprinkler systems.
15.04.320 Section 903.3.10 Floor control valves.
15.04.330 Section 905.3.1 Height.
15.04.340 Section 909.20.7 Maintenance and operational schedule.
15.04.350 Section 1008.3 Illumination required by an emergency electrical system.
15.04.360 Section 1031.2 Where required.
15.04.370 Section 1207.1.5 Large-scale fire test.
15.04.375 Section 1207.5.2 Maximum allowable quantities.
15.04.380 Section 1207.11.3 Location.
15.04.390 Section 3303.7 Fire walls.
15.04.400 Section 3307.1.2 and 3307.1.4.
15.04.410 Reserved.
15.04.420 Reserved.
15.04.430 Reserved.
15.04.435 Section 4103.1 Portable unvented heaters.
15.04.440 Section 5001.2.2.2 Health Hazards.
15.04.450 Section 5001.7 Hazard materials management plan electronic submissions.
15.04.460 Section 5003.1.3.1 Toxic, highly toxic, moderately toxic gases and similarly used
or handled materials.
15.04.470 Section 5003.1.5 Other health hazards including carcinogens, irritants and
sensitizers.
15.04.480 Section 5003.1.6 Additional secondary containment requirements.
15.04.490 Section 5003.2.2.1 Design and construction.
15.04.500 Section 5003.2.2.2 Additional regulations for supply piping for health hazard
materials.
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 555 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
3
20251017_ms29
15.04.510 Section 5003.3.1 Unauthorized discharges.
15.04.520 Section 5003.5.2 Ventilation ducting.
15.04.530 Section 5003.5.3 “H” Occupancies.
15.04.540 Section 5003.9.11 Fire extinguishing systems for workstations dispensing,
handling or using hazardous materials.
15.04.550 Section 5003.10.4 Elevators utilized to transport hazardous materials.
15.04.560 Section 5004.2.1 Spill control for hazardous material liquids.
15.04.570 Sections 5004.2.2 and 5004.2.2.2 and Table 5004.2.2 Secondary containment
for hazardous material liquids and solids.
15.04.580 Section 5004.2.3 Containment pallets.
15.04.590 Section 5704.2.7.5.8 Overfill prevention.
15.04.600 Section 5704.2.7.5.9 Automatic and/or remote filling of tanks.
15.04.610 Reserved.
15.04.620 Section 6001.1 Site scope.
15.04.630 Section 6002.1 Definitions.
15.04.640 Section 6004.1 Highly toxic, moderately toxic, and toxic compressed gases.
15.04.650 Sections 6004.2 and 6004.2.1 Indoor storage and use.
15.04.660 Section 6004.2.1.1 and Table 6004.2.1.1 Quantities.
15.04.670 Section 6004.4 through 6004.4.8.2 General indoor requirements.
15.04.010 2025 California Fire Code, Title 24, Part 9 adopted and amended.
The California Fire Code, 2025 Edition, as adopted by the California Code of Regulations Title 24,
Part 9, and Appendices B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and K is adopted as herein amended. One copy of the
California Fire Code is on file and open to public inspection in the Office of the City Clerk.
Additional copies of the secondary codes set forth within the California Fire Code, and the
amendments set forth in this chapter, are on file and open to public inspection in the fire
department administrative office.
Whenever the phrase “California Fire Code” appears in this code or in any ordinance of the city,
such phrase shall be deemed and construed to refer to and apply to the “California Fire Code,
2025 Edition” as adopted by the California Code of Regulations Title 24, Part 9 and as adopted
and amended by this chapter.
15.04.020 Local Amendments.
The provisions of this Chapter shall constitute local amendments to the cross-referenced provisions
of the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition, and shall be deemed to replace the cross-referenced
sections of said Code with the respective provisions set forth in this Chapter. Where used in this
Chapter 15.04, ellipses shall indicate text of the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition, that has been
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 556 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
4
20251017_ms29
adopted without amendment but is omitted for brevity.
15.04.030 Section 102.5 amended - Application of residential code.
Section 102.5 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
102.5 Application of residential code. Where structures are designed and constructed in
accordance with the California Residential Code, the provisions of this code shall apply as
follows:
1. Construction and design provisions:
a. Provisions of this code pertaining to the exterior of the structure shall apply,
including, but not limited to, premises identification, fire apparatus access,
and water supplies.
b. Provisions of this code pertaining to the interior of the structure shall apply
when specifically required by this code including, but not limited to, Sections
903.2 through 903.3.7 and Section 907.2.10.
c. Where interior or exterior systems or devices are installed, construction
permits required by Section 105.6 of this code shall also apply.
2. Administrative, operational, and maintenance provisions: all such provisions of
this code shall apply.
15.04.040 Section 103.2 Appointment deleted.
Section 103.2 of the California Fire Code is deleted.
15.04.050 Sections 105.3.9 Permits/Permit fees.
Section 105.3.9 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
105.3.9 Permits/Permit fees. All permit fees shall be established by the City Council as
set forth in the municipal fee schedule.
15.04.060 Table 105.5.9 Permit amounts for compressed gases.
Table 105.5.9 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
TABLE 105.5.9
PERMIT AMOUNTS FOR COMPRESSED GASES1
TYPE OF GAS 2 AMOUNT (cubic feet)
X 0.0283 for m3
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 557 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
5
20251017_ms29
For SI: 1 cubic foot = 0.0283m3.
1 Refer to Chapters 27, 30, 32, 35, 37, 40 and 41 for additional requirements and
exceptions.
2 Cubic feet measured at normal Temperature and pressure.
15.04.070 Table 105.5.22 Permit amounts for hazardous materials.
Table 105.5.22 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
TABLE 105.5.22
PERMIT AMOUNTS FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
AMOUNT
Carcinogens 10 pounds
Combustible liquids See Section 105.5.16
Corrosive materials:
Gases
Liquids
Solids
See Section 105.5.8
55 gallons
500 pounds
Gases
Liquids
See Section 105.5.8
See Section 105.5.16
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 558 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
6
20251017_ms29
Liquids
Solids
Any amount
Liquids: Class I-IV
Liquids: Class V
Solids: Class I-IV
Solids: Class V
Any Amount
No Permit Required
Any Amount
No Permit Required
Gases
Liquids
504 Cubic Feet
Any amount
Hazards:
55 gallons
500 pounds
Gases
Liquids
Solids
Any amount
Any amount
Any amount
Gases
Liquids
Solids
Any amount
Any amount
Any amount
Gases
Liquids
Solids
Any amount
Any amount
Any amount
Liquids
Solids
Any amount
For SI: 1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1 pound = 0.454kg.
a. 22 gallons when Table 5003.1.1(1) Note k applies and hazard identification signs in
accordance with Section 5003.5 are provided for quantities of 22 gallons or less.
b. 220 pounds when Table 5003.1.1(1) Note k applies and hazard identification signs in
accordance with Section 5003.5 are provided for quantities of 220 pounds or less.
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 559 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
7
20251017_ms29
15.04.080 Section 105.5.25 and Sections 105.5.55 through 105.5.59 Operational permits.
Section 105.5.25 of the California Fire Code is amended and Sections 105.5.60 through 105.64
are added to read as follows:
[. . .]
105.5.25 Hot work operations. An operational permit is required for hot work including,
but not limited to:
1. Public exhibitions and demonstrations where hot work is conducted.
2. Use of portable hot work equipment inside a structure.
Exception: (deleted)
3. Fixed-site hot work equipment, such as welding booths.
4. Hot work conducted within a wildfire risk area.
5. Application of roof coverings with the use of an open-flame device.
6. Where approved, the fire code official shall issue a permit to carry out a hot work
program. This program allows approved personnel to regulate their facility’s hot work
operations. The approved personnel shall be trained in the fire safety aspects denoted
in this chapter and shall be responsible for issuing permits requiring compliance with
the requirements found in Chapter 35. These permits shall be issued only to their
employees or hot work operations under their supervision.
[. . .]
105.5.60 Liquid gas fueled equipment. An operational permit is required for liquid gas
fueled equipment.
105.5.61 Battery operated equipment. An operational permit is required for
commercial/industrial/research battery operated equipment.
105.5.62 Underground storage tank. An operational permit is required for Underground
Storage Tanks.
105.5.63 Radioactive materials. An operational permit is required to store, use or handle
any radioactive material or source.
105.5.64 Day care permit. An operational permit is required to operate a day care facility
for more than six children or adults.
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 560 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
8
20251017_ms29
15.04.090 Section 105.6.13 Hazardous materials and Section 105.6.26 Construction
permits.
Section 105.6.13 of the California Fire Code is amended, and 105.6.26 of the California Fire
Code is added to read as follows:
[. . .]
105.6.13 Hazardous Materials. A construction permit is required to install, repair
damage to, abandon, remove, place temporarily out of service, or close or substantially
modify a storage facility or other area regulated by Chapter 50 where the hazardous
materials in use and when equipment is modified or installed that uses, stores,
processes, or conveys hazardous materials.
Exceptions:
1. deleted
2. For repair work performed on an emergency basis, application for permit shall
be made within two working days of commencement work.
[. . .]
105.6.26 Underground fire service lines: installation or modification.
A construction permit is required for the installation, modification or removal from
service of underground fire service lines.
15.04.100 Reserved
15.04.110 Section 108.7 Certified Unified Program Agency Fees.
Section 107.7 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
107.7 Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) Fees. Pursuant to the Participating
Agency Agreement between the County of Santa Clara and the City of Palo Alto dated July
1, 1997, or as amended, the Fire Department is authorized to collect fees associated with
the CUPA programs. The CUPA fees will be collected on an annual basis or as specified in
the Palo Alto Municipal Fee Schedule.
15.04.120 Section 109.1 Inspection authority.
Section 108.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
109.1 Inspection authority. The fire code official is authorized to inspect, as often as
necessary, buildings and premises, including such other hazards or appliances designated
by the fire code official for the purposes of ascertaining and causing to be corrected any
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 561 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
9
20251017_ms29
conditions which would reasonably tend to cause fire or contribute to its spread, result in
an unauthorized discharge of hazardous materials, or amount to any violation of this code
or any other law or standard affecting fire and life safety.
15.04.130 Section 104.1.1 Enforcement/citation authority.
Section 104.1.1 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
104.1.1 Penal code citation authority. The employee positions designated in this section
are authorized to exercise the authority provided in California Penal Code section 836.5
for violations of the California Fire Code. The designated employee positions are: Fire
Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, Assistant Fire Marshal, Fire Inspector, Hazardous
Materials Specialist and Hazardous Materials Inspector.
15.04.140 Section 113.4 Violation penalties.
Section 112.4 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
113.4 Violation penalties. It is unlawful for any person to violate any provision or to fail
to comply with any of the requirements of this Title 15 or any permits, conditions, or
variances granted under this Title, and violators shall be subject to any penalty or
penalties authorized by law, including but not limited to: administrative enforcement
pursuant to Chapters 1.12 and 1.16 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code; and criminal
enforcement pursuant to Chapter 1.08 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code. Each separate day
or any portion thereof during which any violation of this chapter occurs or continues shall
be deemed to constitute a separate offense.
When the Fire Chief or his/her designee determines that a violation of this Chapter has
occurred, the Fire Chief or his/her designee may record a notice of pendency of code
violation with the Office of the County Recorder stating the address and owner of the
property involved. When the violation has been corrected, the Fire Chief or his/her
designee shall issue and record a release of the notice of pendency of code violation.
[. . .]
15.04.150 Definitions Section 202
Except as noted herein, Section 202 is adopted in full. The following definitions are amended or
added to Section 202 of the California Fire Code to read as follows:
CORROSIVE LIQUID. Corrosive liquid is:
1) any liquid which, when in contact with living tissue, will cause destruction or
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 10 Packet Pg. 562 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
10
20251017_ms29
irreversible alteration of such tissue by chemical action; or
2) any liquid having a pH of 2 or less or 12.5 or more; or
3) any liquid classified as corrosive by the U.S. Department of Transportation; or
4) any material exhibiting the characteristics of corrosivity in accordance with Title
22, California Code of Regulations §66261.22.
EMERGENCY POWER OFF (EPO). A manually operated device that disconnects electrical
services to the building or specific equipment.
FALSE ALARM. The willful, knowing, or negligent initiation or transmission of a signal,
message, or other notification of an event of fire when no such danger exists.
LARGE-SCALE FIRE TESTING. Testing a representative energy storage system that induces
a significant fire into the device under test and evaluates whether the fire will spread to
adjacent energy storage system units, surrounding equipment, or through an adjacent
fire-resistance-rated barrier.
MAXIMUM THRESHOLD QUANTITY (MAX TQ). Maximum threshold quantity is the
maximum quantity of a moderately toxic or toxic gas, which may be stored in a single
vessel before a more stringent category of regulation is applied. The following equation
shall be used to calculate the Max TQ:
Max TQ (pounds) = LC50 (ppm) x 2 lb.
MODERATELY TOXIC GAS. A moderately toxic gas is a chemical or substance that has a
median lethal concentration (LC50) in air more than 2000 parts per million but not more
than 7500 parts per million by volume of gas or vapor, when administered by continuous
inhalation for an hour, or less if death occurs within one hour, to albino rats weighing
between 200 and 300 grams each.
HEALTH HAZARD -OTHER. A hazardous material which affects target organs of the body,
including but not limited to, those materials which produce liver damage, kidney damage,
damage to the nervous system, act on the blood to decrease hemoglobin function,
deprive the body tissue of oxygen or affect reproductive capabilities, including mutations
(chromosomal damage), sensitizers or teratogens (effect on fetuses).
SECONDARY CONTAINMENT. Secondary containment is that level of containment that is
external to and separate from primary containment and is capable of safely and securely
containing the material, without discharge, for a period of time reasonably necessary to
ensure detection and remedy of the primary containment failure.
SPILL CONTROL. Spill control is that level of containment that is external to and separate
from the primary containment and is capable of safely and securely containing the
contents of the largest container and prevents the materials from spreading to other parts
of the room.
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 11 Packet Pg. 563 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
11
20251017_ms29
WORKSTATION. A workstation is a defined space or independent principal piece of
equipment using hazardous materials with a hazard rating of 1.
15.04.160 Section 316.7 Roof guiderails at interior courts.
Section 316.7 of the California Fire Code is added to read as follows:
316.7 Roof guardrails at interior courts. Roof openings into interior courts that are
bounded on all sides by building walls shall be protected with guardrails. The top of the
guardrail shall not be less than 42 inches in height above the adjacent roof surface that
can be walked on. Intermediate rails shall be designed and spaced such that a 12-inch
diameter sphere cannot pass through.
15.04.170 320.3.13 Safety certification.
Section 320.3.13 of the California Fire Code is added to read as follows:
320.3.13 Safety certification. The equipment, process, training procedures and
occupancy associated with industrial additive manufacturing may be required by the fire
code official to receive a safety certification from Underwriter's Laboratory or
equivalent.
15.04.180 Section 322.6 Fire protection system.
Section 322.6 of the California Fire Code is added to read as follows:
322.6 Fire protection system. The storage and/or charging of power micromobility devices shall
be protected with a NFPA 13 fire sprinkler system. The system shall be designed to Ordinary
Hazard II.
Exception: Micromobility powered devices in residential units.
15.04.190 Section 401.5 Making false report.
Section 401.5 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
401.5 Making false report. A person shall not, knowingly or unknowingly, give, signal, or
transmit a false alarm. Initiation or transmission in a twelve-month period of three or
more signals, messages, or other notifications of an event of fire when no such danger
exists shall be presumed negligent.
15.04.200 Section 503.1 Fire access roadways.
Section 503.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 12 Packet Pg. 564 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
12
20251017_ms29
503.1 Fire access roadways. Where required, fire apparatus access roads shall be provided
and maintained in accordance with Sections 503.1.1 through 503.1.3 and as per Fire
Department Access Road Standards.
[. . .]
15.04.210 Section 503.2.1 Dimensions.
Section 503.2.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not
less than 20 feet (6096 mm) exclusive of shoulders, or as required by Appendix D, except
for approved security gates in accordance with Section 503.6, and an unobstructed
vertical clearance of 13 feet 6 inches (4115 mm).
15.04.220 Section 503.2.2 Authority.
Section 503.2.2 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
503.2.2 Authority. The fire code official shall have the authority to require or permit
modifications to the required access widths and/or vertical clearance where they are
inadequate for fire or rescue operations or where necessary to meet the public safety
objectives of the jurisdiction.
15.04.230 Section 504.5 Access control devices.
Section 504.5 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
504.5 Access control devices. When access control devices including bars, grates, gates,
electric or magnetic locks or similar devices, which would inhibit rapid fire department
emergency access to within and throughout the building, are installed, such devices shall
be approved by the fire code official. All electrically powered access control devices shall
be provided with an approved means for deactivation or unlocking from a single location
or otherwise approved by the fire code official or his/her designee. Access control devices
must also comply with Chapter 10.
15.04.240 Section 505.1.1 and 505.1.2 Premises identification.
Sections 505.1.1 and 505.1.2 of the California Fire Code are added to read as follows:
505.1.1 Address illumination. Address identification required by Section 505.1 shall be
illuminated.
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 13 Packet Pg. 565 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
13
20251017_ms29
505.1.2 Address identification size. Address numbers and letters required by Section
505.1 shall be sized as follows:
1. When the structure is between thirty-six (36) and fifty (50) feet from the road or
other emergency means of access, a minimum of one-half inch (0.5”) stroke by six
inches (6”) high is required.
2. When the structure is fifty (50) or more feet from the road or other emergency
means of access, a minimum of one inch (1”) stroke by nine inches (9”) high is
required.
15.04.250 Section 509.1.2 Fire protection equipment identification.
Section 509.1.2 of the California Fire Code is added to read as follows:
509.1.2 Fire Protection equipment identification. Exterior fire control valves,
standpipes, hose valves, fire department connection, post indicators, fire service
backflow preventers and other fire department appurtenances are to be painted red for
identification.
15.04.260 Sections 603.10 through 603.12.
Section 603.10 through 603.12 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
603.10 Immersion heaters. All electrical immersion heaters used in dip tanks, sinks, vats
and similar operations shall be provided with approved over- temperature controls and
low liquid level electrical disconnects. Manual reset of required protection devices shall
be provided.
603.11 Electric vehicle service equipment – car chargers. Electric vehicle service
equipment shall be equipped with collision protection and an emergency power off (EPO)
switch as determined necessary by the Fire Code Official.
603.12 Enclosed parking manual exhaust system. Enclosed parking garages associated
with non-residential buildings shall install a Knox remote power box to manually
activate the mechanical ventilation system to 100% capacity.
15.04.270 Section 4103.1.2.1.1 Prohibitive locations.
Section 4103.1.2.1.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
4103.1.2.1.1 Prohibitive Locations. The storage or use of portable outdoor gas- fired
heating appliances is prohibited in any of the following locations:
1. Inside of any occupancy where connected to the fuel gas container.
2. Inside of tents, canopies and membrane structures.
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 14 Packet Pg. 566 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
14
20251017_ms29
3. On exterior balconies and rooftops.
Exception: intentionally deleted
15.04.280 Section 903.2 Automatic sprinkler systems, where required.
Section 903.2 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
903.2 Automatic sprinkler systems, where required. Approved automatic sprinkler
systems in new buildings and structures and in existing modified buildings and structures,
shall be provided in the locations described in this section. Automatic fire sprinklers shall
be installed per the requirements set forth in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.18 and as
follows, whichever is the more restrictive:
1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all new buildings and
structures.
Exception: New non-residential occupancies, buildings or structures that do
not exceed 350 square feet of building area and contain no interior plumbing
fixtures.
2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all existing buildings
when modifications are made that create conditions described in Sections 903.2.1
through 903.2.18, or that create an increase in fire area to more than 3,600 square
feet or when the addition is equal or greater than 50% of the existing building
square footage whichever is more restrictive.
3. An automatic fire sprinkler system is required in basements when any of the
following occurs:
a. New basements used for storage, utility, occupancy, or habitable space
regardless of size.
b. Existing basements that are altered for the use of storage, utility,
occupancy, or habitable space regardless of size.
c. Existing basements that are expanded by more than 50%. If the
addition or alteration is only the basement, then only the basement is
required to be protected by fire sprinklers.
4. An automatic fire sprinkler system is required when either the roof structure,
exterior walls, or combination of both has been removed, altered and/or replaced
in at least 50% of the existing structure.
5. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout when any change in use
or occupancy creates a more hazardous fire/life safety condition, as determined by
the Fire Chief.
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 15 Packet Pg. 567 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
15
20251017_ms29
6. All new covered trash enclosures regardless of size require installation of fire
sprinklers (nonresidential only).
Exception: A fire extinguishing system will not be required when all of the
following conditions are met:
a. The trash enclosure, including the door(s) and roof are constructed
of noncombustible materials.
b. The trash enclosure is stand-alone structure, be a minimum of 20-
feet away from adjacent buildings and 10-feet away from property
line(s); and
c. The enclosure is used exclusively for waste garbage, recyclables,
and organize waste/composting contained within the approved trash
bins/containers. No outdoor storage is permitted within the trash
enclosure.
7. Phone booths and pods when installed in a commercial building equipped
with a fire sprinkler system.
8. Fume hoods when installed in a commercial building equipped with a fire
sprinkler system.
Exception: Spaces or areas in telecommunications buildings used exclusively for
telecommunications equipment, associated electrical power distribution
equipment, batteries and standby engines, provided that those spaces or areas
are equipped throughout with an automatic smoke detection system in
accordance with Section 907.2 and are separated from the remainder of the
building by not less than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with
Section 707 or not less than 2-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in
accordance with Section 711, or both.
[. . .]
15.04.290 Section 903.3.1.1 NFPA 13 sprinkler systems.
Section 903.3.1.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
903.3.1.1. NFPA 13 sprinkler systems. Where the provisions of this code require that a
building or portion thereof be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system
in accordance with this section, sprinklers shall be installed throughout in accordance
with NFPA 13 and State and local requirements except as provided in Section 903.3.1.1.1.
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 16 Packet Pg. 568 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
16
20251017_ms29
15.04.295 903.3.1.1.5 Increase in fire sprinkler design criteria.
Section 903.3.1.1.5 has been added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
903.3.1.1.5 Increase in fire sprinkler design criteria.
1. For new buildings having no designated use or tenant, the minimum sprinkler
design density shall be Ordinary Hazard Group II / 1500 square feet.
2. Where future use or tenant is determined to require a higher density, the
sprinkler system shall be augmented to meet the higher density.
3. Light hazard shall be hydraulically designed to a 1500 square foot most remote
area or as required by the fire code official.
4. Laboratory areas within buildings shall be hydraulically designed to Ordinary
Hazard II density.
5. Parking areas where mechanical vehicle storage equipment is used the fire
sprinkler system shall be hydraulically designed to Extra Hazard II density.
6. In multi-residential apartments, townhomes, and condominiums.
7. In new commercial buildings that will have electrical vehicle chargers, the fire
sprinkler system shall be designed to Extra Hazard II density.
8. In new commercial buildings that will have power micromobility devices, the
fire sprinkler system shall be designed to Ordinary Hazard II.
9. ESS in commercial buildings shall comply with one of the following:
a. ESS units with a maximum stored energy capacity of 50 kWh, as
described in Section 1207.5.1, shall be designed with a minimum
density of 0.40 gpm/ft2 (1.14 L/min) based over the area of the
room or 2,500 square-foot design area, whichever is smaller.
b. ESS units (groups) exceeding 50 kWh shall use a density based on
large-scale fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.7.
[. . .]
15.04.300 Section 903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems.
Section 903.3.1.2 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems. Where allowed in buildings of Group R
occupancies, automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed throughout in accordance
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 17 Packet Pg. 569 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
17
20251017_ms29
with NFPA 13 and State and local standards.
[. . .]
15.04.310 Section 903.3.1.3 and 903.3.1.3.1 NFPA 13D sprinkler systems.
Section 903.3.1.3 of the California Fire Code is amended and 903.3.1.3.1 is added to read as
follows:
903.3.1.2 NFPA 13D sprinkler systems. Where allowed, automatic sprinkler systems
installed in one-and two-family dwellings shall be installed throughout in accordance with
NFPA 13D and State and local standards. Fire sprinkler protection shall be provided under
rear covered patios extending over 4 ft perpendicular from the exterior of the structure.
903.3.1.3.1 Increase in fire sprinkler design criteria. Structures determined by the fire
code official to have higher firefighting hazardous condition, or located in the Wildland-
Urban Interface Fire Area, shall have an increase in fire sprinkler design criteria as
determined by the fire code official.
15.04.320 Section 903.3.10 Floor control valves.
Section 903.4.3 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
903.3.10 Floor control valves. Automatic sprinkler systems serving buildings two (2) or
more stories in height shall have valves installed to control the system independently on
each floor including basements.
15.04.330 Section 905.3.1 Height.
Section 905.3.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
905.3.1 Height. A Class I Standpipe System shall be installed in new buildings or buildings
being retrofitted with a fire sprinkler system where the roof edge/parapet is greater than
27 feet above the lowest level of Fire apparatus access roadway and in below grade levels.
15.04.340 Section 909.20.7 Maintenance and operational schedule.
Section 909.20.7 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
909.20.7 Maintenance and operational schedule. A routine maintenance and
operational testing program shall be initiated immediately after the smoke control system
has passed the acceptance tests. A written schedule for routine maintenance and
operational testing shall be established and both shall occur at least annually.
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 18 Packet Pg. 570 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
18
20251017_ms29
15.04.350 Section 1008.3 Illumination required by an emergency electrical system.
Section 1008.3 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
Section 1008.3 Illumination required by an emergency electrical system. An emergency
electrical system shall be provided to automatically illuminate the following areas in the event
of a power supply failure:
1. In rooms or spaces that require two or more exits or access to exits:
1.1. Aisles.
1.2. Corridors.
1.3. Exit access stairways and ramps.
2. In buildings that require two or more exits or access to exits:
2.1. Interior exit access stairways and ramps.
2.2. Interior and exterior exit stairways and ramps.
2.3. Exit passageways.
2.4. Vestibules and areas on the level of discharge used for exit discharge in
accordance with Section 1028.2.
2.5. Exterior landings as required by Section 1010.1.5 for exit doorways that
lead directly to the exit discharge.
2.6 Group I-2 exit discharge stairways, ramps, aisles, walkways and escalators
leading to a public way or to a safe dispersal area in accordance with Section
1028.5.
3. In other rooms and spaces:
3.1. Electrical equipment rooms.
3.2. Fire command centers.
3.3. Fire pump rooms.
3.4. Generator rooms.
3.5. Public restrooms.
15.04.360 Section 1031.2 Where required.
Section 1031.2 of the California Fire Code is amended to read:
1031.2 Where required. In addition to the means of egress required by this chapter,
emergency escape and rescue openings shall be provided in Group R occupancies:
Basements and sleeping rooms below the fourth story above grade plane shall have not
fewer than one emergency escape and rescue opening in accordance with this section.
Where basements contain one or more sleeping rooms, an emergency escape and rescue
opening shall be required in each sleeping room but shall not be required in adjoining
areas of the basement. Such openings shall open directly into a public way or to a yard or
court that opens to a public way or to an egress balcony that leads to a public way.
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 19 Packet Pg. 571 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
19
20251017_ms29
Exceptions:
1. In Groups R-1 and R-2 occupancies constructed of Type I, Type IIA, Type IIIA or
Type IV construction equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler
system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
2. Group R-2.1 occupancies meeting the requirements for delayed egress in
accordance with Section 1010.2.13 may have operable windows that are
breakable in sleeping rooms permanently restricted to a maximum of 4-inch
open position.
3. Emergency escape and rescue openings are not required from basements or
sleeping rooms that have an exit door or exit access door that opens directly into
a public way or to a yard, court or exterior egress balcony that leads to a public
way.
4. Storm shelters and basements used only to house mechanical equipment not
exceeding a total floor area of 200 square feet (18.58 m2)
15.04.370 Section 1207.1.5 Large-scale fire test.
Section 1207.1.5 of the California Fire Code is amended to read:
1207.1.5 Large-scale fire test. Where required elsewhere in Section 1207, large-scale
fire testing shall be conducted in accordance with NFPA 855 as amended, and UL 9540A.
The testing shall be conducted or witnessed and reported by an approved testing
laboratory and show that a fire involving one ESS will not propagate to an adjacent ESS,
and where installed within buildings, enclosed areas and walk-in units will be contained
within the room, enclosed area or walk-in unit for a duration equal to the fire-resistance
rating of the room separation specified in Section 1207.7.4. The test report shall be
provided to the fire code official for review and approval in accordance with Section
104.822.
15.04.375 Section 1207.5.2 Maximum allowable quantities.
Section 1207.5.2 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
1207.5.2 Maximum allowable quantities. Fire areas within rooms, areas and walk-in
units containing electrochemical ESS shall not exceed the maximum allowable quantities
in Table 1207.5. The allowable number of fire areas, maximum allowable quantity, and
fire-resistance rating of fire-barriers for commercial structures shall comply with Table
1207.5.1.
Exceptions:
Where approved by the fire code official, rooms, areas and walk-in units containing
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 20 Packet Pg. 572 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
20
20251017_ms29
electrochemical ESS that exceed the amounts in Table 1207.5 shall be permitted based
on a hazardous mitigation analysis in accordance with Section 1207.1.6 and large-scale
fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.7.
1. Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems installed in facilities under the
exclusive control of communications utilities and operating at less than 50 VAC
and 60 VDC in accordance with NFPA 76.
2. Dedicated-use buildings in compliance with Section 1207.7.1.
TABLE 1207.5.1
DESIGN AND NUMBER OF ESS FIRE AREAS
STORY PERCENTAGE OF
MAXIMUM
ALLOWABLE
QUANTITY PER
FIRE AREAS
PER STORY
FIRE-RESISTANCE
RATING FOR FIRE
BARRIERS IN
HOURS
7-9
6
5
4
3
2
50
50
50
75
100
100
2
2
2
4
6
6
2
2
2
2
2
2
2 50 2 3
15.04.380 Section 1207.11.3 Location.
Section 1207.11.3 of the California Fire Code is amended to read:
1207.11.3 Location. ESS shall be installed only in the following locations:
1. Detached garages and detached accessory structures.
2. Attached garages separated from the dwelling unit living space and sleeping units
in accordance with Section R302.6.
3. Outdoors or on the exterior side of the exterior walls located not less than 3 feet
(914 mm) from doors and windows directly entering the dwelling unit and shall not
be located below or above any emergency escape and rescue openings.
4. Enclosed utility closets, basements and storage or utility spaces within dwelling
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 21 Packet Pg. 573 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
21
20251017_ms29
units and sleeping units with finished or noncombustible walls and ceilings. Walls and
ceilings of unfinished wood-framed construction shall be provided with not less than
5/8-inch (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum wallboard.
5. ESS shall not be installed in sleeping rooms, or in closets, or spaces opening
directly into sleeping rooms or in habitable spaces of dwelling units.
15.04.390 Section 3303.7 Fire walls.
Section 3305.9 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
3303.7 Fire walls. When firewalls are required in combustible construction, the wall
construction shall be completed (with all openings protected) immediately after the
building is sufficiently weather-protected at the location of the wall(s).
15.04.400 Section 3307.1.2, 3307.1.4.
Section 3312.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
3307.1.2 Stairways required. Each level above the first story in new multi-story buildings
be provided with at least two usable exit stairways after the floor decking is installed. The
stairways shall be continuous and shall discharge to grade level. Stairways serving more
than two floor levels shall be enclosed (with openings adequately protected) after exterior
walls/windows are in place. Exit stairs in new and in existing, occupied buildings shall be
lighted and maintained clear of debris and construction materials at all times.
Exception: For new multi-story buildings, one of the required exit stairs may be
obstructed on not more than two contiguous floor levels for the purposes of stairway
construction (i.e., installation of gypsum board, painting, flooring, etc.).
3307.1.4 Required means of egress. All new buildings under construction shall have a
least one unobstructed means of egress. All means of egress shall be identified in the
written site safety plan as required by Section 3303.1.
15.04.410 Reserved
15.04.420 Reserved
15.04.430 Reserved
15.04.435 Section 4103.1 Portable unvented heaters.
Section 4103.1 of the California Fire code is amended to read as follows:
4103.1 Portable unvented heaters. Portable unvented fuel-fired heating equipment
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 22 Packet Pg. 574 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
22
20251017_ms29
shall be prohibited in occupancies in Groups A, B, E, I, R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-2.2, R-3, R-3.1
and R-4 and ambulatory care facilities.
Exceptions:
1. Portable unvented fuel-fired heaters listed and labeled in accordance with UL
647 are permitted to be used in one- and two-family dwellings, where operated
and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances in accordance with Section
4103.1.2.
15.04.440 Section 5001.2.2.2 Health Hazards.
Section 5001.2.2.2 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
5001.2.2.2 Health Hazards. The material categories listed in this section are classified as
health hazards. A material with a primary classification as a health hazard can also pose a
physical hazard.
1. Highly toxic, toxic and moderately toxic.
2. Corrosive materials.
3. Moderately toxic gas.
4. Health hazards-Other.
15.04.450 Section 5001.7 Hazard materials management plan (HMMP) electronic
submissions.
Section 5001.7 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5001.7 HMMP electronic submissions. Each applicant for a permit, a renewed permit, or
an amended permit pursuant to this title shall file an electronic submission of all
hazardous materials through California Environmental Reporting System (CERS) for the
fire chief's approval, to be known as a hazardous materials management plan (HMMP),
which shall demonstrate the suitable storage of hazardous materials. The HMMP may be
amended at any time with the consent of the fire chief. The HMMP shall be a public record
except as otherwise specified. Section 18.23.100 in Title 18 identifies notification
requirements of the availability of the HMMP. Approval of the HMMP shall mean that the
HMMP has provided adequate information for the purposes of evaluating the permit
approval. Such approval shall not be understood to mean that the city has made an
independent determination of the adequacy of that which is described in the HMMP
electronic submission.
15.04.460 Section 5003.1.3.1 Toxic, highly toxic, moderately toxic gases and similarly used
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 23 Packet Pg. 575 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
23
20251017_ms29
or handled materials.
Section 5003.1.3.1 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5003.1.3.1 Toxic, highly toxic, moderately toxic gases and similarly used or handled
materials. The storage, use, and handling of toxic, highly toxic and moderately toxic gases
in amounts exceeding Table 6004.2 or 6004.3 shall be in accordance with this Chapter and
Chapter 60. Any toxic, highly toxic or moderately toxic material that is used or handled as
a gas or vapor shall be in accordance with the requirements for toxic, highly toxic or
moderately toxic gases.
15.04.470 Section 5003.1.5 Other health hazards including carcinogens, irritants and
sensitizers.
Section 5003.1.5 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5003.1.5 Other health hazards including carcinogens, irritants and sensitizers. The
storage, use, and handling of materials classified as other health hazards including
carcinogens, irritants and sensitizers in amounts exceeding 810 cubic feet for gases, 55
gallons for liquids and 5,000 pounds for solids shall be in accordance with this Section
5003.
15.04.480 Section 5003.1.6 Additional secondary containment requirements.
Section 5003.1.6 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5003.1.6 Additional secondary containment requirements. In addition to the
requirements set forth in Section 5004.2, an approved containment system is required
for any quantity of hazardous materials that are liquids or solids at normal temperature
and pressure (NTP), where a spill is determined to be a plausible event and where such
an event would endanger people, property or the environment. The approved
containment system may be required to include a combination of spill control and
secondary containment meeting the design and construction requirements set forth in
section 5004.2.
15.04.490 Section 5003.2.2.1 Design and construction.
Section 5003.2.2.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
5003.2.2.1 Design and construction. Piping, tubing, valves, fittings and related
components used for hazardous materials shall be in accordance with the following:
1. Piping, tubing, valves, fittings and related components shall be designed and
fabricated from materials compatible with the material to be contained and shall
be of adequate strength and durability to withstand the pressure, structural and
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 24 Packet Pg. 576 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
24
20251017_ms29
seismic stress, and exposure to which they are subject.
2. Piping and tubing shall be identified in accordance with ASME A13.1 and the Santa
Clara County Fire Chiefs Marking Requirements and Guidelines for Hazardous
Materials and Hazardous Waste to indicate the material conveyed.
3. Manual valves or automatic remotely activated fail-safe emergency shutoff valves
shall be installed on supply piping and tubing and provided with ready access at
the following locations at the following locations:
a. The point of use.
b. The tank, cylinder or bulk use.
4. Manual emergency shutoff valves and controls for remotely activated
emergency shutoff valves shall be clearly visible, provided with ready access and
identified in an approved manner.
5. Backflow prevention or check valves shall be provided when the backflow of
hazardous materials could create a hazardous condition or cause the
unauthorized discharge of hazardous materials.
6. Where gases or liquids having a hazard ranking of:
Health hazard Class 3 or 4
Flammability Class 4
Reactivity Class 4
In accordance with NFPA 704 are carried in pressurized piping above 15 pounds
per square inch gauge (psig)(103 Kpa), an approved means of leak detection,
emergency shutoff or excess flow control shall be provided. Where the piping
originates from within a hazardous material storage room or area, the excess flow
control shall be located within the storage room or area. Where the piping
originates from a bulk source, the excess flow control shall be located as close to
the bulk source as practical.
Exceptions:
a. Piping for inlet connections designed to prevent backflow.
b. Piping for pressure relief devices.
7. Secondary containment or equivalent protection from spills or leaks shall be
provided for piping for liquid hazardous materials and for highly toxic and toxic
corrosive gases above threshold quantities listed in Tables 6004.2 and 6004.3.
Secondary containment includes, but is not limited to, double- walled piping.
Exceptions:
a. Secondary containment is not required for toxic corrosive gases if the piping is
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 25 Packet Pg. 577 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
25
20251017_ms29
constructed of inert materials.
b. Piping under sub-atmospheric conditions if the piping is equipped with an
alarm and fail-safe-to-close valve activated by a loss of vacuum.
8. Expansion chambers shall be provided between valves whenever the regulated
gas may be subjected to thermal expansion. Chambers shall be sized to provide
protection for piping and instrumentation and to accommodate the expansion of
regulated materials.
15.04.500 Section 5003.2.2.2 Additional regulations for supply piping for health hazard
materials.
Section 5003.2.2.2 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
5003.2.2.2 Additional regulations for supply piping for health hazard materials. Supply
piping and tubing for gases and liquids having a health hazard ranking of 3 or 4 in
accordance with ASME B31.3 and the following:
1. Piping and tubing utilized for the transmission of toxic, highly toxic, or highly volatile
corrosive liquids and gases shall have welded or brazed connections throughout
except for connections within an exhausted enclosure if the material is a gas, or an
approved method of drainage or containment is provided for connections if the
material is a liquid.
2. Piping and tubing shall not be located within corridors, within any portion of a means
of egress required to be enclosed in fire-resistance-rated construction or in concealed
spaces in areas not classified as Group H Occupancies.
Exception: Piping and tubing within the space defined by the walls of corridors and
the floor or roof above or in concealed space above other occupancies when installed
in accordance with Section 415.11.7.4 of the California Building Code as required for
Group H5 occupancies.
3. All primary piping for toxic, highly toxic and moderately toxic gases shall pass a helium
leak test of 1x10-9 cubic centimeters/second where practical, or shall pass testing in
accordance with an approved, nationally recognized standard. Tests shall be
conducted by a qualified “third party” not involved with the construction of the piping
and control systems.
15.04.510 Section 5003.3.1 Unauthorized discharges.
Section 5003.3.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
5003.3.1 Unauthorized discharges. In the event hazardous materials are released in
quantities reportable under state, federal or local regulations or when there is a
threatened release that presents a threat to health, property or the environment, the fire
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 26 Packet Pg. 578 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
26
20251017_ms29
code official shall be notified immediately in an approved manner and the following
procedures required in accordance with Sections 5003.3.1.1 through 5003.3.1.4.
15.04.520 Section 5003.5.2 Ventilation ducting.
Section 5003.5.2 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5003.5.2 Ventilation ducting. Ducts venting hazardous materials operations shall be
labeled with the hazard class of the material being vented and the direction of flow.
15.04.530 Section 5003.5.3 “H” Occupancies.
Section 5003.5.4 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5003.5.3 “H” Occupancies. In “H” occupancies, all piping and tubing may be required to
be identified when there is any possibility of confusion with hazardous materials transport
tubing or piping. Flow direction indicators are required.
15.04.540 Section 5003.9.11 Fire extinguishing systems for workstations dispensing,
handling or using hazardous materials.
Section 5003.9.11 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5003.9.11 Fire extinguishing systems for workstations dispensing, handling or using
hazardous materials. Combustible and non-combustible workstations which dispense,
handle or use hazardous materials shall be protected by an approved automatic fire
extinguishing system.
Exception: Internal fire protection is not required for Biological Safety Cabinets that carry
NSF/ANSI certification where quantities of flammable liquids in use or storage within the
cabinet do not exceed 500 ml.
15.04.550 Section 5003.10.4 Elevators utilized to transport hazardous materials.
Section 5003.10.4 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
5003.10.4 Elevators utilized to transport hazardous materials.
5003.10.4.1 When transporting hazardous materials, elevators shall have no other
passengers other than in the individual(s) handling the chemical transport cart.
5003.10.4.1.1 When transporting cryogenic or liquefied compressed gases, there shall
be no occupants in the elevator.
5003.10.4.2 Hazardous materials liquid containers shall have a maximum capacity of 20
liters (5.28 gal).
5003.10.4.3 Highly toxic, moderately toxic, and toxic gases shall be limited to a container
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 27 Packet Pg. 579 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
27
20251017_ms29
of a maximum water capacity of 1 lb.
5003.10.4.4 When transporting cryogenic or liquefied compressed gases means shall be
provided to prevent the elevator from being summoned to other floors.
15.04.560 Section 5004.2.1 Spill control for hazardous material liquids.
Section 5004.2.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
5004.2.1 Spill control for hazardous material liquids. Rooms, buildings or areas used for
storage of hazardous material liquids shall be provided with spill control to prevent the
flow of liquids to adjoining areas. Floors in indoor locations and similar surfaces in outdoor
locations shall be constructed to contain a spill from the largest single vessel by one of the
following methods:
1. Liquid-tight sloped or recessed floors in indoor locations or similar areas in outdoor
locations.
2. Liquid-tight floors in indoor and outdoor locations or similar areas provided with
liquid-tight raised or recessed sills or dikes.
3. Sumps and collection systems, including containment pallets in accordance with
Section 5004.2.3.
4. Other approved engineered systems.
Except for surfacing, the floors, sills, dikes, sumps and collection systems shall be
constructed of noncombustible material, and the liquid-tight seal shall be compatible
with the material stored. When liquid-tight sills or dikes are provided, they are not
required at perimeter openings having an open-grate trench across the opening that
connects to an approved collection system.
15.04.570 Sections 5004.2.2 and 5004.2.2.2 and Table 5004.2.2 Secondary containment
for hazardous material liquids and solids.
Sections 5004.2.2 and 5004.2.2.2 of the California Fire Code are amended to read as follows:
5004.2.2 Secondary containment for hazardous material liquids and solids. Buildings,
rooms or areas used for the storage of hazardous materials liquids or solids shall be
provided with secondary containment in accordance with this section.
Table 5004.2.2 is deleted in its entirety.
[. . .]
5004.2.2.2 Incompatible Materials. Incompatible materials shall be separated from each
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 28 Packet Pg. 580 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
28
20251017_ms29
other in independent secondary containment systems.
15.04.580 Section 5004.2.3 Containment pallets.
Section 5004.2.3 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
5004.2.3 Containment pallets. Combustible containment pallets shall not be used inside
buildings to comply with Section 5004.2 where the individual container capacity exceeds
55 gallons (208 L) or an aggregate capacity of multiple containers exceeds 1,000 gallons
(3785 L) for liquids or where the individual container capacity exceeds 550 pounds (250
kg) or an aggregate of multiple containers exceeds 10,000 pounds (4540 kg) for solids.
Where used as an alternative to spill control and secondary containment for outdoor
storage in accordance with the exception in Section 5004.2, containment pallets shall
comply with all of the following:
1. A liquid-tight sump accessible for visual inspection shall be provided;
2. The sump shall be designed to contain not less than 66 gallons (250L);
3. Exposed surfaces shall be compatible with material stored;
Containment pallets shall be protected to prevent collection of rainwater within the sump
of the containment pallet.
15.04.590 Section 5704.2.7.5.8 Overfill prevention.
Section 5704.2.7.5.8 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
5704.2.7.5.8 Overfill prevention. An approved means or method in accordance with
Section 5704.2.9.7.5 shall be provided to prevent overfill of all Class I, II and IIIA liquid
storage tanks. Storage tanks in refineries, bulk plants or terminals regulated by Sections
5706.4 or 5706.7 shall have overfill protection in accordance with API 2350.
An approved means or method in accordance with Section 5704.2.9.7.5 shall be provided
to prevent the overfilling of Class IIIB liquid storage tanks connected to fuel-burning
equipment inside buildings.
Exception: Outside aboveground tanks with a capacity of 1320 gallons (5000 L) or less
need only comply with Section 5704.2.9.7.5.1 (1.1)
15.04.600 Section 5704.2.7.5.9 Automatic and/or remote filling of tanks.
Section 5704.2.7.5.9 is added to the California Fire Code to read as follows:
5704.2.7.5.9 Automatic and/or remote filling of tanks. Systems that remotely or
automatically fill flammable or combustible liquid tanks shall be equipped with overfill
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 29 Packet Pg. 581 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
29
20251017_ms29
protection, as approved by the fire code official, that sends an alarm signal to a constantly
attended location and immediately stops the filling of the tank. The alarm signal and
automatic shutoff shall be tested on an annual basis. Records of such testing shall be
maintained on-site, and available for review, for a period of five (5) years.
15.04.610 Reserved
15.04.620 Section 6001.1 Site scope.
Section 6001.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
6001.1 Site scope. The storage and use of highly toxic, moderately toxic and/or toxic
materials shall comply with this chapter. Compressed gases shall also comply with Chapter
53.
Exceptions:
1. Display and storage in Group M and storage in Group S occupancies complying
with Section 5003.1 1.
2. Conditions involving pesticides or agricultural products as follows:
2.1. Application and release of pesticide, agricultural products and materials
intended for use in weed abatement, erosion control, soil amendment or similar
applications when applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction and
label directions.
2.2. Transportation of pesticides in compliance with the Federal Hazardous
Materials Transportation Act and regulations thereunder.
2.3. Storage in dwellings or private garages of pesticides registered by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to be utilized in and around the home,
garden, pool, spa and patio.
15.04.630 Section 6002.1 Definitions.
Section 6002.1 is amended to read as follows:
6002.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
CONTAINMENT SYSTEM.
CONTAINMENT VESSEL.
EXCESS FLOW VALVE.
HIGHLY TOXIC.
MODERATELY TOXIC GAS
OZONE-GAS GENERATOR.
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 30 Packet Pg. 582 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
30
20251017_ms29
PHYSIOLOGICAL WARNING THRESHOLD.
REDUCED FLOW VALVE.
TOXIC.
15.04.640 Section 6004.1 Highly toxic, moderately toxic and toxic compressed gases.
Section 6004.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to read as follows:
6004.1.1 The storage and use of highly toxic, moderately toxic, and toxic compressed
gases shall comply with this section.
6004.1.1 Special limitations for indoor storage and use by occupancy. The indoor
storage and use of highly toxic, moderately toxic, and toxic compressed gases in certain
occupancies shall be subject to the limitations contained in Sections 6004.1.1.1 through
6004.1.1 .3.
6004.1.1.1 Group A, E, I or U occupancies. Toxic, moderately toxic and highly toxic
compressed gases shall not be stored or used within Group A, E, I or U occupancies.
Exception: Cylinders not exceeding 20 cubic feet (0.566 m3) at normal temperature and
pressure (NTP) are allowed within gas cabinets or fume hoods.
6004.1.1.2 Group R occupancies. Toxic, moderately toxic, and highly toxic compressed
gases shall not be stored or used in Group R occupancies.
6004.1.1.3 Offices, retail sales and classrooms. Toxic, moderately toxic and highly toxic
compressed gases shall not be stored or used in offices, retail sales or classroom
portions of Group B, F, M or S occupancies.
Exception: In classrooms of Group B occupancies, cylinders with a capacity not
exceeding 20 cubic feet (0.566 m3) at NTP are allowed in gas cabinets or fume hoods.
15.04.650 Sections 6004.2 and 6004.2.1 Indoor storage and use.
Sections 6004.2 and 6004.2.1 of the California Fire Code are amended to read as follows:
6004.2 Indoor storage and use. The indoor storage and use of highly toxic, moderately
toxic, and toxic compressed gases shall be in accordance with Sections 6004.2.1 through
6004.2.2.10.3.
6004.2.1 Applicability. The applicability of regulations governing the indoor storage and
use of highly toxic, moderately toxic, and toxic compressed gases shall be as set forth in
Sections 6004.2.1.1 through 6004.2.1.4.
15.04.660 Section 6004.2.1.1 and Table 6004.2.1.1 Quantities.
Section 6004.2.1.4 and Table 6004.2.1.4 of the California Fire Code are added to read as
follows:
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 31 Packet Pg. 583 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
31
20251017_ms29
6004.2.1.1 Quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control
area. The indoor storage or use of highly toxic, moderately toxic, and toxic gases in
amounts exceeding the minimum threshold quantities per control area set forth in Table
6004.2.1.4 but not exceeding maximum allowable quantity per control area set forth in
Table 5003.1.1(2) shall be in accordance with Sections 5001, 5003, 6001, 6004.1, and
6004.4.
Table 6004.2.1.1
Minimum Threshold Quantities for Highly Toxic, Moderately Toxic and
Toxic Gases for Indoor Storage and Use
Highly Toxic 20 cubic feet
Moderately Toxic 405 cubic feet
Toxic 405 cubic feet
15.04.670 Section 6004.4 through 6004.4.8.2 General indoor requirements.
Section 6004.4 through 6004.4.8.2 of the California Fire Code is added to read as follows:
6004.4. General indoor requirements. The general requirements applicable to the
indoor storage and use of highly toxic, moderately toxic, and toxic compressed gases
shall be in accordance with Sections 6004.4 through 6004.4.8.2
6004.4.1 Cylinder and tank location. Cylinders shall be located within gas cabinets,
exhausted enclosures or gas rooms. Portable and stationary tanks shall be located
within gas rooms or exhausted enclosures.
Exception:
1. Where a gas detection system is provided in accordance with 6004.4.8
6004.4.2. Ventilated areas. The room or area in which gas cabinets or exhausted
enclosures are located shall be provided with exhaust ventilation. Gas cabinets or
exhausted enclosures shall not be used as the sole means of exhaust for any room or
area.
6004.4.3. Piping and controls. In addition to the requirements of Section 5003.2.2,
piping and controls on stationary tanks, portable tanks, and cylinders shall comply with
the following requirements:
1. Stationary tanks, portable tanks, and cylinders in use shall be provided with a means
of excess flow control on all tank and cylinder inlet or outlet connections.
Exceptions:
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 32 Packet Pg. 584 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
32
20251017_ms29
1. Inlet connections designed to prevent backflow.
2. Pressure relief devices.
6004.4.4 Gas rooms. Gas rooms shall comply with Section 5003.8.4 and both of the
following requirements:
1. The exhaust ventilation from gas rooms shall be directed to an exhaust system.
2. Gas rooms shall be equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
Alternative fire-extinguishing systems shall not be used.
6004.4.5 Treatment systems. The exhaust ventilation from gas cabinets, exhausted
enclosures and gas rooms, required in Section 6004.4.1 shall be directed to a treatment
system. The treatment system shall be utilized to handle the accidental release of gas
and to process exhaust ventilation. The treatment system shall be designed in
accordance with Sections 6004.2.2.7.1 through 6004.2.2.7.5 and Chapter 5 of the
California Mechanical Code.
Exceptions:
1. Highly toxic, moderately toxic, and toxic gases—storage. A treatment system is not
required for cylinders, containers and tanks in storage where all of the following
controls are provided:
a. Valve outlets are equipped with gas-tight outlet plugs or caps.
b. Hand wheel-operated valves have handles secured to prevent
movement.
c. Approved containment vessels or containment systems are provided in
accordance with Section 6004.2.2.3.
2. Highly toxic, moderately toxic, and toxic gases —use. Treatment systems are not
required for highly toxic, moderately toxic, and toxic gases supplied by stationary tanks,
portable tanks, or cylinders where a gas detection system complying with Section
6004.4.8 and listed or approved automatic-closing fail-safe valves are provided. The gas
detection system shall have a sensing interval not exceeding 5 minutes. Automatic-
closing fail-safe valves shall be located immediately adjacent to cylinder valves and shall
close when gas is detected at the permissible exposure limit (PEL) by a gas sensor
monitoring the exhaust system at the point of discharge from the gas cabinet,
exhausted enclosure, ventilated enclosure or gas room.
6004.4.5.1. Design. Treatment systems shall be capable of diluting, adsorbing,
absorbing, containing, neutralizing, burning or otherwise processing the contents of the
largest single vessel of compressed gas. Where a total containment system is used, the
system shall be designed to handle the maximum anticipated pressure of release to the
system when it reaches equilibrium.
6004.4.5.2. Performance. Treatment systems shall be designed to reduce the maximum
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 33 Packet Pg. 585 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
33
20251017_ms29
allowable discharge concentrations of the gas to one-half immediate by dangerous to
life and health (IDLH) at the point of discharge to the atmosphere. Where more than
one gas is emitted to the treatment system, the treatment system shall be designed to
handle the worst-case release based on the release rate, the quantity and the IDLH for
all compressed gases stored or used.
6004.4.5.3. Sizing. Treatment systems shall be sized to process the maximum worst-
case release of gas based on the maximum flow rate of release from the largest vessel
utilized. The entire contents of the largest compressed gas vessel shall be considered.
6004.4.5.4 Stationary tanks. Stationary tanks shall be labeled with the maximum rate
of release for the compressed gas contained based on valves or fittings that are inserted
directly into the tank. Where multiple valves or fittings are provided, the maximum flow
rate of release for valves or fittings with the highest flow rate shall be indicated. Where
liquefied compressed gases are in contact with valves or fittings, the liquid flow rate
shall be utilized for computation purposes. Flow rates indicated on the label shall be
converted to cubic feet per minute (cfm/min) (m3/s) of gas at normal temperature and
pressure (NTP).
6004.4.5.5 Portable tanks and cylinders. The maximum flow rate of release for portable
tanks and cylinders shall be calculated based on the total release from the cylinder or
tank within the time specified in Table 6004.2.2.7.5. Where portable tanks or cylinders
are equipped with approved excess flow or reduced flow valves, the worst- case release
shall be determined by the maximum achievable flow from the valve as determined by
the valve manufacturer or compressed gas supplier. Reduced flow and excess flow
valves shall be permanently marked by the valve manufacturer to indicate the maximum
design flow rate. Such markings shall indicate the flow rate for air under normal
temperature and pressure.
6004.4.6. Emergency power. Emergency power shall be provided for the following
systems in accordance with Section 604:
1. Exhaust ventilation system.
2. Treatment system.
3. Gas detection system.
4. Smoke detection system.
6004.4.6.1. Fail-safe systems. Emergency power shall not be required for mechanical
exhaust ventilation and treatment systems where approved fail-safe systems are
installed and designed to stop gas flow.
6004.4.7. Automatic fire detection system. An approved automatic fire detection
system shall be installed in rooms or areas where highly toxic, toxic, and moderately
toxic compressed gases are stored or used. Activation of the detection system shall
sound a local alarm. The fire detection system shall comply with Section 907.
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 34 Packet Pg. 586 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
34
20251017_ms29
6004.4.8. Gas detection system. A gas detection system complying with Section 916 shall
be provided to detect the presence of gas at or below the PEL or ceiling limit of the gas
for which detection is provided.
Exceptions:
1. A gas detection system is not required for toxic and moderately toxic gases when
the physiological warning threshold level for the gas is at a level below the accepted PEL
for the gas.
2. A gas detection system is not required for highly toxic, toxic, and moderately toxic
gases where cylinders, portable tanks, and all non-continuously welded connects are
within a gas cabinet or exhausted enclosures.
6004.4.8.1. Alarms. The gas detection system shall initiate a local alarm and transmit a
signal to an approved location.
6004.4.8.2. Shut off of gas supply. The gas detection system shall automatically close the
shut off valve at the source on gas supply piping and tubing related to the system being
monitored for whichever gas is detected.
Exception: Automatic shutdown is not required for highly toxic, moderately toxic, and
toxic compressed gas systems where all of the following controls are provided:
1. Constantly attended / supervised.
2. Provided with emergency shutoff valves that have ready access.
SECTION 2. The Council adopts the findings for local amendments to the California Fire Code,
2025 Edition, attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 3. The Council finds that, with the exception of the changes codified at PAMC Sections
15.04.180, 260, 280, 295, 375, and 435, the changes or modifications to the California Fire Code
adopted by this ordinance are substantially equivalent to changes or modifications that were
previously filed by the governing body of the City and were in effect as of September 30, 2025,
and are therefore exempt from the moratorium on new residential building standards imposed
by Assembly Bill (AB) 130 (2025). To the extent that the changes codified at the PAMC sections
listed in this finding are not substantially equivalent to changes or modifications previously filed
and in effect as of September 30, 2025, they do not affect residential units and are therefore not
subject to the AB 130 moratorium.
SECTION 4. If any section, subsection, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held
to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion or sections of the
Ordinance. The Council hereby declares that it would have adopted the Ordinance and each
section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or
more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid.
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 35 Packet Pg. 587 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
35
20251017_ms29
SECTION 5. The Council finds that this project is exempt from the provisions of the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), pursuant to Section 15061 of the California Guidelines,
because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the amendments herein
adopted will have a significant effect on the environment.
SECTION 6. This Ordinance shall become effective on the commencement of the thirty-first day
after the day of its adoption.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
____________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
____________________________ ____________________________
City Attorney or Designee City Manager
____________________________
Director of Planning and
Development Services
____________________________
Fire Chief
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 36 Packet Pg. 588 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
36
20251017_ms29
EXHIBIT A
Findings for Local Amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code
The following local amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code make modifications as
authorized by the California Health and Safety Code. In accordance with Section 18941.5 of said
Code, Findings are hereby made to show that such modifications or changes are reasonably
necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions.
I. PREAMBLE
I. Findings of fact
A. Pursuant to Section 17958.5 of the California Health and Safety Code, the report contained
herein is submitted as the “Findings of Fact” document with regard to the adoption of the
California Fire Code, 2025 Edition, and amendments. Under this adopting ordinance, specific
amendments have been established which are more restrictive in nature than those adopted by
the State of California (State Building Code Standards, State Housing and Community
Development Codes) commonly referred to as California Code of Regulations, Titles 19, 24 and
25.
B. These amendments to the California Fire Code, 2025 Edition, have been recognized by the
City of Palo Alto (“City”) as tools for addressing the fire problems, concerns and future direction
by which the authority can establish and maintain an environment which will afford a level of fire
and life safety to all who live and work within the City’s boundaries.
C. Under the provisions of Section 17958.5 of the Health and Safety Code, local amendments
shall be based upon the following: climatic, geological/geographical, and topographical
conditions. The findings of fact contained herein shall address each of these situations and shall
present the local situation which, either singularly or in combination, caused the established
amendments to be adopted.
1. Climactic Conditions:
The City, on an average, experiences an annual rainfall of 16" - 18". This rainfall can be expected
between October and April of each year. However, during the summer months there is little, if
any, measurable precipitation. During this dry period the temperatures are usually between 70-
90 degrees with light to gusty westerly winds. These drying winds, combined with the natural
vegetation which is dominant throughout the area, create a hazardous fuel condition which can
cause, and has caused in the past, extensive grass and brush land fires. With more and more
development encroaching into these wooded and grass covered areas, wind-driven fires could
have severe consequences, as has been demonstrated on several occasions in Palo Alto and other
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 37 Packet Pg. 589 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
37
20251017_ms29
areas of the state. Fires in structures can easily spread to the wildland as well as a fire in the
wildland into a structure.
Because of the weather patterns, a normal rainfall cannot always be relied upon. This can result
in water rationing and water allocation systems, as demonstrated by the drought years of 1986-
1991. Water shortages can also be expected in the future due to the current water storage
capacities and increased consumption. The water supply for the Palo Alto fire department makes
use of automatic fire sprinkler systems feasible as a means to reduce our dependency on large
volumes of water for fire suppression.
2. Geological & Geographical Conditions:
Geographical Location. Palo Alto is located at the northern most part of Santa Clara County. Palo
Alto is a major focus of the “Silicon Valley,” the center for an expanding and changing electronics
industry, as well as pharmaceutical, biomedical, and genetic research.
Seismic Location. Palo Alto is situated on alluvial solids between San Francisco Bay and the San
Andreas Fault zone. The City’s location makes it particularly vulnerable to damage to taller and
older structures caused by seismic events. The relatively young geological processes that have
created the San Francisco Bay Area are still active today. Seismically, the city sits between two
active earthquake faults (San Andreas and the Hayward/Calaveras), and numerous potentially
active faults. Approximately 55% of the City’s land surface is in the high-to-moderate seismic
hazard zones.
Seismic and Fire Hazards. Fire following an earthquake has the potential of causing greater loss
of life and damage than the earthquake itself.
The majority of the City’s high-rise structures are located in seismic risk zones. Should a significant
seismic event occur, Public Safety resources would have to be prioritized to mitigate the greatest
threat, and may not be available for every structural fire. In such event, individual structures,
including high-rise buildings, should be equipped to help in mitigating the risk of damage.
Other variables may tend to intensify the situation:
a. The extent of damage to the water system;
b. The extent of isolation due to bridge and/or freeway overpass collapse;
c. The extent of roadway damage and/or amount of debris blocking the roadways;
d. Climatical conditions (hot, dry weather with high winds);
e. Time of day will influence the amount of traffic on roadways and could intensify the risk
to life during normal business hours;
f. The availability of timely mutual aid or military assistance;
g. Many high-rise structures are located near areas of high fire danger necessitating special
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 38 Packet Pg. 590 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
38
20251017_ms29
precautions.
Transportation. Palo Alto is dissected by a major state highway (El Camino Real) and two major
freeways (I-280 and U.S. 101), which potentially could negatively affect response times of fire
suppression equipment.
Soil Conditions. Palo Alto lies at the southern end of San Francisco Bay and is built atop the alluvial
deposits that surround the margins of the Bay. The alluvium was created by the flooding of many
streams emptying into the San Francisco Bay depression, and from intermittent sea water
inundation that has occurred over the last 2 or 3 million years. The areas closest to the Bay are
overlain by unconsolidated fine silty clay, known as Bay Mud which varies in thickness from a few
feet to as much as 30 feet. Generally, the older more stable alluvium is to the south and the
younger less stable material is to the north. Bedrock lies beneath the area at depths of generally
300' or more.
3. Topographical Conditions:
The findings of fact for the topographical element, as would be expected, are closely associated
with the geological/geographical element. With the elevation changes within the district,
development is of course following the path of least resistance, creating a meandering pattern.
This then does not lend itself to a good systematic street and road layout, which would promote
easy traffic flow. It has, in fact, resulted in few major crosstown thoroughfares which tend to be
heavily congested, primarily during commute hours and seasonal periods of the year. This creates
barriers which reduce the response time of fire equipment and other emergency services. The
topography of the district is being burdened by major structures. Employment areas are
throughout the district. The people who work in these complexes have added to the traffic
congestion throughout the city, thereby reducing the fire department’s response time
capabilities.
Inherent delays caused by the traffic patterns to many of these types of projects, make it
necessary to mitigate this problem by requiring additional built-in automatic fire protection
systems to provide early detection and initial control until the arrival of the fire department.
The topography of the district in much of the commercial and residential zones lies within or near
a flood plane. Periodically, heavy rains and high tides cause region-wide flooding which not only
delays response but also increases demands on fire personnel. The fire code amendments
increase safeguards and initialize early response to help compensate for these physical delays.
As a result of the findings of facts which identify the various climatic, geological/geographical and
topographical elements, those additional requirements as specified in the amendments to
adopting ordinance for the California Fire Code 2025 Edition, by the City of Palo Alto area are
considered reasonable and necessary modifications. The experience of several disastrous fires
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 39 Packet Pg. 591 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
39
20251017_ms29
within the city in addition to Santa Clara, Monterey, San Mateo, Alameda and Contra Costa
counties have demonstrated the need for other fire protection features, the most significant of
which was located in the Oakland/Berkeley Hills in which over 3,000 homes were destroyed and
25 human lives were lost. While it is clearly understood that the adoption of such regulations
may not prevent the incidence of fire, the implementation of these various amendments to the
Code may reduce the severity and potential of loss of life and property.
II. Specific Findings for Local Amendments
The majority of local amendments (those not specifically listed below) are made strictly to
conform to other parts of the Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) and for similar administrative
purposes.
Based upon the findings of fact described in section I, the City Council also makes the following
specific findings regarding local climatic, geological, and topographic conditions related to local
amendments to the California and International Fire Codes found in Chapter 15.04 of Title 15 of
the Palo Alto Municipal Code (“PAMC”):
1. The local amendments contained in PAMC sections 15.4.030, 15.04.040, 15.04.050,
15.04.110, 15.04.130, and 15.04.140 are administrative in nature and do not require local
topographical, geographical, or climatic findings.
2. The local amendments contained in PAMC sections 15.04.060 through 15.04.090,
15.04.150, 15.04.170, 15.04.260, and 15.04.440 through 15.04.670 - relating to general
conditions for hazardous materials are necessary modifications to the California Fire Code
flammable and hazardous materials sections because they maintain consistency with the
Hazardous Materials Storage Ordinance which has been adopted county-wide since 1983.
Requirements include safeguards such as monitoring, secondary containment, separation of
non-compatibles which prevent incidents should a seismic event, unauthorized release or
accident occur. See Findings 2 and 3 above - Geological and Topographical.
3. The local amendment contained in PAMC section 15.04.260- Immersion Heaters- is
necessary as a fire control measure because it requires additional controls on process heating
devices which are often activated when unattended. See Finding 2 above - Geological.
4. The local amendments contained in PAMC 15.04.180 and 15.04.280 through 15.04.340
relating to fire sprinkler systems are necessary for faster control of fires in the dense populated
area and areas in an extended response time of our community to confine a fire to the area of
origin rather than spread to neighboring structures.
The modifications contained in these amendments provide additional fire extinguishing systems
in new construction, major remodels, additions, and occupancy classification changes to help
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 40 Packet Pg. 592 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
40
20251017_ms29
mitigate the problems identified in Findings 1, 2, and 3, above- Climatic, Geographical and
Topographical.
5. The local amendment contained in PAMC section 15.04.320 - Floor control valves is
necessary to provide fire extinguishing control devices that allow systems to remain partially in
service while repairs or maintenance are ongoing. See Findings 1 and 2 above- Climatic and
Geographical.
6. The local amendments contained in PAMC section 15.04.350 provides emergency
lighting, where emergency lighting is required, in public restrooms regardless of size for public
safety. See Findings 1, 2, and 3 – Climatic, Geographical and Topographical.
7. The local amendment contained in PAMC section 15.04.360 matches the requirements
for exceptions for emergency escapes in basements/storm shelters in local amendment
contained in section 16.04.360. See Findings 1 and 2 – Climatic and Geographical.
8. The local amendments contained in PAMC section 15.04.370 through 15.04.380 are
recommendations from Santa Clara County Fire Marshals Association to decrease the fire
hazard and risk of fire spread associated with commercial ESS installations and clarifying
location for residential ESS to not interfere with emergency escapes or rescue openings. See
Finding 3 above – Topographical.
9. The local amendments contained in PAMC sections 15.04.390 and 15.04.400 provide for
additional fire and life safety measures during construction and demolition. See Findings 2 and
3, above- Geographical and Topographical.
10. The local amendments contained in PAMC sections 15.04.060 through 15.04.090,
15.04.150, 15.04.460, and 15.04.620 through 15.04.670 regarding toxic gases incorporate
requirements initially established by the Model Toxic Gas Ordinance and California Fire Code.
Administrative and restrictive measures include changes in definitions, quantities regulated,
and utilizes County consensus guidelines established by other regional agencies which share
similar climatic, geological/geographical, and topographical conditions. See Findings 1, 2 and 3,
above- Climatic, Geographical and Topographical.
11. The local amendments added in PAMC section 15.04.160 - Roof guardrails at interior
courts provides for additional fire and life safety measures for firefighters on buildings with
unconventional lightwells. See Findings 2 and 3, above- Geographical and Topographical.
12. The local amendments contained in PAMC section 15.04.020 set forth construction and
design provisions for residential property to mitigate the additional risk of fire. The
modifications contained in this amendment provide for additional precautions against fire risks
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 41 Packet Pg. 593 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
41
20251017_ms29
necessitated by the conditions listed in Findings 1, 2, and 3, above- Climatic, Geographical and
Topographical.
13. The local amendment contained in PAMC section 15.04.120 is necessary to identify who
has the authority and to establish the frequency to inspect buildings and premises. The
modifications contained in this amendment provide for additional precautions to mitigate the
problems identified in Findings 1, 2, and 3, above- Climatic, Geographical and Topographical.
14. The local amendment contained in PAMC section 15.04.190 is necessary to set forth a
limit of the maximum number of false alarms the city of Palo Alto Fire Department will respond
to. This measure is necessary to prevent fire department resources from responding to non-
emergency situations thereby being unavailable to respond to an actual emergency associated
with Climatic, Geographical and Topographical conditions listed in Findings 1, 2 and 3 above.
15. The local amendments added in PAMC sections 15.04.200 through 15.04.250 – The Fire
Access Roadways and Dimensions requirements are necessary to provide access for effective,
efficient and safe firefighting operations. These measures are necessary to prevent a delay in
fire department resources responding to and having access to an emergency situation
associated with Climatic, Geographical and Topographical conditions listed in Findings 1, 2 and
3 above.
16. The local amendments added in PAMC section 15.04.270 – Prohibitive Locations and
15.04.435 - Portable Unvented Heaters are necessary to restrict the use of portable outdoor
gas-fired heating appliances and portable unvented heaters in specific locations as these
appliances can be a fire hazard that may also contribute to the uncontrolled spread of fire as a
result of the Climatic, Geographical, and Topographical conditions described in Findings 1, 2,
and 3 above.
17. The local amendment added in PAMC section 15.04.260 relating to the protection of
energy storage systems is necessary to prevent potential damage and fire that may also
contribute to the uncontrolled spread of fire as a result of the Climatic, Geographical, and
Topographical conditions described in Findings 1, 2, and 3 above.
Item 15
Attachment A - Ordinance
Repealing Chapter 15.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal
Code and Adopting a New
Chapter 15.04, the
California Fire Code (2025
Edition) With Local
Amendments and Related
Findings
Item 15: Staff Report Pg. 42 Packet Pg. 594 of 828
City Council
Staff Report
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: City Clerk
Meeting Date: December 1, 2025
Report #:2511-5429
TITLE
SECOND READING: Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Sections of Chapter
10.56 (“Special Speed Zones”) of Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) to Reflect the 2025 Traffic Survey
(FIRST READING: November 10, 2025, PASSED 5-0-2, Stone, Veenker absent)
BACKGROUND
The City Council heard this item on November 10, 2025 for a first reading and approved it on a
5-0-2, Stone, Veenker absent vote. No changes were made to the ordinance, and it is now before
the City Council for a second reading.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Sections of Chapter
10.56 (“Special Speed Zones”) of Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) to Reflect the 2025 Traffic Survey
APPROVED BY:
Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk
Item 16
Item 16 Staff Report
Item 16: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 595 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
1
Ordinance No. _____
Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Sections of Chapter
10.56 (“Special Speed Zones”) of Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) to Reflect the
2025 Traffic Survey
The Council of the City of Palo Alto ORDAINS as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings and Declarations. The City Council finds and declares as follows:
A.In conjunction with this ordinance, the City Council approved the “Engineering & Traffic
Survey”, dated September 2025, (Traffic Survey) for the City of Palo Alto. The Traffic
Survey was conducted by TJKM under contract by the City.
B.Based on the findings of the Traffic Survey, the City now desires to amend the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (PAMC) through this ordinance to indicate the latest survey completion
date for nine road segments.
SECTION 2. Chapter 10.56.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code is hereby amended to read
as follows (new text is underlined, deleted text is in strikethrough):
10.56.010 Twenty-five miles per hour prima facie speed limit justified.
It is determined that the state twenty-five miles per hour prima facie speed limit for business or
residence districts is justified, as required by state law, with respect to the following streets or
portions of streets by engineering and traffic surveys conducted by the city and completed on
the dates shown below:
Road Segment Name Survey Completion Date
Alma St from El Camino Real to University Ave September 2023
Amaranta Ave from Los Robles Ave to Maybell Ave November 2017
Arboretum Rd from Sand Hill Rd to Quarry Rd November 2017
Birch St from California Ave to Page Mill Exp April 2025November 2017
California Ave from El Camino Real to Hanover St November 2017
Charleston Rd from Fabian Way to South City Limit September 2023
Charleston Rd from Middlefield Rd to Fabian Way September 2023
Charleston Rd from El Camino Real to Alma St September 2023
Channing Ave from W Bayshore Rd to Newell Rd November 2017
Channing Ave from Newell Rd to Guinda Ave November 2017
Channing Ave from Guinda Ave to Alma St November 2017
Churchill Ave from Embarcadero Rd to Alma St November 2017
Item 16
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending
Sections of Chapter 10.56
(“Special Speed Zones”) of
Title 10 (Vehicles and
Traffic) to Reflect the 2025
Traffic Survey
Item 16: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 596 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
2
Churchill Ave from Alma St to El Camino Real November 2017
Colorado Ave from W Bayshore Rd to Middlefield Rd November 2017
E Meadow Dr from Louis Rd to Alma St November 2017
El Camino Way from Los Robles Ave to Maybell Ave September 2023
Embarcadero Rd from Embarcadero Rd to Highway 101 April 2025
Embarcadero Rd from Middlefield Rd to Alma St April 2025
Embarcadero Rd from El Camino Real to Alma St October 2023
Guinda Ave from Lytton Ave to Channing Ave November 2017
Hamilton Ave from Middlefield Rd to Alma St November 2017
High St from Lytton Ave to Channing Ave November 2017
Homer Ave from Guinda Ave to Alma St November 2017
Laguna Ave from Matadero Ave to Los Robles Ave November 2017
Loma Verde Ave from W Bayshore Rd to Middlefield Rd November 2017
Loma Verde Ave from Middlefield Rd to Alma St November 2017
Los Robles Ave from Laguna Ave to El Camino Real November 2017
Louis Rd from Oregon Exp to Loma Verde Rd September 2023
Louis Rd from Loma Verde Rd to Charleston Rd September 2023
Lytton Ave from Alma St to Middlefield Rd November 2017
Matadero Ave from El Camino Real to Laguna Ave November 2017
Middlefield Rd from University Ave to Embarcadero Rd September 2023
Middlefield Rd from University Av to Northern City Limits September 2023
Middlefield Rd from Embarcadero Rd to Oregon Exp November 2017
Middlefield Rd from E Charleston Rd to South City Limits April 2025
Newell Rd from East City Limit to Channing Ave November 2017
Newell Rd from Channing Ave to Embarcadero Rd November 2017
N California Ave from Middlefield Rd to Alma St November 2017
Park Blvd from California Ave to Lambert Ave September 2023
Peter Coutts Rd from Stanford Ave to Page Mill Rd November 2017
Porter Dr from Hillview Ave to Page Mill Rd September 2023
Quarry Rd from El Camino Real to Campus Dr October 2023
Item 16
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending
Sections of Chapter 10.56
(“Special Speed Zones”) of
Title 10 (Vehicles and
Traffic) to Reflect the 2025
Traffic Survey
Item 16: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 597 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
3
Stanford Ave from El Camino Real to Peter Coutts Rd November 2017
Stanford Ave from Peter Coutts Rd to Junipero Serra Blvd November 2017
University Ave from Middlefield Rd to Alma St November 2017
Waverley St from Lytton Ave to Channing Ave November 2017
Waverley St from Channing Ave to Embarcadero Rd November 2017
SECTION 3. Chapter 10.56.015 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code is hereby amended to
read as follows:
10.56.015 Thirty miles per hour prima facie speed limit.
It is determined and justified upon the basis of engineering and traffic surveys that a speed
greater than the twenty-five miles per hour prima facie speed limit set forth in Section 22352 of
the Vehicle Code of the state, would facilitate the orderly movement of vehicular traffic and
would be reasonable and safe under the conditions found to exist upon the streets, or portions
thereof, set forth in this section, and it is hereby declared that thirty miles per hour shall be the
prima facie speed limit upon these streets, or portions thereof, except for school zones, as
shown below:
Road Segment Name Survey Completion Date
Coyote Hill Rd from Page Mill Rd to Hillview Ave April 2025
Fabian Way from Charleston Rd to W Bayshore Rd September 2023
Hansen Way from El Camino Real to Page Mill Exp September 2023
Hanover St from Page Mill Rd to Hillview Ave September 2023
Hillview Ave from Hanover St to Foothill Exp September 2023
W Bayshore Rd from Oregon Exp to Colorado Ave November 2017
SECTION 4. If any section, subsection, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason
held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion or sections
of the Ordinance. The Council hereby declares that it should have adopted the Ordinance and
each section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any one
or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid.
SECTION 5. The Council finds that this ordinance is categorically exempt from the
provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), pursuant to Section 15301 of
the CEQA Guidelines as a minor alteration to the existing street system.
Item 16
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending
Sections of Chapter 10.56
(“Special Speed Zones”) of
Title 10 (Vehicles and
Traffic) to Reflect the 2025
Traffic Survey
Item 16: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 598 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
4
SECTION 6. This ordinance shall be effective 31 days after adoption.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
____________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
____________________________ ____________________________
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
____________________________
Chief Transportation Official
Item 16
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending
Sections of Chapter 10.56
(“Special Speed Zones”) of
Title 10 (Vehicles and
Traffic) to Reflect the 2025
Traffic Survey
Item 16: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 599 of 828
City Council
Staff Report
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: City Clerk
Meeting Date: December 1, 2025
Report #:2511-5456
TITLE
SECOND READING: Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Section 18.08.040
of the Palo Alto Municipal Code (The Zoning Map) to Change the Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St, 660 University Ave, and 680 University Ave/500 Middlefield Rd from
RM-20 Low Density Multiple-Family Residential (RM-20) to Planned Community (PC) (FIRST
READING: November 10, 2025, PASSED: 4-1-2, Lu no, Stone, Veenker absent)
BACKGROUND
The City Council heard this item on November 10, 2025 for a first reading and approved it on a
4-1-2, Lu no, Stone, Veenker absent vote. No changes were made to the ordinance, and it is now
before the City Council for a second reading.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Section 18.08.040 of
the Palo Alto Municipal Code (The Zoning Map) to Change the Classification of Property Located
at 511 Byron St, 660 University Ave, and 680 University Ave/500 Middlefield Rd from RM-20 Low
Density Multiple-Family Residential (RM-20) to Planned Community (PC)
APPROVED BY:
Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk
Item 17
Item 17 Staff Report
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 600 of 828
*NOT YET APPROVED*
Ordinance No. 5684
Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Section 18.08.040 of
the Palo Alto Municipal Code (The Zoning Map) to Change the Classification of
Property Located at 511 Byron St, 660 University Ave, and 680 University
Ave/500 Middlefield Rd from RM-20 Low Density Multiple-Family Residential
(RM-20) to Planned Community (PC)
The Council of the City of Palo Alto ORDAINS as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings and Declarations.
(a) On December 21, 2021, Lund Smith of Smith Development (“Applicant”) submitted an
application for Rezoning to Planned Community/Planned Home Zoning (PHZ) to deconstruct two
existing medical office buildings (9,216 square feet) and redevelop the site at 511 Byron St, 660
University Ave, and 680 University Ave/500 Middlefield Rd (the “Subject Property,” more
particularly described in Exhibit A). Following a series of revisions, the Applicant sought approval
of a new six-story mixed- use building with 70 residential rental units, fourteen of which would
be deed restricted to be rented at below market rates, approximately 1,984 square feet of office,
and a two level below-grade parking garage (the “Project”). The applicant proposes to merge the
three existing lots at the Subject Property through a separate application.
(b) Following Staff Review, the Planning and Transportation Commission (“PTC” or
“Commission”) reviewed the initial project on November 16, 2022 and forwarded the project to
the Architectural Review Board.
(c) The Architectural Review Board (“ARB” or “Board”) initially reviewed the initial project
on December 1, 2022 and, following applicant modifications, reviewed the project again on
April 18, 2024 and recommended approval of the project to the City Council.
(d) Following the ARB’s April 2024 recommendation, the applicant again made
modifications to the plans. The ARB reviewed further revised plans on December 5, 2024 and
recommended approval of the project to the City Council.
(e) The PTC reviewed the revised project on March 12, 2025; and continued the hearing to
date uncertain.
(f) Following the PTC’s March 2025 hearing, the applicant made substantial modifications
to the plans. The ARB again reviewed further revised plans on August 21, 2025 and
recommended approval of the project to the City Council.
(g) The PTC reviewed the revised project on October 8, 2025 and recommended approval of
the project to the City Council with conditions.
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 601 of 828
*NOT YET APPROVED*
(h) Approval of the Planned Community Project would constitute a project under the
provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, together with related state and
local implementation guidelines promulgated thereunder (“CEQA”).
(i) The City is the Lead Agency pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21067 as it has
the principal responsibility to approve and regulate the Planned Community Project.
(j) The City, in compliance with CEQA, prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Report for
the project. The Draft EIR was circulated for public review from April 2, 2024 to May 17, 2024.
The Draft EIR found there are no significant and unavoidable environmental impacts. A
response to comments and Final EIR, published in March 2025, maintained there are no
significant and unavoidable impacts associated with the revisions made to the design. A revised
Final EIR, published in September 2025, did not result in any change to these conclusions.
(k) The Council is the decision-making body for approval of the Planned Community Project.
(l) The site is so situated, and the use or uses proposed for the site are of such
characteristics that the application of general districts or combining districts will not provide
sufficient flexibility to allow the proposed development. Specifically, the project proposes
mixed use development with a 3.1:1 FAR and a 73.6 foot height, setbacks ranging from zero to
26.5 feet, reduced open space and a parking reduction. The existing RM-20 zoning does not
allow the proposed commercial use and no other existing zoning district would permit the
project as proposed. In order to provide the floor area, lot coverage, setbacks, and other
standards that allow for development of the project as proposed, a planned community
rezoning is necessary.
(m) Development of the site under the provisions of the PC planned community district will
result in public benefits not otherwise attainable by application of the regulations of general
districts or combining districts, as set forth in Section 6 of this ordinance.
(n) The use or uses permitted, and the site development regulations applicable within the
district are consistent with the Palo Alto Comprehensive plan, as amended, and compatible
with existing and potential uses on adjoining sites or within the general vicinity, as set forth in
the Record of Land Use Action (Exhibit B) accompanying this ordinance.
SECTION 2. Amendment of Zoning Map.
Section 18.08.040 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, the “Zoning Map,” is hereby amended by
changing the zoning of Subject Property from Low Density Multiple-Family Residential (RM-20)
to “Planned Community Zone (PC) 5684”.
SECTION 3. Project Description.
The Project as a whole is described in the Development Plan, titled “660 University Avenue, Palo
Alto, CA” and uploaded to the Palo Alto Online Permitting Services Citizen Portal on August 8,
2025. With respect to the Subject Property, the project comprises the uses included in this
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 602 of 828
*NOT YET APPROVED*
Ordinance, depicted on the Development Plans, incorporated by reference, including the
following components:
(a) Redevelopment of the Subject Property, as described in more detail in the Development
Plan, including deconstruction of two existing medical office buildings, and construction of a new
six-story mixed- use building with 70 residential rental units, approximately 1,984 square feet of
office, and a two level below-grade parking garage. Fourteen of the proposed residential units
will be deed restricted to be rented at below market rates as follows:
Extremely Low
(b) Merger of three existing lots through a separate application.
SECTION 4. Land Uses
(a) The following land uses shall be permitted:
(1) Multi-family residential;
(2) Up to 1,984 square feet, as depicted in the project plans, of office and
neighborhood-serving uses, as defined in Palo Alto Municipal Code Section
18.16.030;
(3) Accessory facilities and uses customarily incidental to permitted uses.
SECTION 5. Site Development Regulations and Development Schedule
(a) Development Standards:
Development standards for the Subject Property shall be those conforming to the Development
Plans.
(b) Parking and Loading Requirements:
The Owner shall provide parking and loading as set forth in the Development Plan. Specifically,
the Owner shall provide 78 parking spaces.
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 603 of 828
*NOT YET APPROVED*
(c) Modifications to the Development Plan, Land Uses and Site Development Regulations:
Once the project has been constructed consistent with the approved Development Plan, any
modifications to the exterior design of the Development Plan or any new construction not
specifically permitted by the Development Plan or the site development regulations contained in
Section 5 (a) – (b) above may require an amendment to the Planned Community zoning,
consistent with PAMC 18.38.050 and 18.76.020. Any use not specifically permitted by this
ordinance shall require an amendment to the PC ordinance.
(g) Development Schedule:
The project is required to include a Development Schedule pursuant to PAMC §18.38.100. The
applicant has indicated that development is anticipated to begin in June, 2027 and conclude in
May 2028.
Notwithstanding the above, construction of the project shall commence within two years of the
effective date of this ordinance. Prior to expiration of this timeline, the Owner may seek a one
year extension from the Director of Planning and Development Services. All construction and
development of the project shall be complete within 3 years of the start of construction.
SECTION 6. Public Benefits.
(a) Public Benefits
Development of the Project Site under the provisions of the PC Planned Community District will
result in public benefits not otherwise attainable by application of the regulations of general
districts or combining districts.
The public benefit provided by the Project is fourteen dwelling units at below market rates as
further described in Section 3. This exceeds the base requirement in Palo Alto Municipal Code
Chapter 16.65 and the onsite rental requirement set forth in Ordinance 5623, Section 3.
SECTION 7. Environmental Review
The City, in compliance with CEQA, prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Report for the project.
The Draft EIR was circulated for public review from April 2, 2024 to May 17, 2024. The Draft EIR
found there are no significant and unavoidable environmental impacts. A response to comments
and Revised Final EIR published October 1, 2025 maintained there are no significant and
unavoidable impacts associated with the revisions made to the design.
//
//
//
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 604 of 828
*NOT YET APPROVED*
SECTION 8. Effective Date
This ordinance shall be effective on the thirty-first day after the date of its adoption (second
reading).
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
__________________________
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
__________________________
Assistant City Attorney
_________________________
Mayor
_________________________
City Manager
__________________________
Director of Planning and
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 605 of 828
*NOT YET APPROVED*
Exhibit A Legal Description
REAL PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF PALO ALTO, COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA, STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
Parcel 1:
All of Lots 59 and 60, and the Southwesterly 9 feet, front and rear measurements of lot 58, as
shown on the map of MAP OF NELSON J. BIRD'S SUBDIVISION OF BLOCK 42, UNIVERSITY PARK
(NOW PALO ALTO), which map was filed for record in the Office of the Recorder of the County
of Santa Clara, State of California, November 23, 1889 in Book D of Maps, Page 149.
Parcel 2:
All of Lots 56 and 57, and the Northeasterly 16 feet, front and rear measurements of lot 58, as
shown on the MAP OF NELSON J. BIRD'S SUBDIVISION OF BLOCK 42, UNIVERSITY PARK (NOW
PALO ALTO), which map was filed for record in the Office of the Recorder of the County of
Santa Clara, State of California, November 23, 1889 in Book D of Maps, Page 149.
Parcel 3:
Lots 52, 53, 54 and 55, MAP OF NELSON J. BIRD'S SUBDIVISION OF BLOCK 42, UNIVERSITY PARK,
filed November 23, 1889 in Book D of Maps, Page 149, Santa Clara County Records.
APN: 120-03-042 (Affects Parcel 1); 120-03-043 (Affects Parcel 2); and 120-03-044 (Affects
Parcel 3)
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 606 of 828
*NOT YET APPROVED*
Exhibit B Record of Land Use Action 2025-07
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 607 of 828
Page 1 of 21
APPROVAL NO. 2025-07
RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO LAND USE ACTION FOR 511 BYRON
STREET, 660 UNIVERSITY AVENUE, 680 UNIVERSITY AVENUE/500 MIDDLEFIELD ROAD:
PLANNED COMMUNITY REZONING
[FILE NO 21PLN-00341]
On November 10, 2025, the City Council of the City of Palo Alto (“City Council”) approved a
Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment and Planned Community Rezoning, making the following findings,
determinations, and declarations:
SECTION 1. Background.
A. On December 21, 2021 Architect Amanda Borden, on behalf of Smith Properties and Palo
Alto Dental Research A Corp (“Applicant”) applied for a Planned Community Rezoning and Comprehensive Plan
Text Amendment to construct a residential mixed-use building. As the result of several revisions, the project
includes a new six-story mixed-use building with 70 multi-family residential units and 1,984 square feet of
commercial office space, plus ground floor resident common space, an office lobby, and a fitness area for residents
and office tenants. The 70 units include 28 studios, 33 one-bedroom and nine two-bedroom units and a two level
below-grade parking garage. This project also includes a Request for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to allow
commercial use to replace existing medical office in the Multiple Family Residential Land Use Designation.
B. The project site consists of three existing parcels located at 511 Byron Street, 0 University
Avenue, and 680 University-500 Middlefield (APNs 120-03-042, 120-03-043, 120-03-044) totaling 0.52 acres.
Existing improvements include two existing medical office buildings totaling 9,216 sf, and associated parking.
C. On October 25, 2021 Council conducted a prescreening review of the proposed legislative
actions in accordance with PAMC 18.79.
D. On November 16, 2022 the Planning and Transportation Commission held a duly noticed
public hearing and recommended that the applicant submit the proposed plans to the Architectural Review Board
based on the conceptual design and proposed project in accordance with the Planned Community Rezoning
process.
E. Following the Planning and Transportation Commission’s initial review, the Architectural
Review Board held a duly noticed public hearing on December 1, 2022 to provide feedback and allow for public
comment on the proposed project. After receiving ARB and PTC comments at hearings set forth below, the plans
were resubmitted in October and December 2023, February and May 2024, and June 23, 2025.
F. On April 18, 2024, December 5, 2024, and August 21, 2025, the ARB held duly noticed public
hearings on project revisions and on each occasion recommended approval of the proposed project.
I. On March 12, 2025 and October 8, 2025 PTC reviewed the project plans as revised and the
associated Planned Community Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan Amendment, and on each occasion
recommended approval.
J. On November 10, 2025 the City Council reviewed the request for a Comprehensive Plan
Amendment and Planned Community rezoning. After hearing public testimony, the Council voted to
approve/adopt:
• Resolution 10258 adopting the EIR;
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 608 of 828
Page 2 of 21
• Resolution 10259 amending the Comprehensive Plan Text; and
• Ordinance 5684 amending the zoning of the proposed resulting parcel to Planned
Community
• This Record of Land Use Action
K. This application is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 6 of this Record of Land
Use Action.
SECTION 2. Environmental Review.
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) the City prepared an
Environmental Impact Report (“EIR”) for the 660 University Avenue Mixed-Use Project to provide an assessment
of the potential environmental consequences of approving and constructing the Project. A Draft EIR was circulated
for public review for a 45-day period from April 2, 2024, through May 17, 2024. A Final EIR was prepared to
respond to comments and published on October 1, 2025. The City Council certified and made related findings by
Resolution 10258 on November 10, 2025, prior to approval of the decision that is the subject of this RLUA. All
mitigation measures as stated in the approved Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) have been
incorporated into the conditions of approval. The MMRP is included in Exhibit A of this Record of Land Use Action.
SECTION 3. PLANNED COMMUNITY FINDINGS
Finding #1: The site is so situated, and the use or uses proposed for the site are of such characteristics that the
application of general districts or combining districts will not provide sufficient flexibility to allow the
proposed development.
The project is consistent with Finding #1 because:
The proposed project includes a density of units for the site that exceed what is allowed by the RM-20 zoning. It
has street frontage on three sides, and a protected Oak tree overhanging the fourth side, which results in larger
setbacks and a smaller buildable area than other (interior) lots of a similar size.
Finding #2: Development of the site under the provisions of the PC planned community district will result in
public benefits not otherwise attainable by application of the regulations of general districts or combining
districts. In making the findings required by this section, the planning commission and city council, as
appropriate, shall specifically cite the public benefits expected to result from use of the planned community
district.
The project is consistent with Finding #2 because:
The primary public benefit for this project is additional housing units to assist the City in reaching their Regional
Housing Needs Assessment goals. Under the RM-20 zoning, the maximum development potential of this
property would be 10 units, but through this PC application, the project proposes 70 units. The project proposes
20% (14) of the units to be designated Below Market Rate, half of which are allocated to Very Low Income and
Low Income households.
Finding #3: The use or uses permitted, and the site development regulations applicable within the district
shall be consistent with the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan, and shall be compatible with existing and
potential uses on adjoining sites or within the general vicinity.
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 10 Packet Pg. 609 of 828
Page 3 of 21
The project is consistent with Finding #3 because:
This project requires approval of the proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment to allow maintaining the
existing office use. The project is otherwise compatible with the Comprehensive Plan as detailed further in
Section 4 Finding #1 below. The proposed uses are compatible with the surrounding neighborhood, as it is
primarily multiple-family housing and small offices. Additional care has been taken to ensure viability of the
neighboring Oak tree.
SECTION 4. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW FINDINGS
Finding #1: The design is consistent with applicable provisions of the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan,
Zoning Code, coordinated area plans (including compatibility requirements), and any relevant design guides.
The project is consistent with Finding #1 because:
With approval of the requested Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Planned Community Rezoning in
accordance with Resolution 10259 and Ordinance 5684, the proposed project complies with the zoning code and
Comprehensive Plan. The project is not located within a coordinated area plan area. The proposed project is
consistent with relevant goals and policies set forth in the Comprehensive Plan. Below is an analysis of the
applicable goals and policies:
Comp Plan Goals and Policies How project adheres or does not adhere to Comp
Plan
the site is Multiple Family Residential. area designated for high-density housing. The
project includes a Comprehensive Plan text
amendment to allow for existing non-conforming
office uses to be redeveloped when part of a new
mixed-use development. This would align the
proposed project with the underlying
Land Use Element
Policy L-1.3
service area should be compatible with its
surroundings and the overall scale and character
of the city to ensure a compact, efficient
medical office buildings into a mixed-use, office
and multiple-family residential rental building
within the Downtown neighborhood.
Policy L-2.5
housing units for middle to lower income level
earners, such as City and
of the 66 provided housing units.
Policy L-2.11
redevelopment to incorporate greenery and
natural features such as green rooftops, pocket
parks, plazas and rain gardens.
The proposed building includes a deck area for
the office and individual balconies for the
residents, in keeping with the urban character of
the project and neighborhood. Greenery is
Policy L-6.1
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 11 Packet Pg. 610 of 828
Page 4 of 21
surrounding development and public
spaces.
Architectural Review Board findings for approval.
Policy L-6.7 Where possible, avoid abrupt
changes in scale and density between residential
and non-residential areas and between
residential areas of different densities. To
promote compatibility and gradual transitions
between land uses, place zoning district
boundaries at mid-block locations rather than
taller than the nearby Lytton Gardens and The
Hamilton residences. While it will be the tallest
building in the immediate area, overall it is
compatible with the Downtown neighborhood.
Policy T-1.19
and support bicycling and walking. term bicycle parking in compliance with the code
Finding #2: The project has a unified and coherent design, that:
a. creates an internal sense of order and desirable environment for occupants, visitors, and the general
community,
b. preserves, respects and integrates existing natural features that contribute positively to the site and
the historic character including historic resources of the area when relevant,
c. is consistent with the context-based design criteria of the applicable zone district,
d. provides harmonious transitions in scale, mass and character to adjacent land uses and land use
designations,
e. enhances living conditions on the site (if it includes residential uses) and in adjacent residential areas.
The project is consistent with Finding #2 because:
There is internal order between the ground floor lobby and amenity spaces, ground floor office, and upper floor
residences. There are separate, defined entrances for the residents and office tenants. There are no historic
resources on this property. The context-based design criteria do not apply. However, the project incorporates
many of the design intents and is consistent with the Architectural Review findings for approval. The six-story
building is taller than nearby four-story buildings. However, this is to accommodate the mixed use ground floor
for flood zone requirements, and to respect the Middlefield special setback. It will enhance the residential options
Downtown by providing additional units at various sizes.
Finding #3: The design is of high aesthetic quality, using high quality, integrated materials and appropriate
construction techniques, and incorporating textures, colors, and other details that are compatible with and
enhance the surrounding area.
The project is consistent with Finding #3 because:
The project incorporates a variety of materials, including gray cast concrete, wood tone panels, painted siding,
glass, and landscape elements that are of high quality and that integrate well to create a cohesive design. The
project proposes on site Public Art, which will also enhance the design. The project will stand out from other
nearby buildings, because it uses a variety of materials to break up the massing and add visual interest. Most other
buildings in the area use a more limited palette.
Finding #4: The design is functional, allowing for ease and safety of pedestrian and bicycle traffic and providing
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 12 Packet Pg. 611 of 828
Page 5 of 21
for elements that support the building’s necessary operations (e.g. convenient vehicle access to property and
utilities, appropriate arrangement and amount of open space and integrated signage, if applicable, etc.).
The project is consistent with Finding #4 because:
The driveway to the below grade garage is located on Byron St. due to traffic limitations on University Avenue
and Middlefield Road. The bike rooms are located below grade and are accessible by stair or by elevator.
Building operations such as refuse collection and utilities have been designed to be oriented towards the side
streets to create a cohesive façade along University Ave. Pedestrian access is clear and a separate entrance is
provided for the residents and office users.
Finding #5: The landscape design complements and enhances the building design and its surroundings, is
appropriate to the site’s functions, and utilizes to the extent practical, regional indigenous drought resistant
plant material capable of providing desirable habitat that can be appropriately maintained.
The project is consistent with Finding #5 because:
The project is consistent with the finding in that the project provides landscaped area around the perimeter
wherever possible, including 9 new trees, and 4 new street trees (13 trees total), as well as in planter boxes on
the rooftop garden. The project will protect the Coast Live Oak and provides measures to ensure the tree’s
protection through construction. All plants proposed are very low to moderate water use, as well as native or
regionally adapted.
Finding #6: The project incorporates design principles that achieve sustainability in areas related to energy
efficiency, water conservation, building materials, landscaping, and site planning.
The project is consistent with Finding #6 because:
In accordance with the City’s Green Building Regulations, the building will satisfy the requirements for CALGreen
Mandatory + Tier 2. The project proposed an all electric design and will be consistent with Model Water
Efficiency Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) requirements.
SECTION 5. Conditions of Approval.
PLANNING DIVISION
1. CONFORMANCE WITH PLANS: Construction and development shall conform to the approved plans
entitled, "660 University Ave., Palo Alto, CA,” uploaded to the Palo Alto Online Permitting Services
Citizen Portal on August 8, 2025, as modified by these conditions of approval.
2. BUILDING PERMIT: Apply for a building permit and meet any and all conditions as contained in this
document.
3. BUILDING PERMIT PLAN SET: A copy of this cover letter and conditions of approval shall be printed on
the second page of the plans submitted for building permit.
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 13 Packet Pg. 612 of 828
Page 6 of 21
4. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: All modifications to the approved project shall be submitted for review and
approval prior to construction. If during the Building Permit review and construction phase, the project
is modified by the applicant, it is the responsibility of the applicant to contact the Planning
Division/project planner directly to obtain approval of the project modification. It is the applicant’s
responsibility to highlight any proposed changes to the project and to bring it to the project planner’s
attention.
5. ENTITLEMENT EXPIRATION. The project approval shall be valid for a period of two years from the date of
issuance of the entitlement. If within such one/two years period, the proposed use of the site or the
construction of buildings has not commenced, the Planning entitlement shall expire. Application for a
one year extension of this entitlement may be made prior to expiration.
6. MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM. The Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting
Program (MMRP) associated with the project and attached here as Exhibit A is incorporated by
reference and all mitigation measures shall be implemented as described in said document. Prior to
requesting issuance of any related demolition and/or construction permits, the applicant shall meet
with the Project Planner to review and ensure compliance with the MMRP, subject to the satisfaction of
the Director of Planning of Planning and Development Services.
7. LANDSCAPE PLAN. Plantings shall be installed in accordance with the approved plan set and shall be
permanently maintained and replaced as necessary.
8. BASEMENT EXCAVATION: Any retaining wall required for basement excavation shall not prevent the
planting and future growth of required landscaping. This shall be review by the Project Planner prior to
issuance of a Building permit.
9. NOISE THRESHOLDS ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY. In accordance with PAMC Section 9.10.030, No person
shall produce, suffer or allow to be produced by any machine, animal or device, or any combination of
same, on residential property, a noise level more than six dB above the local ambient at any point
outside of the property plane. All noise producing equipment shall be located outside of required
setbacks.
10. OPEN AIR LOUDSPEAKERS (AMPLIFIED MUSIC). In accordance with PAMC Section 9.12, no amplified
music shall be used for producing sound in or upon any open area, to which the public has access,
between the hours of 11:00pm and one hour after sunrise.
11. NOISE REPORT AT BUILDING STAGE. An analysis of the proposed project’s compliance with the City’s
noise requirements for the proposed HVAC was prepared as part of the documentation to support a
Class 32 categorical exemption. At the time of building permit issuance for new construction or for
installation of any such mechanical equipment, if the proposed equipment exceeds the anticipated noise
level that was analyzed or is proposed in a location that is closer to the property line, the applicant shall
submit an acoustical analysis by an acoustical engineer demonstrating projected compliance with the
Noise Ordinance. The analysis shall be based on acoustical readings, equipment specifications and any
proposed sound reduction measures, such as equipment enclosures or insulation, which demonstrate a
sufficient degree of sound attenuation to assure that the prescribed noise levels will not be exceeded.
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 14 Packet Pg. 613 of 828
Page 7 of 21
12. LIGHTING. For the office use only, between the hours of 10:00pm-6:00am (normal cessation of business
hours), lighting within the building or on the property shall be reduced to its minimum necessary to
facilitate security, in order to minimize light glare at night.
13. WINDOW SHADES. For the office use only, between the hours of 10:00pm-6:00am (normal cessation of
business hours), automatic shades shall be utilized to further reduce the light visible from the exterior at
night.
14. SIGN APPROVAL NEEDED. No signs are approved at this time. All signs shall conform to the requirements of
Title 16.20 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code (Sign Code) and shall be subject to approval by the Director of
Planning.
15. AFFORDABLE HOUSING REQUIREMENT (RENTAL PROJECT). This project is subject to the affordable
housing requirements set forth in Section 16.65.040 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, and has chosen
alternative compliance as a part of the Planned Home Zoning (PHZ) approval. Per the PHZ, at least 20%
of the units shall be affordable to very low, low, or moderate income such that the income restricted
units average out to no more than 80% AMI. The proposed project is required to contain no less than
thirteen (14) below market rate units, allocated as described in the Planned Community (PC) Ordinance.
16. AFFORDABLE HOUSING PLAN AND AGREEMENT. The applicant shall prepare an affordable housing plan.
An affordable housing agreement, reviewed and approved by the City of Palo Alto, shall be recorded
prior to the approval of any final or parcel map or building permit for the development project (PAMC
16.65.090).
17. BELOW MARKET RATE (BMR) HOUSING. A Regulatory Agreement in a form acceptable to the City
Attorney for the 14 BMR units shall be executed and recorded prior to final map approval or building
permit issuance, whichever occurs first. All BMR units constructed under this condition shall be in
conformance with the City’s BMR Program rules and regulations. Failure to comply with the timing of
this condition and any adopted BMR Program rules and regulations shall not waive its later enforcement.
Failure to comply with the timing of this condition and any adopted BMR Program rules and regulations
shall not waive its later enforcement.
18. TRASH ROOM. The trash room shall be used solely for the temporary storage of refuse and recycling
that is disposed on a regular basis and shall be closed and locked during non-business hours.
19. REFUSE. All trash areas shall be effectively screened from view and covered and maintained in an orderly
state to prevent water from entering into the garbage container. No outdoor storage is allowed/permitted
unless designated on the approved plan set. Trash areas shall be maintained in a manner to discourage
illegal dumping.
20. MECHANICAL LIFT PARKING. Up to 46 required parking spaces may be provided in a puzzle parking
system, which allows independent access to each vehicle. The property owner shall have a maintenance
agreement with the lift system manufacturer and the system shall be operational at all times. All new
renters/employees shall be given instructions on how to operate the lift system. If the lift system is out of
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 15 Packet Pg. 614 of 828
Page 8 of 21
operation for any reason, anyone who is not able to retrieve their vehicle within a 10-minute period shall be
reimbursed by the property owner or their designee for travel expenses up to $50 per occurrence.
21. UTILITY LOCATIONS. In no case shall utilities be placed in a location that requires equipment and/or
bollards to encroach into a required parking space. In no case shall a pipeline be placed within 10 feet of
a proposed tree and/or tree designated to remain.
22. EASEMENT REQUEST. Prior to building permit issuance, the applicant shall dedicate a Public Access
Easement over a portion of the 24-foot front yard special setback, including to a depth of 20 feet, for
multi-modal transportation improvements in a form acceptable to the Planning and Development
Services Director, Public Works Director, and City Attorney. Any future easement may require the
removal of site improvements to facilitate multi-modal transportation improvements or Transportation
Element Comprehensive Plan policies, except to the extent that the features required for site circulation
and egress shall be allowed to remain. The City accepts this may reduce parking from 78 to 72 parking
spaces. If future City projects or utility needs require removal or relocation of facilities within this
setback, the property owner/developer shall be responsible for all associated costs, including
administrative processing and construction fees. The developer shall accept financial responsibility for
any such relocation or retrofit required by future City projects.
23. SUBDIVISION MAP. The Lot Merger shall be recorded prior to building permit issuance.
24. ESTIMATED IMPACT FEE: Development Impact Fees, currently estimated in the amount of
$3,063,197.53 plus the applicable public art fee, per PAMC 16.61.040, shall be paid prior to the issuance
of the related building permit.
25. REQUIRED PUBLIC ART. In conformance with PAMC 16.61, and to the satisfaction of the Public Art
Commission, the property owner and/or applicant shall select an artist and received final approval of the
art plan, or pay the in-lieu fee equivalent to 1% of the estimated construction valuation, prior to
obtaining a Building permit. All required artwork shall be installed as approved by the Public Art
Commission and verified by Public Art staff prior to release of the final Use and Occupancy permit.
26. IMPACT FEE 90-DAY PROTEST PERIOD. California Government Code Section 66020 provides that a
project applicant who desires to protest the fees, dedications, reservations, or other exactions imposed
on a development project must initiate the protest at the time the development project is approved or
conditionally approved or within ninety (90) days after the date that fees, dedications, reservations or
exactions are imposed on the Project. Additionally, procedural requirements for protesting these
development fees, dedications, reservations and exactions are set forth in Government Code Section
66020. IF YOU FAIL TO INITIATE A PROTEST WITHIN THE 90-DAY PERIOD OR FOLLOW THE PROTEST
PROCEDURES DESCRIBED IN GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 66020, YOU WILL BE BARRED FROM
CHALLENGING THE VALIDITY OR REASONABLENESS OF THE FEES, DEDICATIONS, RESERVATIONS, AND
EXACTIONS. If these requirements constitute fees, taxes, assessments, dedications, reservations, or
other exactions as specified in Government Code Sections 66020(a) or 66021, this is to provide
notification that, as of the date of this notice, the 90-day period has begun in which you may protest
these requirements. This matter is subject to the California Code of Civil Procedures (CCP) Section
1094.5; the time by which judicial review must be sought is governed by CCP Section 1094.6.
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 16 Packet Pg. 615 of 828
Page 9 of 21
27. INDEMNITY. To the extent permitted by law, the Applicant shall indemnify and hold harmless the City,
its City Council, its officers, employees and agents (the “indemnified parties”) from and against any
claim, action, or proceeding brought by a third party against the indemnified parties and the applicant to
attack, set aside or void, any permit or approval authorized hereby for the Project, including (without
limitation) reimbursing the City for its actual attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in defense of the
litigation. The City may, in its sole discretion, elect to defend any such action with attorneys of its own
choice.
28. FINAL INSPECTION: A Planning Division Final inspection will be required to determine substantial
compliance with the approved plans prior to the scheduling of a Building Division final. Any revisions
during the building process must be approved by Planning, including but not limited to; materials,
landscaping and hard surface locations. Contact your Project Planner, Emily Kallas at
emily.kallas@cityofpaloalto.org to schedule this inspection.
BUILDING
29. A building permit is required for the scope of work shown. Note that Building permit submission after
12/31/25 shall follow the 2025 CA Building Standards Code amended by the City.
30. At time of building permit, the following items shall be reviewed in detail.
a. Building and site accessibility per CBC 11A, 11B
b. Regular and van accessible spaces including EV per CBC and PAMC
c. Building Code analysis
d. Fire-rating and protection of opening at roof, floors, and walls
e. Green building compliance.
f. Structural design calculations, plans, and details.
g. Refer to https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Development-
Services/Apply-for-a-Permit/Apply-for-a-Building-Permit for building permit submittal
requirements.
31. At building permit, provide structural design of the basement wall and parking. Future building permits
shall be required for any future city improvements within the Special Setback.
PUBLIC WORKS ZERO WASTE
32. Project will be required to submit a salvage survey prior to receiving the building permit.
Please anticipate meeting PAMC 5.24 Deconstruction and Construction Materials Management
requirements.
33. The following comments below are part of the Palo Alto Municipality Code. If your scope of work includes
internal and external bins then cut-sheets for the color-coded internal and external containers, related
color-coded millwork, and it’s colored signage must be included in the building plans prior to receiving
approval from Zero Waste. Please see below for more details.
As per Palo Alto Municipal Code 5.20.108 the site is required to have color-coded refuse containers,
related color-coded millwork, and colored signage. The three refuse containers shall include recycle (blue
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 17 Packet Pg. 616 of 828
Page 10 of 21
container), compost (green container), and garbage (black container). Applicant shall present on the plan
the locations and quantity of both (any) internal and external refuse containers, it’s millwork, along with
the signage. This requirement applies to any external or internal refuse containers located in common
areas such as entrances, conference rooms, open space, lobby, garage, mail room, gym, and etc. except
for restrooms, copy area, and mother’s room. Millwork to store the color-coded refuse containers must
have a minimum of four inches in height worth of color-coding, wrapping around the full width of the
millwork. Signage must be color coded with photos or illustrations of commonly discarded items.
Restrooms must have a green compost container for paper towels and an optional black landfill container
if applicable. Copy area must have either a recycle bin only or all three refuse receptacles (green compost,
blue recycle, and black landfill container). Mother’s room must minimally have a green compost container
and black landfill container. Please refer to PAMC 5.20.108 and the Internal Container Guide. Examples of
appropriate signage can be found in the Managing Zero Waste at Your Business Guide. Electronic copies
of these signage can be found on the Zero Waste Palo Alto’s website,
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Public-Works/Zero-Waste/What-Goes-
Where/Toolkit#section-2 and hard copies can be requested from the waste hauler, Greenwaste of Palo
Alto, (650) 493-4894.
TRANSPORTATION
34. MECHANICAL LIFT: The applicant shall submit an analysis and report, prepared by a qualified professional
for review and approval by the Director of Planning and Development Services, that demonstrates the
effectiveness of the proposed parking lift system with respect to operational details, identifies a regular
and emergency maintenance schedule, and procedures and backup systems for tenants prior to building
permit issuance. The applicant agrees to maintain a maintenance service contract with a certified
individual/organization that will provide a prompt response (same day) to address system issues. An
annual audit of the system must be provided to Planning/Transportation staff of the system to ensure
the system operates effectively. If the audit or performance reports reveal that the system is not
functioning or is failing to meet required operational standards, the applicant will be required to take
corrective measures. Failure to address identified issues may result in penalties or restrictions, including
but not limited to enforcement actions under local code enforcement procedures.
35. TDM PROGRAM. The applicant shall abide by the Final Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plan,
entitled “660 University Avenue, Transportation Demand Management Prepared for Smith Development”,
dated October 24, 2025 or as updated to the satisfaction of the Office of Transportation prior to issuance of
the building permit.
36. TDM ANNUAL REPORTING REQUIREMENT. The TDM plan shall include measures and programs to achieve a
reduction in single-occupancy vehicle trips to the site by a minimum of 20%, in conformance with the City’s
Comprehensive Plan. The TDM plan shall include an annual monitoring plan to document mode split and
trips to the project site. The TDM annual report shall be submitted to the Chief Transportation Official.
Monitoring and reporting requirements may be revised in the future if the minimum reduction is not
achieved through the measures and programs initially implemented. Projects that do not achieve the
required reduction may be subject to daily penalties as set forth in the City’s fee schedule.
37. TDM PLAN MONITORING. The Owner and any subsequent Owner(s) of the property, including their
successors, assigns, or agents, shall comply with all Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
measures set forth in this approval. Monitoring reports shall be submitted to the Chief Transportation
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 18 Packet Pg. 617 of 828
Page 11 of 21
Official on an annual basis, demonstrating adherence to the approved TDM measures. Should the Owner
fail to meet the established targets and goals of the TDM Plan, the director may require program
modifications and may impose administrative penalties if identified deficiencies are not addressed within
six months.
38. SPILLOVER PARKING. As part of the TDM plan, the applicant shall propose a method to assess spillover
parking created by the project, to the satisfaction of the Chief Transportation Official, and identify
incentives or penalties to address spillover parking, if it occurs. This method may include but is not
limited to:
a. Beginning two years after building occupancy, the property owner shall report to the Office of
Transportation the number of parking spaces being leased. This shall be compared to the
number of RPP permits issued to residents of this building, for the purpose of determining if
resident parking is spilling over into the neighborhood.
39. DRIVEWAY APRON FOR WASTE COLLECTION: If the driveway apron is to be used for rolling out bins during
waste collection, it shall have a smooth flow line (no more than ½-inch lip). The applicant shall confirm
with Zero Waste/Green Waste that the driveway apron design is acceptable for collection use.
40. TRASH STAGING IN RIGHT-OF-WAY: Trash staging shall not occur within the public right-of-way. Any
references to trash staging in the right-of-way shall be removed from the plan set.
URBAN FORESTRY
41. PROJECT ARBORIST. The property owner shall hire a certified arborist to ensure the project conforms to
all Planning and Urban Forestry conditions related to landscaping/trees, as well as relevant CEQA
Mitigation Measures.
42. TREE PROTECTION FENCING. Tree protection fencing shall be required for the street trees to remain, the
neighboring Coast Live Oak, and for all tree/shrubs proposed to be maintained.
43. TREE-SPECIFIC CONDITIONS. The property owner shall follow all conditions from the Urban Forester and
all recommendations and guidelines listed in Section 6.1 of the February 7, 2024 Arborist Report
prepared by David L. Babby, including but not limited to:
a. TREE PROTECTION VERIFICATION INSPECTION REQUIRED. Prior to any site work, contractor must
call Urban Forestry at 650-496-5953 to schedule an inspection of any required protective fencing.
The fencing shall contain required warning sign and remain in place until final inspection of the
project.
b. Prior to mobilizing equipment to the site, install tree protection fencing for tree #10, utilize Type
I Protection, which includes affixing 5- to 6-foot tall chain link onto 2-inch diameter steel posts
spaced apart as needed to remain upright.
c. Digging for any bollards or permanent fencing within a TPZ, such as for #10, shall be manually
performed using a shovel or post-hole digger. For any root encountered during the process with
a diameter ≥2 inches, shift the hole over by 12 inches and repeat the process.
d. All pruning shall be performed under the direction of the Project Arborist, conducted in
accordance with Palo Alto Municipal code 8.10.020 regarding the prohibited use of excessive
pruning for Quercus agrifolia species, in addition to the best management practices outlined in
ANSI A300, and implemented by a California licensed tree-service contractor (D-49) with an ISA
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 19 Packet Pg. 618 of 828
Page 12 of 21
certified arborist in a supervisory role.
e. All pruning work on oak #10 shall be supervised directly by the project arborist. Any authorized
digging within the TPZ shall be supervised directly by the project arborist. Roots encountered with
diameters of ≥2 inches shall be retained and protected. Once exposed, cover with wet burlap and
keep continually moist until they can be assessed by the project arborist; once assessed, cleanly
sever at 90° to the angle of root growth against the cut line using a fine tooth saw, and then
immediately after, bury the cut end with soil or keep continually moist by burlap until the dug
area is backfilled. Roots encountered with diameters <2 inches can be cleanly severed at a 90°
angle to the direction of root growth.
f. Removing existing asphalt and base material located beyond the proposed deck and within #10's
TPZ shall be performed after all other construction is completed, and under direct supervision by
the project arborist.
g. Once work is completed, restrict heavy equipment from traveling over the newly exposed ground,
manually spread a 4- to 6-inch layer of coarse wood chips (or as determined by the project
arborist), and expand protection fencing. The removal of any existing plant material within a TPZ
must be manually performed, and the work reviewed with the project arborist beforehand.
44. Expected impacts to neighboring protected coast live oak tree #10 as described in the C8 updated
consulting arborist report from David Babby and from the ground penetrating radar study provided by
consulting arborist Robert Booty, are within acceptable parameters of industry standards, provided that
all mitigation methods outlined in the consulting arborist report are followed during construction. In
addition, prior to the applicant receiving building permit approval, a security bond will be placed on the
neighboring coast live oak tree (Quercus agrifolia) 50" DBH tree #10 for 200% of the appraised
replacement value of the tree. The security deposit duration period shall be five years from the date of
final occupancy. See language below pertaining to the tree bond as specified in the Palo Alto Tree
Technical Manual:
45. TREE APPRAISAL & SECURITY DEPOSIT AGREEMENT. (Reference: CPA Tree Technical Manual, Section
6.25). Prior to the issuance of a grading or building permit, the applicant shall work with the Urban
Forestry Section to prepare and secure a tree appraisal and security deposit agreement stipulating its
duration and a monitoring program. For the purposes of a security deposit agreement, the monetary
market or replacement value shall be determined using the most recent version of the “Guide for Plant
Appraisal”. The appraisal shall be performed at the applicant’s expense, and the appraiser shall be
subject to the approval of the Urban Forester.
a. SECURITY DEPOSIT AGREEMENT. Prior to grading or building permit issuance, as a condition of
development approval, the applicant shall post a security deposit for 200% of the appraised
replacement value of the following protected status tree: Tree #10, 50" DBH Quercus agrifolia
on the neighboring property. The security may be a cash deposit, letter of credit, or surety bond
and shall be filed with the Revenue Collections/Finance Department or in a form satisfactory to
the City Attorney.
b. SECURITY DEPOSIT & MONITORING PROGRAM. The applicant (or new property owner should
the property change hands) shall provide to the City of Palo Alto an annual tree evaluation report
prepared by the project arborist or other qualified certified arborist, assessing the condition and
providing recommendations to correct potential tree decline. The monitoring program shall end
three years from date of final occupancy.
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 20 Packet Pg. 619 of 828
Page 13 of 21
c. SECURITY DEPOSIT DURATION. The security deposit duration period shall be five years from the
date of final occupancy. Return of the security guarantee shall be subject to City approval of the
final monitoring report. A tree shall be considered dead when the main leader has died back,
25% of the crown is dead or if major trunk or root damage is evident. Should the tree die, a new
tree of equal or greater appraised value shall be planted in the same area by the applicant (or
new property owner should the property change hands) with permission of the tree owner at
517 Byron Street.
Landscape area and irrigation shall be adapted to provide optimum growing conditions for the
replacement tree at applicants expense. The replacement tree that is planted shall be subject to
a new three-year establishment and monitoring program. The applicant shall provide an annual
tree evaluation report as originally required.
d. FORFEIT OF DEPOSIT. The City may determine that if the tree should die (as defined above) and
an agreement on a replacement tree cannot be reached with the tree owner at 517 Byron Street,
it will constitute a forfeit of the deposit equal to the appraised value. Any forfeit will be deposited
into the Forestry Fund to plant new trees elsewhere. Issues causing forfeit of any portion of the
deposit may also be subject to remedies described in Palo Alto Municipal Code.
PUBLIC WORKS ENGINEERING
46. PUBLIC WORKS APPLICATIONS, FORMS, AND DOCUMENTS: Applicant shall be advised that most forms,
applications, and informational documents related to Public Works Engineering conditions can be found
at the following link:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Public-Works/Engineering-Services/Forms-and-Permits
47. PARCEL MAP: This project is subject to, and contingent upon the approval of and recordation of a parcel
map. The submittal, approval and recordation of the Map shall be in accordance with the provisions of
the California Subdivision Map Act and Palo Alto Municipal Code Title 21 Subdivision requirements. All
existing and proposed property lines, easements, dedications shown on the parcel map are subject to
City’s technical review and staff approval during the map process prior to issuance of any construction
permits.
48. MAP THIRD-PARTY REVIEW: The City contracts with a third-party surveyor that will review and provide
approval of the map’s technical correctness as the City Surveyor, as permitted by the Subdivision Map
Act. The Public Works Department will forward a Scope & Fee Letter from the third-party surveyor and
the applicant will be responsible for payment of the fee’s indicated therein, which is based on the
complexity of the map.
49. STREETWORK PERMIT: The applicant shall obtain a Streetwork Permit from the Department of Public
Works for all public improvements.
50. GRADING AND EXCAVATION PERMIT: A Grading Permit is required per PAMC Chapter 16.28. The permit
application and all applicable documents (see Section H of application) shall be submitted to Public Works
Engineering. Add the following note: “THIS GRADING PERMIT WILL ONLY AUTHORIZE GENERAL GRADING
AND INSTALLATION OF THE STORM DRAIN SYSTEM. OTHER BUILDING AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS ARE
SHOWN FOR REFERENCE INFORMATION ONLY AND ARE SUBJECT TO SEPARATE BUILDING PERMIT
APPROVAL.”
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 21 Packet Pg. 620 of 828
Page 14 of 21
51. ROUGH GRADING: provide a Rough Grading Plan for the work proposed as part of the Grading and
Excavation Permit application. The Rough Grading Plans shall including the following: pad elevation,
elevator pit elevation, ground monitoring wells, limits of over excavation, stockpile area of material,
overall earthwork volumes (cut and fill), temporary shoring for any existing facilities, ramps for access,
crane locations (if any), tree protection measures, etc.
52. CIVIL ENGINEER CERTIFICATION: Upon completion of the rough grading work and at the final completion
of the work, applicant shall provide an as-graded grading plan prepared by the civil engineer that includes
original ground surface elevations, as-graded ground surface elevations, lot drainage patterns and
locations and elevations of all surface and subsurface drainage facilities. The civil engineer shall certify
that the work was done in accordance with the final approved grading plan.
53. SOILS ENGINEER CERTIFICATION: Upon completion of the rough grading work and at the final completion
of the work, applicant shall provide a soil grading report prepared by the soils engineer, including locations
and elevation of field density tests, summaries of field and laboratory tests and other substantiating data,
and comments on any changes made during grading and their effect on the recommendations made in
the soils engineering investigation report. The soils engineer shall certify as to the adequacy of the site for
the intended use.
54. SHORING & TIEBACKS: Provide a shoring plan showing the existing utilities (if needed), to clearly indicate
how the new structures will be constructed while protecting the existing utilities (if any). If tiebacks are
proposed they shall not extend onto adjacent private property, existing easements or into the City’s right-
of-way without having first obtained written permission from the private property owners and/or an
encroachment permit from Public Works.
55. GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER STATEMENT: The grading plans shall include the following statement signed
and sealed by the Geotechnical Engineer of Record: “THIS PLAN HAS BEEN REVIEWED AND FOUND TO BE
IN GENERAL CONFORMANCE WITH THE INTENT AND PURPOSE OF THE GEOTECHNICAL REPORT”.
56. CONSTRUCTION DEWATERING: At the time of building permit submittal, the applicant shall submit a
recent groundwater level reading. This project may be subjected to a dewatering permit during
construction due to the groundwater level relative to the depth of excavation.
57. FLOOD ZONE: This project is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area and shall comply with the requirements
in Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 16.52.
58. DRY-FLOODPROOFING PLAN INSERT: Insert the “Plan Insert for Dry Floodproofed Non-Residential and
Mixed-Use Buildings” sheet into the plan set.
59. FLOODPROOFING CERTIFICATE: A Floodproofing Certificate (FEMA Form FF-206-FY-22-153, also formerly
known as 086-0-34) shall be completed by a licensed professional engineer prior to building permit
approval.
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 22 Packet Pg. 621 of 828
Page 15 of 21
60. FLOODPROOFING PLANS REQUIRED: Prior to building permit final, a licensed professional engineer shall
submit a (1) Flood Emergency Operations Plan and (2) Inspection and Maintenance Plan. Additional
information may be obtained from Section 5.5 of FEMA Technical Bulletin 3, dated January 2021.
61. OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT: Prior to Public Works final inspection, the owner shall
enter into an Operations and Maintenance Agreement to ensure that the Flood Emergency Operations
Plan, and the Inspection and Maintenance Plan are followed for the life of the structure and that the
agreement will be transferred to future owners and/or leaseholders. This agreement shall be notarized
and recorded with the County of Santa Clara and passed on to all subsequent owners.
62. ENCROACHMENT PERMIT: Prior to any work in the public right-of-way, the applicant shall obtain an
encroachment permit from the Public Works Department for any work that encroaches onto the City
right-of-way.
63. LOGISTICS PLAN: A construction logistics plan shall be provided addressing all impacts to the public
including, at a minimum: work hours, noticing of affected businesses, bus stop relocations, construction
signage, dust control, noise control, storm water pollution prevention, job trailer, contractors’ parking,
truck routes, staging, concrete pours, crane lifts, scaffolding, materials storage, pedestrian safety, and
traffic control. All truck routes shall conform to the City of Palo Alto’s Trucks and Truck Route Ordinance,
Chapter 10.48, and the route map. NOTE: Some items/tasks on the logistics plan may require an
encroachment permit.
64. STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION: All improvement plan sets shall include the “Pollution
Prevention – It’s Part of the Plan” sheet.
65. C.3 THIRD-PARTY CERTIFICATION: Applicant shall provide certification from a qualified third-party
reviewer that the proposed permanent storm water pollution prevention measures comply with the
requirements of Provision C.3 and Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 16.11.
66. Submit the following:
a. Stamped and signed C.3 data form (April 2023 version) from SCVURPPP.
https://scvurppp.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SCVURPPP-C.3-Data-Form-_-updated__4-
12-2023_clean_fillable.pdf
b. Final stamped and signed letter confirming which documents were reviewed and that the project
complies with Provision C.3 and PAMC 16.11.
67. C.3 STORMWATER AGREEMENT: The applicant shall enter into a Stormwater Maintenance Agreement
with the City to guarantee the ongoing maintenance of the permanent storm water pollution prevention
measures. The City will inspect the treatment measures yearly and charge an inspection fee. The
agreement shall be executed by the applicant team prior to building permit final.
68. C.3 FINAL THIRD PARTY CERTIFICATION PRIOR TO OCCUPANCY: Within 45 days of the installation of the
required storm water treatment measures and prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit for the
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 23 Packet Pg. 622 of 828
Page 16 of 21
building, the third-party reviewer shall submit to the City a certification verifying that all the permanent
storm water pollution prevention measures were installed in accordance with the approved plans.
69. PAVEMENT RESTORATION: The applicant shall restore the pavement along the entire project frontage,
curb-to-curb, by performing a 3.5” grind and overlay. The exact restoration limits will be determined once
the resulting road condition is known following completion of heavy construction activities and utility
lateral installations, at minimum the extent will be the project frontage.
70. IMPERVIOUS SURFACE AREA: The project will be creating or replacing 500 square feet or more of
impervious surface. Accordingly, the applicant shall provide calculations of the existing and proposed
impervious surface areas with the building permit application. The Impervious Area Worksheet for Land
Developments form and instructions are available at the Development Center or on our website. To
determine the impervious surface area that is being disturbed, provide the quantity on the site plan.
71. PRIOR TO PUBLIC WORKS FINAL/ACCEPTANCE (STORM DRAIN LOGO): The applicant is required to paint
“No Dumping/Flows to Matadero Creek” in blue on a white background adjacent to all onsite storm drain
inlets. The name of the creek to which the proposed development drains can be obtained from Public
Works Engineering. Stencils of the logo are available from the Public Works Environmental Compliance
Division, which may be contacted at (650) 329-2598. Include the instruction to paint the logos on the
construction grading and drainage plan.
72. PRIOR TO PUBLIC WORKS FINAL/ACCEPTANCE (ELEVATION CERTIFICATE): The "as-built" elevation of the
lowest floor not used solely for parking or storage must be certified on the FEMA Elevation Certificate and
accepted by Public Works inspector as meeting the Special Flood Hazard Area requirements prior to final
City approval of the structure.
WATERSHED PROTECTION
73. Stormwater treatment measures
a. All Bay Area Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit requirements shall be followed.
b. Refer to the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program C.3 Handbook
(download here: http://scvurppp-w2k.com/c3_handbook.shtml) for details.
c. For all C.3 features, vendor specifications regarding installation and maintenance should be
followed and provided to city staff. Copies must be submitted to Pam Boyle Rodriguez at
pamela.boylerodriguez@cityofpaloalto.org. Add this bullet as a note to the building plans.
d. Staff from Stormwater Program (Watershed Protection Division) may be present during
installation of stormwater treatment measures. Contact Pam Boyle Rodriguez, Stormwater
Program Manager, at (650) 329-2421 before installation. Add this bullet as a note to building
plans on Stormwater Treatment (C.3) Plan.
74. Bay-friendly Guidelines (rescapeca.org) - Add these bullets as a note to the building plans.
a. Do not use chemicals fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or commercial soil amendment. Use
Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) materials and compost. Refer to the Bay-Friendly
Landscape Guidelines: http://www.stopwaste.org/resource/brochures/bay-friendly-landscape-
guidelines-sustainable-practices-landscape-professional for guidance.
b. Avoid compacting soil in areas that will be unpaved.
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 24 Packet Pg. 623 of 828
Page 17 of 21
75. Stormwater quality protection
a. Temporary and permanent waste, compost and recycling containers shall be covered to prohibit
fly-away trash and having rainwater enter the containers.
b. Drain downspouts to landscaping (outward from building as needed).
c. Drain HVAC fluids from roofs and other areas to landscaping.
d. Offsite downgrade storm drain inlets shall also be identified on this plan set and protected. If
City staff removes protection from an inlet in the ROW during a rain event, the contractor shall
replace the inlet protection by the end of the following business day.
76. All proposed Stormwater treatment measures should have a detail on this detail sheet. Provide a
standard detail for the pervious pavers.
77. Alternative Compliance for Stormwater Treatment: The applicant and the City shall enter into an
agreement acceptable to the Public Works Director or designated representative to provide alternative
compliance as either approved equivalent treatment area or with payment of in-lieu fees to comply with
the regulated projects stormwater treatment obligations.
FIRE
78. Include the following notes in the Building Permit plan set:
a. Install a NFPA 13 fire sprinkler, NFPA 14 standpipe, NFPA 20 fire pump and NFPA 72 fire alarm
system.
b. This building shall be evaluated for an Emergency Responder Radio System.
ELECTRICAL UTILITIES
79. UTILITIES APPLICATION. Changes to existing electric utilities equipment on site, such as the transformer,
will require a utilities application. Submit a utilities application and obtain City of Palo Alto Utilities
Electrical Engineering approval for the modifications to the electrical system.
80. UTILITY EASEMENT REQUIRED. Prior to energization, a public utility easement is required to provide
access to the proposed transformer. This can either be provided through separate instrument and
documented on the tentative and final map or dedicated through the tentative and final map process.
81. UTILITY DISCONNECT. The applicant shall submit a request to disconnect all existing utility services
proposed for removal, including a signed affidavit of vacancy, on the form provided by the Building
Inspection Division. Utilities will be disconnected or removed within 10 working days after receipt of
request. The demolition permit will be issued after all utility services and/or meters have been
disconnected and, as applicable, removed.
82. SPECIAL STREET LIGHT: This project is located within the Downtown area and shall install decorative
streetlights as shown in the Special Street Light Style Placement Guide.
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-development-services/current-
planning/pw-style-placement-guide-2020.pdf
83. Install 1-2" conduit from the MPOE to existing CPAU cabinet.
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 25 Packet Pg. 624 of 828
Page 18 of 21
WATER-GAS-WASTEWATER UTILITIES
PRIOR TO ISSUANCE OF DEMOLITION PERMIT
84. The applicant shall submit a request to disconnect utility services and remove meters. The utility demo
is to be processed within 10 working days after receipt of the request. The demolition permit will be
issued by the building inspection division after all utility services and/or meters have been disconnected
and removed.
FOR BUILDING PERMIT (WGW Utility Engineering)
85. The applicant shall submit a completed water-gas-wastewater service connection application - load
sheet for the City of Palo Alto Utilities. The applicant must provide all the information requested for
utility service demands (water in fixture units/g.p.m. and sewer in fixture units/g.p.d.). The applicant
shall provide the existing (prior) loads, the new loads, and the combined/total loads (the new loads plus
any existing loads to remain).
86. The applicant shall submit improvement plans for utility construction. The plans must show the size and
location of all underground utilities within the development and the public right of way including meters,
backflow preventers, fire service requirements, sewer mains, sewer cleanouts, sewer lift stations and
any other required utilities. Plans for new wastewater laterals and mains need to include new
wastewater pipe profiles showing existing potentially conflicting utilities especially storm drain pipes,
electric and communication duct banks. Existing duct banks need to be daylighted by potholing to the
bottom of the ductbank to verify cross section prior to plan approval and starting lateral installation.
Plans for new storm drain mains and laterals need to include profiles showing existing potential conflicts
with sewer, water and gas.
87. The applicant must show on the site plan the existence of any auxiliary water supply, (i.e. water well,
gray water, recycled water, rain catchment, water storage tank, etc).
88. The applicant shall be responsible for installing and upgrading the existing utility mains and/or services,
and laterals as necessary to handle anticipated peak loads. This responsibility includes all costs
associated with the design and construction for the installation/upgrade of the utility mains and/or
services/laterals.
89. An approved reduced pressure principle assembly (RPPA backflow preventer device) is required for all
existing and new water connections from Palo Alto Utilities to comply with requirements of California
administrative code, title 17, sections 7583 through 7605 inclusive. The RPPA shall be installed on the
owner's property and directly behind the water meter within 5 feet of the property line. RPPA’s for
domestic service shall be lead-free. Show the location of the RPPA on the plans.
An approved reduced pressure detector assembly (RPDA backflow preventer device, STD. WD-12A or
STD. WD-12B) is required for all existing and new fire water connections from Palo Alto Utilities to comply
with requirements of California administrative code, title 17, sections 7583 through 7605 inclusive. The
RPDA shall be installed on the owner's property and directly behind the City owned meter, within 5’
(feet) of the property line or City Right of Way.
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 26 Packet Pg. 625 of 828
Page 19 of 21
90. All backflow preventer devices shall be approved by the WGW engineering division. Inspection by the
city inspector is required for the supply pipe between the meter and the assembly.
91. The applicant shall pay the capacity fees and connection fees associated with new utility service/s or
added demand on existing services. The approved relocation of services, meters, hydrants, or other
facilities will be performed at the cost of the person/entity requesting the relocation.
92. If a new water service line installation for fire system usage is required. Show the location of the new
water service on the plans. The applicant shall provide to the engineering department a copy of the
plans for fire system including all fire department's requirements. If the existing fire service to remain.
Applicant to sign an application for CPAU connection for & agree to operate the fire service in accordance
with these rules & regulations. Applicant needs to verify whether the existing water supply can meet the
current & anticipated fire flows at the site & all equipment for the sprinkler system is in accordance with
the fire department requirements.
93. Each unit or building shall have its own water meter shown on the plans. Each parcel shall have its own
water service and sewer lateral connection shown on the plans.
94. A sewer lateral per lot is required. Show the location of the sewer lateral on the plans. Existing sewer
laterals (city's co to sewer main) if determined to be in poor condition shall be replaced at the owner's
expense. A video inspection and full evaluation of the lateral will be performed by WGW utilities
operations. The applicant will be informed of the sewer lateral assessment and need to install a new
lateral. If a new sewer lateral is required, a profile of the sewer lateral is required showing any possible
conflicts with storm, electric/communications ductbanks or other utilities.
95. All existing water and wastewater services/laterals that will not be reused shall be abandoned at the
main per the latest WGW utilities standards.
96. Utility vaults, transformers, utility cabinets, concrete bases, or other structures cannot be placed over
existing water, gas, or wastewater mains/services. Maintain 1’ horizontal clear separation from the
vault/cabinet/concrete base to existing utilities as found in the field. If there is a conflict with existing
utilities, Cabinets/vaults/bases shall be relocated from the plan location as needed to meet field
conditions. Trees may not be planted within 10 feet of existing water, gas, and wastewater
mains/laterals/water services/or meters. New water or wastewater services/laterals/meters may not
be installed within 10’ of existing trees. Maintain 10’ between new trees and new water and wastewater
services/laterals/meters.
97. The applicant shall provide to the WGW Utility Engineering department a copy of the plans for the fire
system including all fire department's requirements prior to the actual service installation.
98. All utility installations shall be in accordance with the City of Palo Alto utility standards for water, gas, &
wastewater.
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 27 Packet Pg. 626 of 828
Page 20 of 21
99. The contractor is to temporary plug the sewer lateral during construction. (by using t cone plug:
expandable pipe plug with no metal parts)
SECTION 7. Term of Approval.
1. Planned Community Development Schedule. Sixty days prior to the expiration of the
development schedule, the director shall notify the property owner in writing of the date of expiration and advise
the property owner of Section 18.38.130. Failure to meet the approved development schedule, including an
extension, if granted, shall result in:
(a) The expiration of the property owner's right to develop under the PC district. The director shall notify the
property owner, the city council, the planning commission and the building official of such expiration; and
(b) The director's initiating a zone change for the property subject to the PC district in accordance with Chapter
18.80. The property owner may submit a new application for a PC district concurrently with the director's
recommendation for a zone change.
PASSED: November 10, 2025
AYES: Burt, Lauing, Lythcott-Haims, Reckdahl
NOES: Lu
ABSENT: Stone, Veenker
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
_________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
___________________________ ___________________________
Director of Planning and Assistant City Attorney
Development Services
PLANS AND DRAWINGS REFERENCED:
1. Those plans prepared by KSH Architects titled “660 University Ave., Palo Alto, CA,” uploaded to the Palo Alto
Online Permitting Services Citizen Portal on August 8, 2025.
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 28 Packet Pg. 627 of 828
MITIGATION MONITORING + REPORTING PROGRAM
City of Palo Alto Mitigation Monitoring + Reporting Program P a g e | 1
PROJECT NAME 660 University Avenue Mixed-Use
Project
APPLICATION
NUMBER
21PLN-00341
APPLICANT
AGREEMENT DATE 10/1/2025
APPROVED BY
APPLICANT/OWNER Smith Development
682 Villa Street, Suite G
Mountain View, California 94041
The Final Revised Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the 660 University Avenue Mixed-Use Project
identifies the mitigation measures that must be implemented to reduce the environmental impacts
associated with the project. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section 21081.6 requires a
public agency to adopt a monitoring and reporting program for assessing and ensuring compliance
with any required mitigation measures applied to proposed development. As stated in section
21081.6(a)(1) of the Public Resources Code:
... the public agency shall adopt a reporting or monitoring program for the changes made to the
project or conditions of project approval, adopted in order to mitigate or avoid significant effects
on the environment.
Section 21081.6 also provides general guidelines for implementing mitigation monitoring programs
and indicates that specific reporting and/or monitoring requirements, to be enforced during project
implementation, shall be defined as part of adopting an EIR.
The mitigation monitoring table lists those mitigation measures that would be included as conditions
of approval for the project. To ensure that the mitigation measures are properly implemented, a
monitoring program has been devised which identifies the timing and responsibility for monitoring
each measure.
Docusign Envelope ID: 2CBFA166-051D-4935-90AB-16DA3B54CE6E
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance
of the Council of the City of
Palo Alto Amending Section
18.08.040 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the
Classification of Property
Located at 511 Byron St,
660 University Ave, and 680
University Ave500
Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to
Planned Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 29 Packet Pg. 628 of 828
MITIGATION MONITORING + REPORTING PROGRAM
City of Palo Alto Mitigation Monitoring + Reporting Program P a g e | 2
Mitigation Measure Implementation Compliance Implementation
AIR QUALITY
AQ-1. Construction Emissions Reduction. Prior to construction activity and issuance
of grading and building permits, the property owner or their designee shall ensure
that the following specifications are detailed in the grading plan, building plan, and
any contractor agreements and ensure that they be implemented during
construction:
All mobile off-road equipment (wheeled or tracked) used during construction
activities over 25 horsepower shall meet the USEPA Tier 4 final standards. Tier 4
certification can be for the original equipment or equipment that is retrofitted to
meet the Tier 4 Final standards.
All mobile off-road equipment (wheeled or tracked) used during construction
activities under 25 horsepower, such as generators, pumps, forklifts, cement and
mortar mixes, and plate compactors shall be equipped with Level 3 diesel
particulate filters.
Project Applicant/
verified by the
Planning &
Development
Services
Department
Prior to the
initiation of
construction
activities
During grading
and construction
City of Palo Alto
Planning &
Development
Services
Department
Biological Resources
BIO-1. Nesting Bird Surveys and Avoidance. Construction of the project and other
site disturbing activities that would involve vegetation or tree removal shall be
prohibited during the general avian nesting season (February 1 – August 31), if
feasible. If nesting season avoidance is not feasible, the applicant shall retain a
qualified biologist, as approved by the City of Palo Alto, to conduct a preconstruction
nesting bird survey to determine the presence/absence, location, and activity status
of any active nests on or adjacent to the project site. The extent of the survey buffer
area surrounding the site shall be established by the qualified biologist to ensure that
direct and indirect effects to nesting birds are avoided. To avoid the destruction of
active nests and to protect the reproductive success of birds protected by the MBTA
and CFGC, nesting bird surveys shall be performed not more than 14 days prior to
scheduled vegetation clearance and structure demolition. In the event that active
nests are discovered, a suitable buffer (typically a minimum buffer of 50 feet for
Project Applicant/
verified by the
Planning &
Development
Services
Department
Not more than
14 days prior to
scheduled
vegetation
clearance and
structure
demolition, if
construction
proposed during
the general
avian nesting
season
City of Palo Alto
Planning &
Development
Services
Department
Docusign Envelope ID: 2CBFA166-051D-4935-90AB-16DA3B54CE6E
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance of the
Council of the City of Palo Alto
Amending Section 18.08.040 of the
Palo Alto Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the Classification of
Property Located at 511 Byron St, 660
University Ave, and 680 University
Ave500 Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to Planned
Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 30 Packet Pg. 629 of 828
City of Palo Alto Mitigation Monitoring + Reporting Program P a g e | 3
Mitigation Measure Implementation Compliance Implementation
passerines and a minimum buffer of 250 feet for raptors) shall be established around
such active nests and no construction shall be allowed within the buffer areas until a
qualified biologist has determined that the nest is no longer active (i.e., the nestlings
have fledged and are no longer reliant on the nest). Nesting bird surveys are not
required for construction activities occurring between August 31 and February 1.
During project
construction
BIO-2. Tree Protection Plan. During the project design phase, the project applicant
shall comply with and implement design guidelines listed in Section 6.1 of the
February 7, 2024 Arborist Report prepared by David L. Babby. Guidelines include
delineation of tree protection zones, specific actions related to grading and
excavation, specifications for new paving and hardscape, and erosion control and
landscaping requirements, among others., the project applicant shall comply with
tree protection measures listed in Section 6.2 of the Arborist Report. Guidelines
include a review of tree protection and construction processes, inspections and
supervisions under direction of the project arborist, and installation of TPZs, among
others. During demolition, grading, and construction, the project applicant shall
comply with tree protection measures listed in Section 6.3 of the Arborist Report.
Guidelines include specific actions related to demolition, excavation, and trenching,
supervisions under direction of the project arborist, and disposal requirements,
among others. A qualified arborist shall be retained and present for any activity that
could impact trees on- and off-site.
Project Applicant/
verified by the
Planning &
Development
Services
Department
During project
design
Prior to
demolition,
grading, and
construction
During
demolition,
grading, and
construction
City of Palo Alto
Planning &
Development
Services
Department
BIO-3. Oak Tree Pruning and Protection. Larger roots shall be pruned using a fine-
tooth saw, and smaller roots shall be pruned using a hand looper. If roots are to be
left exposed for long periods of time, especially in warm weather, they must be
covered in burlap cloth and kept wet. Branch pruning shall be highly selective and
limited to avoid significant cuts. A qualified arborist shall be present on site to
oversee any root pruning activities, as well as any branch pruning activities and shall
provide guidance regarding which branches to cut. The qualified arborist shall also
perform annual inspections for five to 10 years following building occupancy. Branch
pruning work shall be performed by a tree service with an ISA Certified Arborist in a
supervisory role on-site.
Project Applicant/
verified by the
Planning &
Development
Services
Department
During pruning
activities
City of Palo Alto
Planning &
Development
Services
Department
Cultural Resources and Tribal Cultural Resources
CUL-1. Worker’s Environmental Awareness Program. The property owner or their
designee shall retain a qualified archaeologist to conduct a Worker’s Environmental
Awareness Program (WEAP) training for archaeological sensitivity for all construction
personnel prior to the commencement of any ground disturbing activities.
Archaeological sensitivity training shall include a description of the types of cultural
Project Applicant/
verified by the
Planning &
Development
Services
Prior to the
commencement
of any ground
disturbing
activities
City of Palo Alto
Planning &
Development
Services
Department
Docusign Envelope ID: 2CBFA166-051D-4935-90AB-16DA3B54CE6E
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance of the
Council of the City of Palo Alto
Amending Section 18.08.040 of the
Palo Alto Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the Classification of
Property Located at 511 Byron St, 660
University Ave, and 680 University
Ave500 Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to Planned
Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 31 Packet Pg. 630 of 828
City of Palo Alto Mitigation Monitoring + Reporting Program P a g e | 4
Mitigation Measure Implementation Compliance Implementation
material that may be encountered, cultural sensitivity issues, regulatory issues, the
proper protocol for treatment of the materials in the event of a find, and an outline of
the penalties for the willful and intention damage of cultural resources.
Department
CUL-2. Unanticipated Discovery of Archaeological Resources. In the event that
archaeological resources are unearthed during project construction, all earth-
disturbing work near the find must be temporarily suspended or redirected until an
archaeologist meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification
Standards for archaeology (NPS 1983) has evaluated the nature and significance of
the find. If the discovery proves to be significant under CEQA (Section 15064.5f; PRC
21082), additional work, such as preservation in place or archaeological data
recovery, shall occur as recommended by the archeologist in coordination with City
staff and if applicable, the most likely descendants. Once the resource has been
properly treated or protected, work in the area may resume. A Native American
representative shall be retained to monitor mitigation work associated with Native
American cultural material.
Project Applicant/
verified by the
Planning &
Development
Services
Department
During ground
disturbing
activities
City of Palo Alto
Planning &
Development
Services
Department
GEOLOGY AND SOILS
GEO-1. Paleontological Resources Monitoring and Mitigation. Qualified Professional
Paleontologist. Prior to excavation, the project applicant shall retain a Qualified
Professional Paleontologist (defined by the SVP (2010) as an individual, preferably
with an M.S. or Ph.D. in paleontology or geology, who is experienced with
paleontological procedures and techniques, who is knowledgeable in the geology of
California, and who has worked as a paleontological mitigation project supervisor for
at least two years). The Qualified Professional Paleontologist shall direct all mitigation
measures related to paleontological resources.
Paleontological Worker Environmental Awareness Program. Prior to the start of
construction, the Qualified Professional Paleontologist or their designee shall conduct
a paleontological Worker Environmental Awareness Program (WEAP) training for
construction personnel regarding the appearance of fossils and the procedures for
notifying paleontological staff should fossils be discovered by construction staff.
Paleontological Monitoring. Full-time paleontological monitoring shall be conducted
during ground disturbing construction activities reaching more than 5 feet below the
ground surface in areas mapped as Quaternary coarse-grained alluvium and ground.
Paleontological monitoring shall be conducted by a paleontological monitor with
experience with collection and salvage of paleontological resources and who meets
the minimum standards of the SVP (2010) for a Paleontological Resources Monitor.
Project Applicant/
verified by the
Planning &
Development
Services
Department
Prior to the start
of grading or
construction
activities and
during
construction
activities
City of Palo Alto
Planning &
Development
Services
Department
Docusign Envelope ID: 2CBFA166-051D-4935-90AB-16DA3B54CE6E
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance of the
Council of the City of Palo Alto
Amending Section 18.08.040 of the
Palo Alto Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the Classification of
Property Located at 511 Byron St, 660
University Ave, and 680 University
Ave500 Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to Planned
Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 32 Packet Pg. 631 of 828
City of Palo Alto Mitigation Monitoring + Reporting Program P a g e | 5
Mitigation Measure Implementation Compliance Implementation
Professional Paleontologist based on the observation of the geologic setting from
initial ground disturbance, and subject to the review and approval by the City of Palo
Alto. If the Qualified Professional Paleontologist determines that full-time monitoring
is no longer warranted, based on the specific geologic conditions once the full depth
of excavations has been reached, they may recommend that monitoring be reduced
to periodic spot-checking or ceased entirely. Monitoring shall be reinstated if any new
ground disturbances are required, and reduction or suspension shall be reconsidered
by the Qualified Professional Paleontologist at that time.
In the event of a fossil discovery by the paleontological monitor or construction
personnel, the following measures shall apply:
Fossil Salvage. If fossils are discovered, the paleontological monitor shall have
the authority to halt or temporarily divert construction equipment within 50 feet
of the find until the paleontological monitor and/or Qualified Professional
Paleontologist evaluate the discovery and determine if the fossil may be
considered significant. Typically, fossils can be safely salvaged quickly by a single
paleontological monitor and not disrupt construction activity. In some cases,
larger fossils (such as complete skeletons or large mammal fossils) require more
extensive excavation and longer salvage periods. Bulk matrix sampling may be
necessary to recover small invertebrates or microvertebrates from within
paleontologically sensitive deposits
Fossil Preparation and Curation. Once salvaged, significant fossils shall be
identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level, prepared to a curation-ready
condition, and curated in a museum repository with a permanent paleontological
collection along with all pertinent field notes, photos, data, and maps. Fossils of
undetermined significance at the time of collection may also warrant curation at
the discretion of the Qualified Professional Paleontologist.
Final Paleontological Mitigation Report. Upon completion of ground disturbing
activity (and curation of fossils if necessary) the Qualified Professional
Paleontologist shall prepare a final report describing the results of the
paleontological monitoring efforts associated with the project. The report shall
include a summary of the field and laboratory methods, an overview of the
project geology and paleontology, a list of taxa recovered (if any), an analysis of
fossils recovered (if any) and their scientific significance, and recommendations.
The report shall be submitted to the City of Palo Alto Director of Planning and
Development Services. If the monitoring efforts produced fossils, then a copy of
the report shall also be submitted to the designated museum repository.
Docusign Envelope ID: 2CBFA166-051D-4935-90AB-16DA3B54CE6E
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance of the
Council of the City of Palo Alto
Amending Section 18.08.040 of the
Palo Alto Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the Classification of
Property Located at 511 Byron St, 660
University Ave, and 680 University
Ave500 Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to Planned
Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 33 Packet Pg. 632 of 828
City of Palo Alto Mitigation Monitoring + Reporting Program P a g e | 6
Mitigation Measure Implementation Compliance Implementation
Noise
Recommmended Measure N-1. Construction Noise Reduction Measures. The
construction contractor shall prepare a Construction Noise Control Plan prior to
issuance of a grading permit. The Construction Noise Control Plan shall specify the
noise reduction measures to be implemented during project construction to ensure
noise levels are reduced at nearby residences. The measures specified in the
Construction Noise Control Plan shall be included on the building and grading plans
and shall be implemented by the construction contractor during construction. At a
minimum, the Construction Noise Control Plan shall include the following measures:
1. Construction Operating Hours. Limit all construction activities to the hours of
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
Construction activity shall be prohibited on Sundays and national holidays.
2. Mufflers. During all construction phases, all construction equipment, fixed or
mobile, shall be operated with closed engine doors and shall be equipped with
properly operating and maintained mufflers consistent with manufacturers’
standards.
3. Silencing. Power construction equipment (including combustion engines), fixed
or mobile, shall be equipped with silencing devices consistent with
manufacturer’s standards, if available. Equipment shall be properly maintained,
and the project applicant or owner shall require any construction contractor to
keep documentation on-site during any earthwork or construction activities
demonstrating that the equipment has been maintained in accordance with
manufacturer’s specifications.
4. Stationary Equipment. All stationary construction equipment shall be placed so
that emitted noise is directed away from the nearest sensitive receptors.
5. Signage and Noise Complaint Coordinator The project applicant shall designate
an on-site construction project manager who shall be responsible for responding
to any complaints about construction noise. This person shall be responsible for
responding to concerns of neighboring properties about construction noise
disturbance and shall be available for responding to any construction noise
complaints during the hours that construction is to take place. They shall also be
responsible for determining the cause of the noise complaint (e.g., bad silencer)
and shall require that reasonable measures be implemented to correct the
problem. A toll-free telephone number shall be posted at construction site
entrances for the duration of construction and provided in all notices (mailed,
Project Applicant/
verified by the
Planning &
Development
Services
Department
Prior to issuance
of a grading
permit
During grading
and construction
City of Palo Alto
Planning &
Development
Services
Department
Docusign Envelope ID: 2CBFA166-051D-4935-90AB-16DA3B54CE6E
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance of the
Council of the City of Palo Alto
Amending Section 18.08.040 of the
Palo Alto Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the Classification of
Property Located at 511 Byron St, 660
University Ave, and 680 University
Ave500 Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to Planned
Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 34 Packet Pg. 633 of 828
City of Palo Alto Mitigation Monitoring + Reporting Program P a g e | 7
Mitigation Measure Implementation Compliance Implementation
complaints during construction and shall also include procedures requiring that
the on-site construction manager to respond to callers. The on-site construction
project manager shall be required to track complaints pertaining to construction
noise, ongoing throughout demolition, grading, and/or construction and shall
notify the City’s Community Development Director of each complaint occurrence.
6. Smart Back-Up Alarms. Mobile construction equipment shall have smart back-up
alarms that automatically adjust the sound level of the alarm in response to
ambient noise levels.
7. Equipment Idling. Construction vehicles and equipment shall not be left idling for
longer than five minutes when not in use.
8. Temporary Noise Barriers. Erect a temporary noise barrier along the eastern
project boundary, and the southern and western project boundaries, where
feasible, during demolition and grading/excavation phases. Temporary noise
barriers shall be constructed with solid materials (e.g., wood) with a density of at
least 1.5 pounds per square foot with no gaps from the ground to the top of the
barrier at a minimum height of 12 feet. Where a solid barrier is not feasible,
sound blankets affixed to the construction fencing shall be used. If a sound
blanket is used, the sound blanket must have a density of at least 1 pound per
square foot with no gaps from the ground to the top of the construction fencing,
and the sound blank shall be rated sound transmission class (STC) 32 or higher.
N-2. Construction Vibration Control Plan. The construction contractor shall prepare a
Vibration Control Plan prior to issuance of a grading permit. The Construction
Vibration Control Plan shall specify the vibration reduction measures to be
implemented during project construction to ensure vibration levels are reduced to 0.2
in/sec PPV at nearby residences. The measures specified in the Construction Vibration
Control Plan shall be included on the building and grading plans and shall be
implemented by the construction contractor during construction. At a minimum, the
Construction Vibration Control Plan shall include the following measures:
1. For paving activities within 25 feet of offsite residences, a static roller shall be used
in lieu of a vibratory roller.
2. For grading and earthwork activities (not including the drop-bucket or scoop)
within 15 feet of offsite residences, off-road equipment shall be limited to 100
Project Applicant/
verified by the
Planning &
Development
Services
Department
Prior to issuance
of a grading
permit
During grading
and construction
City of Palo Alto
Planning &
Development
Services
Department
Tribal Cultural Resources
TCR-1. Unanticipated Discovery of Tribal Cultural Resources. In the event that Project Applicant/ During ground City of Palo Alto
Docusign Envelope ID: 2CBFA166-051D-4935-90AB-16DA3B54CE6E
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance of the
Council of the City of Palo Alto
Amending Section 18.08.040 of the
Palo Alto Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the Classification of
Property Located at 511 Byron St, 660
University Ave, and 680 University
Ave500 Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to Planned
Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 35 Packet Pg. 634 of 828
City of Palo Alto Mitigation Monitoring + Reporting Program P a g e | 8
Mitigation Measure Implementation Compliance Implementation
the proposed project, all earth-disturbing work within 50 feet of the find shall be
temporarily suspended or redirected until an archaeologist and culturally affiliated
Native American representative have evaluated the nature and significance of the
find. If the City, in consultation with local Native Americans, determines that the
resource is a tribal cultural resource and thus significant under CEQA, a mitigation
plan shall be prepared and implemented in accordance with state guidelines and in
consultation with local Native American group(s). The plan shall include avoidance of
the resource or, if avoidance of the resource is infeasible, the plan shall outline the
appropriate treatment of the resource in coordination with the culturally affiliated
local Native American tribal representative and, if applicable, a qualified
archaeologist. Examples of appropriate mitigation for tribal cultural resources include,
but are not limited to, protecting the cultural character and integrity of the resource,
protecting traditional use of the resource, protecting the confidentiality of the
resource, or heritage recovery.
Planning &
Development
Services
Department
Services
Department
Docusign Envelope ID: 2CBFA166-051D-4935-90AB-16DA3B54CE6E
Item 17
Attachment A - Ordinance of the
Council of the City of Palo Alto
Amending Section 18.08.040 of the
Palo Alto Municipal Code (The Zoning
Map) to Change the Classification of
Property Located at 511 Byron St, 660
University Ave, and 680 University
Ave500 Middlefield Rd from RM-20
Low Density Multiple-Family
Residential (RM-20) to Planned
Community (PC)
Item 17: Staff Report Pg. 36 Packet Pg. 635 of 828
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: ACTION ITEMS
Lead Department: Transportation
Meeting Date: December 1, 2025
Report #:2507-4950
TITLE
Recommendation from Rail Committee for City Council on the South Palo Alto Bike/Ped
Connectivity: Initial Review of Conceptual Design Alternatives and Elimination of Alternatives
from Further Consideration; CEQA Status - Not a Project as Defined by CEQA Guidelines Section
15378(b)(4)
RECOMMENDATION
The Rail Committee and staff recommend the City Council review eight potential Conceptual
Design Alternatives (Attachment A) and Alternatives Analysis (Attachment B) for the South Palo
Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project for grade separated bicycle and pedestrian rail crossings.
The Rail Committee and staff also recommend that Council select Alternative A as the preferred
alternative and eliminate all other alternatives from further consideration. Rail Committee and
staff also recommend that Alternative A be advanced with two variants: Alternative A1 with a
signalized crossing of Alma Street at El Dorado Avenue, and Alternative A2 with a tunnel under
Alma Street and the Caltrain tracks near El Dorado Avenue.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Palo Alto is conducting the South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project (Project) to
assess ways to improve bicycle and pedestrian access across the rail corridor in portions of the
City south of Oregon Expressway. This Project will identify locations and develop 15% conceptual
designs for up to two new grade-separated crossings.
This Staff Report presents eight potential Conceptual Design Alternatives (Attachment A) and an
Alternatives Analysis (Attachment B) that compares those alternatives for community review and
feedback. The eight alternatives include the following:
A. El Dorado Ave Tunnel
B. Loma Verde Ave Tunnel
C. Loma Verde Ave Tunnel with Alma St Signal
Item 18
Item 18 Staff Report
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 636 of 828
D. Lindero Dr Tunnel
E. Lindero Dr Tunnel with Alma St Signal
F. Ely Pl Tunnel
G. Ferne Ave Tunnel
H. San Antonio Bridge Enhancements
The Rail Committee and staff recommend the City Council review and provide feedback on these
alternatives and the analysis of these alternatives. All concepts are flexible and subject to
refinement. Additional community engagement and technical design work will also be needed
once locations and basic design concepts have been selected. This review could include a Council
action to eliminate one or more alternatives from further consideration. Based on the analysis of
alternatives and initial feedback gathered from the community, the Rail Committee and staff
recommend the Council select Alternative A as the preferred alternative and remove all other
alternatives from further consideration. Rail Committee and staff also recommend that Council
advance Alternative A with two variants: Alternative A1 with a signalized crossing at El Dorado
Avenue, and Alternative A2 with a tunnel under Alma Street and the Caltrain tracks near El
Dorado Avenue. The support for Alternative A is due to limited property impacts, higher
anticipated pedestrian and bicycle demand, location near Matadero Creek, and opportunities for
direct bicycle and pedestrian connections through adjoining neighborhoods.
This Project aligns with the City’s 2017 Comprehensive Plan and 2025 Safe Streets for All Action
Plan. The Project has also been undertaken in consultation with the Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan (BPTP) Update, San Antonio Road Area Plan, and Cubberley Community
Center Master Plan. This Project will improve active transportation to and from the
neighborhoods that will receive new housing growth and amenities, enhancing safety and
comfort for people in these areas.
If more than two Alternatives are advanced at this stage, staff will return to City Council in early
2026 with a request to select up to two preferred conceptual design alternatives to pursue grants
and advance to engineering design. Following the selection of up to two alternatives, a public
draft report with a funding and implementation plan for two preferred alternatives will be shared
for community feedback in fall 2026, and a final report will be shared in spring 2027 for
community review and Council review and potential adoption. The public draft report may be
provided at an earlier time if a single alternative is advanced at this stage.
BACKGROUND
In July 2012, Council adopted the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (2012 BPTP)1 to
guide investments in non-motorized transportation facilities and programs in the City. The 2012
1 City of Palo Alto Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan, Adopted July 2012;
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/projects/bicycle-pedestrian-transportation-
plan_adopted-july-2012.pdf
Item 18
Item 18 Staff Report
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 637 of 828
BPTP identified the 1.3-mile distance between the California Avenue Bike/Pedestrian Tunnel and
Meadow Drive as the longest stretch of track barrier in Palo Alto and recommended a grade-
separated pedestrian and bicycle crossing of the Caltrain corridor and Alma Street in the vicinity
of Matadero Creek/Park Boulevard or between Margarita Avenue and Loma Verde Avenue.
3 which identified
a need for additional grade-separated bicycle and pedestrian crossings, particularly in the
southern portion of the City. This need was reiterated in November 2017, when Council adopted
the 2030 Comprehensive Plan4. The Comprehensive Plan includes Program T1.19.3 to "increase
the number of east-west pedestrian and bicycle crossings across Alma Street and the Caltrain
corridor, particularly south of Oregon Expressway."
5. On June 2, 2025,
Council reviewed, provided input, and expressed general support for the plan’s draft framework
and many projects.6 On June 2, 2025, Council also adopted the Safe Streets and Roads for All
(SS4A) Safety Action Plan7 which includes, “Additional Bicycle and Pedestrian Crossings Along the
Caltrain Corridor” as one of many strategies to help eliminate transportation fatalities and serious
injuries by 2035.
8, which provided a
framework for accommodating 6,086 new housing units by 2031 to meet State requirements.
Maintaining quality of life while accommodating growth, reinforces the need for convenient and
high-quality pedestrian and bicycle facilities that address everyday trips and free up roadway
capacity.
3 Palo Alto Rail Corridor Study, Approved January 22, 2013;
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-amp-development-services/new-development-
projects/parc-130122-final-report.pdf
4 City of Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan 2030, Adopted November 13, 2017, Amended December 19, 2022;
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/4/planning-amp-development-services/3.-comprehensive-
plan/comprehensive-plan/full-comp-plan-2030_with-dec19_22-amendments.pdf
5 City Council, June 19, 2023; Consent Calendar Item #34;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=1170
6 City Council, June 2, 2025; Study Session Item #3;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=16122
7 City of Palo Alto Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan, Adopted June 2, 2025;
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/projects/ss4a-safety-action-plan/palo-alto-
safety-action-plan_final_june_2025.pdf
8 City of Palo Alto 2023-2031 Housing Element, Adopted April 15, 2024, Certified August 20, 2024;
https://paloaltohousingelement.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Palo-Alto-Housing-Element.pdf
Item 18
Item 18 Staff Report
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 638 of 828
identified San Antonio Road across the Caltrain corridor as an Unconstructed On-Street Cross
County Bicycle Corridor (CCBC) and Priority CCBC.15
On September 9, 2024, Council approved a professional services contract (C25191297) with
Kittelson & Associates to provide professional services to support concept design for
pedestrian/bicycle crossings of the Caltrain corridor in south Palo Alto.16 The project scope, which
is being undertaken collaboratively with City staff, includes:
Background Review and Analysis of Existing Conditions;
Community Outreach and Engagement;
Development of Design Priorities and Evaluation Criteria;
Development of Preliminary Conceptual Alternatives;
Initial Assessment of Conceptual Alternatives;
Identification of two Locally Preferred Locations and Concepts;
15% Design of the Locally Preferred Alternatives for new Grade-Separated
Bicycle/Pedestrian Crossings, plus context-sensitive pedestrian and bicycle
enhancements that link to the existing or planned transportation networks;
Development of an Implementation Plan and Funding Strategy; and
Securing funding for future project phases, including preliminary engineering,
environmental documentation, final design, and construction.
On November 18, 2025, the Rail Committee reviewed the project update including eight
shortlisted alternatives and a staff recommendation to eliminate Alternatives D, E and F from
further consideration. Rail Committee unanimously supported a motion to recommend to
Council that Alternative A be advanced as the single preferred alternative with all other
alternatives eliminated from further consideration. As part of this motion, Rail Committee also
recommended advancing Alternative A with two variants: Alternative A1 with a signalized
crossing across Alma Street, and Alternative A2 with a tunnel under both Alma Street and the
Caltrain tracks in the vicinity of El Dorado Avenue. Rail Committee members also requested that
the project team explore different project parameters (such as 8% grade and lower internal
clearances) to reduce ramp length and property impacts.
ANALYSIS
The following tasks have been undertaken so far:
Background Review and Analysis of Existing Conditions
Community Outreach and Engagement Plan
Development of Design Priorities and Evaluation Criteria
15 Santa Clara Countywide Bike Plan, May 2018; https://www.vta.org/projects/santa-clara-countywide-bike-plan-
update-2018 pp. 32, 27, 61.
16 City Council, September 9, 2024; Consent Calendar Item #7;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=14393
Item 18
Item 18 Staff Report
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 639 of 828
Development of Preliminary Conceptual Alternatives
Initial Assessment of Conceptual Alternatives
The Community Outreach and Engagement Plan and associated efforts are described in the
section on Stakeholder Engagement below. Efforts related to design priorities and evaluation
criteria, preliminary conceptual alternatives and initial assessment of conceptual alternatives are
described below.
Design Priorities and Evaluation Criteria
Design priorities and evaluation criteria provide metrics to guide the development, assessment,
and comparison of preliminary design alternatives. Based on Council approved plans, such as the
Comprehensive Plan, 2012 BPTP, and Rail Corridor Study, the Project team prepared draft design
priorities and evaluation criteria for community feedback during the first phase of engagement.
The Project team has provided a memorandum on Updated Design Priorities and Evaluation
Criteria, which considers and incorporates community feedback and is available on the project
webpage (paloalto.gov/BikePedCrossings).19
Updated design priorities include:
Improve Mobility: Prioritize locations and designs that integrate with surrounding
networks, provide access to critical destinations, serve the most users, and
accommodate current and future transportation needs.
Enhance User Experience: Design facilities guided by the prioritization of the most
vulnerable populations,20 and create safe, well-lit spaces that are comfortable to access
and utilize.
Maximize Ease of Construction: Minimize potential for disruption during construction
and complexity of design, while ensuring that construction costs and maintenance costs
are feasible to implement given reasonably expected project funding.
Enhance Visual Appeal: Ensure that newly constructed facilities enhance the sense of
community by incorporating public art, public spaces, and attractive structures.
Minimize Community Impacts: Limit potential impacts on existing neighborhoods,
including the amount of space needed (parking spaces, roads, and buildings are
minimally affected) and impacts on the environment.
19 South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Updated Design Priorities and Evaluation Criteria Memorandum, July 23,
2025; https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/projects/southern-palo-alto-bikeped-
railroad-crossings/spa-bike-ped-connectivity_updated-design-priorities-and-evaluation-criteria_2025-07-23.pdf
20 Vulnerable populations are groups or communities at a higher risk of experiencing negative health, social, or
economic outcomes due to various factors. These factors can be related to social, economic, political,
environmental, or individual circumstances. Examples include children, older adults, people with disabilities, low-
income individuals, and racial and ethnic minorities.
Item 18
Item 18 Staff Report
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 640 of 828
Evaluation criteria are presented in Table 1, with updated criteria and descriptions shown in bold
text.
Table 1: Updated Design Priorities and Evaluation Criteria
Design Priority Evaluation Criteria1 Description
Neighborhood
accessibility
Walk and bike access within 5-, 10-, and 15-minutes of each crossing
location. Information will be presented as an isochrone map of walk
and bike sheds overlaid with key destinations such as schools and
parks.2
Demand#Projected number of users (people walking and biking) on a daily
basis and during the weekday a.m. peak hour. This analysis will
account for future population growth and land use development.
Improve
Mobility
Facility width and
capacity#
Width of facility and ability of rail crossing to accommodate people
walking and biking, including people with mobility devices (e.g.,
wheelchairs), cargo bikes, and bike trailers.
Crossing length#Total length of the crossing facility. This analysis considers the
crossing distance of the tunnel/bridge and ramp structures.
Crossing elevation
and ramp grade#
Total change in elevation of the crossing facility. This analysis
considers the ramp grades and distance below/above grade
required for the tunnel/bridge structure.
Pedestrian and
bicyclist comfort
Extent to which existing pedestrian and bicycle network would
provide low-stress access to and through the rail crossing(s). This
analysis considers the existing network and the types of
improvements (e.g., new or upgraded facilities) required to provide
comfortable on-street connections to and through the new crossing.
Enhance User
Experience
Personal security Alignment of rail crossing facility (e.g., directness of the crossing,
number of turns) and approaches with Crime Prevention Through
Environmental Design (CPTED) best practices. This analysis considers
access control to direct people to designated entrances and exits, as
well as maximizing visibility and sightlines to allow for natural
observation of people within the crossing, reducing opportunities
for criminal activities and other unwanted behaviors.
Utility impacts Level of disruption to existing and planned utilities, extent of
relocations required.
Construction cost#Rough order of magnitude of project construction cost, including cost
of the tunnel/bridge and new or upgraded facilities required to
provide low-stress on-street connections.
Construction
duration
Anticipated duration of construction, level of disruption and level of
coordination with the Meadow/Charleston Rail Grade Separation
Project expected during the construction period.
Maximize Ease
of
Construction
Operations and
maintenance cost
Magnitude of projected annual cost of operations and maintenance
(e.g., flooding, landscaping).
Enhance Visual
Appeal
Public space and
green infrastructure
Potential to create new public spaces and implement green
infrastructure.
Minimize
Community
Impacts
Environmental
impacts
Extent to which crossing impacts the environment - impervious areas,
creeks/drainage, sea level rise, wetlands, sensitive habitats, and
existing parkland.
Item 18
Item 18 Staff Report
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 641 of 828
Design Priority Evaluation Criteria1 Description
Parcel impacts#Number of parcels needed, all or in part, to construct crossing and
approach facilities.
Traffic, parking, and
driveway impacts
Extent to which rail crossings affect existing vehicle circulation,
vehicle parking, and access to existing driveways.
Notes:
1 Criteria marked with an “#” are quantitative and a specific value will be presented. Criteria without a “#” are qualitative and will be scored
using a scale of high, medium, and low, for its performance.
2 An isochrone map of a walk or bike shed represents areas accessible within the same amount of time from a specific point.
Bold text indicates language that has been added or updated.
Preliminary Conceptual Alternatives
The Project team identified eight preliminary Conceptual Design Alternatives (Attachment A) to
achieve the Project goals and design priorities in support of Council approved direction:
A. El Dorado Ave Tunnel: Alternative A would construct a tunnel underneath the railroad
tracks and provide a connection between El Dorado Avenue and Park Boulevard. The
intersection of Alma Street/El Dorado Avenue would be reconfigured with a new traffic
signal and dual ramps and stairways extending along the landscaping strip between the
railroad tracks and Alma Street in both directions. A ramp would be constructed through
an existing surface parking lot, connecting to existing bike facilities on Park Boulevard.
B. Loma Verde Ave Tunnel: Alternative B would construct a tunnel underneath the railroad
tracks and provide a connection between Loma Verde Avenue and Margarita Avenue. The
tunnel would connect a center-running two-way bike/ped ramp on Loma Verde Avenue
to the intersection of Park Boulevard/Margarita Avenue.
C. Loma Verde Ave Tunnel with Alma St Signal: Alternative C would construct a tunnel
underneath the railroad tracks and provide a connection between Loma Verde Avenue
and Park Boulevard. The intersection of Alma Street/Loma Verde Avenue would be
reconfigured with a new traffic signal and a stairway would be constructed to provide
direct access to the tunnel with ramps extending along the landscaping strip between the
railroad tracks and Alma Street in both directions. The tunnel would connect to the
intersection of Park Boulevard/Margarita Avenue potentially using a combination of
switchback ramps and stairs.
D. Lindero Dr Tunnel: Alternative D would construct a tunnel underneath the railroad tracks
and provide a connection between Lindero Drive and Park Boulevard. The intersection of
Alma Street/Lindero Drive would be realigned to a T-intersection and a ramp would be
constructed in the landscaping strip and extend in the north-south direction on the east
side of Alma Street. The ramp would meet the tunnel and turn 90 degrees to cross under
Alma Street and the railroad tracks and connect to Park Boulevard at Robles Park using a
combination of a curving ramp and stairs.
E. Lindero Dr Tunnel with Alma St Signal: Alternative E would construct a tunnel
underneath the railroad tracks and provide a connection between Lindero Drive and Park
Boulevard. The intersection of Alma Street/Lindero Drive would be realigned to a
Item 18
Item 18 Staff Report
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 642 of 828
signalized T-intersection. A ramp would be constructed in the landscaping strip and
extend in the north-south direction on the west side of Alma Street. The ramp would meet
the tunnel and turn 90 degrees to cross under Alma Street and the railroad tracks and
connect to Park Boulevard at Robles Park using a combination of a curving ramp and
stairs.
F. Ely Pl Tunnel: Alternative F would construct a tunnel underneath the railroad tracks and
provide a connection between Ely Place and Park Boulevard/Whitclem Drive. An
enhanced pedestrian crosswalk, such as a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon, would be installed
at the intersection of Alma Street/Ely Place. A pathway and ramp would extend in the
north-south direction along the landscaping strip on the west side of Alma Street. The
path would turn 90 degrees to cross under the railroad tracks and connect to the
intersection of Park Boulevard/Whitclem Drive using a combination of a curving ramp and
stairs.
G. Ferne Ave Tunnel: Alternative G would construct a tunnel underneath the railroad tracks
and provide a connection between Ferne Avenue in Palo Alto and Del Medio Avenue in
Mountain View. The intersection of Alma Street/Ferne Avenue would be reconfigured
with a new traffic signal. A ramp would extend north-south along the landscaping strip on
the west side of Alma Street. The path would turn 90 degrees to cross under the railroad
tracks and then turn back another 90 degrees to connect into Mountain View. Further
coordination is needed to refine designs and obtain design approval in Mountain View.
H.San Antonio Bridge Enhancements: Alternative H would install a center-running two-way
separated bike lane along San Antonio Road from Nita Avenue in Palo Alto to Mountain
View. Protected bike lanes would be installed on San Antonio Avenue and the existing
sidewalk/shared use path on the west side of Alma Street would be widened and
improved to enhance the existing connection for people walking and biking along San
Antonio Avenue to the San Antonio Caltrain Station and tunnel at Mayfield Avenue.
Further coordination is needed to refine designs and obtain design approval in Mountain
View.
Please note that these alternatives are high-level, preliminary concepts. Each of the above
alternatives has right-of-way implications that would also need to be addressed once the list is
narrowed down. Importantly, no decision has been made by the City to acquire any property for
this project.23
23 Without authority from the City Council, staff has no authority to commit to the acquisition of any property that
might be impacted by the conceptual design alternatives presented in this analysis. Before that decision can be
made, the law requires that properties to be acquired first be appraised. If the City continues to consider the
acquisition of property after completion of an appraisal, then representatives of the City will contact the owner
and make a formal written offer to purchase. The offer will be for an amount determined by the City to be just
compensation and in no event will be less than the value reported in an appraisal approved by the City.
Item 18
Item 18 Staff Report
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 643 of 828
Additionally, each of the above alternatives would also be contingent upon the City obtaining
relevant permits or permissions from other involved agencies such as Caltrain, the City of
Mountain View, the County of Santa Clara, and Valley Water.
Item 18
Item 18 Staff Report
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 644 of 828
Figure 1: Locations of Crossing Alternatives
Item 18
Item 18 Staff Report
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 10 Packet Pg. 645 of 828
Figure 2: Overview of All Preliminary Conceptual Alternatives
The identification of the above conceptual alternatives included development of a
comprehensive list of potential alternatives and an initial screening process. Over 25 potential
design alternatives considering crossing opportunity locations (or facility alignments) and facility
types (e.g., bridge or tunnel) were included as part of the initial screening process. As with all
transportation projects, the identification of alternatives for this Project involved consideration
and balancing of diverse and sometimes competing needs in the allocation of public right-of-way
and resources. The initial screening criteria aligned with Project goals and design priorities and
aimed to systematically identify less feasible or reasonable alternatives. There were three
primary reasons why an alternative was eliminated from further consideration:
1. The alternative did not satisfy the Project goals and design priorities;
2. The alternative was determined to be not practical or feasible from a technical,
environmental and/or economic standpoint; or
3. The alternative substantially duplicated another alternative and offered little advantage
to similar alternative(s).
Item 18
Item 18 Staff Report
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 11 Packet Pg. 646 of 828
Transportation projects are inherently complex. Each of the eight alternatives included above
were developed in accordance with applicable design guidelines and standards, including the
Caltrans Highway Design Manual, Caltrain Engineering Standards, Caltrain Corridor Crossings
Delivery Guide (August 2024), Caltrain Design Criteria (January 2024), Caltrain Standards for
Design and Maintenance of Structures (January 2024), American Railway Engineering and
Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) standards, American Association of State Highway
and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
standards, guidance from National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), and
informed by the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).
Error! Reference source not found. 2
presents a summary of the results from the alternatives evaluation used to assess the degree to
which the alternative aligns with each of the selected evaluation criteria. Additional information
is presented in the Alternatives Analysis (Attachment B).
Item 18
Item 18 Staff Report
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 12 Packet Pg. 647 of 828
Table 2: Evaluation Criteria Results Summary
Evaluation Criteria
A.
E
l
D
o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
T
u
n
n
e
l
B.
L
o
m
a
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
T
u
n
n
e
l
C.
L
o
m
a
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
T
u
n
n
e
l
wi
t
h
A
l
m
a
S
t
S
i
g
n
a
l
D.
L
i
n
d
e
r
o
D
r
T
u
n
n
e
l
E.
L
i
n
d
e
r
o
D
r
T
u
n
n
e
l
w
i
t
h
Al
m
a
S
t
S
i
g
n
a
l
F.
E
l
y
P
l
a
c
e
T
u
n
n
e
l
G.
F
e
r
n
e
A
v
e
T
u
n
n
e
l
H.
S
a
n
A
n
t
o
n
i
o
B
r
i
d
g
e
En
h
a
n
c
e
m
e
n
t
s
Neighborhood Accessibility
Demand
Facility Width and Capacity
Crossing Length
Crossing Elevation & Ramp Grade
Pedestrian and Bike Comfort
Personal Security
Utility Impacts
Construction Cost
Construction Duration
Operation and Maintenance Cost
Public Space
Environmental Impacts
Parcel Impacts
Traffic, Parking, and Driveways
Notes: Alternatives are scored using design priorities and evaluation criteria developed in the previous project phase based on community
input, engineering expertise, and professional judgement. A high (most desirable) score indicates stronger alignment with community values
and a low (least desirable) score indicates weaker alignment. Note that the results of these evaluations are one of several considerations in the
process of seeking locally preferred alternatives.
High (most desirable)Low (least desirable)
Alternatives A, B, and C provide the greatest increase in accessibility
and would close the largest gap in distance between crossings. Alternatives D and E would
provide the lowest reduction in travel times for crossings.
Alternatives A, B, C, G, and H are estimated to attract the greatest number of bike and
pedestrian users. Alternatives D, E, and F are expected to attract the fewest users due to their
close proximity to crossings at Charleston and Meadow, longer distance to schools, and
wayfinding challenges in the Circles and Alma/San Antonio neighborhoods.
Item 18
Item 18 Staff Report
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 13 Packet Pg. 648 of 828
Facility Width and Capacity. Facility width and capacity would be similar across alternatives, with
the exception of Alternative H, which would construct a narrower 10-foot wide two-way
separated bike lane compared to the 20-foot wide tunnel and 12-foot wide ramps currently
assumed for other alternatives.
Crossing Length. Alternative H would utilize existing crossings and would not reduce the distance
to cross relative to existing conditions. Alternative A would have the shortest crossing length but
would require some out-of-direction travel along the crossing alignment, while Alternative B
would have the longest crossing length but would provide the most direct connections to the
existing bike network.25
Crossing Elevation and Ramp Grade. Alternatives would perform the same with respect to
crossing elevation and ramp grade. Alternatives A through G propose ramps constructed with a
7% slope. Pedestrian access under Alternative H includes enhanced connections to the existing
tunnel at the San Antonio Caltrain Station near Mayfield Drive, which is constructed at the same
depth and with similar ramping as the other alternatives.
Pedestrian and Bicyclist Comfort. Alternative B would provide the greatest level of pedestrian
and bicyclist comfort to and through the tunnel, as it would create a low-stress connection across
Alma Street and the Caltrain tracks and would provide the most direct and comfortable
connections to existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
Personal Security. While all alternatives were designed with consideration for Crime Prevention
Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, and relevant safety standards and design
practices, Alternative B would rank the highest, providing the greatest level of visibility and
opportunities for natural surveillance because of the shorter and more direct tunnels. Alternative
F and G would be least desirable as a result of the number of 90-degree turns and ramp access
locations in less active areas.
Utility Impacts. Alternative H would have the least impact on utilities, except for the overhead
lighting in the center median on San Antonio Road. Alternatives B and D would have the greatest
potential impact, requiring relocation of existing utilities within the roadway to outside of the
proposed tunnel limits.
Construction Cost. Due to their longer tunnels under Alma Street as well as the railroad tracks,
Alternatives B and D are projected to be the most expensive to build, while Alternative H is
anticipated to have the lowest construction cost.
Construction Duration. Alternatives A, B, and C are anticipated to have the shortest construction
duration and earliest possible construction start time since they are expected to be outside
25 Crossing and ramp dimensions are based on Caltrain‘s Corridor Crossing Delivery Guide, which requires a
minimum 5‘ of cover (from the bottom of railroad ties to top of structure) if a minimally invasive construction
method such as box jacking or tunneling is utilized. The dimensions also assume a 12‘ tunnel height. Minimum
pedestrian and bicycle vertical clearance is 10’.
Item 18
Item 18 Staff Report
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 14 Packet Pg. 649 of 828
proposed construction limits for the Rail Grade Separation projects. Alternatives G and H are also
anticipated to have shorter construction durations and start times but require additional
coordination with the City of Mountain View and other agencies that may extend overall
durations.
Operations and Maintenance Cost. Alternatives B and D are anticipated to have the highest
operations and maintenance costs, while Alternative H is expected to have the lowest operations
and maintenance costs.
Public Space and Green Infrastructure. Alternatives D and E provide more opportunities for
landscaping, benches, and bio-retention in new plaza areas. Alternatives C and F are expected to
have the least potential to improve existing public space or provide new green infrastructure.
Environmental Impacts. Alternative H is expected to have a minimal impact on the environment
as it would not require tunneling, would not result in substantial increases in impervious areas,
would not impact creeks, drainage, sensitive habitats, wetlands or parkland.
Parcel Impacts. Alternatives A, G, and H are anticipated to impact (either fully or partially) the
fewest number of parcels, while Alternative D, E, and F are projected to fully impact one parcel.
Alternatives B and C are estimated to impact two parcels.
Traffic, Parking, and Driveway Impacts. Alternatives D and H would have the least potential to
increase vehicle delays, reduce parking availability, or affect driveway access compared to other
alternatives.
Strong preference for Alternatives A, B, and H (and interest in Alternative G) that
minimize right-of-way impacts (especially to private homes), provide direct connections
to existing bike facilities, grade-separate Alma Street to avoid added delay and safety
issues at new signals, and have higher bicycle and pedestrian demand projections.
Alternative A: Favored for location and limited property impacts. Stakeholders
encouraged extending the tunnel under Alma Street to El Dorado Avenue to achieve a
grade-separated crossing.
Alternative B: Favored for a grade-separated Alma Street crossing. Stakeholders flagged
trade-offs due to property acquisitions (Park Blvd) and circulation impacts near Loma
Verde Avenue to be addressed.
Alternative G: Interest tied to station-area access and future housing near San Antonio
Road. Stakeholders noted additional coordination with Mountain View would be
needed.
Alternative H: Interest tied to station-area access and future housing along San Antonio
Road. Stakeholders suggested refinements to address comfort concerns with
Item 18
Item 18 Staff Report
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 15 Packet Pg. 650 of 828
center-running bikeways and improve connections (e.g., Mackay–Nita, Briarwood
tunnel, path to Mayfield).
Alternatives D/E/F: Generally, not favored due to lower projected demands (e.g.,
limited opportunity for mode shift) given close proximity to existing at-grade crossings
(and planned grade separations), lack of direct connections through adjoining
neighborhoods, and technical challenges associated with overlapping construction areas
for rail grade separation.
In addition to above preferences, several stakeholders suggested refinements to
concept designs that would apply to all alternatives:
o Reduce tunnel heights and depths to shorten ramps, minimize property and
circulation impacts, and increase visibility.
o Consider locating ramps/tunnels within the landscaped strip on the east side of
Alma instead of the street centerline where feasible.
o Prioritize user comfort and safety elements for pathways that include gentler
ramp grades (compared to California Avenue undercrossing), wider two-way
facilities with separated space for bicyclists and pedestrians, more direct
alignments, and strong lighting to support day/night visibility.
o Consider trade-offs with different slopes and ramps lengths as well as whether
to cross Alma Street at-grade (via new signalized intersection) or below-grade
(via tunnel).
Deliberation Options
Two pathways below describe possible Council direction related to this Project.
Deliberation Option 1: At this point, Council could review and provide initial feedback on all eight
alternatives. In early 2026, staff would then return to Council with a request to select up to two
preferred conceptual design alternatives to advance to 15% design.
Deliberation Option 2: At this point, Council could review and provide input on all eight
alternatives including a Council action on options to be eliminated from further consideration.
Initially, staff had recommended eliminating Alternatives D, E and F from further consideration
due to the likely lower levels of ridership, close proximity to existing crossings, more challenging
wayfinding on the west side and lower levels of community support. Following Rail Committee
deliberations on November 18, 2025, the Rail Committee and staff recommend that Council
select Alternative A as the preferred alternative and eliminate all other alternatives from
further consideration. Furthermore, Rail Committee and staff recommend that two variants be
advanced for Alternative A: Alternative A1 with a signalized crossing across Alma Street at El
Dorado and Alternative A2 with a tunnel under Alma Street and the Caltrain tracks in the
vicinity of El Dorado. The support for Alternative A is due to limited property impacts, higher
anticipated pedestrian and bicycle demand, location near Matadero Creek, and opportunities
for direct bicycle and pedestrian connections through adjoining neighborhoods. Prioritization of
Alternative A and elimination of all other alternatives would allow the project team to focus
Item 18
Item 18 Staff Report
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 16 Packet Pg. 651 of 828
more attention on refinement of the remaining alternatives and would provide some clarity
and relief to potentially affected property owners.
Securing Caltrain Service Agreement to advance the project
Seeking grants and funding
Undertaking preliminary engineering and environmental documentation (Caltrain)
Completing final design (Caltrain)
Obtaining other inter-agency agreements and permits
Securing right of way, acquisition or easements
Completing construction (Caltrain)
Transitioning completed project facilities to Palo Alto
27 The City expects that Caltrain will lead efforts
for preliminary engineering, environmental review, final design, and construction.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
27 https://www.caltrain.com/caltrain-corridor-crossings-delivery-guide
Item 18
Item 18 Staff Report
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 17 Packet Pg. 652 of 828
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Community engagement for this Project includes four phases:
Phase 1 Community Engagement: Establish Design Priorities (Spring 2025) – Completed
Phase 2 Community Engagement: Feedback on Alternatives (Fall 2025 – Early 2026) –
Underway
Phase 3 Community Engagement: Review Public Draft Report (Fall 2026)
Phase 4 Community Engagement: Council Adopt Final Report (Spring 2027)
Phase 1 Community Engagement: Establish Design Priorities (Spring 2025) – Completed
The first phase of engagement29 included the following elements.
Project Webpage (paloalto.gov/BikePedCrossings) with updates on meetings, events
and Project materials.
Project Fact Sheet shared with community members during in-person meetings and
events.
Small Group Discussions held virtually from November through December 2024
including representatives of the City Schools Transportation Safety Committee (CSTSC),
Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee (PABAC), Caltrain, Palo Alto Unified School
District, Californians Advocating Responsible Rail Design (CARRD), Silicon Valley Bicycle
Coalition (SVBC), and Stanford University. Participants also shared a list of criteria and
priorities for evaluating alternatives and emphasized the need for easy, well-lit,
accessible, safe crossings that are suitable for all ages and reduce the long distances
between crossings today. Participants also encouraged the team to consider a network
perspective addressing how to get to/from crossing points.
Community Workshop held at Mitchell Park Community Center on April 2, 2025 and
attended by approximately 50 community members. Community members prioritized
crossings that improved mobility and emphasized their general support for the project
and interest in fast completion. A crossing around Matadero Creek (El Dorado Avenue to
Loma Verde Avenue) was the most popular location amongst attendees, followed by
locations between Meadow Drive and Charleston Road.
Online Survey was made available on the Project webpage from April 1, 2025, to May
22, 2025. The City promoted the survey during in-person events, Weekly City Manager
Updates, PaloAltoConnect Blog, social media posts, UpLift Local eNewsletter, and emails
to Neighborhood Associations in south Palo Alto, public and private schools, Stanford
University, and community stakeholders in Mountain View. The survey gathered more
29 South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Phase 1 Community Engagement Summary Report, July 29, 2025;
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/projects/southern-palo-alto-bikeped-railroad-
crossings/spa_bike-ped-connectivity_phase-1-engagement-report_final_7.29.25.pdf
Item 18
Item 18 Staff Report
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 18 Packet Pg. 653 of 828
than 700 responses, offering insight into typical travel patterns and preferences
regarding new bike and pedestrian rail crossings.
Pop-Up Events at California Ave Third Thursday (April 17, 2025), Earth Day Festival (April
27, 2025), and Bike to Work Day (May 15, 2025).
Mailers sent to more than 1,500 business, community organization and residential
property addresses in the vicinity of the Project.
Emails to Principals, PTA Team Presidents, and Traffic Safety Representatives (TSRs) of
all public schools in the southern portion of the City, as well as private schools,
Neighborhood Associations, and businesses in south Palo Alto, in addition to several
public and private schools, Neighborhood Associations, and businesses in Mountain
View to inform them about the Project, share ways to provide feedback, promote the
online survey, and ask community partners to spread the word to their networks by via
a communications toolkit.
Presentations at meetings with the PABAC,31 Planning and Transportation Commission
(PTC),32 Rail Committee,33 City/School Transportation Safety Committee (CSTCS),34 and
Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC)35 in May 2025. In addition, Alternative H was
discussed at a joint meeting of PABAC and Mountain View Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory
Committee on August 28, 2024.
Additional Collaboration included interagency discussions as reflected in unscheduled
matching funds for the San Antonio Class IV Bikeway (US-15) in the City of Mountain
View Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Year 2023-24 through 2027-28.
Phase 2 Community Engagement: Feedback on Alternatives (Fall 2025 – Early 2026) – Underway
Phase 2 community engagement is currently in progress. During Phase 2, City staff are presenting
the initial eight alternatives and completed alternatives analysis for review and feedback.
Feedback received during Phase 2 of engagement will be considered in the selection and
refinement of two preferred alternatives to be carried forward for 15 percent conceptual design.
A summary of Phase 2 outreach and engagement activities is provided below:
Project Webpage (as in Phase 1)
Project Fact Sheet (as in Phase 1)
31 Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee, May 6, 2025; Discussion Item #7.a.;
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/bicycling-walking/pabac/pabac-meetings-
2025/2025-05-06_pabac-agenda-packet_final.pdf
32 Planning and Transportation Commission, May 14, 2025; Study Session Item #4;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=16526
33 Rail Committee, May 20, 2025; Study Session Item #2;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=17205
34 City/School Transportation Safety Committee, May 22, 2025; https://www.paloalto.gov/Events-Directory/Office-
of-Transportation/May-2025-CitySchool-Transportation-Safety-Committee-Meeting
35 Parks and Recreation Commission, May 27, 2025; Business Items Item #5;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=16896
Item 18
Item 18 Staff Report
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 19 Packet Pg. 654 of 828
Community Workshop held at Mitchell Park Community Center on September 9, 2025,
and attended by nearly 40 community members. Community members provided
feedback on the eight preliminary conceptual design alternatives. Alternative B (Loma
Verde Ave Tunnel), Alternative A (El Dorado Ave Tunnel), and Alternative H (San Antonio
Bridge Enhancements) were the most popular conceptual designs amongst attendees.
Participants expressed support for alternatives that limit right-of-way impacts, provide
more direct routes, connect to existing bike facilities, grade-separate Alma Street, and
are located further away from existing or planned grade separated rail crossings. Several
participants also suggested changes to assumed tunnel dimensions such as reducing the
height of the tunnel to shorten ramps.
Online Survey available on the Project webpage from August 15, 2025, through October
12, 2025. The City promoted the survey as in Phase 1. The survey gathered nearly 500
responses. Respondents provided feedback on the eight preliminary conceptual design
alternatives. Key findings included:
o Alternative A (El Dorado Ave Tunnel) was the favorite alternative amongst
respondents, followed by Alternative B (Loma Verde Ave Tunnel), then
Alternative H (San Antonio Bridge Enhancements).
o Alternative E (Lindero Dr Tunnel with Alma St Signal) was the least favorite
alternative amongst respondents, while Alternative F (Ely Pl Tunnel) ranked
second to last.
o Respondents generally supported alternatives that minimize impacts to
residential properties and that grade-separate Alma Street, due to concerns
about delays to motor vehicle travel and safety concerns for pedestrians and
cyclists crossing Alma Street at new signalized intersections.
o Respondents expressed a desire for high-quality pathways (e.g., wide,
direct/straight, open, well-lit, separate space for cyclists and pedestrians) where
cyclists would not need to dismount.
o Respondents suggested Alternative A (El Dorado Ave Tunnel) would be even
more desirable if it tunneled under Alma Street.
o Several respondents recommended the City consider enhancing the existing
grade-separated rail crossing at California Avenue rather than building a new
crossing nearby.
Pop-Up Events at Bike Palo Alto (October 5, 2025), California Ave Third Thursday
(October 16, 2025), and other community-wide events through early 2026.
Mailers sent to around 1,200 business, community organizations and residential
property addresses in the vicinity of the Project.
Emails (as in Phase 1).
Item 18
Item 18 Staff Report
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 20 Packet Pg. 655 of 828
Presentations at meetings with the PTC41, CSTSC42, PABAC43, and Rail Committee44. A
synthesis received during each meeting is presented in the Attachment C. Upcoming
meetings with PABAC, PTC, Rail Committee, and Council are tentatively scheduled in
Quarter 4 in 2025 and Quarter 1 in 2026.
Phase 3 Community Engagement Review Public Draft Report (Fall 2026)
The Public Draft Report will include a funding and implementation plan for two preferred
alternatives that will be shared for feedback as part of Phase 3 of engagement in fall 2026.
Phase 4 Community Engagement Council Adopt Final Report (Spring 2027)
The Final Report will be shared in spring 2027 in Phase 4 for community review and Council
review and potential adoption.
Given the Rail Committee’s recommendation, staff have been in initial conversations with a
representative of Vance Brown Builders, which is the property management company
representing the owners of the office development at 3101 Park Boulevard on the west side of
the Caltrain tracks. Staff briefed them on the project status and informed them of Council’s
discussion of this item on December 1, 2025. Staff also invited them for further discussion prior
to this December 1, 2025 meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action item is not a project as defined by California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
because it does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a
potentially significant physical impact on the environment. CEQA Guidelines section
15378(b)(4). CEQA will be conducted according to state law should the city proceed on an
actual project.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Conceptual Design Alternatives
Attachment B: Alternatives Analysis
Attachment C: Phase 2 Community Engagement Synthesis of Standing Meetings
APPROVED BY:
Ria Hutabarat Lo, Chief Transportation Official
41 Planning and Transportation Commission, September 10, 2025; Study Session Item #4;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=16582
42 City/School Transportation Safety Committee, October 23, 2025; https://www.paloalto.gov/Events-
Directory/Office-of-Transportation/CitySchool-Transportation-Safety-Committee-Meeting
43 Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee, November 4, 2025;
https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/Transportation/Bicycling-Walking/Pedestrian-and-Bicycle-Advisory-
Committee-PABAC
44 Rail Committee, November 18, 2025; Action Item #1;
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=17255
Item 18
Item 18 Staff Report
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 21 Packet Pg. 656 of 828
Item 18
Attachment A - Conceptual
Design Alternatives
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 22 Packet Pg. 657 of 828
Item 18
Attachment A - Conceptual
Design Alternatives
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 23 Packet Pg. 658 of 828
Item 18
Attachment A - Conceptual
Design Alternatives
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 24 Packet Pg. 659 of 828
Item 18
Attachment A - Conceptual
Design Alternatives
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 25 Packet Pg. 660 of 828
Item 18
Attachment A - Conceptual
Design Alternatives
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 26 Packet Pg. 661 of 828
Item 18
Attachment A - Conceptual
Design Alternatives
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 27 Packet Pg. 662 of 828
Item 18
Attachment A - Conceptual
Design Alternatives
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 28 Packet Pg. 663 of 828
Item 18
Attachment A - Conceptual
Design Alternatives
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 29 Packet Pg. 664 of 828
Item 18
Attachment A - Conceptual
Design Alternatives
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 30 Packet Pg. 665 of 828
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Alternatives Analysis
September 2, 2025 Project# 30555
To: Charlie Coles, City of Palo Alto
From: Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
RE: South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis
Introduction
The City of Palo Alto is conducting the South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project (Project) to assess
ways to improve bicycle and pedestrian access across the rail corridor in the southern portion of the City.
goals, this Project will identify locations and design concepts where two new grade-separated bicycle and
pedestrian crossings of the Caltrain corridor in south Palo Alto (south of Oregon Expressway) may be
constructed.
This Alternatives Analysis presents an assessment of eight conceptual design alternatives for community
review and feedback that builds on the analysis of existing conditions, incorporates feedback from the
community gathered during the first phase of engagement for this Project, and is consistent with the
Project goals and design priorities in support of Council approved plans and direction. Eight conceptual
design alternatives presented and discussed further in this analysis include the following:
Alternative A: El Dorado Ave Tunnel
Alternative B: Loma Verde Ave Tunnel
Alternative C: Loma Verde Ave Tunnel with Alma St Signal
Alternative D: Lindero Dr Tunnel
Alternative E: Lindero Dr Tunnel with Alma St Signal
Alternative F: Ely Pl Tunnel
Alternative G: Ferne Ave Tunnel
Alternative H: San Antonio Bridge Enhancements
Figure 1 shows the locations of the eight alternatives evaluated in this Alternatives Analysis. The concept
design, description, and assessment of each alternative is presented in the following sections.
Over 25 potential design alternatives considering crossing opportunity locations (or facility alignments)
and facility types (e.g., bridge or tunnel) were included as part of the initial screening process. Alternatives
that would involve minor variations or shifts in alignment were not considered as part of the initial
screening, since minor changes in alignment would not meaningfully affect the performance of an
alternative. Attachment A describes the process used to develop and identify eight conceptual design
alternatives through the initial screening process.
155 Grand Avenue, Suite 505
Oakland, CA 94612
P 510.839.1742
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 31 Packet Pg. 666 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 2
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Figure 1: Locations of Crossing Alternatives
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 32 Packet Pg. 667 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 3
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Alternatives A, C, E, F, and G propose new at-grade crossings of Alma Street with a tunnel underneath the
railroad tracks, while Alternatives B and D propose tunnels underneath Alma Street and the railroad tracks.
Alternative H is a bridge/tunnel combination, utilizing the existing overpass structure on San Antonio
Road to provide a grade-separated crossing of the railroad tracks for bicycles. Alternative H will also
include enhancements to the existing at-grade crossing of Alma Street at San Antonio Avenue to provide
improved connection to the existing bike/ped tunnel underneath the railroad tracks at the San Antonio
Caltrain Station at Mayfield Avenue in Mountain View.
Alternatives A, B, C, and H appear to have the most potential to move forward based on initial input from
the community and prior Council approved plans and direction. However, in an effort to present a range
of potentially feasible options and confirm preferred locations and designs, the City developed eight
conceptual design alternatives for analysis, review and feedback from the community.
All conceptual design alternatives has been developed in accordance with applicable design guidelines
and standards, including the Caltrans Highway Design Manual, Caltrain Engineering Standards, Caltrain
Corridor Crossings Delivery Guide dated August 2024, Caltrain Design Criteria, 4th Edition dated January
2024, Caltrain Standards for Design and Maintenance of Structures Revised January 2024, American
Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) standards, American Association of
State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
standards, guidance from National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), and informed by
the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).
Design concepts presented in this analysis are preliminary and intended for discussion purposes
only. All concepts are flexible and subject to refinement. Additional community engagement,
technical design work, and agency coordination will be needed once locations and basic design
concepts have been decided.
These conceptual design alternatives were developed with the intent of getting input from the community
to inform key design elements, such as the location and alignment of the tunnel and ramps/stairs,
treatment at Alma Street (tunnel or signal), as well as general design characteristics, including
ramp/tunnel widths and grades. These potential design variations are described in more detail for each
alternative in the following sections. Community feedback on the alternatives and design variations is
being gathered during the next phase of engagement. This input will be considered in selection of the
locally preferred alternatives to carry forward to 15 percent concept design.
While identifying and developing 15 percent concept designs for two preferred railroad crossing options
is the primary aim of the Project, an additional purpose is to identify the surface street improvements that
would be paired with each crossing to make walking and biking easier and more comfortable. The specific
bicycle and pedestrian network enhancements will be developed for each of the two alternatives in the
next phase of this Project and constructed in combination with each crossing to provide high comfort
connections to existing and planned bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
Alternatives are scored using design priorities and evaluation criteria developed in the previous project
phase based on community input, engineering expertise, and professional judgement (see Table 1).
Design priorities are organized in order of importance based on community feedback, with the highest
design priority (Improve Mobility) listed first. A High (most desirable) score indicates stronger alignment
with community values, and a Low (least desirable) score indicates weaker alignment.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 33 Packet Pg. 668 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 4
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Table 1: Design Priorities and Evaluation Criteria
Design
Priority
Evaluation Criteria1 Description
Improve
Mobility
Neighborhood
accessibility
Walk and bike access within 5- 10- and 15-minutes of each
crossing location. Information will be presented as an isochrone
map of walk and bike sheds overlaid with key destinations such as
schools and parks2.
Demand#
Projected number of users (people walking and biking) on a daily
basis and during the weekday a.m. peak hour. This analysis will
account for future population growth and land use development.
Facility width and
capacity#
Width of facility and ability of rail crossing to accommodate
people walking and biking, including people with mobility devices
(e.g., wheelchairs), cargo bikes, and bike trailers.
Enhance User
Experience
Crossing length# Total length of the crossing facility. This analysis considers the
crossing distance of the tunnel/bridge and ramp structures.
Crossing elevation
and ramp grade#
Total change in elevation of the crossing facility. This analysis
considers the ramp grades and distance below/above grade
required for the tunnel/bridge structure.
Pedestrian and
bicyclist comfort
Extent to which existing pedestrian and bicycle network would
provide low-stress access to and through the rail crossing(s). This
analysis considers the existing network and the types of
improvements (e.g., new or upgraded facilities) required to provide
comfortable on-street connections to and through the new
crossing.
Personal security
Alignment of rail crossing facility (e.g., directness of the crossing,
number of turns) and approaches with Crime Prevention Through
Environmental Design (CPTED) best practices. This analysis
considers access control to direct people to designated entrances
and exits, as well as maximizing visibility and sightlines to allow for
natural observation of people within the crossing, reducing
opportunities for criminal activities and other unwanted behaviors.
Maximize Ease
of Construction
Utility impacts Level of disruption to existing and planned utilities, extent of
relocations required.
Construction cost#
Rough order of magnitude of project construction cost, including
cost of the tunnel/bridge and new or upgraded facilities required
to provide low-stress on-street connections.
Construction
duration
Anticipated duration of construction, level of disruption and level
of coordination with the Meadow/Charleston Rail Grade
Separation Project expected during the construction period.
Operations and
maintenance cost
Magnitude of projected annual cost of operations and
maintenance (e.g., flooding, landscaping).
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 34 Packet Pg. 669 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 5
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Design
Priority
Evaluation Criteria1 Description
Enhance Visual
Appeal
Public space and
green infrastructure
Potential to create new public spaces and implement green
infrastructure.
Minimize
Community
Impacts
Environmental
impacts
Extent to which crossing impacts the environment - impervious
areas, creeks/drainage, sea level rise, wetlands, sensitive habitats,
and existing parkland.
Parcel impacts# Number of parcels needed, all or in part, to construct crossing and
approach facilities.
Traffic, parking, and
driveway impacts
Extent to which rail crossings affect existing vehicle circulation,
vehicle parking, and access to existing driveways.
Notes:
1 nd will be scored using a scale
of high, medium, and low, for its performance.
2 An isochrone map of a walk or bike shed represents areas accessible within the same amount of time from a specific point.
The results of these evaluations are one of several considerations in the process of seeking locally
preferred alternatives. The evaluation criteria and scoring methodology is included as Attachment B. The
accessibility analysis maps are included as Attachment C.
Importantly, no decision has yet been made by the City to acquire any property. Before that decision can
be made, the law requires that properties to be acquired first be appraised. If the City continues to
consider the acquisition of property after completion of an appraisal, then representatives of the City will
contact the owner and make a formal written offer to purchase. The offer will be for an amount
determined by the City to be just compensation and in no event will be less than the value reported in an
appraisal approved by the City. Without authority from the City Council, Staff has no authority to commit
to the acquisition of any property that might be impacted by the conceptual design alternatives
presented in this analysis.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 35 Packet Pg. 670 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 6
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
A. El Dorado Ave Tunnel
Description. Alternative A would construct a 110 foot long and 20 foot wide tunnel underneath the
railroad tracks. Both ramps would be 12 feet wide with a 7% slope. The ramp on the east side would be
180 feet long. The ramp on the west side would be 200 feet long. The total crossing would be 490 feet
long and would be the shortest of the eight crossings.
The intersection of Alma Street/El Dorado Avenue would be reconfigured with a new traffic signal and
high visibility crosswalks. A stairway would be constructed to provide direct access to the tunnel with
ramps extending along the landscaping strip between Caltrain right-of-way and Alma Street in both
directions. Alma Street would be reconfigured to provide a widened sidewalk and bulbouts at the
intersection. Construction of the stairway and ramps would require the shifting of travel lanes on Alma
Street. The ramp on the west side would connect to Park Boulevard through an existing surface parking
lot. This alternative would require partial acquisition of the surface parking lot on Park Boulevard, resulting
in the removal of about 40 off-street parking spaces.
Alternative A is located approximately 2,450 feet from the nearest northern crossing at California Avenue
and 4,475 feet from the nearest southern crossing at Meadow Drive. This alternative, along with the
Alternatives B and C at Loma Verde Avenue would provide the greatest increase in access for people
walking and biking and would result in the following estimated weekday trips1:
AM Peak Hour 220 peak hour trips (70 walking and 150 biking trips)
Daily 2,600 daily trips (800 walking and 1,800 biking trips)
This alternative would provide a direct connection to existing bike routes on Park Boulevard and would
provide an enhanced bike connection on El Dorado Avenue between Alma Street and existing bicycle
routes on Bryant Street. The proposed alignment would be fairly direct for people walking as stairs would
provide a shorter and more direct path from El Dorado Avenue and the ramp connection to Park
Boulevard would be relatively straight. Some out of direction travel would be required for bicyclists
accessing the ramps along Alma Street with 90 degree turns potentially limiting visibility and creating
increased potential for conflicts between people walking and biking.
Alternative A involves constructing a short tunnel beneath only the Caltrain corridor, with generally
favorable site conditions for staging and access. On the east side, the design would require narrowing
Alma Street to accommodate the tunnel and associated ramps. On the west side, an open parking lot
would provide space for staging and for the proposed meandering pathway connection. This
configuration avoids the need to grade separate Alma Street, substantially reducing the complexity of
traffic handling, utility relocations, and construction phasing. The tunnel box would likely be bore-and-
jacked beneath the tracks to minimize impacts to rail operations, allowing work to proceed with minimal
disruption to train service.
1 For reference, based on counts collected in April 2025 there were about 1,800 daily pedestrian and
bicycle trips and 300 peak hour pedestrian and bicycle trips observed on the California Avenue underpass;
around 600 daily bicycle trips and 170 peak hour bicycle trips were observed crossing the railroad tracks
at Meadow Drive; and around 400 daily bicycle trips and 100 peak hour bicycle trips were observed
crossing the railroad tracks at Charleston Road. Pedestrian counts were not collected at Meadow Drive or
Charleston Road.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 36 Packet Pg. 671 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 7
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
The straightforward nature of the construction, combined with the absence of major constraints or
overlapping work zones, positions this alternative as having the lowest anticipated cost and an
approximate construction duration of 18 months one of the shortest among the tunnel options
considered. While the design includes two ramps along Alma Street, these do not introduce significant
additional complexity compared to other alternatives.
Alternative A will likely have moderate utility impacts as there is an existing sewer line and overhead lines
within the proximity of the proposed crossing alignment. Alternative A proposes to tunnel underneath the
railroad tracks and would not encroach on Caltrain right-of-way at the surface level. A partial right-of-way
acquisition from the private parking lot near Park Boulevard would remove several stalls and require
reconfiguration to accommodate the meandering pathway to the new tunnel crossing. Alternative A
would have a minimal potential impact on the environment as it would not be anticipated to result in
substantial increases in impervious areas, would not impact creeks or drainage, or sensitive habitats, and
would have no impact on existing wetlands or parkland. There is an opportunity to provide green
infrastructure and new open space as part of the stair/ramp design at El Dorado Avenue and as part of the
ramp design through the surface parking lot connecting to Park Boulevard.
Design Variations. There are several design variations that may be considered for Alternative A,
including:
Traffic control. A traffic signal would be required to facilitate bicycle and pedestrian crossings of
Alma Street to access the new tunnel. A Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon could be installed instead of a
traffic signal. This design variation would require people walking or biking to activate the device
before crossing, which may reduce potential delay impacts to vehicle traffic.
Ramp configuration, east side. One ramp, instead of two, could be constructed on Alma Street at
El Dorado Avenue. This variation would reduce construction costs. However, it would also limit
connectivity for people biking or rolling. Other variations to ramp configurations could be
considered, including reconfiguring the ramp to make a 90-degree turn below grade to meet the
top of the stairs at-grade, reducing the crossing length for bicyclists.
Increase ramp width, east side. The ramps on Alma Street could be increased from 12 feet to 16
or 20 feet wide to increase capacity and minimize potential for conflicts between people walking
and biking. This design variation would require further reconfiguration of Alma Street and may
require the narrowing or removal of vehicle travel lanes, increasing potential impacts to vehicle
traffic.
Increase ramp width, west side. The ramp through the surface parking lot could be increased from
12 feet to 16 or 20 feet wide to increase capacity and minimize potential for conflicts between
people walking and biking. This design variation would increase the extent of parcel acquisition
and increase the number of parking spaces impacted.
Evaluation. Table 2 presents the results of the analysis, evaluating the degree to which the alternative
aligns with the design priorities and each of the selected evaluation criteria. Results are presented using a
scale of high (dark green) indicating strong alignment to low (dark orange) indicating weak alignment.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 37 Packet Pg. 672 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 8
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Table 2: Alternative A. El Dorado Ave Tunnel Results
Evaluation Criteria Alternative A
Neighborhood Accessibility
Demand
Facility Width and Capacity
Crossing Length
Crossing Elevation and Ramp Grade
Pedestrian and Bicycle Comfort
Personal Security
Utility Impacts
Construction Cost
Construction Duration
Operation and Maintenance Cost
Public Space and Green Infrastructure
Environmental Impacts
Parcel Impacts
Traffic, Parking and Driveway Impacts
Notes: Alternatives are scored using design priorities and evaluation criteria developed in the previous project phase based on
community input, engineering expertise, and professional judgement. A high (most desirable) score indicates stronger alignment
with community values and a low (least desirable) score indicates weaker alignment. Note that the results of these evaluations are
one of several considerations in the process of seeking locally preferred alternatives.
High (most desirable) Low (least desirable)
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 38 Packet Pg. 673 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 9
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 39 Packet Pg. 674 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 10
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
B. Loma Verde Ave Tunnel
Description. Alternative B would construct a 220 foot long and 20 foot wide tunnel underneath Alma
Street and the railroad tracks. Both ramps would be 12 feet wide with a 7% slope. The ramp on the east
side would be 180 feet long. The ramp on the west side would be 250 feet long. The total crossing would
be 650 feet long. While it would be the longest of the eight crossings it provides a relatively direct path
with minimal out-of-direction travel.
The tunnel would connect a center-running two-way bike/ped ramp on Loma Verde Avenue to the
intersection of Park Boulevard/Margarita Avenue using a combination of switchback ramps and stairs. It is
anticipated that this alternative would require the acquisition of two parcels on Park Boulevard.
Construction of the center-running ramp on Loma Verde Avenue would require the reconfiguration of
Loma Verde Avenue to remove about 10 spaces of existing on-street parking and require right-in/right-
out driveway operations for the four parcels adjacent to the ramp. Construction of the ramp connecting to
Park Boulevard would require the removal of about two existing on-street parking spaces on Park
Boulevard.
Alternative B is located approximately 3,900 feet from the nearest northern crossing at California Avenue
and 3,000 feet from the nearest southern crossing at Meadow Drive. This alternative, along with
Alternative A at El Dorado Avenue and Alternative C also at Loma Verde Avenue would provide the
greatest increase in access and would result in the following estimated weekday trips:
AM Peak Hour 230 peak hour trips (70 walking trips and 160 biking trips)
Daily 2,470 daily trips (740 walking trips and 1,720 biking trips)
This conceptual design alternative would provide a direct connection to existing bike routes on Park
Boulevard and Margarita Avenue and would provide an enhanced bike connection on Loma Verde
Avenue from the tunnel entrance to the existing bicycle routes on Bryant Street. The proposed alignment
on Loma Verde Avenue would be relatively direct with switchbacks limiting visibility and creating
increased potential for conflicts between people walking and biking on the ramp to the Park
Boulevard/Margarita Avenue intersection. Stairs would provide a more direct path enabling pedestrians to
avoid mixing with bicyclists for a portion of the crossing, including at the entry/exit to Park Boulevard.
Alternative B involves constructing a long tunnel beneath both the Caltrain corridor and Alma Street, with
the alignment positioned generally in the center of Loma Verde Avenue. The portion of the tunnel
beneath the Caltrain tracks would likely be constructed using a bore-and-jack method to minimize
impacts to rail operations. Outside of the Caltrain corridor, the tunnel would be constructed using open-
cut methods to be more cost effective. This configuration introduces significant construction complexity
due to the need to grade separate Alma Street while maintaining traffic along the corridor during
construction. Doing so would likely require staged construction, temporary traffic shifts, and more
intricate traffic handling measures compared to alternatives that avoid grade separating Alma Street. The
longer tunnel length also increases the amount of excavation, structural concrete, and associated
construction activities relative to shorter tunnel options.
Alternative B would have a substantial impact on existing utilities, as the proposed tunnel would cross
Alma Street and be located within the middle of Loma Verde Avenue. Existing utilities within both
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 40 Packet Pg. 675 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 11
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
roadways would need to be relocated outside of the proposed tunnel limits. While the tunnel would pass
underneath the railroad tracks, it would not encroach on Caltrain right-of-way at the surface level.
Staging areas for Alternative B are more constrained than at other sites, further complicating construction
sequencing and equipment access. The combination of longer structure length, traffic management
requirements, major utility relocations, and limited staging areas is anticipated to result in higher
construction costs and an approximate construction duration of 24 months longer than alternatives that
avoid grade separating Alma Street.
Alternative B would have a minimal potential impact on the environment as it would not be anticipated to
result in substantial increases in impervious areas, would not impact creeks or drainage, or sensitive
habitats, and would have no impact on existing wetlands or parkland. There is an opportunity to provide
green infrastructure and new open space as part of the ramp/stair design connecting to Park Boulevard.
Design Variations. There are several design variations that may be considered for Alternative B, including:
Ramp alignment, east side. The ramp that is currently proposed to run down the middle of Loma
Verde Avenue could be realigned to the north or south side of the street. This variation would
increase potential driveway impacts, limiting access to the two parcels on the ramp side.
Increase ramp width, east side. The ramp on Loma Verde Avenue could be increased from 12 feet
to 15.5 feet wide to increase capacity and minimize potential for conflicts between people walking
and biking. This design variation would require the reconfiguration of Loma Verde Avenue to
provide one-way travel for vehicles and increase potential impacts to traffic and driveway access.
Decrease ramp slope and increase length, east side. The ramp slope could be reduced, and the
ramp lengthened to connect directly to the intersection of Loma Verde Avenue/Emerson Street.
This design variation would require a larger ramp structure, increasing the cost of construction.
Decrease ramp slope and increase length, west side. The ramp slope could be reduced and the
ramp lengthened to provide looser switchbacks, resulting in increased visibility around corners,
improving personal security and reducing potential for conflicts between people walking and
biking. This design variation would increase the number of parcels required, which would also
increase opportunities to provide green infrastructure and open space.
Increase ramp slope and decrease length, west side. The ramp slope could be increased and the
ramp shortened with tighter switchbacks, resulting in decreased visibility around corners and
increasing potential for conflicts between people walking and biking while reducing the extent of
parcel acquisition required from two parcels to one.
Evaluation. Table 3 presents the results of the analysis, evaluating the degree to which the alternative
aligns with the design priorities and each of the selected evaluation criteria. Results are presented using a
scale of high (black) indicating strong alignment to low (light gray) indicating weak alignment.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 41 Packet Pg. 676 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 12
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Table 3: Alternative B. Loma Verde Ave Tunnel Results
Evaluation Criteria Alternative B
Neighborhood Accessibility
Demand
Facility Width and Capacity
Crossing Length
Crossing Elevation and Ramp Grade
Pedestrian and Bicycle Comfort
Personal Security
Utility Impacts
Construction Cost
Construction Duration
Operation and Maintenance Cost
Public Space and Green Infrastructure
Environmental Impacts
Parcel Impacts
Traffic, Parking and Driveway Impacts
Notes: Alternatives are scored using design priorities and evaluation criteria developed in the previous project phase based on
community input, engineering expertise, and professional judgement. A high (most desirable) score indicates stronger alignment
with community values and a low (least desirable) score indicates weaker alignment. Note that the results of these evaluations are
one of several considerations in the process of seeking locally preferred alternatives.
High (most desirable) Low (least desirable)
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 42 Packet Pg. 677 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 13
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 43 Packet Pg. 678 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 14
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
C. Loma Verde Ave Tunnel with Alma St Signal
Description. Alternative C would construct a 110 foot long and 20 foot wide tunnel underneath the
railroad tracks. Both ramps would be 12 feet wide with a 7% slope. The ramp on the east side would be
180 feet long. The ramp on the west side would be 250 feet long. The total crossing would be 540 feet
long.
The intersection of Alma Street/Loma Verde Avenue would be reconfigured with a new traffic signal. A
stairway would be constructed to provide direct access to the tunnel with ramps extending along the
landscaping strip between Caltrain right-of-way and Alma Street in both directions. Alma Street would be
reconfigured to provide a widened sidewalk and bulbouts at the intersection. Construction of the stairway
and ramps would require the shifting of travel lanes on Alma Street. Similar to Alternative B, the tunnel
would connect to the intersection of Park Boulevard/Margarita Ave using a combination of switchback
ramps and stairs. Alternative C would require the acquisition of two parcels and removal of two existing
on-street parking spaces on Park Boulevard.
Alternative C is located approximately 3,900 feet from the nearest northern crossing at California Avenue
and 3,000 feet from the nearest southern crossing at Meadow Drive. This alternative, along with
Alternative A and Alternative B would provide the greatest increase in access and would result in the
following estimated weekday trips:
AM Peak Hour 230 peak hour trips (70 walking trips and 160 biking trips)
Daily 2,460 daily trips (740 walking trips and 1,720 biking trips)
This conceptual design alternative would provide a direct connection to existing bike routes on Park
Boulevard and Margarita Avenue and would provide an enhanced bike connection on Loma Verde
Avenue from the tunnel entrance to the existing bicycle routes on Bryant Street. The proposed alignment
at Loma Verde Avenue would be relatively indirect for people biking as bicyclists would need to cross at
the signal and travel out-of-direction to access the ramps, which would require one U-turn and one 90
degree turn, limiting visibility and opportunities for natural surveillance, and creating increased potential
for conflicts between people walking and biking. Stairs would provide a more direct path enabling
pedestrians to avoid mixing with bicyclists for a portion of the crossing, including at the entry/exit to Park
Boulevard and Loma Verde Avenue.
Alternative C is located in the same general area as Alternative B, but avoids the need to grade separate
Alma Street. On the east side, this would require slightly narrowing Alma Street to accommodate the
parallel ramp connections. On the west side, the design includes a meandering structure pathway that will
require parcel acquisitions to accommodate tying into the surrounding network.
The tunnel portion beneath the Caltrain corridor would likely be constructed using a bore-and-jack
method to minimize impacts to rail operations. Alternative C would have a minimal potential impact on
utilities, except for overhead lines near Alma Street. The tunnel would pass underneath the railroad tracks
and would not encroach on Caltrain right-of-way at the surface level. Because the alignment does not
pass beneath Alma Street, the overall structure length and construction complexity are reduced compared
to the full Alma grade separation option. The absence of significant traffic staging along Alma Street also
limits potential disruption to local travel. Overall, Alternative C is expected to have lower construction
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 44 Packet Pg. 679 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 15
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
costs and shorter durations than options requiring Alma Street grade separation, with an approximate
construction duration of 18 months.
Alternative C would have a minimal potential impact on the environment as it would not be anticipated to
result in substantial increases in impervious areas, would not impact creeks or drainage, or sensitive
habitats, and would have no impact on existing wetlands or parkland.
Design Variations. There are several design variations that may be considered for Alternative C,
including:
Traffic control. A traffic signal would be required to facilitate bicycle and pedestrian crossings of
Alma Street to access the new tunnel. A Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon could be installed instead of a
traffic signal. This design variation would require people walking or biking to activate the device
before crossing, which may reduce potential delay impacts to vehicle traffic.
Ramp configuration, east side. One ramp, instead of two, could be constructed on Alma Street at
Loma Verde Avenue. This variation would reduce construction costs. However, it would also limit
connectivity for people biking.
Increase ramp width, east side. The ramps on Alma Street could be increased from 12 feet to 16
or 20 feet wide to increase capacity and minimize potential for conflicts between people walking
and biking. This design variation would require further reconfiguration of Alma Street and may
require the narrowing or removal of vehicle travel lanes, increasing potential impacts to traffic.
Decrease ramp slope and increase length, west side. The ramp slope could be reduced and the
ramp lengthened to provide looser switchbacks, resulting in increased visibility around corners,
improving personal security and reducing potential for conflicts between people walking and
biking. This design variation would increase the number of parcels required, which would also
increase opportunities to provide green infrastructure and open space.
Increase ramp slope and decrease length, west side. The ramp slope could be increased and the
ramp shortened with tighter switchbacks, resulting in decreased visibility around corners and
increasing potential for conflicts between people walking and biking while reducing the extent of
parcel acquisition required from two parcels to one.
Evaluation. Table 4 presents the results of the analysis, evaluating the degree to which the alternative
aligns with the design priorities and each of the selected evaluation criteria. Results are presented using a
scale of high (black) indicating strong alignment to low (light gray) indicating weak alignment.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 45 Packet Pg. 680 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 16
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Table 4: Alternative C. Loma Verde Ave Tunnel with Alma St Signal Results
Evaluation Criteria Alternative C
Neighborhood Accessibility
Demand
Facility Width and Capacity
Crossing Length
Crossing Elevation and Ramp Grade
Pedestrian and Bicycle Comfort
Personal Security
Utility Impacts
Construction Cost
Construction Duration
Operation and Maintenance Cost
Public Space and Green Infrastructure
Environmental Impacts
Parcel Impacts
Traffic, Parking and Driveway Impacts
Notes: Alternatives are scored using design priorities and evaluation criteria developed in the previous project phase based on
community input, engineering expertise, and professional judgement. A high (most desirable) score indicates stronger alignment
with community values and a low (least desirable) score indicates weaker alignment. Note that the results of these evaluations are
one of several considerations in the process of seeking locally preferred alternatives.
High (most desirable) Low (least desirable)
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 46 Packet Pg. 681 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 17
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 47 Packet Pg. 682 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 18
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
D. Lindero Dr Tunnel
Description. Alternative D would construct a 160 foot long and 20 foot wide tunnel underneath Alma
Street and the railroad tracks. Both ramps would be 12 feet wide with a 7% slope. The ramp on the east
side would be 180 feet long. The ramp on the west side would be 230 feet long. The total crossing would
be 570 feet long.
The intersection of Alma Street/Lindero Drive would be realigned to a T-intersection and a ramp would be
constructed in the landscaping strip and extend in the north-south direction on the east side of Alma
Street. The ramp would meet the tunnel and turn 90 degrees to cross under Alma Street and the railroad
tracks and connect to the intersection of Park Boulevard at Robles Park using a combination of a curving
ramp and stairs. This alternative is anticipated to require the acquisition of one parcel on Park Boulevard
and would reconfigure/extend the existing driveway on Lindero Drive at the northeast corner of the Alma
Street/Lindero Drive intersection. It may require the removal of one existing on-street parking space on
Park Boulevard.
Alternative D is located approximately 850 feet from the nearest northern crossing at Meadow Drive and
850 feet from the nearest southern crossing at Charleston Road. This alternative would provide a limited
increase in access for people walking and biking as it is located immediately between the existing
crossings at Meadow Drive and Charleston Road. The alternative would primarily attract bicycle trips that
would use the lower stress crossing compared to crossing at Meadow Drive and Charleston Road.
Alternative D would result in the following estimated weekday trips:
AM Peak Hour about 50 peak hour trips (<10 walking trips and 40 biking trips)
Daily 570 daily trips (100 walking trips and 470 biking trips)
This conceptual design alternative would provide a direct connection to existing bike roures on Park
Boulevard and would provide an enhanced bike connection on Lindero Drive from the ramp entrance to
the existing bicycle routes on Starr King Circle, Redwood Circle, and Bryant Street. This alternative would
also enhance connections to and through Robles Park. The proposed alignment would be fairly direct,
though it does include one 90 degree turn, limiting visibility and opportunities for natural surveillance,
and creating increased potential for conflicts between people walking and biking. Stairs would provide a
more direct path to Park Boulevard enabling pedestrians to avoid mixing with bicyclists for a portion of
the crossing.
Alternative D involves constructing a long tunnel beneath both the Caltrain corridor and Alma Street, with
the alignment positioned to connect to Lindero Drive. On the east side, this configuration would require
grade separating Alma Street, introducing significant construction complexity due to the need to maintain
traffic along the corridor during construction. On the west side, the design includes a meandering
pathway connection that would require a parcel acquisition to tie into the surrounding network.
The portion of the tunnel beneath the Caltrain tracks would likely be constructed using a bore-and-jack
method to minimize impacts to rail operations. Outside of the Caltrain corridor, the tunnel would be
constructed using open-cut methods to be more cost effective. Alternative D would have a significant
impact on existing utilities, as the proposed tunnel would cross Alma Street. Existing utilities within both
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 48 Packet Pg. 683 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 19
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
roadways would need to be relocated outside of the proposed tunnel limits. While the tunnel would pass
underneath the railroad tracks, it would not encroach on Caltrain right-of-way at the surface level.
In June 2024, Council advanced the Hybrid Alternative (including a mixed wall/column approach) and
Underpass Alternative for the Rail Grade Separation Project at Meadow Drive and Charleston Road with
2 Alternative D overlaps with areas
proposed for construction (subject to change) for rail grade separation, specifically the Hybrid Alternative
(including a mixed wall/column approach) currently under consideration, and would require close
coordination to address potential changes in site conditions, available staging areas, and construction
sequencing. This coordination could add cost risk and schedule impacts, depending on how the two
projects interface. In addition, if the Hybrid Alternative advances, construction of this alternative would
need to be sequenced to follow completion of the Meadow-Charleston project. Both projects are located
in the same physical area, making concurrent construction not feasible. As a result, the start of this Project
would be directly dependent on the Meadow-Charleston schedule, and any delays to that project would
extend the overall delivery time for this crossing.
The combination of longer structure length, the need for Alma Street grade separation, major utility
relocations, parcel acquisition requirements, constrained staging areas, and potential coordination with
the Rail Grade Separation Project is anticipated to result in higher construction costs, potentially longer
construction start time and an approximate construction duration of 24 months longer than alternatives
that avoid grade separating Alma Street.
Alternative D would have a minimal potential impact on the environment as it would not be anticipated to
result in substantial increases in impervious areas, would not impact creeks or drainage, or sensitive
habitats, and would have no impact on existing wetlands or parkland.
Design Variations. There are several design variations that may be considered for Alternative D,
including:
Increase ramp width, east side. The ramp on Alma Street could be increased from 12 feet to 16 or
20 feet wide to increase capacity and minimize potential for conflicts between people walking and
biking. This design variation would require further reconfiguration of Alma Street and may require
the narrowing or removal of vehicle travel lanes, increasing potential impacts to vehicle traffic.
Increase ramp width, west side. The ramp connecting to Park Boulevard could be increased from
12 feet to 16 or 20 feet wide to increase capacity and minimize potential for conflicts between
people walking and biking. This design variation may increase the number of parcels required,
which would also increase opportunities to provide green infrastructure and open space.
Decrease ramp slope and increase length, west side. The ramp slope could be reduced and the
ramp lengthened to provide looser switchbacks, resulting in increased visibility around corners,
improving opportunities for natural surveillance and reducing potential for conflicts between
people walking and biking. This design variation would likely increase the number of parcels
required, which would also increase opportunities to provide green infrastructure and open space.
2 https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/Transportation/Transportation-Projects/Rail-Grade-Separation
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 49 Packet Pg. 684 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 20
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Evaluation. Table 5 presents the results of the analysis, evaluating the degree to which the alternative
aligns with the design priorities and each of the selected evaluation criteria. Results are presented using a
scale of high (black) indicating strong alignment to low (light gray) indicating weak alignment.
Table 5: Alternative D. Lindero Dr Tunnel Results
Evaluation Criteria Alternative D
Neighborhood Accessibility
Demand
Facility Width and Capacity
Crossing Length
Crossing Elevation and Ramp Grade
Pedestrian and Bicycle Comfort
Personal Security
Utility Impacts
Construction Cost
Construction Duration
Operation and Maintenance Cost
Public Space and Green Infrastructure
Environmental Impacts
Parcel Impacts
Traffic, Parking and Driveway Impacts
Notes: Alternatives are scored using design priorities and evaluation criteria developed in the previous project phase based on
community input, engineering expertise, and professional judgement. A high (most desirable) score indicates stronger alignment
with community values and a low (least desirable) score indicates weaker alignment. Note that the results of these evaluations are
one of several considerations in the process of seeking locally preferred alternatives.
High (most desirable) Low (least desirable)
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 50 Packet Pg. 685 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 21
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 51 Packet Pg. 686 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 22
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
E. Lindero Dr Tunnel with Alma St Signal
Description. Alternative E would construct a 100 foot long and 20 foot wide tunnel underneath the
railroad tracks. Both ramps would be 12 feet wide with a 7% slope. The ramp on the east side would be
180 feet long. The ramp on the west side would be 230 feet long. The total crossing would be 510 feet
long and would be the second shortest crossing distance of the eight alternatives.
The intersection of Alma Street/Lindero Drive would be realigned to a signalized T-intersection. A ramp
would be constructed in the landscaping strip and extend in the north-south direction on the west side of
Alma Street. The ramp would meet the tunnel and turn 90 degrees to cross under Alma Street and the
railroad tracks and connect to the intersection of Park Boulevard at Robles Park using a combination of a
curving ramp and stairs. This alternative would require the acquisition of one parcel on Park Boulevard
and would reconfigure/extend the existing driveway on Lindero Drive at the northeast corner of the Alma
Street/Lindero Drive intersection. It may require the removal of one existing on-street parking space on
Park Boulevard.
Alternative E is located approximately 850 feet from the nearest northern crossing at Meadow Drive and
850 feet from the nearest southern crossing at Charleston Road. This alternative would provide a limited
increase in access for people walking and biking as it is located immediately between the existing
crossings at Meadow Drive and Charleston Road. The alternative would primarily attract bicycle trips that
would use the lower stress crossing. Alternative E would result in the following estimated weekday trips:
AM Peak Hour about 50 peak hour trips (<10 walking trips and 40 biking trips)
Daily 570 daily trips (100 walking trips and 470 biking trips)
Similar to Alternative D, this conceptual design alternative would provide a direct connection to the
existing bike route on Park Boulevard and would enhance connections to and through Robles Park. This
alternative would also provide an enhanced bike connection on Lindero Drive from the signalized
intersection at Alma Street to the existing bicycle routes on Starr King Circle, Redwood Circle, and Bryant
Street. The proposed alignment would be fairly direct, though it does include one 90-degree turn, limiting
visibility and opportunities for natural surveillance, and creating increased potential for conflicts between
people walking and biking. On the east side of the railroad, stairs would provide a more direct path to
Park Boulevard enabling pedestrians to avoid mixing with bicyclists for a portion of the crossing.
Alternative E involves tunneling beneath the Caltrain corridor, which would likely be constructed using a
bore-and-jack method to minimize impacts to rail operations. This alternative would have a minimal
potential impact on utilities and right-of-way, as no major underground utilities are located within the
proposed crossing alignment. Overhead lines near Alma Street would require relocation based on
available information. The tunnel would pass underneath the railroad tracks and would not encroach on
Caltrain right-of-way at the surface level.
Alternative E overlaps with areas proposed for construction (subject to change) for the Rail Grade
Separation Project at Meadow Drive and Charleston Road, specifically the Hybrid Alternative (including a
mixed wall/column approach) currently under consideration, and would require close coordination to
address potential changes in site conditions, available staging areas, and construction sequencing. This
coordination could add cost risk and schedule impacts, depending on how the two projects interface. In
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 52 Packet Pg. 687 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 23
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
addition, if the Hybrid Alternative advances, construction of this alternative would need to be sequenced
to follow completion of the Meadow-Charleston project. Both projects are located in the same physical
area, making concurrent construction not feasible. As a result, the start of this Project would be directly
dependent on the Meadow-Charleston schedule, and any delays to that project would extend the overall
delivery time for this crossing.
Overall, Alternative E is expected to have lower construction costs and shorter durations than options
requiring Alma Street grade separation, with an approximate construction duration of 18 months.
Alternative E would have a minimal potential impact on the environment as it would not be anticipated to
result in substantial increases in impervious areas, would not impact creeks or drainage, or sensitive
habitats, and would have no impact on existing wetlands or parkland.
Design Variations. There are several design variations that may be considered for Alternative E, including:
Ramp configuration, east side. The ramp on Alma Street could be reconfigured to extend from the
intersection to the south. This design variation would change the alignment and location of the
tunnel to connect south of Robles Park and would impact one different parcel along Park
Boulevard.
Increase ramp width, east side. The ramp width on Alma Street could be increased from 12 feet to
16 or 20 feet wide to increase capacity and minimize potential for conflicts between people
walking and biking. This design variation would require further reconfiguration of Alma Street and
may require the narrowing or removal of vehicle travel lanes, increasing potential impacts to
vehicle traffic.
Increase ramp width, west side. The ramp connecting to Park Boulevard could be increased from
12 feet to 16 or 20 feet wide to increase capacity and minimize potential for conflicts between
people walking and biking. This design variation may increase the number of parcels required,
which would also increase opportunities to provide green infrastructure and open space.
Decrease ramp slope and increase length, west side. The ramp slope could be reduced and the
ramp lengthened to provide looser switchbacks, resulting in increased visibility around corners,
improving personal security and reducing potential for conflicts between people walking and
biking. This design variation would increase the number of parcels required, which would also
increase opportunities to provide green infrastructure and open space.
Evaluation. Table 6 presents the results of the analysis, evaluating the degree to which the alternative
aligns with the design priorities and each of the selected evaluation criteria. Results are presented using a
scale of high (black) indicating strong alignment to low (light gray) indicating weak alignment.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 53 Packet Pg. 688 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 24
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Table 6: Alternative E. Lindero Dr Tunnel with Alma St Signal Results
Evaluation Criteria Alternative E
Neighborhood Accessibility
Demand
Facility Width and Capacity
Crossing Length
Crossing Elevation and Ramp Grade
Pedestrian and Bicycle Comfort
Personal Security
Utility Impacts
Construction Cost
Construction Duration
Operation and Maintenance Cost
Public Space and Green Infrastructure
Environmental Impacts
Parcel Impacts
Traffic, Parking and Driveway Impacts
Notes: Alternatives are scored using design priorities and evaluation criteria developed in the previous project phase based on
community input, engineering expertise, and professional judgement. A high (most desirable) score indicates stronger alignment
with community values and a low (least desirable) score indicates weaker alignment. Note that the results of these evaluations are
one of several considerations in the process of seeking locally preferred alternatives.
High (most desirable) Low (least desirable)
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 54 Packet Pg. 689 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 25
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 55 Packet Pg. 690 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 26
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
F. Ely Pl Tunnel
Description. Alternative F would construct an 85 foot long and 20 foot wide tunnel underneath the
railroad tracks. Both ramps would be 12 feet wide with a 7% slope. The ramp on the east side would be
180 feet long. The ramp on the west side would be 300 feet long. The total crossing would be 565 feet
long.
A Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon would be installed at the intersection of Alma Street/Ely Place. A pathway and
ramp would extend in the north-south direction along the landscaping strip on the west side of Alma
Street, within Caltrain right-of-way. The alignment would turn 90 degrees to cross under the railroad
tracks and connect to the intersection of Park Boulevard/Whitclem Drive using a combination of a curving
ramp and stairs that would pass through one existing property and may impact one parking space.
Alternative F is located approximately 750 feet from the nearest northern crossing at Charleston Road and
3,600 feet from the nearest southern crossing at Mayfield Drive. This alternative would provide limited
access improvements for walking and biking as it is located adjacent to the existing Charleston Road
crossing. The alternative would result in the following estimated weekday trips:
AM Peak Hour 50 peak hour trips (10 walking trips and 40 biking trips)
Daily 680 daily trips (50 walking trips and 630 biking trips)
This alternative would enhance the bike connection on Ely Place to existing bike routes on Duncan Place
and Carlson Court/Carlson Circle, on Whitclem Drive to existing routes on Wilkie Way, and on Park
Boulevard to existing routes on Park Boulevard north of Charleston Road. The proposed alignment would
include one 90-degree turn and tight switchbacks on the ramp abutting Adobe Creek, limiting visibility
and opportunities for natural surveillance, and creating increased potential for conflicts between people
walking and biking. On the east side of the railroad, stairs would provide a more direct path to Whitclem
Drive/Park Boulevard enabling pedestrians to avoid mixing with bicyclists for a portion of the crossing.
Alternative F proposes a short tunnel beneath the Caltrain corridor, with limited available right-of-way for
the required parallel ramp connection to Alma Street. Due to the constrained site conditions, the ramp
structure would need to be located within Caltrain right-of-way. This would require obtaining a variance
from the Caltrain Board, a process that introduces additional coordination requirements and approval
uncertainty, as there is no guarantee that the variance would be granted. The outcome and timing of this
process could affect both the overall cost and the construction schedule.
The tunnel portion beneath the Caltrain tracks would likely be constructed using a bore-and-jack method
to minimize impacts to rail operations. This conceptual design alternative would have a minimal potential
impact on utilities, with the exception of an existing gas line along Alma Street. The tunnel would pass
underneath the railroad tracks but would require a ramp structure within the Caltrain right-of-way to
connect at Alma Street. In addition, a full acquisition would be required on Park Boulevard to
accommodate the new tunnel approach pathway. While the alignment does not pass beneath Alma
Street, its proximity to the corridor still requires careful coordination to manage potential traffic and utility
impacts during construction.
Alternative F overlaps with areas proposed for construction (subject to change) for the Rail Grade
Separation Project at Meadow Drive and Charleston Road, specifically the Hybrid Alternative (including a
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 56 Packet Pg. 691 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 27
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
mixed wall/column approach) currently under consideration, and would require close coordination to
address potential changes in site conditions, available staging areas, and construction sequencing. This
coordination could add cost risk and schedule impacts, depending on how the two projects interface. In
addition, if the Hybrid Alternative advances, construction of this alternative would need to be sequenced
to follow completion of the Meadow-Charleston project. Both projects are located in the same physical
area, making concurrent construction not feasible. As a result, the start of this Project would be directly
dependent on the Meadow-Charleston schedule, and any delays to that project would extend the overall
delivery time for this crossing.
If the Caltrain variance is approved, the approximate construction duration for this alternative would be 18
months.
Alternative F would have a minimal potential impact on the environment as it would not be anticipated to
result in substantial increases in impervious areas, would not substantially impact creeks or drainage, or
sensitive habitats, and would have no impact on existing wetlands or parkland.
Design Variations. There are several design variations that may be considered for Alternative F, including:
Crossing alignment. The pedestrian crossing could be relocated to the north side of the Alma
Street/Ely Place intersection and relocated to tie in at Whitclem Drive/Park Boulevard. This design
variation may require additional parcel acquisitions on Park Boulevard.
Ramp configuration, east side. The ramp on Alma Street could be reconfigured to extend from the
intersection to the north. This design variation would change the alignment and location of the
tunnel and ramps to connect within 500 feet of the intersection of Alma Street/Charleston Road,
which would likely reduce the benefits to accessibility resulting in lower estimated demand.
Increase ramp width, east side. The ramp width on Alma Street could be increased from 12 feet to
16 or 20 feet wide to increase capacity and minimize potential for conflicts between people
walking and biking. This design variation would require further reconfiguration of Alma Street and
may require the narrowing or removal of vehicle travel lanes, increasing potential impacts to
vehicle traffic. This design variation would continue to impact Caltrain right-of-way.
Shift ramp, east side. The path and ramp on the east side of Alma Street could be shifted to the
north to avoid encroaching on Caltrain right-of-way. This design variation would require
reconfiguration of Alma Street and would require the removal of vehicle travel lanes.
Increase ramp width, west side. The ramp connecting to Park Boulevard/Whitclem Drive could be
increased from 12 feet to 16 or 20 feet wide. This design variation may increase the number of
parcels required, which would also increase opportunities to provide green infrastructure.
Decrease ramp slope and increase length, west side. The ramp slope could be reduced and the
ramp lengthened to provide looser switchbacks, resulting in increased visibility around corners,
improving personal security and reducing potential for conflicts. This design variation would
increase the number of parcels required.
Evaluation. Table 7 presents the results of the analysis, evaluating the degree to which the alternative
aligns with the design priorities and each of the selected evaluation criteria. Results are presented using a
scale of high (black) indicating strong alignment to low (light gray) indicating weak alignment.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 57 Packet Pg. 692 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 28
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Table 7: Alternative F. Ely Pl Tunnel Results
Evaluation Criteria Alternative F
Neighborhood Accessibility
Demand
Facility Width and Capacity
Crossing Length
Crossing Elevation and Ramp Grade
Pedestrian and Bicycle Comfort
Personal Security
Utility Impacts
Construction Cost
Construction Duration
Operation and Maintenance Cost
Public Space and Green Infrastructure
Environmental Impacts
Parcel Impacts
Traffic, Parking and Driveway Impacts
Notes: Alternatives are scored using design priorities and evaluation criteria developed in the previous project phase based on
community input, engineering expertise, and professional judgement. A high (most desirable) score indicates stronger alignment
with community values and a low (least desirable) score indicates weaker alignment. Note that the results of these evaluations are
one of several considerations in the process of seeking locally preferred alternatives.
High (most desirable) Low (least desirable)
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 58 Packet Pg. 693 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 29
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 59 Packet Pg. 694 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 30
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
G. Ferne Ave Tunnel
Description. This alternative would require further coordination with Mountain View as the majority of
the Project would be constructed within Mountain View. For purposes of the analysis, assumptions were
made about specific design elements, including ramp configuration and alignment. These are described in
this section and are subject to change pending community input and coordination on design elements
within Mountain View.
Alternative G would construct an 85 foot long and 20 foot wide tunnel underneath the railroad tracks.
Both ramps would be 12 feet wide with a 7% slope. The ramp on the east side would be 180 feet long.
The ramp on the west side would be 280 feet long. The total crossing would be 545 feet long.
The intersection of Alma Street/Ferne Avenue would be reconfigured with a new traffic signal. A ramp
would extend north-south along the landscaping strip on the west side of Alma Street, within Caltrain
right-of-way. The alignment would turn 90 degrees to cross under the railroad tracks and then turn back
another 90 degrees to connect Del Medio Avenue via a ramp and path running alongside Caltrain right-
of-way.
Alternative G is located approximately 2,650 feet from the nearest northern crossing at Charleston Road
and 1,950 feet from the nearest southern crossing at Mayfield Drive. This conceptual design alternative
would provide increased access for the areas of Palo Alto immediately north of San Antonio Avenue, as
the tunnel at Mayfield Avenue is not easily accessed from south of San Antonio Avenue and is more likely
to serve trips starting and ending in Mountain View. The alternative would result in the following
estimated weekday trips:
AM Peak Hour 190 peak hour trips (50 walking trips and 140 biking trips)
Daily 2,510 daily trips (460 walking trips and 2,050 biking trips)
This conceptual design alternative would enhance connections on Ferne Avenue to existing bike routes on
Mackay Drive and Shasta Drive and on Del Medio Avenue to existing routes at Miller Avenue. The
proposed alignment would include two 90-degree turns, limiting visibility and opportunities for natural
surveillance, and creating increased potential for conflicts between people walking and biking.
Alternative G proposes an underpass beneath the Caltrain corridor constructed using a bore-and-jack
method to minimize impacts to rail operations. The alternative would also require a ramp structure within
the Caltrain right-of-way to conform at Alma Street. In addition, partial property acquisition was assumed
to be required in Mountain View, to accommodate the ramp structure and the at-grade pathway
connecting to Del Medio Avenue.
Alternative G would have a minimal potential impact on utilities, with the exception of an existing gas line
along Alma Street. Utility conflicts within Caltrain right-of-way or near the tunnel approaches would need
to be addressed during design. Any use of Caltrain property, including the longitudinal ramp segment,
would require additional coordination, including securing variances that must be approved by the Caltrain
Board. This process introduces cost and schedule risk, as approval is not guaranteed and could add
procedural steps and review cycles.
The location falls within the City of Mountain View, requiring additional coordination that may introduce
further permitting steps, review cycles, and staging considerations. Overall, the combination of Caltrain
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 60 Packet Pg. 695 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 31
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
variance requirements, property acquisition needs, and multi-jurisdictional review is anticipated to add
complexity compared to tunnel alternatives without these constraints. If Caltrain approvals are secured
and coordination proceeds without significant delays, the approximate construction duration for this
alternative would be 18 months.
Alternative G would have a minimal potential impact on the environment as it would not be anticipated to
result in substantial increases in impervious areas, would not substantially impact creeks or drainage, or
sensitive habitats, and would have no impact on existing wetlands or parkland.
Design Variations. There are several design variations that may be considered for Alternative G,
including:
Traffic control. A Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon could be installed instead of a traffic signal. This
design variation would require people to activate the device before crossing, which may reduce
delays to vehicle traffic but would be less convenient for people walking and biking.
Alignment. The ramp on Alma Street could be configured to extend from the intersection at Ferne
Avenue to the north or to the south before turning 90 degrees to tunnel underneath the railroad
and turn 90 degrees to the north or south to ramp along the backside of existing parcels in
Mountain View. These design variations would change the alignment and location of the tunnel
and ramps, which would impact different properties and would change impacts to parking.
Shift ramp and construct additional crosswalk, east side. The ramp on the east side of Alma Street
could be shifted to the north and a new crosswalk installed on the north side of the intersection
to facilitate bicycle and pedestrian movements on both sides of the intersection. This design
variation would require additional path construction which would increase construction cost.
Shift ramp, east side. The path and ramp on the east side of Alma Street could be shifted to the
north to avoid encroaching on Caltrain right-of-way. This design variation would require
reconfiguration of Alma Street and removal of vehicle travel lanes.
Increase ramp width, east side. The ramp width on Alma Street could be increased from 12 feet to
16 or 20 feet wide. This design variation would require further reconfiguration of Alma Street and
may require the narrowing or removal of vehicle travel lanes.
Increase ramp and path width, west side. The ramp and path width on the west side of the
railroad could be increased from 12 feet to 16 or 20 feet wide to increase capacity and minimize
potential for conflicts between people walking and biking. This design variation would require
additional right-of-way, increasing potential impacts to existing vehicle parking.
Evaluation. Table 8 presents the results of the analysis, evaluating the degree to which the alternative
aligns with the design priorities and each of the selected evaluation criteria. Results are presented using a
scale of high (black) indicating strong alignment to low (light gray) indicating weak alignment.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 61 Packet Pg. 696 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 32
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Table 8: Alternative G. Ferne Ave Tunnel Results
Evaluation Criteria Alternative G
Neighborhood Accessibility
Demand
Facility Width and Capacity
Crossing Length
Crossing Elevation and Ramp Grade
Pedestrian and Bicycle Comfort
Personal Security
Utility Impacts
Construction Cost
Construction Duration
Operation and Maintenance Cost
Public Space and Green Infrastructure
Environmental Impacts
Parcel Impacts
Traffic, Parking and Driveway Impacts
Notes: Alternatives are scored using design priorities and evaluation criteria developed in the previous project phase based on
community input, engineering expertise, and professional judgement. A high (most desirable) score indicates stronger alignment
with community values and a low (least desirable) score indicates weaker alignment. Note that the results of these evaluations are
one of several considerations in the process of seeking locally preferred alternatives.
High (most desirable) Low (least desirable)
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 62 Packet Pg. 697 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 33
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 63 Packet Pg. 698 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 34
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
H. San Antonio Bridge Enhancements
Description. This alternative would require further coordination with Mountain View as the Project
extends into Mountain View. For purposes of the analysis, assumptions were made about specific design
elements, such as the connection at California Street/San Antonio Road. These are described in this
section and are subject to change pending community input and coordination on design elements within
Mountain View.
Alternative H would install a 10-foot-wide center-running two-way separated bike lane along San Antonio
Road connecting from Nita Avenue to California Street in Mountain View. Installation would not impact
lane number and would be accomplished by reducing travel lane widths on San Antonio Road to two 10.5
foot wide lanes and one 11 foot wide lane in each direction. This alternative would also enhance the
existing connection for people walking and biking along San Antonio Avenue to the San Antonio Caltrain
Station and tunnel at Mayfield Avenue by installing a Class II bicycle facility on San Antonio Avenue with
crossbike markings3 at the intersection of Alma Street/San Antonio Avenue and widening and improving
the existing sidewalk/shared use path on the west side of Alma Street, between San Antonio Avenue and
Mayfield Avenue.
Alternative H would modify existing crossings at San Antonio Road and at Mayfield Drive and would not
construct a new tunnel crossing as in the other alternatives. The alternative would improve conditions for
people biking by creating a dedicated crossing of the train tracks along San Antonio Road and by creating
bike crossings across San Antonio Road. The alternative would result in an estimated 190 AM peak hour
and 2,640 daily bicycle trips. The estimate only included bike trips that travel along San Antonio Road to
cross train tracks. Pedestrian trips were not included as pedestrians would cross via the existing tunnel.
Alternative H proposes the most straightforward construction methods given all improvements are at the
roadway surface and additional grade separations are not proposed. As a result, there are minimal
potential impacts to utilities as no major above- or under-ground utilities are located within the proposed
crossing alignment. The alternative proposes to enhance the existing sidewalk on/along Alma Street and
may impact Caltrain right-of-way. In general, the overall construction duration is anticipated to be
approximately 12 months. Since this alternative does not involve new subsurface structures or significant
structural modification, it is assumed that no seismic upgrades would be required, consistent with
standard practice.
Alternative H would not require tunneling and therefore would have a minimal potential impact on the
environment. It would not be anticipated to result in substantial increases in impervious areas, would not
impact creeks or drainage, or sensitive habitats, and would have no impact on existing wetlands or
parkland.
Design Variations. There are several design variations that may be considered for Alternative H,
including:
Increase bike lane width. The width of the proposed center-running two-way separated bike lane
could be increased from 10 feet to 12 feet wide to increase capacity and minimize potential for
3 Crossbike markings are a paint treatment that uses green paint to make a crosswalk-like stripes at
intersections to illustrate where there is potential conflict between people biking and motor vehicle.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 64 Packet Pg. 699 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 35
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
conflicts between people biking in opposite directions. This design variation would require further
reconfiguration of San Antonio Road and would require the narrowing or removal of vehicle
travel lanes, increasing potential impacts to vehicle traffic.
Install shared use path. The width of the proposed center-running two-way separated bike lane
could be increased from 10-feet to 12- or 14-feet wide to increase provide sufficient space for a
shared use path for pedestrians and bicyclists. This design variation would require further
reconfiguration of San Antonio Road and would require the narrowing or removal of vehicle
travel lanes, increasing potential impacts to vehicle traffic.
Evaluation. Table 9 presents the results of the analysis, evaluating the degree to which the alternative
aligns with the design priorities and each of the selected evaluation criteria. Results are presented using a
scale of high (black) indicating strong alignment to low (light gray) indicating weak alignment.
Table 9: Alternative H. San Antonio Bridge Enhancements Results
Evaluation Criteria Alternative H
Neighborhood Accessibility
Demand
Facility Width and Capacity
Crossing Length
Crossing Elevation and Ramp Grade
Pedestrian and Bicycle Comfort
Personal Security
Utility Impacts
Construction Cost
Construction Duration
Operation and Maintenance Cost
Public Space and Green Infrastructure
Environmental Impacts
Parcel Impacts
Traffic, Parking and Driveway Impacts
Notes: Alternatives are scored using design priorities and evaluation criteria developed in the previous project phase based on
community input, engineering expertise, and professional judgement. A high (most desirable) score indicates stronger alignment
with community values and a low (least desirable) score indicates weaker alignment. Note that the results of these evaluations are
one of several considerations in the process of seeking locally preferred alternatives.
High (most desirable) Low (least desirable)
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 65 Packet Pg. 700 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 36
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 66 Packet Pg. 701 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 37
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Evaluation Summary
The team completed a technical evaluation of the alternatives, considering each of the crossing options
and the corresponding community connections. Table 10 present the results of this Alternatives Analysis
used to evaluate the degree to which the preliminary conceptual design alternatives align with the design
priorities and each of the selected evaluation criteria, using a scale of high (black) indicating strong
alignment to low (light gray) indicating weak alignment.
Table 10: Evaluation Criteria Results Summary
Evaluation Criteria A.
E
l
D
o
r
a
d
o
A
v
e
T
u
n
n
e
l
B.
L
o
m
a
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
T
u
n
n
e
l
C.
L
o
m
a
V
e
r
d
e
A
v
e
T
u
n
n
e
l
w
i
t
h
Al
m
a
S
t
S
i
g
n
a
l
D.
L
i
n
d
e
r
o
D
r
T
u
n
n
e
l
E.
L
i
n
d
e
r
o
D
r
T
u
n
n
e
l
w
i
t
h
A
l
m
a
St
S
i
g
n
a
l
F.
E
l
y
P
l
a
c
e
T
u
n
n
e
l
G.
F
e
r
n
e
A
v
e
T
u
n
n
e
l
H.
S
a
n
A
n
t
o
n
i
o
B
r
i
d
g
e
En
h
a
n
c
e
m
e
n
t
s
Neighborhood Accessibility
Demand
Facility Width and Capacity
Crossing Length
Crossing Elevation & Ramp Grade
Pedestrian and Bike Comfort
Personal Security
Utility Impacts
Construction Cost
Construction Duration
Operation and Maintenance Cost
Public Space
Environmental Impacts
Parcel Impacts
Traffic, Parking, and Driveways
Notes: Alternatives are scored using design priorities and evaluation criteria developed in the previous project phase based on
community input, engineering expertise, and professional judgement. A high (most desirable) score indicates stronger alignment
with community values and a low (least desirable) score indicates weaker alignment. Note that the results of these evaluations are
one of several considerations in the process of seeking locally preferred alternatives.
High (most desirable) Low (least desirable)
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 67 Packet Pg. 702 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 38
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Neighborhood Accessibility. Alternatives A, B, and C provide the greatest increase in accessibility and
would close the largest gap in distance between crossings. Alternative D and E would provide the lowest
reduction to travel times to crossings.
Demand. Alternatives A, B, C, G and H are estimated to attract the greatest number of bike and
pedestrian users. Alternatives D, E, and F are expected to attract the fewest users.
Facility Width and Capacity. Facility width and capacity would be similar across alternatives, with the
exception of Alternative H, which would construct a narrower 10 foot wide two-way separated bike lane
compared to the 20 foot wide tunnel and 12 foot wide ramps proposed for other alternatives.
Crossing Length. Alternative H would utilize existing crossings and would not reduce the distance to
cross relative to existing conditions. Alternative A would have the shortest crossing length but would
require some out of direction travel along the crossing alignment, while Alternative B would have the
longest crossing length but would provide the most direct connections to the existing bike network.
Crossing Elevation and Ramp Grade. Alternatives would perform the same with respect to crossing
elevation and ramp grade. Alternatives A through G propose ramps constructed with a 7% slope.
Alternative H would enhance connections to the existing tunnel at the San Antonio Caltrain Station near
Mayfield Drive, which is constructed at the same depth and with similar ramping as the other alternatives.
Pedestrian and Bicyclist Comfort. Alternative B would provide the greatest level of pedestrian and
bicyclist comfort to and through the tunnel, as it would create a low-stress connection across Alma Street
and the Caltrain tracks and would provide the most direct and comfortable connections to existing bicycle
and pedestrian facilities.
Personal Security. While all alternatives were designed with consideration for Crime Prevention Through
Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, and relevant safety standards and design practices, Alternative B
would rank the highest, providing the greatest level of visibility and opportunities for natural surveillance
because of the shorter and more direct tunnels and use of the existing bridge structure. Alternative F and
G would be least desirable as a result of the number of 90-degree turns and ramp access locations in less
active areas.
Utility Impacts. Alternative H would have the least impact on utilities, except for the overhead lighting in
the center median on San Antonio Road. Alternatives B and D would have the greatest potential impact,
requiring relocation of existing utilities within the roadway to outside of the proposed tunnel limits.
Construction Cost. Alternatives B and D are projected to be the most expensive to build, while
Alternative H would have the lowest estimated construction cost.
Construction Duration. Alternatives A, B, and C are anticipated to have the shortest construction
duration and earliest possible construction start time since they are outside proposed construction limits
(subject to change) for the Rail Grade Separation Project. Alternatives G and H are also anticipated to have
shorter construction durations and start times but require additional coordination with the City of
Mountain View and other agencies that may extend overall durations.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 68 Packet Pg. 703 of 828
September 2, 2025 Page 39
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Alternatives Analysis
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
Operations and Maintenance Cost. Alternatives B and D would be anticipated to have the highest
operations and maintenance costs, while Alternative H would have the lowest operations and
maintenance costs.
Public Space and Green Infrastructure. Alternatives D and E provide more opportunities for
landscaping, benches, and bio-retention in new plaza areas. Alternatives C and F would have the least
potential to improve existing public space or provide new green infrastructure.
Environmental Impacts. Alternative H would have a minimal potential impact on the environment as it
would not require tunneling, would not result in substantial increases in impervious areas, would not
impact creeks or drainage, or sensitive habitats, and would have no impact on existing wetlands or
parkland.
Parcel Impacts. Alternatives A, G and H are anticipated to impact (either fully or partially) the fewest
number of parcels, while Alternative D, E, and F are projected to fully impact one parcel. Alternatives B and
C are estimated to impact two parcels.
Traffic, Parking, and Driveway Impacts. Alternatives D and H would have the least potential to increase
vehicle delays, reduce parking availability, or affect driveway access compared to other alternatives.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 69 Packet Pg. 704 of 828
September 2, 2025
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Attachments
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
ATTACHMENTS
ATTACHMENT A. INITIAL SCREENING MEMORANDUM
ATTACHMENT B. EVALUATION CRITERIA AND ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY
ATTACHMENT C. ACCESSIBILITY ANALYSIS MAPS
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 70 Packet Pg. 705 of 828
September 2, 2025
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Attachments
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
ATTACHMENT A. INITIAL SCREENING MEMORANDUM
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 71 Packet Pg. 706 of 828
155 Grand Avenue, Suite 505
Oakland, CA 94612
P 510.839.1742
September 2, 2025
SOUTH PALO ALTO BIKE/PED CONNECTIVITY
ATTACHMENT A ALTERNATIVES DEVELOPMENT &
INITIAL SCREENING MEMORANDUM
ways to improve bicycle and pedestrian access across the rail corridor in the southern portion of the City.
To improve bicycle and pedestrian connec
goals, this Project will identify locations and design concepts where two new grade-separated bicycle and
pedestrian crossings of the Caltrain corridor in south Palo Alto (south of Oregon Expressway) may be
constructed.
This memorandum describes the process used to develop and identify the eight crossing design concept
in southern Palo Alto for further development and evaluation as part of this Project.
The alternatives identification and initial screening process consisted of the following three steps:
1. Identify comprehensive list of potential crossing locations and designs
2. Apply initial screening criteria
3. Select eight alternatives for evaluation and feedback
Each step is discussed further in the following sections.
Step 1:Identify Potential Crossing Locations and Designs
The first step in the development of eight alternatives was identifying the full range of crossing
alignments and potential design options. A total of 27 potential design alternatives were identified. These
alternatives consider crossing opportunity locations (or facility alignment) and facility type (e.g., bridge or
tunnel). Designs that would involve minor variations or shifts in alignment were not considered as part of
the initial screening, since minor changes in alignment would not meaningfully affect their performance.
The list of potential crossing locations and designs that were considered during initial screening are
presented in Table 1.
Step 2:Apply Initial Screening
The purpose of the initial screening is to narrow down the list of potential crossing locations and designs.
The criteria for the initial screening aligns with the Project goals and objectives and community values,
and is intended to systematically and objectively identify reasonable alternatives by screening out
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 72 Packet Pg. 707 of 828
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Development & Initial Screening Memo
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 2
unreasonable alternatives. There are three primary reasons why an alternative might be eliminated from
further consideration:
1. The alternative does not satisfy the Project goals and design priorities in support of Council
approved plans and direction
2. The alternative is determined to be not practical or feasible from a technical, environmental,
and/or economic standpoint
3. The alternative substantially duplicates another alternative and offers little to no advantage and it
has impacts and/or costs that are similar to or greater than that of the similar alternative(s)
Crossing locations and designs that were determined to not satisfy the Project and design priorities are
not carried forward for further refinement and analysis. For example, overpasses (i.e., bridges) were
removed from consideration as these structures require long and high spans to clear the Caltrain
catenary system (i.e., overhead wires) making them costly and not as attractive or comfortable to use as a
pedestrian or cyclist. The results of the initial screening are presented in Table 1 below.
Step 3: Select Alternatives for Evaluation
Table 2 lists the crossing locations and designs identified in the initial screening process (Step 2) above,
describes potential design variations, and identifies the alternatives selected for further evaluation based
on the Project goals, design priorities, and Council approved plans and direction. Eight preliminary
conceptual design alternatives were selected for further development and evaluation as part of the
Alternatives Analysis and are listed below:
Alternative A: El Dorado Ave Tunnel
Alternative B: Loma Verde Ave Tunnel
Alternative C: Loma Verde Ave Tunnel with Alma St Signal
Alternative D: Lindero Dr Tunnel
Alternative E: Lindero Dr Tunnel with Alma St Signal
Alternative F: Ely Pl Tunnel
Alternative G: Ferne Ave Tunnel
Alternative H: San Antonio Bridge Enhancements
Design concepts presented in the Alternatives Analysis are preliminary and intended for discussion
purposes only. All concepts are flexible and subject to refinement. Additional community engagement,
technical design work, and agency coordination will be needed once locations and basic design concepts
have been decided.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 73 Packet Pg. 708 of 828
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Development & Initial Screening Memo
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 3
Table 1: Potential Crossing Locations and Design Options
Crossing Location Facility Type
(Bridge,
Tunnel)
Carried
Forward?
(Yes, No)
Notes
Colorado Ave Page Mill Rd Bridge No Bridge structures would require long and high spans to clear the Caltrain railroad
tracks and overhead catenary system making them costly and less comfortable to
use as a pedestrian or cyclist.
Colorado Ave Page Mill Rd Tunnel No Wider section of Alma Street and sloping exit ramp creates challenges for tunnel
structure and would require deeper and longer ramp and tunnel sections.
El Dorado Ave Park Blvd Bridge No Bridge structures would require long and high spans to clear the Caltrain railroad
tracks and overhead catenary system making them costly and less comfortable to
use as a pedestrian or cyclist.
El Dorado Ave Park Blvd Tunnel Yes
El Dorado Ave Park Blvd (City-Owned
Substation)
Bridge No Bridge structures would require long and high spans to clear the Caltrain railroad
tracks and overhead catenary system making them costly and less comfortable to
use as a pedestrian or cyclist. Limited right-of-way available for pathway in/near
City-owned Alma Street substation due to challenges moving/consolidating
electrical equipment and desire to preserve space for utility maintenance, future
growth, and safety.
El Dorado Ave Park Blvd (City-Owned
Substation)
Tunnel No Limited right-of-way available for pathway in/near City-owned Alma Street
substation due to challenges moving/consolidating electrical equipment and desire
to preserve space for utility maintenance, future growth, and safety.
Matadero Creek Park Blvd (City-Owned
Substation)
Tunnel No Insufficient right-of-way along Matadero Creek. Would require tunneling and
impacts to environmentally sensitive area. Limited right-of-way available for
pathway in/near City-owned Alma Street substation due to challenges
moving/consolidating electrical equipment and desire to preserve space for utility
maintenance, future growth, and safety.
El Carmelo Ave Park Blvd/Chestnut Ave Bridge No Bridge structures would require long and high spans to clear the Caltrain railroad
tracks and overhead catenary system making them costly and less comfortable to
use as a pedestrian or cyclist.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 74 Packet Pg. 709 of 828
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Development & Initial Screening Memo
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 4
Crossing Location Facility Type
(Bridge,
Tunnel)
Carried
Forward?
(Yes, No)
Notes
El Carmelo Ave Park Blvd/Chestnut Ave Tunnel No Constraints identified near Matadero Creek.
Loma Verde Ave Park Blvd/Margarita Ave Bridge No Bridge structures would require long and high spans to clear the Caltrain railroad
tracks and overhead catenary system making them costly and less comfortable to
use as a pedestrian or cyclist.
Loma Verde Ave Park Blvd/Margarita Ave Tunnel Yes
El Verano Ave Park Blvd/Curtner Ave-
Ventura Ave
Bridge No Bridge structures would require long and high spans to clear the Caltrain railroad
tracks and overhead catenary system making them costly and less comfortable to
use as a pedestrian or cyclist.
El Verano Ave Park Blvd/Curtner Ave-
Ventura Ave
Tunnel No Constraints due to narrow roadway width of El Verano and frequent driveway
spacing on Alma Street.
W Meadow Dr No Constructing a bike/ped crossing here would duplicate efforts with the Rail Grade
Separation Project at Meadow Drive and Charleston Road.
Lindero Dr Park Blvd (Robles Park) Bridge No Bridge structures would require long and high spans to clear the Caltrain railroad
tracks and overhead catenary system making them costly and less comfortable to
use as a pedestrian or cyclist.
Lindero Dr Park Blvd (Robles Park) Tunnel Yes
W Charleston Rd No Constructing a bike/ped crossing here would duplicate efforts with the Rail Grade
Separation Project at Meadow Drive and Charleston Road.
Ely Pl Park Blvd/Edlee Ave Bridge No Bridge structures would require long and high spans to clear the Caltrain railroad
tracks and overhead catenary system making them costly and less comfortable to
use as a pedestrian or cyclist.
Ely Pl Whitclem Dr Tunnel Yes
Adobe Creek Park Blvd/Whitclem Dr-
Monroe Dr
Tunnel No Insufficient right-of-way along Adobe Creek. Would require tunneling and impacts
to environmentally sensitive area.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 75 Packet Pg. 710 of 828
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Development & Initial Screening Memo
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 5
Crossing Location Facility Type
(Bridge,
Tunnel)
Carried
Forward?
(Yes, No)
Notes
Greenmeadow Way Monroe Dr Bridge No Bridge structures would require long and high spans to clear the Caltrain railroad
tracks and overhead catenary system making them costly and less comfortable to
use as a pedestrian or cyclist.
Greenmeadow Way Monroe Dr Tunnel No Lack of direct bicycle and pedestrian connections, and limited right-of-way that
would require substantial parcel acquisition.
Hemlock Ct Del Medio Ave Bridge No Bridge structures would require long and high spans to clear the Caltrain railroad
tracks and overhead catenary system making them costly and less comfortable to
use as a pedestrian or cyclist.
Hemlock Ct Del Medio Ave Tunnel No Lack of direct bicycle and pedestrian connections, and limited right-of-way that
would require substantial parcel acquisition.
San Antonio Ave Frontage Bridge No Bridge structures would require long and high spans to clear the Caltrain railroad
tracks and overhead catenary system making them costly and less comfortable to
use as a pedestrian or cyclist.
San Antonio Ave Tunnel Yes Enhance bike and pedestrian connections to existing tunnel located nearby at San
Antonio Caltrain Station.
San Antonio Road Bridge Yes Consider use of existing overpass structure.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 76 Packet Pg. 711 of 828
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Development & Initial Screening Memo
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 6
Table 2: Selected Alternatives for Evaluation
Crossing Location Facility Type
(Bridge,
Tunnel)
Description Alternative
Selected for
Evaluation?
(Yes, No)
East Side West Side
El Dorado Park Blvd Tunnel Two ramps along west side of Alma Street connecting to Park Blvd
through an existing surface parking lot.
Yes
Loma Verde Ave Park Blvd at Margarita
Ave
Tunnel Center running straight ramp along Loma Verde connecting to Park Blvd at
Margarita Ave with tight switchbacks.
No
Loma Verde Ave Park Blvd at Margarita
Ave
Tunnel Ramp along Loma Verde WB landscaping strip and curb lane connecting to
Park Blvd at Margarita Ave with tight switchbacks.
No
Loma Verde Ave Park Blvd at Margarita
Ave
Tunnel Ramp along southeast side of Alma connecting to Park Blvd at Margarita
Ave with tight switchbacks.
No
Loma Verde Ave Park Blvd at Margarita
Ave
Tunnel Ramp along Alma Street NB landscaping strip connecting to Park Blvd at
Margarita Ave with tight switchbacks.
No
Loma Verde Ave Park Blvd at Margarita
Ave
Tunnel Center running straight ramp along Loma Verde connecting to Park Blvd at
Margarita Ave with curves and connecting staircase.
Yes
Loma Verde Ave Park Blvd at Margarita
Ave
Tunnel Ramp along Loma Verde WB connecting to Park Blvd at Margarita Ave
with curves and connecting staircase.
No
Loma Verde Ave Park Blvd at Margarita
Ave
Tunnel Ramp along west side of Alma Street connecting to Park Blvd at Margarita
Ave with curves and connecting staircase.
No
Loma Verde Ave Park Blvd at Margarita
Ave
Tunnel Two ramps along west side of Alma Street connecting to Park Blvd at
Margarita Ave with curves and connecting staircase.
Yes
Loma Verde Ave Park Blvd at Margarita
Ave
Tunnel Ramp along Alma Street NB landscaping strip connecting to Park Blvd at
Margarita Ave with curves and connecting staircase.
No
Loma Verde Ave Park Blvd at Margarita
Ave
Bridge Triple helix ramp structure at southeast corner of Loma Verde/Alma Street
connecting to triple helix ramp structure at Park Blvd/Margarita Ave.
No
Lindero Dr Park Blvd (at Robles
Park)
Tunnel Center running slightly curved ramp along Lindero Dr connecting to Park
Blvd at Robles Park with tight curves.
Yes
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 77 Packet Pg. 712 of 828
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Development & Initial Screening Memo
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 7
Crossing Location Facility Type
(Bridge,
Tunnel)
Description Alternative
Selected for
Evaluation?
(Yes, No)
East Side West Side
Lindero Dr Park Blvd (at Robles
Park)
Tunnel Hooked ramp from property on southeast corner of Lindero Dr/Alma St
connecting to Park Blvd at Robles Park midblock with tight curves.
No
Lindero Dr Park Blvd (at Robles
Park)
Tunnel Ramp along Alma Street NB landscaping strip connecting to Park Blvd at
Robles Park midblock with tight curves.
No
Lindero Dr Park Blvd (at Robles
Park)
Tunnel Ramp along Alma Street SB landscaping strip from Lindero Dr connecting
to Park Blvd at Robles Park existing trail with tight curves.
No
Lindero Dr Park Blvd (at Robles
Park)
Tunnel Ramp along Alma Street NB landscaping strip from northwest corner of
Lindero St/Alma St connecting to Park Blvd at Robles Park existing trail
with tight curves.
Yes
Ely Place Whitclem Drive Tunnel Ramp along Alma Street SB landscaping strip across from Ely Place and
connect through corner property to cul-de-sac at Whitclem Dr
Yes
Ely Place Edlee Ave Tunnel Straight connection between Ely Place and Edlee Avenue No
Ferne Ave Del Medio Ave Tunnel Ramp along Alma St SB landscaping strip across from Ferne Ave and
connect with a tunnel to connect to cul-de-sac on Del Medio Ave in
Mountain View
Yes
San Antonio Rd/Nita
Ave & San Antonio
Ave/Alma St
San Antonio
Rd/California St &
Mayfield Dr/Tunnel
Existing
Bridge &
Tunnel
Center running separated bike lane from Nita Ave to California St with
strengthened pedestrian connection from San Antonio Ave to existing
tunnel at Mayfield Ave at San Antonio Caltrain Station
Yes
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 78 Packet Pg. 713 of 828
September 2, 2025
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Attachments
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
ATTACHMENT B. EVALUATION CRITERIA AND ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 79 Packet Pg. 714 of 828
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
September 2, 2025
SOUTH PALO ALTO BIKE/PED CONNECTIVITY
ATTACHMENT B EVALUATION CRITERIA &ANALYSIS
METHODOLOGY
Alternatives were scored using design priorities and evaluation criteria in Table 1 developed in the
previous project phase based on community input, engineering expertise, and professional judgement.
Design priorities and evaluation criteria were used to evaluate the degree to which each crossing design
alternative aligns with community values. The Updated Design Priorities and Evaluation Criteria
Memorandum, available online on the project webpage (www.paloalto.gov/BikePedCrossings), provides
additional background on how the design priorities and evaluation criteria were selected.
Table 1: Design Priorities and Evaluation Criteria
Design Priorities Criteria
Improve Mobility
Enhances bike and pedestrian access between
key destinations.
Neighborhood Accessibility
Demand
Facility Width and Capacity
Enhance User Experience
Prioritizes spaces that are comfortable for
people of all ages and abilities.
Crossing Length
Crossing Elevation and Ramp Grade
Pedestrian and Bicyclist Comfort
Personal Security
Maximize East of Construction
Limits costs (time and money) and prioritizes
designs that are feasible to implement.
Utility Impacts
Construction Costs
Construction Duration
Operation and Maintenance Costs
Enhance Visual Appeal
Enhances the sense of community with spaces
and structures that are visually appealing.
Public Space and Green Infrastructure
Minimize Community Impacts
Limits potential impacts on existing
neighborhoods and the natural environment.
Environmental Impacts
Parcel Impacts
Traffic, Parking, and Driveway Impacts
The following section describes how each criterion was scored. The results of these evaluations are one of
several considerations in the process of seeking locally preferred alternatives.
155 Grand Avenue, Suite 505
Oakland, CA 94612
P 510.839.1742
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 80 Packet Pg. 715 of 828
September 2, 2025
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project Alternatives Analysis Attachment B
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 2
IMPROVE MOBILITY
Design Priority: Prioritize locations and designs that integrate with surrounding networks, provide access
to critical destinations, serve the most users, and accommodate current and future transportation needs.
NEIGHBORHOOD ACCESSIBILITY
Criteria Goal: Prioritize alternatives that reduce existing barriers to crossing the train tracks by shortening
the distance to the closest rail crossing for walking and biking.
Process: Alternatives were evaluated to identify the degree to which they reduce travel time and increase
the area that can be accessed within a 5, 10, or 15 minute walk or bike trip from a rail crossing. For each
alternative, the proposed crossing was added to the transportation network and the accessibility analysis
was re-run to observe how travel times for walking and biking changed compared to existing conditions.1
More details on the accessibility analysis and results under the existing conditions can be found in the
Existing Conditions Report available online on the project webpage. Note that the bike accessibility
analysis varies slightly from the Existing Conditions Report, as the baseline analysis for existing conditions
was updated to allow cyclists to use high-stress intersections. This change was made to reflect the use of
crossing guards at some locations and assumed new crossings would be paired with enhancements at
signalized intersections providing better bike accessibility.
Results for each alternative are shown in Attachment C. Scores were assigned by visually comparing the
alternatives to identify the degree to which each crossing reduces walking and biking travel times to a
crossing. For reference, Figure 1 showed the walking accessibility results for a high and low performing
crossing. Thin lines indicated walk or bike access area under existing conditions, and thick lines indicated
locations where a new crossing reduces travel time to a rail crossing. Table 2 illustrates how the
Neighborhood Accessibility criterion was scored.
1 The analysis assumed one crossing would be built and did not assess how accessibility might change
under a combination of buildout scenarios.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 81 Packet Pg. 716 of 828
September 2, 2025
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project Alternatives Analysis Attachment B
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 3
Figure 1: Walking Access for Alternative A (Left) and Alternative D (Right)
Table 2: Scoring Neighborhood Accessibility
Change in Neighborhood Accessibility Score
Substantial decrease in travel time walking and biking to a crossing High (most desirable)
Decrease in travel time walking and biking to a crossing
Limited decrease in travel time walking and biking to a crossing
Isolated reduction in travel time walking and biking to a crossing
No reduction in travel time (high overlap with existing crossing Low (least desirable)
DEMAND
Criteria Goal: Prioritize alternatives that are expected to attract more walking and biking trips.
Process: The analysis estimated weekday daily and weekday peak hour (morning commute) walking and
biking trips for each alternative. The future year of 2031 was selected for analysis to be consistent with the
adopted Housing Element and to account for future land use and population growth. Trips were
estimated using a six-step calculation process that factored for planned growth and captured both route
shift (existing walk and bike trips shifting from existing crossings to proposed alternatives) and mode shift
(existing driving trips changing to walk or bike trips) as a result of a more comfortable or shorter route.
Step 1 Create Existing Origin-Destination Trip Matrix
The existing origin-destination (O-D) trip matrix was created using trip data from the travel data company
Replica.2 The trip data represented trips for a typical weekday in Spring 2023. Trips were filtered to include
2 Replica is a transportation data company that models travel patterns based on multiple data sources,
including data collected by vehicles, land use and Census data, and public transportation data sets. More
information about Replica can be found at Appendix C of the Existing Conditions Report at
https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/Transportation/Transportation-Projects/South-Palo-Alto-BikePed-
Connectivity.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 82 Packet Pg. 717 of 828
September 2, 2025
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project Alternatives Analysis Attachment B
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 4
trips that (1) started, ended, or passed through the City of Palo Alto and Stanford (2) had a distance of 5-
miles or shorter, and (3) were completed by walking, biking, driving, rider in personal vehicle, taxi, or ride-
hail. The 5-mile trip limit was used to exclude trips that were unlikely to change from driving due to their
length.
Step 2 Grow Trip Matrix to Represent 2031 Scenario
The existing O-D matrix was then adjusted to account for planned land use and population growth in Palo
Alto as captured in the VTA Model.3 Trip data for all modes combined was extracted for the years of 2015
(existing conditions year for the Housing Element) and 2031, respectively. An annualized growth rate was
calculated for each O-D pair using the following formula and applied to 2023 trips volumes from Step 1.4
Step 3 Identify Walk and Bike Routes
For each O-D pair, a script was used to identify the preferred walking and biking route under existing
conditions and when each alternative was made available. Walking routes were routed based on the
shortest travel path. Biking routes were calculated based on a combination of trip length and the stress
level for using different roads (i.e., if there were two similar length routes, the route would reflect the
more comfortable route). Figure 2 illustrated an example O-D where the availability of Alternative B. Loma
Verde Ave Tunnel for walking resulted in a 0.6 miles shorter walking route compared to the existing
conditions.
For each alternative, the O-D matrix from Step 2 was reduced to include only trip patterns where an
improved route became available for walking or biking and the corresponding change in trip length. The
change in trip length for walking was based on the length of the route. The change in the length of the
biking trip used a weighted trip length that considered the stress of routes (i.e., if a new crossing created a
route that was equal in length but more comfortable, the weighted length would reflect a reduction in
length).
3 The refined version of the VTA model by the City of Palo Alto was used to incorporate land use and
population from the Housing Element.
4 Individual growth rates for each O-D. It was found that a small fraction of O-D pairs were calculated as
having unrealistic rates due to small sample sizes in the model data. These pairs were capped at a 200%
growth in trips.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 83 Packet Pg. 718 of 828
September 2, 2025
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project Alternatives Analysis Attachment B
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 5
Step 4 Estimate Rerouted Walking and Biking Trips
If an alternative provided an improved route for trips that were already being complete by walking or
biking, the trip was assumed to shift to the new alternative. Table 4 and Table 5 provided the final
estimates at the end of the section reported the total shifted walk and bike trips under each alternative for
the year 2031.
Step 5 Estimate Mode Shift from Driving
If an alternative provided an improved route for trips that were driving trips under existing conditions
(including driver, passenger, or taxi and ride-hail passenger), the trips were evaluated based on their trip
lengths under existing conditions and under each alternative to determine potential for trips to change
mode. The model assumed increasing share of driving trips as distance increased and given the same
distance change, a higher percentage of mode shift would occur for shorter trips (e.g., the share of driving
trips would increase by about 20 percent when distance increased from one to two miles while it would
increase by less than 5 percent when distance increased from four to five miles). To calculate potential
mode shift, an equation was fit to the mode share for driving trips in the replica data, comparing trip
length to percent of trip driving. Figure 3 showed the trip data and fitted curve.
Line Description Distance
Existing Conditions 2.0 miles
Alternative B: Loma Verde Ave Tunnel 1.4 miles
Figure 2: Example Walking Route Evaluation
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 84 Packet Pg. 719 of 828
September 2, 2025
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project Alternatives Analysis Attachment B
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 6
Figure 3: Percent Mode Share by Distance
Source: Kittelson & Associates, Inc. from Replica Fall 2023 Weekday Trips that start, end, or pass through Palo Alto.
For each O-D pair, the possibility to shift from driving to walking and to biking, respectively, was
estimated based on the ratio of walk to bike mode share by distance for existing trips. The evaluation was
done in tandem to avoid double counting the same driving trip as both new walk and bike trips.
Table 3 provides an illustrative example for a single O-D pair. In this example, there were projected to be
50 person-trips between an O-D pair, and the proposed crossing would reduce the trip distance from 1.5
miles to 0.5 miles. Using the mode-choice equation, 70 percent (~35 trips) of the total 50 trips were
driving trips under existing conditions and 40 percent (~20 trips) of the total 50 trips would be driving
trips with the proposed crossing. Therefore, the delta, 30 percent (~15 trips) of the total 50 trips would be
converted to walk or bike trips. At 0.5 miles, it was observed that 75 percent of walking and biking trips
were walking and 25 percent were biking. Therefore, after rounding to the nearest whole number, the 15
shifted trips were estimated to result in 11 walking trips (75% x 15 trips) and 4 biking trips (25% x 15 trips).
Table 3 Example Mode Shift Calculation
Metrics Values
Trip Demand between O-D Pair 50 trips
Existing Distance (Miles)1.5
% Existing Trips Driving (Trip Counts)70% (35)
Alternative Distance (Miles)0.5
% Alternative Trips Driving (Trip Counts)40% (20)
% of Trips Shifted to Walk and Bike Trips (Trip Counts)-30% (-15)
% of Driving Trips Shifted to Walk Trip (Trip Counts)75% (11)
% of Driving Trips Shifted to Bike Trip (Trip Counts)25% (4)
Source: Kittelson & Associates, Inc. numbers are representative of process for single O-D pair for all day travel.
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
0 1 2 3 4 5
Trip Distance (miles)
Drive Mode Share
Fitted Equation
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 85 Packet Pg. 720 of 828
September 2, 2025
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project Alternatives Analysis Attachment B
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 7
Step 6 Final Matrix and Score Assignment
Total estimated demand of each alternative was calculated as the sum of estimated route shift and
estimated mode shift, for walk and bike trips, respectively. The final estimates for each alternative are
provided in Table 4 and Table 5. Note that the estimates for San Antonio Bridge Enhancements
(Alternative H) did not include trips for walking, as the alternative would not create a new crossing;
however, the estimate for the alternative did include bike trips that were shifted by the addition of a new
lower-stress biking facility along San Antonio Road.
Table 4: Estimated Weekday Trips by Crossing, Future Year 2031
Weekday Total 2031 Shifted Mode Change Total Walk Bike Walk Bike Walk Bike Total
Alternative A: El Dorado Ave Tunnel 560 1,620 240 180 800 1,800 2,600
Alternative B: Loma Verde Ave Tunnel 550 1,550 190 170 740 1,720 2,460
Alternative C: Loma Verde Ave Tunnel with
Alma St Signal 550 1,550 190 170 740 1,720 2,460
Alternative D: Lindero Dr Tunnel 90 450 10 20 100 470 570
Alternative E: Lindero Dr Tunnel with Alma
St Signal 90 450 10 20 100 470 570
Alternative F: Ely Pl Tunnel 50 560 - 70 50 630 680
Alternative G: Ferne Ave Tunnel 390 1,700 70 350 460 2,050 2,510
Alternative H: San Antonio Bridge
Enhancements1 NA 2,100 NA 540 NA 2,640 2,640
1. Estimate does not include trips for walking, as alternative does not create a new crossing. Estimate includes bike
trips that are improved by adding a new lower stress biking facility along San Antonio Road.
Table 5: Estimated Weekday AM Peak Hour Trips by Crossing, Future Year 2031
Weekday AM Peak Hour Total 2031 Shifted Mode Change Total Walk Bike Walk Bike Walk Bike Total
Alternative A: El Dorado Ave Tunnel 60 140 10 10 70 150 220
Alternative B: Loma Verde Ave Tunnel 60 140 10 20 70 160 230
Alternative C: Loma Verde Ave Tunnel with
Alma St Signal 60 140 10 20 70 160 230
Alternative D: Lindero Dr Tunnel - 40 - - - 40 40
Alternative E: Lindero Dr Tunnel with Alma
St Signal - 40 - - - 40 40
Alternative F: Ely Pl Tunnel 10 40 - - 10 40 50
Alternative G: Ferne Ave Tunnel 50 110 - 30 50 140 190
Alternative H: San Antonio Bridge
Enhancements1 NA 150 NA 40 NA 190 190
1. Estimate does not include trips for walking, as alternative does not create a new crossing. Estimate includes bike
trips that are improved by adding a new lower stress biking facility along San Antonio Road.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 86 Packet Pg. 721 of 828
September 2, 2025
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project Alternatives Analysis Attachment B
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 8
A High score was assigned to crossings with the highest daily estimated use. A Low score was assigned to
crossing with the lowest daily estimated use. Other crossings were scored relative to the highest and
lowest demand proportionally based on estimated use. Table 6 illustrates how the Demand criterion was
scored.
Table 6: Scoring Demand
Estimated Daily Walk/Bike Demand Score
2,600 or more daily trips High (most desirable)
2,000 to 2,599 daily trips
1,500 to 1,999 daily trips
1,000 to 1,499 daily trips
1,000 or less daily trips Low (least desirable)
As shown in the demand estimates presented in Table 4 and Table 5., Alternative A, B, C, G, and H have
higher estimated demand, and are projected to have more than 2,400 weekday daily trips and more than
190 weekday AM peak hour trips. As a comparison, there were around 1,800 daily pedestrian and bicycle
trips and 300 peak hour pedestrian and bicycle trips observed at the California Avenue underpass in April
2025.5 Alternatives D, E, and F would generate lower demand of fewer than 800 weekday daily trips and
around 50 weekday AM peak hour trips. As a comparison, there were around 600 daily trips and 170 peak
hour trips observed crossing the railroad tracks at Meadow Drive, and around 400 daily trips and 100 peak
hour trips observed crossing the railroad tracks at Charleston Road.
FACILITY WIDTH AND CAPACITY
Criteria Goal: Prioritize alternatives that maintain a wider cross-section that allows for more comfortable
and efficient travel for people walking and biking across the crossing.
Process: Alternatives were evaluated based on the minimum cross-section of the ramps shown in the
concept designs. Tunnels would be 20 feet wide per standards documented in Caltrain Design Criteria
3.1.2 Pedestrian Underpass. In addition, the Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities published by
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) in 2012 recommended
wider pathways (11 to 14 feet) for shared use paths expected to serve a high percentage of pedestrians
(30 percent or more of the total volume) or high user volumes (more than 300 peak hour users). The
National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Urban Bikeway Design Guide identifies a
preferred width of 11 feet and minimum width of 8 feet for shared use paths with low volumes (50 peak
hour cyclists) and a preferred width of 15 feet and minimum width of 11 feet for shared use paths with
5 Observed counts at existing crossings were collected over a 12-hour period between 7am and 7pm on
Thursday, April 24, 2025. The daily demand would be slightly higher than the 12-hour counts. Pedestrian
counts at Meadow Drive and Charleston Road were collected for the same time period on Thursday, May
16, 2024.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 87 Packet Pg. 722 of 828
September 2, 2025
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project Alternatives Analysis Attachment B
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 9
medium volumes (up to 400 peak hour cyclists). For reference, the Embarcadero Bike Path varies from
eight feet to 12 feet wide and the US 101 Bike/Ped Overpass is 12 feet wide.
As shown in Table 4 and Table 5,, no alternatives were projected to serve more than 300 peak hour
walk/bike trips in 2031. Regarding pedestrian percentage, three alternatives (Alternative A, B, and C) met
the 30 percent threshold. All three alternatives had a minimum ramp cross-section of 12 feet and met the
AASHTO and NACTO recommendation.
A High score was assigned to crossings with a minimum ramp cross-section of 12 feet or more. This ramp
cross-section width would allow bidirectional travel by people walking and biking with minimal potential
for conflict between users. A Low score was assigned to crossings with a minimum ramp cross-section of
9.9 feet or less. At less than 10 feet wide there would be potential for conflict between users and would
likely need to require people biking to walk through the crossing. Table 7 illustrates how the Facility Width
and Capacity criterion was scored.
Table 7: Scoring Facility Width and Capacity
Facility Width and Capacity Score
12 or more High (most desirable)
11 1
Less than Low (least desirable)
ENHANCE USER EXPERIENCE
Design Priority: Design facilities guided by the prioritization of the most vulnerable populations6, and
create safe, well-lit spaces that are comfortable to access and utilize.
CROSSING LENGTH
Criterial Goal: Crossing length considered both the length of the new crossing itself and the degree of
which it would allow direct routes (i.e., a short route that would require a lot of out-of-direction travel was
not considered a short crossing). The goal of this criterion was to prioritize alternatives that provide more
direct connections between the transportation network on either side of rail and to discourage designs
that included hairpin turns or other features that would increase the amount of out of direction travel a
person may be required to complete.
Process: The criterion was evaluated qualitatively by referencing the concept designs. A High score was
assigned to alternatives that provide a direct crossing, similar to the California Avenue Underpass which
6 Vulnerable populations are groups or communities at a higher risk of experiencing negative health,
social, or economic outcomes due to various factors. These factors can be related to social, economic,
political, environmental, or individual circumstances. Examples include children, older adults, people with
disabilities, low-income individuals, and racial and ethnic minorities.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 88 Packet Pg. 723 of 828
September 2, 2025
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project Alternatives Analysis Attachment B
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 10
draws a straight line between California Avenue on either side of the train tracks. A Low score was
assigned to alternatives that generate substantial out-of-direction travel, similar to the crossing by the
underpass at the San Antonio Caltrain Station where ramps for the crossing run parallel to the train tracks.
The evaluation was conducted based on the alignment of ramps and length of the crossing and did not
consider the potential for more direct paths using stairs, as stairs are not accessible for all users, including
people biking and people in wheelchairs or using other wheeled mobility devices. Table 8 illustrates how
the Crossing Length criterion was scored.
Table 8: Scoring Crossing Length
Crossing Length and Path of Travel Score
Direct route that connects to crossing locations High (most desirable)
Direct route with limited potential out of direction travel for specific routes
Limited out-of-direction travel for most routes
Substantial out-of-direction travel for some routes
Includes substantial out-of-direction travel for most routes Low (least desirable)
CROSSING ELEVATION AND RAMP GRADE
Criteria Goal: Prioritize alternatives that provide lower ramp grades that increase user comfort,
encouraging all ages and abilities.
Process: A High score was assigned to alternatives that provide ramping at 4.9% or lower. A Low score
was assigned to alternatives with ramp grades in excess of 8.33%. Alternatives A through G propose
ramps at 7% grade and score Medium under this criteria. For reference, ramps at the Homer Avenue
Tunnel are around 5 percent, ramps at the Palo Alto Caltrain Station are between 7 and 8 percent, and
ramps at the California Avenue Tunnel are around 9 percent. Table 9 illustrates how the Crossing Elevation
and Ramp Grade criterion was scored.
Table 9: Scoring Elevation and Ramp Grade
Crossing Elevation and Ramp Grade Character Score
All ramping is 4.9% or lower High (most desirable)
Ramping is between 5 and 6.9% grade
Ramping is primarily at 7%
Ramping is between 7 and 8.33%
Grade exceeds 8.33% Low (least desirable)
PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLIST COMFORT
Criteria Goal: Prioritize alternatives with design characteristics that create a more comfortable walking
and biking experience by (1) reducing potential for conflicts between people walking and biking on the
alternative and (2) creating seamless connections to the larger transportation network.
Process: Each alternative was qualitatively evaluated for potential to reduce or eliminate conflicts and
provide low-stress connections to the existing network. The factors evaluated were:
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 89 Packet Pg. 724 of 828
September 2, 2025
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project Alternatives Analysis Attachment B
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 11
Grade separated intersections. Alternatives that tunnel underneath Alma Street were assigned a
higher score, because they would provide a more seamless and lower-stress connection across by
removing potential conflicts at the intersection with Alma Street.
Ninety (90)-degree turns. Alternatives that would require a 90-degree turn into the tunnel were
assigned a lower score as turns increase potential for conflicts between people traveling in
opposite directions. Turns may also reduce visibility and line of sight, making it difficult to see
people ahead and difficult to judge distances and react.
Ramp access locations. Higher scores were assigned to ramp access locations near existing low-
stress bicycle routes and pedestrian crossings.
A High score was assigned to alternatives identified as having the least potential for conflict and greatest
comfort for people walking and biking, and for alternatives that could be accessed via more direct and
low-stress routes. A Low score was assigned to alternatives with the greatest potential for conflict and/or
features likely to make use and access more uncomfortable. Table 10 illustrates how the Pedestrian and
Bicyclist criterion was scored.
Table 10: Scoring Pedestrian and Bicyclist Comfort
Pedestrian and Bicycle Comfort Score
More comfortable High (most desirable)
Less comfortable Low (least desirable)
PERSONAL SECURITY
Criteria Goal: All alternatives were designed with consideration for Crime Prevention Through
Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, and relevant safety standards and design practices and meet
the basic standards for personal security. However, some alternatives provided relatively more visibility
and connectivity. The goal of this criterion was to prioritize alternatives that would increase pedestrian
and bicyclist security by providing good visibility and access points at high-traffic locations.
Process: Each alternative was qualitatively evaluated for visibility at crossing and connectivity of access
points based on the conceptual design layouts.7 The factors evaluated were:
Ninety (90)-degree turns at tunnels. Unobstructed and well-lit tunnel entrances and exits allow
users to see ahead and offer natural surveillance, which allows nearby observers to monitor
Alternatives that would
require a 90-degree turn into the tunnel were assigned a lower score as turns may limit visibility
and natural surveillance, therefore, lowering personal security.
7 Further treatments, such as security cameras, lighting, skylights, emergency phones, can be used to
increase visibility and sightlines. This evaluation did not consider these mitigating factors.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 90 Packet Pg. 725 of 828
September 2, 2025
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project Alternatives Analysis Attachment B
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 12
Ramp access locations. Higher scores were assigned to ramp access locations in areas where
people naturally pass by, which provide more opportunities for natural surveillance. For example,
Alternative A would lead to a parking lot and the crossing itself would also have higher demand
(2,600 total pedestrian and bike trips), as shown in Table 4. Ramp access locations at isolated or
less-traveled paths would have less activity to support natural surveillance. For example, the
tunnel entrance of Alternative F would be between two residential parcels and therefore
pedestrians on Park Boulevard and Whitclem Drive may not be able to directly see activities in the
tunnel. In addition, Alternative F would also have the second to lowest demand among all
alternatives (680 total pedestrian and bike trips), which may limit natural surveillance.
A High score was assigned to unobstructed and well-connected alternatives with more opportunities for
natural surveillance. A Low score was assigned to alternatives with sightline obstructions and less
opportunities for natural surveillance. Table 11 illustrates how the Personal Security criterion was scored.
Table 11: Scoring Personal Security
Personal Security Character Score
Higher visibility, connectivity, and opportunities for natural surveillance High (most desirable)
Lower visibility, connectivity, and opportunities for natural surveillance Low (least desirable)
MAXIMIZE EASE OF CONSTRUCTION
Design Priority: Minimize potential for disruption during construction and complexity of design, while
ensuring that construction costs and maintenance costs would be feasible to implement given reasonably
expected project funding.
UTILITY IMPACTS
Criteria Goal: Prioritize alternatives that would minimize potential conflicts with existing utilities to reduce
construction risk, cost, and schedule delays. Alternatives that avoid major utility corridors or require
minimal relocation were preferred, as utility conflicts could introduce significant complexity and require
extensive coordination with utility owners.
Process: Each alternative was qualitatively evaluated based on site observations and general utility
information available at each location. A High score was assigned to alternatives that largely avoid known
utility corridors and are expected to require minimal utility relocations. A Low score was assigned to
alternatives that intersect with major utility lines (transmission) or are located in dense utility zones where
significant relocations would likely be required. Intermediate scores were assigned to alternatives with
minor or localized conflicts.
For this analysis, conventional utilities such as gas, water, sewer, telephone, fiber optic, electrical
distribution/transmission were the focus based on site investigations and limited available information at
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 91 Packet Pg. 726 of 828
September 2, 2025
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project Alternatives Analysis Attachment B
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 13
this stage. Items such as street lighting were not considered, as they fall outside the conventional utility
definition and represent comparatively minor relocations relative to moving more significant
distribution/transmission lines. Table 12 illustrates how the Utility Impacts criterion was scored.
Table 12: Scoring Utility Impacts
Utility Impacts Score
Lower potential for utility impacts High (most desirable)
Higher potential for utility impacts Low (least desirable)
CONSTRUCTION COST
Criteria Goal: Prioritize alternatives that would be cost-effective to construct. Alternatives that minimized
the need for complex structural features, extensive utility relocation, or right-of-way acquisition would be
preferred, provided that they would still meet Project objectives and accessibility requirements.
Process: At this early feasibility stage, detailed construction cost estimates are not yet reliable because
the concepts are schematic and subject to change as the design advances. These concepts have been
developed specifically to help narrow down a preferred alternative location within the broader
evaluation not to define exact scope or quantities. Providing dollar figures or even ranges at this stage
could create a false sense of precision and misrepresent the true variability of costs. Instead, the
evaluation uses a qualitative, side-by-side comparison based on the key cost drivers for each alternative.
This approach ensures that differences in the relative costs are captured in a consistent and defensible
way without overstating accuracy at this stage of the planning process.
The evaluation considered factors such as the overall footprint for each alternative, anticipated site
impacts, and general staging and traffic handling needs during construction. Parcel acquisition
In general, tunnels
passing underneath only the railroad tracks are shorter estimated at 85 to 110 feet in length depending
on the crossing location and ramp configurations. Structure costs for these shorter tunnels are expected
to be similar regardless of the alternative, with construction likely achieved by jacking the tunnel box
beneath the tracks to minimize disruption to train operations.
Longer tunnels passing underneath both Alma Street and the railroad tracks are estimated at 160 to 220
feet in length. Because of the increased length, structure costs will be higher. In addition, potential staged
construction in Alma Street and adjacent local streets would add to the overall construction cost.
Alternatives that require use of Caltrain right-of-way will also carry added cost implications. Any such use
will require additional coordination with Caltrain, including obtaining variances that must be approved by
the Caltrain Board. These requirements introduce additional permitting steps, review cycles, and potential
design modifications, which can increase both the complexity and cost of the alternative.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 92 Packet Pg. 727 of 828
September 2, 2025
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project Alternatives Analysis Attachment B
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 14
Several of the evaluated alternatives are also located within areas proposed for construction as part of the
Rail Grade Separation Project at Meadow Drive and Charleston Road8. In June 2024, Council advanced the
Hybrid Alternative (including a mixed wall/column approach) and Underpass Alternative for Meadow
Drive and Charleston Road
Alternatives D, E, and F are located within proposed construction limits (subject to change) for rail grade
separation at Meadow Drive and Charleston Road and would require close coordination to address
potential changes in site conditions, available staging areas, and construction sequencing. This
coordination could add cost and schedule risks, depending on how the two projects interface.
For both shorter and longer tunnel options and those overlapping with rail grade separation at Meadow
Drive and Charleston Road the overall cost will also be influenced by factors such as the number and
geometry of ramps, presence of existing underground utilities, subsurface soil conditions, and the
These cost considerations are preliminary planning-level assumptions intended for relative comparison
only and will be refined as design advances and more detailed engineering, utility coordination, and
staging plans are developed.
A High score was assigned to alternatives that would be expected to have lower estimated construction
costs. A Low score was assigned to alternatives that would be expected to have higher estimated
construction costs. Table 13 illustrates how the Construction Costs criterion was scored.
Table 13: Scoring Construction Costs
Construction Costs Score
Lower estimated construction costs High (most desirable)
Higher estimated construction costs Low (least desirable)
CONSTRUCTION DURATION
Criteria Goal: Minimize overall construction duration to reduce disruptions to the surrounding
community, minimize adverse effects on nearby transportation corridors/systems, and reduce project
delivery risks. Alternatives that allowed for more streamlined construction coordination, staging, and
fewer complex construction elements were preferred.
Process: This criterion was evaluated qualitatively based on the relative complexity of construction
activities, including construction coordination, structural components, staging requirements, and potential
constraints related to site access or active transportation detours. A High score was assigned to
alternatives expected to have shorter construction durations and sooner construction start dates. This
would include alternatives with shorter tunnel lengths, fewer ramps and stairs, fewer utility conflicts, fewer
8 https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/Transportation/Transportation-Projects/Rail-Grade-Separation
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 93 Packet Pg. 728 of 828
September 2, 2025
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project Alternatives Analysis Attachment B
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 15
right-of-way conflicts, and more streamlined construction coordination with other projects and/or
agencies. A Low score was assigned to alternatives with prolonged construction activities and construction
start dates. This would include alternatives with longer tunnels (grade separating Alma Street and the
Caltrain corridor), known overhead/underground utility impacts, right-of-way impacts, and known factors
that could influence construction start date. Mid-range scores were assigned to alternatives with
moderate construction durations and start times.
Most alternatives, with the exception of Alternative H, would require similar construction activities given
they involve grade separating the Caltrain corridor. The approximate construction duration to complete
these activities is assumed to be about 18 months. For alternatives that also grade separate Alma Street,
construction becomes far more involved due to the need to navigate more utilities within Alma Street and
maintain traffic along the corridor during construction. These alternatives scoring lower under this
criterion would likely require approximately 24 months to complete.
Alternatives G and H extend into City of Mountain View right-of-way, requiring additional coordination
that may introduce further permitting steps, review cycles, and staging considerations, potentially
extending the overall duration.
As discussed earlier, Alternatives D, E, and F are located within proposed construction limits (subject to
change) for rail grade separation at Meadow Drive and Charleston Road for the Hybrid Alternative
(including a mixed wall/column approach) and Underpass Alternative at Meadow Drive and Charleston
and would require close coordination to address potential changes in site conditions, available staging
areas, and construction sequencing. This coordination could extend construction duration and start time,
depending on how the two projects interface. If the Hybrid Alternative is advanced, any bike/pedestrian
undercrossing construction at these locations would need to wait until Meadow/Charleston construction
is completed, given the overlap in work areas. This dependency could delay the start of construction and
extend overall delivery time for these alternatives. These durations are preliminary planning-level
assumptions intended for relative comparison only and will be refined as design advances and more
detailed staging, permitting, and phasing plans are developed.
A High score was assigned to alternatives that would be expected to have shorter anticipated construction
durations and earlier start dates. A Low score was assigned to alternatives that would be expected to have
longer anticipated construction duration and later start date. Table 14 illustrates how the Construction
Costs criterion was scored.
Table 14: Scoring Construction Duration
Construction Duration Score
Shorter anticipated construction duration and start date High (most desirable)
Longer anticipated construction duration and start date Low (least desirable)
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 94 Packet Pg. 729 of 828
September 2, 2025
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project Alternatives Analysis Attachment B
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 16
OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE COST
Criteria Goal: Prioritize alternatives that would minimize long-term operations and maintenance needs
for the City. Designs with a smaller physical footprint and fewer infrastructure elements requiring ongoing
upkeep such as the tunnel, ramp structures, at-grade pathways, traffic signals/pedestrian hybrid
beacons were preferred, as they would naturally reduce long-term maintenance responsibilities and
associated costs.
Process: This criterion was evaluated qualitatively by reviewing key design features likely to influence
operations and maintenance responsibilities. A High score was assigned to alternatives with low
anticipated maintenance demands, such as common roadway at-grade features. A Low score was
assigned to alternatives with high anticipated operations and maintenance demands, such as structures,
pump stations, and traffic signals or pedestrian hybrid beacons. Table 15 illustrates how the Operations
and Maintenance Cost criterion was scored.
Table 15: Scoring Operations and Maintenance Cost
Operations and Maintenance Costs Score
Relatively lower anticipated operations and maintenance costs High (most desirable)
Low to moderate anticipated operations and maintenance costs
Moderate anticipated operations and maintenance costs
High to moderate anticipated operations and maintenance costs
Relatively higher anticipated operations and maintenance costs Low (least desirable)
ENHANCE VISUAL APPEAL
Design Priority: Ensure that newly constructed facilities would enhance the sense of community by
incorporating public art, public spaces, and attractive structures.
PUBLIC SPACE AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
Criteria Goal: Prioritize alternatives with greater potential to improve existing public space or provide
new public space and green infrastructure.
Process: A High score was assigned to alternatives that created the most opportunities for landscaping,
benches, and bio-retention in new plaza areas and enhanced connections to existing public space. A Low
score was assigned to alternatives with constrained site plan that would limit opportunities to create new
public spaces and implement green infrastructure. Table 16 illustrates how the Public Space and Green
Infrastructure criterion was scored.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 95 Packet Pg. 730 of 828
September 2, 2025
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project Alternatives Analysis Attachment B
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 17
Table 16: Scoring Public Space and Green Infrastructure
Public Space and Green Infrastructure Impact Score
Directly connects to park or other public space High (most desirable)
Improves visual appeal of local context
Neutral effects on local context
Potential limited opportunities to create public space and green infrastructure
Limited opportunities to create public space and green infrastructure Low (least desirable)
MINIMIZE COMMUNITY IMPACTS
Design Priority: Limit potential adverse effects on existing neighborhoods, including the amount of space
needed (parking spaces, roads, and buildings are minimally affected) and adverse effects on the
environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Criteria Goal: Prioritize alternatives that would avoid or reduce environmental impacts to the built and
natural environment.
Process: Alternatives were evaluated to identify the degree to which an alternative would avoid or reduce
adverse effects to both the built and natural environments, as well as what level of environmental
compliance may be required pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and potentially
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) if federal funding is used for the Project. With the exception
of Alternative H, which would not build a new tunnel, each alternative would result in a similar level of
impacts under CEQA and NEPA for a variety of environmental topics based on the environmental setting
and characteristics of each alternative. Such environmental topics included but were not limited to
geology and soils, hydrology and water quality, biological resources, cultural resources, hazards and
hazardous materials. Regarding biological resources, none of the alternatives would impact creeks, and
any tree removal would be replaced pursuant to City policy). As such, these topics would not help to
differentiate the alternatives and were not evaluated.
Pursuant to CEQA and NEPA, and based on the environmental setting and characteristics of each
alternative, The primary environmental impact considered for the evaluation of each alternative includes
short-term construction impacts to residential uses (i.e., air quality, noise, vibration, and traffic which is
discussed under Traffic, Parking, and Driveway Impacts).
A High score was assigned to alternatives that did not require tunneling adjacent to residences and thus
would require less environmental review pursuant to CEQA, likely in the form of a Categorical Exemption.
A Low score was assigned to alternatives requiring tunneling adjacent to residences, which would not
likely qualify for a CEQA Categorical Exemption and instead may require an Initial Study/Mitigated
Negative Declaration. Table 17 illustrates how the Environmental Impacts criterion was scored.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 96 Packet Pg. 731 of 828
September 2, 2025
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project Alternatives Analysis Attachment B
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 18
Table 17: Scoring Environmental Impacts
Environmental Impact Score
Lower level of environmental impacts and required environmental compliance High (most desirable)
Higher level of environmental impacts and required environmental compliance Low (least desirable)
PARCEL IMPACTS
Criteria Goal: Minimize adverse effects on private property or publicly owned parcels not currently
dedicated to transportation use. Alternatives that would fit within existing public right-of-way or affect
only publicly owned land designated for transportation purposes were preferred, as they would help
avoid displacing existing uses, reduce property acquisition costs, and minimize community disruption.
Process: This criterion was evaluated qualitatively using the conceptual design layouts and assessing
whether alternatives directly affect private property and buildings within parcels. A High score was
assigned to alternatives that did not require full or partial parcel acquisition. A Low score was assigned to
alternatives requiring full or partial acquisition of two or more parcels. Table 18 illustrates how the Parcel
Impacts criterion was scored.
Table 18: Scoring Parcel Impacts
Parcel Impact Score
No parcel impact High (most desirable)
Partial parcel impact (no impact on existing buildings)
Full parcel impact on 1 parcel
Full parcel impacts on 2 parcels
Full parcel impact on more than 2 parcels Low (least desirable)
The concept design alternatives are very high-level and schematic, developed solely to help narrow down
preferred rail crossing locations and basic conceptual designs. They are intended for decision-making
purposes only and represent conceptual, planning-level designs that will be refined and are subject to
change during subsequent design phases. Throughout the evaluation, an emphasis was placed on
avoiding and minimizing potential adverse effects to private property wherever feasible. Any potential
parcel impacts identified are preliminary and will be subject to further study and refinement.
Importantly, no decision has yet been made by the City to acquire any property. Before that decision can
be made, the law requires that properties to be acquired first be appraised. If the City continues to
consider the acquisition of property after completion of an appraisal, then representatives of the City will
contact the owner and make a formal written offer to purchase. The offer will be for an amount
determined by the City to be just compensation and in no event will be less than the value reported in an
appraisal approved by the City. Without authority from the City Council, staff has no authority to commit
the City to the acquisition of any property that might be affected by the bicycle and pedestrian grade
separation alternatives.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 97 Packet Pg. 732 of 828
September 2, 2025
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project Alternatives Analysis Attachment B
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. Page 19
TRAFFIC, PARKING, AND DRIVEWAY IMPACTS
Criteria Goal: Prioritize alternatives with less potential to increase vehicle delay, modify existing driveway
access, and reduce the amount of on- and off-street parking.
Process: The criterion was evaluated qualitatively by referencing the conceptual design layouts.
Potential for vehicle delay considered how alternatives would impact motor vehicle travel on Alma Street.
Under existing conditions, there is no intersection delay for vehicles traveling on Alma Street at the
proposed crossing locations (one-way stop controlled crossing for Alternatives A through G), except
Alternative H which has an existing signal. Specifically, the scoring made the following considerations
(ranked from highest to lowest weight):
Traffic control delays were given higher weight in consideration as new intersection controls would
introduce delays to all drivers traveling on Alma Street, while changes in driveway access and
reductions in on- and off-street parking would affect fewer people. 9
o Alternatives B, D, and H would not install new signals or PHBs and, therefore, would not
introduce traffic control delay.
o Alternative F proposed installing a pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHB) which would
introduce some vehicle delays, as drivers would need to stop when a pedestrian or
bicyclist activated the crossing signal.
o All other conceptual design alternatives proposed installing new signals and would
introduce higher delays as drivers traveling along Alma Street would need to stop for red
lights.
A High score was assigned to alternatives that would not change existing driveway access or reduce
parking and had less potential to result in increases in vehicle delay. A Low score was assigned to
alternatives that would affect existing driveway access and parking and could result in increased vehicle
delays.
Table 19: Scoring Traffic, Parking, and Driveway Impacts
Traffic, Parking, and Driveway Impacts Score
No changes to existing traffic control, driveway access, or parking High (most desirable)
Some reconfigurations of driveways and/or loss of parking
Most potential to increase traffic delay, change driveway access and/or reduce
parking
Low (least desirable)
9 Signal treatments, such as signal timing optimization, pre-detection, and adaptive phases, can be used
to reduce vehicle delays at signalized intersections. This evaluation did not consider these mitigating
factors.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 98 Packet Pg. 733 of 828
September 2, 2025
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Alternatives Analysis Attachments
Kittelson & Associates, Inc.
ATTACHMENT C. ACCESSIBILITY ANALYSIS MAPS
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 99 Packet Pg. 734 of 828
Reading Maps Maps identify locations where a
crossing improves access by
reducing travel distance.
Thicker and brighter lines show
where access is improved by
reducing travel distance.
Thinner and darker lines show
access from existing crossings.
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 100 Packet Pg. 735 of 828
A. El Dorado Ave Tunnel
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 101 Packet Pg. 736 of 828
B. Loma Verde Ave Tunnel
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 102 Packet Pg. 737 of 828
C. Loma Verde Ave Tunnel with Alma St Signal
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 103 Packet Pg. 738 of 828
D. Lindero Dr Tunnel
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 104 Packet Pg. 739 of 828
E. Lindero Dr Tunnel with Alma St Signal
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 105 Packet Pg. 740 of 828
F. Ely Pl Tunnel
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 106 Packet Pg. 741 of 828
G. Ferne Ave Tunnel
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 107 Packet Pg. 742 of 828
H. San Antonio Bridge Enhancements
No New Pedestrian Crossing Created
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 108 Packet Pg. 743 of 828
A. El Dorado Ave Tunnel
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 109 Packet Pg. 744 of 828
B. Loma Verde Ave Tunnel
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 110 Packet Pg. 745 of 828
C. Loma Verde Ave Tunnel with Alma St Signal
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 111 Packet Pg. 746 of 828
D. Lindero Dr Tunnel
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 112 Packet Pg. 747 of 828
E. Lindero Dr Tunnel with Alma St Signal
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 113 Packet Pg. 748 of 828
F. Ely Pl Tunnel
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 114 Packet Pg. 749 of 828
G. Ferne Ave Tunnel
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 115 Packet Pg. 750 of 828
H. San Antonio Bridge Enhancements
Item 18
Attachment B - Alternatives
Analysis
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 116 Packet Pg. 751 of 828
November 19, 2025
Page 1
SOUTH PALO ALTO BIKE/PED CONNECTIVITY
PHASE 2 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
SYNTHESIS OF STANDING MEETINGS
Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) Meeting
(September 10, 2025)
Requested clarification on the relationship between the South Palo Alto Bike/Ped
Connectivity Project and the Rail Grade Separation Project and noted that the analysis
assumes Meadow Drive and Charleston Road would be grade separated for all travel
modes (vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians) in the future.
Expressed opposition to design alternatives that require adding a new signalized
intersection on Alma Street due to increases in motor vehicle travel delay and safety of
bicyclists and pedestrians crossing Alma Street. However, it was noted that additional
traffic signals and reduced lane widths on Alma Street may reduce vehicle speeds.
Clarified that weekday bicycle and pedestrian trip demand for Alternatives B and C would
likely be different due to added travel times waiting at a traffic signal at Alma Street.
Expressed concern with design alternatives that require private homes and recommended
the Alternatives Analysis made the number of homes impacted by each alternative clearer.
Supported crossing locations with the highest bicycle and pedestrian demand projections.
Generally, unsupportive of additional bicycle and pedestrian rail crossings between
Meadow Drive and Charleston Road (Alternatives D and E) due to Rail Grade Separation
Project, low demand projections (Alternatives D, E, and F), and in-direct roadways that
would connect to/from the future tunnel.
Most supported Alternative B, followed by Alternatives A, C, G, and H.
City/School Transportation Safety Committee (10/23/2025)
Requested clarification on the meaning of “right-of-way impacts”, number of bicycle and
pedestrian crossings that would be built because of this effort, and relationship to the Rail
Grade Separation Project.
Provided general feedback on the tunnel designs that would apply to all alternatives.
o Suggested ramp grades are less than the ramps at California Avenue and are
designed to accommodate larger bikes and discourage bike speeding.
o Emphasized that tunnel lighting is very important at night as well as during the day
as visibility can be limited when quickly transitioning from dark to light on a
bright/sunny day.
Item 18
Attachment C - Phase 2
Community Engagement
Synthesis of Standing
Meetings
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 117 Packet Pg. 752 of 828
November 19, 2025
Page 2
o Noted that tunnel width is very important to accommodate two-way travel and
suggested that future tunnels are wider than those at California Avenue.
o Expressed concern with situations where students would cross traffic to access
tunnels due to potential safety risks.
o Encouraged City to consider way to avoid at-grade crossings of Alma Street and
clarified that Alma Street at the Homer tunnel (which includes an at-grade crossing
of Alma Street via a signalized intersection) has a speed limit of 25 mph and is in a
more urban/downtown setting where vehicles travel at slower speeds.
Recommended placement of existing/future crossings be evenly spaced out and aligned
with school routes to increase accessibility for users.
Suggested City also considers enhancements at the existing California Avenue crossing.
Generally supportive of Alternative B due to location and grade-separated crossing of Alma
Street. However, noted there would be significant trade-offs as this design would require 2-
4 private lots.
Generally supportive of Alternative A due to limited property impacts (would not impact
existing buildings) and encouraged City to consider refinements that would extend the
tunnel to El Dorado and provide a grade-separated crossing of Alma Street.
Interested in exploring Alternatives G and H to support east-west bicycle and pedestrian
connectivity due to future, high-density housing along San Antonio Road. However, noted
that Alternative H does not provide family-friendly rail crossings for students.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee (11/4/2025)
Requested clarification on the relationship and potential construction sequencing of the
South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity Project and the Rail Grade Separation Project, as
well as number of crossings currently being considered in relation to their geographic
distribution.
Expressed opposition to design alternatives that require adding a new signalized
intersection on Alma Street due to increases in pedestrian and bicycle travel times waiting
to cross Alma Street.
Supportive of Alternative B due to location and grade-separated crossing of Alma Street,
however, noted significant trade-offs due to private property acquisitions on Park Boulevard
and circulation disruptions to adjacent properties on Loma Verde Avenue.
Supportive of Alternative A due to limited property impacts and suggested modifying design
to extend tunnel under Alma Street to El Dorado Avenue.
Supportive of Alternative G due to location and proximity to San Antonio Caltrain Station,
connection with Del Medio and San Antonio Shopping Center in Mountain View.
Generally supportive of Alternative H due to enhanced bicycle and pedestrian access to the
San Antonio Caltrain Station but noted center-running bikeway on San Antonio Road would
be intimidating for many people (especially at signalized intersections on either end).
Suggested refinements to Alternative H included improvements at San Antonio
Road/Mackay Drive intersection for better bicycle and pedestrian access to Nita Avenue,
Item 18
Attachment C - Phase 2
Community Engagement
Synthesis of Standing
Meetings
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 118 Packet Pg. 753 of 828
November 19, 2025
Page 3
and use of the tunnel underneath San Antonio Road near Briarwood Way and a multi-use
path connecting to Mayfield Avenue.
Generally unsupportive of Alternatives D, E, and F due to low demand projections.
Provided feedback that would apply to several alternatives:
o Recommended reduced tunnel heights and depths to reduce ramp lengths and
property impacts.
o Suggested additional exploration of ramps/tunnels that use the landscaped planted
area on the eastside of Alma Street rather than tunneling down the middle of the
street due to adjacent property impacts and circulation disruptions. Noted
Alternative D as favorable design due to grade-separated crossing under Alma
Street and use of landscaped strip on Alma Street.
o Reinforced that this will be a major infrastructure project and will be used for a long
time, so it should be forward-thinking.
o Encouraged enhanced pathway designs to more bicycle-oriented that can
accommodate two-way travel.
Rail Committee (11/18/2025)
Requested clarification on the relationship and interplay between the South Palo Alto
Bike/Ped Connectivity Project and the Rail Grade Separation Project and the sequencing of
construction of these projects.
Requested clarification on the meaning of “parcel impacts”, including what is the worst
and best case for these alternatives.
Commented that there may be Caltrain right-of-way impacts for alternatives proposing a
ramp between Alma Street and the Caltrain tracks.
Provided feedback that Alternatives G and H primarily serve Mountain View and would
require close collaboration and partnership with Mountain View.
Suggested eliminating D, E, and F from further consideration due to trade-offs.
Requested confirmation that it would be possible to mix and match design elements of the
alternatives, for example modifying Alternative A to include a tunnel under Alma Street and
the Caltrain tracks.
Commented that as concepts are advanced, trade-offs with slopes and ramp lengths as
well as whether to cross Alma Street at-grade (via new signalized intersection) or below-
grade (via tunnel) should be explored.
Noted that the committee looked forward to feedback from Stanford University, Stanford
Research Park, and Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD).
Discussed challenges with the exploration of steeper ramps with tighter switchbacks to
reduce impacts to parcels and improbability of finding two willing property sellers at
Alternatives B and C.
Supportive of Alternative A due to location near Matadero Creek, connections to El Dorado
Avenue (as a lower volume street and future bicycle boulevard), Bryant Street, El Carmelo
Elementary School, Hoover Park, NVCAP and Stanford Research Park, limited property
impacts, higher bicycle and pedestrian use and opportunities for mode shift.
Item 18
Attachment C - Phase 2
Community Engagement
Synthesis of Standing
Meetings
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 119 Packet Pg. 754 of 828
November 19, 2025
Page 4
Unanimously passed a motion to recommend to Council Alternative A as the preferred
alternative and remove all other alternatives from further consideration, and advance
Alternative A as Alternative A1 and create a new Alternative A2 at El Dorado Avenue that
would include a tunnel under Alma Street and the Caltrain tracks.
Item 18
Attachment C - Phase 2
Community Engagement
Synthesis of Standing
Meetings
Item 18: Staff Report Pg. 120 Packet Pg. 755 of 828
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: ACTION ITEMS
Lead Department: Human Resources
Meeting Date: December 1, 2025
Report #:2511-5436
TITLE
Approval of Amendments to the Employment Agreements between the City of Palo Alto and
Council Appointed Officers, specifically the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk. CEQA
Status - Not a Project
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve and authorize the Mayor to execute the
following contract amendments for Council Appointed Officers:
1. Amendment No. 13 to Employment Agreement between the City of Palo Alto and Molly
S. Stump (Attachment A);
2. Amendment No. 7 to Employment Agreement between the City of Palo Alto and
Ed Shikada (Attachment B); and
3. Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement between the City of Palo Alto and
Mahealani Ah Yun (Attachment C).
BACKGROUND
The City Council has completed the annual merit reviews for Council Appointed Officers (CAOs):
City Attorney Molly S. Stump, City Manager Ed Shikada, City Clerk Mahealani Ah Yun for the
prior fiscal year’s performance (FY 2025).
For the FY 2025 performance evaluation period, City Council completed evaluations for the City
Attorney, City Manager, and City Clerk. Council completed the evaluations with the assistance
of an outside consultant. The consultant, a professional with the firm Municipal Resource
Group (MRG), facilitates CAO evaluations for public agencies throughout California. The process
includes surveys, 1-1 interviews, and facilitated closed session discussions as appropriate under
the Brown Act.
Item 19
Item 19 Staff Report
Item 19: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 756 of 828
As appointed officers of the Council, the City Attorney, City Manager, and City Clerk are
employed under employment agreements specifying that performance and salary are
evaluated annually. CAO’s do not receive regular cost of living adjustments which are applied to
other employee groups (all Management, Service Employees International Union, International
Association of Firefighters, Palo Alto Police Officers Association, etc.), all salary compensation is
determined by Council during the annual evaluation process and approved by Council in a
public meeting.
ANALYSIS
Salary Adjustments. Not less than once each year, the City Council shall meet for the express
purpose of evaluating the performance of Shikada and determining whether to grant him an
increase in annual base salary based on performance. The City Council will act in good faith in
determining whether to provide an increase based on performance, but the ultimate decision in
this regard is within the sole discretion of the City Council. The Council may also adjust Shikada’s
annual base salary due to labor market and/or internal equity conditions.
City Attorney Molly S. Stump will receive a merit increase of 3% as a City contribution
towards her 401(a) defined contribution retirement plan. (Attachment A)
City Manager Ed Shikada will receive a merit increase of 3%. Shikada‘s new salary will be
$435,510.40 (Attachment B)
City Clerk Mahealani Ah Yun will receive a merit increase and market-based adjustment
to median of the market at $211,764.80 (Attachment C). Council conducted a thorough
review of the Bay Area compensation for City Clerks and found the City Clerk’s salary to
be significantly below the City’s target market. A market-based adjustment is warranted
to ensure alignment with market.
Item 19
Item 19 Staff Report
Item 19: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 757 of 828
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY:
Item 19
Item 19 Staff Report
Item 19: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 758 of 828
1
AMENDMENT NO. THIRTEEN TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AND
MOLLY S. STUMP
This AMENDMENT NO. THIRTEEN to the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT(“Agreement”)
is entered into on December 1, 2025, by and between the CITY OF PALO ALTO, a California
chartered municipal corporation (“City”), and MOLLY S. STUMP (“Stump”), an individual,
located at 250 Hamilton Avenue 8th Floor, Palo Alto, CA.
R E C I T A L S:
WHEREAS, the original EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT between the City of Palo Alto
and Molly S. Stump, attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit “A” was entered
into between the parties for the services of City Attorney on or about April 18, 2011; and
WHEREAS, AMENDMENT NO. ONE to the Agreement, attached hereto and
incorporated herein in Exhibit “B” was entered into between the parties on or about
March 24, 2014; and
WHEREAS, AMENDMENT NO. TWO to the Agreement, attached hereto and
incorporated herein in Exhibit “B” was entered into between the parties on or about
December 8, 2014; and
WHEREAS, AMENDMENT NO. THREE to the Agreement, attached hereto and
incorporated herein in Exhibit “B” was entered into between the parties on or about
February 1, 2016; and
WHEREAS, AMENDMENT NO. FOUR to the Agreement, attached hereto and
incorporated herein in Exhibit “B” was entered into between the parties on or about
December 12, 2016; and
WHEREAS, AMENDMENT NO. FIVE to the Agreement, attached hereto and
incorporated herein in Exhibit “B” was entered into between the parties on or about
November 6, 2017; and
WHEREAS, AMENDMENT NO. SIX to the Agreement, attached hereto and
incorporated herein in Exhibit “B” was entered into between the parties on or about
December 17, 2018; and
WHEREAS, AMENDMENT NO. SEVEN to the Agreement, attached hereto and
incorporated herein in Exhibit “B” was entered into between the parties on or about
December 17, 2019; and
WHEREAS, AMENDMENT NO. EIGHT to the Agreement, attached hereto and
Item 19
Attachment A - Amendment
No. 13 to the employment
agreement between the
City of Palo Alto and Molly
Stump
Item 19: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 759 of 828
2
incorporated herein in Exhibit “B” was entered into between the parties on or about June
22, 2020; and
WHEREAS, AMENDMENT NO. NINE to the Agreement, attached hereto and
incorporated herein in Exhibit “B” was entered into between the parties on or about
December 13, 2021; and
WHEREAS, AMENDMENT NO. TEN to the Agreement, attached hereto and
incorporated herein in Exhibit “B” was entered into between the parties on or about
November 28, 2022; and
WHEREAS, AMENDMENT NO. ELEVEN to the Agreement, attached hereto and
incorporated herein in Exhibit “B” was entered into between the parties on or about
December 11, 2023; and
WHEREAS, AMENDMENT NO. TWELVE to the Agreement, attached hereto and
incorporated herein in Exhibit “B” was entered into between the parties on or about
December 2, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the parties wish to amend the Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants, terms, conditions, and
provisions of this Amendment, the parties agree:
SECTION 1.
Section 5.2 of the Agreement, 401(a) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan, is
hereby amended to read as follows:
Effective the first full pay period of July 2025, the City shall contribute Forty Four
Thousand and Forty Six dollars ($44,046) annually, prorated and contributed on the City’s
normal paydays, to a 401(a) retirement plan account established for Stump.
SECTION 2. Except as herein modified, all other provisions of the Contract,
including any exhibits and subsequent amendments thereto, shall remain in full force and
effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have by their duly authorized
representatives executed this Amendment on the first written date above written.
Attest: City of Palo Alto
Approved as to form: Molly S. Stump
Item 19
Attachment A - Amendment
No. 13 to the employment
agreement between the
City of Palo Alto and Molly
Stump
Item 19: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 760 of 828
3
Attachments:
EXHIBIT A: EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AND MOLLY S.
STUMP
EXHIBIT B: AMENDMENTS NO. ONE THROUGH NO. TWELVE.
Item 19
Attachment A - Amendment
No. 13 to the employment
agreement between the
City of Palo Alto and Molly
Stump
Item 19: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 761 of 828
1
AMENDMENT NO. SEVEN TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
AND
EDWARD SHIKADA
This AMENDMENT NO. SEVEN to the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”)
is entered into on, December 1, 2025, by and between the CITY OF PALO ALTO, a California
chartered municipal corporation (“City”), and Edward Shikada (“Shikada”), an individual,
located at 250 Hamilton Avenue 7th Floor, Palo Alto, CA.
R E C I T A L S:
WHEREAS, the original EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT between the City and Shikada,
attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit “A” was entered between the parties
for the services of City Manager on or about September 18, 2018; and
WHEREAS, AMENDMENT NO. ONE to the Agreement, attached hereto and
incorporated herein in Exhibit “B” was entered between the parties on or about
December 16, 2019; and
WHEREAS, AMENDMENT NO. TWO to the Agreement, attached hereto and
incorporated herein in Exhibit “B” was entered between the parties on or about June
22, 2020; and
WHEREAS, AMENDMENT NO. THREE to the Agreement, attached hereto and
incorporated herein in Exhibit “B” was entered between the parties on or about
December 13, 2021; and
WHEREAS, AMENDMENT NO. FOUR to the Agreement, attached hereto and
incorporated herein in Exhibit “B” was entered between the parties on or about
November 28, 2022; and
WHEREAS, AMENDMENT NO. FIVE to the Agreement, attached hereto and
incorporated herein in Exhibit “B” was entered between the parties on or about
December 11, 2023; and
WHEREAS, AMENDMENT NO. SIX to the Agreement, attached hereto and
incorporated herein in Exhibit “B” was entered between the parties on or about
December 2, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the parties wish to amend the Agreement;
Item 19
Attachment B - Amendment
No. 7 to the employment
agreement between the
City of Palo Alto and Edward
Shikada
Item 19: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 762 of 828
2
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants, terms, conditions, and
provisions of this Amendment, the parties agree:
SECTION 1.
Section 4.1 of the Agreement, Initial Compensation, is hereby amended to read as follows:
4.1. Compensation. At the recommendation of the Palo Alto City Council Appointed
Officers Committee (CAO) and consistent with annual merit practices, effective the
first full pay period following July 1, 2025, Shikada will receive a base annual salary of
Four Hundred Thirty-Five Thousand Five Hundred and ten dollars ($435,510.40). This
amount is subject to authorized or required deductions and withholding, prorated,
and paid on City’s regular paydays. Shikada is an exempt employee under applicable
wage and hour law and his base salary shall be compensation for all hours worked.
The City agrees that the amount of Shikada’s base annual salary will not decrease,
except as part of the permanent decrease that is consistent with the Fair Labor
Standards Act.
SECTION 2. Except as herein modified, all other provisions of the Contract, including
any exhibits and subsequent amendments thereto, shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have by their duly authorized representatives
executed this Amendment on the date first above written.
ATTEST: CITY OF PALO ALTO
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: EDWARD SHIKADA
City Attorney
Attachments:
EXHIBIT A: EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF PALO
ALTO AND EDWARD SHIKADA
EXHIBIT B: AMENDMENTS NO. ONE THROUGH NO. SIX TO SHIKADA
Item 19
Attachment B - Amendment
No. 7 to the employment
agreement between the
City of Palo Alto and Edward
Shikada
Item 19: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 763 of 828
1
AMENDMENT NO. TWO TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
AND
Mahealani Ah Yun
This AMENDMENT NO. TWO to the EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (“Agreement”)
is entered into on, December 1, 2025 by and between the CITY OF PALO ALTO, a California
chartered municipal corporation (“City”), and Mahealani Ah Yun (“Ah Yun”), an
individual, located at 250 Hamilton Avenue 7th Floor, Palo Alto, CA.
R E C I T A L S:
WHEREAS, the original EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT between the City and Ah Yun,
attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit “A” was entered between the parties
for the services of City Clerk on or about January 22, 2023; and
WHEREAS, AMENDMENT NO. ONE to the Agreement, attached hereto and
incorporated herein in Exhibit “B” was entered between the parties on or about
December 2, 2024; and
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants, terms, conditions, and
provisions of this Amendment, the parties agree:
SECTION 1.
Section 3 of the Agreement, Salary, is hereby amended to read as follows:
At the recommendation of the Palo Alto City Council Appointed Officers Committee (CAO) and
consistent with annual merit practices, effective the first full pay period following July 1, 2025,
Ah Yun will receive a base annual salary of Two Hundred Eleven Thousand Seven hundred and
Sixty-Four dollars ($211,764.80). This amount is subject to authorized or required deductions
and withholding, prorated, and paid on the City's regular paydays. Ah Yun is an exempt
employee under applicable wage and hour law and her base salary shall be compensation for all
hours worked. The City agrees that the amount of Ah Yun's base annual salary will not
decrease, except as part of a permanent decrease that is consistent with the Fair Labor
Standards Act.
SECTION 2. Except as herein modified, all other provisions of the Contract, including
any exhibits and subsequent amendments thereto, shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have by their duly authorized representatives
executed this Amendment on the date first above written.
Item 19
Attachment C - Amendment
No. 2 to the employment
agreement between the
City of Palo Alto and
Mahealani Ah Yun
Item 19: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 764 of 828
2
ATTEST: CITY OF PALO ALTO
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: Mahealani Ah Yun
City Attorney
Attachments:
EXHIBIT A: EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF PALO
ALTO AND Mahealani Ah Yun
EXHIBIT B: AMENDMENTS NO. ONE
Item 19
Attachment C - Amendment
No. 2 to the employment
agreement between the
City of Palo Alto and
Mahealani Ah Yun
Item 19: Staff Report Pg. 10 Packet Pg. 765 of 828
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: INFORMATION REPORTS
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: December 1, 2025
Report #:2510-5367
TITLE
Final Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) - 2025 Quarter 3 (July - September 2025) Report
RECOMMENDATION
This informational report requires no action. Future quarterly reports will be prepared only at
Council’s direction.
BACKGROUND
Quarterly ADU reports were initiated to provide Council with ongoing production updates.
Beginning in 2026, this information will be available and updated monthly on the City’s Housing
Dashboard, eliminating the need for future reports.
ANALYSIS
This report summarizes accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and junior ADU (JADU) application
activity for the first three quarters of 2025. Since 2015, the City has received 920 ADU/JADU
building permit applications and issued 725 permits. In the first three quarters of 2025, 120
new applications were received, 101 permits issued, and 101 final inspections approved. These
figures continue to support the Housing Element’s projected average of 64 ADU/JADU units per
year (512 units over eight years).
ADU sizes for open applications range from 176 to 1,000 square feet, averaging 585 square
feet. About 40% of applications are north of Oregon Expressway and 60% south, with the north-
south distribution varying annually since 2017. Additional details are provided in Table 1.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
This action has no fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Q3 2025 ADU Location Table
APPROVED BY:
Jonathan Lait, Planning and Development Services Director
Item A
Item A Staff Report
Item A: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 766 of 828
Table 1: Summary of ADU Permits from 2015-2025
Category 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2025
(Q1-Q3)
New ADU Applications
Filed1 10 9 28 55 75 78 136 151 122 136 120
Permits: Ready to Issue
(City Approved)2 8 5 12 39 62 46 112 127 135 131 106
Permits: Issued (Permit
Obtained)3 8 5 12 36 62 43 89 120 125 124 101
Permits: Final Inspection
Approved4 3 4 9 12 33 46 37 62 101 105 101
Permits Expired 1 1 1 6 3
Detached ADUs
(Submitted)5 20 35 52 52 80 80 48 53 46
Detached ADUs (Issued)5 8 24 41 33 55 64 57 48 36
Attached ADUs
(Submitted)6 8 20 23 20 56 44 43 47 45
Attached ADUs (Issued)6 4 11 21 9 34 32 40 52 34
Junior ADUs (Submitted)7 1 1 1 25 27 31 36 29
Junior ADUs (Issued)7 1 1 1 9 24 28 24 31
Item A
Item A Staff Report
Item A: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 767 of 828
Category 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
2025
(Q1-Q3)
Average Application
Processing Time (Days
Including Weekends)8
127 214 118 183 135 197 162 193 187 193 178
Average Construction
Time (Days Including
Weekends)9
578 751 330 287 173 262 455 431 496 519 517
City Impact Fees
Collected for New ADUs10 $451,514 $402,012 $198,962 $44,057 $139,592 $540,453 $487,322 $498,101 $412,867
ADU Size Smallest 150 SF 159 SF 220 SF 208 SF 178 SF 192 SF 227 SF 165 SF 176 SF
ADU Size Largest 900 SF 900 SF 1,031 SF 1,000 SF 1,218 SF 2,217 SF 1,000 SF 1,000 SF 1,000 SF
Average ADU Size 470 SF 469 SF 383 SF 518 SF 550 SF 589 SF 571 SF 558 SF 585 SF
North 46%49%52%55%49%52%41%44%40%ADU Location
Relative to
Oregon
Expressway South 54%51%48%45%51%48%59%56%60%
Source: City of Palo Alto Accela Data January 2015 through June 2025
Item A
Item A Staff Report
Item A: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 768 of 828
Notes:
1. Any ADU/JADU Application SUBMITTED for the year
2. Any ADU/JADU application Permit 'READY TO Issue' for the year (regardless of when it was submitted)
3. Any ADU/JADU Permit ISSUED for the year (regardless of when it was submitted)
4. Any ADU/JADU Permit receiving a Final Inspection (Ready to Occupy) for the year, regardless of when the application wassubmitted. Years 2015-2017 data
point not available.
5. Any Detached ADU Permit Application submitted for the year/Any Detached ADU Permit Issued for the year, regardless of when the application was
submitted. Years 2015-2016 data point not available.
6. Any Attached ADU Permit Application submitted for the year/Any Attached ADU Permit Issued for the year, regardless of when the application was
submitted. Years 2015-2016 data point not available.
7. Any JADU Permit Application submitted for the year/Any JADU Permit Issued for the year, regardless of when the application was submitted. Years 2015-
2016 data point not available.
8. Average number of days from permit application submittal to when permit is approved and ready to issue. This average includes weekends and days
application is pending due to applicant preparation of resubmittal or additional information from applicant.
9. Average number of days from permit issued to final inspection completed. This average includes weekends and days staff is waiting for applicant to
schedule the next required inspection; it also includes time related to the construction of a primary residence when the J/ADU is built at the same time.
10. Impact Fees collected for ADU’s permitted for the year. Years 2015-2016 data point not available.
Item A
Item A Staff Report
Item A: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 769 of 828
Item A
Item A Staff Report
Item A: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 770 of 828
1
Q1-Q3 2025 ADU/JADUs Submitted New Construction Conversion Type of Conversion
# of Dwelling Project Zoning Date Application
Acc.
Structure # of ADU
Pending
Pending
Pending
Pending
Pending
Item A
Attachment A - Q3 2025 ADU Location
Table
Item A: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 771 of 828
2
Q1-Q3 2025 ADU/JADUs Submitted New Construction Conversion Type of Conversion
# of Dwelling Project Zoning Date Application
Acc.
Structure # of ADU
Pending
Pending
R-1 Pending
Pending
Pending
Pending
Item A
Attachment A - Q3 2025 ADU Location
Table
Item A: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 772 of 828
3
Q1-Q3 2025 ADU/JADUs Submitted New Construction Conversion Type of Conversion
# of Dwelling Project Zoning Date Application
Acc.
Structure # of ADU
R-1 Pending
Pending
Pending
Pending
Pending
Pending
R-1 Pending
Item A
Attachment A - Q3 2025 ADU Location
Table
Item A: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 773 of 828
4
Q1-Q3 2025 ADU/JADUs Submitted New Construction Conversion Type of Conversion
# of Dwelling Project Zoning Date Application
Acc.
Structure # of ADU
Pending
Pending
Pending
Pending
Pending
Pending
Item A
Attachment A - Q3 2025 ADU Location
Table
Item A: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 774 of 828
5
Q1-Q3 2025 ADU/JADUs Submitted New Construction Conversion Type of Conversion
# of Dwelling Project Zoning Date Application
Acc.
Structure # of ADU
Item A
Attachment A - Q3 2025 ADU Location
Table
Item A: Staff Report Pg. 10 Packet Pg. 775 of 828
6
Q1-Q3 2025 ADU/JADUs Submitted New Construction Conversion Type of Conversion
# of Dwelling Project Zoning Date Application
Acc.
Structure # of
AD
U
Pending
Item A
Attachment A - Q3 2025 ADU Location
Table
Item A: Staff Report Pg. 11 Packet Pg. 776 of 828
7
Q1-Q3 2025 ADU/JADUs Submitted New Construction Conversion Type of Conversion
# of Dwelling Project Zoning Date Application
Acc.
Structure # of ADU
Item A
Attachment A - Q3 2025 ADU Location
Table
Item A: Staff Report Pg. 12 Packet Pg. 777 of 828
8
Q1-Q3 2025 ADU/JADUs Submitted New Construction Conversion Type of Conversion
# of Dwelling Project Zoning Date Application
Acc.
Structure # of ADU
Pending
Pending
Item A
Attachment A - Q3 2025 ADU Location
Table
Item A: Staff Report Pg. 13 Packet Pg. 778 of 828
9
Q1-Q3 2025 ADU/JADUs Submitted New Construction Conversion Type on Conversion
# of Dwelling Project Zoning Date Application
Acc.
Structure # of ADU
Item A
Attachment A - Q3 2025 ADU Location
Table
Item A: Staff Report Pg. 14 Packet Pg. 779 of 828
City Council
Staff Report
Report Type: INFORMATION REPORTS
Lead Department: Administrative Services
Meeting Date: December 1, 2025
Report #:2412-3914
TITLE
Monthly Investment Report - October 2025 (Unaudited)
RECOMMENDATION
This is an Information Report. No Council action is required.
ANALYSIS
The City’s Investment Policy1 (Policy) and California Government Code Section 53607 requires
that a report of transactions (investments, reinvestment, sold, and exchanged securities) be
made available to the Council on a monthly basis.
This reporting requirement is separate and distinct from the quarterly investment report
submitted under California Government Code Section 53646 that includes portfolio
composition, a detailed list of all securities, performance compared to the Policy, overall
compliance with the Policy, and the City’s ability to meet expenditure requirements over the
next six months.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Investment Portfolio Transaction Ledger – October 2025
APPROVED BY:
Lauren Lai
1 Investment Policy Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (Adopted June 16, 2025);
"https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/2/administrative-services/investment-policies/investment-policy-
fy-2025-2026.pdf"
Item B
Item B Staff Report
Item B: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 780 of 828
Bu
y
Ca
l
l
R
e
d
e
m
p
t
i
o
n
Ma
t
u
r
i
t
y
CU
S
I
P
Se
c
u
r
i
t
y
D
e
s
c
r
i
p
t
i
o
n
S
e
c
u
r
i
t
y
T
y
p
e
T
r
a
n
s
a
c
t
i
o
n
Ty
p
e
Se
t
t
l
e
m
e
n
t
D
a
t
e
Qu
a
n
t
i
t
y
Pr
i
c
e
Ac
q
/
D
i
s
p
Y
i
e
l
d
Am
o
u
n
t
P
u
r
c
h
a
s
e
d
/
S
o
l
d
I
n
t
e
r
e
s
t
To
t
a
l
A
m
o
u
n
t
91
2
8
2
C
P
B
1
UN
I
T
E
D
S
T
A
T
E
S
TR
E
A
S
U
R
Y
3
.
5
0
9
/
3
0
/
2
0
2
7
US
G
O
V
Bu
y
10
/
2
8
/
2
0
2
5
5,
0
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
99
.
9
8
4
3.
5
0
7
-4
,
9
9
9
,
2
1
8
.
7
5
13
,
4
6
1
.
5
4
-5
,
0
1
2
,
6
8
0
.
2
9
91
2
8
2
C
N
E
7
UN
I
T
E
D
S
T
A
T
E
S
TR
E
A
S
U
R
Y
3
.
8
7
5
05
/
3
1
/
2
0
2
7
US
G
O
V
Bu
y
10
/
2
4
/
2
0
2
5
5,
0
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
5
7
0
3.
5
0
4
-5
,
0
2
8
,
5
1
5
.
6
3
77
,
2
8
8
.
2
5
-5
,
1
0
5
,
8
0
3
.
8
8
91
2
8
2
C
M
P
3
UN
I
T
E
D
S
T
A
T
E
S
TR
E
A
S
U
R
Y
4
.
1
2
5
02
/
2
8
/
2
0
2
7
US
G
O
V
Bu
y
10
/
2
4
/
2
0
2
5
5,
0
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
7
7
7
3.
5
2
8
-5
,
0
3
8
,
8
6
7
.
1
9
30
,
7
6
6
.
5
7
-5
,
0
6
9
,
6
3
3
.
7
6
40
1
3
9
L
B
N
2
GU
A
R
D
I
A
N
L
I
F
E
G
L
O
B
A
L
FU
N
D
I
N
G
4
.
3
2
7
1
0
/
0
6
/
2
0
3
0
CO
R
P
Bu
y
10
/
2
4
/
2
0
2
5
2,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
7
5
6
4.
1
5
6
-2
,
5
1
8
,
9
0
0
.
0
0
5,
4
0
8
.
7
5
-2
,
5
2
4
,
3
0
8
.
7
5
--
-
--
-
--
-
Bu
y
10
/
2
5
/
2
0
2
5
17
,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
--
-
3.
6
0
5
-
1
7
,
5
8
5
,
5
0
1
.
5
7
12
6
,
9
2
5
.
1
1
-1
7
,
7
1
2
,
4
2
6
.
6
8
CU
S
I
P
Se
c
u
r
i
t
y
D
e
s
c
r
i
p
t
i
o
n
S
e
c
u
r
i
t
y
T
y
p
e
T
r
a
n
s
a
c
t
i
o
n
Ty
p
e
Se
t
t
l
e
m
e
n
t
D
a
t
e
Qu
a
n
t
i
t
y
Pr
i
c
e
Ac
q
/
D
i
s
p
Y
i
e
l
d
Am
o
u
n
t
P
u
r
c
h
a
s
e
d
/
S
o
l
d
I
n
t
e
r
e
s
t
To
t
a
l
A
m
o
u
n
t
81
6
1
8
L
A
E
7
Se
l
e
c
t
B
a
n
k
5
.
4
0
3
/
3
1
/
2
0
2
8
C
D
Ca
l
l
Re
d
e
m
p
t
i
o
n
10
/
3
1
/
2
0
2
5
-2
4
9
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
0
0
0
5.
3
9
9
24
9
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
0.
0
0
24
9
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
65
5
0
4
U
A
F
4
No
b
l
e
F
e
d
e
r
a
l
C
r
e
d
i
t
U
n
i
o
n
4.
5
1
1
/
0
9
/
2
0
2
6
CD
Ca
l
l
Re
d
e
m
p
t
i
o
n
10
/
0
8
/
2
0
2
5
-2
5
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
0
0
0
4.
4
9
9
25
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
0.
0
0
25
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
31
3
0
B
3
D
7
5
FE
D
E
R
A
L
H
O
M
E
L
O
A
N
BA
N
K
S
5
.
0
1
0
/
1
7
/
2
0
3
4
AG
C
Y
B
O
N
D
C
a
l
l
Re
d
e
m
p
t
i
o
n
10
/
1
7
/
2
0
2
5
-2
,
0
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
0
0
0
5.
0
0
0
2,
0
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
0.
0
0
2,
0
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
31
3
0
B
3
2
V
4
FE
D
E
R
A
L
H
O
M
E
L
O
A
N
BA
N
K
S
4
.
2
5
1
0
/
0
7
/
2
0
3
1
AG
C
Y
B
O
N
D
C
a
l
l
Re
d
e
m
p
t
i
o
n
10
/
0
7
/
2
0
2
5
-1
,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
0
0
0
4.
2
5
0
1,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
0.
0
0
1,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
--
-
--
-
--
-
Ca
l
l
Re
d
e
m
p
t
i
o
n
10
/
1
4
/
2
0
2
5
-3
,
9
9
9
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
0
0
0
4.
7
1
2
3,
9
9
9
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
0.
0
0
3,
9
9
9
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
CU
S
I
P
Se
c
u
r
i
t
y
D
e
s
c
r
i
p
t
i
o
n
S
e
c
u
r
i
t
y
T
y
p
e
T
r
a
n
s
a
c
t
i
o
n
Ty
p
e
Se
t
t
l
e
m
e
n
t
D
a
t
e
Qu
a
n
t
i
t
y
Pr
i
c
e
Ac
q
/
D
i
s
p
Y
i
e
l
d
Am
o
u
n
t
P
u
r
c
h
a
s
e
d
/
S
o
l
d
I
n
t
e
r
e
s
t
To
t
a
l
A
m
o
u
n
t
88
2
7
2
3
A
9
0
TE
X
A
S
S
T
2
.
8
3
1
10
/
0
1
/
2
0
2
5
MU
N
I
Ma
t
u
r
i
t
y
1
0
/
0
1
/
2
0
2
5
-5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
0
0
0
1.
0
4
3
50
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
0.
0
0
50
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
88
2
7
2
3
7
P
8
TE
X
A
S
S
T
A
T
E
3
.
0
5
1
10
/
0
1
/
2
0
2
5
MU
N
I
Ma
t
u
r
i
t
y
1
0
/
0
1
/
2
0
2
5
-1
,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
0
0
0
2.
0
0
3
1,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
0.
0
0
1,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
88
2
7
2
3
5
K
1
TE
X
A
S
S
T
2
.
9
2
2
10
/
0
1
/
2
0
2
5
MU
N
I
Ma
t
u
r
i
t
y
1
0
/
0
1
/
2
0
2
5
-2
4
5
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
0
0
0
0.
6
4
9
24
5
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
0.
0
0
24
5
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
83
0
8
6
X
A
A
8
Sk
y
l
a
F
e
d
e
r
a
l
C
r
e
d
i
t
U
n
i
o
n
4.
1
5
1
0
/
0
8
/
2
0
2
5
CD
Ma
t
u
r
i
t
y
1
0
/
0
8
/
2
0
2
5
-2
5
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
0
0
0
4.
1
5
0
25
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
0.
0
0
25
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
81
9
8
6
6
B
R
4
Sh
a
r
o
n
v
i
e
w
F
e
d
e
r
a
l
C
r
e
d
i
t
Un
i
o
n
5
.
0
1
0
/
3
1
/
2
0
2
5
CD
Ma
t
u
r
i
t
y
1
0
/
3
1
/
2
0
2
5
-2
4
9
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
0
0
0
5.
0
3
6
24
9
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
0.
0
0
24
9
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
70
3
2
0
K
A
R
2
Pa
t
h
f
i
n
d
e
r
B
a
n
k
0
.
5
10
/
1
4
/
2
0
2
5
CD
Ma
t
u
r
i
t
y
1
0
/
1
4
/
2
0
2
5
-2
4
9
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
0
0
0
0.
5
4
1
24
9
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
0.
0
0
24
9
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
45
9
5
0
V
P
E
0
IN
T
E
R
N
A
T
I
O
N
A
L
F
I
N
A
N
C
E
CO
R
P
1
.
5
1
0
/
1
5
/
2
0
2
5
SU
P
R
A
N
A
T
I
O
N
A
L
M
a
t
u
r
i
t
y
1
0
/
1
5
/
2
0
2
5
-1
,
0
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
0
0
0
0.
5
0
5
1,
0
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
0.
0
0
1,
0
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
45
9
0
5
8
J
L
8
IN
T
E
R
N
A
T
I
O
N
A
L
B
A
N
K
FO
R
R
E
C
O
N
S
T
R
U
C
T
I
O
N
AN
D
D
E
V
E
L
O
P
M
0
.
5
10
/
2
8
/
2
0
2
5
SU
P
R
A
N
A
T
I
O
N
A
L
M
a
t
u
r
i
t
y
1
0
/
2
8
/
2
0
2
5
-4
,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
0
0
0
0.
6
2
9
4,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
0.
0
0
4,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
40
4
7
3
0
D
A
8
Ha
d
d
o
n
S
a
v
i
n
g
s
B
a
n
k
0
.
3
5
10
/
2
0
/
2
0
2
5
CD
Ma
t
u
r
i
t
y
1
0
/
2
0
/
2
0
2
5
-2
0
7
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
0
0
0
0.
5
3
5
20
7
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
0.
0
0
20
7
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
37
3
3
8
4
R
X
6
GE
O
R
G
I
A
S
T
4
.
0
10
/
0
1
/
2
0
2
5
MU
N
I
Ma
t
u
r
i
t
y
1
0
/
0
1
/
2
0
2
5
-2
5
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
0
0
0
2.
7
7
7
25
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
0.
0
0
25
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
31
3
4
G
W
Z
L
3
F
E
D
E
R
A
L
H
O
M
E
L
O
A
N
MO
R
T
G
A
G
E
C
O
R
P
0
.
5
7
10
/
2
9
/
2
0
2
5
AG
C
Y
B
O
N
D
M
a
t
u
r
i
t
y
1
0
/
2
9
/
2
0
2
5
-1
,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
0
0
0
0.
5
7
0
1,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
0.
0
0
1,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
Pa
l
o
A
l
t
o
M
o
n
t
h
l
y
T
r
a
n
s
a
c
t
i
o
n
s
10
/
0
1
/
2
0
2
5
-
1
0
/
3
1
/
2
0
2
5
1
AT
T
A
C
H
M
E
N
T
A
Item B
Attachment A - Investment
Portfolio Transaction
Ledger - October 2025
Item B: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 781 of 828
Pr
i
n
c
i
p
a
l
P
a
y
d
o
w
n
Su
m
m
a
r
y
CU
S
I
P
Se
c
u
r
i
t
y
D
e
s
c
r
i
p
t
i
o
n
S
e
c
u
r
i
t
y
T
y
p
e
T
r
a
n
s
a
c
t
i
o
n
Ty
p
e
Se
t
t
l
e
m
e
n
t
D
a
t
e
Qu
a
n
t
i
t
y
Pr
i
c
e
Ac
q
/
D
i
s
p
Y
i
e
l
d
Am
o
u
n
t
P
u
r
c
h
a
s
e
d
/
S
o
l
d
I
n
t
e
r
e
s
t
To
t
a
l
A
m
o
u
n
t
31
3
4
G
W
Y
Z
3
F
E
D
E
R
A
L
H
O
M
E
L
O
A
N
MO
R
T
G
A
G
E
C
O
R
P
0
.
5
3
10
/
2
8
/
2
0
2
5
AG
C
Y
B
O
N
D
M
a
t
u
r
i
t
y
1
0
/
2
8
/
2
0
2
5
-1
,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
0
0
0
0.
5
3
0
1,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
0.
0
0
1,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
31
3
4
G
W
Y
2
6
F
E
D
E
R
A
L
H
O
M
E
L
O
A
N
MO
R
T
G
A
G
E
C
O
R
P
0
.
5
7
10
/
0
8
/
2
0
2
5
AG
C
Y
B
O
N
D
M
a
t
u
r
i
t
y
1
0
/
0
8
/
2
0
2
5
-1
,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
0
0
0
0.
5
7
0
1,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
0.
0
0
1,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
31
3
4
G
W
X
X
9
F
E
D
E
R
A
L
H
O
M
E
L
O
A
N
MO
R
T
G
A
G
E
C
O
R
P
0
.
5
5
10
/
1
5
/
2
0
2
5
AG
C
Y
B
O
N
D
M
a
t
u
r
i
t
y
1
0
/
1
5
/
2
0
2
5
-1
,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
0
0
0
0.
5
5
0
1,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
0.
0
0
1,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
31
3
4
G
W
V
V
5
F
E
D
E
R
A
L
H
O
M
E
L
O
A
N
MO
R
T
G
A
G
E
C
O
R
P
0
.
5
10
/
1
5
/
2
0
2
5
AG
C
Y
B
O
N
D
M
a
t
u
r
i
t
y
1
0
/
1
5
/
2
0
2
5
-1
,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
0
0
0
0.
5
0
0
1,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
0.
0
0
1,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
31
3
4
G
W
3
Z
7
F
E
D
E
R
A
L
H
O
M
E
L
O
A
N
MO
R
T
G
A
G
E
C
O
R
P
0
.
6
10
/
2
8
/
2
0
2
5
AG
C
Y
B
O
N
D
M
a
t
u
r
i
t
y
1
0
/
2
8
/
2
0
2
5
-7
5
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
0
0
0
0.
6
0
0
75
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
0.
0
0
75
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
31
3
4
G
W
3
X
2
F
E
D
E
R
A
L
H
O
M
E
L
O
A
N
MO
R
T
G
A
G
E
C
O
R
P
0
.
6
2
5
10
/
2
7
/
2
0
2
5
AG
C
Y
B
O
N
D
M
a
t
u
r
i
t
y
1
0
/
2
7
/
2
0
2
5
-1
,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
0
0
0
0.
6
2
5
1,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
0.
0
0
1,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
31
3
4
G
W
3
H
7
F
E
D
E
R
A
L
H
O
M
E
L
O
A
N
MO
R
T
G
A
G
E
C
O
R
P
0
.
6
1
10
/
2
9
/
2
0
2
5
AG
C
Y
B
O
N
D
M
a
t
u
r
i
t
y
1
0
/
2
9
/
2
0
2
5
-1
,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
0
0
0
0.
6
1
0
1,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
0.
0
0
1,
5
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
--
-
--
-
--
-
Ma
t
u
r
i
t
y
1
0
/
2
0
/
2
0
2
5
-2
0
,
2
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
1
0
0
.
0
0
0
0.
8
2
3
20
,
2
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
0.
0
0
20
,
2
0
0
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
CU
S
I
P
Se
c
u
r
i
t
y
D
e
s
c
r
i
p
t
i
o
n
S
e
c
u
r
i
t
y
T
y
p
e
T
r
a
n
s
a
c
t
i
o
n
Ty
p
e
Se
t
t
l
e
m
e
n
t
D
a
t
e
Qu
a
n
t
i
t
y
Pr
i
c
e
Ac
q
/
D
i
s
p
Y
i
e
l
d
Am
o
u
n
t
P
u
r
c
h
a
s
e
d
/
S
o
l
d
I
n
t
e
r
e
s
t
To
t
a
l
A
m
o
u
n
t
31
3
0
B
2
R
P
2
FE
D
E
R
A
L
H
O
M
E
L
O
A
N
BA
N
K
S
5
.
2
5
0
9
/
2
5
/
2
0
3
4
AG
C
Y
B
O
N
D
P
r
i
n
c
i
p
a
l
Pa
y
d
o
w
n
10
/
3
0
/
2
0
2
5
0.
0
0
--
-
5.
2
5
0
17
1
,
4
2
8
.
5
7
0.
0
0
17
1
,
4
2
8
.
5
7
31
3
0
B
2
R
P
2
FE
D
E
R
A
L
H
O
M
E
L
O
A
N
BA
N
K
S
5
.
2
5
0
9
/
2
5
/
2
0
3
4
AG
C
Y
B
O
N
D
P
r
i
n
c
i
p
a
l
Pa
y
d
o
w
n
10
/
3
0
/
2
0
2
5
0.
0
0
--
-
5.
2
5
0
17
1
,
4
2
8
.
5
7
0.
0
0
17
1
,
4
2
8
.
5
7
CU
S
I
P
Se
c
u
r
i
t
y
D
e
s
c
r
i
p
t
i
o
n
S
e
c
u
r
i
t
y
T
y
p
e
T
r
a
n
s
a
c
t
i
o
n
Ty
p
e
Se
t
t
l
e
m
e
n
t
D
a
t
e
Qu
a
n
t
i
t
y
Pr
i
c
e
Ac
q
/
D
i
s
p
Y
i
e
l
d
Am
o
u
n
t
P
u
r
c
h
a
s
e
d
/
S
o
l
d
I
n
t
e
r
e
s
t
To
t
a
l
A
m
o
u
n
t
--
-
--
-
--
-
--
-
10
/
2
2
/
2
0
2
5
-6
,
6
9
9
,
0
0
0
.
0
0
--
-
2.
3
7
8
6,
7
8
4
,
9
2
7
.
0
0
12
6
,
9
2
5
.
1
1
6,
6
5
8
,
0
0
1
.
8
9
Pa
l
o
A
l
t
o
M
o
n
t
h
l
y
T
r
a
n
s
a
c
t
i
o
n
s
10
/
0
1
/
2
0
2
5
-
1
0
/
3
1
/
2
0
2
5
2
AT
T
A
C
H
M
E
N
T
A
Item B
Attachment A - Investment
Portfolio Transaction
Ledger - October 2025
Item B: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 782 of 828
Item No. 14. Page 1 of 3
8
7
3
2
City Council
Supplemental Report
From: Andrew Binder, Police Chief
Meeting Date: December 1, 2025
Item Number: 14
Report #:2511-5586
TITLE
SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT - FIRST READING: Adoption of an ordinance to Amend Chapters 4.54
and 4.56 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Amend the Regulation of Massage Establishments
and Hot Tub/Sauna Establishments as Recommended by the Policy & Services Committee; and
Adoption of a Resolution to Amend the Administrative Penalty Schedule to Amend Related
Penalties; CEQA status - not a project.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend that the City Council adopt this updated ordinance (Attachment A to this
Supplemental Memo) and the resolution amending the administrative penalty schedule as
originally published for this item.
BACKGROUND
Since this item was published, City staff have done additional outreach to massage
establishments in the City. After gathering feedback, staff propose the following minor changes
to the ordinance as first published to address aspects of the ordinance that may inadvertently
impact combined massage and hot tub establishments. Staff’s objective is to support and
strengthen reputable businesses while ensuring that the updated code does not impose undue
restrictions.
SUMMARY OF AMENDMENTS
1. Hours of Operation
The original ordinance required all massage establishments to close between 10:00 p.m. and
8:00 a.m. While a 10:00 p.m. closing time for massage services is standard in most jurisdictions,
we recommend revising the language to allow non-massage services to continue past 10:00
p.m., provided all massage services conclude by that time and any other applicable business
hour laws are followed. Additionally, staff recommend reinstating a more limited exemption
process for massage establishments to extend their hours. Existing law allows massage
establishments with at least one year of operation to extend their hours no later than 2 a.m. or
open as early as 6 a.m. upon a showing of good cause to the Police Department. Staff propose
Item 14
Item 14 Supplemental
Report
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 783 of 828
Item No. 14. Page 2 of 3
8
7
3
2
narrowing this exemption for businesses with a track record of 10 years in operation to extend
their hours no later than midnight or open no earlier than 6 a.m.
2. Posting of Price List
The original ordinance required all services and prices to be displayed in a public area. In
recognition of a combination of massage and non-massage (hot tub) offerings and variable
pricing (e.g., based on time, day, or holiday), we have revised the ordinance to require only that
massage service prices be posted, with an allowance for price variability.
3. Main Entry Door
We have amended the ordinance to permit one or more entry doors leading directly to the
reception and waiting area, rather than limiting establishments to a single entry. This change is
intended to prevent patron entry from inconspicuous or rear entrances while allowing flexibility
in business layout.
4. Locking of Interior Doors
The updated language now allows exceptions to the prohibition on locking interior doors. Hot
tub rooms, private offices, storage rooms, and equipment rooms are now exempt from this
requirement.
5. Beds and Soft Mattresses
The revised ordinance permits soft mattresses in hot tub rooms, recognizing their role in patron
safety and comfort.
6. Alcohol Service
7. Sandal/Flip Flop Requirement
Staff have updated the requirement to state that sandals or flip flops must be provided to
patrons if they are offered use of shower facilities. This replaces the previous language, which
prohibited patrons from using shower facilities unless wearing slip-resistant sandals or flip
flops.
Item 14
Item 14 Supplemental
Report
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 784 of 828
Item No. 14. Page 3 of 3
8
7
3
2
These amendments aim to balance the integrity and intent of the municipal code with the
operational realities of respected local businesses. We appreciate the input from stakeholders
and remain committed to fostering a supportive regulatory environment.
ATTACHMENT
Ordinance text that has been updated since this item was originally published is printed in blue.
APPROVED BY:
Item 14
Item 14 Supplemental
Report
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 785 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
1
147_202511117_ts24
Ordinance No. _____
Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Chapter 4.54
(“Massage Establishments”) and Chapter 4.56 (Hot Tub/Sauna Establishments)
of Title 4 (Business Licenses and Regulations).
The Council of the City of Palo Alto ORDAINS as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings and Declarations. The City Council finds and declares as follows:
A. Massage establishments are primarily regulated in the Palo Alto Municipal Code at PAMC
Chapter 4.54. The last major update to this chapter was in 2012. Chapter 4.54 is currently
enforced primarily by the Palo Alto Police Department.
B. Massage is also regulated in state law under the Massage Therapy Act, codified in the
Business and Professions Code section 4600 et seq. The State Legislature enacted the Act
in 2008. The Act was substantially amended in 2014 under AB 1147, and has been
amended again in 2025 under AB 1504.
C. Through this ordinance, the City desires to amend Chapter 4.54 in order to respond to the
changes to the Act and codify existing practices. Foremost, this ordinance will result in
the City no longer licensing individual massage technicians; instead, technicians must be
certified by the California Massage Therapy Council (“CAMTC”). The CAMTC is the state-
recognized body in charge of such certification and enacts statewide standards for
training and certification. The CAMTC also approves massage schools in an effort to
uphold training standards and prevent bad actors from opening degree mills. This update
also ensures that local regulations stay current with industry standards and public health
requirements, enhancing safety and professionalism. These updates also help address
new trends, prevent illicit activities, and clarify licensing procedures for businesses.
D. This ordinance also amends Chapter 4.56 (Hot Tub/Sauna Establishments) to remove
existing permitting requirements. These establishments are already regulated by the
County’s Department of Environmental Health.
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 786 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
2
147_202511117_ts24
SECTION 2. Chapter 4.54 (Massage Establishments) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code
is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
4.54.010 Purpose and intent.
In enacting this chapter, the City Council recognizes that massage therapy is a professional
pursuit which can offer the public valuable health and therapeutic services, but that unless
properly regulated, the practice of massage therapy and the operation of massage businesses
may be associated with unlawful activity and pose a threat to the quality of life in the local
community. It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to provide for the orderly regulation of
offices and establishments providing massage therapy services, and to prevent and discourage
the misuse of massage therapy as a front for human trafficking, prostitution, and related activities
in violation of state law, all in the interests of the public health, safety, and welfare, by providing
certain minimum building, sanitation, and operation standards for such businesses, and by
requiring certain minimum qualifications for the operators and practitioners of such businesses.
It is the further intent of this chapter to streamline local massage therapy permitting procedures,
while still facilitating and advancing the ethical practice of massage therapy, by relying upon the
uniform statewide regulations enacted by the Legislature in 2008 as Business and Professions
Code Sections 4600 et seq., known as the Massage Therapy Act, as subsequently amended, and
by restricting the commercial practice of massage in the city to those persons duly certified to
practice by the California Massage Therapy Council formed pursuant to those statutes.
4.54.020 Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning, the
words, terms, and phrases set forth in this section shall have the meanings that are given them
in this section:
"Authorized massage professional" means a massage professional who is identified in a permit
issued pursuant to this chapter as a person employed or retained by a massage establishment
to practice massage.
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 787 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
3
147_202511117_ts24
"California massage therapy council" or "CAMTC" means the massage therapy organization
formed pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 4600 et seq.
"CAMTC-certified massage professional" means any individual currently certified by the
California Massage Therapy Council as a massage therapist or massage practitioner pursuant
to Business and Professions Code Section 4600 et seq.
"Compensation" means the payment, loan, advance, donation, contribution, deposit, exchange,
or gift of money or anything of value.
"Department" means the Chief of the Palo Alto Police Department or designee charged with
the administration of this chapter.
"Inspector" means the person or persons designated by the city to conduct any inspections
required or permitted under this chapter.
"Massage," "massage therapy," and/or "bodywork" for purposes of this chapter mean the
skillful application of touch, including but not limited to, pressure, stroking, kneading,
compression on or movement of the external surfaces of the body by a practitioner to produce
increased awareness, relaxation, pain relief, injury rehabilitation, or neuromuscular
reeducation.
"Massage establishment" means any business that offers massage therapy, baths or health
treatments including, but not limited to, aromatherapy, vapor, shower, electric tub, sponge, hot
towels, mineral fermentation, sauna, steam or any other type of bath, involving massages or
baths in exchange for compensation. Home-based massage businesses and businesses that
provide mobile massage services are also considered to be massage establishments. For
purposes of this chapter, the term "massage establishment" may be applied to include
establishments which offer or advertise themselves as providing "relaxation" or "tanning"
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 788 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
4
147_202511117_ts24
where the essential nature of the interaction between the employee and the customer involves
"massage" as defined herein. The terms, names or phrases listed on business license or
fictitious name application forms are not necessarily conclusive as to the nature of the business.
"Owner" or "massage establishment owner" means any of the following persons:
(1) The sole proprietor of a sole proprietorship operating a massage establishment.
(2) Any general partner of a general or limited partnership that owns a massage
establishment.
(3) Any person who has a ten percent or greater ownership interest in a corporation that
owns a massage establishment.
(4) Any person who is a member of a limited liability company that owns a massage
establishment.
(5) All owners of any other type of business association that owns a massage establishment.
"Operator" or "massage establishment operator" means any person who is an owner or
manager of a massage establishment.
"Mobile massage service" means the engaging in or carrying on of massage therapy for
compensation at locations other than a massage establishment at a fixed location.
"Patron" means an individual on the premises of a massage establishment for the purpose of
receiving massage therapy.
"Person" means any individual, firm, association, partnership, corporation, joint venture,
limited liability company, or combination of individuals.
"Reception and waiting area" means an area immediately inside the main entry door of the
massage establishment dedicated to the reception and waiting of patrons or visitors of the
massage establishment and which is not a massage therapy room or otherwise used for the
provision of massage therapy services.
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 789 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
5
147_202511117_ts24
“School of massage” means any school or institution of learning that is recognized as an
approved school pursuant to Business and Professions Code Division 2, Chapter 10.5 (known as
the Massage Therapy Act), as may be amended.
"Sole proprietorship" means a massage establishment where the owner owns one hundred
percent of the business and has one or no other employees or independent contractors.
"Visitor" means any individual not retained or employed by the massage establishment and not
receiving or waiting to receive massage therapy services, but excluding law enforcement
personnel or governmental officials performing governmental business.
4.54.030 Business registration required.
The requirements of this chapter are in addition to any business registration and business tax
requirements imposed pursuant to PAMC Chapters 4.60 and 2.37, respectively of this code.
4.54.040 Other permits and authorizations required.
The requirements of this chapter are in addition to any permits or authorizations that may be
required under other applicable laws including but not limited to the city's building, fire, zoning,
and health regulations.
4.54.050 Exemptions.
This chapter shall not apply to the following classes of individuals while engaged in the
performance of the duties of their respective professions:
(a) Physicians, surgeons, chiropractors, osteopaths, podiatrists, physical therapists, nurses,
acupuncturists or any other person licensed to practice any healing art under the
provisions of Division 2 (commencing with Section 500) of the Business and Professions
Code when engaging in such practice within the scope of his or her license. This
subsection (a) shall apply only to a person who meets the qualifications above and shall
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 790 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
6
147_202511117_ts24
not extend to any other person, including by virtue of being a tenant, independent
contractor, employee, or co-worker of the exempted person.
(b) Trainers of any amateur, semi-professional, or professional athlete or athletic team, so
long as such persons do not practice massage therapy as their primary occupation at
any location where they provide such services in the city.
(c) Barbers, estheticians, and cosmetologists who are duly licensed under the laws of the
State of California, while engaging in practices within the scope of their licenses. This
subsection (c) shall apply only to a person who meets the qualifications above and shall
not extend to any other person, including by virtue of being a tenant, independent
contractor, employee, or co-worker of the exempted person.
(d) Individuals administering massages or health treatments involving massage to persons
participating in single occurrence athletic, recreational, or educational events such as
road races, track meets, triathlons, educational events, or conferences, provided that
the event is open to the public or to a significant segment of the public such as
employees of sponsoring or participating corporations, and the massage services are
provided at the site of the event during, immediately preceding, or immediately
following the event.
(e) Individuals administering massages or health treatments involving massage to persons
at a state-licensed “general acute care hospital” or other “health facilities” as defined by
California Health and Safety Code section 1250 when employed or contracted at the
direction of the hospital or health facility.
(f) Somatic practitioners who use no physical touch of any kind at any time in their
practice.
(g) Enrolled students of a school of massage when they are performing massage within the
city as part of a formal supervised internship or training program operated by the
school, without compensation other than school credit, on the premises of a massage
establishment duly authorized to operate pursuant to the terms of this chapter; and
provided that the operator of the massage establishment has first notified the
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 791 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
7
147_202511117_ts24
Department in writing of the name, residence address, and school of the students and
the dates of the trainings.
4.54.060 CAMTC certification required.
It is unlawful for any individual to practice massage therapy for compensation within the city
unless that individual is a CAMTC-certified massage professional.
4.54.070 Reserved.
4.54.080 Massage establishment permit required—Prohibited conduct.
(a) It is unlawful for any person to operate a massage establishment within the city without
first obtaining a massage establishment permit from the Department.
(b) It is unlawful for a massage establishment operator to employ or retain any person to
practice massage therapy for compensation, or to allow any person to perform massage
therapy for compensation on the premises of a massage establishment, unless that
person is a CAMTC-certified massage professional and unless that person is identified as
an authorized massage professional on the permit issued pursuant to this chapter. For
purposes of this chapter, a massage establishment operator "employs or retains" a
person to practice massage therapy for compensation when:
(1) That person is a directly paid employee of the massage establishment; or
(2) That person's association with a massage establishment is that of an
independent contractor who receives compensation for massage therapy provided to
patrons of the massage establishment; or
(3) That person receives a referral of patrons from the massage establishment and,
at any time before or after the referral, arranges in any way for compensation to flow to
the massage establishment operator.
(c) It is unlawful for a massage establishment to operate under any name or conduct
business under any designation not specified in the massage establishment permit
issued pursuant to this chapter.
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 10 Packet Pg. 792 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
8
147_202511117_ts24
(d) It is unlawful for a massage establishment to continue to operate following the sale or
transfer of any interest in the massage establishment to a person who was not
identified as an owner in the massage establishment permit application.
4.54.090 Permit application.
The owners of the massage establishment shall file an application for a permit on a form provided
by the Department. The application shall be accompanied by the fee established by the city's fee
schedule. The application shall include the following information:
(a) The name, address, and telephone number of the massage establishment.
(b) The name, residence address and telephone number, and business address and
telephone number of each owner of the massage establishment.
(c) The form of business under which the applicant will be conducting the massage
`establishment, i.e., corporation, general or limited partnership, limited liability
company, or other form. If the applicant is a corporation, the name of the corporation
shall be set forth exactly as shown in its articles of incorporation, together with the
names and residence addresses of each of its officers, directors, and each shareholder
holding more than ten percent of the stock of the corporation. If the applicant is a
general or limited partnership, the application shall set forth the name and residence
address of each of the partners, including limited partners. If one or more of the
partners is a corporation, the provisions of this section pertaining to a corporate
applicant shall apply. If the applicant is a limited liability company, the application shall
set forth the name and residence address of each of the members. If one or more of the
members is a partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, the provisions of
this section pertaining to a partnership, limited liability company, or corporate applicant
shall apply, as applicable.
(d) The name, address, and telephone number of the owner of the real property upon, in,
or from which the certified massage establishment is to be operated. In the event the
applicant is not the legal owner of the property, the application shall be accompanied by
a copy of any written lease between the applicant and the property owner authorizing
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 11 Packet Pg. 793 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
9
147_202511117_ts24
use of the premises for a massage establishment, or, alternatively, if there is no written
lease, then a written, notarized acknowledgment from the property owner that the
property owner has been advised that a massage establishment will be operated by the
applicant upon, in, or from the property owner's property.
(e) If the massage establishment will be located on a property in a residential or
commercial condominium or other common interest development, the applicant shall
submit a notarized statement from the homeowner's association or condominium
owner's association acknowledging that the association has been advised that a
massage establishment will be operated by the applicant and that such use of the
property is allowed by the property's covenants, codes, and restrictions. This
requirement is in addition to any applicable zoning code requirements or regulations.
(f) A description of the proposed massage establishment, including the type of treatments
to be administered.
(g) The name of each individual who the massage establishment employs or retains to
perform massage therapy for compensation, whether on or off the massage
establishment premises.
(h) The name of each individual who is regularly employed or retained by the massage
establishment to perform services on the premises other than massage therapy, and the
nature of their services.
(i) For each individual who the massage establishment does or will employ or retain to
perform massage therapy for compensation, whether on or off the massage
establishment premises, a copy of that individual's current certification from the CAMTC
as a certified massage practitioner or certified massage therapist, and a copy of his or
her current CAMTC-issued identification card.
(j) For each owner of the massage establishment who is a CAMTC-certified massage
professional, a copy of his or her current certification from the CAMTC as a certified
massage practitioner or as a certified massage therapist and a copy of his or her current
CAMTC-issued identification card.
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 12 Packet Pg. 794 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
10
147_202511117_ts24
(k) For each owner of the massage establishment who is not a CAMTC-certified massage
professional, the following information:
(1) Whether any owner of the massage establishment has within the five years
immediately preceding the date of application been convicted of any felony in
any state.
(2) Whether any owner of the massage establishment is currently required to
register under the provisions of Section 290 of the California Penal Code.
(3) The business, occupation, and employment history of each owner of the
massage establishment for five years preceding the date of application, and the
inclusive dates of same.
(4) One set of fingerprints, and any required fee for such fingerprinting shall be paid
by the applicant.
(l) Whether any certificate, license or permit has ever been issued to the applicant by any
jurisdiction under the provisions of any ordinance or statute governing massage or
somatic practice, and as to any such certificate, license or permit, the name and address
of the issuing authority, the effective dates of such certificate, license or permit,
whether such certificate, license or permit was ever suspended, revoked, withdrawn, or
denied; and copies of any documentary materials relating to such suspension,
revocation, withdrawal, or denial.
(m) Such other information as may be required by the permit authority to determine
compliance with any other eligibility requirements for issuance of the permit as
specified by federal, state, or local law.
(n) A statement that within the last five years the applicant has not failed to comply with a
final court order or administrative action of an investigatory agency finding a violation of
applicable federal, state and local wage and hour laws, including, but not limited to, the
Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the California Labor Code, and any local minimum
wage ordinance or prevailing wage requirements. For purposes of this subsection, a
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 13 Packet Pg. 795 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
11
147_202511117_ts24
final court order or administrative action is one as to which there is no pending appeal
and the time for filing an appeal has passed.
4.54.100 Permit issuance.
(a) The Department shall issue a massage establishment permit if the applicant meets the
requirements of this chapter and no grounds for denial exist under Section 4.54.110.
The Department may impose conditions on the permit consistent with this chapter and
applicable law.
(b) Notice to Property Owner. If the applicant is not the record owner of the property where
the massage establishment is located, the Department may send a written notice to the
property owner advising of the issuance of the permit and of the regulations applicable
to the massage establishment. The Department may also provide the property owner
with copies of any other notices or communications with the applicant sent at any time
before or after issuance of the permit.
(c) Term. A massage establishment permit issued pursuant to the terms of this chapter shall
be valid for a term of one year from the date of issuance, and, unless suspended or
revoked, must be renewed by the massage establishment operator annually so long as
the massage establishment is operating within the city.
(d) Insurance. Insurance coverage is a condition of receiving a permit and proof of such
coverage is required. Unless specified otherwise by Department regulation, proof of
liability insurance, or the equivalent, for not less than one hundred thousand dollars
($100,000) per massage therapist licensed, or to be licensed, at the massage
establishment up to a maximum of one million dollars ($1,000,000) shall be required by
the time of permit issuance. This requirement can be satisfied by insurance provided in
the name of a massage therapist or the massage establishment. Coverage must be
maintained for the entirety of the permit period. The Department may establish
regulations governing insurance requirements that do not conflict with this section.
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 14 Packet Pg. 796 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
12
147_202511117_ts24
4.54.110 Permit denial.
The Department may deny an application for a massage establishment permit on any of the
following grounds:
(a) The massage establishment, as proposed by the applicant, would not comply with the
requirements of this chapter.
(b) The massage establishment, as proposed by the applicant, would not comply with any
applicable law, including, but not limited to the city's building, fire, zoning, and health
regulations or regulations under the CAMTC.
(c) The applicant has knowingly made any false, misleading or fraudulent statement of
material fact in the application for a massage establishment permit.
(d) Any owner of the massage establishment, within five years immediately preceding the
date of filing of the application, has been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction
of any offense that relates directly to the operation of a massage establishment
whether as a massage establishment owner or operator or as a person practicing
massage for compensation, or as an employee of either; or has at any time been
convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of any felony the commission of which
occurred on the premises of a massage establishment.
(e) Any owner of the massage establishment is currently required to register under the
provisions of Section 290 of the California Penal Code.
(f) Any owner of the massage establishment, within five years of the date of application,
has been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of any violation of Sections 266,
266a, 266e, 266f, 266g, 266h, 266i, 266j, 315, 316, 318, 647(b) of the California Penal
Code, or conspiracy or attempt to commit any such offense, or any offense in a
jurisdiction outside of the State of California that is the equivalent of any of the
aforesaid offenses.
(g) Any owner of the massage establishment has been subjected to a permanent injunction
against the conducting or maintaining of a nuisance pursuant to Sections 11225 through
11235 of the California Penal Code, or any similar provision of law in a jurisdiction
outside the State of California.
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 15 Packet Pg. 797 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
13
147_202511117_ts24
(h) Any owner of the massage establishment, within five years of the date of application,
and as established by clear and convincing evidence, has engaged in acts prohibited
under California Penal Code Sections 266, 266a, 266e, 266f, 266g, 266h, 266i, 266j, 315,
316, 318, 647(b).
(i) Any owner of the massage establishment is an individual who has not attained the age
of eighteen years.
(j) Any owner of the massage establishment, within five years immediately preceding the
date of filing of the application, has had a certificate, permit or license to practice
massage for compensation or to own and/or operate a massage establishment revoked
or denied in any jurisdiction, including CAMTC.
(k) Any owner of the massage establishment currently owns or operates a massage
establishment in the city of Palo Alto that is not in good standing due to the existence of
uncorrected violations or unpaid fines or fees.
(l) Within the last five years, the applicant has failed to comply with a final court order or
administrative action of an investigatory agency finding a violation of applicable federal,
state and local wage and hour laws, including, but not limited to, the Federal Fair Labor
Standards Act, the California Labor Code, and any local minimum wage ordinance or
prevailing wage requirements. For purposes of this subsection, a final court order or
administrative action is one as to which there is no pending appeal and the time for
filing an appeal has passed.
4.54.120 Notice of denial—Appeal.
(a) If an application for a massage establishment permit is denied, the Department shall
give written notice to the applicant specifying the grounds for denial.
(b) The applicant may appeal the decision to deny a massage establishment permit by filing
a written notice of appeal with the Department within fifteen days after deposit of the
decision in the mail, specifying in detail the grounds for such appeal.
(c) The City Clerk shall set a time and place for the hearing on the appeal not less than
thirty days after the date the appeal was received by the Department, and shall give
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 16 Packet Pg. 798 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
14
147_202511117_ts24
written notice by mail to the applicant of the date, time, and place for the hearing. The
hearing may be conducted virtually or by phone at the discretion of the City. The
hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Section 4.54.180.
(d) After the hearing on the appeal, the City’s hearing officer may refer the matter back to
the Department for a new investigation and decision, may affirm the decision of the
Department, or may direct the Department to issue the license. The decision of the
hearing officer or designee upon such appeal shall be final and shall be subject to
judicial review according to the provisions and time limits set forth in Code of Civil
Procedure Section 1094.6.
4.54.130 Amendments to permit required upon change of information.
(a) Within 14 days of a change of the information provided in the application for a certified
massage establishment on file with the City, the operator shall file an application to
amend the permit to reflect such change. An application to amend a massage
establishment permit shall be made by submitting an application on a form provided by
the Department. The application shall be accompanied by the fee established by the
city's fee schedule.
(b) The application shall not be approved unless the Department determines that the terms
of the amended permit comply with all requirements of this chapter and all other local,
state, and federal laws, and the massage establishment has no outstanding violations or
unpaid citations or fees. Inspection of the massage establishment may be required prior
to approval of the amendment.
(c) An amendment shall not be used to change the location or owners of a massage
establishment. Instead, a new permit application is required.
(d) A denial of an application to amend a massage establishment permit may be appealed
in the same manner as a denial of an application for a permit under Section 4.54.120.
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 17 Packet Pg. 799 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
15
147_202511117_ts24
4.54.140 Requirements for all massage establishment facilities and operations.
(a) Operational Requirements. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, the
following operational requirements shall be applicable to all massage establishments
located within the city:
(1) No massage establishment shall be kept open for business between the hours of
ten p.m. of one day and eight a.m. of the following day. A massage begun any
time before ten p.m. must nevertheless terminate at ten p.m. This restriction
does not apply to the use of hot tubs at a massage establishment that also has
hot tubs in compliance with PAMC Chapter 4.56, but must follow any other
applicable law or condition of permit as to hours of operation.
(A) After ten years of continuous operation, a massage establishment may be
exempted from the hours restrictions of this section by the Department upon a
written request which details the factual reasons supporting good cause for the
exemption. The Department, in determining what constitutes good cause for this
exemption from the hours restrictions, shall consider and weight the following
factors: (i) ongoing compliance with this Chapter including updated review of
permit requirements; (ii) the impact which the massage establishment has had
on the health, safety, and welfare of the local community, including, but not
limited to, parking and traffic congestion; and (iii) the massage establishment's
compliance or noncompliance with all federal, state, and local laws, including,
but not limited to, this municipal code. If, upon review of those factors, the
Department determines that good cause does exist for the requested
exemption, the Department may then exempt the particular massage
establishment from the hours restrictions of this section. However, in no event
shall any massage establishment close later than midnight or open earlier than
six a.m. If the Department denies an application for an exemption under this
subsection (A), the massage establishment may appeal under the process in
PAMC section 4.54.120. The Department may revoke an exemption issued under
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 18 Packet Pg. 800 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
16
147_202511117_ts24
this subsection (A) for the reasons stated in PAMC section 4.54.170 and such
revocation is subject to hearing under PAMC section 4.54.180.
(2) The hours of operation of the massage establishment shall be displayed in a
conspicuous public place in the reception and waiting area and in any front
window clearly visible from outside of the massage establishment.
(3) Patrons and visitors shall be permitted in the massage establishment only during
the hours of operation.
(4) During the hours of operation, patrons shall be permitted in massage therapy
rooms only if at least one duly authorized certified massage professional is
present on the premises of the massage establishment. Patrons shall not be
permitted in any employee break room on the premises.
(5) During the hours of operation, visitors shall not be permitted in massage therapy
rooms except as follows:
(A) The parents or guardian of a patron who is a minor child may be present
in the massage therapy room with that minor child;
(B) The minor child of a patron may be present in the massage therapy room
with the patron when necessary for the supervision of the child; or
(C) The conservator, aid, or other caretaker of a patron who is elderly or
disabled may be present in the massage therapy room with that elderly
or disabled person.
(6) During the hours of operation, except as otherwise provided herein, no visitors
shall be permitted in massage therapy rooms, break rooms, dressing rooms,
showers, or any other room or part of the massage establishment premises
other than the reception and waiting area or toilet rooms.
(7) Except for a patron who is inside a massage therapy room for the purpose of
receiving a massage, no patrons or visitors shall be permitted in or on the
massage establishment premises at any time who are less than fully clothed in
outer garments of nontransparent material, or who display or expose
themselves in underclothing or similar intimate apparel.
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 19 Packet Pg. 801 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
17
147_202511117_ts24
(8) A list of massage services available and the cost of such services shall be posted
in an open and conspicuous public place on the premises. The massage services
shall be described in English and may also be described in such other languages
as may be convenient. No massage establishment operator shall permit, and no
person employed or retained by the massage establishment shall offer to
perform any massage services or request or demand fees other than those
posted.
(9) The massage establishment shall keep on the premises a complete and current
roster of all owners, operators, and managing employees of the massage
establishment and all massage professionals and other persons employed or
retained by the massage establishment. The roster shall include the name,
residence address, and phone number of each individual. The roster shall be
available for inspection by city officials charged with the enforcement of this
chapter.
(b) Physical Facility and Building and Fire Code Requirements. Except as otherwise
specifically provided in this chapter, the following physical facility and building code
requirements shall be applicable to all massage establishments located within the city:
(1) Main entry door and reception and waiting area required. One or more main
entry door shall be provided for patron entry to the massage establishment,
which shall open to an interior patron reception and waiting area immediately.
All patrons and any persons other than individuals employed or retained by the
massage establishment shall be required to enter and exit through the main
entry door(s). Unless the massage establishment is a sole proprietorship or a
home occupation with one or no other employees, the main entry door shall be
unlocked at all times during business hours.
(2) No massage establishment located in a building or structure with exterior
windows fronting a public street, highway, walkway, or parking area shall block
visibility into the interior reception and waiting area through the use of curtains,
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 20 Packet Pg. 802 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
18
147_202511117_ts24
closed blinds, tints, or any other material that obstructs, blurs, or unreasonably
darkens the view into the premises.
(3) All interior doors, including massage therapy rooms or cubicles (but excluding
individual dressing rooms, showers, and toilet rooms, storage/equipment rooms,
offices for staff only, and rooms for hot tubs at massage establishments that are
also a hot tub/sauna establishment in compliance with PAMC Chapter 4.56) shall
be incapable of being locked and shall not be blocked to prevent opening. Draw
drapes, curtain enclosures, or accordion-pleated closures in lieu of doors are
acceptable on all inner massage therapy rooms or cubicles.
(4) Minimum lighting equivalent to at least one forty-watt light shall be provided in
each massage therapy room or cubicle.
(5) A massage table or professional massage chair specifically designed for seated
massage shall be used for all massage therapy, with the exception of "Thai,"
"Shiatsu," and similar forms of massage therapy, which may be provided on a
padded mat on the floor, provided the patron is fully attired in loose clothing,
pajamas, scrubs, or similar style of garment. Massage tables shall have a
minimum height of eighteen inches.
(6) Beds, floor mattresses, and waterbeds are not permitted on the premises of the
massage establishment, and no massage establishment shall be used for
residential or sleeping purposes, which may be shown by circumstantial
evidence such as the presence of bedding, pillows, sleeping bags, suitcases,
clothing, toiletries or other personal belongings, cooking appliances, utensils or
food in excess of a business establishment's normal requirements. A massage
establishment that is also a hot tub/sauna establishment in compliance with
PAMC Chapter 4.56 may have beds or floor mattresses only in rooms used for
hot tubs and shall not be used for massage or residential purposes.
(7) All locker facilities that are provided for the use of patrons shall be fully secured
for the protection of the patrons' valuables, and each patron shall be given
control of the key or other means of access.
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 21 Packet Pg. 803 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
19
147_202511117_ts24
(8) The massage establishment shall comply with all applicable state and local
building and fire codes as adopted in Title 16 of this code.
(9) Any signage referring to the massage establishment located on or adjacent to
the building housing the massage establishment must match the business name
that is listed on the massage establishment permit. A massage establishment
shall not have signage that refers to another business name.
(c) Health and Safety Requirements. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this
chapter, the following health and safety requirements shall be applicable to all massage
establishments located within the city:
(1) The massage establishment shall at all times be equipped with an adequate
supply of clean sanitary towels, coverings, and linens. Massage table or chair
shall be covered with a fresh, clean sheet or other clean covering appropriate to
the equipment for each patron, just before the client arrives. After a towel,
covering, or linen has been used once, it shall be deposited in a closed receptacle
and not used again until properly laundered and sanitized. Towels, coverings,
and linens shall be laundered either by regular commercial laundering, or by a
noncommercial laundering process that includes immersion in water at least one
hundred forty degrees Fahrenheit for not less than fifteen minutes during the
washing or rinsing operation. Clean towels, coverings, and linens shall be stored
in closed, clean cabinets when not in use. A certified massage professional
engaged in the practice of mobile massage shall carry a sufficient quantity of
clean and sanitary towels, sheets, and linens to comply with the requirements.
(2) All massage therapy rooms or cubicles, wet and dry heat rooms, toilet rooms,
shower compartments, hot tubs, and pools shall be thoroughly cleaned and
disinfected as needed, and at least once each business day when the premises
has been or will be open and such facilities in use. All bathtubs shall be
thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each use.
(3) All liquids, creams, or other preparations used on or made available to patrons
shall be kept in clean and closed containers. Powders may be kept in clean
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 22 Packet Pg. 804 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
20
147_202511117_ts24
shakers. All bottles and containers shall be distinctly and correctly labeled to
disclose their contents. When only a portion of a liquid, cream, or other
preparation is to be used on or made available to a patron, it shall be removed
from the container in such a way as not to contaminate the remaining portion.
(4) No invasive procedures shall be performed on any patron. Invasive procedures
include, but are not limited to:
(A) Application of electricity that contracts the muscle;
(B) Penetration of the skin by metal needles;
(C) Abrasion of the skin below the nonliving, epidermal layers;
(D) Removal of skin by means of any razor-edged instrument or other device
or tool;
(E) Use of any needle-like instrument for the purpose of extracting skin
blemishes; and
(F) Other similar procedures.
(5) All bathrobes, bathing suits, and/or other garments that are provided for the use
of patrons shall be either fully disposable and not used by more than one patron,
or shall be laundered after each use pursuant to subsection (c)(1) of this section.
(6) All combs, brushes, and/or other personal items of grooming or hygiene that are
provided for the use of patrons shall be either fully disposable and not used by
more than one patron, or shall be fully disinfected after each use.
(7) All massage establishments must provide patrons with slip-resistant sandals or
flip-flops to wear while in the shower compartment. All footwear such as sandals
or flip-flops that are provided for the use of patrons either shall be fully
disposable and not used by more than one patron, or shall be fully disinfected
after each use.
(8) Patrons' genitals and female patrons' breasts must be fully draped at all times
while any individual employed or retained by the massage establishment is in
the massage room or cubicle with the patron. No massage shall be provided to a
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 23 Packet Pg. 805 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
21
147_202511117_ts24
patron that results in intentional contact, or occasional and repetitive contact,
with the genitals or anal region of a patron.
(9) No alcoholic beverages shall be sold, served, or furnished to any patron; nor shall
any alcoholic beverages be kept or possessed on the premises of a massage
establishment. A massage establishment that is also a hot tub/sauna
establishment in compliance with PAMC Ch. 4.56 is not subject to this limitation
for non-massage areas of the establishment, but must adhere to all other
applicable laws, including any applicable zoning code provisions and California
Department of Alcohol Beverage Control requirements.
(d) Attire and Physical Hygiene Requirements. The following attire and physical hygiene
requirements shall be applicable to all employees and any other persons who work
permanently or temporarily on the premises of a massage establishment within the city,
including, but not limited to, all persons who are employed or retained to practice massage for
the massage establishment:
(1) No person shall dress in:
(A) Attire that is transparent, see-through, or substantially exposes the
person's undergarments;
(B) Swim attire, unless providing a water-based massage modality approved
by the CAMTC;
(C) A manner that exposes the person's chest, breasts, buttocks, or genitals;
(2) No massage establishment operator, employee, or visitor shall, while on the
premises of a massage establishment or while performing any mobile massage
service, and while in the presence of any patron, customer, employee or visitor,
expose his or her chest, breast, buttocks, or genitals.
(3) All persons shall thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water or any equally
effective cleansing agent immediately before providing massage to a patron. No
massage shall be provided upon a surface of the skin or scalp of a patron where
such skin is inflamed, broken (e.g., abraded or cut), or where a skin infection or
eruption is present.
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 24 Packet Pg. 806 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
22
147_202511117_ts24
(e) Display of Permit and Certifications.
(1) The massage establishment permit shall be displayed in an open and
conspicuous place on the premises visible from the main entry door and/or
reception and waiting area of the massage establishment.
(2) Each person employed or retained by a massage establishment to perform
massage in or on the premises or through an mobile massage service shall
display on his or her person the valid current photograph-bearing identification
card issued to that employee by the CAMTC. A copy of each such identification
card and the person's original CAMTC certificate shall also be displayed in an
open and conspicuous place visible from the main entry door and/or reception
and waiting area of the massage establishment. The home address of any
employee need not be displayed.
(f) Display of Human Trafficking Notices. The massage establishment shall comply with the
requirements in California Civil Code Section 52.6 related to the posting of information for
victims of human trafficking.
(g) Home Occupation and Mobile-Only Businesses—Exemptions.
(1) Where a certified massage establishment is a home occupation, and the
operator has complied with the provisions of Section 18.42.010 of this code
pertaining to home occupations, the provisions of subsections (a)(2), (b)(1)—(3),
and (b)(6) of this section shall not apply, and the portions of the residence
subject to the requirements of subsections (b) and (c) of this section shall be only
those portions that are used at any time by the patron of the massage
establishment.
(2) For massage establishments that provide mobile-only services and have no fixed
location for performing massage, provisions of this section related to businesses
with fixed locations shall not apply. Specifically, the provisions of subsections
(a)(2)—(9), (b)(1)—(4), (b)(6)—(8), (c)(2) and (7), (e)(1), and (f) of this section
shall not apply to mobile-only establishments.
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 25 Packet Pg. 807 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
23
147_202511117_ts24
4.54.150 Massage establishment inspections.
(a) As a condition of the massage establishment permit, investigating officials of the
Department shall have the right to enter any massage establishment, other than an
establishment providing mobile only services, during regular business hours, to make
reasonable inspection to ascertain whether there is compliance with the provisions of
this chapter. For home occupations, reasonable inspection shall be limited to the
portions of the residence open to patrons.
(b) The massage establishment operator shall take immediate action to correct each
violation noted by the inspector. A reinspection will be performed to ensure that each
violation noted by the inspector has been corrected.
4.54.160 Reserved.
4.54.170 Revocation or suspension.
All massage establishment operators shall be deemed to know and understand the requirements
and prohibitions of this chapter. Any massage establishment permit issued pursuant to this
chapter may be suspended or revoked by the Department after a hearing, where the Department
finds that any of the following have occurred on even a single occasion:
(a) The permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment has
violated any provision of this chapter.
(b) The permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment has
been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of having violated, or has engaged in
conduct constituting a violation of, any of the following: California Penal Code Sections
266, 266a, 266e, 266f, 266g, 266h, 266i, 266j, 315, 316, 318, 647(b), or conspiracy or
attempt to commit any such offense, or any offense in a jurisdiction outside of the State
of California that is the equivalent of any of the aforesaid offenses.
(c) The permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment is
required to register under Section 290 of the California Penal Code.
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 26 Packet Pg. 808 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
24
147_202511117_ts24
(d) The permittee has been subject to a permanent injunction against the conducting or
maintaining of a nuisance pursuant to this code, or Sections 11225 through 11235 of the
California Penal Code, or any similar provision of law in any jurisdiction outside the
State of California.
(e) The permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment has
engaged in fraud or misrepresentation or has knowingly made a misstatement of
material fact while working in or for the massage establishment as it pertains to the
massage establishment.
(f) The permittee has continued to operate the massage establishment after the massage
establishment permit has been suspended.
(g) Massage has been performed on the premises of the massage establishment, with or
without the permittee's actual knowledge, by any person who is not a duly authorized
CAMTC-certified massage professional.
(h) A person who is not a duly authorized CAMTC-certified massage professional has
provided mobile massage services through or on behalf of the massage establishment.
(i) There have been one or more acts prohibited under California Penal Code Sections 266,
266a, 266e, 266f, 266g, 266h, 266i, 266j, 315, 316, 318, or 647(b), taking place on the
premises of the massage establishment, whether or not any criminal prosecution has
been pursued or conviction obtained for such acts, and whether or not they occurred
with or without the actual knowledge of the permittee.
(j) The permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment or any
other person on the premises of the massage establishment has engaged in conduct or
committed acts that a reasonable person in the patron's position would understand as
an offer to perform on or engage in with the patron acts that are sexual in nature or that
involve touching of the patron's genitals, or anal region.
(k) The permittee or any person employed or retained by the massage establishment has
engaged in sexually suggestive advertising related to massage services available at the
massage establishment, including, but not limited to displaying photographs of
individuals clothed in swim attire, or attire that is transparent, see-through or
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 27 Packet Pg. 809 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
25
147_202511117_ts24
substantially exposes the individual's undergarments, breasts, buttocks, or genitals,
describing massage services as "erotic," "sensual" or similarly sexual in nature, listing
advertisements in any media (including online) intended for adults only, or describing
the appearance or age of massage providers.
(l) If the applicant has failed to comply with a final court order or administrative action of
an investigatory agency finding a violation of applicable federal, state and local wage
and hour laws, including, but not limited to, the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the
California Labor Code, and any local minimum wage ordinance or prevailing wage
requirements. For purposes of this subsection, a final court order or administrative
action is one as to which there is no pending appeal and the time for filing an appeal has
passed. In addition, any disciplinary action taken by CAMTC shall be considered in
determining grounds for revocation, suspension or nonrenewal.
4.54.180 Hearing for revocation or suspension.
(a) The Department shall give written notice of a hearing for the revocation or suspension
of any permit granted pursuant to this chapter to the permittee. The notice shall set
forth the time and place of the hearing, the ground or grounds upon which the hearing
is based, the pertinent code sections, and a brief statement of the factual issues in
support thereof. The notice shall be mailed, postage prepaid, addressed to the
permittee at the last known address of the permittee, or it shall be delivered to the
permittee personally, at least ten days prior to the hearing date.
(b) Within ten days of the hearing the Department shall render its decision in writing,
stating its findings and the action taken, if any. The decision letter shall be mailed,
postage prepaid, addressed to the permittee at the last known address of the
permittee, or it shall be delivered to the permittee personally.
(c) Within ten days from the deposit of the decision letter in the mail or its receipt by the
permittee, whichever occurs first, the permittee may appeal the decision in writing to
the city manager or designee, setting forth with particularity the ground or grounds for
the appeal.
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 28 Packet Pg. 810 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
26
147_202511117_ts24
(d) The hearing officer shall give written notice of the hearing on the appeal not less than
ten days from the date the appeal was received by the city. The hearing shall be
conducted in accordance with Section 4.54.190.
(e) After the hearing on the appeal, the hearing officer or designee may refer the matter
back to the Department for a new investigation and decision, may affirm the decision of
the Department, may dismiss the disciplinary action, or may revoke or suspend the
permit. The decision of the hearing officer upon such appeal shall be final and shall be
subject to judicial review according to the provisions and time limits set forth in Code of
Civil Procedure Section 1094.6.
(f) The notices provided to the massage establishment pursuant to this section may also be
sent to the owner of the premises where the massage establishment is located.
However, failure to provide notice to the property owner shall not invalidate any actions
taken by the city.
4.54.190 Hearing rules.
The following rules shall apply to any hearing required by this chapter. All parties involved shall
have the right to offer testimonial, documentary, and tangible evidence bearing on the issues, to
be represented by counsel, and to confront and cross-examine witnesses. Any relevant evidence
may be admitted if it is the sort of evidence upon which reasonable persons are accustomed to
rely in the conduct of serious affairs. Any hearing under this chapter may be continued for a
reasonable time for the convenience of a party or witness.
4.54.200 Violations a public nuisance—Penalties, nuisance abatement, and other remedies.
Any massage establishment operated, conducted, or maintained contrary to the provisions of
this chapter shall be, and the same is hereby declared to be, unlawful and a public nuisance, and
the city attorney may, in addition to or in lieu of prosecuting a criminal action hereunder,
commence an action or actions, proceeding or proceedings, for the abatement, removal and
enjoinment thereof, in the manner provided by law. Such remedies shall be in addition to any
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 29 Packet Pg. 811 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
27
147_202511117_ts24
other judicial and administrative penalties and remedies available to the city under this code or
under state law.
(a) For the purpose of enforcing the requirements of this chapter, all owners and operators
of the massage establishment shall be jointly and severally responsible for the conduct
of all massage establishment employees, agents, independent contractors, or other
representatives while such persons are on the premises of the massage establishment
or providing mobile massage services on behalf of the massage establishment.
(b) In addition to any other remedy available to the city under applicable law, a massage
establishment permit may be suspended or revoked as provided in
Sections 4.54.170 and 4.54.180. Upon issuance of a final order by the Department or
Hearing Officer to revoke the massage permit, the massage establishment shall
immediately cease operation, and, if so ordered by the hearing officer, no other
massage establishment shall be permitted to operate at that location by any person for
a period of not less than five years ("the moratorium period"). If the operator is not also
the legal owner of the real property on which the massage establishment is situated,
notice of such revocation and the five-year prohibition shall be provided by the permit
authority to the owner of record of the property as shown on the latest county
assessment roll.
(c) In addition to any other remedy available to the city under applicable law, a massage
establishment permit may not be renewed or amended unless and until all due and
unpaid citations issued pursuant to this chapter are paid in full, and all outstanding
violations have been corrected.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, where a Notice of Revocation or
Suspension has been issued to the operator of a massage establishment pursuant to
Section 4.54.180 of this chapter, the Department shall not process or grant an
application for a massage establishment permit for a new massage establishment at the
same premises unless and until such Notice of Revocation or Suspension is dismissed; or
a final determination is made pursuant to that section that the current operator's
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 30 Packet Pg. 812 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
28
147_202511117_ts24
massage establishment permit is not or should not be revoked; or any moratorium
period imposed pursuant to this chapter has expired.
4.54.200 Administrative Citations and Penalties
(a) Violations. Upon a finding by the City that a business has violated any provision of this
chapter, the City may issue an administrative citation and/or compliance order resulting
in administrative fines pursuant to PAMC Chapters 1.12 and 1.16.
(b) Separate Violations. Each violation of any provision of this chapter shall constitute a
separate violation. Each client to whom massage is provided or offered in violation of this
chapter shall also constitute a separate violation. Each day upon which a massage
business remains open for business in violation of this chapter shall also constitute a
separate violation.
(c) Outstanding Fines. All outstanding penalties resulting from administrative citations
and/or compliance orders must be paid prior to the issuance or renewal of any
registration.
(d) Appeals. Appeals of administrative citations and compliance orders may be made
pursuant to the appeal procedures in PAMC Chapters 1.12 and 1.16, respectively.
SECTION 3. Chapter 4.56 (Hot Tub/Sauna Establishments) of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:
4.56.010 Purpose and intent.
It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to provide for the orderly regulation of hot
tub/sauna establishments and hot tub/sauna establishment employees, as defined in this
chapter in the interests of the public health, safety and welfare by providing certain minimum
building, sanitation and health standards for hot tub/sauna establishments and by providing
certain minimum standards and regulations regarding the conduct and activities of the owners
and employees of hot tub/sauna establishments.Reserved.
4.56.020 Definitions.
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 31 Packet Pg. 813 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
29
147_202511117_ts24
For the purpose of this chapter, unless the context clearly requires a different meaning, the
words, terms, and phrases set forth in this section shall have the meanings given them in this
section:
(a) "Hot tub/sauna establishment" means any establishment having a fixed place of business
where any person, as defined in this section, for compensation, engages in, conducts, carries on
or permits to be engaged in, conducted or carried on any of the following as the principal
functions; provided, that any establishment wherein any employee provides any services
defined as massage or adult entertainment by Sections 4.54.020 or 4.55.020 shall be licensed
pursuant to the provisions of Chapters 4.54 or 4.55, respectively.
(1) Where Russian, Turkish, Finnish, Swedish, hot air, vapor, electric cabinet, steam, mineral,
sweat, salt, Japanese, sauna, fomentation, alcohol or baths of any kind whatsoever are
furnished or made available; and/or
(2) Where the public has access, on a rental basis, to private rooms or suites located within
the establishment, in which are located or provided hot tubs, jacuzzis, saunas, showers, similar
and/or related facilities, or any combination thereof.
The term "hot tub/sauna establishment" does not include licensed hospitals, nursing homes,
sanitaria, or individuals holding a valid certificate to practice the healing arts under the laws of
the state of California, or individuals working under the direction of any such certificated
persons. The term "hot tub/sauna establishment" does not include any type of a privately
owned and operated health spa, gymnasium or exercise facility where the primary purpose of
the establishment is the offering of exercise or physical fitness equipment and facilities to
prospective patrons; even though such establishment may have, on its premises, facilities for
hot baths, and/or hot tubs, jacuzzis, saunas and related facilities for the incidental use of
patrons.
(b) "Hot tub/sauna establishment employee" means every owner, partner, manager,
supervisor, employee or any other person, whether paid or not, who renders personal services
of any type in the operation of a hot tub/sauna establishment.
(c) "License" means the license to operate a hot/tub sauna establishment as required by this
chapter.
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 32 Packet Pg. 814 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
30
147_202511117_ts24
(d) "Permit" means the permit to engage in the activities of a hot tub/sauna establishment
employee as required by this chapter.
(e) "Person" means any individual, partnership, firm, association. joint venture, corporation.
or combination of individuals.
Whenever, in this chapter, the singular form of any of the terms defined in this section is
used, the same includes the plural form of such term.
4.56.030 Hot tub/sauna establishment County license required.
It is unlawful for any person to engage in, conduct or carry on, in or upon any premises within
the city the operation of a hot tub//sauna establishment without the any applicable valid
license(s) or permit(s) required by and obtained from the chief of police as required by this
chapter. A. hot tub/sauna establishment license the County of Santa Clara. shall be issued to
any person who has complied with the requirements of Sections 4.56.050 and 4.56.110, and all
applicable provisions of the code; unless grounds for denial of such license are found to exist. In
addition to those set forth in Section 4.04.140, grounds for denial shall include:
(a) The applicant made a material misstatement in the application for a license;
(b) The applicant has, within five years immediately preceding the date of the filing of the
application, been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of an offense involving conduct
which requires registration under California Penal Code Section 290, or any violations of
Sections 311 through 311.7, 313.1, 314, 315, 316, 318, or 647(a), 647(b), 647(d), or 647(h) of
the California Penal Code, or of any offense involving theft of property or violence;
(c) That the operation of a hot tub/sauna establishment, as proposed by the applicant, if
permitted, would not comply with all applicable laws including, but not limited to, all city
ordinances and regulations;
(d) That the operation of the proposed hot tub/sauna establishment is likely to be injurious
to the health, safety and welfare of the people of the city;
(e) That the applicant is lacking in the background and qualifications to conduct a bona fide
hot tub/sauna establishment; or
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 33 Packet Pg. 815 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
31
147_202511117_ts24
(f) That the applicant has violated any provision of this chapter, or of any similar ordinance,
law, rule or regulation of another public agency which regulates the operation of hot tub/sauna
or related establishments.
4.56.040 Hot tub/sauna establishment license application fee.
Any application for a license to operate a hot tub/sauna establishment shall be accompanied
by a nonrefundable fee as set forth in the municipal fee schedule. The application fee shall be
used to defray, in part, the costs of investigation and report, and is not made in lieu of any
other fees or taxes required under this code. A license to operate a hot tub/sauna
establishment shall be renewed annually. The renewal fee shall be as set forth in the municipal
fee schedule.
Reserved.
4.56.050 Application for hot tub/sauna establishment license.
Any application for a license to operate a hot tub/sauna establishment shall be made with the
chief of police. Within thirty working days following receipt of a completed application, the
chief of police shall either issue the permit or mail a written statement of his reasons for denial
thereof. The application shall set forth the exact nature of the hot tub/sauna operations or
activities to be conducted, the proposed place of business and facilities therefor, and the name
and address of each applicant. In addition to the requirements of Chapter 4.04 and this section,
any applicant shall furnish the following information:
(a) The previous address of applicant, if any, for a period of three years immediately prior to
the date of the application and the dates of residence at each;
(b) Written proof that the applicant is at least eighteen years of age;
(c) Applicant's height, weight, color of eyes and hair;
(d) The applicant shall allow the police department official processing the application to take
photographs and fingerprints of the applicant;
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 34 Packet Pg. 816 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
32
147_202511117_ts24
(e) Business, occupation or employment history of the applicant for the three years
immediately preceding the date of the application;
(f) If the applicant is a corporation, the name of the corporation shall be set forth exactly as
shown in its articles of incorporation, together with the names and residence addresses of each
of its officers, directors, and each stockholder holding more than five percent of the stock of
the corporation. If the applicant is a partnership, the application shall set forth the name and
residence address of each of the partners, including limited partners. If one or more of the
partners is a corporation, the provisions of this section pertaining to a corporate applicant shall
apply;
(g) The names and residence addresses of all persons currently employed or intended to be
employed in the hot tub/sauna establishment, regardless of the nature of the employment,
other than any person licensed pursuant to Section 4.56.060, along with the proposed or actual
nature of the work performed or to be performed, and recent passport-size photographs,
suitable to the police department official processing the application, of each such employee. All
such employees shall be requested to obtain the permit specified in Section 4.56.060. Any
applicant or licensee shall notify the city in writing of the names, addresses, and nature of the
work, of any new or proposed employees, and supply the photographs described in this
subsection upon determining to employ such person. No such person shall commence such
employment until a permit has been obtained as specified in Section 4.56.060. "Employee"
means "hot tub/sauna establishment employee" as defined herein. It shall be unlawful for any
licensee to employ any hot tub/sauna establishment employee who does not possess a valid
permit provided for in Section 4.56.020. Any licensee shall notify the chief of police in writing of
the termination of employment of any employee, whether terminated by the licensee or
employee, within five days of such termination;
(h) Such other information as may be deemed necessary by the chief of police.
Reserved.
4.56.060 Hot tub/sauna establishment employee permit required.
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 35 Packet Pg. 817 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
33
147_202511117_ts24
It is unlawful for any person to act as a hot tub/sauna establishment employee unless such
person holds a valid permit issued by the chief of police. A hot tub/sauna establishment
employee permit shall be issued to any person who has fulfilled the requirements of Section
4.56.080, and all other applicable provisions of this code; unless grounds for denial of such
permit are found to exist. In addition to those set forth in Section 4.04.140, grounds for denial
shall include:
(a) The applicant made a material misstatement in the application for the permit;
(b) The applicant, within five years immediately preceding the date of the filing of the
application, has been convicted in a court of competent jurisdiction of any offense involving
conduct which requires registration under California Penal Code Section 290, or any violation of
Sections 311 through 311.7, 313.1, 314, 315, 316, 318 or 647(a), 647(b), 647(d), or 647(h) of the
California Penal Code or of any offense involving theft of property;
(c) The issuance of the permit is likely to be injurious to the health, safety, welfare, and
interest of the people of the city;
(d) The applicant has previously violated any provision of this chapter, or of any similar
ordinance, law, rule or regulation of another public agency which regulates the operation of hot
tub/sauna establishments or hot tub/sauna establishment employees;
(e) The applicant is under eighteen years of age.
Reserved.
4.56.070 Hot tub/sauna establishment employee application fee.
Any application for a permit to act as hot tub/sauna establishment employee shall be
accompanied by a nonrefundable fee as set forth in the municipal fee schedule. A hot
tub/sauna establishment employee permit shall be renewed annually. The renewal fee shall be
as set forth in the municipal fee schedule. Any person who applies for a license to operate a hot
tub/sauna establishment and who desires to act as a hot tub/sauna establishment employee
within said establishment shall not be required to pay the fee required by the municipal fee
schedule, but shall be required to furnish the information set forth in Section 4.56.080.
Reserved.
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 36 Packet Pg. 818 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
34
147_202511117_ts24
4.56.080 Application for hot tub/sauna establishment employee permit.
Any application for a permit to act as a hot tub/sauna establishment employee shall be made
with the chief of police. Within thirty working days following receipt of a completed application,
the chief of police shall either issue the permit, or mail a written statement of his reason for
denial thereof. The chief of police may require the applicant to allow fingerprints to be taken. In
addition to the requirements of Chapter 4.04, the applicant shall furnish the following
information:
(a) Name, residence address and telephone number;
(b) Social security number and driver's license number if any;
(c) Applicant's weight, height, color of hair and eyes;
(d) The applicant shall furnish a recent photograph of applicant to the police department
official who processes the application;
(e) Written evidence that the applicant is at least eighteen years of age;
(f) Business, occupation or employment of the applicant for the three years immediately
preceding the date of application;
(g) The name and address of the establishment where the applicant is to be employed, and
the name of the owner or operator of the same. Any hot tub/sauna establishment employee
granted a permit pursuant to this section must report any change in hot tub/sauna
establishment employment within five days of said change;
(h) Whether such person has ever been convicted of any crime mentioned in Section
4.56.060. If any person has been so convicted, a statement must be made giving the place and
court in which said conviction was had, the specific charge or charges under which the
conviction was obtained, and the sentence imposed as a result of such conviction;
(i) Such other information as may be deemed necessary by the chief of police.
Reserved.
4.56.090 Appeal.
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 37 Packet Pg. 819 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
35
147_202511117_ts24
In the event a permit or license application has been denied, the applicant shall proceed
pursuant to the appeal and hearing provision of Chapter 4.04.
Reserved.
4.56.100 Hot tub/sauna establishment and operations requirements.
All hot tub/sauna establishments shall comply with the following facilities and operations
requirements and each of the requirements listed in this section shall be conditions of any hot
tub/sauna establishment license which is issued pursuant to the requirements of this chapter:
(a) Hot tub/sauna establishments shall comply with all applicable provisions of this code and
with all applicable health and sanitation laws, rules and regulations of the county of Santa Clara
and state of California.
(b) Toilet and lavatory facilities shall be provided for employees and patrons of a hot
tub/sauna establishment in a number and type not less than the minimum number and type
specified in the applicable code section for such type of use.
(c) A manager or other supervisory representative of the licensee shall be and remain on the
premises of the licensed hot tub/sauna establishment at all times during the operating hours of
the establishment. The licensee shall furnish the chief of police with a list of all persons
authorized by licensee to act as manager or representative of the licensee. Any change in said
list shall be reported to the chief of police immediately.
(d) All suites and rooms within hot tub/sauna establishments, for the use of patrons, shall be
provided with clean laundered sheets, towels and linens in sufficient quantities which shall be
laundered between consecutive uses thereof and stored in an approved sanitary manner. The
same sheets, towels and linens shall not be used in excess of one rental period. No sheets,
towels or linens shall be laundered or dried in any hot tub/sauna establishment unless such
establishment is provided with approved laundry facilities comparable to commercial
laundering facilities, for such laundering and drying. Approved receptacles shall be provided for
the storage of soiled sheets, linens, and towels. Heavy white paper may be substituted for
sheets; provided that such paper is used once for each person and then discarded into a
sanitary receptacle.
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 38 Packet Pg. 820 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
36
147_202511117_ts24
(e) All walls, ceilings, floors, pools, showers, bathtubs, hot tubs, jacuzzis, saunas, steam
rooms, and all other physical facilities within the establishment must be in good repair and
maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Wet and dry heat rooms, steam or vapor rooms,
or steam or vapor cabinets, shower compartments, bathrooms, toilet rooms, saunas, jacuzzis,
hot tubs, and individual suites shall be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected each day the
business is in operation. Bathtubs (not including hot tubs) shall be cleaned and thoroughly
disinfected after each use. Not more than one hot tub or similar water-holding device shall be
operated from the same heating or filtering device or any similar mechanism unless each such
hot tub or other similar device is capable of being emptied and refilled independent of any
other hot tub.
(f) The walls in all rooms where water or steam baths are given shall have a washable, mold-
resistant surface.
(g) All lavatories or wash basins shall be provided with hot and cold running water, soap and
single-service towels in wall-mounted dispensers.
(h) Cabinets or other covered space shall be provided for the storage of clean linen.
(i) To protect patrons from potential health and sanitary hazards, all hot tub/sauna
establishment employees shall be clean and shall perform all services on the premises in full,
clean outer garments.
(j) Security deposit facilities capable of being locked by the patron or a waterproof security
bag that may be carried by the patron shall be available for the protection of the valuables of
the patron.
(k) Each service or facility offered, the price thereof, and the minimum length of time such
service shall be performed shall be posted in a conspicuous public location within the hot
tub/sauna establishment. If the hot tub/sauna establishment contains within it one or more
individual rooms or suites, the hourly rental rate for such individual rooms or suites shall also
be posted in a conspicuous public location, along with the minimum and maximum periods of
time such individual rooms or suites can be rented. All letters and numbers shall be capitals,
and not less than one-half inch in height.
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 39 Packet Pg. 821 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
37
147_202511117_ts24
(l) No mirrors of any type shall be placed at any location within or inside the hot tub/sauna
establishment unless the approval of the chief of police has first been obtained; provided,
however, that if the hot tub/sauna establishment is comprised of one or more individual rooms
or suites, a small mirror, not more than three square feet in size, may be placed on the interior
of such room or suite on the door leading from such individual room or suite into any interior
hallway within such establishment, or such other comparable location not visible from the
exterior of such individual room or suite when the door thereto is open as may be approved by
the chief of police.
(m) If the hot tub/sauna establishment is comprised of one or more individual rooms or
suites which are rented to patrons, the interior of any such individual room or suite shall not be
visible from any point outside the room or suite when the door leading from such individual
room or suite into any interior hallway is closed.
(n) No alcoholic beverages of any type shall be permitted to be brought into or consumed
within or upon the premises or property of any hot tub/sauna establishment.
(o) No nudity shall be permitted or allowed to occur in any interior hallways of the
establishment, or in any other open patron area or areas located within the hot tub/sauna
establishment. Nudity shall only be permitted or allowed within the confines of an individual
room or suite located within the establishment and then only by the patrons who have rented
such room or suite.
(p) No individual under the age of eighteen years shall be allowed to enter into or to remain
upon or within the premises of any hot tub/sauna establishment unless such individual is
accompanied by his or her parent or guardian.
(q) All hot tub/sauna establishment employees, while on duty:
(1) Shall remain fully clothed at all times;
(2) Shall not remain inside any of the individual rooms or suites with any patrons of the
establishment while the doors leading to the hallways from such rooms or suites are closed.
Said doors shall remain closed at all times during which the individual room or suite is occupied
and utilized by any patron;
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 40 Packet Pg. 822 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
38
147_202511117_ts24
(3) Shall not perform, for compensation or otherwise, any type of personal services for the
patrons of the establishment, which personal services consist of the touching of any part of the
body of a patron with any part of the employee's body, or any implement utilized by an
employee.
(r) (1) Hot tub/sauna establishments shall close and remain closed from eleven p.m. to nine
a.m.
(2) After one year of operation, a hot tub/sauna establishment may be exempted from the
hours restrictions of this section by the chief of police upon a written request which details the
factual reasons supporting good cause for the exemption. The chief of police, in determining
what constitutes good cause for this exemption from the hours restrictions, shall consider and
weight the following factors:
(A) The criteria outlined in Section 4.04.140 of Chapter 4.04;
(B) The criteria outlined in Section 4.56.030 of this chapter;
(C) The impact which the hot tub/sauna establishment has had on the health, safety, and
welfare of the local community, including, but not limited to, parking and traffic congestion;
(D) The hot tub/sauna establishment's compliance or noncompliance with all federal, state,
and local laws, including, but not limited to, this municipal code.
If, upon review of these factors, the chief of police determines that good cause does exist for
the requested exemption, the chief may then exempt the particular hot tub/sauna
establishment from the hours restrictions of this section. However, in no event shall any hot
tub/sauna establishment close later than two a.m. nor open earlier than six a.m.
(3) The exemption from the hours restrictions of this section shall be subject to review and
renewal annually at the same time as the renewal of the underlying license and the same
factual showing shall be made as that required for the initial exemption. The chief shall not
grant an hours exemption unless said establishment has maintained the criteria specified in
Section 4.56.100(r)(2).
(s) No hot tub/sauna establishment shall be allowed in the following locations:
(1) Within two hundred fifty feet of the exterior property limits of any public or private
elementary school, junior high school or high school;
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 41 Packet Pg. 823 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
39
147_202511117_ts24
(2) Within two hundred fifty feet of the exterior limits of any district where residential use is
the principal permitted use, including all R and RM districts, O-S districts, and any P-C or P-F
districts where the principal use permitted or maintained is residential; or
(3) Within twelve hundred feet of the exterior property limits of any other premises lawfully
occupied by a hot tub/sauna establishment or by any establishment subject to the provisions of
Chapters 4.54 or 4.55, or any cardroom licensed pursuant to Chapter 4.52. Notwithstanding the
provisions of this subdivision, subject to all other provisions of this chapter, a hot tub/sauna
establishment license may be issued for an establishment located within twelve hundred feet of
another hot tub/sauna establishment, an establishment subject to the provisions of Chapters
4.54 or 4.55, or any cardroom licensed pursuant to Chapter 4.52 if the applicant has obtained,
and has in effect, a valid conditional use permit pursuant to Chapter 18.76 (Permits and
Approvals). Application for a license under this chapter shall be made and processed prior to an
application for a use permit. In the event it is determined that a license under this chapter
would be issued for the provisions of this subdivision, the application for a use permit shall then
be processed. A license under this chapter shall not be issued until completion of the use
permit application process. In the case of such an application, the time limit for action on a hot
tub/sauna establishment license application contained in Section 4.56.050 shall be
automatically extended as necessary to follow processing of the use permit application. For the
purpose of determining compliance with standard (3), as to, between and with respect to
establishments lawfully in operation on the effective date of this section, priority between such
existing establishments shall be assigned in accordance with the dates upon which said
establishments commenced such lawful operations. In the event any dispute arises regarding
said dates, the applicant shall have the obligation to establish the date on which he
commenced lawful operation.
Any hot tub/sauna establishment lawfully in operation on the effective date of this section
shall, within sixty days of said date apply to the chief of police for a determination as to
compliance with the provisions of this section. Said application shall be in such form as
prescribed by the chief of police.
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 42 Packet Pg. 824 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
40
147_202511117_ts24
Any hot tub/sauna establishment legally existing on the effective date of this subsection and
which is not in compliance with the provisions of this subsection shall comply with said
provisions within three years of the effective date of this subsection; provided, however, that
any such establishment which intends to in any way transfer ownership or alter or change the
nature of any such hot tub/sauna establishment on or after the effective date of this subsection
shall comply with the provisions of this subsection prior to such transfer, alteration or change.
Any such use which at the expiration of said period is not in compliance with the provisions of
this subsection shall at that time discontinue and abate its operation.
Any hot tub/sauna establishment lawfully in operation upon the effective date of this
subsection failing to comply with the provisions of this subsection shall be issued a limited-term
license containing a statement on its face reciting such noncompliance and the date by which
compliance must be accomplished, and that said license shall not be renewed beyond said date.
All distances referred to in this subsection shall be measured between the closest points on
the exterior property lines or area boundaries of the parcels or areas involved, except that
when a hot tub/sauna establishment subject to the provisions of this section occupies one unit
of a multi-unit structure located on a single parcel, distances shall be measured from the
exterior boundaries of the unit so occupied.
Reserved.
4.56.110 Inspection by officials.
Any and all investigating officials of the city shall have the right to enter hot tub/sauna
establishments from time to time during regular business hours to make reasonable inspections
to observe and enforce compliance with building, fire, electrical, plumbing or other health
safety regulations. A warrant shall be obtained whenever required by law.
4.56.120 Business name.
No person licensed to operate a hot tub/sauna establishment shall operate under any name
or conduct business under any designation not specified in the a County license(s).
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 43 Packet Pg. 825 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
41
147_202511117_ts24
4.56.130 Business location change.
Upon a change of location of a hot tub/sauna establishment, an application to the chief of
police shall be made in the same form as an original application, and such application shall be
granted, provided all applicable provisions of this code are complied with as in the case of an
original application, and a change of location fee as set forth in the municipal fee schedule to
defray, in part, the costs of investigation and report has been paid to the city.
Reserved.
4.56.140 Sale or transfer of hot tub/sauna establishment interest.
A sale or transfer of any interest in a hot tub/sauna establishment, which interest would be
reported as required in this chapter upon application for a hot tub/sauna establishment license,
shall be reported to the chief of police within ten days of such sale or transfer. The chief of
police shall investigate any person receiving any interest in a hot tub/sauna establishment as a
result of such sale or transfer, and if such person satisfies the requirements relating to hot
tub/sauna establishment license applicants, the existing license shall be endorsed to include
such person. A fee as set forth in the municipal fee schedule shall be paid to the city for the
investigation by the chief of police necessitated by each such sale or transfer.
Reserved.
4.56.150 Display of permits, licenses.
The owner or operator of a hot tub/sauna establishment shall display the hot tub/sauna
establishment license and the permit of each and every hot tub/sauna establishment employee
employed in the establishment in an open and conspicuous place on the premises. Passport-
size photographs of the licensee and permittees shall be affixed to the respective license and
permits on display pursuant to this section. Home addresses of hot tub/sauna establishment
employees need not be displayed.
Reserved.
4.56.160 Grounds for denial, probation, and disciplinary action.
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 44 Packet Pg. 826 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
42
147_202511117_ts24
In addition to any provisions contained in this chapter, the provisions of Section 4.04.140 shall
apply to licenses and permits required under this chapter. Any circumstances constituting
grounds for denial shall also constitute grounds for revocation, suspension or disciplinary
action.
Reserved.
4.56.170 Hearing.
Any licensee or permittee whose license or permit has been suspended or revoked shall
proceed pursuant to the appeal and hearing provisions of Chapter 4.04.
Reserved.
4.56.180 Application to existing establishments and employees.
All operators of existing hot tub/sauna establishments, and all hot tub/sauna establishment
employees in the city upon the effective date of this chapter shall comply with all application
and other requirements within thirty days following the effective date of this chapter.
Reserved.
4.56.190 Application of other code provisions.
Chapter 4.04 shall apply to the subject matter of this chapter in all respects, including those
not specifically mentioned in this chapter.
Reserved.
4.56.200 Employment of persons under the age of eighteen years prohibited.
No licensee shall employ, hire or retain the services of any individual who is under the age of
eighteen years old. No licensee shall knowingly employ, hire or retain the services of, or
continue to employ or retain, any individual who has been convicted of any of the offenses set
forth in subsection (b) of Section 4.56.060, or who has failed to obtain the permit required by
Section 4.56.060.
Reserved.
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 45 Packet Pg. 827 of 828
NOT YET APPROVED
43
147_202511117_ts24
SECTION 4. If any section, subsection, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any
reason held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion or
sections of the Ordinance. The Council hereby declares that it should have adopted the
Ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase thereof irrespective of the
fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared
invalid.
SECTION 5. The Council finds that this project is exempt from the provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), pursuant to Section 15061 of the CEQA
Guidelines, because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the ordinance
will have a significant effect on the environment.
SECTION 6. This ordinance shall be effective 31 days after adoption.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
____________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
____________________________ ____________________________
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
____________________________
Chief of Police
Item 14
Attachment A - Revised
Ordinance Amending
Chapter 4.54 (Massage
Establishments) and
Chapter 4.56 (Hot TubSauna
Establishments) of Titles 4
(Business Licenses and
Regulations)
Item 14: Staff Report Pg. 46 Packet Pg. 828 of 828