The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutStaff Report 2512-5593CITY OF PALO ALTO CITY COUNCIL Special Meeting Monday, February 02, 2026 Council Chambers & Hybrid 5:30 PM Agenda Item 7.Approval of FY 2026 Architectural Review Board, Historic Resources Board, Planning and Transportation Commission, and Utilities Advisory Commission Work Plans; CEQA status– not a project Staff Presentation City Council Staff Report Report Type: ACTION ITEMS Lead Department: City Clerk Meeting Date: February 2, 2026 Report #:2512-5593 TITLE Approval of FY 2026 Architectural Review Board, Historic Resources Board, Planning and Transportation Commission, and Utilities Advisory Commission Work Plans; CEQA status– not a project RECOMMENDATION The Architectural Review Board, Historic Resources Board, Planning and Transportation Commission, and Utilities Advisory Commission recommend approval of their respective Fiscal Year 2026 Work Plans. BACKGROUND This item was originally scheduled on the Consent Calendar of the September 29, 2025 City Council Meeting and was pulled for further discussion as an Action Item. On November 30, 2020, the City Council adopted the Boards, Commissions and Committees (BCC) Handbook1, which implemented an annual review and approval of BCC work plans. Each BCC is required to prepare an annual work plan for Council’s review and approval. The annual report should include the results of the prior year’s work plan and should consist of up to three priorities. When applicable, the City Council would like to see metrics of community involvement and participation in meetings and activities included in the work plan. Council may refer additional items to the BCC in response to new developments. If the BCC would like to add an issue for review after an annual work plan has been approved, a prompt request by the BCC Chair to the City Council is required and the item will then be addressed by the City Council as a whole. 1 Boards, Commissions, Committees Handbook: https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/4/city-clerk/board- and-commission-handbook.pdf At its December 2, 2024 meeting3, the City Council approved dividing BCC recruitments and work plan approvals into fall and spring cycles. Per the adopted schedule, work plans for the Architectural Review Board, Historic Resources Board, Planning and Transportation Commission, and Utilities Advisory Commission are before the City Council for consideration. City Council will consider work plans for the remaining BCCs (Human Relations Commission, Public Art Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Storm Water Management Oversight Committee) in the spring. FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT Projects included in commission work plans ultimately require staff time and other City resources to complete. When possible, staff provide input to the commissions during work plan development to ensure the impact on staff time and resources is reasonable given staff workload and other competing priorities. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT Commission work plans are discussed publicly either at regular BCC meetings or retreats. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW Council action on this item is not a project as defined by CEQA because this is a continuing administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5). ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: 2025-2026 Architectural Review Board Work Plan Attachment B: 2025-2026 Historic Resources Board Work Plan Attachment C: 2025-2026 Planning and Transportation Commission Work Plan Attachment D: 2025-2026 Utilities Advisory Commission Work Plan APPROVED BY: Mahealani Ah Yun, City Clerk 3 City Council, December 2, 2024; Agenda Item #14; SR # 2409-3480 https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=83110&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto Architectural Review Board 2025-2026 Workplan Staff Liaison: Steven Switzer, Historic Preservation Planner Lead Department: Current Planning, Planning and Development Services Division About the Board The Architectural Review Board is composed of five members, at least three of whom are architects, landscape architects, . Terms are for three years. See Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) 2.21. Residency is not required. For the ARB webpage go to bit.ly/paloaltoARB. Boardmembers • • Kendra Rosenberg (Chair) • Marton Jojarth • Mousam Adcock • Yingxi Chen (Vice Chair) Mission Statement The Architectural Review Board reviews and makes recommendations to the Planning Director on the building design, site planning, landscape planning, massing and facades, material selection, lighting, signage and other related issues for most major truction including additions and renovations that alter the exterior building face. The type of buildings reviewed include multiple-family residential. In addition, the ARB is a resource as knowledgeable observers of many urban environments, to assist Palo Alto as it develops area plans to accommodate additional housing. , Chapter 18.76 under Section 18.76.020 as well as in Prior Year Accomplishments • See attached summary for more information. PROJECT/GOAL 1: Review Planning applications for conformance with ARB Findings and Objective Standards BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED This is the Board's main mission and serves to ensure the City develops high quality projects -quality architecture HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE N/A PROJECT/GOAL 2: Provide feedback to staff and Council on the creation of new guidelines, ordinances, and/or streetscapes, as directed by Council BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED The ARB has unique feedback to provide as a stakeholder as they have interest in approving the aesthetic environment of the City while also understanding constraints that architects/developers may come across when implementing standards being considered 25 HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED • Housing generation and feasibility. • Innovative housing structures (e.g., micro-units, intergenerational housing, aging adults, students and lower-income units, etc.) consistent with Housing Element Program 6.5. • Review and recommend aesthetic standards for Wireless Communication Facilities (WCFs) as part of an ongoing WCF Ordinance update. PROJECT/GOAL 3: Assist the City as it considers modifications to Objective Standards; Provide feedback based on research from projects as they go through the objective standards ministerial processes. Suggest ways to better address different housing typology. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED Streamline the objective standard review process and ensure that projects using the streamlined review process/objective -quality design standards the end of FY 2026; If 6 PROJECT/GOAL 3: Assist the City as it considers modifications to Objective Standards; Provide feedback based on research from projects as they go through the objective standards ministerial processes. Suggest ways to better address different housing typology. HIGH LOWER COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE • Modifications to South of Forest Area Coordinated Area Plan (SOFA) subjective development standards with objective standards consistent with Housing Element Program 3.7. • Modifications to address objective standards (18.24) based on review of several projects using the standards at Council’s direction. PROJECT/GOAL 4: Discuss specific Coordinated Area Plans/ streetscape improvements and provide comments that the ARB would recommend exploring/implementing. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED This project would enhance implementation of the City's Comprehensive Plan. ; coordination with long HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE • San Antonio Road Area Plan • Downtown Housing Plan • California Avenue streetscape improvements • University Avenue streetscape improvements PROJECT/GOAL 5: Improve Coordination between the Architectural Review Board and other boards, commissions, and Council. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED Improved coordination between boards/commissions and council to get feedback from colleagues on other boards. ore coordinated feedback from the . • updates in the pending projects attachment on development proposals. • The ARB can appoint a representative to attend Council and PTC and to provide feedback HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY COUNCIL-DIRECTED No ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD ANNUAL REPORT PRIOR YEAR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND ARB RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 ITEMS OF NOTE • The ARB reviewed roughly 100 projects for the 2025 Design Awards and selected six winners to recognize their contributions to Palo Alto. • The ARB provided a comprehensive review and made recommendations on updates to the objective standards to better address townhome style designs and modifications to SB 9 objective standards. This work was consistent with Goal 2 of the 24/25 Work Plan. • The ARB provided valuable feedback to assist Council with respect to Car Free Streets Implementation Plan, specifically for California Avenue Signage. Although not explicitly identified in the work plan, this work was consistent with Goal 3 of the 24/25 Work Plan. • The ARB provided valuable feedback to assist Council with respect to the Lighting and Bird Safe Glazing Ordinances, Parklet designs, El Camino Real Focus Area, and Housing Incentive Program (HIP) consistent with Goal 4 of the 24/25 Work Plan. • The ARB reviewed around 20 projects, including multi-family housing with below-market units, mixed-use developments, master sign programs, and retail modifications at Stanford Shopping Center, aligning with Goal 1 of the 24/25 Work Plan. APPLICATION REVIEW The ARB prides itself on its collaborative review process, where board member’s diverse perspectives enhance proposed projects and improve Palo Alto's built environment. Our oversight has made a significant impact, as shown in the renderings section of this report, comparing initial proposals to final designs. ADDRESS/PROJECT DESCRIPTION ADDRESS/PROJECT DESCRIPTION 660 University Avenue Mixed Use (Office with Housing) El Camino Real Focus Area Ordinance Architecture Review Board Awards Award Program (Occurs every 5 years) 640 Waverley Street Mixed Use (Office with Housing) 164 Hamilton Avenue Façade 180 El Camino Real Delarosa Façade California Ave Signage Car Free Street improvements City Parking Garages Signage Exceptions 180 El Camino Real Cedar & Sage Façade 340 Portage Avenue Master Sign Program Additionally, several projects were submitted for preliminary review to gather early feedback from the ARB. This early input helped incorporate key programming and design changes, streamlining the formal application process. These projects including 540 University Avenue and 640 Waverley Street. ARB RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) Section 2.21.030 directs the Architectural Review Board to report annually our “concerns… with respect to the city’s plans, policies, ordinances and procedures as these affect the projects which the board reviews.” Our reviews are site specific, focusing on individual development proposals rather than broad policies. However, we evaluate each project in its physical and regulatory context—considering its impact on the neighborhood and its alignment with City policies, from the Comprehensive Plan to the various design guidelines. Because the ARB looks at many projects each year, and its board members have years of experience in Palo Alto, patterns emerge and specific areas of concern have been identified. Our comments this year are centered around the increasing importance of housing projects to the city. 1. Objective Design Standard Refinements. In our continuing response to recently enacted state legislation, Palo Alto previously adopted objective design review standards for housing projects, effectively eliminating architectural review on residential and mixed-use projects where objective standards can be met in order to streamline review of those applications. Several residential projects over the past years were townhouse type developments (3200 Park Boulevard, 739 Sutter Avenue, 420 Acacia, and 70 Encina). In our review, it was noted that some of the current standards focused more on larger multi-family buildings. Therefore, some aspects of townhouse style design were not fully addressed/accommodated for in the standards. Through an Ad Hoc committee we studied many local townhouse developments and have provided the planning department with recommendations to modify the Objective Design Standards to address townhome designs as well as larger multi-family designs. The ARB recommends that refinements be made to the objective standards based on implementation of the standards for a series of projects as well as with the recommendations from the ARB regarding modifications for townhome designs. 2. Coordinated Area Plans to Encourage Housing Development and Better Planning. • San Antonio Avenue: The San Antonio Avenue area is experiencing increasing residential development but our zoning regulations for the area are outdated and focused on commercial development, resulting in applicant uncertainty and long entitlement processes. The existing one-story light industrial and commercial buildings will be substantially replaced in the coming decade. A coordinated area plan will allow us to consider larger issues such as transportation, neighborhood parks, city services, pedestrian/bicycle pathways, and integration with nearby developments in Mountain View as this area transforms. • Downtown Housing Plan: To increase housing, the downtown area needs revised standards to accommodate redevelopment of parking lots as to encourage housing additions while maintaining the vibrancy of the downtown area and its pedestrian friendly streetscape. • California Avenue: With State requirements as outlined in AB 2097 and Builder’s Remedy, the California Avenue area will experience more development then in the past. This area should have a coordinated area plan to better scope future development. 3. City Council/Planning Commission Communication. The Architecture Review Board has very little formal interaction with the City Council, the Planning Commission and the Historic Resources Board. Board members are forced to act on individual initiative to gain input from council members and other commissioners. Joint meetings with full boards are rarely productive; yet uncoordinated serial meetings leave commissioners unaware of feedback from colleagues on other boards. Applicants often feel that they are ‘running a gauntlet’ of approvals rather than facing a coordinated review. • Have staff continue to provide updates in the pending projects attachment on development proposals. • Take direct feedback from the ARB on reviewed projects up for Council approval where Council approval is required. The ARB can appoint a member to represent the board directly to the Council. • Request staff to schedule joint preliminary discussions between the ARB, PTC and HRB chairs/vice-chairs on projects of common interest. These ‘preliminary meetings’ would not be to review specifics of a project; rather they would serve to coordinate the review process between boards and planning staff. • Appoint HRB, PTC and Council liaisons to the ARB to facilitate open communication between boards and commissions and city council. ARB liaisons will provide a clear channel for passing information between reviewing bodies, enabling all board and commission and council members, as well as the general public, direct access to relevant information on a project-by-project basis. RENDERINGS Below are renderings of approved projects, showcasing the evolution from their initial proposal to designs with the incorporated ARB feedback. A summary of key design modifications made based on ARB feedback is also provided. 70 ENCINA AVE Initial Proposal: Final Design: 70 ENCINA AVE Incorporated Feedback: • Encouraged more usable landscaped area. • Encouraged the design to better address privacy between units, including views from the public parking lot into the units. • Consideration of material choices and how the project would be visually compatible to the adjacent Town and Country. 640 WAVERLEY STEET Initial Proposal: Final Design: Incorporated Feedback: • The ARB provided feedback to enhance an already well-designed project, resulting in improving its interface with the neighboring building at 636 Waverley Street through reduced concrete on the façade, a clearer and more efficient parking layout, and refined landscape planting with long- term maintenance details. • The project provides a good mixed-use development, integrating office and retail spaces on the ground floor with residential units on the upper floors. 3265 EL CAMINO REAL Initial Proposal: Final Design: Incorporated Feedback: • The ARB encouraged for a window or decorative reveal and extended around to the back of the building and for the rooftop terrace to be more engaging. • The ARB provided feedback on the internal programing and suggestions for the vehicles utilizing the stacking stalls. • The applicant incorporated feedback and also added an additional floor to the development to increase density. 4335-4345 El Camino Real Initial Proposal: Final Design: Incorporated Feedback: • The initial roof forms were complex and recommended to be reevaluated, while still maintaining separate roofs for each unit. This involved the removal of the third story balconies and fake roof dormers for a more simplified rooftop. • The ARB encouraged accenting the doors for more variation, but overall approved the color scheme with its subtle differences in color. 824 San Antonio Rd Initial Proposal: Final Design: • Refined material and color selections to ensure better contrast. Simplify the front façade by reducing the visual segments from three to two. • The ARB encouraged the drop-off area to be redesigned in a way that did not impede the front entrance and more simplified balcony designs in relation to their usage by residents. 3950 Fabian Way Initial Proposal: Final Design: • Relocated bicycle parking to the front of the building for better site circulation and adding additional skylights to provide more light into the interior of the building. • The project utilized an existing office building with a new gymnasium addition and interior improvements to accommodate a private middle school. ARB AWARDS Beginning in 1998, the awards program has been held every five years to honor the creative and responsive designs that help shape Palo Alto’s unique visual character. By recognizing these outstanding architectural contributions, the program celebrates the efforts of architects and designers who enrich the community and foster a healthy, vibrant environment. From a pool of approximately 100 reviewed projects, the following six were selected: 620 Emerson Street | Nobu 180 El Camino Real | Sushi Roku 588 Webster Street | Arbora Apartments 3705 El Camino Real | Wilton Court Apartments 1700 Embarcadero Road | Mercedes Benz Dealership 3215 Porter Drive | The Hub at Stanford Research Park Prior Year Accomplishments The HRB recommended that a total of 21 new properties be designated on the Palo Alto Historic Inventory, and that five (5) existing properties on the local inventory to be upgraded in their category listing. These additions were the result of the 2023 Reconnaissance Survey efforts and represented the continued implementation of Palo Alto’s Comprehensive Plan Policy (L7.2). The HRB reviewed five (5) development proposals on historic properties, recommended naming for the Fred Eyerly Tower Well Park, reviewed updated public education materials on the City’s website, and established a local Historic Preservation Award program that will be held in 2026. The HRB reviewed the Certified Local Government Program (CLG) annual report to maintain the City’s CLG status, held since 1992. Continued participation in the CLG program supports local historic preservation efforts by providing added credibility, access to resources, and increased opportunities for funding. Historic Resources Board Staff Liaison: Steven Switzer, Historic Preservation Planner Lead Department: Planning and Development Services About the Commission The City is a Certified Local Government (CLG) responsible for historic preservation - to identify, evaluate, register, and preserve historic properties within its jurisdictions and promote the integration of local preservation interests and concerns into local planning and decision-making processes. Staff prepares an annual report of the activities of the Certified Local Government each spring for the prior year and submits these to the State Office of Historic Preservation. This HRB Work Plan covers July 2025 - July 2026. The HRB consists of five members with terms for 3 years and are staggered per PAMC Section 2.27.020. For more information please visit https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/City-Hall/Boards-Commissions/Historic-Resources-Board. The Department webpages are a wealth of information, go to: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Historic-Preservation 2025-2026 Workplan Mission Statement Per Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 2.27 Historic Resources Board, Section 2.27.040 Duties, HRB purview is: (a) Render advice and guidance to a property owner upon the owner's application for alteration of any historic single-family or duplex building in the downtown area and any such building designated as significant elsewhere in the city (b) Inform the ARB of the historical and/or architectural significance of historic commercial and multiple-family structures in the downtown area and any such buildings designated as significant elsewhere in the City that are under review by the ARB. Submit recommendations to the ARB regarding proposed exterior alterations of such historic structures (c) Recommend to the Council the designation of additional buildings and districts as historic. Research available information and add historical information to the inventory sheets of historic structures/sites. This inventory is maintained in the department of planning and development services. Current Commissioners Alisa Eagleston-Cieslewicz (Chair), Samantha Rohman (Vice Chair), Christian Pease, Caroline Willis, and Geddes Ulinskas TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED Subject to Council direction, to begin in the second quarter City Council direction and accommodation in the PDS department workplan would be needed. HRB subcommittee and staff of planning and city attorney departments to prepare draft amendments for Council review and adoption Well-written ordinance language that assists the public's understanding and calms the fears of property owners about governmental overreach Council may provide direction to modify PAMC 16.49; CLG cities maintain historic preservation ordinances. COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE Council may provide direction to modify PAMC 16.49; CLG cities maintain historic preservation ordinances 2025-2026 Workplan The benefits are providing clarification of the HRB's role for the public Historic Resources Board PROJECT/GOAL 1: BENEFICIAL IMPACTS Limited modification to PAMC 16.49, historic preservation, providing clarifications regarding the HRB’s role. The HRB could discuss language providing clarifications of its role with respect to three potential topics: (a) the nomination process, (b) the effect of HRB recommendations regarding exterior modifications to residential historic resources, and (c) category changes (upgrades, downgrades, removals) Staff Liaison: Steven Switzer, Historic Preservation Planner Lead Department: Planning and Development Services PURPOSE STATEMENT: The Board/Commission's goals and purposes (purview) are set in Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 2.27 Historic Resources Board, Section 2.27.040 Duties. These duties include reviewing alterations to historic resources and providing recommendations on nominations to the local historic resources of historic evaluations to determine eligibility for the California Register of Historical Resources and associated tracking), Policy L7.1.1 (recommend eligible resources to the local inventory), and Policy L7.1.2: Reassess Historic Preservation Ordinance. HIGH PRIORITY Priority is high to enable greater understanding of the HRB's role and address property owners' concerns with respect to Goal items (a) and (b) LOWER PRIORITY Lower priority: Goal item (c) - listed historic resources placed on the City's inventory in the late 1970s and 1980s have not been reviewed to determine whether local historic resource category. TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED To begin in the first quarter and continue throughout the duration of the 25/26 work plan cycle HRB ad hoc committee to make progress. Website contains links to information resources and videos, to assist property owners, staff, and others. N/A COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE N/A TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED To begin in the first quarter and continue throughout the duration of the 25/26 work plan cycle HRB ad hoc committee to make progress. Website contains links to updated staff, and others. No COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE No PROJECT/GOAL 3:Prepare an updated Local Inventory Resource list that incorporates the recently designated properties from the 2023 Historic Reconnaissance Survey efforts, Category Upgrades, and removal of properties that have been demolished. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS The benefits would be to improve preservation in Palo Alto and clarity for owners of historic properties. Item (a) a table of existing zoning code incentives and another table of historic building code provisions and Item (b) improvements to types of communications used to promote historic preservation. PROJECT/GOAL 2: BENEFICIAL IMPACTS Education and Creating New User-Friendly Resources/Communication Regarding Historic Preservation. (a) find new ways to promote preservation, including use of the existing zoning code incentives and State historic building code (b) improve upon communication types to provide the community accessible information, including the use of videos (linked to the City’s and State’s webpages) to help property owners understand the local and State preservation incentives and codes, (c) continue to provide updates to the historic review process bulletin as needed to communicate CEQA requirements related to PAMC 16.49 and listed historic resources, and (d) enable the HRB staff liaison(s), the City’s historic preservation consultant, and Chief Building Official to implement training providing an ongoing opportunity for HRB members, staff, and the community to gain working knowledge as to the use of the State’s historic building code HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY Items (c) and (d) Providing the public with updated information HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY Properties that have been demolished remove from local inventory Properties that have lost integrity over time that may need a category change TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED Goal 4 to begin during plan quarter 2 (item a) and subject to Council direction, continue through quarter 4 (April - June 2025, items b and c) PDS staff and CAO staff. City Council direction and accommodation in the PDS department workplan would be needed. More historic properties are preserved for future enjoyment of the owners and community, due to the additional incentives. Council may provide direction to modify PAMC title 18. COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE N/A TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED To begin in the first quarter and continue throughout the duration of the 25/26 work plan cycle HRB ad hoc committee to make progress. Establish historic preservation award selection criteria and frequency of awards by end of 25-26 Fiscal Year. Comprehensive Plan Policy L-7.6 COUNCIL-DIRECTED POLICY UPDATE No BENEFICIAL IMPACTS A HRB historical preservation award program would express appreciation for the efforts to preserve and protect Palo Alto’s culturally, historically, and architecturally significant places that create a vibrant and sustainable community that fully reflects Palo Alto’s diverse past. HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY Item (a) discuss and determine the selection criteria for eligible projects and/or properties and establish award frequency, and Item (b) discuss and determine award frequency (e.g., annual, bi-annual, 5-year cycle, etc.) Items (c) and (d) PROJECT/GOAL 5:Establish a Historical Preservation Award Program. (a) discuss and determine the selection criteria for eligible projects and/or properties; (b) discuss and determine frequency of awards (e.g., annual, bi-annual, 5-year cycle, etc.); (c) select projects and/or properties to award; (d) conduct an award ceremony and present historic preservation awards. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS PROJECT/GOAL 4: Additional preservation incentives (a) discuss and recommend additional zoning code incentives to continue the community engagement process that began with the 2023 reconnaissance survey/ inventory update; (b) represent the HRB’s interests during public hearings, or participate in joint meetings with the Planning and Transportation Commission and City Council, to review any proposed zoning code modifications incentivizing historic preservation incentives; (c) outreach to the community after adoption of any adopted new incentives. not currently see any benefit to listing their property on the City's historic inventory HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY Item a is to gather ideas for new incentives in the zoning code to add to a table of existing incentives in the zoning code.Subject to Council direction, items b and c would follow item a. 8 Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) 2025-26 Work Plan Date Reviewed by PTC July 9, 2025 Staff Liaison: Jennifer Armer, Assistant Director, Planning and Development Services (PDS) Lead Department: Planning and Development Services (PDS); Office of Transportation (OOT) About the Commission The seven-member Planning & Transportation Commission adopted its 2025-26 work plan on July 9, 2025. The members and chairs are listed below. Members serve 4-year terms. See Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC) webpage link: http://www.paloalto.gov/gov/boards/ptc/default.asp Current Commissioners • Allen Akin (Chair) • Bryna Chang (Vice Chair) • Todd James • Bart Hechtman • Kevin Ji • Dr. Forest Olaf Peterson • Cari Templeton Mission Statement The Planning & Transportation Commission advises the City Council, Planning Director, and Chief Transportation Official on land use and transportation matters, including the Comprehensive Plan, zoning, transportation programs, and related matters. The Commission's primary responsibilities include: • Preparing and making recommendations to the City Council on the City's Comprehensive Plan and applying the Comprehensive Plan to proposed development, public facilities, and transportation in Palo Alto; • Considering and making recommendations to the City Council on zoning map and zoning ordinance changes; any changes to Title 18 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code must be reviewed by the PTC and the City Council; • Reviewing and making recommendations to the City Council on subdivisions and Site and Design Reviews, on appeals on variances and use permits; • Considering other policies and programs affecting development and land use in Palo Alto for final City Council action; • Reviewing and making recommendations on individual projects as described in the Municipal Code, and Open Space development; • Reviewing and making recommendations to the City Council on transportation, parking, and other related mobility issues; and • Ensuring robust community engagement and dialogue regarding planning, land use, and transportation and providing recommendations to the City Council regarding these matters and incorporating the public discussion. The PTC hearings provide a forum for public comment and public interaction. 8 Prior Year Work Plan On October 21, 2024, the City Council accepted the April 24, 2025 PTC recommended 2024-25 Work Plan: https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/planning-and- transportation-commission/ptc-2024-2025-work-plan.pdf Prior Year Accomplishments During the period of the PTC 2024-25 Work Plan: • The PTC's transportation efforts included study sessions and/or recommendations on: Shared Micromobility Program; Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plan; Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update; Crescent Park Traffic Calming; South Palo Alto Bike/Ped Connectivity; Parking Data Report; Car-Free Streets; VTA Speed and Reliability; and Palo Alto Link. • The PTC's work on implementing the Comprehensive Plan, Housing Element, and Council Priorities included study sessions and/or recommendations on: Retail Code Amendments; Stream Corridor Protections; Bird Friendly Design Ordinance; Lighting Ordinance Update; Annual Review of Comprehensive Plan and Housing Element progress report; Code Amendment for Housing Element Implementation including amendments to the HIP/AHIP regulations; El Camino Real Focus Area; El Camino Real Retail Preservation Nodes Map; and ADU regulations. • The PTC's work on development projects included review and recommendations on three Vesting Tentative Maps; a Planned Community (PC) amendment; and two Planned Home Zone (PHZ) applications. PROJECT/GOAL 1: Retail Ordinance Updates: As part of adoption of an interim ordinance, Council has directed PTC to amend Zoning Code. This is a Council priority (objective ED 4): “Council consideration of an ordinance that expands retail opportunities and promotes retail resiliency.” Beneficial Impacts Timeline Resources Needed Measure Of Success State Mandated/ Local Law/ Council Approved Overall, this project aims to ensure a strong climate for retail businesses in Palo Alto that can allow residents to meet their daily needs and have a high quality of life. The PTC is likely to discuss a retail ordinance in fall 2025, with consideration of an ordinance by the end of the year. Consultant work, staff oversight, and meetings preparation, and participation from the local retail community. Development of new ordinances and/or broader policy recommendations to the City Council. Yes – Council assigned. High Priority Lower Priority Council-Directed Policy Update Any shifts in retail trends that will endure, are occurring, and can benefit from further and refined action by the City. While this is an impactful body of work, the need to get it right and coordinate with existing and new resources outweighs the need to quickly pursue the work. Yes 8 PROJECT/GOAL 2: Area Planning: This goal carries forward the prior year goal for neighborhood planning approaches and overall effectiveness of various approaches to neighborhood planning. The staff and PTC will consider new neighborhoods that result from the 6th cycle Housing Element sites and demand for public facilities/services. This goal includes continued work on both the Downtown Housing Plan and the San Antonio Road Area Plan. Beneficial Impacts Timeline Resources Needed Measure Of Success State Mandated/ Local Law/ Council Approved Development policy recommendations and preferred alternatives for the new area plans enable City Council to provide direction to guide the City's future development. By June 2026 Staff time to research and prepare a staff report to PTC and ARB. Consultant budgets have already been allocated Successful conversation and recommendations of policies and preferred alternatives to City Council. Yes – Council assigned. High Priority Lower Priority Council-Directed Policy Update Council directed work toward future area plans. N/A Yes PROJECT/GOAL 3: Housing Program Implementation: The Housing Element was adopted by City Council on April 15, 2024, and certified by California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on August 20, 2024. PTC will continue work on Housing Element implementation programs as scheduled within the Housing Element. Beneficial Impacts Timeline Resources Needed Measure Of Success State Mandated/ Local Law/ Council Approved Complying with the requirements of the adopted Housing Element to encourage housing development and comply with State Law. PTC and Council review of a number of programs will proceed over the work plan year, as required by the Housing Element. Staff and consultant resources employed. Implementation of programs by target dates. Yes - State Mandated High Priority Lower Priority Council-Directed Policy Update Program 3.9 (incentivizing multi-family as an alternative to commercial development) and Program 6.5 (supporting innovative housing types). SOFA objective standards Yes 8 PROJECT/GOAL 4: State Law Implementation – Laws with Prior Effective Dates and any new 2025 Laws to Become Effective in 2026: The State adopts new laws every year, some like Assembly Bill (AB) 2097, required quick action through an interim ordinance during the last fiscal year, that will then require consideration and recommendation from PTC of a permanent ordinance, others like Senate Bill (SB) 9 will require modifications to maintain consistency with State law and Housing Element goals. Beneficial Impacts Timeline Resources Needed Measure Of Success State Mandated/ Local Law/ Council Approved Provide clarity to property owners and potential developers. Ordinance Recommendation during 2025-26 work plan term. Staff resources. Adoption of ordinance amendments. Yes - State High Priority Lower Priority Council-Directed Policy Update Implementing State laws and discuss policy considerations N/A Possibly PROJECT/GOAL 5: Parking Programs: The PTC will receive periodic updates regarding options for improving the City’s parking programs. This includes a Roadmap for Residential Parking Permit Program improvements and commercial parking improvements. Parking Data Portal - PTC will receive an update regarding parking availability data. The new license plate reader technology allows for regular collection and reporting of parking availability. Beneficial Impacts Timeline Resources Needed Measure Of Success State Mandated/ Local Law/ Council Approved Improved parking operations. Ongoing. Ongoing. Feedback from PTC and continued engagement from the public. Yes High Priority Lower Priority Council-Directed Policy Update The staff work behind the project continues; proposed updates help advance the work. Additionally, the PTC welcomes opportunities to engage w/the public on this topic. This project represents a large body of ongoing work to manage parking supply and parking policy. Yes 8 PROJECT/GOAL 6: Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update: A citywide evaluation of the bicycle network and pedestrian network. The plan will identify opportunities to enhance and connect the network. Beneficial Impacts Timeline Resources Needed Measure Of Success State Mandated/ Local Law/ Council Approved Updated Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan and increase safe connectivity across the City. Public review draft plan and discussion of South Palo Alto bike/ped connectivity in fall 2025. Fully funded by a TDA3 grant Updated bike and ped plan No High Priority Lower Priority Council-Directed Policy Update N/A Update is timely, but not mandated by any State laws. No PROJECT/GOAL 7: Comprehensive Plan Policy Implementation: This includes Streamside Corridor and Bird Friendly Design changes in Title 18 and other Comp Plan policies that lead to Title 18 revisions. Beneficial Impacts Timeline Resources Needed Measure Of Success State Mandated/ Local Law/ Council Approved Comprehensive Plan policies and programs to completion. Revised stream corridor ordinance at July 30, 2025 PTC. Others as directed by Council. Staff and consultant assistance – particularly when staff resources will be focused on implementation of the Housing Element. Adopted ordinances to amend Title 18. No High Priority Lower Priority Council-Directed Policy Update N/A N/A Yes – Comprehensive Plan 8 PROJECT/GOAL 8: Title 18 Updates: Considering and making recommendations to the City Council on any changes to Title 18 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code as directed by City Council, for example updates to the City’s Wireless Communications Facilities Ordinance. Beneficial Impacts Timeline Resources Needed Measure Of Success State Mandated/ Local Law/ Council Approved Development of code recommendations to support City Council updates. As directed by Council. Staff and consultant resources would be identified based on specific projects. Wireless Ordinance update is currently unsourced. Adopted ordinances to amend Title 18. No High Priority Lower Priority Council-Directed Policy Update N/A N/A Yes PROJECT/GOAL 9: Project Review: The PTC will provide review as part of their regular ongoing responsibility for recommendations to City Council and staff on quasi-judicial development projects and transportation projects. Beneficial Impacts Timeline Resources Needed Measure Of Success State Mandated/ Local Law/ Council Approved Public review of planning and transportation projects. Ongoing. Ongoing. Feedback from PTC and continued engagement from the public. Yes High Priority Lower Priority Council-Directed Policy Update N/A N/A Yes Utilities Advisory Commission 2025-2026 Workplan Staff Liaison: Alan Kurotori, Utilities Director Lead Department: About the Commission The Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC) is charged with providing advice on long range planning and policy matters, acquisition, development, and financial review of electric, gas and water resources; joint action projects with other public or private entities which involve electric, gas or water resources; environmental implications of proposed electric, gas or water utility projects; and conservation and demand management. Additionally, the UAC is charged with providing advice on the acquisition, development and financial review of the dark fiber network and wastewater collection utilities. As a highly regulated industry, there may be matters not listed below that will be presented to the UAC in accordance with current or future (local, state, or federal) legislative requirements. . The Commission is composed of seven (7) members. Terms are for three (3) years and commence on the first meeting in April. See Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) Sections 2.23.010 (Membership), 2.23.030 (Term of Office), 2.23.040 (Officers), 2.23.050 (Purpose and Duties), and 2.23.060 (Meetings). Current Commissioners • Greg Scharff (Chair) • Meagan Mauter (Vice Chair) • Rachael Croft • Utsav Gupta • Phil Metz • Robert Phillips • Chris Tucher Mission Statement The purpose of the Utilities Advisory Commission shall be to advise the City Council on present and prospective long- range planning, policies, major program, and project matters relating to the electric, gas, water, wastewater collection, fiber optics utilities, and recycled water matters, excluding daily operations. The Utilities Advisory Commission shall have the following duties: • Advise the City Council on long-range planning and policy matters pertaining to: o Joint action projects with other public or private entities which involve, affect or impact the utilities; o Environmental aspects and attributes of the utilities; o Water and energy conservation, energy efficiency, and demand side management; and o Recycled water matters not otherwise addressed in the preceding sub-paragraphs; • programs of any major utilities. • Formulate and review legislative proposals regarding the utilities, to which the city is a party, in which the city has an interest, or by which the city may be affected. • Review the utilities capital improvement programs, operating budgets and related reserves, rates, and the recycled water program, budget, rate, and thereafter forward any comments and recommendations to the finance committee or its successor. • Provide advice upon such other matters as the City Council may from time to time assign. The Utilities Advisory Commission shall not have the power or authority to cause the expenditure of city funds or to bind the city to any written, oral, or implied contract. The Utilities Advisory Commission may, subject to its City Council-approved bylaws and at the discretion of the City Council, foster and facilitate engagement with the general public, not excluding representatives of commerce and industry, in regard to the utility matters referred to in subsections above. Prior Year Accomplishments Advanced Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) Pilot Program: • Over 500 customers have installed a heat pump water heater using the city’s rebate, full service, or emergency replacement program. The pace of installations is approximately 20% of annual water heater replacements in the city. Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) • 21,492 gas meter installations completed. • 18,035 water meter installations completed. • 21,411 electric meter installations completed. Renewable Energy Credit (REC) Exchange Program • Approved by C ity Council on December 12, 2022 to continue the program and return to the UAC and Council in 2025 • Sold 161,900 Portfolio Content Category 1 (PCC1 or Bucket 1) RECs and purchased 160,000 PCC3 RECs (Bucket 3), yielding $10.86 million in net revenue for 2024. Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) • Began coordinating electric grid modernization project with FTTP. • Identified and began addressing key challenges. o Established pilot project to align grid modernization with FTTP. o CEQA initial study for FTTP. Electric Grid Modernization (Grid Mod) • An Electrification Study was performed by a consultant with the goal of identifying any electric system upgrades needed across the electric distribution system. The focus of the Study resulted in recommendations for upgrades to line transformers, feeder capacity, increasing the number of switches and connections on the system between feeders and substations, and upgrading substation equipment. • Staff prepared plans and construction drawings for a pilot area selected within the Phase 1 boundary of the Grid Modernization (Grid Mod) project. Construction began in Q2 2024 for a 1200-home neighborhood area bounded by Embarcadero Road, Louis • The grid modernization activities will be coordinated with fiber to the premise (FTTP) construction. To capitalize on synergies between Grid Mod and FTTP, the city identified a pilot project boundary area to combine construction activities for both Grid Mod and FTTP. The city contracted with consultant Entrust for Grid Mod and construction began in Q3 of 2024. Construction is anticipated to be complete near the end of Q2 2025. As of January 9, 2025, 60 out of 74 identified electric utility poles have been replaced, 51 new transformers installed, and electric service to over 500 households in the pilot area upgraded and prepared for electrification. Engineering staff have started planning and design work for the remainder of the Phase 1 area and expect construction to be completed by Q4 of 2025. Gas Main Replacement (GMR) Project #24B • Successfully completed GMR Project #24B along University Ave between Webster Street and Fulton Street and on Middlefield Road between Hamilton Avenue and Lytton Avenue. • Replaced approximately 20,000 linear feet of natural gas mains and services with polyethylene pipe. Sewer System Replacement (SSR) Project #31 • Successfully completed SSR Project #31 along El Camino Real and Page Mill Road. • Replaced approximately 10,924 linear feet of sanitary sewer collection system pipe, mains, and replaced or rehabilitated 43 sewer manholes. • The existing vitrified clay pipe (VCP) mains were replaced with high-density polyethylene pipe (HDPE). In addition, 89 existing city-owned sewer service laterals and cleanouts were replaced with new 4” and 6” HDPE service laterals and cleanouts. Water Main Replacement (WMR) Project #29 • Successfully completed WMR Project #29 to replace asbestos cement and other aging pipelines with high density polyethylene mains in six different areas throughout the city. • Installed approximately 8,000 linear feet of new water mains of various sizes, 124 new water services, 17 new fire hydrants, 22 isolation valves, and 101 water meters. Lead Service Line Inventory • Completed an inventory of the entire city service area to identify potential lead in water lines serving customers. No lead was identified. STANDING TOPIC 1 Budget: Rate changes to Water, Gas, Electric, Wastewater Collection, Fiber Optic Services, Electric Time-of-Use review of credit card fees for utilities bill payment. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL- The community will have a better understanding of the rates and why they are being charged. each rate change is by the Cost-of- (COSA) inance Committee review is in ity Council approval . Consultant time to create the COSA report. HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY Rates are always a high priority. The change has an impact on the community and economy. STANDING TOPIC 2 Consider potential future sources of water supply and water quality. This includes recycled water, demand graywater, treatment efforts, use of effluent, and testing for contaminants. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL- The benefit to the community is to have ample water source and supply when needed in the event of a drought or for basic uses year-round consultant time for work products. supply plan(s). HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY Having knowledge of where the city's water supply comes from and how we manage that supply is a maintained priority. STANDING TOPIC 3 System and Supply: Discuss and advise City Council regarding electric system and supply portfolio, including grid r, power portfolio, smart home technologies, distributed energy resources, city for datacenters, and coordination with Palo Alto Planning Department to enable technological . BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS / COUNCIL-APPROVED Reliability for customers, health benefits, and clean energy responsible for the vast carbon reduction the city has achieved over the past decade legal needed, and technology renewable energy supply options in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). Have the IRP near completion to present to the UAC for review expanding the zero emissions portion of the portfolio and HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY The health and well-being of the community is a high priority for Council and Utilities STANDING TOPIC 4 System and Supply: Consider aspects of the gas system and supply portfolio, including the City of Palo Alto Utilities CPAU) development of a long-term plan to accommodate anticipated decrease in gas use. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS MANDATED / LOCAL Gas is a type of energy used to provide some residences and businesses in Palo Alto with heat for their facilities and some cooking appliances. -round consultant time when necessary 10% below PG&E's rates year round. HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY The health and well-being of the community is a high priority for Council and Utilities STANDING TOPIC 5 Capital Improvement Projects (CIP): Discuss CIP projects. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL-APPROVED The Utilities Department manages multiple CIPs each year for the benefit to the city and community. CIPs may include rebuilding water reservoirs, repairing and replacing sewer lines or water mains, maintaining street lights, building out the fiber optic backbone, or budget. Most of procurement time for setting up contracts, contractors for work completion. measured by completion of the project within the timeline and budget approved by Council. HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY Maintaining quality of life for the community is a priority for the Utilities Department and projects. STANDING TOPIC 6 and Adaptation: Ongoing discussions regarding the reliability and resiliency of the City of Palo Alto tilities (CPAU), including Utilities emergency preparedness plan and annual discussion of efficiency programs, demand side BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL- This matter encompasses a number of situations including but not limited to the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP). The benefit of any of the reliability or resiliency projects is to support the city and community now and into the future with reliable, safe connections, water, electricity, fiber and natural gas year-round and do not have , the S/CAP is set to its primary goals by . additional consultants efficient, safe, economic, and reliable services. Utilities Emergency Preparedness: 1. Determination of the CPAU emergency preparedness. 2. Establishment of CPAU’s risk assessment framework in coordination with the Office of Emergency Services (OES). 3. Determination of CPAU’s roles and specific actions in each such emergency. 4. Completion of action planning and implementation in coordination with HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY The S/CAP is a Council priority and therefore a high priority for the Utilities Advisory Commission. STANDING TOPIC 7 Initiatives: Utilities tracks many local, state and federal bills that touch on utilities. Should any new laws, or ordinances pass during the year, the UAC may need to discuss the changes. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL- Staff track the possible changes in laws and regulations and presents the proposed changes to the UAC for review and consideration to the Council. affect utilities review time project HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY N/A The level of priority is based on the particular legislation being proposed and how it affects the Utilities Department. STANDING TOPIC 8 -Driven Initiatives: The UAC will address any matter assigned by the City Council. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL- The UAC is made up of a diverse group with knowledge of the utilities industry and related issues. . task. HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY Typically when Council requests a review of an item it is considered a high priority. Standing Topic 9 Discuss community engagement, technology (current & emerging), finance, and community scaling of S/CAP plans to meet the city’s goals for sustainability and climate action. potential full or partial retirement of the gas distribution and electrification of gas appliances. It also includes permitting and inspection processes for customers wishing to panels, electrify appliances, or install solar photovoltaics (PV), energy storage, and/or electric vehicle (EV) BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL- UAC expertise will help the Council Climate Action and Sustainability Committee (CASC) make progress on achieving S/CAP goals with benefits to reducing the impacts of climate change. executing coordinating planning efforts, incentives, programs, and infrastructure investments to support S/CAP efforts. and S/CAP Work Plan items in collaboration with other departments. 2025 Work Plan approved by Council in June 2023, Council Priorities in this area adopted annually. HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY Support relevant Council Priority Objectives in the Climate Action and Adaptation and Natural Environment Protection Priority area and 2023- 2025 S/CAP Work Plan Items STANDING TOPIC 10 : Review Pilot and Phase 1 progress and outcomes, business model, and metrics affecting ity’s decision whether to move forward with full city rollout. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL- Enhances high‐speed internet and provides equitable access for among broadband , network upgrades, – 2026: Complete Pilot, cost, operating take‐rate. 26 – 2027: Evaluate pilot delivery staffing, for Phase Strategic partners for customer service, home installation, and after-hours troubleshooting. Capital investment for fiber deployment. Marketing budget. Ongoing operational & maintenance funding. Pilot. Phase 1. financial model to ‐recover operationally wit . Council-approved on December 19, 2022. City Council Priority May 2025 HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY High priority. Provide UAC and Council with status updates as it metrics for success during Pilot and Phase 1 (i.e. take rate, N/A N/A Standing Topic 11 Develop a comprehensive 5–20 year plan to align the gas utility with climate goals, financial stability, and regulatory changes, while evaluating options for electrification, biogas integration, and -term infrastructure strategy. BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES NEEDED MEASURE OF SUCCESS STATE MANDATED / LOCAL LAW / COUNCIL- Integrates climate impact, regulatory environment, and evolving market conditions (e.g., supply, building electrification trends). ity. Identifies how best to align the gas utility with Palo Alto’s sustainability goals and community expectations over the long term. . Staff analysis (Utilities, Administrative Services Department, S/CAP) and potential consultants for policy, engineering, and market assessments. Consulting support for hydraulic model development, analysis, rate studies, and financial modeling. Legal counsel for evolving regulations Stakeholder outreach resources for public engagement. City Council –20 year gas ‐managed utility city Positive feedback from community stakeholders on transparency and alignment Gas regulation federal laws (CPUC, etc.). Local ordinances or building codes may approval). Council likely to be involved if new rate structures or code changes are required. HIGH PRIORITY LOWER PRIORITY High Priority, but not urgent. N/A Expected February 2, 2026 www.paloalto.gov BOARDS & COMMISSION WORK PLANS Planning & Development Services and Utilities Departments Presenters:Jennifer Armer, Assistant Director, PDS Alan Kurotori, Director of Utilities Available for Questions: Yingxi Chen, ARB Chair Samantha Rohman, HRB Chair Allen Akin, PTC Chair Greg Scharff, UAC Chair 1 5 •Reviewed approximately 20 projects •Provided feedback to assist Council on numerous standards, guidelines, ordinances, and plans. •2025 Design Awards and selected six (6) winners out of 100+ projects. ARB 24-25 Accomplishments 3 1 5 1.Review Planning applications for conformance with ARB Findings and Objective Standards. 2.Provide feedback to staff and Council on the creation of new guidelines, ordinances, and/or streetscapes, as directed by Council. 3.Assist the City as it considers modifications to Objective Standards; Provide feedback based on research from projects as they go through the objective standards ministerial processes. Suggest ways to better address different housing typology. 4.Discuss specific Coordinated Area Plans/ streetscape improvements and provide comments that the ARB would recommend exploring/implementing. 5.Improve Coordination between the Architectural Review Board and other boards, commissions, and Council. 4 ARB 25-26 Work Plan (ARB Approved July 3, 2025) 1 5 •Twenty-one (21) new properties on the Palo Alto Historic Inventory. •Five (5) category upgrades. •Five (5) development proposals. •Recommended naming for the Fred Eyerly Tower Well Park. •Established a local Historic Preservation Award program that will be held in 2026. HRB 24-25 Accomplishments 1023 FOREST AVENUE –Rehabilitation and Restoration 6 1 5 1.Limited modification to PAMC 16.49 providing clarifications on the HRB’s role. 2.Education and Creating New User-Friendly Resources/Communication Regarding Historic Preservation. 3.Prepare an updated Local Inventory Resource list. 4.Additional preservation incentives. 5.Establish a Historical Preservation Award Program. HRB 25-26 Work Plan (HRB Approved July 10, 2025) 7 1 5 •Transportation •Comprehensive Plan & Housing Element Implementation •Council Priorities •Development Projects PTC 24-25 Accomplishments Palo Alto Link Palo Alto Safety Action Plan El Camino Real Retail Node Map 3265 El Camino Real – 100% Affordable Housing Project 9 1 5 1.Retail Ordinance Update 2.Area Planning 3.Housing Element Program Implementation 4.State Law implementation 5.Parking Programs 6.Bike and Ped Transportation Plan Update 7.Comprehensive Plan Policy Implementation 8.Title 18 Updates 9.Project Review PTC 25-26 Work Plan (PTC Approved July 9, 2025) 10 February 2, 2026 www.paloalto.gov Utilities Advisory CommissionWork Plan Presenter: Alan Kurotori, Director of Utilities Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC) 24-25 Accomplishments •Reviewed and recommended adoption of Electric, Water, Gas, Wastewater, and Fiber Rates, including Residential Electric Time of Use Rates. •Recommended to retain Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) hydroelectricity base resource contract allocation from 2025 -2030. •Recommended Electric Integrated Resource Plan showing Palo Alto meeting state’s 60% by 2030 renewables standard.Shasta Dam, part of the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) project. 12 Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC) 24-25 Accomplishments •Discussed Grid Modernization and Fiber to the Premises pilot area construction for electrification and fiber services. •Accepted the 2025 Utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan including vegetation management and Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) strategies. •Discussed options on proposed second CAISO transmission corridor connection and coordination with PG&E. Utilities undergrounding in the Foothills to reduce wildfire risk. 13 UAC 25-26 Work Plan (UAC Approved April 2, 2025) 1.Annual Budget 2.Water Supply 3.Electric System and Supply 4.Gas System and Supply 5.Utilities Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) 6.Reliability, Resiliency and Adaptation 7.Legislative Initiatives 8.Council-Driven Initiatives 9.Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP) Support 10.Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) 11.Long-Term Strategy for CPAU’s Natural Gas Utility 14 JENNIFER ARMER Assistant Director PTC Staff Liaison Jennifer.Armer@paloalto.gov 650-329-2191 STEVEN SWITZER Senior Historic Planner ARB & HRB Staff Liaison Steven.Switzer@paloalto.gov 650-329-2321 ALAN KUROTORI Director, Utilities UAC Staff Liaison Alan.Kurotori@paloalto.gov 650-329-2161