HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2605-6333CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, June 01, 2026
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Agenda Item
7.Approval of an Extension to Building Permit 18000-00536 for 429 University Ave; CEQA
status – Mitigated Negative Declaration (ENV20718).
CITY COUNCIL
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: June 1, 2026
Report #: 2605-6333
TITLE
Approval of an Extension to Building Permit 18000-00536 for 429 University Ave; CEQA status –
Mitigated Negative Declaration (ENV20718).
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve an extension to building permit 18000-00536 for a
term of three months, with additional three-month extensions not to exceed a total of 18
months to March 31, 2027.
BACKGROUND
In March 2017, Bellomo Architects on behalf of Kipling Post LP received the City’s approval to
demolish two one-story commercial structures at 425 and 429 University Ave and construct a
four-story mixed-use building. Demolition was completed in July 2019, and construction permit
18000-00526 was issued for the new building, comprising of two levels of below-grade parking
(18,124 sq ft), commercial space (18,305 sq ft), and three residential units (6,740 sq ft).
The Chief Building Official authorized three 180-day extensions (September 2022, May 2023,
January 2024) per Palo Alto Municipal Code 16.04.130, and 141 inspections were completed
between 2019 and 2023. In May 2023, the property owner requested a transfer to an owner-
builder permit and disclosed to the City a dispute and litigation case with the contractor firm. In
June 2024, Council approved further extensions to the property owner, with conditions on the
property remaining compliant with City code1. These conditions included planting trees on
Kipling Street, removing caution tape and cones surrounding the building.
Based on Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 16.04.130, the code provides that “the Chief
Building Official is authorized to grant no more than three extensions and reactivations of
1 June 16, 2024, City Council staff report agenda item 21 is available online at:
permits, for periods of no more than 180 days each and may require that construction
documents be revised to partially or fully to comply with current codes and ordinances; and
payment of fees. Extensions and reactivations shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause
demonstrated. Additional extensions or reactivations beyond three may only be granted with
the approval of the City Council.” Additionally, Palo Alto Municipal Code 16.04.130 creates
California Building Code (CBC) section 105.5.1 which establishes a term limit for permits in that
“all work associated with a building permit must be completed and a final inspection issued
within 48 months of permit issuance. Once that term limit is exhausted without an approved
final inspection, the permit automatically becomes void.” As such, the owner has exhausted all
administrative extensions, requiring Council approval for any further extensions
ANALYSIS
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY: