HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2604-6277CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, June 08, 2026
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Agenda Item
12.QUASI-JUDICIAL. 3980 El Camino Real (Buena Vista) [26PLN-00090]: Request for a Final
Map to Subdivide a Single, 4.52-Acre Parcel into Two Parcels. The Subdivision would
Facilitate Renovation of the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park as well as Future
Construction of a 100% Affordable Apartment Building on the Resulting Parcels (24PLN-
00041). A Tentative Map was Previously Approved on August 12, 2024. CEQA Status: Not
a Project.
CITY COUNCIL
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: June 8, 2026
Report #: 2604-6277
TITLE
QUASI-JUDICIAL. 3980 El Camino Real (Buena Vista) [26PLN-00090]: Request for a Final Map to
Subdivide a Single, 4.52-Acre Parcel into Two Parcels. The Subdivision would Facilitate
Renovation of the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park as well as Future Construction of a 100%
Affordable Apartment Building on the Resulting Parcels (24PLN-00041). A Tentative Map was
Previously Approved on August 12, 2024. CEQA Status: Not a Project.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Final Map (Attachment B), which is in
Substantial Compliance with the Vesting Tentative Map Approved on August 12, 2024, pursuant
to Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) Section 21.16 and the Subdivision Map Act.
BACKGROUND
On April 30, 2024, the Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA), filed a Vesting Tentative
Map application (24PLN-00129) concurrently with a Streamlined Housing Development review
application (24PLN-00041) in relation to the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park. In accordance with
the PAMC Section 21.13 Vesting Tentative Map, the map application was deferred until all
other entitlements were approved. The Planning and Transportation Commission reviewed and
recommended approval of the Vesting Tentative Map on July 10, 2024, and City Council
approved the Vesting Tentative Map on August 12, 2024, along with the associated
entitlements for the proposed improvements. The Record of Land Use Action (RLUA 2024-13) is
included in Attachment A.
On April 21, 2026, SCCHA filed a Final Map application. The Final Map application is the second
of a two-phased process to subdivide the existing 196,918-square-foot (4.52 acre) parcel into
two resulting parcels. The Final Map is the official legal document recorded with Santa Clara
County that establishes the property lines and easements within the subdivision. The Final Map
must be prepared under the direction of a registered civil engineer or a licensed land surveyor
and be based on a survey. Approval of a Final Map is ministerial if the Final Map is in
substantive compliance with the approved Vesting Tentative Map and the subdivider has
satisfied the conditions of approval attached to the Tentative Map. While many cities delegate
approval of the Final Map to the City Engineer, under PAMC Section 21.16.240, the City Council
is responsible for the approval in Palo Alto.
ANALYSIS
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY:
ACTION NO. 2024-13
RECORD OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO LAND USE ACTION
FOR 3980 El CAMINO REAL: STREAMLINED HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AND VESTING
TENTATIVE MAP [24PLN-00041; 24PLN-00129]
At its meeting on August 12, 2024, the City Council of the City of Palo Alto (“City
Council”) approved the Streamlined Housing Development Review for a 61-unit residential
rental development and Vesting Tentative Map for the development of a subdivision to create
two lots, making the following findings, determinations and declarations:
SECTION 1. Background.
A. On February 15, 2024, Santa Clara County Housing Authority (SCCHA)
applied for a Streamlined Housing Development Review application for a 61-unit residential
rental development, including the following density bonus waivers and concessions in
accordance with state density bonus law:
• Density Bonus: 80% increase in density from 20 du/ac to 36 du/ac
• Concession 1: Façade Breaks
• Concession 2: Ground Floor Unit Direct Connection to Path or Common Open
Space
• Concession 3: Percentage of Frontage Dedicated to Utilities and Parking
• Concession 4: Private Open Space (None where 50 sf per unit is required)
• Waiver 1: Floor Area Ratio (1.01:1 where 0.5:1 is allowed)
• Waiver 2: Height (37 feet where 30 feet is allowed)
• Waiver 3: Site Open Space (24% where 35% is required)
• Waiver 4: Tree Canopy Cover in Parking Lot (future coverage of 47% where 50%
is required)
• Waiver 5: Reduction in Street Trees (none provided along the mobile home
project frontage [due to Valley Water easement restrictions] where one per
every 30 feet is required.
B. On April 30, 2024, SCCHA applied for a Vesting Tentative Map for the
development to subdivide one (1) existing 4.5-acre lot into two parcels (1.69-acres and 2.81
acres). The 61-unit apartment complex would be developed on the resulting 1.69-acre parcel;
the 2.81-acre parcel would be redeveloped with 44 mobile home units, which would be
processed through the state (“The Project”).
C. The project site is comprised of one existing lot (APN No. 127-11-103) of
approximately 4.5 Acres (196,020 sf). The site contains a multi-family development with
seventy-nine (79) residential units, seventy-five (75) of which are occupied. Single family
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residential uses abut the site to the north. Multi-family residential units abut the site to the
west, and across Los Robles Avenue to the South. Commercial uses abut the site to the east
along El Camino Real.
D. Following submittal of the application, Council held a study session on
March 4, 2024 to provide early input on the proposed development and to provide an
opportunity to hear comments from the public.
E. Following staff review, the Architectural Review Board reviewed the project
at a study session on May 2, 2024, to provide feedback on the design for the streamlined
housing development review application.
F. Following the Architectural Review Board hearing, the applicant
resubmitted revised plans for the streamlined housing development review application on May
29, 2024.
G. Following staff review of the Vesting Tentative Map, the Planning and
Transportation Commission reviewed the project and recommended approval on July 10, 2024,
subject to conditions of approval.
H. On June 18, 2024 the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing, at
which evidence was considered and all persons were afforded an opportunity to be heard in
accordance with the City Council’s policies and procedures.
I. On August 12, 2024 the City Council held a duly noticed public meeting at
which evidence was considered and all persons were afforded an opportunity to be heard in
accordance with the City Council’s policies and procedures
SECTION 2. Environmental Review. The City, acting as the lead agency for the Project, has
determined that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in
accordance with CEQA Guideline section 15332, which provides an exemption for infill
development projects. Documentation to support the exemption is available as part of the
public record on file with the Planning and Development Services Division.
SECTION 3. Streamlined Housing Development Review. The design and architecture of the
proposed improvements, as conditioned, complies with the Streamlined Housing Development
Project Review Process Findings as required in Chapter 18.77.073 of the PAMC. Neither the
Director, nor the City Council on appeal, shall approve an application unless it is found that:
Finding #1: The application complies with all applicable and objective standards in the
Comprehensive Plan, the Palo Alto Municipal Code, and other City plans or policies.
The proposed project complies with all applicable and objective standards in the
Comprehensive Plan and the Palo Alto Municipal Code as detailed in the Council staff report
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(Staff report ID #2248-3347) except where waivers or concessions are requested pursuant to
state density bonus law. In accordance with The Housing Accountability Act as set forth in
California Government Code 65589.5(j)(3), the receipt of a density bonus, incentive, concession,
waiver, or reduction of development standards pursuant to Se ction 65915 shall not constitute a
valid basis on which to find a proposed housing development project is inconsistent, not in
compliance, or not in conformity, with an applicable plan, program, policy, ordinance, standard,
requirement, or other similar provision. Therefore, for the project is compliant with the
objective standards.
A summary of the project’s consistency with the Comprehensive Plan is provided in this table.
The project is required to comply with the Comprehensive Plan to the extent that t he
requirements are objective.
Comp Plan Goals and Policies How project adheres or does not adhere to
Comp Plan
The Comprehensive Plan land use
designation for the site is Multi-family
Residential which allows for densities ranging
from 8 to 40 units per acre
The project adheres to the Comprehensive
Plan by providing multi-family housing on a
multi-family use site. The proposed density is
36 units per acre which is consistent with this
comprehensive plan land use designation.
Housing Element
Policy 4.3 Implement development
standards, objective design standards, and
architectural and green building standards
that encourage new high-quality rental and
ownership housing.
The project complies with the implemented
standards except where requests for waivers
or concessions in accordance with state
density bonus law is provided. The project
provides the necessary upgrades to
deteriorating infrastructure on the site and
updates to the units to provide new high-
quality rental and ownership units while
maintaining the affordability level.
Land Use and Community Design Element
Policy L-2.8: When considering infill
development, work to minimize the
displacement of existing residents
The project is an infill project. A full
relocation plan has been presented to all
tenants and creates options for ownership or
rental. The project replaces more units than
it removes.
Policy L-9.2 Encourage development that
creatively integrates parking into the project,
including by locating it behind buildings or
underground wherever possible, or by
providing for shared use of parking areas.
Encourage other alternatives to surface
parking lots that minimize the amount of
While the project proposes surface parking,
the parking is located at the side of the
building and is not located between the
building and the street. The frontage is still
provides a sidewalk and bike lane and
provides street trees and other greenery
along the frontage.
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land devoted to parking while still
maintaining safe streets, street trees, a
vibrant local economy and sufficient parking
to meet demand.
Policy L-9.4 Treat residential streets as both
public ways and neighborhood amenities.
Provide and maintain continuous sidewalks,
healthy street trees, benches and other
amenities that promote walking and “active”
transportation.
The project includes a new sidewalk and
street trees as well as new bicycle parking
within the project setback area that
promotes active transportation. This
improves the current design, which provides
parking along the project frontage and does
not include a sidewalk.
Transportation Element
Policy T-3.7 Encourage pedestrian-friendly
design features such as sidewalks, street
trees, on-street parking, gathering spaces,
gardens, outdoor furniture, art and
interesting architectural details.
The project includes direct connections to
the sidewalk that help to activate the
frontage along Los Robles Avenue in addition
to new street trees and plantings.
Policy T-3.9 Support citywide sustainability
efforts by preserving and enhancing the tree
canopy where feasible within the public
right-of-way, consistent with the Urban
Forest Management Plan, as amended.
The project meets the tree canopy
replacement requirements through on site
planting. The project includes removal of two
trees and replaces with 24 new trees where 7
24-inch box trees are required in accordance
with the canopy replacement requirements.
Finding #2: Approving the application will not result in a specific, adv erse, impact upon the
public health or safety, which cannot feasibly be mitigated or avoided in a satisfactory manner.
As used in this Section, a "specific, adverse impact" means a significant, quantifiable, direct, and
unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified written public health or safety standards,
policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete.
The proposed project would not result in a specific, adverse, impact upon public health or
safety. The project complies with all applicable safety requirements with respect to fire safety
for the building itself (e.g. ladder access, sprinklers) as well as emergency vehicle access to the
site. The project also does not introduce any new changes to streets (e.g. new curves in a
roadway) or impacts to line-of-sight that would create a safety hazard.
SECTION 4. Vesting Tentative Map Findings. A legislative body of a city shall deny approval of a
Parcel Map, if it makes any of the following findings (California Government Code Section
66474). The City Council cannot make these findings for the following reasons:
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1. That the proposed map is not consistent with applicable general and specific plans as
specified in Section 65451:
The site is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan as described below.
2. That the design or improvement of the proposed subdivision is not consistent with
applicable general and specific plans:
There is no adopted specific plan for this project site. The proposed vesting tentative map and
related improvements is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan in that it facilitates housing
development on a site designated for multi-family use within the urban services area,
consistent with Goal 2 of the Housing Element and Goal L1.2 of the Land Use Element. The
proposed density (36 DU/AC) is consistent with the allowable density (20 to 40 DU/AC) in the
multi-family land use designation as outlined in the Land Use Element. The project replaces 79
existing residential ownership and rental units with 61-residential rental units and 44
residential ownership units. The project would be 100% affordable with 40% of units provided
at a rate affordable to households earning 30% of Area Median Income (AMI), 40% of the units
provided at a rate affordable to households earning 50% AMI and the remaining 20% provided
at a rate affordable to households earning 80% AMI. The project improves the city’s jobs
housing imbalance consistent with the Transportation Element’s goals and policies.
3. That the site is not physically suitable for the type of development:
The Project site is suitable for multi-family residential development in that it’s located within
the multi-family zone district on a site designated on the City’s Land Use Map for multi-family
use. The proposed resulting parcels meet the minimum code requirements for the RM-20 zone
district with respect to lot area, width and depth. The proposed number of condominium units
for one of the two parcels complies with the applicable densities set forth in the land use
element.
4. That the site is not physically suitable for the proposed density of development:
The proposed development of both parcels would create a total of one-hundred and five (105)
multi-family residential units which is 23 dwelling units (DU) per acre (total project site is 4.5
acres). This density complies with the minimum and maximum allowable residential density as
calculated for the total site area under the comprehensive plan (20-40 DU/acre = 90-180 DU).
The newly created parcel for the rental units would have a density that exceeds the maximum
allowable density for the zoning (20 DU/AC) in accordance with state density bonus law
(Assembly Bill 1763) which allows for increased density based on the percentage of BMR units
(80% of the base project) and their affordability level. Building, Palo Alto Fire Department,
Planning, Transportation, Zero Waste, and Public Works Engineering have reviewed the
requested density bonus waiver to permit a minimum 28-foot street width to ensure that all
necessary requirements for safety, including but not limited to, fire safety and traffic safety
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(e.g. curb cut location, turning radius, etc.) have been met as well as to ensure that the street
allows for proper function of the site (e.g. trash pickup).
5. That the design of the subdivision or the proposed improvements are likely to cause
substantial environmental damage or substantially and avoidably injure fish or wildlife
or their habitat:
The project is located within the built environment that does not contain quality habitat for fish
or other wildlife on the site or within the vicinity of the site. An easement along the project
frontage contains Barron Creek within an existing underground culvert pipe. An encroachment
permit from Valley Water is required as a condition of approval of the project to ensure that
the proposed work does not impact the existing infrastructure. The adopted Palo Alto 2030
Comprehensive Plan includes Map N-1, which identified sensitive animal and plant species
within the Palo Alto quadrangle, a large geographic area that includes the urban portions along
the bay and within the foothills, based on information in the California natural Diversity
Database (CNDDB). Based on this map, and the urban nature of the site, the subject property
does not contain any habitat for endangered, rare, or threatened species and has not
historically supported any of these species.
6. That the design of the subdivision or type of improvements is likely to cause serious
public health problems:
The subdivision of this parcel and associated improvements would not have the potential to
result in serious health problems. The proposed multi-family use would not include use or
storage of hazardous materials and the use is located within the urban environment adjacent to
other residential uses. The site is not located on a hazardous waste site pursuant to
government code 65962.5.
7. That the design of the subdivision or the type of improvements will conflict with
easements, acquired by the public at large, for access through or use of, property within
the proposed subdivision. In this connection, the governing body may approve a map if
it finds that alternate easements, for access or for use, will be provided, and that these
will be substantially equivalent to ones previously acquired by the public. This subsection
shall apply only to easements of record or to easements established by judgment of a
court of competent jurisdiction and no authority is hereby granted to a legislative body
to determine that the public at large has acquired easements for access through or use
of property within the proposed subdivision:
There are no public access easements over the property currently. Therefore, the d esign of the
subdivision will not conflict with any public easements for access through, or use of, the
property. Existing public utility easements would be vacated and new public utility easements
created as part of the mapping process to reflect modifications to the location of utility
infrastructure. A new public access easement would be granted over a portion of the frontage
for public access on the proposed new sidewalk. An existing Valley Water easement would be
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maintained along the frontage and any temporary or permanent improvements within that
area requires an encroachment permit from valley water prior to building permit issuance.
SECTION 5. Vesting Tentative Map Approval Granted. Vesting Tentative Map Approval is filed
and processed in accordance to PAMC Section 21.13.020 and granted by the City Council under
PAMC Sections 21.12 and 21.20 and the California Government Code Section 66474, subject to
the conditions of approval in Section 8 of this Record of Land Use Action.
SECTION 6. Final Map. The Final Map submitted for review and approval by the City Council
shall be in substantial conformance with the Vesting Tentative Map prepared by Sandis
Engineering titled “Vesting Tentative Map For a Two Lot Subdivision,” consisting of three pages,
stamped as received July 1, 2024, except as modified to incorporate the conditions of approval
in Section 8. A copy of the Vesting Tentative Map is on file in the Department of Planning and
Development Services, Current Planning Division. Prior to the expiration of the Vesting
Tentative Map approval, the subdivider shall cause the subdivision or any part thereof to be
surveyed, and a Final Map, as specified in Chapter 21.08, to be prepared in conformance with
the Vesting Tentative Map as conditionally approved, and in compliance with the provisions of
the Subdivision Map Act and PAMC Title 21 and submitted to the City Engineer (PAMC Section
21.16.010[a]).
SECTION 7. Conditions of Approval Streamlined Housing Development Review.
PLANNING DIVISION
1. CONFORMANCE WITH PLANS. Construction and development shall conform to the approved
plans entitled, "Buena Vista Commons 3980 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306” stamped as
received by the City on July 19, 2024 on file with the Planning Department, 250 Hamilton
Avenue, Palo Alto, California except as modified by these conditions of approval.
2. BUILDING PERMIT. Apply for a building permit and meet any and all conditions of the
Planning, Fire, Public Works, and Building Departments.
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.
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. LANDSCAPE PLAN. Plantings shall be installed in accordance with the approved plan set and
shall be permanently maintained and replaced as necessary. Landscaping along the rear lot
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line between the project and single-family residential uses shall be planted at a minimum
height of 8 feet and maintained as a landscape screen for the life of the project in
accordance with the code requirements for objective standards.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. VALLEY WATER ENCROACHMENT PERMIT. An encroachment permit is required prior to any
temporary work or permanent improvements within Valley Water’s easement. The project
shall comply with any and all requirements of the encroachment permit.
10. PUBLIC ACCESS EASEMENT. A public access easement shall be required for the proposed
sidewalk on private property. This may be dedicated through sep arate instrument and
documented on the tentative map and final map or it may be recorded through the
subdivision map process.
11. SIGN APPROVAL NEEDED. No signs are approved at this time. All signs, if proposed, 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.
12. STANDARD REQUIREMENTS FOR UNANTICIPATED DISCOVERY OF BURIED ARCHEOLOGICAL
RESOURCES. No known archeological resources are present on or within the immediate
vicinity of the site. However, as noted in the project description and per the City’s standard
conditions, in the unlikely event that an archeological resource is unearthed during ground
disturbing activities, work in the immediate area should be halted and an archaeologist
meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards for archeology
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(National Park Service 1983) shall be contacted immediately to evaluate the find. If the find
is Native American in origin, then a Native American representative should also be
contacted to participate in the evaluation of the find. The qualified archaeologist, and, if
applicable, the Native American representative, shall examine the find and make
recommendations regarding additional work necessary to evaluate the significance of the
find and the appropriate treatment of the resource. Recommendations could include, but
are not limited to, invasive or non-invasive testing, sampling, laboratory analysis,
preservation in place, or data recovery. A report of findings documenting any data
recovered during monitoring shall be prepared by a qualified archaeologist and submitted
to the Director of Planning.
13. STANDARD REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROTECTION OF NESTING BIRDS. As detailed in the
project description and per the City’s standard conditions, 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 no more than 14 days prior to scheduled vegetation clearance
and/or demolition activities. If nesting birds are found to be present, a suitable buffer
(typically a minimum buffer of 50 feet for passerines and a minimum buffer of 250 feet for
raptors) as determined appropriate by the biologist, 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).
14. STANDARD REQUIREMENTS FOR PM10 AND PM2.5 EMISSIONS. The following conditions
shall be implemented during all phases of construction to control dust and exhaust at the
project site in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan Policy N-5.5:
• Water all exposed surfaces (e.g., parking areas, staging areas, soil piles, graded
areas, and unpaved access roads) two times per day.
• Cover all haul trucks transporting soil, sand, and other loose material off -site.
• Remove all visible mud or dirt track out onto adjacent public roads at least once
per day using wet power vacuum street sweepers. The use of dry power
sweeping is prohibited.
• Limit all vehicle speeds on unpaved roads to 15 miles per hour.
• Pave all new roadways, driveways, and sidewalks as soon as possible.
• Lay building pads as soon as possible after grading unless seeding or soil binders
are used.
• Suspend all excavation, grading, and/or demolition activities when average wind
speeds exceed 20 miles per hour.
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• Wash off all trucks and equipment, including their tires, prior to leaving the site.
• Post a publicly visible sign with the name and phone number of an on-site
construction coordinator to contact regarding dust complaints. The on-site
construction coordinator shall respond and take corrective action within 48
hours. The sign shall also provide the City’s Code Enforcement Complaints email
and number and the Air District’s General Air Pollution Complaints number to
ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
15. CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT. All construction equipment larger than 25 horsepower used
at the site for more than two continuous days or 20 hours total shall meet U.S. EPA Tier 4
Final emission standards for particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), if feasible. If Tier 4 Final
equipment is not available for a particular piece of equipment, then use equipment that
meets U.S. EPA emission standards for Tier 3 engines and include PM emissions control
equivalent to CARB Level 3 verifiable diesel emission control devices that altogether achieve
an 80 percent reduction in PM exhaust in comparison to uncontrolled equipment.
16. VIBRATION ANALYSIS. Prior to issuance of a demolition permit, a list of all heavy
construction equipment to be used for this project known to produce high vibration levels
(e.g., tracked vehicles, vibratory compaction, jackhammers, hoe rams, clam shovel drop,
and vibratory roller, etc.) shall be submitted to the City by the contractor. This list shall be
used to identify equipment and activities that would potentially generate substantial
vibration and to define the level of effort for reducing vibration levels below the thresholds.
• Smaller equipment (less than 18,000 pounds) shall be used near the property
lines adjacent to sensitive buildings to minimize vibration levels to 0.3 in/sec PPV
or less. For example, a smaller vibratory roller similar to a Caterpillar model
CP433E vibratory compactor could be used when compacting materials within 20
feet of the adjacent conventional building. The smaller equipment intended to
implement this requirement shall be individually identified among the list of
equipment required under the above condition as the subset of equipment
allowed for use at the property lines.
• Select demolition methods that do not involve large impact tools such as hoe -
rams within 20 feet of the adjacent conventional building. Portable
jackhammers, saws, or grinders shall be used to minimize impacts to the ground.
• Avoid dropping heavy equipment and use alternative methods for breaking up
existing pavement, such as a pavement grinder, instead of dropping heavy
objects, within 20 feet of the adjacent conventional building.
• Designate a Disturbance Coordinator responsible for registering and
investigating claims of excessive vibration. The contact information for the
responsible party shall be clearly posted on the construction site.
17. TREE CANOPY REPLACEMENT. Replacement of the tree canopy for the 44 trees proposed
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to be removed is required in accordance with Chapter 8 of the municipal code and the
City’s Tree Technical Manual.
18. REFUSE. All trash areas shall be covered and maintained in an orderly state within the
proposed covered areas to prevent water from entering into the garbage container. No
outdoor storage is allowed/permitted except when brought out to the street for pickup as
shown in the plan set. Trash areas shall be maintained in a manner to discourage illegal
dumping.
19. REVISED REGULATORY AGREEMENT. The property is currently subject to a tri-party regulatory
agreement among the City of Palo Alto, County of Santa Clara, and Santa Clara County Housing
Authority that requires maintenance of at least 100 residential units or mobilehome spaces
on the property. This regulatory agreement will need to be revised or replaced in order to
permit construction and operation of the project.
20. BELOW MARKET RATE (BMR) HOUSING. This project is proposed as a state density bonus
project and will be subject to a revised tri-party regulatory agreement between the City of
Palo Alto, County of Santa Clara, and Santa Clara County Housing Authority. The project
shall conform to the revsed regulatory agreement, which shall be approved and recorded
prior to issuance of building permit or final map, 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.
21. RENTER PROTECTIONS. The project is subject to the renter protection requirements set
forth in PAMC Section 9.68.050. The applicant shall implement the relocation for existing
residents in accordance with the proposed relocation plan as guaranteed in Section 5 of
the revised regulatory agreement, which meets or exceeds these City requirements.
22. ESTIMATED IMPACT FEE. Because the housing is a 100% affordable housing project,
development impact fees, citywide transportation impacts fees, and public art in private
development fees, do not apply.
23. 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 two-year 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.
24. 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, Claire Raybould at Claire.Raybould@cityofpaloalto.org to schedule
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this inspection.
25. 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 b y 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.
PUBLIC WORKS ENGINEERING
26. 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
27. 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.
28. STREETWORK PERMIT. The applicant shall obtain a Streetwork Permit from the Department
of Public Works for all public improvements.
29. 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 or similar: “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.”
30. 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.
31. 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
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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.
32. 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.
33. 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”.
34. SWPPP. This proposed development will disturb more than one acre of land. Accordingly,
the applicant shall apply for coverage under the State Water Resources Control Board’s
(SWRCB) NPDES general permit for storm water discharge associated with construction
activity. A Notice of Intent (NOI) shall be filed for this project with the SWRCB in order to
obtain coverage under the permit. The General Permit requires the applicant to prepare
and implement a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The applicant is
required to submit two copies of the NOI and the draft SWPPP to the Public Works
Department for review and approval prior to issuance of the building permit. The SWPPP
should include both permanent, post-development project design features and temporary
measures employed during construction.
35. 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.
36. 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.
37. STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION. All improvement plan sets shall include the
“Pollution Prevention – It’s Part of the Plan” sheet.
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38. 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.
39. 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.
40. 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.
41. 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 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.16.
42. EXISTING EASEMENTS: Provide documentation showing approval from the entities affected
by the onsite easements to verify that the work within said easements is permitted.
43. PRIOR TO PUBLIC WORKS FINAL/ACCEPTANCE (STORM DRAIN LOGO): The applicant is
required to paint “No Dumping/Flows to Barron 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.
WASTE-GAS-WATER UTILITIES
The following comments are required to be addressed prior to any future related permit
application such as a Building Permit, Excavation and Grading Permit, Certificate of Compliance,
Street Work Permit, or Encroachment Permit:
44. The applicant must pothole and submit profiles of the water & fire services and wastewater
lateral installations crossing the existing 66” storm line meeting the California Plumbing
Code, CPAU WGW design standards, and Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) design
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standards to SCVWD for review and approval. SCVWD approved design must be provided to
CPAU WGW Engineering prior to submittal for any building, grading, or street permits
(except permits for exploratory potholing).
Design changes to the proposed city water/fire/irrigation services and/or sewer laterals
and/or the onsite water and sewer system and/or off-site/on-site grading may be required
based on the in-field, as built conditions of Valley Water infrastructure.
PRIOR TO ISSUANCE OF DEMOLITION PERMIT (if required)
45. The applicant shall submit a request to disconnect utility services and remove meters. The
utilities demo to be processed within 10 working days after receipt of request. The
demolition permit will be issued by the building inspection division after all utility services
and/or meters have been disconnected and removed. The existing water meter boxes and
boxes for city clean-outs must be protected in place until the services are disconnected at the
mains during the new service installations.
FOR BUILDING PERMIT
46. The applicant shall submit a completed water-gas-wastewater service connection application
- load sheet for City of Palo Alto Utilities. The applicant must provide all the information
requested for utility service demands (water in fixture unit s/g.p.m., gas in b.t.u.h, 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).
47. 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 pot ential conflicts with
sewer, water and gas.
48. 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).
49. The applicant shall be responsible for installing and upgrading the existing utility mains
and/or services, 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
50. 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
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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.
51. 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.
52. 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.
53. 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.
54. All existing water, gas. and wastewater services/laterals that will not be reused shall be
abandoned at the main per the latest WGW utilities standards.
55. 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 unless
otherwise approved by waste-gas-water utilities and urban forestry. Maintain 10’ between
new trees and new water and wastewater services/laterals/meters unless otherwise
approved by waste-gas-water utilities and urban forestry.
56. The applicant shall provide to the WGW Utility Engineering department a copy of the plans
for fire system including all fire department's requirements prior to the actual service
installation.
57. All utility installations shall be in accordance with the City of Palo Alto utility standards for
water, gas, & wastewater.
PUBLIC WORKS ELECTRIC UTILITIES
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58. UTILITY EASEMENT REQUIRED. Prior to energization, a public utility easement is required to
provide access to the proposed transformers. 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.
59. 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.
60. 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.
61. UTILITIES SHOWN ON LANDSCAPE PLANS. All utility meters, lines, transformers, backflow
preventers, and any other required equipment shall be shown on the landscape and irrigation
plans and shall show that no conflict will occur between the utilities and landscape materials.
In addition, all aboveground equipment shall be screened in a manner that is consistent with
the building design and setback requirements.
62. PERMIT. Contractors and developers shall obtain permit from the Department of Public
Works before digging in the street right-of-way. This includes sidewalks, driveways and
planter strips.
63. UNDERGROUND SERVICES ALERT. At least 48 hours prior to starting any excavation, the
customer must call Underground Service Alert (USA) at 1-800-227-2600 to have existing
underground utilities located and marked. The areas to be checked for underground faci lity
marking shall be delineated with white paint. All USA markings shall be removed by the
customer or contractor when construction is complete.
64. CITY STANDARDS. All new underground conduits and substructures shall be installed per City
standards and shall be inspected by the Electrical Underground Inspector before backfilling.
PUBLIC WORKS ZERO WASTE
65. REQUIRED DECONSTRUCTION. In conformance with PAMC 5.24, deconstruction and source
separation are required for all residential and commercial projects whe re structures (other
than a garage or ADU) are being completely removed, demolition is no longer allowed.
Deconstruction takes longer than traditional demolition, it is important to plan ahead. For
more information, visit www.cityofpaloalto.org/deconstruction.
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66. SALVAGE SURVEY FOR REUSE. A Salvage Survey is required for deconstruction permit
applications. The survey shall be conducted by a City approved reuse vendor. The survey
submittal shall include an itemized list of materials that are salvageable for reuse from the
project. The applicant shall source separate and deliver materials for reuse. Certification is
required indicating that all materials identified in the survey are properly salvaged. Contact
The ReUse People to schedule this FREE survey by phone (888) 588 -9490 or e-mail
info@thereusepeople.org. More information can be found at www.TheReusePeople.org.
Please upload a completed copy to the deconstruction permit.
67. SOURCE SEPARATION FOR RECYCLING. The applicant shall source separate deconstruction
materials into specific categories for recycling. Additional staging areas for source separated
materials will need to be considered. All materials shall be delivered to one of the City
approved materials recovery facilities listed in Green Halo, all records shall be uploaded to
www.greenhalosystems.com. For more information, refer to
www.cityofpaloalto.org/deconstruction.
PUBLIC WORKS WATER QUALITY
68. Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) associated with refuse management
(including actions related to refuse pick-up and the enclosure itself) shall be followed to
ensure pollution prevention and preventing potential discharges to the City’s storm drain
system. Stormwater BMPS include, but are not limited to, power washing the pavement on
both the private property and in the right-of-way and sidewalk a minimum of once per year
before the wet season begins on October 1st; utilizing a power washing contractor that is a
Recognized Surface Cleaner by the Bay Area Stormwater Management Agencies Association
(BASMAA); disposing of wash water according to the Recognized Surface Cleaner certification
requirements; and removing any potential trash build-up on a regular basis.
PUBLIC WORKS URBAN FORESTRY
69. PLAN SET REQUIREMENTS. The final Plans submitted for building permit shall be revised to
reflect the following:
a. Include quantities of each tree species in the planting schedule with a
corresponding abbreviation of the species which can be found on the
planting plan.
70. MWELO COMPLIANCE. As part of the building permit, provide the proposed square footage
of the rehabilitated landscape to determine if the project requires a MWELO compliance
review. Please see the document titled “Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
(MWELO) Compliance Submittals and Guidelines”
(https://cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/76159) to determine if the project
Docusign Envelope ID: D23A29AF-406C-4115-A772-B183D5D611CC
qualifies for MWELO Review. If a MWELO review is required, please follow the instructions
in the above document when submitting your permit application and plan set.
DURING CONSTRUCTION
63. EXCAVATION RESTRICTIONS APPLY (TTM, Sec. 2.20 C & D). Any approved grading, digging or
trenching beneath a tree canopy shall be performed using ‘air -spade’ method as a
preference, with manual hand shovel as a backup. For utility trenching, including sewer line,
roots exposed with diameter of 1.5 inches and greater shall remain intact and not be
damaged. If directional boring method is used to tunnel beneath roots, then Table 2 -1,
Trenching and Tunneling Distance, shall be printed on the final plans to be i mplemented by
Contractor.
64. TREE PROTECTION COMPLIANCE. The owner and contractor shall implement all protection
and inspection schedule measures, design recommendations and construction scheduling as
stated in the TPR & Sheet T-1, and is subject to code compliance action pursuant to PAMC
8.10.080. The required protective fencing shall remain in place until final landscaping and
inspection of the project. Project arborist approval must be obtained and documented in
the monthly activity report sent to the City. The mandatory Contractor and Arborist
Monthly Tree Activity Report shall be sent monthly to the City (pwps@cityofpaloalto.org)
beginning with the initial verification approval, using the template in the Tree Technical
Manual, Addendum 11.
65. TREE DAMAGE. Tree Damage, Injury Mitigation and Inspections apply to Contractor.
Reporting, injury mitigation measures and arborist inspection schedule (1-5) apply pursuant
to TTM, Section 2.20-2.30. Contractor shall be responsible for the repair or replacement of
any publicly owned or protected trees that are damaged during the course of construction,
pursuant to Title 8 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, and city Tree Technical Manual, Section
2.25.
66. GENERAL. The following general tree preservation measures apply to all trees to be
retained: No storage of material, topsoil, vehicles or equipment shall be permitted within
the tree enclosure area. The ground under and around the tree canopy area shall not be
altered. Trees to be retained shall be irrigated, aerated and maintained as necessary to
ensure survival.
67. NO NET LOSS OF CANOPY. In order to comply with the city’s no net loss of canopy pol icy
(Urban Forest Master Plan: Goals 6.A, 6.B & 6.C & Comprehensive Plan Natural Environment
Chapter: Goal N-2 and others) all trees 4” DBH and larger are subject to replacement to
avoid a loss of canopy at the neighborhood level. Replacement ratios are determined by
table 3-1 in the Tree Technical Manual (Section 3.20.C). New landscape tree plantings (24”
box or larger) count towards the replacement total. Screening trees may also count toward
the total depending on size and species selected. If unable to plant the required number of
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trees on site (our preferred solution) there is the option of paying in-lieu fees of $650 per
each 24” box tree into the forestry fund.
POST CONSTRUCTION
68. MAINTENANCE. All landscape and trees shall be maintained, watered, fertilized, and
pruned according to Best Management Practices-Pruning (ANSI A300-2008 or current
version) and the City Tree Technical Manual, Section 5.00. Any vegetation that dies shall be
replaced or failed automatic irrigation repaired by the current property owner within 30
days of discovery.
SECTION 8. Conditions of Approval Vesting Tentative Map.
PLANNING
1. PROJECT PLANS. The Vesting Tentative Map submitted for review and approval by the City
Council shall be in substantial conformance with the Vesting Tentative Map titled “Vesting
Tentative Map for a Two Lot Subdivision ”, prepared by Sandis Engineers and submitted July
1, 2024, except as modified to incorporate the conditions of this approval.
2. FINAL MAP COVER PAGE. At such time as the Final Map is filed, the cover page shall include
the name and title of the Director of Planning and Development Services.
6. FINAL MAP EXPIRATION. A Final Map, in conformance with the approved Vesting Tentative
Map, all requirements of the Subdivision Ordinance (PAMC Section 21.16), and to the
satisfaction of the City of Palo Alto and its representatives, shall be filed with the Planning
Division and the Public Works Engineering Division within two years of the Vesting Tentative
Map approval date or this approval will expire. A one-year extension may be granted in
accordance with the allowances set forth in the municipal code.
7. DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES. The Property Owner or their designee shall pay all applicable
development impact fees associated with the proposed development and subdivision prior
to issuance of the building permit(s), as detailed in the Streamlined Housing Development
Review Approval.
8. 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.
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PUBLIC WORKS ENGINEERING
9. 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
10. 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.
11. STREETWORK PERMIT. The applicant shall obtain a Streetwork Permit from the Department
of Public Works for all public improvements.
12. 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.”
13. 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”.
14. SWPPP. If the proposed development will disturb more than one acre of land. The applicant
shall apply for coverage under the State Water Resources Control Board’s (SWRCB) NPDES
general permit for storm water discharge associated with construction activity. A Notice of
Intent (NOI) shall be filed for this project with the SWRCB in order to obtain coverage under
the permit. The General Permit requires the applicant to prepare and implement a Storm
Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The applicant is required to submit two copies
of the NOI and the draft SWPPP to the Public Works Department for review and appro val
prior to issuance of the building permit. The SWPPP should include both permanent, post -
development project design features and temporary measures employed during
construction.
15. 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.
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16. 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.
17. STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION. All improvement plan sets shall include the
“Pollution Prevention – It’s Part of the Plan” sheet.
18. 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.
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.
19. 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.
20. 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 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.
21. 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.
22. EXISTING EASEMENTS. Provide documentation showing approval from the entities (such as
Valley Water) affected by the onsite easements to verify that the work within said
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easements is permitted.
23. PRIOR TO PUBLIC WORKS FINAL/ACCEPTANCE (STORM DRAIN LOGO). The applicant is
required to paint “No Dumping/Flows _________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.
24. PRIOR TO PUBLIC WORKS FINAL/ACCEPTANCE (RECORD DRAWINGS). At the conclusion of
the project applicant shall provide digital as-built/record drawings of all improvements
constructed in the public right-of-way or easements in which the City owns an interest.
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SECTION 9. Terms of Approval.
1. Streamlined Housing Development Review. In the event actual construction of the project is
not commenced within two years of the date of council approval, the approval shall expire
and be of no further force or effect.
2. Vesting Tentative Map. All conditions of approval of the Vesting Tentative Map shall be
fulfilled prior to approval of a Final Map (PAMC Section 21.16.010[c]). Unless a Final Map is
filed, and all conditions of approval are fulfilled within a two-year period from the date of
Vesting Tentative Map approval, the Vesting Tentative Map shall expire and all proceedings
shall terminate. An extension of time may be granted by the city council after
recommendation of the planning commission, upon the written application of the
subdivider, prior to the expiration of the Vesting Tentative Map approval, or any previous
extension granted. Such extension(s) shall be subject to the maximum limitations set forth
in the Subdivision Map Act.
INTRODUCED: August 5, 2024
PASSED: August 12, 2024
AYES: Burt, Kou, Lauing, Lythcott-Haims, Stone, Tanaka, Veenker
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST: APPROVED:
_________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
___________________________ ___________________________
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
____________________________
Director of Planning and
Development Services
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PLANS AND DRAWINGS REFERENCED:
Those plans prepared by Van Meter Williams Architects titled “Buena Vista Commons 3980 El
Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306” consisting of 94 pages, dated and submitted July 19, 2024.
Those plans prepared by Sandis Engineers titled “Vesting Tentative Map for a Two Lot
Subdivision” consisting of three pages, dated July 2024 and submitted July 1, 2024.
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Project Plans
The Final Map is available to the public online. Hardcopies of the Final Map have been provided
to Councilmembers.
Directions to review project plans and environmental documents online:
1. Go to: bit.ly/PApendingprojects
2. Scroll down to find “3980 El Camino Real” and click the address link
3. On this project specific webpage you will find a link to the project plans and previously
approved environmental documents
Direct Link to Project Webpage:
https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Current-
Planning/Projects/3980-El-Camino-Real-Buena-Vista