HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-10 Planning & Transportation Commission Agenda PacketPLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Council Chambers & Hybrid
6:00 PM
Planning and Transportation Commission meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the
option to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety
while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to
participate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and
participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if
attending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 76, live on
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen Media
Center https://midpenmedia.org. Commissioner names, biographies, and archived agendas and
minutes are available at http://bit.ly/PaloAltoPTC.
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/91641559499)
Meeting ID: 916 4155 9499 Phone: 1(669)900-6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
General Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted for up to three minutes
or an amount of time determined by the Chair. In-person comments will be heard at the
beginning of the agenda and remote comments will be heard at the end of the agenda. All
requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes after the staff’s presentation. Written public
comments can be submitted in advance to Planning.Commission@PaloAlto.gov and will be
provided to the Commission and available for inspection on the City’s website three days before
the meeting. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your subject line.
Spokespersons that are representing a group of five or more people who are identified as
present at the meeting at the time of the spokesperson's presentation will be allowed up to ten
(10) minutes at the discretion of the Chair, provided that the non-speaking members agree not
to speak individually. The Chair may limit Public Comments to thirty (30) minutes for all
combined speakers. The Chair may reduce the allowed time to speak for Study Sessions and
Action Items to two (2) minutes or less to accommodate a larger number of speakers.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only
by email to Planning.Commission@PaloAlto.gov at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once
received, the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold
strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices
are not accepted.
Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks,
posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not
create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when
displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or passage
of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.
1 Regular Meeting June 10, 2026
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are available for
public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas
TIME ESTIMATES
Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the
meeting is in progress. The Commission reserves the right to use more or less time on any item,
to change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may
be heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best
manage the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.
2 Regular Meeting June 10, 2026
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are available for
public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas
CALL TO ORDER/ ROLL CALL
AGENDA CHANGES, ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS
The Chair or Commission majority may modify the agenda order to improve meeting management.
IN-PERSON PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. 1-3 minutes depending on number of speakers. In-person
comments will be heard at the beginning of the agenda and remote comments will be heard at the end of the agenda.
CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS
1.Director's Report, Meeting Schedule, and Assignments
ACTION ITEMS
Public Comment is Permitted. Applicants/Appellant Teams: Fifteen (15) minutes, plus three (3) minutes rebuttal. All others:
Three (3) minutes per speaker.
2.Recommend the City Council Adopt a Draft Ordinance Amending the Special Setback
Map to Update the Special Setback Along a Portion of Hansen Way at 3300 El Camino
Real to a 20-foot Setback. CEQA Status: Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section
15305 (Minor Alterations)
6:15 PM – 7:00 PM
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Public Comment is Permitted. Three (3) minutes per speaker.
3.Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Summary Minutes of April 29,
2026
COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR FUTURE MEETINGS AND
AGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s).
VIRTUAL PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. 1-3 minutes depending on number of speakers. In-person
comments will be heard at the beginning of the agenda and remote comments will be heard at the end of the agenda.
ADJOURNMENT
3 Regular Meeting June 10, 2026
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are available for
public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas
OTHER INFORMATION
The materials below are provided for informational purposes, not for action or discussion during this meeting’s agenda. Written
public comments may be submitted in advance and will be provided to the Commission and availible for public inspection on the
City’s website three days before the meeting.
A.Public Comment
4 Regular Meeting June 10, 2026
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are available for
public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1.Written public comments may be submitted by email to
Planning.Commission@PaloAlto.gov.
2.Spoken public comments using a computer will be accepted through the teleconference
meeting. To address the Commission, click on the link below to access a Zoom-based
meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
◦You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in- browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up-to-date browser: Chrome 30,
Firefox 27, Microsoft Edge 12, Safari 7. Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer.
◦You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
◦When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
◦When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
3.Spoken public comments using a smart phone will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Commission, download the Zoom application
onto your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID
below. Please follow the instructions above.
4.Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When
you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to
speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the
Commission. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit
your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 916 4155 9499 Phone:1-669-900-6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329-2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@PaloAlto.gov. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
5 Regular Meeting June 10, 2026
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are available for
public inspection at www.paloalto.gov/agendas
Item No. 1. Page 1 of 2
Planning & Transportation Commission
Staff Report
From: Planning and Development Services Director
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: June 10, 2026
Report #: 2606-6434
TITLE
Director's Report, Meeting Schedule, and Assignments
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) review and
comment as appropriate.
BACKGROUND
This document includes the following items:
Upcoming PTC Agenda Items
PTC Meeting Schedule
PTC Representative to City Council (Rotational Assignments)
Commissioners are encouraged to contact Samuel Tavera (Samuel.Tavera@PaloAlto.gov) to
notify staff of any planned absences one month in advance, if possible, to ensure the
availability of a PTC quorum.
PTC Representative to City Council is a rotational assignment where the designated
commissioner represents the PTC’s affirmative and dissenting perspectives to Council
for quasijudicial and legislative matters. Representatives are encouraged to review the City
Council agendas (https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/City-Hall/City-Council/Council-Agendas-
Minutes) for the months of their respective assignments to verify if attendance is needed or
contact staff.
Prior PTC meetings are available online at https://midpenmedia.org/category/government/city-
of-palo-alto/boards-and-commissions/planning-and-transportation-commission.
Item 1
Item 1 Staff Report
Packet Pg. 6
Item No. 1. Page 2 of 2
UPCOMING PTC ITEMS
June 24, 2026 – Cancelled
Attachment A: 2026 PTC Schedule & Assignments
:
Jennifer Armer, Assistant Director
Item 1
Item 1 Staff Report
Packet Pg. 7
Planning & Transportation Commission
2026 Meeting Schedule
1
1
8
3
6
2026 Schedule
Meeting Dates Time Location Status Planned Absences
1/14/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular
1/28/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Cancelled
2/11/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular James
2/25/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular Chang
3/11/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Special James, Ji
3/25/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular
4/8/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular James, Templeton
4/29/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular
5/13/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular Hechtman
5/27/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular
6/10/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular Hechtman
6/24/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Cancelled Chang
7/8/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular James, Ji
7/29/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular
8/12/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular
8/26/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular Templeton
9/9/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular
9/30/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular
10/14/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular
10/28/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular
11/11/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Cancelled
11/18/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Special
11/25/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Cancelled
12/9/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Regular
12/30/2026 6:00 PM Hybrid Cancelled
2026 Assignments - Council Representation (primary/backup)
January February March April May June
Bryna Chang Allen Akin Bart Hechtman Kevin Ji Todd James Forest Peterson
Todd James Forest Peterson Cari Templeton Bryna Chang Allen Akin Bart Hechtman
July August September October November December
Council Cari Templeton Bryna Chang Allen Akin Bart Hechtman Kevin Ji
Summer Break Kevin Ji Todd James Forest Peterson Cari Templeton Bryna Chang
Item 1
Attachment A - 2026 PTC
Schedule & Assignments
Packet Pg. 8
Item No. 2. Page 1 of 5
Planning & Transportation Commission
Staff Report
From: Planning and Development Services Director
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: June 10, 2026
Report #: 2603-6062
TITLE
Recommend the City Council Adopt a Draft Ordinance Amending the Special Setback Map to
Update the Special Setback Along a Portion of Hansen Way at 3300 El Camino Real to a 20-foot
Setback. CEQA Status: Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15305 (Minor Alterations)
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) recommend adoption of
the draft ordinance in Attachment A amending the Special Setback Map to reduce the 50-foot
Special Setback along the Hansen Way frontage of 3300 El Camino Real to 20 feet in accordance
with previous City Council direction.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The proposed ordinance amends the special setback map to reduce the special setback along
the Hansen Way frontage of 3300 El Camino Real to 20 feet. This ordinance is proposed in
accordance with City Council direction on May 27, 2025, in order to address the compounding
constraints placed on the site at 3300 El Camino Real, where an existing utility easement
combined with the 50-foot setback severely restricts the buildable footprint. Maintaining the
current 50-foot requirement directly contradicts the objectives of the expanded El Camino Real
Focus Area and the City’s Housing Element, both of which aim to incentivize denser, multi-
family residential development along primary transit corridors.
Staff supports the reduction to a 20-foot setback because it removes an outdated regulatory
barrier to housing production while still preserving essential space for the public right-of-way
improvements. Rather than eliminating the setback entirely, the 20-foot buffer aligns with the
site’s base Service Commercial (CS) zoning requirements. It also ensures the City retains
adequate frontage to execute future streetscape improvements.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Packet Pg. 9
Item No. 2. Page 2 of 5
The special setback proposed to be reduced is along the Hansen Way frontage of 3300 El
Camino Real. The existing special setback on that site would be amended from the existing 50-
foot setback to 20 feet, consistent with the City Council’s direction from their motion on the El
Camino Real Focus Area on May 27, 2025.1 No development application has been submitted at
this time.
BACKGROUND
2 With the expansion of the El Camino Real Focus Area, the City Council pointed out that
maintaining the existing 50-foot special setback significantly penalizes development, especially
as it restricts the buildable footprint to an extent that it directly contradicts the City’s Housing
Element goals as well as the intent of the El Camino Real Focus Area, which aims to incentivize
denser multi-family housing along transit corridors like El Camino Real. The site with the subject
segment also has a utility easement that, when combined with the existing setback, would
make it much more difficult to produce the higher-density housing desired in the expanded El
Camino Real Focus Area.
1 City Council Staff Report from May 27, 2025 on El Camino Real Focus Area:
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=83418&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto.
2 City Council Action Minutes from May 27, 2025 (Item 7, on Page 4):
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=43272&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Packet Pg. 10
Item No. 2. Page 3 of 5
An amendment to the Special Setback requires legislative action, similar to other amendment
of the Zoning Map. Attachment A includes the draft ordinance describing this action, as well as
the amended zoning map showing the special setback changed from 50 feet to 20 feet for the
subject parcel.
ANALYSIS
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Packet Pg. 11
Item No. 2. Page 4 of 5
The primary intent of the expanded El Camino Real Focus Area is to incentivize denser, multi-
family housing along primary transit corridors. Maintaining the existing 50-foot special setback
contradicts these objectives by reducing the buildable footprint necessary to achieve higher-
density housing on the site. The last major amendment to the special setback occurred more
than 40 years ago and does not reflect current municipal goals of locating higher-density
housing near transit corridors. By reducing the special setback to 20 feet, the City will remove
an outdated regulatory barrier and align the site’s development potential with the El Camino
Real Focus Area and the City Council’s strategic Housing Element goals.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Packet Pg. 12
Item No. 2. Page 5 of 5
ATTACHMENTS
Report Author & Contact Information PTC5 Liaison & Contact Information
5 Emails may be sent directly to the PTC using the following address: planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.org
Item 2
Item 2 Staff Report
Packet Pg. 13
***Not Yet Adopted***
1
0160192_20260602_ay16
Ordinance No. _____
Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending the Special Setback
Map of the City of Palo Alto to Reduce the Special Setback Along Hansen Way at
El Camino Real to 20 feet
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does ORDAIN as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings and Declarations. The City Council of the City of Palo Alto finds
and declares as follows:
A. On May 27, 2025, the City Council directed staff to explore reducing the Special Setback
along Hansen Way at El Camino Real to 20 feet.
B. On June 10, 2026, the Planning and Transportation Commission recommended that the
City Council adopt the draft ordinance.
C. The updated Special Setback of 20 feet along Hansen Way at El Camino Real provides
sufficient space to accommodate expanded pedestrian sidewalks and bicycle facilities
along a busy transit corridor.
D. The updated Special Setback removes overly restrictive regulatory barriers to encourage
the higher-density housing envisioned for the expanded El Camino Real Focus Area,
while also fostering a better corner presence.
E. The updated Special Setback aligns with the City’s Housing Element goals to encourage
increased housing density along transit corridors by allowing more buildable area for
future higher density housing projects.
F. The public interest, health and welfare require an amendment to the Special Setback
Map of the City of Palo Alto as set forth in this ordinance.
SECTION 2. The Council hereby amends the Setback Map established by Palo Alto
Municipal Code Section 20.08.020, by reducing the Special Setback along Hansen Way at El
Camino Real to 20 feet, as described in Exhibit 1 (Special Setback Map, Hansen Way at El Camino
Real), attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 3. The Council finds that the Ordinance is exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15305 because adoption
of this ordinance is considered a minor alteration in land use limitation which does not result in
any changes in land use or density.
//
//
//
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft
Ordinance
Packet Pg. 14
***Not Yet Adopted***
2
0160192_20260602_ay16
SECTION 4. This Ordinance shall be effective on the thirty-first date after the date of
its adoption.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
____________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
____________________________ ____________________________
Assistant City A orney City Manager
____________________________
Director of Planning and
Development Services
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft
Ordinance
Packet Pg. 15
***Not Yet Adopted***
3
0160192_20260602_ay16
Exhibit A (Special Setback Map, Hansen Way at El Camino Real)
Item 2
Attachment A - Draft
Ordinance
Packet Pg. 16
*
*
* No Special Setback For Mixed Use Hotel Use
Item 2
Attachment B - Existing and
Proposed Special Setback
on Hansen Way at El
Camino Real
Packet Pg. 17
Item 2Attachment C - Assessor Map of 3300El Camino Real
Packet Pg. 18
Item No. 3. Page 1 of 1
Planning & Transportation Commission
Staff Report
From: Planning and Development Services Director
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: June 10, 2026
Report #: 2606-6446
TITLE
Approval of Planning & Transportation Commission Draft Summary Minutes of April 29, 2026
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC) adopt the meeting
minutes.
BACKGROUND
Draft summary minutes for the April 29, 2026, Planning & Transportation Commission (PTC)
meeting were made available to the Commissioners prior to the June 10, 2026, meeting date.
The draft PTC minutes can be viewed on the City’s website at https://bit.ly/PaloAltoPTC
ATTACHMENTS
None
AUTHOR/TITLE:
Samuel Tavera, Administrative Associate III
Item 3
Item 3 Staff Report
Packet Pg. 19