HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2602-5958CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, October 05, 2026
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Agenda Item
6.Approval of Surveillance Use Policy for Security Cameras at the Palo Alto Animal Shelter;
CEQA Status - Not a Project.
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Community Services
Meeting Date: October 5, 2026
Report #:2602-5958
TITLE
Approval of Surveillance Use Policy for Security Cameras at the Palo Alto Animal Shelter; CEQA
Status - Not a Project.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend that the City Council approve the attached surveillance use policy for the use
of security cameras to enhance security and safety and deter unauthorized or criminal activity
at the Palo Alto Animal Shelter (Attachment A).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Palo Alto Animal Shelter (operated by Pets in Need) has a need to acquire and use
surveillance technology to ensure the safety of animals, visitors, and staff. A Surveillance Use
Policy has been developed to comply with the City’s Surveillance Technology Ordinance and
include mitigations to ensure appropriate use of the information captured. Key elements are
summarized in Table 1 in the Analysis section of this report.
BACKGROUND
Palo Alto’s Surveillance Technology Ordinance, codified PAMC § 2.30.6201, et seq., sets criteria
and procedures to protect personal privacy in the acquisition and use of
surveillance technology and provide for ongoing oversight. Security camera technology is
“surveillance technology” as defined by the ordinance. The ordinance requires City Council
approval of the acquisition of new surveillance technology and of a Surveillance Use Policy
specific to each new approved technology. In approving new surveillance technology, the
Council must determine that its benefits outweigh the associated costs and concerns.
The ordinance sets forth specific elements that must be present in a Surveillance Use
1 Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 2.30.620, et seq.;
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0-0-0-62120#JD_2.30.620
Policy, including limitations on use, access, and retention, as well as a description of
compliance procedures.
ANALYSIS
1. A description of the surveillance technology, including how it works and what information
is captured
2. Information on the proposed purpose, use and benefits of the surveillance technology
3
of the Palo Alto Municipal Code.
The location or locations where surveillance technology may be used
Existing federal, state and local laws and regulations application to the surveillance
technology and the information it captures; the potential impacts on civil liberties and
privacy; and proposals to mitigate and manage any impacts
3 Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 2.30.680(a);
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0-0-0-62178
Surveillance technology will comply with applicable laws related to video and audio
recording. This includes Labor Code section 435, which forbids employers from recording in a
restroom, locker room, or changing room; and Penal Code section 632, which prohibits
recording audio of “confidential communication,” subject to exceptions such as for public
meetings under Penal Code section 632(c).
Mitigation Actions for Pets In Need:
Access to surveillance footage is limited to designated positions in Pets in Need and is
permitted only when there is a legitimate operational, safety, or investigative need.
The Chief Executive Officer is authorized to access surveillance footage and can authorize
access to other PIN management if relevant to the type of investigation. The Director of
Shelter Operations and Facilities & IT Manager are authorized to access and review
surveillance footage when requested by the CEO for a specific, authorized purpose but are
not authorized to independently access or review footage.
When footage is relevant to an investigation, only the applicable portion of the footage may
be clipped and shared with the following positions on a need-to-know basis:
Animal-related investigations: Director of Behavior & Medical Services and Behavior,
Training & Rescue Manager.
Employee-related investigations: Director of Human Resources and CEO.
City police personnel will be granted access for law enforcement purposes.
5) The costs of the surveillance technology, including acquisition, maintenance, personnel and
other costs, and current or potential sources of funding
All costs to purchase, install, and maintain the cameras will be the responsibility of Pets in
Need.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
There is no cost to the City for the surveillance cameras at the Palo Alto Animal Shelter. Pets In
Need will purchase, install and maintain security cameras.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The Community Services Department and Police Department coordinated with Pets in Need to
develop this policy.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY:
September 14, 2026
1
1
2
6
3
Pets In Need - Palo Alto Animal Shelter
Purpose of surveillance technology:
Type of surveillance technology:
Locations:
September 14, 2026
1
1
2
6
3
Parking Lot: Allows management to view the facility when staff are not on site in case of alarm
activation and ensures safety of staff during early morning and evening hours. Camera will
capture all vehicles entering and exiting the property.
Cat hallway
Cat room 1
Cat room 2
Exterior breezeway
Exterior adoption dog kennels
Interior adoption dog kennels
Exterior stray dog kennels
Front of building (facing modular building)
Rear of building
Compliance with laws:
Mitigation actions:
Animal-related investigations: Director of Behavior & Medical Services and Behavior,
Training & Rescue Manager.
Employee-related investigations: Director of Human Resources and CEO.
September 14, 2026
1
1
2
6
3
These positions may receive relevant clipped footage for purposes of the investigation but are
not otherwise authorized to independently access or review the surveillance system.
Annual reporting:
1) to the City by August 1 of each year to include:
1 Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 2.30.680(a);
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0-0-0-62178