Los Altos City Council
September 30, 2025

CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA
September 30, 2025 - 7:00 PM
In Person
PARTICIPATION: Members of the public are invited to participate by attending the meeting at the Los Altos Council Chamber, located at Los Altos City Hall, 1 N. San Antonio Rd, Los Altos, CA, during the meeting.

Public comments are accepted in person at the physical meeting location or via email to [email protected] or through the Public Comment forum on the city website: Public Comments Form.

RULES FOR CONDUCT: According to Los Altos Municipal Code, Section 2.05.010 "Interruptions and rules for conduct": Understanding that the purpose of the city council meetings is to conduct the people's business for the benefit of all the people, in the event that any meeting of the city council is willfully interrupted by a person or group of persons so as to render the orderly conduct of the meeting impossible, the mayor, mayor pro tem, or any other member of the city council acting as the chair may order the removal of the person or persons responsible for the disruption and bar them from further attendance at the council meeting, or otherwise proceed pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.0 or any applicable penal statute or city ordinance.

REMOTE MEETING OBSERVATION: Members of the public may view the meeting via the link below, but will not be permitted to provide public comment via Zoom or telephone. Public comments will be accepted in person, and members of the public may submit written comments by following the instructions below. https://losaltosca-gov.zoom.us/j/88922139728?pwd=NZVHvtoruQgb3njAbLtJHVqBVnZY5b.1 Telephone: 1-669-444-9171 / Webinar ID: 889 2213 9728 / Passcode: 254697 SUBMIT WRITTEN COMMENTS: Before the meeting, comments on matters listed on the agenda may be emailed to [email protected]. Emailed public comments sent directly to the City Council, either as a group or individually, will not be included in the agenda packet but may be disclosable as part of a public records request. Emails sent to [email protected] will be included in the appropriate agenda packet and are also disclosable as part of a public records request.

Please note: Personal information, such as e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, home addresses, and other contact information, is not required to be included with your comments. If this information is included in your written comments, it will become part of the public record. Redactions and/or edits will not be made to public comments, and the comments will be posted as submitted. Please do not include any information in your communication that you do not want to be made public.

Correspondence submitted in hard copy/paper format must be received by 2:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting to ensure distribution prior to the meeting. Hard copy/paper format comments presented during the meeting will be distributed to the City Council the following day. Members of the public may present a copy of their comments or attachments to the City Clerk for distribution to the City Council.

The Mayor will open public comment and will announce the length of time provided for comments during each item.

AGENDA

CALL MEETING TO ORDER

ESTABLISH QUORUM

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION

CHANGES TO THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Members of the audience may bring to the Council's attention any item that is not on the agenda. The Mayor will announce the time speakers will be granted before comments begin. Please be advised that, by law, the City Council is unable to discuss or take action on issues presented during the Public Comment Period.

According to State Law (also known as “The Brown Act”) items must first be noted on the agenda before any discussion or action is taken.
09-30-2025 Written Public Comments

CONSENT CALENDAR
These items will be considered by one motion unless any member of the Council or audience wishes to remove an item for discussion. Any item removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion will be handled at the discretion of the Mayor.

1. Approve Draft Meeting Minutes for the Special and Regular Meeting of September 9, 2025

2. Approval of Short-Term Seat of Parks, Arts, Recreation & Cultural Commissioner Approve the short-term seat of Parks, Arts, Recreation & Cultural Commissioner (PARC)

3. Adoption of Resolution - Comprehensive General Plan Update - Professional Services Agreement
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Dyett & Bhatia for the preparation of a comprehensive General Plan Update and associated Environmental Impact Report (EIR)

4. Adoption of Resolution – Outdoor Fitness Equipment Replacement at Hillview Park Adopt a resolution to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Greenfields Outdoor Fitness, Inc. to design, purchase, and install outdoor fitness equipment to replace the old fitness equipment at Hillview Park in an amount not to exceed $145,000

5. Adoption of Resolution - Contract Amendment for Fremont Bridge Pedestrian Bridge Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 on behalf of the City with Dewberry Engineers Inc. in the amount of $17,228 and authorize additional $30,000 contingency for design professional consulting services for the Fremont Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation Project, TS-01055, for FY2025/26, and find that this action is Exempt from Environmental Review Pursuant to Section 15301(c) of the State Guidelines Implementing the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970

6. Adoption of Resolution - Accepting North Council Library Authority Funds for Main Library Improvements Project
Two actions for Council consideration:

• Adopt a resolution accepting North County Library Authority Funds for Main Library Improvements Project, Recognize $1,254,000 Revenue from North County Library Authority, and Appropriate $1,254,000 Revenue to Main Library Improvements Project (LI01001).
• Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the contract with Anderson Brule Architects for the Main Library Improvements Project in an amount not to exceed $1,254,000, inclusive of a 10% contingency, and to execute any necessary change orders within that amount on behalf of the City

PUBLIC HEARING

7. Introduction of Ordinances - Zoning Code Amendments for Historic Preservation and Mills Act
Four actions for Council consideration:

Introduce and waive first reading of draft ordinances and consider June 5, 2025, Planning Commission recommendation for the adoption of the proposed ordinances, which include:
• An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Los Altos Adding Chapter 14.93 (Historic Preservation) to the Los Altos Municipal Code; and
• An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Los Altos Adding Chapter 14.95 (Mills Act Program) to the Los Altos Municipal Code; and
• An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Los Altos Repealing in its Entirety Chapter

12.44 for Existing Historic Preservation Regulations; and • Find that the proposed amendments are exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines

DISCUSSION ITEMS

8. Program Implementation - Drone as a First Responder
Authorize staff to move forward with the development and implementation of a Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program to enhance emergency response capabilities, improve situational awareness for first responders and promote public safety

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS / COUNCIL Q&A
There will be no discussion or action on Informational Items. The Council Q&A will be included in the packet the day of the meeting.

9. Tentative Council Calendar and Housing Element Update Implementation Calendar

10. 09-30-2025 Council QA
COUNCIL/STAFF REPORTS, REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS & AB1234 REPORTS

ADJOURNMENT
(Council Norms: It will be the custom to have a recess at approximately 9:00 p.m. Prior to the recess, the Mayor shall announce whether any items will be carried over to the next meeting. The established hour after which no new items will be started is 11:00 p.m. Remaining items, however, may be considered by consensus of the Council.)

SPECIAL NOTICES TO THE PUBLIC
According to the City Council Norms and Procedures: It will be customary to have a recess at approximately 9:00 p.m. Before the recess, the Mayor shall announce whether any items will be carried over to the next meeting. The established hour after which no new items will be started is 11:00 p.m. Remaining items, however, may be considered by consensus of the Council.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Altos will make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please get in touch with the City Clerk at least 72 hours before the meeting.

All public records relating to an open session item on this agenda, which are not exempt from disclosure according to the California Public Records Act, and that are distributed to a majority of the legislative body, will be available for public inspection at the same time that the public records are distributed or made available to the legislative body.

From: Anne
To: Public Comment
Subject: [External Sender]Our Heritage
Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025 2:08:34 PM
To the Los Altos Council:

I cannot attend this coming Tuesday evening’s Council meeting (September 30, 2025). Thus, I am writing what I would stand up and say if I COULD be there.

I urge you:

Do NOT recall, in its Entirety, Chapter 12.44 for Existing Historic Preservation Regulations.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION LAWS MATTER.

Please reject the poorly-crafted ordinance that I believe will be presented on September 30.

Instead, fund a professional process to draft a Historic Ordinance that includes public input.

Thank you for reading and considering these above requests.

Anne Prescott
1234 Fremont Ave
Los Altos CA 94024
I have been a resident here since September, 1971.

From: Maria Bautista
To: Public Comment
Subject: City Council Meeting 9.30.25: Item #7 Public Hearing: Introduction of Ordinances Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025 9:33:16 AM
Attachments: Historic-Resources-Inventory-Full-Document-PDF.pdf Dear City Councilmembers,
Attached please find the Los Altos Historic Resource Inventory (HRI) [adopted 2012] which is our most comprehensive Historic Preservation document. Please compare and contrast its content to the proposed ordinances.

The HRI study was admittedly left incomplete during the scope of the 2011 Historic Context project. Before any new ordinances are adopted, this guiding HRI documentation should be reviewed, updated and adopted.

The City of Carmel just completed a professionally-driven Historic Context/Ordinance update for $80K, $40K of which was paid through a CA State grant. The City of San Mateo is undergoing a similar year-long study and code update with a budget of $330K. Los Altos deserves an investment in our history and historic resources to ensure their rightful future in our community.

Please do not adopt the Historic Preservation and Mills Act Ordinances until our community have completed a thorough, qualified, professional-driven project.

Thank you,
Maria Bautista
Link to HRI:
https://www.losaltosca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1469/Historic-Resources-Inventory-FullDocument-PDF?bidId=

From: Maria Bautista
To: Public Comment
Subject: City Council Meeting September 30, 2025: Item# 7 Public Hearing Historical Preservation and Mills Act Ordinances
Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025 8:33:16 PM
Attachments: 14_hp_ordinances.pdf
Dear Councilmembers,
While the California Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) Technical Bulletin #12 Mills Act was included in your packet, the OHP Technical Bulletin #14 Historic Preservation Ordinances was not.

Attached here is a pdf of this set of guidelines for drafting effective historic ordinances for your consideration.

From: Maria Bautista
To: Public Comment
Subject: City Council Meeting September 30, 2025: Public Hearing Item #7 Historic Preservation Ordinance Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025 10:54:41 PM
Attachments: HPO Deciphering.pdf
Dear City Councilmembers,
Attached please find a pdf that offers a section-by-section identification of changes between the current and proposed Historical Preservation Ordinances.

The Staff Report for Item #7 provides no comprehensive documentation through either a true redline copy or a study of the actual proposed changes that are represented by the repeal and replacement of the ordinance.

Best,
Maria Bautista

From: [email protected]
To: Public Comment
Subject: Online Form Submittal: Public Comment Submission to City Council Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 7:20:36 PM
Public Comment Submission to City Council
Submitting Written Comments on Agenda Items
Please note: Personal information, such as email addresses, telephone numbers, home addresses, and other contact information are not required to be included with your comments. If this information is included, they will become part of the public record. Redactions and/or edits will not be made to public comments, and the comments will be posted as they are submitted. Please do not include any information in your communication that you do not want to be made public.

Public comments submitted by 5:00 PM of the meeting date will be included in the agenda packet.

Public comments and any associated attachments are subject to the California Public Records Act.

Your Public Comment Re: proposed downtown park
The feedback that has been presented in the news is as if there is widespread support for this park. There is not. The downtown parking is needed
If you really think there is support for this, put it on the ballot and let the voters really decide.

And if you really think you need to build a park, how about near the new low income housing development.

Attachments Field not completed.

Name ROXANNE NELSEN
Email [email protected]
Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser.

From: PALLA
To: Public Comment
Subject: Public Comment City Council September 30,2025 Public Hearing: Item #7 Zoning Amendments-Historic Preservation and Mills Act Ordiannces
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025 10:37:12 AM
Attachments: AttachmentB_clgrequirements.pdf
MT20250814_PALLA_MillsAct_CL.pdf
MT20250814_PALLA_HistoricPreservationOrdinance_CL_Final.pdf AttachmentA_14_hp_ordinances.pdf
Dear City Councilmembers,
Below and attached please find the Public Comment with attachments that Preservation Action League Los Altos submitted to the Historical Commission for their Special Meeting on August 18, 2025 when they only took comment on the proposed repeal and replacement of the Historical Presrvation Ordinance and the codifying of the Mills Act.

Please review and consider.

From: PALLA <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 3:35 PM
To: Melissa Thurman <[email protected]>; Sean Gallegos <[email protected]> Subject: Fwd: Historical Commission Public Comment August 18, 2025: Item #3 Historic Preservation and Mills Act
Please confirm receipt of this public comment and attached documents.

Dear Historical Commissioners:

Despite a City staff determination that repealing and replacing the Los Altos Historic Preservation Ordinance is to “modernize and strengthen” historic preservation in our community, and “streamline” it for efficiency, it is evident that the proposed ordinance is weakening historic preservation and fails to meet the required Certified Local Government (CLG) stewardship and necessary oversight by the Historic Commission.

By contrast, the City of San Mateo is in the midst of a months-long process to strengthen and amend its Historical Preservation Ordinance, Historic Preservation Plan and Context Statement for the General Plan Element –this involves an informed and qualified ordinance review and multiple study sessions with public participation:
www.cityofsanmateo.org/4877/Historic-Policy-Update-Effort. With a tradition of and a commitment to steward our local historic preservation efforts, Los Altos deserves a process on par with what San Mateo is doing and nothing less.

The Preservation Action League Los Altos (PALLA) urges you to–

•Vote to Continue Item #3 to a future, regularly scheduled meeting with action items to adequately consider and evaluate the proposed repeal and replacement.

Or
•Choose tonight to hear and record ONLY Public Comment–written and in person–with no discussion or council recommendation for adoption.

And formally move to:
•Seek a more rigorous process and adequate qualified resources from City Council to professionally analyze and craft ordinances and historic preservation laws that meet best practices and best serve historic preservation in Los Altos.

Please find attached two letters from the law firm of Mitchell M Tsai on behalf of PALLA providing additional clarification and specificity on the impacts of the proposed changes to repeal and replace the Los Altos Historic Preservation Ordinance and the codifying of the Mills Act Ordinance as well as commentary on the failures of the current process.

Beyond their legal relevance, attachments Exhibits A and B provide additional context for best practices in order to properly maintain, review, oversee and steward historic preservation in the City. Exhibit A is the Certified Local Government (CLG) Requirements and Exhibit B is the California Office of Historic Preservation Guidelines for Drafting Effective Historic Preservation Ordinances which delineates best practices for “strengthening’ a historic ordinance.

The character of our city and our irreplaceable historic and environmental resources are at risk with the alterations to and omissions from the proposed codes. Among concerns, the proposed codeschange and minimize definitions of historic resources, move historic preservation law to Zoning, focusing only on buildings and residential structures,
modify and/or remove clarifying language for City-owned properties, landscapes, Secretary of Interior Standards and the General Plan
restrict historic commission review, and public participation,

deny appeal rights,
disincentivize Mills Act owners, new historic designations and other stewardship maintenance and preservation efforts.

Additionally, the process and justification for the timing and proposed changes must be called into question. Neither the replacement of the Historic Preservation Ordinance nor the creation of a Mills Act Ordinance is on the Historical Commission Work Plan. The ordinance changes have not been identified as a priority or a project by the Council, or as a part of the General Plan project or other effort.

The 17 Los Altos Mills Act owners, PALLA, business owners and residents are alarmed at a compromised process that has not included even one regularly scheduled meeting of a fully seated Historical Commission.

It must be noted that the Historical Commission is out of compliance with CLG requirements for a 5-person commission that permits only a 60-day seat vacancy before an appointment must be made. As such, the Historical Commission cannot rightfully make decisions and recommendations during a Special Meeting on August 18, 2025.

Other procedural errors should be acknowledged:

1. Noticing Errors: The Special Meeting for the Historical Commission, August 18, 2025, had inadequate public noticing with fewer than 10 days. Notice appeared nowhere except on a sign at the house at 81 Pepper Avenue. An August Historical Commission meeting first appeared
on the City website on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 4:30pm. A newspaper advertisement indicated an incorrect date.

2. Improper Sequencing: The proposed historic preservation ordinances were erroneously presented to the Planning Commission on June 5, 2025 before coming to your commission. That commission rendered a recommendation without discussion or working knowledge of historic ordinances or properties, and before a Historical Commission review.

3. Initial Study: Changes to the Los Altos municipal code constitute a project, and specifically a project with impact to historic and environmental resources and are thereby subject to an initial CEQA review, and cannot be considered exempt.

4. Timing: Your commission and the public have been given 72 hours to consider significant changes proposed by City staff, without justification, redlines or the ability to receive formal replies for questions of staff.

Whether in consideration of buildings, landscapes or environmental features, Los Altos must have a clearly stated intent and purpose and inclusive guidelines for how we maintain, rehabilitate and restore the places of historical significance that add texture and character to our daily lives. Our Historic Preservation deserves to stand alone as a chapter in the municipal code.

Rather than hurrying to adopt ill-wrought ordinances, residents, businesses, community leaders and preservationists urge you to seek resources and support from City Council to create a comprehensive Historic Preservation Plan that includes robust public engagement and better supports our community commitment to historical preservation and stewardship.

Please begin on the right foot, and move forward with better planning and an appreciation for our rich, dynamic heritage and cultural spaces and places.

Please see attachments.

Sincerely,
Maria Bautista and Catherine Nunes
Representing the Preservation Action League Los Altos (PALLA)

From: Bill Hough
To: City Council; Public Comment
Subject: public comment regarding item #6 on 9/30/2025 agenda Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025 3:28:47 PM
No amount of North Council Library Authority Funds for the Los Altos Main Library Improvements Project are worth it if SCCLD won't make minimal efforts to maintain its collection.

While I understand that not every book can or should be saved, SCCLD should consider an off-site book storage warehouse so books could be available when needed. This plan needs a collection maintenance provision.

Bill Hough
resident

From: [email protected]
To: Public Comment
Subject: [External Sender]Public Comment Item #7: Zoning Code Amendments for Historic Preservation and Mills Act Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 9:54:16 AM
Dear City Councilmembers,
I'm writing to ask the City Council to reject proposed Historic Preservation Ordinance, agenda item #7.

This ordinance weakens protections, reduces public input, sidelines the Historical Commission, and does not reflect best practices or our General Plan. Historic preservation is vital to our City's identity, culture, and community character.

Instead, I want the Council to work to properly preserve our city's historical heritage.

I want the Council to fund a properly scoped Historic Preservation Ordinance update, to engaged qualified professionals knowledgeable about historic preservation, and to commission a Historic Context Statement.

This work must include public outreach and comment--community members must have input into historic preservation!
Certainly our City has done a lot of benchmarking on past issues--so you know that neighboring cities have budgeted $80K–$300K for this work. Our City recently gave $300K to an outside organization to fund their theater fundraising plan--so we should be able to find the funding to properly manage our city's historic preservation work.

Our City can both move forward to meet community needs, AND preserve our historic buildings and history.

Historic Preservation means managing change so that it respects the past, preserves important structures, marks key milestones/points in our history, and makes considered--not hasty--change. Once we tear down a building or destroy a historic resource, it's gone forever.

Please invest in an Historic Context Statement with public engagement rather than rush through a rewrite.

Let’s work together to preserve our special Los Altos history while moving forward into our future.

Sincerely,
Ann Hepenstal
South Los Altos, District 2

From: Laurie Hietter
To: Public Comment
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Concern Regarding the Historic Preservation Ordinance Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 2:15:41 AM
Dear City Council Members:

We urge you not to adopt the proposed Historic Preservation Ordinance in its current form, as it significantly weakens historic preservation efforts. The ordinance reduces protections for public and private properties, narrows the criteria for historic designation, limits community input in decision-making, and diminishes the Historical Commission’s responsibilities.

It is important that the City Council and the public be informed about how this new ordinance was modified. What are the key changes? The lack of transparency from staff regarding changes to the ordinance is concerning. Their explanation—that the ordinance’s relocation from Title 12 to Title 14 and its reorganization necessitate a complete strikethrough and underline—obscures the specific amendments made. We respectfully request that you direct staff to clearly identify key additions and removals to enable an informed decision by the Council and the public.

Historic preservation is a core goal of the City’s General Plan and a shared value at local, state, national, and international levels. The proposed ordinance is inconsistent with the General Plan, City Code, and California Office of Historic Preservation's best practices for writing historic preservation ordinances. We strongly recommend revising the ordinance to align with these standards and ensure robust protection for the community’s historic resources.

Thank you for your consideration of these comments.

Sincerely,
Laurie Hietter
President
San Mateo Heritage Alliance
www.smheritage.org
Protecting Our Past for a Better Future

From: Eric Steinle
To: Public Comment
Subject: Item 7
Date: Monday, September 29, 2025 4:45:54 PM
Attachments: 2025-09-29 memo to Council 14.93.pdf
Please see attached. Thank you.

From: Pat Marriott
To: Public Comment
Subject: PUBLIC COMMENT ITEM #7 SEPTEMBER 30, 2025
Date: Monday, September 29, 2025 11:29:14 AM
Council Members:

I appreciate the goal of streamlining the Historic Preservation Ordinance and Mills Act Program, but I have some concerns about the changes noted in the staff report.

It may seem logical to integrate historic properties into the zoning code, but it does not make sense to follow the same land use and development processes, which are meant for ordinary developments. For example:
-Reducing noticing requirements and appeal rights to
residents within a 300-foot radius of a property should not apply to historic properties and certainly not to city-owned properties, which are significant to the entire city. We are all stakeholders in the historic orchard, Halsey House, the Smith House, …
-Moving oversight authority to staff discretion is not
appropriate for historic properties. Staff was given discretion to approve new construction as part of the Housing Element Update, but historic properties require more expertise and must follow rules beyond objective standards. Staff cannot be assumed to represent community values with regard to historic preservation. The Historical Commission should make final recommendations to Council – elected to represent residents – and Council should make the final decision. -Under the zoning code, only the planning commission is required to review projects. This would negate the city’s mandate to the historical commission to “make recommendations on historical site designations and development activities on historic properties.” Without explicit direction in the code, that commission’s review could easily be “streamlined” out of the process. In fact, it seems the Historical Commission is already being squeezed out of the process.

I read the transcript of that commission’s August 18th special meeting, at which it reviewed the proposed HPO and Mills changes.

It took place after the Planning Commission review, which is counter to policy. At that meeting, the commissioners asked to see a revised draft of the changes after their comments and public comments were incorporated. That did not happen, so the commission and the public were left out of an important final review prior to Council action. -The concept of joint hearing procedures with “multi-authority reviews” sounds like a good time-saver, but reducing meeting requirements cuts focused discussion time for the commissions involved.

The Historical Commission and the Planning Commission have different

objectives and should be given ample opportunity for thorough reviews. I realize it takes more staff and council time to attend multiple meetings, but there aren’t that many historic projects to be burdensome. Cutting meetings eliminates opportunities for public participation. Since historical sites are part of the fabric of a community, this essential democratic process should not be diminished.

I ask Council to carefully consider the details of the HPO and Mills proposals. You are the current keepers of the community. Historic properties deserve adequate time and attention. Residents deserve a voice in the character of the city. Too much streamlining will hurt us all in the end.

Thank you for listening,
Pat Marriott

From: PALLA
To: Public Comment
Subject: Los Altos City Council Meeting 9.30.25 Public Comment Item # 7: Introduction of Ordinances: Zoning Code Amendments for Historic Preservation and Mills Act
Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 1:36:36 PM
Attachments: 20250930_PALLA_CityCouncil_CL.pdf
Dear Los Altos City Council,
Attached please find a pdf of the letter dated September 30, 2025, from the Law Offices of Mitchell M. Tsai.

These comments are presented on behalf of the Preservation Action League Los Altos (PALLA) for your consideration of the proposed Zoning Code Amendments for Historic Preservation.

Please confirm receipt of this email.

Sincerely,
Maria Bautista and Catherine Nunes
On behalf of
Preservation Action League Los Altos (PALLA)

From: Couture, Terri
To: Public Comment
Subject: los altos City Council meeting Sept 30, 2025 - item not on agenda Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 1:40:19 PM
I am no longer a PARC commission member, as my term has ended, so this comment is my own communication.

On September 15, 2025 the financial commission was scheduled. The agenda items included update on funding for public safety infrastructure and the review of the quarterly investment report.

There was no quorum for this meeting, so the public did not get an update.

Please make sure the items are presented and discussed at the next meeting on October 20,2025 or let the public know when all these important items are being presented. The citizens want to know of the progress for our safety and when will these all be implemented.

Thank you for your consideration.

Terri Couture
*Wire Fraud is Real*. Before wiring any money, call the intended recipient at a number you know is valid to confirm the instructions. Additionally, please note that the sender does not have authority to bind a party to a real estate contract via written or verbal communication.

From: Alice Mansell
To: Public Comment
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Los Altos Council meeting 9/30/2025 public comment Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 1:55:12 PM
I am concerned about many of the proposed changes to the City's historic ordinances including those affecting the Mills Act.

Despite the many new and past public comments to Council and City commission meetings objecting to how the City has been steadily since 2019 eroding its ordinances and procedural policy protections for our historic resources, now the City has failed to do a meaningful advertisement in a newspaper of legal record for today's public hearing for two proposed historic ordinance changes. The published notice earlier this month in the Palo Alto Daily Post improperly omitted any reference to the recent Historical Commission (HC) vote not to endorse the staff's proposed ordinances changes.

Council failed under State Certified Local Government (CLG) law to fill timely the multi-year vacancies on the HC prior to HC's recent vote on these agenda items on today's Council public hearing. HC voted 2:Yes, 1:No, 1:absent and 1:vacant which means under the State's mandated quorum law must have voted 3 of the 5 commissioners to recommend these changes to Council or at minimum the newspaper hearing notice needed to state expressly the City's HC had not recommended the changes. That quorum of 5 rule was explained by City's counsel in person during that HC meeting that quorum requirement.

The public needs to ask why did our City staff omit a meaningful newspaper ad for today's hearings by not citing the recent HC's negative vote while advertising only the earlier Planning Commission's positive vote? Why the rush -- today -- for Council to vote on staff's proposed ordinance changes? Why not table this and send it back to the HC which now has 5 duly selected commissioners as of earlier this month?
The proposed changes are not mere innocuous "streamlining" or ministerial City Hall minor housekeeping changes. They will give more power to unelected City staffers to do everything from decide what should or should not be in any Mills Act contract at any time with no meaningful public comment or appeal processes and give staff the ability to decide behind closed doors what is and is not a historic resource worthy of any protection or public discussion.

Say goodbye soon to all the 50+ year old pistache trees and the 50"+ diameter conifers in any downtown parking plazas as seen in the July 2024 Surplus Lands Notice of Intent (NOI) staff gave to the list of Sacramento-approved big housing developers for proposals to lease or buy Plazas 7 & 8. Staff failed to give timely legal public notice of that NOI before the 30 day statute of limitations expired for local level administrative public appeals. NOI CEQA paper work with boxes ticked stating both land parcels could be developed with "no encumbrances" such as no historic trees or lands set aside for any newly or proposed zoned public parks or required developer-controlled ground level open spaces. Mere days after the statute of limitations ran out, staff asked Council to rubberstamp the NOI and staff's proposed Surplus Lands declaration by voting all was OK for staff to have failed the City's clear legal duty to provide timely public notice for the NOI. No City commission nor the Zoning and Planning administrator had beforehand any public meeting agenda item on that specific Surplus Land declaration or the NOI.

When shall the public see the expected chosen Parking Plazas' developer's sidewalk-tosidewalk plans for new housing on Plazas 7 & 8 for which Council in August 2024 gave staff 100% control to pick behind closed doors the "winner(s)" to present to Council for the Mayor's signature on an "entitlement" contract?
Such a contract can allow the developer if these ordinance changes proposed today are approved by Council to allow staff to avoid any meaningful HC, Park&Rec and Planning commissions' review, and to file negative-CEQA statements to allow bulldozing of any trees on land anywhere in the City, including trees over 50" in diameter and those over 50 years old.

A government by the people and for the people will become for current or potential historic resources a rule by unelected bureaucrats with little to no public notice and comment allowed.

Alice Mansell
Los Altos, CA

CITY OF LOS ALTOS

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
4:00 p.m.
1 N. San Antonio Rd. ~ Los Altos, CA
Pete Dailey, Mayor
Neysa Fligor, Vice Mayor
Larry Lang, Councilmember
Sally Meadows, Councilmember
Jonathan D. Weinberg, Councilmember

SPECIAL MEETING
CALL MEETING TO ORDER: Pete Dailey, Mayor, called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.

ESTABLISH QUORUM - All Councilmembers were present.

INTERVIEW SESSIONS

1. Commission Interview Sessions
Conduct Interview Sessions with Applicants to Various City Commissions; Submit a Written Ballot at the Conclusion of the Interview Sessions to the City Clerk for Commission Appointments; and
Confirm Appointments During the Regular Meeting of September 9, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. or shortly thereafter
Neysa Fligor, Vice Mayor, announced she would recuse from participating in or voting on the following commissions, due to a possible conflict of interest with the Levine Act:
• Complete Streets Commission
• Library Commission
• Planning Commission
Jonathan D. Weinberg, Mayor, announced he would recuse from participating in or voting on the following commission, due to a possible conflict of interest with the Levine Act:
• Senior Commission
The City Council conducted interview sessions with the following applicants for various city commissions:

Complete Streets Commission – One vacant short-term seat expiring in September 2026 • Clara Roa
Environmental Commission – One vacant short-term seat expiring in September 2028 • Angelo DeGiuli
Financial Commission - Three full-term seats expiring in September 2029, with one possible reappointment • John Claras (Incumbent)
• Jonathan Chang*
Historical Commission - One full-term seat expiring in September 2029

City of Los Altos
City Council Special Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2025

*Applicant was unable to attend the interview sessions
• Karen Scussel
• Alice Mansell
Library Commission – Three full-term seats expiring in September 2029 (one vacant), with two possible re-appointments
• Pierre Bedard (Incumbent)
• Carolle Carter (Incumbent)
• Ambica Bhardwaj
PARC – Five full-term seats expiring in September 2029 (one vacant), with four possible reappointments, and one vacant short-term seat expiring in September 2027 • Teresa Morris (Incumbent)
• Dylan Ardalan*
• Ellen Dolich*
• Jonathan Edge*
• Khashayar Hooshiyar
• Betty Hsu*
• Amal Khan
• Erin McDonald
• Misti Sangani
• Yvette Stout
Planning Commission – Two vacant short-term seats expiring in September 2026 • Sara Kiani
• Alexandra Nguyen
• Les Poltrack
• Daphne Ross
• Jeanine Valadez
Senior Commission – Two full-term seats expiring in September 2027, with two possible re-appointments • Kris Olson
• Linda Kramer*
At the conclusion of the interview sessions, the Mayor and Council submitted written voting ballots to the City Clerk. The confirmation of appointments will be made during the regular meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT – The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

The meeting minutes were prepared by Melissa Thurman, City Clerk, for approval at the regular meeting of September 30, 2025.
_____________________________________ __________________________________ Pete Dailey Melissa Thurman, MMC
Mayor City Clerk

CITY OF LOS ALTOS

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
7:00 p.m.
1 N. San Antonio Rd. ~ Los Altos, CA
Pete Dailey, Mayor
Neysa Fligor, Vice Mayor
Larry Lang, Councilmember
Sally Meadows, Councilmember
Jonathan D. Weinberg, Councilmember
CALL MEETING TO ORDER – Pete Dailey, Mayor, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

ESTABLISH QUORUM – All Councilmembers were present.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Neysa Fligor, Vice Mayor, led the Pledge of Allegiance.

REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
There was no reportable action from the Closed Session meeting of August 26, 2025.

CHANGES TO THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
There were no changes to the order of the agenda.

SPECIAL ITEMS
Issue Proclamation Recognizing the Service and Retirement of Public Works Director Aida Fairman
Pete Dailey, Mayor, presented the proclamation to Aida Fairman, Public Works Director.

Issue Proclamation Recognizing September 17 - 25, 2025 as Constitution Week Pete Dailey, Mayor, presented the proclamation to Alice Mansell, Los Altos Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution President.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
The following member of the public spoke during Public Comment:
• Brian Jones

CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Lang and Second by Weinberg to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion carried unanimously by roll call vote.

1. Approval of Meeting Minutes
Approve the Draft Meeting Minutes for the Regular Meeting of August 26, 2025

2. Adoption of Resolution - Designating a Regular Meeting Date

City of Los Altos
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2025

Adopt a Resolution Designating the City Council Meeting of September 30, 2025 a Regular Meeting in Accordance with Los Altos Municipal Code Section 2.04.010 “Meetings.”

3. Adoption of Resolution - Construction Contract
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a construction contract with Randazzo Enterprises, Inc. of Castroville, California in an amount not-to-exceed $86,000, and up to 15% contingency not-to-exceed $12,900, for a total amount not-to-exceed $98,900, to complete the demolition and removal of the Caretaker House in Redwood Grove

DISCUSSION ITEMS

4. Commission Appointments
Confirm Appointments to Various City Commissions
Neysa Fligor, Vice Mayor, announced she would recuse from participating in or voting on the following commissions, due to a possible conflict of interest with the Levine Act:
• Complete Streets Commission
• Library Commission
• Planning Commission
Jonathan D. Weinberg, Councilmember, announced he would recuse from participating in or voting on the following commissions, due to a possible conflict of interest:
• Senior Commission
Melissa Thurman, City Clerk, confirmed the appointments of the following applicants to various city commissions:

Complete Streets Commission
One vacant short-term seat expiring in September 2026
• Clara Roa
Environmental Commission
One vacant short-term seat expiring in September 2028
• Angelo DeGiuli
Financial Commission
Three full-term seats expiring in September 2029
• Jonathan Chang
Historical Commission
One full-term seat expiring in September 2029
• Karen Scussel

City of Los Altos
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2025

Library Commission
Three full-term seats expiring in September 2029
• Pierre Bedard
• Ambica Bhardwaj
• Jeanine Valadez
Parks, Arts, Recreation & Cultural Commission
Five full-term seats expiring in September 2029 (one vacant), and one vacant short-term seat expiring in September 2027
• Teresa Morris
• Erin MacDonald
• Misti Sangani
• Ellen Dolich
• Yvette Stout
• Alexandra Nguyen
The short-term seat will be determined amongst the applicants who received an equal number of votes, and the City Council will approve the short-term seat at the regular meeting of September 30, 2025.

Planning Commission
Two vacant short-term seats expiring in September 2026
• Daphne Ross
One vacant short-term seat expiring in September 2026 will remain open.

Senior Commission
Two full-term seats expiring in September 2027
• Kris Olson
One full-term seat expiring in September 2027 will remain open.

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS ONLY
There will be no discussion or action on Informational Items

5. Tentative Council Calendar and Housing Element Update Implementation Calendar

6. 09-09-2025 Council QA

COUNCIL/STAFF REPORTS AND DIRECTIONS ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Sally Meadows, Councilmember – Requested future agenda items:
o Review of Council Q&A document and the Council Norms and Procedures (Supported by all Council)
o Review structure of City Commissions (Supported by Dailey and Lang)

City of Los Altos
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 9, 2025

ADJOURNMENT – The regular meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.

The meeting minutes were prepared by Melissa Thurman, City Clerk, for approval at the regular meeting on September 30, 2025.
_________________________________ __________________________________ Pete Dailey Melissa Thurman, MMC
Mayor City Clerk
The September 9, 2025, City Council meeting recording may be viewed via the following external website: https://www.youtube.com/@CityofLosAltosCA The City of Los Altos does not own or operate YouTube. The video referenced in these minutes was live at the time the minutes were published.

City Council Staff Report
Meeting Date: September 30, 2025
Prepared By: Melissa Thurman
Approved By: Gabe Engeland
Subject: Approval of Short-Term Seat of Parks, Arts, Recreation & Cultural Commissioner

COUNCIL PRIORITY AREA
General Government

RECOMMENDATION
Approve the short-term seat of Parks, Arts, Recreation & Cultural Commissioner (PARC)

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
N/A

FISCAL IMPACT
None.

PREVIOUS COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
During the Special Meeting of September 9, 2025, the City Council held interview sessions with applicants to various city Commissions. At the conclusion of those interviews, the City Council submitted voting ballots to the City Clerk which contained their appointment selections to the commissions.

BACKGROUND
Before the appointments were approved, PARC had five full-term seats expiring in September 2029, and one vacant short-term seat expiring in September 2027. The City Council appointed six applicants to the commission and directed the City Clerk to email the new appointees, asking if any would volunteer for the short-term seat. Commissioner Yvette Stout volunteered to serve on the short-term seat. The remaining applicants were placed in the full-term seats. For this appointment to be finalized, the City Council must approve the short-term seat for Commissioner Yvette Stout.

ANALYSIS
N/A

DISCUSSION
N/A

ATTACHMENTS
None

City Council Staff Report
Meeting Date: September 30, 2025
Prepared By: Nick Zornes
Approved By: Gabe Engeland
Subject: Adoption of Resolution - Comprehensive General Plan Update - Professional Services Agreement

COUNCIL PRIORITY AREA
Business Communities
Circulation Safety and Efficiency
Environmental Sustainability
Housing
General Government

RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Dyett & Bhatia for the preparation of a comprehensive General Plan Update and associated Environmental Impact Report (EIR)

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Not Applicable

FISCAL IMPACT

PREVIOUS COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
None

BACKGROUND
The City of Los Altos last completed a comprehensive General Plan Update in 2002. While the Housing and Safety Elements have been updated in recent years to comply with State law, more than two decades have passed since the City last engaged in a citywide visioning and planning effort. The current General Plan includes a planning horizon through 2020 and no longer reflects the City's evolving needs and conditions. Since 2002, the City has adopted various standalone plans or policies which include, Parks Master Plan, Stormwater Master Plan (2016), Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (2022), Complete Streets Master Plan (2022), and Citywide VMT Policy (2023). Additionally, the city has rescinded both the Loyola Corners Specific Plan and Sherwood Specific Plan.

The comprehensive General Plan update is identified as Project CD-10124 in the City’s Capital Improvement and Major Maintenance Program and is a strategic goal in the Development Services Department’s FY 2025–26 adopted budget. The General Plan update has been

anticipated since FY2022/2023 when it was originally budgeted and identified in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The initial estimate was $2 million and remains the same today.

ANALYSIS
FISCAL IMPACT - The total consultant cost for the General Plan Update and Environmental Impact Report is $1,562,071. A 20% contingency ($312,414) is included, bringing the total notto-exceed contract amount to $1,874,485.

DISCUSSION
On May 20, 2025, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking consultant firms to assist with the preparation of a comprehensive General Plan Update and Environmental Impact Report (EIR). In response, the City received five (5) proposals. Four (4) firms—4LEAF, Dyett & Bhatia, Good City Company, and Kimley-Horn—submitted proposals covering both the General Plan Update and the EIR. One (1) firm, David J. Powers & Associates, submitted a proposal for the EIR only.

After receiving the proposals, staff carried out a thorough evaluation process that included reviewing written submissions and conducting interviews with consultants. The selection committee assessed the written proposals using the criteria specified in the RFP. Based on this evaluation, Dyett & Bhatia was identified as the most qualified consultant team and received the highest ranking for their written proposal.

Following a review of the written proposals, the selection committee interviewed 4LEAF, Dyett & Bhatia, Good City Company, and Kimley-Horn. The selection committee did not interview David J. Powers and Associates as their proposal did not include preparation of the General Plan and was limited to the EIR only. Each firm interviewed was asked nine (9) questions, and responses were scored by the selection committee. Dyett & Bhatia received the highest score for the interview portion of the evaluation process.

Based on the written proposal and interview evaluations, the selection committee ranked Dyett & Bhatia as the highest-performing firm. The decision considered a variety of factors, including cost, timeline, firm and team experience, quality of previous work, visual presentation, and the proposed community engagement approach.

Dyett & Bhatia, in partnership with the City, will prepare a legally compliant General Plan with all required elements. Dyett & Bhatia’s proposal includes a robust community engagement strategy, with over 40 planned community outreach events and stakeholder interviews, a dedicated project website and various online engagement tools. They have compiled a team of subconsultants with expertise in the following areas to assist with the project. All subconsultants will be managed by Dyett & Bhatia, who will serve as the lead consultant to the City. • Bay Area Economics – Market and Fiscal Analysis
• Fehr & Peers – Transportation and Multimodal Connectivity • Architectural Resources Group – Historic and Cultural Resources • BKF Engineers – Utility Capacity Analysis

• Salter – Noise
Therefore, it is recommended to authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement for the comprehensive General Plan Update and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) with Dyett & Bhatia as the most qualified responsive consultant for the project in an amount not to exceed $1,874,437 including a 20% contingency.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Attachment 1

2. Attachment 2

Resolution No. 2025-XX Page 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-___

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALTOS

AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL

SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH DYETT & BHATIA FOR THE PREPARATION OF A

COMPREHENSIVE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE AND ASSOCIATED

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
WHEREAS, the City of Los Altos last completed a comprehensive General Plan Update in 2002, and while the Housing and Safety Elements have been updated in recent years to comply with State law, more than two decades have passed since the City last engaged in a citywide visioning and planning effort; and

WHEREAS, the current General Plan includes a planning horizon through 2020 and no longer reflects the City's evolving needs and condition; and WHEREAS, the comprehensive General Plan update will include all seven (7) mandated elements listed in Government Code Section 65302 and shall be identified as such; and WHEREAS, the comprehensive General Plan update will include a legally compliant Environmental Impact Report (EIR); and
WHEREAS, the comprehensive General Plan update is identified as Project CD-10124 in the City’s Capital Improvement and Major Maintenance Program and is a strategic goal in the Development Services Department’s FY 2025–26 adopted budget; and

WHEREAS, Dyett & Bhatia responded to a City issued Request for Proposals with a comprehensive proposal to assist the City in the preparation of the comprehensive General Plan update and Environmental Impact Report; and
WHEREAS, Dyett & Bhatia was chosen as the most qualified responsive consultant for the requested City services; and
WHEREAS, the contract will match the budget appropriations for the anticipated General Plan Update and Environmental Impact Report.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Los Altos does hereby:

1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement between the City of Los Altos and Dyett & Bhatia for the preparation of a comprehensive General Plan update and associated Environmental Impact Report for a cost of $1,562,071, with a twenty-percent contingency fund of $312,414, resulting in a total not-to-exceed cost of $1,874,485.

Resolution No. 2025-XX Page 2

2. Authorize the City Manager to take such further actions as may be necessary to implement the foregoing agreement.

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Los Altos at a meeting thereof on the thirtieth day of September 2025 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
___________________________
Pete Dailey, MAYOR
Attest:
_____________________________
Melissa Thurman, MMC, CITY CLERK

Proposal for the City of Los Altos
General Plan Update and EIR
Submitted by: In association with:

BAE Urban Economics
Fehr & Peers
Architectural Resources Group
BKF Engineers
Salter

UNDERSTANDING AND APPROACH
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Los Altos is a quiet residential community with family-friendly neighborhoods, excellent schools, and an enviable quality of life.

Its proximity to major employment centers and its ready access to regional trails and nature preserves continue to make it a desirable place to live and raise a family.

The City has completed several major citywide planning
efforts in recent years, including the adoption of the
Complete Streets Master Plan (2022), the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (2022), the 2023-31 Housing Element (2023), and the Safety Element (2025). These plans help to further important strategic priorities for housing, environmental sustainability, safe and efficient circulation, and quality of life in the community. Building on these efforts, the City is now undertaking a comprehensive update to
the 2002 General Plan to ensure it responds to the evolving needs of the community and addresses new State laws. The Los Altos General Plan Update is once-in-a-generation opportunity for both new and longtime residents to come together and define a shared vision for the future, clearly articulate goals and priorities, and for the City to put in place new policies that will guide development and conservation over the next two decades.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Based on a careful review of the RFP and our extensive
experience with similar projects, we anticipate that the following considerations will be central to the project:

CREATIVELY ENGAGING THE

COMMUNITY
Los Altos has a highly educated and engaged population, evidenced by high voter turnout and a strong culture
of civic activity and volunteerism. Outreach will need
to engage with residents using a variety of digital and in-person strategies to raise awareness of the project in the community, keep community members informed of
progress, and continually provide convenient avenues
Winchester-Merriman House
Apple Garage
Downtown Los Altos
General Plan and EIR

for participation. The success of the project will be determined by the ability to forge consensus, and we propose a range of tested and proven tactics to ensure this objective is achieved, as described more fully in the scope of work.

Our recommended approach involves innovative methods to engage and inform community members, inviting them to explore a full range of possibilities and building consensus around an aspirational yet achievable plan for the future of the community. At each phase of the process, we envision a series of “go-to” neighborhood outreach at events and popular locations around town; small group
meetings for candid input from various stakeholder
groups; online activities and social media engagement;
and communitywide surveys and workshops. We have
also planned outreach activities specifically targeted to youth, families, local businesses, and other underrepresented groups to ensure that all voices are heard. We will collaborate with City staff and community groups to deliver community engagement that centers equity, that
is accessible to all residents, and that provides meaningful opportunities for people to influence outcomes.

Dyett & Bhatia has a distinguished track record in leading communitywide visioning efforts for some of the most
vibrant communities in California and we will bring this experience and expertise to bear for the City of Los Altos.

INTEGRATING PLANNING AND

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Environmental sustainability is a key community priority in Los Altos and the process will need to ensure that the potential environmental impacts of strategies to be incorporated into the General Plan Update are thoroughly vetted as the Plan is developed. At Dyett & Bhatia, we
firmly believe that environmental sustainability is a fundamental planning consideration, and our work program is structured to center environmental issues and opportunities so that they are considered as an integral part of the process, not an afterthought. At every stage of the process, outreach activities will incorporate information on environmental conditions and provide opportunities for
input on potential impacts and solutions to address them.

The Draft General Plan and Draft Environmental Impact
Report (EIR) will be prepared in parallel, and our planners and environmental analysts will work hand-in-glove to
coordinate policy development and impact analysis and
help create a “self-mitigating” plan.

FACILITATING INFILL DEVELOPMENT IN

STRATEGIC LOCATIONS
With relatively little vacant land in the city and a commitment to compact development, infill will be a priority for Los Altos. The 2002 General Plan identified several areas with potential to accommodate infill development - including the El Camino Real corridor, Downtown, Foothill Plaza, and the Loyola Corners Specific Plan area - and the Housing Element seeks to integrate new housing in these The El Camino Real Corridor has some projects in the development pipeline currently and additional opportunities for infill exist Proposal for the City of Los Altos

locations as well. The Housing Element also proposes a
zoning change to permit high density residential development in the Office Administration District on South San Antonio Road, and the city is seeing significant development interest in townhome and condominium projects.

The General Plan Update is an opportunity to comprehensively explore redevelopment options citywide in view of market opportunities and community desires.

At the outset of the project, we will conduct a land use analysis to identify areas with vacant underused parcels with potential for redevelopment with new uses to better serve the community. We propose to conduct key informant interviews with property owners, representatives of the development community, and others, complemented
with site-specific evaluations of market potential for key locations to identify feasible alternatives for catalyzing redevelopment that aligns with community priorities in
the El Camino Real corridor, Loyola Corners Specific Plan area, Foothill Plaza, and on other key opportunity sites.

Working with community members and decision-makers,
we will explore options for integrating context-sensitive residential, retail, and mixed use development along with multi-modal and public realm improvements to enhance
the overall community fabric.

Dyett & Bhatia has led planning efforts that have shaped some of the most vibrant and distinctive places in the Bay Area - including Downtown Windsor and Santana Row in
the City of San José. We prepared the Napa 2040 General Plan that seeks to build on the city’s defining attributes of small-town character, and picturesque setting, to
establish a long-term, sustainable future for the city. We are currently preparing a Downtown Specific Plan for the City of St. Helena to enhance historic character and
economic vitality in one of Bay Area’s most charming
small-town downtowns, furthering key objec-tives in the General Plan. We bring significant expertise to share with Los Altos to help support the continued vitality of
Downtown and revitalize older commercial areas.

ADDRESSING NEW STATE LAWS
From SB375 to the extensive legislation enacted since
2017 aimed at facilitating construction of housing with new regulatory and financial resources, a host of new
laws have come online since the Los Altos General Plan
was last comprehensively updated. The passage of SB 743 replaced level of service (LOS) with vehicle miles traveled (VMT) as the sole basis for identifying significant transportation impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). SB 1000 and SB 244 have introduced
new requirements for environmental justice in communities with areas classified as disadvantaged communities, while SB 379 requires that the effects of climate change be addressed in General Plans, and SB 99 and AB 747 require analysis of emergency evacuation capacity under multiple hazard scenarios. AB 932, enacted in 2022, requires that cities incorporate a Safe System approach into the circulation element of their general plans that focuses on addressing multiple interconnected elements of a transportation system - including safe roads, safe speeds, safe vehicles, safe road users, and post-crash care. Further, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (now
Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation)
issued new General Plan guidelines in 2017. While Los
Altos has addressed some of these requirements with the recent Housing and Safety Element updates, the City will greatly benefit from a consultant team with a comprehensive understanding of the new requirements and guidelines to ensure that the General Plan is internally consistent, fully compliant and responsive to the opportunities and challenges they present.

Opportunities to revitalize some older commercial centers should consider community desires and potential barriers in the zoning code.

General Plan and EIR

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY

CHARACTER AND QUALITY OF LIFE
Los Altos’ tree-lined streets, and parks and recreational facilities all contribute to the community’s sense of place and high quality of life. The General Plan update will
need to explore options for preserving and enhancing
these important community assets. The City has
developed an historic resources inventory and put in
place a framework to preserve and enhance local
resources, including a Preservation Ordinance.

Together with Architectural Resources Group, who
have extensive experience in the city in this area, we
will ensure that the General Plan update looks
comprehensively at the city’s inventory and designations, while taking a balanced approach that allows for
change and new investment in a context sensitive
manner. The General Plan Update process will also be an opportunity to explore options for enhancing City parks and recreational facilities. This may include identifying new amenities and potential finding and financing strategies for facilities citywide, as well as exploring opportunities to add publicly accessible privately owned parks and
public spaces in the northern part of town where there
are fewer parks today as redevelopment occurs on El
Camino Real.

APPROACH

WORKING GRAPHICALLY
We believe strongly that depicting information graphically with maps and images makes the work more easily understood, more engaging for participants, and more
concise. We use maps, aerial photos (colored and annotated), photos, visual simulations, and other graphics that clearly communicate concepts in an easy-to-understand
fashion. Stakeholders and decision-makers are more
likely to read the material when it is in a graphic format.

Rendering of view looking northeast
from Indian/Sunnymead
BEFORE
AFTER
Proposal for the City of Los Altos

We have extensive in-house graphics staff with strong GIS, design, and modeling capabilities that allows us to prepare high-quality visual plans, work products and outreach
materials. Our work program includes creating animated
videos and illustrations and providing real-world examples from peer communities to help community members and
decision-makers visualize the potential of key opportunity sites.

EMPHASIZING IMPLEMENTATION
Implementation is an integral part of the planning process, essential to ensuring that the General Plan has the desired result. Our work program incorporates key informant interviews at critical points in the process to ensure that strategies proposed are rooted in reality, as well as economic analysis by BAE Urban Economics to link the
alternatives to market opportunities and ensure the financial feasibility of the land use plan the results from the process. Our considerable experience writing zoning and development regulations informs practical policy formulation and code drafting to effectively achieve community goals.

We will prepare an Implementation Plan that outlines specific actions needed to implement the General Plan after adoption. It will include the General Plan implementing policies, organized in a matrix format indicating implementation time frame, responsible party, and means of monitoring progress. In addition, statutory requirements for annual progress reports will be included. Major capital improvements resulting from the General Plan Update—
streets, water/wastewater system improvements—can
also be compiled into a list, so that the City can prioritize timing and improvements.

The General Plan itself will be graphically rich and organized to facilitate access for users, including City staff, elected and appointed officials, and community members.

Maps, tables, figures and illustrations will be used to represent key concepts, and the online version will have a hyperlinked table of contents to facilitate navigation. As an optional task, Dyett & Bhatia can create an interactive, web-based version of the Final General Plan produced in ArcGIS StoryMap format.

PROCESS AND PHASING
As outlined in greater detail in Scope of Work and
Schedule, we have developed a series of tasks for the
project, organized into four main phases with the following objectives:
• Visioning, Issues and Opportunities Identification - Establish a community-wide vision and shared principles to guide the project and identify key issues and priorities to be addressed. Conduct analysis and document existing
conditions, opportunities, and constraints in Los Altos to lay the foundation for alternatives exploration. Market and development feasibility analysis conducted in this
phase will be critical for ensuring alternatives are rooted in economic realities.
• Alternatives Exploration - Prepare and evaluate three distinct alternatives for land use, circulation, economic development, and quality of life that respond to the existing conditions, opportunities, and constraints, representing the alternatives conceptually with illustrations, video animations, and examples to facilitate understanding. Build consensus around a Preferred Land Use Plan and Key
Strategies to guide preparation of the Draft General Plan.

Sacramento 2040 Implementation Plan
Napa 2040 General Plan Update Virtual Workshop
General Plan and EIR

• Draft Plan and EIR Preparation - Following review of the Preferred Land Use Plan and Key Strategies by the City
Council at the culmination of the Alternatives Exploration Phase, update the General Plan to reflect Council direction and address emerging trends and new State
law with guidance from the Planning Commission. Prepare a legally-defensible EIR to identify and mitigate the environmental impacts, structuring the work plan to
streamline the process.
• Adoption and Finalization - Release the Draft General Plan and EIR for public review and successfully take the documents through the public hearing process, preparing the final General Plan based decision-maker direction at adoption hearings.

EFFECTIVELY MANAGING THE PROCESS
Dyett & Bhatia specializes in general plan and EIR preparation. Over the years we have honed processes and methods to deliver the highest quality of products to clients, on time and budget, and provide value to our clients leveraging our exceptional experience with similar work for distinctive cities facing similar issues and opportunities throughout California. Key aspects of our overall strategy and approach to assignments are outlined below.

Seasoned Project Management
Senior staff will be directly involved with the project on a day-to-day basis. Andrew Hill, Principal and Project
Manager, will manage all aspects of the project and serve as the primary point of contact for the City. With more than 15 years of experience, he has extensive experience leading multi-disciplinary teams on similar efforts for communities throughout California. Andrew will be assisted by principal level staff from subject matter expert subconsultants. Dyett & Bhatia’s strong record of plan adoption and implementation is a testament to our ability to create and manage the completion of plans that are useful and relevant to the jurisdictions we work for, involved agencies, and the community.

Coordination with Staff
Our approach to project management is predicated on
close coordination with City staff over the full term of the project. We recommend establishing a standing date/time for a short, bi-weekly coordination call with staff that can be used as needed to discuss and resolve issues, report progress, and receive feedback and direction from staff as deliverables are developed. Subconsultants can attend these call as needed. The Dyett & Bhatia team will also Proposal for the City of Los Altos

be available for status meetings with City staff in person throughout the course of the project. Outside of these
calls and scheduled meetings, Dyett & Bhatia project manager and principal in charge will be available to City staff by email or phone.

Schedule and Budget Maintenance
Dyett & Bhatia’s project management is proactive and
results oriented. Our goals are to ensure that problems are anticipated before they occur, critical paths are cleared, and project schedules and budgets are maintained,
while ensuring adequate time for community and decisionmaker engagement. Dyett & Bhatia will use a variety of project management tools will help ensure the
project is completed efficiently and in a timely manner.

Quality Control
Dyett & Bhatia holds overall responsibility for all products.

Dyett & Bhatia will review and comment on products by
sub-consultants, and sub-consultants shall revise their products prior to submittal to City staff or incorporation in larger documents. This will ensure that City staff review time is spent efficiently and work by different team members is fully integrated prior to review. For complex projects with multiple contributing firms, it is essential to ensure that products maintain a consistent style. At the outset of the project, Dyett & Bhatia will establish the overall project graphic style and prepare a document style template customized for the project as the first products are prepared. The styles and templates will be submitted to City staff for approval and then provided to all members of the consultant team. All products, with the exception of technical reports, will be processed by Dyett & Bhatia for graphic design and style consistency. Each product will be reviewed in entirety by a senior staff member to ensure similar “voice” and error- free products.

Demonstrated Track Record
Dyett & Bhatia has a strong track record of successfully completing similar projects within the agreed upon
schedule and budget. We take pride in our handson
project management approach with firm partners
actively engaged on a day-to-day basis to ensure that any potential issues regarding schedule and budget are
identified as early as possible and addressed promptly.

General Plan and EIR

TEAM QUALIFICATIONS
Proposal for the City of Los Altos
This chapter introduces the Dyett & Bhatia team and key personnel who will work on the project. An organizational chart is provided at the end of the chapter to illustrate expertise and roles.

DYETT & BHATIA OVERVIEW
Dyett & Bhatia is a California corporation based in
Oakland, operating since 1975. Working out of a single
office with a close-knit team of 15 planners and designers allows us to be nimble and responsive in our work, communication, and outreach. We conduct analysis and
develop policies and standards on a range of planning
topics, from land use and urban design to economic development and sustainability. The professional services we offer are focused on planning, design, and outreach:
• General plans
• Development codes and zoning ordinances
• Environmental planning and assessment
• Urban design, specific plans, and station area plans
• Public participation and facilitation
• Geographic information systems, three-dimensional
computer modeling, and visual simulation
We see policy-making, land use planning, physical design, and implementation as related activities. The diversity of our practice helps us clearly define issues and identify practical courses of action. The majority of our work is for cities, counties, transit authorities, regional governments and other public agencies. We believe that plan-making is a collaborative effort involving a diversity of stakeholders, and we are committed to active community participation
in the planning process.

Dyett & Bhatia has won seven awards in the last two years alone from the American Planning Association, including the Statewide Award of Excellence for Comprehensive
Plans in both Small (Napa General Plan) and Large
(Sacramento General Plan) jurisdictions in 2024. Each
award is given to only one project per year.

Year Recent Awards for Dyett & Bhatia
2025 APA California Northern Section Planning Excellence Award
Monterey General Plan
2024 APA California Chapter Comprehensive Plan Award of Excellence: Large Jurisdiction
Sacramento General Plan 2040
APA Sacramento Valley Section Comprehensive Plan
Award
Sacramento General Plan 2040
American Planning Association (APA) California
Chapter Comprehensive Plan Award of Excellence:

Small Jurisdiction
Napa General Plan
APA Northern California Section Award
Napa General Plan
APA Northern California Award of Excellence
Oakland General Plan Phase 1
APA Northern California Award of Merit
Sonoma Developmental Center Specific Plan
2022 APA California Chapter Award of Excellence
Santa Rosa Downtown Station Area Specific Plan
APA Northern California Section Award of
Excellence: Large Jurisdiction
Santa Rosa Downtown Station Area Specific Plan
2021 APA California Chapter Award of Merit
Half Moon Bay LCP Update
2020 APA California Chapter Comprehensive Plan Award:

Large Jurisdiction
Mission Valley Community Plan
APA San Diego Section Award of Excellence
Mission Valley Community Plan
2018 APA California Chapter Comprehensive Plan Award of Excellence: Small Jurisdiction
Belmont General Plan, Village Specific Plan, & EIR
APA Northern California Section Comprehensive Plan
Award of Excellence: Small Jurisdiction
Belmont General Plan, Village Specific Plan, & EIR
APA California Sacramento Valley Section Award of
Excellence
Woodland General Plan
APA California Northern Section Award of Merit for
Comprehensive Planning
Redwood City El Camino Real Corridor Plan
APA California Inland Empire Section Comprehensive
Plan Award of Excellence: Small Jurisdiction
Redlands General Plan, CAP, and EIR

General Plan and EIR

GENERAL PLANS
General plans are our specialty. Dyett & Bhatia is the statewide leader, having prepared general plans for more than 70 California cities. Our portfolio of work includes General Plans for some of the most distinctive communities in the state, including Monterey, Napa, Redlands, and Carlsbad— all APA Award winners. Recently completed and ongoing
general plan work includes Sacramento, Oakland, Fairfield, San Pablo, Pacifica, and St. Helena in Northern California, as well as Diamond Bar, Chino, Oceanside, Carson and
Moreno Valley in southern California. The firm has unsurpassed experience in all aspects of general plan work, including conducting meetings and surveys, analysis and plan writing, and preparing associated environmental documentation. We offer highly skilled technical staff trained in three-dimensional computer modeling, GIS, cartography, and visual simulation—all of which will contribute to the high graphic standards of our plans.

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND

IMPACT REVIEW
Dyett & Bhatia has prepared EIRs for over 50 citywide/
countywide planning efforts, mainly on general plans, but also on several Bay Area regional transportation plans
and programs. We bring a thorough understanding of the
requirements for California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) compliance which is integrated into the plans we prepare to streamline implementation following adoption.

We integrate environmental planning and review into
the general plan update process so that environmental
resources and constraints are considered throughout the process, not only in the context of environmental review.

Dyett & Bhatia General Plan Experience
505
12 121
29 680
80 80
680
580
580
880
280
680
580
205
5 5
5 101
99 99
37 4
160
24 16
113
128
113
70 65
4 45
101
1 85
84 35
84 92 84
101
29 128
175
175
128
128
17 Lodi
Sto
San
Francisco
Richmond
Vallejo
Walnut
Creek
San
Ramon
Livermore
Tracy
Pittsburg
San
Pablo
Antioch
Brentwood
Napa
Vacaville
Davis
Woodland
Ro
Dublin
Milpitas
Santa
Clara
Fremont
Palo
Alto
Mountain
View
Winters
Rancho
Cordov
Dixon
Rio
Vista
Martinez
Benicia
San
Bruno
South San
Francisco
Emeryville Berkeley
Sacramento
Sunnyvale
Belmont
Half Moon Bay
Pacica
Castro
Valley
San
Rafael
St Helena
Santa Rosa
Rohnert
Park
Petaluma
Calistoga
Cloverdale
Healdsburg
Geyserville
Hopland
Middletown
Esparto
Lower
Lake
Clealake Kelseyville
Windsor
Dunnigan
American
Canyon
Alameda
Concord
Daly City
Faireld
Oakland
Los Altos
Dyett & Bhatia General Plans
A§
»A
ÔA
A§
ÔA
A§
A§
ÔA
Pacific Ocean
Monterey
Regional
Airport
Presidio of
Monterey
Carmel
By-The-Sea
Sand
City
Seaside
Pacific Grove
Del Rey Oaks
Del Monte
Beach
Monterey
Harbor
Jacks
Ballpark
Oak Newton Park Hilltop Park
And Center
Via
Paraiso
Park
Ryan Ranch
Community Park
Quarry
Park
U.S. Navy
Beachfront
San Carlos
Beach Park
Soldier
Field
Larkin School Park
Veterans
Memorial Park Huckleberry
Hill Nature
Preserve
Don Dahvee Park
Iris
Canyon
Park
Del Monte
Beach
Monterey
State Beach
Fisherman's
Flat Greenbelt
El Estero
Park
Old Capitol Site
US Navy
La Mesa Village
Naval
Postgraduate
School
Ryan Ranch
Garden
Road/Airport
Fort Ord
North Fremont
Downtown Del Monte
Pacific/Munras/Cass
Lighthouse
Monterey
City Hall
W Franklin St Tyler St
Prescott Ave
Fairground Rd
Ragsdale D r
Abrego St
Cam Aguaji to
Casa Verde Way
N Fremont St
Montecito Ave
Garden Rd
El Dorado St
Mark Thomas Dr
Upper Ragsdale Dr
Fremont St
Glenwood Cir
Sc en icD r
Lighthouse Ave
Aguajito Rd
Munras Ave
Pacific St
Mar Vista Dr Del Monte Ave
S Boundary Rd
SkylineDr
0 ¼ ½ 1
Miles
J:\GISData\584 Monterey GP\GIS\Projects\Housing Element\Map 3-3 Opportunity Areas.mxd Opportunity Areas
Potential Opportunity Sites
Vacant Sites
Pipeline Projects
(Residential or Mixed Use)
Underutilized Sites
Low FAR (0-0.2)
Medium Low FAR (0.21-0.4)
Very Low AV Ratio (0 - 0.5)
Low AV Ratio (0.51 - 0.7)
Medium Low AV Ratio (0.71 - 0.99)
City of Monterey
Sphere of Influence
Parks and Recreation
Water
Map 3-3: Opportunity Areas
µ
Caltrain Caltrain OLD COUNTY RD

HILLER ST

MARINE VIEW AVECHESTERTON AVE

RALSTON AVE

MIDDLE RD DAVEY GLEN RD

EL CAMINO REAL

RUTH AVE

YWKPDNALSI
6TH AVE

HARBOR BLVD

MOLITOR AVE

EL CAMINO REAL

RALSTON AVE

NOTRE DAME AVE

CHULA VISTA DR

CARLMONT DR

ALAMEDA DE LAS PULGAS CARLMON T DR

ALAMEDA DE LAS PULGAS

CIPRIANI BLVD

SAN JUAN BLVD

RALSTON AVE

HALLMARK DR

HALLMARK DR

CONTINE NTALS WY

HASTINGS DR

SEQUOIA WAY

MONSERAT AVE

HILLCREST DR

CHRISTIANDR

ARBOR AVE

NOTRE DAME
AVE

HILLMAN AVE

HILLER ST

SHOREWAY RD

MASONIC WAY

HARBOR BLVD
101
DAVIS
DR

LYALL WY

TERRACE DR

CALTRAIN

SOUTH RD

HOLLY RD

HILL ST
LAUREL
AVE

GORDON AVE

CYPRESS

BELMONT CANYON RD

ADELAIDE WAY

SKYMONT DR

PLATEAU DR

UPPER LOCK DR

BELMONT CA NYON RD

LODGE DR

YOSEMITE DR

NAUGHTON AVE

TAHOE DR

LASSEN DR

BENSEN DR

COMSTOCK CIR

WEMBERELY DR

WALTHAM CROSS

ST JAMES RD

SOMERSET DR

ELDER DR

SHERBORNE DR

WAKEFIELD DR

BISHOP RD

BERESFORDAVE

REPOSO WAY

LOWER LOCK DR

GREEN CT

MARBURGER AVE

SA N ARDO WA
B
Y

ARCLAY WAY

ALHAMB RA D R

MONTE CRESTA DR
E. LAUREL CREEK DR

LONGFELLOW DR
DR

HASKINS

ALL VIEW WAY LINCOLN A VE

DE K OVEN AVE MONSERAT AVE

NEWLAND AVE

BUENA VISTA AVE

PALMER A V E CARMELITA AVE

WOOSTER AVE

THURM AVE

FOREST AVE

SEMERIA AVE

CASA BONA AVE

READ AVE

LYON AVE

CORONET BLVD

PONCE AVE

CORONET
B LVD

READ AVE

MONROE AVE

BAYVIEW AVE

LYON AVE

BELLE MONTI AVE

MEZES AVE

HILLMAN AVE

PINE KNOLL DR

VALLEY VIEW AVE

MANZANITA AVE

PRINDLE RD

AVON ST

ACADEMY PL

BELBURN DR

COVINGTON RD

ALDEN ST

FAIRWAY DR

CLEE ST

CHEVY ST

VILLA AVE

VILLAGE DR

VALERGA DR

ST JAMES RD

EL VERANO WAY

ALOMAR WAY

VALDEZ AVE

FERNWOOD WAY

EL VERANO WAY

MAYWOOD DR

CLIFFSIDE CT

SOLANA DR ALTU R A WY

DESVIO WY LYNDHURST WY

T ALBRYN DR

VINE ST

ARD EN LN

VINE ST

PROSPECT ST

HARBOR BLV D

SUNNYSLOPE AVE
5TH AVE

PALOMA AVE

WALTERMIRE ST

EMMETT AVE

BROADWAY

ALHAMB R A DR

CORONET BLVD

OA K KNOLL DR

WINDING WAY

NORTH RD

ROSS ST

IRENE CT

NORTH RD

ANITA AVE

MALCOLM AVE

BELMONT AVE

DALE VIEW AVE

CREST VIEW AVE

MOUNTAIN VIEW AVE

SOUTH RD

COLLEGE VIEW WAY

VANNIER DR SOU T H VIEW CT

MIRAMAR TER

MIDDLESEX

YORKSHIRE WAY
WAY

ROXBURY WAY

CAMBRIDGE
ST

BRIAFIELD

CORNISH WY

OXFORD WY SEAGATE WAY

WESSEX WY

CONCOURSE PL

CLIPPER DR

FARALLON CT

KEDITH ST

GRANADA ST

FURLONG ST

IRWIN ST

JUDSON ST

BELMONT WOODS

WAKEFIELD DR

EWELL RD

ROBIN WHIPPLE WAY

LADERA WAY

WATERLO O CT

PULLMAN AVE

FOLGER D R

WILLIAMS AVE

VIRGINIA AVE

COURTLAND RD

BRIARWOOD

ELMER ST

RI DGE RD

LAKE RD
FEET
0 500 1000 0002 0004 10 ACRES
Draft Preferred Plan Land Use
Residential Low Density
Residential Medium Density
Residential High Density
Belmont Village Mixed Use (PDA)
Corridor Mixed Use
General/Highway Commercial
Neighborhood Commercial
Office Commercial
Service Commercial
Hillside Residential Open Space
Industrial
Institution
Public
Park/Open Space
Harbor Industrial Area
San Juan Hills Area Plan
Western Hills Area Plan
Trails
Creek Zone
City Limits
Figure 2-1: Preferred Plan Land Use Diagram
Source: City of Belmont, 2015; Dyett & Bhatia, 2015.

Belmont Creek
Donation Lots
Notre Dame
High School
Notre
Dame
E.S.

Charles
Armstrong
School
Carlmont
High School
Cipriani E.S.

Ralston
M.S.

Fox E.S.

Nesbit
School Central
E.S.

Notre Dame
De Namur
University
Twin Pines Park/
Community Center
Barrett
Park
Waterdog
Lake Park
& Canyon
Open Space
Hallmark Park
Belameda
Park &
Library
Immaculate
Heart of Mary
Harbor
Industrial Area
McDougal
Park
Cipriani
Field
Ralston
Ranch
Park
Belmont
Sports
Complex
Barrett
Community
Center
Semeria
Park
Davey
Glen
Park
Patricia Wharton
Park
College
View
Park
Very Low Density Residential
Low Density Residential
Medium/High Density Residential
Mixed Use
Commercial
Visitor Serving Commercial
Office
Industrial
Public
Park/Open Space
Open Space Reserve
Agriculture
Existing Development
Urban Reserve (Existing Zoning)
Planned Unit Development
(Existing Zoning)
Streetscape Improvements
Highway
Arterial
Collector
Local Service
Proposed Roadway
Class I Bike/Pedestrian Path
Potential Class I Bike/Pedestrian Path
Planning Area
City Limits
Sandy Beach
Central Coast Riparian Scrub
Sea Cliff
Flood Zones
A p a n o l io C r e e k

KELLY AVE

MAIN ST

HIGGINS CANYON RD

WAVECREST RD

REDONDO BEACH RD

FAIRWAY DR

MIRAMONTES POINT RD

CENTRAL AVE

FILBERT ST

POPLAR ST

GROVE ST
1ST AVE

CORREAS ST

ALSACE LORRAINE

MAIN ST

JOHNSTON ST

CHURCH ST

MILL ST

MIRAMONTES ST

RAILROAD AVE
MYRTLE ST 3RD AVE

SPRUCE ST

MAIN ST

PURISSIMA ST

KELLY AVE PILLARCITOS AVE

GRAND BLVD SILVER AVE

GRANDVIEW BLVD

PILLARCITOS AVE

KEHOE AVE

WAVE AVE

BEACH AVE

CASADEL MAR DR

SPINDRIFT WAY

FRENCHMANS CREEK RD

RUISSEAU FRANCAIS AVE

ALAMEDA AVE

ROOSEVELT BLVD

MIRADA RD

VENICE BLVD
1 92
1 0 1/4 1/2 12
MILES
65 dB Airport Noise Contour
70 dB Airport Noise Contour

LAFAYETTE ST

TASMAN DR

GREAT AMERICA PKWY

MISSION COLLEGE BLVD

MONTAGUE EXPWY

LAWRENCE EXPWY

SAN TOMAS EXPWY

LAWRENCE EXPWY

CENTRAL EXPWY

CENTRAL EXPWY

SCOTT BLVD

LAFAYETTE ST

DE LA CRUZ BLVD

AGNEW RD

LICK MILL BLVD

HOPE DR

BOWERS AVE
SCOTT

CABRILLO AVE
BLVD

MONROE ST

MONROE ST

LINCOLN ST

DE LA CRUZ BLVD

EL CAMINO REAL EL CAMINO REAL

WASHINGTON ST

BENTON ST

HOMESTEAD RD

BENTON ST

MARKET ST

SARATOGA AVE

NEWHALL ST

HOMESTEAD RD

PRUNERIDGE AVE

POMEROY AVE

CALABAZAS BLVD
280
101
237
880

UNION PACIFIC RR

CALTRAIN
Caltrain
Station

SANTA CLARA VTA LIGHT RAIL

KIELY BLVD

STEVENS CREEK BLVD

BOWERS AVE

WALSH AVE

CALTRAIN
Caltrain
Station
0 1/2 1
MILES
40 acres
10 acres
Rail & Light Rail
Stations
City Limits
Creek
Creek/Trail
General Plan Land Use
Low Density Residential
Medium Density Residential
High Density Residential
Community Commercial
Regional Commercial
Neighborhood Mixed Use
Community Mixed Use
Regional Mixed Use
Mixed Use – High Density
Residential/Commercial
Mixed Use – Medium Density
Residential/Commercial
Horizontal Mixed Use- Medium
Density Residential/Commercial
Public/Quasi Public
Low Intensity Office/R&D
High IntensityOffice/R&D
Parks/Open Space
Station Area Plan
Open Space- provide
with new development
Current and Proposed
Development Projects
Richmond Pkwy
23rd St
Giant Rd
Rd 20
Rumrill Blvd
Market Ave
Broadway Ave
Rd 20
Brookside Dr
Church Ln
11th St
Stanton Ave
San Pablo Ave
Rumrill Blvd
Rumrill Blvd
Church Ln
San Pablo Ave
San Pablo Ave
San Pablo Dam Rd
San Pablo Dam Rd
El Portal Dr
Rd 20
San Pablo Dam Rd
El Portal Dr
§¨¦80
City of
Richmond
City of
Richmond
21st St
11th St
San Pablo Ave
17th St
Vale Rd
Dover Ave
20th St
Stanton Ave
Pine Ave
Miner Ave
19th St
16th St
15th St
Amador St
Rivers St
Sutter Ave
Emeric Ave
12th St
14th St
Hillcrest Rd
Rollingwood Dr
13th St
Sanford Ave
Lake St
Ridge Rd
California Ave
22nd St
18th St
Bush Ave
John Ave
Willow Rd
Alpine Rd
Brook Way
Palmer Ave
Tyler St Espanola Ct
Van Ness St
Powell St
Arundell Way Arundel Way
10th St
Devon Way
Marin Ave
Mason St
Wilcox Ave
Standard St
Post Ave
Chevy Way
Alfreda Blvd
Stone St
Bayo Vista Ave
Kelley Ave
Fordham St
Greenwood Dr
Manor Dr
Yuba Ave
Manchester Ave
Pullman St
Folsom Ave
Mission Ave
Avon Ln
Villa Dr
Mission Bell Dr
Macarthur Ave
Morrow Dr
Beau Rivage
Bowhill Ln
Douglas St
Miflin Ave
Trenton Blvd
Bonita Rd
Merritt Ave
Glenlock St
Del Camino Dr
Fillmore St
Pablo Vista Ave
Lovegrove Ave
Glenn Ave
Colin St
Acapulco Dr
Marelia Ct
Bancroft Ln
Montoya Ave
Ventura Ave
Abella Cir
Clare St
Joel Ct
Gerald Ave
Evens Ave
Manzanilla Dr
Carlfield St
Corte St
Ohare Ave
Contra Costa Ave
Casino Ave
Rumrill Rd
Crucero Ave
Wyman St
Riverside Ave
Regina Ave
Barranca St
Humboldt St
E Victoria Ct
Shasta Ave
Harborview Ave
Clement Ave
Baywood Ln
Connecticut Ave
Chattleton Ln
University Ave
Barbara Ln
Kirk Ln
Jean Ct
Madrone Way
Westgate Cir
W Victoria Ct
Frieda Ct
Brookside Ave
Regello Ct
Monte Buena St
Dodson St
Judith Ct
Wanlass Ave
Drake Way
Larchmont Ln
18th St
19th St
20th St
19th St
Bush Ave
15th St
15th St
21st St
18th St
Shasta Ave
Glenn Ave
17th St
Merritt Ave
Riverside Ave
14th St
18th St
Dover Ave
19th St
22nd St
Mason St
15th St
16th St
17th St
17th St
Post Ave
Lake St
20th St
21st St
Rivers St
Lake St
Yuba Ave
19th St
22nd St
16th St
17th St
Glenn Ave
Miner Ave
Rose Arbor Av e
Bayview Ave
Bolduc Ct
Capitol Hill Ave W estview Pl
N Arlington Blvd
Hillcrest Rd
Miffin Ave
Wanlass
Park
City
Hall
Contra Costa
College
John
Herbert
Davis Park
San Pablo
Lytton
Casino
St. Joseph
Cemetery &
Funeral Center
Rheem Creek
San Pablo Creek
Wildcat Creek
San Pablo Creek
Wildca t Cr eek
San Pablo Creek

BURLINGTON NORTHERN SANTA FE RR

UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD
SOURCE: City of San Pablo, 2021; Contra Costa County GIS, 2021; Dyett & Bhatia, 2021
0 750 1,500 3,000
FEET
City Limits
Sphere of Influence
Alquist Priolo Zones
Major Highway
Major Roads
Railroads

SAN PABLO GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
Figure 3-10: Potential Opportunity Sites
Current Development Projects
Undeveloped Land
Vacant
Vacant - Public
Underutilized (based on AV Ratio*)
AV Ratio Less than 0.5
AV Ratio between 0.5 to 0.99
Underutilized (based on FAR**)
FAR less than 0.15
FAR 0.15 - 0.30
* AV Ratio is the ratio of improvement value over land value. ** FAR is the ratio of building square foot over lot square foot.

Note: Opportunity Sites in the Alquist Priolo Fault Zone are not available for housing development.

J:\GISData\581_SanPablo_GP\GIS\Projects\ECR - Map Atlas\Fig 3-9 Potential Opportunity Sites.mxd Chaix Ln
Fir Hill Dr
Mills Ln
Melrose Ln
Meadowood Ln
York Ln
Fulton Ln
Tokay Ln
Dean York Ln
W heeler Ln
Inglewood Ave
La Fata St
Victoria Ln
Laguna Seca
Davis Ln
Mccorkle Ave
Tainter St
Stanton Dr
Contento Ln
Edwards St
Money Way
Del Rio Ct
Boyson Ln
Mccormick St
Railroad Ave
Pope St
Starr Ave
N Crane Ave
Kearney St
Hollis Ln
Palmer Dr
Stice Ln
Vineyard Ave
Allyn Ave
Valley View Ave
Hillview Pl
Hudson Ave
Mitchell Dr
Allison Ave
Hunt Ave
Elmhurst Ave
Pinot Way
Charter Oak Ave
Chiles Ave
Madrona Ave
Dowdell Ln
Zinfandel Ln
Big Rock Rd
·|}29
College Ave
Deer Park Rd
Sylvaner Ave
White Ln
Spring Mountain Rd
Fawn Park Rd
Spring St
Silverado Trail
Oak Ave
Crane Ave
Lewelling Ln
·|}29
Stockton St
Madrona Ave Spring St
Howell Mounta ni Rd
Sulphur Springs Ave
Adams St
Pratt Ave
Grayson Ave
Lodi Ln
Silverado Trail
Howell Mountain Rd
White Sulphur Springs Rd
Stockton St
Silverado Trail
Vineland Ave
Paseo Grand Dr
Mountain View Ave
Park St
Hudson Ave
Garden Ave
Con n Valley Rd
Vallejo St
Scott St
Charter Oak Ave
Conn Creek
Napa River
Sulpher Creek
York Creek
Canon Creek
Data Source: City of St. Helena, 2018; Napa County, 2018; FEMA, 2018; Dyett & Bhatia, 2018 0 1,000 2,000 4,000
Feet

GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
C i t y o f S t . H e l e n a
Figure 9.1
Flood Zones
Railroads
Water Features
Urban Limit Line
Study Areas
City of St. Helena
Floodway
100-Year Flood Zone (1%
500-Year Flood Zone (0.2%
Reduced Risk Areas due to
Sunnyvale Transportation Element

SUNNYVALE, CALIFORNIA
ADOPTED 1997
Sunnyvale, located in the heart of the Santa Clara Valley, is the fourth-largest employment center in the Bay Area. In the last four decades, the city has evolved from a sleepy agricultural community to a center for high-technology electronics, aerospace, and computer businesses. With much of the city builtout, use of alternative transportation strategies will be increasingly crucial to Sunnyvale’s continued vitality. The Transportation Element outlines a comprehensive multi-modal approach to transportation. Methods to integrate land use and transportation, especially along the then proposed Tasman Light Rail Corridor, which extends through the heart of Sunnyvale’s business areas, were also outlined. Dyett & Bhatia also provided support for City-staff developed Land Use Element.


    
 



 






































 

































  












 



 




 


 



























 




































 



























































 






















































































 












 






  


 













 








 

 
















 















 






 










 


 


 


 






























































































 

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Monterey Napa Belmont
Half Moon Bay
Santa Clara
San Pablo St. Helena Sunnyvale

Proposal for the City of Los Altos

URBAN DESIGN
We have prepared specific plans, master plans, and corridor plans for sites ranging in scale from a few blocks in infill settings to over 20 square miles in urban expansion areas. Our expertise includes physical planning and urban design, detailed design guidelines and standards, building massing, view and shadow studies, and parking
assessment. We recently developed design guidelines to
help implement the Diamond Bar Town Center concept,
which will guide the evolution of an area around the
Diamond Bar Ranch shopping mall into an attractive,
walkable destination, with a greater concentration of
retail and dining establishments and public open spaces such as patios and plazas. We also recently prepared
objective standards for clustered hillside residential
development and downtown residential and mixed use
development in Fairfax.

DEVELOPMENT CODES AND ZONING

ORDINANCES
Dyett & Bhatia has unsurpassed experience in preparing
comprehensive zoning regulations for cities and counties in California and the southwest, including comprehensive zoning regulations for Belmont, Benicia, Beverly Hills, Carmel, Goleta, Half Moon Bay, Los Banos, Morro
Bay, San Joaquin County, and Yuba City. We are currently preparing zoning code/map updates to implement our
ongoing general plan updates in Chino and Carson. Our
zoning work involves a broad array of implementation
concepts, including traditional development and formbased codes, pedestrian-friendly and transit-oriented districts, mixed-use development, green building, and
best practices for neighborhood design, parking, landscaping and lighting.

GRAPHIC DESIGN, GIS, 3D COMPUTER

MODELING, AND VISUAL SIMULATION
Dyett & Bhatia maintains leading computer resources,
and a highly skilled technical staff trained in three-dimensional computer modeling, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), cartography, and visual simulation. We
are adept at an array of computer modeling and information-integration software, with programs that include ArcGIS 10 3D Analyst with Spatial and Network Analysis
extensions; Autodesk Map 3D 2010 (with GIS interface
capability); SketchUp 8.0; Adobe Creative Suite; and
3D Studio Max—all of which will contribute to the high
graphic standards of our plans.
3-24 COMMUNITY CHARACTER & PLACEMAKING | Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 Figure 3-3: Town Center Mixed-Use Focus Area Concept Illustration

DIAMOND BAR BLVD

PROSPECTORS RD

GOLD RUSH DR

PALOMINO DR

DECORAH RD
S. RANCHERIA RD

BEAVERHEADDR
60 57

GOLDEN SPRINGS DR
Armstrong
E.S.

Lorbeer
Junior H.S.

P
N-MU area
Public park or plaza
Building orientation
Parking area
Landscaped path/walkway
0 1/4 1/2
MILES
Improved Pedestrian Crossing
P
Figure 3-3: Town Center Mixed Use (TC-MU) Conceptual Illustration Potential for new main street or
landscaped pedestrian network,
providing for smaller-scale retail,
and enhancing Town Center
character
Enhanced pedestrian comfort at
intersections and along Diamond
Bar Blvd and Golden Springs Dr
the public realm
Parking consolidated and located
to the side or rear of buildings
Discourage new drive-through
uses
Surface parking repurposed to
create central gathering places
such as parklets or plazas
Buildings and streetscapes define
Diamond Bar Town Center Mixed-Use Focus Area
Illustrative Rendering: 2100 Palmetto Ave, Pacifica
Illustrative Rendering: Palmetto Ave and Santa Rosa Ave, Pacifica Beverly Hills Zoning Code and Single-Family Standards

General Plan and EIR

C O M M U N I T Y E N G A G E M E N T &

STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT
At Dyett & Bhatia, we believe that successful plan making requires a collaborative relationship between the general public, community representatives, the planning team,
and decision makers. Dyett & Bhatia is well-versed in a wide variety of in-person and digital/online engagement techniques to ensure broad, inclusive, and meaningful
public outreach. These include large-format community
workshops and open houses, as well as stakeholder
interviews, focus groups, interactive visioning exercises, community surveys and newsletters, social media engagement and online interactive participation tools, multilingual outreach, website creation and management, and more. We integrate video, photo-realistic renderings, and 3-D graphic modeling into our outreach materials to help community members and decision-makers visualize the
possibilities.

A particular focus of our recent outreach has been on
engaging hard-to-reach segments of the population,
including families with children, youth, linguistic minorities, and other traditionally under-represented constituencies.

Strategies we have used successfully include youth-led
surveys, community block parties, interactive social media polls using Instagram “reels,” and live interactive town hall meetings and webinars. Some examples of these are in the adjoining images. We are adept at ensuring that people’s voices are heard, participants are able to contribute effectively and meaningfully in often compressed time frames, and results are clearly synthesized and are actionable.

University Community Plan Update

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
2018 TO PRESENT
The University Community in San Diego is home to world-class institutions such as UC San Diego, Salk Institute, and Scripps; a principal job center in San Diego with biotech and other businesses; the largest mall in the city; and home to over 70,000 residents. The Blue Line of the city’s trolley system is currently under construction, and will greatly enhance connectivity.

The Community Plan was last prepared in 1987. Dyett & Bhatia is working with City staff in leading development of new Community Plan that will respond to job growth demands, an expanding University of California, and pressing need for housing in the community. Linking growth to new transit, improving pedestrian and bicycle linkages, and policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet state mandates are key planning objectives.

Dyett & Bhatia recently completed a map-based community survey, eliciting participation by over 1,600 community members – more than twice of any other planning survey in the city.

MCAS

MIRAMAR

MIRA MESA

LA JOLLA
University
of California
San Diego

CLAIREMONT
MESA
P a c i f i c
O c e a n
Campus
Point OS
5 805 5
52 CARMEL VALLEY
TORREY
HILLS

NOBEL DR

MIRAMAR RD

CARROLL RD

GILMAN DR

TORREY PINES RD

EASTGATE MALL

CAMINO SANTA FE

LA JOLLA SHORES DR

FAY AVE

NORTH TORREY PINES RD

PEARL ST

LA JOLLA PKWY

REGENTS RD

CARMELVALLE Y RD

CARMEL M O U N TAIN RD

VISTA SORRENTO PKWY

SO RRENTO VALLEY BLVD

LUSK BLVD G ENESEE AVE

LA JOLLAVILLAGE DR MIRAMAR RD

GOVER NO R D R

REGENTS RD

MIRA MESA BLVD

PROSPECT ST

TO R REY P NI ES RD

VI L L A LA OJ LLA

LA OJ LLA SCENIC DR N

E L C AMINO REAL
Torrey Pines
State Nature
Reserve
Torrey Pines
State Beach
Torrey Pines
City Park
Marcy
Park
Standley
Park
University
Gardens
Park
University Village
Park
Rose Canyon
Open Space
Nobel
Athletic
Area Doyle
Park
Villa
La Jolla
Park
Carrol
Canyon
OS
La Jolla
OS
60 65 dB
75 dB
70 dB
65 dB
70 dB
Nobel
Drive
Executive
Drive
VA Medical
Center
Voigt
Drive
Terminus
Pepper
Canyon
Standley
M.S.

Curie
E.S.

Doyle
E.S.

Preuss
H.S.

University City
H.S.

Spreckels
E.S.

Mission Bay
Montessori
Planned Trolley
Future Trolley Station
Trolley - Future Blue Line Extension
Planned Trolley Walkshed
5 Minute Service Area
10 Minute Service Area
Potential Opportunity Sites
Current Development Projects
Vacant
Underutilized - High
Underutilized - Medium/Low
Airport Safety Zones
Accident Potential Zone 1 (APZ 1)
Accident Potential Zone 2 (APZ 2)
Airport Noise Contours
75 dB
70 dB
65 dB
Freeway
Railroad
Schools
City Park
Open Space
Torry Pines State Park
Coastal Height Limitation Overlay Zone
Community Plan Boundary
0 0.5 1 2
Miles
Source: City of San Diego, 2018; SANDAG, 2018; Dyett & Bhatia, 2018.

Potential Opportunity Sites

UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY PLAN UPDATE

NORTH TORREY PINES RD

NO B EL DR

MIRA M E SA BLVD

SORRENTO VALLEY RD
September 2018
Prepared for
by

EXISTING CONDITIONS

COMMUNITY
ATLAS
Online survey for University City in San Diego by D&B that gen- Online community survey erated participation by over 1,600 persons – the highest ever for any done by the City.

Napa 2040 General Plan Update Virtual Workshop
San Pablo Instagram “Reel” Polls
Monterey 10-Minute Housing Survey

Proposal for the City of Los Altos

SUBCONSULTANT TEAM

INTRODUCTION

BAE URBAN ECONOMICS
Firm Profile
BAE Urban Economics, Inc. is a nationally recognized urban economics and real estate consultancy with a strong track record of excellence. Since 1986, the firm has completed over 2,700 projects for public agencies, non-profits, financial institutions, and private developers. With a team of 21 experienced professionals and offices in San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Washington DC, and
New York City, BAE specializes in market and financial feasibility analyses, sustainable development and transit-oriented design, economic and demographic analysis, and development advisory services. The firm’s commitment
to high-quality work ensures that all projects are led by seasoned professionals who prioritize both strategic direction and quality control. BAE has earned more awards for excellence than any other firm in its field, with core staff averaging more than 15 years of tenure. Additionally, BAE holds multiple Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certifications
from public agencies, reinforcing its commitment to diversity and inclusion in urban development. Representative projects in Los Altos and the Peninsula include Los Altos’ Residential Financial Feasibility Analysis, real estate and economic consulting services for Menlo Park, and
real estate advisory services for the City of San Carlos’ Downtown Specific Plan.

Project Examples
Residential Financial Feasibility Analyses
Los Altos, CA
The City of Los Altos engaged BAE to assess the financial feasibility of residential development, with a focus on inclusionary housing requirements and potential in-lieu fees. BAE created pro forma models to evaluate various multifamily prototypes under existing and potential higher-density
zoning. Interviews with local developers informed the analysis. For-sale projects proved feasible under inclusionary rules, while rental developments faced challenges, leading BAE to recommend strategies to support rental inclusionary housing. The in-lieu fee study estimated affordable unit costs, identified fee levels that would incentivize development, and reviewed fees in nearby cities. Based on these findings, the City adopted new in-lieu fees in January 2024.

Later, BAE analyzed the feasibility of residential development on two City-owned Downtown sites, informing the review of developer proposals. As of May 2025, BAE continues to advise the City on proposal evaluations.

Real Estate and Economic Consulting Services
Menlo Park, CA
Since 2008, BAE has provided real estate and economic
analysis to support major projects and planning efforts in Menlo Park. For the El Camino Real/Downtown Specific Plan, BAE evaluated the impact of public benefit bonuses on project value and developer contributions. As part of the Menlo Connect General Plan Update, BAE designed
a community benefits program based on appraised land
value, later adopted by the City. BAE also reviewed Meta’s $170 million community benefits proposal for its Willow Village project. To support development negotiations,
BAE analyzed project feasibility, including a hotel market study that helped guide approval of a Marriott Residence Inn. BAE conducted fiscal impact studies for major projects such as Facebook’s headquarters expansions, the Menlo Gateway mixed-use development, Sobrato’s 151
Commonwealth project, and several residential projects.

For the General Plan Update, BAE provided economic analysis for the M-2 commercial/industrial area.

Downtown Specific Plan Real Estate Advisory Services (in progress) San Carlos, CA
BAE serves as the real estate economist for the City’s
Downtown Specific Plan, providing key demographic, economic, and real estate data to guide planning decisions.

In collaboration with City staff and the consultant team, BAE reviewed prior studies, validated existing conditions, and produced a visually accessible business profile of
the downtown area. BAE also prepared a SWOT analysis

General Plan and EIR
to align with proposed strategies in the plan. To support decision-makingforLaurelStreetintheCity’sdowntown,
BAE conducted case studies of three cities with successful street closures, analyzing impacts on patronage, merchant satisfaction,programming,parklets,traffic,deliverylogistics, and small business support. In addition, BAE developedaninfrastructurefinancingplanthatidentifiedviable funding tools and matched improvements with public
andprivatesources.Afiscalanalysiswasalsocompleted,
projecting new assessed value, tax revenue, increased
demand for services, and the associated costs to inform long-termimplementationplanning.

FEHR & PEERS
Firm Profile
Fehr & Peers has specialized in providing transportation planning and engineering services to public and private sector clients since 1985. The firm has 20 offices nationwide and 105 staff members in the Bay Area, including an office in San Jose. Fehr & Peers specializes in the following professional services:
• General Plan and Mobility Plans
• Emergency Evacuation
• Land Use & Transportation
• Communications & Engagement
• Transportation Impact Studies
• Data Science
• ADA Accessibility
• Emerging Technologies
• Active Transportation
• Freight
• Complete Streets
• Traffic Engineering Design
Fehr & Peers has completed over 100 General Plan
Circulation Elements and EIR transportation sections for jurisdictions throughout California. This includes assisting over 50 communities in the Bay Area, including work on
the Napa County Circulation Element Update and General
Plan updates for Los Gatos and Campbell in Santa Clara
County as well as San Ramon, Danville, and St. Helena
in the wider Bay Area. This experience provides us with unparalleled knowledge of the General Plan process, and the implications of recent state legislation and guidance.

We also have direct experience in Los Altos, giving us a strong understanding of local issues and priorities.

Project Examples
Los Gatos General Plan Update
Los Gatos, CA
Fehr & Peers was part of an interdisciplinary team that assisted the Town of Los Gatos with their General Plan
update. Throughout the project, Fehr & Peers made major contributions to the understanding of existing transportation conditions and the assessment of future land use alternatives, and provided input on the Town’s goals, policies and actions in the latest mobility element. Once the preferred project description was approved by the Town
Council, Fehr & Peers prepared the associated transportation impact section for the General Plan EIR. Particular emphasis was placed on compliance with Senate Bill 743, which requires the use of VMT analysis for CEQA review and has implications for how the Town addresses the impacts and fair share contributions required from new development. Fehr & Peers also provided traditional Level of Service (LOS) calculations to inform the Town’s update of its LOS standards and to balance the Town’s desire to minimize traffic congestion while providing a well-connected transportation network that enables safe access for all travel modes, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and

Proposal for the City of Los Altos
transit riders. Fehr & Peers worked with Town staff to leverage the General Plan update to clear future development under the General Plan CEQA VMT analysis to aid the Town in “Day One” implementation of the General Plan.

Campbell General Plan Update
Campbell, CA
For the City of Campbell’s Housing Element and General
Plan updates, Fehr & Peers worked closely with the city staff to develop an existing conditions report, evaluated trip generation and VMT estimate for land use alternatives, and revised the existing Circulation Element to comply
with the City’s Complete Streets Requirements and SB 743 requirements. The updated Circulation Element included
goals related to the NACTO Urban Street Design Guide and the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design as well as using VMT for CEQA purposes.

Based on the updates to the City of Campbell General Plan, Fehr & Peers prepared a comprehensive transportation
analysis (TA) to identify significant impacts and mitigation for inclusion in the Environmental Impact Report. The analysis included a qualitative review of the City of Campbell goals, policies, standards, and adopted plans, and congestion management agency policies and other jurisdiction plans that could be affected by the proposed project. The project team also conducted a qualitative assessment of the potential effects on transit, bicycle, and pedestrian facilities. The evaluation examined whether the project would interfere with transit service operations or access to transit. existing planning documents such as: Draft General Plan, CEQA reports, regional plans, and the City’s Bicycle, Trails, and Complete Streets Plans, and conducted field observations to assess circulation conditions. The resulting Existing Conditions Report highlights questions, mobility challenges, and the importance of Vision Zero, Complete Streets, and Level of Service (LOS).

Fehr & Peers has been preparing the Transportation,
Access, and Connectivity Element, ensuring alignment with state mandates such as AB 1358 (Complete Streets) and SB 743 (VMT-based CEQA review). Travel demand forecasting
was performed using the Santa Cruz County Travel Model
to evaluate roadway network needs and estimate vehicle
miles traveled (VMT) under various land use scenarios.

Fehr & Peers also completed segment-level LOS assessment, supported the General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR), and assisted with emergency evacuation
analysis in line with SB 99 and AB 747.

ARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES GROUP
Firm Profile
Architectural Resources Group (ARG) is a nationally recognized firm in the field of historic preservation with more than 45 years of experience in historic assessment, preservation planning, materials conservation, and historic architecture.

A California Corporation, the firm has 56 employees working from the firm’s headquarters in San Francisco, and branch offices in Los Angeles and Portland, OR. A core element of ARG’s practice is preservation planning. ARG’s Planning & History Group comprises planners, historians, and architects who meet The Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards in multiple disciplines. The group has varied interests and areas of specialization in the fields of history, architectural history, historic preservation, cultural resource management, cultural landscapes, city planning, architecture, environmental compliance, and urban design.

This breadth of professional experience enables the group to provide a diverse array of planning, research, and design services to public and private clients. ARG has assisted municipalities, environmental planning consultants, urban design consultants, land development corporations, and
community groups in the preparation or review of preservation plans, master plans, general, and specific plans. In each case, ARG has worked to incorporate historic preservation goals and strategies into a larger vision plan or policy document in order to foster appreciation of an area’s heritage and to inform short- and long-term strategies for the Watsonville General Plan Update
Watsonville, CA
Fehr & Peers has been supporting the City of Watsonville with its General Plan update by developing a comprehensive understanding of the City’s current transportation system and identifying key policy considerations for the future. Fehr & Peers began with an extensive review of

General Plan and EIR
preservation of historical and cultural resources. In addition to recent Los Altos project experience, ARG has also worked on general plans throughout California and the west coast.

Project Examples
Halsey House Historic Structure Report and Feasibility Study Los Altos, CA
Architectural Resources Group prepared a Historic
Structure Report (HSR) for the Halsey House at 482
University Avenue in Los Altos. The Halsey House, constructed in 1923, is a City of Los Altos Historic Landmark which was closed to the public in 2008. The Halsey House HSR served as a guide for the rehabilitation and ongoing maintenance of the building and will provide justification for the funding of future preservation efforts. ARG’s work on the project included archival research to update the existing evaluation of the property’s significance; identification of character-defining features and a period of significance; on-site investigation and documentation of existing conditions; and assessment and evaluation of
building code requirements, including life safety/egress, fire protection, energy conservation, and universal accessibility. In 2020, ARG provided a feasibility study for the Halsey House to evaluate four options: full rehabilitation and adaptive reuse, partial rehabilitation/partial demolition, full demolition, or mothballing.

Montebello General Plan Update
Montebello, CA
As a subconsultant, ARG provided Historic Preservation
Consulting Services for the Montebello General Plan
Update in 2020. The firm conducted background research
about the city and its history and prepared a brief historic context statement to accompany the General Plan Update.

ARG also drafted historic policy recommendations for the City to use to steer future historic preservation efforts.

Foothill College Campus Survey
Los Altos, CA
ARG’s Planning and History Group was contracted to prepare a historic resources survey report in 2007 for Foothill College. ARG prepared a context statement for the 1961
campus plan, buildings, and landscape, exploring the history of the campus, architectural themes, and background of the design firms. The firm also conducted a campus
wide reconnaissance survey, assessing the original campus buildings at a more intensive level. ARG staff completed State of California Department of Parks and Recreation
(DPR) forms for seventeen building and landscape resource types, providing descriptive information and detailed historical and architectural significance documentation. ARG continues to provide services to Foothill College though active historic preservation consulting projects on campus.

Proposal for the City of Los Altos

BKF ENGINEERS
Firm Profile
Ser ving the western United States since 1915, BKF
Engineersisaleadingcivilengineeringandsurveyingfirm,
successfully planning, designing, surveying, and funding projects. By leveraging our diverse project portfolio in combination with innovative design solutions, BKF’s team of nearly 450 experienced members in 17 locations is
dedicated to successfully deliver sustainable and dynamic projects for our communities and partners.

BKF supports a diverse range of markets, including government, civic, transportation, water resources, land surveying, infrastructure, land development, research and laboratory facilities, parks and open space, education, and healthcare. We provide a number of specialty services—
agency permit expediting, master planning, grant/funding strategies, sustainable infrastructure, site accessibility consulting,hydrology/hydraulics,trafficsignalandtraffic handling designs, utility locating services, automated construction surveying monitoring, and 3D laser scanning—to expedite the design and approval of projects.

BKF’s proven project approach recognizes that developing dynamic projects is informed by focused team collaboration, mitigating physical constraints and potential risks, and balancing design goals with value engineering solutions. As a partner with our clients, BKF is mutually invested in the successful outcome of projects through
providing strategic advice commencing at the initial
feasibility phases through the completion of construction.

BKF’s prior work in Los Altos gives us a solid understanding of local conditions.

Project Examples
Hillview Community Center Redevelopment
Los Altos, CA
This 24,500-square-foot community center in Los Altos
serves as a vibrant hub for recreation and civic engagement. Completed in 2021, the new state-of-the-art facility replaced the aging Hillview Community Center and includes a large Community Room, three multipurpose
rooms, meeting spaces, a catering kitchen, and dedicated areas for seniors, teens, and the City-run preschool program. Designed to achieve LEED Gold equivalency, the center features energy efficient systems, photovoltaic
panels, and a thoughtfully integrated pathway linking it to the adjacent library. BKF Engineers provided civil engineering design services for the project.

The Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040
San Mateo, CA
The Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040 is the City’s longterm roadmap for growth, guiding where housing, businesses, and transportation improvements will occur. It outlines goals for sustainability, climate adaptation, parks, and community services, while emphasizing environmental justice, equity, and public engagement. BKF provided review of existing wet utility infrastructure, including existing capacity, and condition based on City Utility Master Plan documents.

BKF coordinated with City Staff and California Water
Service Company to evaluate on a high level the capacity of existing infrastructure under proposed build-out scenario for the General Plan. This project was completed in 2024.

Sausalito 2040 General Plan Update
Sausalito, CA
The City of Sausalito’s 2040 General Plan update included the addition of two key elements: the Waterfront and
Marinship Element and the Sustainability Element. These components placed greater emphasis on the City’s waterfront areas and established policies to address climate change, sea level rise, and community resiliency. BKF
provided base mapping and a summary of the existing infrastructure to aid in the implementation plan.

Completed in 2022, this project won the 2022 American
Planning Association Northern California Award of Merit – Comprehensive Plan - Small Jurisdiction.

General Plan and EIR
SALTER
Firm Profile
Founded in 1975, Salter consults on over 900 projects worldwide each year, from its headquarters in San Francisco and branch offices in San Jose, Los
Angeles, Honolulu, and Seattle. At Salter, our legacy
is 50 years of award-winning projects. We are a team
of about 50 Professional Engineers, LEED Accredited
Professionals, Certified Technology Specialists, Registered Communications Distribution Designers, Fellows of the
Audio Engineering Society, and Fellows of the Acoustical Society of America. Our in-house talent comes from interdisciplinary and advanced degrees in engineering, architecture, music, linguistics, business, and forensics.

Project Examples
Saratoga General Plan - Noise Element
Saratoga, CA
We provided an updated analysis of traffic noise based on revised data developed as part of the Noise Element and Housing Element update to the General Plan.

Belmont Noise Element Update
Belmont, CA
Conducted a survey of traffic noise levels in the City in preparation for the Noise Element update. As input to the project EIR, calculated expected, future noise levels based on the projected future traffic volume data provided. Used resulting data to generate existing and future traffic noise contour overlay maps.

Monterey General Plan Update and EIR
Monterey, CA
Provided technical support for noise impact analysis
related to targeted City General Plan updates related to revised development plans in the City of Monterey that
identified new development areas.

KEY PERSONNEL
Brief resumes and contact information for key staff are included in this section, with full resumes for all team members included in the Appendix.

DYETT & BHATIA
Andrew Hi l l, Principal-in-Charge and
Project Manager
AndrewHillwillserveasprincipal-in-chargeandday-today project manager on the Los Altos General Plan Update.

AndrewHillisanaward-winningurbanplannerwithover
15 years’ experience and expertise in land use, community engagement, and environmental review. Innovative and
collaborative, his work is rooted in a strong commitment to sustainable placemaking and meaningful stakeholder
involvement. He has led preparation of 12 general plan
and EIR projects and brings a wealth of experience with strategiesforpromotinginfilldevelopment,commercial
center revitalization, responsible growth management,
and distinctive community character.

With an undergraduate degree in Literature and History
and a Master of Urban Planning from McGill University,
Andrew is an accomplished writer with extensive experience authoring a full range of general plan elements, technical reports, press releases and promotional materials.

A particular focus of Andrew’s recent work has been on
developing strategies to engage residents who may not
normally participate in civic processes. He has organized community listening sessions and block party events,
developed interactive online surveys, and created social media “reel polls” to engage with residents and business via smart phones and tablets.

Michael V. Dyett, Participating Principal
Michael Dyett specializes in zoning and subdivision regulations, comprehensive planning, urban design, formbased codes, growth management and implementation systems design. He has over four decades of professional planning experience, with unparalleled project experience throughout California. He is also skilled in environmental assessment and transportation policy research, focusing on development patterns and land use-transportation
linkages. He also prepared benchmark reports and zoning regulations for downtowns of major cities, for pedestrianand transit-oriented development, and for Traditional Towns, Traditional Neighborhoods, and Traditional
Marketplaces. He has prepared city and countywide regulations for Huntington Beach, Oceanside, Pasadena, Los Angeles County, and Manhattan Beach, among others. Mr.

Dyett will advise on zoning code updates.

SCOPE OF WORK
This section presents the scope of work, organized into a streamlined series of tasks with objectives and consultantteammemberrolesidentified.Ascheduleshowing sequence and duration of these tasks is included at
the end of this chapter.

In the task headers, initials in parentheses identify the lead firm for each task and sub-task:
• D&B: Dyett & Bhatia, Urban and Regional Planners
• BAE: Bay Area Economics, Market and Fiscal Analysis
• F&P: Fehr & Peers, Transportation and Multimodal
Connectivity
• ARG: Architectural Resources Group, Historic Resources • BKF: BKF Engineers, Utility Capacity Analysis
• SAL: Salter, Noise Analysis
TASK 1: START UP AND MANAGEMENT
Objective: Initiate and manage the project, maintaining continuous and effective coordination with City staff.

Kick Off Meeting and Bus Tour (D&B team). At the outset of the project, the D&B team will meet with City staff to review project objectives, refine the work plan, clarify responsibilities and expectations, and establish communication protocols. Time will be planned for staff to introduce the community and key assets and issues to the consultant team and for the consultants to highlight considerations for the project. The kick off will also be an opportunity to identify key stakeholder groups and confirm the key points of the community engagement strategy. Prior to the meeting, the team will review relevant background information, plans, and other documentation. We will also assemble a list of GIS requests, data, and information needs to review at the kick-off meeting. Following the kickoff meeting, staff and consultants will do a van/bus tour of key areas. The tour will be an additional opportunity for staff to introduce the community and key assets and issues to the consultant team and for the consultants to highlight considerations for the project. D&B will outline the tour purpose/objectives and we will collaborate with staff to develop an itinerary and manage the tour.

SCOPE OF WORK AND SCHEDULE
Prepare GIS Database (D&B). Using information from the
City and the County Assessor, D&B will compile a GIS database with information on parcels, land uses, key natural features, environmental conditions, and other information germane to the project. A Planning Area base map will also be created for use throughout the project.

Tribal Consultation (D&B). Pursuant to SB18 and AB52,
D&B will assist the City with tribal consultation, notifying NAHC of the planning process and contacting tribal representatives in the planning area.

Ongoing Project Management (D&B). Project management and tracking will take place on an ongoing basis and will include regular meetings with the City’s Project Manager, coordination among consultant staff, and formal monthly progress reports to the City. In addition to the kick off meeting, we anticipate 36 working meetings or video conferences with staff throughout the process to plan for outreach activities, review and discuss draft products, and prepare for/debrief from meetings with decision-makers
and the public. Other consultant team members may
participate as needed. Outside of these calls and scheduled meetings, the D&B project manager and principal in charge will be available to City staff or the Project Manager by email or phone. As part of this task, D&B will maintain a schedule that clearly identifies project milestones and critical path items and provides a breakdown of work tasks, durations, responsibilities, and linked actions.

Chaix Ln
Fir Hill Dr
Mills Ln
Melrose Ln
Meadowood Ln
York Ln
Fulton Ln
Tokay Ln
Dean York Ln
W heeler Ln
Inglewood Ave
La Fata St
Victoria Ln
Laguna Seca
Davis Ln
Mccorkle Ave
Tainter St
Stanton Dr
Contento Ln
Edwards St
Money Way
Del Rio Ct
Boyson Ln
Mccormick St
Pope St
Railroad Ave
Starr Ave
N Crane Ave
Kearney St
Hollis Ln
Palmer Dr
Stice Ln
Vineyard Ave
Allyn Ave
Valley View Ave
Hillview Pl
Hudson Ave
Mitchell Dr
Allison Ave
Hunt Ave
Elmhurst Ave
Pinot Way
Charter Oak Ave
Chiles Ave
Madrona Ave
Dowdell Ln
Zinfandel Ln
Big Rock R d
·|}29
College Ave
Deer Park Rd
Sylvaner Ave
White Ln
Spring Mountain Rd
Fawn Park Rd
Spring St
Silverado Trail
Oak Ave
Crane Ave
Lewelling Ln
·|}29
Stockton St
Madrona Ave Spring St
Howell Mounta ni Rd
Sulph ur Springs Ave
Adams St
Pratt Ave
Grayson Ave
Lodi Ln
Silverado Trail
Howell Mountain Rd
White Sulphur Springs Rd
Stockton St
Silverado Trail
Vineland Ave
Paseo Grand Dr
Mountain View Ave
Park St
Hudson Ave
Garden Ave
Con n Valley Rd
Vallejo St
Scott St
Charter Oak Ave
Data Source: City of St. Helena, 2018; Napa County, 2018; Dyett & Bhatia, 2018 0 1,000 2,000 4,000Feet

GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
C i t y o f S t . H e l e n a
Figure 2.1
Proposed Land Use Diagram
St. Helena General Plan
Low Density Residential
Medium Density Residential
High Density Residential
Central Business
Service Commercial
Mixed-Use
Office
Industrial
Public and Quasi-Public
Parks and Recreation
Agriculture
Open Space
Woodlands and Watershed
Napa County General Plan
Agricultural Resource
Agriculture,Watershed and Open
Railroad
Water Features
Urban Limit Line
Study Areas
City of St. Helena
Meetings Deliverables
Kick Off Meeting
Bus Tour of Los Altos
Ongoing Coordination Meetings
GIS Database
Gantt Chart Schedule
Data Needs List
Tribal Consultation Letters
Kick Off Meeting Summary

TASK 2: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Objective: Meaningfully engage a broad cross-section of community members and groups to identify unique, local issues of concern as well as critical citywide issues. Focus outreach equally on issues and solutions to address them. Use a variety of strategies and channels to ensure participation from all neighborhoods and segments of the population. Input collected will inform updates to the policy framework and strategies in the General Plan, aligning them with community priorities.

The budget shown for this task includes all stakeholder and community meetings, “go to” outreach, online surveys, and digital/social media outreach; however, engagement activities are listed in later tasks as well to show their sequence and topics covered. Foral adoption hearings are included in the budget for Task 8.

Community Outreach and Engagement Plan (D&B).

Reflecting discussions at the kick off meeting, we will prepare a Community Outreach and Engagement Plan
(Engagement Plan) that includes engagement strategies
and tactics, project messaging, stakeholder identification, general timeframes and responsibilities. The engagement plan will be a living document that will continue to be updated throughout the project. We will use a broad
range of tested and proven methods, including community meetings, pop-up outreach at events around the city, online and social media engagement, and public meetings, as well as activities specifically targeted to engage youth, working families, and other traditionally under-represented constituencies. We understand that successful outreach meets people where they are and provides meaningful opportunities for input that influences outcomes.

Preliminary components of our public participation program are outlined below; however, based on discussions at the kick off meeting, we will work with staff to refine it and devise a strategy that best fits the City’s needs.

Stakeholder Interviews (D&B). D&B and other team
members will conduct 25 interviews in small groups at
key points in the project. Interviews may include property owners, developers, business owners, public/regional
agency staff, elected officials, community groups, and
others. The intent is to elicit candid input to inform development of the general plan and ensure we explore feasible strategies with the potential for decision-maker and key stakeholder support. Comments and input will be summarized in a memorandum. Provisionally, we assume:
• Fifteen (15) interviews at the outset of the process to elicit candid input on planning issues and give us a broad sense of the community, major issues of concern, deal
breakers, desirables, and the political factors that may come into play. If the interviews are done in-person,
they would be conducted on consecutive days; if held
via zoom, they can be spaced out over a week.
• Ten (10) interviews as the Alternatives/Preferred Plan is developed.

Neighborhood Outreach Events (D&B). Using a “go to
them” strategy, D&B will plan a series of neighborhood
outreach events throughout Los Altos to raise awareness of the project and collect community input. These neighborhood outreach events may coincide with regularly held or special events, such as the Farmers’ Market, Summer
Concert Series, Art and Wine Festival, Fine Art in the Park, Family Fun Days, GreenTown Night Bike Ride, Head West
Marketplace, and downtown events. They may also be
coordinated as standalone activities, such as an evening at the Los Altos History Museum or events in partnership with businesses at the Four Corners or Rancho shopping
centers. These neighborhood outreach events will include a variety of interactive and creative activities designed to draw in participants of all ages and backgrounds.

Proposal for the City of Los Altos

Children’s activities, such as coloring zones, sidewalk chalk art spaces or Lego-building tables, will be provided at neighborhood events to facilitate family participation.

These could include:
• “Postcard to the Future” stations, where residents write or draw a vision of what they want Los Altos to look like in 20 years.
• “Map My Story” tables, where community members place
stickers or pins on large-scale maps to show favorite
places, or areas for improvement.
• Photo booths or selfie stations with prompts like “I love Los Altos because…” to gather quick, visual feedback.
• Idea trees or comment walls, where people can hang notes with wishes, concerns, or priorities.
• Design-your-own-neighborhood kits using stickers, foam boards, or digital tablets for build-your-own-block activities. • Mini open mics or story circles to collect short anecdotes about what makes Los Altos unique. These could also
be on-the-spot interviews to capture what people think
makes the community special, which could be compiled
into short videos and shared on social media and the
project website.
• Interactive polling stations with live results using tablets or smartphones to encourage real-time discussion.
• Health and wellness themed events, such as free yoga
classes in the park or bike tours that highlight and invite discussion of the facilities and infrastructure that keeps Los Altans happy and healthy.

Events could include visual boards, digital engagement
stations such as laptops or tablets, and accessible materials to invite participation from all community members, regardless of age, language, or comfort level with planning topics. Giveaways, raffles, and other incentives can also encourage participation. D&B will conduct up to eight
of these neighborhood outreach events to complement
other activities and encourage area- and topic-specific input to inform the project. We assume four neighborhood outreach events during the Visioning stage and four during the Alternatives stage, strategically distributed across the city to ensure equitable reach. Materials and tip sheets will be provided so that City staff can replicate the activities at other times and locations if desired to extend outreach.

Community Workshops/Open House (D&B). D&B will
host three community workshops (virtual or in person):
one during the Visioning Phase; a second during the
Alternatives Exploration phase to solicit community feedback on options and alternatives to implement the vision that emerges from early phase outreach; and a third workshop during the public comment period for the General Plan and EIR. Small group facilitation and hands-on (or virtual) interactive exercises, map-based activities, and discussion will be part of the workshop design. The third workshop will be structured as an open house meeting
with stations to introduce the General Plan and EIR, highlighting key content and findings. The open house will provide an opportunity for the community to see how their input has shape the General Plan and to provide feedback on the environmental analysis in the Draft EIR.

Workshop/open house activities will also remain active on the project website for several weeks after the events in order to allow community members additional opportunities to provide input and the option of engaging without attending the workshop in-person. Workshop summaries
will be prepared for the City to post to the project website.

Technical Advisory Committee Meetings (D&B). To provide a forum for staff to discuss and provide feedback to the consultant team on key project deliverables, D&B will facilitate a series of five (5) technical advisory group meetings to be held at key junctures during the course of the project. In our experience, these meetings an important avenue for ensuring that the General Plan is fully aligned with City priorities and ongoing initiatives. Provisionally, we envision participation of staff from the Development Services, Finance, Parks & Recreation, Public Safety, and Public Works departments, as well as partner agencies
such as the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, the Santa Clara County Fire Department, Cal Water, Valley Water, and others. The meetings will focus on review and discussion of the background reports; the land use/circulation alternatives; the Preferred Plan and key strategies; and the administrative draft General Plan. The timing and objectives of each meeting is described in subsequent tasks.

These meetings will not be public meetings subject to the Brown Act, however, brief meeting summaries will be prepared for internal use.

General Plan and EIR

Planning Commission Study Sessions (D&B, with Team).

While the City has decided not to convene a General Plan Advisory Committee, community oversight and guidance
through the General Plan Update process will be important for ensuring the product is aligned with community priorities and decision-maker expectation. Therefore, we propose to conduct a series of study sessions with the
Planning Commission for review of milestone deliverables.

In collaboration with City staff, D&B will organize and facilitate six (6) study sessions with the Planning Commission, relying on commissioners to act as a sounding board for key concepts and help ensure they reflect community
priorities so as to keep the project on track and avoid surprises later in the process that could cause schedule delays. These meetings will supplement the joint Planning Commission/City Council Study Sessions. The following
meetings/topics are envisioned:

Digital Engagement (D&B). Recognizing that many Los
Altos residents lead busy lives and are also highly techsavvy given the city’s proximity to Silicon Valley, digital engagement will be an integral part of the engagement
strategy. We will design and share complementary online engagement opportunities throughout the planning process. The intent is to provide other avenues for participation and ensure engagement of a broad cross section of the community at all phases of the project. We propose
to use an online engagement platform such as Social
Pinpoint or Konve.io that offers a range of customizable and engaging activities, including interactive mapping, surveying, discussion forums, vision boards, or participatory budgeting. Online engagement will consist of the following strategies:
• Virtual Forum. Housed on the project website, the virtual forum will be live for the entirety of the project duration to invite participation, comment, and sharing of ideas
that will help inform the overall vision for the future of the city. The range of topics to be addressed through the General Plan Update. This scope of work assumes five
(5) engagement activities via the Virtual Forum. Potential ideas include the following:
– Participatory budget game: Participants are asked to
spend a set number of virtual “tokens” on their top
city priorities (like parks, public art, community centers, etc.) to show tradeoffs between capital improvement costs and most desired projects. – Interactive Map: A virtual map would be set up to let community members identify their favorite spots, areas where they want particular amenities, or where they have safety concerns.
– Photo Story Wall: Upload photos showing what makes
Los Altos special (photo contest optional).
– Quick Polls: Weekly one-question polls with sliders,
emojis, or image voting.
– Vision Word Cloud: Share one to three words describing the future of Los Altos and watch a word cloud grow.
– Idea Box: On a “virtual bulletin board”, submit and
react to ideas by theme using upvotes or emojis.
– Document Review: Key plan documents will be posted where participants can comment/respond to others, upvote, or add sticky note ideas to documents as part of public review.
– “Reel” Polls: Social media platforms such as Instagram allow for multi-choice survey to be added to short-form video content (known as “reels”), giving
viewers a simple way to interact with the content and
share their opinions. We will design a series of three
(3) reel polls to help gauge community priorities and
preferences.

Proposal for the City of Los Altos
Meeting # Topic
1 Technical Background Report Review. Alternatives
Brainstorming.
2 Preliminary Alternatives
3,4,5 Draft General Plan Policies, Environmental Impact Report Scoping Meeting
6 Environmental Impact Report Scoping Meeting

– Online Surveys: Knowing that many residents lead
busy lives and may not be able to set aside time to
participate in person, we will design and disseminate
complementary online activities at two stages in the
process – at the initial visioning stage and at the alternatives stage. The survey tool will have the ability to integrate images, video, and maps, allowing participants to engage with and comment directly on the material presented. We have used this approach successfully on many similar projects to help community members visualize the possibilities for key sites and
locations and to help build consensus around a preferred land use plan and key strategies. We will draft content and revise it based on staff feedback prior to
launching activities.

Participation in digital engagement activities will be promoted with social media outreach. Results of each will be summarized in a survey report that highlights key findings and highlights any notable differences in responses between demographics groups in Los Altos.

Social Media Promotion (D&B). D&B will work with City
staff develop shorthand project updates and educational content in the form of social media collateral (ex: posts for Facebook, NextDoor, Instagram, YouTube, etc.) for City staff to push out through established channels. This scope includes three posts each for Tasks 3, 4, and 5.

Branding (D&B). In consultation with City staff, D&B
will develop an eye-catching, tailored project brand that will serve as a visual representation of the General Plan Update and will be used across all materials, including collateral and notification. The brand will include a color scheme, unique project name, and logo that will represent the theme of the project while tying in the City’s general branding standards for immediate recognition.
of project documents, presentations, and meeting materials as they are completed; 3) alert the public to upcoming meetings and other means of participation; and 4) provide opportunities to engage and provide input in creative and convenient ways at any point in the process. Online activities and meeting links will be accessed from this webpage.

Outreach Reports (D&B). At the end of each phase of
outreach (e.g., at the end of tasks 3, 4, and 5), D&B will prepare a report that summarizes outreach activities
and community feedback. The report will document key
messages and will help to highlight implications for the General Plan Update as well as any notable differences
in responses between neighborhoods and demographics
groups in Los Altos. Where possible anonymized demographic and geographic data (such as Council district) will be used to help characterize results. Images, charts and maps will be incorporated to illustrate key findings.

University Community Plan Update

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
2018 TO PRESENT
The University Community in San Diego is home to world-class institutions such as UC San Diego, Salk Institute, and Scripps; a principal job center in San Diego with biotech and other businesses; the largest mall in the city; and home to over 70,000 residents. The Blue Line of the city’s trolley system is currently under construction, and will greatly enhance connectivity.

The Community Plan was last prepared in 1987. Dyett & Bhatia is working with City staff in leading development of new Community Plan that will respond to job growth demands, an expanding University of California, and pressing need for housing in the community. Linking growth to new transit, improving pedestrian and bicycle linkages, and policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet state mandates are key planning objectives.

Dyett & Bhatia recently completed a map-based community survey, eliciting participation by over 1,600 community members – more than twice of any other planning survey in the city.

MCAS

MIRAMAR

MIRA MESA

LA JOLLA
University
of California
San Diego

CLAIREMONT
MESA
P a c i f i c
O c e a n
Campus
Point OS
5 805 5
52 CARMEL VALLEY
TORREY
HILLS

NOBEL DR

MIRAMAR RD

CARROLL RD

GILMAN DR

TORREY PINES RD

EASTGATE MALL

CAMINO SANTA FE

LA JOLLA SHORES DR

FAY AVE

NORTH TORREY PINES RD

PEARL ST

LA JOLLA PKWY

REGENTS RD

CARMELVALLE Y RD

CARMEL M O U N TAIN RD

VISTA SORRENTO PKWY

SO RRENTO VALLEY BLVD

LUSK BLVD G ENESEE AVE

LA JOLLAVILLAGE DR MIRAMAR RD

GOVER NO R D R

REGENTS RD

MIRA MESA BLVD

PROSPECT ST

TO R REY P NI ES RD

VI L L A LA OJ LLA

LA OJ LLA SCENIC DR N

E L C AMINO REAL
Torrey Pines
State Nature
Reserve
Torrey Pines
State Beach
Torrey Pines
City Park
Marcy
Park
Standley
Park
University
Gardens
Park
University Village
Park
Rose Canyon
Open Space
Nobel
Athletic
Area Doyle
Park
Villa
La Jolla
Park
Carrol
Canyon
OS
La Jolla
OS
60 65 dB
75 dB
70 dB
65 dB
70 dB
Nobel
Drive
Executive
Drive
VA Medical
Center
Voigt
Drive
Terminus
Pepper
Canyon
Standley
M.S.

Curie
E.S.

Doyle
E.S.

Preuss
H.S.

University City
H.S.

Spreckels
E.S.

Mission Bay
Montessori
Planned Trolley
Future Trolley Station
Trolley - Future Blue Line Extension
Planned Trolley Walkshed
5 Minute Service Area
10 Minute Service Area
Potential Opportunity Sites
Current Development Projects
Vacant
Underutilized - High
Underutilized - Medium/Low
Airport Safety Zones
Accident Potential Zone 1 (APZ 1)
Accident Potential Zone 2 (APZ 2)
Airport Noise Contours
75 dB
70 dB
65 dB
Freeway
Railroad
Schools
City Park
Open Space
Torry Pines State Park
Coastal Height Limitation Overlay Zone
Community Plan Boundary
0 0.5 1 2
Miles
Source: City of San Diego, 2018; SANDAG, 2018; Dyett & Bhatia, 2018.

Potential Opportunity Sites

UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY PLAN UPDATE

NORTH TORREY PINES RD

NO B EL DR

MIRA M E SA BLVD

SORRENTO VALLEY RD
September 2018
Prepared for
by

EXISTING CONDITIONS

COMMUNITY
ATLAS
Online survey for University City in San Diego by D&B that Online community survey generated participation by over 1,600 persons – the highest ever for any done by the City.

Project Website (D&B). D&B will build and manage a
standalone project website that serves as the primary
portal for information on the General Plan Update, maintaining it throughout the process. The project website will serve four primary purposes: 1) provide general information about the project, such as purpose, schedule, “General Plan 101”, and FAQs; 2) serve as a regularly updated library General Plan and EIR
Meetings Deliverables
Stakeholder interviews (25)
Neighborhood outreach events (8)
Technical Advisory Committee
meetings (5)
Workshops/Open House (3)
Decision Maker study sessions (6)
Community outreach and
engagement plan
Virtual Forum
Online surveys (2)
Reel polls and social media
engagement (3)
Branding materials
Project website
Outreach reports (3, 1 per
outreach phase)

TASK 3: ISSUES, OPPORTUNITIES,

VISIONING
Objective: Establish a community-wide vision and shared principles to guide the project. Conduct analysis and document existing conditions, opportunities, and constraints in Los Altos to lay the foundation for alternatives exploration. Collect and organize data and information required for environmental review to streamline the project schedule. Summarize findings in a user-friendly report the emphasizes maps and graphics and highlights key implications for the General Plan Update.

Community Vision, Guiding Principles and Issues/
Opportunities Report (D&B). Results from the first phase of community outreach (stakeholder interviews, neighborhood outreach, first virtual survey, and Virtual Forum activities) will be synthesized in the form of a graphics-rich Community Vision, Guiding Principles and Issues/ Opportunities Report. The document will present a shared community vision for the future and guiding principles to guide the City over the next 10-20 years. It will also document issues, opportunities, and priorities to be addressed in the General Plan, representing key themes from the
initial phase of community engagement.
and discussion. Five consultant team staff will be available to facilitate discussions, and we assume that City staff will also facilitate at some tables. D&B will work with staff to ensure the meeting is organized and run to observe Brown Act protocols. A memo summarizing feedback from the
commissions and committees will be prepared following
the workshop.

Joint Study Session #1 (D&B). D&B will facilitate a joint study session with the Planning Commission and the
City Council to recap outreach activities and present the resulting Vision and Guiding Principles for comment and approval.

Technical Background Report (Team). We will prepare
a comprehensive Technical Background Report (TBR)
that provides a detailed analysis of baseline conditions and trends and identifies opportunities and implications for the General Plan update. TBR will be formatted as an “atlas,” emphasizing graphics, maps and charts to illustrate the city’s current conditions and key issues, with deeper exploration in text as warranted for specific topics. We will submit a draft for staff review and revise once to address a consolidated set of comments from staff. The TBR will include the following analysis/components:
• Land Use, Community Character, and Development Trends (D&B). Review existing land use and development trends
based on available data from the Santa Clara County
Assessor and City, with a summary of existing land use
plans (general/specific) and zoning. An existing land use inventory will be developed and Assessor data will be
overlayed with the current General Plan land use map to identify non-conforming uses. Vacant and underutilized
sites will be identified and mapped. Recent development trends will be documented based on information from
City staff and publicly available sources and a map of
Napa 2040 General Plan Vision and Guiding Principles
Open Commission Study Session (D&B, with staff).

D&B will organize and facilitate a workshop with various standing City commissions, including the Complete Streets Commission, Environmental Commission, Financial Commission, Historical Commission, Library Commission,
Parks, Arts, Recreation, & Cultural Commission, Senior
Commission and Youth Commission. The objective of the
meeting will be to review the Draft Vision and Guiding
Principles with these bodies and receive feedback with
a view to refining it for presentation to the Planning
Commission and City Council. The meeting will be structured as a workshop with an opening presentation to introduce the Draft Vision and Guiding Principles, followed by discussion in break out groups. Each of the various
commissions and committees seated together at a table
with a facilitator, who will guide the group through review Proposal for the City of Los Altos

major recent developments will be produced, including
projects pending, approved and under construction in
Los Altos. An analysis of urban form will also be included, focused on the existing street grid, as built density/ intensity, parks, plazas, open spaces, and architecture in different neighborhoods and districts. As part of this effort, we will also review progress toward the goals,
policies and programs of the existing general plan in
consultation with City staff and prepare a preliminary
disposition matrix identifying which to carried forward, modify or delete.
• Demographics and Economics (BAE). Conduct a high-level demographic, economic, and real estate market analysis to inform General Plan Update decisions related to the overall viability of for-sale townhouses, rental multifamily residential, office, medical office, and retail uses and associated density questions. Specifically, BAE will update key demographic indicators (e.g., population,
income, age, and lifestyle characteristics) and compare them to northern Santa Clara County/southern San Mateo County market area and the Bay Area regional benchmarks to help assess retail and residential demand. Using recent studies, BAE will summarize local economic drivers, such as jobs, education, and venture capital, and consider how broader economic trends could impact the
characteristics, feasibility, and timing of development in the City. BAE will conduct a high-level real estate market analysis to assess support for new development based
on current and projected conditions. Building on prior
work completed for the City, the analysis will evaluate key metrics (e.g., vacancy, rents, sales prices, pipeline activity, net absorption, and future demand). It will also examine national and regional trends influencing demand, including changes in workspace preferences, retail disruptions, and climate-driven shifts in housing choices.

A retail void analysis will identify gaps in the City’s offerings. The findings will inform land use mix, density, and strategies to address development challenges in the General Plan Update. Finally, BAE will establish location criteria for each use and proceed to evaluate key sites (as identified by D&B and City Staff) for their viability considering the location criteria.
• Transportation and Multi-Modal Mobility (F&P). Highlight key transportation policy questions and approaches,
such as key findings from the referenced Complete Street Plans, discussion of how Vision Zero efforts fit into the General Plan policy document, and whether level of service (LOS) is of importance and value to the City, and discuss key considerations related to the future of mobility.

In addition to General Plan review, F&P will review recent CEQA documents, regional planning documents (such
as VTA’s Valley Transportation Plan 2050, the City’s
Complete Streets Plan, Downtown Vision Plan, and
Climate and Adaptation Plan). F&P will also evaluate
collision data, VTA transit ridership information, and
available traffic count data within the City, and any other planning documents that would provide additional information relative to the General Plan Update. The purpose of this review is to identify existing data needs and determine which of the previous data collection and mapping efforts can be employed in this analysis.

F&P will work with the City to identify road segments
where traffic counts are needed to establish an adequate baseline for transportation planning purposes and collect machine (tube) classification counts on up
to 30 roadway segments within the City. The machine
counts will be collected on a Tuesday through Thursday, when schools are in session, and include vehicle axles to assist in estimating the vehicle fleet mix in the City. As an optional task, we can also conduct multimodal weekday AM and PM peak period counts (vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians) for key study intersections.
• Environmental Resources (D&B, with SAL). Document conditions, constraints, and opportunities related to environmental resources within the planning area. This will include an assessment of air quality, using data from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD),
the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Geology and
seismicity will be evaluated using geologic, soil, and seismic maps, with information on soil hazards from the Natural Resources Conservation Service and seismic
hazards from the U.S. Geological Survey. Analysis of hazardous materials will draw from state and federal databases, including EnviroStor, Envirofacts, SLIC, and HAZNET, to identify known contamination sites and risks.

Hydrology and water quality will be addressed through
a review of floodplains, surface hydrology conditions,
and available reports from the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Biological resources will be reviewed through sources such as the California Natural Diversity Database, the California Native Plant Society, and best practices from the California Department of Fish and
Wildlife. The review will also include wildfire exposure General Plan and EIR

and risk. For noise analysis, part of this task, Salter will take noise measurements at seven (7) long-term locations to quantify the baseline sound environment and produce noise contours.
• Historic Resources (ARG). For historic resources, ARG staff will gather and review existing documentation related
to historical resources, including the El Camino Real and Downtown study areas. Documentation to be reviewed
may include the existing 2002 Los Altos General Plan,
in addition to survey documentation, historical evaluations, and heritage resource designation materials previously prepared by the City of Los Altos. ARG will review information in the state Built Environment Resource Directory (BERD) and request a citywide records search for non-archaeological resources at the Northwest Information Center (NWIC) to develop a list of previously documented historic resources. This work will inform the Environmental Settings sections of associated EIR chapters. To inform an understanding of existing conditions, ARG will conduct a windshield survey of areas where
redevelopment is foreseeable (assumes the El Camino
Real Corridor study area and the Downtown study area).

ARG will take photographs and notes to document previously identified resources and to record the age/general character of these areas.
• Parks, Public Services, and Safety (D&B). Document police, fire, school, library and park conditions, staffing, equipment levels, and established service ratios and
standards based on existing plans, reports, phone interviews, email inquiries. This will involve outreach to the City of Los Altos Parks & Recreation Department, Los
Altos School District (LASD), Mountain View-Los Altos
Union High School District (MVLA), and the Santa Clara
County Fire Protection District. GIS-based analysis of accessibility to parks and public facilities will be conducted and a map of walking access to parks and recreational
facilities will be produced to help characterize existing levels of service.
• Water, Sewer, Stormwater Infrastructure and Capacity (BKF).

Summarize existing wet utility system infrastructure
conditions, including capacity, planned improvements
and known deficiencies from existing Utility Master
plans (including 2013 Sanitary Sewer Master Plan, 2020
Urban Water Management Plan (by Cal Water), and the
2016 Stormwater Master Plan) to help set the baseline
for the project. The section will include review of sanitary sewer capacity, and high-level review of domestic water availability, storm drain capacity, and existing
flooding conditions.

Planning Commission Study Session #1 - Existing
Conditions and Opportunities (D&B, with Team). Review
the key findings of the TBR and facilitate a discussion on initial concepts for alternatives.

TASK 4: ALTERNATIVES EXPLORATION
Objective: Prepare and evaluate three distinct alternatives for land use, circulation, and conservation that respond to the existing conditions, opportunities, constraints identified in Task 3 as well as input received from the initial outreach and engagement with stakeholders. Represent the alternatives conceptually with illustrations, video animations, and examples to facilitate understanding. Build consensus around a Preferred Plan to guide preparation of the General Plan Update and EIR.

Preliminary Alternative Plans (D&B, with team).

Prepare up to three land use alternatives in “sketch plan” form, addressing the priorities identified in the Vision, Guiding Principles and Issues/Opportunity Report and the findings from the TBR prepared in Task 3. Alternatives will focus on potential land use changes, urban design strategies, transportation improvements, climate resilience strategies, and strategies to preserve historic resources. It is assumed the alternatives will focus in particular on the El Camino Real Corridor, Downtown, the Loyola Corners
neighborhood, and older shopping centers that offer
potential for redevelopment. Each alternative will offer realistic choices for future growth and conservation, and each will be depicted conceptually with diagrams and
illustrations, video animations, and examples from peer communities to facilitate understanding. An assessment
of each alternative’s potential impacts and outcomes will be included, along with projected growth forecasts and
common metrics to facilitate evaluation. An Admin Draft of the Alternative Plans will be submitted to the City and revised once in response to comments.

Planning Commission Study Session #2. Review and
refinement of Preliminary Alternative Plans prior to public release and community engagement.

Alternatives Community Engagement (D&B). The
Alternatives stage will include the following community engagement strategies described in Task 2:
• Neighborhood Outreach. Neighborhood outreach may
be conducted at events around town or on key sites/
areas where land use and transportation changes are
proposed, with interactive exercises, small group discussions, or stations will be organized to get feedback.

Results will be summarized in a survey report.

Proposal for the City of Los Altos
Meetings Deliverables
Open Commission Study Session
Planning Commission Study
Session #1
Joint Study Session #1
Technical Background Report
(draft/final)
Vision, Guiding Principles, Issues/
Opportunities Report (draft/final)

• Alternatives Survey. Designed in an interactive format with video animation, maps, and text, survey content
and purpose will provide an important opportunity for
community members and stakeholders to confirm areas
for growth and revitalization and areas for preservation. Community members will also be able to comment about how the city’s major opportunity areas should
change and revitalize to support the needs of the community and businesses and ensure the continual provision of high quality services and infrastructure in the future.
• Online Engagement. Accompanying online engagement
activities will include videos, “bite-sized” quick polls, and other interactive components. Community members
will also be able to review and comment on the alternatives report. • Community Workshop. A second community workshop
will be held solicit community feedback on options and
alternatives to implement the Vision and Guiding Principles. • Stakeholder Interviews. A second round of stakeholder interviews, including property owners, businesses, and
other key stakeholders, will also be conducted at this
stage to build consensus around a preferred set of strategies for the General Plan Update.

Preferred Plan and Key Strategies (D&B, with team).

Reflecting input from community and stakeholder outreach on alternatives (survey, neighborhood events, stakeholder interviews as described in tasks 3 and 4), we will prepare a Preferred Land Use Plan and Key Strategies package that encompasses land use, transportation/
multi-modal connectivity, economic development, infrastructure, hazard resilience, and conservation. In a series of maps and key goals that support the direction developed on the basis of community input, it will present a shared community vision for development and preservation, rooted in market opportunities and built around key “opportunity sites” in the city that have potential to undergo use/intensity change over the next 20 years with key strategies for implementation. It will include projections for population, transportation improvements, any needed wet utility infrastructure improvements and high level cost estimates, and housing and employment likely to result from buildout in the horizon year. An administrative draft will be reviewed and refined with staff.

Joint Study Session #2 (D&B). At the culmination of this task, the Preferred Plan and Key Strategies that result from the conversation with the community will be presented to the Planning Commission and the City Council in a joint study session. Refinements directed by the City Council will be made to guide preparation of the General Plan
Update and EIR.

Technical Evaluation of the Preferred Plan (Team). To
inform development of the Draft General Plan Update, the following technical evaluations of Preferred Plan approved by the City Council will be performed:
• Transportation Impact Analysis (F&P). F&P will conduct Traffic Volume Forecasting Analysis to inform the Circulation Diagram and VMT Analysis to support the EIR as described below in Tasks 5 and 6 respectively.
• Fiscal Impact Analysis (BAE). BAE will evaluate the fiscal impact of the proposed land use plan by estimating
gross annual recurring tax and subvention revenues
generated at buildout, allocating them to the City’s
General Fund both on a static basis and over a 20-year
horizon (excluding non-General Fund revenues). Key
revenue sources will include property taxes, subvention revenues (such as motor vehicle in-lieu fees), sales taxes from residential and commercial uses, transient occupancy taxes, and other applicable sources.

BAE will also project annual service costs, focusing on General Fund operating and maintenance expenses
for services such as police, public works, parks and
recreation, and general government. This will involve
reviewing the City’s budget and related documents
to understand current costs, identify relevant service
standards in the General Plan, and confirm key cost
and revenue assumptions. As part of this task, BAE will also prepare a summary matrix outlining potential economic and financial tools to support project viability and attract market-feasible development. These may include
value capture strategies, density bonuses, Enhanced
Infrastructure Finance Districts, Assessment Districts, business improvement districts, expedited permitting,
revised development fees, grants, and public-private
partnerships.

General Plan and EIR

• Utility Infrastructure Needs (BKF). BKF will assess the infrastructure needed to support the Preferred Plan by comparing existing and proposed land use and estimating proportional changes in water demand and sewer generation. The unit demand/flow factors for each land
use type will be either derived from past master planning documents or estimated based on typical regional factors and acceptable by the City. Utilization of a fully calibrated hydraulic model and associated modeling software is not anticipated as part of the evaluation.

Supporting graphics will be prepared as part of the evaluation and comparison process. Project costs will be estimated based on pre sent day construction costs and assumed soft costs for non-construction related items
such as engineering and environmental permitting
based on industry average percentage rates of the estimated construction cost.

Prepare Administrative Draf t / Public Review
Draft Plan (D&B, with team). D&B will prepare an
Administrative Draft General Plan, reflecting the outline agreed upon. Text, graphics, and maps to support and
provide context for the refined goals and policies. We will respond to one round of consolidated comments from
staff on the Administrative Draft General Plan and then prepare a Public Review Draft Plan. We assume that the
Plan will include the following elements that respond to the statutory requirements for the General Plan and community priorities. No additional budget will be needed if some elements are separated or combined, provided substantial new research and analysis is not needed:
• Land Use (D&B, with ARG and BAE). This Element will address the statutory requirements for land use as well as optional topics of importance to Los Altos: placemaking and economic development. We will incorporate updated land use map, designations, key goals and policies from Preferred Plan. The focus will be on feasible policies and actions to effectively implement the vision. The location and intensity of uses will be identified, along with policies that would result in preservation and new development that is appropriate to the character and
setting of various neighborhoods, and Los Altos as a
whole. Include the El Camino Real Corridor study area
and Downtown study area as special study areas. Plan
buildout in terms of population, housing, non-residential development, and employment will be quantified.

For placemaking, we will focus on historic resources and urban design, with goals to support community identity, enhance livability, improve design of corridor and public spaces. Topics may include: design of key opportunity
sites and mixed-use areas; design of buildings and districts to promote walkability; design of gateways into Los Altos; improving public realm and city identity.

For economic development, we will incorporate key findings of market analysis and policies to catalyze redevelopment of key opportunity sites and areas; capitalize on economic assets and opportunities; improve quality of
life with public amenities and services; retain and attract businesses; ensure sound fiscal management.
• Mobility (D&B, with F&P). This Element will address the statutory requirements for the Circulation Element related to transportation and mobility. We will thoroughly modernize the existing Circulation Element to address
changes in mobility options (i.e., ride-hailing bike sharing, scooter sharing, etc.), the influence of technology (i.e., autonomous vehicles, smart cities), and other disruptive trends (i.e., internet shopping). With reference to TASK 5: DRAFT PLAN
Objective: Update the General Plan to reflect Council direction and address emerging trends and new State law. Receive guidance and feedback from City staff. Prepare the Draft General Plan Update for public review.

General Plan Outline and Template (D&B). D&B will prepare a detailed outline for the General Plan (including a list of figures), reviewing and refining it with City staff at the outset of this task. Ensuring the Plan is user-friendly and easy to navigate will be a guiding factor. Topics that will be covered in each chapter will be identified, and a “mock-up” section will be prepared for staff approval.

Proposal for the City of Los Altos
Meetings Deliverables
Planning Commission study
session #2
Joint Study Session #2
Alternative plans (draft/final)
Alternatives survey and
summary
Preferred Plan (draft/final)

the newly adopted Complete Streets Master Plan, policies will be reviewed and updated to address Complete Streets requirements, integrate the Federal Highway
Administration’s Safe System Approach per SB 932, promote multi-modal connectivity, and facilitate walkability in mixed use areas, as well as to reflect the City’s preferences and priorities for use of public right-of-way (including lanes, curbs, and parking), and how to respond to revenue declines. Policies will also address transit-oriented development, parking management, transportation demand management, and traffic calming. A revised circulation diagram will be incorporated along with metrics for VMT and LOS as appropriate.

To support development of the Circulation Diagram, linklevel average daily traffic forecasts will be performed at up to 30 locations to assist in testing the proposed circulation element roadway network against the proposed land use plan. Policies will be recommended for locations that do not meet determined LOS standards,
which could range from infrastructure improvements or
policies allowing lower LOS. Land use and roadway network data will be updated consistent with the proposed General Plan Land Use Element and Circulation Element.

Transportation network improvement projects will be
identified using a multimodal theme that emphasizes a
layered transportation system providing safe access for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities. This includes incorporating the City’s high injury network. The initial list of improvements will be based on the results of the Existing Conditions analysis and qualitative assessment of the preferred land use plan and will include projects to fill gaps in the pedestrian and bicycle network, enhanced transit service on congested roadway corridors, and safety improvements
at locations with high collision rates. Issues such as
improving pedestrian safety and mobility within key
areas such as Foothill Expressway corridor, El Camino
Real Corridor study area, and Downtown study area will
be addressed. The recommendations will be presented
with an eye towards positioning capital improvement
projects for grant funding eligibility.
• Conservation (D&B). This element will address the statutory requirements for the conservation element. This element will address the conservation and utilization of natural resources in Los Altos, including waterbodies,
forests, soils, wildlife, minerals, and other natural resources. Preservation and protection of tribal cultural resources and lands wildlife and habitat connectivity will also be considered. Goals and policies in this element
will also address reuse and recycling as well as energy and resource conservation. Content will be informed
by outreach to resource agencies and tribal representatives. Mapping will be comprehensively updated based on the latest public available data.
• Noise Element (D&B, with SAL). This element will address the statutory requirements for the noise element.

Updated noise contours will be produced, and the policy framework will be revised as need to accommodate the
updated vision and development pattern.
• Safety Element (D&B). The City has recently adopted a Safety Element that addresses the associated statutory
requirements, including climate vulnerability and resilience. We will review 2025 Safety Element and recommend edits for consistency with the Preferred Plan and General Plan Update.
• Open Space and Public Services (D&B, with BKF). This element will address the statutory requirements for the open space element regarding recreation and enjoyment of scenic beauty as well as for the circulation element related to utilities. The element will also address schools; police; fire, and emergency services, topics of importance for quality of life in the community. D&B
will update goals and policies to align with the Preferred Plan and identified community priorities. The findings of the Infrastructure Needs Assessment will be incorporated as appropriate. • Environmental Justice and Community Health (D&B).

State law requires that jurisdictions with disadvantaged communities (DACs) identified by the State pursuant to
SB 535 prepare an environmental justice element, and
further Government Code 65302.1 requires that jurisdictions in the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District incorporate feasible implementation strategies to improve air quality in their general plans. While these requirements do not apply to Los Altos, pollution exposure and disproportionate health impacts on certain segments of the population are still priorities that Los Altos may wish to address in the General Plan Update.

Environmental justice and public health are closely interwoven issues, and we believe that these issues are addressed most effectively together as part of a holistic planning approach that promotes equity and protects
human health from environmental hazards. Accordingly,
we will prepare an Environmental Justice and Community Health Element that integrates detailed data analysis and meaningful community engagement to understand
the issues at play and develop policies to address them.

Strategies to mitigate urban heat and summertime
temperatures may be incorporated here, as the policy
framework of the 2025 Safety Element does not address
that topic.

General Plan and EIR

• Housing Element (D&B). Reformat the Housing Element
to seamlessly integrate into the style of the comprehensive General Plan. • Implementation Plan (D&B, with team). We will prepare an Implementation Plan that outlines specific actions
needed to implement the General Plan after adoption.

It will include the General Plan implementing policies, organized in a matrix format indicating implementation
time frame, responsible party, and means of monitoring progress. In addition, statutory requirements for annual progress reports will be included. Major capital improvements resulting from the GPU—parks, streets,
water/wastewater system improvements—can also be
compiled into a list, so that the City can prioritize timing and improvements.

TASK 6: EIR
Objective: Prepare a legally defensible EIR to identify and mitigate the environmental impacts of the General Plan Update.

Structure the work plan to streamline environmental review and facilitate timely completion of the project. Coordinate closely with subject matter experts and City staff to ensure that policies are written to mitigate or avoid environmental impacts.

Environmental Review Start Up (D&B, with team). The
D&B team will meet with City staff to clarify and confirm the approach to the CEQA analysis. This meeting will also be an opportunity to confirm the milestones and schedule for CEQA review, as well as the CEQA community engagement strategy. Following the EIR kick off meeting, D&B will prepare a comprehensive project description that will serve as the basis for the environmental analysis and will be submitted to City staff for review prior to commencing work on the technical analysis.

NOP/Scoping (D&B). D&B will prepare a Notice of
Preparation (NOP) to be submitted to all responsible and trustee agencies and to the public, informing them that the City is initiating the environmental review required for the general plan. During the 30-day NOP period, a public meeting will be held to take comments on issues to be
addressed in the EIR. D&B will coordinate with City staff on the meeting venue and format. D&B will summarize NOP
comments received in a memorandum to be provided to
the team.

Scoping Meeting (D&B). A scoping meeting will be held
during the NOP period. Comments will be documented
and those related to environmental issues will be
addressed in the DEIR.

Water Supply Assessment. To evaluate whether
California Water Service (Cal Water)’s total projected water supplies available during normal, single-dry and multiple-dry water years are sufficient to meet the projected water demand associated with the General Plan Update
in combination with the existing and planned future uses, D&B will formally request a Water Supply Assessment
(WSA) from Cal Water, pursuant to California Water Code Division 6, Part 2.10, Section 10910. The WSA will be referenced in the EIR and included as an Appendix.

Technical Analysis (F&P, SAL, D&B). The D&B team will
perform technical and specialized analysis to support environmental review for the general plan. As detailed below, this technical analysis will be summarized in standalone reports on transportation and traffic; air quality; greenhouse gas emissions; and noise. An administrative draft of each report will be submitted electronically to City staff for review. We will respond to one round of comments from
City staff to finalize the technical reports.
• Transportation Analysis (F&P). Fehr & Peers will assist with the following transportation-related technical studies:
– Travel Demand Modeling. We will utilize the VTA Travel Demand Model and associated TAZ structure to incorporate land use from the project team by appropriate socioeconomic data (SED)/land use variables. We will
complete a high-level review of VTA’s base year model to verify that the model is sufficiently sensitive to changes in roadway network and changes in land use.

However, our scope does not include a sub area model refinement for use in this effort – largely because Proposal for the City of Los Altos
Meetings Deliverables
Ad hoc with City staff General Plan outline and
template
Draft General Plan (admin,
screencheck, final)

CEQA requires us to evaluate VMT as the transportation metric. Because the price of fuel and income variables can affect VMT more than the proposed land
use and/or roadway network, the model results may
or may not be accurate and the CEQA impact may be
identified as significant and unavoidable. If that approach is taken, such a finding could allow future projects consistent with the General Plan to tier from that finding if those individual projects have VMT impacts
of their own. We will incorporate the roadway network
developed as part of the Transportation Element development into the forecasting model, and the model will be run to understand the needed network sizing.
– EIR Transportation Analysis. After the model is validated and it appropriately estimates travel on local streets, we will utilize it to estimate traffic volumes on key roadways in the City and will use it to develop
vehicle miles of travel (VMT) estimates for use in the
environmental document. Fehr & Peers will prepare
VMT per service population forecasts using the travel
demand model selected in Task 6.1 in alignment with
VMT thresholds as identified in Los Altos’ VMT policy. The VMT estimates will be provided for the three analysis scenarios in tabular format. VMT analysis
methodology will be documented as part of Task 6.3.
• Air Quality Analysis: D&B will prepare an air quality analysis to address the environmental review requirements of CEQA. The analysis will focus on potential changes in air quality from the proposed net change in construction activity and potential operational emissions including vehicular (increase in vehicle miles traveled (VMT)) and other non-vehicle emission sources associated with
the general plan. The analysis will include a discussion of the federal, state, regional and local air quality setting as it pertains to the project, as well as identify and briefly summarize pollutant monitoring data, the regional attainment status, existing air quality attainment plans and any recent critical changes in the regulatory background. We will identify and discuss all rules and regulations that would be applicable to the project, including applicable Bay Area Air Quality Management District
(BAAQMD) policies, rules and guidance documentation.

Air quality sensitive receptors that could be affected by the project will be identified and characterized.

The air quality analysis will be conducted in accordance with the recommended methodologies of the BAAQMD
May 2022 CEQA Air Quality Guidelines. Both temporary
construction effects and long-term regional effects will be considered. The analysis will summarize state/federal air pollution regulations and standards, discuss current and future air quality within the City of Los Altos and the Bay Area region, and conduct air quality modeling
using both the California Emissions Estimator Model
(CalEEMod) and the EMFAC2021 (v1.0.2) model related to
the construction and operational emissions associated
with the net change in buildout. The analysis will compare the net increase in air pollutant emissions modeling data to applicable BAAQMD thresholds and will also identify potential air quality conformity measures. The analysis will also assess the potential for odor impacts.

All emission estimates will be assessed against the significance thresholds defined by the BAAQMD. If impacts are identified, we will also recommend mitigation measures necessary to reduce impacts to a less than significant level. • Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis: D&B will prepare a GHG analysis to address the potential net increase of
GHG emissions during construction and operation activities associated with the proposed project. The analysis will include an overview of the types and sources of GHGs based on similar data to that required for the air quality analysis, described in detail above, and the potential environmental effects of GHGs. We will provide an overview of the current regulatory framework regarding GHGs/climate change, including but not limited to the California’s Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32), Senate Bill (SB) 97, SB 375, SB 32, Executive Order B-55-18, the CEQA Guidelines, and any policies or measures contained in the City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP). The analysis will quantify carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) units associated with construction and operational emissions attributable to the net change of housing units and non-residential
square footage that may be associated with the proposed project. Emission factors and methodologies will use the most recent versions of CARB’s Orion 2018 database, the latest version of EMFAC2021 air pollutant emissions database to calculate GHG emissions utilizing VMT data, as described more fully under the air quality analysis above, and the CalEEMod emissions model (for non-transporGeneral Plan and EIR

tation related emissions). We will consult with City staff during the preparation of this analysis to determine the applicable threshold(s) for this project. If any significant impacts are determined by our analysis, we will prepare appropriate mitigation measures to reduce impacts to a
less than significant level.
• Noise Analysis (SAL): Salter will take noise measurements and prepare traffic noise analysis to support the environmental analysis. Efforts include the following:
– Conduct long-term (e.g., 72-hour) continuous noise
measurements at up to six locations in the plan area,
working with the team to identify preferred measurement locations. – Analyze the measurement data and calculate daily
noise levels. Use the results to calibrate traffic noise analysis. Provide the results of the traffic noise analysis in electronic spreadsheet format. Calculate traffic noise levels based on provided existing and future
traffic volumes, speeds, and truck percentages for
each roadway segment to be provided by F&P as derived from the traffic model (eg. existing and future traffic volumes, speeds, and truck percentages for
the roadway segments to be included in the model).
• Historic Resources, Biological Resources, and Utilities. The EIR will draw on and incorporate subject matter expert
analysis and mapping completed in prior tasks related
to these topics.

Administrative Draft EIR (D&B). D&B will prepare a
legally defensible Programmatic Environmental Impact
Report concurrent with the general plan to facilitate timely completion of the project. The EIR will identify and mitigate as appropriate the significant impacts that may result from the general plan. Through an iterative process, D&B will develop mitigation measures and policies concurrently in concert with finalization of the general plan, such that goals, policies, and implementation measures can
serve to minimize impacts, and the general plan can be
self-mitigating to the extent feasible. Analysis will account for objective standards would minimize potentially significant impacts. A mitigation framework will be prepared, as appropriate, to maximize CEQA streamlining opportunities for future projects consistent with the general plan.

D&B will prepare an Administrative Draft, Screencheck
Draft, and Public Review Draft EIR. The analysis will draw on the technical and specialized analyses prepared in previous tasks, including the technical analysis completed to support the EIR. The Administrative Draft EIR will contain all components required by the CEQA Guidelines including an executive summary, introduction, environmental setting, and project description. The environmental analysis sections will include:
• Aesthetics
• Agriculture and Forestry Resources
• Air Quality
• Biological Resources
• Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
• Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Geology/Soils
• Hazards & Hazardous Materials
• Hydrology/Water Quality
• Land Use/Planning
• Mineral Resources
• Noise
• Population/Housing
• Public Services and Recreation
• Transportation
• Utilities/Service Systems
• Wildfire
The EIR will also discuss growth inducement, irreversible commitment of resources, and issues that were found
not to be significant during the scoping process. The EIR will address project alternatives, including a No Project Alternative and up to two additional project alternatives that could feasibly attain the basic objectives of the general plan. Determination of specific alternatives will be made in coordination with City staff. Following approval of the Public Review Draft EIR, D&B will prepare required Notice of Completion (NOC) and coordinate with the City for the publication and circulation of the Draft EIR. D&B will be Proposal for the City of Los Altos

responsible for submittals to the State Clearinghouse; we assume the City will be responsible for local distribution.

Final EIR (D&B, with team). After close of the 45-day
comment period, D&B will bracket and number each individual comment received within each comment letter and any comments received during the public hearing and will prepare responses to each comment that raises an issue
regarding the content or adequacy of the EIR. For budgeting purposes, we assume that a total of 100 D&B staff hours will be needed to respond to public comments on
the Draft EIR, based on our experience with similar projects. The DEIR will be redlined and included in the FEIR to show any revisions made in response to public comments.

D&B will also prepare the Findings of Fact/Statement of Overriding Considerations (Findings/SOC) and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP), that identifies each mitigation measure, timing, entity responsible for implementation, and method of compliance. The Findings/ SOC and MMRP will be provided with the Administrative
Final EIR for City review. D&B will prepare a Final EIR for publication incorporating edits based on City comments
for consideration during certification hearings.

Notice of Determination (D&B). D&B will prepare the
notice of determination (NOD) and provide it to City staff for filing with the County Clerk’s office within 5 business days of adoption of the final CEQA document. This scope of work assumes that City staff will be responsible for filing the NOD and paying the associated fees.

TASK 7: ZONING CODE UPDATE AND
MAPS
Objective: Prepare updates to the municipal code, Zoning Code, and Map to implement the General Plan and ensure
compliance with new State laws.

D&B will prepare recommendations for municipal code,
Zoning Code, and Zoning Map amendments necessary for
staff to implement the updated General Plan and ensure
consistency with the General Plan goals, policies, and programs. To focus the work, a General Plan policy matrix will be prepared, identifying what policies and programs relate Meetings Deliverables
EIR Scoping Meeting
Planning Commission Study
Session (Part of Task 2)
Community Engagement
(integrated into at least 4 events)
NOP
Scoping comments summary
Technical evaluations
Draft EIR (admin, screencheck,
final)
Final EIR (admin, screencheck,
final)
MMRP
SOC and Findings of Fact
NOC
NOD
to zoning and whether amendments are required for
land use regulations, development standards, or review
procedures.

An annotated outline of proposed amendments will be
prepared to review with City staff and, if appropriate, the Planning Commission or other body. It will identify what existing regulations and standards staff will need to update, and what new regulations and standards are proposed.

These will be illustrated with zoning diagrams for formbased development standards. A map of proposed Zoning Map amendments also will be prepared for City staff review.

TASK 8: ADOPTION/FINALIZATION
Objective: Release the Draft General Plan and EIR for public review and successfully take the documents through the public hearing process. This task includes preparation of memos to support staff reports and presentations for public meetings before the Planning Commission and City Council, as well as facilitation of discussions before decision-making bodies.

Public Hearings (D&B, with team). The Draft General
Plan and Final EIR will be presented at two (2) hearings, one before the Planning Commission and one before the
City Council. We will closely coordinate with City staff prior to the hearings to ensure that our presentations respond to specific questions and issues likely to be encountered during the hearings.

Prepare City Council-Approved General Plan and
Certified EIR (D&B). Following certification of the EIR and adoption of the General Plan Update, final versions of the documents will be prepared. Any final edits to the General Plan directed by the City Council at the hearing will be incorporated into the Adopted General Plan; track changes of the DEIR included in the FEIR will be accepted to produce a “clean” version of the full EIR.

OPTIONAL TASKS
A. Implementation Financing Plan. BAE will identify
and describe potential funding sources for public
improvements identified in the General Plan Update
(e.g., infrastructure and community facilities),
Meetings Deliverables
Ad hoc staff meetings Code diagnostic policy matrix
Annotated outline of code
amendments
Map of proposed Zoning Map
amendments
Meetings Deliverables
Planning Commission Hearing
City Council Hearing
Final Adopted General Plan
Full EIR with DEIR redlined track
changes accepted
General Plan and EIR

including identifying key considerations related to
specific funding sources. Funding sources will include
public local, state, and Federal sources as well as
private sources. For each source BAE will describe
the program and, if available, indicate the funding
amounts available. Based on the identified funding
sources, BAE will prepare a funding source matrix
that identifies one or more potential funding sources
for each category of improvements. (Estimated Cost:
$15,000)
B. Web-Based General Plan (D&B). As an optional task,
following adoption, D&B can prepare a web-based
version of the Final General Plan that integrates maps, legends, text, photos, and video and provides functionality that helps users explore this content. This would be produced in ArcGIS StoryMap format with
key content from each chapter and Element. To kick
off this task, D&B would meet with staff to discuss
organization and format, then prepare a “mock up”
of the StoryMap to confirm direction before building
out a full online version of the General Plan for staff review. We would respond to one round of consolidated comments from staff and test the StoryMap on a variety of browsers and devices. Prior to launch of
the Web-Based General Plan, D&B would do an online
demo with staff to review and make any final refinements. As part of this task, D&B would also prepare a memo and conduct a training session with staff so
that staff can manage and update the tool after completion of the project. (Cost estimate: $25,000) Proposal for the City of Los Altos

City Council Staff Report
Meeting Date: September 30, 2025
Prepared By: Manny Hernandez
Approved By: Gabe Engeland
Subject: Adoption of Resolution – Outdoor Fitness Equipment Replacement at Hillview Park

COUNCIL PRIORITY AREA
General Government

RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Greenfields Outdoor Fitness, Inc. to design, purchase, and install outdoor fitness equipment to replace the old fitness equipment at Hillview Park in an amount not to exceed $145,000

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Categorically Exempt pursuant to CEQA section 15301 – Existing Facilities consisting of the operation, or minor alteration of existing public structures and facilities involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use

FISCAL IMPACT
The project budget was approved as part of the 2025/26 CIMMP program in the amount of $145,000

PREVIOUS COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
None

BACKGROUND
Hillview Park currently has an outdoor fitness area on the west side of the youth baseball field.

This area has commercial rated outdoor fitness equipment that was installed sometime in the late 1990s. The current equipment is outdated but with no moving parts has been able to last an estimated 25+ years.

ANALYSIS
Since the 1990s, outdoor fitness equipment offerings have evolved to meet the demands of users. Older versions of outdoor fitness equipment were exclusively bodyweight movement exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, step-ups, dips and climbing. In more recent years playground companies have invested in outdoor fitness and some companies have cropped up that exclusively produce outdoor fitness equipment. These companies have created equipment with moving parts that provide resistance for those that may not be able to do bodyweight movements or want to have more variety in their outdoor fitness regimen. Outdoor fitness components today resemble equipment that can be found in today’s fitness clubs.

DISCUSSION
In the process of replacing the outdated fitness equipment, staff solicited proposals through a request for proposals (RFP). Three proposals were received and reviewed by staff and a nonstaff member of the public (former Parks & Recreation Commissioner) with knowledge and interest in the replacement project. Through this process Greenfields Outdoor Fitness Equipment Inc. was selected as the best proposal. Greenfields proposal included an equipment listing that evaluators felt satisfied current usage as well as incorporating exciting modern outdoor equipment. Their proposal also included an option for surfacing upgrade that is within the project budget. Staff will bring the initial proposal from Greenfields to the Parks, Arts, Recreation and Culture Commission to receive additional input before finalizing the design and equipment.

Staff is requesting City Council adopt a resolution to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Greenfields Outdoor Fitness, Inc. to design, purchase, and install outdoor fitness equipment to replace the old fitness equipment at Hillview Park in the amount not to exceed the total of $145,000 for the proposed $139,472 + $5,528 project contingency.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Attachment 1

RESOLUTION NO. 2025-__

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALTOS TO

AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH GREENFIELDS OUTDOOR FITNESS INC. FOR THE DESIGN, PURCHASE AND

INSTALL OF OUTDOOR FITNESS EQUIPMENT AT HILLVIEW PARK IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $139,472 (CONTRACT) + $5,528 (CONTINGENCY) FOR A NOT TO EXCEED TOTAL OF $145,000
WHEREAS, the existing outdoor fitness equipment at Hillview Park has reach it’s end of useful life; and
WHEREAS, as part of the annual budget process, City Council approved the Capital Improvements and Major Maintenance Program that included the replacement of the Hillview Park outdoor fitness equipment; and
WHEREAS, this project is funded though Park In-lieu funds as approved by City Council; and WHEREAS, staff received three proposals for design, purchase and installation of outdoor fitness equipment to replace the current equipment; and WHEREAS, Greenfields Outdoor Fitness Inc. scored the highest in a multi-category evaluation process.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Los Altos does hereby:

Authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Greenfields Outdoor Fitness, Inc. to design, purchase, and install outdoor fitness equipment to replace the old fitness equipment at Hillview Park in the amount not to exceed $139,472 (contract) + $5,528 (contingency) for a total not to exceed $145,000.

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of a resolution passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Los Altos at a meeting thereof on the 30th day of September 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:
__________________________
Pete Dailey
Mayor
ATTEST:

_________________________
Melissa Thurman
City Clerk

City Council Staff Report
Meeting Date: September 30, 2025
Prepared By: Harun Musaefendic
Approved By: Gabe Engeland
Subject: Adoption of Resolution - Contract Amendment for Fremont Bridge Pedestrian Bridge

COUNCIL PRIORITY AREA
Circulation Safety and Efficiency
General Government

RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 on behalf of the City with Dewberry Engineers Inc. in the amount of $17,228 and authorize additional $30,000 contingency for design professional consulting services for the Fremont Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation Project, TS-01055, for FY2025/26, and find that this action is Exempt from Environmental Review Pursuant to Section 15301(c) of the State Guidelines Implementing the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Not applicable - Categorically Exempt pursuant to CEQA Section 15301(c). It can be seen with certainty that the contract amendment will not have a significant effect on the physical environment, and none of the circumstances in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 applies.

FISCAL IMPACT
The $17,228 is for Amendment No. 1 and the additional $30,000 contingency will be appropriated from the Capital Improvement and Major Maintenance Program, Fremont Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation Project, No. TS-01055 for potential design change orders.

PREVIOUS COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
November 24, 2020

BACKGROUND
On November 24, 2020, the City of Los Altos City Council approved a professional service agreement with Dewberry Engineers Inc. in the amount of $193,234 to provide prepare plans and specifications to replace the timber decking, replacement of the end-spans middle glulam string in kind, replacement of the structural blocking and cross bracing, replacement of timber railing, installation of drainage system, and backfilling of the first span to repair scour damaged and lose of backfill material.

The original scope of work for bridge lighting was to provide new, additional lighting across the length of the bridge, based on the comments received from the public. The comments received

during the public meeting in 2022 contradicted this scope. The public strongly opposed the aesthetic of the light fixture and the pattern of the light it cast on the surrounding area. For this reason, at the request of the City staff, Dewberry Engineers visited the site in the evening to verify if there was enough ambient lighting for the approaches and bridge crossing. Based on field observations, additional lighting along the length of the bridge was not necessary but new lighting is proposed on either end of the bridge. The consultant had to devise a solution and design that would be aesthetically pleasing to the public and provide sufficient lighting for safety purposes. This task was not a part of the original scope of work for the project.

To verify if the original scope of work was still applicable and to verify the integrity of the bridge, staff requested Dewberry Engineer to revisit the bridge and ensure the bridge did not deteriorate further. During a field investigation, it was noted that the north-west wingwall had a substantial vertical crack that would have an impact on the structural integrity of the bridge support if not addressed. Dewberry Engineers was directed by staff to come up with a solution and means of making repairs to the wingwall. The repair solution was not a part of the original scope of services, since it was an unforeseen condition. Dewberry Engineers will detail and design the removal of the failed portion and a replacement section to be doweled into the existing sound section of wingwall.

The project was placed on hold by the City staff in early 2023 due to staffing issues. When the project was restarted, the consultant needed to expend additional time to restart the design and re-evaluate the environmental condition in late 2024.

During the environmental permitting process, the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) rejected the proposed erosion control to protect the embankment of the creek. The RWQCB also requested the removal of the existing erosion control rubber mat that was installed as part of the erosion mitigation of the embankment during the Fremont Avenue vehicle bridge replacement project. In place of the existing embankment erosion control protection that has been effective for many years, the RWQCB and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) suggested hydro-seeding the embankment. This option was implemented as a part of the Fremont Avenue vehicle bridge replacement project, and it was not effective because the area is under constant shade, and no vegetation would survive. For this reason, the existing erosion protection was proposed and installed. This information was provided to both RWQCB and the CDFW. Both agencies insisted on implementing hydro-seeding of the existing embankment, and the City would have to maintain the vegetation until such time the hydro-seed takes root. If the mitigation is not successful, the City would be required to reapply the hydroseed. Staff rejected this option because of past experience that proved that the hydro-seed option will not work. If the City agrees to this option, the number of times we would need to hydro-seed to ensure the vegetation would take root is unknown, and the cost would be openended. For this reason, staff rejected the recommendation from RWQCB and the CDFW.

RWQCB stated that the city would have to come up with a solution that would be acceptable to both RWQCB and the CDFW for the embankment erosion control plan. The proposed mitigation is not a part of the original scope of work. A change order is necessary for Dewberry Engineers to come up with a solution. Dewberry Engineers already stated that RWQCB has rejected most of the common solutions for the erosion control. At this time, they are not sure which option will be acceptable to RWQCB. Dewberry Engineers would need to conduct

extensive research and come up with a solution. Because they are not sure how much effort it will take to come up with a solution, Staff is requesting the Council to provide a $30,000 contingency and authorize the City Manager to utilize the contingency as necessary.

ANALYSIS
The City of Los Altos entered into an agreement with Dewberry Engineers Inc. to provide design professional consulting services for the Fremont Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation project, TS-01055. Dewberry Engineers Inc. completed 95% construction drawings and has performed additional design work during this design phase. Additional funds are required to complete the 100% design drawings and publish the project for bid.

DISCUSSION
Staff recommends that the Council authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 on behalf of the City with Dewberry Engineers Inc. for additional design professional consulting services for the Fremont Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation Project, TS-01055. Staff recommend that the Council authorize the City Manager to appropriate an additional $30,000 for design professional consulting services for the Fremont Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation Project, TS-01055.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Attachment 1

ATTACHMENT 1
Resolution No. 2025-__ Page 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-___

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALTOS AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE AGREEMENT WITH DEWBERRY ENGINEERS INC. IN THE
AMOUNT OF $17,228 AND TO APPROPRIATE ADDITIONAL $30,000 FOR

CONTINGENCY FOR PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THE

FREMONT AVENUE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE REHABILITATION PROJECT, TS-01055
WHEREAS the City of Los Altos hired Dewberry Engineers Inc. to provide professional consulting services for the Fremont Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation Project, TS01055; and WHEREAS, Dewberry Engineers Inc. was awarded a contract in the amount of $193,234 on February 22, 2021; and
WHEREAS, several issues arose that could not be anticipated in the original scope of work; and
WHEREAS, Amendment No. 1 in the amount of $17,228 to Dewberry Engineers Inc.’s contract will address design issues that were unanticipated in the original scope of work; and
WHEREAS, the staff forecasts potential additional design professional consulting services and requests $30,000 contingency added to this project; and WHEREAS, there are sufficient funds available in the Fremont Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation, TS-01055, project budget.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Los Altos hereby authorizes approval of Amendment No. 1 in the amount of $17,228 to the Agreement Between the City of Los Altos and Dewberry Engineers Inc. for professional consulting services for the Fremont Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation and provide a $30,000 contingency; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager is hereby authorized and empowered to execute in the name of the City of Los Altos Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement Between the City of Los Altos and Dewberry Engineers Inc. in the amount of $17,228 to include additional work as described above; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager is hereby authorized to execute change orders up to $30,000 for design professional consulting services for the Fremont Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Rehabilitation, TS-01055.

ATTACHMENT 1
Resolution No. 2025-__ Page 2
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Los Altos at a meeting thereof on the 30th day of September, 2025 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
___________________________
Pete Dailey, MAYOR
Attest:
_____________________________
Melissa Thurman, MMC,

CITY CLERK

City Council Staff Report
Meeting Date: September 30, 2025
Prepared By: Anthony Carnesecca
Approved By: Gabe Engeland
Subject: Adoption of Resolution - Accepting North Council Library Authority Funds for Main Library Improvements Project

COUNCIL PRIORITY AREA
General Government

RECOMMENDATION
Two actions for Council consideration:
• Adopt a resolution accepting North County Library Authority Funds for Main Library Improvements Project, Recognize $1,254,000 Revenue from North County Library Authority, and Appropriate $1,254,000 Revenue to Main Library Improvements Project (LI01001).
• Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the contract with Anderson Brule Architects for the Main Library Improvements Project in an amount not to exceed $1,254,000, inclusive of a 10% contingency, and to execute any necessary change orders within that amount on behalf of the City

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
This report is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970.

FISCAL IMPACT
The North County Library Authority has paid all applicable expenses up to this point.

PREVIOUS COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
January 23, 2024, June 25, 2024, December 10, 2024, & August 26, 2025

BACKGROUND
During the November 18, 2024 North County Library Authority meeting, their board unanimously approved the funding allocation to the City of Los Altos for Phase 1 of the Main Library Improvements Project.

During the December 10, 2024 City Council meeting, Council unanimously awarded a contract for ABA to execute the Main Library Improvements Project for Phase 1 with an option to amend for Phases 2 and 3.

Beginning in January 2025, ABA began their work to complete Phase 1 of the Main Library Improvements project focused on investigating the existing condition, creating design alternatives, evaluating cost estimates, and garnering consensus for a final preferred design.

Initially, ABA investigated the existing conditions of the Los Altos Main Library by evaluating the building, and reviewing the proposals presented by the Library Commission Ad-Hoc Subcommittee and previous Needs Assessments. This analysis helped inform their analysis of the building and proposed improvements to the space.

While evaluating the existing conditions, ABA moved forward with beginning to engage with the library community and beyond. As part of the initial design alternative process, ABA conducted three feedback workshops to review and discuss the proposed improvements into order to gain a shared understanding of project background, goals, and timeline; and, input for validation of prioritized improvements. These events were hosted on March 6, 2025 at a Library Commission meeting, March 12, 2025 3 – 5 pm, and March 22, 2025 10 am – 12 pm.

At the culmination of those meetings and the existing site investigation, ABA reviewed the current site analysis, the proposals from the Ad-Hoc Subcommittee, and community feedback.

Accordingly, ABA created two design concepts that were presented to the public for specific commentary. These two design concepts were presented at three public engagement opportunities, a Special Library Commission meeting on May 22, 2025 at 6:30 pm in the Orchard Room, and two workshops in the Library Open Space on May 24, 2025 from 10 am – 12 pm and May 28, 2025 from 3 – 5 pm.

After reviewing the feedback provided to the design team through those community feedback sessions and beyond, the design team made modifications to the design and identified a preferred design concept that met the prioritized proposals from the Library Commission AdHoc Subcommittee.

The design proposal accomplishes three main objectives:

1. increases the ability of the Library to provide programs and services to the community,

2. improves the infrastructure of the Library as it stands today; and,

3. incorporates feedback received from the community through the engagement process.

This preferred design concept was presented to the Library Commission on August 7, 2025, where the Commission unanimously recommended that the project move forward to City Council.

During the August 26, 2025 City Council meeting, the City Council unanimously recommended bringing a funding request to NCLA for the next phases of the project.

ANALYSIS

N/A

DISCUSSION
As part of the next phases, the design team will provide the following design services:
• Structural Engineering (as needed for interior modifications) • Architecture & Interior Design (including all finishes & materials) • Furniture and Equipment
• Code Required Accessibility Design
• Acoustical Design and Engineering
• Mechanical System Design, including electrification
• Plumbing System Design
• Electrical & Lighting System Design, including electrification • Telecom System Design
• Fire Protection & Fire Alarm System performance specification • Technology & Audio Visual System Design
• Security System Design
• Signage and Wayfinding Design
• Bidding Services and Support
• Construction Services and Support
• Photovoltaic System Design
• Battery Energy Storage System Design
The design team will provide the following deliverables:
• Schematic Design Documents (30% Design)
• Design Development Documents (60% Design)
• Construction Documents (90% Design)
• Building Dept. Plan Check Submittal
• Building Dept. Approved Permit Package
• Bid Package (100% Design)
• Construction Record Drawings
The estimated cost for these services and deliverables is $1,140,000. City staff recommends an additional 10% contingency. In total, the current request for funding is $1,254,000 from the North County Library Authority for Phase 2 and 3.

During the September 15, 2025 NCLA meeting, the NCLA Board unanimously approved releasing the requested funds of $1,254,000 with the caveat that no funds can be spent on Photovoltaic System Design and Battery Energy Storage System Design until NCLA has received confirmation from legal counsel that these specific proposed design elements are an eligible expense from NCLA funds.

The consultant can complete their work within these perimeters until clarification is provided by the legal counsel of NCLA. The proposed contract amendment will contain language that allows City staff to execute on the Photovoltaic System Design and Battery Energy Storage System Design elements if allowed by legal counsel or these elements would return to City Council and/or NCLA for consideration should it not be an eligible expense.

The City acknowledges that the Main Library Improvement Project is subject to compliance with all legal requirements, including and but not limited to compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). No financial commitment shall be construed to compel the City to approve or make any particular findings with respect to any environmental documentation that is prepared, pursuant to CEQA, for any portion of the Project. The City retains full discretion to approve any CEQA documents prepared or to analyze environmental impacts or the Project.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Attachment 1

2. Attachment 2

Resolution No. 2025-XX Page 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-___

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ACCEPTANCE OF NORTH COUNTY

LIBRARY AUTHORITY FUNDS FOR MAIN LIBRARY IMPROVEMENTS
PROJECT, RECOGNIZING $1,254,000 REVENUE FROM NORTH COUNTY LIBRARY AUTHORITY, AND APPROPRIATING $1,254,000 REVENUE TO

MAIN LIBRARY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
WHEREAS, at the June 25, 2024 City Council meeting, City Council unanimously authorized the City Manager to issue a Request for Proposals for Design Services for Los Altos Main Library Improvements; and
WHEREAS, City staff issued an RFP for the project and selected Anderson Brule Architects as the consultant to complete the design work for the Los Altos Main Library Improvements; and
WHEREAS, during the October 3, 2024 Library Commission meeting, City staff provided an update on the process and next steps, including a request for funds from the North County Library Authority and a contract award from the Los Altos City Council. The Library Commission unanimously recommended approval to move forward in this process; and
WHEREAS, during the November 18, 2024 North County Library Authority meeting, the board unanimously approved the funding allocation to the City of Los Altos for Phase 1; and
WHEREAS, during the December 10, 2024 City Council meeting, City Council unanimously awarded a contract for ABA to execute the Main Library Improvements Project for Phase 1 with an option to amend for Phases 2 and 3; and WHEREAS, during the August 26, 2025 City Council meeting, the City Council unanimously recommended bringing a funding request to NCLA for the next phases of the project; and
WHEREAS, during the September 15, 2025 NCLA meeting, the NCLA Board unanimously approved release the requested funding with the caveat that no funds can be spent on Photovoltaic System Design and Battery Energy Storage System Design until NCLA has received confirmation from legal counsel that these specific proposed design elements are an eligible expense from NCLA funds; and
WHEREAS, this resolution is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Los Altos hereby:

Resolution No. 2025-XX Page 2

1. Approves the acceptance of the North County Library funds for the Main Library Improvements Project; and

2. Recognizes $1,254,000 revenue from North County Library Authority with the caveat that no funds can be spent on Photovoltaic System Design and Battery Energy Storage System Design until NCLA has received confirmation from legal counsel that these specific proposed design elements are an eligible expense from NCLA funds; and

3. Appropriates $1,254,000 revenue to the Main Library Improvements Project.

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Los Altos at a meeting thereof on the 30th day of September, 2025 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
___________________________
Pete Dailey, MAYOR
Attest:
_____________________________
Melissa Thurman, CITY CLERK

Resolution No. 2025-XX Page 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XX

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALTOS

AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO AMEND AN AGREEMENT ON

BEHALF OF THE CITY OF LOS ALTOS WITH ANDERSON BRULE

ARCHITECTS FOR THE MAIN LIBRARY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
(LI01001)
WHEREAS, the City has selected Anderson Brule Architects to provide professional design services for the Main Library Improvements; and
WHEREAS, the North County Library Authority has provided funding for the project; and
WHEREAS, during the December 10, 2024 City Council meeting, City Council unanimously awarded a contract for ABA to execute the Main Library Improvements Project for Phase 1 with an option to amend for Phases 2 and 3; and WHEREAS, during the August 26, 2025 City Council meeting, the City Council unanimously recommended bringing a funding request to NCLA for the next phases of the project; and
WHEREAS, during the September 15, 2025 NCLA meeting, the NCLA Board unanimously approved releasing the requested funds of $1,254,000 with the caveat that no funds can be spent on Photovoltaic System Design and Battery Energy Storage System Design until NCLA has received confirmation from legal counsel that these specific proposed design elements are an eligible expense from NCLA funds; and WHEREAS, this resolution is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Los Altos adopt a resolution to:

1. Authorize the City Manager to amend the contract with Anderson Brule Architects for the Main Library Improvements Project in an amount not to exceed $1,254,000, inclusive of a 10% contingency, and to execute any necessary change orders within that amount on behalf of the City, and

2. Authorize the City Manager to take such further actions as may be necessary to implement the foregoing agreement.

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Los Altos at a meeting thereof on the 30th day of September 2025 by the following vote:

Resolution No. 2025-XX Page 2
AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
___________________________
Pete Dailey, MAYOR
Attest:
_____________________________
Melissa Thurman, MMC

CITY CLERK

City Council Staff Report
Meeting Date: September 30, 2025
Prepared By: Nick Zornes
Approved By: Gabe Engeland
Subject: Introduction of Ordinances - Zoning Code Amendments for Historic Preservation and Mills Act

COUNCIL PRIORITY AREA
General Government

RECOMMENDATION
Four actions for Council consideration:

Introduce and waive first reading of draft ordinances and consider June 5, 2025, Planning Commission recommendation for the adoption of the proposed ordinances, which include:
• An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Los Altos Adding Chapter 14.93 (Historic Preservation) to the Los Altos Municipal Code; and • An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Los Altos Adding Chapter 14.95 (Mills Act Program) to the Los Altos Municipal Code; and
• An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Los Altos Repealing in its Entirety Chapter 12.44 for Existing Historic Preservation Regulations; and • Find that the proposed amendments are exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Zoning Code text amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), which states that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.

The Zoning Code text amendments can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed action may result in a significant effect on the environment as the ordinance further implements State law and creates procedural requirements locally for how to do so.

Additionally, the proposed amendments are designed to preserve and protect existing and future historic resources of such structures that already exist today and do or will qualify as a historic resource within the City of Los Altos. The proposed revisions to the Zoning Code are exempt from further review under CEQA.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the development of this ordinance. However, continuation of the approval of Mills Act Contracts with individual properties within the City does lower the tax base for qualifying properties which in return reduces the property taxes

collected by the County of Santa Clara and dispersed to the City of Los Altos. Mills Act properties receive a 40-60% reduction in property taxes annually.

PREVIOUS COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
N/A

BACKGROUND
The Los Altos Municipal Code contains various regulations for items that include Historic Preservation. However, the Code does not include specific standards, processes or procedures for Mills Act Properties and the associated contracts for historic preservation.

The Historic Preservation Ordinance as a part of this Agenda Item aims to modernize and strengthen the process for identifying, designating, preserving, and regulating historic resources in the City of Los Altos. This update codifies existing best practices, integrates preservation into land use and development processes, and provides clear procedures and definitions for designations and alterations to historic properties. Much of the proposed ordinance language is consent with existing standards within the Los Altos Municipal Code, however, are being relocated from Title 12 (Building and Safety Code) to Title 14 (Zoning Code) and reorganized in its ordinance structure.

The proposed Mills Act Chapter introduces an economic incentive program authorized by California Government Code §§50280–50290. It allows owners of qualified historic properties to enter into contracts with the City for reduced property tax assessments in exchange for commitments to restore and maintain those properties according to preservation standards. The proposed ordinance largely codifies existing practice, which is enabled by State law, however, is not contained within local ordinance. The integration of the proposed ordinance into the local code allows for consistency and integrity of the Mills Act program within the City.

ANALYSIS
Historic Preservation Ordinance:

The Ordinance establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for designating properties as historic resources or landmarks based on criteria related to age, integrity, and significance.

Introduces formalized procedures for applications, reports, Historical Commission review, and City Council action. Defines a new Historic Alteration Permit process for review and approval of proposed changes to designated properties, ensuring compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Identifies ordinary maintenance activities exempt from permit requirements and emphasizes the duty to maintain designated historic properties in good repair. Clarifies appeal rights, enforcement mechanisms, and the option for joint public hearings with other review authorities.

Mills Act Ordinance:

The draft Ordinance has been modeled after State law and incorporates all necessary provisions.

The Ordinance establishes eligibility requirements for entering into historic property preservation contracts, limiting participation to properties designated on local, state, or national registers. Sets out a robust application process including a 10-year maintenance plan, cost estimates, photographs, proof of eligibility, and property tax assessment projections. Requires

formal contract review and execution by the City Council, subject to compliance with applicable codes and preservation standards. Mandates periodic inspections and documentation (every five years) to ensure ongoing compliance with preservation obligations. Includes provisions for nonrenewal, amendment, and cancellation of contracts, consistent with state law and local enforcement authority. As previously noted, the proposed Mills Act Ordinance is codification of existing practices which are enabled by State law. The proposed ordinance further provides process and procedures for review, approval, and enforcement of the Mills Act for the City of Los Altos. Unless otherwise amended, existing Mills Act Contracts remain intact and unaltered with adoption of the proposed ordinance.

DISCUSSION
The revised Historic Preservation Ordinance and the new Mills Act Chapter function in tandem to preserve the City’s cultural and architectural heritage through both regulatory oversight and financial incentives. The operative framework provides the following:
• Designation to Protection: Properties must first be designated as Historic Resources (via the Historic Preservation Ordinance) to become eligible for Mills Act contracts. The preservation ordinance provides the process and criteria for such designation, ensuring resources meet thresholds of significance and integrity. • Alterations and Integrity: Once designated, any significant changes to a property must go through the Historic Alteration Permit process to protect character-defining features.

This ensures that physical modifications do not compromise historical integrity. • Financial Incentives and Long-Term Maintenance: The Mills Act contract offers a property tax reduction in exchange for a binding 10-year plan (which renews annually) to rehabilitate and maintain the historic property. City inspections verify ongoing compliance, while cancellation provisions protect the public interest and further ensure that a reduction in the property tax levy is only commensurate with the need to upgrade or restore the historic property.
• Enforcement and Oversight: Both ordinances include clear roles for staff, the Historical Commission, and the City Council in reviewing, approving, and enforcing regulations or contracts. Joint hearing procedures further streamline multi-authority reviews where necessary.

Planning Commission June 5th Meeting
On June 5, 2025, the Los Altos Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider the draft ordinances. During that meeting public testimony was received which identified concern over the requirement for interior inspection in addition to a required exterior inspection of a historic property with Mills Act Contract. The Planning Commission considered the public testimony and requested a modification to clarify what the interior inspection would entail. Additionally, during the commissioner discussion, it was identified that pursuant to Government Code Section 50281 interior and exterior inspections of historic properties with Mills Act Contracts is statutorily required. The draft Mills Act Program Ordinance was drafted consistent with the Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) Technical Assistance document (Attachment #5).

Additionally, public testimony regarding the Historic Preservation Ordinance was received.

Comments were concerned that too much of the ordinance was being modified without consideration of what was lost or what was retained in the drafted ordinance. A side-by-side comparison of red lines to the existing ordinance was requested by two members of the public.

Staff explained that since the Ordinance was being relocated from Title 12 to Title 14, and the Ordinance has been reorganized for ease of application of the code which would result in the entire existing ordinance being strikethrough and underlined.

The proposed ordinances were passed by a vote of 4-1. It is important to note that the one dissenting vote was cast on the basis that the commissioner believed the ordinances should have been sent to the Historical Commission for consideration.

The one dissenting vote by the Planning Commission gave staff the opportunity to re-evaluate the necessity for the proposed ordinances to be reviewed by the Historical Commission.

Ordinances contained within the Zoning Code are not legally required to be reviewed by any commission with the exception of the Planning Commission prior to consideration of the City Council. Pursuant to Section 2.12.030 the Historical Commission Review and comment upon existing or proposed ordinances, plans or policies of the city as they relate to historic resources. Since the Historic Preservation Ordinance and Mills Act Ordinance contain regulations for historic resources staff agendized this item for Review and Comment by the Historical Commission.

Historical Commission August 18th Meeting
On August 18, 2025, the Los Altos Historical Commission held a meeting to review and comment on the proposed ordinances. The Historical Commission review concluded no objection to the moving of Historic Preservation Regulations from Title 12 to Title 14 as proposed. During that meeting public testimony was received which identified various changes that should be made based on the public comment.

Meeting with Residents
On August 6, 2025, City Manager, Gabe Engeland, and Assistant City Manager, Nick Zornes met with four (4) residents, three (3) of which are owners of Historic Properties within the City and each hold Mills Act Contracts. During this meeting dialogue received informed potential modifications to the draft ordinances. Following the meeting a Summary of Comments was received on August 7, 2025; appropriate comments received were integrated into the draft ordinances which were reviewed by the Historical Commission.

On September 4, 2025, City Manager Gabe Engeland and Assistant City Manager Nick Zornes met with three (3) residents, all of whom are owners of Historic Properties within the City and each holds Mills Act Contracts. During this meeting City staff reviewed each issue, concern, or comment raised by the residents, and made changes based on the suggestions presented.

Additional modifications to the proposed ordinances were integrated during the discussion with residents; all modifications identified in Blue and Underline are based on comments received and discussed at these meetings.

City Council Policy Question
Policy question for City Council is identified by Yellow Highlighting in the draft ordinance

(Attachment #2).

Policy Question:

Initiation for Designation of Historic Resources (Section 14.93.040(B)). Does the City Council wish to modify the proposed ordinance for this Policy Question? • Comments regarding the Initiation for Designation of Historic Resources would like any members of the public to be able to request a property for consideration. o Current practice and proposed ordinance limit the Initiation to only the Property Owner, Historical Commission and City Council.
o Staff do not support this requested change to the draft ordinance.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Attachment 1

2. Attachment 2

3. Attachment 3

4. Attachment 4

5. Attachment 5

6. Attachment 6

7. Attachment 7

1 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-__

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALTOS ADDING CHAPTER 14.93 (HISTORIC PRESERVATION) TO THE LOS ALTOS MUNICIPAL CODE
WHEREAS, the City Council is empowered pursuant to Article XI, Section 7 of the California Constitution to make and enforce within the City all local, police, sanitary, and other ordinances, and regulations not in conflict with general laws; and WHEREAS, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on DATE TO BE INSERTED, and DATE TO BE INSERTED; and
WHEREAS, the amendments was processed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the California Government Code and the Los Altos Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, this Ordinance is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended, The Zoning Code text amendments can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed action may result in a significant effect on the environment as the ordinance further implements State law and creates procedural requirements locally for how to do so. The proposed amendments are designed to preserve and protect existing and future historic resources of such structures that already exist today and do or will qualify as a historic resource within the City of Los Altos; and
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Los Altos does hereby ordain as follows:

SECTION 1. AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 14.90 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE. Chapter

14.90 of the Los Altos Municipal Code is hereby amended as set forth in Appendix A to this Ordinance, underline indicating addition, strikethrough indicating deletion.

SECTION 2. CONSTITUTIONALITY; AMBIGUITIES. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions hereof. Any ambiguities in the Los Altos Municipal Code created by this Ordinance shall be resolved by the Development Services Director, in their reasonable discretion, after consulting the City Attorney.

SECTION 3. PUBLICATION. This Ordinance shall be published as provided in Government Code Section 36933.

SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall be effective upon the commencement of the thirty-first day following the adoption hereof.

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance was duly and properly introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Los Altos held on DATE TO BE INSERTED, and was thereafter, at a regular meeting held on DATE TO BE INSERTED, passed, and adopted by the following vote:

2 AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
___________________________________
Pete Dailey, MAYOR
Attest:
____________________________
Melissa Thurman, MMC, CITY CLERK

APPENDIX A
CHAPTER 14.93

APPENDIX A

Chapter 14.93 – HISTORIC PRESERVATION

14.93.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to:

A. Safeguard the heritage of the city by providing for the protection of historic resources representing significant elements of its history; B. Enhance the visual character of the city by encouraging the compatibility of architectural styles which reflect established architectural traditions on individual property and parcels of land;
C. Encourage public knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the city's past, and foster civic and neighborhood pride and sense of identity based upon the recognition and use of the city's historic resources;
D. Stabilize and improve property values within the city and increase the economic and financial benefits to the city and its inhabitants derived from the preservation, rehabilitation, and use of historic resources;
E. Integrate the conservation of historic resources into the public and private development process and identify as early as possible and resolve conflicts between the preservation of such resources as possible.

14.93.020 Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section, unless the context or the provision clearly requires otherwise:
"Alteration" means any act or process that changes any portion of the exterior architectural appearance of a structure or object, including, but not limited to, the erection, construction, reconstruction, removal of exterior architectural features or details, or the addition of new structures, but does not include painting, ordinary maintenance and landscaping.
"California Historical Building Code" applies to all qualified historic structures and sites, designated under federal, state and local authority. It provides alternative building regulations for the rehabilitation, preservation, restoration or relocation of structures designated as qualified historic buildings.

"California Office of Historic Preservation" means the governmental agency primarily responsible for the statewide administration of the historic preservation program in California.
"California Register of Historical Resources" is a comprehensive listing of California's historical resources, including those of local, state and national significance. "Character defining features" means the defining elements, such as prominent architectural features, materials, craftsmanship or other elements, that, individually or in combination, identify a historic property, building or landscape. "Commission staff" means the staff liaison assigned to the historical commission. "DPR 523" means the California Department of Parks and Recreation Historic Resource Inventory Forms used for historic evaluations. The DPR 523A form provides descriptive information about a resource. The DPR 523B form provides an evaluation of the resources and includes a determination as to whether the resource is eligible for the National or State Register of Historic Places or listing on the Los Altos Historic Resources Inventory. "Exterior architectural feature" means the architectural elements embodying style, design, general arrangement and components of all the outer surfaces of an improvement, including but not limited to, the kind, size, shape and texture of building materials, and the type and style of windows, doors, lights, signs and other fixtures appurtenant to such improvement.
"Historic landmark" means a building, improvement, structure, natural feature, site or area of land, under single or common ownership that has significant historical, architectural, cultural, and/or aesthetic interest or value, and is designated as a historic landmark by the city council.
"Historic resource" is a property or structure that has been determined to be over fifty (50) years old, or has been identified as eligible for listing in a local, state, or national historic register per CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.5, retains its physical integrity, has historical, architectural, cultural, and/or aesthetic value, and is listed on the historic resources inventory (HRI).
"Historic resources inventory" (HRI) means the city's official inventory of the historic resources, as adopted and amended from time to time by resolution of the city council. A

property or structure must be designated as a historic landmark or a historic resource to be listed.
"Historical commission" is an advisory commission appointed by the city council that is tasked with maintaining the historic resources inventory, making recommendations on historic landmarks, working with property owners on preservation, maintenance and other development activities related to historic resources, and other activities as identified in the municipal code.
"Improvement" means any building, structure, parking facility, wall, work of art or other appurtenance or addition thereto constitute a physical betterment of real property or any part of such betterment.
"Integrity" is the authenticity of the characteristics, also referred to as character defining features, from which resources derive their significance. Integrity is the composite of seven qualities: location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association. "Mills Act" is an economic incentive program in California for the restoration and preservation of qualified historic structures. The Mills Act grants participating local governments the authority to enter into contracts with owners of qualified historic properties to reduce the property tax assessment in exchange for the restoration and maintenance of the historic resource.
"National Register of Historic Places" is the official inventory of districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects significant in American history, architectural, archeology and culture, maintained by the Secretary of Interior under the authority of the Historic Sites Act of 1935 and the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. "Preservation" means the act of identification, study, protection, reconstruction, restoration, rehabilitation or enhancement of historic and/or cultural resources. "Reconstruction" means the act or process of reproducing by new construction, the exact form and detail of a vanished building, structure or any part thereof, as it appeared at a specific period.
"Rehabilitation" means the act or process of returning a property to a state of utility through repair or alteration that makes possible an efficient contemporary use while

preserving those portions or features of the property which are significant to its historical, architectural and cultural value.
"Restoration" means the act or process of accurately recovering the form and details of a property and its setting as it appeared at a particular period by means of the removal of later work or by the replacement of missing earlier work. "Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties (36 CFR Part 68)" are the Federal Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties that are utilized in the identification, evaluation, registration and treatment of historic properties. The list of ten (10) Rehabilitation Standards, published as the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, is aimed at retaining and preserving those features and materials that are important in defining the historic character of a resource.

14.93.030 Identification of Historic Resource.

For a property to be placed on the HRI following the adoption of this Chapter, an historic resource survey (DPR 523A) shall be prepared by a qualified consultant in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation: Professional Qualifications Standards.

14.93.040 Historic Resource Designation

A. Designation Criteria. For the purposes of this Chapter, a structure, property or object may be eligible for designation as a historic resource or historic landmark, if it/they satisfy all three (3) criteria listed below:

1. Age. A structure or property shall be more than fifty (50) years in age.

2. Determination of Integrity. A structure or property should retain sufficient historic integrity in most of the following areas:
a. Location. The place where the historic property was constructed or where the historic event occurred. Integrity of location is maintained when the property remains at its original site.
b. Design: The combination of elements that create the form, plan, space, structure and style of a property.
c. Materials: The physical elements that were combined or deposited during a particular period and in a particular pattern or configuration. d. Workmanship: The physical evidence of the crafts of a particular culture or people during any given period in prehistory or history.

e. Characteristic: A property's expression of the aesthetic or historic sense of a particular period.
f. Association: The direct connection between a property and the historic event, activity, or person for which it is significant.

3. Historic Significance. A structure or property should be clearly associated with one or more of the following areas of significance:
a. Event: Associated with a single significant event or a pattern of events that have made a significant contribution to broad patterns of local or regional history, or cultural heritage of California or the United States. b. Person/People: Associated with the lives of people important to the local or regional, California or national history.
c. Architecture/Design: Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a design-type, period, region or method of construction, or represents the work of a master or possesses high artistic value.
d. Archaeology: Yields important information about prehistory or history of the local area, California or the nation.

B. Initiation for Designation.

1. Designation of a property proposed for inclusion on the HRI may be initiated by any of the following parties:
a. Owner(s) of the property proposed for inclusion or authorized representative of the owner(s);
b. Historical Commission and affirmed by the City Council; c. City Council.

2. If designation is initiated by the owner(s), an application for designation shall be made to the Development Services Department through submittal of the prescribed application form accompanied by a nonrefundable filing fee as specified in the adopted Fee Schedule. The Development Services Department shall establish what supporting documentation shall accompany the application, including, but not limited to, State of California DPR 523 series forms or other HRI forms as may be approved by the State.

3. At the time of submission of an application for designation, the owner(s) or authorized representative of the owner(s) shall be notified of the proposed designation and given the opportunity to comment; however, owner consent is not required for designation to proceed.

4. The application shall indicate the parameters of the property proposed for inclusion, specifying any related structures or resources that are to be included for consideration and an evaluation of the property’s conformance with the applicable criteria.

5. If designation is initiated by the Historical Commission or the City Council, the Development Services Department shall notify the owner(s) of the property by certified mail within ninety (90) days of the initiation and request written consent from the owner. The notice shall inform the owner(s) of the proposed designation and provide an opportunity to comment during the public hearing process. Owner consent shall not be required for the designation to proceed.

C. Approval of Permits When Designation is Pending. Except as provided by this chapter no Building Permit, Demolition Permit, or other permit that would result in a major alteration of the property shall be issued for any property when an HRI designation application has been initiated with the Development Services Department until all hearings on the matter are concluded.

D. Historical Commission Hearing.

1. The Historical Commission shall conduct a hearing on the application for designation at its next regularly scheduled meeting following the application being deemed complete by the Development Services Department.

2. A staff report, including the supporting documentation concerning the property proposed for inclusion shall be provided to the Historical Commission. The report shall address the significance and integrity of the property proposed for inclusion as it relates to the designation criteria, provide other relevant information, and include a recommendation concerning the application and the basis therefor.

3. The Historical Commission shall consider the evidence provided by a licensed design professional specializing in historic preservation or qualified historic preservation professional who meet the Secretary of Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards, as established by the National Park Service. The Historical Commission shall recommend to the City Council approval, modification, or denial of the designation proposal, including the reasons for such recommendation.

E. City Council Review. Following the recommendation of the Historical Commission, the City Council shall take final action on the request for designation by resolution approving or denying the recommendation.

F. Notice of Designation.

1. Following action by the City Council, a copy of the findings shall be sent by first class mail to the owner(s) of the newly designated HRI property, and a notice of the designation, along with a legal description of the property, shall be recorded in the records of the County Recorder.
a. Failure to record with the County Recorder shall not invalidate a designation or any of the requirements of this Chapter.

2. The City Council also shall send notice of the designation to California State Parks, Office of Historic Preservation.

G. Designation Repeal or Amendment.

1. Designation may be repealed or amended in the same manner and procedure as was followed to designate the property initially. This action shall result from new information, the discovery of earlier misinformation or change of original circumstances, conditions, or factors that justified the designation.

2. If a repeal of designation is approved by the City Council, a notice shall be sent by first class mail to the owner(s) of the property.

14.93.050 Historic Alteration Permit.

A. Historic Alteration Permit(s) are required in order to alter, demolish, remove, relocate or change any exterior architectural features of an HRI listed property, or remove or relocate any improvements, structures that contribute to the integrity or the historic significance of the resource.

B. For non-residential properties that are on the HRI, non-permanent improvements such as signage, fences/walls, minor accessory structures and landscaping that do not adversely affect the physical integrity or the historic significance of the resource may be exempted from Historical Commission review by the Zoning Administrator.

C. For residential properties that are on the HRI, improvements such as swimming pools, fences/walls, minor accessory structures and landscaping that do not adversely affect the physical integrity or the historic significance of the resource may be exempted from Historical Commission review by the Zoning Administrator.

D. Where applicable, applicants shall use the California Historic Building Code (CHBC) to accommodate necessary code compliance in a manner that retains character-defining features and ensures life-safety without compromising historic integrity. Any condition deemed unsafe or warranting removal of historic features shall first be evaluated for compliance under the CHBC prior to initiating demolition or alteration.

14.93.060 Review of Historic Alteration Permit.

A. For projects that require a historical alteration permit, the historical commission shall complete its review and issue a recommendation at its next available scheduled meeting. The commission shall determine if:

1. The project complies with all provisions of this chapter; and

2. The project does not adversely affect the physical integrity or the historic significance of the subject property.

3. The project is in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

B. The Historical Commission recommendation on the historical alteration permit, shall be forwarded to the Zoning Administrator for consideration. The Zoning Administrator may approve or deny the recommendation of the Historical Commission based on the applicable provisions of this code.

14.93.070 Application for Historic Alteration Permit.

A. Applications for historical alteration permits shall be submitted to the Development Services Department. Applications shall at minimum include the following information:

1. A clear statement of the proposed work;

2. A site plan and boundary survey showing all existing buildings, structures, trees over six inches in diameter, property lines, easements and the proposed work;
a. A boundary and topographical survey may be required when additions to existing structures and/or the relocation of a historic structure is proposed at the discretion of the Zoning Administrator;

3. Detailed plans showing both the existing and proposed exterior elevations, including a street elevation, photographs of windows and/or special features, materials and grading;

4. Specifications describing all materials to be used and all processes that would affect the appearance or nature of the materials;

5. Notes indicating any deviation from the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Rehabilitation; and

6. Such other information or documents as may be requested by the Zoning Administrator.

14.93.080 Joint Meeting Procedures.

When a project requires multiple discretionary approvals from multiple review authorities, the project shall may be reviewed at a Joint Meeting of the respective review authorities when practical. Procedures for Joint Meetings shall be as follows:

A. The Historical Commission will attend a regularly scheduled or special meeting of the Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission, and/or City Council.

B. One (1) public meeting notice, agenda, and meeting minutes shall be prepared for the item being reviewed at the Joint Meeting.

C. The Historical Commission shall conduct its review first and render its recommendation followed by the Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission, and/or City Council.

14.93.090 Appeal Procedures.

Any decisions rendered under regulations contained within this Chapter are appealable pursuant to Section 14.01.100 of the Los Altos Municipal Code.

14.93.100 Notice of Public Meetings.

Any decisions rendered under regulations contained within this Chapter are subject to public meeting notice requirements pursuant to Section 14.01.130 of the Los Altos Municipal Code.

14.93.110 Ordinary Maintenance and Repair.

A. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the ordinary maintenance, painting, landscaping or repair of any exterior feature in or upon any historic resource or historic landmark that does not involve a change in design, material or the external appearance thereof, nor does this chapter prevent the construction, reconstruction, alteration, restoration, demolition or removal of any historic resource or historic landmark which has been certified in writing by the city building inspector, or fire chief, or other code enforcement officer as being in unsafe or dangerous condition as contained within the California Building Code and/or Property Maintenance Code which cannot be rectified through the use of the California State Historic Building Code.

B. Ordinary Maintenance and Repair as described in this Section shall be exempt from the requirements of obtaining a Historic Alteration Permit.

14.93.120 Duty to keep in good repair.

A. The owner, occupant or the person in actual charge of a historic resource or a historic landmark shall keep and maintain in good condition and repair all exterior portions of the improvement or structure, and all interior portions thereof whose maintenance is necessary to prevent deterioration and decay of any exterior architectural feature or natural feature.

B. It shall be the duty of the development services director or their designee to enforce this section.

14.93.130 Enforcement.

The violation of any provision contained in this chapter is hereby declared to be unlawful and shall constitute a misdemeanor, subject to the penalties as prescribed in Title 1, Chapter 1.20 of this code.

1 ORDINANCE NO. 2025-__

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALTOS ADDING CHAPTER 14.95 (MILLS ACT PROGRAM) TO THE LOS ALTOS MUNICIPAL CODE WHEREAS, the City Council is empowered pursuant to Article XI, Section 7 of the California Constitution to make and enforce within the City all local, police, sanitary, and other ordinances, and regulations not in conflict with general laws; and WHEREAS, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on DATE TO BE INSERTED, and DATE TO BE INSERTED; and
WHEREAS, the amendments was processed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the California Government Code and the Los Altos Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, this Ordinance is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended. The Zoning Code text amendments can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed action may result in a significant effect on the environment as the ordinance further implements State law and creates procedural requirements locally for how to do so. The proposed amendments are designed to preserve and protect existing and future historic resources of such structures that already exist today and do or will qualify as a historic resource within the City of Los Altos; and
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Los Altos does hereby ordain as follows:

SECTION 1. AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 14.91 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE. Chapter

14.91 of the Los Altos Municipal Code is hereby amended as set forth in Appendix A to this Ordinance, underline indicating addition, strikethrough indicating deletion.

SECTION 2. CONSTITUTIONALITY; AMBIGUITIES. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions hereof. Any ambiguities in the Los Altos Municipal Code created by this Ordinance shall be resolved by the Development Services Director, in their reasonable discretion, after consulting the City Attorney.

SECTION 3. PUBLICATION. This Ordinance shall be published as provided in Government Code Section 36933.

SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall be effective upon the commencement of the thirty-first day following the adoption hereof.

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance was duly and properly introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Los Altos held on DATE TO BE INSERTED, and was thereafter, at a regular meeting held on DATE TO BE INSERTED, passed, and adopted by the following vote:

2 AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
___________________________________
Pete Dailey, MAYOR
Attest:
____________________________
Melissa Thurman, MMC, CITY CLERK

APPENDIX A
CHAPTER 14.95

APPENDIX A
Chapter 14.95 - MILLS ACT PROGRAM

14.95.010 - Authority for Adoption.

This Chapter is adopted pursuant to California Government Code Sections 50280 through 50290, commonly known as the "Mills Act."

14.95.020 - Purpose and applicability.

State law provides that the City Council may contract with the owner of any qualified historical property in a manner which they deem as reasonable to carry out the purposes of the Mills Act. The Mills Act enables the City Council, in its discretion, to enter into historic property preservation contracts with the owner(s) of qualified historical properties within the City of Los Altos. The historic property contract allows the owner of a qualified historical property to obtain preferential property tax assessment in exchange for restrictions on the property to help preserve, restore, and maintain the historic property.

The applicability of this chapter shall apply to all new historic property preservation contracts.

14.95.030 - Definitions.

The following definitions shall apply for the purposes of this Chapter:
"Anniversary date" means the date of final execution by all parties of the historic property contract and the same date each subsequent year that the historic property contract is in effect.
"Historic property preservation contract" means a contract between the owner(s) of a qualified historic property and the City of Los Altos, meeting all requirements of State law and this Chapter. The "historic property preservation contract" may also be referred to in this Chapter as "historic contract."
"Owner" means all persons and entities that have a right, title, or interest in the property which is the subject of the historic property contract. The term "owner" includes agents authorized in writing by the owner to act on owner's behalf. The term "owner" also includes owner's successors-in-interest.
"Qualified historical property" means a privately owned property, inclusive of the qualified historical improvements and any land on which the qualified historical improvements are located, which is not exempt from property taxation and which meets any one of the following criteria:

1. A property or structure listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places;

2. A property or structure listed individually in the California Register of Historical Resources;

3. A property or structure listed individually in the City of Los Altos' adopted Historical Resource Inventory;

14.95.040 - Limitations on historic property contracts.

A. The City Council may, in its sole discretion and pursuant to the terms of this Chapter, enter into historic contracts with the owners of qualified historical properties that are located within the City of Los Altos.

B. Only qualified historical properties shall be eligible to enter into historical contracts.

C. Applications for historic contracts must should be received prior to July 1 of any calendar year to be processed during that calendar year. Historic property contracts must be approved, signed, and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of the County of Santa Clara on or before December 31 of a calendar year to be eligible for property tax reassessment for the following fiscal year.

D. The intent of this Chapter is to establish procedures whereby property subject to a historic property contract approved, executed, and recorded pursuant to this Chapter will be eligible for property tax valuation as an enforceable restricted historical property pursuant to state law (Sections 439 through 439.4 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code, as may be periodically amended). In the event that only a portion of a property or structure is the subject of a historic contract, only that portion of the property or structure covered by the historic property contract shall be considered for preferential property tax assessment treatment under state law. The rest of the property or structure shall be subject to standard property tax assessment, and the total assessed value shall be a combination of the two methods as determined by the County Assessor. This section shall not be construed to circumvent or diminish any requirements of the Subdivision Map Act.

E. Properties with recorded historic contracts must comply with all applicable City of Los Altos rules, regulations, policies, permit requirements, and associated fees, including those needed to carry out the provisions of the historic contract. Entry into a historic contract does not relieve the property which is the subject of the contract from compliance with any and all applicable federal and state laws and local regulations.

F. Applications for historic contracts on properties on which a notice of violation has been recorded will not be accepted under this Chapter until the violation has been cleared.

14.95.050 - Required provisions of historic property contracts.

A. The historic contract shall be in a form acceptable to City Attorney and the City Manager or their designee and shall be retained in the records of the City of Los Altos, City Clerk’s Office. The Development Services Department may develop and maintain a historic contract template.

B. Each historic property contract shall at a minimum include, without limitation, the following terms, conditions, restrictions, and requirements:

1. The contract shall contain a legal description of the property which is the subject of the contract.

2. The contract shall have a minimum term of ten (10) years. Each year, on the anniversary date of the contract or such other annual date as is specified in the contract, a year shall be added automatically to the initial term of the contract unless the owner or the City of Los Altos has given timely written notice of non-renewal.
a. The agreement is automatically renewed each year for an additional one (1) year and changes the expiration date so that ten (10) years are still left in the term of the agreement.

3. The contract shall run with the land and be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, all successors in interest of the owner(s). A successor in interest shall have the same rights and obligations under the contract as the original owner(s) who entered into the contract.

4. The contract shall include a written ten (10) year maintenance/rehabilitation work program to confirm a commitment to restore, rehabilitate, and/or preserve the subject property in conformance with all of the following as applicable:
a. The rules and regulations of the Office of Historic Preservation of the California State Parks Department;
b. The United States Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties;
c. The California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), including the California Historical Building Code (Part 8 of Title 24) where applicable; and
d. The requirements, provisions, and conditions set forth in the historic property contract.

5. The contract shall provide for an inspection of the interior and exterior of the premises as required by Government Code Section 50281 and 50282 by the City of Los Altos five (5) years after entry into the contract and every five (5) years thereafter to determine the owner's continued compliance with the contract. Photographs of the interior and exterior shall not substitute the requirement for an onsite inspection of the property by city staff. a. Interior and exterior inspection(s) of a property will review the integrity of the property to ensure the continued maintenance and rehabilitation of the property in compliance with the contract.

6. The contract shall provide that the City of Los Altos may cancel the contract, subject to the terms of this Chapter, if the City determines that any of the following have occurred:
a. The owner has breached any of the conditions of the contract including any agreed upon improvements to the property; or b. The owner has allowed the property to deteriorate to the point that it no longer meets the definition of a qualified historical property.

7. The contract shall provide that the owner shall furnish the City with any information the City requires in order to enable it to determine the eligibility of the property for contract renewal, including the documentation required for the annual review for compliance with the historic property contract's work program.

8. The contract shall contain a clause in a form acceptable to City Attorney that requires the owner to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City, its agents, officers, and employees from any claim, action or proceeding against the City or its agents, officers, and employees arising in connection with the historic property contract.

C. At the time rehabilitation or restoration of the subject property is achieved and so long as the contract is in effect, the owner shall commit to and be responsible for appropriate maintenance and preservation of the subject property in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

14.95.060 - Application for historic property contracts.

A. Only qualified historical properties, as defined by this Chapter, are eligible for historic contracts under this Chapter. The owner of a qualified historical property may file an application to enter into a historic contract. Only the owner(s) or agent of the owner(s) may file the application. If the application is made by an agent of the

owner(s), the agent must provide written documentation as part of the application of the owner's authorization of the agent to act on the owner's behalf.

B. All applications for historic property contracts shall be filed with the Development Services Department on the form and in the manner prescribed by the Zoning Administrator. The application shall contain, without limitation, the following information and documentation:

1. The name and address of the owner(s) and signature of the applicant and the names and addresses of all persons and entities having any right, title, or interest in the property which is the subject of the proposed historic property contract;

2. Written consent to make the application from all persons and entities having a right, title, or interest in the real property which is the subject of the proposed historic property contract;

3. A nonrefundable application fee as set by resolution of the City Council;

4. A legal description of the real property and a listing of the Assessor's parcel number(s) for the property;

5. Color photos of the property and each elevation of the subject structure(s);

6. Site plans drawn to scale (the number of site plans required shall be as determined by the Zoning Administrator based on the specific property characteristics);

7. An itemized ten-year maintenance/rehabilitation work program containing, at a minimum, the following information:
a. A description of the improvements to be done. The proposed improvements must be appropriate to restore, preserve, and/or maintain the historic structure in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. b. Schedule of improvements;
c. Verifiable c Cost estimates associated with the proposed improvements to be verified by City staff;
d. Preliminary plans, elevations, or any appropriate documentation needed to substantiate and illustrate proposed improvements.

8. Proof that the property is a "qualified historical property." Such proof shall be in the form of the property already listed on the City’s adopted HRI, or as part of a dual application for historical designation of the property with the City of Los Altos, or on the State of California or National Register of Historic Places.

9. A property tax adjustment worksheet, on a form acceptable to the Zoning Administrator providing the owner's calculated estimate of the property tax reassessment that would result from the contract. The property tax

adjustment worksheet should be completed in consultation with the County of Santa Clara Assessors Office.
a. If the property owner(s) are unable to obtain confirmation or data from the County Assessor’s Office after documented reasonable attempts, the worksheet may be submitted based on publicly available information and clearly state assumptions.

10.A copy of the most recent real property tax bill for the property. a. In the event that the property has recently transacted or transferred ownership the application shall be accompanied by supplemental documentation which reflects the anticipated real property tax bill for the property.

11.An appraisal of the fair market value of the property (land plus improvement value), prepared by an independent certified appraiser no more than one (1) year prior to the application for the contract and as determined prior to the improvements proposed in the application for the contract.

12. Such other information as the Zoning Administrator may request to evaluate and process the application.

C. A separate application shall be filed for each property on which a historic property contract is requested.

D. The owner shall allow for an inspection of the interior and exterior of the premises by the City of Los Altos Development Services Department staff prior to entry into the contract. Inspection shall verify exiting conditions of the property and cannot be substituted by photographs.

14.95.070 - Fees.

The applicant for a historic property contract shall pay such application fees as have been adopted by resolution of the City Council. The fees include an initial fee for processing the application, and any deposit to pay the full cost recovery of any City consultants such as an independent historian, and/or environmental review as applicable.

Any fees required shall be paid upon submittal of application.

14.95.080 - Eligibility criteria.

A. To be eligible for a historic property contract, the application must meet all of the following criteria:

1. The property that is the subject of the application is a qualified historical property as defined by this Chapter.

2. The application is consistent with the City's historic preservation goals and policies, as set forth in any adopted policies and ordinances.