City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Planning and Development Services
Meeting Date: March 17, 2025
Report #:2502-4173
TITLE
REINTRODUCED FIRST READING: Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Various Chapters of Title 18 (Zoning) and Title 21 (Subdivisions and Other Divisions of Land) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Clarify Existing Regulations and to Implement Recent State Land Use Laws from 2023 and Earlier, Including AB 2097. CEQA Status – Exempt Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council adopt the attached ordinance that clarifies existing land use regulations and implements state land use laws adopted in 2023 and earlier.
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
On February 3, 2025, [Item 8 Staff Report] the City Council considered a reintroduced first reading of an ordinance implementing various State land use laws and provided direction to staff regarding implementation of AB 2097. As part of its motion, the City Council directed staff to amend the proposed ordinance and return for another first reading. The attached ordinance incorporates the Council’s direction and also includes a minor change to Chapter 21.12 that was discussed in prior staff reports to the Planning and Transportation Commission and City Council, but that had been inadvertently omitted from the draft ordinance presented to the Council.
This change allows tentative subdivision maps that had a public hearing before the Planning and Transportation Commission to be placed on the City Council consent calendar avoiding the need for a second public hearing. The Council will retain the ability to pull the item of consent and schedule a hearing if needed.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Draft Ordinance Clarifying Code and Implementing State Law APPROVED BY:
Jonathan Lait, Planning and Development Services Director