Hansen Way Special Setbacks
Southwest of the Focus Area, on Stanford University Lands, the City’s zoning map requires special setbacks of 50 feet on numerous streets in the Research Park, as shown in Figure B-1 below. These setbacks are intended to preserve right-of-way for future circulation, including vehicle travel lanes, and pedestrian and bicycle facilities. The project sponsors at 3300 El Camino Real received approval for an office development in 2023, but based on the Focus Area opportunity are considering a revised development application that would add multifamily housing to the site in addition to the proposed office use. 50 -foot special setback symbolized with dotted green line along Hansen Way. Note small text along the Hansen Way frontage of the 3200 El Camino Real property which reads:
NO_SPECIAL_SETBACK_FOR_MIXEDUSE_HOTEL_USES_3200_ECR_PAMC 20.08.20 Figure B-1: Excerpt of Palo Alto Zoning Map (p. 8): Hansen Way Special Setbacks
As shown in Figure B-2, the northern (plan left) portion of the site is constrained by both the 50-foot special setback and a PG&E no-build easement that crosses the site. Reducing or removing this special setback would improve feasibility for the site. In response to an inquiry by the PTC, City staff contacted representatives from Stanford Real Estate to get their opinion on the special setback. Both the property owner, Standford University, and the property lessee and project sponsor, Sand Hill Properties, advocate for removal of this special setback. Stanford Real Estate representatives do not have an alternative use envisioned for the setback area. They indicate that Hansen Way has sufficient width for vehicular and bicycle connectivity, is currently improved with an existing Class IIb buffered bicycle lane, providing a safe path of travel for bicyclists. They do not see a need to continue to hold an additional 50-foot setback for some other future use.
Source: Sand Hill Properties
Figure B-2: 3300 El Camino Real Site Constraints
As noted on Figure B-1 and the accompanying caption, there is precedent for removing this setback. It does not apply to mixed-use hotel uses on the opposite side of the street at 3200 El Camino Real. Approaching the intersection with El Camino Real, this segment of Hansen Way measures 40 feet curb-to-curb. Westbound, it includes one travel lane and a buffered bicycle lane; eastbound, it includes on travel lane and a shared right-turn lane/shared bicycle route. As a result, Hansen Way is shown as a bicycle facility in the February 2025 Draft Bicycle Plan.