August 11, 2025 www.PaloAlto.gov
332 Forest Avenue
Pre-screening
Presenter:
Steven Switzer, Planner
2 COUNCIL PRE-SCREENING PROCESS
• Required for legislative changes, including rezonings, before a formal application.
• Provides early feedback only; no formal decisions are made.
• Councilmembers are expected to refrain from forming
firm opinions, as the proposal may return for future
formal action.
3 • Prescreening to rezone from Multiple Family (RM-40) to Planned Home Zoning (PHZ) to allow for:
o 82 rental units
o (8) Eight-story structure with at and below grade parking
CONCEPTUAL PROJECT
4 PROJECT LOCATION
Location
• South of Forest Area (SOFA I CAP)
• Near Downtown
Other nearby housing projects
(1) 345 Forest Avenue (Staller Court) – 85 Units
(2) 365 Forest Avenue – 17 Units
(3) 360 Forest Avenue (Casa Real) – 40 Units
(4) 707 Bryant Street – 19 Units
Project Site
4 5
Site Plan
Scale and Design
• Height (85 ft vs 50 ft)
• Lot Coverage (87% vs 45%)
• Floor Area (4.21:1 vs 1:1)
• Density (143 DU/AC vs 40 DU/AC)
Parking and Services
• Required: 137 Spaces
• Proposed: 110 Spaces
• Underground and at grade parking
• Required Bicycle Parking: 82 spaces
• Proposed Bicycle Parking: 0 Spaces
Open Space
• Shared with adjacent property
6 Elevations
North (fronting Forest Avenue)
South
7 Elevation (East)
8 Elevation (West)
9 Parking and Services
• Reduced parking (AB 2097)
• Underground and at grade parking
• Only residential uses proposed
• No bicycle parking (82 required)
• Through lot connection
Historic
• Conflicting Historic Evaluations
(Requires Peer Review)
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Housing and Affordability
• 16 BMR units proposed
(20% of units at 80% AMI)
• Housing Crisis Act of 2019
(Protections/Benefits for 16 existing units)
• Local Relocation Assistance (PAMC Ch. 9.68)
PHZ Requirements
• Transitional Height (85 ft vs 50 ft)
• Daylight plane (None)
10 CEQA STATUS
• No review under the California Environmental Quality Action (CEQA) is required for a preliminary review.
• A full review in accordance with CEQA would be initiated with the formal filing of a development application.
11 RECOMMENDED MOTION
Staff recommend that Council conduct a prescreening and provide informal comments regarding the applicant’s request to rezone the property at 332 Forest Avenue from Multiple Family Residential (RM-40) to a Planned Home Zoning (PHZ).
Comments provided during the prescreening process are not binding on the City or the applicant.
STEVEN SWITZER
Planner
[email protected]
650-329-2321