STANFORD UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT
LAND, BUILDINGS AND REAL ESTATE
February 27, 2025
City of Palo Alto
Planning Department
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Subject: Conditional Use Permit Request for Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability Facility at 400 Mitchell Lane
Hello,
I am writing to formally request a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to establish a facility for the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability (SDSS) at 400 Mitchell Lane.
This property is located in the P-F Zoning District, which permits private university uses with a CUP . The proposed use of this property is integral to our mission of advancing sustainability through interdisciplinary research and education. With a large faculty and numerous departments, institutes, and programs, SDSS fosters collaboration in key areas related to Earth, climate, and society. Below are descriptions of the existing and proposed uses of the property, and information addressing how this project aligns with the necessary findings as stipulated by the City of Palo Alto.
Existing and Proposed Uses:
The property at 400 Mitchell Lane has an existing building that has been unoccupied for several years. It was previously used by American Red Cross and Urban Ministry of Palo Alto. Our proposal is to use this building as a facility for SDSS, which includes:
Field Education
SDSS enhances hands-on learning experiences for students, including various field trips and training courses. We support these activities by connecting students and instructors with necessary resources, offering a range of opportunities, both locally and abroad. This facility will include working and training space and field trip resources. Its proximity to public transportation will greatly facilitate student participation and access to necessary resources.
Geoscience Specimen Collections
In collaboration with faculty, SDSS manages a diverse collection of geological and paleo samples, supporting a wide range of courses. The facility will host a portion of those samples. This collection aids research and education by providing essential resources and promoting sustainable scientific practices.
The facility will provide the needed space for specimen management, staging, and preparation.
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT
LAND, BUILDINGS AND REAL ESTATE
Supporting Findings:
1. Public Health, Safety, General Welfare, or Convenience: The granting of this application will not be detrimental or injurious to the surrounding property or improvements. The proposed facility will repurpose an existing vacant building, thereby revitalizing the area and contributing positively to the community. Our activities will be conducted in a manner that ensures safety and convenience for both our students and nearby residents. The nature of the work, focused on sustainability and education, inherently supports public welfare by fostering environmentally responsible practices.
2. Consistency with the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan and Title 18 (Zoning): The proposal aligns with the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan’s emphasis on sustainable development and education.
The SDSS facility will promote interdisciplinary research and learning in key areas concerning Earth, climate, and society, directly contributing to the city's goals of sustainability and knowledge advancement. Additionally, as a private university use, this project is consistent with the purposes of Title 18 (Zoning), specifically within the P-F zoning district, where such uses are permitted with a CUP .
3. Compliance with Williamson Act Contract: In 1973, the City of Palo Alto and Stanford entered into a Williamson Act Contract, which has been attached to this application for reference. This site is included in that agreement. The proposed use of the structure for the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability is consistent with the terms of the Williamson Act Contract and does not present any conflicts.
In summary, the establishment of the SDSS facility at 400 Mitchell Lane will support our mission and enhance the educational and research capabilities of our faculty and students. The project will bring life to a currently unoccupied building, integrate seamlessly with the community, and align with Palo Alto’s broader goals as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan.
We respectfully request the approval of this Conditional Use Permit to move forward with our plans.
Thank you for considering our application. Should you require any additional information or have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT
LAND, BUILDINGS AND REAL ESTATE
Sincerely,
Stacey Yuen
Project Manager
Stanford University
[email protected]
650-454-6741