City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Administrative Services
Meeting Date: December 15, 2025
Report #:2510-5378
TITLE
Approval of a Surveillance Use Policy for Security Cameras at the Palo Alto Museum at the Roth Building (300 Homer Avenue); CEQA Status - Not a Project
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend that the City Council approve the attached surveillance use policy (Attachment A) for the use of security cameras to enhance security and safety and deter unauthorized or criminal activity at the Palo Alto Museum at the Roth Building located at 300 Homer Avenue.
BACKGROUND
The Palo Alto Museum leases space from the City of Palo Alto to operate at the Roth Building.
To prevent incidents of vandalism or theft in or around the property, security cameras have been installed on the exterior and in the interior of the building. The resulting footage will provide evidence to the Palo Alto Police Department (PAPD) and other relevant law enforcement personnel, if an incident should occur.
ANALYSIS
Palo Alto’s Surveillance Technology Ordinance, codified PAMC § 2.30.620, et seq., sets criteria and procedures to protect personal privacy in the acquisition and use of surveillance technology and provide for ongoing oversight. Security camera technology is “surveillance technology” as defined by the ordinance. The ordinance requires City Council approval of the acquisition of new surveillance technology and of a Surveillance Use Policy specific to each new approved technology. In approving new surveillance technology, the Council must determine that its benefits outweigh the associated costs and concerns.
The ordinance sets forth specific elements that must be present in a Surveillance Use Policy, including limitations on use, access, and retention, as well as a description of compliance procedures. In coordination with the Palo Alto Museum, staff has prepared and attached a
surveillance Use Policy, which addresses each of these elements.
Prior to approval of a new surveillance activity by the Council, the ordinance requires the completion of a Surveillance Evaluation, consisting of five specific elements below.
Surveillance Evaluation
1) A description of the surveillance technology, including how it works and what information is captured;
The surveillance technology will include security cameras and monitoring systems designed to capture real-time video and audio footage. These devices will record activities in and outside of the building. The technology may also include motion detectors and alarm systems that notify designated personnel of suspicious activities.
2)Information on the proposed purpose, use and benefits of the surveillance technology; The primary purpose of implementing surveillance technology is to enhance the safety and security of the Roth Building and its contents. It will also provide evidence to the Palo Alto Police Department (PAPD) if an incident should occur inside or outside the building.
3)The location or locations where the surveillance technology may be used; Surveillance technology is located inside and outside of the Roth Building. This will provide comprehensive coverage of high-risk areas prone to vandalism, theft or other criminal activity.
4)Existing federal, state and local laws and regulations application to the surveillance technology and the information it captures; the potential impacts on civil liberties and privacy; and proposals to mitigate and manage any impacts; Surveillance technology will comply with applicable laws related to video and audio recording. This includes Labor Code section 435, which forbids employers from recording in a restroom, locker room, or changing room; and Penal Code section 632, which prohibits recording audio of “confidential communication,” subject to exceptions such as for public meetings under Penal Code section 632(c).
Mitigation Actions:
• Access to surveillance footage will be limited to authorized Palo Alto Museum management, Assistant Directors or Directors overseeing City staff who manage shared spaces, and law enforcement personnel for law enforcement purposes. • Encryption and access control mechanisms will safeguard the footage. 5)The costs of the surveillance technology, including acquisition, maintenance, personnel and other costs, and current or potential sources of funding.
All costs to purchase, install, and maintain the cameras and the data collected will be the responsibility of the Palo Alto Museum.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
There is no cost to the city. The Palo Alto Museum will maintain all security cameras at the Roth Building.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The Administrative Services Department coordinated with the Palo Alto Museum to develop the policy.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Council action on this item is not a project as defined by CEQA because approval of this surveillance policy is an administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5).
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Surveillance Use Policy for the Palo Alto Museum at the Roth Building APPROVED BY:
Lauren Lai, Administrative Services Director