Agenda packet — Portola Valley City Council, May 27, 2026 (part 2 of 2)

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, business, or public administration.
• Five (5) years of responsible professional accounting experience in governmental accounting and financial systems.
• At least two (2) years in a supervisory role.

Licenses or Certificates:
• CPA certification is desirable.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain an appropriate, valid California drivers’ license upon appointment.

FLSA STATUS: This classification is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Standard office setting. CONTINUOUS work indoors in close proximity to coworkers and members of the public; Work schedule is either a standard 40-hour work week during core business hours (8:00 am to 5:00 pm) or a 9/80 schedule. For the 9/80 schedule employees are required to work nine hours (for example from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) for eight work days, eight hours on a ninth work day, with the tenth day off (alternate Fridays off). Work from home and/or flexible schedule may be allowed at the Discretion of the Assistant Town Manager in compliance with the Town’s adopted policy. Work environment is both formal and informal, team oriented, having variable tasks, pace, and pressure. Work is performed indoors in office and in meeting rooms.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment. CONTINUOUS sitting and upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. FREQUENT side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting at waist; moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs.

OCCASIONAL squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasp to manipulate reference books and manuals.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

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Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
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TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY
Senior Development Review Technician / Building Inspector Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Provides lead direction and work coordination for technical and administrative work in development review services including Planning, Building, and Public Works; assists the public at the counter, on the phone, over email, and other communications methods; provides technical information related to the application for and issuance of permit applications; accepts plans, calculates fees, routes and processes applications; performs related work as required; and inspects buildings and structures in all stages of construction, alteration, and repair to insure compliance with standard construction practices, governing laws, and City ordinances.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives supervision from the Planning and Building Director. May exercise technical and functional supervision over technical or administrative staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced journey, lead worker level in the Development Review Technician series.

Incumbents provide work coordination and training for other Development Review Technicians, as well as perform the full range of technical building and planning support duties. In addition, they also provide building inspections. They are required to possess thorough knowledge of the requirements, processes, and procedures of the Planning and Building Department and working knowledge of the Public Works Department. This position is distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, and independence of action taken.

Incumbents are expected to provide more comprehensive support to the Planning and Building Department and may be assigned work coordination and lead responsibilities.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. • Perform a variety of customer service and technical duties in support of the Town’s Planning, Building, and Public Works permit processing operations. • Guide the public through the building permit application process from inception to completion.
• Identify problems and recommend changes to planning and building policies. • Identify problems in the technical permitting process; may develop, recommend, and implement approved permit system changes to make the process more efficient and effective.
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Town of Portola Valley
Senior Development Review Technician / Building Inspector Job Specification

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• Conduct office research and may do field investigations and prepare related reports and analysis.
• Oversee pre-construction meeting process and Temporary Certificate of Occupancy process.
• Act as administrator for permit tracking software and train staff and consultants on its use. • Process applications, write reports, make recommendations on, and approve applications for Staff Discretionary Review; approve minor permits such as fences, zoning permits, and horse keeping permits.
• Perform complex plan reviews for conformance with planning requirements on behalf of the Planning Division when a planning permit is not required; process and approve complex staff level site development permits.
• Assist Planning and Building Director with tracking permit volumes and cost recovery including the preparation of regular reports and analysis of data. • Provide customer service at the front counter, by phone, email, virtual meeting, and other communications methods; demonstrate a willingness to be attentive, understanding, responsive, fair, courteous and actively maintain a positive customer service environment. • Within guidelines, interpret and explain policies and regulations accurately and tactfully. • Perform full range of Development Review Technician permit processing activities including receipt of application materials, routing, tracking, calculation of fees, monitoring and permit issuance.
• Oversee deposit accounts for applications; review and approve payments to consultants; track expenses to ensure sufficient funds are on deposit; request additional funds to cover expenses; authorize refunds.
• Coordinate with staff or consultants conducting code enforcement activities; respond to less complex code enforcement issues.
• Perform technical duties in support of the Planning Commission, Architectural and Site Control Commission, and other related committees including, but not limited to, preparation of agendas, meeting notices, packet preparation, web posting, room set-up, and finalization of minutes and resolutions.
• Contribute to preparation of informational handouts for the general public regarding the Town’s codes and policies.
• Create maps and gather geographic data utilizing the Town’s Geographic Information System.
• Type, proofread and word process a variety of correspondence, letters, forms, minutes and documents from rough drafts and verbal instruction; compile data and prepare various reports.
• Assist in a variety of department operations and perform special assignments as assigned. • Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, consultants, other Town employees, and the public using principles of good customer service. • Schedule inspections for building, planning, and public works, and maintain an inspection log.
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• Prepare reports related to building inspections.
• Coordinate inspection activities to ensure compliance with conditions attached to projects. • Make periodic field inspections of work in progress, i.e., foundations, plumbing, electrical, framing, mechanical equipment, etc.
• Approve acceptable work or indicate revisions necessary for code or ordinance compliance.
• Interpret and explain applicable Town codes, policies, or ordinances to Town staff, builders, architects, contractors, and the public as it relates to building inspections. • Maintain records of inspections, violation notices, investigations, and other related data. • Conduct final inspection of completed buildings or structures. • Make specified inspections of buildings to confirm conformance with applicable codes and ordinances.
• Respond to emergencies when called upon by supervisor, or emergency dispatchers, to assist as technical expert in evaluation of safety.
• Conduct inspections with the Code Enforcement officers to verify complaints and/or conditions violating building and zoning codes; conduct follow-up inspections to check and verify that conditions are completed.
• Conduct inspections, prepare reports, and serve as needed to assist the Town Attorney in legal actions initiated by the Planning & Building Department. • Respond to and resolve citizen inquiries and complaints regarding the Town’s building inspection functions.
• Keep informed and undertake continuous training of applicable building codes and industry trends and developments.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:
• Details of local development review, permitting and the Town’s process. • Proper use of English for business and report writing; proper use of spelling, punctuation and grammar
• Office administrative practices and procedures.
• Customer service principles.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment and software. • Principles and techniques of building inspection work. • Methods of building construction.
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• Accepted Safety standards.
• Research methods and sources of information related to building code enforcement. • Building related codes and ordinances enforceable to the Town, including the California Building Codes, zoning ordinances, and other environmental codes and energy regulations.

Ability to:
• Organize work and establish priorities; coordinate work with other employees, consultants, and outside agencies.
• Explain the Town’s Municipal Code, General Plan, and other policies and procedures. • Understand complex construction plans, maps, and materials. • Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive development related inquiries and complaints. • Participate in the development of website content, informational handouts and other communications materials.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines. • Convey ideas and information clearly and concisely in simple staff reports and memos; organize information in written formats and draw valid conclusions. • Apply concepts of construction, architecture, landscaping, and grading as they relate to permit processing in the Town.
• Conduct inspections to determine and evaluate site conditions. • Maintain accurate records of work performed.
• Research, compile, analyze, interpret and prepare a variety of reports. • Research files regarding prior actions, decisions, and development activities; analyze and/or summarize the findings.
• Make accurate mathematical calculations and complete financial record keeping and reporting.
• Effectively respond to requests for information from staff and the public. • Give and follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. • Establish and maintain cooperative-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Operate modern office equipment (e.g., computers, copy machines, etc.). • Type or enter data on a computer at a speed necessary for successful job performance. • Maintain accurate records and files.
• Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials, and detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices.
• Apply Town Codes and policies regarding zoning, environmental matters, and other regulations to field situations.
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• Advise on standard construction methods and requirements. • Enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in land-use planning, real estate, construction management or a related field.

Licenses or Certificates:
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License; Individuals that do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. • ICS 100, 200, and 700 certifications desired.
• International Code Council Permit Technician Certificate desired. • Possession of an International Code Council Building Inspector Certification or Combination Residential Certificate, or ability to obtain certification(s) within twelve (12) months of appointment.

Experience: Three years of increasingly responsible experience performing technical development review activities similar to that of a Development Review Technician II with the Town of Portola Valley. Any years of experience conducting field inspections.

FLSA STATUS: This classification is non-exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Environment: Standard office setting. CONTINUOUS work indoors in close proximity to coworkers and members of the public; OCCASIONAL work outdoors and in varying temperatures.

Work schedule is either a standard 40-hour work week during core business hours (8:00 am to 5:00 pm) or a 9/80 schedule. For the 9/80 schedule employees are required to work nine hours (for example from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) for eight work days, eight hours on a ninth work day, with the tenth day off (alternate Fridays off). Work from home and/or flexible schedule may be allowed at the Discretion of the Planning and Building Director in compliance with the Town’s adopted policy. Work schedule may include after-hours meetings and occasional weekend meetings/events. Work environment is both formal and informal, team oriented, having variable tasks, pace, and pressure. Work is performed indoors in office and in meeting rooms, occasional assignments outside and field visits in hilly terrain.

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finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. FREQUENT side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting at waist; moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs.

OCCASIONAL squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasp to manipulate reference books and manuals.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

EMERGENCY DISASTER SERVICE
All Town employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the Town requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
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_________________________________________________________________________________ TO: Mayor and Members of the Town Council
FROM: Vice Mayor Mary Hufty
Councilmember Judith Hasko
DATE: May 27, 2026
RE: Receive Update from the Town Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee to Identify Alternative Legal Counsel to Advise the Town regarding MidPeninsula Regional Open Space District’s Proposed Lower Barn Project and Hawthorns Historic Complex Property

RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Town Council receive an update from the Town Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee to Identify Alternative Legal Counsel to advise the Town regarding MidPeninsula Regional Open Space District’s Proposed Lower Barn Project and Hawthorns Historic Complex Property.

BACKGROUND
A Town Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee was created at the Town Council meeting on June 25, 2025 to Identify Alternative Legal Counsel to advise the Town regarding MidPeninsula Regional Open Space District’s (Midpen) Proposed Lower Barn Project and Hawthorns Historic Complex Property.

Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger (SMW) has provided Town Attorney services to the Town of Portola Valley since May 2023. As disclosed in its engagement letter with the Town, SMW has in the past and is currently representing both Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) on a variety of land use, conservation easement, land acquisition and disposition, and other matters throughout San Mateo County. In particular, POST holds a conservation easement located on the Hawthorns Historic Complex property, which could create conflicts of interest for SMW.

The 79-acre Hawthorns area of Windy Hill Open Space Preserve was gifted to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) in 2011. Since then, Midpen’s staff have been working to restore native grasslands, improve community wildland fire safety and protect historic features on the property. A multiyear public process began in 2021 to explore the feasibility of introducing ecologically sensitive public access to the undeveloped portion of the property.

TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY

STAFF REPORT

TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY
219
Midpen plans to protect and manage natural, scenic, cultural, and open space resources at the Hawthorns Area and provide ecologically sensitive public access consistent with Midpen’s mission and the allowable uses outlined in the property’s conservation easement.

Hawthorns Area Public Access Working Group
On June 28th 2023, Hawthorns Area Public Access Working Group (PAWG) was officially formed. The Midpen Board of Directors appointed members to serve on the PAWG. Working group members collaborated at meetings in 2023 and 2024 with Midpen staff, District Ward Stakeholders, and elected official liaisons on a plan to introduce ecologically sensitive public access to the site in a manner consistent with Midpen vision and goals. The PAWG meeting agendas, agenda packets, and documents are available online.

The Working Group evaluated the following public access components:
 Parking area and driveway location(s)
 Trailhead location(s) and internal trail system
 Trail connections with surrounding Town trails and pathways  Opportunities for regional trail connections
 Proposed trail uses within the Hawthorns Area
Key Public Meeting Timeline
Date Event / Description
May 6, 2026
Midpen Board of Directors to consider and accept the
Action Table and Schematic Parking Designs as the basis for the project description to conduct environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act. (agenda and agenda packet)
December 3,
2025
Midpen Board of Directors to consider and defer the Hawthorns Historic Complex Project until after the Hawthorns Area Plan is
adopted and implementation of Area Plan projects is underway March 12,
2025
Midpen Board of Directors to consider and determine which options to incorporate into the preparation of the Hawthorns Area Plan.

February 26,
2025
Midpen Board of Directors to review and consider the PAWG recommendations and public feedback at this Board Study Session.

October 30,
2024 Feedback Session with Portola Valley Town Council.

October 21,
2024 Feedback Session with Portola Valley Ad Hoc Hawthorns Committee.

September
17, 2024
Forward the Public Access Working Group’s recommendations to Midpen’s Planning and Natural Resources Committee for their consideration. (Staff report, presentation)
220
Date Event / Description
June 2023 –
July 2024
7 Hawthorns Area Plan Public Access Working Group (PAWG) meetings. View the Hawthorns PAWG page for detailed information including meeting summaries.

April 26, 2023
Midpen Board of Directors approved deliverables for Existing Conditions phase and Public Access Working Group composition and formation process. (Staff report, presentation)
March 21,
2023
Deliverables from Existing Conditions phase and proposed Public Access Working Group composition and formation process presented to Planning & Natural Resources Committee. (Staff report, meeting minutes)
March 23,
2022
Midpen Board of Directors reviewed and approved the vision and goals. (Staff report, meeting minutes)
On December 3, 2025, the Midpen Board of Directors approved the deferment of the Hawthorns Historic Complex Project until after the Hawthorns Area Plan is adopted and implementation of Area Plan projects is underway. At the May 6, 2026, the Midpen Board of Directors accepted the Hawthorns Area Plan Action Table and Schematic Parking Designs as the basis for the project description to conduct environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). With this approval, Midpen will initiate environmental review. Midpen's role as the lead agency in the CEQA analysis of this project includes engaging with responsible agencies (CEQA Guidelines section 15096), including the Town of Portola Valley.

Midpen has not submitted any permit applications or formal requests for Town review and feedback on their preliminary plans.

DISCUSSION
The Town Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee interviewed after outreach to four firms and interview of four candidates for legal counsel to advise the Town on Hawthorns property-related matters. Bill Seligman was selected by the Committee. The Town Manager entered into an engagement letter on May 6, 2026 with Mr. Seligman with a not to exceed amount of $10,000, to enable him to get up to speed on the project in the near term.

The Subcommittee will provide a verbal update at the May 27, 2026 meeting.

FISCAL IMPACT
The cost of legal services to be provided by Mr. Seligman is currently authorized not to exceed $10,000 funded by existing appropriated fund balance in the General Fund. Additional budget appropriation will be needed to continue work on this project in Fiscal Year 2026-27.

SMW did not bill the Town for any time associated with preparation of this report. 221
_________________________________________________________________________________ TO: Mayor and Members of the Town Council
FROM: Darcy Smith, Town Manager
DATE: May 27, 2026
RE: Consider Appointment of a Town Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee to Research Options to Work Directly with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Regarding the Hawthorns Property
RECOMMENDED ACTION:

The Town Council may consider the appointment of a Town Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee to research options to work directly with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District regarding the Hawthorns Property.

BACKGROUND:

Midpen plans to protect and manage natural, scenic, cultural, and open space resources at the Hawthorns Area and provide ecologically sensitive public access consistent with Midpen’s mission and the allowable uses outlined in the property’s conservation easement.

The Working Group evaluated the following public access components:
• Parking area and driveway location(s)

TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY

STAFF REPORT

TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY
222
• Trailhead location(s) and internal trail system
• Trail connections with surrounding Town trails and pathways • Opportunities for regional trail connections
• Proposed trail uses within the Hawthorns Area
Key Public Meeting Timeline
Date Event / Description
May 6, 2026
Midpen Board of Directors to consider and accept the
Action Table and Schematic Parking Designs as the basis for the project description to conduct environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act. (agenda and agenda packet).

December 3,
2025
Midpen Board of Directors to consider and defer the Hawthorns Historic Complex Project until after the Hawthorns Area Plan is
adopted and implementation of Area Plan projects is underway March 12,
2025
Midpen Board of Directors to consider and determine which options to incorporate into the preparation of the Hawthorns Area Plan.

February 26,
2025
Midpen Board of Directors to review and consider the PAWG recommendations and public feedback at this Board Study Session.

October 30,
2024 Feedback Session with Portola Valley Town Council.

October 21,
2024 Feedback Session with Portola Valley Ad Hoc Hawthorns Committee.

September
17, 2024
Forward the Public Access Working Group’s recommendations to Midpen’s Planning and Natural Resources Committee for their consideration. (Staff report, presentation)
June 2023 –
July 2024
7 Hawthorns Area Plan Public Access Working Group (PAWG) meetings. View the Hawthorns PAWG page for detailed information including meeting summaries.

April 26, 2023
Midpen Board of Directors approved deliverables for Existing Conditions phase and Public Access Working Group composition and formation process. (Staff report, presentation)
March 21,
2023
Deliverables from Existing Conditions phase and proposed Public Access Working Group composition and formation process presented to Planning & Natural Resources Committee. (Staff report, meeting minutes)
223
Date Event / Description
March 23,
2022
Midpen Board of Directors reviewed and approved the vision and goals. (Staff report, meeting minutes)
On December 3, 2025, the Midpen Board of Directors approved the deferment of the Hawthorns Historic Complex Project until after the Hawthorns Area Plan is adopted and implementation of Area Plan projects is underway. On May 6, 2026, the Midpen Board of Directors accepted the Hawthorns Area Plan Action Table and Schematic Parking Designs as the basis for the project description to conduct environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). With this approval, Midpen will initiate environmental review. Midpen's role as the lead agency in the CEQA analysis of this project includes engaging with responsible agencies (CEQA Guidelines section 15096), including the Town of Portola Valley.

Midpen has not submitted any permit applications or formal requests for Town review and feedback on their preliminary plans. There is no timing for this submittal and MidPen has stated that any required permit applications would be submitted after the Project environmental document is approved. Basic information about the current Town General Plan land use classification and Zoning District is provided as Attachment 1.

This item is being presented pursuant to Resolution No. 2948-2024 which allows for a Councilmember to submit a request to the Town Manager that an item be agendized for action by the Town Council. Additionally, a letter was submitted to the Town Council from the Town Open Space Committee Attachment 2).

DISCUSSION:

The Town Council may consider the appointment of a Town Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee to research options to work with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District regarding the Hawthorns Property. Consistent with the California Brown Act (Government Code Section 54952(b)), an advisory Council subcommittee is exempt from the Act’s open-meeting requirements provided it strictly operates within defined structural limits.

To maintain this exemption, the proposed Subcommittee will be subject to the following strict parameters:
• Composition: The Subcommittee shall be composed solely of members of the Town Council and must constitute less than a quorum of the full body (e.g., no more than two members of the five-member council). No staff, stakeholders, or members of the public may be appointed to the body.
• Scope of Authority: The Subcommittee is purely advisory and possesses no delegated, independent decision-making authority. It cannot bind the Town to any action or agreement.
• Finite Mandate and Timeline: The Subcommittee is temporary and tasked exclusively with a specific, finite assignment which will be defined by the Town Council when creating the Subcommittee. These may include community communication items, preparation of a formal comment letter to be sent to MROSD from the Council (after approval by the full Council), requesting and planning joint Council and MROSD Board meetings, and creation of a Joint Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD) 224
Board and Portola Valley Town Council Brown Act Subcommittee, or work with the Town Open Space Committee on communications.
• Preparing a future Town Council staff report and oral presentation regarding coordination with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District on the Hawthorns Property. It is anticipated that the Subcommittee would deliver its final presentation in the next two to three months.

The Subcommittee will automatically dissolve upon the delivery of its final presentation to the full Town Council, at which point its work will be completed. Because it meets all criteria for an exempt ad hoc body, its temporary working sessions will not be subject to the notice and public participation mandates of the Brown Act.

FISCAL IMPACT
Currently, the Town FY2627 Operating Budget does not include any allocations of funding for staff or supplemental consultant work on the Hawthorns property. The cost of legal services to be provided by attorney Bill Seligmann to work on the project and provide legal advice to the Town is currently authorized not to exceed $10,000 funded by existing appropriated fund balance in the General Fund. Additional budget appropriation will be needed to continue work on this project in Fiscal Year 2026-27.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Hawthorns Property General Plan and Zoning Information

2. Town Open Space Committee Letter
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General Plan and Zoning Information
General Plan Land Use Designation for Hawthorns Property:

Conservation Plan Diagram
Designation: Residential (Conservation)
General Plan Land Use text:

Conservation-Residential—Includes:
a. Existing developed areas where net residential land area per housing unit averages from 2 to 4 acres.
b. Relatively accessible undeveloped lands with few to considerable potential geologic instabilities. To be developed with a slope-intensity standard whereby the net residential land area per housing unit increases from 2 acres on level to 9 acres on slopes of 50 percent or greater.

Residential Area No. 9.
2122 The development pattern for a large portion of this area has been set by the Portola Valley Ranch subdivision where there are slightly in excess of two acres per housing unit. Most of the balance of the area is in large ownerships. The area is shown in the conservation residential intensity category.
2123 Most of the area has good access to local town roads, most utilities, schools, and shopping. Parts of the area are quite stable geologically, while other parts are highly unstable, and slopes range from moderate to steep. The plan diagram indicates large areas in the residential open space preserve category.
2123a In the area along Alpine Road, any development should be kept well back from the road so as not to encroach on the Alpine Road Corridor, Portola Road Corridor, and Nathhorst Triangle Area.

Zoning Classification:

Residential Estate
R-E/3.5A/ SD-2/D-R
Portola Valley Municipal Code Section 18.12.030 - Conditional use permitted.

The following uses shall be permitted only when a conditional use permit is granted therefor as provided in Chapter 18.72:
…..

K. Publicly-owned park, recreation or open space areas when located in conformance with the general plan;
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OSC letter to Council 1
20 April 2026
To: Mayor Craig Taylor
Vice Mayor Mary Hufty
Council Members Rebecca Flynn, Judith Hasko, and Helen Wolter Town Manager Darcy Smith
From: The Portola Valley Open Space Committee (OSC)
Subject: Recommended actions on the Hawthorns
We are writing to alert you to significant environmental impacts associated with the Hawthorns Area Plan (Plan), which is now one Board decision away from starting the CEQA process (Figure 1).1 We consider elements of the Plan unacceptable and in violation of the Hawthorns Conservation Easement. We recommend the following actions:

1. Town Manager: a) formally convey the Town’s concerns to Midpen, and b) advise Midpen to submit a preliminary application to the Town for a conditional use permit.

2. Town Council: a) quickly secure legal representation for engagement with Midpen, including the possibility of Town acquisition of Hawthorns, and b) facilitate this by increasing the cap on the Town Manager’s discretionary use of the Open Space Fund.

A lot is at stake for Portola Valley. A major concern is that the Plan’s two parking lot options are in the scenic hillside southeast of Alpine Road and Alpine Trail, adjacent to the Town’s busiest crosswalks and intersection—Alpine Road and Portola Road (Figures 2 and 3). The hillside is a mix of meadow and oak woodland. It is a prominent feature of the Alpine Road Scenic Corridor, which is now recognized in regional planning as a Priority Conservation Area. Both of the Plan’s parking options are scaled for 50 cars and would entail: removal of significant trees; substantial cut and fill; and construction of a roadway, a permeable concrete surface, retaining walls, and a screening berm upslope from Alpine Trail. These impacts would violate the Conservation Easement2 and would dramatically degrade the Town’s safe and scenic buffer along a heavily used trail and major road. One OSC member said it would be a travesty. The grantee of the Conservation Easement, the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST),3 has not enforced the Conservation Easement’s restrictions. 1 At the March 17, 2026 meeting of the Midpen Planning and Natural Resources (PNR) Committee, the Plan was advanced to the Midpen Board for their meeting on May 13, 2026. Figure 1 provides a timeline. See also the videorecording of the meeting, especially timestamp 1:30:34−1:32:15. 2 Highlighted text of Appendix A to this letter (the Conservation Easement) includes restrictions on tree removal (p. 5), prohibits grading and other actions that would “clearly degrade the scenic and natural character of the Real Property” (p. 6), and specifies that a parking lot for public access should be in the Improved Portion of the property (p. 8, and Recital B, p.1). 3 The Conservation Easement for the Hawthorns (Appendix A of this letter) was granted to the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) in 2005 by Frederick Woods, III. It states his intent to preserve the natural, scenic, historical, and open-space values of the Hawthorns in perpetuity. Midpen accepted the property in 2006 and officially finalized the transfer in 2011. At the time, this was Midpen’s largest-ever private land gift. See 227
OSC letter to Council 2
The bigger picture is that the entire Hawthorns property is a unique asset for Portola Valley.

In addition to its diversity of natural habitats, there are visible legacies of the region’s agricultural past, and structures that likely merit state and national recognition for their historic quality.4 Appendix B of this letter describes how all these elements are woven together in a manner consistent with the conservation values of Portola Valley and the Historic Element of the General Plan. The Open Space Committee considers the Hawthorns so significant and “right-sized” as Town Open Space that acquisition should be considered.

Right-sizing should apply to every aspect of the Hawthorns. Providing sufficient parking for public access to Hawthorns is as much a goal for the Town as it is for Midpen. Residents are all too familiar with the consequences of inadequate parking at Midpen’s Windy Hill Open Space. The question is how much parking is needed for a 79-acre parcel with a 1.5- mile loop trail, and how those needs will change with greater use of e-bikes, ride services, and future modes of travel. Residents and committees have suggested parking arrangements—either inside the Hawthorns property or outside it—that would meet the needs for parking while protecting open space.

Action is needed now by the Town of Portola Valley. If the Midpen Board approves the draft Hawthorns Area Plan as a project description for CEQA at its meeting on May 13, the Town should engage with Midpen before the CEQA process begins, saving time and taxpayer dollars relative to waiting until a CEQA document is completed. This requires immediate Town action to obtain legal representation, focused equally on both Midpen’s Hawthorns Area Plan and the potential acquisition of Hawthorns by the Town. To facilitate this, we recommend increasing the cap on the Town Manager’s discretionary use of the Open Space Fund.

Respectfully,
The Portola Valley Open Space Committee:

Carter Warr, Chair
Jackie Magno, Vice Chair
Nona Chiariello
Terry Lee
Delle Maxwell
Betsy Morgenthaler
Gary Nielsen
“Property Acquisition” on p. 2 of:
https://www.openspace.org/sites/default/files/20210518_HawthornsPublicAccessPlan_R-21-65.pdf.

The gift was supported by a $2 million endowment for ongoing stewardship. See “Budget” on p. 3. of https://www.openspace.org/sites/default/files/20180627_FYI_HawthornsHistoricComplexReuseUpda te.pdf. 4 https://www.openspace.org/sites/default/files/2013.10.31.Hawthorns_HistoricResourceStudy.pdf 228
OSC letter to Council 3
Figure 1
Figure 1. Screenshot from the videorecording of the March 17, 2026 meeting of the Midpen Planning and Natural Resources (PNR) Committee. The timeline from March 2026 until Implementation is discussed beginning at timestamp 1:30:34 of the videorecording. 229
OSC letter to Council 4
Figure 2
Figure 2. Schematic Parking Design Options 9 and 10 from Midpen’s Hawthorns Area Plan, pp. 36-37 in the Agenda Packet for the March 17, 2026 meeting of the Planning and Natural Resources Committee. The Committee approved advancing Options 9 and 10 to the full Midpen Board. Contour lines indicate 1ft intervals: faint contours are the existing topography; dark contours show topography post-construction. Parking would have two phases, but the grading would happen in phase 1. A dashed red line is added and shows the approximate boundary between the “Unimproved Portion” left of the line, and the “Improved Portion” on the right (see Conservation Easement, Appendix A, p. 1 and p. 8). 230
OSC letter to Council 5
Figure 3. Schematic section diagrams for parking Option 9 and Option 10. These section diagrams illustrate the approximate cut-and-fill necessary to create the proposed parking lanes, drive aisles, and visual screening for parking Options 9 and 10. Green text and arrows have been added to draw attention to the existing grade, for comparison with the proposed final topography after cut-and-fill. The “approximate 60'” width of the parking lot and drive aisle was used to scale the two panels for direct comparison.

After these section diagrams were created, Midpen modified the parking schematics to substitute hammerhead turnarounds (shown in Figure 2) for circular turnarounds. The hammerheads would extend farther upslope on the hillside than is represented in these two panels.

Source: pages 18 and 19 of
https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=26420&repo=r-5197d798 Figure 3
231
See
Part
6 i.

Note: Yellow highlighting and comments and underlines in red have been added.

Source: https://www.openspace.org/sites/default/
files/20180627_FYI_HawthornsHistoricComplexReuseUpdate.pdf Appendix A, Cons. Easement, p. 1
232
Appendix A, Cons. Easement, p. 2
233
Appendix A, Cons. Easement, p. 3
234
Appendix A, Cons. Easement, p. 4
235
Appendix A, Cons. Easement, p. 5
236
Appendix A, Cons. Easement, p. 6
237
Appendix A, Cons. Easement, p. 7
238
See
Recital B
Appendix A, Cons. Easement, p. 8
239
Appendix A, Cons. Easement, p. 9
240
Appendix A, Cons. Easement, p. 10
241
Appendix A, Cons. Easement, p. 11
242
Appendix A, Cons. Easement, p. 12
243
Appendix A, Cons. Easement, p. 13
244
Appendix A, Cons. Easement, p. 14
245
Appendix A, Cons. Easement, p. 15
246
Appendix A, Cons. Easement, p. 16
247
Appendix A, Cons. Easement, p. 17
248
Appendix B, p. 1
Appendix B. Hawthorns—an integration of open space, agricultural, and settled areas In 2005 Frederick Woods III granted a Conservation Easement to the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) for the Hawthorns, a property he grew up on and inherited from his parents, Frederick N. Woods, Jr and Frances Newhall Woods. Midpen accepted the property in 2006 and officially finalized the transfer in 2011. At the time, this was Midpen’s largest-ever private land gift,1 and it was supported by a $2 million endowment for ongoing stewardship.2
Frederick Woods III’s intent was to preserve the natural, scenic, historical, and open-space values of the Hawthorns in perpetuity.3 His intent would be honored by recognizing how those four values are interwoven in the landscape, together with identifying an historic structure that is a potential candidate for preservation.

Interwoven Landscape: Open Space and Agriculture
The open space and historic agricultural areas of the Hawthorns are woven together in conformance with natural landforms and water resources, typical of Portola Valley’s past.

For example, without modifying the natural topography, extensive orchards were possible when cultivation began at the Hawthorns. A 1930 aerial photograph shows orchards stretching to much of the property’s perimeter (Figure 1).4 A hillshade image derived from 2020 LIDAR reveals ground surface patterns suggesting that, prior to 1930, orchards and olive groves covered more than one-third of the property (Figure 2). These records align with the HRA’s findings that the property transitioned from horticulture to livestock after the Woods family purchased it in 1916.5 Today, ecological succession from orchards to oak woodland is occurring (Figure 3). The pastoral landscape is becoming ever more a conservation gem.

While the landscape is ecologically interwoven, it is legally divided by three assessor’s parcels and two Conservation Easement parcels (Figure 3). The two Conservation Easement parcels are significant because they have somewhat different restrictions.

Alignment with the Historic Element of the Town’s General Plan Based on the Historic Resources Assessment of the Hawthorns (HRA)6 and other documents, the Hawthorns is singularly aligned with the objectives of Portola Valley’s Historic Element to preserve, protect and enhance historic resources and to promote 1 https://www.openspace.org/sites/default/files/20210518_HawthornsPublicAccessPlan_R-21-65.pdf , p. 2 2 https://www.openspace.org/sites/default/files/20180627_FYI_HawthornsHistoricComplexReuseUpdate.pdf p.3. 3 Hawthorns Conservation Easement, Recital C.
4 This photo precedes the earliest photos reviewed for the HRA. https://www.openspace.org/sites/default/files/2013.10.31.Hawthorns_HistoricResourceStudy.pdf, Endnote 49, p. 121. 5 https://www.openspace.org/sites/default/files/2013.10.31.Hawthorns_HistoricResourceStudy.pdf. p. 74 6 https://www.openspace.org/sites/default/files/2013.10.31.Hawthorns_HistoricResourceStudy.pdf 249
Appendix B, p. 2
public appreciation of them.7 The HRA concluded that “the property is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic district because it retains landscape features and structures that reflect the social, agricultural, and architectural history of San Francisco Peninsula estate property in the late 19th century.”8 In the Town’s Historic Resources Inventory, the Hawthorns is the only entry listed for both historic structures and natural features.9 The Hawthorn house is “the first architecturally designed house within the present town boundary.”10 The olive trees may be the only remaining examples of olive groves in Portola Valley.11 These unique features argue for preservation of both landscape and structures.

Yet, the future of the historic complex is uncertain. Midpen recognizes the property’s historic values but “has neither the public directive, internal capacity, nor available funding to manage, restore or rehabilitate historic structures and therefore has typically relied on partners to undertake preservation of historic resources on their lands.”12 In 2025, after several potential partnerships failed to materialize, Midpen decided to move ahead on the open space portion of the property and defer the historic area.

A priority for preservation: the Garage
Of the four historically significant buildings—the Lower Barn, the Cottage, the Main House, and the Garage13—we identify the Garage as the best candidate for preservation. The Garage is a 2,200 sf structure with a 1,100 sf attic apartment.14 The HRA raised the possibility that the Garage was designed by renowned California architect Julia Morgan but lacked supporting documentation.15
Evidence supporting a Julia Morgan connection for the Garage has increased. Julia Morgan expert Dr. Karen Ann McNeill identified a newspaper report which is, thus far, the only published evidence linking Morgan to the design (Figure 4); it dates the Garage to 1918. In addition, Town Historian Nancy Lund has viewed Garage drawings owned by Fred Woods IV that substantiate Morgan’s role. Both Nancy Lund and Karen McNeill have indicated they believe the Garage is indeed a Julia Morgan structure. With its modest size and design by Julia Morgan, the Garage may be a viable candidate for obtaining enough philanthropic support to preserve the structure.
7 https://www.portolavalley.net/home/showpublisheddocument/1986/635393271701670000, Section 2508. 8 https://www.openspace.org/sites/default/files/20210518_HawthornsPublicAccessPlan_R-21-65.pdf , p. 3 9 https://www.portolavalley.net/home/showpublisheddocument/1986/635393271701670000, Sections 2517 and 2521; Hawthorns entries are listed for further consideration. 10 https://www.portolavalley.net/home/showpublisheddocument/1986/635393271701670000, p. 22 11 https://www.openspace.org/sites/default/files/2013.10.31.Hawthorns_HistoricResourceStudy.pdf, p. 15 12 https://www.openspace.org/sites/default/files/2013.10.31.Hawthorns_HistoricResourceStudy.pdf p.2 of Introduction. 13 https://www.openspace.org/sites/default/files/20210518_HawthornsPublicAccessPlan_R-21-65.pdf, p. 3 14 https://www.openspace.org/sites/default/files/2013.10.31.Hawthorns_HistoricResourceStudy.pdf, p. 95 15 https://www.openspace.org/sites/default/files/2013.10.31.Hawthorns_HistoricResourceStudy.pdf, p. 47- 48 250
Appendix B, p. 3
Figure 1. 1930 aerial photograph of Hawthorns. Dashed yellow lines outline areas where cultivation is visible in this image; dashed red lines show where the 2020 hillshade image (Figure 2) suggests a surface-terrain legacy of pre-1930 cultivation that is not apparent in this image. Figures 1 and 2 are scaled and aligned for direct comparison.

Comparing Figures 1 and 3 indicates that woody cultivation (perhaps olives, stone fruits, apples or grapes) was more extensive in 1930 than is visible today. Comparing Figures 1 and 2 suggests woody cultivation was yet more extensive at some time prior to 1930.

Image source: https://mil.library.ucsb.edu/apcatalog/report/report.php?filed_by=C-1025 251
Appendix B, p. 4
Figure 2. 2020 Hillshade (terrain) image. Dashed yellow lines roughly outline areas where cultivation is visible in the 1930 photo (Figure 1) as well as in this image; dashed red lines indicate where the ground surface in this image suggests a fingerprint of cultivation not apparent in the 1930 photo (i.e., cultivation preceded that photo). If cultivation also occurred outside the dashed yellow and red lines, it may have been erased from the surface terrain by plowing, grazing, etc. Figures 1 and 2 are scaled and aligned for direct comparison. LiDAR source: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/inport/item/64806 252
Appendix B, p. 5
Figure 3. Schematic of internal boundaries of Hawthorns. The Conservation Easement lists three assessor’s parcels that constitute the Hawthorns. It also divides the Hawthorns into two Parcels (1 and 2, also known as “improved” and “unimproved”), which only partially align with the assessor’s parcels. (See Exhibit B within the Conservation Easement.) An Historic district outlined by Midpen is included here (see https://www.openspace.org/what-we-do/projects/hawthorns-historic-complex) but some Midpen documents outline the historic area in other ways, e.g. with a circle.

Note, where boundaries coincide, they are offset to make all of them visible, so these lines are not precise.
253
Appendix B, p. 6
Figure 4. Page from Building and Engineering News
in 1918 referencing a contract for a “One and onehalf-story concrete and frame private garage with living rooms” designed by architect Julia Morgan for
Mrs. E. W. Newhall to be constructed in Menlo Park.

Mrs. Edwin White Newhall was the mother of Frances
Newhall Woods.

The year of the contract was 2 years after Frances
Newhall married Frederick Nickerson Woods, Jr. and
purchased the Hawthorns. According to the HRA (p.
47), “the Newhall family (particularly the parents of
Frances Newhall Woods) had a history of working
with famed early California woman architect, Julia
Morgan.”
One of the connections to Julia Morgan is that the
architect designed a brick garage-plus-apartment
adjacent to the Newhall home on Pacific Avenue in
San Francisco. The structure apparently was built for
E. W. Newhall, Jr. and his wife (brother and sister-inlaw of Frances Newhall Woods), but Frances and Frederick Woods, Jr. lived there for a period.

Frederick N. Woods, III, who granted the
Conservation Easement, was the son of Frances
Newhall Woods and Frederick N. Woods, Jr.
254

TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY

LIAISON MEMO
TO: Mayor and Members of the Town Council
FROM: Councilmember Rebecca Flynn
DATE: May 27, 2026
RE: 05/11/2026 SMC Library JPA Governing Board Meeting Liaison Report

BACKGROUND
Action Items
Two events coming up at PV library: for One Book One Coast for George Takei’s graphic novel, They Called Us Enemy (books available at the library and digitally).

Local book Club discussion at the library on Sunday May 17, 2026 at 4:30 PM Webcast Viewing Party with George Takei online on May 31, 2-4PM Meeting Notes
Director’s Report

1. One Book One Coast – Participating in book club across the coast, reading They Called Us Enemy by George Takei. Webcast viewing party with the author on

2. New Staff member – Communications Manager - Christa Bigue – moving from the Board of Supervisors
Recommended Budget
Joint library started in1912
13 libraries in SMC
Implementing 2025-2030 strategic plan – listen, connect, discover, engage 2025-2026 accomplishments to date:

Launched Digital literacy hubs, senior programs, maker initiatives with Maker in residence program, Outreach programs, hybrid bookmobile due in mid-year, book clubs, author talks, financial literacy programs, book club in a bag, partnership with the Big Lift for hands on STEAM activities to improve literacy skills over summer, Let’s Read Together (hands on workshop for home literacy skills) and offered drop in childcare to attend workshops, Adult literacy programs with tutoring, Volunteers contributed 20,000 hours of service, offer leadership programs for staff.

Library visits and program attendance are higher than at this point last year. Over 1 million digital materials checked out through March of this year (9% increase). Offer hot spots and laptops, 6% increase in public computer usage this year
Recommended 26-27 budget
255
Revenue from property taxes and ERAF is $50 million.

Expenditures: $42.2 million for ongoing expenses (53% for salaries, 7.2% increase for COLAs) and$18.9 one-time expenses.Total is $61.1 million expenditures.

Operating and Capital Reserves total $38.6 million
Current assignment of reserves are:
$4.5 million for Fixtures, Furniture, & Equipment (FF&E) for future new libraries in North Fair Oaks ($1.5 million) and Pacifica ($3 million).

New investments in libraries for FFE for new library in East Palo Alto ($2.5 million).

Pescadero Outpost ($850K) – large book vending machine and community gathering space at Pescadero Plaza (already have an outpost in Pacifica). Holds 300 items (and can pick up hold items as well). Service plan with vendor.

Privacy pods (Three to be installed in June in San Carlos, budgeting for 4 more) – meeting room space in demand, 4 or 6 people pods. Possibly future in Brisbane and Foster City. Pods are private, soundproof with screens for hybrid meetings, zoom available.

North Fair Oaks library– embedded in County Human Services agency building on Middlefield Road in Redwood City. County land has been purchased for affordable housing, possibility of a library on ground floor.

Assessment of Woodside library to be completed this year and of the Library Administration building 125 Lessingia Court, in San Mateo
Salaries and Benefits – jump of $10 million over 4 years. – Significant staff increase 146 to 170 staff over 4 years. Benefit increases. COLAs average 4%. New libraries have opened. Property tax increases.

ERAF 50% budgeted for ongoing expenses. North Fair Oaks new library.

Wellness Leaders County Recognition – Richard (HR manager- employee engagement) and Amy (Foster City senior librarian) – nominated by staff.

Reserves-investing $11m in one-time services.

Digital books – some are charged per use, some are part of a purchase consortium, depending on the vendor.
256

TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY

LIAISON MEMO
TO: Mayor and Members of the Town Council
FROM: Vice Mayor Mary Hufty
DATE: May 27, 2026
RE: 05/15/2026 Geologic Safety Committee Meeting Liaison Report

BACKGROUND
OVERVIEW: Budget discussion with Quorum of 4. Wrucke, Shostak, Ernst, Ingebritsen. Excused:

Klemper. McCroy
Next meetings June 8. July 13/2026,
Motion with unanimous and enthusiastic support of the Brown Act modifications for increase in remote participation for committee members. Action needed by Council. This action comes from SB 707: New Remote Meeting Rules for Advisor Committees.

Motion with unanimous and enthusiastic support for the speaker series presented by Council member Flynn by e-mail to Chair. They already have a speaker candidate for an evening maybe a Thursday evening, this Fall. Grateful for the opportunity. They plan to reach out to teachers to give extra credit for student attendance. Possible 6th grade emphasis.

Budget discussion2026-2027 a decade has passed since the maps have been updated and this has been discussed with Cotton Shires. They plan to submit a list of needed changes and Cotton Shires’ John Wallace, already has a list as well to start.

A $1700 expenditure to start the process was supported. They are requesting $10,250 which would include external coordination for map updates. Evacuation map costs. Including reimbursement for toner for evacuation map printing at Staples.

A zero-dollar request except for staff time would be to synchronize the GIS layer to the geologic maps.

This will require a Council action and is unlikely to occur this cycle. The committee is aware that staff time is unlikely to be available this year. Neighboring towns have had threats of legal action when there is not even-handed availability of GIS information. Formal budget request will come directly from the Chair.
257

TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY

LIAISON MEMO
TO: Mayor and Members of the Town Council
FROM: Vice Mayor Mary Hufty
DATE: May 27, 2026
RE: 05/20/2026 Trails & Paths Committee Meeting Liaison Report

BACKGROUND
OVERVIEW: 7 members present Brenda, Susan, Ellie, Amy, Gary, Joe, Fred, Jeffrey March meeting minutes on the agenda. Missing digit for video link was corrected in a timely fashion.

On going maintenance-The bridge repairs in the Ranch were again discussed. Palmer Lane is overgrown, and will be reviewed with Scott.

Horse Fair- No mishaps and a great success. An estimate of about 850 participants of all ages.

Stanford subdivision-All trees have been removed in the area of development. The east branch of the Alpine Terraces Trail including the gate are being respected and considered in the plan as agreed upon.

The Trail Subcommittee was aware of this requirement, but its work has been completed. Stanford has not yet committed to the person or company who will be constructing the trail. It was discussed that Mayor Taylor and Chair Hanning have been authorized by Council in 12/24 as the point of approval of trails.

The Hawthorns MROSD project- was discussed including the possibility of the signing on to the Open Space Committee’s letter requesting legal counsel. Some discussion of Conservation easement and legal representation, possible need for zoning changes for Open Space designations, and representation to MROSD prior construction of parking lots, occurred. It was agreed the Open Space letter touched on many issues that are outside of the trails committee purview and that their own letter would be appropriate.

It was agreed that a letter would be created by a subcommittee including Fred Leach covering possibly:

Connections with the town trail system
Multi-use trail designations within the town boundaries Equestrian access and accommodation on trails within the town boundaries Fencing and buildings on or near trails in the town as they effect the trail experience on existing town trails
Timing and need for CEQA input
Legal Representation if Council feels it is needed.

Ordinances – and the general plan were discussed briefly with materials attached in the agenda, for consideration of the need for committee review in the future, to possibly include scoring of driveways, bike, and e-bike usage, etc. Below are the sources from which come much of our non-oral history guidance on our trail system.

CHAPTER 17.44 - TRAILS AND PATHS
Sections:

17.44.010 - Hiking trails.

The planning commission shall require the dedication and construction of hiking trails along roads or in other locations as it may deem necessary to provide links in a trail system in accordance with the general plan. Easements for such trails shall, unless physical conditions 258
dictate a lesser width, be not less than fifteen feet in width and shall be outside any road right-of-way. In areas of difficult terrain where the final location of a trial may vary slightly to adjust to field conditions, the easement shall be not less than thirty feet in width. Hiking trails shall have a tread width of three feet and shall be constructed in accordance with the town's trail and path standards.
(Ord. 1997-303 § 6, 1997: Ord. 1979-168 § 5 (part), 1979: Ord. 1967-71 § 1 (7650.61), 1967)

17.44.020 - Riding and biking trails.

The planning commission shall require the dedication and construction of riding and hiking trails along roads or in other locations as it may deem necessary to provide links in a trial system in accordance with the general plan. Easements for such trails shall, unless physical conditions dictate a lesser width, be not less than fifteen feet in width and shall be outside any road right-of-way. In areas of difficult terrain where the final location of a trial established during construction may need to vary within an easement to adjust to field conditions, the easement shall be not less than thirty feet in width. Riding and hiking trails shall have a tread width of four feet and shall be constructed in accordance with the town's trail and path standards.
(Ord. 1997-303 § 7, 1997: Ord. 1979-168 § 5 (part), 1979: Ord. 1967-71 § 1 (7650.62), 1967)

17.44.030 - Pedestrian paths.

The planning commission shall require the dedication and construction of pedestrian paths along roads or in other locations as it may deem necessary to provide links in a trail system in accordance with the general plan. Easements for such trails shall, unless physical conditions dictate a lesser width, be not less than fifteen feet in width, and shall be outside any road right-of-way. Pedestrian paths shall have a minimum tread width of four feet, and shall be constructed in accordance with the town's trail and path standards. (Ord. 1979-168 § 5 (part), 1979: Ord. 1967-71 § 1 (7650.63), 1967)

17.44.040 - Bicycle paths.

The planning commission shall require the dedication and construction of bicycle paths along roads or in other locations as it may deem necessary to provide links in a trial system in accordance with the general plan. Easements for such paths shall, unless physical conditions dictate a lesser width, be not less than fifteen feet in width and shall be outside any road right-of-way. Bicycle paths shall have a minimum tread width of five feet and shall be constructed in accordance with the town's trial and path standards. (Ord. 1979-168 § 5 (part), 1979: Ord. 1967-71 § 1 (7650.64), 1967)

17.44.050 - Bicycle lanes.The planning commission shall require construction of bicycle lanes along roads as it may
deem necessary in accordance with the general plan. Bicycle lanes shall be six feet wide along arterial streets, and four feet wide along major collector, split level and minor collector streets. Bicycle lanes shall not be required along cul-de-sacs unless specified by the planning commission.
(Ord. 1979-168 § 5 (part), 1979: Ord. 1967-71 § 1 (7650.65), 1967)

17.44.060 - Combination of facilities. When pedestrian paths, hiking trails and bicycle paths, or any combination thereof, follow one route, they may be combined in one fifteen-foot wide easement unless a wider easement is required by the planning commission. Riding and hiking trails may not be combined with either pedestrian paths or bicycle paths and should, unless undue hardship would result, be on the opposite side of the roadway from such paths. Trial and path easements should be outside public road rights-of-way.
(Ord. 1979-168 § 5 (part), 1979: Ord. 1967-71 § 1 (7650.66), 1967)

17.44.070 - Trial, path and bicycle lane improvements.

Trails or paths and their rights-of-way or easements shall be improved in accordance with the provisions of Section 17.52.030 and with the trial and path standards adopted by the town.
(Ord. 1979-168 § 5 (part), 1979: Ord. 1967-71 § 1 (7650.67), 1967) Sharing Our Trails and Paths
259
Portola Valley is fortunate to have more than 36 miles of unpaved trails and paved paths that are enjoyed daily by our residents as well as by visitors. Several uses are permitted on some trails and paths while other trails restrict usage to pedestrians and equestrians and, in one case, to pedestrians only. Every trail has a post with a sign indicating permitted usage; the Town website (www.portolavalley.net) also has a trails map which designates permitted uses.

For the safety of all users as well as to preserve our open spaces please follow the trail etiquette guidelines listed below.
¡ Please be courteous to others using the trails and paths. Everyone should yield to equestrians and bicycles should also yield to pedestrians. Allow other users to pass and if you are in a group don’t block the trail or path. Do not smoke on any of our trails or paths.
¡ Be alert. Horses and slower moving pedestrians may be startled by runners or faster moving trail users, especially if they are approaching from behind. Make your presence known well in advance of meeting/passing other users.
¡ Stay on designated trails and paths. Many trails, especially the wilderness trails, are on easements through private properties. Please respect private property and minimize damage by remaining on marked trails. Do not cut corners on hillside trails. ¡ Observe speed limits. Bicycles must remain below 15 miles per hour on all paths and trails where they are authorized. This is especially important on the heavily used Dwight Crowder path where there are many pedestrians, toddlers, dogs and strollers.

Pedestrians
Pedestrians are welcome on all trails and paths. Runners should slow down, allow oncoming hikers and equestrians to pass and, if approaching from the rear, should alert others to their presence. All pedestrians should yield to equestrians.

Published by: Town of Portola Valley, Trails & Paths Committee 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley, CA 94028 5/21/2012
M:\Trails and Paths\Misc\Etiquette on Trails May-12.doc Equestrians
Equestrians are permitted on all trails except Toyon Trail on Coal Mine Ridge. During the rainy season some wilderness trails are closed to horses in order to prevent damage to the trail; please respect trail closures. Trail closures are posted on the Town website. Riders are responsible for maintaining control over their horse at all times.

Bicyclists
Bicycles are permitted on all paved paths as well as on certain unpaved trails near schools.

Bicycle speed limit is 15 mph and 5 mph when passing other users. Bicyclists should always yield to all other users and if approaching from behind should make their presence known well in advance. Bicycles are not permitted on any wilderness trails.

Dogs on Leash
Dogs on leash are permitted on all trails and paths with the exception of some trails on Coal Mine Ridge (see Town Trails map and trail usage signs for restricted trails). Dogs need to be leashed for safety purposes and also to comply with the San Mateo County leash law.

Because some dogs are unpredictable you should step to the side of the trail with your dog to allow other users to pass. Do not allow your dog to be off-leash on any trail or path. Please pick up and remove dog waste.

Published by: Town of Portola Valley, Trails & Paths Committee 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley, CA 94028 5/21/2012
M:\Trails and Paths\Misc\Etiquette on Trails May-12.doc Trail Easements and Trails in the Road Right of Way
Portola Valley has a strong commitment to preserving ways for people to travel without the automobile. Our system of trails, paths, and bike paths is used for essential transportation to schools and work, as well as for recreation and pleasure. Portola Valley Ordinance 1986-219 establishes penalties for obstruction of Town trails. An explanation of ways property owners can observe this ordinance follows.

How the Trails are Planned, Acquired, Built and Maintained 260
The basic trail system is an approved part of the Town General Plan. Most of the trail system is in place. When a new subdivision is proposed, the Town acquires trails corresponding to the routes outlined on the General Plan trail map. In this process, two types of trail routes are acquired, easements through private property and on public road right of ways.

Trails on easements through private or common areas in the subdivision: These easements are granted to the Town as part of the subdivision process. The Town is the holder of these easements and interference with them can only be as the result of Town Council approval after a public hearing.

Trails on the public road right of way: These trails have been developed on the shoulders of streets and roads in the Town. Since this is public right of way the Town reserves the right to ensure their availability for public use. Interference with them is legal only after securing an encroachment permit. The Town reserves the right to remove an interference with public use of road shoulders, including any plants that grow over the trails.

The Town Trails Committee has responsibility for designing and maintaining trails. Because many homes were landscaped before the basic trail system of roadside trails was developed, the most sensitive trail maintenance job is pruning of residential plants. Homeowners are notified when pruning is required on their property so that the may do it themselves, if they so desire. The Town also sprays poison oak along the trails, clears fallen trees, and takes steps to correct erosion problems.

How to Locate and Live With an Easement or Road Right of Way Problems arise when residents put landscaping or obstructions on an undeveloped trail or path easement or on the road right of way. This is usually because they do not know, or forget, the easement exists. We urge you to check your Title Deed and Subdivision Map for trail easements. Within a trail easement special consideration should be given to planting and improvements. When a property owner desires to place planting, etc. on a public easement or road right of way where a trail exists or a path is indicated on the General Plan, and before such use is made by the property owner, an encroachment permit is required from the town.

For your use in preparing such plans we offer these suggestions:
1) Shrubs should be planted so their branches, when fully grown, will not intrude on the trail. 2) Pines, redwoods, and trees which grow a massive trunk, or have branches low to the ground, should be planted well back from the easement or road right of way line so that their mature growth does not intrude on the trail. Branches growing toward the trail should be trimmed to the trunk to a height of 10 feet above the ground.
3) Structures such as fences, walls, sprinkler heads or valves, pools, or outbuildings should not be built within the easement or road right of way.
4) If the General Plan Trail Map shows a trail in the road right of way by your property, any plantings should be planned to occupy the area nearest the pavement, allowing the trail or path maximum separation from road traffic plus the protection the vegetation provides. Mailboxes should be placed near the street to allow the trail to pass behind them.

The standard for a Riding and Hiking Trail is dirt, 4 feet wide. Branches are cleared to provide a 10-foot vertical passage, and the trail may meander within the easement or road right of way to suit terrain and vegetation. It is important that the property owner realize that the road right of way extends well beyond the road paving. The width of your easements and the road right of way can be found on your subdivision map.

If the driveway is resurfaced, the area where the trail crosses it should not be resurfaced, as this produces a slippery finish that causes horses to fall. If resurfacing produces an unacceptable surface, the Town may require the homeowner to provide treatment of the surface that will ensure trail safety.

TYPICAL TRAIL IN STREET RIGHT OF WAY
4/15/2002

12.12.060 - Permit fees.

Permit fees shall be paid by the applicant prior to the issuance of any encroachment permit.

On work which requires the presence of an employee or agent of the town as inspector, the salary, traveling expense, tests on materials, and other incidental expense of such inspection 261
during the work shall be paid by the permittee upon presentation of a bill. In addition, the town may charge an annual fee for private encroachments for the benefit of maintaining a facility in the public right-of-way. All applicable permit fees, including those for the issuance of a permit and for the benefit of maintaining an encroachment in the public right-of-way, shall be established by resolution of the town council. (Ord. 2007-368 § 1, 2007)

12.12.070 - Permit expiration and renewal.

An encroachment permit shall become null and void if work is not commenced within 90 days after the date of application. A permit may be extended or renewed upon request to the director of public works provided no changes have been made from the original conditions for issuance of the original permit.
(Ord. 2007-368 § 1, 2007)

12.12.080 - Repair of damage.

Permittee shall be responsible for any damage to town street pavements, existing utilities, curbs, gutters, sidewalks or to any private property or improvements to the extent attributable to its installation, maintenance, repair or removal of facilities in the public right-of-way.

Permittee shall repair, replace and restore in kind any such damaged improvements at its sole expense and with the approval of town. Any and all site restoration and clean-up shall be done by a licensed and insured contractor.
(Ord. 2007-368 § 1, 2007)
Adjourned at 10:30
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Portola Valley City CouncilMay 27, 2026

Portola Valley City Council
May 27, 2026