[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6562245,"mediaKeyId","3277847-ff9436c1e5940c80879daf65a5af5f04","parentId",3277847,"title","Palo Alto council adopts ADU code update to comply with state guidance; asks staff to study bigger ADUs and condo conversions","audioSeconds",2163,"startMs",9617000,"endMs",11780000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3277847-ff9436c1e5940c80879daf65a5af5f04&start=9617&end=11780","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3277847-ff9436c1e5940c80879daf65a5af5f04/thumbnail_9617000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6562245/Palo-Alto/Santa-Clara-County/California/Palo-Alto-council-adopts-ADU-code-update-to-comply-with-state-guidance-asks-staff-to-study-bigger-ADUs-and-condo-conversions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6562245-dcf505da81438ee2ded7088faeb570de/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440579&Signature=QazzwDiIs~IlMArR0hawSOUQqw8OKmRcINPT~UrzLTaLi9me8ay3~f5zCZCD09PXn-RaLA2oTcWAjkhmwechDCOQ2HIptaySQgFq-NolLdhBrPQ4pwmwcAmYgjC-H4~NaE26GRkos97LEJgrbHq-TTtGMUVoBvATVPpSLwNeumtAV-yudIlnvz-BJ2zyW7ncUpeYHbbeLCs5MO8higM~LkPbmREAUry-cnNMZ0~duwXUBE3AsssPINMYqLLk23vuMZZvBG0klxI8rqlHTHEDpuaLeNDyFpZfM~rVpQgA-t2-rXoYt7yBxnSNgYcmNJB3wtZYyx1tn6ucpS6MgMuYfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Palo Alto City","date","2025-05-13T06:42:30.25Z","article","The Palo Alto City Council voted unanimously May 12 to adopt a revised accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance that staff said brings the city's local code into compliance with recent guidance from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The ordinance clarifies where local objective standards may apply and removes provisions that HCD found inconsistent with state ADU rules.

Garrett Sauls, principal planner with Planning and Development Services, summarized the changes staff proposed after HCD raised compliance questions. Major corrections included removing local incentives or penalties that cannot legally apply to units built entirely under state ADU/JADU provisions, clarifying tree-protection and historic-resource language for properties where local rules still apply, and aligning the code's objective standards for kitchens and bedroom layouts with HCD expectations.

The ordinance adoption was procedural and intended to ensure the city does not apply invalid requirements to ADUs built under state law. In discussion council members noted that ADUs have become an important housing source in Palo Alto; staff reported more than 250 ADU permits issued in recent years and an expectation of continued growth under state law.

Separate council direction to study further reforms

After adopting the ordinance, council members debated and then approved (6-1) a separate direction asking staff to analyze additional ADU policy reforms and report back through the Planning & Transportation Commission and to council. The requested analysis should be coordinated with the city's SB 9-related work and the housing-element schedule. Council asked staff to consider, at minimum:

- Whether to increase the maximum size allowed for ADUs with two or more bedrooms (discussion during the meeting referenced a target in the 1,200-square-foot range as part of SB 9 / missing-middle work);
- The possibility of condominium conversions or separate conveyance for ADUs so owners or residents could obtain lending against an ADU; and
- Options for how impact fees are applied to ADUs (staff noted the city already exempts very small ADUs but the fee structure is a recurring subject of public comment).

Why it matters

The HCD-directed ordinance update was narrowly focused to eliminate conflicts between local code and state ADU/JADU provisions. The follow-on study the council requested is wider in scope and could shape whether ADUs in Palo Alto remain small caregiver units or are encouraged, through size limits and legal mechanisms, to function as standalone starter homes (a subject several public commenters raised). Council members emphasized the need for more analysis on neighborhood impacts, tree protection and historic resources before making further changes.

Public comment

Several residents and housing advocates urged council to go further. Speakers asked the city to allow larger ADUs, to explore condo-conversion mechanisms that make ADUs mortgageable, and to reduce or waive impact fees that can make ADU construction financially difficult for homeowners. Staff advised those are substantive policy changes that will require time and commission review.

Next steps

Staff will fold the council's direction into related SB 9/housing-element work and return with options and an analysis to the Planning & Transportation Commission, then to council; staff noted the SB 9 work is on the housing-element implementation timetable and that the ADU follow-up will be scheduled consistent with that program.

Ending note

Adoption of the ordinance itself was unanimous and intended to ensure Palo Alto's permitting and review processes comply with state law. The council's additional directive signals openness to larger or more market-oriented ADU models but preserves a formal study process and public review before rule changes are adopted.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - May 12, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Palo Alto City Council voted unanimously to adopt an updated ADU ordinance to conform local code to HCD guidance and remove provisions HCD identified as inconsistent with state ADU rules.","taxTitle","Palo Alto, Santa Clara County, California","taxId",3867,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6562249,"Palo Alto council and finance committee sketch $6M buffer, ambulance changes and nonprofit funding as budget work continues",860,4210000,5070000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3277847-ff9436c1e5940c80879daf65a5af5f04&start=4210&end=5070","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3277847-ff9436c1e5940c80879daf65a5af5f04/thumbnail_4210000.jpg","/articles/6562249/Palo-Alto/Santa-Clara-County/California/Palo-Alto-council-and-finance-committee-sketch-6M-buffer-ambulance-changes-and-nonprofit-funding-as-budget-work-continues","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6562249-8f9a1c4d3416c8d98739c60ec854d316/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440579&Signature=i5WxB9dHL---8ypLBw5mn71pqO18-TaCJDspRG9cAnyzH0VtFnejvvMwi9ynEi9SwdRMTSy5mgtbd0m7ZVoUe9MUs2xCXJ-ajNN22pLq4lhnHOO4yqp-Vzca27ZBNs~h8uoSLIwPNtptd9N1HO8WYctOqg2ECBYvLhg1teYaCnuvSqdqbvisVxaVwD8TBytdM5Grgto8jUUk2FBq0Qx73I6puFGZRBMNoUbZsRRWF58EcMu9fWFtQIWUBdPVuKOzF16j356k2CftDGnfucYSOz1ezbzvDA0cJrAmIpAF4y5c4q7B6cHttM~6SgFQHagbOBCGtUdNR36KTGc4Az-0Hg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City finance staff and the Finance Committee presented a reworked draft of Palo Alto's proposed fiscal 2026 operating and capital budgets Wednesday, advising the full City Council to use about half of the $12 million uncertainty reserve originally planned and to return with specific savings to preserve a $6 million buffer.

Lauren Lai, chief financial officer, told the council the budget transmitted May 5 reflects a multi-year forecast and that the Finance Committee recommended reducing the 2026 draw on the uncertainty reserve to $6 million, finding roughly $5.9 million of adjustments to avoid spending the full reserve in 2026. The committee also recommended deferring or reprioritizing capital projects in 5% increments (about $1.5 million per 5%) and asked staff to identify one-time and ongoing savings that would be adopted as a placeholder in the June budget with a final allocation to follow this summer.

The Finance Committee's approach is a hybrid: identify near-term savings to reduce reliance on the reserve, and keep a portion of the reserve available for 2027. Lai said staff will return to the committee on May 20 with candidate reductions and to the council in June 16's adoption packet with a placeholder for the remaining amount; the committee expects to finalize recommendations later in the summer.

Why it matters

City leaders said keeping a larger uncertainty reserve gives the city more runway through an uncertain economic outlook while leaving options to preserve services. The work also affects the capital program cash flow, fire and ambulance staffing decisions, nonprofit grants and utility-rate choices discussed in the same sessions.

Most significant items presented

- Uncertainty reserve: Finance Committee recommended using $6 million of the $12 million currently planned for FY26 and carrying the remainder into FY27 for contingency. Staff framed the $6 million as a mix of one-time and ongoing savings to be identified by May 20 and finalized later.

- Capital projects: Staff proposed prioritizing and deferring projects in 5%, 10% and 15% bundles to produce one-time savings and to manage a tight capital cash flow over the next three years. Prioritization criteria include functional need versus aesthetics, cost escalation risk, interdependencies and risk of deterioration if deferred.

- Fire/ambulance staffing: The Finance Committee recommended phasing in a single-role paramedic model with a 12-hour peak ambulance (seven days a week) beginning April 2026. Fire Chief Geo Blackshire and staff said the phased single-role approach would increase ambulance availability during peak hours without imposing overtime on the existing firefighter workforce; the committee recommended that portion be funded in part by increasing paramedic transport fees, estimated to raise about $700,000 in FY26 and offset roughly half of the new ongoing cost.

- Nonprofit partnerships: The committee recommended increasing the nonprofit partnership allocation by $211,000 (raising total funding to about $546,000) and proposed direct allocations for some long-standing partners (Magical Bridge, Third Thursday, UNAF and the Environmental Volunteers foothill program) while leaving $100,000 available for competitive awards through the Policy & Services (P&S) committee. Staff reported 19 applications had been received by the funding deadline totaling roughly $747,000 (plus three late applications), and asked council to confirm how much P&S should allocate for awards on June 10.

- Gas utility rates and climate credit: Utilities staff and the Finance Committee returned the city's 2025 cost-of-service analysis (COSA) to the Utilities Advisory Commission (UAC) for further review and discussed using non-rate revenues to soften rate impacts. The UAC had recommended a roughly $1.6 million climate credit to residential customers tied to the COSA; the Finance Committee suggested instead retaining the current rate structure for FY26 and using about $1.1 million to provide a climate credit to small and medium commercial customers (G2 subclass) who would otherwise be disadvantaged by the proposed COSA changes. Staff said interest income on cap-and-trade reserves could partially fund a credit but will likely not cover the full amount; the remainder would come from gas cap-and-trade reserves if council chooses to proceed. Members of the public and UAC commissioners urged reserving cap-and-trade funds for greenhouse-gas reduction programs and electrification rather than credits.

What council asked staff to do

Council members pressed staff on details and on a timeline. The Finance Committee and city manager proposed adopting a budget in June that leaves a $6 million placeholder to be identified by August and finalized in September, giving staff time to develop targeted reductions and capital-prioritization recommendations. The council also asked staff to provide more detail on which capital projects could be deferred without triggering greater long-term costs and to bring back more detailed scenarios on revenue sensitivity.

Public comment and stakeholder concerns

Public commenters and utilities commissioners warned against using cap-and-trade or other climate-dedicated fund sources to subsidize fossil-fuel use. Several nonprofit applicants urged transparency and clarity about the new nonprofit partnership process; council members asked staff to provide P&S with a clear list of applicants and which organizations already receive multiyear funding so those requests can be considered in context.

Next steps and schedule

- Finance Committee will review identified savings May 20 and conduct a formal budget wrap-up on May 27.
- P&S will review nonprofit grant recommendations June 10.
- City Council adoption is scheduled for June 16; staff will carry a placeholder reflecting the $6 million target and return later this summer with concrete allocations and adjustments.

Ending note

Council members repeatedly emphasized the need for specificity about what will be reduced, delayed or reallocated before the June adoption, and asked staff to prioritize transparency on impacts to services, employees and capital projects.","City finance staff and the Finance Committee presented a reworked draft of Palo Alto's proposed fiscal 2026 operating and capital budgets Wednesday, advising the full City Council to use about half of the $12 million uncertainty reserve originally planned and to return with specific savings to preserve a $6 million buffer.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6562236,"Council asks staff to agendize closed sessions on two federal lawsuits; city attorney to schedule briefing",786,2177000,2963000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3277847-ff9436c1e5940c80879daf65a5af5f04&start=2177&end=2963","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3277847-ff9436c1e5940c80879daf65a5af5f04/thumbnail_2177000.jpg","/articles/6562236/Palo-Alto/Santa-Clara-County/California/Council-asks-staff-to-agendize-closed-sessions-on-two-federal-lawsuits-city-attorney-to-schedule-briefing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6562236-ea81e8f252b142f659344ff7af238329/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440579&Signature=CNEO4~WcGsNxNnlAnS08qs2vlhVKfCyFVRhGYRHJzlAFQw0MLfgfjFdXcw0OsPWCupC9ZUZ9TvJJukubpKQdqTaTiul5AF5m~qs63gS5-oEcOft1YvUzgYxes12k8-HZXcbtOKQwvjD-mxsFvy~qeSYZW6x8nJ~kLefntrepru9HEsVPFTX-62xe8uZUCXaGPYKCjUPKOFR2p-eUQXG6e7WEFa7ZRxOHb3NVqk8Ob4bR~vmUSUesY4T9SaGSd-XPaKYgyg1s-JieYUV7gyJB6Dm~y0vby6b6z6j9jeTrOGk8OF752z8urivgeCRUccbd0bDJbZaarlVyDoOl-bPWFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several council members requested the City Council agendize a closed session to consider whether the city should participate in federal litigation challenging recent federal executive actions.

Council member Vinkar (spokesperson in the meeting) laid out two cases she wanted the city to consider: American Federation of Government Employees v. Trump (a case related to a workforce-reduction action) and City and County of San Francisco v. Trump (a case that previously challenged a freeze on Department of Justice grant funding). Council members said they were aware that other jurisdictions had filed lawsuits and that those suits had prompted temporary restraining orders in some federal courts. Council member Vinkar asked staff to place a closed-session item for legal advice and to explore whether Palo Alto should participate by joining or filing amicus briefs.

City Manager and city attorney response

City staff told council that, because the request is time-sensitive, the matter will need to be added to a future agenda and that the city attorney and staff would coordinate on scheduling and the legal review needed to consider participation.

Why it matters

A decision to join or assist in federal litigation would be a policy decision with political and legal implications; closed-session review is the appropriate forum for the council to receive legal advice and counsel recommendations. Council members asked for a formal closed-session agenda item and supporting legal materials to evaluate the options.

Public record and next steps

Council did not take public action in open session; council members indicated support for agendizing the matter as a closed session item and the city attorney and city manager said they would work on calendar availability and legal materials for council deliberation.

Ending

No vote or final decision occurred in open session on May 12; the council requested staff arrange the closed session and necessary legal briefs so council members can consider whether to participate in or support the named cases.","Council members asked that the city agendize a closed session to consider whether Palo Alto should join litigation against the federal administration in cases including American Federation of Government Employees v. Trump and City & County of San Francisco v. Trump; council asked the city attorney to arrange a legal briefing and consider options",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6562240,"Mayfield Place resident tells council of structural decline, pest problems and recent rent increases",183,1097000,1280000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3277847-ff9436c1e5940c80879daf65a5af5f04&start=1097&end=1280","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3277847-ff9436c1e5940c80879daf65a5af5f04/thumbnail_1097000.jpg","/articles/6562240/Palo-Alto/Santa-Clara-County/California/Mayfield-Place-resident-tells-council-of-structural-decline-pest-problems-and-recent-rent-increases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6562240-95e0d74fbbd0fc36b6467fba5e1c68a8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440579&Signature=d~t~CEj8xPvNeuQC3N3DGhmQWLQQdO~z-StBGosuGRQRLLt6uLvYEDpOJP7uZuUubSRWwzvpLKORVlr6MRMLeIhQlbwdZCZ53Pg0AB76k44obETtITpwnQrCSkgfGbN9lNkxLiRfrFOGEzNoldr-Rp8mDx98Jsu-3YHKEu0WZLWBjildNir1c-Z6Orgg9omvhfLIZAx57Ws319G1ydYyM-u-PnNCnc3mpYhr-UQhuXk3mu2XZSbkq9xEhx5GsMeHBwY6sYBhiUk4T-2JDJbX1O27emVHSxXMay4wmUTfK6b99jR2qgIcvcK58OnFiz7qGx6oFfwsBuRLsJX8dx9lKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the public-comment period, Liz Gee, who identified herself as a resident of Mayfield Place, addressed the City Council about multiple habitability problems at the property at 2500 El Camino Real, an affordable housing project created under an agreement between the City of Palo Alto and Stanford University.

Gee told council the building 'came online' in February 2017 and alleged progressive deterioration in multiple areas: compromised concrete on the third floor where she lives, a persistent drain-fly infestation that she said began after a period without reliable hot water, and repeated rent increases. Gee said her rent rose by $600 on April 1, 2024, and by a further $400 effective July 1, 2025. She said code enforcement had been alerted and that treatments had not solved the fly problem.

Gee also reported that the ground-floor retail tenant Fambrini's prepares foods with syrups and fruit and suggested drains used by the restaurant could be contributing to the pest issue. She said code enforcement was scheduled to visit the site and asked the city to review the building's structural soundness and the management of health-related problems.

Why it matters

Mayfield Place is a long-standing deed-restricted affordable housing resource in Palo Alto. Allegations of building decline and persistent pest problems in a property serving low-income households raise housing-condition and enforcement questions for the city's code-enforcement and housing staff. Gee asked the council for a city-led review; staff confirmed code enforcement involvement during the meeting.

Public-record details and next steps

- Location cited by the commenter: Mayfield Place, 2500 El Camino Real.
- Allegations: concrete degradation on the third floor, recurring drain flies after a period without hot water, and two recent rent increases (one of $600 in April 2024 and one of $400 planned July 1, 2025).
- Council/Staff response: City staff said code enforcement had been notified and would visit; no formal council action was recorded at the meeting.

Ending

The council did not take formal action at the meeting. The speaker requested that the city investigate the building's structural condition and ongoing health issues; staff said code enforcement would follow up.","A Mayfield Place tenant told Palo Alto's City Council that the affordable housing building at 2500 El Camino Real is deteriorating, that her unit has structural and hot-water problems and that she faces steep rent increases; she asked the city to investigate the building's condition under the agreement with Stanford that created the property","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Palo Alto council adopts ADU code update to comply with state guidance; asks staff to study bigger ADUs and condo conversions

Palo Alto council and finance committee sketch $6M buffer, ambulance changes and nonprofit funding as budget work continues

Council asks staff to agendize closed sessions on two federal lawsuits; city attorney to schedule briefing

Mayfield Place resident tells council of structural decline, pest problems and recent rent increases