Palo Alto Council Considers Rezoning for 120 Rental Units at 4256 El Camino Real

Palo Alto City Council has taken a significant step towards addressing housing needs by approving a prescreening for a new development project at 4256 El Camino Real. This project aims to rezone the site from a commercial services district to a planned community zoning, allowing for the construction of 120 rental units in a six-story structure with above-grade parking.

The site, previously designated for a hotel project that was approved in 2020 but never built, is strategically located near the intersection of El Camino Real and Astradero Road. While the project falls within the housing incentive program area, it does not qualify as a housing inventory site. The proposed building height of 79 feet exceeds the current zoning limit of 50 feet, raising concerns among nearby residents about potential impacts on traffic, parking, and privacy.

The development plan includes 100 parking spaces, which is below the required number based on the base zoning and the housing incentive program standards. Additionally, the project proposes only 130 square feet of usable open space per unit, falling short of the 150 square feet required by the current zoning regulations.

Community feedback has been vocal, particularly from residents of the adjacent Palo Alto Redwoods condominiums. Concerns include increased traffic congestion, insufficient parking, and the need to protect existing redwood trees bordering the property. The council's decision to conduct this prescreening allows for informal comments on the project, which will not be binding but will guide the applicant in refining their proposal.

As the city continues to grapple with housing shortages, this project represents a potential shift in development strategy, emphasizing the need for more rental units in the area. The council's next steps will involve further discussions and a formal application process, where a comprehensive review will be conducted in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act.