Staff briefed the Climate Action and Sustainability Committee on Oct. 17 about recent and upcoming steps designed to accelerate residential electrification and active transportation.

Brad Eggleston, director of public works, said the city launched permit fee rebates covering standalone heat-pump water heater and heat-pump HVAC permits and that development services has introduced an instant-permit process for heat-pump space-conditioning systems on the city's Exela online permitting platform. "These rebates complement the city's existing residential electrification rebates, making it easier for residents to replace gas appliances and support the community's climate goals," Eggleston said.

Staff also announced outreach: a heat-pump "happy hour" for current participants and residents on Oct. 23 in the breezeway between Mitchell Park Library and the community center, and the annual Green at Home tour on Nov. 8, for which the city is a sponsor. The draft 2026 bicycle and pedestrian transportation plan update was released for public comment through Nov. 14; staff provided the review link: paloalto.gov/bikepedplan.

Other items raised by committee members during staff reports included requests to investigate whether solar permitting fees differ for some applicants and an advance notice that an update to Cal Ave outdoor-dining and streetscape rules is forthcoming, with potential rules about radiant heating versus propane that raise both safety and environmental questions.

Why it matters: Permit fee rebates and faster permitting aim to reduce upfront barriers to residential electrification, while community events and the bike/ped plan seek to increase awareness and public input on active-transportation and electrification policy.

Ending
Staff said they will check on the questions raised about solar permitting fees and continue coordinating with planning and development services on outdoor dining and permit streamlining; they invited members to upcoming events and the public comment period for the bike/ped plan.