Palo Alto ARB reviews 197‑unit, seven‑story proposal at 762 San Antonio Road; continues to date uncertain

A public hearing Wednesday before the Palo Alto Architectural Review Board examined a proposal to demolish three commercial buildings at 762 San Antonio Road and construct a seven‑story multifamily building with 197 rental apartments, 26 of which the applicant says would be restricted as below‑market‑rate housing.

Senior Planner Emily Callis told the board the project would be reviewed under state “builder’s remedy” provisions and is tied to multiple state actions and local environmental review. “This project meets the qualifications of a builder’s remedy project as defined in Assembly Bill 1893,” Callis said, adding that the city may require only objective standards that would apply where the requested density is allowed. Staff recommended the board provide design feedback and continue the hearing to a date uncertain to permit completion of CEQA analysis and related addenda to the previously certified environmental impact report.

Why it matters: The proposal is one of the remaining projects using the state builder’s‑remedy pathway, which limits local discretion over zoning and objective standards and can reduce the number or depth of local affordable units required. The board’s review focused on whether the project meets applicable objective design standards, the list of waivers the applicant seeks, and design changes that would maintain the applicant’s stated density while improving pedestrian experience, landscaping and building circulation.

Key facts - Proposal: demolish three existing commercial buildings and build a seven‑story multifamily rental building with 197 units (studio–three‑bedroom mix). The applicant describes 26 units (13%) as deed‑restricted for households at 50–80% AMI. - Zoning/authority: staff framed review under California Government Code section 65589.5(d)(5) (builder’s remedy) and referenced Assembly Bill 1893 and a Senate Bill 330 pre‑application the applicant filed on 2024‑01‑09. Staff also noted an addendum to a previously certified EIR for the Housing…