Palo Alto ARB backs 6‑story mixed‑use project at 660 University with tree‑protection condition

The Palo Alto Architectural Review Board voted 3–2 on Aug. 21 to recommend City Council approve a planned‑home‑zoning (PHZ) application for a six‑story mixed‑use building at 660 University Avenue, provided the applicant removes or reconfigures balconies so they do not encroach into the protected oak tree zone.

The ARB’s recommendation follows a lengthy staff and applicant presentation and a 12‑minute public comment period during which neighbors and advocacy groups raised concerns about the project’s size, tree impacts, parking and construction impacts. The board’s motion — approved by Chair Chen, Vice Chair Adcock and Board Member Rosenberg and opposed by Board Members Hirsch and Georges — directed the applicant to ensure balconies facing the neighbor‑protected oak do not intrude into the tree protection zone shown in project materials.

Staff planner Emily Callis told the board the PHZ application would replace two existing office buildings with a new six‑story mixed‑use building containing about 1,894 square feet of ground‑floor office and 70 residential units, 20% of which will be below‑market‑rate. The proposal includes two levels of underground parking with 78 spaces, a requested height exception above the 35‑foot limit, reduced setbacks and a daylight‑plane allowance that is part of the PHZ request. Callis said a draft environmental impact report (EIR) has been circulated and…