Neighbors oppose 6‑story 120‑unit proposal at 4256 El Camino Real during Palo Alto prescreening

A proposal to rezone 4256 El Camino Real from Commercial Services to Planned Home Zoning and build a six‑story, 120‑unit rental building drew heavy public opposition and detailed questions from council during a study‑session prescreening on Aug. 11.

The developer presented a conceptual plan calling for a 79 foot, 6 inch building with 120 rental units, about 100 on‑site parking spaces using a mechanical/tandem system and additional off‑site parking under discussion. Staff told council the proposal would exceed several current development standards in the Commercial Services zone — including lot coverage (proposed 87% vs. 50% allowed), floor‑area ratio (3.57:1 proposed vs. 2.85:1 under the housing incentive program) and usable open space (130 square feet per unit proposed vs. 150 required by CS zoning). Senior planner Emily Callas said council feedback at prescreening is informal and would not bind later, formal review.

Neighbors said the project’s height and massing would overwhelm the adjacent Palo Alto Redwoods condominiums and threaten a grove of heritage redwood trees that several speakers said provide shade and privacy. Kevin Chung, president of…