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 the Powell to Redwoods Homeowners Association, said the homeowners association supports housing generally but “we want housing done right,” citing density, potential market impacts and tree health. Multiple residents described safety and circulation concerns, saying the plans lack a loading area and adequate guest parking and warn that construction and increased traffic would endanger cyclists and impede residents’ driveways.

“By adding 120 units right next to our door to an existing 117, we anticipate that our property values will further be harmed,” said Chung. Julie Baskin, a long‑time resident, said the building’s height would overshadow all but 10 of 29 named heritage trees in the bordering grove.

The applicant said the parcel was previously entitled for a 5‑story hotel approved in 2020 and that the proposed residential project would return the site to housing goals and provide deed‑restricted affordable units. Architect Jeff Potts and the team said the concept includes private decks, a level‑2 courtyard and a roof deck. The developer told council they can provide up to 18 affordable units (20% of 120) at a mix of very low, low and moderate incomes and described the remaining units as “affordable by design,” citing small unit footprints.

Council members pressed for clarifications. They asked whether the existing redwoods on the site would be removed; the applicant said no trees beyond what was already contemplated for the prior hotel design would be removed and that trees may be healthier without an underground garage. Staff said a project‑specific arborist analysis and a full CEQA review would be required if a formal application is filed. Staff confirmed the proposal currently shows 100 parking spaces on site while 125–130 would be required by code or by the housing incentive program standards; the applicant said it is negotiating off‑site parking with an adjacent owner but staff called that new information.

Several council members said they support housing on El Camino Real generally but want stronger protections for the redwood grove, durable commitments for off‑site parking if relied upon, and more modulation (step‑backs and façade articulation) on the portions of the building that face smaller, adjacent homes. Council members also asked staff to analyze whether deed‑restricted rents tied to bedroom count would meaningfully produce deeper affordability for the small studio units proposed.

No formal action was taken; staff recommended the prescreening proceed and the council provided informal direction and questions for the applicant to address in any formal submittal. Staff and the developer said they will return with required arborist studies, an exact inclusionary plan that meets PHZ requirements, parking agreements if used to meet code, and CEQA review if the project proceeds.

If the applicant pursues a formal PHZ rezoning application, that submittal will undergo public hearings and environmental review before the Planning Commission and council.

For now, neighbors were invited to continued meetings: members of the applicant team said they would meet with the Palo Alto Redwoods Homeowners Association and provide additional materials.

Ending: The project remains at prescreening; council did not vote. Staff listed the next steps to include more detailed studies on tree impacts, a finalized affordable‑housing plan that meets the PHZ 20% requirement, clarified parking calculations, and CEQA analysis once a formal application is filed.