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Palo Alto council approves consent calendar, CDBG annual plan and emergency ordinance to implement state ADU law
Summary
At its June 9 meeting the Palo Alto City Council approved the consent calendar, adopted the 2025–26 CDBG annual action plan and passed a temporary urgency ordinance updating zoning rules to implement California Senate Bill 1123 (SB 1123), including provisions governing ministerial ADU/JADU approvals.
The Palo Alto City Council voted on several items during its June 9 meeting, approving the bundled consent calendar, the draft 2025–2030 Consolidated Plan and 2025–26 Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, and a temporary urgency ordinance to implement state law changes under Senate Bill 1123.
Consent calendar The council approved the consent calendar (items 3–15) in a single motion. The roll-call recorded votes in favor from Council member Stone, Council member Burt, Vice Mayor Venker, Council member Lythcott Hanes, Council member Liu, Council member Rekdal and Mayor Lowing; the motion carried.
CDBG annual plan (Action item 16) The council voted unanimously to approve the city’s draft 2025–2030 Consolidated Plan and the 2025–26 Annual Action Plan for use of CDBG funds. Robert Fain, Housing Planner, and consultants outlined priorities including affordable housing, services for vulnerable populations, workforce development and child care. The recommended allocations included a FY 2025–26 entitlement grant estimate of approximately $516,000 plus an estimated $100,000 in program income. The Human Relations Commission reviewed and recommended adjustments incorporated into the staff recommendation, including an increased allocation to the Alma Garden affordable housing rehabilitation project. Council member Tom Stone moved to adopt the staff and Human Relations Commission recommendation; the motion passed unanimously on roll call.
Emergency ordinance implementing SB 1123 (AA-1) The council adopted a temporary urgency ordinance to align Title 18 and Title 21 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code with recent changes in state law under Senate Bill 1123 (SB 1123), which extends ministerial approvals for small multifamily development to specified single-family parcels and establishes timelines for ministerial subdivisions. The ordinance clarifies which objective development standards apply, defines fees and process for applicants using the ministerial pathway, and preserves local discretion where state law allows.
Staff noted the ordinance allows developers to add accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or, in some permutations, junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) on qualifying parcels; council members discussed limiting options to JADUs but ultimately adopted staff-drafted language that preserves the developer’s option. The motion passed unanimously.
Items pulled from consent and public comments A member of the public requested that consent item 9 (synthetic turf contract) be pulled for discussion; speakers raised concerns about PFAS testing and environmental review. Council member Burt requested item 7 be pulled; members discussed funding and contract amounts during the consent vote prior to approval. City staff said a supplemental memo addressing PFAS testing for the turf product was provided to council.
No measures were placed on the meeting agenda for immediate implementation beyond the actions above; staff will return to council with required ordinance language for permanent zoning code updates and additional follow-ups as the state law’s implementation timeline proceeds.
