Planning & Transportation Commission Meeting - September 30, 2026

The City of Palo Alto Planning and Transportation Commission met on September 30, 2026. The commission unanimously (6–0) recommended that City Council adopt a permanent ordinance updating the municipal code to implement SB 9, SB 450, and other state housing laws. The changes clarify the ministerial objective design standards process for two-story homes, revise selected design standards, and clarify ADU and urban lot-split provisions. Commissioners also supported increasing a floor-area allowance to 40% and requested corrections and clarifications to the draft. These permitting and design rules may affect future housing applications, but no procurement action was identified for this item.

The main capital-project discussion concerned a potential South Palo Alto bicycle and pedestrian crossing near El Dorado Avenue. Staff presented alternatives with estimated costs reaching approximately $87 million for a full tunnel beneath Alma Street and the rail corridor, alongside significant property, utility, construction, and emergency-access considerations. The commission’s 6–0 motion asked City Council to consider further study of the Loma Verde alternatives at a level comparable to the El Dorado alternatives; the commission did not recommend advancing the El Dorado options at this stage. Staff said funding was available for the next phases of project analysis and engagement, but no construction funding or contract award was approved. The commission also recommended advancing a package of Bryant Street/Lincoln Avenue traffic-calming concepts, including traffic circles, curb extensions, and a pilot turn restriction, with attention to a phased approach. No vendor selections or contract awards were discussed.