Category: Los Altos City Council

June 12, 2018

The City Council adopted the ordinance establishing Affordable Housing Impact Fees for residential and non-residential development. The fees would generate money for the city to use toward Affordable Housing initiatives. 

The City Council adopted a measure that may provide additional revenue for the city by placing on the November general election ballot an increase in Transient Occupancy Tax from 11% to 14%. In the meantime, the city will take no further action regarding a cannabis tax.

The City Council received the staff report about the effects of the proposed initiative delivered by petition from Los Altos City residents to identify public properties, parks, open space, and public and institutional land which can’t be sold, re-designated, or transferred without a vote by city residents. There are also lease prohibitions in the initiative. After comment by three residents, the council in accord with state law, decided not to immediately adopt the proposal, but voted 5/0 to put the measure on the November ballot. 

The city staff report found many difficulties in the initiative described above, especially in the details about leases of city-owned property. After six public comments, the council members directed the staff to prepare an ordinance to be submitted for the November election with elements identified by the council. The elements will include language to preserve from sale all city-owned land and properties; address provisions for long term leases; changes in use of city-owned land (except parks); and municipal services (eg, fire stations) parcels to exclude from the need for a vote. The measure must be prepared by the July 10 meeting, leaving time for community discussion, to bring forth a measure that will succeed on the November ballot, instead of the petition-delivered initiative.

June 26, 2018

The City Council authorized an agreement with Grass-Roots Ecology (formerly Acterra) as steward to manage and restore the Redwood Grove Nature Preserve. Previous action by the council for the 5.7 acre preserve was October 12, 2009. Staff assured the council that the selected steward has previously provided responsible service and is knowledgeable about open space needs.

After consideration of a Public Art Commission plan on May 8, 2018, an ordinance for a Public Art Development Fee is scheduled for a second reading and tentative approval on July 10, 2018. It will apply to non-single-family resident, private commercial, office, and public facility (eg, theater) development. Developers will install public art or pay a 1% fee on construction costs that exceed $1 million. The funds will be used for acquisition, maintenance, and promotion of art in the community. A second reading and tentative approval is scheduled for July 10, 2018.

Council considered two ordinances to amend the Municipal Zoning Code, first regarding Accessory Structures at 800 square feet size, including a basement if applicable, and a five-foot setback from the property line.

Second, to bring Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) into compliance with state law, increase the number of housing units, and address affordable housing in Los Altos, the ordinance will apply to conversion of existing space (eg. garage); new detached ADUs; and addition to existing accessory structures. Both ordinances are scheduled for a second reading and tentative approval on July 10, 2018.

For a ballot measure to compete with the effect of the proposed initiative by Los Altos City residents to identify public properties, parks, open space, and public and institutional land which can’t be sold, re-designated, or transferred without a vote by city residents, the City Council received and directed staff to revise the measure to include elements discussed at the meeting.

After public pro and con comment by six residents, council members discussed three parts for the measure. Voter approval is required for any sale, re-designation, or transfer of city-owned land parcels, such as parks, open spaces, public properties, and/or public institutional land. Voter approval for any re-designation of city-owned land defined as park, open space, public property, and/or public institutional land to a different land use.

Voter approval for lease of any portion of city-owned land, including new leases for new use, for non-municipal use, to private entity, or to private for-profit entity generated debate. Mayor Jean Mordo reminded council members and audience that the proposed initiative must benefit the city and increase vibrancy as part of the Downtown Vision. In addition, questions came up about a minimum length of a lease to trigger voter approval. The staff will draw up a revised measure for the meeting on July 10, 2018 that includes the lease elements agreed by members. At that meeting a decision must be made to include lease requirements in a simple, clean initiative or delete the lease section from the initiative and write an ordinance saying leases for the designated city-owned properties require 4 out of 5 votes by the City Council (a super majority).

— Claire Noonan, Observer

May 8, 2018

If adopted, an Affordable Housing Impact Fee would generate funds for the city to stimulate production of or enhancement of affordable housing. Keyser Marston Associates, a joint jurisdictional study by the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, supports adoption. Such fees are established by the City Council, based on gross square footage, and paid before a building permit is issued. A draft ordinance presented at the meeting applies fees to residential ownership projects with an increase of 2 or more units, residential rental developments with increase of two or more units, and to non-residential developments with increase of 500 plus square footage. If the properties are for affordable housing, the fees are waived. A public hearing will occur before the council considers adoption of the ordinance, probably at the May 22, 2018, meeting.

Los Altos City prohibits short-term rentals (STR) in any zoning district. However, STRs are not expressly prohibited, rather by omission of name in the ordinances. The draft ordinance presented to City Council will expressly prohibit lodging for compensation for fewer than 30 days (28 if in February). The issue is to help preserve the low-density single family residential neighborhoods of the city. There was talk of establishing a Transient Occupancy Tax which would cover the cost to the city of STRs and allow some residents to get income and stay in their long-time residence. The ordinance will tentatively be adopted May 22, 2018.

Since the interim urgency ordinance to temporarily prohibit any cannabis production, distribution, or retail in Los Altos, the city is looking into the regulations and ordinances to authorize one or more medical or adult-use commercial cannabis retailers. There are detailed regulations by the new Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) that preserves local control over the establishment of any kind of cannabis license. The council considered types of retail suitable to the community, where businesses might be located, a limit to the total number of businesses, appropriate regulatory and permit structures, and most important, whether or not the City wants to tax any type of cannabis production, distribution, or retail. The City Council directed the staff to conduct community outreach and prepare necessary documents for a tax on cannabis revenue.

May 22, 2018

The City Council adopted the ordinance for Express Short-Term Rental Prohibition within the City of Los Altos. See minutes of May 8, 2018 for details.

The City Council introduced and waived further readings for the ordinance to establish Affordable Housing Impact Fees for residential and non-residential development. See minutes of May 8, 2018 for details.

The City Council received a Sufficiency of Initiative signatures on a petition to put an amendment measure to the city’s general plan on an election ballot. The initiative measure asks for a vote by Los Altos registered voter residents before significant changes (sale or lease or rezoning to different land us) for city-owned parks, open space, and public/institutional properties. Public comment proponents want to preserve parks and open space within city boundaries from development. Opponents say the amendment will tangle up organizations’ leasing agreements at any kind of open space areas in the city and place extensive glitches in implementation of the Downtown Vision Plan. Four options for this proposed initiative are to adopt the plan immediately, set the initiative on the November 2018 ballot, set a special election date in August 2018, or have staff write up a report for June 21 council meeting analyzing the issues the City Council has brought up and then authorize one of the first three options. Questions raised by the council members include: church leases on public property, other leasing concerns, more detail on which properties are affected, risks of litigation over leases. Mayor Jean Mordo also asked staff to provide an alternative measure that addresses council questions, similar perhaps to one that Los Altos Hills approved. A final decision will be made at June 21, 2018, council meeting.

The City Council received the Los Altos Downtown Vision Plan (LADVP) developed by RRM Design, Land Econ Group, and Plan 2 Place Group. A downtown vision plan has been discussed at four previous city council meetings beginning in September 2016. The goal of the LADVP is to serve as the community’s long-range vision, and while not regulatory, will provide a roadmap for future public projects and private development. The plan provides the community and decision-makers with short (1-5 year), mid (5-10 year), and long-term (10-20 year) actions to implement the project. Ten chapters describe community preferences including a plan for public spaces, parking and circulation, and implementation suggestions. The plan divides downtown Los Altos into four districts: First Street properties, Edith Avenue, Main and State Streets, and San Antonio Road. When City Council asked how to move forward to implement LADVP, the design group presenters suggested focus on revision of parking standards; fiscal opportunities, like adding another hotel; and adding a live theatre to the central gathering place. The council requested a 3-D model and more financial analysis which will be presented before adoption of a final plan.

— Claire Noonan, Observer

March 13, 2018

The City Council adopted the Historic Preservation Amendment and the Zoning Code amendments pertaining to accessory structures in residential districts, both discussed at previous meetings. The ordinance to amend accessory dwelling units (ADU) regulations discussed at a previous meeting was remanded again to the staff and Planning Comission for further study and was not amended or adopted.

The City Council received and discussed the Hillview Community Center Schematic Design by Noll & Tam Architects. Seven public speakers commented on the schematic. Two were in favor of the project as is, commenting on the walkability of the design, appreciation for the open meetings of the Hillview Task Force which took into account community desires, and approval of the open space that provides a buffer to residents and possibility for future uses.

The speakers and council members also had questions about the ‘whistle stop’ too near to the soccer goal and too far from other areas where people might want to wait. The option for solar panels instead of immediate placement in the design was debated. The issue is to find additional money for panels now  or later when more about finances for the final project are certain. Resident Gary Hedden commented on the green aspects of the project, asking Noll & Tam architects to make sure the structure used electricity and not natural gas and aimed for health and efficiency of the project. He then advocated for a possible community garden in the open space and agreed that solar panels are not to be placed over parking lots.

The schematic design fit the budget goal of $34.7 million, increased size to 24,500 square feet, had an interesting walkway connection to other buildings at the location, and had the main entry facing San Antonio. After hearing that the design fit the budget and space increase, there were still concerns about triangular shape of design, the courtyard, solar panels, and various small structural details. The City Council directed Noll & Tam to proceed with the design but to provide feedback on the elements of concern to the council.

March 27, 2018

It was of concern to council member Jan Pepper that the Minutes of March 13 did not reflect the concerns about design elements in the schematic for the Hillview Community Center. After debate, Chris Jordan, City Manager, assured the Council that the concerns (mentioned in the final paragraph of the March 13 notes above) were to be addressed by Noll & Tam as the design proceeded.

Further restrictions to smoking in Los Altos with certain exceptions was adopted. A public speaker raised concern that excessive barbecue pollution was not addressed in the new ordinance.

The city council adopted re-establishment of the Los Altos Disaster Council and Emergency Preparedness Program. They agreed to abide by California Disaster and Civil Defense Master Mutual Aid Agreement and adopt Workers’ Compensation Benefits for registered Disaster Service Worker volunteers.

A Public Comment of interest addressed the work of the Los Altos Historical Commission’s sub-committee to find funds to begin work on the Halsey House restoration. The project was last discussed at city council meeting on January 23, 2018. The most promising grant application will be to the Certified Local Government (CLG). They grant $40,000 if the city can match the funds. The commission has raised $25,000, some of which is currently used for cleaning vegetation and pest control. One commission member has found pro bono workers for grading. Some mini grants from the Water District may be found.

— Claire Noonan, Observer

January 9, 2018

The City Council extended the existing interim urgency moratorium, determined on 11/28/2017, for 10 months and 15 more days on any establishment, creation, or expansion of commercial cannabis activity in all zoning districts for the City of Los Altos. City Council directed the staff to explore allowing commercial cannabis activity along El Camino Real and delivery within city limits. A public hearing will be held.

The PFM Group (asset managers and financial professionals) provided an update on the 10-Year Financial Forecast Model for Los Altos, first presented in June 2016. The question was whether to increase the allocation for Hillview Community Center renovation above the current apportioned $25 million or not. The update includes the funds for 5 years of Capital Improvement Projects, including the $25 million for Hillview, and an estimated significant revenue growth in property taxes at 6% annually. Anticipated expense increase includes estimates for CalPERS Unfunded Liability Payments, likely an optimistic outlook, but payments may increase.

There are three options regarding the Hillview Community Center allocation:

First, maintain the allocation of $25 million for Hillview Community Center and adjust the scope of the project which is preferred by the city financial commission, but is less than recommended by the Community Center Task force (CCTF) and means delay in design for the project.

Second, increase the allocation to $34.7 million which finances the project as presented in December 2017 and preferred by CCTF. The disadvantage is the city will take on debt to complete the construction and is unlikely to have funds for other Capital Improvement Projects in the foreseeable future unless private funding is found.

Third, the city may allocate $30 million for the renovation, eliminate only some enhancements to the concept, and accrue a small debt. The staff recommends Option 3 which is fiscally prudent.

After five public comments, councilmember Jan Pepper moved and member Mary Prochnow seconded to set the total project budget limit for a new Hillview Community Center at $34.7 million. Council member Jeannie Bruins offered an amendment to include a bond measure to avoid debt, but it was not accepted. Members Lynette Eng and Bruins support funding but had concerns about committing $34.7 million without reviewing other facility needs or funding options. The original motion passed 3 yes, 2 no.

January 23, 2018

The City Council authorized the city manager to execute a professional services agreement with Mountain View, Los Altos, and CSDA Design Group to provide information on airplane noise from the South Flow Arrivals to San Jose International Airport. The cities are to split the contract cost.

The City Council asked the staff to take temporary measures to protect Halsey House, a city historical resource site, which has considerable environmental and preservation needs. Theodore and Emma Halsey built the home in 1923 and planted the redwood seedlings which form the Redwood Grove Nature Center Preserve. The property and grove were given to the city, and until 2008 when the property was closed because of safety issues, was used for educational and recreational activities planned by the Los Altos Parks and Recreation Department. In 2015 the city council heard proposals to restore Halsey House at $3.5 million or demolish and rebuild at $4.4 million. The council directed the City Historical Commission to work with the community, and then the staff to submit a grant application to the Santa Clara County Heritage Commission to preserve Halsey House.

— Claire Noonan, Observer

Notes on Los Altos City Council meetings – December 2017

December 12, 2017

City Council authorized the Public Works director to record a notice of completion of University Avenue crosswalk improvements. This project began in June 2017 and finished in November 2017.

City Council received an update from Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) of the El Camino Real Bus Rapid Transit project with no further recommendations by the council. The project has been presented four times since 2011, the last in June 2016.

City Council received the concluding report for the Conceptual Design for the new Hillview Community Center Project. After presenting Concept I, Site 4 design, the Council directed Noll and Tam Architects to move forward with the Design Development phase based on a budget of $34.7 million to be completed by February 2018. It is understood that the budget may be adjusted depending on the 10-Year Financial Forecast to be presented in January 2018.

The design team, Noll and Tam Architects, accounted for elements gleaned from meetings with the Hillview Community Center Task Force (appointed city residents) and 400 community responses to surveys: to increase building quality, functionality, square footage, and outdoor program space; to provide pedestrian connectivity to downtown; and to refinish the existing parking lot. Provision for Children’s Corner access is not part of the design. Eight public speakers commented on design parts they did and didn’t like, gave alternative ideas for the location of Children’s Corner, and requested assurances of senior friendly design development, eg. few stairs. Council members were concerned about square footage, enhancements to buildings, and accommodations for the community’s growth in service needs – all related to a future rise in costs.

No meeting December 26, 2017.

— Claire Noonan, Observer

Notes for Los Altos City Council   November 2017

November 14, 2017

The City Council approved $416,000 to expand and upgrade the kitchen at Grant Park, especially for use by the Senior Center. Santa Clara County Health Services required the upgrade of old unsafe facilities in order to prepare food.

The Los Altos Public Arts Commission engaged Designing Local to develop a detailed Public Art Master Plan for Los Altos, funded by CIP Project monies. Amanda Golden, Managing Principal of the organization, presented the recommendations after extensive community engagement at workshops, pop-up tables at Fine Arts in the Park, stakeholder conversations, and on-line surveys. The plan lays out five chapters of information and recommendations, including place-based strategies for art and priority actions.

The plan stresses common values for Los Altos residents, such as, showcasing a variety of kinds of art, preserving and highlighting the natural beauty of the town environs, and honoring the historic roots of the city. Four public speakers were impressed with the plan, although all but one had problems, mostly over costs. City Council members felt the plan was too costly, especially hiring a part-time Cultural Arts Manager, and setting aside 1.5-2% in public municipal property development and at least 1% in private property development for art works on the site. While council members liked the division of the plan into short, medium, and long-term priorities, they directed the Public Arts Commission to evaluate the elements of the plan which can move forward and present again at a future meeting.

November 28, 2017

After a study session, the city council approved continuation of further action to another meeting on Children’s Corner’s revised lease proposal to occupy space at the rebuilt Hillview Civic Center.

Council members felt the budget for rebuilding the Civic Center had not been finalized and so the proposal couldn’t be evaluated.

After the presentation by Jennifer Quinn, Project Manager, City Council approved $125,000 to support the July-August Downtown Green Five-year Plan on Third Street between State and Main. Comments pro and con from the public concerned parking, need for outreach to merchants, and business deliveries. Solutions to afternoon heat were to provide shade and more shaded seating and (perhaps) misting.

The City Council granted the appeal and approved the administrative office use permit application to allow administrative office use of a vacant tenant space at 400 Main Street. The Heisling-Simons Foundation, a philanthropy to advance sustainable solutions to climate change and clean energy, wishes to lease the space. They have agreed to allow public use of their conference rooms. The property is intended for retail, restaurants, and services, but has remained unoccupied for 2 or more years. The city staff recommended granting the appeal in spite of comments from the public about previous denials of use of tenant space on appeal.

Last, Christopher Diaz, City Attorney, presented the details and the City Council adopted an Urgency Ordinance to establish a moratorium in all Los Altos zoning districts for any creation or expansion of commercial cannabis use. The Medical and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA), passed in November 2016, goes into effect in January 2018. The city plan is similar to the ban on any type of medical marijuana business when the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act (MMRSA) went into effect. The new Urgency Ordinance will be in effect for 45 days. It will allow the City Council to review in January 2018 and make changes before preparing the permanent ordinance to submit to the state Bureau of Cannabis Control. This ordinance does not affect personal use and cultivation of six plants per family inside the residence or in an accessory structure on the property.

— Claire Noonan, Observer

Notes for Los Altos City Council-October 2017

October 10, 2017

The City Council adopted the ordinance for Density Bonus Regulations and the ordinance for Commercial Transit Zone amendments which had taken up much discussion time in the September city council meetings. In addition, City Council authorized and adopted under the consent calendar, notice of completion of the illuminated crosswalk replacements, the Covington Road bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and the annual pathway rehabilitation project.

The main discussion concerned the lease renewal proposal from Children’s Corner which has leased rooms in the Hillview Community Center since 1981. The current lease is up in September 2018, and Chris Jordan, City Manager, has recommended that the council not agree to the proposed terms for a new lease.

Parents of pre-K children filled the chambers to support the terms for renewal of the contract. Speakers for Children’s Corner discussed its options: negotiate with the city for space, find a new location, or go out of business.

The City Council’s Financial Commission asks both Children’s Corner and the council to consider the exclusive use of public space for the pre-school vs. maximum use of the public land; the risk of long term contract with a private entity; and the problem of transparency in the process of selecting tenants. Also at the September 26 study session before the council meeting, 3000 additional square feet for the new Hillview Community Center and $2 million had been approved. With this information the City Council asked staff to renegotiate with Children’s Corner a lease to include a monetary contribution from Children’s Corner to build the space and the lease to be included as part of a 10-year financial plan discussion.

October 24, 2017

The City Council discussed a citizen’s proposal for amendments to the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance. They requested additional information from staff and the City Attorney before further decision. Item was continued to a future meeting date.

The City Council considered an elevator tower height waiver for the project at 4880 El Camino included in the affordable housing design. Looking at reports from the Planning and Transportation Commission, the problem was disagreement among members about the building heights in the neighborhood and extending the original project height for disability access to the rooftop deck structure open space. The council considered and adopted a waiver allowing elevator height to 16 feet eight inches above the structure’s rooftop.

The Council appointed Council Member Jean Mordo and Council Member Lynette Lee Eng as alternate to the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on South Flow Arrivals to San Francisco International Airport to focus on aircraft noise. They authorized the City Manager to work with neighboring cities to hire a consultant to assist in this effort. Also, Council authorized the City Manager to retain the services of an expert consultant to assist the city in evaluating the situation with aircraft noise related to SFO arrivals.

— Claire Noonan, Observer

September 12, 2017

The City Council was asked to introduce and waive further reading of the Density Bonus Regulations ordinance and adopt the local density bonus regulations developed by the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) – currently 38 units/acre. The ordinance gives incentives to developers to build more affordable housing. The applications can be rejected because of 1) specific, adverse impact on public health and safety on the physical environment, 2) contrary to state or federal laws, or 3) don’t result in actual cost reductions to provide affordable housing or rent.

Even though, of the twelve public comments, ten supported the density bonus regulations, the council vote split 2-2 on the ordinance decision because council member Jean Mordo was absent. Chris Jordan, City Manager, said to carry forward the decision to the next meeting, Jean Mordo could cast a vote to break the tie. Deliberation was carried forward to September 26, 2017.

In addition, the council introduced further readings to the ordinance that pertains to the Commercial Thoroughfare (CT) zone district. Previously, PTC had recommended and the council had enacted a moratorium on the CT zone running along El Camino Real until November 14, 2017. Decisions must be made by then or the plans go back to the PTC.

Many amendments are reflected in the PTC design – among them access and screening of refuse collection, setback requirements, and height limit modifications. Decision on the CT zoning ordinance was diverted by debate on housing height limits, 30 or 45 feet was preferable, although 45 to 47 feet are in the plan. Chris Diaz, new City Attorney, warned that setting limits at 30 feet would initiate trouble from the state Housing and Community Development department (HCD). The council decided to hold deliberation over until September 26 meeting.

September 26, 2017

City Council raised the Density Bonus Regulations. Council member Jean Mordo, absent at previous meeting, is comfortable with including the pre-approved menu of items that are part of the development applicant’s design choices – then, the possibilities are known exactly. Two public comments agreed with Mordo, but one person suggested that putting affordable housing downtown may not benefit retail and restaurants. The council should keep the economy in mind when making decisions. After much discussion over details of the document, the suggestions by council members Jeannie Bruins, Jan Pepper, and Lynette Lee Eng were added to the document and a second reading will be adopted on October 10, 2017.

Ten public comments were heard on the ordinance for Commercial Thoroughfare zone district which must be decided by November 2017. The ordinance is difficult and complicated, and most comments addressed problems with the items that must be included for the ordinance to be accepted by the state’s housing element law. Council members debated the item about height limits and mechanical parking, whether to challenge the items that the council doesn’t like, and whether to have an outside study to further understand the conflicts in the ordinance. Since the first ordinance took over one year to finalize, the city would not meet the time limit by further study, and the entire project would have to start again. Jon Biggs, Community Development Director, suggested that the staff could show the council what a project would look like, including parking and driveways, to alleviate concerns. Again, possible changes to the wording were suggested and a second reading and possible adoption would be held over to October 10.

— Claire Noonan, Observer

July 11, 2017

The City Council approved re-consideration of public Parking Plaza 10 as part of private development at 40 Main Street, provided the design complies with the city’s standards for parking space. It is understood that providing a design does not assure final approval of the private development project.

Note that a similar proposal was denied in 2014, but the advantages of reconfiguration for this project allows for additional parking stalls at no cost to the city and facilitates private development that can contribute to the overall vitality of the community. For example, the landowners’ architect, Bill Maston, suggested that more electric-charging stations and bike racks may be added to the space. Also, if City Council does not allow private developers to propose a re-configuration, any project that doesn’t meet permitted city code could result in the city’s loss of positive development applications.

The City Council discussed potential fundraising efforts to support the new Hillview Community Center and the Downtown Vision, including a theater for plays, affordable senior housing and other affordable housing on city-owned land. Also, expand parking at Plaza 7 with underground parking. After pro and con discussion from the public, Council members Lynette Lee Eng and Jean Mordo, the lead on putting forth these ideas, were selected to form a subcommittee to recommend fundraising policies. Staff was directed to look into the cost of expanding Parking Plaza 7 with underground parking. The City Council approved that the Downtown Vision project consultants consider placement of a theater and affordable housing on city property downtown.

August 22, 2017

Los Altos City Council, 4 to 1, authorized Chris Jordan, City Manager, to execute a professional services agreement with Noll & Tam Architects and Planners in an amount not to exceed $2, 804, 597 for design services to begin redevelopment of the Hillview Community Center. Janet Tam, the principal architect for the project, expects to confirm the goals of the center, recommend a space design that meets the budget, and present the plan by the end of the year. There is a concern about space for Children’s Corner. Mr. Jordan said the design project includes space allocation for services for young children, but doesn’t specify who and how the services of a particular organization are to be determined. Agreements would be contracted when the project is completed.

Jon Biggs, Community Development Project Director, urged the City Council and community to look at the Downtown Vision project as a tool to assist the community in the design of a renovated downtown. The City Council heard and provided feedback for three future scenarios designed after surveys and twenty-two community and pop-up meetings provided feedback and information for Debbie Rudd, rrmDesign Group, who presented the scenarios. Additional information came from Bill Lee, economic consultant for the project. The three scenarios show, from least to most change, Green Plazas, connection to the Civic Center, entry elements to downtown, parking structures, live theater, movie theater, and evaluation of residential over commercial and office over commercial development. Also, a public citizen presentation focused on parking problems for every vision and offered possible solutions.

— Claire Noonan, Observer

June 13, 2017

The city council voted to appropriate $96,619 from the Capital Improvement Program to award Wattis Construction the total $234,216 to complete the University Avenue Crosswalk Improvement Project.

The city council adopted the resolution to support the Association of the Los Altos History Museum’s application for a $95,000 grant to the Santa Clara County Historical Heritage Grant (SCCHHG). If the grant is received by 2018, the restoration of the 100-year-old water tower tank house at the History Museum will begin in summer 2018. The tank house had been moved to the museum from the Spagnoli property and Pilgrim Haven construction site in 1993. In 2015 leaks in the water tower roof prodded the Association to apply for a grant, at the time $35,000. The History Museum also raised donations of $10,000. When costs for restoration were found to be $105,000, the original grant was withdrawn and the new grant was drawn up. From rules by the SCCHHG, support from the “property owner”, in this case Los Altos City, must be assured.

June 27, 2017

Following discussion at the May 9, 2017 council meeting about “accessory dwellings” or “granny units” to address the issue of affordable housing, Jon Biggs, Community Development Director, led further discussion in a study session with city council members at this meeting about “accessory structure” standards. The objective was to decide whether current standards are adequate to turn existing structures into dwelling units. Adjustments to standards may be needed to minimize potential impact on adjoining properties.

Currently, accessory structures over 6 feet high must be 2.5 feet from the nearest property line and no more than 800 square feet. Accessory structures may be up to 12 feet high, but actual plans for construction of these structures is not clear. Revisions in 2008 defined a rear setback for different structure heights from 2.5 to 7.5 feet.

To make the standards clearer, the staff recommends clearance to be 5 feet to the main building structure and 5 feet from the property line. The city council may recommend other amendments to the standards so as not to impact neighbors. For instance, standards might be made for height, building size, and placement of windows and door openings. Also, noise, privacy, and aesthetics were discussed and they might be considered as part of the standards. Direction was given to staff to draft new standards especially for setbacks.

—Claire Noonan, Observer