June 14, 2022
Two resolutions and the ordinance were approved for wireless telecommunications at the third council meeting at which changes in wireless telecommunications for Los Altos were discussed. First, the Council waived the resolution for CEQA compliance declaring it wasn’t necessary. Second, the resolution for wireless telecommunications design guidelines was approved. The ordinance for wireless telecommunications facilities location standards saw more debate. The ordinance included identification of preferred and less preferred locations, designating parks and schools as less preferred. Written public comment continued the worry about fires and public safety from new cell towers, even small ones. The complete package will be adopted at the June 28, 2022, Council meeting.
The City Council Legislative Subcommittee wrote letters of opposition for two state legislature bills on housing, following the recommended action of the League of California Cities (CalCities) to be read at state hearings.
- An opposition letter for AB 2011 (Wicks) that would allow housing and mixed-use in office, retail, or parking areas, regardless of the city’s general plan or zoning.
- A revised opposition letter for SB 897 (Wieckowski) that requires objective standards for ADUs/JADUs. The main objections are that the bill allows ADU construction to a maximum 25 feet height and allows two ADUs to be built before the main multi-family house construction has begun on vacant property.
June 28, 2022
The City Council approved 4/1 the application for the proposed four-story multiple-family residential project at 355 First Street. The Council reviewed thirty-four changes to the revised application presented at the meeting based on comments at the February 8, 2022, City Council meeting.
The Council heard the following estimated financial contributions to the City’s special revenue funds from the 355 first Street project: Park in-Lieu Fees: $195,200; Traffic Impact Fees: $16,636; and one percent of construction costs up to $200,000 for Los Altos Public Art Fund.
The Project proposes seven dedicated below market rate units with three at the moderate-income level and three at the very low-income level. The proposed Project supports the overall goals of the Downtown Vision since it seeks to redevelop the site and provide for more intense residential density, which is encouraged. As part of approval the developers and City staff will determine landscaping to be sure of access to pedestrians on First Street.
Five public comments disapproved of the height and mass of the project. One written public comment had concerns about Below Market Rate units. Another said the project must be approved to be aligned with the Housing Element regulations unless public health and safety impact could be proved.
June 30, 2022
The City Council consent for the Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Ordinance adjourned to Friday, June 30, as a second session of the July 28 meeting. Of the complete packet, two sections had been approved June 14, 2022, but final adoption of the Ordinance amending the Los Altos municipal code and complete package was delayed until this meeting. The complete packet was adopted 3/2.
The Ordinance and Design Guidelines is intended to balance the need for a reasonable range of potential sites for wireless telecommunications throughout the City while preserving the wooded, small community character, inherent aesthetic quality, and minimize potential adverse impacts. There was continued public comment about fire and health hazards.
The Ordinance and Design Guidelines become effective 30 days after adoption.
Claire Noonan, Observer