Los Altos City Council November 2022
Sue Graham | Published on 12/10/2022
November 15, 2022
The City Council introduced the draft ordinance with amendments for the 2022 California Building Codes. The ordinance, if adopted at the November 29, 2022, meeting, amends Title 12 of the Los Altos Building and Construction municipal codes for residents and developers. Most public concern involved the REACH code amendments that establish all electric appliances and EV ready charging stations for new construction.
The Council received a request from Palo Alto Mayor Sam Burt to become part of the transit service planning along the San Antonio Road corridor that includes three cities. Council members stated their willingness to join the project but discussed the vague specifics of the process to be involved. Public comments urged expanding VTA bus service to help the increase in high-density residential housing along the corridor.
November 29, 2022
The City Council approved use of Park-In-Lieu funds so that the City can purchase and install shade structures over the playgrounds at the Los Altos Community Center and McKenzie Park. The shade structures will reduce the sunshine and heat on the play surfaces which are in direct sunlight for a majority of the day. The equipment gets too hot to use during the summer months. Public comment questioned the cost but were assured that the lowest bid was chosen.
The city council adopted the ordinance for the 2022 updated California Building Codes with amendments for another three years until 2025. The standards become effective on January 1, 2023. The amendments establish more restrictive building standards that were found reasonably necessary because of local conditions, in accord with state regulations. The Los Altos standards are for new single and multi-family construction only and include electric only appliances and EV ready charging stations.
Claire Noonan, Observer