April 11, 2023
The City Council adopted the ordinance approving the Los Altos Police Policy pertaining to the funding, acquisition, and use of military equipment as mandated by 2022 AB 481.
In addition, the City Council introduced an ordinance prohibiting the possession of firearms in sensitive places. The issue is pertinent because of the rise in mass shootings throughout the country. Also, the US Supreme Court determined that government agencies can place restrictions on the possession of firearms. The ordinance follows those in Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, and other neighboring communities. ‘Sensitive’ areas include any city property, county polling places in the city, and all schools. It excludes public rights-of-way and sidewalks along those thoroughfares. Adoption is scheduled for April 25, 2023.
As scheduled for this meeting, the City Council adopted an ordinance, in compliance with AB 1276, adding amendments to the Los Altos municipal code to prohibit a food facility from providing any single-use foodware accessory or standard condiment unless requested by consumer. The ordinance authorizes City and County enforcement and penalties.
The City Council introduced amendments to the municipal code to update the Los Altos Reach Codes in order to reach zero carbon emissions by 2035. The amendments will increase electrification in building construction for both new and remodels of more than 50% of the house’s structure or that cost more than $250,000. In addition, the changes will increase electric vehicle infrastructure, including equipment needed in such developments. Public comments opposing the changes concern the cost to those on fixed incomes and to preference for natural gas appliances, despite the carbon emission harm to the earth’s ecosystem. Public comments in support of the amendments reminded residents that there are numerous rebates and tax credits for switching to electric appliances and heating/air conditioning units. Also, the estimated cost per square foot for any electrification is much lower than actual market evaluations for homes in Los Altos. Adoption of the code changes is tentatively scheduled for April 25, 2023.
April 25, 2023
The City Council adopted the ordinance discussed at the April 11, 2023, meeting to prohibit the possession of firearms in sensitive places.
The City Council introduced a change to the zoning ordinance in the Los Altos municipal code in order to add bicycle parking and storage that are required for implementation of the sixth cycle Housing Element Update. The most important changes will increase charging stations for electric bicycles and increase the number of bicycle parking spaces to 1.5 per unit in new buildings. Adoption is tentatively scheduled for May 9, 2023.
The City Council received an update on the status of the Sixth Cycle Housing Element from the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) findings at a post 60-day review. The Development Services Director and the Housing Element consultant team met with the HCD reviewers virtually to discuss outstanding revisions needed. Many revisions are minor adjustments and only require additional details or explanation to the Housing Element plan.
Specific revisions require the city to provide increased certainty for future actions. These revisions include more fair housing and inventory of land suitable and available for residential development. The consultant team emphasized that Los Altos is ‘built out’ which means there are few vacant areas on which to build. To meet the requirements of the Housing Element, the city relies on pipeline projects, i.e. those already planned and/or where construction has begun. The city must keep better track of the maintenance, improvement, and/or development of housing at all income levels. Also, the city must provide a schedule of actions, and each action must provide a timeline for implementation.
Claire Noonan, Observer