September 12
The City Council adopted the zoning amendments to implement programs identified in the adopted housing element. As projects begin to increase affordable housing in Los Altos, the amendments include
- adding more temporary housing for unhoused residents if needed.
- adding housing designated specifically for city employees.
- adding reasonable accommodations for disabled persons’ housing needs.
- erecting posts along bike paths to separate from car lanes where traffic is heavy.
The sixth-cycle Housing Element has prompted another study to improve city-wide parking. Staff recommended hiring W-Trans, traffic engineering consultants with a good track record for innovative ideas and public engagement. After reviewing all former studies on parking, they will propose the best course of action for downtown parking that will comply with the Housing Element requirements. Seven types of in-person meetings as well as online meetings will explain and hear comments about the plan. Discussion questioned the need for a parking strategy before housing decisions are made. On the other hand, short and long-term parking approaches need to be identified as well as best practices to improve parking efficiency and service. Preparation and completion of parking plan in accord with Housing Element requirements is due December 2024.
The City Council finalized the Public Arts Commission recommendation but only to purchase one of three sculptures by artist Matthew Duffy. The location for the heart sculpture within the City limits was not decided.
September 26
The City Council approved additional zoning amendments which implement programs identified in the adopted Housing Element. The amendments would
- modify building height in mixed-use zoning districts.
- remove floor-to-area ratio (FAR) restrictions at Rancho Shopping Center and Woodland Plaza.
- reduce and/or amend ‘conditional use’ permit requirements for mixed-use and multi-family units.
- modify the R3 (multiple housing designs) zoning districts.
Zoning code amendments to remove constraints to Housing Element requirements were outlined with a slide presentation. Public comment ensued about possible changes in future development at Rancho and Woodland Shopping Centers to allow some housing along with commercial units on the property. Residents aired disadvantages: increased traffic, dismantling of the gas station within easy access from I-280, height of buildings that would reduce sunlight for residents behind the shopping center, lack of clarity about the number of residential versus commercial units in a new mixed-use development. As of now, there is no intent by the Rancho Shopping Center owner to redevelop or sell the property. Meetings to better understand the need to follow Housing Element and State guidelines are scheduled. Re-zoning of land in the city must be completed by January 31, 2024. At the October 10 City Council meeting, adoption of re-zoning amendments will be decided.
Claire Noonan, Observer