Architectural Review Board - May 21, 2026

Board continues 167-unit project for parking and design refinements

The Palo Alto Architectural Review Board voted 5-0 to continue review of a proposed eight-story, 167-unit mixed-use development at 788-790 and 796 San Antonio Road to a date uncertain while the applicant and staff refine parking, access, privacy and apartment layouts. The board made no formal recommendation during the initial review.

The proposal includes 28 below-market-rate rental units and approximately 1,400 square feet of ground-floor retail. It provides 74 parking spaces, compared with approximately 184 under city standards, along with 167 long-term bicycle spaces. Board members asked for more work on garage turning and gate clearances, ride-share and delivery areas, move-in and loading operations, bicycle access and coordination with future San Antonio Road improvements.

Members generally supported the building’s massing, facade articulation, retail frontage, courtyard and materials. Their concerns included bedrooms relying on borrowed light, close balcony relationships, views from interior units and privacy between the project and neighboring 808 San Antonio Road. They also requested further study of mail and package areas, trash access near elevators and whether another elevator is needed.

Public comment was mixed. One speaker supported reduced car dependence and pointed to future corridor improvements, ride-share and car-share options, while another raised zoning and environmental concerns, including sea-level rise, groundwater and seismic risks. Estimated development impact fees total approximately $8.24 million, excluding future transportation-impact and public-art fees. Environmental and departmental reviews remain underway, and the project is expected to return to the board for formal action before subsequent Planning and Transportation Commission and City Council review.

Mousam Adcock elected chair and Kendra Rosenberg vice chair

The Architectural Review Board elected Mousam Adcock as chair and Kendra Rosenberg as vice chair. Each election passed by a 5-0 vote after staff said the board’s bylaws require leadership elections.

City receives 62-townhome application for East Bayhore Road

Staff reported that a site and design application has been newly submitted for 62 residential townhomes at 2197 East Bayhore Road. No board action was required as part of the director’s report.

Staff also said the June 4 agenda was expected to include a city parking garage at 375 Hamilton Avenue and a builder’s remedy project at 762 San Antonio. The June 18 meeting will be canceled because planned absences would leave the board without a quorum.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting packet