City Council - March 16, 2026

Council approves 145 townhomes at Gang Road

The City Council unanimously approved the staff recommendation for a builder’s-remedy redevelopment that would replace four office buildings on an approximately 11-acre site at 2100 to 2400 Gang Road with 145 for-sale townhomes. The plan includes 19 below-market-rate homes and 333 parking spaces.

The distribution of the affordable homes drew questions about equity. Staff and city legal counsel said state density-bonus law required approval of the applicant’s requested concession. Council members generally supported converting the office site to housing but raised concerns about difficult bicycle and pedestrian routes to schools and services; staff acknowledged that a strong route to local schools does not currently exist.

The discussion also covered liquefaction, floodplain grading, airport effects and tree loss. Staff said a geotechnical report found that standard construction methods would reduce liquefaction impacts to a less-than-significant level. The proposal calls for removing 218 on-site trees and planting 648 replacements.

Bird-safe building rules advance on 5-2 vote

Council voted 5-2 to advance an ordinance establishing bird-friendly design requirements for new construction, substantial remodels and certain glass installations. The motion would allow nonresidential buildings up to 35 feet tall to use films, decals or other methods meeting American Bird Conservancy or equivalent standards.

Council also added a requirement for treatments within 15 feet of green roofs and exempted the Palo Alto Airport control tower. An amendment to exempt residential portions above 75 feet failed 4-3, while a proposal to allow the decal option on nonresidential buildings above 35 feet was not included in the final motion.

Supporters emphasized collision risks from transparent and reflective glass and the availability of lower-cost treatments. Other members questioned local collision data, product availability and potential effects on housing costs and construction. The ordinance is expected to return for a second reading; if adopted then, it would take effect on the 31st day afterward.

Palo Alto Commons expansion limited to seven units

Council unanimously limited the Palo Alto Commons expansion at 4075 El Camino Way to seven additional units rather than the applicant’s proposed 11. The decision followed the Planning and Transportation Commission’s recommended seven-unit alternative for the existing 121-unit assisted-living and memory-care complex.

Council members divided during deliberations over whether stricter parking and transportation conditions could support all 11 units. Those favoring seven cited privacy, building massing, parking concerns and effects on neighboring Wilky Way homes. Members open to 11 units sought enforceable annual reporting, inspections and transportation-demand-management requirements.

The modified approval retained commission stipulations already incorporated into the ordinance or land-use record. Staff said code violations could be addressed through notices and escalating citations, potentially reaching $1,000 per day after a third incident.

Christopher Jensen appointed city attorney

Council voted 7-0 to appoint Christopher Jensen as city attorney and approve his employment agreement. The agreement provides a $380,000 annual salary, a $20,000 annual contribution to a 401(a) retirement account and 200 hours of vacation leave per year. Jensen is expected to begin serving at the end of March.

Cubberley group drops parcel-tax option

The Council’s Cubberley ad hoc group reported that it had removed a parcel-tax option from consideration for a potential ballot measure to help purchase and renovate Cubberley. Polling indicated the proposal lacked sufficient support to meet the required two-thirds vote threshold. The group will continue testing a general-sales-tax option before any final Council decision.

Churchill closure proposal heads to April review

Council announced that a proposed temporary closure of the Churchill Avenue railroad crossing would undergo a 60-day evaluation. Online comments will remain open through March 29, and staff expects the proposal to return for Council discussion on April 13.

Primary sources

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