Palo Alto City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 18
24 Contextual Design Criteria and Objective Design Standards
18.24.010 Purpose and Applicability
(a) Purpose
The purpose of this chapter is to provide guidance for good design in the form of "contextual design criteria" which establish design intent, and objective design standards that facilitate streamlined review. Diagrams are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to convey required architectural style. Rather, the objective design standards aim to accommodate a variety of styles, construction types (e.g., wood frame, modular) and housing types including townhomes, apartments, condos, and mixed-use buildings.
(b) Applicability of Regulations
These regulations apply to Housing Development Projects (as defined in Gov. Code 65589.5), both new construction and renovations, within the following zones and combining districts:
(1) Chapter 18.12: R-1, for multiple-family uses only
(2) Chapter 18.13: RM-20, RM-30, RM-40
(3) Chapter 18.16: CN, CC, CC(2), CS
(4) Chapter 18.18: CD-C, CD-S, CD-N
(5) Chapter 18.20: MOR, ROLM, ROLM(E), RP, RP(5), GM
(6) Chapter 18.28: PF
(7) Chapter 18.29: NV-N3, NV-R4, NV-MXM, NV-MXH
(8) Chapter 18.34: PTOD combining district
Multifamily housing with three or more units ("multiple-family use" as defined in Section 18.04.030), supportive and transitional housing, and residential mixed-use projects with at least two-thirds residential square footage shall meet the objective design standards.
(c) Process and Alternative Compliance
Each section of this chapter includes two components:
(1) Contextual design criteria establish design intent for more detailed standards and are intended to give guidance for all applicable projects, regardless of use.
(2) Objective design standards provide detailed measurable standards or options for compliance. Projects meeting objective standards are automatically assumed to meet contextual design criteria.
Housing Development Projects are required to comply with objective standards in order to take advantage of streamlined review pursuant to Section 18.77.073. However, applicants may choose to forgo one or more objective standards, in which case the housing project no longer qualifies for streamlined review and will be evaluated based on Context-Based Design Criteria for the zoning district, if relevant, and be subject to architectural review as set forth in Sections 18.76.020 and 18.77.070.
(d) Definitions
In addition to definitions provided in Chapter 18.04, the following definitions are specific to this chapter.
(1) "Primary Building Frontage" means the front lot line or lot line along the public right-of-way. In the case of a through-lot or corner lot, the primary building frontage could be on either public right-of-way.
(2) "Primary Building Entry" means the entrance leading to a lobby and accessed from the primary building frontage.
(3) "Pedestrian Walkway" means a sidewalk or path that is publicly-accessible and connects from a public right-of-way or private street to another public right-of-way, private street, or publicly accessible open space.
(4) "Façade Modulation" means a change in building plane, either a recess or a projection, that changes the shape of the exterior massing of the building.
(Ord. 5634 § 4, 2024: Ord. 5553 § 1 (part), 2022)
18.24.020 Public Realm/Sidewalk Character
(a) Contextual Design Criteria
To create an attractive and safe public realm and sidewalk space for pedestrians and cyclists through the implementation of design, landscaping, and infrastructure. Publicly accessible spaces and sidewalks should:
(1) Design the transition between the public and private realm through the coordination of amenities and materials, such as accent paving, tree wells, lighting and street furniture (e.g., benches, bicycle racks, trash receptacles, news racks).
(2) Complement or match accent paving to existing designs in the Downtown and California Avenue business district.
(3) Provide sidewalk widths that accommodate landscaping, street trees, furniture, and pedestrian amenities; create a pleasant, desirable place to walk; provide shade; and enable comfortable pedestrian passage.
(4) Provide amenities, such as parking and repair equipment, for micromobility, such as bicycles and scooters.
(5) Utilize street parking for visitor or customer parking and to enhance traffic calming.
(b) Objective Design Standards
(1) Sidewalk Widths
(A) Public sidewalks abutting a development parcel in any commercial mixed-use district (CN, CS, CC, CC(2), CD-C, CD-S, CD-N, PTOD) shall have a minimum sidewalk width (curb to back of walk) of at least ten feet. This standard may be met with a combination of pedestrian clear path and landscape and furniture strip (see Figure 1), as long as the pedestrian clear path is no less than eight feet. If the existing public sidewalk does not meet the minimum standard, a publicly accessible extension of the sidewalk, with corresponding public access easement, shall be provided. Notwithstanding the total dimensions required herein, the following streets/locations shall have a minimum sidewalk width as noted:
(i) El Camino Real: 12 ft
(ii) San Antonio Road, from Middlefield Road to East Charleston Road: 12 ft
(B) Publicly accessible sidewalks or walkways, with landscape strips, connecting through a development parcel (e.g., on a through lot) shall have a minimum six-foot width.
(C) Pedestrian walkways that are designed to provide access to bicycles shall have a minimum width of eight feet, with two feet of clear space on either side.
Figure 1: Illustrative Sidewalk Section and Description of Zones
Table 1: Allowed features by sidewalk zone | ||||
Frontage | Sidewalk | Street | ||
Building Setback | Frontage Area | Pedestrian Clear Zone | Landscape/Furniture Zone | Vehicles/Bike Lanes |
Mixed-Use • Sidewalk Dining • Outdoor Displays • Public Art • Seating • Trees/Planting Residential • Stoops • Porches • Front Yards • Trees/Planting | • Sidewalk | • Street Trees/Planting • Street Lighting • Seating • Bike Parking • Public Art • Outdoor Dining • Bus Shelters • Utilities (e.g., hydrants) | • Street Parking • Bike Lanes • Drop-off Zones • Parklets • Bus Stops | |
(2) Street Trees
Sidewalks shall include at least one street tree, within six feet of the sidewalk, for every 30 feet of linear feet of sidewalk length. Rights of way under control of the County of Santa Clara or State of California, supersede this requirement if they have conflicting regulations.
(3) Accent Paving
On University and California Avenues, new construction projects shall install accent paving along the project frontage(s) (e.g., at intersections, sidewalks and/or other publicly-accessible areas), as indicated in the table below.
Table 2: Accent Paving
Street Segment | Paving Material |
University Avenue from Alma Street to Webster Street | Brick at corners Brick trim at mid-block |
California Avenue from El Camino Real to Park Boulevard | Decorative Glass throughout sidewalk |
(4) Mobility Infrastructure
(A) Where provided or required, micromobility infrastructure, such as locations to lock bicycles and scooters, shall be located within 30 feet of the primary building entry and/or a path leading to the primary building entry. This standard may be satisfied by existing infrastructure already located within 50 feet of the project site and located in the public right-of-way.
(B) Primary building entries shall provide at least one exterior seating area or bench within 30 feet of building entry and/or path leading to building entry. This standard may be satisfied by existing seating area or benches located in public right-of-way within 50 feet of the building entry. On arterials–except Downtown–seating areas or benches shall not be located between the sidewalk and curb. Arterial roadways are identified in Map T-5 of the Comprehensive Plan and do not include residential arterials.
(Ord. 5553 § 1 (part), 2022)
18.24.030 Site Access
(a) Contextual Design Criteria
To provide facilities and accommodations for pedestrians, vehicles, cyclists, and transit users to safely and efficiently access and circulate both within individual sites and in the site's surrounding context. Site access should include the following elements:
(1) Site circulation and access that presents a clear hierarchy and connectivity pattern both within a project and to adjacent sidewalks and transit stops. This hierarchy should prioritize pedestrians, bikes, vehicles, and utility/loading access in the order listed. This hierarchy may provide separate access for vehicles and other modes, or demonstrate how all modes are accommodated in shared access points.
(2) Connections to side streets, open spaces, mews, alleys, and paseos.
(3) Vehicle, loading and service access that is integrated into building and landscape design and located to prevent conflicts with pedestrians and cyclists, while also provided convenient access to building entries.
(4) Shared access agreements among property owners, where feasible, to reduce the number and widths of curb cuts and driveways.
(b) Objective Design Standards
(1) Through-Lot Connections.
Through lots located more than 300 feet from an intersecting street or pedestrian walkway shall provide a publicly accessible sidewalk or pedestrian walkway connecting the two streets.
(2) Building Entries.
Primary Building Entries shall be located from a public right-of-way. If there is no public right-of-way adjacent to the building, entries shall be located from a private street or Pedestrian Walkway.
(3) Vehicle Access.
(A) Vehicle access shall be located on alleys or side streets when they abut the property.
(B) Except for driveway access and short-term loading spaces, off-street parking, off-street vehicle loading, and vehicular circulation areas are prohibited between the building and the primary building frontage.
(4) Loading Docks and Service Areas.
Loading and service areas shall be integrated into building and landscape design and located to minimize impact on the pedestrian experience as follows:
(A) Loading docks and service areas shall be located on façades that do not face a primary building frontage: on alleys, from parking areas, and/or at the rear or side of building if building includes these frontages.
(B) Loading dock and service areas located within setback areas shall be screened by a solid fence, or wall, or dense landscaping and separated from pedestrian access to the primary building entry to avoid impeding pedestrian movement and safety.
(Ord. 5553 § 1 (part), 2022)
18.24.040 Building Orientation and Setbacks
(a) Contextual Design Criteria
To create a coherent and active interface between private development and the public realm that contributes to the sense of place and structure of the neighborhood and enhances the public's experience. Site design that responds to the orientation of adjacent uses and creates opportunities for landscaping and usable open space. Buildings and site design should meet the following criteria:
(1) Buildings that create a street frontage that are compatible with nearby buildings and land uses.
(2) Placement and orientation of doorways, windows, stoops, and landscape elements to create a direct relationship with the street.
(3) Ground floor residential units that have direct entry and presence on the street, and maintain privacy.
(4) Transitional spaces and buffer areas between buildings, parcels, and sites through building setbacks that distinguish private and public spaces.
(5) Buildings that provide side and rear setbacks and/or upper story step backs to create a compatible relationship with abutting lower density residential development.
(6) Landscaped or usable areas that contain a balance between landscape and hardscape.
(7) Optimized building orientation for thermal comfort, shading, daylighting, and natural ventilation and other forms of passive design.
(b) Objective Design Standards
(1) Treatment of Corner Buildings (less than 40 feet)
Corner buildings less than 40 feet in height and end units of townhouses or other attached housing products that face the street shall include the following features on their secondary building frontage:
(A) A height to width ratio greater than 1.2:1
(B) A minimum of 15 percent fenestration area.
(C) At least one façade modulation with a minimum depth of 18 inches and a minimum width of two feet. Examples: Wrap around front porch, bay window.
(2) Treatment of Corner Buildings (40 feet and higher)
Corner buildings 40 feet or taller in height shall include at least one of the following special features:
(A) Street wall shall be located at the minimum front yard setback or build-to line for a minimum aggregated length of 40 feet in length on both façades meeting at the corner and shall include one or more of the following building features:
(i ) An entry to ground floor retail or primary building entrance located within 25 feet of the corner of the building
(ii ) A different material application and/or fenestration pattern from the rest of the façade.
(iii) A change in height of at least four feet greater or less than the height of the adjacent primary façade.
(B) An open space with a minimum dimension of 20 feet and minimum area of 450 square feet. The open space shall be at least one of the following:
(i ) A publicly accessible open space/plaza
(ii ) A space used for outdoor seating for public dining
(ii i) A residential Common Open Space adjacent to a common interior space and less than two feet above adjacent sidewalk grade. Fences and railing shall be a minimum 50% open/transparent.
(3) Primary Building Entry
The primary building entry shall meet at least one of the following standards:
(A) Face a public right-of-way.
(B) Face a publicly accessible pedestrian walkway.
(C) Be visible from a public right-of-way through a forecourt or front porch that meets the following standards:
(i ) For residential buildings with fewer than seven units, building entry forecourts or front porches shall be a minimum area of 36 square feet and minimum dimension of six feet.
(ii) For commercial buildings or residential buildings with seven or more units, building entry forecourts or front porches shall be a minimum of 100 square feet and a minimum width of eight feet.
(4) Ground Floor Residential Units
(A) The finished floor of ground floor residential units, when adjacent to a public right-of-way, shall be within the minimum and maximum heights according to setback distance from back of walk identified in Figure 2. On sites with a cross slope greater than 2% along a building façade, the average height of the finished floor and back of walk shall be used. In flood zones, the minimum floor height shall be defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood zone elevation.
(B) Ground floor units with a setback greater than 15 feet shall have at minimum an average of one tree per 40 linear feet of façade located in the building set back.
(C) Ground floor residential unit entries shall be setback a minimum of ten feet from the back of sidewalk.
(D) Where no minimum building set back is required, all residential units shall be set back a minimum five feet from back of walk.
(E) A minimum of 80% of the ground floor residential units that face a public right-of-way or publicly accessible path, or open space shall have a unit entry with direct access to the sidewalk, path, or open space. (Senior units or other deed-restricted units for special populations are exempt.)
Figure 2a: Finished Floor heights for ground floor residential units, calculation.
where y = ground floor finished floor height, in feet
and x = setback distance from back of walk, in feet
Setback Length | Ground Floor Finished Floor Height (minimum) |
Setback Length | Ground Floor Finished Floor Height (minimum) |
5 ft* | 4 ft |
7.5 ft | 3 ft 4 in |
10 ft | 2 ft 8 in |
12.5 ft | 2 ft |
15 ft | 1 ft 4 in |
17.5 ft | 8 in |
20 ft | 0 ft (grade) |
*Per Section 18.24.040(b)(4)(D), ground-floor residential units shall be set back a minimum five feet from back of walk.
Figure 2b: Finished Floor range for ground floor residential units.
Example 1: Finished floor height greater than 4 feet above sidewalk grade with minimum 5 feet setback.
Example 2: Finished floor height in the middle of the range.
Example 3: Finished floor height at sidewalk grade.
(5) Front Yard Setback Character
Required setbacks shall provide a hardscape and/or landscaped area to create a transition between public and private space. The following standards apply, based on intended use and exclusive of areas devoted to outdoor seating, front porches, door swing of building entries, and publicly accessible open space:
(A) Ground-floor retail or retail-like uses shall have a minimum of 10% of the required setback as landscaped area or planters.
(B) Ground-floor residential uses shall have a minimum of 60% landscaped area in the required setback area.
(6) Side Year Setback Character
(A) Each detached dwelling unit shall have at least one usable side yard, at least six feet wide, between the house and fence or other structure, to provide outdoor passage between the front and rear yards.
(Ord. 5553 § 1 (part), 2022)
18.24.050 Building Massing
(a) Contextual Design Criteria
To create buildings that are compatible with and enhance the surrounding area through the consideration of building scale, massing, and bulk. Massing should create a human-scale environment that is of high aesthetic quality and accommodates a variety of uses and design features. Building massing should include elements that:
(1) Break down large building façades and massing to create a human-scaled building that enhances the context of the site.
(2) Are consistent in scale, mass and character to adjacent land uses and land use designations.
(3) Reinforce the definition and importance of the street.
(4) Provide rooflines and massing that emphasize and accentuate significant elements of the building such as entries, bays, and balconies, and shading elements where appropriate.
(5) Provide harmonious transitions between abutting properties.
(6) Maintain privacy of residential uses through design strategies such as offset windows, reduced glazing, landscape screening, and site planning that extends setbacks to residential uses.
(b) Objective Design Standards
(1) Upper Floor Step Backs & Daylight Planes
(A) When the height of the subject building is more than 20 feet above the average height (i.e., average of low and high roof elevations) of an adjacent building, an upper floor step back shall start within two vertical feet of the height of the adjacent building. The step back shall be a minimum depth of six feet along both the façade on the primary building frontage and the facing façade of the adjacent building, and the step shall occur for a minimum of 70% of each façade length.
(B) Notwithstanding, subsection (a), when adjacent to a single-story building, the upper floor step back shall occur between 33 and 37 feet in height.
(C) If a project meets the following criteria, a daylight plane with an initial height of 25 feet above grade at the property line and a 45-degree angle shall be required. No setback is required unless otherwise required by the zoning district. This daylight plane is required if all of these criteria are met:
(i ) The project is not subject to a daylight plane requirement, pursuant to district regulations in Title 18; and
(ii ) The project proposes a building which is more than 20 feet above the average height (i.e., average of low and high roof elevations) of an adjacent building; and
(iii) The project abuts residential units in the side or rear yard.
(2) Privacy and Transitions to Residential Uses
When a building abuts a residential use at an interior side and/or rear property line, the building shall break down the facing façade and maintain privacy by meeting all of the following applicable standards:
(A) Landscape Screening: A landscape screen that includes a row of trees with a minimum one tree per 25 linear feet and continuous shrubbery planting. This screening plant material shall be a minimum 72 inches (six feet) in height when planted. Required trees shall be minimum 24" box size.
(B) Façade Breaks: A minimum façade break of four feet in width, two feet in depth, and 32 square feet of area for every 36 to 40 feet of façade length.
(C) Maximum Amount of Transparent Windows: Within 40 feet of the façade of an adjacent structure, no more than 15% of the facing façade area shall be windows or other glazing. Additional windows are allowed in order to maintain light, if they are fixed and fully obscured.
(D) Windows: Within 30 feet of facing residential windows (except garage or common space windows) or private open space on an adjacent residential building, facing windows on the subject site shall meet the following:
(i) Window sills at and above the 2nd floor shall be at least five feet above finished floor; or
(ii) Windows shall have opaque or translucent glazing at or below five feet above finished floor; or
(iii) Windows shall be angled up to 30 degrees (parallel to window) to face away from the adjacent privacy impacts; and
(iv) Landscape screening shall be 24-inch box size or larger and eight+ feet height at planting; 50% evergreens; and located to align with proposed second floor windows at maturity.
(E) Balconies: Within 30 feet of residential windows (except garage or common space windows) or private open space on an adjacent residential building, balconies and decks on the subject site shall be designed to prevent views:
(i) No sight lines to the adjacent property window or open space are permitted within five feet above the balcony or deck flooring and a 45-degree angle downward from balcony railing.
(ii) Submit section view of proposed balcony/deck and abutting residential windows and/or private open space.
(iii) Provide balcony/deck design measure which may include:
a. Minimum 85% solid railing
b. Obscure glass railing
c. Barrier with min. 18" horizontal depth from railing (e.g., landscape planter)
(3) Maximum Façade Length.
For portions of a building façade facing a public street, right-of-way, or publicly accessible path, any building greater than 25 feet in height and 70 feet in length shall not have a continuous façade plane greater than 70% of the façade length without an upper floor modulation, which can include bay windows. Upper floor façade modulations shall be a minimum two feet in depth, which can be a recess or a projection.
(A) Buildings 250 feet in length or greater, which face a public street, right-of-way, or publicly accessible path, shall have at least one vertical façade break with a minimum area greater than 400 square feet and a width greater than or equal to two times the depth.
(B) Buildings 150 to 250 feet in length, which face a public street, right-of-way, or publicly accessible path, shall have at least one vertical façade break with a minimum area greater than 64 square feet and a minimum width of eight feet and minimum depth of four feet.
(4) Special Conditions - Railroad Frontages
All parcels with lot lines abutting railroad rights-of-way shall meet the following standards on the railroad-abutting façade:
(A) A minimum façade break of at least ten feet in width and six feet in depth for every 60 feet of façade length.
(B) For portion of a building 20 feet or greater in height, a maximum continuous façade length shall not exceed 60 feet.
(5) Diversity of Housing Types
(A) A diversity of housing types (e.g., detached units, attached rowhouses/townhomes, condominiums or apartments, mixed use) are required for projects on large lots:
• < 1-acre lots: minimum 1 housing type;
• 1 to 2-acre lots: minimum 2 housing types; or
• > 2-acre lots = minimum 3 housing types.
(Ord. 5553 § 1 (part), 2022)
18.24.060 Façade Design
(a) Contextual Design Criteria
To create cohesive and well-crafted building façades with human-scaled details that incorporate textures, colors, and other details that are compatible with and enhance the surrounding area. Façades should include the following elements:
(1) Human-scaled detail, articulation, and craftsmanship.
(2) Quality of construction, craftsmanship, and design to create long lasting buildings.
(3) Expression of a human-scaled façade rhythm and pattern that reflects the building's use.
(4) Fenestration that enhances the architectural character of the building.
(5) Defined building entry that is proportional to the building and number of people served.
(6) Articulation of the building shall break down the scale of the building via building modulation, façade articulation, and variation of fenestration and material patterns.
(b) Application
(1) All façades shall meet all the required design standards and guidelines to ensure the same level of care and integrity throughout the building design.
(2) Façade sidewalls located along a zero-lot line where, at time of approval are not visible from a right-of-way, are exempt.
(3) Façade sidewalls located along a zero-lot line, where at time of approval are visible from a right-of-way, shall continue color, material, and pattern of the main façade.
(c) Objective Design Standards
(1) Base/Middle/Top
(A) Buildings three stories or taller and on lots wider than 50 feet shall be designed to differentiate a defined base or ground floor, a middle or body, and a top, cornice, or parapet cap. Each of these elements shall be distinguished from one another for a minimum of 80% of the façade length through use of three or more of the following four techniques:
(i) Variation in building modulation (minimum of one, if option selected)
a. Horizontal shifts. Changes in floor plates that protrude and/or recess with a minimum dimension of two feet from the primary façade.
b. Upper floor step backs. A horizontal step back of upper-floor façades with a minimum five-foot step back from the primary façade for a minimum of 80% of the length of the façade.
c. Ground floor step back. A horizontal shift of the ground floor façade with a minimum depth of two feet for a minimum 80% of the length of the façade. Ground floor step backs shall not exceed the maximum setback requirements, where stated.
(ii ) Variation in façade articulation (minimum of one, if option selected)
a. Variation in horizontal and/or vertical recesses or projections such as a pattern of recessed grouping of windows, recessed panels, or bay windows. The recess or projection shall be a minimum four inches in depth.
b. Variation in horizontal and/or vertical projections such as shading and weather protection devices, decorative architectural details.
c. Datum lines that continue the length of the building, such as parapets or cornices, with a minimum four inches in height or a minimum two inches in depth and include a change in material;
(iii) Variation in at least two of the following: fenestration size, proportions, pattern, and depth or projection.
(iv) Variation in two of the following: façade material, material size, texture and pattern, or color.
(2) Façade Composition
Building façades shall use a variety of strategies including building modulation, fenestration, and façade articulation to create visual interest and express a variety of scales through a variety of strategies. All façades shall include a minimum of three of the following façade articulation strategies to create visual interest:
(A) Vertical and horizontal recesses such as a pattern of recessed grouping of windows or recessed panels. The recess shall be a minimum four inches in depth.
(B) Vertical and horizontal projections such as shading and weather protection devices or decorative architectural details. Projections shall be a minimum four inches in depth.
(C) Datum lines that continue the length of the building, such as cornices, with a minimum four inches in depth, or a minimum two inches in depth and include a change in material;
(D) Balconies, habitable projections, or Juliet balconies (every 20 to 40 feet) with a minimum four inches in depth;
(E) Screening devices such as lattices, louvers, shading devices, or perforated metal screens;
(F) Use of fine-grained building materials, such as brick or wood shingles, not to exceed eight inches in either height or width; or
(G) Incorporate a minimum of three colors, materials, and/or textures across the whole building.
(3) Compatible Rhythm and Pattern
(A) Buildings shall express a vertical rhythm and pattern that reflects the size and scale of a housing unit and/or individual rooms and spaces. This may be achieved with building modulation to create vertically oriented façades (height greater than the width of the façade), façade articulation and fenestration repetitive vertically oriented patterns. Depending on the length of the façade, the following standards apply:
(i) For continuous façades less than 100 feet in length, the façade shall have vertically oriented patterns of vertical recesses or projections, façade articulation, and/or fenestration.
(ii ) For continuous façades 100 feet or greater in length, the façade shall include either:
a. A vertical recess or change in façade plane with a minimum two feet deep vertical shift modulation for a minimum four feet in width to establish a vertical rhythm or a unit between 20 to 50 feet in width; or
b. A vertical recess or projection with a minimum depth of two feet that establishes the vertical rhythm housing units or individual rooms between 10 to 16 feet in width.
(B) Residential mixed-use buildings shall express a vertical rhythm and pattern by meeting at least one of the following standards:
(i ) Vertical Patterns and Modulation: Façades shall use vertical patterns of building modulation, façade articulation, and fenestration.
(ii) Horizontal Patterns and Modulation: Façades that use horizontal articulation and fenestration patterns shall use a vertical massing strategy with a minimum four feet wide and two feet deep vertical shift in modulation at least once every 50 feet of façade length.
(C) Storefront uses shall express a vertical rhythm not to exceed 30 to 50 feet in width.
(4) Emphasize Building Elements and Massing
(A) Building Entries Within Façade Design
(i) Primary building entries shall be scaled proportionally to the number of people served (amount of floor-area or number of units accessed). Building entries inclusive of doorway and façade plane shall meet the following minimum dimensions:
a. Individual residential entries: five feet in width
b. Shared residential entry, such as mixed-use buildings: eight feet in width
c. Commercial building entry: 20 feet in width
d. Storefront entry: six feet in width
(ii) Primary building entries (not inclusive of individual residential entries) shall include a façade modulation that includes at least one of the following:
a. A recess or projection from the primary façade plane with a minimum depth of two feet.
(B) Primary entries shall include weather protection that is a minimum four feet wide and four feet deep by recessing the entry, providing an awning or using a combination of these methods.
(5) Storefront/Retail Ground Floors
(A) Ground floor height shall be a minimum 14 feet floor-to-floor or shall maintain a 2nd floor datum line of an abutting building.
(B) Transparency shall include a minimum 60% transparent glazing between two and ten feet in height from sidewalk, providing unobstructed views into the commercial space.
(C) Bulkheads and solid base walls: If provided, shall measure between 12 and 30 inches from finished grade.
(D) Primary entries shall include weather protection that is a minimum six feet wide and four feet deep by recessing the entry, providing an awning or using a combination of these methods.
(E) Awnings, canopies and weather protection:
(i) When transom windows are above display windows, awnings, canopies and similar, weather protection elements shall be installed between transom and display windows. These elements should allow for light to enter the storefront through the transom windows and allow the weather protection feature to shade the display window.
(ii) Awnings may be fixed or retractable.
(6) Other Non-residential Ground Floors
(A) Ground floor height shall be a minimum 14 feet floor-to-floor or shall match the 2nd floor datum line of an abutting building.
(B) Transparency shall include a minimum 50% transparent glazing between four and ten feet in height from sidewalk or terrace grade.
(C) Primary entries shall include weather protection that is a minimum six feet wide and four feet deep by recessing the entry, providing an awning or using a combination of these methods.
(7) Parking/Loading/Utilities
(A) Entry Size: No more than 25% of the site frontage facing a street should be devoted to garage openings, carports, surface parking, loading entries, or utilities access (on sites with less than 100 feet of frontage, no more than 25 feet)
(B) Above grade structured parking levels facing a public right-of-way or publicly accessible open space/path, with the exception of vehicular alleys, shall be lined with commercial or habitable uses with a minimum depth of 20 feet.
(C) Partially sub-grade parking shall not have an exposed façade that exceeds five feet in height above abutting grade at back of sidewalk.
(D) Partially sub-grade parking shall be screened with continuous landscaping and shrubbery with minimum height of three feet and be within ten feet of the sub-grade parking.
(Ord. 5553 § 1 (part), 2022)
18.24.070 Residential Entries
(a) Contextual Design Criteria
Private entries into ground floor residential units shall be designed to provide:
(1) human-scaled detailing
(2) enhanced pedestrian experience
(3) transition between public and private space
(4) spaces for residents to gather and spend time outdoors
(5) resident privacy
(b) Objective Design Standards
(1) Ground Floor Unit Entries: Where ground floor residential unit entries are required, one or more of the following entry types shall be provided:
(A) Stoop:
(i) Stoops shall provide entry access for a maximum of two units; and
(ii) Stoop heights shall be within one step of finished floor height of adjacent unit; and
(iii) Stoop entry landings shall be a minimum five feet in depth; and
(i v) The maximum stoop height from the back of sidewalk grade shall be five feet.
(B) Porch:
(i ) Porches shall provide entry access for a maximum of one unit; and
(ii ) Porch heights shall be within one step of finished floor height of adjacent unit; and
(ii i) Porches shall be large enough so a six-foot by six-foot square can fit inside of a porch for each unit; and
(i v) The maximum porch floor height from the back of sidewalk grade shall be five feet.
(C) Patio Entry
(i ) Patio entries may serve up to two units; and
(ii ) Patios shall be large enough so a five-foot by five-foot square can fit inside of the patio for each unit; and
(iii) The Patio shall include at least one of the following features to define the transition between public and private space:
a. A row of shrubs not exceeding 42 inches in height located between the sidewalk and the patio that assists with defining the edge between public and private space. Shrubs shall be at least one gallon in size and be planted a maximum of three feet on center; or
b. A fence not to exceed 36 inches in height located between the sidewalk and the patio that assists with defining the edge between public and private space, with a gate or fence opening to provide access to the pedestrian route between the pedestrian way and the front door; or
c. A metal, wood or stone wall not to exceed 36 inches in height located between the sidewalk and the patio that assists with defining the edge between public and private space with a gate or wall opening to provide access to the pedestrian route between the pedestrian way and the front door. A minimum 18-inch landscape strip shall be located between the wall and the abutting pedestrian way and entirely landscaped with ground cover, shrubs or other landscape living plant material.
(D) Terrace:
(i) A Terrace may serve multiple unit entries; and
(ii) The maximum Terrace height shall be 30 inches above the grade of the back of the adjacent sidewalk or accessway; and
(ii i) Walls, fences and hedges on Terraces shall be a maximum of 42 inches tall and have a minimum transparency of 40%.
(E) Frontage Court:
(i ) A Frontage Court may serve multiple unit entries; and
(ii ) The minimum Frontage Court width along a primary frontage shall be 25 feet; and
(iii) The maximum Frontage Court width along a primary frontage shall be 50% of the façade length or 80 feet, whichever is less; and
(iv) The minimum Frontage Court depth shall be 25 feet; and
(v ) The maximum Frontage Court depth shall be 50 feet or a ratio not to exceed 2:1 depth to width.
(Ord. 5553 § 1 (part), 2022)
18.24.080 Open Space
(a) Contextual Design Criteria
To ensure that residents and visitors have access to usable open space and common facilities that provide recreational opportunities, promote a healthy environment, and enhance the experience of living in Palo Alto. Common and private open spaces should include the following characteristics:
(1) Be integrated into the site access and building circulation strategy.
(2) Be generous in dimension to provide usable space.
(3) Provide landscape elements that will support the health of the plants and enhance the character of place.
(4) Promote public health.
(5) Be located to provide easy access to private and common building areas, protected from the activities of commercial areas, and balance privacy and noise impacts to neighboring uses.
(6) Promote sustainable practices and opportunities for green infrastructure.
(7) Promote community safety through eyes on the street.
(b) Objective Design Standards
(1) Private Open Space
If Private Open Spaces is provided, it shall meet the following standards:
(A) Floor area shall include a clear space with a minimum dimension of a circle with a six-foot diameter.
(B) Minimum clear height dimension of 8'-6" feet.
(C) Be accessed directly from a residential unit.
(D) Balconies shall not be located within the daylight plane.
(E) Notwithstanding subsection (a), ground floor patios shall meet the following minimum requirements:
(i) RM-20 and RM-30 districts: Minimum 100 square feet of area, the least dimension of which is eight feet for at least 75% of the area.
(ii) RM-40 districts: Minimum 80 square feet of area, the least dimension of which is six feet for at least 75% of the area.
(iii) Street facing private open space on the ground floor shall meet the finished floor height for ground floor residential standards in Section 18.24.040(b)(4).
(2) If Common Open Space is provided, it shall meet the following standards:
(A) Minimum size of 200 square feet.
(B) Area shall include a space with a minimum dimension of a circle with a ten-foot diameter.
(C) A minimum of 60% of the area shall be open to the sky and free of permanent weather protection or encroachments. Trellises and similar open-air features are permitted.
(D) Notwithstanding subsection (1), courtyards enclosed on four sides shall have a minimum dimension of 40 feet and have a minimum courtyard width to building height ratio of 1:1.25.
(E) Include places to sit.
(F) A minimum 20% of landscaping.
(G) Soil Depth: Planting in above grade courtyards shall have a minimum soil depth of 12 inches for ground cover, 20 inches for shrubs, and 36 inches for trees.
(Ord. 5553 § 1 (part), 2022)
18.24.090 Materials
(a) Contextual Design Criteria
To promote the use of high quality, durable, sustainable, and attractive materials that exhibit a sense of permanence and contribute to the aesthetic quality of the development and to the urban design fabric of the community.
(b) Objective Design Standards
(1) Façade Materials.
Primary, secondary, and accent materials are allowed or prohibited as in the Residential and Residential Mixed-use Material List, which may be updated from time to time by the Director of Planning with a recommendation by the ARB.
(Ord. 5553 § 1 (part), 2022)
18.24.100 Sustainability and Green Building Design
(a) Contextual Design Criteria
To incorporate sustainability, green building, and environmental considerations into the project design and construction. Green building design aims for compatibility with the local environment: to protect, respect and benefit from it. In general, sustainable buildings are energy efficient, water conserving, durable and nontoxic, with high-quality spaces and high recycled content materials. The following considerations should be included in site and building design:
(1) Optimize building orientation for thermal comfort, shading, daylighting, and natural ventilation, including operable windows .
(2) Design landscaping to create comfortable micro-climates and reduce heat island effects.
(3) Design landscaping with native species.
(4) Maximize onsite stormwater management through landscaping and permeable pavement.
(5) Use sustainable building materials.
(6) Design lighting, plumbing and equipment for efficient energy use.
(7) Create healthy indoor environments.
(8) Use creativity and innovation to build more sustainable environments. One example is establishing gardens with edible fruits, vegetables or other plants to satisfy a portion of project open space requirements.
(b) Objective Design Standards
See Chapter 16.14: California Green Building Standards additional requirements for green building and sustainable design. Notwithstanding Section 18.24.010(c), these regulations may not be modified through alternative compliance.
(Ord. 5553 § 1 (part), 2022)