Palo Alto Economic Development Strategies

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RECOMMENDATIONS 09 tenancy ACTIONS Streamline, update and/or remove unnecessary use restrictions and pursue regulatory reform to enable and competitiveness. 1. Consider removing or consolidating zoning overlays, incorporating an at-a-glance permitted use table and design standards, and an interactive online map with quick links to relevant regulations. CHAMPION Planning & Development Services DISTRICTS Downtown Palo Alto SUPPORT Office of Economic Development California Avenue Neighborhood Centers ESTIMATED TIME + COST Short (5 years) High (>$100k) Low (
RECOMMENDATIONS 09 tenancy ACTIONS Streamline, update and/or remove unnecessary use restrictions and pursue regulatory reform to enable and competitiveness. 2. Consider amending Section 18.76.20, Architectural Review, of the municipal code to enable more over-the-counter approvals for minor changes. CHAMPION Planning & Development Services DISTRICTS Downtown Palo Alto SUPPORT Office of Economic Development Property Owners District Management Entities (DMEs) California Avenue Neighborhood Centers ESTIMATED TIME + COST Short (5 years) High (>$100k) WHY THIS MATTERS Removing some of the regulatory barriers to market entry aids in decreasing vacancy and business success, especially for small (and local) businesses entering the market for the first time. Many of Palo Alto’s existing retail spaces could be improved in short order for new tenants with minimal minor changes. However, the Palo Alto Municipal Code requires architectural review and approval for major and minor projects and changes, including landscaping, signage, exterior remodeling, parking improvements, and interior finish outs that are not part of a major project. Each of the above-mentioned minor changes must adhere to standards and guidelines outlined elsewhere in the code, and, if met, are justifiably approvable over the counter by capable city staff. Signage, for example, is protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, so there is not much, if any, discretion lawfully acceptable beyond location, size and amount regulations. This questions why signage is among the items required an additional discretionary architectural review process if it meets applicable regulations. For small businesses, the time and cost savings with over-the-counter approvals for minor changes potentially reduces uncertainty and risk, which may increase investor interest and contribution to a project. Further, it opens staff and board capacity to focus on larger projects with more substantial impact to design and overall aesthetic of a district while also proving commitment to being business friendly, a goal expressed in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. RESOURCES and HOW IT’S DONE An amendment to Section 18.76.20 of the Municipal Code to allow for more overthe-counter approvals of proposed minor changes, as recommended, may require an internal study of the code by Planning & Development Services staff with input from critical stakeholders including the Architectural Review Board, property and business owners, and Downtown Palo Alto and California Avenue District Management Entities. With administrative support from the Office of Economic Development, Planning & Development Services would make a recommendation to City Council for approval. PALO ALTO, CA —————————— ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES Low (
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Page 3 and 4: TABLE OF CONTENTS 01 INTRODUCTION
Page 5 and 6: INTRODUCTION PURPOSE Washington D.C
Page 9 and 10: RETAIL MARKET ASSESSMENT The econom
Page 11 and 12: BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT ASSESSMENT (co
Page 13 and 14: PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT RE-INVESTMENT L
Page 17 and 18: GUIDING PRINCIPLE 1 AT-A-GLANCE STR
Page 19 and 20: GUIDING PRINCIPLE 3 AT-A-GLANCE STR
Page 21 and 22: RECOMMENDATIONS 01 encourage ACTION
Page 23 and 24: RECOMMENDATIONS 01 encourage ACTION
Page 25 and 26: RECOMMENDATIONS 02 and ACTIONS Enco
Page 27 and 28: Source: Vacant to Vibrant (vibrants
Page 31 and 32: RECOMMENDATIONS 06 commercial ACTIO
Page 33 and 34: Source: Streetsense, Lima, Livingst
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Page 39 and 40: RECOMMENDATIONS 09 tenancy ACTIONS
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