As part of a consultant team, Kevin Gardiner & Associates worked on a multi-year zoning ordinance update for commercial and multifamily districts throughout Palo Alto. The objective was to incorporate innovative zoning techniques and a “form-based” design-oriented approach through the development of building and site planning design prototypes, with a particular emphasis on existing neighborhood context. 

The Code was developed out of an intensive public review process including stakeholder interviews, meetings with community groups, property owners, the development community and design professionals. 

Results

• Improved pedestrian experience in new developments, with mandated build-to lines requiring buildings to be placed closer to the sidewalk, and active frontages. 

• Increase in projects that combined ground-floor commercial space with residential units above. 

• Enhanced public realm, with wider sidewalks and integrated landscaping. 

• Focus on neighborhood compatibility, with larger buildings required to “step down” in height as they approach residential borders, and massing breaks to create a more human scale. 

• Reduced visual impact of parking, with parking situated away from the street view. 

• Incorporation of sustainable and green building design elements such as sun shading and stormwater retention. 

• Prioritizing Form Over Numbers: A “design-first” approach that mandates new buildings physically harmonize with their surroundings and enhance the pedestrian experience.