Palo Alto Spurns Emergency Declaration to Limit Building Height

Councilmember Pat Burt proposed an emergency declaration to limit height allowances under SB 79 near Caltrain stations. Palo Alto has already approved certain restrictions based on historical status and other exemptions SB 79 provides for, but those do not take effect for 30 days. An emergency declaration is the only way to do it on an immediate basis if an actual threat to public safety can be cited.

Developers, however, are trying to get applications in before that 30-day window closes. Height limits are allowed up to 95 feet within 200 feet of a Caltrain station. Altogether, this could impact just over 300 acres in downtown Palo Alto. Planning Director Jonathan Lait mentioned that SB 79 could be responsible for adding 1,600 units in Palo Alto. Ultimately, the council agreed there was no reason that could be cited to make it an emergency.

More Details: https://padailypost.com/2026/06/15/council-backs-off-of-rule-to-block-tall-buildings-near-caltrain/

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