Abbreviations and Acronyms

PTC / P&TC

Planning and Transportation Commission, formerly the Planning Commission and often still referred to as such

PC

Planned Community (zone/district)

Index

1. What is the intent of the PC zone?
2. What is required to qualify for a PC zone?
3. What is the problem with PC zones?

• Other Resources

Q&A

1. What is the intent of the PC zone?
   "The planned community district is particularly intended for unified, comprehensively planned developments which are of substantial public benefit, and which conform with and enhance the policies and programs of the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan."
   The declaration of a PC zone/district preempts the normal zoning rules and requirements, including
   • Lot coverage
   • Floor area ratio (FAR)
   • Setbacks (from lot boundaries)
   • Building height
   • Density (indirectly the number of residents and/or employees present)
   • Parking
   • Open space
   Instead these are developed, reviewed and approved on an individual basis ("one-of-a-kind zoning")
2. What is required to qualify for a PC zone?
   The Planning and Transportation Commission, prior to recommending approval of any PC district application, and the City Council, prior to approving an ordinance designating and regulating any PC district, shall make all of the following required findings with respect to the application:
   • Finding one: The site is so situated, and the use or uses proposed for the site are of such characteristics that the application of general districts or combining districts will not provide sufficient flexibility to allow the proposed development.
   • Finding two: Development of the site under the provisions of the PC (Planned Community) district will result in public benefits not otherwise attainable by application of the regulations of general districts or combining districts. In making the findings required by this section, the Planning and Transportation Commission and City Council, as appropriate, shall specifically cite the public benefits expected to result from use of the Planned Community district.
   • Finding three: The use or uses permitted, and the site development regulations applicable within the district shall be consistent with the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan, and shall be compatible with existing and potential uses on adjoining sites or within the general vicinity.
3. What is the problem with PC zones?
   PC zoning can, and have been, used to give well-connected developers exemptions from the zoning rules. Often questionable, or even spurious, "public benefits" are cited to justify the approval, ignoring that the project does not qualify because Findings 1 & 3 (above) have not been met.

• Editorial: A new look at 'negotiable' PC zones in the 2004-August-18 issue of the Palo Alto Weekly
• Council Preview: 'Public benefits' in zoning questioned: Council member expresses concern over merits of public benefits and planned community zones in the 1997-Sept-05 issue of the Palo Alto Weekly