As part of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment process, Palo Alto will prepare Concept Plans for two areas: the California Avenue neighborhood and the East Meadow Circle/Fabian Way neighborhood. Both areas have experienced some change over the past several years and will be studied to determine future land uses for inclusion in the amended Comprehensive Plan.

The Concept Plans will proceed in parallel to one another and will contain land use diagrams, policies and implementation measures specific to each area.  The process for developing the Concept Plans will include stakeholder outreach and a series of three neighborhood workshops in each area to identify key issues, develop land use alternatives and select a preferred alternative for future development. 

The California Avenue Concept Plan area is a 115-acre site bounded by Alma Street and El Camino Real on the north and south, and by College Avenue and Lambert Avenue on the west and east.  The area has a wide range of land uses, including single- and multifamily-residential, office, public facility, commercial and light industrial uses.  The segment of California Avenue that runs through the area is one of the main commercial districts in Palo Alto.  The California Avenue Caltrain Station is located in the northwest part of the Concept Plan area and the Fry's store is in the southeast part of the area.  Currently, there are a number of commercial and office vacancies in the area.   The California Avenue planning process will review the area's existing land uses, with a focus on retaining employment and reviewing whether there are portions of the study area that could change in the future.   

East Meadow Circle/Fabian Way Concept Plan area is an approximately 175-acre site bordered by Hwy 101 and the Mountain View border.  The area is largely comprised of light industrial, service commercial and office uses, with several large employers in the area as well as numerous small-scale businesses.  Two multifamily housing developments have been built in recent years and a large mixed use development with housing, a Jewish community center and a theater is currently under construction.  The area does not have any commercial options for daily shopping needs of employees or residents.  The East Meadow Circle/Fabian Way  planning process will  review the area's existing land use patterns, compatibility with the surrounding residential neighborhoods, services and amenities needed and retention of large and small businesses.