What is the purpose of the Comprehensive Plan?

The Comprehensive Plan sets the development priorities for Palo Alto’s future and identifies implementation strategies. The Plan sets goals and policies that guide the physical development of the city, the location of housing, businesses and open space, and investment in public facilities and infrastructure. 

What is the difference between a Comprehensive Plan Update and a Comprehensive Plan Amendment?

A complete update to a Comprehensive Plan is prepared when a community determines that its Plan needs significant revisions to all sections. A Comprehensive Plan Amendment is designed to accommodate a particular development project or unexpected conditions that arose during the period of the existing Plan or to make smaller-scale refinements. 

The current Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1998. By 2006, Palo Alto had exceeded its 2010 housing development projections in the Comprehensive Plan, creating an imbalance of housing and public services. While the City Council wanted to continue to use the existing Comprehensive Plan as Palo Alto’s long-term roadmap, it called for the preparation of a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to ensure sufficient public services for new housing and adequate land for neighborhood-serving retail.      

What is the horizon year for the Comprehensive Plan?

The current Comprehensive Plan covers the period through 2010. Once the Amendment is complete, the Comprehensive Plan will extend to 2020.   

Who is working on the Comprehensive Plan and when will it be completed?

The Palo Alto Department of Planning and Community Environment is the lead agency for the Comprehensive Plan Amendment and will head the Housing Element Update process. The Department will also work closely with the Palo Alto Planning and Transportation Commission, community groups and residents. Design, Community & Environment is heading a consultant team that will develop the Concept Plans, Comprehensive Plan Amendment and EIR. 

The draft Comprehensive Plan Amendment is scheduled to be completed in March 2010 and the final Amendment is scheduled to be adopted in December 2010.

How can I participate?

The Comprehensive Plan Amendment process will rely on the participation of Palo Alto residents. Public participation opportunities include stakeholder outreach and neighborhood, community and youth workshops.  Please check back at this website for dates and locations of upcoming events. You can also sign up to receive notification of important events by email at compplanstaff@cityofpaloalto.org.