Zoning Ordinance Updates | Zoning Reform:
Retail Protection Ordinance (Palo Alto, CA)

As a consequence of the city’s vibrant Downtown, convenient access, and reputation for hosting major employers, the City of Palo Alto has come under increased pressure to accommodate additional workers. This transition has replaced active retail uses, reduced sales tax revenues, and detracted from the vibrant Downtown. In response, Jean worked with staff to develop a Retail Protection Ordinance that restricts ground-floor retail conversions, adds design standards that promote visibility and transparency, and requires ground-floor retail in key locations. The project included substantial outreach to property owners, retailers, brokers, business owners, community members, and decision-makers. The Ordinance went into effect in 2017.


Zoning Reform

Lexington Planning specializes in zoning reform, updating zoning ordinances to accomplish specific goals, such as housing production and affordability, retail preservation, and process streamlining.