New permits have been filed for a second property by the same developer along El Camino in Palo Alto, Santa Clara County. Vittoria Management has filed plans for a 315-unit apartment complex at 3606 El Camino Real, just blocks away from their second project at 3781 El Camino Real. Both plans use the Builder’s Remedy to bypass local zoning and expedite approval.
The Builder’s Remedy allows developers to bypass local zoning for projects that include a certain amount of affordable units. The city is subject to the Builder’s Remedy because state regulators have not approved its housing element. The SB330 pre-application also ensures that the proposal can proceed regardless of whether the city’s housing element is approved later.
3606 El Camino Real west and east facade, rendering by Lowney Architecture
3606 El Camino Real site map, illustration by Lowney Architecture
A representative for the developer’s law firm, Holland & Knight, shared in a letter to the city of Palo Alto an understanding of why the city is still subject to the Builder’s Remedy and that 3606 El Camino Real can proceed. However, the author notes that “we do…remain committed to finding a collaborative solution that brings housing to Palo Alto.”
The 73-foot tall structure will yield just over half a million square feet, of which 331,400 square feet will be housing. Of the 315 units, 53 will be designated as affordable for low-income households. Unit types will vary, with 31 studios, 95 one-bedrooms, 126 two-bedrooms, and 63 three-bedrooms. Parking will be included for 388 cars in a two-story podium garage.
3606 El Camino Real, image by Google Satellite
Lowney Architecture is responsible for the design. Illustrations show the podium-style infill will look near-identical to the plans at 3781 El Camino Real. The exterior will be covered with white and grey stucco. The simplistic aesthetic will feature just two colors mixing up the sheer walls.
The 2.62-acre parcel is located along El Camino Real between Matadero Avenue and Kendall Avenue. The property site is next to 3400 El Camino Real, where Oxford Capital Group submitted plans for a mixed-use development with 189 homes and 137 hotel rooms using the Builder’s Remedy. The property is occupied by commercial space and 38 residential units, of which 35 are occupied. Demolition will be required for all structures.
The estimated cost and timeline for construction have yet to be established.
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