Palo Alto
Introduction
Located in the northwestern part of Santa Clara County, the City of Palo Alto is home to 58,598 residents. Palo Alto has a number of significant natural habitats, including estuarine, riparian and oak forest. Many of these habitats are visible in Foothill Park, which is owned by the city. The Charleston Slough contains a rich marsh and littoral zone, providing feeding areas for a variety of shorebirds and other estuarine wildlife.
Shared Responsibilities
Most policies guiding development and use of resources in Los Altos are contained in the City's Comprehensive Plan. With the understanding that their roles and responsibilities often intersect, the District and the City work together on many key community interests. Major efforts have included:
- Identifying and mapping key groundwater recharge areas
- Reviewing the water rate structure
- Implementing incentives for the use of drought tolerant landscaping
- Reducing non-point source pollution in urban runoff
- Establishing guidelines for creek channel maintenance
Looking forward, further collaboration or partnership will facilitate sustainable development in the region, particularly in the following areas:
When evaluating land use decisions:During operations of existing facilities or services:
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Maps
The interactive map below shows the location of Palo Alto and illustrates some of the city's key features, such as major creeks, flood zones and groundwater subbasins.
To view key features, choose a layer from the "Select a layer to display" menu on the map below. You can select multiple layers to view at one time; if you wish to turn off a layer, select it again from the menu. Individual layers contain specific data that you can access by clicking on the layer itself.
Key Water Resources Features
Palo Alto lies within the San Francisquito Creek watershed.
Water Supply
Palo Alto's Comprehensive Plan provides an extensive set of policies geared toward the prudent management of water resources. The City strives to protect groundwater from adverse impacts and secure a reliable supply of water. The Plan also sets forth policies and programs to maximize conservation and efficient use of water. In addition, the City outlines policies to preserve the quality of water and encourage Best Management Practices for reducing pollution.
Flood Protection
According to the City's Comprehensive Plan:
Limited areas of Palo Alto are subject to flooding following unusually heavy rainfall. Flooding is typically associated with overtopping creek banks, inadequately sized bridges and culverts, and blocked storm drains. Most of the City is outside the 100-year [1%] flood plain boundary as defined by FEMA. However, a substantial area is subject to flooding in a 100-year storm and is designated as a Special FLood Hazard Area on FEMA's FLood Insurance Rate Map.
The City seeks to minimize exposure to flood hazards by reviewing proposed development in flood prone areas. Specifically, the City proposes a standardized process for evaluating impacts of development on the storm drainage system and implementing FEMA requirements relating to construction in flood hazard areas.
Watershed Health
The Comprehensive Plan outlines an extensive set of criteria guiding open space development; in addition, the Plan sets forth numerous and rigorous policies for preserving creeks and riparian areas in particular. The City acknowledges that "creeks are among Palo Alto's most important natural resources," and the City's goals, policies and actions reinforce that philosophy.
Palo Alto participates in the Coordinated Resource Management and Planning program with othe rlocal governments, resource agency staff and representatives from other groups to address the onging health of the watershed.
Citywide Programs and Projects
The City and the District often collaborate on projects to maintain the health of the watershed and water quality, establish natural flood protection and provide access to open space and trails. Recent projects include:
Related Plan Elements
The Related Plan Elements listed below identify some of the District strategies applicable to the city. They provide the basis for cities to provide better management of key water resources features within their jurisdictions and to work more effectively with the District to address water resources managemenet issues.
Related Plan Elements
| ROLE | STRATEGIES |
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 | E-3.1.1.2: Identify existing stream conditions and stream characteristics and implement practical solutions where appropriate, to improve stream stability and its dynamic equilibrium. (P)
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 | E-3.1.1.3: Provide technical advice and, if appropriate, work with municipalities to manage stormwater to address stream flooding and environmental benefits. (T)
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| E-3.1.1.4: Develop and provide technical advice on the design of floodplains and channels that incorporates the physical and dynamic equilibrium of streams. (P and T)
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 | E-3.2.1.3: Assist municipalities and citizens when needed to lessen potential flood impacts. (C)
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| E-3.2.1.7: Promote community awareness about best practices to avoid or minimize exposure to flooding potential. (T)
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| E-3.2.2.1: Assist in the incorporation of flood-wise design features (e.g., minimize imperviousness, preserve natural drainage, rain harvesting and provide flood water detention) within the watershed. (T)
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| E-3.2.2.2: Encourage and provide technical assistance in mitigating erosion, sedimentation and high flows from new development or redevelopments. (T)
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| E-3.2.2.4: Promote awareness of risks for developing in flood hazard areas. (T)
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| E-4.1.1.4: Provide information on stormwater management and design of floodplains and channels. (T)
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| E-4.1.3.3: Promote protection, preservation and enhancement of creek and bay ecosystems functions. (T)
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| E-4.1.3.4: Promote the preservation of ecological buffers. (T)
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| E-4.2.1.1: Provide hazardous materials management and incident response. (P and C)
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| E-4.2.2.1: Promote the protection and preservation of water quality and providing stream stewardship. (C)
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| E-4.2.2.3: Promote the preservation of riparian corridors and provide guidance supporting watershed health to the entire community. (T)
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| E-4.2.2.4: Reduce pollutants in streams from urban runoff and minimize the effects on surface and ground water.
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| E-4.3.1.1: Work with other entities for planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of trails/open space amenities.
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