Palo Alto exempts Edgewood Drive homes from stream protection fencing rule

The Palo Alto City Council approved a new ordinance on Monday evening that exempts homeowners along Edgewood Drive from a previous fencing restriction near San Francisquito Creek, Palo Alto Online reported.

Under the prior rule, homeowners had to maintain a 5-foot gap between the top of the creek bank and their fences. This gap was intended for stream protection but was criticized by residents for enabling homeless encampments and trespassing on private property.

The new ordinance permits Edgewood Drive residents to build fencing directly up to the top of the stream bank, addressing concerns about unauthorized access to their properties.

The San Francisquito Creek runs through East Palo Alto, Palo Alto, and Menlo Park, and the ordinance specifically affects homes adjacent to the creek on Edgewood Drive in Palo Alto.