HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2410-3591CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, December 16, 2024
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Agenda Item
11.Approval of Increase of Construction Contingency for Contract No. C24190072 with
O’Grady Paving, Inc. in the Amount of $345,000 to Perform Additional Street
Improvement Work on California Avenue and El Camino Real for Capital Improvement
Program Projects PL-23000 and PL-12000; and Adoption of a Resolution Continuing the
Closure of a Portion of California Avenue through 2025; CEQA Status – Categorically
Exempt under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 and 15304
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: CONSENT CALENDAR
Lead Department: Public Works
Meeting Date: December 16, 2024
Report #:2410-3591
TITLE
Approval of Increase of Construction Contingency for Contract No. C24190072 with O’Grady
Paving, Inc. in the Amount of $345,000 to Perform Additional Street Improvement Work on
California Avenue and El Camino Real for Capital Improvement Program Projects PL-23000 and
PL-12000; and Adoption of a Resolution Continuing the Closure of a Portion of California
Avenue through 2025; CEQA Status – Categorically Exempt under CEQA Guidelines Sections
15301 and 15304
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager or their designee to approve an increase of construction
contingency for Contract No. C24190072 with O’Grady Paving, Inc. in an amount not to exceed
$345,000 for a total contract contingency amount not to exceed $888,204; and
2. Adopt the attached resolution to continue the closure of the car-free portion of California
Avenue through 2025.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This funding will enable near-term street improvements to establish California Avenue as a car-
free street including bicycle improvements at the California Avenue and El Camino Real
intersection. The improvements will replace temporary barriers, enhance pedestrian and
bicycle infrastructure, and create visually identifiable entrances at El Camino Real, Ash Street,
and Birch Street.
The proposed improvements align with Council direction to permanently close portions of
California Avenue to vehicles while prioritizing pedestrian place-making, bicycle connectivity,
and safety. Enhancements included in the O-Grady Paving, Inc. work include vehicle pavement
markings removal, colored paving, two-way bicycle lanes, and bollards to restrict vehicle traffic
yet permit emergency and service access. These improvements support long-term flexibility for
future investments in California Avenue’s streetscape and will precede other work, such as
installation of planters and plantings.
Stakeholder outreach was conducted from February to September 2024 engaging merchants,
residents, and community groups. Feedback from these sessions informed the scope of
improvements, addressing concerns to replace temporary barriers, improve wayfinding, and
enhance California Avenue’s visibility as a business, outdoor dining, shopping, and pedestrian
friendly and bicycle accessible destination.
Lastly, the attached resolution will continue to authorize the City Manager to close the car-free
portion of California Avenue to vehicular traffic through 2025. This will allow continuity while
the general plan amendment and CEQA review necessary to close the street permanently are
completed (anticipated for Spring 2025).
BACKGROUND
The Public Works Engineering Services Division manages construction contracts for concrete
repair, preventive maintenance, resurfacing, and reconstruction of various City streets annually.
On March 11, 2024, Council approved the Fiscal Year 2024 Asphalt Paving Project with O’Grady
Paving, Inc.1
Temporary Street Closure
The temporary closure of California Avenue began with the June 20, 2020 City Council approval
of Resolution No. 9909 to temporarily close portions of California Avenue through Labor Day
2020 to allow outdoor dining and retail, including a temporary pilot parklet program in
response to county and state regulations related to COVID-19 limits on indoor activities. The
sunset date of temporary closures was extended several times since then by Council. In
November 2023, Council directed staff on the future of California Avenue, including maintaining
California Avenue as a car-free street with current areas of street closure to be made
permanent; creating a two-way slow bike lane down the center of California Avenue in the car-
free area; installing wayfinding signage on California Avenue primarily to promote retail
businesses and events; and initiating a branding program based on the historic and
contemporary strengths of the California Avenue/Mayfield District. Council last extended the
temporary closure on November 6, 2023.2
On November 6, 2023, the Council provided input on near-term projects to advance the
Council’s direction to maintain California Avenue as a car-free street with the current areas of
street closure to be made permanent. Additionally, Council directed staff to work to direct
pedestrian traffic to the sidewalks, create a two-way bicycle lane in the car-free area, install
gateway and wayfinding signage, create a branding program, and conduct regularly scheduled
street clean up and maintenance. Council approved Urban Field Studio (UFS) Contract Number
C24118179 on December 18, 20233 and staff initiated development of near-term project
1 City Council, March 11, 2024; Agenda Item #8; SR #2401-2479
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=82731
2 City Council, November 6, 2023; Agenda Item #9; SR #2309-2011
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=82564
3 City Council, December 18, 2023, Agenda Item #13
concepts to create identifiable, safe, and attractive entrances to the car-free portion of
California Avenue at El Camino Real and at the Ash and Birch Street intersections.
Enhancements to be constructed by O-Grady Paving, Inc, include vehicle pavement markings
removal, colored paving, two-way bicycle lanes, and bollards to restrict vehicle traffic yet
permit emergency and service access as shown in Attachment A. This work will precede
installation of planters and planting by a separate contractor, Frank & Grossman.
Caltrans Encroachment Permit
On October 1, 2024, an Encroachment Permit application was submitted by the City of Palo Alto
for improvements at the El Camino Real/California Avenue intersection. City and Caltrans staff
have coordinated extensively over the past few months to define the scope of City and Caltrans
intersection improvements to add colored stamped asphalt paving, reconfigured bicycle and
travel lane markings, and associated changes in signage, signal loop detection for bicycles and
vehicles, and signal head changes to advance the function and identity of California Avenue as a
car-free street. Caltrans recently informed the City that they will not allow stamped crosswalks
at this intersection and instead will require Caltrans standard crosswalks due to bicycle safety
concerns. In November, Caltrans requested additional information regarding traffic operations,
structural calculations, design standard exception documentation, intersection crash data and
electrical documentation. Staff is coordinating with Caltrans to provide the requested
information and navigate the permit issuance.
Car Free California Avenue
On December 18, 20234, the City Council approved an updated Urban Field Studio (UFS)
contract to develop a Car-Free Streets Implementation Plan, advancing the Council’s direction
to maintain California Avenue as a permanently car-free street. The consultant’s scope of work
includes signage, branding, and wayfinding; outdoor patio guidelines and standards; street
design concepts; cost estimation; and project management services. A California Avenue
Signage and Wayfinding Plan is now complete, and a preliminary draft of outdoor dining
guidelines and standards is scheduled for staff review early next year.
Street design alternatives to transform California Avenue into a vibrant, permanently car-free
destination, are in development and will emphasize pedestrian and bicycle accessibility,
including a two-way bike route down the street, outdoor dining, public gathering spaces,
landscaping, seating, and streetscape elements. The car-free designation will permanently
prohibit vehicle traffic, with limited access for emergency, utility, and service vehicles, as well as
time-restricted use for Sunday Farmers’ Market activities, deliveries, and loading. Staff will
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=82608
4 City Council, December 18, 2023, Agenda Item #13,
https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?id=82608
return to Council in early 2025 with additional updates. Council action to amend the
Comprehensive Plan and associated CEQA action is anticipated in Spring 2025.
ANALYSIS
•Prohibit vehicle traffic on the closed portion of California Avenue, yet enable restricted
vehicle access for emergency, utility, maintenance, trash, street cleaning, California
Avenue Farmers’ Market, and service vehicles.
•Prioritize pedestrian place-making by creating an identifiable entrance to California
Avenue as a car-free street and ensuring a safe buffer from the high volume and speed
of vehicle traffic on El Camino Real and vehicles on Ash Street and Birch Street.
•Introduce two-way bicycle infrastructure at the El Camino Real and Birch Street
intersections linking the closed portion to the class II bike lanes to the west and narrows
to the east.
•Avoid and minimize impacts to below grade utilities.
•Create a solution that supports future investment to adapt or reimagine the street long-
term.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Table 1: Funding Allocation
Funding Source Contingency Amount
Total $345,000
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
•February: staff and UFS met with merchants to launch the plan and address priority
concerns, including removing temporary barriers, improving cleaning and maintenance,
enhancing wayfinding and signage to signal that California Avenue is "open for business"
from El Camino Real, and replacing existing barrier covers.
•March: an in-person workshop gathered input on place identity, branding, wayfinding, and
signage.
•April: staff and UFS met on-site with merchants to discuss street design goals and
preferences. Feedback also informed near-term improvements at key intersections,
including El Camino Real, Ash Street, and Birch Street, using elements such as colored
paving, planters, signage, and bollards.
•May: staff, UFS, and Kimley-Horn worked with merchants to address unmet circulation and
access needs, focusing on parking areas, Jacaranda Lane, Mayfield Lane and Ash Street.
•July: a merchant workshop focused on preferences for outdoor dining standards adapted to
California Avenue’s unique car-free context.
•Staff continued to meet and update California Avenue merchants throughout October and
November, ensuring their voices remained central to the planning process.
Community and Resident Engagement
•May and June: staff engaged with residents at the Evergreen Park neighborhood block
party and the 3rd Thursday open house. Key themes included preferences for street design
elements, concerns about vacancies, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and support for the
Farmers’ Market.
•June to August: an online survey received 940 responses, offering valuable insights into
community preferences for street design elements, bicycle lanes, and place identity signage.
•August to September: staff engaged with Palo Alto Neighborhoods, the Pedestrian and Bicycle
Advisory Committee, California Avenue Farmers’ Market representatives, and merchants to gather
additional feedback on street design elements and near-term improvements.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY:
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TYP.
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CONSTRUCTION LEGEND
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION
25' WIDE RED BRICK STAMPED ASHALT PAVING - PATTERN XD BY ENNIS FLINT
PATTERN COLOR SANTA FE CLAY
2 6 - 72" SQ. BY 36" TALL FIBERGLASS PLANTERS TYPE: CARDIFF SQUARE CF7236 BY
'OLD TOWN FIBERGLASS' 714.633.3732 - PROVIDED BY OTHERS
3 4 - 30" SQ. BY 30" TALL FIBERGLASS PLANTERS TYPE: CARDIFF SQUARE CF3030 BY
'OLD TOWN FIBERGLASS' 714.633.3732 - PROVIDED BY OTHERS
4 NEW MONUMENT SIGN BY CUSTOM SIGN FABRICATOR CONTACT WILLIE AT CUSTOM
SIGNS 408.561.9226 - PROVIDED AND INSTALLED BY OTHERS
5 2 WAY CYCLE TRACK (BOTH DIRECTIONS) - GREEN THERMOPLAST PAVING MARKINGS
WITH BIKE LANE MARKINGS IN WHITE
6 3 - RETRACTABLE STAINLESS STEEL BOLLARD MODEL #XX-S060-XX BY
1-800-BOLLARDS
DETAILS
DETAIL D SHEET DETAIL 2
7 REMOVAL OF CONCRETE SIGNAGE, COBBLE STONE BASE, AND FOOTING NOT
INCLUDED IN THIS SCOPE OF WORK - PERFORMED BY OTHERS
8 GRIND 1/2" DEPTH OF EXISTING ASPHALT PAVING SURFACE AND INSTALL NEW
1/2" ASPHALT PAVING OVERLAY
DETAIL B SHEET DETAIL 1
9 RELOCATE EXISTING LANDSCAPE BOULDERS TO BOULWARE PARK AT 777
FERNANDO AVE. - PERFORMED BY OTHERS
10 12" WHITE THERMOPLASTIC BAND
11 CUSTOM R11-2 SIGNAGE ("ROAD CLOSE TO VEHICLES, OPEN TO BIKE AND PED.")
12 ADDITIONAL BIKE SIGNAGE POSSIBLE ALT.
El Camino Intersection Improvements (Eastside)scale: 1" = 16'
California Avenue Street Improvements
Ash Street
BOLLARD FOOTING LOCATION 2'
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8'18'30'-6"44'12'-6"2'20'
115'
122'-6"
5' WHEEL STOP
FIRE LANE WITH
ADA DROP OFF
6
CONSTRUCTION LEGEND
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION DETAILS
1 20' WIDE RED BRICK STAMPED ASHALT PAVING - PATTERN HO BY ENNIS FLINT
PATTERN COLOR SANTA FE CLAY
DETAIL 'X' SHEET L-XX
2 4 - 40" DIA. BY 20" TALL FIBERGLASS PLANTERS TYPE: MATRIX ML4020 BY 'OLD TOWN
FIBERGLASS' 714.633.3732. PLANTERS NOT IN THIS SCOPE OF WORK AND TO BE
PROVIDED BY OTHERS
3 4 - 60" DIA. BY 40" TALL FIBERGLASS PLANTERS TYPE: MATRIX ML6040 BY 'OLD TOWN
FIBERGLASS' 714.633.3732. PLANTERS NOT IN THIS SCOPE OF WORK AND TO BE
PROVIDED BY OTHERS
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION DETAILS
4
12" WHITE THERMOPLASTIC BAND5
2 - RETRACTABLE STAINLESS STEEL BOLLARD MODEL #XX-S060-XX BY
1-800-BOLLARDS
6 CUSTOM R11-2 (ROAD CLOSED TO VEHICLES, OPEN TO BIKE AND PED),
ON POST BETWEEN CROSSWALK AND PLANTERS
Ash Street Intersection Improvements
California Avenue Street Improvements
scale: 1" = 16'
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41'
59'
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CONSTRUCTION LEGEND
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION DETAILS
1 5' WIDE BY 26' LONG BIKE LANE (BOTH DIRECTIONS) - GREEN THERMOPLAST PAVING
MARKINGS WITH BIKE LANE MARKINGS IN WHITE
2 4 - RETRACTABLE STAINLESS STEEL BOLLARD MODEL #XX-S060-XX BY
1-800-BOLLARDS
DETAIL 'X' SHEET L-XX
3 4 - 60” DIAMETER, 40” TALL FIBERGLASS PLANTERS TYPE: MATRIX ML6040 BY
'OLD TOWN FIBERGLASS' 714.633.3732. PLANTERS NOT IN THIS SCOPE OF WORK
AND TO BE PROVIDED BY OTHERS
4 7 - 40” DIAMETER, 20” TALL FIBERGLASS PLANTERS TYPE: MATRIX ML4020 BY
'OLD TOWN FIBERGLASS' 714.633.3732. PLANTERS NOT IN THIS SCOPE OF WORK
AND TO BE PROVIDED BY OTHERS
DETAIL 'X' SHEET L-XX
DETAIL 'X' SHEET L-XX
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION DETAILS
18' WIDE RED BRICK STAMPED ASHALT PAVING - PATTERN XD BY ENNIS FLINT
PATTERN COLOR SANTA FE CLAY
12" WHITE THERMOPLASTIC BAND
5
6
7 GRIND 1/2" DEPTH OF EXISTING ASPHALT PAVING SURFACE AND INSTALL NEW
1/2" ASPHALT PAVING OVERLAY
8 MUTCD SIGN W6-1
9 STOP SIGN ON BACK OF STREET LIGHT FACING WEST
10 CUSTOM R11-2 (ROAD CLOSED TO VEHICLES, OPEN TO BIKE AND PED),
ON POST BETWEEN CROSSWALK AND PLANTERS
Birch Street Intersection Improvements
California Avenue Street Improvements
scale: 1" = 16'
COVER SHEET
California Avenue Street Improvements
1.2022 CBC CHAPTER 35: PROVIDE ALL THE APPLICABLE/ADOPTED STANDARDS. WHERE A PARTICULAR STANDARD
IS REFERENCED IN THE CODE BUT DOES NOT APPEAR AS AN ADOPTED STANDARD IT MAY STILL BE USED. APPLY
ONLY THE PORTION OF THE STANDARD THAT IS APPLICABLE TO THE CODE SECTION WHERE THE STANDARD IS
REFERENCED, NOT THE ENTIRE STANDARD.
2022 BUILDING STANDARDS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, PART 1, TITLE 24 C.C.R.
2022 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE (CBC), PART 2, TITLE 24 C.C.R.
2022 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE (CEC), PART 3, TITLE 24 C.C.R.
2022 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, PART 6, TITLE 24 C.C.R.
2022 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE, PART 10, TITLE 24 C.C.R.
2022 CALIFORNIA REFERENCED STANDARDS, PART 12, TITLE 24 C.C.R.
LIST OF FEDERAL CODES AND STANDARDS (IF APPLICABLE)
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA), TITLE II OR TITLE III
FOR TITLE II: UNIFORM FEDERAL ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS (UFAS) 28 CFR 35.151(c)
OR ADA STANDARDS FOR ACCESSIBLE DESIGN (APPENDIX A OF 28 CFR PART 36)
FOR TITLE III: ADA STANDARDS FOR ACCESSIBLE DESIGN (APPENDIX A OF 28 CFR PART 36) 28 CFR 36.406
2010 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) STANDARDS FOR ACCESSIBLE DESIGN
NOTE: TITLE II APPLIES TO PROJECTS FUNDED AND/OR USED BY STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES.
TITLE III COVERS PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS AND COMMERCIAL FACILITIES. DEPENDING ON THE USE
AND FUNDING, BOTH TITLE MAY APPLY TO THE PROJECT.
NFPA 13 AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS 2022 EDITION
NFPA 14 STANDPIPE SYSTEMS 2022 EDITION
NFPA 17 DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS 2022 EDITION
NFPA 17A WET CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS 2022 EDITION
NFPA 20 STATIONARY FIRE PUMPS 2022 EDITION
NFPA 24 PRIVATE FIRE SERVICE MAINS 2022 EDITION
NFPA 72 NATIONAL FIRE ALARM AND SIGNALING CODE (CALIFORNIA AMENDED)2022 EDITION
(NOTE SEE UL STANDARD 1971 FOR "VISUAL DEVICES")
NFPA 253 CRITICAL RADIANT FLUX OF FLOOR COVERING SYSTEMS 2022 EDITION
NFPA 2001 CLEAN AGENT FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS 2022 EDITION
ASME 17.1 ELEVATOR STANDARD 2022 EDITION
REFERENCE CODE SECTIONS FOR APPLICABLE STANDARDS - 2022 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE (FOR SFM) REFERENCED
STANDARDS CHAPTER 35
ADA STANDARD FOR ACCESSIBLE DESIGN (APPENDIX A OF 28 CFR PART 36)
THE INTENT OF THESE DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS IS THAT WORK OF THE
ALTERATION, REHABILITATION OR RECONSTRUCTION IS TO BE IN ACCORDANCE
WITH TITLE 24, CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS. SHOULD ANY EXISTING
CONDITIONS SUCH AS DETERIORATION OR NON-COMPLYING CONSTRUCTION BE
DISCOVERED WHICH IS NOT COVERED BY THE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS WHEREIN
THE FINISHED WORK WILL NOT COMPLY WITH TITLE 24, CALIFORNIA CODE OF
REGULATIONS, A CHANGE ORDER, OR A SEPARATE SET OF PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS, DETAILING AND SPECIFYING THE REQUIRED WORK SHALL BE
SUBMITTED TO AND APPROVED BY THE OWNER REPRESENTATIVE BEFORE
PROCEEDING WITH THE WORK.
ALL DESIGNS, DOCUMENTS, AND PLANS SHOWN IN THIS DRAWING ARE OWNED
BY AND THE PROPERTY OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO AND WERE CREATED, AND
DEVELOPED FOR USE WITH THE SPECIFIED PROJECT. WRITTEN PERMISSION BY THE
CITY OF PALO ALTO IS REQUIRED TO USE THESE PLANS FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Know what's
before you dig.CallR
WARNING
FOR MARKING PRIOR TO DIGGING
PHONE: 811
EXISTING UNDERGROUND UTILITIES
CONTACT: UNDERGROUND SERVICE ALERT
CAUTION
1.COMPOSITE BASE SHEET: THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS SHOWN ON THESE DRAWINGS ARE SUPERIMPOSED ON
A BASE SHEET. THIS BASE SHEET IS COMPILED FROM THE TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY, AND OTHER ARCHITECTURAL
AND/OR ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS. THE CITY SHALL NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR CHANGES, INACCURACIES,
OMISSIONS, OR OTHER ERRORS ON THESE DOCUMENTS. THE COMPOSITE BASE SHEET IS PROVIDED AS AN AID
ONLY AND THE CONTRACTOR SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REVIEWING THESE DOCUMENTS AND
INCORPORATING/INTEGRATING ALL CONSTRUCTION AS REQUIRED TO ACCOMMODATE.
2.UTILITIES: PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION, THE CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CONTACTING THE PALO ALTO
UTILITIES COMPANIES INVOLVED AND REQUESTING A VISUAL VERIFICATION OF THE LOCATIONS OF THEIR
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES. THE CONTRACTOR OR ANY SUBCONTRACTOR FOR THIS CONTRACT SHALL NOTIFY
MEMBERS OF THE U.S.A. 5 DAYS IN ADVANCE OF PERFORMING EXCAVATION WORK BY CALLING THE TOLL-FREE
NUMBER (800) 642-2444. EXCAVATION IS DEFINED AS BEING 18 OR MORE INCHES IN DEPTH BELOW THE EXISTING
SURFACE.
THE CONTRACTOR IS CAUTIONED THAT ONLY EXCAVATION WILL REVEAL THE TYPES, EXTENT, SIZES, LOCATION,
AND DEPTHS OF SUCH UNDERGROUND UTILITIES. HOWEVER, THE CONSULTANT CAN ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY
FOR THE COMPLETENESS OR ACCURACY OF ITS DELINEATION OF SUCH UNDERGROUND UTILITIES, NOR FOR THE
EXISTENCE OF OTHER BURIED OBJECTS OR UTILITIES WHICH ARE NOT SHOWN ON THESE DRAWINGS.
3.ALL MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP SHALL CONFORM TO THE CITY'S STANDARD DETAILS, STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS, AND
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.
4.CITY WILL PROVIDE PERMITS WHEN APPLICABLE.
5.IT IS THE CONTRACTOR'S RESPONSIBILITY TO VERIFY THE LOCATION OF ALL EXISTING UTILITIES WITH THE APPROPRIATE UTILITY
AGENCIES PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION. CONTRACTOR SHALL NOTIFY ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE UTILITY
OWNERS 48 HOURS PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF WORK ADJACENT TO THE UTILITY. CONTACT UNDERGROUND SERVICE ALERT
(USA) AT 811 OR 800-227-2600.
6.ANY WORK IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY SHALL CONFORM TO CITY STANDARD DETAILS AND SPECIFICATIONS.
7.ALL MANHOLES, VALVE BOXES, MONUMENT BOXES, AND OTHER STRUCTURES IN THE PAVEMENT AREA SHALL BE ADJUSTED TO
FINISH GRADE BEFORE PAVING FINAL LIFT.
8.GRADE BREAKS ON CURBS AND SIDEWALKS ARE TO BE ROUNDED OFF ON FORM WORK AND FINISHED SURFACING.
9.ALL SURPLUS AND UNSUITABLE MATERIAL SHALL BE REMOVED FROM PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY.
10.CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ADEQUATE DUST CONTROL AND KEEP MUD AND DEBRIS OFF THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY AT ALL
TIMES.
11.ALL TRENCHES AND EXCAVATIONS SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED IN STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH THE APPLICABLE SECTIONS OF
CALIFORNIA AND FEDERAL O.S.H.A. REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER APPLICABLE SAFETY ORDINANCES. CONTRACTOR SHALL BEAR
FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR TRENCH SHORING DESIGN AND INSTALLATION.
12.EXISTING UTILITIES SHOWN ARE BASED UPON RECORD INFORMATION AND ARE APPROXIMATE IN LOCATION AND DEPTH. THE
CONTRACTOR SHALL POTHOLE ALL EXISTING UTILITIES THAT MAY BE AFFECTED BY NEW FACILITIES IN THIS CONTRACT, VERIFY
ACTUAL LOCATION AND DEPTH, AND REPORT POTENTIAL CONFLICTS TO THE ENGINEER PRIOR TO EXCAVATING FOR NEW
FACILITIES.
13.CONTRACTOR SHALL PERFORM HIS CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION IN A MANNER, WHICH WILL NOT ALLOW HARMFUL
POLLUTANTS TO ENTER THE STORM DRAIN SYSTEM. TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE , THE CONTRACTOR SHALL IMPLEMENT THE
APPROPRIATE BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE (BMP) AS OUTLINED IN THE BROCHURES ENTITLED "BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY" ISSUED BY THE SANTA CLARA VALLEY NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION CONTROL PROGRAM,
TO SUIT THE CONSTRUCTION SITE AND JOB CONDITION.
14.OVERNIGHT PARKING OF CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED, EXCEPT AT
LOCATION(S) APPROVED BY THE CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER.
15.REFER CITY STANDARD DETAILS FOR BASE UNDER CURB AND GUTTER AND PAVED SECTIONS.
16.NEAR COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT, CONTRACTOR SHALL REPLACE ADJOINING INFRASTRUCTURE DAMAGED DURING THE
PROJECT CONSTRUCTION WORK. INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: SIDEWALKS, CURB AND GUTTER, STREET ASPHALT, UTILITIES,
LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION.
17. CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE TRAFFIC CONTROL PLANS IF REQUESTED BY THE CITY'S TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT. PLANS TO
INCLUDE ALL SIGNAGE AND BARRIERS USED AND REVISED PER CITY COMMENTS UNTIL APPROVED.
18.CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE A THIRD PARTY SAFETY INSPECTION AUDIT TO THE CITY OF PALO ALTO UPON COMPLETION OF THE
PLAYGROUND CONSTRUCTION. PLAYGROUND TO REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL PLAYGROUND REPORT IS SUBMITTED AND PASSES ALL
CODES AND REGULATIONS.
CITY OF PALO ALTO PUBLIC WORKS STANDARD DRAWINGS & SPECIFICATIONS
PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE (PMC)
CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE (CBC) 2022
AASHTO LRFD
ASCE 7
CAL/OSHA
GENERAL NOTES
SHEETS
SHEET INDEX:
EL CAMINO INTERSECTION EAST
ASH STREET INTERSECTION
BIRCH STREET INTERSECTION
DETAIL SHEET
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LO
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=
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QC 78' - 1" SCH. 40 PVC
CONNECT QUICK COUPLER
WATER LINE AT THIS LOCATION
INSTALL NEW 1" QUICK COUPLER5
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION
1 6 - 72" SQ. BY 36" TALL FIBERGLASS PLANTERS TYPE: CARDIFF SQUARE CF7236 BY
'OLD TOWN FIBERGLASS' 714.633.3732
2 4 - 30" SQ. BY 30" TALL FIBERGLASS PLANTERS TYPE: CARDIFF SQUARE CF3030 BY
'OLD TOWN FIBERGLASS' 714.633.3732
DETAILS
3 REMOVE EXISTING CONCRETE SIGNAGE, COBBLE STONE BASE AND FOOTING PHOTO THIS SHEET
4 RELOCATE EXISTING LANDSCAPE BOULDERS TO BOULWARE PARK AT 777
FERNANDO AVE.
CONSTRUCTION LEGEND - CAL. AVE. WEST OF EL CAMINO
DETAIL SHEET #1
5 INSTALL NEW 1" RAINBIRD QUICK COUPLER IN ROUND PLASTIC BOX
DETAIL SHEET #1
DETAIL SHEET #2
El Camino Intersection Improvements (Eastside)scale: 1" = 16'
California Avenue Street Improvements
Existing Cal. Ave. sign to be demolished
1
EXISTING
CROSS
WALK TO
REMAIN2
1
2
DLDL
AA
AAAA
AA
AAAA
AA
AAAA
AA
AAAA
G G
R
R
R
RR
R
R R
R
R
++++++++++++++
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION DETAILS
1 4 - 44" DIA. BY 30" TALL FIBERGLASS PLANTERS TYPE: MATRIX ML7239 BY 'OLD TOWN
FIBERGLASS' 714.633.3732
CONSTRUCTION LEGEND - CAL. AVE. AT ASH STREET
2 2 - 30" DIA. BY 30" TALL FIBERGLASS PLANTERS TYPE: MATRIX ML3030 BY 'OLD TOWN
FIBERGLASS' 714.633.3732
DETAIL SHEET #1
DETAIL SHEET #1
Ash Street Intersection Improvements
California Avenue Street Improvements
scale: 1" = 8'
EXISTING
CROSS
WALK TO
REMAIN
1
2
3
DL
++++++
+
++++
DL
++++++
+
++++
DL
++++++
+
++++AA
AAAA
R
R
R
AA
AA
AA
R
R
R
AA
AA
AA
R
R
R
AA
AA
AA
R
R
R
GG
G
GG
G
GG
G
GG
G
GG
G
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION DETAILS
1 7 - 60" DIA. BY 40" TALL FIBERGLASS PLANTERS TYPE: MATRIX ML6040 BY 'OLD TOWN
FIBERGLASS' 714.633.3732
2 5 - 40" DIA. BY 20" TALL FIBERGLASS PLANTERS TYPE: MATRIX ML4020 BY 'OLD TOWN
FIBERGLASS' 714.633.3732
CONSTRUCTION LEGEND - CAL. AVE. AT BIRCH STREET
3 3 - NIGHT SHADE PLANTS REMOVE FROM CENTER PLANTING AREA INCLUDING ROOTSPICTURE THIS SHEET
DETAIL SHEET #1
DETAIL SHEET #1
Birch Street Intersection Improvements
California Avenue Street Improvements
scale: 1" = 8'
Existing Night Shade plants to be removed
Detail Sheet - 1
California Avenue Street Improvements
6
1
2
POTTED PLANT
3
4
& GRAVEL LEVELS
1
2
3
5
6 WALL OF POT
5
4
ROOTBALL CROWN TO BE 1" ABOVE
POTTING SOIL LEVEL &
2" MIN. BELOW TOP OF POT
FILTER FABRIC BETWEEN SOIL
3/4" ANGULAR GRAVEL @ 12" MIN.
BELOW BOTTOM OF ROOT BALL
1 PLANTER INSTALLATION
TOP SOIL (SUBMIT SAMPLE) -
DETAIL
NOT TO SCALE
NO POTTING SOIL
3" NIPPLE
12" NIPPLE
12" MIN. DEPTH
10" ROUND BLACK PLASTIC
1/2"
0-1"
RAINBIRD 44NP
(TYP)
PLAN
-SEE PLANTING
SPECIFIED MULCH
PVC SCHEDULE 80
VALVE BOX AND LID
DRAIN ROCK
CLAMPS
STAINLESS STEEL
ANGLE IRON
1" x 3/16" x 30"
90° ELLS (TxT)
PVC SCHEDULE 80
CONNECTED TO IRRIGATION SUPPLYLINE
(SxSxT) OR 90° ELL (SxT)
PVC SCHEDULE 80 TEE
PVC SCHEDULE 80
VALVE
QUICK COUPLING
FINISH GRADE
NOTE: SET TOP OF BOX EVEN WITH FINISH GRADE IN TURF AREAS.
NOTE: REFER TO CONTRACT TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
2 QUICKCOUPLER
DETAIL
NOT TO SCALE
*NOT YET ADOPTED*
124_20241204_ts24
Resolution No. _____
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Extending the City Manager’s
Authority to Temporary Close a Portion of California Avenue Pursuant to
California Vehicle Code Section 21101 to Facilitate Outdoor Dining, Retail, and
Other Uses
R E C I T A L S
A. On June 23, 2020, the Council adopted Resolution No. 9909 approving the
temporary closure of portions of California Avenue, University Avenue and certain other
Downtown streets through Labor Day 2020 to allow for outdoor dining and retail on those
streets, consistent with the Santa Clara County Public Health Order in effect. The street closures
were part of a Summer Streets Program initiated by the City to accommodate outdoor uses at a
time when indoor dining remained prohibited in the County and the growing scientific evidence
showed a lower risk of COVID-19 transmission outdoors compared to indoors. At that time, the
City anticipated that indoor dining would be allowed to resume in the County, as had been
allowed in neighboring counties, and sought to address the immediate needs of the community
including residents, workers and businesses that had been severely impacted by loss of business
activity and revenue.
B. Through Resolution No. 9909 the Council also approved a temporary pilot parklet
program to allow parklets to be installed in on-street parking spaces on an expedited and
temporary basis to provide more space for outdoor dining.
C. On July 2, 2020, the County Public Health Officer issued a revised Shelter in Place
Order, to become effective on July 13, 2020, that allowed certain additional activities to resume
if specified strict across-the-board risk reduction measures were followed. The objective was to
allow activities that were already allowed in surrounding jurisdictions, which had reopened more
quickly than Santa Clara County, so long as the prescribed risk reduction measures were followed.
D. On July 7, 2020, the State approved Santa Clara County’s requested variance that
allowed the revised Shelter in Place Order to go into effect on July 13, 2020.
E. However, with the number of COVID-19 cases dramatically increasing again in the
State, on July 13, 2020, the Governor announced a sweeping roll back of the reopening that the
State had allowed. The State mandated that all counties close certain indoor operations,
including in-restaurant dining. For counties on the State’s monitoring list for 3 consecutive days
(and thus placed on the State “watchlist”), the State required the closure of additional industries
or activities unless they could be modified to operate outside or by pick-up; these included gyms
and fitness centers, places of worship and cultural ceremonies, personal care services, hair salons
and barbershops, and shopping malls.
*NOT YET ADOPTED*
124_20241204_ts24
F. Through the summer, the United States including “hot spots” like California
continued to hit new highs in confirmed cases and deaths, as the loosening of shelter-in-place
restrictions had precipitated a resurgence of the virus in many states, including California. As of
July 27, 2020, the State was averaging nearly 10,000 new COVID-19 cases per day, and hospitals
and their intensive care units were filling up. Thirty-seven counties representing 93% of the
State’s population were on the State’s watchlist, and California had 460,550 confirmed cases of
COVID-19, resulting in 8,445 deaths.
G. On August 10, 2020, the Council adopted Resolution No. 9911, which amended
Resolution 9909, to extend until December 31, 2020 the temporary closure of portions of
California Avenue and University Avenue and certain intersecting streets to allow for continued
use of these areas in the heart of the City’s commercial districts to allow for outdoor dining and
potentially other activities as may be allowed by State and County Public Health Orders.
Resolution No. 9911 also extended the temporary parklet program to September 7, 2021.
H. Since August 2020, the County Public Health Officer issued a Risk Reduction Order
on October 5, 2020, which coincided with the County moving into the orange tier under the
State’s “Blueprint for a Safer Economy” tiered restriction system.
I. However, on November 16, 2020, the State moved Santa Clara County two steps
from the orange/moderate tier to the purple/widespread tier (the highest risk tier) due to a sharp
increase in COVID-19 cases statewide. On that date, the County reported 388 new cases of
COVID-19, bringing the cumulative total to 28,686. As of November 17, 2020, California reported
1,029,235 confirmed cases of COVID-19, resulting in 18,263 deaths, and 94.1% of the State’s
population was now in the purple tier (according to the Governor’s Office). The State’s rules for
the purple/widespread tier mandate that restaurants and gyms cannot have indoor service and
retail stores may only have 25% capacity indoors.
J. On December 14, 2020, the Council adopted Resolution 9933, which amended
Resolution 9099, to extend until May 31, 2021 the temporary closure of portions of California
Avenue and University Avenue and certain intersecting streets to allow for continued use of these
areas in the heart of the City’s commercial districts to allow for outdoor dining and potentially
other activities as may be allowed by State and County Public Health Orders.
K. On March 3, 2021, the State moved Santa Clara County one step down from the
purple/widespread tier to the red/substantial tier. As of March 16, 2021, the County reported a
cumulative total of 112,909 COVID cases and 1,867 deaths.
L. On May 10, 2021, the Council adopted Resolution 9954, which further amended
Resolution 9099 to extend until October 31, 2021 the temporary closure of portions of California
Avenue and University Avenue and certain intersecting streets to allow for continued use of these
areas in the heart of the City’s commercial districts to allow for outdoor dining and potentially
other activities as may be allowed by State and County Public Health Orders.
*NOT YET ADOPTED*
124_20241204_ts24
M. On June 7, 2021, the Council adopted Resolution 9962. Resolution 9962 amended
and restated Section 4 of Resolution 9909 regarding the pilot parklet program on a non-
emergency basis.
N. On June 15, 2021, the State of California eliminated the Blueprint for a Safer
Economy system of COVID-related rules and restrictions (also known as the color-tier system)
amidst improvements in public health data and increasing availability of the COVID vaccine. The
City of Palo Alto rescinded its declaration of local emergency on July 1, 2021.
O. On September 13, 2021 the Council voted to extend the street closures of portions
of California Avenue and Ramona Street through June 30, 2022 to allow for the continued use of
these streets for outdoor dining and other activities as may be allowed. The Council voted on
each street separately and Resolution 9987 extended the closure of California Avenue only; a
separate resolution (no. 9988) extended the closure of Ramona Street. At the same meeting, the
Council directed the City Manager to open the portion of University Avenue which was closed by
Resolution 9909 and its successors on October 15, 2021.
P. On May 16, 2022, the City Council adopted Resolution 10040, which amended and
restated Resolution 9987 to continue its provisions until December 31, 2023.
Q. On November 6, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution 10129, which
amended and restated Resolution 10040 to continue its provisions until December 31, 2024.
R. The City Council now desires to amend and restate Resolution 10129 to continue
its provisions until December 31, 2025.
NOW THEREFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Findings and Declarations. The Council hereby adopts the above Recitals
as findings of the Council.
SECTION 2. Supersedes Resolution 10129. This Resolution shall supersede Resolution
10129, which is rescinded as of the effective date of this Resolution.
SECTION 3. Extension of Temporary Street Closure
A. The following street is hereby closed to any and all vehicular traffic through
December 31, 2025, in accordance with California Vehicle Code Section
21101(e), to facilitate the temporary uses of outdoor dining, retail, and
other permitted uses:
1. California Avenue from Birch Street to El Camino Real.
*NOT YET ADOPTED*
124_20241204_ts24
B. The City Manager is authorized to determine the days, hours and duration
of the temporary street closure(s) within the period specified in Section A,
with reasonable notice provided, and whether exceptions to the closure
shall be made for municipal purposes. The City Manager is also authorized
to close only part of the street authorized for closure in Section A.
SECTION 4. The Council finds that this Resolution is categorically exempt from CEQA
under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (existing facilities) and 15304(e) (minor temporary use of
land having negligible or no permanent effects on the environment).
SECTION 5. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon adoption.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
__________________________ _____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
__________________________ _____________________________
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
_____________________________
Director of Public Works
_____________________________
Chief Transportation Official
_____________________________
Director of Planning and Development
Services