HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2502-4180CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, March 10, 2025
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Agenda Item
7.Adoption of Resolutions Amending the Comprehensive Plan to Re-Classify Portions of
Ramona Street and California Avenue as Car-Free Streets and Closing those Streets to
Vehicular Traffic; and Adoption of an Ordinance Allowing the City Manager to Create
Regulations for these Streets, Setting Speed Limits for Bicycles on California Ave., and
Implementing Ramona St. as Pedestrian Only (First Read); CEQA Status - An Addendum to
the Comprehensive Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH#2014052101) Has Been
Prepared. Public Comment, Staff Presentation
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: ACTION ITEMS
Lead Department: City Manager
Meeting Date: March 10, 2025
Report #:2502-4180
TITLE
Adoption of Resolutions Amending the Comprehensive Plan to Re-Classify Portions of Ramona
Street and California Avenue as Car-Free Streets and Closing those Streets to Vehicular Traffic;
and Adoption of an Ordinance Allowing the City Manager to Create Regulations for these Streets,
Setting Speed Limits for Bicycles on California Ave., and Implementing Ramona St. as Pedestrian
Only (First Read); CEQA Status - An Addendum to the Comprehensive Plan Environmental Impact
Report (EIR) (SCH#2014052101) Has Been Prepared.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council:
1. Consider the Addendum to the previously adopted Comprehensive Plan 2030
Environmental Impact Report (SCH# 2014052101);
2. Adopt the Resolution amending the Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element and
Glossary;
3. Adopt the Resolution approving the closure of designated sections of Ramona St. And
California Avenue to vehicular traffic; and
4. FIRST READ: Adopt an ordinance creating new Chapter 10.66 in Title 10 (Vehicles and
Traffic) to allow the City Manager to create regulations to control vehicular access to these
streets, set speed limits for bicycles at 15 mph on California Ave, and implement Ramona
St. as pedestrian only by prohibiting bicycle and skateboard riding.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On November 6, 2023, the City Council provided direction to maintain the closed off portions of
Ramona Street and California Avenue as car-free streets, with current areas of street closure to be
made permanent.
In order to facilitate car-free areas of the City, an Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan is
proposed (Attachment A) to re-classify the proposed portions of Ramona Street and California
Avenue as a “Pedestrian Only Street” and “Community Street,” respectively, on Map T-5 of the
Transportation Element, and to add definitions of these terms to the Glossary. These streets are
currently identified as Residential/Collector Streets. The proposed Resolution in Attachment B
would approve the street designations and set forth the rules for the use of these streets. The
proposed Ordinance in Attachment D implements the Pedestrian Only designation of Ramona St.,
sets speed limits for bicycles on California Avenue, and allows the City Manager to create
regulations to control vehicle access for both streets. The environmental impacts associated with
the Comprehensive Plan Amendment and the permanent closure of these segments of Ramona
Street and California Avenue to through- vehicular traffic have been analyzed in an addendum to
the Comprehensive Plan Environmental Impact Report included in Attachment C. The findings of
the addendum show that the project will not result in any new or more severe impacts as
compared to impacts previously identified for the planned buildout under the Comprehensive
Plan through 2030.
On February 12, 2024, the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) reviewed the proposed
changes to the Comprehensive Plan. The PTC unanimously recommended approval and provided
additional feedback. The feedback has been considered and incorporated into the proposed
resolutions for Council consideration as discussed below.
BACKGROUND
In March 2020, restrictions on indoor dining and social distance requirements associated with the
COVID-19 pandemic had a negative economic effect on many local businesses in the City of Palo
Alto. In June 2020, the City closed off portions of Ramona Street (between Hamilton Avenue and
University Avenue) and California Avenue (between El Camino Real and Birch Street) to vehicular
traffic, to facilitate pedestrian access and outdoor dining, and enhance the retail experience.
Since June 2020, the City Council has taken action multiple times to continue the temporary
closures, and these street segments are still closed to vehicular traffic. Following is a summary of
key actions taken by Council to temporarily close these street segments to vehicular traffic to
facilitate pedestrian access and outdoor dining and enhance the retail experience:
•On June 23, 2020, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 9909, temporarily closing
portions of California Avenue and University Avenue and certain downtown streets
intersecting University Avenue (including Ramona Street), pursuant to California Vehicle
Code 21101.
•On August 10, 2020, December 14, 2020, and May 10, 2021, the Council adopted
successive resolutions extending the temporary street closures until to December 31,
2020, May 31, 2021, October 31, 2021, respectively.
•On September 13, 2021, the City Council directed the re-opening of University Avenue
on October 15, 2021, and adopted Resolutions No. 9987 and 9988 to continue with
temporary closure of portions of Ramona Street and California Avenue respectively,
through June 2022.
•On May 16, 2022, the City Council adopted Resolutions No. 10039 and 10040, extending
the temporary closures until December 31, 2023.
Due to the success of these temporary measures, on November 6, 2023, the City Council
directed staff to return with necessary actions to maintain the closed off portions of Ramona
Street and California Avenue as car-free streets in a permanent manner. Council has approved
subsequent resolutions extending the temporary closures through December 2025 to provide
time for implementation of the permanent closures.
In order to permanently close these portions of Ramona Street and California Avenue to vehicular
traffic, the City’s Comprehensive Plan will need to be amended.
Planning and Transportation Commission
On February 12, 2025, the PTC unanimously moved staff recommendations for the proposed
project and provided additional suggestions on possible modifications to the resolutions, as
warranted by staff. This included a recommendation to consider the following three items:
consultation with Caltrain, no net loss of accessible parking spaces, and improvements to the
alleyways off California Avenue. Staff has updated the resolutions to reflect PTC feedback and
consulted with Caltrain, as discussed further below. Any additional improvements on California
Avenue will be considered in a future phase of streetscape improvements.
Project Description
The proposed project includes a resolution to amend the Comprehensive Plan 2030 to re-
classify the proposed portions of Ramona Street and California Avenue as a “Pedestrian Only
Street” and Community Street,” respectively, on Map T-5 (page 67) of the Transportation
Element and adding definitions of the new street classifications to the Glossary. The project also
includes a resolution implementing the street closures and setting forth the provisions for
allowed uses within these street classifications. The proposed new classifications are:
•Pedestrian Only Streets – Streets that are restricted to pedestrians. Emergency vehicles,
and utility and maintenance vehicles operated by or on behalf of the City are allowed;
private utility vehicles may be allowed through an exception process. Outdoor dining and
retail displays are encouraged on pedestrian only streets.
•Community Streets – Streets that are restricted to pedestrians and bicycles or similar
modes of transportation, subject to a maximum speed limit. Emergency vehicles and
utility and maintenance vehicles operated by or on behalf of the City are allowed;
private utility and commercial vehicles may be allowed in limited capacities through an
exception process. Outdoor dining, retail displays, and community events are
encouraged on community streets.
Car-Free Ramona Street
The Ramona Street segment will be pedestrian access only (including full American with
Disabilities [ADA] access) with emergency vehicles and utility and maintenance vehicles operated
by or on behalf of the City granted access when needed. Private utility and maintenance vehicles
will be granted access through an exception process. Access by other vehicular traffic and
mounted bicycles will be precluded to better support a safe pedestrian zone.
Conceptual design for near-term improvements, which will support a car-free street, is currently
underway and will be brought forward for Council consideration in late Spring 2025. Potential
improvements include re-configuring the existing left turn lane from Hamilton Avenue to
Ramona Street, installing signage indicating no right or left turns from Hamilton Avenue onto
Ramona Street, and installing removable bollards, planters, and signage at both ends of the car-
free portion of Ramona Street to indicate a car-free street. Signage would also be installed at
University Avenue and Ramona Street to indicate that there is no outlet via Ramona Street, but
that there is access to the existing Ramona/University Parking Garage, located across from 530
Ramona Street, approximately midblock between University Avenue and Hamilton Avenue.
The removable bollards will provide access for emergency, public utility, and maintenance
vehicles on Ramona Street from Hamilton Avenue via a 40-foot-long and 20-foot-wide fire lane
that will narrow to 16 feet wide through the remainder of the car-free portion of the street
(approximately 160 feet). The fire lane will run through the center of the street, allowing eight
feet between the fire lane and the edge of the sidewalk for the first 40 feet and 10 feet on each
side, for the remaining approximately 160 feet. The space within the public right-of-way
between the fire lane and edge of sidewalk curbs could be available for outdoor dining and
retail.
Car-Free California Avenue
As proposed, California Avenue between El Camino Real and Birch Street will be restricted to
pedestrians and bicycles or other similar modes of transit, subject to a speed limit of 15 miles
per hour. Limited access will be allowed for emergency, utility and maintenance vehicles
operated by and on behalf of the City. Private utility and commercial vehicles would only be
allowed access through an exception process.
Council took action on December 16, 2024, to facilitate the replacement of temporary barriers
with near-term improvements at the car-free portion of California Avenue at the El Camino
Real, Ash Street and Birch Street intersections.1 Improvements are comprised of street
resurfacing, stamped clay colored asphalt, bollards, bike lanes, planters, and signage. At the El
Camino Real and Birch Street intersections bicycle lane markings will indicate the path of travel
in the car-free area. Retractable and removable bollards will control vehicle access to the car
free area. Large fiberglass planters will be located to prohibit vehicle access. Signage at each
intersection will indicate the road is closed to vehicles and open to bicycles and pedestrians.
Additionally, two ADA parking pick up and drop off areas will be located at the Ash Street
intersection. At the February 12, 2025 meeting2, the PTC asked staff to consider adding one
more ADA parking space, which would ensure no net loss of spaces; this will be taken into
consideration during the next phase of streetscape improvements. Construction of the near-
term improvements is anticipated to begin in March-April 2025.
The permanent closure of this section of California Avenue will require permanent relocation of
the Santa Clara Valley Transit Route (SCVT) 89 which will operate using an alternative bus route
as it has since 2020 when the temporary closures were initiated.
ANALYSIS
Staff has analyzed the proposed street closures and associated Comprehensive Plan
Amendment and found these actions to be consistent with the relevant plans, policies, and
regulations adopted by the City as detailed herein.
1 California Ave Street Improvements:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=426739a9-5371-4252-bf28-38b87dee1191
2 February 12th PTC Staff Report: https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=803f19f6-
edf7-4aac-bd3e-7f7e15a9681b
Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, Area Plans, and Guidelines3
The Comprehensive Plan includes Goals, Policies, and Programs that guide the physical form of
the City. The Comprehensive Plan provides the basis for the City’s development regulations and is
used by City staff to regulate building and development and make recommendations on projects.
The proposed resolutions further several goals and policies in the Comprehensive Plan Land Use
Element, Natural Element, and Transportation Element to encourage walking and biking,
prioritize alternative modes of transportation over single-occupancy vehicle use, and reduce
emissions, as detailed in the Resolutions in Attachments A and B.
The project would conflict with Map T-5 of the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive
Plan, which identifies Ramona Street and California Avenue as residential/collector streets. The
proposed amendment modifies this map to show the proposed segments of Ramona Street and
California Avenue as Pedestrian Only Street and Community Street, respectively. With approval
of the proposed resolution, the proposed street configurations would be consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan. This Comprehensive Plan Amendment to permanently close portions of
Ramona Street and California Avenue to vehicular traffic supports their transformation to be
vibrant walkable destinations, prioritizing outdoor dining, pedestrian safety, and public
gathering spaces to enhance community life and economic vibrancy.
There are no area plans that apply to these proposed street segments. Ramona Avenue is
located within the boundaries of the Downtown Design Guidelines. The proposed actions that
facilitate and implement a car-free street for a portion of Ramona Avenue encourages
pedestrian activity, consistent with these guidelines.
Zoning Compliance4
The proposed work is located within public right-of-way and is therefore not subject to a
specific land use designation. Nevertheless, the proposed actions do not include physical
modifications to the proposed street segments, with the exception of the placement of
removable bollards at the ends of each street segments, the addition of planters, and the
addition of wayfinding markings and signage. These improvements would not conflict with any
regulations set forth in the zoning ordinance or other municipal code sections.
Adjacent properties along the proposed car-free segment of Ramona Avenue are zoned
Commercial-Downtown Community (C-DC) with Ground Floor (GF) and Pedestrian (P) combining
districts. Adjacent properties along the proposed car-free segment of California Avenue are zoned
Community Commercial (CC2) with Retail (R) and P combining districts. Both commercial zone
districts accommodate a range of commercial uses and these ground floor, retail, and pedestrian
combining districts generally encourage active ground floor uses, particularly retail and retail-like
uses, and include urban design requirements that encourage pedestrian activity. The proposed
actions are consistent with the intent of these base zoning districts and combining districts and
3 The Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-
Services/Housing-Policies-Projects/2030-Comprehensive-Plan
4 Palo Alto Zoning Code: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/overview
add to the economic vitality of these areas.
Bicycle Access
To support a safe pedestrian zone with outdoor dining, retail, and events, mounted bicycles will
not be allowed in the pedestrian street. The car-free portion of Ramona Street is approximately
200 feet long and is not being considered as an essential bike route in the proposed Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan update. Bicyclists may use alternate parallel streets between Hamilton
Avenue and University Avenue or choose to walk their bicycles in the 200-foot car-free segment
of Ramona Street.
A bicycle route through the car-free portion of California Avenue is a core element of cross-town
bike circulation. California Avenue’s bike lanes connect the east and west sides of Palo Alto to
the California Avenue Caltrain Station, with a connection under the Caltrain tracks, linking
residential neighborhoods, regional transit, and employment at Stanford Research Park.
Currently, Class II bike lanes extend from Hannover Street to Louis Road, including a bike tunnel
under the Caltrain right-of-way, with California Avenue as a planned enhanced bikeway between
the Caltrain right-of-way and El Camino Real. A Community Street designation will eliminate car
traffic and prioritize pedestrians and bicycles and other similar modes of transportation, subject
to a maximum speed limit of 15 miles per hour, designating the route as part of the City’s bike
network.
Allowed and Prohibited Vehicles
The reclassification of a portion of Ramona Street prioritizes pedestrian use and the re-
classification of a portion of California Avenue as a Community Street prioritizes pedestrian use,
bicycle use, and other similar modes of transportation, subject to a maximum speed limit of 15
miles per hour for bicycles. Both reclassifications restrict vehicle access to maintain safety and
pedestrian usability. “Car- free” means no through vehicular traffic, with limited exceptions as
follows:
Allowed Vehicles
•Emergency vehicles are permitted access at any time during emergencies or for non-
emergency situations that ensure public health and safety, including special events.
•Utility and maintenance vehicles, operated by or on behalf of the City or utilities, will be
granted access if no alternative method exists to reach the service location.
•Utility and maintenance vehicles operated by businesses or private entities may also
receive access per this criteria, and through an exception process,
•For special events, such as Farmers’ Markets, and other special circumstances, the City
Manager or designee may authorize access on a limited basis, to the closed streets.
Prohibited Vehicles
•Commercial vehicles making routine (i.e. regularly scheduled) deliveries to
businesses and individuals are prohibited.
The attached ordinance will allow the City Manager to promulgate or amend these exceptions
as appropriate through City Manager-level regulations.
Options for Bollard Access
The operation of retractable and removable bollards on Ramona Street and California Avenue
will be managed through a key access system. Police, Fire Department, and City utilities and
maintenance will have access keys. Staff will develop protocols for access by other
stakeholders such as public utilities and vendors at the Farmers’ Market and 3rd Thursdays.
Parking and Circulation
The primary concern raised by merchants and community members regarding the temporary
closure of California Avenue is vehicle circulation rather than parking. Since the closure began
in 2020, travel behavior has adjusted to mitigate some of these concerns, but some issues still
need to be addressed.
Parking
The closure of the car-free section of California Avenue has resulted in the loss of 53 on-street
parking spaces, which includes three ADA spaces between Ash Street and Birch Street. The
impact of the lost on-street parking is lessened due to an increase in parking supply with the
new Sherman Avenue garage, a decrease in the demand for parking due to remote work, and
the growth of on-line shopping. Additionally, changes in office occupancy trends, with
employees concentrating in-office time midweek, has reduced informal weekday lunches,
further reducing parking demand. The loss of ADA parking spaces, which affects access for
disabled and senior customers, will be addressed by near-term improvements for two new ADA
parking spaces on Ash Street, ensuring that merchants will have ADA accessible parking in close
proximity to their businesses. As stated earlier, staff will explore future opportunities for an
additional ADA parking space, in response to feedback from PTC.
Circulation
Key circulation issues on California Avenue include wayfinding challenges, the need to improve
alleyways and pedestrian pathways, resolving bicycle and pedestrian conflicts, and ensuring
safety by addressing unauthorized pick-up and drop-off locations. Street design concepts under
development by the consultant, Urban Field Studio, will address these issues.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
Approval of the recommended action will not result in any immediate fiscal impact. The Project
may result in increased revenue due to increased economic activity in downtown and on
California Avenue. Overall, the near-term improvements for California Avenue are funded as is
the design work for Ramona Street; however, additional funding will be needed for near term
improvements on Ramona St. (e.g. bollards and planters) and further improvements on California
Avenue (e.g. implementation of a signage plan).
Improvements for the car-free portion of Ramona Street will be discussed with the City Council
in late spring 2025; funding needed to implement approved improvements will be considered
as a proposal in the FY 2026 Proposed Budget. Costs associated with improvements (bollards,
planters, signage, edge treatments) for Ramona Street are under development.
As discussed with the City Council on February 3, 2025,5 the cost for near-term improvements
for California Avenue, including bollard installation, planters, stamped concrete,
grinding/repaving of pavement and work at the California Ave & El Camino Real intersection is
approximately $825,000. This California Avenue work is funded through Council approved
projects in the FY 2025 Capital Improvement program including California Avenue Streetscape,
(PL-23000), Transportation and Parking Improvements (PL-12000) and Street Maintenance
Project (PE-86070).
Costs for additional project-specific investments, such as implementation of a California Ave
signage plan, will be further refined and discussed with the City Council as the project
elements continue to take shape. These significant investments will be discussed as part of the
FY 2026 budget process as well to the extent financial resource needs are anticipated.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The Palo Alto Municipal Code requires notice of this public hearing be published in a local
paper at least ten days in advance. Notice of a public hearing for this project, accordingly, was
published in the Daily Post on February 28, 2025, which is 10 days in advance of the meeting.
Stakeholder and Community Engagement
City staff and consultants conducted extensive outreach to engage merchants, business
owners, and the broader community regarding the future of Ramona Street and California
Avenue from October 2022 to April 2023, with a second round of outreach for California
Avenue from February 2024 to November 2024. Key efforts included monthly workshops,
interviews, focus group meetings and outreach to several stakeholder groups such as
Stanford Research Park, Chamber of Commerce, Farmer’s Market, business and property
owners, property managers and developers. Staff also held several online and in-person
community meetings, conducted a survey, and engaged City Committees. A detailed
Community & Stakeholder engagement report is available online and provides further detail
5 Council Study Session: https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=ea05cf69-abb5-
47f4-80f1-973371604f2f
of the stakeholder engagement work conducted for this project6. Additionally, City Council
report for the February 3, 2025, hearing provides a more recent update on stakeholder
engagement on California Avenue.
The two City surveys conducted for these car-free streets showed support for a pedestrian
oriented main street. 79% of the survey respondents supported keeping California Avenue
car-free and 70% of the survey respondents supported keeping a portion of Ramona Street
car-free.
While some property owners and retailers on California Avenue have expressed concern about
reduced visibility and access for cars with the street closure, these challenges can be
addressed through enhanced wayfinding, zoning reform to attract new business, and
thoughtful urban design. The wide 90-foot right-of-way presents an opportunity to balance
retail, restaurant, and community needs without vehicular traffic, which would compromise
the pedestrian atmosphere. Making the closure permanent provides certainty for local
business and property owners, encouraging investment in outdoor dining and other
improvements.
Based on feedback from the PTC on February 12, 2025, the project was also sent to Caltrain on
February 13, 2025, for their review and feedback. A response from Caltrain on February 18,
2025, indicated they had no comments or concerns about the project.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The City, acting as the lead agency, has analyzed the project in accordance with the authority
and criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA
Guidelines, and the environmental regulations of the City. Specifically, the City prepared an
addendum to the Comprehensive Plan EIR (SCH#2014052101) to evaluate the proposed
comprehensive plan amendment and associated street closures. The addendum concludes
that the Project will not have new, or substantially more severe significant effects compared
to those identified in the Comprehensive Plan EIR. Furthermore, there are no new mitigation
measures beyond those previously analyzed that would reduce one or more significant
effects. During all Project construction activities, it is recommended applicable BMPs shown in
Table 5.3 of the CEQA Analysis report be implemented in compliance with Mitigation Measure
AIR-2a.
On November 22, 2024, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority provided feedback on the
potential impacts to Bus Route 89 which are incorporated into the transportation analysis of
6 Community & Stakeholder Engagement Report:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/projects/car-free-streets/cfs_fall-2022-
spring-2023-community-and-stakeholder-engagement-report_final-for-web.pdf
the Addendum. Although not required, the Administrative Draft Addendum to the EIR for this
project was sent to other Public Agencies that may have an interest in this proposed project,
including Caltrans and California State Historic Preservation Office.
Tribal Coordination
SB 18 (GC Section 65352.3) requires lead agencies to contact and consult with California
Native American tribes prior to amending or adopting any general plan, specific plan, or
designating land as open space. In accordance with SB 18, notification of the proposed
Project was mailed to the following tribes on December 5, 2024:
•Amah Mutsun Tribal Band of Mission San Juan Bautista
•Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe
•Indian Canyon Mutsun Band of Coastanoan
•Ohlone Indian Tribe
•Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the SF Bay Area
•Wuksachi Indian Tribe/Eshom Valley Band
•Tamien Nation
Two tribes requested consultation. Staff met with Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San
Francisco Bay Area on January 23, 2025. A meeting was also scheduled with Tamien Nation on
January 22, 2025, but they were unable to attend. On February 5, 2025 the Muwekma Ohlone
Tribe of the San Francisco Bay area confirmed that with implementation of the City’s standard
measures to protect resources, which include worker environmental awareness training, and
a stop work in the event of an unanticipated discovery in order to evaluate and properly treat
the resource if uncovered, the tribe considered consultation to be complete. Tamien Nation
has not responded to multiple e-mails and phone calls to discuss the project.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Resolution Amending the Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element
Attachment B: Resolution Approving the Street Closures and Setting forth Provisions of the
Closures
Attachment C: Environmental Analysis
Attachment D: Ordinance Allowing the City Manager to Create Regulations for the Car-Free
Streets, Setting Bicycle Speed Limits at 15 mph on California Ave., and Implementing the
Pedestrian Only designation to Ramona St.
APPROVED BY:
Ed Shikada, City Manager
*NOT YET APPROVED*
1
128_20250226_TS24
Resolution No. ____
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending the Comprehensive Plan
Circulation Element Text to Add Two New Street Classifications to Map T-5 to add
Pedestrian Only Streets and Community Streets and to Apply Those Designations to a
Segment of Ramona Street and California Avenue, Respectively
R E C I T A L S
A. California Government Code Section 65300 et seq. requires every city and county in California to
adopt a General Plan, known in Palo Alto as its Comprehensive Plan, for its long-range development,
and further, to periodically update that plan to reflect current issues and conditions.
B. On November 13, 2017, the City Council for the City of Palo Alto (City) certified a Final
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the City of Palo Alto 2030 Comprehensive Plan through
Resolution No. 9720, made findings in relation to the Final EIR, adopted a mitigation monitoring and
report plan (MMRP), and adopted a statement of overriding considerations through Resolution No.
9721 and adopted the City of Palo Alto 2030 Comprehensive Plan through Resolution No. 9722.
C. Map T-5 on Page 67 of the City of Palo Alto 2030 Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element
identifies California Avenue and Ramona Street as residential/collector streets.
D. On June 23, 2020, the Council adopted Resolution No. 9909 approving the temporary closure of
portions of California 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.
E. Through subsequent resolutions, including Resolutions 9909, 9911, 9933, 9954, 9962, 9987, 9988,
10039, 10040, 10129, 10130, 10207, and 10208, Council temporarily extended the street closures.
F. On November 6, 2023 Council directed staff to return with the necessary actions to maintain
California Avenue and Ramona Street as a car-free street with current areas of street closure to be
made permanent.
G. To align Map T-5 of the transportation Element to reflect the partial closure of segments of Ramona
Street and California Avenue, two new street classifications will be added to the map legend and
reflected on the map. The new classifications of “Pedestrian Only Streets” and “Community Streets”,
will be reflected on the map for the car-free segments of Ramona Street and California Avenue,
*NOT YET APPROVED*
2
128_20250226_TS24
respectively. These classifications and associated provisions are implemented in Resolution _____,
which also approves the closure of these street segments to vehicular traffic.
H. The Planning and Transportation Commission, after a duly noticed public hearing on February 12,
2025, recommended that the City Council amend Map T-5 of the City of Palo Alto Comprehensive
Plan and add definitions of the new street classifications to the Glossary as set forth below.
I. The City Council considered said recommendation after a duly noticed public hearing held on March
10, 2025 and now desires to amend Map T-5 of the Circulation Element as set forth below.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto RESOLVES as follows:
SECTION 1. The City Council finds that the public interest, health, safety and welfare of Palo Alto and
the surrounding region would be furthered by an amendment of the Circulation Element.
SECTION 2. The Text Amendment to Map T-5 of the Circulation Element of the Comprehensive Plan
is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan as a whole; in particular, it facilitates these partial streets
closures, which furthers the following goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan:
Table 1: Comprehensive Plan Policy Consistency
Natural Element
Goal N-5: Clean, healthful air for Palo Alto and
the San Francisco Bay Area.
The proposed comprehensive plan amendment
facilitates the closure of two street segments to
motor vehicles, prioritizing alternative modes of
transportation, consistent with these policies that
encourage reduction in emissions from automobiles.
Policy N-5.2: Support behavior changes to
reduce emissions of particulates from
automobiles.
Transportation Element
Goal T-1: Create a sustainable transportation
system, complemented by a mix of land uses,
that emphasizes walking, bicycling, use of
public transportation and other methods to
reduce GHG emissions and the use of single-
occupancy motor vehicles.
The proposed comprehensive plan amendment
facilitates the closure of two street segments to
motor vehicles, which encourages a transportation
system that emphasizes alternative modes of
transportation to single-occupancy motor vehicles
and supports bicycling and walking.
Policy T-1.3: Reduce GHG and pollutant
emissions associated with transportation by
reducing VMT and per-mile emissions through
increasing transit options, supporting biking
and walking, and the use of zero-emission
vehicle technologies to meet City and State
goals for GHG reductions by 2030.
Policy T-1.19: Provide facilities that
encourage and support bicycling and walking.
*NOT YET APPROVED*
3
128_20250226_TS24
Policy L-4.1. Encourage the upgrading and
revitalization of selected Centers in a manner
that is compatible with the character of
surrounding neighborhoods, without loss of
retail and existing small, local businesses.
The project encourages a community center in retail
areas that are intended to support the vibrant retail
environment surrounding these areas.
Policy L-4.4. Ensure all Regional Centers and
Multi-Neighborhood Centers provide centrally
located gathering spaces that create a sense
of identity and encourage economic
revitalization. Encourage public amenities
such as benches, street trees, kiosks,
restrooms and public art.
The proposed comprehensive plan amendment
facilitates the closure of two street segments in order
to make these spaces central gathering places that
create a sense of identity and encourage walkability
and a vibrant retail area on both California Avenue
and Ramona Street.
Policy L-8.4: Create facilities for civic and
intellectual life, such as better urban public
spaces for civic programs and speakers,
cultural, musical and artistic events.
Policy L-4.7 Maintain and enhance the
University Avenue/Downtown area as a major
commercial center of the City, with a mix of
commercial, civic, cultural, recreational and
residential uses. Promote quality design that
recognizes the regional and historical
importance of the area and reinforces its
pedestrian character.
Policy L-7.5 To reinforce the scale and
character of University Avenue/Downtown,
promote the preservation of significant
historic buildings.
The City conducted consultation with tribes that are
geographically and culturally affiliated with the area
in accordance with Senate Bill 18 regulations and
incorporate the tribe’s recommendations as part of
the proposed project to ensure the protection of
tribal cultural resources, if uncovered. The project
does not include any proposed street modifications
that would have the potential to impact adjacent
historic buildings, which would be preserved as part
of the proposed project. The project adds vitality to
the areas around these historic buildings, enhancing
pedestrian access to these areas.
Policy L-7.16 Continue to consult with tribes
as required by California Government Code
Section 65352.3. In doing so, use appropriate
procedures to accommodate tribal concerns
when a tribe has a religious prohibition against
revealing precise information about the
location or previous practice at a particular
sacred site.
Policy L-7.17 Assess the need for
archaeological surveys and mitigation plans
on a project-by-project basis, consistent with
the California Environmental Quality Act and
the National Historic Preservation Act.
Policy L-7.18 Require project proponents to
meet State codes and regulations regarding
*NOT YET APPROVED*
4
128_20250226_TS24
the identification and protection of
archaeological and paleontological deposits,
and unique geologic features.
SECTION 3. The City Council hereby amends the Comprehensive Plan Circulation Element as follows:
Map T-5 on Page 67 of the Transportation Element as shown in Attachment A is hereby amended to
identify two new street classifications, Community Streets and Pedestrian Only Streets, and to apply
those classifications to a portion of California Avenue from El Camino Real to Birch Street and a portion
of Ramona Street between Hamilton Avenue and University Avenue, respectively, as shown in
Attachment B.
The Glossary is hereby amended to add the following terms and definitions:
Community Street
Streets that are restricted to pedestrians and bicycles or similar modes of
transportation, subject to a maximum speed limit. Emergency vehicles and
utility and maintenance vehicles operated by or on behalf of the City are
allowed; private utility and commercial vehicles may be allowed in limited
capacities through an exception process. Outdoor dining, retail displays, and
community events are encouraged on community streets.
Pedestrian Only Street
Streets that are restricted to pedestrians. Emergency vehicles, and utility and
maintenance vehicles operated by or on behalf of the City are allowed; private
utility vehicles may be allowed through an exception process. Outdoor dining
and retail displays are encouraged on pedestrian only streets.
These street classifications and additional rules for these street segments are implemented in
Resolution ________, which approves the closure of these street segments to vehicular traffic.
SECTION 4. In conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the
environmental impacts of this Resolution were evaluated in an Environmental Impact Report Addendum
entitled “City of Palo Alto Car Free Ramona Street and California Avenue Addendum to the
Comprehensive Plan EIR” dated February 2025. This addendum supplements the analysis in the
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the 2030 Comprehensive Plan (SCH #2014052101), which the
Council considered and adopted, together with the related Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan
(MMRP) on November 13, 2017 in accordance with City Council Resolution 9721 and 9722. The
addendum did not disclose any new significant impacts that were not previous evaluated and mitigated
in the Comp plan EIR, for which a statement of overriding considerations was previously adopted.
//
//
*NOT YET APPROVED*
5
128_20250226_TS24
SECTION 5. This resolution shall be effective upon adoption.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
__________________________ _____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
__________________________ __________________________
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
APPROVED:
__________________________
Chief Transportation Official
Exhibit A: Existing Map T-5 of the Transportation Element
Exhibit B: Proposed Map T-5 of the Transportation Element
"X
"X
§¨¦280
|ÿ82
£¤101
Mountain View
East Palo Alto
Stanford
Los Altos Hills
Menlo Park
S A N
F R A N C I S C O
B A Y
Los Altos
El Ca
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Footh
i
l
l
E
x
p
r
e
s
s
w
a
y
Oreg
o
n
E
x
p
r
e
s
s
w
a
y
Embarca
d
e
r
o
R
o
a
d
Univ
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
n
u
e
East Charleston Road
San
A
n
t
o
n
i
o
R
o
a
d
Alma
S
t
r
e
e
t
Midd
l
e
f
i
e
l
d
R
o
a
d
California Ave Station
Palo Alto Station
Source: City of Palo Alto, 2013; PlaceWorks, 2014.
M A P T - 5ROADWAY NETWORK
P A L O A L T O C O M P R E H E N S I V E P L A NT R A N S P O R T A T I O N E L E M E N T
0 0.25 0.5 Miles
Local/Collector Residential Arterial Arterial Expressway Freeway Railroads
"X Caltrain Stations Parks Public Conservation Land Sphere of Influence City Boundary
Exhibit A: Existing Map T-5
"X
"X
§¨¦280
|ÿ82
£¤101
Mountain View
East Palo Alto
Stanford
Los Altos Hills
Menlo Park
S A N
F R A N C I S C O
B A Y
Los Altos
El Cam
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Foothil
l
E
x
p
r
e
s
s
w
a
y
Orego
n
E
x
p
r
e
s
s
w
a
y
Embarcadero
R
o
a
d
Unive
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
n
u
e
East Charleston Road
San A
n
t
o
n
i
o
R
o
a
d
Alma S
t
r
e
e
t
Middlef
i
e
l
d
R
o
a
d
California Ave Station
Palo Alto Station
Source: City of Palo Alto, 2025.
MAP T-5
ROADWAY NETWORK
P A L O A L T O C O M P R E H E N S I V E P L A NT R A N S P O R T A T I O N E L E M E N T
0 0.25 0.5 Miles
Pedestrian Only Street Community Street Local/Collector Residential Arterial Arterial Expressway Freeway
Railroads "X Caltrain Stations Parks Public Conservation Land Sphere of Influence City Boundary
Exhibit B: Proposed Map T-5
Exhibit B: Proposed Map T-5
(continued)
Block-level map of the Pedestrian Only Street section of Ramona St. marked in
yellow above.
*NOT YET APPROVED*
1
126_20250226_TS24
Resolution No. ____
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Closing a Portion of Ramona Street
between Hamilton Avenue and University Avenue and California Avenue between El
Camino Real and Birch Street to Vehicular Traffic Pursuant to the Amended Circulation
Element of the Comprehensive Plan and Adopting Certain Rules for those Streets
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 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.
D. 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.
E. On May 10, 2021, the Council adopted Resolution 9954, which further extended 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.
F. 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 nonemergency basis.
G. In the midst of the continued COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Palo Alto continued to take measured
steps to allow businesses to resume activities in outdoor settings. As a key part of those efforts, the
Uplift Local Program (formerly known as the Summer Streets Program) created an attractive
pedestrian environment on the closed streets resulting in increased foot traffic. A number of
*NOT YET APPROVED*
2
126_20250226_TS24
restaurants took advantage of the program and created outdoor seating in the streets, on sidewalks,
and on parklets. Residents and visitors who have come to University Avenue and California Avenue
have expressed delight and reported having a highly enjoyable experience.
H. 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 9988 extended the closure of Ramona Street only; a separate resolution (no. 9987)
extended the closure of California Avenue.
I. On May 16, 2022 the Council voted to extend the street closures of California Avenue and Ramona
Street through December 31, 2023 to allow for the continued use of these streets for outdoor dining
and other activities as may be allowed and adopted Resolutions 10039 and 10040.
J. On November 6, 2023 Council directed staff to return with the necessary actions to maintain
California Avenue and Ramona Street as a car-free street with current areas of street closure to be
made permanent and adopted Resolutions 10129 and 10130 allowing for the continued temporary
closure of California Avenue and Ramona Street through December 2024.
K. On December 16, 2024, the Council adopted Resolutions 10207 and 10208 to extend the street
closures of California Avenue and Ramona Street through December 31, 2025.
L. California Vehicle Code section 21101(g) allows the City to adopt a resolution to prohibit entry and
exit to any street to implement the circulation element of a general plan.
M. The Planning and Transportation Commission, after a duly noticed public hearing on February 12,
2025, recommended that the City Council amend Map T-5 of the City of Palo Alto Comprehensive
Plan and the glossary.
N. The City Council considered said recommendation after a duly noticed public hearing held on March
10, 2025 and Amended Map T-5 of the Transportation Element and glossary, through Resolution
______________and now desires to close a portion of Ramona Street between Hamilton Avenue
and University Avenue as well as a portion of California Avenue from University Avenue to Birch
Street to vehicular traffic, as set forth below.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto RESOLVES as follows:
SECTION 1. The City Council finds that the public interest, health, safety and welfare of Palo Alto
and the surrounding region would be furthered by the street closures. With adoption of Resolution
_______, which amends Map T-5 of the Comprehensive Plan to amend the classification of these two
street segments from residential/collector to Pedestrian Only Streets and Community Streets for
Ramona Street and California Avenue, respectively, the closures are consistent with the Comprehensive
Plan as a whole. In particular, it furthers the following goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan:
Table 1: Comprehensive Plan Policy Consistency
Natural Element
*NOT YET APPROVED*
3
126_20250226_TS24
Goal N-5: Clean, healthful air for Palo Alto and the San Francisco Bay Area. The proposed closure of two street segments to
motor vehicles prioritizes alternative modes of
transportation, consistent with these policies that
encourage reduction in emissions from automobiles. Policy N-5.2: Support behavior changes to reduce emissions of particulates from automobiles.
Transportation Element
GOAL T-1: Create a sustainable transportation system, complemented by a mix of land uses, that emphasizes walking, bicycling, use of public transportation and other methods to reduce GHG emissions and the use of single-occupancy motor vehicles.
The proposed closure of these two street segments
to motor vehicles encourages a transportation
system that emphasizes alternative modes of
transportation to single-occupancy motor vehicles
and supports bicycling and walking.
Policy T-1.3: Reduce GHG and pollutant emissions associated with transportation by reducing VMT and per-mile emissions through increasing transit options, supporting biking and walking, and the use of zero-emission vehicle technologies to meet City and State goals for GHG reductions by 2030.
Policy T-1.19: Provide facilities that encourage and support bicycling and walking. Policy L-4.1. Encourage the upgrading and revitalization of selected Centers in a manner that is compatible with the character of surrounding neighborhoods, without loss of retail and existing small, local businesses.
The project facilitates the creation of a community
center in two retail areas that are intended to
support the vibrant retail environment surrounding
these areas.
Policy L-4.4. Ensure all Regional Centers and Multi-Neighborhood Centers provide centrally located gathering spaces that create a sense of identity and encourage economic revitalization. Encourage public amenities such as benches, street trees, kiosks, restrooms and public art.
The proposed closure of two street segments provide
an opportunity to make these spaces central
gathering places that create a sense of identity and
encourage walkability and a vibrant retail area on
both California Avenue and Ramona Street.
Policy L-8.4: Create facilities for civic and intellectual life, such as better urban public spaces for civic programs and speakers, cultural, musical and artistic events.
Policy L-4.7 Maintain and enhance the University Avenue/Downtown area as a major commercial center of the City, with a mix of commercial, civic, cultural, recreational and residential uses. Promote quality design that recognizes the regional and historical importance of the area and reinforces its pedestrian character.
*NOT YET APPROVED*
4
126_20250226_TS24
Policy L-7.5 To reinforce the scale and character of University Avenue/Downtown, promote the preservation of significant historic buildings.
The City conducted consultation with tribes that are
geographically and culturally affiliated with the area
in accordance with Senate Bill 18 regulations and
incorporate the tribe’s recommendations as part of
the proposed project to ensure the protection of
tribal cultural resources, if uncovered. The project
does not include any proposed street modifications
that would have the potential to impact adjacent
historic buildings, which would be preserved as part
of the proposed project. The project adds vitality to
the areas around these historic buildings, enhancing
pedestrian access to these areas.
Policy L-7.16 Continue to consult with tribes as required by California Government Code Section 65352.3. In doing so, use appropriate procedures to accommodate tribal concerns when a tribe has a religious prohibition against revealing precise information about the location or previous practice at a particular sacred site.
Policy L-7.17 Assess the need for archaeological surveys and mitigation plans on a project-by-project basis, consistent with the California Environmental Quality Act and the National Historic Preservation Act.
Policy L-7.18 Require project proponents to meet State codes and regulations regarding the identification and protection of archaeological and paleontological deposits, and unique geologic features.
SECTION 2. Street Closures. Pursuant to Resolution _______, which amended the Comprehensive
Plan transportation Element to re-classify the streets from residential/collector to “Pedestrian Only
Streets” and “Community Streets”, the City Council hereby closes the following segments of Ramona
Street and California Avenue to vehicular traffic, subject to the following provisions:
The portion of Ramona Street starting at Hamilton Avenue and continuing approximately 200 feet to
end at the entrance to the 533 Ramona St. parking garage entrance (as it exists at on the date of
adoption of this Resolution) is hereby reclassified as a Pedestrian Only Street, which is defined as:
Streets that are restricted to pedestrians. Emergency vehicles, and utility and maintenance vehicles
operated by or on behalf of the City are allowed; private utility vehicles may be allowed through an
exception process. Outdoor dining and retail displays are encouraged on pedestrian only streets.
California Avenue between El Camino Real and Birch Street is hereby reclassified as a Community Street,
which is defined as:
Streets that are restricted to pedestrians and bicycles or similar modes of transportation, subject
to a maximum speed limit. Emergency vehicles and utility and maintenance vehicles operated by
*NOT YET APPROVED*
5
126_20250226_TS24
or on behalf of the City are allowed; private utility and commercial vehicles may be allowed in
limited capacities through an exception process. Outdoor dining, retail displays, and community
events are encouraged on community streets.
SECTION 3. Additional Rules.
3.1 This Section 3 shall apply to those streets designated as Pedestrian Only Streets and Community
Streets and shall automatically sunset upon the City Manager’s adoption of replacement regulations as
authorized by PAMC Chapter 10.66.
3.2. Emergency vehicles shall be permitted access only during an emergency or if needed during a
non-emergency to provide for public health and/or safety. This includes the staging of emergency
vehicles during special events or other times when deployment is necessary to ensure public health
and/or safety.
3.3 Utility and Maintenance vehicles that are operated by the City and publicly or privately owned
utilities, or contractors operating on behalf of the City or such utilities, may be allowed access if there is
no other practicable method to access the location needing service. As determined by the City Manager
or designee, utility and maintenance vehicles operating on behalf of other parties, including businesses,
building owners, and tenants, may be granted access by the City if there is no other practicable method
to access the location needing service. Utility and maintenance vehicles do not include vehicles making
routine deliveries to companies or persons.
3.4. Special Events. The City Manager or designee may authorize vehicles to access the closed street
for special events.
3.5 The City Manager or designee may promulgate regulations to ensure the orderly and safe
functioning of these rules. This includes time, place, and manner restrictions, as well as limiting the
number of vehicles on these streets at any given time.
SECTION 4. Supersedes Resolutions 10207 and 10208. This Resolution shall supersede Resolutions
10207 and 10208, which are rescinded as of the effective date of this Resolution.
SECTION 5. CEQA. In conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the
environmental impacts of this Resolution were evaluated in an Environmental Impact Report Addendum
entitled “City of Palo Alto Car Free Ramona Street and California Avenue Addendum to the
Comprehensive Plan EIR” dated February 2025. This addendum supplements the analysis in the
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the 2030 Comprehensive Plan (SCH #2014052101), which the
Council considered and adopted, together with the related Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan
(MMRP) on November 13, 2017, in accordance with City Council Resolution 9721 and 9722. The
addendum did not disclose any new significant impacts that were not previous evaluated and mitigated
in the Comp plan EIR, for which a statement of overriding considerations was previously adopted.
*NOT YET APPROVED*
6
126_20250226_TS24
SECTION 6. This resolution shall be effective upon adoption.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
__________________________ __________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
__________________________ __________________________
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
APPROVED:
__________________________
Chief Transportation Official
Attachment C
Meeting Date: March 10, 2025
Staff Report # 2502 -4180
Environmental Analysis
The Car Free CA and Ramon EIR Addendum 02-2025 can be viewed online at:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/city-manager/car-free-streets/car-free-ca-and-
ramona-eir-addendum-02-2025.pdf
The Appendix A Traffic Impact Analysis can be viewed online at:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/city-manager/car-free-streets/appendix-a-traffic-
impact-analysis.pdf
The Appendix B CalEEMod Output can be viewed online at:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/city-manager/car-free-streets/appendix-b-
caleemod-output.pdf
The Appendix C MMRP Matrix can be viewed online at:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/city-manager/car-free-streets/appendix-c-mmrp-
matrix.pdf
*NOT YET APPROVED*
127_20250226_ts24 1
Ordinance No. _____
Ordinance of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Creating New Chapter 10.66
(Pedestrian Only Streets and Community Streets) in Title 10 (Vehicles and
Traffic)
The Council of the City of Palo Alto ORDAINS as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings and Declarations. The City Council finds and declares as follows:
A. In conjunction with this ordinance, the City is amending its Comprehensive Plan to create
two new street types called “Pedestrian Only Streets” and “Community Streets.” A
portion of Ramona Street will be a Pedestrian Only Street, and a portion of California
Avenue will be a Community Street.
B. The City Council desires to delegate the regulation of such streets to the City Manager. In
addition, the City Council desires to regulate the speed of bicycles and similar vehicles
under existing PAMC section 10.64.220 (Speed limits on shared-use paths) and prohibit
bicycles and similar vehicles on Pedestrian Only Streets.
SECTION 2. New Chapter 10.66 (Pedestrian Only Streets and Community Streets) is
hereby added to Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) to read as follows:
Chapter 10.66 Pedestrian Only Streets and Community Streets
10.66.010 Definitions
For the purpose of this Chapter, “Pedestrian Only Streets” and “Community Streets” shall have
the same meaning as found in the City’s Comprehensive Plan, as may be amended.
10.66.020 City Manager Authority to Create and Enforce Regulations
The City Manager or designee may promulgate regulations to control vehicle access and usage
of any street designated as a Pedestrian Only Street and Community Street. Such regulations
shall be consistent with applicable laws and the allowable uses of these streets as defined in the
Comprehensive Plan. Regulations shall be publicly available by posting them on the City’s
website. Any person who violates such regulations shall be liable for a violation of this Section.
10.66.030 Bicycle Speed Limits on Community Streets
Any area or path for use by bicycles on a street designated as a Community Street shall be
considered “shared use paths” for the purpose of enforcing the speed limits in PAMC 10.64.220,
as may be amended.
*NOT YET APPROVED*
127_20250226_ts24 2
10.66.040 No Bicycles or Skateboards on Pedestrian Only Streets
No person shall ride or operate any bicycle, skateboard, or any other transportation vehicle or
device on any street designated as a Pedestrian Only Street.
SECTION 3. Severability.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to
be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision
shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby
declares that it would have passed this Ordinance and each and every section, subsection,
sentence, clause, or phrase not declared invalid or unconstitutional without regard to whether
any portion of the Ordinance would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 4. Environmental Review
In conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the environmental impacts
of this project were evaluated in an Environmental Impact Report Addendum entitled “City of
Palo Alto Car Free Ramona Street and California Avenue Addendum to the Comprehensive Plan
EIR” dated February 2025. This addendum supplements the analysis in the Environmental Impact
Report (EIR) for the 2030 Comprehensive Plan (SCH #2014052101), which the Council considered
and adopted, together with the related Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan (MMRP) on
November 13, 2017. in accordance with City Council Resolution 9721 and 9722. The addendum
did not disclose any new significant impacts that were not previous evaluated and mitigated in
the Comp plan EIR, for which a statement of overriding considerations was previously adopted.
//
//
//
//
//
//
//
*NOT YET APPROVED*
127_20250226_ts24 3
SECTION 5. Effective Date
This Ordinance shall be effective 31 days after adoption.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
NOT PARTICIPATING:
ATTEST:
____________________________ ____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
____________________________ ____________________________
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
____________________________
Director of Transportation
____________________________
Director of Planning & Development
Services
7
From:
To:
biancadejong forestspaboutique.com
Council, City
Cc:roxy@roxyrapp.com
Subject:
Date:
Ramona Street development
Friday, March 7, 2025 6:50:46 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious
of opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear members or the Palo Alto City Council,
Today, my landlord, Roxy Rap, requested I email the city council regarding the street
development on Ramona Street.
As a retailer and personal service provider, part of attracting new customers comes from our
street presence. For the past years, our beautiful Ramona Street has looked like an absolute
construction zone, especially right in front of our location. Even though we do not agree with
the current “construction zone look,” Forest Spa Boutique has embraced outdoor dining.
We’ve only experienced a positive impact on our business.
Forest Spa Boutique attracts new clients online and through our street presence. Foot traffic
represents potential customers who are actively engaged with our retail business. They read
our A-frame, scout out our window, and decide right there and then if they like to enter our
premises. Drive-by traffic is passive; you can only hope you left enough visual impressions for
them to get into action later. With this said Forest Spa Boutique definitely prefers higher
numbers of active foot traffic than drive-by traffic.
I feel Roxy Rapp’s street design gives us everything we need. The beautifully designed
sidewalks are wide enough to dine safely without obstructing the pedestrian flow we so much
rely on. It also allows immediate safety access for emergency response. Above all, it will
expose all the nostalgic Hispanic atmosphere Ramona Street has to offer since the closed-off
street section will be so much more openly exposed.
As a business owner, I am concerned about how efficiently the city will execute a plan like
this. Construction and barricaded sidewalks will be a huge nuisance for all business owners on
Ramona Street. It will be key to execute any plan fast, without delay, and with as little
disturbance as possible.
I’ll be happy to corroborate more during the next upcoming meeting.
Thank you!
Bianca de Jong
Owner
Forest Spa Boutique
530 Ramona Street # B
Palo Alto CA 94301
(408)759-0576
www.forestspaboutique.com
Sent from my iPhone
From:
To:
Respicio, Maryknol
Lauing, Ed; Council, City
Cc:City Mgr; Lait, Jonathan; City Attorney; Lanferman, David; Leggio, Erik
Subject:City Council Special Meeting - March 10, 2025 - Agenda Item #7 / Comments and Objections to ThreatenedPermanent Street Closures
Date:Friday, March 7, 2025 12:01:23 PM
Attachments:image001.png2025 0307 Letter to Mayor and City Council re City Council 3-10-25 Meeting.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious
of opening attachments and clicking on links.
To the Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council:
Attached please find a letter from David Lanferman regarding the above matter.
Please let Mr. Lanferman know if you have any questions or comments.
Thank you.
Maryknol Respicio
Assistant to David P. Lanferman
Five Palo Alto Square, 3000 El Camino Real, Ste. 200 | Palo Alto, CA 94306
O. (650) 320-1500 | D. (650) 320-1500 x7723
mrespicio@rutan.com | www.rutan.com
_____________________________________________________
Privileged And Confidential Communication.
This electronic transmission, and any documents attached hereto, (a) are protected by the Electronic
Communications Privacy Act (18 USC §§ 2510-2521), (b) may contain confidential and/or legally privileged
information, and (c) are for the sole use of the intended recipient named above. If you have received this electronic
message in error, please notify the sender and delete the electronic message. Any disclosure, copying, distribution,
or use of the contents of the information received in error is strictly prohibited.
David P. Lanferman
Direct Dial: (650) 320-1507
E-mail: dlanferman@rutan.com
March 7, 2025
VIA E-MAIL
Ed.Lauing@CityofPaloAlto.org
City.Council@cityofpaloalto.org
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
CITY OF PALO ALTO
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Re:City Council Special Meeting – March 10, 2025 – Agenda Item #7
Comments and Objections to Threatened Permanent Street Closures
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council:
On behalf of a coalition of concerned citizens, property owners, merchants, and residents,
we respectfully object to the proposal that the City Council take actions to permanently close portions
(or additional portions) of the public streets known as California Avenue and Ramona Street.
There are many reasons for objecting to the proposed actions under this Agenda Item –
particularly with regard to Ramona Street, e.g., preservation of the nationally-recognized unique
historic and architectural features of Ramona Street, restoring public safety and accessibility to vital
services and emergency vehicles, removing blockage of private driveways (including driveway
access to a large underground garage below 250 University), and revival of economic and retail
vitality. This letter, however, is focused on two critical legal requirements under California law that
preclude the Council from approving the proposed actions – at least without further public
engagement and analysis: (i) the California Vehicle Code and (ii) CEQA.
As the California Supreme Court explained in a similar case years ago:
“The streets of a city belong to the people of the state, and every citizen of the state
has a right to the use thereof, subject to legislative control . . . . The right of control
over street traffic is an exercise of a part of the sovereign power of the state . . . .
‘The use of highways for purposes of travel and transportation is not a mere
privilege, but a common and fundamental right, of which the public and individuals
cannot rightfully be deprived . . . [All] persons have an equal right to use them for
purposes of travel by proper means, and with due regard for the corresponding
rights of others.’” (Rumford v. City of Berkeley (1982) 31 Cal.3d 554, 550 [rejecting
Berkeley’s attempts to install bollards to block portions of public streets, in violation
of the limits on street closures established by the Legislature in the Vehicle Code]
[emphasis by the Court].)
Rutan & Tucker, LLP | Five Palo Alto Square, 3000 El Camino Real, Suite 200
Palo Alto, CA 94306 -9814 | 650-320-1500 | Fax 650-320-9905 2382/099999-0084
21896633.2 a03/07/25Orange County | Palo Alto | San Francisco | Scottsdale | www.rutan.com
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
March 7, 2025
Page 2
The threatened permanent closure of Ramona Street between University Avenue and
Hamilton, is of particular concern. That area includes the historically-important portions of the
“Ramona Street Architectural District” that have been listed in the National Register of Historic
Places, as well the City’s own Historic Registry. The coalition for preservation of Ramona Street
includes people and businesses who seek to preserve the irreplaceable historic and architectural
character of Ramona Street and its economic and cultural urban vitality.
According to the posted Agenda, the proposed actions would entail (1) amendments to the
City’s Comprehensive (General) Plan to “re-classify” portions of Ramona Street and California
Avenue as “car-free streets,” and “closing those streets to vehicular traffic;” and (2) adopting an
Ordinance empowering the City Manager to “create regulations” for the use of those streets. Both
of those proposed actions are subject to objection on numerous grounds, two of which are
summarized below. The City Council may not lawfully “delegate” its limited legislative authority
over public streets to unelected staff in the absence clear and objective standards and criteria.
The proposed closures are not only in derogation of controlling State law, but are also
inconsistent with the City’s land use plans and policies, and insensitive to the rights and interests of
the impacted communities.
1.Failure to Comply With the California Vehicle Code
As the Supreme Court has made clear, “the streets of a city belong to the people of the
state ...” and “a city’s police powers do not extend to control of vehicular traffic on its streets; that
field has been preempted.” (Rumford, supra, p. 553.)
The Legislature has therefore limited the authority of cities – even charter cities – to close
public streets. The City is only authorized to permanently close a street or highway when the city
council makes findings, supported by substantial evidence, that the street “is no longer needed for
vehicular traffic.” (Vehicle Code § 21101, subd. (a).) The City has failed to do so. And nothing
on the Agenda indicates that the Council expects to comply with this requirement of State law before
it acts to permanently close Ramona Street. Not only would the proposed Council actions
procedurally violate the Vehicle Code, but there is no substantial evidence that would support such
a finding.
The record indicates that back in June 2020, in response to the then-prevalent Covid-19
pandemic, the City adopted an “interim urgency measure” to temporarily close California Avenue
and portions of University Avenue, and to allow outdoor dining and retail in those areas.1 The City
1 Council Resolution No. 9902 (June 23, 2020), Sec. 3: Additional Closures. “The City
Manager is authorized in his or her capacity as the Director of Emergency Services to extend the
University Avenue closure to temporarily close the streets intersecting University Avenue in the
Downtown area, from Emerson Street to Cowper Street, by issuance of an order, rule or regulation
if the City Manager finds it is reasonably related to the protection of life and property as affected by
2382/099999-0084
21896633.2 a03/07/25
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
March 7, 2025
Page 3
then invoked the “public health” emergency, and cited subdivision (e) of Vehicle Code § 21101,
which allows a city to approve “[t]emporarily closing a portion of any street for celebrations,
parades, local special events, and other purposes when, in the opinion of local authorities ... the
closing is necessary for the safety and protection of persons who are to use that portion of the street
during the temporary closing.” (Emphasis added.)
Although the City subsequently took actions to periodically “extend” the “temporary”
closures that had begun in 2020, at no time did the City ever take legal action purporting to determine
that Ramona Street was “no longer needed for vehicular traffic” – as is required by State law in order
to justify the threatened permanent or long-term closure of Ramona Street. The City Council may
not lawfully approve a permanent street closure without first making an evidence-based finding that
the street is “no longer needed for vehicular traffic” as required by Vehicle Code § 21101 (a).
[A] city is not expressly authorized to close a street for any purpose other than that
it is unnecessary for present or future uses as a street. (Citizens Against Gated
Enclaves v. Whitley Heights Civic Assn. (1994) 23 Cal.App.4th 812, 821 ....) “What
the City cannot do is wave the magic wand and declare a public street not to be a
public street.” (Zacks v. City of Sausalito (2008) 165 Cal.App.4th 1163, 1184
[holding that property owner could pursue claims against the city for improperly
acting to close a street without complying with the Vehicle Code].)
Not only does the newly-threatened permanent closure of Ramona Street violate California
law, but the City’s past actions purporting to extend a temporary closure for nearly five (5) years
also exceeded and violated the statutory limits on the City’s authority. For example, even though
the City “re-opened” University Avenue in October 2021, the City improperly continued to extend
the “temporary closure” of Ramona Street – long after the City of Council had rescinded its
declaration of local health emergency on July 1, 2021. Even though that health crisis had been the
only proffered excuse for the “temporary” closure of Ramona, on September 13, 2021, the Council
voted to extend the street closures of portions of California Avenue and Ramona Street – 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 No. 9988 extended the temporary closure of
Ramona Street only; a separate resolution (No. 9987) extended the closure of California Avenue. At
the same meeting, the Council directed the City Manager to open the portion of University Avenue
which was closed by Resolution No. 9909 – which should have automatically ended the “temporary”
closure of Ramona pursuant to Resolution No. 9909.
The Court of Appeal recently made clear that the Vehicle Code “permits local authorities to
close portions of streets only for a relatively short period of time, assuming there has been a
the Local Emergency. These side street closures shall only extend for one block from University
Avenue, between University Avenue and Lytton Avenue to the north and between University
Avenue and Hamilton Avenue to the south, and shall be in effect no longer than the period of the
University Avenue closure.” (Emphasis added.)
2382/099999-0084
21896633.2 a03/07/25
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
March 7, 2025
Page 4
determination that the closure is necessary to safeguard and protect persons using the street during
the temporary closing. It does not authorize local authorities to close streets to vehicular traffic for
whatever nonpermanent duration of time they desire.” (Comm. to Relocate Marilyn v. City of Palm
Springs (2023) 88 Cal.App.4th 607, 628 [holding that the City exceeded its authority and acted
unlawfully by attempting to close a public street for a period of three (3) years].) The City’s
imposition of prolonged temporary closures on Ramona Street, for more than four years, have
exceeded the City’s limited authority to “temporarily” close streets under Veh. Code § 21101(e).
The City should not, and cannot legally, continue to put the Ramona Street community in
“limbo.” The Council should take no action on the proposed Agenda items – unless and until the
Council and the public are provided with substantial evidence that persuasively demonstrates the
street “is no longer needed for vehicular use” -- as mandated by California law.
2.Violations of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”)
It would be a violation of CEQA for the City Council to take action on these Agenda items
on the basis of the proposed “Addendum” to the EIR prepared in connection with the City’s adoption
of the Comprehensive Plan (2030). That Plan and its “program-level” EIR were adopted back in
November 2017 – more than seven (7) years ago – and the old EIR has become outdated and in many
respects, no longer relevant to currently-existing conditions and environmental issues.
The old “program-level” 2017 EIR does not provide the necessary detailed analysis of the
impacts of the new proposed actions, which are essentially “project level” actions targeted at specific
street segments. (CEQA Guidelines, 14 Cal. Code of Regs. § 15146.) A new project-level activity
cannot be approved based on an older program EIR “if its impacts were not evaluated in the
[program] EIR.” (Sierra Club v. County of San Diego (2014) 231 Cal.App.4th 1152, 1164; Sierra
Club v. County of Sonoma (1992) 6 Cal.App.4th 1307, 1321.)
In the years since 2017, many things have changed in Palo Alto, making reliance on the
Comprehensive Plan EIR unsustainable. One of those post-2017 changes to the project area is the
Covid pandemic, and the City’s decision to impose a “temporary” closure of Ramona Street for
public health reasons. There have been many other changes to Downtown Palo Alto since 2017.
E.g., Council’s adoption of a new Housing Element; Council’s recent actions to convert parking lots
to new and dense multi-family housing, and Council’s decision in 2019 to stop work on the new
Downtown Parking Garage.
The Addendum is also fatally-flawed at the outset by failing to consider the relevant
“baseline” conditions. The Addendum wrongly assumes that the conditions on Ramona, under the
unlawfully prolonged “temporary” closure is the applicable baseline, rather than the conditions that
existed prior to the closure resolution in 2020 or as they existed back in November 2017. The
ensuing blockage of the street and the installation of barriers to obstruct vehicular access is another
significant change in the relevant pre-2020 baseline condition.
2382/099999-0084
21896633.2 a03/07/25
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
March 7, 2025
Page 5
While reliance on an Addendum might be appropriate in some limited circumstances, that is
not the case here. The CEQA Guidelines (14 Cal. Code of Regs. §15164) specify that “[a]n
addendum to an adopted negative declaration may be prepared if only minor technical changes or
additions are necessary or none of the conditions described in Section 15162 calling for the
preparation of a subsequent EIR or negative declaration have occurred.” (Emph. added.)
The 2017 EIR obviously did not consider the notion of converting key “collector streets”
such as Ramona or California into “car-free streets” and permanently closing them to through
vehicular traffic, much less provide the necessary analysis of those significant changes to the
Comprehensive Plan or their likely impacts. Such impacts include impairing and tarnishing the
aesthetics and visual context of the historic architecture in the corridor – the Monterey Colonial and
Spanish Colonial Revival-style buildings were constructed in the 1920’s and were designed around
a street that was intended and built to serve automobile travel and access. The Addendum wrongly
asserts (p. 32), without evidentiary support, that the Project will not change the context of the historic
resources in the Ramona Street Architectural District,” and fails to provide any alternatives or
project-specific mitigation measures.
Other impacts include impairment of air quality, cultural resources, geology, and soils. The
Addendum (pp 26-28) admits that “the project” will cause air quality impacts during construction
and that the long-term operational impacts of the project will also impact vehicular emissions. It
wrongly dismisses those long term impacts without analysis by asserting (p. 28) that there will not
be any additional GHG or air quality impacts “since the project is focused on pedestrian/bicycle
improvements.” However, as the Addendum itself admits, inconsistently, the proposed closure of
Ramona “will accommodate pedestrians only” and that “no mounted bicycles will be permitted.”
The street closure actions will create other unstudied impacts, e.g., circulation, land uses,
noise, and public services [impaired accessibility for emergency and fire services]. We are informed
that the leadership of the Fire Department has expressed concerns about the proposed blockage of
access and limited room for maneuver resulting from the closure. It is doubtful that the City would
approve private development of such a narrow (16’ wide) ‘fire lane’ in a high-density, multi-story,
area with no turn-around capacity.
“Car-free streets” is a concept that was not even mentioned in the 2017 Plan – and thus why
the City now needs to try to amend the Comprehensive Plan to introduce that concept. The impacts
of the proposed amendments to the Plan – introducing two new categories of street types, and
permanently closing a street that the Circulation Element identifies as a significant collector street,
were not identified or studied in the 2017 EIR. These changes are not “minor” or “technical.” The
2017 EIR could not, and did not, analyze the current proposal, or the impacts of such street closures,
nor any ‘alternatives’ to the closures, nor attempt to provide relevant and effective “mitigation
measures” for the impacts of permanent street closures as is required under CEQA. (P.R.C.
§ 21080.5; Guidelines § 15252; Friends, Artists & Neighbors of Elkhorn Slough v. Cal. Coastal
Comm. (2021) 72 Cal.App.5th 666, 701 [setting aside Commission’s action because its addendum
failed to contain “a complete analysis of mitigation measures or alternatives”].)
2382/099999-0084
21896633.2 a03/07/25
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
March 7, 2025
Page 6
Agencies are instructed to prepare an addendum only for minor technical changes or
additions to a project that “‘do not raise important new issues about the significant effects on the
environment.’ (Ventura Foothill Neighbors v. County of Ventura (2014) 232 Cal.App.4th 429,
435.)” (OBC Business Owners v. City of Irvine (2023) 88 Cal.App.5th 100, 121 [holding that the
City erroneously relied on an addendum to a program EIR because there was insufficient evidence
that the new project’s emissions would be consistent with the prior program EIR].)
There is simply no substantial evidence in this record supporting the consultant’s conclusory
assertion in the Addendum (p. 2) that “the City of Palo Alto [sic] has determined that the proposed
changes to the previously approved (2017) Comprehensive plan EIR will not result in potentially-
significant impacts that were not previously identified or analyzed ....” The Addendum’s “check the
box” findings of ‘no significance’ at Table 4.1 are not supported by any evidence.
If the City persists in pursuing these misguided and counter-productive street closures, a new
or supplemental EIR is required – in addition to Vehicle Code compliance.
Conclusion
Based solely on the foregoing legal failings in the proposed actions, the Council should reject
the proposed actions. The City failed to conduct reasonable or adequate outreach to the impacted
community. Had it done so, the City would have learned that a large majority of the property owners
on the impacted section of Ramona Street are strongly opposed to this proposal.
We respectfully request that the Council reject the Agenda items, or at a minimum defer any
immediate action and direct Staff to address the Vehicle Code requirements and provide the
necessary environmental analysis for the proposed actions.
Thank you for your consideration of these comments and concerns.
Very truly yours,
RUTAN & TUCKER, LLP
DPL:mtr
cc: Ed Shikada, City Manager
(CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org)
Jonathan Lait, Director of Planning and Community Development
(Jonathan.Lait@CityofPaloAlto.org)
Molly Stump, City Attorney
(city.attorney@cityofpaloalto.org)
2382/099999-0084
21896633.2 a03/07/25
From:
To:
Bret Van de Sande
Council, City
Subject:
Date:
FW: March 10,2025 City Council Action Item 7, Car Free Ramona Street
Thursday, March 6, 2025 4:39:15 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious
of opening attachments and clicking on links.
From: Bret Van de Sande
Sent: Thursday, March 6, 2025 4:29 PM
To: city.counsel@cityofpaloalto.org
Subject: March 10,2025 City Council Action Item 7, Car Free Ramona Street
Dear Mayor and City of Palo Alto Council,
I represent Inspire Real Estate Holdings, LLC the owner of the beautiful 250 University Ave
building at the corner of Ramona and University Ave.
Needless to say, our building is greatly affected by your decision tonight. We do NOT support
the permanent closure of Ramona and would ask the Mayor and the City Council to vote to
reopen this important street immediately for the benefit of our community and the businesses
at and near 250 University Ave.
Tonight, you will read and hear many explanations of simple, rational, and factual reasons for
the need to reopen Ramona. I do not need to type out all these reasons, but I will place Public
Safety be at the top. The fact there is a major garage opening with significant vehicular traffic
all day combined with the short Ramona Street still being a primary delivery street and zone for
restaurants and businesses, all adds up to an accident waiting to happen. The space is just too
busy, too compacted. It’s often very unsafe to try and walk near Ramona or even enter or exit
the garage. We need Ramona to be a fully open street and throughfare as it is designed to be.
It’s a hazard as is and it’s just a matter of time till someone gets seriously hurt or worse.
Please listen and apply some common sense to your decision. The City’s last vision like this
was Ramona Centennial Plaza!
Thank you,
Bret
Bret van de Sande
VP of Facilities & Operations
Inspire Real Estate Holdings, LLC
250 University Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Goodlands Florida Property Management, LLC
e-mail: Bret@goodlandsllc.com
Mobile: 408-687-7433
Direct: 650-331-8812
From:
To:
Elizabeth Wong
Council, City
Subject:
Date:
DO NOT CLOSE RAMONA STREET
Thursday, March 6, 2025 4:19:32 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious
of opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council Members,
My name is Elizabeth Wong and I have lived in the amazing country of America for
the last 62 years and in awesome Palo Alto for the last 29 years; so, I AM American
and I AM Palo Altan. No prejudices, please.
I had the great honor of attending Wharton Graduate School at the University of
Pennsylvania and for all of the above I am infinitely grateful to God and Country.
The reason I bring Wharton Graduate up is because one would flunk out of
prestigious business schools if one were to recommend closing Ramona Street and
this is why:
1. Closing Ramona Streets kills scant and valuable parking. There is no parking
downtown period, even now when people mostly work remotely.
2. When you are ensconced in a closed street, "nobody knows your name": your
business is hidden, specially to out of towners.
3. There is no vibrancy; instead, we just have disoriented bodies trying to figure out
what is happening with the street.
4. We have no bathrooms for the additional bodies roaming the street.
5. City is open to multiple lawsuits related to unfair treatment of property owners
AND OF BUSINESS OWNERS.
CLOSING RAMONA MAKES NO SENSE for the reasons above and for the
reasons listed so eloquently in Ventana Property Services, Inc. letter to Council
dated March 6, 2025.
Please vote to keep Ramona Open or have a city-wide referendum to close or not
close Ramona.
Elizabeth Wong
From:
To:
Joe Martignetti
Council, City
Subject:
Date:
March 10, 2025 City Council Action Item 7, Car Free Ramona Street
Thursday, March 6, 2025 12:56:53 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious
of opening attachments and clicking on links.
Honorable Mayor Lauing and City Council,
On March 10, 2025, City Council will consider the adoption of resolutions amending the
Comprehensive Plan to reclassify portions of Ramona Street and California Avenue as Car-Free-
Streets and closing the streets to vehicular traffic. I am writing to encourage the City Council to allow
Ramona Street to remain open to vehicular traffic to support the retail vibrancy of this downtown
corridor.
Over the last 45 years, I have been active in various aspects of commercial real estate including
acquisitions, development and property management in the San Francisco Bay Area. While my
expertise is primarily in mixed-use infill commercial properties, I also have experience in retail
shopping centers, multi-family and single-family housing, office, R&D and industrial properties. I
have worked with national, regional and local tenants in these endeavors and have gained an
appreciation for what works and what does not work to support various businesses. I am an owner
and my company manages commercial assets in downtown Palo Alto, specifically 261 Hamilton/555
Ramona/581 Ramona and 541 Ramona along the proposed car free zone.
Retail requires high visibility with easy access to parking and retail support services. Retail benefits
from a diversity of services including a mix of restaurants, retail like uses, financial and business to
business services. Signage and storefront visibility are essential. Retail requires both pedestrian and
vehicular traffic past their storefront for exposure and customer awareness.
The closing of Ramona Street is discouraged for the following reasons:
1. Safety. Only one half of Ramona Street can be car free since access to the 250
University garage must be maintained. Daily access to the garage is hindered by
temporarily parked delivery trucks and three-point-turns by motorists unknowingly
getting stuck at a dead-end street but not wanting to enter the 250 University garage
ramp. This constant activity creates conflicts especially with pedestrian sidewalk
safety. Good planning for car free zones should minimize these conflicts by creating
boundaries at major intersections, not mid-block locations.
2. Insufficient Size of Trade Zone. Unlike pedestrian car free malls which continue for
a number of consecutive blocks, the proposed car free zone on Ramona Street is too
small a trade area and positioned as an isolated retail island. The proposed car free
zone is disconnected from the vitality of University Avenue and thus an isolated zone.
But for the benefit provided to a few restaurants along Ramona Street, support retail and
business services will leave. Warby Parker and other adjacent soft good retailers have
expressed economic hardships and disappointment with the current conditions of
Ramona Street. They will likely seek to relocate to other locations.
3. Parking. Retailers and their customers need easy access to parking. The removal of
street parking along Ramona hinders retail vibrancy. Also, the closure of Ramona Street
at Hamilton Avenue prevents vehicular traffic from easily accessing the 250 University
public parking from Hamilton. Thus, the 250 University garage becomes a remote
destination only accessible from a typically congested University Avenue.
4. Vehicle and Pedestrian Visibility. Retail requires vehicle and pedestrian visibility.
Closing Ramona Street restricts car drive-by traffic which is a primary requirement for
healthy retail sectors.
5. Ramona Street Architectural District. Ramona Street between University Avenue
and Hamilton Avenue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places under the
United States Department of Interior. The designation was bestowed to this corridor to
recognize the 1920’s buildings with Monterey Colonial and Spanish Colonial Revival
architectural styles. The District Nomination Form, certified by the State Historic
Preservation Officer on February 10, 1986, specifically highlights that “many of the
buildings were designed for an owner’s specific use (i.e., dress shops, savings and loan,
housewares, professional offices, hotel)” which established the neighborhood fabric for
the area. By closing Ramona Street, the very types of retail and retail like businesses
that created the neighborhood fabric will no longer deem the corridor a viable location.
I strongly encourage the City Council to reconsider and allow Ramona Street to return to the open
street, vibrant, retail corridor with easy access for vehicles and pedestrians that will support the
business fabric under which it was first created.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Joseph F. Martignetti, Jr.
Property Owner
jmartignetti@ventanaps.com
Office: 650.847.2000
Fax: 650.847.2001
DRE License No. 01116935
Ventana Property Services, Inc.
975 High Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
www.ventanaps.com
DRE License No. 01129571
NOTICE: This E-mail (including attachments) is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18
U.S.C. 2510-2521, is confidential and may be legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you
are hereby notified that any retention, dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is
strictly prohibited. Please reply to the sender that you have received the message in error, and then delete
it.
Car FreeRamona Streetand California Avenue
City Council Meeting
Presenters:
Ashwini Kantak, Project ManagerHeather Gurewitz, M Group
March 10, 2025 www.cityofpaloalto.org
2
BACKGROUND
•November 2023: Council directed staff to take necessary actions to
permanently close portions of Ramona Street and California Avenue to
vehicular traffic
•Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element is
needed to re-classify portions of Ramona Street and California Avenue
•February 12, 2025: Planning and Transportation Commission moved
staff recommendations on the Comprehensive Plan Amendment;
additional feedback incorporated into the resolutions
•Prior Council approval to begin work for outdoor activation standards
and street design for these two locations; preliminary work underway
3
CAR FREE PORTION OF RAMONA STREET
Ramona Street
Un
i
v
e
r
s
i
t
y
A
v
e
n
u
e
Ha
m
i
l
t
o
n
A
v
e
n
u
e
4
CAR FREE PORTION OF CALIFORNIA AVENUE
5
PROPOSED NEW STREET CLASSIFICATIONS
•Pedestrian Only Street (portion of Ramona St)
o Restricted to pedestrians, no bicycles or skateboards
o City emergency vehicles, and utility and maintenance vehicles allowed
o Private utility vehicles allowed through an exception process
o Outdoor dining and retail displays encouraged
•Community Street (portion of California Ave)
o Restricted to pedestrians and bicycles; bicycles subject to a speed limit
o City emergency vehicles, and utility and maintenance vehicles allowed
o Private utility and commercial vehicles allowed through an exception process
o Outdoor dining, retail displays, and community events encouraged
6
PROPOSED ORDINANCE
•New PAMC Chapter 10.66 - Delegates authority to City Manager
to promulgate regulations to control vehicle access and usage of
Pedestrian Only Street and Community Street.
•Regulations consistent with the allowable uses of these streets as
defined in the Amended Comprehensive Plan.
•Bicycles on a Community Street subject to speed limits for shared
use paths as defined in PAMC 10.64.220 (15 mph).
•No bicycles or skateboards on a Pedestrian Only Street.
7
•Extensive stakeholder outreach for both streets from
October 2022 to April 2023; additional outreach for
California Avenue from February to November 2024.
•Interviews and focus group meetings
•Monthly California Avenue Merchant workshops
•On-line and in-person community meetings, surveys
•City Committees
•External Agencies – Caltrans, Caltrain, Santa Clara Valley
Transportation Authority, State Historic Preservation Office
•Tribal Outreach and Consultation per SB18
•Public Hearing at Planning and Transportation Commission
COMMUNITY AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
8
•No immediate fiscal impact
•California Avenue
o Immediate near-term improvements are funded
o Additional work such as implementation of a signage plan will require funding
•Ramona Street
o Design work and development of outdoor activation standards are funded
o Implementation of near-term improvements will be included as part of Proposed FY26
Budget
FISCAL IMPACT
9
•February – April 2025: Stakeholder Engagement for
Outdoor Activation Standards and Streetscape
Improvements
•May 2025:
o Council consideration of Outdoor Activation Standards
o Discussion of funding for near-term improvements in
Proposed FY 26 Budget
•August-December 2025: Implementation of near-
term improvements (contingent on budget approval)
NEXT STEPS – RAMONA STREET
10
NEXT STEPS – CALIFORNIA AVENUE
•March 2025: ARB review signage; outreach to merchants
on Outdoor Activation
•April 2025:Stakeholder Engagement on Street Alternatives
•June 2025: Council consideration of Outdoor Activation
Standards and discussion of Street Alternatives (additional
improvements will require funding)
•August-December 2025: Implementation of potential
improvements (contingent on funding)
11
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
•Prior Council and PTC Actions
o Several actions since June 2020 to temporarily close portions of Ramona
Street and California Avenue and to bring back actions for permanent
closure to enhance outdoor dining, retail, and economic vibrancy
o February 12 PTC action to support staff recommendations
•Extensive Stakeholder Outreach
o Community and Merchant Engagement, support for street closures
o External Agencies, Tribal Agencies and Consultations, Public Hearing
•Consistency with City Policies and Plans
o Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance
•Environmental Analysis
o No new, or substantially more severe significant effects compared to those
identified in the Comprehensive Plan EIR; no new mitigation measures
12
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council:
1.Consider the Addendum to the previously adopted Comprehensive Plan 2030 Environmental Impact Report (SCH# 2014052101);
2.Adopt the Resolution amending the Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element and Glossary;
3.Adopt the Resolution approving the closure of designated sections
of Ramona St. and California Ave. to vehicular traffic; and
4.FIRST READ: Adopt an ordinance creating new Chapter 10.66 in Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic) to allow the City Manager to create regulations to control vehicular access to these streets, set speed limits for bicycles at 15 mph on California Ave, and implement Ramona St. as pedestrian only by prohibiting bicycle and skateboard riding.
ASHWINI KANTAK
Project Manager
ashwini.kantak@cityofpaloalto.org