HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2506-4786CITY OF PALO ALTO
CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Council Chambers & Hybrid
5:30 PM
Agenda Item
17.Approve a Resolution to Allow Dining and Retail Encroachments on Car Free California
Avenue under PAMC Ch. 12.11; Direct Staff to Approve the Car Free California Avenue
Outdoor Activation Program Regulations Including Reference to the Program fees in the
FY 2026 Municipal Fee Schedule; Adopt a Resolution Allowing Open Containers in
Conjunction with Third Thursday Performances in 2025; Direct Staff to Review
Differences Between the Open Container Resolution and an Entertainment Zone as
Recommended by the Retail Committee. CEQA Status – categorically exempt. Public
Comment, Staff Presentation
City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: ACTION ITEMS
Lead Department: City Manager
Meeting Date: June 17, 2025
Report #:2506-4786
TITLE
Approve a Resolution to Allow Dining and Retail Encroachments on Car Free California Avenue
under PAMC Ch. 12.11; Direct Staff to Approve the Car Free California Avenue Outdoor
Activation Program Regulations Including Reference to the Program fees in the FY 2026
Municipal Fee Schedule; Adopt a Resolution Allowing Open Containers in Conjunction with
Third Thursday Performances in 2025; Direct Staff to Review Differences Between the Open
Container Resolution and an Entertainment Zone as Recommended by the Retail Committee.
CEQA Status – categorically exempt.
RECOMMENDATION
The Retail Committee and staff recommend that the City Council:
1. Approve the Car Free California Avenue Outdoor Activation Program Regulations
(Attachment A)
a. Set program fees (application fee, renewal fee, license fee for use iof the public
right-of-way, and deposit) in alignment with the existing Ongoing Parklet Program as
recommended in the FY 2026 Municipal Fee Schedule (scheduled for Council
adoption on June 16);
2. Adopt a Resolution allowing dining and retail encroachments on Car Free California Avenue
under existing PAMC Ch. 12.11 (Parklets) Attachment B.
3. Adopt a Resolution to allow open containers in conjunction with the Third Thursday music
performances in 2025 (Attachment C); and
Refer to staff a review of differences between the expired open container resolution and an
entertainment zone for future consideration.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Outdoor Activation Program sets forth the permit design requirements for outdoor dining
and merchandising for the car-free section of California Avenue in alignment with the City
Council direction for staff to return with guidelines for outdoor activation in advance and in
preparation for the 2025 winter weather months. The proposed program, reviewed and
recommended for Council approval by the Retail Committee (“Committee”)1, will facilitate
flexible outdoor dining and merchant activities, enabling the commercial use of public
sidewalks and roadway space. This staff report highlights:
Vision for outdoor dining
Merchant feedback regarding outdoor dining
Key differences between parklets and the outdoor activation program
Outdoor dining requirements and guidance
Signage
Impact of outdoor dining on sanitary sewer infrastructure
Restroom capacity
Outdoor Activation fees
Issues with building structures in the public right-of-way
Revisions per Retail Committee feedback
Implementation timeline
Open Container Resolution and Entertainment Zone
BACKGROUND
1 Retail Committee voted two (2) in support of recommending City Council approval and one (1) absent
(Councilmember Burt).
the Car Free California Avenue Outdoor Activation Program to the Retail Committee,2 which
voted to advance the program to the City Council.
rd Thursday Events, effective from June through December 2024.3
ANALYSIS
A community-oriented, car-free street environment
Prioritizing economic vitality, pedestrian experience and social interaction
Flexible, open, visually cohesive public space
Lively, inclusive atmosphere for residents and visitors
Accessible, safe, high design quality, and regularly maintained
Desire for design equity and aesthetic improvements
Interest in weather protection (shelter, wind screens, heating)
Support choice in materials, colors, signage
2 Retail Committee, May 21, 2025,
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=17618
3 Staff Report 2405-3093 on Consumption of Alcohol on California Ave:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=0&type=7&uid=7b643945-3828-4941-8858-ff95939f6fb3
Permit variety of seating and merchandizing, decorative lighting, flowers and plants on
the enclosures, outdoor host stations, hanging blade signs and other elements
Preference to avoid temporary-looking or low-cost construction that avoids such things
as corrugated plastic roofing, overly brightly colored furniture, post and rope barriers
and unneeded traffic safety elements
Outdoor Dining Requirements
The program is organized into general requirements and design elements as presented in the
following table:
Design ElementsGeneral Requirements
(applies to all permits)Required Optional
Planters
Lighting
Electrical
Waste management
Railings
Sidewalls
Overhead shelter
Branding and signage
Heating
Platforms (where
appropriate)
Location
Setbacks
Use
Accessibility
Operator
responsibilities
Permitting process
and conditions
Design Guidance applies to each element
Design elements are either required, or optional per the applicant‘s discretion. When an
applicant selects a design element, they must meet all of the requirements for that element.
Design Guidance is to encourage best practice, promote high quality design, and ensure
consistency for the aesthetics of the street. This structure allows businesses to customize their
outdoor space while maintaining safety, accessibility, and a cohesive street environment.
Signage
Staff recommends allowing limited use of sandwich boards within designated outdoor
activation areas to support visibility of businesses for pedestrians walking down the center of
the street. The City’s sign code currently prohibits freestanding signs in the public right-of-way,
including sandwich boards. This allowance would support merchant visibility while maintaining
pedestrian flow and safety. Per discussion at Retail Committee, Merchants will be permitted up
two signs in outdoor activation areas, with no more than one sandwich board sign. Staff will
need to coordinate to make any necessary adjustments to the City’s Sign Ordinance.
Differences from Ongoing Parklet Program
The program draws from the City’s Parklet Program (currently in place for University Avenue
and other streets with vehicles) while responding to the unique conditions of a car-free
environment. At the May 21, 2025 Retail Committee, staff noted the following differences
from the City’s parklet program:
Sanitary Sewer Infrastructure: The expansion of outdoor dining on California Avenue has
significantly increased total restaurant capacity, leading to more meals served and a higher
potential discharge of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) into the City’s sanitary sewer system. Grease
Control Devices (GCDs) in many restaurants were originally sized for pre-pandemic indoor
seating. Expanded seating is increasing the risk of FOG entering building drainage systems and
the City's sanitary sewer (SS).
Staff recommends continuing proactive inspections, requiring businesses to more frequently
maintain restaurant GCD systems, identifying higher-risk systems for improvement, and
mitigating future problems through plan review to correct GCD type, size and fixture
connections. Depending on the success of these efforts, supplemental fees may be required for
outdoor dining permits to fund increased City maintenance costs.
Restroom Capacity: Similar to sanitary sewer system demands, outdoor dining also increases
the demand for restroom capacity. Increasing dining capacity or occupancy load can increase
the need for additional restroom fixtures. Given the increased demand for restrooms with the
overall expansion of dining, provision of public restrooms to serve multiple establishments may
offer a more cost-effective and space-efficient alternative to businesses providing their own
additional bathrooms. Possible locations will depend on the number and size of facilities.
Operations and Maintenance: Operating and maintenance costs are heightened in the car-free
street of California Ave. with staffing needed to support the program initiation and
implementation, additional cleaning, and installation and maintenance of infrastructure. Costs
for additional restrooms are being evaluated.
An initial application fee (FY 2026 fee expected to be $5,004)
An annual renewal fee (FY 2026 fee expected to be $604)
A fully refundable deposit (FY 2026 expected to be $2,750)
A license fee for use of the public right-of way (Downtown charge currently
$10.71/square foot annually)
Initial Application Fee: An initial application fee is required to establish an outdoor activation
space to fully recover cost necessary to process an application, conduct site inspections,
including Public Works, Utilities, and others such as Planning if applicable review. A portion is
also based on staff time required for ongoing program administration such as customer service,
compliance with standards, and complaint response. The Committee and staff recommend
maintain the fee consistent with the ongoing parklet program.
Annual Renewal Fee: An annual renewal fee is required to review the encroachment permit
annually to fully recover costs at a flat rate. An application renewal is not expected to require
the same level of staff effort as processing a new application and therefore the fee is less than
the initial fee. The Committee and staff recommend maintain the fee consistent with the
ongoing parklet program.
Deposit Fee: Consistent with other programs in the City, a deposit fee may be considered to
address any unrepaired damage to the roadway or sidewalk or any costs that may be incurred
due to the City having to remove things in the activated space. Given the recommended
guidelines, this fee could be lowered or eliminated for the car-free portion of California Avenue
as parklet structures are currently not authorized, however staff would recommend retaining
use of it for consistency with the existing programs as there remains a cost to remove an
installation from the permitted space in the event of a necessary removal.
License Fee: A license fee for use of the public right-of-way is proposed. This fee can be set
based on the City Council’s reasonable assessment of the value of the land used by the
operator and incorporate a certain amount of discount or subsidy for that use. The Retail
Committee recommended maintaining use of the rate used for the ongoing parklet program
with a request for alternative scenarios that considered the value of the use of the land in a car-
free environment, without the same restrictions of space that regulate parklets. When
considering the license fee, the Council may consider establishing different rates based on the
permitted use of the space to align with the impacts more closely, namely, retail use versus
restaurant uses and increased value of the land such as if the City provided supplemental
restroom capacity as noted earlier. These variations could be studied and implemented at a
later time.
As of Q1 2025 as reported by CoStar, the average rent in the University Avenue (downtown
‘DT’) analysis area is reported at $76 per square foot. On California Avenue, the average rent
for Q1 2025 is $59 per square foot. Outdoor spaces will vary in size with some of the larger
spaces currently reflecting upwards of 1,000 square feet in the public right-of-way. The table
below shows the California Avenue rates with Downtown in grey for reference.
A $10.71 per square foot fee would result in approximately $118,000 in annual revenue,
or $5,355 for a 500 square foot space.
A 70% discount, or $18 per square foot rate would generate $198,000 in annual
revenue, and cost a 500 square foot activation space $9,000 annually.
A 50% discount, or $30 per square foot rate would generate $300,000 in annual
revenue, and cost a 500 square foot activation space $15,000 annually.
No discount, or $59 per square foot rate would generate $649,000 in annual revenue,
and cost a 500 square foot activation space $29,500 annually
Discount
DT CA DT CA DT CA DT CA
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
*Calculation reflects use of the building code standard of 15 square feet per person
permitted parklet area limits?” Also raised, by a restauranteur, is their interest to build a
permanent outdoor dining structure extending out from their building and onto the public
roadway and across the sidewalk. They envision something similar to outdoor dining at
Stanford Shopping Center, as it offers the following advantages:
Weather protection from the sun, wind and rain throughout the year, with lighting and
heating.
Design consistency with interior restaurant space
One-time merchant investment in long-term, high-quality solution
Utility access: many utilities (water, gas, sewer, stormwater, electrical, other) run
beneath the right-of-way and require unimpeded emergency and maintenance access.
Structures impeding access will need to be removed, with associated replacement costs
and business disruption.
Fire safety: structures can pose a fire hazard and obstruct fire access. Fire can move
from one structure to another, rapidly engulfing the entire street.
Restricts storefront visibility: structures would be larger in area and taller than parklets,
and there could be several along both sides of the street, blocking visibility of adjacent
retail storefronts and reducing the openness of the environment.
Building Code requirements: structures require attachment to the roadway, foundation
work and plan review by the Building Division, improvements which will increase
merchant costs, time delays and conflict with below grade utilities.
Lease complexity: structures on public property would require long-term leases,
requiring analysis of market value and legal restrictions on use of specific property
parcels.
Architectural Review: structures will trigger Architectural Review Board oversight,
extending timelines and increasing costs.
Removal: Long-term maintenance and removal concerns if a business closes.
The success of this program relies on the interest of merchants to improve their outdoor
activation areas based on the design guidance to evolve the street as a whole to be an open
and vibrant. As a part of the longer-term design of California Avenue, appropriate locations for
structures within the public right-of-way can be more appropriately considered.
Car Free California Avenue Outdoor Activation Program revisions based on Retail Committee
feedback
Increase number of permitted signs from one to two, with a limit of one sandwich board
Other overhead shelters may be permitted (beyond large format umbrellas and
awnings), provided they are not attached to the roadway, are easily and quickly
removable for utility access and meet clearance and design requirements.
Limit requiring overhead electrical service only to areas with glass mosaic sidewalks.
Implementation Timeline (Tentative)
Staff recommend a phased implementation approach that mirrors the approach used when the
ongoing parklet program was implemented. Below outlines an approximate timeline:
JUNE: Council review and approval of outdoor activation guidelines and accompanying
resolutions and fees
JULY: Adopted standards go into effect, pre- applications / re-applications would be
open and due to the City including associated fees (application and license)
AUGUST: Applications accepted and installations without a pre application or
application on fill will begin to be enforced for removal.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER: Transition of outdoor spaces to follow the activation guidelines
NOVEMBER: Outdoor activations must be in compliance with new standards
Open Container Resolution and Entertainment Zone
The Retail committee expressed a desire and recommended that Council refer to staff further
exploration of establishing an Entertainment Zone for the Car Free portion of California Ave.
Recognizing this interest, staff proactively prepared a resolution extending the open container
ordinance previously in effect for Third Thursdays that sunset December 2024. Although not an
Entertainment Zone, if adopted, could provide allowance for open containers throughout 2025
while the referral for further work on an Entertainment Zone in undertaken by staff.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
rd Thursday and Earth
Day events, in-person presentation to facilities managers at Stanford Research Park, and in
person meetings at the Sunday Farmers’ Market as well as feedback from the Architectural
Review Board on March 20, 2025. The chronology of outreach can be found on the Car-Free
Streets webpage4.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY: Ed Shikada, City Manager
4 Car-Free Streets: Cal Ave & Ramona Street Webpage:
https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/Transportation/Transportation-Projects/Car-Free-Streets-Cal-Ave.-
Ramona-Street
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
California Avenue Community Street
Outdoor Activation
Permit Requirements and Design Guidance
for Outdoor Dining and Merchandising
➔City of Palo Alto
➔Effective starting xx 2025
1
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Table of Contents
01. Introduction
02. General Requirements
03. Design Elements
04. Encroachment Permit Application
Car-Free California Ave
2
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Introduction
Topics
➔Purpose
➔Vision
➔Objectives
01
3One Seaport
Boston, Massachusetts
Car-Free California Ave
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
01.1 Purpose
4
The Outdoor Activation Program is an initiative by the City of Palo Alto to transform the car-free
section of California Avenue into a vibrant Community Street, supporting local business activity
and enhancing the community experience.
01 Introduction
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
01.1 Purpose (continued)
5
The document describes requirements and design
guidance that apply to the commercial to use public
sidewalks and roadway spaces for outdoor dining,
retail and entertainment uses. This document sets
forth the City's expectations for issuing encroachment
permits for the commercial use of portions of the
street to ensure that public spaces remain accessible,
safe, equitable, and well-designed and maintained. It
serves as guidance to businesses, City staff,
designers, and the public to create a welcoming, open,
and attractive community-oriented environment.
01 Introduction
California Ave
Palo Alto, California
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
The vision for Car Free California
Avenue is to be a community-oriented
main street that is an open, car-free
environment that prioritizes community
experience, meaningful social
interaction, and commercial vitality.
01.2 Vision
6
01 Introduction
One Seaport
Boston, Massachusetts
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
01.2 Vision (continued)
7
By removing vehicle traffic and repurposing space
for pedestrian use, the street becomes a welcoming
community hub that invites spontaneous
gatherings, fosters neighborhood identity, and
stimulates economic vitality. Commercial use of
outdoor space supports local businesses, enhances
customer experience, and directly contributes to a
thriving community destination. Activation spaces
extend business activity into the public realm,
creating opportunities for flexible, creative, and
visually cohesive commercial use of the street. Well-
designed activation areas contribute to a lively,
inclusive, and safe atmosphere where residents and
visitors feel a strong sense of belonging.
01 Introduction
Car-Free Montreal
Montreal, Canada
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
01.3 Objectives
8
This document advances
the following objectives:
A.Enhance Customer Experience and Local Business Vitality
○Create visually appealing, comfortable outdoor spaces
that attract and retain customers
○Support diverse business needs through flexible
activation space configurations
○Encourage private investment with consistent program
standards and clear expectations
B.Ensure Safety and Accessibility
○Maintain ADA-compliant pedestrian pathways and
emergency access
○Use safe, durable, weather-resistant materials for all
installations
01 Introduction
C.Advance the Aesthetics and Livability of the Street
○Promote a unified yet diverse aesthetic that reinforces
Cal Ave's unique character
○Provide aesthetic guidance for design elements to
enhance the overall ambiance of the street
○Preserve visibility to adjacent storefronts and maintain
open sightlines
D.Encourage Adaptive Design
○Encourage Adaptive Design
○Promote adaptability to respond to seasonal changes in
weather
○Maintain flexibility of the use of public space
E.Foster Community Connection
○Promote the activation of street environments to invite
shared experiences, events, and informal gatherings
○Enable Cal Ave to function as a true community
destination and cultural hub
F.Efficient and Equitable Use of Public Space
○Ensure efficient, equitable outdoor use of public right-
of-way
○Avoid conflict with utilities, infrastructure and public
safety features
○Support of long-term investment in well-managed
outdoor spaces
○Enable a single, streamlined encroachment permit
process
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
General
Requirements
Topics
➔Street Zones
➔Location
➔Setbacks
➔Permitted Activities
➔Operator Responsibilities
02
Broadway Street
Redwood City, California 9
Car-Free California Ave
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
02 General Requirements
02.1 Street Zones
This section describes the location, setback, permitted uses and
operational requirements for outdoor activation areas.
The car-free portion of the California Avenue right-of-way
consists of five zones, as shown in Figure 2.1.
Frontage
Zone
Pedestrian
Zone
Curbside/Street
Furniture Zone
Access Zone
Area designated for pedestrian,
bicycle, emergency vehicle and
certain service vehicles with
permission.
Sidewalk SidewalkRoadway
Activity Zone
Figure 2.1. Street Zones
10
Activity Zone Frontage
Zone
Pedestrian
Zone
Curbside/Street
Furniture Zone
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Area designated for
pedestrian, bicycle,
emergency vehicle and
certain service vehicles
with permission.
Provides pedestrian,
emergency, and
disabled access to the
building.
02.1 Street Zones (continued)
Extension of the
building with entryways,
recesses, doors,
windows, awnings, and
overhangs that extend
into the street right-of-
way.
Frontage Zone Pedestrian
Zone Access ZoneActivity ZoneCurbside/Street
Furniture Zone
Designated for street
furniture, landscape,
street trees, lighting,
benches, green
infrastructure, utilities,
bicycle parking,
planting, and other
amenities.
Area designated for
outdoor dining, retail
merchandise, and public
space for use, such as
the Farmers’ Market,
events, public art, and
other community,
cultural or public uses to
attract pedestrian
activity to the street.
02 General Requirements
11
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Businesses are required to locate their Outdoor Activation
space directly in front of the operator’s storefront.
Commercial outdoor activation is permitted in the following
three zones as shown in Figure 2.3. Location Map
●Frontage Zone
●Curbside/Street Furniture Zone
●Activity Zone
Outdoor Activation spaces shall notobstruct or
encroach upon the following:
●8-foot pedestrian through zone on sidewalks
●22-foot shared zone
●Designated pedestrian paths of travel
●Property Emergency Access Way
●Designated bike lanes
12
02.2 Location
Bu
i
l
d
i
n
g
P
r
o
p
e
r
t
y
L
i
n
e
Bu
i
l
d
i
n
g
P
r
o
p
e
r
t
y
L
i
n
e
02 General Requirements
Figure 2.2. Location Diagram
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Area A Area B
02 General Requirements
Figure 2.3. Location Map
CAL AVE CAL AVE
02.2 Location (continued)
Area A spans between El Camino Real and
Mimosa Lane, and Area B spans from
Mimosa Lane to Birch Street.
As
h
S
t
Bi
r
c
h
S
t
El
C
a
m
i
n
o
R
e
a
l
Cambridge Ave
Sherman Ave
Grant Ave
Mi
m
o
s
a
L
n
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines 14
02.3 Setbacks
Setbacks are required and define the
permitted area for outdoor activation.
Setbacks apply to all design elements
including –railings, screens, planters,
structures, cantilevered awnings,
umbrellas, or other elements.
02 General Requirements
Smith Street,
Brooklyn, New York
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines 15
02.3 Setbacks (continued)
Area A
02 General Requirements
Legend
Potential Permitted Zones
Property Emergency Access Way
Min. of 4 feet from each property edge, creating an 8-
foot emergency access zone between adjacent
properties
Fire Hydrant Setback, 15’
Tree Setback, 3’
Drain Setback, 5’
Fire Hydrant Light Post
Setback
Note: Pedestrian Zone can
vary in location on sidewalk,
aligning at the curb or
building front or in between.
However ped zone is to be
consistent across property
frontage, and not by tenant
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines 16
02.3 Setbacks (continued)
Area B
02 General Requirements
Ma
t
c
h
L
i
n
e
Legend
Potential Permitted Zones
Property Emergency Access Way
Min. of 4 feet from each property edge, creating an 8-
foot emergency access zone between adjacent
properties
Fire Hydrant Setback, 15’
Tree Setback, 3’
Drain Setback, 5’
Fire Hydrant Light Post
Setback
Note: Pedestrian Zone can
vary in location on sidewalk,
aligning at the curb or
building front or in between.
However ped zone is to be
consistent across property
frontage, and not by tenant
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines 17
02.3 Setbacks (continued)
For Fire Safety
●Two means of emergency access to and from buildings to the
street right of way are required.
●Minimum of 4-feet from each property line, creating an 8-
foot emergency accessway between adjacent properties.
●Minimum of 8-feet between structures to allow for
emergency access.
●Structures must not overhang more than 12-inches into the
emergency vehicle accessway.
●For multi-tenant buildings, boundary elements can adjoin,
provided building setback requirements are met.
For Street Trees
●Maintain a 3-foot clearance from tree trunks or major
branches.
●Closer encroachment requires urban forestry approval.
●To protect tree roots, boundary elements may be installed
adjacent to tree wells to direct foot traffic away from roots.
For Utilities
No utilities access points shall be covered by the Outdoor
Activation space improvements, this includes storm drain catch
basins and all telecommunication vaults and manholes. A minimum
of 5 linear feet clearance must be maintained between
improvements and any storm drainage feature such as catch
basins. Outdoor Activation space improvements must allow access
to the catch basin and shall not obstruct the catch basin.
Improvements must not obstruct:
●Public utilities:(e.g., water, gas, wastewater, electric, fiber,
streetlight, telecommunication vaults).
●Gas mains or services:(to avoid potential hazards).
●Fire Hydrants:Minimum 15-foot clearance required.
●Manhole Covers:Maintain a 5-foot radius for access.
●Storm Drain Catch Basins:Minimum 5-foot clearance required;
outdoor activation area must allow maintenance access.
If improvements to an outdoor activation area conflict with public
infrastructure (e.g., signage, benches), applicants must consult
Public Works for potential relocation. If relocation isn’t feasible,
outdoor activation area must accommodate existing infrastructure.
For Access Zone
Include two foot planter setback in the outdoor activation area,
facing the center of the street, along the accessway. Only planters,
sandwich boards, hostess stations and ADA ramping up to a
platform are permitted. No screens, tables, chairs, umbrellas,
furniture, lighting, heaters, etc. are permitted.
02 General Requirements
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Commercial & Non-Commercial Activities
All activity must be contained within the applicant’s
permitted outdoor activation space.
The following commercial and non-commercial activities
are allowed within a permitted outdoor activation space:
●Dining
●Retail
●Community events
●Live music
●Pop-up installations
●Public art
18
02.4 Permitted Activities
02 General Requirements
The Shop
Iowa City, Iowa
12Degree Brewing
Louisville, Colorado
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
02.4 Permitted Activities (continued)
For dining, businesses are required to:
●Hours of operation are the same as approved hours for the establishment or per
approved Conditional Use Permit.
●Provide all furnishings.
●Tables shall be placed in conformance with the health and safety standards
established by Santa Clara County and State of California.
●Be ADA compliant both on the roadway and sidewalk.
●Fire of any kind is prohibited -this includes tea lights or firepits.
●Conditional Use Permit is required for a business to serve alcohol. No amendment to an
approved business’ Conditional Use Permit is required to serve alcohol in outdoor
activation areas.
●Businesses are required to comply with California Department of Alcoholic Beverage
Control (ABC) for licensing and regulation of alcohol service.
Dining
02 General Requirements
19
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
02.4 Permitted Activities (continued)
For retail sales businesses are required to:
●Businesses must leave a minimum of 8’ of unobstructed walkway space for
pedestrians.
●All displays must be removed daily. Nothing is permitted overnight.
Retail
02 General Requirements
20
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Non-Commercial Activities
Non-commercial activities, such as community events, live
music, pop-up installations and public art are permitted and
welcomed contributors to vibrant street life.
These uses are:
●Temporary and open to the public
●Not associated with a specific business or private benefit
●May include events hosted by non-profits, cultural
groups, or community members
Non-commercial activations may not require an
encroachment permit but could require other city approvals
such as a temporary use permit. Contact the City of Palo Alto
for requirements.
21
02.4 Permitted Activities (continued)
02 General Requirements
3rdThursday
California Ave, Palo Alto
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
02.4 Permitted Activities (continued)
For live entertainment, businesses are required to:
●Live entertainment will not spill outside of permitted activation space
●Any cords spanning the pedestrian through zone on the sidewalk must be secured to
avoid tripping hazards with a cable cover or other ADA accessible cover
●Businesses must comply with the Palo Alto Municipal Code for noise limits.
Entertainment
02 General Requirements
22
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines 23
02.5 Operator Responsibilities
Compliance
●Businesses owners must abide by the guidelines set forth in
this document and the terms of their permit.
●If a business does not comply with these guidelines, the city
reserves the right to enforce, modify or revoke a permit
based on public safety, accessibility, operational conflicts, or
other concerns.
Maintenance
●Businesses owners must maintain and upkeep outdoor
activation space. This includes cleaning furnishings daily,
removing trash and recycling, replacing damaged lighting or
heaters if applicable, and maintaining landscaping.
●Businesses must comply with the city requests to temporarily
remove furnishings, such as seating and tables, for city
maintenance or special events.
●Business owners are responsible for staying up to-date with
permit fees, renewing their license and complying with
standards/guidelines that may be implemented in the future.
02 General Requirements
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Design Elements
Topics
➔Platforms
➔Boundary Elements -Planters,
Railings, Sidewalls and Weather Screens
➔Overhead Shelter
➔Branding and Signage
➔Lighting
➔Heating
➔Electrical
➔Trash and Recycling
➔ADA Accessibility
03
Star Progetti
Modular Perimeter Structure 24
Car-Free California Ave
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines 25
03 Design Elements
03.0 Design Elements
Outdoor activation spaces on California Avenue will consist of a
range of design elements to create a welcoming, open, visually
attractive and safe public environment. Design elements include:
Platforms Boundary Elements
Planters
Boundary Elements
Railings & Partitions
Boundary Elements
Sidewalls and
Weather Screens
Overhead Shelter Branding & Signage
Lighting Heating Electrical Trash and Recycling ADA Accessibility
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
03 Design Elements
03.0 Design Elements (continued)
This is an example of a possible
configuration of design elements. This
is one of many possible
configurations.
26
Planters
Weather Screens
Overhead Shelter
Furniture
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
03.0 Design Elements (continued)
Design Element Applies to All
Activation Areas
Required for
Outdoor Dining Optional
Required for all activation areas
(dining, retail, other)
Required specifically
for outdoor dining
To enhance customer comfort
and year-round usability
3.1 Platforms ✓
3.2.a Boundary Elements -Planters ✓✓
3.2.b Boundary Elements -Railings ✓
3.2.c Boundary Elements -Sidewalls and
Weather Screens ✓
3.3 Overhead Shelter ✓
3.4 Branding and Signage ✓
3.5 Lighting ✓(for evening service)
3.6 Heating ✓
3.7 Electrical ✓
3.8 Trash and Recycling ✓✓
3.9 ADA Accessibility ✓✓
Design elements are required or optional per the table below.
03 Design Elements
27
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
03.1 Platforms
Platforms are a level, horizontal surface
extending from the sidewalk into the
roadway, bringing the restaurant dining
experience outdoors, providing a stable,
accessible floor surface and protecting
patrons from water runoff on the street.
Applicants can choose whether to make platform
improvements depending on the level of the sidewalk and
roadway.
Washington DC Pilot Streatery
Adams Morgan, Washington DC
03 Design Elements
28
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Platform Requirements (continued)
1.Layout
a.Be level with the sidewalk
b.Comply with ADA standards
2.Materials
a.Durable, weather-resistant, and safe for pedestrian use
b.Constructed with exterior-rated, high-quality materials, including:
■Natural, durable wood (e.g., redwood, cedar)
■Preservative-treated wood
■Light-gauge steel
■Other engineered materials suitable for exterior conditions
c.The floor shall have finish and slip resistance (BH is a minimum of 0.6
coefficient of friction).
3.Structural
a.Support a live load of 100 pounds per square foot.
b.All fastening hardware and fasteners used with preservative treated
wood must be made of:
■Hot-dipped zinc-coated galvanized steel
■Stainless steel
■Silicon bronze
■Copper
4.Edge Conditions
a.Platform must be partially covered with the planters perpendicular to
the line of travel.
b.Platform edge along the access way cannot be more than 25%
covered
c.For a long platform, railings mounted on the platform are permitted
here.
5. Drainage, Ventilation & Rodent Proofing
a.Platform underside must be constructed to allow for seasonal
drainage.
b.Adequate cross-ventilation to enable the surface to dry within 12–24
hours.
c.Openings beneath the platform must be screened with corrosion-
resistant material with a maximum mesh size of 0.25 inches.
d.Platforms must not impede curbside drainage.
■A minimum clearance of 6.5 inches from the sidewalk curb must
be maintained along the platform's entire length.
■Openings at either end of the platform must be covered with
screens to prevent debris accumulation beneath the platform
and in the gutter.
e.Closure decking must be removable to allow for under-platform
inspections as needed.
f.Platform to be sloped a minimum ⅛ inch per linear foot towards the
sidewalk for drainage.
g.Any debris and leaves shall be removed immediately by the permittee
to allow free flow of water.
h.Leaves and litter shall not be blown in the street and shall be bagged
and placed in the appropriate disposal bin.
i.Refer to drainage detail below for platform attachment to sidewalk.
03 Design Elements
29
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
03.2 Boundary Elements
Planters, Railings and Sidewalls
The commercial use of outdoor space requires boundary
elements to spatially separate outdoor dining areas yet
maintain an open, welcoming pedestrian environment.
Boundary elements are not intended to obstruct views to or
from dining areas, retail storefronts, bicycle lanes, or
pedestrian routes. The openness of the street —visually and
acoustically —is essential to fostering a community-
friendly, vibrant environment.
Boundary elements:
●Define and organize active spaces
●Enhance customer comfort for year-round use
●Improve aesthetics for both the business and the street
●Maintain clear, safe circulation routes
●Enhance the overall public realm without enclosing or
privatizing public space
03 Design Elements
30
Santana Row
San Jose, California
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Boundary Element Guidelines (continued)
1.For Platforms
For those choosing to install a platform, the following guidelines on
boundary elements must be implemented:
a.The edges of the platform shall be enclosed on three sides with
planters or railings (only sidewalk open)
b.Boundary elements must ensure visibility to pedestrians and not
create a visual barrier.
c.The edge treatment shall be substantially secured to the platform.
2.For Outdoor Dining or Retail Uses
The following table summarizes key differences in boundary requirements
between outdoor dining and retail uses on sidewalk and roadway areas.
Outdoor Dining Retail
Activity Seated, longer stays
(eating/drinking)
Browsing, movement
(shopping)
Need for
Boundary
Yes
(defines service area, meet
ABC/alcohol regulations if
serving alcohol, can be
minimal)
Optional
(prioritize openness for
browsing)
Boundary Type Planters
Railings
or partial screens that
suggest an “area” without
fully enclosing
Planters
Movable displays
No fixed railings
Movable screens
Flexibility Moderate
Furniture and fixtures can
remain overnight, no fixed
furniture to sidewalk or
roadway
High
Merchandise can be moved
in/out daily; no overnight
merchandise and furnishings,
maintain flexibility for use of
roadway for Farmers’ Market
and street events
03 Design Elements
31
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
03.2.a Boundary Elements:
Planters
Planters are a required design element for
all outdoor activation areas. They serve as
buffers, introduce garden planting and
color to enhance the appeal of the street,
and address limited in-ground landscaping.
03 Design Elements
32
Examples of
Preferred Planter
Types
Low, powder coated steel
Modular, movelable, with drought
tolerant planting
Wood planters with aluminum frame
Modular, movelable, with drought
tolerant planting
Wood planter, steel frame
Modular, moveable with integrated
casters, drought tolerant planting
Modular planter with integrated
glass screen
Attached to adjacent buildings
to provide broad coverage and
integration with architecture.
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Planter Requirements (continued)
1.Types
a.Free standing planters of various materials ranging in height from 24”-3O”.
May be integrated with other boundary elements such as stanchions,
railings, or wind screens.
2.Placement
a.Planters are required on sides of outdoor activation zones, perpendicular to
the path of travel without blocking pedestrian access, emergency access,
or visibility between storefronts.
b.A two foot planter setback is required where outdoor dining faces the
center of the street along the accessway.
c.Planters are required a minimum of 25 percent of the frontage facing the
center of the street and are optional facing the sidewalk for outdoor dining
areas.. Each activation zone must provide a 4’ wide minimum accessible
entry from the sidewalk.
3.Specifications
a.Planters must be freestanding, movable, and made of durable, weather-
resistant materials
b.Must include planting, with regular maintenance by the business owner
c.Not exceed 30 inches in height where creating the boundary of an outdoor
dining area
d.Support seasonal planting or drought-tolerant species
4.Material Palette
a.Use high-quality materials such as:
b.Powder-coated metal
c.Fiberglass
d.ceramic
e.Finished wood with weatherproof seal
5.Avoid
a.Bright plastic, untreated wood, DIY containers, concrete or CMU blocks
b.No plants shall have thorns, spikes, or sharp edges.
c.Poisonous or invasive plants are not permitted.
Planter Design Guidelines
1.Selecting one planter shape, whether round, rectangular, or tapered, and
then varying sizes, maintains uniformity of design, and can be arranged to
create a layered garden, rather than mix of planter shapes of the same size
which can be visually confusing.
2.Utilizing a diversity of plantings can enliven retail areas and support a
colorful, active street life.
3.Arranging small, medium, and large planters together in a cluster increases
the amount of planting visible at eye level than repetition of one planter
size, for retail areas.
4.Coordinated plant palettes (native grasses, succulents, seasonal flowers)
can unify the street experience.
Outdoor Dining
1.Planters should define a clear border around dining areas to promote visual
harmony
2.Aim for unified planting design —consistent planter types, material
palettes, and/or coordinated plant selections along each frontage.
Outdoor Merchandising
1.Planters may be arranged in flexible, clustered groupings to create an open
and informal, and not a strictly bounded, environment.
03 Design Elements
33
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
03.2.b Boundary Elements:
Railings and Partitions
Railings and Partitions can define the
boundary of each outdoor dining area and
adjacent pedestrian and bike path areas.
They are to support safety, maintain
visibility, and foster cohesive streetscape
design. They must meet minimum size,
stability, and accessibility standards
while creating a functional, attractive
urban aesthetic.
Free standing partition / planter
combination
Free standing, powder coated steel
partition with graphic elements
Metal railings affixed to sidewalk
Examples of
Prefered Railing
Types
03 Design Elements
34
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Railing & Partition Requirements (continued)
1.Location
a.Permitted to be attached to sidewalks and platform edges
b.Not permitted to be attached to roadway
2.Height
a.Maximum of 42 inches
b.Minimum of 36 inches where required for separation or fall prevention
3.Transparency
a.Maintain at least 50% openness above 30 inches to preserve sightlines
between the dining area and public realm
4.Stability
a.Modular systems should have interlocking connections or corner
bracing
5.Clearances
a.Must not encroach on the 8-foot pedestrian path or ADA-compliant
access routes
b.Railings must not obstruct fire hydrants, utility vaults, or emergency
access zones
6.Materials
a.Use weather-resistant, durable materials such as:
i.Powder-coated metal (steel, aluminum)
ii.Treated hardwood
iii.Composite or engineered wood
iv.Painted steel cable systems
b.Avoid:
i.Corrugated plastic, fabric barriers, chain link, or unpainted raw
wood
c.Finish:
i.Matte or satin, avoiding reflective or mirrored surfaces
ii.Use neutral or coordinated colors unless the business is applying
branded colors that align with Cal Ave’s design palette. See
Appendix page [x] for more information on this.
Railing & Partition Design Guidelines
1.Visual Quality
a.Railings should enhance the architectural character of the building
and neighboring storefronts
b.Where possible, integrate planter boxes, branded panels, or integrated
signage within the railing system
2.Flexibility & Modularity
a.Modular Systems
■Freestanding railing systems that can be easily removed,
reconfigured, or relocated are encouraged
■Where multiple businesses share a continuous frontage, systems
should align or coordinate across property lines
b.Integrate with other elements
■Attach to platforms, if present (and not installed resulting in
damage to city infrastructure)
■Combine with planter boxes, lighting elements, or sidewall
systems
03 Design Elements
35
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
03.2.c Boundary Elements:
Sidewalls & Weather Screens
Modular weather screens are to provide
flexible, seasonal weather protection for
dining spaces and preserve the openness,
pedestrian visibility, and access between
the street and storefronts.
Modular screens
Prefabricated modular panels with
glass wind screen
Wood planter with screen
Wood planters integrated glass
screen
Examples of
Prefered Sidewalls
& Weather Screen
Types
03 Design Elements
36
Movable planter
Moveable planter with integrated
glass screen
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Sidewall & Weather Screen Requirements
(continued)
1.Materials
a.Anodized aluminum, tempered glass, or durable composite
2.Transparency
a.Areas above 30 inches must be at least 50% transparent
b.Must not block visibility between street and storefronts
3.Height
a.Recommended height 6 feet
b.Maximum height 8 feet
Weather Protection Design Guidelines
1.Wind and Weather Screens:
a.Free-standing panels or movable screens for seasonal wind, rain, or UV
protection
2.Adjustable Height Glass Screens:
a.Systems where the upper panel can be raised or lowered based on
weather
3.Planter-Integrated Screens:
a.Combined planter/screen units to green the space and buffer weather
4.Materials:
a.Tempered glass
b.Polycarbonate
c.Recycled composite
5.Avoid:
a.Opaque walls
b.Corrugated plastic
c.Patchwork or fabric-based solutions
Weather Protection Design Guidelines (continued)
6. Emphasize visual permeability and natural light
7. Not Allowed
a.Fully opaque walls over 30 inches
b.Temporary fencing, crowd-control barricades
c.Plastic sheeting or tarps as weather protection
d.Do it yourself structures using mixed salvage materials
Outdoor Alcohol Service
●If alcoholic beverages are served in the activation space:
○A physical boundary and signage must be provided to clearly
delineate the licensed premises as required by the California
Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).
○The boundary may consist of planters, railings, or modular screens and
■Visibly defines the edge of the dining area
■Complies with ADA and emergency access standards
■Maintains openness and transparency above 30 inches
○Businesses are responsible for maintaining their beverage barriers in
good condition and ensuring compliance with all ABC conditions of
licensure.
○Reference: California ABC Premises Expansion Guidelines
03 Design Elements
37
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines 38
03 Design Elements
Example A: minimum allowed
enclosure facing promenade
The boundary condition of an outdoor activation
space can be designed in a variety of ways. These
are a few examples, viewed from the accessway.
Example C: Combination of low
planters and seating / benches with
min. 4’ entry
03.2.d Boundary Examples
Raili
Example B: Free standing partitions
with branding and 4’ min entry
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
03.3 Overhead Shelter
To create a comfortable outdoor dining
experience and provide effective weather
protection that shields patrons from sun,
rain, and moderate wind, Cal Ave outdoor
outdoor activation areas may use robust,
high-quality umbrellas and awnings
designed for durability, stability, and
adaptability.
Large-format umbrellas complement dining areas
aesthetically while adhering to safety standards. Building-
mounted awnings enhance coverage and visual cohesion,
ensuring a unified, inviting environment.
03 Design Elements
39
Placa Reial
Barcelona, Spain
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Overhead Shelter Requirements (continued)
1.Material Specifications
a.Canopy Fabric:
i.High-grade, solution-dyed acrylic (e.g., Sunbrella, Outdura).
ii.UV-resistant, waterproof, mildew-resistant, minimum 9 oz/sq. yd
fabric weight.
b.Frame Material:
i.Corrosion-resistant frames (marine-grade aluminum, stainless
steel, or fiberglass).
2.Wind and Stability
a.All umbrellas placed in the public right-of-way must be commercial
grade, intended for outdoor public and commercial use.
b.Umbrellas are to be free standing and not anchored to the roadway or
sidewalk)
c.Wind Performance
i.Umbrellas must be secured in a free standing, weighted base per
manufacturer recommendations.
ii.Umbrellas must be rated by the manufacturer to remain stable in
wind conditions while open when installed per manufacturer’s
instructions.
iii.Umbrellas must be closed and secured during wind conditions
per manufacturer’s recommendations.
d.Applicant must submit product specifications and describe base and
fastening methods with application.
e.Awnings:
i.Must be securely anchored to building façades.
Overhead Shelter Guidelines
1.Size and Coverage
a.Umbrella Diameter:
i.Typically between 13 to 20 feet.
ii.Fewer, larger umbrellas preferred over many smaller ones.
b.Clearance Height:
i.Minimum 7–8 feet from ground to canopy edge when fully
opened.
2.Wind and Stability
a.Wind Vents and Reinforced Seams:
i.Double-vented designs encouraged.
3.Weather and UV Protection
a.Waterproof coatings and reinforced seams.
b.UPF 50+ rating for UV protection.
c.Light or reflective canopy colors recommended for heat reduction.
4.Functionality and Flexibility
a.Tilt and Rotation Adjustments:
i.For cantilever umbrellas: 360-degree rotation and adjustable tilt
preferred.
b.Ease of Operation:
i.Use crank or pulley systems for opening/closing.
c.Retractability:
i.Retractable awnings encouraged for year-round flexibility.
d.Lighting Integration:
i.Ambient or task lighting within umbrellas/awnings (compliant
with lighting requirements).
03 Design Elements
40
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Cantilever umbrellas
Flexible, unobstructed space
beneath the umbrella, enabling
open seating and multi-table
coverage.
Center-pole (market-style)
umbrellas
Anchored installations with a
central pole that does not obstruct
movement or seating.
Multi-canopy umbrella systems
Multiple canopies on a single frame,
allowing greater coverage and
flexibility for large spaces.
03.3 Overhead Shelter (continued)
Building facade-mounted
retractable awnings
Attached to adjacent buildings
to provide broad coverage and
integration with architecture.
Preferred
Overhead Shelter
Types
The following are allowed
●Cantilever umbrellas
●Center-pole (market-style) umbrellas
●Multi-canopy umbrella systems
●Building facade-mounted retractable awnings
Other overhead shelter types may be permitted provided
that location, setback, clearance and area requirements
are met, they are not attached to the roadway, they are
easily and quickly removable for utility access, and meet
wind and stability requirements.
03 Design Elements
41
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
03.3 Overhead Shelter (continued)
The following are NOT allowed
●Pop-up tents
●Permanent wood-framed roof structures
●Corrugated plastic or metal roofing materials
●Extending beyond the Outdoor Activation space
Pop-up tent
Customized overhead
shelters of any material or
form
Multi-colored, branded
umbrellas
03 Design Elements
42
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
03.4 Branding & Signage
Branding and signage on Cal Ave
activation areas help define the district’s
identity, support business visibility, and
contribute to a cohesive and welcoming
public realm.
03 Design Elements
43
Fort Point Ferry Building
San Francisco, California
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Free-standing signs
Sandwich Boards made of metal
(durable material)
Surface-mounted signs
Branding on 30” boundary elements
(planters or screens)
03.5 Branding & Signage (continued)
Preferred
Branding & Signage
Types
Branding and signage are allowed on the
following locations:
●On Sandwich Boards
●On boundary elements
●Must be located within the Outdoor Activation space
03 Design Elements
44
Partition -mounted signs
Branding on 30” boundary elements
(planters or screens)
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
03.5 Branding & Signage (continued)
Do not place signage in
pedestrian through zones
Signage cannot be placed
in streetscape garden
Outside the Outdoor
Activation space
Branding and signage are NOT allowed on
the following locations:
●On umbrellas, awnings, or vertical screens above 36 inches
●painted murals, decals, or wraps on activation area
surfaces
●Pedestrian through zones
●In planters
●Any location outside the designated outdoor activation
space
03 Design Elements
45
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
03.5 Lighting
Thoughtful, human scale lighting can
improve the comfort, safety, and
appearance of outdoor activation spaces,
and will significantly contribute to the
attractiveness of the street. Applicants
interested in lighting should consider
solar-powered lighting that uses a
rechargeable battery.
03 Design Elements
46
Mill Street
Grass Valley, California
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Umbrellas mounted,
integrated lighting
Umbrellas mounted,
integrated lighting
1
2
03.6 Lighting (continued)
Preferred
Lighting Types
The following are allowed
●Lighting integrated into overhead canopies, umbrellas
●Lighting integrated into furniture, boundary elements
●String lights, wall-mounted downlights, solar or
rechargeable table lamps
03 Design Elements
47
Overhead String Lights
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Lighting Requirements (continued)
1.Businesses must comply with the following standards, consistent with the
City of Palo Alto and California Electrical Code:
2.Lighting is required for outdoor dining areas for food and beverage service
in the evening hours.
3.Allowed Fixture Types:
a.LED-only lighting
b.String lights, wall-mounted downlights, solar or rechargeable table
lamps
4.All lighting must be rated for exterior use, listed, and carry a product
certificate for its intended use by a recognized electrical testing
laboratory.
5.Power & Installation:
a.Power must come from a weatherproof GFCI outlet mounted on the
building (min. 10 feet above ground)
b.Wiring must follow permanent wiring methods per code and run via a
single overhead guide wire
c.No extension cords, power strips, or generator use
d.Electrical equipment must be UL or ETL certified for outdoor
commercial use
6.Placement & Output:
a.Lighting must stay within the activation area and not encroach into
pedestrian walkways
b.Fixtures must aim downward, with shielding to prevent upward light
spill
c.Max output: 100 watts or 1,600 lumens per fixture
d.Lighting shall be of the lowest intensity and energy use adequate for
its purpose and be designed to focus illumination downward to avoid
excessive illumination above the light fixture with a maximum of 100
watts or 1600 lumens, whichever is greater, per fixture.
7.Permits:
a.An electrical permit is required for all permanent wiring and exterior
receptacle installations
b.If installing permanent lighting on the Outdoor Activation space or
adding the exterior GFCI receptacle at the building per IV(D)2a, an
electrical permit shall be obtained and shall comply with permanent
wiring methods as outlined in the adopted California Electrical code.
Lighting Guidelines
To support a comfortable, visually cohesive street experience, businesses are
encouraged to:
1.Use ambient lighting for general glow, task lighting for tables, and accent
lighting for architectural features or planters
2.Select fixtures that complement storefront architecture and minimize visual
clutter
3.Use low-wattage (5–20W) warm LEDs to enhance atmosphere without over-
lighting
4.Choose solar-powered or battery-operated lighting where feasible to
reduce energy use
5.Incorporate timers, motion sensors, or photocells to automatically turn off
lights when not needed
6.Avoid harsh glare near pedestrian or bike paths, and maintain consistent
spacing to reduce dark spots
03 Design Elements
48
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Outdoor heating elements may be used to
enhance patron comfort in outdoor
activation areas during cold weather.
Electric and propane (LPG) heaters that meet City of Palo
Alto safety, and permitting requirements are permitted. All
heaters are to be weather rated, certified for commercial
outdoor use and installed according to manufacturer
instructions and applicable fire and electrical codes.
03.6 Heating
03 Design Elements
49
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
3.Proposed outdoor storage of 20-pound containers requires plan review and
inspection.
4.On-site storage of 20-pound propane containers (5 gal) is prohibited
indoors.
5.Propane storage is not allowed in the public right-of-way.
6.If businesses do not have an approved private outdoor storage area, all
propane containers must be removed from the premises at the close of
business every day.
7.LPG Heaters are not permitted on the sidewalk in the pedestrian path of
travel
8.LPG heaters cannot be placed underneath overhead canopies, awnings,
inside buildings or tents and they must have 5-feet clearance from any
flammable materials
9.Any use of a portable heater, portable generator, candles, open flame, or
any activity regulated by the Fire code must be approved and permitted by
the Palo Alto Fire Department separately from the outdoor activation
encroachment permit.
10.A fire extinguisher is required to be mounted within sight and have
appropriate signage per the Fire Code.
Heating Requirements (continued)
Electric radiant or infrared heaters:
1.UL-listed, ETL certified, and labeled for outdoor commercial use
2.Located and installed per manufacturer’s instructions and specifications.
3.Meet City installation requirements
a.Comply with the power supply requirements in section IV.D.2.
b.Electric heaters must be placed at least 3 feet away from any
combustible materials or as required by Manufacturer’s installation
instruction, whichever is more restrictive.
c.Mounted securely (8–12 feet above ground if overhead)
■Ensure adequate airflow, and avoid installation in exposed, high-
wind areas
■Electrical cords must be rated for outdoor use, protected, and
must not pose a trip hazard
■Do not place heaters in pedestrian paths of travel, including on
sidewalks or in any required accessible clearance zones
d.A fire extinguisher is required to be mounted within sight and have
appropriate signage per the Fire Code.
Propane heaters:
1.Permitted with an approved HAZMAT permit and CERS submittal.
2.HAZMAT permit is required for storage and use of liquid propane gas. A site
plan with the desired location of each heater is required at time of the
hazmat permit application. All storage locations and use areas must be
noted in the HAZMAT permit application and approved during fire
inspection. A final onsite hazmat inspection will be conducted to ensure the
proper spacing of heaters form combustibles and emergency access/egress
and storage of LPG.
03 Design Elements
50
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
All outdoor heating and lighting systems
must be powered safely and in
compliance with the California Electrical
Code and City of Palo Alto requirements.
Electrical infrastructure must be reviewed as part of the
permit process when installing fixed lighting, overhead
heating, or building-mounted outlets.
03.7 Electrical
03 Design Elements
51
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Electrical Requirements (continued)
1.Power Source
a.Power must originate from a weatherproof GFCI outlet mounted to the
exterior of the building
b.Outlet must be installed no lower than 10 feet above the walking
surface
c.Power may not be sourced from:
■City streetlights
■Tree-mounted wiring
■Temporary outlets or plugs
2.Wiring and Installation
a.Electrical connections must use permanent wiring methods per
California Electrical Code
b.Power must be routed via one overhead guide wire from the building
to the outdoor activation area in sidewalk areas with mosaic glass
c.No cords may run along or under the sidewalk
d.No extension cords or power strips are permitted
e.Power cords between the building and the Outdoor Activation space
shall be secured to one (1) single overhead guide wire between the
building and the Outdoor Activation space structure.
f.Portable generators are prohibited for any outdoor activation use
3.Permitting
a.An electrical permit is required for:
■Installation of any new building-mounted exterior outlet
■Permanent lighting or fixed heating systems
4.All equipment must be:
a.UL or ETL certified
b.Rated for outdoor commercial use
5.Not allowed
a.Televisions are not permitted.
b.Amplified is not permitted on Outdoor Activation spaces. Any ambient
sound may only originate from the interior of the business’s occupied
building.
03 Design Elements
52
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Clean and well-managed outdoor spaces
are essential to maintaining public health,
supporting sustainability, and enhancing
the visual character of California Avenue.
All businesses participating in the Outdoor Activation
Program are responsible for proper waste management in
compliance with the City’s Zero Waste Palo Alto Ordinance
and local solid waste sorting requirements.
03.8 Waste Management
03 Design Elements
53
Retrograde and Sunshine Cafe
Sebastopol, California
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Waste Management Requirements (continued)
1.Keep outdoor activation area and adjacent sidewalks free of
litter, food waste, and stains
2.Clean surfaces daily, and power wash at least once per month
3.Prevent debris and liquids from entering storm drains or
accumulating near planters or barriers
4.Maintain clear access to drainage grates and public
infrastructure
5.Comply with Palo Alto’s solid waste ordinance and support
citywide zero waste goals:
6.Provide clearly labeled and color-coded containers for:
○Recycling (blue-tinted liners)
○Compost (green compostable liners)
○Landfill (clear liners)
7.Containers must be:
○Easily accessible to customers and staff
○Routinely emptied and cleaned
○Kept in a location that does not obstruct pedestrian
paths
03 Design Elements
54
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Individual containers
Clearly defined trash, recycling
and compost bins.
Combined unit
Trash, compost and recycling bins
in a single unit.
03.8 Waste Management (continued)
Preferred
Trash & Recycling
Types
The following are allowed
●Individual Containers
●Combined Unit
03 Design Elements
55
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
03.9 Accessibility
All outdoor activation areas are required
to be accessible and usable by people
with disabilities.
All accessibility features are to be designed and
constructed to conform to the requirements of the
Americans with Disability Act accessibility guidelines and
standards. Compliance with the ADA can include a surface
flushed with the sidewalk or an outdoor activation space
that provides an ADA compliant ramp, railing, landing, and
associated eating and drinking facilities.
03 Design Elements
56
Sunday to Sunday
Manhattan, New York
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Accessibility Requirements (continued)
1.Flush with Sidewalk Outdoor Activation:
a.The surface of the Outdoor Activation space platform must be flush
with the adjacent sidewalk with a maximum gap of one quarter inch
and one quarter inch vertical tolerance.
b.A minimum 4-foot wide accessible path of travel and 5-foot diameter
turnaround space must be maintained within the Outdoor Activation
space.
c.Any abrupt changes in elevation exceeding 4 inches along an
accessible path of travel shall be identified by 6-inch tall warning
curbs.
2.Depressed or Elevated Outdoor Activation:
a.If a ramp is required for access to the outdoor activation area or a
portion thereof, it shall comply with all accessibility ramp provisions.
3.Seating
a.Any seating and dining must comply with the applicable accessibility
requirements outlined in the adopted California Building Code. The
establishment shall provide 5 percent accessible seating for each
type of seating provided (table, booth, etc.) or a minimum of one seat
per type, whichever is greater, in an outdoor seating area where the
slope is no greater than 2 percent in any direction.
b.Such ADA accessible seating shall be of the same size and appearance
as the establishment’s other outdoor seating.
c.Refer to Section [ ] for additional accessibility requirements (WIP)
d.See Appendix [ ] for standards.(WIP)
03 Design Elements
57
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Encroachment
Permit Application
Topics
➔Permit Process
➔Submittal Requirements
➔Extension Beyond Establishment
➔Removing an Outdoor Activation Area
➔Outdoor Activation Area Fee
04
58
Car-Free California Ave
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
04.1 Permit Process
04 Encroachment Permit Application
The Outdoor Activation Program is effective
(date) through (date)
Please see [ ] for permitting process.
➔Any applicant seeking to install a Outdoor Activation space in
the public right-of-way in the City of Palo Alto must apply for
and receive a valid Encroachment Permit before beginning
construction of the Outdoor Activation space. The permit
application will be reviewed by the Department of Public
Works and other relevant City departments, prior to approval.
➔The Department of Public Works shall be an applicant’s
primary point of contact.
➔Construction of a Outdoor Activation space cannot begin
until a permit application has been approved and the permit
issued to the applicant. If work begins prior to approved
application, the Outdoor Activation space materials will be
removed and the applicant will be fined.
➔Prior to serving patrons and otherwise operating the Outdoor
Activation space, the Outdoor Activation space must be
inspected by the Department of Publics Works and approved
for use.
➔An eligible establishment with a valid Encroachment Permit
may construct and operate a Outdoor Activation space
subject to the standards and requirements contained in this
document, applicable sections of the Palo Alto Municipal
Code (PAMC), other documents associated by reference, and
other documents declared relevant by the Director of Public
Works and his or her designee.
59
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
04.2 Submittal Requirements
04 Encroachment Permit Application
Site Plan
➔Site plan shall be drawn to scale on 11 x17 tabloid paper,
include all pertinent dimensions and the following
information:
◆Location of the business frontage
◆Dimensions of the outdoor activation area
◆ADA accessibility measurements
◆Setbacks from adjacent property lines and the
accessway
◆Location of public utilities including any manhole
covers, gutter drains, fire hydrants, and FDCs, light
poles, etc. and their distances to the outdoor activation
area and proposed improvements
◆Any adjacent installations on the sidewalk including
utility boxes, street signs, bike racks, street furniture,
street trees, tree wells, etc. and their distances to the
outdoor activation area and proposed improvements
◆Crosswalks, bus stops, driveways and their distances to
the outdoor activation area and proposed
improvements
◆Width of sidewalk
60
◆Planters
◆Locations and extent of affected neighbors and their
adjacent businesses
Floor Plan
➔Floor Plan of the proposed outdoor activation area showing
the following information:
➔Total number and location of tables and seats and/or
benches
➔Dimensions of tables, seats, and benches and other furniture
Elevations
➔Elevation drawing showing the following information:
➔Height and design of any platform, railings and/or boundary
elements
➔Heating, lighting, other electrical equipment
➔Power connection (show distance from ground to overhead
wire)
➔Storm water drainage
➔Cross-section drawing of outdoor activation area
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
04 Encroachment Permit Application
Construction Drawings showing the following
information:
➔Structural drawings (platform, railings, electrical poles)
➔Structural calculations
➔Heating, lighting, other electrical equipment
➔Electrical power connection/source
Pictures of Existing Conditions
➔The application should include at least three photos
showing existing public right-of-way for the proposed
outdoor activation area, including the proposed sidewalk
and roadway area to converted into an outdoor activation
area, adjacent sidewalk and store frontage of the proposed
business and adjacent store frontages
List of Materials and Equipment
➔Materials palette showing the following information:
◆Proposed materials for platform
◆Proposed materials for railings/enclosures
◆Equipment sheet including image of equipment 61
Outdoor Activation Information
➔Proposed use
➔Business hours of
operation
➔Architect/Engineer/Construction firm contact (if
applicable)
Business Information
➔Address
Business Owner Information
➔xx
04.2 Submittal Requirements (continued)
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
04 Encroachment Permit Application
Property Owner Information (if different from
applicant)
➔xx
Insurance Documents
➔Letter(s) of Consent –An outdoor activation applicant
must get a letter of consent from neighboring ground-
floor tenant(s) if their activation space is to extend
beyond their storefront (see 04.2 extension beyond
establishment)
Indemnity Acknowledgement
➔xx
62
04.2 Submittal Requirements (continued)
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
04.3 Extension Beyond Establishment
Outdoor Activation areas may extend beyond
the applicant’s store front with a letter of
consent from neighboring ground-floor
tenants. If an outdoor activation area extends
in front of neighboring storefront(s) or
proposes to extend in front of neighboring
storefront(s), written notice will be sent to
the affected neighbor(s) at the time of permit
application and annual renewal. The business
adjacent to the affected neighbor(s) will also
receive notices.
➔If the neighboring ground-floor property is vacant, then the letter of consent is
not required for the duration of the permit. Outdoor activation sponsor must
obtain an up-to-date letter of consent for any future license renewals as
requested by Public Works during future permit renewal processes.
➔If Outdoor activation sponsor cannot obtain an up-to-date letter of consent, or if
the outdoor activation space occupancy in not in accordance with the terms of
any applicable law, these regulations, and/or any permit requirement, the outdoor
activation sponsor is responsible for the removal of any structure on the outdoor
activation permit extending into a neighboring frontage within 90-days.
➔If the affected neighbor(s) or adjacent business wish to claim the same space for
their own outdoor activation area, they must notify the city in writing within 30
days of the notice.
➔If a competing claim for the space from the adjacent business is confirmed, the
affected neighbor has priority over the space. However, an outdoor activation
area permit application must be submitted by the affected neighbor within 60
days of the first notice to claim the space.
➔If a competing claim for the space from the adjacent business is confirmed, and
the affected business does not claim the space, the adjacent business and
original outdoor activation area permittee shall split the space.
➔The Space shall be split from the centerline.
➔If applicable, an outdoor activation area sponsor must remove and/or alter their
outdoor activation area (applying for applicable permits) within 90 days of
receiving notice of a competing claim for the space(s).
04 Encroachment Permit Application
63
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
04.4 Removing an Outdoor Activation Area
If for some reason the Outdoor Activation
sponsor decides they no longer want to
maintain an Outdoor Activation space, the
sponsor is responsible for notifying the City
and removing it at the sponsors’ own
expense. Immediately upon removal the
Outdoor Activation area shall be cleaned and
restored to its previous condition to the
satisfaction of the City.
➔Failure to Maintain an Outdoor Activation: Sponsor who fails to properly and
sufficiently maintain the cleanliness, safety, and accessibility of their space
may be subject to violations and fines. If maintenance issues are not
resolved, the City may revoke the encroachment permit and the sponsor
may be required by the City to remove the Outdoor Activation space at
their own expense.
➔Utility Maintenance & Public Safety:Because an Outdoor Activation space
may sit atop buried utilities, there may be instances where it will need to be
removed to access, clean, maintain, repair or other action to the utilities
beneath it. In the event of necessary utility maintenance or the unlikely
event of a utility failure such as a gas leak or water main break that
threatens public safety, the City may request the sponsor to move a
platform or other improvement, or the City or utility owner may remove
improvements with little or no notice. The sponsors are responsible for the
cost of reinstalling and restoring any damage to the Outdoor Activation
space. In instances of advanced notice (such as street repaving, planned
maintenance, etc.), the sponsor may need to remove and reinstall the
Outdoor Activation space at their sole expense. If the sponsor cannot
remove the space, the City will remove it for them. Sponsor accepts street
repairs may occur at anytime and may involve heavy construction work,
noise and related disruptions, for which the City or utility owner is not
responsible for any impact of inconvenience.
04 Encroachment Permit Application
64
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
04.5 Outdoor Activation Area Fees
Outdoor Activation spaces are subject to the
following fees outlined in the City’s Fee
Schedule.
➔Permit Application Fee
➔Deposit Fee (refundable). This deposit will be used to cover
the cost of restoring the right-of-way to its original
condition if not done so by the permittee. This includes, but
is not limited to, the following:
●Removing the Outdoor Activation space structure
●Removing bolts in the curb and the right-of-way
and filling in holes
●Removing exposed wiring
●Repairing damage to the sidewalk
●Removing construction debris and/or garbage
●Parking or traffic control striping
●Wheel stop removal or reinstallation
➔Permit Renewal Fee
➔Annual License Fee
◆This fee will be charged per square foot based on the
total Outdoor Activation space platform area
04 Encroachment Permit Application
65
NOT YET APPROVED Attachment B
134_20250529_ts24
Resolution No. _____
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Allowing Eating/Drinking
and Retail Parklets (as Defined in Palo Alto Municipal Code Ch. 12.11) on
the Car Free Portion of California Avenue
R E C I T A L S
A. Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter 12.11 allows the City Council to
designate which areas of the City to allow “parklets,” which is defined by PAMC section
12.11.010(a).
B. Through this Resolution, the City Council now intends to allow parklets on
the car-free portion of California Avenue.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto does RESOLVE as follows:
SECTION 1. Findings and Declarations. The Council hereby adopts the above
Recitals as findings of the Council.
SECTION 2. Designated Area. The Council hereby designates the section of
California Avenue between El Camino Real and Birch Street (“Designated Area”) as eligible
for parklets pursuant to PAMC section 12.11.040. The permissible uses in this Designated
Area are: (1) eating and drinking service; and (2) retail service. The Director of Public
Works may promulgate regulations specific to this Designated Area under the authority
granted in PAMC section 12.11.050.
SECTION 3. No Rights Granted. This Resolution does not create any right in
any specific person or corporate entity to a parklet, parklet permit, or to create a parklet
in a specific location within the area detailed in Section 2.
SECTION 4. CEQA. The Council finds that this Resolution is categorically
exempt from CEQA under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (existing facilities), 15303 (new
construction or conversion of small structures), 15304(e) (minor temporary use of land
having negligible or no permanent effects on the environment), 15305 (minor alterations
in land use limitations), 15311 (accessory structures), and 15323 (normal operations of
facilities for public gatherings).
//
//
NOT YET APPROVED Attachment B
134_20250529_ts24
SECTION 5. This Resolution shall be effective upon adoption. The City Manager
may temporarily suspend (or partially suspend) the enforcement of PAMC Ch. 12.11 and
its regulations as to the Designated Area in order to allow existing and new permittees to
come into compliance.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
__________________________ _____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
__________________________ _____________________________
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
_____________________________
Director of Public Works
NOT YET APPROVED Attachment C
135_20250529_ts24 1
Resolution No. _____
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto to Authorize
Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages under PAMC 9.04.010 for Third
Thursdays on California Avenue in 2025
R E C I T A L S
A. Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) section 9.04.010 makes it unlawful to consume any
alcoholic beverage upon any street, sidewalk, highway or alley except as may be
authorized by the City Council.
B. Through this Resolution, the City Council desires to authorize such consumption for a
temporary period in conjunction with the Third Thursday street music festival events on
the section of California Avenue closed to vehicular traffic.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto does RESOLVE as follows:
SECTION 1. The City Council hereby authorizes the consumption of alcoholic beverages
under PAMC section 9.04.010 upon the section of California Avenue between El Camino Real and
Birch Street that is closed to traffic (the ‘designated area’) between the hours of 4:30 pm to 10:00
pm on the third Thursday of each month throughout 2025 only when the Third Thursday street
festival event occurs. The City Manager may change these dates and times of this authorization
in case any Third Thursday street festival date is rescheduled.
SECTION 2. This authorization is subject to any conditions, regulations, or limits imposed
by the City through its City Manager, any City Department, or any relevant law, permit, or
condition. The City Manager may promulgate regulations of such consumption in order to ensure
public safety, health, and welfare, including but not limited to regulations regarding staffing,
security and law enforcement requirements, refuse/trash/recycling, and bathrooms. The City
Manager is authorized to further limit the designated area and time duration than that allowed
in Section 1 if necessary to ensure public safety, health, and welfare.
SECTION 3. This Resolution’s authority is limited to that which is granted under PAMC
section 9.04.010. It does not authorize any event generally, nor does it grant or waive any other
generally applicable requirements under law, regulation, or permit condition. It does not curtail
or supersede any other applicable law, regulation, permit, or condition. It does not limit the
ability of the City to issue or enforce any permit conditions that limit or forbid alcohol sales or
consumption in the designated area under other laws or regulations. It does not create any right
or vested interest in any person or business to sell alcoholic beverages. It does not prevent law
enforcement from enforcing any provision of state law or the Palo Alto Municipal Code besides
PAMC section 9.04.010 during the dates and times specified above. This Resolution shall not be
interpreted to conflict with any state law, regulation, or permit condition imposed by the State
of California’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
NOT YET APPROVED Attachment C
135_20250529_ts24 2
SECTION 4. Environmental Review. The Council finds that this Resolution is categorically
exempt under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 (existing facilities); 15304(e) (minor temporary
use of land having negligible or no permanent effects on the environment); 15305 (minor
alterations in land use limitations); and 15323 (normal operations of facilities for public
gatherings).
SECTION 5. Effective Date and Sunset. This Resolution shall be effective immediately
upon adoption and shall automatically sunset on December 31, 2025.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
__________________________ _____________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
__________________________ _____________________________
Assistant City Attorney City Manager
From:Daniel Hulse
To:Council, City
Subject:6/17 Meeting, Item 17, Car-Free California Avenue
Date:Sunday, June 15, 2025 10:56:01 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Dear Palo Alto City Council,
I am writing to support the Car-Free California Avenue. Living in the Del Medio area, this
area is closer and more “home” than the downtown of my own city of Mountain View. I often
come here by train or bike for restaurants, farmers markets, and just to hang out. It is
already a nice place!
In your implementation of this plan I hope that you avoid Mountain View’s mistake that we
made when we banned cars from our downtown. For some reason, in Mountain View
banning cars meant banning bikes. This robbed bicycles of a key transportation corridor
while also limiting our point-to-point access to downtown businesses who we would
otherwise like to frequent. This limitation has always made me prefer California Avenue,
because it doesn’t seem like an area that is telling me that I’m a bad person for the crime of
biking where I need to go. Of course, the sometimes cited safety issue was not actually
resolved because people bike in the “bikes banned” area anyway–after all, anyone with
eyes can see that it is safe and these days giving people tickets for pretend crimes has
fallen out of fashion.
To convince you to avoid making this mistake, I want to stress some key reasons why you
really want to make sure Cal Ave stays open to bikes:
1.
It’s a really important transportation corridor for cyclists. You should probably
know this better than me, but California Avenue is a key route because it connects
the train station, as well as the path under the train line, across El Camino to Stanford
Research Park as well as the southern parts of Stanford. The proposed “parallel
route,” of Cambridge Avenue, while necessary for days and times when California
Ave will be crowded and occupied, simply doesn’t provide the same through-access,
instead terminating one block north of El Camino. It also isn’t closed to cars currently,
and given that I doubt whether it can be brought to the same standard (read: All Ages
This message needs your attention
No employee in your company has ever replied to this person.
This is a personal email address.
Mark Safe Report
and Abilities) that California Avenue has already achieved today. There are still
reasons to improve this street, but it is mainly useful as a detour, not the main route.
Additionally, if this plays out like it did for Mountain View, the “alternative
route” may not materialize for years after the bike ban goes into effect, leaving
bikes with worse connectivity than before, when it was open to cars.
2.
Businesses benefit from the visibility and access. Your businesses will often talk
about how car access makes it easy for people to see businesses and “pop in” when
they need to.. This argument is doubly true for cyclists, because walking is such a
drag. One of the major advantages of bikes over any other mode is its ability to
rapidly move directly from start to destination. Moving bike access off of California
Avenue encourages skipping this area entirely. As a cyclist, you’re a lot less likely to
stop for coffee at a business you don’t know exists, and you’re marginally less likely
to stop if it means you have to walk your bike. For me, I like being able to have a line
of sight to my bike when I frequent a business so I don’t have to worry about it being
stolen. Enabling cyclists to feel comfortable biking to businesses is worth
encouraging, whether business owners understand it or not.
3.
Cycling is a part of California Avenue’s identity. This argument is more of a
feeling, but I would guess a lot of people who actually frequent California Avenue on
a regular basis understand it. California Avenue has cycling-related businesses like
Terun and Summit Bikes right on the street. Some rather famous bike routes like
Page Mill spit you out right here. On weekends, you often see a whole (cargo bike-
assisted) family of cyclists and the vibe is just tremendous. Isn’t it lovely to sit, sip
your coffee, and hear the occasional “ding ding” of a bike bell? What a vibrant place!
In summary, I don’t understand the need to get rid of all this fun, barring there being
substantive crash data (not anecdotes or near-misses) that tell us otherwise.
Sincerely,
Daniel Hulse
Mountain View (Del Medio)
From:milo
To:Council, City
Subject:Keeping California Avenue open for bicycles
Date:Sunday, June 15, 2025 8:50:03 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Members of the Special Council of the City of Palo Alto:
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Milovan Kovacevic, your neighbor from the College
Terrace, and I am writing to express my strong support for your decision to maintain the bicycle lanes on
California Avenue - the decision I hope to see you'll uphold. The word is out that a group of our neighbors
are looking for ways to change your position. I am sure they have their reasons, ill-advised they may
be. Cycling is an integral part of Palo Alto’s transportation fabric: with 9.5% of residents biking to work—
the highest share in the Bay Area—Palo Alto has long stood out for its forward-thinking approach to
bicycling infrastructure. Preserving safe, dedicated bike infrastructure on California Avenue is vital to
upholding this legacy.
By keeping these lanes in place, the Council is:
1. Prioritizing public safety—protected bike lanes reduce conflicts between cyclists and vehicles,
helping all users feel safer.
2. Supporting local businesses—car-free access invites more walking and cycling shoppers,
contributing to a livelier California Avenue district.
3. Aligning with broader BPTP goals—this step dovetails with the City’s ongoing Bicycle &
Pedestrian Transportation Plan update and Pedestrian & Bicycle Advisory Committee discussions.
Your vision and foresight has already brought a great deal of quality of life improvement to College Terrace
and surrounding neighborhoods. I respectfully urge the Council to continue championing complete streets
and protected bike infrastructure across Palo Alto. California Avenue sets a bold example: a street that is
safe, community-focused, and accessible for all.
Thank you for your leadership and for your unwavering support of sustainable transportation. Please don’t
hesitate to reach out if I can assist in any further efforts to enhance Palo Alto’s bicycle network.
Warm regards,
Milovan Kovacevic
980 College Ave, Palo Alto, CA
milovan.kovacevic@pm.me
+1(650)272-9864
From:Deborah Goldeen
To:Council, City
Cc:Star-Lack, Sylvia; Mesterhazy, Rose; Smith, Audrey
Subject:"Why don"t they just go around?"
Date:Sunday, June 15, 2025 8:33:58 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
Item 17 on Tuesday’s agenda may just be about crossing a few T’s and dotting a couple I’s, but if I am right about
some of my neighbors, there is going to be an attempt to hijack that item. There’s a sabotage/whisper campaign
afoot to pressure the council into barring all bikes from car free Cal Ave. They are going to say to you, “why can’t
the kids just go around?” To this I would respond,, “if Page Mill was closed to cars at El Camino, could the cars
‘just go around?’ “ It is astounding to me that anyone would put their desire to stroll without a care whenever thy
liked over the safety of kids biking to school.
And about that:
1) There is a horrendous class TWO Ebike problem. Put the kibosh on those motorcycles masquerading as bikes and
you probably won’t have problems with bikes on car free Cal Ave.
2) I used to visit Castro St shops and to eat at their restaurants regularly. But they have closed Castro to bikes so I
simply go elsewhere. If people think blocking bikes from Cal Ave will improve commerce, they’ve got another
think coming.
Thank you for your consideration - Deborah Goldeen, Birch St., Palo Alto
From:Cindy Goral
To:Council, City
Subject:California Ave parklet requirements
Date:Sunday, June 15, 2025 11:36:00 AM
Dear Honorable City Council Members,
I strongly recommend you not approve the plans for California Ave
restaurant parklet requirements as proposed. In particular, the
requirement that they must use umbrellas and can't use other overhead
structures. Businesses were hurt by covid and struggled to stay open
during that time. Then when they were trying to get back on their feet,
the city continued to shift requirements on the parklets (e.g., changing
fence heights, whether they could have heaters or not, what kind of
tents they could use) which continued to be a financial burden on the
restaurants. Now the city wants to change requirements again, adopting a
particular look, after all the money the restaurants have already put
into complying.
Umbrellas only are not a good solution. They don't work in the wind,
rain, and cold weather, and limit outdoor dining to fair weather. If a
restaurant wants to use umbrellas, that's ok, but tent structures are a
much better solution and should also be allowed. If you impose this
requirement, some restaurants will chose not to keep the parklet. In
that case, they reduce capacity, will lay off workers, and no longer
provide outdoor seating. Reducing capacity while building lots of new
apartments nearby doesn't seem like a good idea. I only eat outside or
take-out since covid due to health reasons. If there's no parklet or
umbrella only, this limits outside dining drastically for me and others
like me, and reduces capacity for all.
Please do not restrict tent usage!
Respectfully,
Cindy Goral
Laguna Way, Palo Alto
From:Rajeev Kelkar
To:Council, City
Subject:California Avenue proposed changes
Date:Monday, June 9, 2025 6:14:26 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Dear Council members,
Thank you for all the work you do for Palo Alto and the community.
I am a Sunnyvale resident but very connected to Palo Alto, and grateful to Palo Alto.
Specifically, my daughter and I have been provided the opportunity to play music at Third
Thursday, Terun, the 414 California Music Series (we have played on Saturdays in April,
May, June), Italico, Vino Locale, and other venues in Palo Alto.
I heard that there was a proposal that would result in the removal of permanent outdoor dining
spaces and/or amenities on California Avenue. As someone who has had the first-
hand pleasure and joy of sharing music with strangers and friends, seeing little children
dancing to songs, seeing friendships being developed in front of my eyes, as a result of there
being this safe pedestrian space, I write to say that I believe it would be a big loss to the
community if these outdoor dining spaces were lost, and vehicles replaced the pedestrian
traffic that is so much more conducive to building community. I often meet people at concerts,
restaurants, parks, who I initially met on California Avenue. At a time when things are getting
ever more isolating, having places like California Avenue open to build community is
critically valuable (in my opinion).
I request that you please consider the loss the community will face should these outdoor
dining spaces and amenities be removed.
Thank you for your time
Rajeev
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
This is their first email to your company.
Mark Safe Report
From:Barbara Dunn Cherry
To:Council, City
Subject:June 17 Agenda, Approve a Resolution to Allow Dining and retail Encroachments on Cal Ave
Date:Monday, June 9, 2025 5:38:23 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Hello,
I’m a long time Palo Alto (College Terrace) resident and would like to heartily voice my
support for maintaining/allowing restaurants and retail establishments on Cal Ave to continue
to have ample outdoor dining areas in front of their businesses along the street. I can’t tell you
how much I enjoy outdoor dining on Cal Ave and feel that it is an integral part of the joyful
pedestrian experience that’s been a part of Cal Ave since it became car-free 5 years ago. Do
not take away the outdoor restaurant/sidewalk cafes on Cal Ave!
Thank you,
Barbara Dunn Cherry
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
This is their first email to your company.
Mark Safe Report
From:Mark Andrew Algee-Hewitt
To:Council, City
Subject:Comment on Outdoor Activation Program for California Ave
Date:Monday, June 9, 2025 1:16:52 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing in regards to the proposed “outdoor activation program” that has been proposed as a
replacement for the parkade program on California Avenue. As a resident of the University Terrace
development, California Avenue’s proximity makes it the locus of my dining in Palo Alto. I have
strongly supported the efforts to make and keep the street pedestrian only (and, in fact, would
support increasing the pedestrian only area); however, I would like to urge the council to vote no on
the outdoor activation program. Although well intentioned in some ways, it would fundamentally alter
the character of the avenue in ways that would be detrimental to the outdoor dining experience which
is a central feature of the new California Avenue.
The café-type seating allowed for in the activation program, although suitable for a café-type
experience, does not meet the needs of the restaurants on California Avenue, most of which are full-
service dining experiences. These types of service require more substantial tables and chairs than
the typical European-style café. Allowing restaurants to construct fixed seating areas would
substantially improve the dining experience at most of these establishments and encourage greater
usage of the avenue by local residents. Similarly, although the relatively mild California weather
allows for year-round dining, there are large parts of the year where weather and temperature is a
large concern. Rain, wind, and cold conditions can make outdoor dining unpleasant – constructed
outdoor seating areas with heaters, solid walls and roofs make year-round dining a reasonable
proposition. The type of outdoor seating proposed by the outdoor activation plan could only make
sense for a streetscape in which the weather is already mitigated by the architecture. A European city
street (such as those in the photos from Madrid and Paris presented in the proposal), is narrow and
partially sheltered from the elements by the surrounding buildings. California Avenue is wide and,
thanks to local ordinances limiting the building height, is surrounded by low buildings that do nothing
to mitigate the weather. The faux small rural town streetscapes that Palo Alto seeks to maintain is
incompatible with outdoor experiences designed for urban environments. Instead, fixed seating
installations are much more appropriate for the environment: the city cannot have it both ways.
Fixed outdoor dining would further solidify California Avenue as a pedestrian-only thoroughfare. It
would improve the outdoor dining experience for local residents and increase revenue for the
restaurants that make up the bulk of the business space. To this end, I would like to strongly
encourage the city council to reject this proposition.
Yours,
Mark Algee-Hewitt
Associate Professor of Digital Humanities
2024-25 Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral
Sciences, Stanford University
Director of the Stanford Literary Lab (on leave 2024-25)
Department of English
From:Kelly Boyett
To:Council, City
Subject:Cal Ave. Bike Access
Date:Tuesday, June 17, 2025 11:38:37 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Dear Mayor Lauing and Members of the City Council,
It’s truly exciting to see the transformation of California Avenue into a vibrant, car-free space
moving forward with permanent upgrades and thoughtful activation. This evolution is long
overdue.
As someone who relies on biking as my primary mode of transportation and shops on Cal Ave
multiple times a week, I urge you to keep this corridor open to bicycles. While I fully support
strategies to manage bike flow and enhance safety, the answer isn’t exclusion—it’s smart
design. For instance, we badly need more bike parking; the current racks in the middle of the
street are often at capacity.
Redirecting bike access to Cambridge or Sherman doesn’t offer a viable alternative. Here’s
why:
Direct bike connections matter. Cal Ave provides a seamless, well-connected route
that supports our S/CAP goal of 40% non-SOV commuting. Detouring cyclists
undermines both our S/CAP and Comprehensive Plan goals.
Cambridge and Sherman are car-dominated. Lined with garages, surface lots, and
heavily parked curbs, these streets are already hostile to cyclists. Without dedicated
infrastructure (not just sharrows), it's unclear how bike lanes would even fit—especially
without clear plans to remove parking.
Bike parking location matters. Cyclists want to lock up their bikes where they can see
them—on Cal Ave, not tucked around a corner or down another block.
Additionally, many people biking to Cal Ave come from Northbound Park Blvd or El Camino.
For those coming from south Palo Alto, routing through Cambridge means extra distance and
more turns, which adds up—especially for families or folks on e-bikes. And commuters from
the Research Park area are unlikely to detour to Sherman or Cambridge. Some already take
Page Mill directly to Caltrain’s back entrance. If reducing peak-hour bike congestion on Cal
Ave is a concern, removing car parking along Page Mill could encourage more to use that
route instead.
This message needs your attention
This is their first email to you.
Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast
Much of the concern we’re hearing seems to stem from misuse of e-bikes—especially Class 2
models—by riders who may be ignoring existing rules. Rather than banning all e-bikes, let’s
focus on clear signage and spot enforcement to encourage safer behavior. Education works
too: a friend recently shared that her daughter got a ticket for riding without a helmet—and
hasn’t skipped it since.
Thank you for your leadership on this important project. Let’s make sure Cal Ave remains
accessible, safe, and welcoming for people on bikes.
Warmly,
--
Kelly Boyett
Program Manager, Silicon Valley Bicycle Exchange
E: Kelly@bikex.org
P: (650) 531-9985
From:Steven Atneosen
To:Council, City; Lauing, Ed
Cc:paloalto@bikesiliconvalley.org
Subject:Cal Ave as a car-free street
Date:Tuesday, June 17, 2025 10:49:00 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Honorable Mayor Lauing and City Council,
We want Cal Ave to be a car-free street permanently with improvements and activation. It is
far time Palo Alto catch up to the cities that it considers our global equivalent.
As a family who primarily bikes and walks for transportation, and shops on Cal Ave at least
five (5) times per week, please keep the street open to bikes. I absolutely support bike
"traffic calming" and advocate for MANY more bike parking spaces, as the racks in the center
of the car-free area are often completely full. If Cal Ave ceases to be a car free street with bike
access, we will shop elsewhere.
Cambridge or Sherman are not appropriate alternatives to Cal Avenue for a lot of reasons:
Direct, well-networked bike routes are key to meeting our S/CAP goal of 40% of
commute trips by non-single-occupancy vehicles. Cal Ave fits the bill and
facilitates easy and direct access to work places, shopping, and transit. Indirect routes
won't cut it to meet our S/CAP and Comp Plan goals!
Cambridge and Sherman are lined with multi-level built and surface auto parking lots
plus street parking on both sides of the road. The current sharrows are insufficient
and unsafe to handle bike traffic there now. With SB 79 and city upzoning, we need
better infrastructure on both streets (i.e., not sharrows). But right now, we don't
know how safe and usable bike lanes would be accommodated? Will parking be
removed? Until these questions are answered, we should not remove bikes from Cal
Ave.
Where will bike parking be moved if bikes are not allowed? I like to park my
bike where eyes are on it while shopping - i.e., on Cal Ave.
Many Cal Ave bike trips come from NB Park Bicycle Boulevard or NB El Camino Real. If
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
This is their first email to your company.
Mark Safe Report
you live in south PA, Cambridge bike access would make you go a block out of your
way and circle back to Cal Ave. Not terrible, but not great. Cut-through traffic will be
an issue without proper planning and direct bike routes.
It is doubtful that Research Park commuters would use Sherman (which doesn't cross
El Camino and isn't direct to Caltrain) or Cambridge (since that’s out of their way and
would require additional time).
Quite a few bicyclists take Page Mill from the Research Park directly to the back
entrance of the Caltrain station. Removing the on-street parking on Page Mill
between El Camino and Ash would make this much more comfortable and potentially
lessen peak-hour bike traffic on Cal Ave (if that is a goal).
We know that much of what we hear about (and see ourselves) are Class 2 eBike abuses that
are already against the law. Signage and occasional "spot" enforcement without help, rather
than passing restrictions on all eBikes that are likely unenforceable under SB 1909.
Thank you for your efforts to make Cal Ave an acceptably safe place for people to shop!
Kindest regards,
Steven Atneosen
Caroline Dahllof
Magnus Atneosen
705 De Soto, Palo Alto, CA 94303
atneosen@hotmail.com
From:Shannon Rose
To:Council, City
Subject:Bike Lanes on Cal Ave
Date:Tuesday, June 17, 2025 10:39:08 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Dear Mayor Lauing and Council members:
I have been serving on the Palo Alto Transportation Management Association, PATMA, for a few years.
Why? Because nothing is more important than protecting our home -- our planet. That means we must
get people out of their cars and onto public transportation, bikes and their feet. Closing Cal Ave to bikes
would disencourage this transition. I write today to share a few observations and suggestions for meeting
the goals of PATMA as well as meeting our S/CAP goals.
First, neither Cambridge nor Sherman is appropriate as an alternative east/west bike route to Cal
Avenue. I have been riding everywhere in Palo Alto and nearby cities every day for 40 years. I know
how our bicycle corridors function (and don't). Cambridge and Sherman are narrow streets with a great
deal of traffic that includes entering and exiting parking lots. This is very dangerous territory for bikers
because drivers are looking in every direction they can easily miss seeing a rider. In addition, they don't
directly connect to the train station and the pedestrian underpass that connects residents to the train
station and to the east side of our city. Making routes less direct and less safe discourages people from
using a bike. When riding a bike is unsafe AND awkward, we riders hate it, Many people won't be
bothered with such irritating and inefficient routes.
We need more accessible and safe bike parking structures on Cal Ave to encourage residents and
visitors to shop, eat, and patronize businesses on Cal Ave.
We know that e-bike riders are often riding unsafely. That may be a concern for the safety of residents
enjoying Cal Ave amenities. There is no easy answer, though we could make Cal Ave illegal for e-bikes.
They frequently frighten me when I'm riding on whatever road I'm using. The use of e-bikes should not
mean regular bikes cannot use Cal Ave. E-bikes are a bigger safety issue for the city as a whole.
Last, having Cal Ave car free creates other issues including less visits to Cal Ave businesses and having
children running around on Cal Ave as though it is a park. I wonder if that doesn't lead to children feeling
like streets are safe for playing? This makes me nervous. I don't like it that they can play games in the
street and draw with chalk on the pavement. This certainly wasn't part of the vision for converting to a car
free street. We have beautiful parks where children and families can relax and play. Doing it on Cal Ave
is not a good idea in any respect.
Thank you all for your efforts to make Cal Ave a safe and liveable city. I am grateful for all you do in so
many ways.
Sincerely,
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast
Shannon Rose McEntee
410 Sheridan Avenue, #216
Palo Alto, CA 94306
From:Amie Ashton
To:Council, City
Subject:Agenda Item #17 - Cal Ave - Better with bikes!
Date:Tuesday, June 17, 2025 10:23:01 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Honorable Mayor Lauing and City Council,
We are all excited to see Cal Ave be reenergized as the car-free street is made more
permanent with improvements and activation. It is time!
As someone who primarily bikes for transportation, and shops on Cal Ave at
least 3 times per week, please keep the street open to bikes. I absolutely support
bike "traffic calming" and advocate for MANY more bike parking spaces, as the racks
in the center of the car-free area are often completely full.
Direct, well-networked bike routes are key to meeting our S/CAP goal of 40% of
commute trips by non-single-occupancy vehicles by 2030. Cal Ave fits the bill
and facilitates easy and direct access to workplaces, shopping, and transit. Indirect
routes won't cut it to meet our S/CAP and Comp Plan goals!
Cambridge or Sherman are not appropriate alternatives to Cal Avenue for several
reasons:
Cambridge and Sherman are lined with multi-level built and surface auto
parking lots plus street parking on both sides of the road. The current sharrows
are insufficient and unsafe to handle bike traffic there now. With SB 79 and city
upzoning, we need better infrastructure on both streets (i.e., not sharrows). But
right now, we don't know how safe and usable bike lanes would be
accommodated? Will parking be removed? Until these questions are answered,
we should not remove bikes from Cal Ave.
Where will bike parking be moved if bikes are not allowed? I like to park my bike
where eyes are on it while shopping - i.e., on Cal Ave.
Many Cal Ave bike trips come from NB Park Bicycle Boulevard or NB El
Camino Real. If you live in south PA, Cambridge bike access would make you
go a block out of your way and circle back to Cal Ave. Not terrible, but not great.
Cut-through traffic will be an issue without proper planning and direct bike
routes.
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
You've never replied to this person.
Mark Safe Report
It is doubtful that Research Park commuters would use Sherman (which doesn't
cross El Camino and isn't direct to Caltrain) or Cambridge (since that’s out of
their way and would require additional time).
Quite a few bicyclists take Page Mill from the Research Park directly to the back
entrance of the Caltrain station. Removing the on-street parking on Page Mill
between El Camino and Ash would make this much more comfortable and
potentially lessen peak-hour bike traffic on Cal Ave (if that is a goal).
We know that much of what we hear about (and see ourselves) are Class 2 eBike
abuses that are already against the law. Signage and occasional "spot" enforcement
wout help, rather than passing restrictions on all eBikes that are likely
unenforceable under SB 1909. A friend recently told me a story of her daughter
getting a ticket on her ebike (no helmet). The child was hugely embarrassed in front
of her friends and has not left the house without a helmet since.
Thank you for your efforts to make Cal Ave an even more amazing place to shop and enjoy!
Amie Ashton
From:pennyellson12@gmail.com
To:Council, City; Council, City
Subject:Quick thoughts: California Avenue
Date:Tuesday, June 17, 2025 8:53:32 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Honorable City Council,
Some quick thoughts re: California Avenue.
Re: bollards. I suggested separators like bollards ot staff at one point and they explained the need for
emergency vehicle access. I have seen these used in Portland, OR. I wonder if something like this
might work as an attractive delineator that might provide emergency vehicle access
https://sarisinfrastructure.com/products/wave-delineator?
srsltid=AfmBOopPLMm6aLnk0cmWdWm86GacYpMoxZtuWYhhrMODlO5g_kfAqZe7
Question for staff: How does AB 1909 apply to a street that is closed to autos? Can the city legally
close the street to bikes?
I don’t like Cambridge or Sherman as an alternative to Cal Avenue for a lot of reasons:
This whole area has been upzoned. With growth, comes car traffic. Cambridge and
Sherman are growing up and will not be quiet for long. Sharrows are insufficient now and
will be more so when these roads get busier. We have to consider growth that is coming,
not just what is there now.
The city is already directing all the car traffic to these parallel streets for parking.
Cambridge and Sherman are lined with multi-level built and surface auto parking lots plus
street parking on both sides of the road. Tell me. Why is there no room for bike lanes?
Further, why are you also directing bikes where you put the cars?Seems like we are putting
pedestrian safety with bikes (low risk of serious injury) ahead of bike safety with cars (high
risk of serious injury). This is a convenience for pedestrains to be inattentive.
It seems unfair to
If the city were willing to sacrifice street parking for bike lanes, could we use alleys for
bike/ped access to bike parking on Cal Ave? I like to park my bike where eyes are on it. I
want bike parking on Cal Ave.
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast
Ultimately, I prefer maintaining a bike route through Cal Ave., the most direct route to SRP
and the train station.
I live in south PA, so most of my frequent Cal Ave bike trips come from NB Park Bicycle
boulevard. If you live in south PA, Cambridge bike access would make you go a block out
of your way and circle back to Cal Ave. Not terrible, but not great either.
So much to think about!
Happy trails,
Pennyt Ellson
Virus-free.www.avg.com
From:Charlotte Coqui
To:Council, City
Subject:Dining on the actual street of California Ave.
Date:Monday, June 16, 2025 7:06:20 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
And zoning.
Dear City Council Members and Mayor,
The weather outdoors in the California lowlands is about six months of Summer and five
months of Spring.
The local community enjoys dining outdoors on California Avenue for this very reason.
As we do on Castro in Mountain View.
Walking and fresh air increase healthspan.
Please allow local restaurants to continue to serve food on the street as they do now for local
diners who enjoy outdoor dining which also comes with less risk of spreading viruses as well.
As for housing. It's good economics to keep housing close to downtown. Saves on utilities and
infrastructure costs. Ask Cleveland, Ohio.
So please change the zoning to go more vertical on California Avenue. And build more
housing. As proposed at 414 California Ave.
Best regards,
Charlotte Coquí
charlotte coqui
650 966-8063
charlotte.coqui@gmail.com
www.charlottecoqui.com
coqui studios on facebook
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
This is their first email to your company.
Mark Safe Report
From:Carmelita Briggs
To:Council, City
Subject:California Ave
Date:Monday, June 16, 2025 6:32:26 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
Greetings I am in favor and voting to keep California Avenue closed for music and dining outdoors. Thank you.
Carmelita Briggs
Sent from my iPhone
OUTDOOR ACTIVATION
Car Free California Avenue
Bruce Fukuji, AIA AICP
Project Manager
June 17, 2025 www.cityofpaloalto.org
Agenda
•Council Direction & Key Context Differences
•Location and Setback Requirements
•Design Elements
•Merchant Feedback
•Context Considerations
•Permitting
2
Council Direction and Key Context Differences
•Council Direction
–Implement a Permanent Parklet Program based on the adopted program City-
wide except on Car-Free streets, but adjusted for contextual differences on
California Avenue if necessary.
•Context Differences
–No traffic with restricted vehicle access
–Greater density of restaurants (4x University Avenue)
–Existing outdoor dining areas greater than permitted with parklet program
•Intent
–Enable commercial and community uses of public right-of-way
–Priority for walking and biking: openness, transparency, accessibility
–Need for flexibility of use throughout the week
3
Space Allocation - Street Zones
Re-organizing street space for car-free mobility, economic vitality and community experience.
TITLE 40 FONT BOLD
Subtitle 32 font
Sidewalk SidewalkRoadway
Frontage Pedestrian Street
Furniture
Access Activity Pedestrian FrontageActivityStreet
Furniture
4
Businesses are required to locate their Outdoor
Activation space directly in front of the operator’s
storefront.
Commercial outdoor activation is permitted in the
following three zones as shown in Figure 2.3. Location
Map
●Frontage Zone
●Curbside/Street Furniture Zone
●Activity Zone
Outdoor Activation spaces shall not obstruct or
encroach upon the following:
●8-foot pedestrian through zone on sidewalks
●22-foot shared zone
●Designated pedestrian paths of travel
●Property Emergency Access Way
●Designated bike lanes 5
Bu
i
l
d
i
n
g
P
r
o
p
e
r
t
y
Li
n
e
Bu
i
l
d
i
n
g
P
r
o
p
e
r
t
y
Li
n
e
Figure 2.2. Location Diagram
Location Requirements
6
Area A
Legend
Potential Permitted Zones
Property Emergency Access Way
Fire Hydrant Setback, 15’
Tree Setback, 3’
Drain Setback, 5’
Fire Hydrant Light Post
Setback
Setback Requirements
Area B
Ma
t
c
h
Li
n
e
Legend
Potential Permitted Zones
Property Emergency Access Way
Fire Hydrant Setback, 15’
Tree Setback, 3’
Drain Setback, 5’
Fire Hydrant Light Post
Setback
7
Setback Requirements
Design Elements
Topics➔Platforms➔Boundary Elements - Planters➔Boundary Elements - Railings ➔Boundary Elements - Sidewalls and
Weather Screens➔Overhead Shelter➔Branding and Signage➔Lighting➔Heating➔Electrical➔Trash and Recycling➔ADA Accessibility
03
Star Progetti
Modular Perimeter Structure
Car-Free California Ave
8
DESIGN ELEMENTS
9
Platforms Planters Overhead
Shelter
Signage
DESIGN ELEMENTS
10
Lighting &
Electrical
Heaters Waste Accessibility
Merchant Feedback
•Equity in outdoor dining areas
•Enable long-term investment and aesthetic improvements
•Overhead shelter & heated space for year-round dining
–Options for wind protection that don’t block visibility
•Choice in design, materials for individual business look
–Permit variety of seating, merchandising, decorative lighting, flowers & plants on
enclosures, outdoor host stations, hanging blade signs & other elements
–No corrugated plastic roofing, overly brightly colored seating, post & rope barriers,
unneeded traffic safety
•Interest in Permanent Structures
11
12
Context Considerations
Larger Parklets Per
Outdoor Activation
(Pre-approved or custom)
Pre-Approved Parklets
Overhead Shelter,
Planters & Wind Breaks
(can be retractable)
Water
GasStorm Drain
Water GasStorm Drain
Water GasStorm Drain
Custom size
shown dashed
Sewer
Sewer
Sewer
13
02.3 Setbacks (continued)
Area A
Fire Hydrant Setback, 15’
Tree Setback, 3’
Drain Setback, 5’
Fire Hydrant Light Post
Setback
LegendContext Considerations
Gas Main
Potential Dining
Current Outdoor Dining
Adjusted to Fit Setbacks
02.3 Setbacks (continued)
Area B
Ma
t
c
h
Li
n
e
Legend
14
Fire Hydrant Setback, 15’
Tree Setback, 3’
Drain Setback, 5’
Fire Hydrant Light
Post
SetbackContext Considerations
Gas Main
Potential Dining
Current Outdoor Dining
Adjusted to Fit Setbacks
Outdoor Activation Program Guidelines
Encroachment
Permit Application
Topics
➔Permit Process
➔Submittal Requirements
➔Extension Beyond
Establishment
➔Removing an Outdoor
Activation Area
➔Outdoor Activation Area Fee
04
DRAFTCar-Free California Ave
Application Process
per Adopted Parklet Standards
•Failure to maintain
•Utility Maintenance and Public Safety
•Removal
•Fees
•Application fee
•Renewal Fee
•License Fee (per square foot)
•Annual renewal process
•City reserves enforcement rights
15
2
DIRECTION FROM CITY COUNCIL – 11/6/23
❏Maintain California Avenue as a car-free street with current areas of street closure to be made
permanent.
❏Pedestrian traffic be directed to the sidewalks to increase visibility of retailers.
❏Implement a Permanent Parklet Program based on the adopted program City- wide except on Car-
Free streets, but adjusted for contextual differences on California Avenue if necessary.
❏Create two-way slow bike lane down the center of California Avenue in the car- free area.
❏Install gateway way signs at Cambridge and Sherman on El Camino, and on Page Mill. Install
wayfinding signage on California Ave primarily to promote retail businesses and events.
❏Conduct regularly scheduled street clean up and maintenance.
❏Initiate a branding program based on the historic and contemporary strengths of the California
Ave/Mayfield district.
❏Explore reorienting the stalls of our farmers market to face the other businesses to be more
synergistic and or other options that could benefit the farmers market and the existing businesses
consistent with pedestrian traffic.
Street Section with Below Grade Utilities
18
16
Two-Way Slow Bike Lanes on Shared Streets
Potential investment levels are TBD, pending project definition, phasing and other considerations.
Per NACTO:
•Different Zones
•Detectable Edges
•Custom Markings
•Clear Signage
•Physical/Visual Cues
21
Existing California Avenue with Two-way Slow Bike Lanes
21
ADAPTIVE STREET with Public Spaces
23
REIMAGINED STREET with Public Spaces
Potential investment levels are TBD, pending project definition, phasing and other considerations.
Outdoor Dining Existing and Permitted
23
Sidewalk Roadway
-
2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
Existing Dining with Encroachments Existing Sidewalk + Parklet Program Activation Per-Setbacks Activation Setbacks + Existing Encroachments
6/17/2025 24
VISION
FOR A COMMUNITY STREET
Car-free experience
Economically vibrant
Flexible & open
Inclusive & safe
Clean & well maintained
24