HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 2602-6017CITY OF PALO ALTO
Retail Committee
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
4:15 PM
Agenda Item
2.Update on Car-free California Avenue Outdoor Activation Program and Slow Bicycle
Lanes Staff Presentation
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Economic Development Committee
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: ACTION ITEMS
Lead Department: City Manager
Meeting Date: March 18, 2026
Report #:2602-6017
TITLE
Update on Car-free California Avenue Outdoor Activation Program and Slow Bicycle Lanes
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Economic Development Committee receive this report on progress
advancing the Outdoor Activation Program and pedestrian and bicycle improvements on
California Avenue including preparation for review by the Architectural Review Board (ARB).
BACKGROUND
On March 10, 2025, the City Council permanently closed the car-free portions of California
Avenue (and Ramona Street), amending the Comprehensive Plan to create a new “community
street” classification for California Avenue. On June 17, 2025, staff redirected the Outdoor
Activation Program topic from an action item to a study session to obtain City Council and
public comments for additional community engagement. Public comments revolved around
year-round parklet activations, desire for permanent structures, cost burdens, and effective
parklet parameters, to name a few. In addition, the City Council expressed a desire for open
and transparent walls on parklets, merchants investing in durable and permanent structures,
year-round parklet activations, and pre-approved designs for swift approvals and an ARB
process to accommodate custom designs, to name a few.
Council directed staff to develop standards for parklet structures for California Avenue and to:
Utilize the ARB for design recommendations and review process for standard and
custom designs (to support year-round outdoor dining).
Pursue edge materials in addition to planters.
Design California Avenue to enable outdoor dining seating and square footage to be
close to equal to existing use
Staff’s response to the City Council direction is outlined in the Analysis section below.
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ANALYSIS
Staff established a work plan to update the Outdoor Activation Program to address the City
Council direction and public comments, utilize the ARB, re-engage with merchants, and employ
Urban Planning Partner’s team to update the pre-approved parklet plans. Key updates include:
Permit options with a range of investment to encourage program participation
Permit permanent parklets, both pre-approved and custom, subject to minor ARB
review and major ARB review for special cases
Developed 3 pre-approved parklet types for year-round dining with radiant heating
Adjusted outdoor seating areas to be equivalent to or greater than existing outdoor
dining square footage
Reduced structural requirements and increased overall transparency of parklets
Eliminated requiring planters with design guidance, if applicant desires planters
Eliminated large format tents
Streamlined encroachment permit process
Coordination across City departments regarding public safety
The updated Outdoor Activation Program adapts the citywide on-going parklet program for the
car-free portion of California Avenue. The Outdoor Activation Program will result in the removal
of large temporary tents and provide equivalent or greater space for outdoor dining. The
impending Outdoor Activation Standards defines parklet standards, permitting options, and
design guidance. In addition, the program will enable encroachment permits for year-round
outdoor dining with parklets and café seating in the public right-of-way. The program
addresses customer experience, accessibility, infrastructure constraints, and public safety with
building over underground high pressure gas mains. The City’s Utilities Department was
consulted, and they recommend a two-foot minimum setback from gas mains for structures to
enable a backhoe to operate.
Architecture Review Board (ARB) Ad Hoc Committee
Staff is collaborating with ARB Ad Hoc Committee members, Marton Jojarth and Mousam
Adcock, through periodic meetings resulting in valuable feedback. Staff has received feedback
from the Ad Hoc members and below is a summary of possible recommendations:
Increase the lightness and transparency of parklets, given it is a car-free environment,
reduce structural sizes, increase spans, and reduce the number of supports both on
sidewalk and roadway
For pre-approved parklets, reduce the size and blocky look of parklet roofs, add eaves
and reduce or eliminate fascia boards; modify the trellis design to provide more shade
More practical to design for 3 season weather – sun, wind, temperature and light rain,
however when rain and associated winds and cold temperatures occur, it may make
outdoor dining less desirable
Permit low curbs with windows up to 5 feet for wind protection yet keep the
environment transparent. Add roll down shades for seasonal sun, wind, and rain
protection which can be rolled up otherwise
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Where applicants request planters, provide guidance to control height of both planters
and plants to maintain openness and visibility
Rely on staff, including minor ARB review, and only have ARB review for special cases,
such as parklets of very large size, unusual roof form, exceedingly bright colors, or
unanticipated design features
Approved Parklet Plans
On February 9, 2026, the City Council approved an amendment for the on-call contract with
Urban Planning Partners who prepared the City’s adopted, pre-approved parklet plans.
Proposed adaptations for a car-free environment include lighter, more transparent structures, 3
options for year-round weather, and structural solutions to avoid pavement and sidewalk
attachments. The plan set will be updated per lessons learned from the implementation of the
current program. The proposed illustrative plan shows a hypothetical build-out where 19 of 20
existing restaurants can locate a pre-approved parklet in front or adjacent to their storefront.
The actual buildout of custom and pre-approved parklets will vary in location and size.
Two-Way Slow Bike Lanes
At the February 3, 2025, study session, the City Council requested the consideration of bicycle
speeds, conflicts with pedestrians, and potential parallel through routes that avoid the car-free
portion of California Avenue. On June 17, 2025, the City Council reaffirmed supporting
Cambridge Avenue as a route for thruway biking path, and directed staff to move forward with
signage and other calming measures to reduce bike speeds of California Avenue.
In response, staff has developed a concept design for slow-two-way bicycle lanes as well as
near term recommendations for bicycle speed calming features and signage to create a safe
and accessible pedestrian environment for users of all abilities. The design features a 22-foot
central access way for pedestrians, bicyclists, emergency and service vehicles. Design guidance
from the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) and Fehr & Peers for
California Avenue consists of the short segment of bicycle network and to:
Designate a bike facility as part of the street environment
Separate and adjust pedestrian and bicycle travel environments to reduce risk of
pedestrian and bicycle conflicts
Develop a pedestrian path with sufficient width to be a comfortable, two-way route
with direct access to attractive public space for "staying activities"
An adequate buffer separating two adjacent travel ways, however the buffer cannot
impede on emergency access or Farmers’ Market use
The proposed design provides two five-foot bike lanes, with a two-foot buffer on each side, for
a total of 14 feet, and an 8-foot-wide pedestrian path. Bike lanes have designated pedestrian
crossings. The buffer between pedestrian and bicycle lanes uses tactile warning indicators that
are not a tripping or bicycle crossing hazard but enable mobility and the visually impaired to be
aware of the bike lanes. Operationally, cyclists will be required to dismount and riding
prohibited during City and permitted events such as the farmers market and music festivals.
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FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Request to permit a range of investment options
Interest to invest in permanent solutions when the City Council approves the permanent
parklet program
There is some interest in pre-approved parklets
Desire for additional parklet options where the sidewalk and roadway are level to
maximize all weather outdoor dining and minimize impact of gas lines
Intention for best possible customer experience if paying for use of street
Strong concerns regarding speeding bikes impacting pedestrian safety
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Staff has responded to City Council direction and merchant’s feedback, and therefore
recommends that the Economic Development Committee provide feedback on progress
advancing the Outdoor Activation Program and pedestrian and bicycle improvements on
California Avenue to prepare staff for the April 2, 2026, ARB meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ATTACHMENTS
APPROVED BY:
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81'
MH-043-2-21
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DEPTH 3.86'
12"SD
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10+50
11+00
B-48CV B-16 B-9
B-16 M
B-16M
B-9
B-16M
M
SCALE: 1" = 20'
Story (4)
0’20’40’60’80’100’
1”=20’
Legend
Pedestrian
Crossing
Promenade
Cafe Seating
Parklet
Setback
Gas Main
Retail
Restaurant
Commercial
Service/Office
VacantBike Racks
Farmers
Market Tent
Draft Outdoor Activation Illustrative Plan
Potential Pre-Approved Parklets & Cafe Seating
Car-Free California Avenue
City of Palo Alto
2/11/26
Joanie’s CafeLa BohemeSekoyaUmeLotusMediterranean
Wrap
Kowa
Ramen
NamasteKali Greek
Bistro
La Bodeguita del MedioIzzy Eye Works Christian
Science
Reading
Room
Hairshaper’s
Club Leaf & Petal Vin Vino Wine Mini Cat Town Casual
Chic
Salon
Square Pie
Guys Zareen’sCalifornia Hotel Italico Croissant
California
Cafe
Anatolian
Kitchen
Zombie
Runner
Co ee
Palo
Alto
Sol
Sun of
WolfCountry Sun
Natural FoodsTerun PizzaJin Sho
The
Cobblery414 California Avenue Summit Bikes
California
Paint
Company
Spoke & Weal Performance GainesTerun
Omomi
Lash &
PMU
Abbey
Neuro-
psychology
Clinic
Massage
Therapy
CenterTechCU
Citibank
California Avenue
Optometry
Lee
Aldinger
Insurance
La Jolie
Nails
Salon
OUTDOOR ACTIVATION
OUTDOOR ACTIVATION
Car Free California Avenue
Bruce Fukuji, AIA AICP
Project Manager
March 18, 2026 www.cityofpaloalto.1org
Purpose
Purpose
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Report on progress advancing the Outdoor Activation Program and
Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements on California Avenue
–Design & Merchant Engagement Process
–Recommendations & Pre-Approved Parklet Concepts
–Street Space Utilization
–Pedestrian and Bicycle Considerations
–Illustrative Plan of Hypothetical Buildout of Parklets
–Next Steps
City Council Direction for Cal Ave
City Council Direction for Cal Ave
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Parklets – 6/17/25
•Pursue standards for parklets (all year outdoor dining)
•Utilize ARB for design recommendations and review process
•Pursue edge materials in addition to planters
•Enable outdoor seating close to or equal to existing (square footage)
Two-Way Slow Bike Lanes
•Create a two-way slow bike lane down the center of car free area – 11/6/23
•Consider bicycle speeds, conflicts with pedestrians and parallel routes – 2/3/25
•Cambridge Avenue as alternative, use signage/measures to reduce speeds – 6/17/25
Key Steps Q3 ’25 Q4 ’25 Q1 ’26 Q2 ’26
June
Design Engagement Process
Design & Engagement Process
ARB, Econ Development, City Council Action
& opportunities for public comment
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Requirements & guidance
Street layout & areas
Parklet standards & options
ARB ad hoc meetings
Merchant Engagement
Outreach
Staff + ARB Ad Hoc Recommendations
Staff + ARB Ad Hoc Recommendations
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Program/Permitting
•Permit Parklets – custom & pre-approved
•Offer range of investment options
•Expedite permitting via staff design review
•ARB only for unanticipated custom designs
Pre-Approved Parklets
•Maximize eligibility and 4 options
•Reduce structure/guardrail requirements to increase
lightness/transparency
•Do not require planters, provide guidance when used
Weather/Comfort
•Design for 3-season weather
•Mitigate sun, wind, temperature and light rain
Key Findings
•Covered area may decrease for some
restaurants as large-format 400 SF
tents are eliminated and replaced with
parklets capped at 350 SF each (max
per business)
•Total outdoor dining area will
increase overall than existing,
meeting program goals
•19 of 20 existing restaurants can
locate a pre-approved parklet in front
of or adjacent to their storefront
Pre-Approved Parklets
Pre-Approved Parklets
Weather Protection
Sun +
Wind +
Cold +
Light Rain +
Pergola or Cabana
Narrow & Wide
Wood, Hybrid (wood & steel)
Sloped, flat, solid, trellis
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Windows, roll down shades, radiant heating
Types:
Size:
Materials:
Roof:
Weather:
Transparency:Less structure & walls, open railings
Permitted Activation Areas & Illustrative Layout
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Setbacks & Permitted Activation Areas Potential Layout of Pre-approved Parklet,
Café Seating and ADA accessibility
8’ pedestrian access
5,106 5,168 4,656 5,596
7,514
5,482 6,759
7,771
-
2,000
6,000
4,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
2024 2025 2026 Activation 2026 Activation with
Encroachments
Square Feet of Outdoor Dining
2024, 2025 Proposed Activation ProgramSquare Feet of Outdoor Dining
2024, 2025 & Proposed Activation Program
Sidewalks Roadway
8
12,620 SF
10,650 SF 11,415 SF
13,367 SF
Considerations for Bicycles & Pedestrians on Cal Ave
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Right-of-Way Allocation Issue
Proposed 22-foot width for a pedestrian, bicycle and emergency
vehicle accessway is greater than the current 16-feet for the
emergency accessway, which will define the extent of outdoor
dining. Proposed Improvements are not funded projects.
Design Guidance
•Separate pedestrians and bicycles
•Pedestrian path width for two-way travel
•Detectable warning surface along edges of bikeway
•Design key locations to moderate speeds
•Use textured pavement and signage to encourage slower
speeds
NACTO and Fehr & Peers recommendations
Illustrative Plan - West
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Pedestrian promenade
2-way slow bike lanes
Outdoor Dining Setback
Gas line
Café Seating
Pre-approved Parklet
Bike parking
El
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n
o
R
e
a
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22-feet Accessway
2-way slow bike lanes: 14 feet for bicycles
(2-foot buffer + 5-foot bike lane each way + 2-foot buffer)
Pedestrian Promenade: 8-feet pedestrian way
Illustrative Plan - East
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Pedestrian promenade
2-way slow bike lanes
Bi
r
c
h
S
t
r
e
e
t
Ash Street
Outdoor Dining Setback
Gas line
Café Seating
Pre-approved Parklet
Bike parking
Universal Design Features
•Different pedestrian and bicycle zones
•Detectable edges + colored pavement markings
•Clear signage
•Physical and visual cues
Next Steps
Next Steps
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Outdoor Activation & Pre-Approved Parklet Plans
•April 16 - Architectural Review Board Consideration
•May 20 - Economic Development Ad Hoc Committee
recommendations to City Council
•June 8 - City Council consideration
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