City project
California Avenue Streetscape Project
Streetscape project intended to improve pedestrian and bicycle access on California Avenue.
- Current status
- Outdoor public-space work requires funding allocation; paving was described as planned for June 2026, with remaining work potentially deferred until spring 2027.
- Location
- California Avenue, Palo Alto, CA
June 1, 2026 discussion of activation standards and access
Council discussed parklet standards, a 350-square-foot pre-approved parklet limit, custom-design flexibility, bicycle routing, access improvements, maintenance standards, and the lack of funding for broader streetscape improvements.
Read related coverageApril 16, 2026 outdoor activation and parklet standards update
Staff presented outdoor activation standards, pre-approved parklet concepts, and alternative pedestrian/bicycle concepts. The concepts seek to support year-round outdoor dining while maintaining emergency egress and utility setbacks. The Board discussed gateway art, greenery, bike circulation, emergency and delivery access, drop-off areas, and flexibility for larger open-trellis or roofless parklets. Staff stated it would consult the chief building official on roof-enclosure requirements and noted further cleanup of the design packet was needed.
Read related coverageJune 17, 2025 Council direction on outdoor activation and encroachments
Council authorized continued dining and retail encroachments, retained open-container authorization for 2025 Third Thursday events, and directed staff to develop year-round weather-protection solutions, seek Architectural Review Board input, preserve outdoor seating near current levels, advance bicycle-calming measures, and evaluate an entertainment zone.
Read related coverageMarch 20, 2025: Signage and outdoor-activation study session
Staff presented proposed modular signage and wayfinding concepts, gateway-sign alternatives, and outdoor-activation zones. Planning retains emergency access, calls for a slow two-way bicycle lane, and aims to maintain approximately 80 Sunday farmers market stalls. Near-term work includes bollards, decorative paving, planters, signage, and bicycle-lane markings at El Camino Real, Ash Street, and Birch Street, with completion anticipated by the end of April.
Read related coverageFebruary 3, 2025 update
Staff said planned near-term work would replace vinyl-covered water barriers with planted vegetation. Council discussed an Adaptive Street approach and a more extensive Reimagined Street approach; staff was directed through discussion to consider designs that could evolve toward the latter. Formal permanent closure was described as dependent on future CEQA-related Council action.
Read related coverageJanuary 6, 2025 recognition resolution
The appreciation resolution recognized Greg Lin Tanaka's support for the project.
Read related coverage
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