Council adopts framework to keep California Avenue car-free, directs design review and fee approach

PALO ALTO, Calif. — The Palo Alto City Council on June 17 voted to adopt a resolution that preserves outdoor dining and retail activity on the car-free portion of California Avenue and directed staff to develop design standards, consult the Architectural Review Board and study fees and other implementation details.

Council's votes formalized a policy pathway for continuing the temporary pandemic-era activations on California Avenue and asked staff to work with merchants on standards that could allow more durable, weather-protected seating rather than the umbrellas and pop-up tents many merchants and residents said were inadequate.

Assistant City Manager Bruce Fakuji, who led the staff presentation, described California Avenue as —a cherished main street— and framed the staff recommendation as a balance between supporting economic vitality and preserving open pedestrian space. The city's recommended program regulations (Attachment A in the staff packet) include setback rules, boundary elements (planters, low rails), limits tied to utilities and emergency egress and requirements for lighting and electrical hookups.

Fakuji told council the program aims to —allow commercial use of the public right of way in California Avenue to support the community and economic vitality of that area— while preserving pedestrian access and emergency egress.

Public comment included a mix of business and resident voices. Charlie Weidans, CEO of the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce, thanked staff for outreach but urged flexibility on permanent structures, saying —without reliable and affordable options for customers to dine comfortably in rain, cold, or heat, local businesses' vitality and sustainability are at risk.— Michael Campilongo, owner of Terrone Italico on California Avenue, said his business and others —want to operate 360 days a year— and asked the council to permit structures that enable year-round dining.

Several restaurateurs and merchants argued umbrellas are insufficient in wind and rain and asked the city to permit fixed or semi-permanent parklet structures, roofing and heaters. Others, including community…