Draft Ramona Street resurfacing and outdoor-activation rules draw mixed reaction from businesses

City staff presented a near-term streetscape and outdoor-activation proposal for the pedestrian portion of Ramona Street at the Retail Committee meeting on June 18, and business owners raised concerns about design constraints, seasonality and cost.

The plan, developed by staff and consultant Hannah Chan Smith, aims to preserve the street’s Spanish Revival character, improve paving and tree wells, replace temporary vehicle barriers with permanent movable barriers, and establish a tailored set of outdoor-activation standards for dining and retail on the roughly 200-foot pedestrian block between Hamilton and University Avenue.

Why this matters: Ramona Street is a nationally registered historic district and a concentrated retail/dining zone in downtown Palo Alto; changes to paving, storefront activation and the parklet program affect property owners, longtime restaurants and the pedestrian experience.

Key elements of the staff proposal

- Design approach and materials: Staff recommended stamped, colored asphalt in warm, earthy tones to complement existing tile and stucco work and suggested FlexiPave tree-well treatments. Two paving pattern options and two entry-planter styles were presented.

- Zones and at-grade activation: The proposed standards define four street zones (arcade, activation, pedestrian circulation and a central fire access lane). Staff recommended that all outdoor activation be at grade (no platforms) and that dining areas be located directly in front of storefronts or in arcades to preserve sight lines and the historic character.

- Divider and planter options: For dining, barrier planters would be required at the fire-lane edge; staff offered two barrier options — low planters with taller grasses for openness, or taller planters with low plants for separation and wind buffering. Two divider options were offered: customizable laser-cut metal panels or canvas panels with wood/metal posts.

- Structures, shade and utilities: The draft standards would permit umbrellas but prohibit permanent roof structures and sidewalls on Ramona Street; electrical hookups and permanent electric heaters would not be allowed under the near-term proposal. Propane heaters would be allowed with a hazmat permit.

- Operations and permits: Activation areas would be subject to maintenance standards, trash management rules, ADA accessibility, consent/letter-of-consent requirements consistent with the ongoing parklet program, and permit fees, renewals and a refundable deposit.

Stakeholder reaction and concerns

Business owners and property managers at the meeting questioned several elements of the draft. Complaints included the timeline and cost of demolishing existing parklets and rebuilding to new standards, the prohibition on platforms and electrical connections (which businesses said undermines year-round dining), the restriction on permanent roofs and sidewalls, and the requirement that planters be used as barriers.

Greg St. Clair of Avenir Restaurant Group and Brenda from Osteria Toscana said platforms and more robust coverings are important to make outdoor dining viable across seasons. John Shank of Floyd’s Brothers and other property representatives urged clarity on long-term maintenance responsibilities, restroom access during events, and the need for an ARB/HRB review to confirm compatibility with the historic district.

Staff response and next steps

Project staff said the near-term package is intentionally limited and intended to be lower cost than a full reimagining of the street. They said the draft standards were shaped by stakeholder workshops and a survey and that a broader phase 2 could reconsider more ambitious redesigns and funding. Staff announced a community meeting planned for July and said they expect to bring the item to council in August, but the timeline may be adjusted in response to stakeholder feedback.

Ending note

Committee members and speakers urged staff to slow the timeline, involve the Architectural Review Board and Historic Resources Board on design compatibility, allow greater flexibility for permanent or electrically heated outdoor structures that support year-round dining, and clarify maintenance and cost responsibilities before the council considers the ordinance and design approvals. No formal council actions were taken at the committee meeting; staff will return after additional outreach and community meetings.