Palo Alto Permanent Parklets Program

Urban Planning Partners assisted the City of Palo Alto in developing a permanent parklet program and ordinance, which allows for permanent parklet installations in eligible areas of Palo Alto. The permanent parklet standards outline the requirements for parklet installation including location, materials, and design. As part of the development of standards, Urban Planning Partners conducted a parklet fee study, outreach to local businesses, and presented and received feedback on the standards from the Architectural Review Board. The draft permanent parklet program standards were adopted by City Council in the spring of 2023.

Urban Planning Partners continued this work through the development of outdoor activation standards and pre-approved parklet designs for a car-free California Ave. Approved by City Council in the summer of 2026, this effort will encourage businesses to adopt more permanent outdoor structures and ultimately create a more lively, cohesive and pedestrian-and-bike-friendly Cal Ave.

Urban Planning Partners continues to work under the direction of the Public Works department to review and process permit applications, as well as assist with outreach and enforcement.