City of Palo Alto
PRE-APPROVED PARKLET
USER GUIDE
DRAFT
Attachment D: Draft Pre-approved Parklet Design User-Guide The Pre-Approved Parklet User Guide provides step-by-step instructions for business owners, parklet operators, and designers to create their own parklet using pre-approved designs.
This guide is tailored to help you navigate the process of constructing your pre-approved parklet by integrating essential steps directly into each section. Here's how to use it effectively:
ABOUT THE USER GUIDE
1. Follow the Embedded Checklists: Some
pages include green checklists and
checkboxes. Checklists ensure that you
meet all necessary requirements and
adhere to City regulations. Checkboxes
prompt you to make design decisions to
allow you to tailor the pre-approved
designs to your needs and preferences.
2. Document your parklet details in "My
Parklet" Sections: Alongside the
checklists and decision points, you'll find
"My Parklet" sections. Here, you can
write the details of your choices and the
specifications of your parklet design.
This documentation will help you track
your progress and ensure that every
aspect of your parklet is planned and
executed according to plan.
2 Look out for the Green
Checklists and Checkboxes
Y N
My Parklet Design
Fill out the Green my parklet design boxes as
you work through the guide
1.0 ELIGIBLE LOCATIONS
The pre-approved parklet are only applicable to the areas marked below. Confirm your business is located in an eligible locations before proceeding through the parklet guide. 3 2.0 CAN YOU BUILD A PARKLET?
Applicable Locations
The parklet is located in an eligible area within the University Avenue and California Downtown areas. See 1.0 Eligible Locations for maps of the eligible areas.
Site Requirements
The parklet does not obstruct a restricted zone - loading zone, bus zone, no parking zone, public utilities, telecommunication vaults.
Crosswalk Clearance: minimum 20’ setback from exterior edge of cross walk striping.
Note: not applicable if there is a bulb-out between the parklet and crosswalk.
Driveway and alleyway clearance: minimum 15’ setback from any driveways and alleyways.
Note: Setback not needed if there is a bulb-out between the parklet and crosswalk.
Fire Hydrant Clearance: minimum 15’ setback from a fire hydrant.
Manhole Cover: minimum 5’ setback from a manhole cover.
Storm Drain Catch Basin: minimum 5’ setback from a storm drain catch basin.
Applicable Parking Stalls
The parklet is located in front of your business.
Note: If you would like to construct a parklet that extends beyond your business frontage, you may need a letter of consent. See pg. xx for more information.
Confirm your parklet site meets the requirements below. These requirements ensure a safe streetscape for pedestrians, vehicles, and parklet patrons.
2.1 CHECKLIST
2.1.a
2.2 2.2.a
2.2.b
2.2.c
2.2.d
2.2.e
2.2.f
2.3.a
2.3 4
Y N
3.0 DETERMINE THE SIZE OF YOUR PARKLET
Parallel
Angled
5 Review the requirements below and on page 6. Confirm your parklet meets the requirements below and determine your parklet size using the worksheet on page 15.
3.0 DETERMINE THE SIZE OF YOUR PARKLET
Parklet Size
Parklets with a roof or trellis can be a maximum of 350 square feet.
Parklets in Parallel Parking Spaces
The parklet must be setback 4’ from the adjacent marked parking space. This setback must be kept clear at all time for emergency access.
Note: Setback not needed if there is a bulb-out between the parklet and crosswalk.
The parklet must be setback 2’ from the outer edge of the parking space “T” along the travel lane.
This setback must be kept clear at all times. The only objects permitted in this setback are reflective delineator posts.
The distance between parklets in parallel parking spaces shall be minimum of 8’.
Parklets in Angled Parking Spaces
The parklet must be setback 3’ from the adjacent marked parking space. This setback must be kept clear at all time for emergency access.
Note: Setback not needed if there is a bulb-out between the parklet and crosswalk.
The parklet must be setback 3’ from the outer edge of the parking space along the travel lane. This setback must be kept clear at all times. The only objects permitted in this setback are reflective delineator posts.
The setback between parklets in angled parking spaces shall be minimum of 6’.
Confirm your parklet meets the requirements below. Determine the maximum size of your parklet size using the worksheet on page 15.
3.1 3.1.a
3.2 3.2.a
3.2.b
3.2.c
3.3 3.3.a
3.3.b
6 Planters
Parklet planters are not required however you may choose to incorporate them into your design.
Planter must be located within the required setback and will reduce the to total amount of seating space. (see example on page 5).
Parklets in parallel parking spaces can locate planters on either side of the parklet. Parklets in angled parking spaces can locate planters along the outer edge; parallel to the travel lane. (see example on page 5).
3.4 3.4.a
Letter of Consent Requirement
Parklet applicants must obtain a letter of consent from adjacent ground-floor tenant(s) to extend a roof, trellis, or sidewall, beyond their own storefront. Parklets without a roof, trellis, or sidewalls, may extend in front of a neighbor without a letter of consent.
See Appendix A for more information
3.5 3.3.c
4.0 SKETCH YOUR SITE
To get started, make a rough sketch of your parklet using the template below (See example in Appendix B). This will help you make design selections in the following sections of the guide. Your contractor will verify all dimensions and prepare a more detailed site plan for your parklet application.
My Parklet Site Conditions
• Identify P arking Space type (circle one): Angled Parallel • Take note of the parking “T”s and striping in front of your business and locate your frontage in relation to the
parking spaces.
• Mark any of obstructions and their setbacks from Section 2.0 above. Ensure you have enough unr
estricted space to construct a parklet.
• How many parking spaces will you use:________
My
Parklet Size
• Mark the required setbacks from Section 3.0 above. What is your parklet’s size after the setbacks:
Length (feet): _______________ Width (feet):________________ Area (square feet): ____________ My Parklet Design considerations
• Will you include P lanters: Yes No
• Select R oof type: Covered Uncovered
• Will the proposed parklet extend beyond your building: Ye s No Note: If the proposed parklet is covered and extends beyond your building frontage, you will need a Letter of consent . See Appendix A for more information.
7 5.0 SELECT YOUR DESIGN FEATURES ROOF STYLES
Parklet with no Roof Parklet with a Roof
Flat Roof Shed Roof
Solid Roof Lattice Roof Fabric Roof
Choose what type of parklet you want to build.
Parklet Type: Choose One
Roof Shape: Choose One2
Roof Type: Choose One3
8 1
6.0 SELECT YOU DESIGN FEATURES ROOF COVERINGS
If your parklet will have a roof, select the roof covering and designs for your parklet roof.
Roof coverings will be affixed to your roof frame.
Parklet Roof Covering Requirements (for parklets with a roof) Design
The parklet roof design shall be one of
the following: solid roof, open framing,
fabric shades.
Materials
The following materials are permitted for
roof coverings: pressure-treated wood,
exterior-grade wood, steel, fabric (flame
retardant), corrugated metal, plywood
(with treatment), asphalt tiles, wood
shingles.
The roof material shall be maximum
20psf in weight.
The following materials are prohibited:
clay, porcelain tile, acrylic corrugated
plastic, vinyl, soft plastic, tarps.
6.1 6.1.a
6.2.a
6.2 9
Roof Covering Examples (for parklets with or a roof)
You may select any roof covering provided it meets the requirements above. Include the product specifications for your desired roof covering in your permit submittal *Fill out the worksheet on pg. 15 with your selections
Canavas Corrugated Metal Asphalt Tiles
6.2.b
6.2.c
7.0: SELECT YOUR DESIGN FEATURES FLOORING
Select a flooring product for your parklet. The flooring product will be installed overtop the parklet platform frame and will be flush with the sidewalk.
Parklet Flooring Requirements (for parklets with or without a roof) Materials
The parklet flooring shall be an exterior-
grade material.
The parklet flooring shall not be one of
the following prohibited materials: metal,
glass, materials designed for interior use.
Safety
The parklet flooring has a finishing & slip
resistance of BH minimum 0.6 Coefficient
of Friction.
7.1 7.1.a
7.1.b
7.2.c
Flooring Examples (for parklets with or without a roof) You may select any flooring material provided it meets the requirements above.
Include the product specifications for your desired flooring in your permit submittal
7.2 10
*Fill out the worksheet on pg. 15 with your selections
Wood Decking Exterior Tile Composite Decking
Material
The parklet enclosure shall not be one of
the following prohibited materials:
particle board, vinyl, soft plastic or tarps.
Safety
The rail shall be 42” in height, as
measured from the surface of the
platform.
The rail shall withstand at least 200 lbs of
horizontal force.
Any gaps in the enclosure shall be smaller
than 4” sphere.
8.0 SELECT YOUR DESIGN FEATURES RAILING
Select a rail and enclosure finish for your parklet. The complete railing is made up : 1) the horizontal rail that extends between posts, and 2) the enclosure, which connects to the rail Parklet Enclosure Requirements (for parklets with or without a roof)
8.1 8.1.a
8.2.a
My Parklet Enclosure (for parklets with or without a roof) STEP 1: Select a rail material (see specifications attached) STEP 2: Select an enclosure finish (see examples below)
8.2 11
8.2.b
8.2.c
Wood Light-gauge Steel
You may select any enclosure materials provided they meets the requirements above.
Include the product specifications for your desired flooring in your permit submittal Wood Siding Plywood - Painted Steel Cables
Design
Parklets may include either a solid
transparent and un-tinted sidewall or an
open semi-transparent sidewall.
Materials
The following material is permitted for
solid sidewalls: un-tinted plexiglass.
The following materials are permitted for
open sidewalls: pressure-treated wood
(stained or painted), exterior grade wood.
The following materials are prohibited:
vinyl, soft plastic, glass, or tarps.
9.0 SELECT YOUR DESIGN FEATURES SIDEWALLS
If your parklet will have sidewalls, select the design from the options below. Sidewalls will be affixed to your posts.
Parklet Sidewall Requirements (for parklets with or without a roof)
9.1 9.1.a
9.2.a
9.2 Parallel parklet
9.2.b
12 Sidewall Examples (for parklets with or without a roof) Sidewall are an optional feature. You may select any sidewall material provided it meets the requirements above. Include the product specifications for your desired flooring in your permit submittal
*Fill out the worksheet on pg. 15 with your selections
Plexiglass Open
Pressure-treated Wood
9.2.c
10.0 SELECT YOUR DESIGN FEATURES PLANTERS
If your parklet will include planters, Select planter designs for your parklet. Parklets in parallel parking spaces can locate planters on either side of the parklet. Parklets in angled parking spaces can locate planters along the outer edge; parallel to the travel lane. Planter must be located within the required setbacks and will reduce the total seating space within the parklet Parklet Planter Requirements (for parklets with or without a roof) Material
The parklet planter shall be constructed
of wood, steel, cold form fiberglass, or
plastic materials.
The following materials are prohibited:
clay, porcelain, and concrete.
10.1 10.1.a
Parallel parklet
Angled parklet
13 10.1.b
Planter Examples (for parklets with or without a roof)
You may select any planter material from the list above. Include the product specifications for your desired planters in your permit submittal *Fill out the Worksheet on pg. 15 with your selections
Wood Steel Fiberglass
Note: Planters must be within the setback and
therefore will reduce the total seating space within
a parklet. See Section 3.0 for more details.
11.0 STRUCTURAL OPTIONS: PLATFORM
Consult your contractor and review your site plan and the specification sheets with them to determine your parklet platform, posts and roof framing materials.
Materials
The parklet platform shall be constructed
of light-gauge steel or pressure-treated
wood.
A 4" minimum curb height is required for
installation of a pressure-treated wood
platform
11.1 11.1.a
14 Parklet Platform Requirements (for parklets with or without a roof)
12.0 STRUCTURAL OPTIONS: POSTS AND ROOF FRAMING
Parklet Post and Roof Requirements (for parklets with or without a roof) Material
The parklet posts and roof framing shall
be constructed of light-gauge steel or
pressure-treated wood
Design
Light-gauge steel shall be painted
Pressure-treated wood shall be stained or
painted
12.1 12.1.a
12.2 12.2.a
Note: The permitted platform material will depend
on site conditions including curb height and street
slope. Consult your contractor to determine which
material is best suited to your parklet design.
11.1.b
Wood Light-gauge Steel
Uncovered parklet
Parklet with a roof
12.2.b
5.0 Roof Styles
Parklet Type (circle one): Covered Uncovered
Roof Type (circle one): Solid Lattice Fabric
Roof Shape (circle one): Flat Shed
6.0 Roof Covering(s)
Roofing Product(s) Name: _______________________ Spec Sheet(s) Attached:
7.0 Flooring
Flooring Product Name: _________________________ Spec Sheet Attached:
8.0 Railing
Railing Material (circle one): Wood Light-Gauge Steel Enclosure Product Name: ________________________ Spec Sheet Attached:
9.0 Sidewalls
Include Sidewalls (circle one ): Yes No
Sidewall Product Name: __________________________ Spec Sheet Attached:
10.0 Planters
Include Planters (circle one): Yes No
Planter Product Name: ___________________________ Spec Sheet Attached:
11.0 Platform
Choose Material (circle one): Wood Light-Gauge Steel
12.0 Posts/ Roof Framing
Choose Material (circle one): Wood Light-Gauge Steel
13.0 MY PARKLET DESIGN FEATURES WORKSHEET
Fill out the following worksheet based on the design options from the previous sections.
Include this page along with product specifications with your permit submittal. 15 t
14.0 HEATING
Heaters are not required but are permitted in parklets in accordance with Section IV.D.4 of the Parklet Standards. Review the requirements below and indicate your selection.
Electric Heaters
Electric heaters must be an outdoor approved type.
Electric heaters must be located in accordance with manufacturing instructions and placed at least 3 feet away from any combustible materials or as required by manufacturer’s instruction, whichever is more restrictive.
A fire extinguisher is required to be mounted within sight and have appropriate signage per the Fire Code.
Use of electric heaters must comply with the power supply requirements in section IV.D.2 of the parklet standards.
Any electrical equipment must be listed and carry a product certificate for its intended use by a recognized electrical testing laboratory.
Propane Heaters
Propane heaters are permitted with a valid HAZMAT permit from the Palo Alto Fire Department and CERS submittal.
Propane heaters are prohibited in parklets with a roof or trellis.
My Parklet
Parklet heater and type:
No heaters
Electric heaters
Propane heaters (if yes, see section below)
If using propane:
Your parklet will not have a roof
You will obtain a HAZMAT permit
IMPORTANT: If using propane heaters, parklet applications will not be approved until a valid HAZMAT permit is provided.
Heating Devices (for parklets with or without a roof)
Heating devices are not required for operation, however, if a parklet wishes to include heating in conjunction with their parklet, they shall comply with the requirements below:
14.1 CHECKLIST
14.1.a
14.2.b
14.2.c
14.2.d
14.2 14.2.e
14.2.a
14.2.b
16 15.0 TRAFFIC SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Review the requirements below for parklet traffic safety. These measures will apply to all parklets following parklet design, approval, and construction.
Wheel Stops (see section IV.C of the parklet standards for full details) When a parklet is adjacent to active parallel parking spaces, a wheel stop must be installed to delineate the 4-foot setback from adjacent parking spaces.
When a parklet is adjacent to an active angled parking space, a wheel stop must be installed in the center of the parking space next to the parklet structure.
The wheel stop shall measure 3 feet long by 4 inches high. It shall be constructed of concrete or rubber.
Parklets extending the length between two in-street tree wells, as on University Avenue, may omit wheel stops.
Wheel stops are not required between two adjacent parklets with no active parking stalls between them.
Reflective Delineator
The parklet shall include installation of the California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) approved delineator posts or flexible bollards.
Delineator posts shall be surface mounted to the roadway via epoxy and/or glue down methods.
Reflective delineators must be installed at the outside corners of the parklet.
Additional delineators must be placed at least every 10 feet.
15.1 15.1.a
15.1.b
15.1.c
15.1.d
15.2 15.1.e
15.2.a
15.2.b
Parallel Angled
15.2.c
17 CHECKLIST
16.0 OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE
Review the requirements below for parklet operations and maintenance. These measures will apply to all parklets following parklet design, approval, and construction.
Site Maintenance
Parklets and the adjacent sidewalk shall be kept clean and litter free. Any food or drink stain shall be cleaned up immediately. Power washing is required monthly.
The drainage grates at the side of the parklet shall be maintained and kept clean and clear at all times to allow free flow of water. Any debris and leaves shall be removed immediately by the permittee.
Planters on parklets shall be kept clean and free of litter at all times. Plants should be well-maintained with regular watering and pruning, and weeds promptly removed.
Hours of Operation
The parklet shall adhere to the same approved hours of operation as the associated business.
In the Neighborhood Commercial (CN) or Service Commercial (CS) zone districts, a CUP is needed to operate between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and approval conditions for operations during these hours are to ensure the operation is compatible with the abutting (or within 50 feet of) residential property.
Amplified Sound
Amplified sound and speakers are not permitted on parklets. Any ambient sound may only originate from the interior of the business’s occupied building.
Alcohol Service
Businesses with parklets that serve alcoholic beverages on the parklet shall include appropriate fencing or other barriers to delineate the space and adhere to Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) regulations.
All physical requirements of ABC should be reflected in the design submitted.
A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is required to allow alcohol service at a parklet.
Parklet Removal
If a business with a parklet decides they no longer want a parklet, the business is responsible for notifying the City and removing it at the business’s own expense.
Immediately upon removal, the parklet area shall be cleaned and restored to its previous condition to the satisfaction of the City.
In instances of advanced notice (such as street repaving, planned maintenance, etc.), a business may need to remove and reinstall the parklet at their sole expense. If the sponsor cannot remove the parklet, the City will remove the parklet.
16.1 16.1.a
16.1.b
16.2.a
16.3 16.4
16.3.a
16.4.a
16.2 16.2.b
16.4.b
16.4.c
18 CHECKLIST
16.5 16.5.a
16.5.b
16.5.c
16.1.c
PERMITTING PROCESS CHECKLIST
Review and confirm your parklet design. Compile your application documents.
Parklet Design Standards
Preparation
Review the User Guide
Design your parklet
Determine if you need a Letter of Consent
Consult with your contractor and finalize parklet design Pre-Approved Parklet Application
Prepare and submit:
Detailed Site Plan
Completed User Guide
All material product specifications
Completed Pre-approved parklet shop drawings
Letter of Consent (if applicable)
Neighbor notice (if applicable)
If your parklet (with or without a roof) encroaches over a neighbor’s storefront, notify both the affected neighbor and the neighbor adjacent to them via email at submit a copy of that email with your application.
Ministerial Review
Plan Approval, Permit Payment & Permit Issuance
Construction and Installation (Inspections during Construction) Inspections
Continued Maintenance
Parklet Renewal (every year)
Parklet Removal
(as desired/needed)
Application & PermittingInstallationRemoval 19
Maintenance
APPENDIX A: LETTER OF CONSENT (LOC) REQUIREMENT
Letter of Consent Requirement
Parklet does not have a roof or sidewalls: letter of consent not required.
Parklet does have a roof or sidewalls:
• Does not extend beyond applicant’s storefront: letter of consent not required. • Does extend beyond applicant’s storefront: letter of consent is required.
2.1 2.1.a
Parklet applicants must obtain a letter of consent from adjacent ground-floor tenant(s) to extend a roof, trellis, or sidewall, beyond their own storefront. Parklets without a roof, trellis, or sidewalls, may extend in front of a neighbor without a letter of consent.
No LOC
Needed
2.1.b
Parklet with a
roof extending
over their
neighbor
Parklet with no
roof
20 No LOC
Needed
LOC
Needed
Parklet with no
roof extending
over their
neighbor
APPENDIX B: SITE SKETCH EXAMPLE
21 Other Resources and Links
Project Team
Architectural Review Board
City Manager Office
Public Works Department
Fire Department
Transportation Department
Planning & Development Department
Planning Team – Urban Planning Partners
Architect – Syncopated Architecture
Structural Engineer – REI BuildUp
City’s webpage on parklets at www.cityofpaloalto.org/Parklets
Ongoing Parklet Design Standards (link to be updated)
Parklet Cleanliness Standards
Hazmat Permit application (section D)
Electrical Permit application
22