Uplift Local
Uplift Local supports temporary outdoor spaces in Palo Alto.
Uplift Local is a Council-supported effort enabling outdoor dining, retail, personal services, and outdoor gyms and fitness options in business districts such as California Avenue and the downtown core and other business areas throughout Palo Alto. This program continues to evolve based on business and community input.
Temporary Street Closures
California Avenue
California Avenue will be closed to through traffic from El Camino Real to Birch Street to allow outdoor dining, retail, and personal services. The temporary closure will be every day of the week. The community is encouraged to park in the City’s garages and lots, or walk or bike to California Avenue. Parking is free and time restrictions continue to be waived as a result of the current public health emergency.
Curbside pickup is still available if you still prefer. Check out this map(PDF, 424KB) for curbside pickup locations.
University Avenue
Most of University Avenue from Cowper Street to Ramona Street will be closed to through traffic to allow outdoor dining, retail, and personal services. One-way, eastbound traffic between Kipling Street and Cowper Street is allowed. The temporary closure will be every day of the week. The community is encouraged to park in the City’s garages and lots, or walk or bike to downtown. Parking is free and time restrictions continue to be waived as a result of the current public health emergency.
Ramona Street
Ramona Street from Hamilton Avenue to just past Nola is closed to through traffic to allow for outdoor dining, retail, and personal services.
Alternate Uses for Parking
The City is allowing businesses to use public parking spaces to create parklets and up to 50% of private parking lots to create more outdoor space. Outdoor dining and retail continue to be supported, and now outdoor gyms and personal services are allowed to operate in these alternate spaces as well.
Businesses need to apply for a free encroachment permit or submit an application.
Support Local Business
Curbside Pickup and Delivery
While the City is excited to support businesses and the community with a new way to dine, shop, and enjoy personal services as we reopen together, we understand that not everyone is ready for this next step. We encourage you to still take advantage of curbside pickup, delivery, or takeout options. Check out the Support Local Business page for a list and map of businesses open in Palo Alto and the peninsula.
Staying Safe in Public
It is important to remember that face coverings are still required when out in public (some exceptions do apply), and to maintain physical distance. Please try to keep 6 feet of distance between your party and others. Outdoor dining is only allowed for members of the same household. For more tips and helpful reminders, the CDC shares best practices on how to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
Community Check-In Meetings
Missed a previous meeting? Watch them on the City's YouTube Channel.
Business Details
If you are a business and you would like to participate in the Uplift Local program, including opening business on the street or installing a parklet, please check out the Uplift Local for Business page for details on the free, expedited encroachment permit process and other safety guidelines.