Streetary outdoor dining program to be considered in July and August

Published on July 24, 2023

Downtown street with outdoor restaurant seating

In July and August, the Planning Commission and City Council will consider elements of a permanent Streetary program and road closures on portions of Santa Cruz Avenue and Ryans Lane. Outdoor dining first started in Menlo Park in 2015 with a pilot program on Santa Cruz Avenue and expanded during the pandemic through a temporary program to help struggling restaurants. The proposed Streetary outdoor dining program would strengthen safety standards, create a consistent design aesthetic and ensure fairness in the use of the public right-of-way.

Meetings:

  • Feb. 28 City Council Study Session: The City Council held a study session on outdoor dining. Materials can be viewed on the City’s website(PDF, 29MB).
  • July 24 Planning Commission meeting: The Planning Commission will consider amendments to the General Plan and Specific Plan to allow for certain street closures.
  • Aug. 15 City Council meeting: The City Council will consider recommendations from the Planning Commission and a first reading of the Streetary outdoor dining program and related design standards.
  • Aug. 29 City Council meeting: The City Council will consider final adoption of the Streetary outdoor dining program and closure of a portion of Santa Cruz Ave and Ryans Lane.