A Parklet is made by converting two or more curbside parallel parking spaces (or three to four angled parking spaces) into a platform with a seating area.  Parklets are urban amenities appropriate for narrow, actively pedestrian streets with slower speed limits (max 25 mph).
 
Parklets provide an economical solution to increase public open space and allow the public to sit and enjoy the area where existing sidewalks would preclude such occupancy. Parklets are intended as an aesthetic enhancement to the overall streetscape and to provide amenities such as sidewalk extensions, seating, planting, and bicycle parking. While Parklets are privately constructed, funded, and maintained by a sponsoring business, they can be required to be open to the public during non-business hours. Parklets may serve as outdoor dining areas including the serving of any food or beverages (including alcohol, if permitted), waiting areas for customers, and/or areas for the display of merchandise, especially when social distancing requirements limit the number of customers that may be allowed within the adjacent commercial space.  

Last year staff worked in conjunction with the Downtown Business Alliance on a survey of the downtown business owners to understand the interest in a Parklets Program.  On the first day of the survey staff received 43 responses.  Of those responses most supported allowing Parklets.  Most business owners supported limiting the number of Parklets to no more than 2 to 3 parking spaces per block and getting approval from adjacent business owners.  Almost all agreed that Parklets should have attractive barricades and furniture.

If the City Council is interested in pursuing a Parklet Program, staff recommends and seeks direction on the following:

Amend Title 8 Public Ways and Property, Chapter 3 Streets and Public Ways, Division 8-03-002 Sidewalk Cafes, Sidewalk Vending Carts, and other permitted encroachments to allow for Parklets.

1. Establish requirement for permit or license
2. Establish fees
3. Establish development standards including allowed locations, safety standards, construction criteria, allowed materials, and signage.

Example standards include the following:

Location Standards
Limited to streets with 25 mph or less speed limits and slopes less than 5%. Other locations could be considered on a case by case basis (as approved by City Engineer).
Adequate distances from intersections and traffic control devices.
Cannot block access to manholes, grates, public utility, fire hydrants, fire department connections or access.
Allow for curbside drainage flow.
Permission from adjacent property owner if encroaching beyond property boundary.
Adequate clear sidewalk distance, if encroaching.

Construction and Safety Standards
Flush with curb to be accessible as required by the American with Disabilities Act.
Enclosed with railings or barriers on all sides except adjacent to the sidewalk (unless alcohol is served).
Standards for vertical elements (awnings, umbrellas or windbreaks).
Protected from oncoming parallel traffic.
Buffered from adjacent parking spaces.
Require to be removable to allow for street maintenance as necessary. 

Materials
High quality, durable materials that can withstand high elevation weather conditions.
Traditional materials such as steel, finished woods and salvaged building materials.
Surface materials textured with slip resistant coatings.
Earth tone colors.