AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Receive a Staff presentation and hold discussion regarding a possible amendment to Chapter 74 of the City Code to include a new Article 6 that allows for Sidewalk Cafes, Parklets, and Similar Special Uses of Public Rights-of-way, and provide direction to Staff.
Body
Meeting date: October 21, 2014
Department: Development Services
Funds Required: n/a
Account Number: n/a
Funds Available: n/a
Account Name: n/a
CITY COUNCIL GOAL: Quality of Life and Place, Enhance the Image of San Marcos
BACKGROUND:
Many cities are encouraging certain uses of the public right-of-way as a means of creating more vibrant and pedestrian friendly neighborhoods and downtown areas. Pedestrian oriented improvements provide a sense of place and walkability.
City staff is recommending changes to Chapter 74 of the City Code relating to streets and sidewalks that would allow pedestrian oriented uses of the public right-of-way such as sidewalk cafes and parklets. In reviewing existing ordinances in relation to sidewalk cafes and parklets, staff also identified other possible uses for which a license may be appropriate such as benches or planters at the entrances of local businesses or landscaping improvements at the entrances of neighborhoods.
The proposed ordinance would establish a process and criteria for administrative approval of revocable licenses for such improvements and uses. Licenses issued under the ordinance would be limited to a term of not more than one year, subject to the possibility of renewal for successive one year terms. The criteria for approval of a license would ensure that any authorized improvements would be easily removable, would not compromise public safety or accessibility, would not interfere with utilities or create adverse impacts for adjacent owners and businesses.