AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Ordinance 2020-30, amending Chapter 74 of the San Marcos City Code by adding an addendum to Article 6 that establishes procedures and criteria for the granting of a temporary, revocable, licenses for parklets as a means to reactivate downtown following the COVID-19 stay at home orders of 2020; providing a savings clause; including procedural provisions; providing for adoption of this Ordinance as an emergency measure on only one reading; and providing an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: May 5, 2020
Department: Planning and Development Services
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: n/a
Account Number: n/a
Funds Available: n/a
Account Name: n/a
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: n/a
City Council Strategic Initiative:
Downtown Vitality
Comprehensive Plan Element (s): [Please select the Plan element(s) and Goal # from dropdown menu below]
☐ Economic Development - Choose an item.
☐ Environment & Resource Protection - Choose an item.
☐ Land Use - Choose an item.
☐ Neighborhoods & Housing - Choose an item.
☐ Parks, Public Spaces & Facilities - Choose an item.
☐ Transportation - Choose an item.
☐ Core Services
☒ Not Applicable
Master Plan: n/a
Background Information:
Planning & Development Services has received direction to explore options for a temporary parklet program in downtown San Marcos to allow businesses to temporarily convert on-street parking spaces adjacent to their shop into outdoor seating. The purpose of this program is to provide an aesthetic enhancement to the downtown streetscape and provide businesses with additional visible service area to activate downtown in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2015, the San Marcos City Council adopted a Sidewalk Cafés, Parklets, and Similar Special Uses of Public Rights-of-Way Ordinance creating a public-partnership for streetscape improvements in the public realm. The program consists of an easy-to-read Streetscape Manual with photos, examples, guidance, and resources; technical information is provided within the associated Ordinance. This program was intended for the installation of long-term parkets and sidewalk cafes and does not meet the intent of temporary parklets that would be used for only a couple of months to assist downtown business owners.
Staff has included a memo with an overview of recommendations to create a temporary parklet program. In addition, an associated temporary parklet manual includes several specifications, requirements, and procedures for installation and construction of a temporary structure. Staff recommendations include administrative review of parklets, allowance for food service and/or retail service within parklets, adopting a temporary parklet manual, providing a cap on the time duration and amount of parklets installed, as well as including a requirement for insurance and a license agreement.
In addition, to enhance the downtown streetscape, provide businesses with additional visible service area and help revitalize downtown in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Main Street has applied for a $10,000 grant from the National Main Street Center. If awarded, the grant funds will be distributed to businesses who have successfully applied for and been granted a Temporary Parklet Permit. Grant winners will be announced on May 18.
The packet includes redlined documents to indicate changes between the 2015 adopted ordinance and Streetscape Manual and the proposed Temporary Parklet Program.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
n/a
Alternatives:
n/a
Recommendation:
Please see the attached memo and associated attachments.