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The temporary pop-ups have added vitality to the streetscape and community connection, as
<br /> well as welcome relief for many businesses. Parklets have had generally a positive reception
<br /> throughout the residential community. However, there has been some criticism about the
<br /> aesthetics of these pop-ups within downtown, particularly their appearance, effect on adjacent
<br /> business visibility, and, as traffic and business activity has returned to pre-COVID levels,
<br /> additional concerns about traffic safety and parking have begun to emerge.
<br /> On July 20, 2021, the City Council discussed the existing temporary pop-ups, directed that the
<br /> program should conclude at the end of the calendar year, and directed staff to prepare a more
<br /> formal parklet program that would allow for outdoor dining areas within the public right-of-way
<br /> on a longer-term basis, with guidelines established to address aesthetics, safety and
<br /> appropriate locations, among other aspects.
<br /> BACKGROUND
<br /> At its July 20 meeting, the City Council considered the existing temporary pop-up program, and
<br /> the pros and cons of creating a more formal, long-term program that would continue to allow
<br /> businesses to offer outdoor dining in the public right-of-way, within the downtown. The City
<br /> Council directed that the existing pop-up program conclude at the end of the year and directed
<br /> staff to work to develop a long-term parklet program, including guidelines and procedures for
<br /> businesses wishing to participate and install parklets adjacent to their businesses.
<br /> The existing temporary program will formally end on January 7, 2022, at which time all existing
<br /> pop-ups will need to be removed. The new program and guidelines are intended to be fully in
<br /> in place in the early Spring, allowing an opportunity for the City to complete street maintenance
<br /> and cleaning that's been deferred due to the presence of the popups, and an opportunity for
<br /> businesses to complete any necessary application for permits and then install their parklets as
<br /> weather improves through the later spring and summer (the goal would be to allow installation
<br /> to begin around March-April 2022.)
<br /> Based on the City Council's direction, staff has drafted a downtown parklet program as
<br /> described below, and seeks Planning Commission review, direction on any needed changes,
<br /> and a recommendation to City Council.
<br /> In developing the draft program, staff researched several existing parklet programs (e.g., San
<br /> Francisco, Seattle, Los Gatos, Los Altos, etc.), met with other cities considering programs
<br /> (e.g., Walnut Creek), reviewed best practices, internally discussed parklets across the City
<br /> Divisions and Departments, talked with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage
<br /> Control (ABC), and discussed the potential program with the Pleasanton Downtown
<br /> Association and some of its member business-owners.
<br /> This research has helped identify a number of key issues and considerations for the parklet
<br /> program including maintenance of public infrastructure (e.g., streets, trees and utilities); traffic,
<br /> fire, and structural safety; design/aesthetics; accessibility and ADA compliance; operational
<br /> characteristics, and City liability. These various considerations are discussed below, including
<br /> staffs recommended approach for each, for potential inclusion in the parklet program.
<br /> DISCUSSION
<br /> Today, many temporary pop-ups include temporary tents/canopies, tables placed directly on
<br /> the street (not at a level flush with the sidewalk) and make use of materials that are less
<br /> Parklets Planning Commission
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