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application fees will also offset cost of review and inspection of the new parklets. The total cost of implementation, including professional design services is expected to be less than $25,000 that will be included in the FY 2021/20222 mid-year budget. BACKGROUND Throughout COVID, temporary pop-ups have had generally a positive reception by the residential community. They have added vitality to the streetscape, enhanced community connection, and expanded outdoor dining opportunities. Some businesses have noted that the pop-ups have been key to their survival over the past eighteen months. However, there has been some criticism about the aesthetics of these pop-ups within downtown, particularly their appearance, effect on adjacent business visibility, and traffic safety. On July 20, 2021, the City Council discussed the existing temporary pop-ups and advised that the pop-up program should formally conclude at the end of the year (the program is scheduled to terminate on January 7, 2022, to accommodate the New Year's Eve weekend). The Council also directed staff to prepare a more formal parklet program for consideration that would allow for outdoor dining areas within the public right-of-way on a longer-term basis, with guidelines established to address aesthetics, safety, and appropriate locations, among other aspects. Based on the City Council's direction, staff has drafted a downtown parklet program. The Planning Commission reviewed the program on December 8, 2021, and provided feedback as described further below. In developing the draft program, staff researched several existing parklet programs, talked with other cities who are considering programs (e.g., Walnut Creek and Redwood City), reviewed best practices, internally discussed parklets across the City divisions and departments, and discussed the program with California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and the Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD). A meeting was also convened with assistance from the Pleasanton Downtown Association (PDA) to receive input from some of its members. This research has helped identify several key issues and considerations for the parklet program including maintenance of public infrastructure (e.g., streets, trees, and utilities); traffic, fire, and structural safety; design/aesthetics; accessibility and ADA compliance; operational characteristics, and City liability. These considerations are incorporated into the draft program. Staff anticipates that a new program and guidelines could be fully in place in the early Spring, allowing an opportunity for the City to complete street maintenance and cleaning that's been deferred due to the presence of the pop-ups before the new parklets are installed, and for the City to complete its pre-approved parklet design. A realistic goal would be to allow installation to begin around March-April 2022. The restaurant community has expressed their preference to continue temporary pop-ups until the Page 2 of 8