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Parklet Design <br /> Staff suggests several parameters for parklet design be built into the program, to <br /> account for ADA, safety, downtown streetscape aesthetics, and proper maintenance. <br /> The parameters are outlined in Attachment 1. Further, staff recommends the City <br /> engage a design professional to design a pre-approved parklet structure (i.e., platform <br /> and barrier) that meets the parameters noted. Participating businesses would use this <br /> set of standard plans to construct the parklet to its specifications, with inspection by the <br /> City to ensure it had been properly built. In designing the parklet, it would be staff's goal <br /> to create a safe, durable and attractive design that could be built with readily attainable <br /> materials and at a reasonable cost. <br /> The pre-approved parklet may include some customizations (e.g., optional planters, <br /> attachment points for shade sails and lights, and built-in benches). It would ensure the <br /> aesthetics among the parklets are consistent and enhance the downtown streetscape, <br /> simplify and streamline permitting and inspections, and guarantee the design, location, <br /> and size standards in the program are met. <br /> Staff acknowledges some of the existing pop-ups may meet both the design and <br /> location standards outlined by staff; however, staff has not reviewed any engineering or <br /> structural plans for the existing pop-ups. If businesses would like to use existing <br /> structure, they will need to provide staff with the required documents (e.g., load <br /> calculations, site plan with sizes, etc.) to confirm the pop-ups meet the parklet program <br /> standards. Staff recommends any "new" parklets (i.e., structures not previously installed <br /> during the temporary pop-up program) must use the City's pre-approved design. <br /> The Planning Commission generally supported the draft design standards and proposed <br /> approach to create a pre-approved parklet design. Some Commissioners provided <br /> guidance on design elements they supported (e.g., horizontal wood siding and barriers <br /> that offer some visibility, such as a cable rail rather than solid walls without visibility), <br /> which can help focus the City's design work. It was noted that since the program is <br /> shifting from the temporary pop-up program to a more permanent program, approving a <br /> pre-approved design can be important to improving the streetscape aesthetic <br /> downtown. <br /> The Planning Commission also supported the proposed approach to not include solid <br /> roofs or enclosures for the parklets, based on visibility issues, and understanding the <br /> complexity this would add to design and construction to address Fire Code <br /> requirements associated with enclosed structures. <br /> Lighting <br /> Pursuant to the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department (LPFD), temporary power <br /> solutions (e.g., extension cords overhead or on the ground) are not permitted with <br /> permanent structures. As such, cords extending to the adjacent buildings would not be <br /> permitted. Staff suggests permitting only solar or battery-operated lighting. <br /> Page 4 of 8 <br />