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THE CITY OF 1 8 <br /> --' CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT <br /> pLf ASANTON <br /> December 21 , 2021 <br /> Community Development <br /> Planning Division <br /> TITLE: CONSIDER APPROVING A DOWNTOWN PARKLET PROGRAM <br /> SUMMARY <br /> Through the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Pleasanton has allowed businesses to <br /> temporarily expand dining and other business activities outdoors into private parking <br /> lots, the sidewalk, and public parking spaces — these temporary areas are known as <br /> "pop-ups". Recognizing the urgency and hardship placed on businesses due to COVID <br /> restrictions, the City provided a simplified, expedited review process, with pop-ups <br /> subject to a relatively limited set of design and operational standards. This flexibility has <br /> provided opportunities for businesses to operate while maintaining appropriate social <br /> distancing consistent with health guidance. <br /> On July 20, 2021, the City Council discussed the existing temporary pop-ups, advised <br /> that the program should conclude at the end of the calendar year, and directed staff to <br /> prepare a more formal parklet program for consideration that would allow for outdoor <br /> dining areas within the public right-of-way on a longer-term basis, with guidelines <br /> established to address aesthetics, safety, and appropriate locations, among other <br /> aspects. At the Council's direction staff has researched existing programs, talked with <br /> other cities creating programs, discussed internally with City divisions and departments, <br /> met with outside agencies, and consulted with restaurant owners. Staff drafted a <br /> program which was reviewed and generally supported by the Planning Commission on <br /> December 8, 2021. The draft program is being presented to the City Council for <br /> consideration and approval. <br /> RECOMMENDATION <br /> Staff recommends the City Council approve a parklet program for downtown <br /> Pleasanton. <br /> FISCAL IMPACT <br /> There will be some costs to the City to implement the program, including costs to retain <br /> a design professional to prepare standard specifications for the parklets, as well as <br /> costs for the City to review plans, inspect, and monitor the plan. Some incremental on- <br /> going costs to the City may occur, associated with more complex maintenance activities <br /> within downtown to accommodate the parklets (e.g., use of different equipment or <br /> manual methods to trim trees near parklets). A proportion of these costs will be <br /> recouped over time if the Council chooses to adopt an annual fee for the parklets, and <br />