HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 7a. Study Session - Open SLO Long-Term StrategiesCouncil- Report
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FROM: Matt Horn, Public Works Director
Prepared By: Luke Schwartz, Transportation Manager
Item 7a
Public Works
5010
7/20/2021
Study Session
90 Minutes
SUBJECT: STUDY SESSION: OPEN SLO LONG-TERM STRATEGIES
RECOMMENDATION
1. Receive a presentation on potential long-term strategies for various elements of the
Open SLO program; and
2. Provide preliminary direction to staff to guide long-term program and policy
development for the potential continuation of certain Open SLO program activities.
REPORT -IN -BRIEF
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the San Luis Obispo City Council approved the
Open SLO program in May of 2020, which included a multi -pronged approach to expand
the use of city streets and public spaces to help support the economic recovery of local
businesses and provide additional opportunities for responsible physical distancing. Open
SLO has included a variety of public health, outdoor activation, and other strategies
allowing local restaurants and retailers to expand their footprints into the street, use of
Mission Plaza for take-out dining downtown, addition of parklets to expand sidewalk
space, and other quick -build strategies to improve safety and access for residents
jogging, bicycling and strolling in their neighborhoods.
On July 6, 2021, the City Council approved an extension of the Open SLO program for
up to one year following the termination of the proclamation of a local emergency, which
will allow for continuation of the pilot program at least through July of 2022 if needed. This
provides time for City staff to fully analyze the successes and lessons learned over the
last 14 months, develop long-term program and policy recommendations (if desired by
Council), and work collaboratively with the community to transition from pilot program to
permanent program implementation. Long-term program and policy development for
parklets and other strategies will be guided based on feedback from a recent community
survey that received over 7,000 responses, research on similar programs in comparable
benchmark cities, and outlining long-term advantages, considerations and constraints
associated with each pilot program activity.
This study session will provide the opportunity to receive additional input from the
community and direction from the City Council on whether the City should develop long-
term policies and/or programs for parklets and other Open SLO activities beyond the
current pilot program.
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DISCUSSION
Background
The rise of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 created two disasters: a public health crisis
and unprecedented economic impacts that will reverberate for many months, if not years,
beyond the pandemic. The City of San Luis Obispo (City) was certainly not immune to
these impacts, as local businesses were economically impacted by this event, especially
restaurants, hotels, and retail establishments. The emergence of the pandemic created
both a significant challenge for the City - with an urgent need to support public health and
economic recovery of our local businesses - as well as a unique opportunity to re -imagine
how our public right-of-way can be utilized to improve long-term community vibrancy and
economic vitality.
In May of 2020, the City Council authorized the "Open SLO" pilot program, a multi -faceted
endeavor involving flexible enforcement of existing policies and temporary repurposing of
public right-of-way to support physical distancing and economic recovery of local
businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Open SLO program included: the
use of temporary street closures, parklets', more flexible sidewalk dining permits,
activation of Mission Plaza for public takeout dining, relaxed enforcement of outdoor
signage and on -site parking requirements in private parking lots, and several complete
street and traffic calming quick -build enhancements, including conversion of Higuera
Street from three to two lanes through the downtown core to reduce traffic speeds and
provide additional space for people walking, bicycling, and dining within the new parklets.
While temporary evening and weekend street closures were a primary focus of the Open
SLO program early on, staff quickly pivoted to focus on parklet deployment based on
feedback from downtown businesses, who felt the street closures were negatively
impacting non -restaurant retailers. Since June of 2020, the City facilitated the installation
of temporary parklets for at least 42 individual businesses, with approximately 30 parklets
still remaining in use today. About 10 businesses took advantage of the opportunity to
expand outdoor dining within private parking lots, including five (5) restaurants who
borrowed temporary barricades from the City in order to remain in business outdoors. The
only temporary street closure that remains in effect is the half closure of Monterey Street
between Morro and Chorro Streets. Attachment A includes a map of the parklets installed
during the Open SLO pilot program.
A "parklet" is a temporary sidewalk extension that provides more space and amenities for people using
the street. Typically, parklets are installed on public streets within on -street parking lanes and extend into
the street with a surface flush with the sidewalk. Parklets provide opportunity for additional restaurant/cafe
seating, greenery and artwork, or simply a place for people to sit and rest while taking in the activities of
the street.
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While there were many ups and downs over the last 16 months due to changes in
restrictions and resulting consumer behavior, the available quantitative and anecdotal
data indicates that the various efforts to activate downtown likely had a positive benefit to
the economic response and recovery of the City.
It is difficult to compare the impact of the Open SLO program vs. taking no action, and
equally difficult to isolate the specific effects of the Open SLO program from other
promotional efforts conducted by the City during the pandemic, like the "Buy Local Bonus"
and "Light Up Downtown" holiday campaigns. However, the combination of all of these
efforts encouraged both visitors and locals to come downtown to shop and dine out when
that would not have been as inviting without these programs. Across the board the City's
sales tax, parking occupancy and Arrivalist data are trending back toward or above their
pre -pandemic levels (see Attachment B for data trends). That being said, property and
business owners who have locations throughout the country have anecdotally told City
staff that our efforts were an example of an exceptional pandemic response across the
various jurisdictions where they do business.
On July 6, 2021, the City Council approved an extension of the Open SLO program for
up to one year following the termination of the proclamation of a local emergency, which
will allow for continuation of the pilot program at least through July of 2022 if needed. The
overall response to many Open SLO activities from the San Luis Obispo community,
including residents, visitors, and local businesses representatives, has been
overwhelmingly positive, with many requests encouraging the City to continue with certain
strategies in a longer-term/permanent capacity. Constructive feedback received during
the pilot program was primarily related to concerns about on -street parking loss,
unappealing aesthetics of some temporary parklets, and unequal parklet opportunities for
each business, depending on location and type of business. As we look ahead to the
conclusion of the Open SLO pilot program, staff has organized this study session to invite
input from the community and direction from the City Council on whether the City should
develop potential long-term policies and/or programs for parklets and other Open SLO
activities beyond the current pilot program.
The discussion below provides a summary of current Open SLO pilot program activities,
potential policy options for long-term consideration, key advantages, considerations and
constraints associated with each long-term option, and suggested strategies to transition
from the current pilot program to permanent policies and practices.
Open SLO Focus Areas for Long -Term Consideration
This study session focuses on the following primary Open SLO activities:
A. Parklets within Public Streets
B. Sidewalk Dining
C. Outdoor Dining in Private Parking Lots
D. Monterey Street Configuration
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A summary of the current pilot program actions and potential options for long-term
consideration is provided for each focus area topic below. These were developed based
on numerous due diligence efforts including: an assessment and analysis of what has
worked or not worked during this pilot period, research of outdoor dining programs in
other cities, and input from the community. This also included the most recent community
survey conducted in June that received 7,125 responses (see Attachment C). Further
discussion of policy context, public outreach and due diligence, and potential fiscal
impacts associated with each focus area is provided later in this staff report.
Pre-COVID Activities:
• No parklet program.
Current Pilot Program Activities:
• Facilitated the installation of more than 40 temporary parklets, with approximately 30
parklets remaining in place today.
• Parklet encroachment permits issued with no fees during pilot program.
• City installed basic parklet features (i.e., flush decking, simple barrier system), with many
businesses investing private funds to upgrade and further customize their parklets.
Potential Long -Term Options:
OPTION 1: Return to pre-COVID policies, removing all parklets at conclusion of pilot program.
OPTION 2: Develop long-term parklet program.
Pros, Cons and Key Considerations:
OPTION 1: Remove Parklets After Pilot Program
Pros
• Maximizes on -street parking supply.
• Maintain parking revenue.
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• Eliminates risk of potential vehicle collisions with outdoor dining areas in parking lane.
• Requires no new staffing resources or capital expenditures on parklets beyond end of pilot
program.
Cons
• Limits available space for outdoor dining activation, providing less opportunity to increase
vibrancy of pedestrian environment.
• Inconsistent with recommendations of Downtown Concept Plan, Active Transportation Plan
and General Plan Land Use Element, which recommend exploring opportunities for
parklets.
OPTION 2: Develop Long -Term Parklet Program
Pros
• Provides more opportunities for outdoor dining, which adds to vibrancy of the public realm.
• Helps additional businesses with economic recovery.
• Visually narrows the street, which can have a traffic calming effect.
• Supports policy recommendations of Downtown Concept Plan, Active Transportation Plan
and General Plan Land Use Element.
Cons
• Reduces on -street parking supply.
• Increased cost to City to continue parklet program, including parking revenue loss, costs
for manual street sweeping, installation costs for City -funded locations, maintenance and
program administration. Excluding installation, total ongoing costs are $5,000-$6,000
annually per parking stall occupied.
• Parklets need to be removed to facilitate roadway paving work, resulting in higher costs for
work and direct temporary impacts to business that utilize parklets. Costs would be
influenced by complexity of parklet construction and timeframes of construction.
• Parklets do not directly benefit all types of businesses.
• Increased risk for vehicle collisions for anything located within the footprint of the roadway.
• Increases frequency of commercial loading in traffic lanes, which slows through traffic and
require additional enforcement to avoid blocking bike lanes.
• Additional staff time required to develop and administer permanent program, which may
shift focus from other priorities in current work program.
Key Considerations for OPTION 2
• Public vs. Private Space — There are various philosophies and practices with pre-COVID
parklet programs in other cities regarding whether parklets should be treated as public
spaces (available to all), reserved for exclusive use of individual businesses, or somewhere
in between. Some cities require all parklets to be available to public, while others allow
exclusive use by private businesses entirely or in some sort of hybrid fashion (i.e. portions
of parklet seating reserved for public, exclusive use allowed during limited hours only, etc.).
• Activation — Many parklets occupied by cafes or restaurants are not activated certain times
of the day, or even some days of the week, leaving empty and underutilized spaces outside
of business hours.
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• Public vs. Private Costs — What is a reasonable fee to charge parklet owners for use of
public right-of-way and to offset City costs?
• Equality of Opportunity— Parklets do not directly benefit all types of businesses and will not
be feasible at all business locations based on site constraints.
• Design Standards — If pursuing a long-term parklet program, the City will need to consider
what level of design standards should be applied. Should all parklets have a uniform visual
appearance or should more flexible standards be applied to encourage unique designs?
• Process — If pursuing a long-term parklet program, consider application and approval
process, what level of discretionary review is required, how adjacent businesses are
notified, and what form of appeal process will be provided. Also, what mechanisms will be
in place to ensure parklet permittees maintain their spaces appropriately and are in
compliance with permit conditions of approval.
Next Steps to Develop Permanent Policy/Program:
OPTION 1: Remove Parklets After Pilot Program
• No action needed. Remove all parklets at end of pilot program.
OPTION 2: Develop Long -Term Parklet Program
• Develop framework for long-term parklet program and policies, including developing
objective design guidelines, proposed fee schedules, and amendments to the City
Municipal Code required to continue with a permanent program.
• Conduct additional community businesses outreach to guide refinement of proposed parklet
policies.
• Identify strategies to address ongoing fiscal impact to Parking Fund if parklet program
continues beyond pilot program.
• Present final parklet program and policy recommendations for advisory body and Council
consideration for approval.
Staff Recommendation:
• Proceed with OPTION 2 and begin development of a long-term parklet program with local
business and community input. Recommend developing detailed, but flexible objective
design standards for safety and aesthetics, with approval by the Community Development
Director via ministerial design review. Program should include an appropriate use fee
(based on Council input) and include a process for notification of adjacent properties and
opportunity to appeal new parklet proposals to the City Council.
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Pre-COVID Activities:
• Sidewalk Dining Program administered with issuance of encroachment permits for Sidewalk
Cafe or Tables & Chairs permits, governed under City Municipal Code Chapter 5.50.
• Sidewalk Cafe permit requires barrier to delineate space, size limited to business frontage,
allows restaurant table service and alcohol sales with ABC permit. Use fee is $1 per square
foot of dining area per month.
• Tables & Chairs permit allows up to 3 small two -person tables only within business frontage.
No table service or alcohol sales allowed. No use fee.
• Both Sidewalk Cafe and Tables & Chairs permit requires maintaining 8 feet minimum clear
sidewalk width, which is infeasible in most locations downtown.
Current Pilot Program Activities:
• No -fee encroachment permits issued with relaxed minimum requirements for both Sidewalk
Cafe and Tables & Chairs permits to allow participation by a greater number of businesses.
• Minimum sidewalk clear width reduced from 8 feet to 4 feet at pinch points (min. for ADA
compliance). No limit on number of tables and chairs allowed.
• Restaurant table service allowed with both Sidewalk Cafe and Tables & Chairs permit.
• Alcohol service allowed with Sidewalk Cafe or Tables & Chairs permit with ABC approval.
Potential Long -Term Options:
OPTION 1: Return to pre-COVID Sidewalk Dining policies per existing Municipal Code.
OPTION 2: Amend existing sidewalk dining policies with more flexible requirements to
facilitate more sidewalk dining opportunities.
Pros, Cons and Key Considerations:
OPTION 1: Return to Pre-COVID Sidewalk Dining Policies
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Pros
• Retains wide sidewalk clearances (8 feet min.), which provides more space for pedestrian
traffic and ensures consistency with pedestrian level of service targets and City Engineering
Standards.
• Does not require any updates to pre-COVID policies/programs.
Cons
• Sidewalk dining will remain infeasible in most areas of the City due to inadequate sidewalk
widths.
OPTION 2: More Sidewalk Dining with Narrower Sidewalk Clearances
Pros
• Provides more opportunities for outdoor dining, which adds to vibrancy of the public realm.
• Helps additional businesses with economic recovery.
• No loss in street parking supply or parking revenues; little direct fiscal impact to City to
modify existing policies.
Cons
• Narrower sidewalk clearances can impede pedestrian traffic, particularly if restaurants offer
table service within sidewalk dining area.
• Potential for heightened risk of trip and fall, and potential concerns with ADA access if
businesses aren't actively managing their equipment responsibly.
• More challenges cleaning (i.e. leaves, trash, sweeping).
• If more businesses are able to participate in the sidewalk dining program, this would require
additional staff time for program administration and code enforcement.
Kev Considerations for OPTION 2
• Public vs. Private — More flexible sidewalk dining will encourage additional use of public
sidewalk right-of-way by private businesses.
• Equality of Opportunity — Sidewalk dining does not directly benefit all types of businesses,
and not all interested businesses will have same opportunity to participate, depending on
available sidewalk area fronting their business.
• Consistency with City Policies/Standards — Reducing requirements for clear sidewalk width
(less than 8 feet) will require amendments the Municipal Code, City Engineering Standards,
and Council Action to accept potential pedestrian level of service deficiencies within the
downtown (see Policy Context section later in this report for additional details).
Next Steps to Develop Permanent Policy/Program:
OPTION 1: Return to Pre-COVID Sidewalk Dining Policies
• No action needed. Return to pre-COVID sidewalk dining policies following end of pilot
program.
OPTION 2: More Sidewalk Dining with Narrower Sidewalk Clearances
• Staff would need to prepare amendments to City Engineering Standards and Municipal
Code Chapter 5.50 to allow sidewalk widths of less than 8 feet within the downtown core.
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• Staff would need to prepare necessary policy conformity analysis and develop potential
Council Resolution to formally accept pedestrian level of service policy deficiencies where
sidewalk clear widths are reduced for outdoor dining. Alternatively, this could be
accomplished via General Plan Amendment to allow exemptions to pedestrian level of
service policy thresholds where reduced sidewalk clearances are considered in order to
provide other elements that activate the pedestrian environment, such as sidewalk dining.
Staff Suggestion:
• Proceed with OPTION 2, reducing minimum required sidewalk clearance width from 8 feet
to 6 feet. Require sidewalk use fee for both Sidewalk Cafe and Tables & Chairs permits if
space is for exclusive use of private business. No limit on tables and chairs, but dining area
should not extend beyond business frontage.
Pre-COVID Activities:
• Off-street parking is required to be maintained consistent with approved site plans for
intended users including staff, residents, and/or customers.
• Uses must remain consistent with parking requirements to provide the minimum number of
parking spaces required by Zoning Regulations.
• New uses can only be established if the minimum required number of spaces are available
for the use.
• Use of Parking lot areas for sales, temporary events, outdoor eating areas, or other uses
can only be approved through Intermittent or Temporary Use Permit, or through approval
of a Minor or Moderate Development Review Approval.
Current Pilot Program Activities:
• Restaurants and other businesses with private parking lots may continue to expand
operations within off-street parking areas with permission of the property manager/owner.
• Enforcement of current off-street parking requirement has been temporarily suspended
allowing for portions of private parking lots to be converted to seating or expanded retail
space.
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Potential Long -Term Options:
OPTION 1: Return to pre-COVID policies.
OPTION 2: Establish policies and regulations to allow for long-term or permanent
conversion of private parking areas for other uses.
Pros, Cons and Key Considerations:
OPTION 1: Return to Pre-COVID Policies
Pros
• Maximizes off-street parking supply.
• Eliminates risk of potential vehicle collisions with outdoor dining areas.
• Requires no new staffing resources by City beyond end of pilot program.
• Would not require amendments to Zoning Regulations or accommodations for new or
continuing uses which would not be able to meet parking requirements due to converted
parking lots.
Cons
• Could have a negative impact on local businesses by requiring them to pull back and reduce
expanded operations.
• Reduced opportunity for the public to experience outdoor dining and conversion of large
outdoor areas which have been dedicated to auto parking and circulation.
• Would require businesses desiring to continue expanded operations to obtain permits and
initiate Planning applications, assuming they can meet minimum parking requirement.
OPTION 2: Develop Policies to Allow More Outdoor Dining in Private Parking Lots
Pros
• Could assist businesses in fully recovering from economic impacts of pandemic.
• Provides opportunity for public to continue enjoying outdoor dining and use of outdoor areas
for sales or other uses.
• Increased flexibility for property owners/managers and lease holders to manage parking
supply vs. reliance on staff enforcement of parking requirements for each use and shared
parking arrangement.
Cons
• Less parking provided for patrons.
• Expansion of outdoor dining does not directly benefit all types of businesses.
• Increased potential for inadequate parking at times of peak demand.
• Need to consider safety and design to minimize increased risks of vehicle collisions or
pedestrian safety issues.
• Additional staffing resources may be required to develop and administer permanent
program may shift focus from other priorities in current work program to implement Major
City Goals.
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Key Considerations for OPTION 2
• Allowing a conversion of portions of parking lots containing required off-street parking for
one or more uses will require adjustments to the Municipal Code so expansion of existing
uses and new uses are able to meet parking requirements and to ensure ongoing uses do
not become non -conforming.
• Need to ensure that conversion of private parking lots does not affect compliance with ADA
parking requirements.
• Long-term policy revisions should include consideration for potential spillover of private
parking demand off -site to other properties or public streets.
Next Steps to Develop Permanent Policy/Program:
OPTION 1: Return to Pre-COVID Policies
• No action needed. Return to pre-COVID policies following end of pilot program.
OPTION 2: Develop Policies to Allow More Outdoor Dining in Private Parking Lots
• Develop framework for long-term conversion of portions of private parking lots including
amendments to the City Municipal Code required to continue with a permanent program.
Staff Recommendation:
• Proceed with OPTION 2, allowing staff to explore development of a permanent program
allowing a portion of all private parking areas to be converted to other uses.
D. Monterey Street Configuration
Pre-COVID Activities:
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• Monterey Street between Morro and Chorro Streets existed as a two-lane, two-way street
with on -street parking and commercial loading areas.
Current Pilot Program Activities:
• Monterey Street converted to one-way westbound only. Existing parking and commercial
loading preserved on northern (westbound) half of street.
• Southern half of street closed to through traffic. Allows for expanded outdoor dining area,
an eastbound bike lane, area for commercial loading and curbside pickup parking, and the
Monterey Street Bike Plaza, a small island of unused space with street murals, free bike
parking, planter boxes and benches for public seating. The Bike Plaza has been identified
as the designated bike valet parking area for Thursday night's Farmer's Market and
Concerts in the Plaza through the summer and fall of 2021.
Potential Long -Term Options:
OPTION 1: Return this block of Monterey Street to pre-COVID two-way configuration.
OPTION 2: Retain this block of Monterey Street with current one-way configuration, with
aesthetic enhancements.
OPTION 3: Explore concept of a pedestrianized or "car light" configuration for this block
of Monterey Street, limiting vehicular access to only local delivery, service
and emergency vehicles.
Pros, Cons and Key Considerations:
OPTION 1: Return to Two -Way Street
Pros
• Returns to pre-COVID traffic circulation. Restores intuitive two-way access and on -street
parking for drivers.
• Would not preclude the potential to retain standard parklets within reduced footprint of
parking lane for interested restaurants.
• Lower cost for City to return to pre-COVID configuration than with other alternatives, both
in terms of upfront cost for design and implementation of physical improvements and in
terms of lost on -street parking revenue.
• Least amount of change for existing businesses along this block.
Cons
• Limits available space for outdoor dining activation.
• Less opportunity to increase vibrancy of pedestrian environment, as envisioned for
Monterey Street in the Downtown Concept Plan.
• Would require removal of Monterey Street Bike Plaza.
OPTION 2: Retain as One -Way Street
Pros
• Preserves large area for outdoor dining activation.
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• Provides some opportunity for additional creative enhancements to pedestrian realm, which
could include addition of public outdoor seating, additional planter boxes and landscaping,
additional street murals and/or other public art installations.
• Retains existing Monterey Street Bike Plaza, which provides additional bike parking and
dedicated bike valet area for Farmer's Market and other downtown special events.
Cons
• Permanent loss of approximately 7 metered parking stalls, resulting in parking revenue loss
of roughly $40,000 annually.
• Less intuitive access for drivers. Shifts additional vehicle traffic to parallel streets, such as
Higuera and Palm Streets.
• Requires traffic analysis to evaluate potential impacts to circulation on nearby streets, and
potential general plan amendment prior to authorizing permanent one-way configuration.
OPTION 3: Pedestrianize "Car -Light" Street
Pros
• Preserves large area for outdoor dining activation.
• Provides significant opportunity for additional creative enhancements to pedestrian realm,
which could include addition of public outdoor seating, additional planter boxes and
landscaping, additional street murals and/or other public art installations.
• Builds off concepts identified for Monterey Street in Downtown Concept Plan, creating linear
extension of Mission Plaza pedestrianized space along Monterey Street.
• Provides additional area for expansion of Farmer's Market or other large special events
downtown.
• Retains existing Monterey Street Bike Plaza, which provides additional bike parking and
dedicated bike valet area for Farmer's Market and other downtown special events.
Cons
• Permanent loss of approximately 10 metered parking stalls, resulting in parking revenue
loss of roughly $56,000 annually.
• Less intuitive access for drivers. Shifts additional vehicle traffic to parallel streets, such as
Higuera and Palm Streets.
• Requires traffic analysis to evaluate potential impacts to circulation on nearby streets, and
potential general plan amendment prior to authorizing permanent conversion to
pedestrianized or "car -light" configuration.
Key Considerations for OPTION 2 and OPTION 3
• Potential perception of inequitable opportunity for large outdoor dining expansion for
restaurants on this block compared to other restaurants within the City.
• Permanent changes have not been thoroughly vetted with adjacent business and property
owners. Will require additional public outreach and coordination with adjacent businesses
before presenting final recommendations for Council consideration.
Next Steps to Develop Permanent Policy/Program:
OPTION 1: Return to Two -Way Street
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• No policy/program development needed. Restore roadway striping and signage
modifications to return street to pre-COVID configuration.
OPTION 2 (Retain as One -Way Street) & OPTION 3 (Pedestrianized "Car -Light" Street)
• Conduct traffic analysis to evaluate potential off -site circulation impacts.
• Conduct community outreach, including focused discussions with adjacent businesses and
property owners.
• Prepare General Plan amendment, if required.
• Develop concept designs for permanent upgrades and identify funding needs.
Staff Recommendation:
• Recommendation is to explore Options 2 or 3 as part of an outreach and engagement
process to enhance pedestrian experience, maintain active streetscape, and preserve bike
facilities.
Other Open SLO Activities to be Discussed
� '7
In addition to the Open SLO activities addressed in the focused discussion above, there
are several other activities initiated as part of the City's Open SLO pilot program, including
quick -build active transportation safety enhancements (i.e. Higuera Street lane reduction
and bike lane, Johnson Avenue protected bike lane near UPRR crossing, etc.), activation
of Mission Plaza for public take-out dining, and temporarily suspending enforcement of
most Sign Regulations in non-residential zones. While the intent of this study session is
to invite input primarily on the key focus areas discussed above (parklets, sidewalk dining,
outdoor dining in private parking lots, Monterey Street), the Council can also provide
questions and direction to staff on the following areas. A brief summary on the long-term
plans for these activities is provided as follows:
• Quick -Build Projects: Staff will continue implementation of quick -build active transportation
and safety projects through ongoing implementation of the Active Transportation Plan and
Traffic Safety Program.
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• Mission Plaza Activation: The Parks and Recreation Department plans to continue activating
Mission Plaza for public take-out dining for the foreseeable future. This program has been
very well received and the recently adopted 2021-23 Financial Plan includes the operating
budget needed to fund the staffing resources and equipment needed to continue this program,
which cost approximately $20,000425,000 annually.
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• Outdoor Sign Regulations: During the Open SLO pilot program, the City temporarily
suspended enforcement of many forms of outdoor signage, allowing businesses to post
signage and A -Frame boards on sidewalks to draw attention to their businesses. Pre-COVID,
all outdoor signage proposals were regulated strictly based on the City's Sign Regulations
most and all signs were prohibited within the public right-of-way. In order to help with the
continued economic recovery of local businesses beyond the COVID-19 pandemic and Open
SLO pilot program, Community Development Department staff are exploring potential
amendments to the City's Sign Regulations to allow more flexible policies for business signs
in non-residential locations. Staff will return to Council for input on specific policy proposals
on this item.
Parking and Accessibility Considerations
At the onset of the pandemic, the temporary removal of on -street parking for parklets was
deemed essential to support the local business community during a period of economic
uncertainty. The City's Parking Services Division has continued to pivot and adapt
throughout the pandemic to meet the quickly shifting needs of downtown visitors and
businesses: relocating commercial loading zones, designating courtesy curbside pickup
locations and providing free parking for several months. As we enter the summer tourist
season in 2021, parking demand within the downtown core has begun to creep back to
pre-COVID levels, with on -street parking occupancy near 90%-100% within the downtown
core and off-street garage parking occupancy reaching 85% occupancy during peak
days/times (Thursday through Sunday). With parking demand continuing to normalize,
the Parking Division will continue to adapt and provide incentives and management
strategies such as the recently installed pay stations and updated parking rates/times to
encourage on -street parking turnover and prioritize use of off-street parking structures.
While the current loss of on -street parking due to parklet installations (apx. 60 spaces
total) does place an additional near -term burden on the existing off-street parking
structures, the upcoming addition of the Palm-Nipomo Structure will provide the much -
needed capacity needed to meet the long-term parking demand within the downtown,
regardless of whether the Council decides to continue with a permanent parklet program.
While the City and local businesses have had to act quickly to adapt throughout the
pandemic, the City has retained a focus on maintaining and improving accessibility for all
users as part of Open SLO activities. While many initial parklet installations were installed
rapidly, with the seating surface below the sidewalk at the street level, staff worked quickly
to install elevated decking systems to create a surface flush with the sidewalk at all
remaining public parklets so that these spaces are accessible for users with mobility
challenges. Staff has also continued to work collaboratively with local businesses with
sidewalk dining permits to convey the importance of retaining minimum ADA-compliant
sidewalk clearances at all times. Further, the City has been incrementally increasing the
supply of on -street accessible parking stalls throughout the downtown and has plans to
install several more accessible stalls on Marsh and Higuera Streets as part of the planned
2021 and 2022 summer paving projects.
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Transition from Pilot Program to Long -Term Program/Policy Implementation
Further, there will be some time required to work with the community and local businesses
to transition from current pilot program activities to compliance with the future permanent
programs and policies. Staff is proposing the following general approach and timeline to
transition from pilot to lasting program (if that is the Council's consensus from this Study
Session):
1. July 2021 —Winter 2022
• Continue pilot program: address ongoing nuisance concerns (i.e. cleanliness,
noise, ped conflicts, etc), remove parklets and sidewalk dining areas that are no
longer fully utilized and/or kept in a state of good repair, work with business owners
on aesthetic enhancements that do not require unreasonable financial burden.
• Staff to develop long-term policy framework and related analysis needed to
continue desired activities Begin draft policy review with the public and businesses.
• Conduct additional community and business outreach on long-term policy
proposals.
2. Winter 2022
• Continue to monitor the extended Open SLO pilot program for additional six
months through summer of 2022 to allow time for continued vaccine rollout toward
necessary levels to achieve "herd immunity" and to provide dining options for
sensitive groups emerging from the pandemic and to allow for additional economic
recovery, formal policy adoption and transition.
3. Winter/Spring 2022
• Present formal policy recommendations to applicable City advisory bodies and City
Council for consideration and adoption.
4. July 2022
• Terminate pilot program and transition to full implementation and enforcement of
permanent programs/policies.
Finally, parklets are intended to serve as temporary structures to allow expansion of
sidewalk space in a rapid and low-cost manner. The longer -term vision for expansion of
outdoor dining and public space within the downtown, as guided by the City's Downtown
Concept Plan, Mission Plaza Concept Plan, and Active Transportation Plan, involves
more significant reconstruction of our streets, with permanent expansion of sidewalks,
and the corresponding elimination of some on -street parking over time as the City is able
to construct more off-street parking (i.e. the Palm/Nipomo Garage) and improve access
to other transportation options, such as walking, bicycling and transit. As the City
implements more significant sidewalk widening projects over time, outdoor dining areas
within parklets could be converted to standard sidewalk cafes. Council's initial thoughts
on the timing for this transition is presented below as one of the study session questions
to be discussed.
Page 1069 of 1185
Item 7a
Previous Council or Advisory Body Action
On May 22, 2020, the City Council authorized initiation of the Open SLO program, which
included a variety of temporary strategies for use of City right-of-way to facilitate social
distancing and COVID-19 economic recovery. The staff report and resolution related to
this initial Council action is provided as Attachment D. In March of 2021 the City Council
approved the extension of all current Open SLO activities and policies through the end of
2021 (see Attachment E), which was then superseded by Council action on July 6, 2021,
which authorizes the extension of the pilot program up to one year from termination of the
local emergency declaration, which extends the program at least through summer 2022.
Attachment F includes the staff report and resolution related to the latest extension of the
Open SLO pilot program.
Policy Context
The strategies initiated in the Open SLO pilot program have been implemented as
temporary actions pursuant to applicable existing City policies, codes, and ordinances
and within the City's authority to apply flexible interpretation and enforcement of these
activities as part of the overall pandemic response efforts under the City's local
emergency declaration. However, if certain Open SLO activities are to be considered for
long-term continuation beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, there are several policies,
ordinances and programs that would need to be modified or expanded.
A. Parklets within Public Streets — Currently, the City has no formal programs or
ordinances supporting provision of parklets. Creation of a permanent parklet
program would require adoption of a new ordinance to either amend the existing
municipal code chapter on Sidewalk Cafes (Chapter 5.50) or create a new section
within municipal code Title 5 (Licenses, Permits, and Regulations).
B. Sidewalk Dining — Currently, sidewalk dining is permitted via issuance of an
encroachment permit pursuant to Chapter 5.50 of the municipal code (Sidewalk
Cafes), with provisions for both Sidewalk Cafe (removable barrier delineating area,
allows table service and alcohol sales) and Tables and Chairs permits (up to three
small tables allowed, no table service or alcohol sales). Modifications to current
sidewalk dining policies to allow a narrower clear sidewalk width (< 8 feet) would
require amendments to this section of the municipal code, amendments City
Engineering Standards, and formal Council action accepting potential pedestrian
level of service deficiencies2 at locations where sidewalk dining is permitted.
2 The General Plan Circulation Element establishes Multimodal Level of Service (LOS) thresholds for
various modes of transportation. Pedestrian level of service is based on factors such as sidewalk widths,
pedestrian volumes, volume and speed of adjacent motor vehicle traffic. Based on pedestrian volumes and
traffic conditions downtown, areas with sidewalk clear widths of less than 8 feet may result in deficient
pedestrian levels of service.
Page 1070 of 1185
Item 7a
C. Outdoor Dining in Private Parking Lots — Any permanent expansion of business
operations into an outdoor area on private property requires approval through
either Minor or Moderate Development Review, assuming minimum on -site
parking requirements are met pursuant to the City Zoning Regulations.
Amendments to the Zoning Regulations would be required to facilitate a process
for approving permanent expansion of outdoor dining or other services where on -
site parking minimums cannot be met.
D. Monterey Street Configuration — Temporary closure of public streets for
construction activities or special events, such as the weekly Farmer's Market or
use of the traveled way for outdoor dining, is governed under the provisions of
California Vehicle Code Section 21101 and per Council Resolution 11152 (2020
Series). While these policies allow the Public Works Director to approve short-term
temporary closures of public streets if deemed necessary to support the health and
safety of persons using these streets, any long-term permanent closures or
reconfiguration of public streets would need to be evaluated under the framework
of the General Plan Circulation Element and California Streets and Highways
Code. If streets such as Monterey Street are to be considered for permanent one-
way or full closures to through car traffic, staff would need to conduct an analysis
of potential off -site transportation impacts and potentially prepare a General Plan
Amendment for Council Consideration prior to proceeding with any proposal.
E. Downtown Concept Plan & Mission Plaza Concept Plan — The Downtown Concept
Plan outlines the long-term blueprint for Downtown San Luis Obispo, with
illustrative streetscape concepts and policies that guide future land use and
infrastructure strategies. The Downtown Concept Plan includes several specific
policies to improve the walkability and vibrancy of the downtown pedestrian
environment, including expansion of sidewalk widths, additional enhanced
bikeways, expansion of parklets and sidewalk dining, and conversion of Monterey
Street between Santa Rosa and Nipomo to a shared street (a.k.a. a "woonerf"), a
semi -pedestrianized car -light street where pedestrians are prioritized and motor
vehicle through traffic is minimized. Similarly, the Mission Plaza Concept Plan
identifies long-term improvements for Mission Plaza, including extension of the
semi -pedestrianized street or "woonerf" along the dogleg portion of Monterey
Street between Mission Plaza and Nipomo Street.
Page 1071 of 1185
Item 7a
Examples of Future Monterey Street as Shared Street or "Woonerf '
All activities conducted as part of the Open SLO program, whether temporary or
considered for permanency in some fashion, are intended to support the City's Major City
Goal for Economic Recovery, Resiliency and Fiscal Sustainability. In addition, both the
City's Downtown Concept Plan, Active Transportation Plan and General Plan Land Use
Element include policies encouraging the addition of sidewalk dining, parklets, and other
strategies that support a vibrant, human -scale pedestrian environment.
Public Engagement
At the onset of the Open SLO program in spring of 2020, the City conducted a community
survey to gather input from residents, visitors, and local businesses to better understand
how the City could best focus efforts to facilitate community economic resiliency and
public health during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Building off the success of this
engagement strategy, staff has conducted a second community survey in June of 2021
to invite input from all stakeholders on the potential extension of various Open SLO
activities in a long-term capacity beyond the current pilot program. Key takeaways from
the 2021 community survey are highlighted below, while Attachment C provides a more
detailed summary of the survey results.
Key Findings from Community Survey:
1. Total number of survey participants = 7,125
a. 70% are residents of San Luis Obispo
b. 20% represent a local business owner, manager, or decision -maker
2. Parklets
a. 83% support permanent parklets (70% strongly support)
b. Of those businesses with a current parklet now, 65% have interest in
making it permanent.
c. 77% of businesses with temporary parklets are willing to share some cost
to retain a parklet, while 23% would not be willing to pay any fee to retain a
parklet.
d. Of businesses with current parklets, 31 % would be willing to pay $1,000-
$5,000 annually, 30% would be willing to pay $5,000-$10,000, and 16%
would be willing to pay $10,000 or more annually to retain a parklet.
Page 1072 of 1185
Item 7a
3. Sidewalk Dining
a. 60% favor more sidewalk dining, even with narrower sidewalk clearances
4. Mission Plaza
a. 73% are neutral or support continuing outdoor dining in Mission Plaza
5. Monterey Street (Morro to Chorro Street)3
a. 13% support returning Monterey Street to original two-way configuration
b. 50% support converting Monterey Street to pedestrian or "car -light" street
c. 45% support keeping Monterey Street as one-way with large outdoor dining
area
The City s :_:_:ris,dering making some of these parklets permanent. In
general, hover supportive are YOU of having permanent parklets inSLO?
Answered:7.0.d9 Skipped:75
20%
0%
(np laheL)
Strorat•; Suppc - Somevrhat Support 0 NeutraL 0 Sa- - _: Opposed
In addition to inviting community input via the online survey, social media engagement,
and a dedicated Open SLO informational webpage and email contact list, staff has also
presented information on the potential long-term considerations for the Open SLO
program to be discussed at this study session to Downtown SLO and the San Luis Obispo
Chamber of Commerce.
Finally, this study session itself intends to serve as an opportunity to invite feedback from
the City Council and community on the potential for continuing these Open SLO activities
beyond the current pilot program. Additional community outreach will be conducted in
conjunction with any long-term policy proposals that evolve from this study session. Staff
has followed the "inform" level of public engagement for this meeting, with noticing
consistent with the City's Public Engagement and Noticing Manual.
3 This survey question allowed selection of more than one alternative; thus, percentage totals exceed 100%.
Page 1073 of 1185
Item 7a
CONCURRENCE
Transportation Division staff have worked closely with staff from other divisions of the
Public Works Department (Parking, Streets Maintenance), the Community Development
Department, City Administration, and the City Attorney's Office in developing the initial
Open SLO program and in reviewing potential long-term policy and program strategies
as part of this study session. Those staff concur with the content and recommendations
provided in this staff report and study session presentation materials.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This study session itself does not constitute a "Project" under California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378. Similarly, the current activities in action as
part of the Open SLO pilot program are also exempt from environmental review pursuant
to CEQA Guidelines Section 15269, because the temporary program includes specific
actions that would allow for safe physical distancing consistent with the State' s Resilience
Roadmap and County and State Guidelines in order to mitigate the COVID- 19 public
health emergency.
Many of the Open SLO activities contemplated for some form of long-term continuation
would be categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities)
because the actions are limited to permitting, leasing, and minor alteration of existing
public facilities. However, staff will carefully evaluate any activities considered for
continuation and conduct the appropriate level of project specific CEQA review prior to
returning to Council with any permanent program or policy proposals.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: Yes/No
Funding Identified: Yes/No
Fiscal Analysis:
Budget Year: 2021-23
Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund
$
$
$
$
State
Federal
Fees
Other:
Total
$
$
$
$
Page 1074 of 1185
Item 7a
This study session itself does not have any direct fiscal impact since no formal action will
be taken. However, it is important to acknowledge the potential fiscal impacts associated
with the long-term continuation of various Open SLO activities (which notably negatively
impact the Parking Fund due to loss of revenues and changes to loading zones) in an
ongoing manner, which is summarized below:
A. Parklets within Public Streets — Total cost to City is approximately $7,500 per
parking stall for parklet installation (applies only to City -funded parklets) with an
annual ongoing cost of $5,000-$6,000 per each parking stall displaced (applies to
all parklets). Ongoing costs include loss of parking meter revenue ($3,500 per
meter), in-house and/or contract services for manual street sweeping, inspection
and maintenance, and general program administration. If all current parklets were
to remain, the average annual loss in meter revenue to the Parking Fund would
total approximately $230,000 annually based on average pre-COVID meter
revenues. With the recent addition of parking pay stations and extended paid
parking hours, average parking revenues per parking stall are expected to
increase; thus, this annual revenue loss would likely be even higher in future years.
B. Sidewalk Dining —No direct cost to the City, other than staffing resources required
to amend existing sidewalk dining policies (if directed by Council) and continue
administration of existing program.
C. Outdoor Dining in Private Parking Lots — No direct cost to City, other than staffing
resources to review and administer planning and building applications for
expansion of dining area within private parking lots.
D. Monterey Street Configuration — Total cost to the City for Monterey Street (Morro
to Chorro Street) would depend on which option Council chooses to proceed with.
The cost to restore the current configuration to the previous two-way street is
approximately $40,000. The costs to retain the current one-way configuration or
implement a potential pedestrianized car -light street configuration would vary
based on the final design proposed for each option. For the purposes of this study
session, it can be assumed that these costs could range from $50,000-$200,000
for moderate -level aesthetic enhancements to several million dollars for full street
reconstruction as envisioned in the Downtown Concept Plan.
STUDY SESSION FRAMEWORK FOR FEEDBACK TO STAFF
At this study session, Council will receive a summary presentation of this report, hear
input from the public, and provide questions and feedback to staff to guide further policy
and program development for the potential long-term continuation of certain Open SLO
activities (if any). In providing feedback to staff, below are a series of key focus areas and
questions that Council may want to use to guide the discussion:
Page 1075 of 1185
Item 7a
A. Parklets
Question #1. Does Council want to continue with a permanent parklet program?
Question #2. If a permanent parklet program is developed, should all or some
parklets be open to use by the general public in lieu of reserving these spaces for the
exclusive use of a private business, or perhaps some combination of public and
private use?
Question #3. Does Council support stringent parklet design standards that
encourage a uniform appearance, or more flexible design guidelines that still allow for
unique designs, as long as they meet objective minimum standards for safety and
quality of appearance?
Question #4. In general, what type of fee structure would Council like to propose for
use of the public right-of-way for parklets on the range of 0% ($0) to 100% ($6,000
per parking stall annually) cost recovery for the City? If fees are adopted, should they
be implemented gradually over the course of a few years?
Question #5. What level of notification and communication should be provided to
adjacent businesses and property owners prior to approving new parklet applications?
Question #6. Should the City provide any funding support, such as through a grant
program, to help local businesses fund permanent parklet upgrades?
B. Sidewalk Dining
Question #1. Does Council support amending the City's current sidewalk dining
regulations to allow more potential for sidewalk dining, even if this results in narrower
sidewalk clearances?
Question #2. Does Council want to allow restaurant table service in sidewalk dining
areas with Tables & Chairs permits (i.e., no barrier delineating dining area)? If so,
should the City begin charging a use fee for these permits?
C. Outdoor Dining in Private Parking Lots
Question #1. Does Council support developing a process to allow expansion of
outdoor dining areas in private parking lots even if minimum parking requirements
cannot be met by doing so?
Question #2. What sort of design guidelines does Council want applied to this use if
it is allowed to continue?
Page 1076 of 1185
Item 7a
D. Monterey Street Configuration
Question #1. What general street configuration would Council like staff to evaluate
further for the segment of Monterey Street between Morro and Chorro Streets (i.e.
return to two-way, retain as one-way, convert to pedestrianized/car-light street)?
Question #2. If Council wants to continue to focus on the block of Monterey Street
between Morro and Chorro for permanent pedestrian ization or "car -light"
reconfiguration, should this focus expand to include the Mission Plaza and Broad
Street "Dog Leg" and implementation of the Downtown and Mission Plaza Concept
plans as well?
Question 2A. If the Council wants to pursue a larger pedestrian ization effort?
Should Staff begin planning and project efforts for the 23-25 financial plan?
Question 2113. If the Council wants to pursue an accelerated pedestrian ization
effort, does Council want a CIP request for this effort with tradeoffs brought to it at
Mid -Year Budget Review (February 2022)?
Question #3. If Council directs staff to pursue either of the increased pedestrian ization
efforts (retain one-way or full pedestrianization), what design elements are important
to the Council (i.e. maximize space for outdoor dining, provide additional public
space/seating, addition of public art/murals, addition of more landscaping, etc.)?
ALTERNATIVES
Council could provide feedback in areas other than the example questions listed above.
I_'%aIF_T91:IJi14kik&I
A — Open SLO Parklet Map
B — Data Trends (Tax Revenues, Parking Demand, Downtown Visitors)
C — Summary of 2021 Open SLO Community Survey Responses
D — Council Agenda Report dated May 22, 2020, initiating the Open SLO program
E — Council Agenda Report dated March 16, 2020, extending the Open SLO program
through 2021
F — Council Agenda Report dated July 6, 2020, extending the Open SLO program into 2022
Page 1077 of 1185
Page 1078 of 1185
i i n i
0
sf
1 Thai Classic Higuera
15 Creeky Tiki
29 Doc Burnsteins
;ete
2 Blast 825
16 Woodstock's Pizza
30 Park 1039
Austin
3 Big Sky
17 Louisa's, Cafe Urbane, Yogurt Land 31 Finney's
Apartments
Petra
4 Kruezburg Coffee
18 Novo
32 Giuseppe's
6
5 Sally Loo's
19 Flour House
33 Bliss Cafe
Smith Volvo
6 Petra
20 Burger Village
34 The Carissa
7 Mo's BBQ
21 Eureka!
35 Blade Runner
8 Shins (Formerly Aisuru Sushi)
22 Ragtag Wine Co
36 Salon 62
e`ayt
9 Antigua Brewing
23 Taquiria San Luis
37 Ritual Barbershop & Hepkat
San Luis Obispo
10 Mother's Tavern
24 Black Horse
38 Mistura
City -County
11 Koberl at Blue
25 F.Mclintocks
39 Libertine Brewing
Library
5�
12 The Mark
26 Buffalo's
40 Ciopinot / La Esquina
to LuisPub
e�
`e
13 Black Sheep Bar & Grill
/
27 Frog & Peach
41 Kin
tc
Dept
•
•
Bank of America t
14 Sidecar
28 Monika's Macaroon
42 Tonita's
•
•
5` r5
fete ass
is
Vsf
`9
SLOCOG/SLO
Mee Hang Low
•
Regional
Noodle House
5ti
Rideshare
Athletic Office
eA
tie'
o TI• Classic
O� •
Heritage Oaks
r�0
`i Firestone Grill
Bank
°
m
Urban Optics
a
Office
=
San yU�s O bison
9
31
�oF
I�aS Union Bank
Creeµ
32
Mission San o
Q.p\Ic'
Luis Obispo de ip
Tolosa r
N
�fN
m
•
Sunset North
Car Wash P°
N
•
ry
m
)
San Lui#6bispo
s
SLO Credit f
Union
Chamber of
41
,°5ti
Com�rce
�0t5
a�
Ore • •
Alton &Allen
Attorneys at
Reis Family
y�
Qo •
'Oe Fro q
g & Pea Q
•
aw
Mortuary and
Crematory
vet
.sO\
V� P,
SLO Bike & Run
�o
Seventh-Day
Adventist
cte
�S°
Bloke
yaa • • �5
•
o
Church Grace Church
Central Coast Wines no
s
Barneberg
San Luis Obispo
Children's
SLO Brew
SLO
2U 26
House
Museum,
2519 Verizon
/Wtchcll.
1,
Wireless
�e5
Sidewalk Market
�e
G d St
Liquor and Deli
Q �ee
oc
d°
0J
�o
Qy
g 4 3 ar an eet s
• J°ta ��, Chase Bank
Inn 12 a7r
CroeK Ciopir• ��A a
UUts ObusPo The Creamery sr Snyder House
San Aaron Brothers
I'll
Celia's Beauty
3*n sr91
Mission Community McCarthY' s �'b •e Libertine First Church of JG° TOTAL ON -STREET
Bank Christ Scientist 9 PARKING STALLS
San Luis Wells Fargo CURRENTLY OCCUPIED = 63
Cheap Thrills Financial ,EvGSi ✓
Active Inactive 0 500 1,000
Parklets • Parklets • US Feet wE
(Removed)
OPEN SLO PARKLET MAP
SLOGIS
2021-07-02
Page 1079 of 1185
Page 1080 of 1185
400,000
350,000
300,000
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
Local v. Non -Local Visitation I Year -Over -Year by Month
Downtown SLa YQY Visitation Comparison by Visitor Type: Jan. 2019 - May 2021
■Local Visits 1Non-LacaWsits OPEN SLO PROGRAM
IMPLEMENTATION RETURN TO
50, 000'
75.2% 73.7% 56.3% 74.9% 67.0% 48.8% 73.7% 74.5% 43.9% 63.5% 82.6% 40A% 70.7% 72A% 47.4% 61.9% 61.4% 56.7% 51.9% 66.7% 51.9% 64.4% 48.7% 64.9% 50.8% 64.0% 54.2% 74.3% 713%
o i
_ ,.. — ,. — ._ ... .. — — — ,.. _ ._ a
2019 2020 2021 2019 2020 2021 2019 2020 2021 2019 2020 2021 2019 2020 2021 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020
Jan. Feb. March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nay. Dec.
Date Range:01/01/2019-05/31/2021 i CaIibrated Data Panel Ardvaiistv.isit Model
Page 1081 of 1185
Downtown SLO Parking Garage Entries April 2020 thru March 2021
35,000 OPEN SLO PROGRAM
IMPLEMENTATION
BEGINS SUMMER 2020
30,000
25,000
N 20,000
Cu
w
4-
0
0
Z
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
842 Palm 919 Palm 871 Marsh
Apr-20 May-20 Jun-20 Jul-20 Aug-20 Sep-20 Oct-20 Nov-20 Dec-20 Jan-21 Feb-21 Mar-?'
Page 1082 of 1185
City of San Luis Obispo Tax Revenues (1s' Quarter 2021 vs. V Quarter 2020)
Mallor Industry Group
Count
1Q21
1Q20
Change
°/o Change
General Consumer Goods
998
1,086,659
960,382
126,276
13.1%
Autos and Transportation
155
971,956
736,316
235,640
32.0%
State and County Pools
-
766.117
691,013
75,104
10.9%
Building and Construction
95
519,122
435,479
83,642
19.2%
Business and Industry
755
513,394
228,853
284,541
124.3%
Restaurants and Hotels
321
389,459
455,205
(65.746)
-14.4%
Food and Drugs
77
252,862
204,461
48,401
23.7%
Fuel and Service Stations
20
234,998
268,476
(33,477)
-12.5%
Transfers & Unidentified
54
653
355
298
84.1%
Total
2,475
4.735,220
3,980, 540
754,680
19.0%
1 Q20 Compared To 1 Q21
Page 1083 of 1185
Sales Tax Revenues by Quarter (Downtown)
$600,000
$556,622
$501,813
$500,000
$501,928
$400,000 -
$300,000
$428,4
$408,424
$379,353
$346,619
■
$200,000 _ $225,704
$100,000
$ __.._________________________________________ __________
Q2 2019 Q3 2019 Q4 2019 Q1 2020 Q2 2020 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021
OUTDOOR DINING IN SLO - Community Survey
Q1 Throughout the pandemic, the City of SLO has run a temporary parklet
program, where public street parking spaces have been converted to
outdoor dining and other uses. Have you used a parklet in SLO?
Answered:7,125 Skipped:0
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Yes No, but I know No, I'm not Don't know /
what they are sure what a Unsure
"parklet" is
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes 77% 5,496
No, but I know what they are 21% 1,524
No, I'm not sure what a "parklet" is 1% 88
Don't know / Unsure 0% 17
TOTAL 7,125
1 / 15 Page 1085 of 1185
OUTDOOR DINING IN SLO - Community Survey
Q2 The City is considering making some of these parklets permanent. In
general, how supportive are you of having permanent parklets in SLO?
Answered:7,049 Skipped:76
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
(no label)
Strongly Support 0 Somewhat Support 0 Neutral N Somewhat Opposed
Strongly Opposed O Don't Know
STRONGLY SOMEWHAT NEUTRAL SOMEWHAT STRONGLY OPPOSED DON'T
SUPPORT SUPPORT OPPOSED KNOW
(no 70% 13% 4% 5% 7% 0%
label) 4,956 923 278 346 522 24
TOTAL WEIGHTED
AVERAGE
7,049 4.34
2/15
Page 1086 of 1185
OUTDOOR DINING IN SLO - Community Survey
Q3 Are you a business owner, manager and/or decision -maker of a
business located in the City of San Luis Obispo?
ANSWER CHOICES
Yes
No
TOTAL
Answered:7,033 Skipped:92
100%
80%
60%
40%
20% LZ
0%
Yes No
RESPONSES
22%
78%
1,519
5,514
7,033
3/15 Page 1087 of 1185
OUTDOOR DINING IN SLO - Community Survey
Q4 Where is your business(es) located:
Answered:1,516 Skipped:5,609
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Downtown Other area in SLO Both
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Downtown 36% 539
Other area in SLO 59% 901
Both 5% 76
TOTAL 1,516
4 / 15 Page 1088 of 1185
OUTDOOR DINING IN SLO - Community Survey
Q5 Does your business currently use one of the parklets?
Answered:1,525 Skipped:5,600
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Yes
ANSWER CHOICES
Yes
70me
Don't know / Unsure
TOTAL
No
Don't know / Unsure
RESPONSES
6%
93%
1%
86
1,424
15
1,525
5/15
Page 1089 of 1185
OUTDOOR DINING IN SLO - Community Survey
Q6 Are you interested in participating in the parklet program if it becomes
permanent? (i.e. having a parklet nearby that your business can utilize)
Answered:1,510 Skipped:5,615
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Yes No Don't Know / Unsure
ANSWER CHOICES
RESPONSES
Yes
23%
125
No
67%
365
Don't Know / Unsure
10%
57
TOTAL
547
6/15 Page 1090 of 1185
OUTDOOR DINING IN SLO - Community Survey
Q7 The City has provided several parklets on public streets at no cost to
local businesses. A parklet costs $7,500-$15,000 for installation and
approx. $10,000/year for ongoing costs (maintenance, loss of parking
revenue, etc). If they become permanent, the City will look to share the
expense with the businesses that have them. As a business
owner/representative, what is the maximum annual cost you would be
willing to pay to have a parklet at your business?Please select the one that
best describes your opinion:
Skipped: 5,656
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
ANSWER CHOICES
Up to $1,000 per year
$1,000 to $2,500 per year
$2,500 to $5,000 per year
$5,000 to $7500 per year
$7,500 to $10,000 per year
Not willing to pay any cost
Don't Know / Unsure
TOTAL
Up to $1,000 $2,500 $5,000 $7,500 Not
$1,000 to $2,500 to $5,000 to $7500 to willing
per year per year per year per year $10,000 to pay
Don't
Know /
Unsure
RESPONSES
9%
37
6%
25
12%
48
6%
23
8%
33
42%
170
18%
73
409
7 / 15 Page 1091 of 1185
OUTDOOR DINING IN SLO - Community Survey
Q8 What suggestions or concerns do you have should the parklet program
become permanent?
Answered:4,187 Skipped:2,938
8 / 15 Page 1092 of 1185
OUTDOOR DINING IN SLO - Community Survey
Q9 The City has also created outdoor public dining spaces in Mission
Plaza (provided tables, chairs, cleaning, maintenance, etc.) Have you or
your family used the Mission Plaza outdoor dining area over the past year
Answered:6,881 Skipped:244
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Yes No Don't Know / Unsure
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Yes 31% 2,157
No 68% 4,666
Don't Know / Unsure 1% 58
TOTAL 6,881
9/15 Page 1093 of 1185
OUTDOOR DINING IN SLO - Community Survey
Q10 What time of day have you used the Mission Plaza dining areas?
Select all that apply.
Answered:2,129 Skipped:4,996
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Weekdays Weekdays Weekends Weekends
Other, Don't Know
during during during during
please / Unsure
lunch hours dinner lunch hours dinner
describe
ANSWER CHOICES
RESPONSES
Weekdays during lunch hours
49%
1,046
Weekdays during dinner hours
33%
710
Weekends during lunch hours
55%
1,172
Weekends during dinner hours
44%
928
Other, please describe below
3%
74
Don't Know / Unsure
3%
70
Total Respondents: 2,129
10 / 15 Page 1094 of 1185
OUTDOOR DINING IN SLO - Community Survey
Q11 These dining areas do incur new costs to the City (tables, umbrellas,
cleaning, maintainence, etc.). How supportive are you of making the
Mission Plaza dining areas permanent if it will cost approximately $25,000
per year for the City to maintain them?
Answered:6,810 Skipped:315
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
(no label)
Strongly Support Somewhat Support 0 Neutral N Somewhat Opposed
IQ Strongly Opposed Don't Know / Unsure
STRONGLY
SOMEWHAT
NEUTRAL SOMEWHAT STRONGLY OPPOSED
DON'T TOTAL WEIGHTED
SUPPORT
SUPPORT
OPPOSED
KNOW/ AVERAGE
UNSURE
(no 30%
21%
22% 12% 12%
3%
label) 2,059
1,427
1,506 793 832
193 6,810 3.47
11 / 15 Page 1095 of 1185
OUTDOOR DINING IN SLO - Community Survey
Q12 In addition to providing parklets and the Mission Plaza dining areas,
the City has allowed restaurants and cafes to use sidewalk space for
outdoor dining. Before the pandemic, sidewalk dining was highly restricted
in SLO. In general, do you prefer:
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
More sidewalk
diningwith
narrower
ANSWER CHOICES
More sidewalk dining with narrower sidewalks
Less sidewalk dining to retain wider sidewalks
No preference
Unsure / Don't know
TOTAL
Answered:6,708 Skipped:417
Less sidewalk No preference Unsure / Don't
dining to retain know
wider sidewalks
RESPONSES
60% 4,029
23%
14%
1,522
913
4% 244
6.708
12 / 15 Page 1096 of 1185
OUTDOOR DINING IN SLO - Community Survey
Q13 Monterey Street between Morro and Chorro Streets has been partially
closed to cars for the past year. This has allowed for more outdoor dining
and pedestrian traffic. The City is considering keeping this block of
Monterey Street partially closed permanently. Which of the following
general concepts would you support? Select all that apply:
Answered:6,706 Skipped:419
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
One -Way Two -Way Pedestrian No Unsure /
Other
Street: Street: Street: Preference Don't Know
(please
Retain the Restore Close
explain
current... street t... street t...
below)
ANSWER CHOICES
RESPONSES
One -Way Street: Retain the current configuration (one-way car traffic with large outdoor dining area)
45%
3,022
Two -Way Street: Restore street to original configuration (two-way car traffic with more street parking and
less area for
13%
889
outdoor dining)
Pedestrian Street: Close street to all vehicle traffic except delivery & service vehicles
50%
3,382
No Preference
4%
301
Unsure / Don't Know
3%
193
Other (please explain below)
1%
57
Total Respondents: 6,706
13 / 15 Page 1097 of 1185
OUTDOOR DINING IN SLO - Community Survey
Q14 Last one! Which best describes you (select all that apply):
Answered:6,685 Skipped:440
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Resident of Resident of Cal Poly or Visitor
SLO City SLO County, Cuesta
but not the Student
City of SLO
ANSWER CHOICES
Resident of SLO City
Resident of SLO County, but not the City of SLO
Cal Poly or Cuesta Student
Visitor
Other, please describe below
Total Respondents: 6,685
Other,
please
describe
below
RESPONSES
70%
20%
7%
5%
4%
4,678
1,350
498
320
258
14 / 15 Page 1098 of 1185
OUTDOOR DINING IN SLO - Community Survey
Q15 In closing, please share other suggestions or feedback to make the
City's outdoor dining efforts more successful:
Answered:2,084 Skipped:5,041
15 / 15 Page 1099 of 1185
r
r
r
June 2021 Open SLO Survey Results
` Summary of Key Themes from User Comments
Overall, people love the outdoor dining options and feel that it brings "life" and "vibrancy" to downtown.
Parklets and Sidewalk Dining
• Mix of
o Preferring parklets due to more sidewalk space
o Preferring sidewalk dining due to parklet traffic concerns
• Most comments were happy that these options saved many local businesses.
• A lot of people said they came to downtown more often thanks to these.
• Continuing "cocktails to go" was also mentioned often.
Mission Plaza
• Most in favor of keeping tables + chairs however many are concerned about the homeless population.
• A lot of people did not know that was an option.
• Believe that $25,000 in annual operating costs is too expensive for maintain.
Closing of Streets
• Many were supportive of closing additional streets and making downtown more pedestrian friendly.
• Many preferred full closure of streets over partial closure.
• Monterey, Higuera, and Garden were commonly mentioned to close down.
Key Concerns
Parking
• Not enough parking
• Parking is too expensive for how limited it is
o Many suggestions of yearly parking passes
• Quick errands take longer because of how far parking has become.
• Accessibility to those who need handicap parking.
Design Standards
• Outdoor dining should have design standards that compliment the city's overall design and are aesthetically
pleasing.
• Complaints of them looking "temporary" and "tacky."
• Keep dining areas clean.
o Many complaints of trash and flies
• A lot of requests for more heating lamps
Safety Hazards
• Cars too close to parklets
• Crowded streets make avoiding pedestrians difficult for drivers.
• Car exhaust/fumes next to parklets.
Cost
• Comments did not want to pay extra taxes to keep outdoor dining.
• A lot of questions about who would pay — business or city?
Page 1100 of 1185
June 2021 Community Survey -- Summary of User Responses by General Theme
1 Throughout the pandemic, the City of SLO has run a temporary parklet program, where public street parking spaces have been converted to outdoor dining and other uses. Have you used a parklet in SLO"
No comments
2 The City is considering making some of these parklets permanent. In general, how supportive are you of having permanent parklets in SLO?
1,891 Comments
Observed Comment Themes
Adds Charm Need Design Standards Too Crowded In Favor of Closing Streets Not Enough Parking Accessibility for Disabilities Safety Concerns Fairness to Other Businesses Generally Supportive
37% 9% 7% 8% 16% 2% 7% 4% 9%
3 Are you a business owner, manager and/or decision -maker of a business
located in the City of San Luis Obispo?
315 Comments
Observed Comment Themes
Business Owner
Manager
Decision Maker
Employee
Resident
Landlord
Customer
Other
20%
4%
1%
14%
26%
6%
7%
21%
91 Comments
Observed Comment Themes
Downtown
Not Downtown
Remote/Home
N/A
51%
23%
15%
11%
5 Does your business currently use one of the parklets?
45 Comments
Observed Comment Themes
For Clients/Meetings
Yes Personally
No Personally
27%
33%
40%
6 Are you interested in participating in the parklet program if it becomes permanent? (i.e.
having a parklet nearby that your business can utilize;
53 Comments
Observed Comment Themes
Interested
Not Interested
60%
40%
7 The City has provided several parklets on public streets at no cost to local businesses.
A parklet costs $7,500-$15,000 for installation and approx. $10,000/year for ongoing costs (maintenance, loss of parking revenue,
etc). If they become permanent, the City will look
to share the expense with the businesses that have them. As a business owner/representative, what is the maximum annual
cost you would be willing to pay to have a parklet at your business?Please select the one
that best describes your opinion:
112 Comments
Observed Comment Themes
Business Should Pay
City Should Pay
Split the Cost
Against Parklets
N/A, Random
37%
15%
10%
23%
15%
8 What suggestions or concerns do you have should the parklet program become permanent;
4,187 Comments
Observed Comment Themes
Need Aesthetic Standards Traffic Concerns Close Streets & Expand Parking Concerns Accessibility for Disabilities Safety Concerns Hazardous Fumes No Concerns/Supportive Generally Against it
14% 8% 5% 23% 3% 10% 2% 31% 5%
9 The City has also created outdoor
public dining spaces in
Mission Plaza (provided tables, chairs,
cleaning, maintenance, etc.)
Have you or your family
used the Mission Plaza outdoor dining area over the past year ?
638 Comments
Observed Comment Themes
Like it
Don't Like it
Didn't Use
Didn't Know About it
Dirty/Messy
Homeless Concern
41%
10%
18%
9%
10%
13%
10 What time of day have you used the Mission Plaza dining
areas? Select all that apply.
127 Comments
Observed Comment Themes
Evenings
Afternoons
Mornings
Different Times
Homeless Concern
Generally Against
5%
30%
15%
35%
4%
11%
11 These dining areas do incur new costs to the City (tables, umbrellas, cleaning, maintainence, etc.). How supportive are you of making the Mission Plaza dining areas permanent if it will cost approximately $25,000 per year for the City to maintain them?
973 Comments
Observed Comment Themes
Too Many Homeless Generally Supportive pensive / Want More Info on Wh usiness Should Pay for Upkee Don't Cancel Events Generally Against
16% 32% 1 19% 1 12% 6% 15%
Page 1101 of 1185
12 In addition to providing parklets and the Mission Plaza dining areas, the City has allowed restaurants and cafes to use sidewalk space for outdoor dining. Before the pandemic, sidewalk dining was highly restricted in SLO. In general, do you prefer:
1,121 Comments
Observed Comment Themes
Generally Supportive Generally Against it Close More Streets
More Sidewalk Dining
Wider Sidewalk
Accessibility for Disabilities
18% 5% 15%
22%
17%
24%
13 Monterey Street between Morro and Chorro Streets has been partially closed to cars for the past year. This has allowed for more outdoor dining and pedestrian traffic. The City is considering keeping this block of Monterey Street partially closed permanently. Which
of the following general concepts would you support? Select all that apply:
742 Comments
Observed Comment Themes
More Bike Lanes lose More streets/Pedestrian on Unsafe Traffic/Hard to Drive
Like How it is Now
Go Back to Pre-Covid
ore Businesses Should Benef
Parking Concerns
5% 1 48% 12%
8%
9%
13%
5%
14 Last one! Which best describes you (select all that apply):
872 Comments
Observed Comment Themes
SLO City
SLO County
Cal Poly Alumni
Parent of Cal Poly Student
Business Owner
Rental Property Owner
Work In SLO City
Misc Remarks
44%
19%
5%
1 6%
8%
3%
8%
7%
15 In closing, please share other suggestions or feedback to make the City's outdoor dining efforts more successful:
2,084 Comments
Observed Comment Themes
Excited for Continued Outdoor Di Want "Old" SLO Back gn Standards+ Ensure Cleanli
Parking Concern
Ensure Safety
In Favor of Closed Streets
Homeless
53% 1 9% 14%
1 9%
3%
8%
4%
Page 1102 of 1185
Item 1
City Council/Disaster Council
Agenda Report
Department Name: Public Works
Cost Center:
5010
For Agenda of:
May 22, 2020
Placement:
Business
Estimated Time:
20 Minutes
FROM: Derek Johnson, City Manager
Prepared By: Luke Schwartz, Transportation Manager
SUBJECT: OPEN SLO — TEMPORARY USE OF CITY RIGHT-OF-WAY TO
FACILITATE SOCIAL DISTANCING AND SUPPORT COVID-19
ECONOMIC RECOVERY
RECOMMENDATION
1. Receive summary report (Attachment A) and staff presentation on "Open SLO", a proposed
program to support temporary use of City right-of-way to facilitate physical distancing and
re -opening of restaurants and other local businesses; and
2. Provide feedback and direction to staff regarding implementation of Open SLO program; and
3. Adopt a Resolution (Attachment B) authorizing the City Manager to implement the Open SLO
program, which shall include temporary strategies for use of City right-of-way to facilitate
social distancing and COVID-19 economic recovery.
DISCUSSION
Background
The Covid-19 pandemic has created two disasters: a public health crisis and unprecedented
economic impacts. This is clearly evident in the City of San Luis Obispo, as local businesses
have been devastated economically by this event, especially restaurants, hotels and retail
establishments within the City's Downtown Core —the economic and cultural hub of the city.
The current situation creates both a significant challenge for the City with an urgent need support
the economic recovery of our local businesses, as well as a unique opportunity to re -imagine how
our public right-of-way can be utilized to improve short-term and long-term community
vibrancy, health and economic vitality. The City's Incident Action Plan includes the following
specific objective on this topic:
Develop a plan to use the public right-of-way, sidewalks, and streets to help maintain social
distancing during the first phases (stages) of reopening for uses such as walking space, outdoor
dining, and pick-up/delivery areas.
This staff report presents the components of this plan —herein referred to as "Open SLO" for
Council consideration and approval for implementation.
PackeRARabW3tf 1185
Item 1
Over the past several weeks as the County and City have been looking ahead to a phased
reopening of local restaurant and retail commerce, several community stakeholders, including
Councilmembers, City staff, downtown business representatives and urban designers, have
worked collaboratively to develop creative solutions to help facilitate communitywide physical
distancing, while reestablishing the City's once thriving downtown dining and retail
environment. The outcome of this collaborative effort is an action plan, which is provided as
Attachment A, and summarized in the following sections.
Open SLO Program — Summary of Key Goals, Considerations and Strategies
Goals
1. Support the health and safety of all residents, customers, and employees
2. Support economic recovery by expanding public space available for outdoor dining
capacity, retail curbside pickup and customer queuing to allow for physical distancing
during phased reopening
3. Ensure equitable access for all businesses
4. Deploy temporary and "quick -build" street improvements to activate streets and improve
community safety and access to active transportation
5. Provide for safe flow of all modes of transportation, including pedestrians, bicyclists and
drivers
6. Implement a well -crafted pilot program with potential for long-term expansion of outdoor
dining and activated streets
Key Considerations
1. Public safety access, including retaining clear width for fire response, coordinating
closely with law enforcement and emergency response providers
2. Parking capacity and loading zones, including ADA, drop-off/pick-up areas
3. Downtown circulation with Marsh Street Bridge Closure
4. Coordination with Farmer's Market (when able resume)
5. Regulatory Compliance, including building code, ADA, State and County Health
requirements, ABC, encroachment permits
6. Equitable benefit to local businesses
7. Public communication and education
8. Physical distancing requirements and guidelines
9. Costs to City (installation, street cleaning,
operations, staffing, etc.)
10. Alignment with other city goals and plans
Transportation, Climate Action)
Strategies
stormwater management, maintenance,
(Downtown Concept Plan, Multimodal
The Open SLO program consists of six (6) primary strategies, which are briefly outlined below.
Packet*e§64f 1185
Item 1
1. Temporary Street Closures
a. Short-term (i.e. Friday afternoon thru Sunday) street closures downtown to create
temporary pedestrian plazas for walking, biking, outdoor dining and physical
distancing.
b. Proposed Pilot Locations
• Higuera Street (Osos to
Nipomo) — retaining
side -street traffic flows
during Marsh Street
Bridge Closure
• Monterey Street (Chorro
to Osos) — serves as
extension of Mission
Plaza, planned for
future pedestrianized
street per Downtown
Concept Plan ft..
• Potential to expand to other downtown streets based on results of initial pilot
locations
c. Provides immediate opportunity for outdoor dining capacity while maintaining safe
physical distancing.
d. Businesses able to reserve dedicated space for outdoor dining through existing
sidewalk dining encroachment permit application.
e. With streets closed to car traffic, City to prioritize nearest side -street parking for
quick turnover parking needs (restaurant take-out, passenger loading, curbside retail
pickup, deliveries, ADA parking.)
2. Use of Mission Plaza and Parking Lots for Outdoor Dining
a. Utilize Mission Plaza and other City -owned surface parking lots at set times (i.e.
Weeknights, Friday afternoon thru Sunday) for broad public use, including tables and
chairs for "to -go" dining, space for retail booths, small arts and culture pop -ups.
b. Proposed Pilot Locations
• Mission Plaza
• Lot 10 (near Old SLO BBQ)
c. Provides immediate opportunity for outdoor dining capacity while maintaining safe
physical distancing.
d. Potential for use of selected parking areas within privately -owned parking lots for
outdoor dining use via previously approved temporary relaxation of City enforcement
of on -site parking requirements for private development.
3. Parklet Pilot Program
a. Convert selected on -street parking spaces downtown to "parklets", which serve as
extensions of sidewalk for outdoor dining space, outdoor queueing for retail
shopping, or other pedestrian uses.
PackeRARs#63)f 1185
Item 1
b. Propose 4 to 5 locations
downtown for pilot installations.
Specific locations to be
determined based on local
business interest and community
feedback.
c. City to fund and install parklets;
allow private use/encroachment
for outdoor dining via existing
permitting process.
d. Designs to follow traffic safety
best practices and State/County
Health Department guidance for
physical distancing and
sanitation.
e. Potential for future expansion to areas outside of downtown core based on results of
initial pilot installations.
£ Allows "test" of parklets for future permanent parklet program.
4. Higuera Street Complete Street & Traffic Calming
a. Temporarily restripe Higuera (Santa Rosa to Nipomo) to two (2) traffic lanes,
converting the outside travel lane to a buffered bike lane.
b. Narrower street width reduces traffic speeds, shortens pedestrian crossing exposure,
buffers parklets on one side from traffic, and provides more space for active uses.
c. Pilot allows "test" of potential long-term configuration as identified in the Downtown
Concept Plan prior to summer 2021 downtown roadway resurfacing project.
S. Neighborhood "SLO Streets"
a. Temporary partial closure of
select neighborhood streets
to thru traffic using low-cost
temporary traffic control.
b. Retains access for local
residents, deliveries,
emergency response and
service vehicles.
c. Creates physical distancing
space for active
transportation uses while conveying reduced speeds and increased caution to motor
vehicle drivers.
d. Proposed locations — start with streets already identified as future neighborhood
greenway routes with potential to expand to other neighborhoods based on
community feedback. Suggested routes for initial pilot:
• Cerro Romauldo Avenue
• Flora Street
PackeRARsYWADf 1185
Item 1
• Nipomo Street
• Islay Street
• Galleon Way & Atascadero Street
6. Pop -ups and Quick -Build Street Activation
a. Leverage low-cost opportunities to improve public safety and activate street space for
community benefit:
• Using sidewalks for merchandise, queueing, art and cultural pop-up exhibits
• Painted bulbouts, planter boxes & street murals
• Opportunities for quick -build protected bike lanes using low-cost temporary
materials while traffic levels and parking demand are low
b. Explore grant funding options and opportunities to work with community groups &
neighborhood volunteers.
The City of San Luis Obispo is not alone in exploring these strategies, as many cities throughout
the country have already implemented similar programs to expand the use of public right-of-way
for physical distancing and economic recovery. See Attachment D for a list of other communities
that have already initiated programs involving street closures, pop-up outdoor dining, and quick -
build active transportation improvements.
See Attachment A for a more detailed summary report describing the Open SLO program
strategies, as well as the staff presentation on the Open SLO program (Attachment C).
Process and Approach
I. Duration: The program would be in place up to one year, then would be re-evaluated for
extension and/or consideration for permanent installation of specific elements. In -street
features will need to be removed in conjunction with the summer 2021 downtown paving
project. Consideration for any permanent features would go through appropriate approval
processes consistent with applicable City policies, codes, and ordinances.
2. Encroachment: Use of public right-of-way for outdoor dining or other commercial
activities would be processed through the City's existing encroachment permit processes.
Utilizing the existing City Ordinance 5.50 (Sidewalk Cafes), interested businesses would
enter into an agreement with the City to utilize public space for outdoor dining or retail
purposes. Fees would be waived for this one-year pilot. The City would provide traffic
control, parklet materials and installation (platform, rail and street improvements) at no
cost to the business. Businesses would be responsible for tables, chairs, decor, sanitation,
and maintenance of facilities.
3. Regulatory Compliance for Outdoor Dining: The City is working with the County Health
Department and Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to help local business with a
streamlined understanding of the application and permitting process for expansion of
existing dining areas and extension of ABC permits held by individual businesses to
cover the outdoor seating and potential beverage sales on City property.
PackeRARe§W5pf 1185
Item 1
4. Communication: Marketing and communication will need to be thoughtful and strategic.
Values to communicate will include health and safety, economic recovery, community
connection and supporting personal choices. Prior to implementation of any program
elements, City staff will distribute surveys to invite the public and downtown business
owners to provide feedback and help guide how the program is executed.
5. Costs & Funding: City to fund temporary traffic control, parklet materials and
installation, tables, chairs and street furniture for public use, and quick -build
improvements. FY2020-21 Supplemental Budget, which is scheduled for Council
consideration in early June, will include a $200,000 capital improvement project request
to fund this program. Staff will explore opportunities for grant funding and partnerships
with community groups to fund improvements where feasible.
It is important to note that while this report and its accompanying materials outline specific plans
and strategies to be implemented as part of the Open SLO program, this will naturally be an
iterative process, with constant refinements and adjustments based on Council and community
feedback, emerging issues and modifications to public health regulations, and based on ongoing
monitoring and observations of elements that are working well and those that require further
adjustments.
Next Steps
If supported by the Council, staff will immediately proceed with targeted community outreach
and logistical planning to support rapid implementation based on public feedback and current
State and County guidance. The first -priority action will be planning for temporary street
closures to allow for immediate expansion of outdoor dining capacity and physical distance for
pedestrians within the downtown core. Other program strategies would be implemented
incrementally based on funding, staffing resources and community support.
Policy Context
As discussed above and as described in detail in the attached resolution (Attachment B), the
strategies proposed in the Open SLO program would be implemented as temporary installations
pursuant to applicable existing City policies, codes, and ordinances. Any installations or
improvements placed within the City right-of-way would require design review and approval by
the City Engineer, and follow existing encroachment permitting processes under the City's
Sidewalk Dining Ordinance. The City retains the right to revoke or suspend any encroachment
permits and will continue enforcement of conditions or activities that pose a thread to public
health, safety, or welfare, including compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. As
described in Attachment B, during this temporary program, the City reserves the right for
flexible interpretation of Sections of Chapter 5.50 (Sidewalk Cafes) of the Municipal Code to
allow for streamlined processing of encroachment permit requests, waiving of fees associated
with administrative approval of sidewalk dining permits, waiving of additional parking
requirements associated with outdoor expansion of restaurant/retail uses, and streamlined review
of temporary architectural and aesthetic elements of sidewalk dining areas.
PackeRARs#60f 1185
Item 1
Public Engagement
In developing the Open SLO plan, Downtown SLO solicited preliminary feedback from several
downtown businesses to gauge general interest in parklets and other outdoor dining/retail
opportunities. Results of this preliminary survey are summarized in Attachment A. Prior to
proceeding with any of any of the temporary improvements proposed as part of the Open SLO
program, staff will be conducting additional online surveys to invite additional public feedback
and help guide and fine-tune implementation strategies. Two independent public engagement
surveys will be distributed —one focused on downtown businesses and one open to citywide
participation. Any program features that may be considered for permanent installation beyond
the one-year pilot program will include a public outreach and formal approval process consistent
with the City's Public Engagement and Noticing (PEN) Manual and City Municipal Code.
CONCURRENCE
The City Attorney's office, Public Works and Community Development Departments concur
with the recommendations contained within this report.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
As a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the City of San Luis Obispo proposes this
temporary program to use the right-of-way, sidewalks and streets to help maintain social
distancing during the first phases (stages) of reopening consistent with the State's Resilience
Roadmap and to provide for residents to receive the health and wellness benefits of being
outdoors and support businesses with enough space to safely physically distance. The proposed
project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) as follows:
A. The project is statutorily exempt under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15269
(Emergency Projects), because the temporary program includes specific actions that
would allow for safe physical distancing consistent with the State's Resilience Roadmap
and County and State Guidelines in order to mitigate the COVID-19 public health
emergency.
B. The project is categorically exempt under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301
(Existing Facilities) because the actions identified in the program are limited to the
permitting, leasing, and minor alteration of existing public facilities, including existing
streets, sidewalks, bicycle and pedestrian trails, which would not result in the creation of
additional automobile lanes. The program would result in a negligible expansion of
existing commercial uses and a negligible expansion of the public's use of City right-of-
way, as the uses included in the temporary program would not vary from the current uses
of commercial businesses, residential areas, or public access within the City's right-of-
way.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: No
Funding Identified: No
Budget Year: N/A
PackeRARs#697bf 1185
Item 1
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding Sources
Current FY Cost
Annualized
On -going Cost
Total Project
Cost
General Fund
State
Federal
Fees
Other:
Total
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with approval of the Open SLO program at this time.
As mentioned above, funding for implementation of the Open SLO program will be included as a
new capital improvement project request for allocation of $200,000 as part of the FY2020-21
Supplemental Budget, which is scheduled for Council consideration on June 2, 2020. Indirect
fiscal impacts would include potential loss in encroachment permit fee revenues with the
temporary waiver of sidewalk dining permit fees during this pilot program and costs associated
with City staff resources committed to implementing the program. Existing staffing resources
already approved under the currently adopted financial plan are expected to be sufficient to
support implementation of this program.
ALTERNATIVES
Deny or continue this request. The Council could direct staff not to proceed with
implementation of the Open SLO program at this time. Council could direct staff to conduct
additional research and outreach and continue Council action on this item to a future meeting
date.
ATTACHMENTS
a — Summary Report: City of San Luis Obispo Outdoor Public Space Expansion
b — Draft Resolution
c — Staff Presentation
d — List of Other Cities with COVID-19 Open Street Programs
PackeRARsYdW 1185
ATTACHMENT A
Item 1
City of San Luis Obispo Outdoor Public Space Expansion DRAFT
A program to support re -opening of restaurants and other businesses
May 14, 2020
A. Overview
City Incident Action Plan includes the following objective: Develop a plan to use the right-of-way,
sidewalks and streets to help maintain social distancing during the first few phases (stages) of
reopening for uses such as walking space, outdoor dining and pick-up/delivery areas.
This report outlines six strategies that could be used to achieve the objective above. Strategies may
be used independently or in combination. Some strategies can be implemented in the near term
while implementation of others depends on outside factors including shifts in COVID-19 guidelines,
public interest, and available funding.
The six strategies are Changes to Traffic Flow; Short -Term Street Closures; Parklets; Use of Parking
Lots; Mission Plaza; and Pop -Ups
B. Goals
1. Support the health and safety of all residents, customers and employees
2. Expand seating capacity for restaurants to accommodate physical distancing
3. Provide expanded space for outdoor retail, queueing, public seating and other
pedestrian -oriented activity to support physical distancing.
4. Ensure equitable access for all businesses
5. Generate enthusiasm and confidence for customers and employees to return to restaurants and
retail
6. Provide for the safe flow of all modes of transportation, including cars, bikes and pedestrians
7. Implement a well -crafted pilot program for long-term expansion of outside dining opportunities
and activated streets.
C. Considerations
1. Public Safety access, including 20' - 26' wide access downtown for fire trucks
2. Parking capacity and loading zones, including ADA, drop-off/pick-up areas
3. Vehicular and bike traffic flow (including detour due to Marsh St. bridge); alignment with NACTO
and other engineering guidelines
4. Coordination with Farmer's Market once opened
5. Regulatory Compliance including building code, ADA, health code, ABC, encroachment permits
6. Rainwater management; street cleaning; waste collection; maintenance etc.
7. Public communication and education
8. Physical distancing requirements and guidelines
9. Cost of implementation for barriers, street improvements, operations and maintenance
10. Alignment with sustainability and climate action goals
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D. Strategies
1. Changes to Traffic Flow
Approach: 'Quick -build' improvements toward alignment with the Downtown Concept Plan. For
example, one lane of Higuera could be converted to a bike lane with buffer. See Appendix A for
possible sequence of improvements.
Cost: Traffic Control - $30,000-$50,000 total (depends on specific treatments and may be lower
if City Streets Maintenance staff can assist with installation)
Benefits and Opportunities: A'quick-build' approach would slow traffic in the near term, reduce
crossing exposure for pedestrians, and support larger goals of supporting active transportation.
The Downtown Concept Plan was developed through a robust public process. A quick build
approach would also allow for testing of elements to be incorporated into the next roadway
sealing and striping project for Higuera Street, which is planned for summer of 2021.
Constraints: Depending on the extent of striping changes, costs could be prohibitive. Downtown
streets are already scheduled for repaving beginning June 2021, so major updates to striping
could be more cost-effective at that time.
2. Short-term Street Closures
Approach: Short-term road closures could be utilized downtown and in other areas of the city.
• For downtown, consider evenings and/or weekends, to provide additional opportunities for
retail expansion, cultural events and more space for pedestrian movement.
• Partial closures on low traffic/speed residential streets (local access allowed, closed to thru
traffic). Target streets planned for future Neighborhood Greenways (Cerro Romauldo,
Nipomo, Islay, Flora, etc.)
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• Pop-up protected bike lanes on multilane collector/arterial streets for 6-12 months while
traffic levels remain low
Costs: Traffic Control - $30,000-$50,000
total (depends on specific treatments and
may be lower if City Streets Maintenance
staff can assist with installation)
Benefits and Opportunities: Street
closures provide the most opportunity for
creating significant space for physical
distancing. With fewer visitors to the
area, parking will not be in as high
demand, providing opportunity to 'try
out' different configurations. This would
be an ideal opportunity to test out temporary closures on streets like Monterey Street, which is
proposed as a future shared pedestrian street, or "woonerf" in the Downtown Concept Plan.
Constraints: Many businesses prefer more on -street parking compared to pedestrian traffic;
short-term parking and loading zones will be critical to support restaurant and retail and may
need to be shifted and/or expanded. Another challenge will be providing adequate staffing to
monitor street closure traffic control and allow access for emergency services and commercial
deliveries when required.
3. Parklets
Approach: Convert selected on -street parking spaces to outdoor dining space or other
pedestrian uses.
The parking space would be infilled with a platform flush with the
sidewalk (a 'parklet') in front of interested businesses. The platform
would be 6'- 8' wide by 20'-40' long on pedestals. A perimeter
would enclose the edges, with a rail, planters or other means and
appropriate openings along the sidewalk. The entire assembly
would be semi -permanent, anticipated to remain in place up to one
year but could be relocated, stored or disassembled when not in •
use.
The parklet structure would be owned by the city. Use
of the parklet could be:
• Public sidewalk — no improvements other than
rail and aesthetic treatments, to create space
for pedestrian movement.
• Table and Chair — Utilized by one or more
businesses under the city's "Table & Chair"
permit process and designated for exclusive
use of the business and appropriate signage.
• Sidewalk Cafe — Designated parklet controlled
by one business under the city's Sidewalk Cafe
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permit process. Alcohol could be served as approved by ABC.
Design could include a bike corral installed adjacent to the platform, parking stops at each end
set 3-4' from parklet, flex posts installed along the boundary between parklet and auto traffic
lane and speed control. Parklets could be interspersed between parking or loading zones, but no
closer to an intersection than 20'. See the NACTO guidelines and Bison for additional details and
guidelines.
Cost: $20,000-$50,000 per installation (varies based on materials, design fees and labor).
Benefits and Opportunities: Parklets are a well -established urban device to activate streets and
create space for public use and are recommended for consideration in the Downtown Concept
Plan. Parklets could support businesses and activate streets for pedestrians and commerce
throughout the city.
Constraints: Current health department requirements require people to be seated at least 6'
apart, and for the seating area to be separated from the pedestrian thoroughfare by at least 6'
or a 6'-high physical barrier, such as plexiglass. With those constraints, it would be challenging to
fit more than 6 —10 people on a parklet. While parklets could provide immediate value by
extending sidewalk space for physical distancing and queuing for curbside pickup customers,
they may not provide substantial potential for sidewalk dining in the short term unless health
department restrictions are refined.
See Appendix B for additional information on parklets and seating.
4. Use of Parking Lots
Approach: Enforcement of current off-street parking requirements would be temporarily waived
so that selected spaces in private parking lots could be converted to seating or expanded retail
space. The City could also permit use of spaces in public parking lots through the Sidewalk Cafes
ordinance. The City -owned Lot 10 at the corner of Higuera and Nipomo Street would be an
excellent location for an initial pilot project.
Costs: $5,000 each for rails and planters, or a grant of that amount to businesses selecting their
own improvements.
Benefits and Opportunities: Requires little city intervention, and the required resolution was
adopted by City Council May 8, 2020. Provides flexibility for any business operation to utilize
outdoor space for seating, retail display, queuing space, etc. Provides opportunity to expand
areas for outdoor commerce outside of the downtown.
Constraints: Could increase congestion of on -street parking in neighborhoods depending on
location. Parking modifications would need to retain required ADA parking and access pathways.
5. Activate Mission Plaza
Approach: Convert Mission Plaza at set times such as Friday afternoon through Sunday for broad
public use including tables and chairs for 'to -go' dining, space for outdoor retail booths, art and
culture pop -ups, and so on. Consider coordination with closure of Broad St. 'dog -leg' and/or
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6.
sections of Monterey. Continue work with ABC for potential alcohol sales and/or consumption
of to -go alcohol. Downtown SLO has applied for a grant
Cost: Street Furniture (tables, chairs, etc.) $10,000-20,000, depending on what existing
City -owned materials are available. Downtown SLO has applied for a grant to further support
this program.
Benefits and Opportunities: Mission Plaza is a treasured community space and activation would
draw residents downtown for times when concerts aren't available. Businesses without their
own patio or outdoor space could benefit for shared use.
Constraints: Operational expenses of set-up and take -down, monitoring and clean-up. Unclear
what ABC process would be. Coordination with the Mission. "Too much" success could
encourage crowds. Requires wipe down after each individual use.
Pop -Ups
Approach: This is a catch-all to encourage and
support additional ideas for outdoor space such as:
• Develop guidelines and allow use of parts
of the sidewalk for signage, merchandise
and queueing, where adequate sidewalk
width exist
• Develop guidelines and allow for pavement
painting and planter box projects initiated
by neighborhoods to slow traffic, create
painted bulb -outs or other
pedestrian -friendly adaptations
• Support 'traveling' arts and culture events where exhibits or exhibitions are allowed on
public spaces for visitors to stroll by.
• Have designated staff available and a clear process to streamline review and approval
Cost: Potential staff time; potential grants for supplies.
Benefits and Opportunities: Able to respond deftly to innovations from the community
Constraints: Consuming staff time for a 'one-off'; "too much" success could encourage crowds.
E. Process and Approach
1. Duration: The program would be in place up to one year, then would be re-evaluated May 2021.
2. Encroachment: Utilizing the existing City Ordinance 5.50 Sidewalk Cafes, interested businesses
would enter into an agreement with the city to utilize the public easement (parklet). Fees would
be waived for this one-year pilot. The City would provide traffic control, parklet materials
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ATTACHMENT A
Item 1
(platform, rail and street improvements) at no cost to the business. Businesses would be
responsible for tables, chairs and decor.
ABC Permit: The City is working with Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to standardize and
streamline the application for expansion of existing ABC permits held by individual businesses,
to cover the outdoor seating on city property. City will cover the current application fee of $380.
It's also possible that the State will develop new streamlined policies in response to COVID-19
and broad community interest.
4. Communication: Marketing and communication will need to be thoughtful and strategic. Values
to communicate will include health and safety, economic recovery, community connection and
supporting personal choices.
F. Next Steps
This report provides several strategies that can be pursued, including "All of the Above" at some
level and over time.
Initial outreach has indicated enthusiasm for the approach, with some specific concerns on
implementation. See Appendix C for a summary of feedback received to date. Due to the novelty
and temporary nature of the strategies, and the evolving situation due to COVID-19 and the gradual
reopening, there may be benefit to rolling out incremental pieces without developing a
comprehensive plan for the entire program.
Once allowed by State and County ordinance, an initial approach could be:
• Set a one -day closure of Higuera to cars, allowing cross streets to remain open and Higuera
to be pedestrian and bike only. Pickup zones for dining and commercial deliveries may need
to be established on nearby side streets in conjunction with road closure. Consider
expanding closure to weekends if successful.
• Set up tables and chairs in Mission Plaza for a weekend and partner with restaurants for
to -go reservations. Expand street closure to Monterey Street between Chorro and Osos to
serve as an expansion of Mission Plaza for outdoor dining and commerce. Consider the
possibility for full-time closure of this segment of Monterey Street for a 6-12 month period
to a pedestrianized street with street art and other placemaking features, if supported by
adjacent businesses.
• Set up seating areas or retail space in City -owned Parking Lot 10 downtown near the
Higuera/Nipomo intersection.
• Restripe Higuera Street between Santa Rosa and Nipomo to convert one vehicle travel lane
to a buffered bike lane. Explore additional traffic calming strategies including enhanced
signage and traffic enforcement.
• Set up partial closures on selected low-traffic/low-speed residential streets to allow more
space for pedestrians and cyclists to recreate at a safe distance. Target routes planned for
future neighborhood greenways. Start with 2-4 streets and expand to others if City
resources and neighborhood support allows.
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• Work with one restaurant and one retailer to establish seating areas or retail space in an
existing private parking lot. Use those as demonstrations for others.
• Establish 2 parklets downtown and a third elsewhere in the city, working with enthusiastic
businesses who would like to take the lead. Potential to expand to additional locations if
resources and community support allow.
• Evaluate downtown parking meters and determine if shifts should occur to support
long-term parking on the perimeter and quick pick-ups on the central streets.
• Evaluate potential to install temporary protected bike lanes on multi -lane arterial streets to
improve safety and connectivity for cyclists while traffic volumes remain low. Install using
lower -cost temporary materials as resources allow.
The exact combination of strategies is likely not so critical, as any implementation will be one point
of many where we demonstrate our strength, compassion and resilience as a community.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the many individuals who contributed to this report. Committee Members include:
Industry Volunteers:
Jim Duffy, Julia Oberhoff, Ten Over Studio
Greg Wynn, Greg Wynn Architecture
Rudy Bachmann, Specialty Construction
City staff. • Luke Schwartz, Chris Read, Shelly Stanwyck, Derek Johnson, Christine Dietrick
City Council: Andy Pease
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ATTACHMENT A Item 1
Appendix A — Possible Street Closures and Configurations
Initial Rollout (in general order of priority/phasing)
1. Downtown Street Closures
o Higuera Street (Osos to Nipomo) -- Close Higuera Street to vehicle traffic, retaining side
street circulation. Start with one -day pilot, with potential to expand to Friday afternoon
through Sundays.
o Monterey Street (Chorro to Osos) -- Close Monterey Street to vehicle traffic, retaining
side street circulation. Start with one -day or weekend pilot, with potential to expand to
full-time closure for several months (if supported by adjacent businesses).
o Consider potential for rotating street closures, allowing use of other downtown streets
for outdoor dining and pedestrian circulation.
o With any closures, prioritize side street parking for quick turnover passenger drop-off,
take out/delivery pickup, and commercial loading.
2. Higuera Road Diet (Santa Rosa to Nipomo)
o Convert outside travel lane to provide width for buffered bicycle lane and potential
future parklet expansion
3. Use of Surface Parking Lots and Public Plazas for Outdoor Commerce
o Initiate pilot for use of Mission Plaza and surface parking lots for outdoor dining, retail
and commerce. Initial pilot to include Mission Plaza and City -owned Lot 10 near
Higuera/Nipomo intersection for outdoor dining and retail.
o Allow private businesses/property owners to request permission through a informal
consult process to temporarily close portions of privately -owned surface parking lots to
expand outdoor dining and retail.
4. SLO Healthy Street Closures
o Install temporary traffic control signage to partially close low speed/volume residential
streets to thru traffic. Initial pilot to identify 3-5 routes along planned neighborhood
greenways, such as Nipomo, Cerro Romauldo, Islay, Galleon/Atascadero, Flora. Program
may expand to additional residential streets over time depending on results of pilot
installation.
o Explore potential for permanents for neighborhood greenway routes using quick -build
strategies beyond one-year pilot program.
5. Parklet Program
o Initiate pilot, with potential for conversion of on -street parking stalls to parklets at 2-4
locations within the downtown core. Extend program to allow consideration for 1-2
parklets outside of the downtown core if approved by the Public Works Department.
o City and Downtown SLO to survey local businesses and citywide community to
determine specific locations for potential parklet installation.
o Depending on current County Health Department guidelines, parklets may be provided
as sidewalk extensions only initially, with potential for outdoor dining through existing
City Sidewalk Dining Permit Processes as health restrictions allow.
6. Quick -Build Protected Bike Lanes & Safety Projects
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ATTACHMENT A
Item 1
1
I
■
o Temporarily convert one vehicle lane in each direction and/or street parking to
protected bike lanes along high-speed multi -lane arterial street segments while traffic
volumes remain low for next 6-12 months. Identify routes with highest priority in Draft
Active Transportation Plan with greatest potential to increase ridership and connect
residents with the downtown and other key destinations. Potential candidate streets
include South Higuera Street, Foothill Boulevard or south Broad Street. Improvements
to be installed via low-cost temporary materials that can be easily removed if needed as
travel levels increase over time.
o Consider other quick -build pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements that also
provide opportunity for public art, such as painted corner bulbouts.
NI UERA - Existing
d' 4' 8' 10' 10' 10' 8' 4' 6`
Sidewalk Parking lane Drive lane Drive lane Drive lane Parking lane Sidewalk
H1GUERA — Porter: tiaf Recon ig uratiorr
'his side of Higuera as well
1
within the 8' parking lane
1
6' 48' 10` 10' 2' 6' 1' 9' 4' 6'
Sidewalk Parking lane Drive lane Drive lane Bike lane Pal Sidewalk
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Appendix B — Parklets and Seating
Seating
The following is a sample seating arrangement utilizing tables that are 6' apart. Under current COVID-19
restrictions, spacing would need to increase so that seated guests are 6' apart.
-cm
cjJ' Cy
TYPICAL
RAISED
FLOOR
j
TYPICAL
PERIWTEP
RAILING
'd
4- 9 1/8"
EXISTING
PARALLEL
PARKING
IJ MARKING
TYPICAL
4
M
U
Page 10
kRTITION
PARATING
)OTH
-ATING
(PICAL
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This is a diagram of a 44'-long parklet, showing seated guests 6' apart, with tables 8' apart. This
arrangement has railing only on the street side of the platform and planters along the sidewalk edge.
The locations of the tables and the depth of the planters provides 6' of buffer between the walkway and
the seated guests.
PARALLEL
PARKING
MARKING
TYPICAL
FYI]
M
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This is a diagram of a parking area, showing seated guests 6' apart, with tables 8' apart. This
arrangement would occupy 10 parking spaces.
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03)acH cm CH CH a CH 60'
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Parklet Locations
a
In collaboration with Downtown SLO, the City will survey downtown businesses and the citywide
community to gauge interest and prioritize potential parking locations. Final locations for pilot
installation to be approved by the City based on business/community feedback, feasibility of installation,
and geographic distribution. Requests for a pilot parking installation outside of the downtown to be
considered on a case -by -case basis.
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Parklet Costs
Item
Quantity
Unit
Rate
'total at Non -Prevailing
Wage
option for Prevailing
Wage
Dero Parklet (8N9 Unit)* (FOB)
5
EA
$ 4,092.80
S 20,464.00
S 20,464.00
Labor for install
20
Hr
$ 45.00
S 900.00
S 1,300.00
Forklift and Material Handling
1
LS
$ 500.00
$ 50000
S 500.110
subtotal
S 21,364.00
$ 21,764.00
IPE Pedestal System-
240
SF
s 56.00
S 13,440.00
S 17,20320
option for Guardrail
1 Wx3'x2' Fiberglass planter,.
Includes fill soil and planting.
18
EA
$ 750.00
S 13r500.00
$ 17,280.00
Guardrail (1.5' Galy Tube with 4'
SQ Mesh Fill)
56
LF
$ 120.00
S 6,720.00
$ 8,400.00
Choose one Parklet structure system and one guardrail system.
* Note: Dero parklet system comes in standard 8' widths, area based on 8'x4o'
"Note, IPE pedestal system is based on 6'x40' area
Dero Parklet system
g.i— Innovative Products I wevw.bh
IPE Parklet System (Bison)
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Appendix C — Community Feedback
Surveys of the business community have revealed general support for the concepts, with some specific
concerns regarding implementation. The following is an amalgamation of responses.
Would your business be interested in a parklet in front of your business?
10 responses
Yes
4 No
Maybe
It seems that the sidewalk would be
better served for seating with a walkway
incorporated in place of a parklet.
Would your business object to a parklet in front of your business?
10 responses
• Yes
No
Maybe
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My business is the following:
10 responses
Restaurant/Bar/Cafe - Ground Floor
Retail - Ground Floor
Services - Ground Floor
Non -ground floor business
1 am a resident
Restaurants and Cafes: Keeping in mind that tables must be at least 6' apart, how much area
would you need outside to make the program worthwhile?
10 responses
Anything would help
8'x10'
8' x 20'
8'x 40'
16' 40' or more
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Retail: If available, how would you use outside space?
4 responses
Product display
Customer queuing
Additional signage display
Waiting
• We would attempt to seat the space, but
if not feasable, queuing may work
40 Sidewalk seating would be the best use
of the outside space with a walkway in
the street. This is the process they use
for construction projects downtown.
• Let's make this happen and make our permanent!
• Been dreaming of a parklet in front of Kreuzberg for years!!! Let's do it! I'll be first/guinea pig.
• The idea has merit. My biggest concern would be losing commercial parking spaces as this is
already a difficult situation for all of our commercial deliveries as we have many new businesses
open on Monterey all trying to get deliveries with very limited spots for the drivers. Very difficult
for all commercial deliveries. However I think the idea could be good
• Amazing idea love it
• Fantastic idea! Bars should be able to use them as well. Not just restaurants.
• It's hard to say whether or not this would be beneficial. Best case would be to open without
restrictions and let people decide whether or not they want to go out or not.
• Closing down Higuera and making it a promenade may be the easiest way to utilize the street in
front of businesses.
• I'm not sure the effort and expense would be worth it in the end. The idea of serving tables by
walking through pedestrian traffic is to say the least not ideal. How will this effect Farmer's
Market?
• I appreciate the thought, but I just don't think that it creates a very desirable experience unless
Higuera is completely shutdown and turned into a promenade.
• Another thought is put the tables on the sidewalk and do a bypass sidewalk in the street. This
seems like it would be a more functional model.
• 1 think those parklets look great. I think the public are going to feel great being outside in the
fresh air, we would use ours for additional seating. I imagine it would go where our commercial
spot and handicap spot are so I'm not sure how that would impact things.
• But at first glance, I would say it's definitely worth pursuing!
• For Higuera—I'm concerned with the speed of traffic —Many streets in SF have these, including
Valencia St in the Mission —but I think Higuera with one way traffic is very dangerous unless
speed limit is drastically lowered. And that speed limit is enforced. Also: Because of bars and
restaurants on Higuera—there are a lot of delivery trucks. They often park in the far right or far
left hand lanes while unloading as there is not enough parking even in yellow zones.
• homeless —they have and use all of Mission Plaza and take over the benches on
Higuera--there would need to be signage and law enforcement to prevent homeless people
from taking them over and hanging out.
• I think if it is to help restaurants —then they should be in front of restaurants without patios.
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We expect for a continued period of time (likely at least 12 months) that many customers will
continue to utilize curbside pickup for takeout food. Where would these cars be able to
stop/park to take continue taking advantage of this service? This revenue will remain extremely
important to restaurants until the public returns to normal dining behavior.
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ATTACHMENT B Item 1
RESOLUTION NO. (2020 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA APPROVING THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
OUTDOOR PUBLIC SPACE EXPANSION TEMPORARY COVID-19
BUSINESS SUPPORT AND RECOVERY PROGRAM TO FACILITATE
COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS AND TO MITIGATE
ECONOMIC IMPACTS BY SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES AND
RESTAURANTS
WHEREAS, section 2.24.060 of the Municipal Code empowers the Emergency Services
Director to request that the City Council proclaim a local emergency when the City of San Luis
Obispo is affected or likely to be affected by a public calamity and the City Council proclaimed a
local emergency at its regular meeting on March 17, 2020 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and
proclaimed the continuation of local emergency at its regular meetings of April 7, 2020 and May
8, 2020; and
WHEREAS, the Secretary of Health and Human Services Director issued a Determination
that a Public Health Emergency exists and has existed of January 27, 2020; and
WHEREAS, the President of the United States has declared a State of National
Emergency; the Governor of the State of California has proclaimed a State of Emergency for the
State of California and issued Executive Orders and direction regarding measures to mitigate the
spread of cases of COVID-19 within the State of California; the San Luis Obispo County
Emergency Services Director has proclaimed a local emergency; and the San Luis Obispo County
Public Health Director has declared a public health emergency related the spread of cases of
COVID-19 within the State of California and all recitals set forth therein, are included as though
fully set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, on March 18, 2020 the San Luis Obispo County Emergency Services
Director issued Local Emergency Order and Regulation No. 4 providing for mandatory shelter at
home regulations; and
WHEREAS, on March 19, 2020, the Governor issued Executive Order N-33-20, including
the Order of the State Public Health Officer mandating all individuals living in the State of
California to stay home or at their place of residence except as needed to maintain continuity of
operations of the federal critical infrastructure sectors; and
WHEREAS, on May 4, 2020, the Governor issued Executive Order N-60-20, directing all
residents of California to continue to obey State public health directives, as made available at
http://covidl9. Ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/ and elsewhere as the State Public
Health Officer may provide; and
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Resolution No. (2020 Series) Page 2
WHEREAS, on May 16, 2020, San Luis Obispo County Local Emergency Order and
Regulation No. 4 expired by its own terms and both the County and the City of San Luis Obispo
remain subject to stay at home and business operations regulation under Executive Order N-60-
20, as well as County of San Luis Obispo Local Emergency Order and Regulation No. 6 COVID-
19 Restricting the Use of Short -Term Lodging Facilities; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo will be required to help enforce all restrictions
imposed by the State of California and by the County of San Luis Obispo acting as the health
agency; and
WHEREAS, the County Emergency Services Director and Public Health Officer have
evaluated the continuing public health threat and determined the need for continuing regulations
of personal and business activities at the state level and of local short term lodging and eviction
protections, as well as compliance with state orders, at the local level and to mitigate the continuing
spread of the COVID-19 pandemic within the County; and
WHEREAS, the pandemic COVID-19 continues to present an present and imminent threat
to public health worldwide and in the U.S., resulting in serious present illness or death or an
immediate risk thereof to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with underlying
health conditions; and
WHEREAS, heightened levels of public health and safety planning and preparedness have
been necessitated in preparation for and response to confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County
of San Luis Obispo, and rapid response not lending itself to otherwise applicable notice and
approval timelines has been and will be necessary to respond to the rapidly evolving pandemic and
its related, significant economic impacts, and to mitigate against the spread or resurgence of
COVID-19 and its resulting mental and physical health, social, and economic impacts,
compromising the public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, in the absence of such actions, an escalation of the spread remains an
imminent threat; and
WHEREAS, the pandemic and necessary federal, state and local public health orders
requiring social distancing to prevent spread of COVID-19 have had and will continue to have
devastating economic impacts on the local community, including residents, businesses, employees
and City operations; and
WHEREAS, the City has instituted its Fiscal Health Contingency Plan in order to mitigate
against economic impacts of emergency response costs and significant revenue reductions and has
made drastic reductions to current and projected city costs through reductions in purchasing, limits
on hiring, and furloughs of temporary and supplemental staff, and
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Resolution No. (2020 Series) Page 3
WHEREAS, due to the severe economic impacts of COVID-19 and its economic impacts
on the community and the City organization, the Council deems it necessary to suspend
enforcement of certain provisions of the City of San Luis Obispo Municipal Code specified below
to support social distancing requirements, effective public communication related to rapidly
transitioning business re -opening status, and economic viability of businesses in adhering to
permitted opening and social distancing requirements; and
WHEREAS, Article 14, Section 8630, of the California Emergency Services Act requires
that the City Council review the need for continuing the Local Emergency at least every sixty (60)
days until such Local Emergency is terminated; and
WHEREAS, the below measures are intended to provide economic relief to businesses
that are experiencing economic uncertainty while complying with State and County Orders.
Accordingly, the City will facilitate a temporary "pilot" program, which will include the
development and implementation of a plan to use the right-of-way, sidewalks and streets to help
maintain social distancing during the first few phases (stages) of reopening consistent with the
State's Resilience Roadmap and continued economic support of businesses for uses such as
walking space, outdoor dining, and pick-up/delivery areas. The program would provide for
residents to receive the health and wellness benefits of being outdoors and support businesses with
enough space to safely physically distance.
WHEREAS, the program is established for the purpose of supporting and facilitating the
recovery of business and economic activity in the City by expanding the spaces available for the
safe conduct of such activities for City businesses and their customers and patrons to create more
physical distance for pedestrians and business patrons to maintain physical distancing; and nothing
herein is intended to nor shall be deemed to create open gathering places or public fora unrelated
to the intended business support and recovery purpose
WHEREAS, time is of the essence to quickly implement a program to allow for safe
physical distancing consistent with the State's Resilience Roadmap and County Guidelines in
order to address both public health and economic impacts of COVID-19, as residents have been
primarily indoors since the initiation of the State and County Orders, this will be a dynamic
temporary program, receiving input from the City Council, and shall be subject to administrative
modification by the City, as authorized herein, as necessary in response to emerging issues or
concerns of public, health, safety or convenience.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED AND RESOLVED by the City Council
of the City of San Luis Obispo that:
SECTION 1. All recitals set forth above, and all recitals included in support of Federal,
State and County actions referenced herein, are adopted as though fully set forth herein as findings
in support of this Resolution and, after considering all such findings and current local
circumstances the Council hereby declares the continuing existence of a local emergency related
to the continued threat of COVID-19 as it relates to public health and economic impacts; and
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ATTACHMENT B Item 1
Resolution No. (2020 Series) Page 4
SECTION 2. City of San Luis Obispo Outdoor Public Space Program (OPEN SLO).
In order to support the re -opening of restaurants and other businesses in accordance with the State
Executive Order N-60-20, the City Council hereby directs and authorizes the City Manager to
implement the OPEN SLO program, which shall include the following six strategies that may be
used independently or in combination, along with continued implementation of the Sidewalk
Dining Ordinance, as outlined below:
A. Six Strategies Identified in the OPEN SLO Pilot Program:
1. Changes to traffic flow, including "Quick -build" improvements toward alignment
with the Downtown Concept Plan.
2. Short-term street closures, including short-term road closures in the Downtown and
in other areas of the City to facilitate safely distanced pedestrian circulation,
expanded outdoor dining, and customer queuing, pickup and waiting areas
associated with permitted business activities.
3. Conversion of selected on -street parking spaces to outdoor dining space or other
pedestrian uses (parklets); use of the parklet may include:
i. Public sidewalk. No improvements other than rail and aesthetic treatments, to
create space for safely distanced pedestrian movement and customer queuing,
pickup, and waiting areas associated with permitted business activities.
ii. Table and Chair. Utilized by one or more businesses under the City's "Table &
Chair" permit process and designated for exclusive use of the business, which
may include appropriate signage.
1. Appropriate signage means no more than 15 square feet per outdoor area.
iii. Sidewalk Caf6. Designated parklet for exclusive use by one business under the
City's Sidewalk Caf6 permit process.
4. Use of private and public parking lots for expansion of commercial uses.
Enforcement of current off-street parking requirements would be temporarily
suspended so that selected spaces in private parking lots could be converted to
seating or expanded retail space. The City could also permit use of spaces in public
parking lots through the Sidewalk Cafes Ordinance.
5. Conversion of Mission Plaza at set days and times for community and economic
recovery support uses, including tables and chairs for `to -go' dining, space for
outdoor retail booths, art and culture pop -ups, which may include the closure of the
Broad Street `dog -leg' and/or sections of Monterey Street.
6. Pop -ups to encourage and support additional ideas for outdoor space such as:
i. Develop guidelines and allow use of parts of the sidewalk for signage,
merchandise and queueing, where adequate sidewalk width exists consistent
with disabled access requirements and public safety.
ii. Develop guidelines and allow for pavement painting and planter box projects
initiated by neighborhoods to slow traffic, create painted bulb -outs or other
pedestrian -friendly adaptations.
iii. Support `traveling' arts and culture events where exhibits or exhibitions are
allowed on public spaces for visitors to stroll by.
iv. Have designated staff available and a clear process to streamline review and
approval of uses to ensure conformity with access and public health and safety
regulations.
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ATTACHMENT B Item 1
Resolution No. (2020 Series) Page 5
B. Support Expansion of Sidewalk Dining in Support of Social Distancing through
application of the existing Sidewalk Dining Ordinance. For purposes of the temporary
program support and only for such period of time as such temporary program remains
in effect the following Sections of Chapter 5.50, Sidewalk Cafes, of the Municipal
Code shall be interpreted and applied as follows:
5.50.015: Permits Required.
The encroachment permit process shall be used for the purpose of evaluating,
establishing conditions applicable to, and approving all requests for revocable sidewalk
cafes permits, and tables and chairs permits, while the temporary program is in place.
5.50.020: Architectural review.
The Community Development Director shall use discretion conferred by this section to
process permit requests without a separate application for architectural review and
without public notice as may be otherwise specified by section 5.50.035 or other City
policy, unless required by state law.
5.50.030: Fees.
Fees associated with administrative approval of permits under this chapter for permits
shall be suspended while the temporary program is in place.
5.50.045.C: Required Operational Standards (Parking).
No additional parking will be required for permits approved under this chapter while
the temporary program is in place.
5.50.045.G: (Umbrellas, Awnings and street furniture)
Community Development Director may allow great flexibility with respect to the
design and appearance of outdoor furniture and barriers, consistent with standards for
the protection of public health and safety and subject to the approval of the City
Engineer.
5.50.050.A: Terms and expiration.
Sidewalk cafe permits approved while the temporary program is in place will not be
approved for an unlimited term and shall specify an automatic expiration date, unless
subsequently renewed.
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ATTACHMENT B Item 1
Resolution No. (2020 Series) Page 6
5.50.060.A: Revocation or Suspension of Permit
The City retains the right to revoke or suspend the permit upon twenty-four hours'
notice to the sidewalk cafe operator for any cause, regardless of conformance with the
provisions of the Sidewalk Dining Ordinance.
17.70.100.F.1: Lighting and Night Sky Preservation Exemptions
Low -intensity outdoor lighting fixtures used for architectural decoration may be
installed without Architectural Review, provided it shall not otherwise create a
nuisance or hazard for passing motorists, pedestrians, cyclists or other modes of
transportation, subject to the approval of the City Engineer.
SECTION 3. No facility, structure or improvement may be erected, constructed or placed
in the City Right of Way without the express written approval of the City Engineer and nothing
herein is intended to or shall be interpreted to convey any vested right in or to the continued use
or occupation of public or private property permitted, allowed or suffered by the City pursuant to
the temporary program herein.
SECTION 4. Continuing Enforcement of Conditions or Activities Posing a Threat to
Public Health, Safety or Welfare; Continued Enforcement of Permit Requirements for
Electrical, Plumbing, or Structural Components or Appurtenances and Encroachments into
Public Right of Way. Nothing herein is intended to or shall be deemed to relieve any person from
the obligation to obtain, or prohibit code enforcement for failure to obtain, any permits that would
otherwise be required under state law, the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, or building and safety
codes adopted thereunder, including but not limited to:
A. Permits otherwise required for electrical, plumbing, or structural work performed
within the City.
B. Encroachment permits required for structures, uses and/or activities within the public
right of way, which may be issued at no cost by the City to facilitate physical distancing
and the reopening of businesses.
Further, nothing herein is intended to or shall permit or allow the erection or placement of any
permanent or temporary structure or improvement, on public or private property in violation of
any state or federal accessibility law, including the Americans With Disabilities Act, or to prohibit
or suspend code enforcement action deemed necessary by the Chief Building Official, the City
Engineer or any other authorized enforcement official of the City, to remedy or abate: a dangerous
condition or activity; any activity presenting an imminent threat of harm to the health, safety or
welfare of the community; any violation of state or federal accessibility law; or any unauthorized
activity on private property or in the public right of way.
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ATTACHMENT B Item 1
Resolution No. (2020 Series) Page 7
SECTION 5. Environmental Review. As a result of the COVID-19 public health
emergency, the City of San Luis Obispo proposes a temporary program to use the right-of-way,
sidewalks and streets to help maintain social distancing during the first few phases (stages) of
reopening consistent with the State's Resilience Roadmap and provide for residents to receive the
health and wellness benefits of being outdoors and support businesses with enough space to safely
physically distance. The proposed project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as followed:
A. The project is statutorily exempt under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15269
(Emergency Projects), because the temporary program includes specific actions that
would allow for safe physical distancing consistent with the State's Resilience
Roadmap and County and State Guidelines in order to mitigate the COVID-19 public
health emergency.
B. The project is categorically exempt under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301
(Existing Facilities) because the actions identified in the program are limited to the
permitting, leasing, and minor alteration of existing public facilities, including existing
streets, sidewalks, bicycle and pedestrian trails, which would not result in the creation
of additional automobile lanes. The program would result in a negligible expansion of
existing commercial uses and a negligible expansion of the public's use of City right-
of-way, as the uses included in the temporary program would not vary from the current
uses of commercial businesses, residential areas, or public access within the City's
right-of-way.
SECTION 6. Notwithstanding any other City policy or procedure, the City Engineer shall
be authorized to review and approve on behalf of the City any and all design and construction
necessary as part of the temporary program herein and the City Manager shall be authorized to
allow and accept on behalf of the City any and all donations of time, materials, labor, professional
services and/or funds in support of the temporary program herein without further action of the City
Council.
SECTION 7. All current and prior emergency and public health orders as currently enacted
and in effect, or as subsequently amended or modified, issued by the Governor, the State or County
Public Health Official or the City or County Emergency Services Director are expressly adopted
and shall be enforceable as if directly enacted by the City Council pursuant to Chapter 2.24 of the
San Luis Obispo Municipal Code.
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ATTACHMENT B Item 1
Resolution No. (2020 Series) Page 8
SECTION 8. A copy of this Resolution shall be posted on all outside public access doors
of City Hall of the City of San Luis Obispo and in one public place within any area of the City
within which this Resolution applies and personnel of the City of San Luis Obispo shall endeavor
to make copies of this order and regulation available to the news media.
Upon motion of , seconded by ,
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing Resolution was approved this day of
Heidi Harmon, Mayor
ATTEST:
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
2020.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City
of San Luis Obispo, California, on
Teresa Purrington, City Clerk
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ATTACHMENT C
Item 1
5/20/2020
1
2
ail Use of City Right -of -Way to
Facilitate Social Distancing and
Support Re -Opening
Open $LO - A Program to Support Re -opening of Restaurants and
Retailers While Providing Community Space for Safe Social Distancing
Objectives
1. Support the health and safety of all residents, customers and
employees
2. Support economic recovery by expanding public space
available for outdoor dining capacity, retail curbside pickup and
customer queuing to allow for physical distancing during phased
reopening
3. Ensure equitable access for all businesses
4. Deploy temporary and "quick -build" street improvements to
activate streets and improve community safety and access to
active transportation
5. Provide for safe flow of all modes of transportation, including
pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers
6. Implement a well -crafted pilot program with potential for long-
term expansion of outdoor dining and activated streets
1
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ATTACHMENT C
Item 1
5/20/2020
3
4
Strategies
1. Temporary Street Closures Downtown
2. Use of Mission Plaza and Parking Lots for Outdoor
Dining
3. Parklet Pilot Program
4. Higuera Street Complete Street & Traffic Calming
5. Neighborhood "SLO Streets"
6. Pop-up "Quick -Build" Street Activation
Strategies
Short-term Street Closures
■ Downtown evenings/weekends closure to car traffic
■ Higuera Street (Osos to Nipomo)
■ Monterey Street (Chorro to Osos)
■ Future consideration for other downtown streets
■ Retain north -south cross street traffic during Marsh Bridge Closure
■ Prioritize nearest cross street curb space for deliveries, quick turnover
parking, and ADA parking
JFuture Monterey Street
(Downtown Concept Plan)
2
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ATTACHMENT C
Item 1
5/20/2020
Strategies
Activate Mission Plaza & Parking Lots
■ Through City provided "staffed" tables, chairs, and umbrellas, for
socially distanced "dining" of takeaway food.
■ Potential for retail booths, local art pop -ups, etc.
■ Mission Plaza and City Lot 10 (near Old SLO BBQ) as City -initiated
pilot locations
■ Potential to allow use of selected spaces within private parking lots
for outdoor dining use
5
Strategies
Parklets
■ Convert selected on -street parking spaces to
outdoor dining space or other pedestrian uses
■ City to fund and construct; allow private
use/encroachment via existing sidewalk dining
permitting process
■ Current County Health restrictions may limit
utility for outdoor dining; City to continue to
monitor
89
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ATTACHMENT C
Item 1
5/20/2020
Higuera Street Complete Street &
Traffic Calming -_
■ Restripe Higuera (Santa Rosa
to Nipomo) to 2 auto travel I
lanes
■ Narrower street reduces
speeds, reduces pedestrian
crossing exposure, provides
more space for active uses
■ Stripe temporary buffered bike
lane
■ Pilot allows "test' of long-term
elements from Downtown
Concept Plan before 2021
downtown paving project
7
Strategies
Neighborhood SLO Streets
psi! 1
■ Temporary closure of select neighborhood streets to thru traffic using lo%
cost traffic control
■ Retains access for local residents, deliveries, emergency & service
vehicles
■ Creates space for active uses and safe social distancing
■ Start with a selected routes planned for future neighborhood greenways
IS THIS CALMER STREET
WORKING? 503-823-SAFE
®PBOT
n
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ATTACHMENT C
Item 1
5/20/2020
Strategies
Pop -Ups & "Quick -Build" Opportunities
■ Leverage other low-cost opportunities to
improve public safety and activate street
space for community benefit
■ Using sidewalks for merchandise, queueing,
art and cultural pop-up exhibits
■ Painted bulbouts, planter boxes & street
murals
■ Opportunities for quick -build protected bike
lanes using low-cost temporary materials
while traffic levels are down
■ Explore grant funding options and
opportunities to work with community groups
& neighborhood volunteers
9
Key Considerations
■ Public safety access, including retaining clear width for fire response,
coordinating closely with law enforcement and emergency response
providers
■ Parking capacity and loading zones, including ADA, drop-off/pick-up areas
■ Downtown circulation with Marsh Street Bridge Closure
■ Coordination with Farmer's Market (when able resume)
■ Regulatory Compliance, including building code, ADA, State and County
Health requirements, ABC, encroachment permits
�7V
10
5
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ATTACHMENT C
Item 1
5/20/2020
Key Considerations (cont.)
■ Equitable Benefit to Local Businesses
■ Public communication and education
■ Physical distancing requirements and guidelines
■ Costs to City (installation, street cleaning, stormwater
management, maintenance, operations, staffing, etc.)
■ Alignment with other city goals and plans (Downtown Concept
Plan, Multimodal Transportation, Climate Action)
11
Process and Approach
■ Duration
■ Pilot program for one year
■ Potential to retain some elements as permanent installations
depending on results and community feedback.
■ Summer 2021 downtown paving project
■ Communication
■ Community outreach and marketing is critical, particularly
with local businesses
■ Next Step - survey of downtown businesses and greater
community
■ Compliance and Permitting
■ Facilitate program through existing City Ordinances and
permitting processes for encroachment and outdoor dining
■ Assist local businesses with working through applicable
State, County Health Department and ABC regulations
■ Will be iterative process
12
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ATTACHMENT C
Item 1
5/20/2020
13
14
Process and Approach
Implementation Priorities
Costs & Funding
■ Anticipated Costs
■ Temporary Traffic Control & Road Striping: $50,000
■ Parklets (4 @ $25k per location) _ $100,000
■ Tables, Chairs, Planters, Street Furniture = $20,000
■ Pop-Up/Quick-Build Elements = $15,000
■ Contingency = $15,000
■ TOTAL = $200,000
■ Funding
■ FY2020-21 Supplemental Budget will include $200K
C I P request to support b�,_a;, 5 f. a program
■ Leverage grants and community volunteer
resources where feasible
7
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ATTACHMENT C
Item 1
5/20/2020
Council Recommendations 0.
1. Receive staff report and presentation
2. Provide feedback, questions, concerns on program
elements
3. If supportive of conceptual plans, Approve
Resolution and direct staff to proceed with detailed
planning and implementation, including any
requested plan modifications
4. Consider funding request as part of FY2020-21
Supplemental Budget (On Council Agenda
6/2/2020)
Alternatives: Direct staff not to proceed or continue
item to a future meeting date.
15
Suggestions? Questions? Concerns?
Contact Ischwartz(�iQslocity.orq or (805) 781-7190
Thank you!
16
8
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ATTACHMENT D
Item 1
Other Cities Re -Prioritizing Public Right -of -Way to Enable Socia
Distancing during Initial Stages of Reopening
Action
Close off streets with
temporary barricades to
allow for safely distanced
walking, running, biking,
and rolling
Locations
Alameda, CA, Austin, TX, Baltimore, MD, Bend, OR, Boston, MA,
Brookline, MA, Burlington, VT, Calgary, Canada, Cleveland, OH,
Denver, CO, Des Moines, IA, Edmonton, Canada, Emeryville, CA,
Hoboken, NJ, Kampala, Uganda, Kansas City, Ks, Madison, WI,
Minneapolis, MN, Montgomery County, MD, Montreal, Canada,
Nashville, TN, New Haven, CT, New York, NY, Oakland, CA, Pasadena,
CA, Philadelphia, PA, Portland, OR, Saint Paul, MN, Salt Lake City, UT,
San Diego, CA, San Francisco, CA, Seattle, WA, Toronto, Canada,
Vancouver, Canada, Washington, DC, Winnipeg, Canada
Convert parking spaces near Alexandria, VA, Anchorage, AK, Austin, TX, Boston, MA, Champaign, IL,
restaurants to designated Los Angeles, CA, Melbourne, FL, Montgomery County, Maryland, San
loading and food pick-ups Clemente, CA, Santa Monica, CA, Seattle, WA, Tacoma,
zones WA, Washington, DC,
Convert parking spaces into Berlin, Germany (and 133 other German cities), Bogota, Colombia,
pop-up bike lanes and Mexico City, Mexico, New York, New York, New Zealand, Paris, France,
temporarily widened
sidewalks
11
Some cities have designated emails or portals for restaurants to request curbside pick-up zones
and receive City assistance to put up signage. Other cities, such as Santa Monica, are allowing
restaurants to self -convert up to two parking meters in front of their businesses into 10-minute
loading zones for pick-up and delivery orders. Santa Monica provides this sheet for restaurant
owners to print themselves, just needing to add their business name, operating hours, and
meter number.
Many cities are closing down quiet residential streets and/or streets surrounding parks and
trailheads to cars (still allowing for local resident car access). These streets are then open to
pedestrian behavior that is transitory in nature (walking, running, biking, roller blading).
Cities made sure not to close areas that would impact food pickup areas, parking around
hospitals, and bus routes. In addition to creating pop-up bike lanes, several cities, such
as Seattle, were already in the process of permanently replacing parking spots with bike lanes —
shown to have health, environmental, and economic benefits.
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ATTACHMENT D
Item I
Example Photos
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ATTACHMENT D
Item 1
TV
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Item 10
Q Council Agenda Report
��IS 04
Department Name:
Cost Center:
For Agenda of:
Placement:
Estimated Time:
FROM: Derek Johnson, City Manager
Prepared By: Michael Codron, Director of Community Development
Brian Leveille, Senior Planner
Community Development
4001
March 16, 2021
Consent
NA
SUBJECT: ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO FURTHER EXTEND THE LIFE OF ALL CITY
DISCRETIONARY APPROVALS AND THE OPEN SLO PILOT PROGRAM
DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC EMERGENCY
RECOMMENDATION
1. Adopt a Resolution (Attachment A), superseding Council Resolution No. 11131 (2020
Series), to extend the life of all City discretionary approvals, as follows:
a. Extend the term of all active City planning entitlements for an additional six months
for a total of 18 months following the end of the Covid-19 pandemic emergency.
b. Extend the life of all commercial cannabis business operator permits for an additional
three months, for a fixed period of nine months from the original date of expiration.
c. Extend the life of all building permit applications by an additional six months, for a
fixed period of one year from the original date of expiration.
2. Adopt a Resolution (Attachment B), superseding Council Resolution No. 11118 (2020
Series), to extend the life of the Open SLO temporary pilot program for temporary use of
City right-of-way to support physical distancing and COVID-19 economic recovery as
follows:
a. Extend the term of all Open SLO program activities and policies through the end of
2021 or 180 days beyond termination of the City's COVID-19 emergency declaration
(whichever comes later).
DISCUSSION
Background
On June 2, 2020, the City Council adopted the 2020-21 Financial Plan supplement with a
singular, integrated Meta City Goal — Economic Recovery. One of the near -term actions
identified was an extension of entitlements so that they would not expire during the pandemic,
causing delays in the economic recovery effort that could result in business closures and lost
revenue opportunities for both businesses and City operations. On June 20, 2020, the City
Council adopted Resolution No. 11131, authorizing extension of City discretionary approvals
and building permit applications due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Item 10
Another near -term action supporting the Economic Recovery Meta City Goal was continued
implementation of the "Open SLO" pilot program, an initiative approved by the City Council on
May 22, 2020, with adoption of Resolution No. 11118. The Open SLO program deploys a
variety of strategies such as temporary street closures, installation of parklets, and use of Mission
Plaza for public outdoor dining to allow the temporary use of City right-of-way to facilitate
social distancing and COVID-19 economic recovery for local businesses affected by public
health restrictions on indoor services. At the time of adoption, the Open SLO program was
identified as a one-year pilot program, with a sunset date of June 2021.
Staff is now recommending an additional extension for entitlement permits and the Open SLO
program based on the length of the ongoing pandemic emergency.
City Discretionary Approvals
Staff s recommendation is to extend all City discretionary approvals, issued under the Zoning
Regulations and active on the date of the emergency declaration on March 17, 2020, for eighteen
months following the declared end of the state and local emergency. Specifically, for any
discretionary approval active on March 17, 2020, the one-year "life" of the permit will be
extended by the term of the emergency plus an additional 1.5 years.
The term of the emergency is tied to the Governor's declaration of a state of emergency, the
County Public Health Officer's declaration of a public health emergency, and the City Council's
local emergency declaration.
Chapter 17.104.070 of the City's Municipal Code includes the following:
If building permits are not issued for site development authorized by a
discretionary permit within one year of the date of approval or such longer time
as may be stipulated as a condition of approval, the permit shall expire with the
building permit application. Upon written request received prior to expiration,
the director may grant renewals of an approval for successive periods of not more
than one year each, up to a total of three years. Requests beyond three years are
subject to review by the planning commission. Approvals of such renewals shall
be in writing and for a specific period. Renewals may be approved with new or
modified conditions upon a finding that the circumstances under which the permit
was originally approved have substantially changed. Renewal of a permit shall
not require public notice or hearing, unless the renewal is subject to new or
modified conditions. In order to approve a renewal, the director, or planning
commission as applicable, must make the findings required for initial
approval. (Ord. 1650 � 3 (Exh. B), 2018)
The recommendation before the City Council is to approve a generally applicable extension to
the term of any approval covered by this section of the Municipal Code by the term of the
pandemic emergency, plus 18 months. This extension would not impact the ability of any
individual applicant or project proponent to pursue additional extensions, not to exceed a
cumulative three years when combined with this generally applicable extension.
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Item 10
Building Permit Applications
Building permit applications submitted before January 1, 2020 are subject to the 2016 California
Building Code (CBC). These applications are required by the CBC to be actively pursued and
issued within six months of the application date. The CBC provides for the possibility of
successive 90-day extensions. The recommendation before the City Council is to grant a single,
one year extension to all building permit applications submitted prior to January 1, 2020,
extending their potential life to December 31, 2021. This adds six months to the Council's prior
action.
CBC Section 105.3.2 - An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be
deemed to have been abandoned 180 days after the date of filing, unless such
application has been pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued; except
that the building official is authorized to grant one or more extensions of time for
additional periods not exceeding 90 days each. The extension shall be requested
in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.
Commercial Cannabis Business Operator Permits
The City of San Luis Obispo has issued seven commercial cannabis operator permits during the
past two years. Two of those permits have been activated and five have not met all of the
requirements for activation. If a commercial cannabis operator permit is not fully activated
(meaning the business is open and continually operating) within one year of permit issuance,
then current code provisions specify that the operator permit expires. Council previously
approved a six-month extension for these permits and staff is now recommending an extension of
three additional months (nine months total) to these operator permits.
Commercial cannabis business operators have been impacted by Covid-19 similar to other
business types in the City. The process of activating a commercial cannabis operator permit is
extensive and requires approval of a Conditional Use Permit, application for building permit,
construction per the approved building permit, stocking inventory, and opening for business.
Accomplishing all of this within one year is an ambitious schedule during normal times and the
current pandemic and other world events define this time as anything but normal. In light of the
generally applicable recommended entitlement and building permit extensions discussed above,
as well as the inextricable intertwined relationship between such land use entitlements and
building permits and the activation requirements of a cannabis operator's permit, staff is also
recommending an additional three month (nine -months total) extension on the activation of
currently issued operator's permits to align with building permit extensions, due to the effects of
the pandemic emergency. The relevant code section follows.
SLOW 9.10.070.D. Duration and Activation of Permit. Each commercial
cannabis operator permit issued pursuant to this chapter shall expire twelve
months after the date of its activation. The permittee may apply for renewal prior
to expiration in accordance with this chapter. Each commercial cannabis
operator permit must be activated within twelve months of issuance. The permit is
activated by the issuance of a use permit for the commercial cannabis activity
pursuant to Section 17.86.080, together with all other applicable city permits and
state licenses, and the commercial cannabis operator thereafter opening and
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Item 10
continuously operating the commercial cannabis activity. Failure to timely
activate the permit shall be deemed abandonment of the permit and the permit
shall automatically lapse. (Ord. 1673 §§ 1, 2 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 1647 § 4 (Exh.
A (part)), 2018)
Open SLO Program
Following Council's approval of the Open SLO pilot program in May of 2020, the City has
successfully deployed several strategies to allow flexible use of the public right-of-way to
support social distancing and economic recovery of local businesses affected by the COVID-19
pandemic. These strategies included:
1. Temporary street closures along Higuera and Monterey Street in June and July of 2020 to
allow retailers and restaurants to expand services into the street right-of-way.
2. Installation of approximately 40 temporary parklets and roughly 15 new sidewalk dining
permits to allow restaurants to expand services into the public right-of-way.
3. Installation of a pilot street reconfiguration project on Higuera Street between Santa Rosa
and Nipomo Streets, converting one of the three auto travel lanes to a buffered bike lane
to provide additional clearance between auto traffic and parklets, reduce illegal speeding
within the downtown core, and improve access to the downtown for active transportation
modes.
4. Activation and use of Mission Plaza for public outdoor take-out dining.
5. Temporary suspension of enforcement of off-street parking requirements, allowing
businesses with private parking lots to covert outdoor parking stalls to restaurant seating
or other business -supportive activities.
6. Pop -Ups and Quick -Build Street Activation projects to leverage low-cost opportunities to
improve public safety and activate street space for community benefit, such as the
temporary reconfiguration of Monterey Street between Chorro and Morro Streets, which
included converting half the street (the eastbound direction) to outdoor restaurants space,
adding a contra -flow protected bike lane to maintain connectivity for active
transportation users, and installing a Public Art & Bicycle Plaza at the corner of
Monterey/Morro Street to activate the public space in front of the Chamber of Commerce
with street murals, landscaped planters and bicycle parking.
As part of this temporary program, the City Council approved administration of new requests for
expansion of sidewalk dining, parklets, and other outdoor business services within the public
right-of-way through flexible use of the City's existing Sidewalk Cafe encroachment permit
process (established in Section 5.50 of the City Municipal Code), along with provisions for
streamlined processing of encroachment permit requests, waiving encroachment permit fees,
temporarily waiving enforcement of parking requirements associated with outdoor expansion of
retail/restaurant uses, and streamlined review of temporary architectural and aesthetic elements
of sidewalk dining and parklet areas.
The Council Resolution approving the Open SLO program (No. 11118, 2020 Series) ties the
term of the program to the Governor's declaration of a state of emergency, the County Public
Health Officer's declaration of a public health emergency, and the City Council's local
emergency declaration. In turn, the May 22, 2020 Council Agenda Report presenting the Open
SLO program identified Open SLO as a one-year pilot program with a sunset of June 2021.
Packet Fag61$$)f 1185
Item 10
The recommendation before the City Council is to grant an extension of the Open SLO
temporary pilot program through the end of 2021 or 180 days following termination of the City's
COVID-19 emergency declaration (whichever comes later). Attachment B includes a new
resolution defining the extended term for the program, which supersedes the existing resolution
(No. 11118, 2020 Series) adopting the initial Open SLO program. This extension will allow for
the ongoing economic recovery of local businesses post-COVID and provide an opportunity for
staff to further evaluate and formulate strategies for the potential permanent adoption of certain
Open SLO strategies that may align with the City's long-term goals for economic recovery and
community vitality (i.e. permanent parklet program). Staff plans to return to Council in summer
of 2021 to request further policy direction with specific alternatives, design guidance and staff
recommendations on the long-term potential for these strategies.
Policy Context
The proposed action is consistent with the City's Major City Goal for economic recovery and
facilitates the City's sub -goal for Housing Production. Further, the recommendation will help
avoid time and cost spent reviewing individual approval extension requests.
Public Engagement
This project has followed an "inform" level of public engagement. However, the City has
received specific requests for this action to help preserve the value of entitlements granted by
ensuring that they do not expire before they can be acted on.
CONCURRENCE
The Assistant City Manager for Community Services, Public Works Director, and the Economic
Development Manager concur with this recommendation.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the recommended action to extend
entitlements because the action does not constitute a "Project" under CEQA Guidelines Sec.
15378.
The proposed action to extend the Open SLO pilot program is also exempt from environmental
review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as follows:
A. The project is statutorily exempt under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15269
(Emergency Projects), because the temporary program includes specific actions that
would allow for safe physical distancing consistent with the State' s Resilience Roadmap
and County and State Guidelines in order to mitigate the COVID- 19 public health
emergency.
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Item 10
B. The project is categorically exempt under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301
(Existing Facilities) because the actions identified in the program are limited to the
permitting, leasing, and minor alteration of existing public facilities, including existing
streets, sidewalks, bicycle and pedestrian trails, which would not result in the creation of
additional automobile lanes. The program would result in a negligible expansion of
existing commercial uses and a negligible expansion of the public' s use of City right-of-
way, as the uses included in the temporary program would not vary from the current uses
of commercial businesses, residential areas, or public access within the City' s right-of-
way.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: No
Funding Identified: No
Fiscal Analysis:
Budget Year: N/A
Funding Sources
Current FY Cost
Annualized
On -going Cost
Total Project
Cost
General Fund
N/A
State
Federal
Fees
Other:
Total
The recommendation to extend entitlements will have no direct fiscal impact on the City. No
additional funding appropriations are requested for the Open SLO program at this time; thus, the
action to extend the Open SLO pilot program also has no direct fiscal impact on the City.
Indirect fiscal impacts of extending the Open SLO program would include potential loss of
encroachment permit fee revenues with the temporary waiver of sidewalk dining permit fees,
loss of on -street parking meter revenue due to conversion of metered parking stalls to parklets,
and costs associated with City staff resources committed to implementing the program.
However, the extension of the life of entitlements and building permit applications, as well as the
continued support for temporary expansion of restaurant operations outdoors within the public
right-of-way are expected to have a positive economic effect on the community.
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Item 10
ALTERNATIVES
1. The City Council can extend discretionary approvals for a different time period. This
action is not recommended because together, the tolling of approvals and the one-year
extension, will provide a substantial increase in the life of all active entitlements. In the case
of building permit applications, six months is the longest term enabled by the California
Building Code.
2. The City Council can decide not to extend entitlements or building permit applications.
This action is not recommended because the City Council has adopted Economic Recovery
as a Major City Goal and this action is intended to be supportive of the goal.
3. The City Council can decide not to extend the Open SLO program. This action is not
recommended because the City Council has adopted Economic Recovery as a Major City
Goal and this action is intended to be supportive of the goal.
Attachments:
a - Draft Resolution (Entitlements)
b - Draft Resolution (Open SLO)
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Item 10
RESOLUTION NO. (2021 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, PROCLAIMING THE CONTINUING
EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY REGARDING THE COVID-19
PANDEMIC AND EXTENDING THE LIFE OF DISCRETIONARY
APPROVALS, BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATIONS, AND CANNABIS
OPERATOR PERMITS TO MITIGATE ECONOMIC IMPACTS AND AID
IN ECONOMIC RECOVERY SUPERSEDING COUNCIL RESOLUTION
NO. 11131 (2020 SERIES)
WHEREAS, section 2.24.060 of the Municipal Code empowers the Emergency Services
Director to request that the City Council proclaim a local emergency when the City of San Luis
Obispo is affected or likely to be affected by a public calamity and the City Council proclaimed a
local emergency at its regular meeting on March 17, 2020 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and
has subsequently regularly reviewed said proclamation and proclaimed the continuation of local
emergency; and
WHEREAS, the Secretary of Health and Human Services Director issued a Determination
that a Public Health Emergency exists and has existed as of January 27, 2020; and
WHEREAS, the President of the United States has declared a State of National
Emergency; the Governor of the State of California has proclaimed a State of Emergency for the
State of California and issued Executive Orders and direction regarding measures to mitigate the
spread of cases of COVID-19 within the State of California; the San Luis Obispo County
Emergency Services Director has proclaimed a local emergency; and the San Luis Obispo County
Public Health Director has declared a public health emergency related the spread of cases of
COVID-19 within the State of California and all recitals set forth therein, are included as though
fully set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, on March 19, 2020, the Governor issued Executive Order N-33-20, including
the Order of the State Public Health Officer mandating all individuals living in the State of
California to stay home or at their place of residence except as needed to maintain continuity of
operations of the federal critical infrastructure sectors and has issued subsequent orders permitting
phased re -opening and requiring continuing measures to mitigate the spread of COVID- 19; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo will be required to help enforce all restrictions
imposed by the State of California and by the County of San Luis Obispo acting as the health
agency; and
WHEREAS, the pandemic COVID-19 continues to spread worldwide and in the U.S.,
continuing to present an immediate and significant risk to public health and safety, and resulting
in serious illness or death to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with
underlying health conditions and is anticipated to continue to spread in response to phased re -
openings and significant heightened social interaction and group gatherings associated with recent
protest activity; and
I7
Packet Fag61 62)f 1185
Item 10
Resolution No. (2021 Series) Page 2
WHEREAS, heightened levels of public health and safety planning and preparedness have
been necessitated in preparation for and response to confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County
of San Luis Obispo, and rapid response not lending itself to otherwise applicable notice and
approval timelines has been and will be necessary to respond to the rapidly evolving pandemic and
its related, and to mitigate against the spread or resurgence of COVID-19 and its resulting mental
and physical health, social, and economic impacts, compromising the public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, in the absence of such actions, an escalation of the spread remains an
imminent threat and County wide health services may become overwhelmed and unable to keep
up with medical demand for care and availability of hospital or care facility capacity; and
WHEREAS, the pandemic and necessary federal, state, and local public health orders
requiring social distancing to prevent spread of COVID-19 have had and will continue to have
devastating economic impacts on the local community, including residents, businesses, employees
and City operations; and
WHEREAS, the City has instituted its Fiscal Health Contingency Plan in order to mitigate
against economic impacts of emergency response costs and significant revenue reductions and has
made drastic reductions to current and projected city costs through reductions in purchasing, limits
on hiring, capital improvement project deferrals, and furloughs of temporary and supplemental
staff, and
WHEREAS, Article 14, Section 8630, of the California Emergency Services Act requires
that the City Council review the need for continuing the Local Emergency at least every sixty (60)
days until such Local Emergency is terminated.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED AND RESOLVED by the City Council
of the City of San Luis Obispo that:
SECTION 1. All recitals set forth above, and all recitals included in support of Federal,
State, and County actions referenced herein, are adopted as though fully set forth herein as findings
in support of this Resolution; and
SECTION 2. A local emergency continues to exist throughout the City resulting from the
condition of extreme peril related to the pandemic of COVID-19, which, absent continuation of
preventative measures, and in the absence of widespread vaccination, is still deemed to be beyond
the control of normal protective service, personnel, equipment, and facilities of and within the
City; and
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Item 10
Resolution No. (2021 Series) Page 3
SECTION 3. Due to the severe economic impacts of COVID-19 and its economic impacts
on the community and the City organization and in order to prevent situations where developers
or contractors need to restart the discretionary review process or delay construction projects with
the need to reapply for permits or request individual extensions and to focus limited staff resources
on supporting the effective implementation of COVID-19 public health and safety compliance
measures for the protection of employees and customers of businesses within the City, and
enforcement of the highest priority provisions for the protection of the general health and safety
of the community, the Council deems it necessary to take the following actions related to the
continuing existence of a local emergency and in support of economic recovery therefrom:
1. Toll the expiration of all discretionary approvals covered by Municipal Code Section
17.104.070 from the declaration of the pandemic emergency (beginning January 27,
2020).
2. Automatically extend the life of all discretionary approvals covered by Municipal Code
Section 17.104.070 by one and a half years (18 months) after the termination of the
declared local emergency.
3. Automatically extend the life of all active building permits applications by one year, as
authorized by California Building Code Section 105.3.2.
4. Extend the life of all commercial cannabis business operator permits by a fixed period
of nine months from the original expiration date. If any operator's permit currently
issued from the existing application period is not activated and expires or is deemed
abandoned at the conclusion of the period specified herein, the City shall open a
subsequent application period for any retail storefront permits available during which
applications from any previously qualified or permitted applicant may follow the
normal process to submit a new application, along with the applications of any new
applicants.
SECTION 4. All existing orders of the San Luis Obispo County Emergency Services
Director as currently in effect and as subsequently clarified, amended, modified or superseded by
subsequent action or order of the County Emergency Services Director, the County Public Health
Officer, and/or the County Board of Supervisors, are hereby expressly acknowledged and declared
to be enforceable within the City of San Luis Obispo as if directly enacted by the City Council
pursuant to San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Chapter 2.24 and shall be enforceable under
Municipal Code 2.24.100 until such time as terminated by the issuing authority.
SECTION 5. The proclamation of local emergency shall be deemed to continue to exist
until it is terminated by the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo pursuant to a resolution
adopted by the City Council of the City San Luis Obispo or its Emergency Services Director.
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Item 10
Resolution No. (2021 Series) Page 4
SECTION 6. The City has been undertaking, and will continue through cessation of this
emergency to undertake, necessary measures and incur necessary and extraordinary costs, which
are directly related to the prevention of the spread of the COVID-19 Virus and are taken in
furtherance of. the Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary's determination that a public
health emergency has existed since January 27, 2020; City Council's Proclamation of Local
Emergency on March 17, 2020 and subsequent proclamations of continuing local emergency the
Governor's Proclamation of a State of Emergency on March 4, 2020; the President of the United
States' Declaration of a National Emergency on March 13, 2020; the County Emergency Services
Director's Proclamation of Local Emergency and the County Public Health Director's Declaration
of a Public Health Emergency on March 13, 2020, and related orders, regulations and directions.
SECTION 7. During the existence of said local emergency, the powers, functions, and
duties of the Emergency Services Director and the Emergency Organization of this City shall be
those prescribed by state law, ordinances, and resolutions of this City and by the City of San Luis
Obispo Emergency Operations Plan, notwithstanding otherwise applicable procedures, timelines
or methods of action and the Emergency Services Director is expressly authorized to take any and
all actions in furtherance of emergency powers to address the local emergency.
SECTION 8. This resolution supersedes Council Resolution No. 11131 (2020 Series),
adopted by the City Council on June 16, 2020.
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Resolution No. (2021 Series)
Item 10
Page 5
SECTION 9. A copy of this Resolution shall be posted on all outside public access doors
of City Hall of the City of San Luis Obispo and in one public place within any area of the City
within which this Resolution applies and personnel of the City of San Luis Obispo shall endeavor
to make copies of this order and regulation available to the news media.
Upon motion of , seconded by
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing Resolution was approved this day of
Mayor Heidi Harmon
ATTEST:
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
2021.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City
of San Luis Obispo, California, on
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
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Item 10
RESOLUTION NO. (2021 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
OUTDOOR PUBLIC SPACE EXPANSION TEMPORARY COVID-19
BUSINESS SUPPORT AND RECOVERY PROGRAM TO FACILITATE
COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS AND TO MITIGATE
ECONOMIC IMPACTS BY SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES AND
RESTAURANTS
WHEREAS, section 2.24.060 of the Municipal Code empowers the Emergency Services
Director to request that the City Council proclaim a local emergency when the City of San Luis
Obispo is affected or likely to be affected by a public calamity and the City Council proclaimed a
local emergency at its regular meeting on March 17, 2020 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and
proclaimed the continuation of local emergency at its regular meetings of April 7, 2020 and May
8, 2020; and
WHEREAS, the Secretary of Health and Human Services Director issued a Determination
that a Public Health Emergency exists and has existed of January 27, 2020; and
WHEREAS, the President of the United States has declared a State of National
Emergency; the Governor of the State of California has proclaimed a State of Emergency for the
State of California and issued Executive Orders and direction regarding measures to mitigate the
spread of cases of COVID-19 within the State of California; the San Luis Obispo County
Emergency Services Director has proclaimed a local emergency; and the San Luis Obispo County
Public Health Director has declared a public health emergency related the spread of cases of
COVID-19 within the State of California and all recitals set forth therein, are included as though
fully set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, on March 18, 2020 the San Luis Obispo County Emergency Services
Director issued Local Emergency Order and Regulation No. 4 providing for mandatory shelter at
home regulations; and
WHEREAS, on March 19, 2020, the Governor issued Executive Order N-33-20, including
the Order of the State Public Health Officer mandating all individuals living in the State of
California to stay home or at their place of residence except as needed to maintain continuity of
operations of the federal critical infrastructure sectors; and
WHEREAS, on May 4, 2020, the Governor issued Executive Order N-60-20, directing all
residents of California to continue to obey State public health directives, as made available at
http://covidl9. Ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/ and elsewhere as the State Public
Health Officer may provide; and
Packet R?agb1 V?bf 1185
Item 10
Resolution No. (2021 Series) Page 2
WHEREAS, on May 16, 2020, San Luis Obispo County Local Emergency Order and
Regulation No. 4 expired by its own terms and both the County and the City of San Luis Obispo
remain subject to stay at home and business operations regulation under Executive Order N-60-
20, as well as County of San Luis Obispo Local Emergency Order and Regulation No. 6 COVID-
19 Restricting the Use of Short -Term Lodging Facilities; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo will be required to help enforce all restrictions
imposed by the State of California and by the County of San Luis Obispo acting as the health
agency; and
WHEREAS, the County Emergency Services Director and Public Health Officer have
evaluated the continuing public health threat and determined the need for continuing regulations
of personal and business activities at the state level and of local short term lodging and eviction
protections, as well as compliance with state orders, at the local level and to mitigate the continuing
spread of the COVID-19 pandemic within the County; and
WHEREAS, the pandemic COVID-19 continues to present an present and imminent threat
to public health worldwide and in the U.S., resulting in serious present illness or death or an
immediate risk thereof to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with underlying
health conditions; and
WHEREAS, heightened levels of public health and safety planning and preparedness have
been necessitated in preparation for and response to confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the County
of San Luis Obispo, and rapid response not lending itself to otherwise applicable notice and
approval timelines has been and will be necessary to respond to the rapidly evolving pandemic and
its related, significant economic impacts, and to mitigate against the spread or resurgence of
COVID-19 and its resulting mental and physical health, social, and economic impacts,
compromising the public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, in the absence of such actions, an escalation of the spread remains an
imminent threat; and
WHEREAS, the pandemic and necessary federal, state, and local public health orders
requiring social distancing to prevent spread of COVID-19 have had and will continue to have
devastating economic impacts on the local community, including residents, businesses, employees
and City operations; and
WHEREAS, the City has instituted its Fiscal Health Contingency Plan in order to mitigate
against economic impacts of emergency response costs and significant revenue reductions and has
made drastic reductions to current and projected city costs through reductions in purchasing, limits
on hiring, and furloughs of temporary and supplemental staff; and
Packet Rl�agb1 GS)f 1185
Item 10
Resolution No. (2021 Series) Page 3
WHEREAS, due to the severe economic impacts of COVID-19 and its economic impacts
on the community and the City organization, the Council deems it necessary to suspend
enforcement of certain provisions of the City of San Luis Obispo Municipal Code specified below
to support social distancing requirements, effective public communication related to rapidly
transitioning business re -opening status, and economic viability of businesses in adhering to
permitted opening and social distancing requirements; and
WHEREAS, Article 14, Section 8630, of the California Emergency Services Act requires
that the City Council review the need for continuing the Local Emergency at least every sixty (60)
days until such Local Emergency is terminated; and
WHEREAS, the below measures are intended to provide economic relief to businesses
that are experiencing economic uncertainty while complying with State and County Orders.
Accordingly, the City will facilitate a temporary "pilot" program, which will include the
development and implementation of a plan to use the right-of-way, sidewalks and streets to help
maintain social distancing during the first few phases (stages) of reopening consistent with the
State's Resilience Roadmap and continued economic support of businesses for uses such as
walking space, outdoor dining, and pick-up/delivery areas. The program would provide for
residents to receive the health and wellness benefits of being outdoors and support businesses with
enough space to safely physically distance.
WHEREAS, the program is established for the purpose of supporting and facilitating the
recovery of business and economic activity in the City by expanding the spaces available for the
safe conduct of such activities for City businesses and their customers and patrons to create more
physical distance for pedestrians and business patrons to maintain physical distancing; and nothing
herein is intended to nor shall be deemed to create open gathering places or public fora unrelated
to the intended business support and recovery purpose
WHEREAS, time is of the essence to quickly implement a program to allow for safe
physical distancing consistent with the State's Resilience Roadmap and County Guidelines in
order to address both public health and economic impacts of COVID-19, as residents have been
primarily indoors since the initiation of the State and County Orders, this will be a dynamic
temporary program, receiving input from the City Council, and shall be subject to administrative
modification by the City, as authorized herein, as necessary in response to emerging issues or
concerns of public, health, safety or convenience.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED AND RESOLVED by the City Council
of the City of San Luis Obispo that:
SECTION 1. All recitals set forth above, and all recitals included in support of Federal,
State, and County actions referenced herein, are adopted as though fully set forth herein as findings
in support of this Resolution and, after considering all such findings and current local
circumstances the Council hereby declares the continuing existence of a local emergency related
to the continued threat of COVID-19 as it relates to public health and economic impacts; and
f7
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Item 10
Resolution No. (2021 Series) Page 4
SECTION 2. City of San Luis Obispo Outdoor Public Space Program (OPEN SLO).
In order to support the re -opening of restaurants and other businesses in accordance with the State
Executive Order N-60-20, the City Council hereby directs and authorizes the City Manager to
implement the OPEN SLO program, which shall include the following six strategies that may be
used independently or in combination, along with continued implementation of the Sidewalk
Dining Ordinance, as outlined below:
A. Six Strategies Identified in the OPEN SLO Pilot Program:
1. Changes to traffic flow, including "Quick -build" improvements toward alignment
with the Downtown Concept Plan.
2. Short-term street closures, including short-term road closures in the Downtown and
in other areas of the City to facilitate safely distanced pedestrian circulation,
expanded outdoor dining, and customer queuing, pickup and waiting areas
associated with permitted business activities.
3. Conversion of selected on -street parking spaces to outdoor dining space or other
pedestrian uses (parklets), with consideration for at least one installation outside of
the downtown; use of the parklet may include:
i. Public sidewalk. No improvements other than rail and aesthetic treatments, to
create space for safely distanced pedestrian movement and customer queuing,
pickup, and waiting areas associated with permitted business activities.
ii. Table and Chair. Utilized by one or more businesses under the City's "Table &
Chair" permit process and designated for exclusive use of the business, which
may include appropriate signage.
1. Appropriate signage means no more than 15 square feet per outdoor area.
iii. Sidewalk Caf6. Designated parklet for exclusive use by one business under the
City's Sidewalk Caf6 permit process.
4. Use of private and public parking lots for expansion of commercial uses.
Enforcement of current off-street parking requirements would be temporarily
suspended so that selected spaces in private parking lots could be converted to
seating or expanded retail space. The City could also permit use of spaces in public
parking lots through the Sidewalk Cafes Ordinance.
5. Conversion of Mission Plaza at set days and times for community and economic
recovery support uses, including tables and chairs for `to -go' dining, space for
outdoor retail booths, art and culture pop -ups, which may include the closure of the
Broad Street `dog -leg' and/or sections of Monterey Street.
6. Pop -ups to encourage and support additional ideas for outdoor space such as:
i. Develop guidelines and allow use of parts of the sidewalk for signage,
merchandise and queueing, where adequate sidewalk width exists consistent
with disabled access requirements and public safety.
ii. Develop guidelines and allow for pavement painting and planter box projects
initiated by neighborhoods to slow traffic, create painted bulb -outs or other
pedestrian -friendly adaptations.
iii. Support `traveling' arts and culture events where exhibits or exhibitions are
allowed on public spaces for visitors to stroll by.
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Item 10
Resolution No. (2021 Series) Page 5
iv. Have designated staff available and a clear process to streamline review and
approval of uses to ensure conformity with access and public health and safety
regulations.
B. Support Expansion of Sidewalk Dining in Support of Social Distancing through
application of the existing Sidewalk Dining Ordinance. For purposes of the temporary
program support and only for such period of time as such temporary program remains
in effect the following Sections of Chapter 5.50, Sidewalk Cafes, of the Municipal
Code shall be interpreted and applied as follows:
5.50.015: Permits Required.
The encroachment permit process shall be used for the purpose of evaluating,
establishing conditions applicable to, and approving all requests for revocable sidewalk
cafes permits, and tables and chairs permits, while the temporary program is in place.
5.50.020: Architectural review.
The Community Development Director shall use discretion conferred by this section to
process permit requests without a separate application for architectural review and
without public notice as may be otherwise specified by section 5.50.035 or other City
policy, unless required by state law.
5.50.030: Fees.
Fees associated with administrative approval of permits under this chapter for permits
shall be suspended while the temporary program is in place.
5.50.045.C: Required Operational Standards (Parking).
No additional parking will be required for permits approved under this chapter while
the temporary program is in place.
5.50.045.G: (Umbrellas, Awnings and street furniture)
Community Development Director may allow great flexibility with respect to the
design and appearance of outdoor furniture and barriers, consistent with standards for
the protection of public health and safety and subject to the approval of the City
Engineer.
5.50.050.A: Terms and expiration.
Sidewalk cafe permits approved while the temporary program is in place will not be
approved for an unlimited term and shall specify an automatic expiration date, unless
subsequently renewed.
ICE
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Item 10
Resolution No. (2021 Series) Page 6
5.50.060.A: Revocation or Suspension of Permit
The City retains the right to revoke or suspend the permit upon twenty-four hours'
notice to the sidewalk cafe operator for any cause, regardless of conformance with the
provisions of the Sidewalk Dining Ordinance.
17.70.100.F.1: Lighting and Night Sky Preservation Exemptions
Low -intensity outdoor lighting fixtures used for architectural decoration may be
installed without Architectural Review, provided it shall not otherwise create a
nuisance or hazard for passing motorists, pedestrians, cyclists or other modes of
transportation, subject to the approval of the City Engineer.
SECTION 3. No facility, structure or improvement may be erected, constructed or placed
in the City Right of Way without the express written approval of the City Engineer and nothing
herein is intended to or shall be interpreted to convey any vested right in or to the continued use
or occupation of public or private property permitted, allowed or suffered by the City pursuant to
the temporary program herein.
SECTION 4. Continuing Enforcement of Conditions or Activities Posing a Threat to
Public Health, Safety or Welfare; Continued Enforcement of Permit Requirements for
Electrical, Plumbing, or Structural Components or Appurtenances and Encroachments into
Public Right of Way. Nothing herein is intended to or shall be deemed to relieve any person from
the obligation to obtain, or prohibit code enforcement for failure to obtain, any permits that would
otherwise be required under state law, the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, or building and safety
codes adopted thereunder, including but not limited to:
A. Permits otherwise required for electrical, plumbing, or structural work performed
within the City.
B. Encroachment permits required for structures, uses and/or activities within the public
right of way, which may be issued at no cost by the City to facilitate physical distancing
and the reopening of businesses.
Further, nothing herein is intended to or shall permit or allow the erection or placement of any
permanent or temporary structure or improvement, on public or private property in violation of
any state or federal accessibility law, including the Americans With Disabilities Act, or to prohibit
or suspend code enforcement action deemed necessary by the Chief Building Official, the City
Engineer or any other authorized enforcement official of the City, to remedy or abate: a dangerous
condition or activity; any activity presenting an imminent threat of harm to the health, safety or
welfare of the community; any violation of state or federal accessibility law; or any unauthorized
activity on private property or in the public right of way.
Packet Fag61 72)f 1185
Item 10
Resolution No. (2021 Series) Page 7
SECTION 5. Environmental Review. As a result of the COVID-19 public health
emergency, the City of San Luis Obispo proposes a temporary program to use the right-of-way,
sidewalks and streets to help maintain social distancing during the first few phases (stages) of
reopening consistent with the State's Resilience Roadmap and provide for residents to receive the
health and wellness benefits of being outdoors and support businesses with enough space to safely
physically distance. The proposed project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as followed:
A. The project is statutorily exempt under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15269
(Emergency Projects), because the temporary program includes specific actions that
would allow for safe physical distancing consistent with the State's Resilience
Roadmap and County and State Guidelines in order to mitigate the COVID-19 public
health emergency.
B. The project is categorically exempt under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301
(Existing Facilities) because the actions identified in the program are limited to the
permitting, leasing, and minor alteration of existing public facilities, including existing
streets, sidewalks, bicycle and pedestrian trails, which would not result in the creation
of additional automobile lanes. The program would result in a negligible expansion of
existing commercial uses and a negligible expansion of the public's use of City right-
of-way, as the uses included in the temporary program would not vary from the current
uses of commercial businesses, residential areas, or public access within the City's
right-of-way.
SECTION 6. Notwithstanding any other City policy or procedure, the City Engineer shall
be authorized to review and approve on behalf of the City any and all design and construction
necessary as part of the temporary program herein and the City Manager shall be authorized to
allow and accept on behalf of the City any and all donations of time, materials, labor, professional
services and/or funds in support of the temporary program herein without further action of the City
Council.
SECTION 7. All current and prior emergency and public health orders as currently enacted
and in effect, or as subsequently amended or modified, issued by the Governor, the State or County
Public Health Official or the City or County Emergency Services Director are expressly adopted
and shall be enforceable as if directly enacted by the City Council pursuant to Chapter 2.24 of the
San Luis Obispo Municipal Code.
Packet Fag61 7-3)f 1185
Item 10
Resolution No. (2021 Series) Page 8
SECTION 8. This resolution supersedes Council Resolution No. 11118 (2020 Series),
adopted by the City Council on May 22, 2020, and extends the term of the OPEN SLO program
through the end of 2021 or 180 days following termination of the City's emergency declaration,
whichever comes later.
SECTION 9. A copy of this Resolution shall be posted on all outside public access doors
of City Hall of the City of San Luis Obispo and in one public place within any area of the City
within which this Resolution applies and personnel of the City of San Luis Obispo shall endeavor
to make copies of this order and regulation available to the news media.
Upon motion of seconded by and on the
following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing Resolution was approved this day of 2021.
Mayor Heidi Harmon
ATTEST:
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City
of San Luis Obispo, California, on
Teresa Purrington, City Clerk
Packet Fag61 Mf 1185
Council- Report
Department: Attorney
Cost Center: 1002
For Agenda of: 7/6/2021
Placement: Business
Estimated Time: 20 Minutes
FROM: Christine Dietrick, City Attorney
Item 6c
SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ALIGNING AND CONTINUING CERTAIN
PRIOR COUNCIL EMERGENCY ACTIONS FOR CONTINUED COVID-19
MITIGATION AND CONSISTENT WITH NEW STATE DIRECTION
:7xd01Ly,IJil=I'lol_%IIf] LlI
Adopt a Resolution entitled, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo, California, consolidating and aligning prior Council emergency actions with
recently revised State Orders, and continuing certain prior actions to support continued
protections for public health, safety and welfare, as well as economic recovery," as
follows:
1. Require continued compliance with State and County public health and emergency
orders and directives.
2. Partially terminate safety enhancement zones and enhanced penalties for
specified violations, except violations of State, County or local orders related to the
continuing COVID-19 declared emergency as expressly provided by ordinance.
3. Extend the life of all commercial cannabis business operator permits for an
additional three months, for a fixed period of twelve months from the original date
of expiration. And extend all other entitlements by a period of 18 months following
the end of the declared emergency.
4. Extend the OPEN SLO Pilot Program permitting temporary uses and structures in
designated City rights of way for continued public health and safety and to support
economic recovery.
5. Authorize the City Manager temporarily to suspend enforcement of certain sign
and private parking requirements provisions of the Municipal Code as necessary
to facilitate the temporary OPEN SLO programs in designated locations.
6. Continue suspension of use permits and other requirements for the establishment
or expansion of safe parking programs within the City for six months following the
end of the declared local emergency.
7. Terminate authority provided to the City Manager to use FY 2018-19 Unassigned
Fund Balance above required reserve levels and return to generally applicable
financial policies following budget adoption.
Page 1167 of 1185
Item 6c
REPORT -IN -BRIEF
In March 2020, National, State and City states of emergency were declared in response
to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, and pursuant to its emergency powers, the City
Emergency Services Director and City Council have taken several actions via ESD
Proclamations and Council Resolutions, or Ordinances designed to address and mitigate
the health, safety, welfare and economic impacts of the pandemic in the City.
On June 11, 2021, the Governor issued Executive Order N-07-21, terminating the Stay -
at -Home Order that was implemented early in the pandemic and retiring the Blueprint for
a Safer Economy, in favor of the Resilience Roadmap. The Governor's Office established
a timeline and process to continue winding down the various provisions of the 58 COVID-
related executive orders, which suspended statutes and regulations to help the state and
businesses continue operations during the pandemic. To ensure that impacted individuals
and entities have time to prepare for the changes, the provisions will sunset in phases,
beginning later this month, in July and in September. By the end of September, nearly 90
percent of the executive actions taken since March 2020 will have been lifted.
In response the pandemic emergency declarations and restrictions, the City also took
more than twenty emergency actions related to the pandemic and facilitated a number of
projects and practices that staff believe have continuing value to support the safe and
successful progression through the pandemic, to ensure the City, its businesses and
residents are well prepared to respond to any similar public health emergency that may
emerge going forward, and to support economic vitality and recovery in a manner that
supports the continuation of safe, distanced, and outdoor activities in a manner that
recognizes the continuing risks of presented by emerging variants and less than optimal
vaccination rates.
The resolution attached consolidates and continues those actions deemed necessary to
support continued safe progression out of the pandemic and economic recovery in a
single location for clarity and ease of reference going forward.
DISCUSSION
Background
With broad availability and effectiveness of vaccines, the Country, State and City are now
emerging from the most restrictive aspects of the continuing emergency, which has
resulted in the termination of certain State restrictions related to indoor activities,
gatherings, governmental and business operations, masking, and social distancing.
Nonetheless, vaccines are not yet available to children 12 and younger, virus variants
continue to have serious impacts within California, nationally and worldwide, the impacts
of reopening as we move into the fall and winter months are not yet known, and there are
still many people, both residents and visitors to the city, who are not vaccinated for a
variety of reasons.
Page 1168 of 1185
Item 6c
Accordingly, staff recommends that Council adopt a resolution affirming, continuing and
or extending several local programs and policies previously enacted to support public
health and economic recovery, while otherwise continuing to align with State and County
public health and emergency orders. The resolution continues the City's ability to make
such orders applicable and directly enforceable pursuant to the City's Municipal Code
and the key provisions are set forth below.
Partial Termination of Safety enhancement zones.
During the height of the pandemic and while County and State stay at home and gathering
and indoor activities restrictions were in place, the Council enacted a city-wide safety
enhancement zone that increased penalties for previously designated Municipal Code
Violations that also had implications with regard to increased risk of spread of the COVID-
19 virus (e.g., noise, unruly gatherings, and open container in public violations). First via
resolution, and later via emergency ordinance, the Council also made violations of
emergency orders, regulations and directives issued by other authorized entities
(primarily State and County) pursuant to emergency powers and enhanced penalties
subject to enforcement as violations of the City's Municipal Code upon declaration of an
emergency and for the duration of the declared emergency.
The current resolution terminates the Citywide Safety Enhancement Zone previously
declared pursuant to Resolution 11106 (2020 Series) for all non -emergency related,
previously designated, Municipal Code violations specified in Section 9.22.02013 and
restores the penalty for such violations to the levels otherwise provided by the Municipal
Code and related Administrative Guidelines.
However, Section 9.22.020B continues in effect (as enacted by Council emergency
ordinance) as to violations of emergency orders and provides that violations of any State
or County Public Health or other State or County Order or directive related to the COVID-
19 emergency, whether now existing or subsequently adopted, shall remain subject to
immediate penalties not to exceed $1,000 for the duration of the declared emergency.
The application of safety enhancement penalties to emergency order violations will
terminate by the terms of the Municipal Code upon termination of State, County, and local
emergency proclamations. As a practical matter, there are very few State and County
restrictions currently in place that staff would anticipate being subject to enforcement now
that stay-at-home orders and most gathering and occupancy restrictions have been lifted.
Nonetheless, the way the ordinance was drafted makes the safety enhancement zone
more flexible and self-executing, without the need for additional Council action, in the
event that conditions change, and the State or County enact subsequent orders related
to the declared emergency.
Page 1169 of 1185
Item 6c
Cannabis Operator Permits Activation Extension
On March 16, 2021, City Council adopted Resolution No. 11231 (which superseded a
prior resolution) and extended the life of all discretionary approvals, including extending
the life of all commercial cannabis business operator permits for an additional three
months. Staff is now recommending an additional three-month suspension and direction
to extend expiration provisions for commercial cannabis business operator permits based
on the length of the ongoing pandemic emergency and authorization to extend existing
operator permits.
The City has issued eight commercial cannabis operator permits during the past two
years. Three of those permits have been activated, four are in process of activating their
operator permit, and one business has also decided to not continue in the permitting
process. If a commercial cannabis operator permit is not fully activated (meaning the
business is open and continually operating) within one year of permit issuance, then
current code provisions specify that the operator permit expires. Council previously
approved a six-month suspension of the expiration provisions/extension permits for these
permits, then approved an additional three additional months, and staff is now
recommending an extension of three additional months (twelve months total) to these
operator permits.
Commercial cannabis business operators have been impacted by COVID-19 similar to
other business types in the City. The process of activating a commercial cannabis
operator permit is extensive and requires approval of a Conditional Use Permit,
application for building permit, construction per the approved building permit, stocking
inventory, and opening for business. Accomplishing all of this within one year is an
ambitious schedule during normal times and the current pandemic and has created
unforeseen obstacles and other complications for cannabis operators working towards
opening. Staff believes current circumstances would render enforcement of the current
expiration provisions inequitable and counterproductive to economic recovery, COVID-19
business support, and efficient use of staff time and resources.
In light of the intertwined relationship between cannabis land use entitlements and
building permits and the activation requirements of a cannabis operator's permit, staff is
recommending an additional three-month (twelve months total) suspension of the
enforcement of the activation requirements and an extension of currently issued
operator's permits to align with the existing building permit extensions previously provided
(and recommended to be affirmed and continued) to other projects in the City. The
relevant code section of which staff recommends suspension of enforcement, and action
to extend current permits, is as follows:
D. Duration and Activation of Permit. Each commercial cannabis operator permit
issued pursuant to this chapter shall expire twelve months after the date of its
activation. The permittee may apply for renewal prior to expiration in accordance
with this chapter. Each commercial cannabis operator permit must be activated
within twelve months of issuance. The permit is activated by the issuance of a use
Page 1170 of 1185
Item 6c
permit for the commercial cannabis activity pursuant to Section 17.86.080,
together with all other applicable city permits and state licenses, and the
commercial cannabis operator thereafter opening and continuously operating the
commercial cannabis activity. Failure to timely activate the permit shall be deemed
abandonment of the permit and the permit shall automatically lapse. (Ord. 1673 §§
1, 2 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 1647 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2018)
The resolution affirmatively extends the permits for an additional three months.
Extension of Authority to Continue OPEN SLO Program allowing continued
outdoor public space expansion for temporary COVID-19 business support and
recovery and for continued mitigation against and preparation for impacts of
COVID-19 variants and increased seasonal risks of spread.
Throughout the pandemic the Council has taken several quick response actions to create
safe outdoor spaces and support our business community and residents through various
stages of COVID related closures and restrictions. One of the most significant packages
of actions was the authorization of the OPEN SLO program, approved in March 2021 via
Resolution 11232. Given the positive progression of the state, but also the continuing
existence of unpredictable variables that could negatively affect that progression, staff is
recommending the temporary continuation of the OPEN SLO Program, with continuing
authority for the City Manager to temporarily suspend enforcement of certain code
provisions (e.g., sign and private parking regulations) for the duration of the temporary
program. The temporary continuation will also provide time for staff to provide Council
with an evaluation of potential longer -term implementations of some of the components
of the program that have proven popular and will help to build community resiliency going
forward. Staff will bring forward an agenda item on Council's July 16 agenda to review
options and receive Council direction.
Extension of discretionary approvals and building permit applications.
On June 2, 2020, the City Council adopted the 2020- 21 Financial Plan supplement with
a singular, integrated Meta City Goal — Economic Recovery. One of the near- term actions
identified was an extension of entitlements so that they would not expire during the
pandemic, causing delays in the economic recovery effort that could result in business
closures and lost revenue opportunities for both businesses and City operations.
On June 16, 2020, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 11131, authorizing extension
of City discretionary approvals and building permit applications due to the Covid- 19
pandemic. Then, on March 16, 2021, City Council adopted Resolution
No. 11231 which superseded the original resolution and extended the life of all
discretionary approvals further. Resolution No. 11231 extended the term of all active City
planning entitlements for an additional six months, extended the life of all commercial
cannabis business operator permits for an additional three months, and extended the life
of all building permit applications by an additional six months.
Page 1171 of 1185
Item 6c
The current resolution affirms and continues extensions to facilitate economic recovery
and process efficiency for both the development community and City staff.
Continue suspension of use permit and other requirements for the or expansion of
safe parking programs within the City and extend Community Development
Director approval authority for new safe parking sites for six month following the
end of the declared local emergency.
On August 18, 2020, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 11149 affirming the actions
of the Emergency Services Director by ESD Proclamation No. 5, which was adopted on
August 7, 2020. Through the two actions, the City found that emergency measures were
necessary to support and facilitate the expansion of safe parking facilities for unhoused
persons in order to minimize exposure to the elements that compromise health, to
minimize risks of sustained close contact and congregation to mitigate transmission of
COVID-19, and to advance social distancing and personal hygiene protocols necessary
to prevent or minimize the spread of COVID-19 and protect the public health, safety,
welfare and economic security of the citizens of San Luis Obispo.
The prior Council action suspended requirements of Chapter17.86 of the Municipal Code
and any and all provisions of any other code provision or use permit, entitlement or
contract issued to any current homeless or supportive services provider permitted or
contracted with the City of San Luis Obispo to the extent that such provisions would
otherwise limit or prevent the expansion of safe parking facilities within the City, until such
time as the declared City, County and State emergency declarations are terminated or
such other time as may be determined by order of the Emergency Services Director or
City Council. The prior action also established requirements for the Community
Development Director to approve establishment of new safe parking locations upon
review and approval of an application submitted by a new non-profit community partner.
Given the ongoing nature of the economic impacts of the pandemic and uncertainty
regarding vaccination rates, variants and seasonal impacts of COVID-19, staff
recommends continuing the prior actions to allow for expansion and establishment of new
safe parking sites for a period of six months after the termination of the local emergency
proclamation.
The City has currently authorized and funded one expanded site at Railroad Square in
partnership with the City's only current safe parking services provider CAPSLO. While
the site has not been fully utilized, the City Homeless Response Manager is currently
working with providers and members of the unhoused community to identify and minimize
barriers to utilization and the flexibility to quickly expand successful shelter and service
models will be helpful to the success of the City's objectives to move unhoused persons
into shelter and services in a timely manner responsive to diverse needs.
Page 1172 of 1185
Item 6c
Conclude City Manager authority to use FY 2018-19 Unassigned Fund Balance
On March 17, 2021, Council adopted Resolution giving the City Manager authority to use
FY 2018-19 Unassigned Fund Balance above required reserved levels to address
emerging public safety and economic support needs of the community related to COVID-
19. As we progress toward full reopening and greater stability in managing the pandemic
and its impacts, staff is recommending that the authority granted be terminated and that
the City revert to fiscal management and spending practices consistent otherwise
applicable City financial management policies.
Previous Council or Advisory Body Action
Throughout the course of the pandemic, the City Manager/Emergency Services Director
enacted six Emergency Proclamations, the substance of which was ultimately affirmed
as part of comprehensive Council emergency actions, including more than twenty
Emergency Resolutions and Ordinances related to COVID-19. The specific actions
relevant to the current resolution are outlined above related to each of the subject areas
of the resolution.
Policy Context
All of the actions recommended herein are consistent with the Council's adopted Major
City Goals, are reflected in the work programs associated with Council's goals and are
supported by funding in the recently approved 2021-23 Financial Plan and 2021-22
Budget.
Public Engagement
Public engagement has been ongoing via business, association, resident, employee and
visitor outreach and surveys regarding support needs and service levels throughout the
pandemic. As the City transitions and begins to evaluate longer term projects, policies
and public, health, safety, and economic support activities, more proactive and directed
outreach consistent with existing public engagement policies will be conducted and
provided to the Council as part of its evaluation and direction on future activities.
CONCURRENCE
The Deputy City Manager, City Attorney and Cannabis Program Coordinator concur with
this recommendation.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
As a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the City of San Luis Obispo
proposes to continue a temporary program to use the right-of-way, sidewalks and streets
to help create continued opportunities for social distancing during the first few phases
(stages) of reopening consistent with the State's Resilience Roadmap.
Page 1173 of 1185
Item 6c
The actions proposed were initiated and are proposed to continue under the City's
emergency and general police powers to provide for residents the health and wellness
benefits of being outdoors and to support businesses and customers with enough space
to safely physically distance as the State and County move toward optimal vaccination
rates, monitor the emergence of variants, and monitor transmission rates into the Fall and
Winter months. The proposed project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as follows:
A. The project is statutorily exempt under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15269
(Emergency Projects), because the temporary program includes specific actions
that would allow for safe physical distancing and support continued progression
through the pandemic consistent with the State's Resilience Roadmap and County
and State Guidelines in order to mitigate the COVID-19 public health emergency
and the potential for resurgence.
B. The project is categorically exempt under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301
(Existing Facilities) because the actions identified in the program are limited to the
permitting, leasing, and minor alteration of existing public facilities, including
existing streets, sidewalks, bicycle and pedestrian trails, which would not result in
the creation of additional automobile lanes. The program would result in a
negligible expansion of existing commercial uses and a negligible expansion of the
public's use of City right-of-way, as the uses included in the temporary program
would not vary from the current uses of commercial businesses, residential areas,
or public access within the City's right-of-way.
FISCAL IMPACT
The adoption of the Resolution will have no
contemplated pursuant to the Resolution have
Plan or will be brought forward for separate
analysis.
ALTERNATIVES
fiscal impact and actions authorized or
been included in the 2021-23 Financial
Council consideration with a full fiscal
Do not adopt the Resolution. This action is not recommended because the current
Council actions are documented throughout multiple prior resolutions making tracking
and clarity of Council direction difficult.
2. Provide direction to staff regarding modifications to the Resolution.
ATTACHMENTS
A — Draft Resolution consolidating and aligning prior Council emergency actions with
recently revised State Orders
Page 1174 of 1185
RESOLUTION NO. (2021 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, CONSOLIDATING AND ALIGNING PRIOR
COUNCIL EMERGENCY ACTIONS WITH RECENTLY REVISED STATE
ORDERS, AND CONTINUING CERTAIN PRIOR ACTIONS TO SUPPORT
CONTINUED PROTECTIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY AND
WELFARE, AS WELL AS ECONOMIC RECOVERY
WHEREAS, on March 4, 2020, the Governor proclaimed a State of
Emergency to exist in California as a result of the threat of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, on March 17, 2020, the City Council adopted Resolution 11099
proclaiming a local emergency and has thereafter affirmed and continued its
proclamation of local emergency to extend through the duration of the declared State
and/or County proclamations of emergency; and
WHEREAS, since March 2020, the State of California and both the City and
County of San Luis Obispo have taken a series of actions to reduce the spread, and
mitigate the impacts, of COVID-19, limiting harm and loss of life in our community;
and
WHEREAS, as a result of the effective actions taken, as well as the
successful and ongoing distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, California is turning a
corner in its fight against COVID-19 and cases and hospitalization rates in San Luis
Obispo are continuing a relatively low trend at present; and
WHEREAS, on June 11, 2021, the Governor of the State of California issued
Executive Order N-07-21, which formally rescinded the Stay -at -Home Order
(Executive Order N-33-20, issued on March 19, 2020), as well as the framework for
a gradual, risk -based reopening of the economy (Executive Order N-60-20, issued
on May 4, 2020); and
WHEREAS, in light of the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic in
California, the State has rolled back certain provisions of the Governor's COVID-
19-related Executive Orders; and
WHEREAS, certain provisions of those COVID-19 related Executive Orders
have been deemed to remain necessary to continue to help California respond to,
recover from, and mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the City
intends to align and act in accordance with those continuing COVID-19 related
Executive Orders to the extent applicable to the City's operations in order to
maintain clarity and consistency for the public; and
IV
Page 1175 of 1185
Resolution No. (2021 Series) Page 2
WHEREAS, the City has, through its emergency and general police powers,
implemented various programs to support the safe conduct of business and leisure
activities in the City and to facilitate the economic recovery of the community and its
residents from the impacts of COVID-19;
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that COVID-19 presents a continuing threat
to the health and economic wellbeing of the residents of San Luis Obispo because
the Country, State, City and County have not yet reached optimal vaccination rates
to fully protect against community spread of COVID-19, variants are emerging in the
State and the likelihood of spread remains a concern as we enter the Fall and Winter
months; and the City Council further finds that continuation of certain of those
programs enacted pursuant to its emergency authority remain important to advance
the health, safety and welfare of San Luis Obispo, mitigate the continuing risks and
effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and support economic recovery.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. All recitals set forth above, and all recitals included in support of
Federal, State, and County actions referenced herein, are adopted as though fully set
forth herein as findings in support of this Resolution; and
SECTION 2. There is a continuing emergency related to the pandemic COVID-19
as declared by the Governor of the State of California via Executive Order N-08-21 and
the City Council finds that a concurrent local emergency continues to exist in the City
resulting from continuing low level case and hospitalization rates related to the pandemic
of COVID- 19, and vaccination rates that are not at levels to achieve "herd immunity" to
protect against the peril of increased spread related to emerging variants and the potential
for a seasonal spike in the Fall and Winter, which, absent continuation of preventative
measures, and in the absence of widespread vaccination, is still deemed to present an
imminent threat beyond the control of normal protective service, personnel, equipment,
and facilities of and within the City; and
SECTION 3. Partial termination of Safety Enhancement Zone. The Citywide
Safety Enhancement Zone previously declared pursuant to Resolution 11106 (2020
Series) for all Municipal Code violations specified in Section 9.22.02013 is hereby
terminated and the penalty for such violations shall be as otherwise provided by the
Municipal Code and related Administrative Guidelines; except that violations of any State
or County Public Health or other State or County Order or directive related to the COVID-
19 emergency, whether now existing or subsequently adopted, shall remain subject to
immediate penalties not to exceed $1,000 for the duration of the declared emergency, as
expressly set forth by ordinance in Section 9.22.020B of the Municipal Code, and nothing
herein shall be interpreted to suspend or otherwise affect enforcement or penalties
consistent therewith.
IV
Page 1176 of 1185
Resolution No. (2021 Series) Page 3
SECTION 4. Cannabis Business Operator Permit Extensions. Due to the
severe economic impacts of COVID-19 and its impacts on scheduling, inspection and
construction of projects in the City, and in order to prevent situations where cannabis
operators must restart the discretionary review process and further delay the opening of
previously approved businesses due to the need to reapply for permits or request
individual extensions, and to prevent unnecessary distraction of staff focus and resources
away from continued support of COVID-19 recovery and continued public health and
safety compliance measures to prevent the resurgence of COVID-19 within the City, the
Council deems it in the best interest of public health and safety to suspend enforcement
of Section 9.10.070 D of the Municipal Code and reaffirm and continue certain prior
actions taken related to the continuing existence of a local emergency and economic
recovery as set forth in Resolution 11231 (2020 Series), as follows:
A. Extend the life of all currently issued commercial cannabis business operator
permits by a fixed period of twelve months from the original expiration date. If
any operator' s permit currently issued is not activated and expires or is
deemed abandoned at the conclusion of the extension period specified herein,
the City shall open a subsequent application period for any retail storefront
permits made available as the result of the expiration or abandonment, during
which any previously permitted applicant may follow the established process to
submit a new application, which shall be evaluated at the same time and in
accordance with the same process for the applications of any new applicants
who may submit applications during the open application period.
SECTION 5. Continuation of OPEN SLO Pilot Program. In order to support the
continued safe re -opening of restaurants and other businesses in a manner that will
facilitate ongoing outdoor alternatives while vaccination efforts continue, variants emerge
and fall and winter approach, presenting an increased risk of resurgence of COVID-19
spread, the City Council hereby directs and authorizes the City Manager to continue the
OPEN SLO program at least until the termination of the proclamation of local emergency
and for such additional period of time, not to exceed one year from the termination of the
proclamation of local emergency, as is necessary to accomplish a safe of orderly
transition to preexisting regulations and/or the implementation of revised long term
programs to support emergency resiliency and economic recovery. Temporary programs
expressly authorized herein shall include the following six strategies that may be used
independently or in combination, along with continued implementation of the Sidewalk
Dining Ordinance, as outlined below:
A. Six Strategies Identified in the OPEN SLO Pilot Program:
1. Changes to traffic flow, including "Quick -build" improvements toward
alignment with the Downtown Concept Plan.
2. Short-term street closures, including short-term road closures in the
Downtown and in other areas of the City to facilitate safely distanced
pedestrian circulation, expanded outdoor dining, and customer queuing,
pickup and waiting areas associated with permitted business activities.
IV
Page 1177 of 1185
Resolution No. (2021 Series) Page 4
3. Conversion of selected on -street parking spaces to outdoor dining space or
other pedestrian uses (parklets), with consideration for at least one
installation outside of the downtown; use of the parklet may include:
i. Public sidewalk. No improvements other than rail and aesthetic
treatments, to create space for safely distanced pedestrian
movement and customer queuing, pickup, and waiting areas
associated with permitted business activities.
ii. Table and Chair. Utilized by one or more businesses under the City's
"Table & Chair" permit process and designated for exclusive use of
the business, which may include appropriate signage (meaning no
more than 15 square feet per outdoor area).
iii. Sidewalk Cafe. Designated parklet for exclusive use by one business
under the City's Sidewalk Cafe permit process.
4. Temporary use of private and public parking lots for expansion of
commercial uses. The City Manager is authorized to suspend current off-
street parking in order to permit selected spaces in private parking lots to
be converted to seating or expanded retail space. The City could also permit
use of spaces in public parking lots through the Sidewalk Cafes Ordinance.
5. Conversion of Mission Plaza at set days and times for community and
economic
recovery support uses, including tables and chairs for `to -go' dining, space
for outdoor retail booths, art and culture pop -ups, which may include the
closure of the Broad Street `dog -leg' and/or sections of Monterey Street.
6. Pop -ups to encourage and support additional ideas for outdoor space such
as:
i. Develop guidelines and allow use of parts of the sidewalk for
signage, merchandise and queueing, where adequate sidewalk
width exists consistent with disabled access requirements and public
safety.
ii. Develop guidelines and allow for pavement painting and planter box
projects initiated by neighborhoods to slow traffic, create painted
bulb -outs or other pedestrian -friendly adaptations.
iii. Support `traveling' arts and culture events where exhibits or
exhibitions are allowed on public spaces for visitors to stroll by.
iv. Have designated staff available and a clear process to streamline
review and approval of uses to ensure conformity with access and
public health and safety regulations.
B. Support Expansion of Sidewalk Dining in Support of Social Distancing through
application of the existing Sidewalk Dining Ordinance. For purposes of the
temporary program support and only for such period of time as such temporary
program remains in effect, the following Sections of Chapter 5.50, Sidewalk
Cafes, of the Municipal Code shall be interpreted and applied as follows:
IV
Page 1178 of 1185
Resolution No. (2021 Series) Page 5
5.50.015: Permits Required.
The encroachment permit process shall be used for the purpose of evaluating,
establishing conditions applicable to, and approving all requests for revocable
sidewalk cafes permits, and tables and chairs permits, while the temporary
program is in place.
5.50.020: Architectural review.
The Community Development Director shall use discretion conferred by this
section to process permit requests without a separate application for
architectural review and without public notice as may be otherwise specified by
section 5.50.035 or other City policy, unless required by state law.
5.50.030: Fees.
Fees associated with administrative approval of permits under this chapter for
permits shall be suspended, while the temporary program is in place. Any
program recommended for implementation that includes permanent or long-
term use of public property shall include an appropriate fee schedule related to
the use for recommendation for Council approval.
5.50.045.C: Required Operational Standards (Parking).
No additional parking will be required for permits approved under this chapter
while the temporary program is in place
5.50.045.G: (Umbrellas, Awnings, Festoon Lighting and Street Furniture)
Community Development Director may allow great flexibility with respect to the
design and appearance of outdoor furniture , barriers and Festoon Lighting,
consistent with standards for the protection of public health and safety and
subject to the approval of the City Engineer and/or Building Official.
5.50.050.A: Terms and expiration.
Sidewalk cafe permits approved while the temporary program is in place will
not be approved for an unlimited term and shall specify an automatic expiration
date, unless subsequently renewed
5.50.060.A: Revocation or Suspension of Permit
For the duration of the temporary program, the City retains the right to revoke
or suspend the permit upon twenty-four hours' notice to the sidewalk cafe
operator for any cause, regardless of conformance with the provisions of the
Sidewalk Dining Ordinance.
17.70.100.F.1: Lighting and Night Sky Preservation Exemptions
IV
Page 1179 of 1185
Resolution No. (2021 Series) Page 6
Low -intensity outdoor or festoon lighting fixtures used for architectural
decoration may be installed without Architectural Review, provided it shall not
otherwise create a nuisance or hazard for passing motorists, pedestrians,
cyclists or other modes of transportation, subject to the approval of the City
Engineer and/or Building Official.
C. Upon recommendation by the Community Development Director, the City
Manager may authorize suspension of enforcement of certain regulations as
set forth below to facilitate the operation of the temporary program, solely for
the duration of the temporary program:
1. Sign Regulations
a. Sections 15.40.200 (Exempt Signs), subsections H (Temporary Window
Signs) and
b. L (Temporary Signs in Non -Residential zones).
c. Section 15.40.470 (Sign Standards by Sign Type), subsection I. [A -
Frame (Sandwich Board) Signs].
d. For the time period specified above, any permitting requirements for the
types of
e. Signs specified in this Resolution, as set forth in Section 15.40.500 of
the Sign Regulations herein also may be suspended.
D. Parking Regulations (as to uses and activities on private properties only)
a. Section 17.72.020 A (Requirements by Type of Use)
b. Section 17.72.020 C (Parking Calculations), as applied to existing uses
only, and only to expressly exclude any temporary use of space on
private property for safe outdoor use purposes during the period of
suspension from parking calculations requirements for the property.
E. No facility, structure or improvement may be erected, constructed or placed
in the City Right of Way without the express written approval of the City
Engineer and nothing herein is intended to or shall be interpreted to convey
any vested right in or to the continued use or occupation of public or private
property permitted, allowed or suffered by the City pursuant to the temporary
program herein.
F. Continuing Enforcement of Conditions or Activities Posing a Threat to Public
Health, Safety or Welfare; Continued Enforcement of Permit Requirements for
Electrical, Plumbing, or Structural Components or Appurtenances and
Encroachments into Public Right of Way. Nothing herein is intended to or shall
be deemed to relieve any person from the obligation to obtain, or prohibit code
enforcement for failure to obtain, any permits that would otherwise be required
under state law, the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, or building and safety
codes adopted thereunder, including but not limited to:
Permits otherwise required for electrical, plumbing, or structural work
performed within the City.
IV
Page 1180 of 1185
Resolution No. (2021 Series) Page 7
2. Encroachment permits required for structures, uses and/or activities within
the public right of way, which may be issued at no cost by the City to
facilitate physical distancing and the reopening of businesses.
G. Nothing herein is intended to or shall permit or allow the erection or placement
of any permanent or temporary structure or improvement, on public or private
property in violation of any state or federal accessibility law, including the
Americans With Disabilities Act, or to prohibit or suspend code enforcement
action deemed necessary by the Chief Building Official, the City Engineer or
any other authorized enforcement official of the City, to remedy or abate: a
dangerous condition or activity; any activity presenting an imminent threat of
harm to the health, safety or welfare of the community; any violation of state or
federal accessibility law; or any unauthorized activity on private property or in
the public right of way.
H. Notwithstanding any other City policy or procedure, the City Engineer shall be
authorized to review and approve on behalf of the City any and all design and
construction necessary as part of the temporary program herein and the City
Manager shall be authorized to allow and accept on behalf of the City any and
all donations of time, materials, labor, professional services and/or funds in
support of the temporary program herein without further action of the City
Council.
SECTION 6. Extension of discretionary approvals and building permit
applications. Due to the severe economic impacts of COVID-19 and its impacts on
scheduling, inspection and construction of projects in the City, and in order to prevent
situations where developers or contractors need to restart the discretionary review
process or delay previously approved construction projects due to the need to reapply for
permits or request individual extensions, and to prevent unnecessary distraction of staff
focus and resources away from continued support of COVID-19 recovery and continued
public health and safety compliance measures to prevent the resurgence of COVID-19
within the City, the Council finds it in the best interest of public health and safety and
hereby reaffirms and continues certain prior actions taken related to the continuing
existence of a local emergency and economic recovery as set forth in Resolution 11232
(2021 Series), as follows:
A. Toll the expiration of all discretionary approvals covered by Municipal Code
Section 17.104.070 from the declaration of the pandemic emergency
(beginning January 27, 2020) until the termination of local emergency
proclamations.
IV
Page 1181 of 1185
Resolution No. (2021 Series) Page 8
B. Automatically extend the life of all discretionary approvals existing as of the
date of the termination of the local emergency and covered by Municipal Code
Section 17.104.070 by an additional one and a half years (18 months) after the
termination of the declared local emergency.
C. Automatically extend the life of all active building permit applications by one
year, as authorized by California Building Code Section 105.3.2.
SECTION 7. Continued Suspension of Safe Parking Requirements
Expansion. A Pursuant to the City's authority under California Constitution Article XI,
Section 7 to make and enforce within its limits all local, police, sanitary, and other
ordinances and regulations necessary for the protection of the City; the City of San Luis
Obispo Charter; and Chapter 2.24 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, the City
Council hereby directs the extension of emergency measures as follows to support and
facilitate the expansion of safe parking facilities for unhoused persons in order to minimize
exposure to the elements and risks of transmission of COVID-19 and protect the public
health, safety, welfare and economic security of the citizens of San Luis Obispo:
A. Requirements Suspended. Any and all provisions of the San Luis Obispo
Municipal Code, Chapter 17.86, and any and all provisions of any other
currently applicable code provision or use permit, entitlement or contract issued
to any current homeless or supportive services provider permitted by or
contracted with the City of San Luis Obispo , are hereby suspended to the
extent that such provisions would otherwise limit or prevent the expansion by
such party of safe parking facilities within the City, until 180 days following the
end of the declared City, County and State emergency declarations, or such
other time as may be determined by order of the Emergency Services Director
or City Council, subject to the requirements and restrictions set forth herein
B. Requirements for the temporary expansion of the 40 Prado Road Safe
Parking Program (City Conditional Use Permit #USE-0413-2014).
1. The Community Development Director is hereby authorized, upon written
request, to administratively allow for the temporary expansion of the existing
permitted operation for Safe Parking located at 40 Prado Road at that
location or at any other location authorized by the City Manager within the
City of San Luis Obispo if the Community Development Director determines
that the expansion is consistent with the purpose and intent of San Luis
Obispo Municipal Code Section 17.86.230.
2. If the operators of Safe Parking at 40 Prado Road wish to maintain the
establishment or expansion of a Safe Parking location after the period
authorized by this Resolution, any such operator shall submit the
appropriate Planning Application to the Community Development
Department for processing in accordance with otherwise applicable city
regulations for issuance of a use permit or modification to an existing permit.
Any limitations or new conditions of approval that result from the review
process shall be implemented following approval of the permit modification.
IV
Page 1182 of 1185
Resolution No. (2021 Series) Page 9
C. Requirements for the establishment of new Safe Parking locations.
1. The Community Development Director is hereby authorized to immediately
allow for the establishment and operation of new Safe Parking locations by
the City and/or third party non-profit partner, upon submittal of a complete
Planning Application for a Conditional Use Permit demonstrating
compliance with the performance standards required by SLOMC Section
17.86.230.E.1 as may be required to normally establish Safe Parking at the
proposed location.
2. The Community Development Department will process the new application
through the normal course of review for the permit application submitted.
Upon approval of the Safe Parking permit, all conditions of approval shall
be applied to the use. If a Conditional Use Permit is not approved within 120
days of the date of the application, then the Safe Parking use shall cease.
D. Operations in violation. In the event that the Safe Parking site is operated in
violation of any requirement established for the temporary operation and such
violation is not remedied as directed by the City, the Community Development
Director may notify the operator in writing that the temporary operation
authorization is terminated; and, upon receipt of said notice, the operator shall
terminate operations and return the site to its original condition within 10 days
of receipt of said notice.
SECTION 8. Financial Management Authority. The authority granted to the City
Manager by Resolution No. 11117 (2020 Series) to use FY 2018-19 Unassigned Fund
Balance above required reserve levels is hereby ended and practices shall be conducted
in accordance with generally applicable financial policies upon adoption of the Resolution.
SECTION 9. All existing orders of the State Public Health Officer, the Governor,
the San Luis Obispo County Emergency Services Director, Public Health Officer, and the
County Board of Supervisors as currently in effect and as subsequently clarified,
amended, modified or superseded by subsequent action of any of those parties are
hereby expressly acknowledged and declared to be enforceable within the City of San
Luis Obispo as if directly enacted by the City Council pursuant to San Luis Obispo
Municipal Code Chapter 2.24 and shall be enforceable under Municipal Code 2.24.100
until such time as any such order(s) is terminated by the issuing authority.
SECTION 10. The City's proclamation of local emergency shall be deemed to
continue to exist until it is terminated by the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
pursuant to a resolution adopted by the City Council of the City San Luis Obispo or its
Emergency Services Director but shall continue at least until such time as the State
proclamation of emergency is terminated by the Governor.
IV
Page 1183 of 1185
Resolution No. (2021 Series) Page 10
SECTION 11. The City has been undertaking, and will continue through cessation
of this emergency to undertake, necessary measures and incur necessary and
extraordinary costs, which are directly related to the prevention of the spread of the
COVID-19 Virus and are taken in furtherance of: the Secretary of Health and Human
Services' determination that a public health emergency has existed since January 27,
2020; the Governor's Proclamation of a State of Emergency for the State of California on
March 4, 2020; the President of the United States' Declaration of a National Emergency
on March 13, 2020; the County of San Luis Obispo Emergency Services Director's
Proclamation of Local Emergency and the County Public Health Director's Declaration of
a Public Health Emergency on March 13, 2020; the City Council's Proclamation of Local
Emergency on March 17, 2020 and subsequent proclamations of continuing local
emergency and related orders, regulations and directives of each of those parties.
SECTION 12. During the existence of said local emergency, the powers, functions,
and duties of the Emergency Services Director and the Emergency Organization of this
City shall be those prescribed by state law, ordinances, and resolutions of this City and
by the City of San Luis Obispo Emergency Operations Plan, notwithstanding otherwise
applicable procedures, timelines or methods of action and the Emergency Services
Director is expressly authorized to take any and all actions in furtherance of emergency
powers to address the local emergency.
SECTION 13. This resolution supersedes all prior Council Emergency Resolutions
and Emergency Services Proclamations related to the COVID-19 pandemic adopted by
the City Council between March 16, 2021, and the date of this resolution.
SECTION 14. Environmental Review. As a result of the COVID-19 public health
emergency, the City of San Luis Obispo proposes to continue a temporary program to
use the right-of-way, sidewalks, and streets to help create continued opportunities for
social distancing during the first few phases (stages) of reopening consistent with the
State's Resilience Roadmap. The actions proposed were initiated and are proposed to
continue under the City's emergency and general police powers to provide for residents
the health and wellness benefits of being outdoors and to support businesses and
customers with enough space to safely physically distance as the State and County move
toward optimal vaccination rates, monitor the emergence of variants, and monitor
transmission rates into the Fall and Winter months. The proposed project is exempt from
environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act as follows:
A. The project is statutorily exempt under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15269
(Emergency Projects), because the temporary program includes specific
actions that would allow for safe physical distancing and support continued
progression through the pandemic consistent with the State's Resilience
Roadmap and County and State Guidelines in order to mitigate the COVID-19
public health emergency and the potential for resurgence.
B. The project is categorically exempt under State CEQA Guidelines Section
15301 (Existing Facilities) because the actions identified in the program are
limited to the permitting, leasing, and minor alteration of existing public facilities,
including existing streets, sidewalks, bicycle, and pedestrian trails, which would
not result in the creation of additional automobile lanes. The program would
IV
Page 1184 of 1185
Resolution No. (2021 Series)
Page 11
result in a negligible expansion of existing commercial uses and a negligible
expansion of the public's use of City right-of-way, as the uses included in the
temporary program would not vary from the current uses of commercial
businesses, residential areas, or public access within the City's right-of-way.
SECTION 15. A copy of this Resolution shall be posted in the kiosk outside of City
Hall of the City of San Luis Obispo and on the outside doors of the City Clerk's office and
personnel of the City of San Luis Obispo shall endeavor to make copies of this order and
regulation available to the news media.
Upon motion of Council Member
, and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this day of
ATTEST:
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM-
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
, seconded by Council Member
2021.
Mayor Heidi Harmon
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the
City of San Luis Obispo, California, on
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
IV
Page 1185 of 1185
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Council Recommendation
Receive staff presentation and provide
preliminary direction to staff to guide long-term
program and policy development for the
potential continuation of Open SLO program
activities.
Background
■ May 22, 2020: Council approved initiation of "Open SLO"
■ Program developed based on recommendations of volunteer
committee of local business representatives, urban designers,
Councilmember Pease and City staff
■ Primary Objectives:
1. Support physical distancing and public health/safety of all
residents, visitors and employees
2. Support economic recovery of local businesses
3. Provide for safe flow of all modes of transportation using
"quick -build" strategies
4. Deploy pilot program with potential for long-term expansion
of outdoor dining and street activations
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Initial Pilot Program Strategies
Pilot Program Successes
1. Provided opportunities for community members and
visitors to shop, dine, and be active while physically
distancing responsibly
2. Helped dozens local businesses stay open, keep staff
employed, continue economic recovery
3. Unique opportunity to "test" elements in City's long-
term plans (Downtown Concept Plan, ATP) to activate
public spaces
Parklets
Higuera Street Complete Street (3 to 2 lanes)
Mission Plaza Activation
Zig-Zag Cafe Lighting
Monterey Bike/Art Plaza Public Art
Pilot Program Successes
Local
v. Non -Local Visitation I Year -Over -Year
by
Month
Downtown 5LO YOY Visitation Comparison by Visitor Type: Jan. 2019 - May 2021
■Uoc VW% ■Nim-uural+1*tts OPEN SLO PROGRAM
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IMPLEMEIVTATON
RETURN TO
BEGINS SUMMER 2020
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■ Date Ranize:
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Arrivalict Vi5ii Mgdel
Challenges & Areas for Improvement
1. Concerns for on -street parking loss
2. Quality of parklet appearances &lack of use at some locations
3. Nuisance issues with parklets and sidewalk dining:
Less sidewalk clearances
Cleanliness of parklets and gutters
Compliance issues with outdoor gas heaters, extension
cords, umbrella heights
4. Downtown commercial loading
5. Equality of Opportunity — Not all businesses directly benefit
from outdoor dining, nor is this feasible at all businesses
depending on site constraints
6. Downtown Farmer's Market Impacts
Community Online Survey
■ Conducted June 7-17, 2021
■ Shared with all business license email addresses
■ Shared w/ City News, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown SLO, local
news
■ 7,125 responses received (539 representing a downtown businesses)
■ 70% respondents were SLO City residents
■ 20% respondents represent a local business
■ 86 respondents say they have a current parklet or sidewalk dining
permit
Other Open SLO Activities Not
Prioritized in Study Session
■ Mission Plaza Activation
■ Outdoor Sign Regulations
■Quick -Build Complete Streets Projects
Downtown Dine-Otjt in Minninn F
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Primary Focus Areas for Study Session
A. Parklets within Public Streets
B. Sidewalk Dining
C. Outdoor Dining in Private Parking Lots
D. Monterey Street Configuration
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A. Parklets
Pre-Covid:
■ No parklet program
Current Pilot Program:
■Installation of more than 40 temporary
parklets (apx. 30 still remain)
■Approved via no -fee encroachment permit
■City installed low-cost basic template,
encouraged upgrades or custom installs by
private businesses
A. Parklets
Long -Term Options:
Option 1: Discontinue parklet program,
remove existing parklets at end of pilot
Option 2: Develop long-term parklet
program
A. Parklets
Option 1: Discontinue Parklet Program
Pros:
■ Restores on -street parking & Farmer's Market vendor
space
■ Maintains parking revenue & reduce City costs
■ Eliminates risk of potential vehicle encroachment
■ Supports economic recovery beyond pilot program
Cons:
■ Less space for outdoor signing
■ Less opportunity to activate public realm
■ Inconsistent with goals of DT Concept Plan, ATP, GP
A. Parklets
Option 2: Develop Long -Term Parklet Program
Pros:
■ More opportunities for outdoor dining, improves activation and vitality of the
public realm
■ Supports ongoing economic recovery
■ Parklets can have a traffic calming effect
■ Supports policies of DT Concept Plan, ATP, General Plan
Cons:
■ Reduces on -street parking supply & creates challenges with street construction
■ Increased cost for City (direct & staffing) to administer; loss of parking revenue
■ Impacts to commercial loading space, more vehicle loading in travel lanes &
bike lanes
■ Some risk of vehicle encroachment/collisions
■ Inequal opportunity/benefit for all businesses, depending on type and location
■ Limits Farmer's Market vendor stalls (and revenue)
A. Parklets
Key Program/Policy Considerations
■ Public vs. Private Space
■Activation/Utilization of Space
■ Public vs. Private Costs
■ Equality of Benefit/Opportunity
■ Design Standards &Aesthetics
■ Application &Approval Process
A. Parklets
Example Permanent Parklet Programs in Peer Cities:
For all listed cities, sponsor assumes all maintenance,
insurance, and construction cost. Parklets must include
some public use.
■ Los Angeles: One time fee of $273. Some private use
allowed but must retain a bench or other public seating.
■ San Francisco: One time fee $3,000. Private use
allowed but must retain some public use during business
hours.
■ Pismo Beach: Annual fee of $1,825. One time
encroachment and building permit of $1090.
Parklets
Community Online Survey Results
■ 83% support permanent parklets
■ Among business representatives
■ All businesses citywide: 23% support permanent parklets
■ Businesses w/ temporary parklets: 83% support
■ Cost Sharing:
■ Of businesses currently participating in pilot parklet program:
23% not willing to pay anything to retain parklets
31 % willing to pay $1,000-$2,000 annually to retain parklet
30% willing to pay $5,000-$10,000 annually to retain parklet
• excenam
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7
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� .pear
Parklets
Community Online Survey Results
Key Themes from Survey Comments:
■ General support for some form of permanent parklets, but concerns
with parking loss and need for participating businesses to pay fair
share for use of right-of-way
■ Desire for higher quality design of parklets that are to remain
■ Concerns from non -restaurant businesses about benefits of parklet
program to all business types.
■ Concerns from adjacent businesses/property owners about parklets
that extend into neighboring frontages
■ Level of activation, cleanliness, street sweeping
• excenam
� od
7
� Poer
� .pear
A. Parklets
Potential Next Steps
Option 1: Remove parklets at end of pilot program
Option 2: Develop Long -Term Program
■ Develop framework for parklet program & policies (program
guide, design standards, process, Muni Code updates)
■ Conduct community & business outreach w/ draft program &
policy recommendations
■ Confirm strategies to address fiscal impact to Parking Fund
■ Return to Advisory Bodies & Council for final consideration and
approval
B. Sidewalk Dining
Pre-Covid:
■ Sidewalk Dining Program via encroachment permit
Sidewalk Cafe Permit — Barrier w/ table service &
alcohol sales
Tables & Chairs Permit — No more than 3 small
2-person tables, no table service or alcohol
■ Requires maintaining 8' minimum clear sidewalk
width for any installations
■ Sidewalk Cafe Fee = $12/sqft. annually
■ Tables &Chairs Fee = $0
0
Jininc
ft
B. Sidewalk Dining
Current Pilot Program:
■More flexible standards applied with no -fee
encroachment permits
■Allowed min. 5'continuous sidewalk width w/
4'pinch points (minimum ADA clearance)
■ No limit on number or size of tables as long
as sidewalk clearances met
■ No restrictions on table service, alcohol sales
(if approved by ABC)
B. Sidewalk Dining
Long -Term Options:
Option 1: Return to pre-COVID policies
following pilot program
Option 2: Amend existing Sidewalk Dining
policies with more flexible standards to
facilitate more sidewalk dining
opportunities
B. Sidewalk Dining
Option 1: Return to pre-COVID policies
Pros:
■ Retains wider sidewalk clearances (8')
■ No staff time needed to update policies
Cons:
■Sidewalk dining remains infeasible in most areas
of the City
■ Limits opportunity for outdoor dining for
businesses not eligible for parklets
B. Sidewalk Dining
Option 2: More Sidewalk Dining w/ Narrower
Clearances
Pros:
■ More opportunities for outdoor dining, adds to
vibrancy of public realm
■ Helps additional businesses with economic recovery
■ Does not affect street parking or parking revenues;
little staffing resources/cost needed to update
current policies
Cons:
■ Narrower sidewalk cl
pedestrian circulation
earances, more "friction" for
■ ADA concerns if businesses are actively managing
their equipment responsibly
B. Sidewalk Dining
Key Program/Policy Considerations
Consistency with Circulation Element and
City Engineering Standards (Pedestrian
LOS)
■ Balancing Private vs. Public Space
■ Equality of Opportunity
Community Online Survey Results
Support for Sidewalk Dining?
■ 60% willing to accept narrower sidewalks to
accommodate sidewalk dining
Poor
r
B. Sidewalk Dining
Potential Next Steps
Option 1: Return to pre-COVID policies
Option 2: More Sidewalk Dining with Narrower
Sidewalk Clearances
■Draft updates to muni code, City Engineering
Standards
■ Conduct policy conformity analysis for
Pedestrian Level of Service —May require
formal Council action to accept LOS deficiencies
with widths <8 feet (or GP Amendment)
C. Outdoor Dining in Private Parking Lots
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C. Outdoor Dining in Private Parking Lots
Pre-Covid:
■ Off-street parking needs to be consistent with
Zoning Regulations and/or approved site plan
■Use of parking area for other uses approved for
temporary events. Permanent expansion
through formal development review approval
Current Pilot Program:
■Suspended enforcement of off-street parking
requirements, as long as no safety/ADA impacts
C. Outdoor Dining in Private Parking Lots
Long -Term Options:
Option 1: Return to pre-COVID policies.
Option 2: Develop policies/regulations to
allow more long-term outdoor dining in
private parking lots
C. Outdoor Dining in Private Parking Lots
Option 1: Return to pre-COVID policies
Pros:
■ Retains off-street parking supply; less potential for
parking spillover to adjacent streets/properties
■ Less risk of vehicle collisions with outdoor dining
■ Require little staffing resources to update policies
Cans--
■ Less opportunity for economic recovery beyond pilot
■ Less opportunity for outdoor dining
C. Outdoor Dining in Private Parking Lots
Option 2: Develop Policies for More Outdoor Dinin in
Private Parkinq Lots
Pros:
■ Could assist with economic recovery beyond pilot program
■ More opportunity for community to enjoy outdoor dining
Cons:
■ Less parking for patrons, potential for parking spillover during
times of peak demand
■ Requires special focus on safety with design of outdoor dining
areas
■ Additional staffing resources may be needed to develop and
administer program, which may shift focus from other priorities
C. Outdoor Dining in Private Parking Lots
Key Program/Policy Considerations
■ Policies changes will require updates to
Municipal Code
■ Policies need to ensure that conversion of
private parking lots does not affect ADA
compliance
■ Policies need to consider potential for parking
spillover off -site to other properties/streets
■Will more flexible off-street parking requirements
benefit all types of businesses
C. Outdoor Dining in Private Parking Lots
Potential Next Steps
Option 1: Return to pre-COVID policies
Option 2: Develop Policies to Allow More
Outdoor Dining in Private Parking Lots
■ Develop policy framework and draft
amendments to City Muni Code
■Present draft policy updates to relevant advisory
bodies and City Council for consideration
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r
D. Monterey Street Configuration
Pre-Covid:
■ Two-lane, two-way street with on -street parking and
commercial loading
Current Pilot Program:
■ Converted to one -lane, one-way westbound. Existing
parking and loading preserved on westbound half of
street.
■ Eastbound half of street closed to car traffic. Allows
expanded outdoor dining area, eastbound bike lane,
commercial loading/curbside pickup and the
Monterey Street Bike/Art Plaza
D. Monterey Street Configuration
Long -Term Options:
Option 1: Return to pre-COVID two-way
configuration
Option 2: Retain with current one-way
configuration with aesthetic enhancements
Option 3: Explore pedestrianized or "car -
light" configuration, limiting vehicle access
to local delivery & emergency vehicles
D. Monterey Street Configuration
Option 1: Return to pre-COVID Configuration
Pros:
■ Restores intuitive two-way traffic circulation, parking and
commercial loading to pre-COVID configuration
■ Could still allow outdoor dining within parklets in parking lane
■ Lower cost compared to other options
■ Least amount of change, less staff effort to implement
Cons:
■ Limits space for outdoor dining
■ Requires elimination of Bike/Art Plaza
■ Less opportunity for vibrant, pedestrian environment as
envisioned in Downtown Concept Plan
D. Monterey Street Configuration
Option 2: Retain in Current One -Way Configuration w/ Aesthetic
Enhancements
Pros:
■ Preserves large area for outdoor dining
■ Opportunity for additional enhancements of public space (public
seating/parklet, planters and landscaping, public art/street murals)
■ Shortens ped crossing distance/exposure
Cons:
■ Permanent loss of apx. 7 metered parking stalls
■ Less intuitive one-way circulation for drivers, shifts vehicle traffic to
parallel streets
■ Requires additional analysis, policy review and potential GP
Amendment to approve permanent one-way configuration
D. Monterey Street Configuration
Option 3: Pedestrianize or "Car -Light" Street
Pros:
■ Preserves large area for outdoor dining
■ Significant opportunity for creative enhancements (public seating, planter
boxes & landscaping, area for murals or other art installations)
■ Builds of concepts in Downtown Concept Plan, creating extension of
Mission Plaza pedestrian zone
■ Retains Monterey Street Bike/Art Plaza
Cons:
■ Permanent loss of 10 metered parking stalls
■ Less intuitive access for drivers. Shifts traffic to parallel streets.
■ Requires traffic analysis, policy development, potential GP Amendment,
focused outreach/coordination with property owners & businesses
■ Access management challenges
■ Requires more significant funding for permanent conversion
•re
ter_
Monterey Street Option 3 Examples
Mission Plaza & Monterey Street Pedestrian Plaza/'Woonerf'
SLO Downtown Concept Plan
•
Dntion 3 Examd
•rel Fro
F
D. Monterey Street Configuration
Key Program/Policy Considerations
■ Option 2 & 3 - Potential perception of inequal opportunity
for large outdoor dining expansion compared to other
businesses
■ Option 2 & 3 - Permanent changes have not been
thoroughly vetted with adjacent businesses and property
owners. Will required focused outreach and coordination
before developing more detailed recommendations
■ Planning, design and implementation of more significant
street modifications difficult w/ current staffing/funding
obligations, would require analysis of trade-offs and
shifting priorities
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Community Online Survey Results
50%
Pedestrianized
or "Car -Light"
Street
OPINIONS ON MONTEREY STREET
CONFIGURATION
45%
13%
Retain as one- Return to two-
way way
4%
mini
No preference
3% 1%
Elio,
Unsure / Don't Other
know
D. Monterey Street Configuration
Potential Next Steps
Option 1: Return to pre-COVID 2-Way Street
■ Remove outdoor dining & Bike Plaza out of travel lanes, restore
signage/striping to original configuration
Option 2: Retain as Current One -Way Config OR Option 3:
Pedestrianized "Car -Light" Street
■ Conduct traffic analysis to evaluate potential off -site impacts
■ Focused community outreach
■ Prepare draft policy updates & GP Amendment, if needed
■ Develop concept designs for permanent upgrades, identify
funding needs
Proposed Transition Plan from Pilot
to Permanent Programs
1. July 2021 —Winter 2022
Continue to monitor pilot program
Refine pilot and address nuisance concerns
Long-term policy/program development
2. Winter/Spring 2022
Present long-term policy/program recommendations to
Advisory Bodies & City Council for potential adoption
Work with businesses to transition to long-term program
I July 2022
Terminate pilot program; full implementation and
enforcement of permanent program/policies
Focus Areas for Discussion
A) Parklets
B) Sidewalk Dining
C) Outdoor Dining in Private Parking Lots
D) Monterey Street Configuration & Focused
Implementation of Downtown Concept Plan & Mission
Plaza Concept Plans
Questions for Discussion
1. Does Council want to continue with a
permanent parklet program?
2. If so, should all or some parklets be open to
use by the general public in lieu of reserving
the spaces for exclusive use by private
business or some combination of both?
Questions for Discussion
3. Does Council support stringent parklet
design standards that encourage a uniform
appearance, or more flexibility that still allows for
unique designs as long as they meet min
standards for safety and appearance?
4. In general, what type of fee structure
would Council like to propose for parklets?
Should fees be implemented gradually over
several years?
(TotalCitY Cost is"' $6,000 per parking stall annually)
Questions for Discussion
5. What level of notification and
communication should be provided to
adjacent businesses & property owners
prior to approval?
6. Should the City provide any funding support
(i.e. grants to fund parklet upgrades)?
Questions for Discussion
1. Does Council support amending the current
regulations to allow more potential for
sidewalk dining, even if it results in narrower
sidewalk clearances?
2. Does Council want to allow restaurant table
service in sidewalk dining areas with tables
& chairs permits? If so, should the City
charge a use fee?
Questions `,r Discussion
1. Does Council support developing a process
to allow expansion of outdoor dining areas
in private parking lots even if minimum
parking requirements cannot be met by
doing so?
2. What
sort of
design
guidelines does Council
want
applied
to this
use if
it is allowed to
continue?
Questions for Discussion
1. What general street configuration would
Council like staff to evaluate further for
Monterey St between Morro to Chorro?
• Return to two-way
• Retain as one-way
• Convert to pedestrianized/"car-1ight" street
Questions for Discussion
2. If Council wants to continue to focus on the
block of Monterey St. (Morro to Chorro) for
permanent pedestrian ization or " car -light"
reconfiguration, should this expand to
include the Mission Plaza and Broad Street
"Dog Leg" with implementation of the
Downtown Concept Plan and Mission Plaza
Concept Plan?
Questions for Discussion
2. A. If Council wants to pursue a larger
pedestrian ization effort, should staff begin
project planning efforts for the 2023-25
Financial Plan?
2. B. If the Council wants to pursue an
accelerated pedestrian ization effort, does
Council want a CIP request for this effort with
tradeoffs brought for consideration at the Mid -
Year Budget Review (February 2022)?
Questions for Discussion
3. If Council directs staff to pursue either of the
increased pedestrian ization efforts (retain
as one-way or full pedestrian ization), what
design elements are important to the
Council (i.e. maximize outdoor dining
space, provide public space/seating,
addition of public art/murals, addition of
more landscaping, etc.)?