City Council – August 16, 2022
Walk on WilshireOutdoor Dining Options
1 Background – WOW
In 2020, the City temporarily relaxed outdoor dining regulations and standards to support businesses that were heavily impacted by the COVID19 restrictions.
City Manager’s Office led an initiative to close a segment of Wilshire Avenue to provide more available dining opportunities for the patrons dining in Fullerton.
In March 2022, Council approved to end temporary outdoor dining, include WOW effective September 30, 2022.
As the City transitions from temporary deployments, staff recommends all outdoor dining on WOW comply with Federal, State, and local requirements. This will reduce City liability and ensure businesses comply with accessibility, safety, design, and maintenance standards. 2 Background - Wilshire Bike Boulevard
In 2018, the City applied federal grant funds to construct various active transportation improvements along the Wilshire Avenue corridor. The improvements included pavement rehabilitation, traffic circles, and Class III bike route appropriate signing/striping.
The City is obligated to maintain said improvements and designation until federal financial interest in the grant expires (approximately 10-years after install).
OCTA was consulted during the initial closure and signs were installed instructing cyclists to walk bikes on sidewalk throughout WOW.
The Bike Boulevard element was temporary reintroduced and subsequently removed in early 2022. 3 Public Disposition
City received several communications from residents and patrons expressing support of continuing WOW as well as public comments at City Council meetings.
In July 2022 Community & Economic Development Department met with WOW business owners. There is a strong interest and support to continue outdoor dining on WOW as a pilot.
In July 2022 an update to the Active Transportation Committee was scheduled; however, canceled due to lack of quorum. In previous communication with ATC, they support continued outdoor dining; however, request the bike boulevard be reactivated down the middle of the street.
In August 2022, Transportation & Circulation Commission expressed support of continued closure of Wilshire Avenue and continuation of WOW as a pilot. 4 Proposal
Activate an 18-month parklet pilot on WOW.
Continue street closure
Propose improved barriers at the end caps
Modify signing/striping and signal operations
Require businesses to complete the Standard Outdoor Dining application process, include execution of an encroachment agreement Participating business would be required to construct approved parklets by December 31, 2022 Require businesses to pay Outdoor Dining lease fees.
18-month pilot would be effective January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 What is a Parklet?
A parklet is a sidewalk extension that provides more space and amenities for people using the street. Usually, parklets are installed on parking lanes and use several parking spaces. Parklets typically extend out from the sidewalk at the level of the sidewalk to the width of the adjacent parking space. 5 WOW Parklet Guidelines
6 Draft parklet guidelines prepared for consideration
Pictures are examples from other cities
Bike & Fire Department Access
7 Recommendation
Provide direction to staff related to WOW Outdoor Dining with one of the following options:
1. Ratify termination of the temporary outdoor dining program on WOW effective September 30, 2022.
OR
2. Authorize a parklet pilot program through June 30, 2024, for Walk on Wilshire by:
Approving an 18-month parklet pilot program for WOW businesses effective January 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, which includes bike element; and Continuing Wilshire Avenue street closure (approximately 200-feet west of Harbor Boulevard); and.
Continuing the WOW temporary outdoor dining program to December 31, 2022 for participants applying for the parklet pilot program; and Approving Walk on Wilshire Parklet Guidelines and authorizing administrative authority for the Public Works Director to approve minor changes as necessary 8 Questions?
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