CITY OF PACIFICA
OUTDOOR COMMERCIAL PERMIT GUIDELINES
The City of Pacifica has established a program to allow existing commercial businesses an opportunity to extend their operations outdoors, including in the public right of way. All terms are as defined in Pacifica Municipal Code section 9-4.5201 and all regulations pertaining to Outdoor Commercial Permits are provided in Pacifica Municipal Code section 9-4.2500 et seq. and should be reviewed in conjunction with these Guidelines.
I. General standards
A. The designated outdoor commercial area cannot impede the flow of curbside drainage.
B. Structures and parklets plans shall be prepared by Licensed B or C-5 Contractor, built to approved plans by a general contractor, have a California Registered Structural or Civil Engineer certification
C. Space underneath and surrounding structures, parklets, or furniture shall be kept clean and shall be maintained free of debris and obstruction to allow for proper drainage.
D. Space heaters are permitted if they are an outdoor approved type, are located in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, and are located at least 10 feet from the edge of any umbrella canvas, any tree foliage, and any other combustible materials. Approved portable fire extinguishers complying with the California Fire Code shall be in place and accessible within 75 feet travel distance.
E. All wiring and electrical cords must be exterior rated, GFCI protected, and UL listed. Cords shall not extend above the City right‐of way. Permittees are not allowed to tap into existing City electrical connections. Electrical cables and extension cords shall be placed in a manner that does not create a tripping hazard.
F. All development must meet the California Building Code and any construction necessary to conduct the outdoor commercial use must obtain a building permit from the City of Pacifica when applicable.
G. Designated outdoor commercial areas shall be kept in a safe and clean condition at all times, free of debris, grime, and graffiti, and all landscaping shall be kept in good health or replaced as necessary.
H. All outdoor Furniture (tables, chairs, umbrellas, planters, fencing, etc.) shall be maintained in clean and working order. Furniture must be heavy enough to withstand high winds in order to protect guests and pedestrians. Furniture shall be stored inside or secured to prevent use during non-operation hours of the business sponsor. All furnishings may need to be stored inside the business from time to time to accommodate maintenance, cleaning, special events, or during periods of inclement or hazardous weather. Weights used to anchor fixtures and furnishings shall not create tripping hazards for pedestrians.
II. Additional standards for a designated outdoor commercial area in the parking lane of a public right-of-way
A. The designated outdoor commercial areas must be a defined space separating the space for pedestrians from bicyclists and vehicular traffic. These requirements include:
1. Perimeter wall or rail must be 3 feet minimum and 42 inches maximum height and must not obstruct views of traffic.
2. Perimeter wall or parklet ends and corners must be capable of withstanding 500 pounds of horizontal force. Confirmation of these requirements must be provided by a certified structural engineer.
3. Additional street side platform or wall reinforcement capable of withstanding 500 pounds of horizontal force must be placed a minimum of every 15 feet
4. Parking stops and reflective delineators must be placed at the traffic flow side of the Perimeter wall or parklet. Parking stop may not be required if perimeter wall or parklet is directly adjacent to sidewalk “bulb-out”.
B. If not proposing a parklet, the designated outdoor commercial areas in the parking lane of a public right-of-way can utilize the existing road. Painting the road, poured concrete, or loose particles such as sand or stone are not permitted.
C. Parklets shall meet the following Parklet Standards
1. Platform surface materials should be textured or treated with a non-skid coating to ensure a safe walking surface.
2. Paneled decking is preferred as it allows for easy access under the deck if needed.
3. Parklet floor load-bearing weight minimum is 100 pounds per square foot.
4. The deck of a parklet platform shall be flush with the sidewalk without a horizontal or vertical separation greater than ½ inch. Vertical separation between the deck of the parklet platform and the sidewalk shall be between ¼ inch and ½ inch high shall be beveled with a slope not steeper than 1:4 (25%).
5. Bolting into the street or penetrating the surface of the road in anyway is prohibited. Bolts may penetrate the joint of the curb and sidewalk.
6. The parklet shall be an open design that allows for pedestrians on either side of the street to see into the parklet. Continuous opaque walls are not permitted.
7. The parklet should be designed as an extension of the sidewalk and should have multiple points of entry.
8. The design should include planting areas that utilize native, drought-tolerant plants.
Plantings can be used to discourage seating in areas such as the tops of walls.
9. Parklets and plantings shall be maintained in good condition, free of graffiti and litter.
Elements that are visually or structurally degraded shall be replaced expeditiously.
10. Overhead elements shall provide a minimum vertical clearance of 84” above the top of the platform. Structures shall have a maximum height of 108” (8.5’) as measured from the top of the platform.
11. There shall be no electrical fixtures or features within the parklet. Lighting may originate from the associated business and shall not shine into the street or otherwise interfere with vehicular travel. Battery or solar powered lighting elements are permitted within the designated open space area. Parklets must be illuminated to ensure safety but shall not cause glare for surrounding businesses or residents.
12. A six-inch wide minimum clear gutter space must be provided along the entire length of the parklet adjacent to the curb. Barrier adjacent to vehicle lane should incorporate two, sixinch clearance paths. (See Figure 1) Figure 1
Overhead View Side View
III. Additional standards for a designated outdoor commercial area on the sidewalk of a public rightof-way A. No structures or parklet shall be placed on the sidewalk.
B. Furniture may be placed within the designated outdoor commercial areas.
C. A minimum width of 4 feet shall be maintained along the sidewalk. No Furniture shall be placed or allowed to remain on any sidewalk that inhibits the minimum 4-foot passage.
D. Movable delineating barriers such as a fence or planters not more than 42 inches in height shall be placed to separate the designated sidewalk outdoor commercial area and furniture from the 4-foot sidewalk passageway.
IV. Additional standards for a designated outdoor commercial area on Private Property A. The designated outdoor commercial area cannot impede the flow of onsite drainage. Built facilities shall provide for proper drainage.
B. The designated outdoor commercial area must remain outside of necessary emergency vehicle access lanes.
C. Parklets on private property shall meet the applicable Parklet Standards listed in Section II.C, above.
D. Designated outdoor commercial areas on private off-street parking areas must have a defined space separating the space from vehicular traffic. These requirements include:
1. Perimeter wall or rail must be 3 feet minimum and 42 inches maximum height and must not obstruct views of vehicles.
2. Perimeter wall or parklet ends and corners must be capable of withstanding 500 pounds of horizontal force. Confirmation of these requirements must be provided by a certified structural engineer.
3. Additional street side platform or wall reinforcement capable of withstanding 500 pounds of horizontal force must be placed a minimum of every 15 feet