2/8/2023
1 RiversideCA.gov
1 RiversideCA.gov
SIDEWALK CAFÉ PROGRAM AND EXTENSION
OF TEMPORARY OUTDOOR FLEX SPACE
PROGRAM
City Council
February 21, 2023
Public Works
RiversideCA.gov
2 BACKGROUND
Item Date Action
1 2/8/21 LUSR Committee provides preliminary feedback on a Request for Proposals to develop an Outdoor Dining Program
2 6/15/21
State reopens to full capacity, demand for Temporary Outdoor Flex Space program diminishes. City Counc il establishes a 30-day extension for flex spaces following the end of the Emergency Declaration, and a 120-day grace period to secure Entertainment Permits.
3 7/12/21 The City issued an RFP to establish an Outdoor Dining Program 4 9/27/21 Proposal received for Outdoor Dining RFP – cost exceeds approved budget
5 10/8/21 Governor signs SB 314, SB 389 and AB 61 – extending state level approvals associated with Outdoor Dining and to-go sale of alcohol. 6 6/13/22 &
11/14/22
Discussion of Outdoor Dining brought to LUSR, continued due to scheduling conflicts and brought directly to Council
1 2
2/8/2023
2 RiversideCA.gov
3 DISCUSSION: SIDEWALK CAFÉ PROGRAM
1. Outdoor dining promotes walkability, livability, safety, cleanliness, social interaction and adds visual interest to our public spaces
2. Outdoor dining builds community
resilience in the case of a future
emergency order.
3. It is in the City’s best interest to
provide a program to facilitate
outdoor dining with minimal barriers to participation.
RiversideCA.gov
4 DISCUSSION: SIDEWALK CAFÉ PROGRAM
1. Long term program to be called the “Sidewalk Café Program” – Category 1: Small-scale, waive
encroachment permit fees
– Category 2: City staff review
discussion and responsible for
$651.00 (one time) permit fees
2. Applies to outdoor dining areas in the
right of way, public plazas & pedestrian mall
DEPICTION OF OUTDOOR DINING FENCING, UMBRELLAS,
AND PLANTERS. IMAGE CREDIT: PEERLESS FENCE
3 4
2/8/2023
3 RiversideCA.gov
5 DISCUSSION: SIDEWALK CAFÉ PROGRAM
1. Special requirements apply to Sidewalk
Cafés on the Main Street Pedestrian Mall
& Public Plazas
a) No materials may be affixed to the plaza
or pedestrian mall
and must be condensed or removed with
24-hour notice (typical 72-hour notice
minimum to be provided)
b) May not extend further than 25 feet into
the mall or plaza
c) Require written permission from neighbors
d) May not obstruct emergency vehicle
pathways or excessively impact pedestrian
flow
SCREEN CAPTURES OF PEDESTRIAN MALL VIDEO ANALYSIS
RiversideCA.gov
6 DISCUSSION: TEMPORARY PROGRAM EXTENSION
1. June 15, 2021 - Council approved a 30-day
extension beyond Emergency Declaration with a
120-day Entertainment Permit grace period
2. State of CA extended temporary approvals for
outdoor dining one year beyond the Emergency
Declaration
3. Staff recommend a similar extension for active
Temporary Outdoor Flex Space permits (for
outdoor dining only), requiring an
interest/extension application to be submitted by
April 28, 2023, to minimize disruptions
5 6
2/8/2023
4 RiversideCA.gov
7 Strategic Priority 3 – Economic Opportunity
Goal 3.3 – Cultivate a business environment that welcomes innovation, entrepreneurship and investment.
Goal 3.4 – Collaborate with key partners to implement policies and programs that promote local business growth and ensure equitable opportunities for all
Cross-Cutting Threads
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
RiversideCA.gov
8 That the City Council:
1.Adopt a Resolution establishing a Sidewalk Café Program; and
2.Approve an Encroachment Permit fee waiver for Category 1 Sidewalk Café Program applicants; and
3.Approve an optional extension for restaurants operating a permitted Temporary Outdoor Flex Space for dining purposes.
RECOMMENDATIONS
7 8