1 Design Standards for Parklets
City of San Clemente 2026-2029
Parklet Standards
2 Standard Parklet Site Plans
The standard plans for angle-in and parallel parking configurations are attached as the final pages of these standards. All parklets are required to build their space to the specifications of these designs. Any deviations from these standards will require design review from the Design Review Subcommittee (DRSC) and the decision authority resides with the Planning Commission.
Dimensions
Angle-In Parking Spaces (i.e., Avenida Del Mar)
Parklets shall occupy a maximum of a portion of 3 angle-in parking spaces. See Site Plan for specifications.
The parklet dining deck area shall be no wider than 2 parking spaces. Dimensions of the parklet and parking spaces shall be called out on the plans. The residual area of the occupied parking spaces shall be dedicated to e-bike or golf cart parking.
The outdoor dining deck shall be directly in front of the business associated with the Parklet and shall not obstruct the frontage of another business.
Parklets shall not encroach into and interfere with use of adjoining sidewalk.
All parklets shall be designed to allow egress from vehicles that park in adjacent stalls. This is at least 2-feet in all areas except for the rear corners adjacent to the sidewalk. See Site Plan for specifications.
The business is responsible for maintaining a 3-foot “buffer zone” between the street and the dining deck for planters that are to provide traffic protection.
There shall be a minimum of 3 inches of clear space below and around the dining deck. To accommodate parklet cleaning, there shall be a baseboard that is removeable or a baseboard that incorporates a hidden hinge.
The deck surface may be a maximum of 12 inches above the ground. If necessary, decks may be stepped to follow the slope of the street to maintain this height limit.
Parallel Parking Spaces (i.e., Avenida Victoria)
Parklets shall occupy a maximum of 2 parking spaces. The parklets shall be squared-off on both sides. Dimensions of the parklet and parking spaces shall be called out on the plans. See Site Plan for specifications.
The outdoor dining deck shall be directly in front of the business associated with the Parklet and shall not obstruct the frontage of another business.
Parklets shall not encroach into and interfere with use of adjoining sidewalk.
All parklets shall be designed to allow egress from vehicles that park in adjacent stalls. This is at least 2-feet in all areas except for the rear corners adjacent to the sidewalk. See Site Plan for specifications.
The business is responsible for maintaining a 3-foot “buffer zone” between the street and the dining deck for planters that are to provide traffic protection.
There shall be a minimum of 3 inches of clear space below the dining deck. To accommodate parklet cleaning, there shall be a baseboard that is removeable or a baseboard that incorporates a hidden hinge.
The deck surface may be a maximum of 12 inches above the ground. If necessary, decks may be stepped to follow the slope of the street to maintain this height limit.
Parklets on Private Property
Parklets may be established on private property throughout the City in areas that do not obstruct required paths of travel and do not remove more than 2 parking spaces. Parklets on private property shall be subject to the design and standards required for parklets along Avenida Del Mar.
Buffer Zone
Each Parklet is required to provide a three (3) foot buffer zone between the public street and the Parklet. The 3-foot buffer zone shall be occupied by concrete planters as specified in the Limited Term Parking Relief Agreement. Planters must be spaced a minimum of 5 ft. on center, or a minimum of 4 for each Parklet. Plants shall be California Native and drought tolerant or succulents, where they must be kept in a healthy condition and are the responsibility of the business owner. These plants shall, when considered fully grown, be no taller than 18-inches above the planter. See Plant Palette for additional information.
Examples of Plants
Figure 1: Example of planter
Parklet Design & Aesthetics
Design Goal
The City desires to establish a complimentary parklet design that creates a cohesive street scene. The street-facing portions will require a consistent design that provides a clear delineation from traffic. The decks on Del Mar and other public areas will be built to the standard configuration referenced in this document.
Design, Materials, and Accessories
The following design standards were prepared in cooperation with the San Clemente Design Review Subcommittee (DRSC). These standards are to improve the design and aesthetics of parklets which intend to:
Reduce visual clutter.
Create a standardized street interface.
Improve safety and visibility.
Create a standardized parklet design.
Encourage low maintenance furniture, plants, and accessories.
Encourage dark sky friendly illumination.
5 Approved Barrier Materials
The 3-side perimeter barrier shall be constructed with Cedar or Douglas Fir with horizontal metal cable, see Figure 2. The height of the barrier shall be 36-inches. Spacing shall be 4-inches between non-structural portions of the barrier, including cables, so that police and visitors may maintain visibility into the areas behind the parklets.
Furniture
Outdoor dining areas should use simple patio furniture designs of high-quality materials. All furniture shall utilize a natural color palette consisting of either dark brown or black. Plastic or vinyl furniture is prohibited. 6 Figure 2: Example of Perimeter Barriers with Hex Color Code Figure 3: Example of Furniture
#6A5143
Figure 4: Example of Solar perimeter lighting and lighting within an umbrella . 7 Lighting
Lighting shall be down-ward facing and placed along barrier fencing or incorporated into umbrellas. Lights and fixtures must be concealed from public right-of-way view by barrier railings and umbrellas. Overhead lighting is not permitted. All lighting shall be white with a temperature rating of 3500k (warm white). Lighting shall be set on a timer, or manually controlled, to shut off after business hours. Parklets shall use solar or battery powered lighting. Cords across the public sidewalk are prohibited.
Bike Rack
Parklet operators shall incorporate a bike rack made of black powder-coated tubular steel or wrought iron within the residual parking space area. See Site Plan for specific location.
Figure 5: Examples of Bike Racks
Figure 6: Sample market umbrella with Hex color code and heaters.
Shade and heat
Each parklet may use a maximum of two umbrellas up to 7 ft. in height when measured from the top of the deck. The combined canopy coverage shall not exceed 90 square feet. Umbrellas shall be dark green, see Figure 6. Each parklet may use a maximum of two low-height (under 5 ft.) heaters. Propane shall be kept within the internal boundaries of the parklet, and not visible from the street or sidewalk. 8 Prohibited Elements
Pop-up tents
Overhead elements
Lattice (wood or plastic)
Plastic or vinyl fences, trellises, or furniture
Excessive decoration
Elevated string lighting
Tall walls, plants or other accessories over 5-feet in height Banner signs
Any other items exceeding the height of the barrier railing Storage of any items not in current use as part of the approved parklet operations. #2A4E43
Standard Parklet Site Plans
APPROVALS ARE TEMPORARY
10 The City of San Clemente reserves the right to remove parklets and clear the right-of-way at its sole discretion. Please contact the City at [email protected] for approval of your parklet. Once a parklet following the above standards is approved and construction is completed, contact the Planning Division to schedule a final inspection. At the conclusion of this program, parklets must be removed, and the parking and sidewalk areas must be restored to their original condition. If you have questions or need additional guidance, please send an email to [email protected].
Angle-In Parklet Dining Deck Options
Option A (with signs): three angle-in spaces, deck only occupies two spaces
Cont.
Option A (without signs): three angle-in spaces, deck only occupies two spaces
Cont.
Option B: two angle-in spaces (parallelogram)
Cont.
Option C: two angle-in spaces (soft? parallelogram)
Hidden Slides
Signs
The Parklet permittee, subject to written agreement of the two businesses with street frontage adjoining the parklet, shall provide a 1 ½’ by 2 ½’ sign that advertises the businesses’ name, trademark, or logo (if applicable). The sign shall utilize a Spanish framing design as shown in Figure 6. Signs shall be specifically identified and requested within the Parklet application and shall not require a separate Administrative Sign Permit.
DRSC Umbrellas
- Would like one post, large, umbrella
Your Name Here