The parklets have created some challenges. Main Street’s ambiance is key to supporting the unique small business environment. Thus, poor maintenance of some parklets has generated ongoing complaints. City staff has spent a substantial amount of time, particularly over the summer, working with parklet owners to improve the condition of their dining areas. Other Main Street businesses have also suggested the loss of parking spaces reduces convenience and impacts their business clientele.
Parklet owners generally support outdoor dining and have expressed that the extension of dining parklets is important to their success. While restrictions on indoor dining ended more than a year ago, many people still prefer to eat outdoors, some for health and safety reasons, and others simply to enjoy the weather. The Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce has expressed support for parklets, and has initiated outreach efforts to help keep the parklets looking clean and maintained.
Next Steps
Pandemic-driven parklets have been in Seal Beach for approximately two years, and it is time to evaluate options for the immediate future. Many cities have reached the same conclusion, and are in various stages of either eliminating or reinventing their parklet programs. At this time, staff is seeking input from the City Council on continuation of the parklet program. If the City Council would like to continue the use of parklets for outdoor dining, staff has done a significant amount of research and recommends the following parameters.
General Program Expectations:
The new program will be authorized through January 1, 2024. The street-based, temporary parklets will be replaced with raised platform structures, level with the adjacent sidewalk. All parklet structures, railings, and furnishings must meet design standards established by the City. Potted landscaping may be required. All costs of construction and maintenance will be the sole responsibility of the parklet owner. Parklet owners would be given 60 days to commence parklet conversion.
Parklets may be established:
(1) Within parking spaces, occupying a maximum of 3 parking spaces for angled or straight-in spaces or 2 for parallel spaces, regardless of parklet location.
(2) At least 10 feet from any intersection/street corner.
Participating Businesses:
(1) Must be open for at least two standard meal services (breakfast, lunch, dinner) six days per week.
(2) May partner with a neighbor to fulfill meal service requirements and share the parklet.
(3) Must provide parklet seating for a minimum of 6 persons per parking space used.
(4) Must be in good standing with the City, with a current business license and no outstanding code enforcement citations.
(5) Must maintain minimum insurance requirements.
The cost of constructing a three parking space parklet is anticipated to be a minimum of $15,000. Staff has also reviewed some available pre-fabricated parklet models, and found pricing to be similar. At a minimum, applicants would also be solely responsible for inspection costs.
Staff is also proposing that all food and beverage businesses be eligible to apply for the new parklet program, not solely businesses with existing parklets. In discussing with other cities that have transitioned to a more permanent parklet program, staff is expecting to see a decrease in the number of parklets due to the up-front investment cost. However, staff is proposing limiting the number of Main Street parking spaces to no more than 43 spaces, or 25 percent of the inventory (173 spaces inclusive of the parallel spaces on Ocean Avenue immediately north and south of Main Street). The original request to the Coastal Commission in 2020 was a waiver for approximately 44 spaces, and the Coastal Commission has stated that AB 61 constitutes an extension of COVID-related waivers and does not grant changes. Currently, parklets occupy 37 parking spaces.
The City Council may also want to consider a mitigation fee to fund small projects or services for the Main Street area. Other cities have implemented different costs for parklets, including mitigation fees and encroachment permits. Under the City’s current fee schedule, an encroachment permit, plan check, and inspection fees are likely to run about $750, in addition to construction costs. The City of San Clemente additionally set a mitigation fee of $4 per square foot per month. With an average parking space size of about 150 square feet, and assuming 3 parking spaces are used, a $1 per square foot mitigation fee would run $450 per month.
The City of Long Beach performed a fee study to establish a sidewalk and parklet permit fee, which is a one-time cost of $1,375 plus inspection fees. They additionally require a deposit which is based on the estimated cost to remove the parklet, in the event the parklet is abandoned and the City must remove it.
At the Council’s direction, City staff will also initiate efforts with the Coastal Commission to obtain a coastal development permit to extend the life of the parklets after January 1, 2024. Thus, at this time, the Council can keep in mind that the parklet program continues to be temporary and can be modified again if a more permanent solution is achieved through a coastal development permit.
At this time, staff is seeking input from the City Council, and if so directed, can return with a full program including application, design standards, and mechanism for use of public spaces (e.g. encroachment permit, mitigation fee, etc.).
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
There is no environmental impact related to this discussion item.
LEGAL ANALYSIS:
No legal analysis is required for this item at this time.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact for this item.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
This item is not applicable to the Strategic Plan.
MEASURE BB:
This item is not applicable to Measure BB, the Seal Beach Neighborhood and Essential Services Protection Measure.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council discuss options and provide direction to staff.
SUBMITTED BY: NOTED AND APPROVED:
Alexa Smittle Jill R. Ingram
Alexa Smittle, Community
Development Director
Jill R. Ingram, City Manager
1 Gloria Harper
From: Alexa Smittle
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2022 5:39 PM
To: Gloria Harper; Dana Engstrom
Subject: FW: Parklets
Alexa Smittle
Community Development Director
(562) 431-2527, Ext. 1313
From: Samuel Funes <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, August 4, 2022 11:58 AM
To: Alexa Smittle <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Parklets
From: Donna Lynn Foster <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, August 04, 2022 9:41 AM
To: Community Development <[email protected]>
Subject: Parklets
Please keep the restaurant parklets in Seal Beach. They’re festive and welcoming and bring customers who spend taxable money.
Thank you.
D Foster
1 Gloria Harper
From: Alexa Smittle
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2022 5:39 PM
To: Gloria Harper; Dana Engstrom
Subject: FW: Parklets in Seal Beach
Alexa Smittle
Community Development Director
(562) 431-2527, Ext. 1313
-----Original Message-----
From: Samuel Funes <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, August 4, 2022 12:00 PM
To: Alexa Smittle <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Parklets in Seal Beach
-----Original Message-----
From: Emily Snider <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2022 4:20 PM
To: Community Development <[email protected]>
Subject: Parklets in Seal Beach
Hello. I recently heard that the parklets along Seal Beach Main st will no longer be there starting this fall.
I’m deeply saddened to hear this news and am writing on behalf of myself and many others in the community. This has been know as a place of gatherings, music, picnics, and wonderful memories throughout the 40+ years I’ve lived here. I’d like to ask if this decision is final and what the future plans are? Please consider leaving this beautiful space left as is. The community will be grateful. 1 Gloria Harper
From: Alexa Smittle
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2022 5:39 PM
To: Gloria Harper; Dana Engstrom
Subject: FW: Parklets, sidewalk use
Alexa Smittle
Community Development Director
(562) 431-2527, Ext. 1313
From: Samuel Funes <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, August 4, 2022 1:55 PM
To: Alexa Smittle <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Parklets, sidewalk use
From: Community Development <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 3, 2022 12:59 PM
To: Samuel Funes <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Parklets, sidewalk use
From: Jack Tankard <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2022 12:23 PM
To: Community Development <[email protected]>
Subject: Parklets, sidewalk use
I was born in Long Beach and never paid much attention to Seal Beach nor spent much time there. Why would I? Now I am asking myself the same question again. Recently I fell in love with your city thanks to Bogart's Music and Open mic nights. I discovered an incomparable atmosphere rich with culture in a cancelculture age. Now it seems like the city is intent on destroying this. Why dismantle the uniqueness you have that sets you apart from everyone else? Why not just build mini malls, if that's going to be your new image.
Sincerely,
Jack Tankard
1 Gloria Harper
From: Alexa Smittle
Sent: Tuesday, September 06, 2022 11:14 AM
To: Gloria Harper
Subject: FW: Please keep City of Seal Beach Parklets Main Street Alexa Smittle
Community Development Director
(562) 431-2527, Ext. 1313
From: Samuel Funes <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 6, 2022 10:25 AM
To: Alexa Smittle <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Please keep City of Seal Beach Parklets Main Street From: Community Development <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 6, 2022 8:24 AM
To: Samuel Funes <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Please keep City of Seal Beach Parklets Main Street From: Jacqueline Funk <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2022 5:44 PM
To: Community Development <[email protected]>
Subject: Please keep City of Seal Beach Parklets Main Street Hello,
Please keep the Parklets (outdoor dining areas) open on Main Street in the city of Seal Beach. We enjoy eating outdoors several times a week with our family members (especially those over 70 years of age). Dining outdoors on Main Street is enjoyable, unique and helps people feel comfortable when choosing to dine out during the pandemic.
Thank you,
Jacqueline Funk
[email protected]
1 Gloria Harper
From: Alexa Smittle
Sent: Tuesday, September 06, 2022 11:14 AM
To: Gloria Harper
Subject: FW: Parklets
Alexa Smittle
Community Development Director
(562) 431-2527, Ext. 1313
From: Samuel Funes <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 6, 2022 10:21 AM
To: Alexa Smittle <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Parklets
From: jennifer fraga <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 05, 2022 3:24 PM
To: Community Development <[email protected]>
Subject: Parklets
Hi there,
I am letting you know I am strongly am for keeping the parklets as part of our community.
Thank you,
30 year old town resident homeowner jennifer fraga
1 Gloria Harper
From: Alexa Smittle
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2022 5:38 PM
To: Gloria Harper; Dana Engstrom
Subject: FW: Parklets and Live Music on the sidewalk
Alexa Smittle
Community Development Director
(562) 431-2527, Ext. 1313
From: Samuel Funes <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, August 4, 2022 2:00 PM
To: Alexa Smittle <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Parklets and Live Music on the sidewalk
From: Ken Cinotto <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2022 11:47 AM
To: Community Development <[email protected]>
Subject: Parklets and Live Music on the sidewalk
I am writing to voice my opinion on 2 issues:
1) Live Music on the Sidewalks: I am a musician and have been playing at Bogart’s Coffee House on a weekly basis. As I understand the issue of blocking the sidewalk, but the live music and open mic nights at Bogarts brings business not only to Bogarts, but surrounding businesses. The people and community surrounding these live events brings business and pleasure to your lovely community. I do not know all the details on why live music cannot be on the sidewalks, but I would like to see it return.
2) Parklets: To add to my above statement, I think the businesses should have the option to keep the parklets. I think they are a great addition and provide more business to your community. I know parking is an issue. I lived in Belmont Shore for over 20 years. Parking is an issue in all beach communities. If you want to live in a beach community, deal with the parking or move somewhere else.
Thank you for taking my time. I love your community and wish to continue to support your local businesses.
Ken Cinotto
Long Beach Resident
1 Gloria Harper
From: Alexa Smittle
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2022 5:39 PM
To: Gloria Harper; Dana Engstrom
Subject: FW: parklets in Seal beach
Alexa Smittle
Community Development Director
(562) 431-2527, Ext. 1313
-----Original Message-----
From: Samuel Funes <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, August 4, 2022 1:55 PM
To: Alexa Smittle <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: parklets in Seal beach
-----Original Message-----
From: Community Development <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 3, 2022 12:59 PM
To: Samuel Funes <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: parklets in Seal beach
-----Original Message-----
From: LUCY ERDMAN <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2022 12:39 PM
To: Community Development <[email protected]>
Subject: parklets in Seal beach
I am a resident in Seal Beach Leisureworld and would like to see the parklets remain in the city.
Lucy
[email protected]
1 Gloria Harper
From: Schelly Sustarsic
Sent: Monday, September 12, 2022 2:42 PM
To: Gloria Harper
Cc: Dana Engstrom
Subject: FW: Meeting about the park lets
Gloria,
I received this email yesterday with comments about the Main Street parklets.
Thank you.
Schelly
-----Original Message-----
From: Renee Durslag <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2022 2:46 PM
To: Schelly Sustarsic <[email protected]>
Subject: Meeting about the park lets
Hi Shelly,
This is Renee from Evenmore salon. Unfortunately I won’t be in town tomorrow for the meeting.I would like to express my concern for my business.I have no storefront and it is really hurting my business.We have no parking and people getting drunk in front of my salon.The Restaurants have plenty of time to make up for their losses. Seal beach isn’t designed to have all this parking taken away. If you could help in anyway I would appreciate it!
Sincerely,
Renee Dremann
Evenmore salon
Sent from my iPhone
1 Gloria Harper
From: Alexa Smittle
Sent: Tuesday, September 06, 2022 11:14 AM
To: Gloria Harper
Subject: FW: parklets
Alexa Smittle
Community Development Director
(562) 431-2527, Ext. 1313
From: Samuel Funes <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 6, 2022 10:22 AM
To: Alexa Smittle <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: parklets
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 02, 2022 7:15 PM
To: Community Development <[email protected]>
Subject: parklets
Please keep the outdoor parklets available,,,,for the out side music events,,..in front of Bogarts coffeehouse,,, It is a vital community event & less exposure to covid air born risk. thank you
richard Marchetta
musician & event follower
1 Gloria Harper
Subject: FW: Please Keep the Parklets!
From: Samuel Funes <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, September 1, 2022 5:22 PM
To: Alexa Smittle <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Please Keep the Parklets!
From: stephanie toller negrete <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2022 5:19 PM
To: Community Development <[email protected]>
Subject: Please Keep the Parklets!
Hello Seal Beach City Friends!
I am writing in support of your awesome restaurant parklets that have allowed us to comfortably and safely dine in your fair city in covid times!
How fortunate we are to have such great weather that we can comfortably dine outside most days / evenings! - and it's great that you launched the parklet program to provide that space! I've heard through the grapevine that the parklets may be coming to an end, so I wanted to write in support of keeping the parklets in place!
Myself and a number of friends are still in an 'outdoor dining only' mode (for some due to compromised immune systems, for others, just a preference to avoid risk), so we have enjoyed the restaurants with parklets in and around Main Street countless times over the past couple years. And those restaurants would not have had our business if there wasn't outdoor dining space.
We've happily dined at Walt's Wharf, Avila's, Bogart's etc. (many many lunches / dinners / brunches etc!) - providing business for the restaurants when they've needed it after a rough patch, and tax dollars for the city.
Please keep the parklets in place so we may continue to patronize your awesome restaurants - and contribute to the city coffers!
Thanks -
Stephanie
Stephanie Toller Negrete
[email protected]
310 849 9665 (mobile)
1 Gloria Harper
From: Alexa Smittle
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2022 5:38 PM
To: Gloria Harper; Dana Engstrom
Subject: FW: Parklets on and around Main Street
Alexa Smittle
Community Development Director
(562) 431-2527, Ext. 1313
From: Samuel Funes <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 8, 2022 9:21 AM
To: Alexa Smittle <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Parklets on and around Main Street
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, August 06, 2022 1:36 PM
To: Community Development <[email protected]>
Subject: Parklets on and around Main Street
I am writing to you about the Parklets on and around Main Street. As someone who is in the “older age group” and immune compromised due to the need to take immune suppressant medication, the parklets and outdoor seating areas are the only way I can enjoy dining at a café or restaurant. My physician has strongly advised me against taking off my mask in indoor settings, which precludes dining indoors. Under the current situation with the parklets I am able to enjoy Main Street restaurants such as Katerina’s Café, Bogarts Coffee House, Jasvatini, Thai on Main to name a few. If you remove the parklets while there is still the risk of getting COVID from dining indoors, I will no longer be able to frequent most establishments on Main Street, as the majority of them do not have any other place to provide outdoor dining. I will no longer be able to support the restaurants on Main Street, which I can reach by walking, saving parking spots for those who come from further afield and I will have to dine in other cities which have chosen to retain outdoor dining options.
Susan Sleisnger
356 1st Street
Seal Beach CA 90740
OPTIONS FOR THE
PARKLET
PROGRAM
S E P T E M B E R 1 9 , 2 0 2 2
A BRIEF HISTORY
• Outdoor dining program created in June 2020
• 28 original parklets
• Most remaining parklets are on Main St
ASSEMBLY BILL 61
• Provides certain extensions for business relief measures • Allows parking reductions through January 1, 2024
• Coastal Commission has acknowledged bill and agreed to leave waivers in place
BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES
Challenges
• Loss of parking spaces
• Ensuring aesthetic and maintenance
• Code Enforcement and Finance
Benefits
• Outdoor dining options
• Stability for small businesses
CURRENT OPTIONS
• Remove parklets
• Continue program as it exists
• Modify program
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MODIFIED
PROGRAM
• Construction of raised-platform
parklets by restaurant owners
• Design guidelines and rules
• Minimum of 2 meal services per day
• Open applications to all food and
beverage establishments
• Maximum of 43 parking spaces on
Main St (and Ocean intersection)
• Extend until Jan 1, 2024
• Minimum seating counts
• Insurance requirements
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
• Permit structure – Encroachment, Mitigation or fees for service • Timing
• Pursue a Coastal Development Permit
• Design considerations/preferences
• Others?