Title
Resolution No. 20-22, To Allow Temporary Parklets in the Right-of-Way and Temporary Outdoor Dining and Retail in Private Parking Lots
Body
RECOMMENDED ACTION (Motion):
Staff recommends that the City Commission adopt proposed Resolution Number 20-22 approving guidelines and establishing an eighteen month pilot program for the installation of temporary sidewalk extensions, called "Parklets", within the City's right-of-way and outdoor dining and retail services in private parking lots.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City Commission directed staff to prepare a guide for the temporary use of parklets in the rights-of-way and outdoor dining/retail in private parking lots. Staff is now recommending the Commission adopt Resolution No. 20-22 to formally establish the Oregon City COVID-19 Recovery Assistance Program as a pilot program to occur for an eighteen (18) month period to begin July 2, 2020. Resolution No. 20-22 establishes the applicability, exceptions, and general requirements for the temporary use of this pilot program.
BACKGROUND:
On March 23, 2020, Governor Brown issued Executive Order 20-12, Stay Home, Save Lives, which closed non-essential businesses and severely limited others that were still able to remain open, including restaurants which prohibited on premises food consumption. Due to these social distancing measures, many have experienced loss of business, through reduction of sales and closures. On May 22, 2020, the Governor accepted Clackamas County's application to enter Phase 1 of Reopening Oregon, effective May 23, 2020.
On June 9, 2020, the City Commission considered developing a parklet and outdoor dining/retail services pilot program. Following this Work Session, the City Commission directed staff to further research and prepare a guide for the temporary use of parklets in the rights-of-way and outdoor dining/retail in private parking lots. Staff is now recommending Commission adopt Resolution No. 20-22 to formally establish the Oregon City COVID-19 Recovery Assistance Program (Program) as a pilot program to occur for an eighteen (18) month period to begin July 2, 2020. This Resolution establishes the applicability, exceptions, and general requirements for the temporary use of this pilot program.
Application:
All business owners are required to submit an application for a Parklet or Outdoor Dining/Retail Services permit. They must follow all applicable guidelines and design standards. Only one parklet in the right-of-way or up to 50% of private parking spaces will be allowed per business. All business must get approval from the property owner, adjacent business and/or Clackamas Fire District #1.
Location:
For parklets, eating and drinking establishments within the Mixed-Use Downtown (MUD) District and within a block of 7th Street (from Singer Hill Road to Jackson Street). For outdoor dining and retail services, business owners within City limits can use of up to half of a private parking lot for outdoor seating or retail use in an on-site parking lot adjacent to a business. All applicable land use planning standards set forth in OCMC Titles 15.28, 16 and 17 and engineering standards set forth in OCMC 12.04.120 and 12.04.130 shall be waived for the program term.
Fee:
During the pilot program, a fee of $25 each year will be charged for participation in this program. Resolution No. 20-22 waives all engineering and planning fees that otherwise would apply to a request to expand a business into the right-of-way or onto an established private parking lot.
Term:
This pilot program will be in effect for an eighteen (18) month period beginning July 2, 2020 and ending January 2, 2022. The program will be evaluated by the City Commission prior to March 15, 2021. However, parklets and outdoor dining/retail areas constructed in compliance with the provisions of the Program may be assembled from July 2, 2020 to November 30, 2020 and again from March 15, 2021 to November 30, 2021 during this pilot program.
This program facilitates a positive partnership between the public, Downtown Oregon City Association, Oregon City Chamber of Commerce, and the City to repurpose space designed for on-street parking and private parking spaces by safely building space for customer use. It is in accordance with the 2019-2021 Goals and Priorities Goal 3, Enhance the Livability of the Community, which is especially important during this time of uncertainty and ever-changing working and living conditions.
OPTIONS:
1. Approve Resolution No. 20-22.
2. Direct staff to make changes to the Resolution and/or standards and then continue to the July 15, 2020 City Commission meeting.
3. Deny Resolution No. 20-22