TITLE
Recommendation to request City Attorney to prepare an ordinance amending Title 14 of the Long Beach Municipal Code (Streets and Sidewalks) to streamline the permitting process for temporary installations related to sidewalk dining and parklets within the City's right-of-way. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Long Beach Municipal Code (LBMC) Chapter 14.14 has governed the process for the design, permitting, and development of areas within the public right-of-way for dining or other purposes. With the increase of interest in utilizing the public right-of-way, it is important that the LBMC be updated to include all pertinent information associated with these requests. Clear guidelines and standards will assist both the business community, as well as staff, in implementing this use in an effective and efficient manner. It is recommended that a new information/guidance handbook be provided to interested businesses; as well as, amending Title 14 of the LBMC to improve efficiency of the process.
Sidewalk dining and parklets improve and activate streets with pedestrian experience, increase public spaces, support local businesses, and elevate the attractiveness of the public rights-of-way. Sidewalk dining repurposes the sidewalk into extensions of eateries where food may be served while parklets repurpose part of the street next to the sidewalk into a public space for seating, planting, bicycle parking, and art.
On January 16, 2018, the City Council directed the City Manager to report back regarding the current program and municipal codes related to parklets in Long Beach. Staff worked in collaboration with Long Beach Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) to review and refine the parklet program. The major focus was shortening the time for review and approval and ensuring projects met certain standards for safety and design. The recommended changes to Title 14 of the LBMC define and clarify the permissible uses for public property and the rules and guidelines pertaining ...
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