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REPORT <br />To the Honorable Mayor and City Council <br />From the City Manager <br /> <br />January 25, 2016 <br /> <br />SUBJECT <br />Continue the Pilot Program to authorize sidewalk cafes to be located in parking spaces <br />and increase the number of allowable extensions <br /> <br />RECOMMENDATION <br />Adopt a resolution continuing for twelve months the Pilot Program to authorize sidewalk <br />cafes to be located in adjacent parking spaces; authorizing the continuation of two <br />existing permits previously issued as part of the Pilot Program; and increasing the <br />number of allowable extensions <br /> <br />BACKGROUND <br /> <br />Many cities have sought to better utilize and activate downtown outdoor space by <br />allowing restaurants to use sidewalks and the adjacent parking spaces as outdoor <br />customer seating areas. Widening the sidewalk area into the adjacent parking space <br />enables an adjoining business to provide new or additional outdoor seating, while <br />reducing the impact on pedestrians to easily navigate sidewalk areas. Sidewalk <br />extensions are typically made of wood material, which is a less expensive and <br />permanent alternative than constructing new sidewalks. <br /> <br />On May 12, 2014, City Council adopted Resolution No. 15340 approving a City <br />Sidewalk Café Pilot Program. This program allowed for up to three sidewalk extensions <br />in the Downtown on a trial basis to run for six months. Since that time, there have been <br />two sidewalk extensions installed. The first installation occurred on Main Street in front <br />of the Tequila Lounge and has been lightly used. The second sidewalk extension was <br />installed in front of LV Mar on Broadway and has been very well utilized. <br /> <br />The initial time frame for the Pilot Program has expired. Given the popularity of the most <br />recently installed sidewalk extension, the City has been approached by several <br />business owners seeking to install a sidewalk extension for customer seating. Staff is <br />therefore bringing a continued Pilot Program to Council for consideration. <br /> <br />ANALYSIS <br />Staff recommends that City Council continue the Pilot Program for a period of twelve <br />(12) months and authorize an additional four (4) extensions (for a total of seven (7) <br />authorized extensions), each utilizing one or more parking spaces. Staff also <br />6.3.A. - Page 1