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8.A. - Page 15 of 56 <br />square footage, name of property owner, property manager or leasing agent and their <br />contact information <br />• Others have implemented stronger code enforcement of existing regulations that includes <br />securing storefronts to prevent unwanted entry or requiring property owners to remove <br />debris and better maintain buildings and storefronts. <br />• The City of Oakland has approved an annual tax (regardless of size and value) to any <br />privately owned property (residential, commercial and empty lots—that is not "in use" for <br />more than 50 days in a calendar year starting in 2020.) s <br />Recommendation: <br />1) At this time, staff recommends further study of policy options, at a City Council study <br />session scheduled for January 2020 to address the observed problem of vacant storefronts <br />in the Downtown. <br />2) It is also recommended that staff create an inventory of vacancies in the DTPP area that <br />includes their addresses, name of property owners or real estate representatives, and actual <br />photos of these buildings to better determine the magnitude of the problem. <br />3) As a partial solution to the problem of longstanding vacant retail space in the Downtown, <br />the City can consider adopting guidelines (policy consideration #12) for better design and <br />construction of retail space in new vertical mixed-use projects to ensure space is leasable to <br />desired retail tenants. <br />4) Encourage window displays as an option for dealing with vacant storefronts. (See analysis <br />and recommendation for policy consideration #4) <br />4. Consider developing standards to allow temporary art or retail displays in store windows. <br />Analysis: Temporary window displays of art and advertising for local businesses are often <br />allowed by property owners with vacant store fronts. The displays can help enliven the streets <br />and diffuse the negativity of vacant space. Encouraging window displays is also an option for <br />dealing with vacant storefronts. (See policy consideration #3.) Whether the window displays are <br />art or retail items, the property owners should have the discretion to make the windows space <br />available. <br />Recommendation: <br />The City could consider adopting a policy encouraging owners of space in areas designated for <br />"active ground floor uses" to allow temporary window displays of art by arts groups. The <br />Economic Development Manager should coordinate discussions between property owners and <br />Parks, Recreation and Community Services as overseer of the Arts Master Plan and ARTS RWC <br />(an arts roundtable in Redwood City). <br />5. Consider temporary uses (typically referred to as pop up retail) in vacant spaces. <br />Analysis: Based on increased consumer demand for retail experiences and competition from <br />online sales, many retailers are developing new strategies and concepts to attract customers. <br />5 The annual tax is $6,000 but has not yet developed an implementation program. See <br />https://library.municode.com/ca/oakland/codes/code of ordinances?nodeld=TIT4REF1 CH4.56VAPRTA <br />235 <br />