HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0006) IR 22-016 - Parklet Pilot Program for Outdoor SeatingINFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 22-016
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council February 1, 2022
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SUBJECT: PARKLET PILOT PROGRAM FOR OUTDOOR SEATING
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The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the City's Pilot Parklet/Street Patio program
and establish a permanent parklet program for Fort Worth.
The Pilot Parklet/Street Patio program was initiated in June 2020 in response to interest from
stakeholders within Fort Worth entertainment districts and urban villages. The purpose of the
program was to grant temporary use of on -street parking spaces as "parklets" to increase seating
capacity for restaurants and bars impacted by COVID-19 capacity restrictions. Parklets include
amenities such as seating, art, and landscaping, which can activate pedestrian street activity and
encourage foot traffic at local businesses.
The initial six-month pilot period expired in December 2020 but was extended due to continued
interest from businesses. Magnolia Avenue has seen the majority of the parklets so far when
Grand Cru Wine Bar became the first parklet permitted in April 2021 followed by Lazy Moose in
May 2021. Near Southside, Inc. recently installed a parklet on S. Main Street next to Hot Box
Biscuit Club. The parklets have been permitted for a one-year period, renewable annually. There
is no fee associated with the application or permit but all costs of compliance are to be borne by
the requesting entity/entities.
In consideration of relaxed COVID business capacity restrictions and the popularity of the pilot
program, the Parklet/Street Patio will, effective February 1, 2022, become a formal program that
follows National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) best practices for design
and operation.
The primary differences between the pilot and formal Parklet Programs are the standards for
public use, advertising, and access. The formal Parklet Program will require parklets to operate
as public spaces open for use by all members of the public, not just the adjacent business
patrons. In addition, parklets will not include advertising and must be ADA accessible. Parklets
permitted during the pilot phase will be grandfathered as -is into the formal parklet program.
Current parklet sponsors may be asked to revise their designs at the time of permit expiration if
their parklets do not align with current NACTO design guidelines.
If you have any questions, please contact Tanya Brooks, Transportation and Public Works
Assistant Director, at 817-392-7861.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER
FORT WORTH, TEXAS