Thank you for all your input through the
INPUT FORM
regarding temporary use of outdoor space (sidewalks, parking spaces, streets).
With over 100 responses, your input allowed us to hear from you so we could best advocate with the City Staff and Council for what our Downtown businesses want right now, and what would best ensure your success.
City staff is
working right now on an Emergency Temporary Use Permit, and online application, for expansion into the sidewalks, adjacent parking spaces and private property -
using Boulder, Santa Barbara and Newport Beach as models.
They are looking at developing clear guidelines and requirements so that we can have a quick and easy approval process. For outdoor dining on sidewalks and commercial uses on sidewalks, expansion may be approved without application as long as the distancing requirements and Order specifications are met.
Hopefully we will have a signed Emergency Order allowing this streamlined process this week
.
Once available, it will be put out in a press release, and will be available on the
ChooseSantaCruz
website. We will keep you updated!
In the meantime, for your planning purposes, please reserve a 6-8 ft right of way on the sidewalk adjacent to your business for pedestrian passage as you begin to create your site plan.
Also, if you plan on extending your alcohol use to outside space, we recommend that you start moving forward with your ABC approval simultaneously so no time is wasted.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly as well.
Thank you!
Abra Allan, Interim Executive Director
Sonja Brunner, Operations Director and Membership Coordinator
