Blog

CIty of Oakland: Permanent Parklet

City of Oakland has published new guidelines for the City's new permanent parklet program that will take effect on July 1, 2023, with the goal of continuing to support small businesses in utilizing Oakland's right-of-way, while balancing the needs of all Oaklanders. The new guidelines include requirements to increase pedestrian and bicyclist visibility and safety, conform with fire department guidelines, and improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

The parklet program guidelines were developed based on lessons learned from Oakland's temporary pandemic-era Flex Streets pilot program, best practices gleaned from peer cities, and feedback provided by the Oakland community. To refine the Parklet Program Guidelines, OakDOT staff hosted a series of “office hours” feedback opportunities in July 2022 and solicited feedback from Oakland's Business Improvement Districts, existing Flex Streets Program permittees, regional agencies, and community members. Staff received more than 170 survey responses and letters from stakeholders.

 

The new parklet permit fee is expected to cost about $2,400 for the first year and $1,800 to renew. Permits will expire after 365 days and must be renewed annually. New parklet permit fees will cover staff time to review the application and inspect the installed parklet, and also include an annual parking space rental fee. The City is also working to identify funding opportunities for businesses, as well as to develop an Equity Fee Waiver program.

Comments

There have been no comments made on this article. Why not be the first and add your own comment using the form below.

Leave a comment

Commenting is restricted to members only. Please login now to submit a comment.