City Council Sets Interim Requirements for State Street Parklets
By the City of Santa Barbara
During a City Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, the City Council voted 5-2 to approve updated requirements for outdoor business facilities on State Street. The requirements will remain in effect until the State Street Master Plan is conceived.
The Council adopted the Staff’s recommendations based on the State Street Interim Operations Ad Hoc Subcommittee (Subcommittee) input for design requirements, with a compliance deadline of February 1, 2023. Some requirements include prohibiting flashing lights, screens on building exteriors, and a 48-inch maximum rail height. Council also approved the storm water clearance design requirement, which includes liftable restaurant platforms for storm water flow and cleaning, with a compliance deadline of December 1, 2022.
The Ad Hoc Subcommittee proposed a fee structure rate of $5.00 per square foot for all space within property frontage, leading Council to direct City staff to pursue a fee structure recommendation and discussion with the Finance Committee, to then return the matter to Council for a Fee Resolution, with the intent of implementing a fee structure by February 1, 2023.
Council also supported the Subcommittee’s recommendation that parades not return to State Street during interim operations. City staff will work with parade organizers to identify location opportunities for future parades. In addition, Council agreed that businesses are not required to make existing outdoor facilities portable, but portability will be required for new facilities.
The State Street Promenade and the 400 and 1300 blocks of State Street will likely remain in an interim condition for the next two to five years. City staff will continue to implement the Economic Recovery Extension and Transition Ordinance (ERETO) and work with stakeholders and address issues of concern.
Outdoor dining (courtesy photo)
13 Comments
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Sep 23, 2022 05:15 PMWonder how they arrived at $5 per sq ft? What are the actual costs to the city for this? Why not a nominal $1?
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Sep 23, 2022 10:57 AMThe State Street "promenade" is a disaster as it most of the city thanks to the commissions, staff and a council that has no regard for what has made this city unique and beautiful.
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Sep 23, 2022 01:44 PMI meant that in a sarcastic manor. I'm tired of everyone complaining and not doing anything to further their ideas.
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Sep 23, 2022 01:17 PMI meant that in a sarcastic manor. I'm tired of everyone complaining and not doing anything to further their ideas.
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Sep 23, 2022 01:16 PMBarbareno - please run for office. I'll vote for you.
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Sep 23, 2022 09:35 AMKeep it closed.
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Sep 23, 2022 08:18 AM3rd Street Promenade
Santa Monica
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Sep 23, 2022 07:34 AMPart of the fun of State Street was cruising slowly up and down, enjoying the sights, and then pulling around a corner to one of the lots to park. Not everyone is able or interested in walking a great deal. I hope that vehicles like the ones at airports become available to operate like the old trolleys— jitneys one can get on and off for window shopping etc. Nice too for visitors. Some don’t realize that actually State Street is a hill! It’s not easy for everyone to walk UP.
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Sep 23, 2022 08:40 AMWe definitely need the State Street Trolleys, or the equivalent, whether the street is open to other cars or not. They were well used by both tourists and locals.
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Sep 23, 2022 07:15 AMWhat I don't understand is why a city like Santa Barbara never had much outdoor dining before this.
A shame not to make the model permanent, close State St to vehicle traffic, and allow outdoor dining spaces that don't look like cobbled together kids' backyard forts.
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Sep 23, 2022 07:34 AMIf you want to close State Street and make a "promenade", then we will have to find a new name for it. It won't be a street anymore. Maybe "staff" will recommend that a consultant be contracted to find alternatives. Besides, "promenade" doesn't sound Spanish enough for me. And Google Maps should be notified that changes are coming.
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Sep 22, 2022 07:11 PMYou can tell that City "staff" is the lead dog on any future of the City. And adding time like 2-5 years is very indicative of a government desire: time is money and lots of time is lots of money. City Council appears to just rubber stamp whatever "staff" wants.
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Sep 22, 2022 07:32 PMDoes every know that City Council cannot direct city staff? City Council can only advise 2 people, the city manager, and the city attorney. So you're more right than you may know about "staff".