Title
Conduct a Public Hearing to Consider/Discuss/Act on a Request by the City of McKinney to Amend Chapter 87 (Special Events), of the Code of Ordinances to Modify the Expiration Date of Provisions Permitting Parklets Within Certain Areas of the City and Providing Minimum Requirements thereof
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
5D: Promote reinvestment activities in McKinney's historic downtown that balance preservation of historic character and current market needs
MEETING DATE: March 16, 2021
DEPARTMENT: Development Services - Planning Department
CONTACT: Alek Miller, AICP, Planner II
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Staff recommends approval of the proposed amendments to extend the expiration date of the parklets ordinance.
ITEM SUMMARY: In order to support Downtown McKinney businesses that have been affected by limited occupancy and social distancing requirements during the Covid-19 pandemic, the City Council approved a parklet program late in 2020. The program established requirements for businesses wishing to use on-street parking spaces in downtown McKinney for expansion of dining space into "parklets." The ordinance permitting parklets was set to expire the earlier of July 31, 2021 or the date on which the State of Texas' emergency orders were lifted. Governor Greg Abbott has announced that occupancy limits on restaurants would be lifted on March 10, 2021. Given that the parklet program has been in place for just over three months, staff believes it would be appropriate to extend the City's program through the end of 2021.
BACKGROUND:
Cities around the country and in Texas have addressed a need for additional outdoor dining space by allowing use of on-street parking spaces for expansion of dining space, sometimes called "parklets." This approach allows for greater physical distance between people and adds activity and visual interest to the pedestrian environment.
The McKinney Restaurant Council raised the ide...
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