REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Approve Changes to Council Policy 1.1.10 to Update Use Regulations Regarding Storing Outdoor Dining Furniture on Sidewalks on the 100 Block of South Murphy Avenue (Study Issue OCM 17-01) and Finding of Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act
Report
BACKGROUND
At the March 2017 Study Issues Workshop, City Council ranked OCM 17-01 Storing Outdoor Dining Furniture Overnight on Sidewalks on Murphy Avenue, as a priority study. The study issue was also in alignment with the Council Priority on Downtown, adopted at its strategic session earlier that year.
Businesses in the 100 block of South Murphy Avenue are subject to the regulations outlined in Council Policy 1.1.10 Use of the Public Sidewalk on the 100 Block of South Murphy Avenue. The policy is intended to promote the attractive commercial and historic environment of South Murphy Avenue by allowing private use of the public sidewalk, while ensuring a successful streetscape and protection of the public. Council Policy 1.1.10 Section C. Outdoor Dining in the Public Sidewalk allows businesses to place outdoor dining furniture during business hours in designated areas of the public right-of-way. Section C.3. Appearance, requires that businesses' tables and chairs be moved indoors when the business is closed.
Over the last few years, some Downtown businesses on the 100 block of South Murphy Ave. have shared that they have struggled because of rising housing and employee costs, conditions that have created a labor shortage in the service industry. To afford paying higher wages and overcome the hiring struggles from a shrinking labor pool, Downtown restaurants have decreased the number of employees that work the evening and closing shifts. While the schedule is optimal for business management, it places a heavy burden on the one or two employees that must bring in heavy outdoor furniture. In support of alleviating restaurants' daily labor and time intensive task of bri...
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