TAMRMS#: B06
TAMRMS#: B06
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Patios & Pop Up’s Traffic Bylaw Amendment
Presented by: Dawny George, Director, Engineering
Dean Schick, Manager, Transportation
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RECOMMENDATION(S)
recommendation
1. That Bylaw 30/2020, being amendment 15 to Traffic Bylaw 18/2005, be read a first time.
2. That Bylaw 30/2020 be read a second time.
3. That unanimous consent be given for consideration of third reading of Bylaw 30/2020.
4. That Bylaw 30/2020 be read a third and final time.
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PURPOSE OF REPORT
This report brings forward amendments to update the Traffic Bylaw 18/2005 to establish a temporary permitting process enabling businesses to set up minor patios and sidewalk retail pop-ups on City-owned land.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
Strategic Priority #2: Economic Development: Enhance business/commercial growth.
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
N/A
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
N/A
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
In order to limit community transmission of COVID-19, businesses have been subject to various protocols, restrictions and regulations. In order to assist the St. Albert business community as part of the phased provincial relaunch of the economy, Administration is proposing to implement a streamlined permitting process for minor patios and sidewalk retail pop-ups on City-owned land to allow businesses to expand to outdoor patio space immediately adjacent to their business premises.
Administration is developing a streamlined approach to facilitate minor patios and sidewalk retail pop-ups on City-owned right of way. Minor patios and sidewalk retail pop-ups are those that may be placed right outside a store-front, without fencing or barriers, permitting sales of food and wares. Administration proposes that an amendment be made to the Traffic Bylaw to establish a temporary permitting process for minor patios and sidewalk retail pop-ups. In effect, if implemented, this process will enable businesses in the downtown area to apply for a permit to establish a minor patio or sidewalk retail pop-up directly in front of their store on City sidewalk.
The main features of this new permitting process are as follows:
- It is a temporary process, in place until October 15, 2020, unless otherwise extended by Council resolution;
- It will effectively be applicable to businesses in the City’s downtown;
- It will permit unfenced minor patios and retail pop-ups abutting right up to store-fronts;
- No alcohol sales will be permitted;
- There will be no fees for permits; and
- This will not be done on a cost-sharing basis; therefore, any costs incurred for the set-up of a minor patio or sidewalk retail pop-up will be borne by the businesses.
Administration will be prepared to start accepting applications on June 2, 2020. Administration will observe and monitor the impact of the various strategies employed and lessons learned will inform future process improvements and potential regulatory changes.
Administration is proposing this as the first phase of implementing patios and pop-ups in the City during COVID-19 and is prepared to look into streamlining a process for larger patios, which would include the ability for alcohol sale, and patios on private property. A process for larger patios and patios on private property would involve making changes to the Land Use Bylaw.
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
N/A
IMPLICATIONS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
If implemented, the City may have to absorb some costs associated with re-routing pedestrian traffic on City sidewalks, or vehicular traffic to extend the pedestrian sidewalk.
Legal / Risk:
The businesses will be required to provide proof of insurance and an indemnity to the City as part of the permitting process.
Program or Service:
The City’s Transportation staff will coordinate the delivery of the permitting process.
Organizational:
None at this time.
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
If Council does not wish to support the recommendations, or wishes to make further recommendations, the following alternatives could be considered:
Alternative 1. That no action be taken. This would mean the status quo would remain.
Alternative 2. That the Traffic Bylaw be amended in accordance with other specific direction provided by Council.
Alternative 3. That the Land Use Bylaw be amended in accordance with other specific direction provided by Council.
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Report Date: June 1, 2020
Author(s): Marta Caufield
Department: Legal & Legislative Services
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer: Kerry Hilts
Chief Administrative Officer: Kevin Scoble