Planning staff proposes citywide permit to activate city-owned properties for events

City planning staff presented a proposal Sept. 17 for a citywide public use permit that would authorize a broad range of temporary uses on city-owned properties, including parks, underutilized lots and downtown parcels.

Senior planner Emilio O’Brien described the program as a streamlined permit to “activate public spaces through a single citywide public use permit enabling a wide range of flexible temporary uses on city owned properties.” The presentation listed potential uses such as community outreach booths, dine‑in movies, emergency preparedness and disaster relief events, health and wellness activities, live entertainment, mobile vending including food and produce trucks, pop-up beer gardens and more.

Staff emphasized the priority focus would be city-owned properties and that code amendments will be required to accommodate the program; those amendments will be brought to the commission with staff recommendations in a future meeting. Commissioners expressed interest in protecting existing brick-and‑mortar businesses and discussed compatibility rules, distance/placement considerations near restaurants (for example on the Boardwalk and Main Street) and the need for visibility and access for both vendors and established businesses.

The presentation specifically referenced timing tied to the city’s sesquicentennial (150th anniversary), and staff said it will coordinate with local businesses to avoid drawing customers away from brick-and-mortar restaurants. The commission asked staff to provide copies of the presentation materials and to continue stakeholder outreach before returning with a draft ordinance.