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Commission approves two-space parklet for Park Avenue restaurant; condition strikes canopy allowance
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a two-space parklet for a Park Avenue restaurant, requiring the standardized city parklet design and removing a permissive tent/canopy condition.
The Planning Commission approved a temporary outdoor-dining parklet on Jan. 15 to be constructed in two existing parking spaces adjacent to 202 Park Avenue.
Staff (Louie Lacasella) explained the parklet conforms to the city’s standardized parklet design and that the downtown common parking pool and nearby public lots reduce the staff’s finding that displacing two parking stalls would not have detrimental effects on surrounding properties. The city’s parklet program is currently authorized through Jan. 1, 2026 under state and local rules; the permit would be valid under that program and sunset with it.
The applicant (designer/contractor Leo Meza) said the parklet will match existing city parklet specifications, will include planters and seating and is intended to provide outdoor dining for Mozzarella/restaurant patrons; the applicant confirmed deliveries and trash loading are expected to remain operable and that Public Works will construct the standardized parklet elements using city‑approved contractors.
Commissioners asked about notification, coastal-access findings (staff: public beach access maps are separate from the city sidewalk findings and the parklet does not affect mapped public beach access), lighting and heater standards (applicable neighbor-lighting rules still apply), and the short remaining program window. Condition language was refined to remove the prior draft condition that appeared to allow tents/canopies without further review.
The commission voted to adopt the resolution approving the TUP and CDP and struck condition 24 (tents/canopies permissive) as a clarification. Roll call: Commissioner Goldman — yes; Commissioner Whiting — yes; Commissioner Dubin — yes; Chair Pro Tem Kellenberg — yes; Chair Sadler — yes.
Staff will coordinate construction schedule with Public Works and remind the applicant the program currently expires Jan. 1, 2026; the city will require parklet construction to match the standardized design, and the applicant must comply with applicable lighting and neighbor‑protection rules.
