Oswego staff proposes bollards, planters and code changes to protect storefronts and pedestrian areas

Village staff presented possible code changes Oct. 7 to add protections for pedestrians and storefronts after a recent vehicle-into-building incident prompted a review.

Planner/engineer Rod Zenner told the board the village currently follows the 2021 International Building Code for new construction, which does not specifically require bollards or similar protections outside standard elements such as curbs and wheel stops. “On our code, outdoor areas must be delineated with...masonry walls, planters, bollards, fencing, and similar elements,” Zenner said, adding the village has required such elements for outdoor seating areas for almost 20 years.

Staff recommended two additional approaches: (1) require vertical protective elements—bollards or masonry planters—at entrances and in front of storefront windows that sit less than 2 feet above grade, and (2) encourage a masonry wall or other structural solution where appropriate. Zenner said planters can be designed to be both protective and aesthetically compatible with downtown development.

Board members asked how the rule would apply to new tenants in existing buildings and whether day-care centers or senior housing entrances would be subject to protections. Staff said protections would be required for new construction in close proximity to parking or traffic flow and could be added as a requirement for daycare playground edges or senior building entrances when those areas are exposed to vehicle flow. Staff said they would not require retrofits for all existing tenants unless a site created a new outdoor seating area or similar change that triggered the requirement.

Trustees discussed aesthetics and cost. Several trustees favored masonry planters because they are “a little more aesthetically pleasing,” while others said offering options (bollards, planters or structural wall) for architects or owners would reduce design friction. Staff said the structural elements are subject to engineering calculations to stop a specified vehicle weight and speed and pointed to Taco Deli (rendered example) which installed compliant planters.

Trustee discussion also noted the Storefront Safety Council finding cited by staff that “approximately 39 percent of all crashes into buildings are for age 60 and over,” and trustees urged staff to take a holistic approach that includes special events and pedestrian-only areas.

The board directed staff to draft text amendments and return with ordinance language; staff said they would promote the standard to existing businesses, work with downtown grant and loan programs where appropriate, and consider limited incentives or outreach if uptake is requested by businesses. No formal ordinance was adopted at the meeting.