San Clemente council keeps parklets under review while ordering design, enforcement and parking studies

The San Clemente City Council on March 17 directed staff to return with a tightened Parklet dining program that would protect storefront visibility, improve design consistency and free up parking — while approving a separate package of zoning streamlining measures.

The council unanimously introduced first-reading ordinances that move a nine-item zoning cleanup package forward, but members bifurcated the Parklet discussion after more than three hours of public comment. Council asked staff to prepare design standards, an enforcement and inspection plan, and options for caps and fee changes before the council decides whether to extend the temporary program beyond its July 1, 2026 expiration.

Why it matters: Parklets — outdoor dining platforms that occupy public parking spaces — were first authorized as a COVID-era emergency measure and later formalized with design guidelines and fees. Local restaurants say parklets boosted business and downtown vibrancy; nearby retailers say the structures have blocked storefronts and taken scarce on-street parking from customers.

At the meeting staff outlined options including squaring parklet footprints to improve sightlines, limiting vertical elements that block storefront visibility, formal annual site inspections, and a cap or moratorium on new parklets. Staff also proposed lowering fees (from about $1,300/month for typical Del Mar parklets to nearer $800) and putting a portion of parklet lease revenue toward downtown parking programs.

Public testimony was sharply divided. “I’m homeless and I’ve been out there for eight years,” said Matt Hower during oral communications, but the core parklet debate that followed included more than two dozen business owners and residents. Retailers said customers “drove around a hundred times and finally ... gave up,” and urged tighter design standards and better notification before new parklets are permitted. “You cannot see my store when you drive by,” Brenda Kinsman of Oliver’s downtown told council.

Restaurant owners and supporters countered that removing parklets would cut capacity and sales during a peak season and argued the city should invest parklet revenue in trolleys, employee parking and better wayfinding rather than removing outdoor dining. “If you take out the outdoor dining, you’re going to lose reservations and businesses will suffer,” resident Tim Lel said.

Council direction: The council endorsed a multi-part path forward. It approved the streamlining and cleanup amendments recommended by staff (first reading), and separately directed staff to: - Return with detailed parklet design standards emphasizing transparency/visibility, minimized vertical blocking elements, and a squared-off footprint option to free up residual space for bike/golf-cart parking or public access. - Propose a regular site-visit and enforcement checklist for new and existing parklets and clarify whether new parklets should require a public hearing or a written outreach plan to adjacent businesses. - Evaluate caps and spacing rules (for example, a maximum number of consecutive parklet spaces) and several fee scenarios, including options to dedicate lease revenue to parking improvements.

Staff, the downtown business associations and the Planning Commission will continue outreach; staff said they can return with a formal ordinance and a menu of options in a month or two. The council also asked staff to ensure planned street resurfacing is coordinated so parklets are not built then immediately removed or rebuilt during public works.

What happens next: Staff will prepare draft design guidelines, an enforcement/inspection program and fee and cap options for council review. The council said it expects more robust outreach to adjacent retailers and suggested the Design Review Subcommittee be involved in developing visual standards to better match the “Spanish Village by the Sea” character.

Speakers quoted (first references): Council Member Cabraw; Adam Atamian, community development director; Zach Ree, acting city planner; Brenda Kinsman, Oliver’s downtown; Matt Hower, resident; Dale Allison, resident.

Authorities and actions: Council introduced the zoning streamlining ordinance (first reading) and voted to direct staff to return with a parklet-specific ordinance and implementation plan. No immediate program extension or final ordinance adoption occurred at this meeting.

Ending: The council stopped short of a program extension, instead asking staff to return with clearer design, enforcement and funding options intended to balance outdoor dining benefits with retail access and downtown parking needs.