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Council extends Riviera Village outdoor dining program for five years with conditions
Summary
The council approved a five-year coastal development permit to continue the Riviera Village outdoor-dining deck program (up to 47 parking spaces) and instructed staff to study longer-term sidewalk and parking solutions; program remains subject to a special-event permit and operating conditions.
The Redondo Beach City Council on May 20 approved a five‑year extension of the Riviera Village outdoor-dining deck program, adopting a CEQA exemption declaration and a coastal development permit that allows participating businesses to continue using designated on-street parking for dining decks subject to city standards and a special-event permit.
Staff and the community‑business district described the program as a successful, visitor‑supporting use that has changed the character of Riviera Village and increased pedestrian activity. The approved permit continues the existing footprint (up to 47 parking spaces) and allows relocation or reconfiguration of decks so long as the citywide limit is not exceeded. Staff said businesses pay $2 per square foot and an additional BID maintenance charge; the BID collects and administers deck maintenance and sanitation funds.
Council discussion focused on parking impacts to retail, the program’s seasonality, and revenue. Council members asked staff to evaluate whether the $2 per square-foot fee and combined revenue approach are appropriate, and whether higher parking revenues or adjusted hourly rates might better reflect the space value. Staff said a separate special-event permit governs operational details (hours, volume, maintenance), which can be adjusted administratively or returned to council for fee changes.
Public comment included support for the decks from residents and business owners and concerns from some retailers about loss of proximate parking. Council asked staff to include employee and resident parking impacts in the Riviera Village study and to coordinate the planned capital study (sidewalk and parking improvements) funded in part with regional Measure M funds. The motion to adopt the coastal permit and CEQA exemption passed unanimously.
The approval is intended as an interim entitlement while the city studies permanent sidewalk, pedestrian and parking improvements; staff said the Coastal Commission reviewed and supported the program’s limited footprint.
