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Planning commission approves several parklet exceptions; several applications continued for coordination
Summary
The commission approved two parklet deviations (Taqueria Luna and Katarina's) and continued multiple adjacent parklet applications for further staff-facilitated coordination, directing staff to seek reconfiguration options that reduce occupied on-street parking and address visibility, safety and maintenance concerns.
The Planning Commission reviewed a batch of seven parklet dining permit applications on July 15, approving two parklet deviations and continuing several others for additional staff negotiation and redesign.
Staff context: Planner Lexi summarized the history: the parklet program began as a 2020 COVID emergency measure; the city later adopted design standards and extended the program through 2029. Council asked that deviations from the new standards be heard by the Planning Commission. Staff met one-on-one with operators; many requested exceptions to items such as deck height, barrier materials, furniture color, umbrella heights and buffer zones.
Approvals: Taqueria Luna (Resolution PC26-018) was approved after staff described slope- and ADA-driven deviations (deck up to 16 inches in places, nonstandard furniture); the applicant committed to reconstruct the deck and meet cleaning and safety details. Katarina's (Resolution PC26-019) was approved with staff conditions after the owner agreed to raise the barrier if required and to conform umbrellas to a single color. Both votes were unanimous.
Continuances and negotiations: Two neighboring parklets (Pronto and Bluestone Lane) occupy a combined six on-street parking spaces; the commission directed staff to work with both operators to explore a combined or reconfigured layout to reduce occupied parking to five spaces, create consistent railings/umbrella color, and address outstanding fee or maintenance issues. Docent and several other private-property parklets were continued to the Aug. 5 hearing so applicants can respond to staff concerns and any outstanding invoices.
Seller compromise: For one downtown applicant (the Seller), the commission approved the parklet on the condition that the solid perimeter barrier be lowered by one board (about six inches) and re-capped to improve sight lines and visual upkeep after staff and sheriff's office concerns about visibility were raised.
Why it matters: Commissioners said they want to balance small-business vitality on Del Mar with pedestrian and traffic safety and visibility for retail storefronts. Several members emphasized fairness and consistency across parklets and asked staff to return with options that minimize new costs to small businesses while restoring at least one on-street parking space where feasible.
