Submitted By
Tammie Grossman, Director, Development Customer Services
Reviewed By
LKS
Agenda Item Title
Title
Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 22 ("Streets and Sidewalks"), Article 10 ("Commercial Use of Sidewalk Space") of the Oak Park Village Code.
End
Overview
Overview
The Ordinance amends Chapter 22 ("Streets and Sidewalks"), Article 10 ("Commercial Use of Sidewalks") to clarify the permit process for the commercial use of sidewalks, re-establish the shared nature of the public way, and to more appropriately address ADA concerns.
Body
Staff Recommendation
Conduct second reading and adopt the Ordinance.
Fiscal Impact
N/A.
Background
As the popularity of outdoor dining continues to grow, the need to appropriately regulate the shared nature of our public ways has become critical. During the 2014 outdoor dining season, a total of 41 permits were issued to local restaurants for the commercial use of the public way. Of the permits issued, 27 of the 41 were located in either the Downtown Oak Park or Hemingway Districts, with 19 of these establishments located on Lake Street.
As experienced during the 2014 outdoor dining season, the expansion of outdoor dining in a relatively confined area with outdoor patios clustered at Lake Street and Oak Park Ave, and Lake Street and Forest/Marion, obstructs pedestrian access to the public ways creating a challenging environment for the general public. Thus, the following amendments to Chapter 22, Article 10 are recommended: (1) obstructions including tree pits, and utility boxes must be taken into consideration when measuring the unobstructed public way; (2) annual permit applications must include a detailed site plan which highlights all obstructions; (3) fencing will be required to be appropriately secured to avoid repositioning; and (4) cabling, used to secure public furniture, cannot be applied over public way during non-operational hours.
Alternatives
1. Do not approve the Ordinance as recommended.
2. Approve the Ordinance with revisions.
Previous Board Action
First reading on March 2, 2015.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
The Disablity Access Commission reviewed the recommended amendments contained in the Ordinance at its February 5, 2015 regular meeting and provided comments which have been incorporated into the Ordinance.
The Business Association Council reviewed the recommended amendments at its January 28, 2015 regular meeting and was in agreement with the amendments. Subsequent discussions with business district representatives who were not in attendance yielded a similar response.
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
N/A.
Performance Management (MAP) Alignment
A performance measure for Development Customer Services is to improve Health and Vitality of Business Districts.