HomeMy WebLinkAbout16 El Paseo - Direction on Dining Decks, Raised Mid-block & Painted Crosswalks
STAFF REPORT
CITY OF PALM DESERT
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
MEETING DATE: May 27, 2021
PREPARED BY: Martin Alvarez, Director of Economic Development
Randy Bowman, Deputy Director of Public Works
Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner
REQUEST: Request for direction on El Paseo related items: dining decks, raised mid-
block crosswalks, and the existing painted crosswalks.
Recommendation
By Minute Motion:
Dining Decks:
1. Staff recommends that the City Council extends the Temporary Use
Permits (TUPs) for the outdoor dining decks for one year;
2. Staff recommends that the City Council implement the outdoor dining deck
design guidelines, and direct staff to work with the restaurant owners to
modify the dining decks to comply with the guidelines; and
3. Staff recommends that the City Council authorize staff to utilize the
remaining unspent Unite Palm Desert Outdoor Dining Grant funds, up to
$5,000/restaurant to provide for safety and aesthetic upgrades to outdoor
dining decks located within public right-of-way.
Raised Mid-Block Crosswalks:
4. Staff recommends that the City Council directs staff to prepare a Request
for Proposal for engineering design services for two raised mid-block
crosswalks along the west-end of El Paseo, and request $50,000 for
engineering design services, and confirm locations, while working with the
business and property owners, and budget for an additional $500,000 to
construct two additional raised mid-block crosswalks.
Enhanced Painted Crosswalks:
5. Staff recommends that the City Council provides direction to remove or
maintain the enhanced painted crosswalks on El Paseo, Larkspur Lane,
and Highway 74; and
May 27, 2021 - Staff Report
El Paseo (Dining Decks and Crosswalks)
Page 2 of 10
6. Staff recommends that the City Council direct staff to continue outreach
with merchants and residents for permanent design concepts for
crosswalks along the entire street of El Paseo (paint, pavers, bricks, and
colored asphalt).
Strategic Plan
The identified El Paseo improvements and programs fulfills priorities identified in the City’s
Strategic Plan, including the following:
• Tourism and Marketing – Priority 1: “Improve access to Palm Desert and its
attractions to enhance the ease of lifestyle.”
• Transportation – Priority 1: “Create walkable neighborhoods and areas
within Palm Desert that would include residential, retail, services and
employment centers, and parks, recreation, and open space to reduce the
use of low occupancy vehicles.”
• Transportation – Priority 3: “De-emphasize single/low-occupancy vehicles
and optimize modes of travel (bus, carpool, golf-cart, bicycle, and
pedestrian).”
• Land Use - Priority 4: “Create a mixed-use city core integrating shopping,
dining, lodging, and housing.”
The El Paseo Pedestrian improvements and programs also addresses the following initiatives
listed in the Economic Development Strategic Plan:
• Revitalization of the El Paseo Key Commercial Corridor.
• Facilitate long-term market strengthening of the El Paseo District.
• Align City placemaking and other development plans and strategies with
key City-designated infrastructure elements.
• Targeted development projects and special events to benefits they offer to
the concept of “placemaking.”
Background
The City’s goal for El Paseo is to create a city center/downtown that provides high-intensity
mixed-use developments anchored by civic, cultural, entertainment, retail, and dining activity
along walkable streetscapes. The street consists of four lanes (two each direction), an 18-
foot wide median that includes art sculptures throughout, parallel curb adjacent parking, and
a 10- to 15-foot sidewalk on each side. While sidewalks and on-street parking exist along the
corridor, the significant pedestrian activity on El Paseo warrants additional measures to
enhance pedestrian safety and promote a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
On September 6, 2018, the City Council approved the El Paseo Master Plan Alternatives
(EPMPA) and the El Paseo Retail Market Study (as an appendix) prepared by Gibbs Planning
Group to guide potential street configurations for El Paseo. The City Council also authorized
staff to begin implementation of near-term recommendations as stated in the EPMPA and to
research and prepare a demonstration project utilizing concepts found in the EPMPA. The
City Council never gave direction on the overall street design for El Paseo.
May 27, 2021 - Staff Report
El Paseo (Dining Decks and Crosswalks)
Page 3 of 10
At its meeting of September 12, 2019, the City Council awarded Contract No. C38830 to
Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. for the near-term solutions/El Paseo Pedestrian Improvements,
which consisted of the following elements:
1. Enhancing painted crosswalks, with colors and patterns designed by the City's
branding and marketing consultant, pavement rehabilitation, new wheelchair ramps
as needed, and painted bulb-outs (delineator posts) at the intersections of:
• El Paseo
• San Pablo Avenue
• Larkspur Lane
2. Installing raised mid-block crosswalks with in-pavement crosswalk lights, flashing
signs, pavement markings, and enhancing painted crosswalks at:
• The Gardens at El Paseo on El Paseo
• Mamma Gina's on El Paseo
• Hotel Paseo on Larkspur Lane
The City Council approved a cost of $858,011 and authorized the Director of Finance to set
aside a twenty percent (20%) contingency for unanticipated conditions. Additionally, the City
Council included enhanced painted crosswalks on the east side of the intersection of El Paseo
and Highway 74.
On September 30, 2019, construction of the El Paseo Pedestrian Improvements and
demonstration project commenced and was completed in January 2020. During the
demonstration project, City staff were tasked with assessing the project by evaluating the
project’s impact on the residents, business and property owners, tourists, perceptions of
walkability, and the pedestrian experience.
At its June 11, 2020, City Council meeting, staff stated that since the start of the El Paseo
Pedestrian Improvements and Demonstration project, staff received numerous phone calls
and emails and had conversations with residents, business and property owners, as well as
tourists regarding the demonstration project. Staff also stated the following:
The painted crosswalks were the most controversial and garnered the most discussion and
feedback. The feedback was mostly negative, with a small percentage that was positive. Staff
found that the majority of residents and business owners were not supportive of the artwork
or paint in general.
One positive of the demonstration project was the raised mid-block crossings. Staff
determined that the raised mid-block crossings were effective and are successful in the future
growth of El Paseo. Initially, staff received negative comments as they were being installed
because the public was unaware of them and they were not slowing down. As installation
proceeded and the public was aware, the community embraced them and saw the value.
Staff also received positive comments regarding the painted daisies, as they were more
subtle than the painted crosswalks.
May 27, 2021 - Staff Report
El Paseo (Dining Decks and Crosswalks)
Page 4 of 10
Additionally, staff received praise as the raised mid-block crossings were slowing traffic
speeds and allowing pedestrians to cross mid-block safely. As part of the demonstration
project, staff conducted a comparison of speed data to identify the impact of the raised mid-
block crosswalks on driver speeds. The last speed study of El Paseo was conducted in 2006,
which yielded an average speed of 25.5 mph. At the end of 2019, the City conducted an
updated speed count, which yielded an average observed speed of 15 mph. The data
concluded that the raised mid-block crossings lowered speeds by about 10 mph.
The City Council also discussed dining decks and, due to the pandemic and Governor
Newsom allowing outdoor dining (June 1, 2020), directed staff to create a streamlined
approval process through a TUP. The TUP would be combined with the Alcoholic Beverage
Control’s (ABC) approval process and the City’s encroachment permit that would include
design guidelines and insurance requirements.
At its meeting of June 11, 2020, the Council directed staff to do the following:
• Removal of the white delineator posts at bulb-outs.
• Allowance of a temporary dining deck program that is consistent with ABC’s approval
process under the pandemic, to be administered through a TUP application.
• Remove the painted crosswalks at a later date, based on the pandemic/budget.
In October 2020, staff started to issue TUP permits for the temporary dining decks. Ultimately,
the City issued 11 TUP permits for dining decks located within the City right-of-way, and
seven TUP permits within private parking lots. The City approved the TUPs on a temporary
basis and they are set to expire at the end of May 2021.
El Paseo Merchants Association Input
On April 22, 2021, the EPMA discussed dining decks, the addition of one to two raised mid-
block crosswalks, and the existing colored crosswalks. The EPMA was grateful that the City
Council created the temporary dining deck program and fully supports this concept of utilizing
one or two parking spaces in front of restaurants for dining decks. The EPMA believes that
these should become permanent fixtures along El Paseo. They did not support the TUPs
expiring, and recommended that the City Council extend the TUPs.
The EPMA also fully supported the addition of one to two raised mid-block crosswalks on the
west end and agreed with the staff’s priority and potential locations. The EPMA also agreed
that the painted crosswalks should remain at this time, as spending upwards of $280,000 to
remove the paint is not money well spent.
Discussion
Dining Decks:
Staff believes that the dining decks are an economic benefit to the restaurant owners, add
vibrancy to the street, and provide an enhanced experience along the El Paseo corridor. Prior
to the pandemic staff was creating a formal outdoor dining deck program and guidelines. Part
May 27, 2021 - Staff Report
El Paseo (Dining Decks and Crosswalks)
Page 5 of 10
of the guidelines would have included City issued permits to construct dining decks in the
public right-of-way with an expedited permitting process.
If the City Council elects to extend the dining deck program, the program should be
standardized through the incorporation of a set of design guidelines made part of the TUP
application for any new dining decks located within the public right-of-way. Existing dining
decks should also be modified to be consistent with these design guidelines as a condition of
extending an existing TUP application.
In anticipation of the potential extension of the dining deck program, Staff has drafted an
Outdoor Dining Deck Design Guidelines document to address the location and design of
dining decks. These guidelines would apply to dining decks located within the right-of-way
including El Paseo and Highway 111 frontage roads. These guidelines are intended to be a
“living document” and will undergo periodic revisions.
Below is a summary of the design guidelines that have been prepared.
1. Approved dining deck locations:
• Streets that are dedicated at 25 mph or less.
• Applicants proposing locations within restricted parking zones such red
(without a fire hydrant), yellow, white, and green zones will be reviewed on a
case-by-case basis.
• The parking lane must be 8 feet or more and less than 8 feet will be reviewed
on a case-by-case basis.
• Angle and parallel parking spaces.
2. Protect dining decks for safety of pedestrians and motorists with barriers approved by
the City.
• Installed barriers around the dining decks. Materials could be composed of
concrete, durable water-filled barriers, or other crash-resistant elements.
• All material must be aesthetically designed into the dining decks.
• All barriers must be between 36 and 42 inches in height.
• Must withstand at least 250 lbs. of force.
• Parking wheel stops at either ends of decks to protect against bumps from
vehicles parking.
3. Signage and Markings
• Place delineators on the upstream and downstream ends of dining decks to
highlight their presence to motorists.
• Place reflective tabs along the length of the deck parallel to the path of travel.
4. Platform Design
• Dining deck surfaces must be at the level of the adjacent curb, or higher as
permitted by the City. Decks are not allowed on the street level.
May 27, 2021 - Staff Report
El Paseo (Dining Decks and Crosswalks)
Page 6 of 10
5. Drainage Design
• All local drainage will be taken into account.
• A minimum 6”x6” minimum clear gutter space must be provided along the entire
length.
6. Accessibility
• All dining decks must be designed in accordance with the current American’s
with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Building Code.
Economic Development Subcommittee:
On May 18, 2021, staff presented the draft Outdoor Dining Deck Design Guidelines to the
Economic Development Subcommittee. The Subcommittee discussed and generally
supported the guidelines and stated that:
- Barriers must be aesthetically designed into the dining decks and in line with the El
Paseo brand and
- Street-level dining decks were not appropriate.
Staff also discussed a potential grant program to assist with the potential modifications and
potential regulations from the ABC. Staff is concerned that demand for dining decks may
diminish if the ABC does not allow the restaurants to serve alcohol on the dining decks. Staff
will continue to monitor the rules and regulations from the ABC. Staff stated that they would
present the design guidelines to the EPMA on May 20, 2021 and to the Palm Desert
Restaurant Association on May 25, 2021.
At the time of preparing this staff report, staff did not include comments from the EPMA
meeting on May 20, 2021 or from the Palm Desert Restaurant Association on May 25, 2021.
Staff will provide oral comments at the May 27, 2021 City Council meeting.
Staff believes that the guidelines provide clear direction to the restaurant owners any new
dining decks and a framework for modifications would need to be implemented to existing
dining decks to extend an existing TUP application.
Raised Mid-Block Crosswalks:
At the end of the El Paseo Pedestrian Improvements and Demonstration project, staff
determined that the raised mid-block crosswalks were effective and are successful in the
future growth of El Paseo. Staff found that the two existing raised mid-block crosswalks
yielded an average observed speed of 15 mph, which lowered speeds by about 10 mph.
Staff received support from the EPMA for additional raised mid-block crosswalks at the west
end. There are many challenges with identifying locations for the raised mid-block crosswalks
such as existing manholes, storm gutters, fire hydrants, water, and electrical lines, loss of two
parking spaces on each side of the street, and art sculptures and landscaping within the
medians. Staff will also need to conduct outreach with the surrounding business owners.
May 27, 2021 - Staff Report
El Paseo (Dining Decks and Crosswalks)
Page 7 of 10
Staff has not identified the exact locations based on the information above; however, are
focusing on the following general areas due to length and locations.
Priority One
Ocotillo Drive to Sage Lane: This is the first long block from Highway 74. The ideal location
would be mid-block between the median break. This would eliminate the ability for vehicles
to make a U-turn, but this is where the most traffic accidents occur along El Paseo. Other
locations could be adjacent to Kitchen 86 restaurant and lining the crosswalk with the
pedestrian opening to The Shops on El Paseo. This option poses some challenges with an
art sculpture in the median and an existing business awning on the south side of the street.
Additional locations are still being reviewed.
Priority Two
Lupine Lane to San Pablo Avenue: Although this is a smaller block, this block tends to get
the most foot traffic due to the location of the Gardens on El Paseo and during lunch hours
with employees in the area visiting the fast-casual restaurants within the El Paseo Square.
Currently, there is a private driveway (one-way access) on the north side adjacent to Coffee
Bean. The property owners for El Paseo Square have discussed closing the driveway for
vehicles and making it pedestrian accessible. City staff supports this concept and lining up
the raised mid-block crosswalk at this location makes the most sense. On the south side,
there are businesses and staff would need to work with the Gardens on El Paseo on the loss
of parking. However, there is a large parking lot directly behind the businesses that customers
and employees use.
Priority Three
Sage Lane to Lupine Lane: This is another large block and the ideal location would be directly
in the middle of the block. There is desert landscaping that would need to be removed and
staff would have to work with the business owners on the loss of parking spaces. Additional
locations are still being reviewed.
Staffs’ recommendation is to add one raised mid-block crosswalk between Ocotillo Drive and
Sage Lane between the median break, and the second raised mid-block crosswalk between
Lupine Lane and San Pablo Avenue lining it up with the private driveway adjacent to Coffee
Bean. Staff will present maps at the May 27, 2021, City Council meeting.
Below are financial numbers that staff anticipates the design and possible construction costs
will be. These numbers are based on the existing three raised mid-block crosswalks.
Design: It will cost the City $50,000 to design the existing three raised mid-block crosswalks.
Staff is recommending two additional crosswalks; therefore, the cost should be a little lower
if not the same amount.
Construction: Based on the current design type, each raised mid-block crosswalk ranged from
$200,000 to $250,000 to construct. If there is a desire for a different aesthetic treatment
May 27, 2021 - Staff Report
El Paseo (Dining Decks and Crosswalks)
Page 8 of 10
across the top of the raised crosswalk, such as pavers or brick then that could add $50,000
per crosswalk.
Being conservative, it will cost the City approximately $50,000 for engineering design services
and potentially an additional $500,000 to construct two additional raised mid-block
crosswalks. The FY 2021-22 Capital Improvement Project budget includes $250,000 for a
mid-block crosswalk. If additional crosswalks are requested, funding could be identified as
noted in the fiscal analysis.
Enhanced Painted Crosswalks:
The painted crosswalks at San Pablo Avenue, Larkspur Lane, and Highway 74/El Paseo,
were always meant to be temporary with the notion that they would be removed and replaced
with asphalt, or with a permanent treatment such as pavers, bricks, colored concrete, or
another painted design. During the demonstration project, staff received numerous negative
comments regarding the colors, design, and material (paint) used. Many merchants and
residents stated that the use of paint is not in keeping with El Paseo’s brand of a high-end
luxury street.
At its June 11, 2020, City Council meeting, staff was tasked with investigating additional
crosswalk materials and stated, based on the number of negative comments received, staff
believed that no matter what colors, designs, and materials used, the concept of decorative
crosswalks would not receive significant support from the community. The City Council
directed staff to remove the crosswalks at a later date based on the pandemic and budget.
After the June 11, 2020, City Council meeting, staff received positive comments in support of
keeping the colored crosswalks. Staff believes that generally when people are in favor of
something, they do not express their opinions to the City. Additionally, since the pandemic,
staff has not received any negative comments from the community. This may be based on
the following factors.
• The colors have faded and are more muted
• People are now used to them
• The pandemic has geared their priorities elsewhere
If the City Council directs staff to remove the painted crosswalks at San Pablo Avenue,
Larkspur Lane and Highway 74/El Paseo, the cost will range between $160,000 and
$280,000. The type of paint that was applied cannot be water blasted or sandblasted off.
The process of removal will take approximately 14 to 18 weeks, which includes a formal
bidding process. The estimated range is based on the previous contractor’s unit process,
plus 20% contingency. The estimates also include traffic control and mobilization costs.
The work would not be eligible for Measure A funding since it is considered cosmetic and
there is no other funding available, so funds would need to be appropriated from the General
Fund reserves.
May 27, 2021 - Staff Report
El Paseo (Dining Decks and Crosswalks)
Page 9 of 10
One of the recommendations from the Gibbs Planning Group was to add an aesthetic
treatment to the crosswalks. If the Council desires to implement some sort of aesthetic
permanent treatment to all the crosswalks along El Paseo such as pavers, bricks, colored
concrete, etc., staff does not believe spending between $160,000 and $280,000 to remove
the colored crosswalks is the best option at this time. Staff believes those funds should be
allocated towards a permanent treatment. If this option is considered, staff recommends
leaving the painted crosswalks and direct staff to explore design and material concepts, and
installation costs for all the crosswalks along El Paseo.
Recommendation
Dining Decks:
Staff is recommending that the City Council extend the existing TUPs for dining decks for an
additional year, with an option to extend for a second year if warranted, and direct staff to
implement the draft Outdoor Dining Deck Design Guidelines manual. Staff will then work with
the restaurant owners to modify the existing dining decks to comply with the guidelines.
Staff also recommends that the City Council direct staff to create a grant program to assist
with the potential modifications.
Raised Mid-Block Crosswalks:
Staff believes that one or two additional raised mid-block crosswalks are desired on the west
end and that the area between Ocotillo Drive and Sage Lane between the median break
should be Priority One. Staff recommends that the City Council direct staff to initiate an RFP
for engineering design services for two raised mid-block crosswalks that would cost
approximately $50,000.
Enhanced Painted Crosswalks:
Staff recommends leaving the painted crosswalks and direct staff to investigate costs for other
decorative treatments such as pavers, bricks, and colored concrete and report back to the
City Council with design concepts and costs.
Fiscal Analysis
Depending on the direction from the City Council, to remove the painted crosswalks that
would require separate action and funding. Staff has provided an estimated cost of $160,000
to $280,000 to remove the painted crosswalks. Since funding is not available to remove the
painted crosswalks, the funds would need to be appropriated from the General Fund Capital
Improvement Project Reserve.
If the Council directs staff to initiate an RFP for engineering design services for two raised
mid-block crosswalks, the cost shall not exceed $50,000. The design cost is included in the
$250,000 in the FY 2021-22 Capital Improvement Project budget, however, if direction is
given to install improvements in excess of the amount budgeted, at such time as the contract
is awarded, the additional amount will need an appropriation.
May 27, 202� - Skaff Report
EI Pasea (Dining Decks and Crosswalks)
Page 10 of 10
4ncluded in the Propased FY 2021-22 Budget:
Pro ect � Arr►ounk ` Fundm Source
__ _ ................ _...... _...
_.
�ining Deck Program" �$ �00,000.00 Econ De� Fund 425
. .. . . . . ...._. �_. .. .._ _.. .. .. . ... _. �._... _.. P P _ .. ._._. .. _..- --..
. _.
Raised Md-Block Crosswalks" !$ 250.000.00 ERestricted Ca ifal Im ra�ement Fund 451
Not Includec! in the Proposed FY 2021-22 Budget:
Pro ect I A�nount Potentiaf Fundin Source
J 9
Removal of Painted Crosswalks �$160 000 to $280 000 ; Genera! Fund Capital Imp Project Reserve
........ . .. ... .. ..... _...._..._.........._ _ ._...... .... ;..._._.........__.........._.........._................
... _ ... ___
Additional Raised Mid-Block j ;Restricted Capital Project Fund 451 from fut�rre
Crosswalks" E$ 250,000.00 EProjects: E! Paseo Expansion $1M and EI Paseo
Sig�age $500K. -Future projects would be limited.
_ ..... .. ............. . . . ............................_.......... � -- . _......_._ _ _. _, _..,....,. _...
Enhanced i7ecorative � RestnCted Capital Prpject Fund 45� from ruture
Crosswalks' E Varies depending prp��cts E! Paseo Expansion $1M and Ef Paseo
imaterials selected S�gnage �SaoK Future projects wouid 8e iim�ted.
' To the extent possibSe, if any of these projects suppori the small business recovery component within the Amencan Rescue
Plan (ARPA) Requirements. funds maybe aHocatad frpm ARPAmonies. �ue to the reslricted nature ofthe ARPAfunds, iF
such a delermination could be made, staffwould suggest using these funds as a firsi priority source.
The potential sources for the projects noted herein include the Restricted Capital Project
Funds (using part of the "EI Paseo Expansion" ($�M) project and the "EI Paseo Signage"
($500,000) projects identified as future Restricfed Capital Projects, limiting those future
p�ojects by the amount used), Capital Gmprovement Project Rese�ve, or to the extent possible,
if any of these projects support the small t�usiness recovery component w�thin the American
Rescue Plan (ARPA) Requirements, funds may be allocated from ARPA monies. Due ta the
res#rictEd nature of the ARI'A funds, if such a determination could be made, staff would
suggest using these �unds as a first priority source.
LEGAL REVI�W
N!A
DEPT. REVI�W
�uc eeja
FINANCIAL
REVIEW
ASSISTANT CITY
MANAGER
Robert W. Hargreaves
City Attorney
�a.,,.�T' `1�7, N?aou
Eric Ceja, Interim Director of Janet Moore
Development Services Director of Finance
.:lncfy ��'i,-e�rirzc�
Andy Firestine
Assistant City Manaqer
L i'odd Hfleman, City Manager: L. TpO�G{ H-t,l,et�u.Livt.
Attachments
Draft Outdoor Dining DEck Design Guidelines . �
�,...., .......,.... ..5.'i'�nN
*8y Minute Motion: a) direct staffto drak �,, '�?FNTFn
and present it5 propased regulations at j2�:CE�YED (}THER
the June 24, 2021, Council meeti�g; and
b] continue further discussion on raised
mid-block trosswalks and enhanced
painted crasswalks until a study session is
schedufed to re�iew the #�roader plan for
EI Paseo, noting the i�tent to move the
project farward as soon as possible. 5=0
;��rE�t��N� n� 1 '- � - - ,�
AYFS: 1 « la �l '� �
!'�OES• .� __
A BSENI1t - - -.._,.r ._ . �
ABSTAINs - ,
�✓ERYFIED BY;��L`1 �
, k.,�,.,a; ... ,a�e
Public Works Department
OUTDOOR DINING DECK DESIGN GUIDLINES
May 11, 2021
DRAFT - Outdoor Dining Deck Design Guidelines
May 11, 2021
Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
1.0 BACKGROUND
2.0 DESIGN CRITERIA
2.1 Street Design Criteria – Where are Dining Decks Allowed
2.2 Barrier Design
2.2.1 Parallel Parking Area Protection
2.2.2 Angled Parking Area Protection
2.2.3 Dining Deck Signage/Markings
2.3 Platform Threshold Design
2.4 Drainage Design
2.5 Accessibility
3.0 APPENDICES
FIGURES/TABLES
DRAFT - Outdoor Dining Deck Design Guidelines
May 11, 2021
Page 3
1.0 BACKGROUND
In response to COVID-19, the State of California, similar to many other States throughout
the country implemented various procedures to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. Some
of these procedures included restriction or closure of indoor activities, limited capacity in
closed buildings and the introduction of more outdoor dining. Many cities were faced with
varying challenges, including the need to dedicate public space for the use of outdoor
activities.
The City of Palm Desert has taken an approach that allows outdoor dining through their
“Outdoor Dining Deck” program. These extensions of the walkway allow for enhancement
of the pedestrian environment which can help make the street feel safer and more
comfortable for people shopping, running errands, and accessing services in the City.
Typically, a Dining Deck is a built platform that extends out from the sidewalk to the width of
the adjacent parking space. These decks can be used for an expanded dining area or an
area to re-route pedestrian travel around expanded outdoor dining in the public sidewalk.
These guidelines are intended to be a “living document” due to the rapid development of
this program. The City of Palm Desert is focused on safety, accessibility and drainage in
the design of the s. As new regulations and developments occur, this guideline will
undergo periodic revisions.
DRAFT - Outdoor Dining Deck Design Guidelines
May 11, 2021
Page 4
2.0 DESIGN CRITERIA
Many factors go into selecting whether or not a business can implement a Dining Deck;
however, these factors are routed in the general public’s welfare and safety while
maintaining the ability for safe and efficient motoring. In addition, accessibility and drainage
are two other key considerations. As time progresses, the City of Palm Desert maintains a
progressive approach as to how to implement this program. This section documents what
businesses can take advantage of the Dining Deck program. The City intends to allow this
to continue beyond the COVID-19 restrictions and going forward into the future. Many
aspects have to be reviewed, as there are many departments of the City that must be
involved.
Planning – The Planning Division implements the policies and objectives of the community
that are set forth in the City of Palm Desert’s General Plan, Zoning O rdinance, and Specific
Plans. The Planning Division also reviews new development proposals to ensure that the
City’s design and development standards, and goals and policies, are executed in the
development of the City.
Building and Safety – The Building and Safety Division is dedicated to providing the
highest level of code compliance, inspection services, and plan review to every architect,
engineer, developer, contractor, business, and property owner that resides or works within
our community. The Division strives to demonstrate fairness, equality, and the highest
standard of professional ethics in providing our services while enforcing state construction
laws and local ordinances that protect our citizens. The City of Palm Desert adopted its first
building code in 1973.
Public Works - The Public Works Department is responsible for the planning, design,
construction, operation, and maintenance of the City’s infrastructure including streets,
sidewalks, storm drains, traffic signals, and landscaping. The department also oversees
graffiti removal, engineering review of land development plans, and implementation of City-
funded improvement projects.
Each of the above listed departments has a vested interested in the development of the
Dining Decks. Each business much submit a Temporary Use Permit application should
they wish to participate the program, and a copy of the permit has been attached in the
appendices of this document. In addition, this application can be obtained from the City of
Palm Desert’s website
(https://www.cityofpalmdesert.org/home/showpublisheddocument/30125/63736879588823
0000)
DRAFT - Outdoor Dining Deck Design Guidelines
May 11, 2021
Page 5
2.1 Street Design Criteria – Where are Dining Decks Allowed
In order to maintain safety of both the pedestrian as well as the motoring public, the City of
Palm Desert has determined certain criteria on which they will allow dining decks. Below is
a summary of the minimum requirements.
Table 1: Dining Deck Selection Criteria
Allowed
Will need to be
reviewed on a case
by case basis
Prohibited
25 mph roadway X
30 mph (and over)
roadway X
Red Zones X
Red Zones by Fire
Hydrants X
Yellow Zones X
White Zones X
Green Zones X
Travel Lanes X
Within 40’ of a
Corner (Measured
from BCR/ECR)
X
At an Intersection
(I.E. TEE
INTERSECTION)
X
Parking Lane of 8’
or More X
Parking Lane under
8’ X
Angled Parking
Stalls X
2.2 Barrier Design
The City of Palm Desert has committed to the safety of its ped estrians and motoring traffic,
and for this reason, Dining Decks shall be protected using standard K -Rail available from
construction supply businesses. These barriers can be composed of concrete or durable
plastic materials intended to be filled with water provide a solid barrier between the
vehicular traffic and the dining decks. K-Rail are sometimes referred to as Jersey Barriers
At a minimum, barriers must be: 36-42 inches high; not easily moved, altered, or stolen;
DRAFT - Outdoor Dining Deck Design Guidelines
May 11, 2021
Page 6
stable and sturdy enough not to fall over or be pushed over (must withstand 250 lbs of
force).
2.2.1 Parallel Parking Area Protection
In order to eliminate a blunt edge, the City of Palm Desert is recommending that an
approximate 10 foot long transition be created using K-Rail on the approach side of the
dining deck. Parallel to the travel lanes, between the deck and the travel lane, a solid K -
Rail barrier shall be provided. On the departure side of the deck, a single K-Rail shall be
placed in order to prevent cars backing up during a parking maneuver from colliding with
the deck. As an additional safeguard, a parking wheel stop shall be provided, 4 -feet from
the last k-rail to further protect the dining deck from someone backing up into a parking
stall. It is also an option to provide this on the approach side of the dining deck.
2.2.2 Angled Parking Area Protection
Similar to the parallel parking area Dining Deck, the use of K-Rail shall be implemented to
protect Dining Decks placed in angled parking stalls. Since these areas tend to have a
greater depth, the decks should be placed at the end of the stall and outside of the traveled
way. A conceptual layout has been provided in Figure 1.
DRAFT - Outdoor Dining Deck Design Guidelines
May 11, 2021
Page 7
Figure 1: Dining Deck Parking Area Protection
DRAFT - Outdoor Dining Deck Design Guidelines
May 11, 2021
Page 8
2.2.3 Dining Deck Signage/Markings
Dining decks should include a Type E Flexible Base Delineator on the upstream and
downstream side of the k-rail. In addition, a single white reflective tab shall be placed in
the middle of each k-rail parallel to the path of travel. The tab shall be installed such that
vehicles approaching can see the tab.
2.3 Platform Threshold Design
The Dining Deck platform serves as the
foundation for the outdoor space and as such,
must be designed of durable materials that can
withstand inclement weather and handle the wear
and tear of the elements and regular pedestrian
traffic.
The platform deck shall be designed in
accordance with appropriate ADA and California
Building Code Chapter 11B. As such, the City of
Palm Desert recommends that the platform shall
be level with the existing sidewalk (or within ¼” )
and a gap no larger than ½” exist between the
curb face and proposed deck. Any vertical
difference over ¼” shall be beveled with a 1:4
(25%) slope.
Platforms shall not be bolted to the existing
pavement or concrete improvements. If bolting is
proposed, the City shall work with the applicant to
obtain appropriate payments for future
improvement replacement.
2.4 Drainage Design
In general, most Dining
Decks are constructed
against an existing curb
and gutter, and such
local drainage should
be taken into account.
Impeding of the flow of
surface water could
cause ponding, and
potential flooding of the
deck creating a hazard
for pedestrians and the motoring public. As such, a 6” X 6” minimum clear gutter space
must be provided along the entire length of the Dining Deck adjacent to the curb.
Openings at either ends may be covered with screens to prevent debris buildup underneath
the deck and in the gutter.
DRAFT - Outdoor Dining Deck Design Guidelines
May 11, 2021
Page 9
2.5 Accessibility
Dining decks shall be designed in accordance with current American’s with
Disabilities Act and Chapter 11B of the California Building Code.
Sample Dining Decks
(https://www.giffelswebster.com/dining-platforms-and-parklets-in-parking-spaces/)
DRAFT - Outdoor Dining Deck Design Guidelines
May 11, 2021
Page 10
3.0 APPENDICES
DRAFT - Outdoor Dining Deck Design Guidelines
May 11, 2021
Page 11
City of Palm Desert
Temporary Use Permit
Outdoor Business Expansion Application
DRAFT - Outdoor Dining Deck Design Guidelines
May 11, 2021
Page 12
DRAFT - Outdoor Dining Deck Design Guidelines
May 11, 2021
Page 13