HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 5/26/2020 - Memorandum From Chad Crager Re: Temporary Outdoor Dining/Retail AreasEngineering Department
281 North College Avenue
P.O. Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522.0580
970.221.6605
970.221.6378 - fax
fcgov.com/engineering
Planning, Development & Transportation
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 20, 2020
To: Mayor and City Councilmembers
Thru: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Kelly DiMartino, Deputy City Manager
Caryn Champine, Director of Planning, Development, and Transportation
From: Chad Crager, City Engineer
Re: Temporary Outdoor Dining/Retail Areas
Background
As it is likely that restaurants will soon be allowed to reopen in a limited capacity,
they are looking to expand their footprint outside for additional capacity. In a
collaborative effort between multiple City departments, the Downtown Development
Authority, and the Downtown Business Association, the City is exploring ways to
use the City right of way and private parking lots safely and collaboratively in new
ways.
Project Details
On May 19, Governor Polis issued a draft guideline as a path for restaurants, bars,
breweries, etc. to reopen. The guideline limits indoor seating to 30%, and outdoor
seating that may increase the capacity to 60% of the total restaurant capacity. This
poses a significant challenge to businesses to find new spaces for dining.
A plan has been developed to permit the use of traditionally urban spaces in a non-
traditional manner. Specifically, the City will allow the use of public rights of way and
private parking for dining. In addition, we are communicating to businesses the
application process required for alcohol sales in these outdoor areas. To accomplish
this transformation of outdoor spaces, the following is proposed:
• Allowing the temporary use of additional sidewalk space and parking spaces
for outdoor dining/retail
• When appropriate, allowing the temporary closure of streets for outdoor
dining/retail
• Temporarily allowing sections of private parking areas for outdoor
dining/retail
DocuSign Envelope ID: C8B680FE-0A88886D-B38F-EF47-4445-410B-B30B-9322-150DDD534CB9 635EAA3E4C19
Next Steps
Staff will be finalizing the following this week:
• An online permit for businesses to easily access and apply for the proposed
outdoor areas for an initial timeline through the end of September
• A website to help distribute information to business owners
• A press release to communicate the ability to permit outdoor areas to
businesses and residents
It is anticipated that restaurants will be allowed to reopen the week of June 1st with
limited capacity. With the completion of the outdoor dining provisions this week,
restaurants/retail will be able to use additional outdoor spaces when they reopen.
DocuSign Envelope ID: C8B680FE-0A88886D-B38F-EF47-4445-410B-B30B-9322-150DDD534CB9 635EAA3E4C19