College - Author 1

College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Department - Author 1

City and Regional Planning Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in City and Regional Planning

College - Author 2

College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Department - Author 2

City and Regional Planning Department

Degree - Author 2

BS in City and Regional Planning

Date

6-2021

Primary Advisor

Keith Woodcock, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, City and Regional Planning Department

Abstract/Summary

Currently, the parklet program in San Luis Obispo is a temporary program that utilizes encroachment permits to allow businesses to utilize sidewalks and a portion of the street for outdoor dining. With the emergence of parklets around the country due to COVID-19, commercial uses have been able to stay in business while adhering to the social distancing guidelines. Another added benefit has been the overall public enjoyment of utilizing parklets. Specifically in San Luis Obispo, the parklet program has made it easy for businesses to operate with added space. The question we asked in this project was whether or not these parklets should be permanent, seasonal, or removed completely. The process we took to provide an answer to this question started with extensive background research and a closer look at other successful parklet programs such as San Francisco and Minneapolis.

Next, we weighed the pros and cons in order to reach a decision on what the costs and benefits would be if San Luis Obispo were to implement a seasonal or permanent parklet program. Following the pros and cons section, we conducted our community outreach through a survey downtown of pedestrians interacting with parklets. The positive feedback we received regarding parklets spurred us to conduct even more research such as the goals that the city has, urban design qualities of parklets, and then the methods needed for implementation of a permanent parklet program. Our final recommendation was to make five policy changes. The policies we proposed are as follows: the city shall develop design guidelines for parklets, the city shall create independent parklets owned by the city, the city shall develop a permit system to allow private business to operate parklets, the city will charge fees to raise capital from the parklet program, and lastly, the city will develop a maintenance program for parklets.

Available for download on Tuesday, June 09, 2026

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