History
On February 27, 2012, the Community Redevelopment Agency approved the "Downtown Stuart Outdoor Seating Strategy" as a pilot program, which allowed for parking spaces to be utilized for Outdoor Dining (Seating) Program in the downtown area.
On February 27, 2017, the Community Redevelopment Agency Board approved the Outdoor Dining Master Plan as shown in "Exhibit 2", which identified existing and proposed dining area immediately adjacent to an existing restaurant/food service establishments. The Master Plan shows that 8% (19 parking spaces) of the total available parking spaces (233) between SW Colorado Avenue and SW St Lucie Avenue were dedicated for the Outdoor Dining Program.
Summary
Currently, there are 13 parking spaces occupied for outdoor dining area by food establishments (Exhibit 2). The remaining 6 parking spaces shown on the Master Plan have yet to be built out. Those parking spaces are adjacent to Riverwalk Café (2), Sneaki Tiki (1), Black Marlin (2) and Kilwins (1). They are shown on the map for demonstrative purpose until formal licenses have been executed.
Since the master plan was approved, the designated area for the outdoor dining program gained additional 14 parking spaces after the completion of the Downtown Streetscape Improvements Project and we expect to gain additional 9 parking spaces when the streetscape improvements along SW Seminole Street is completed. There will be a total of 23 (= 14 + 9) additional parking spaces within the Outdoor Dining Program boundary.
If we continue to limit the outdoor dining area to 8% for the existing 247 parking spaces, we can allocate 20 parking spaces for the program and upon completion of the Seminole streetscape project, there will be a total of 256 (= 247 + 9) parking spaces within the boundary so we can designate 21 parking spaces for the program. This will result in a net increase in available parking even after dedicating spaces for the Outdoor Dining Program
We have a request from Rick Wilson from The Gafford to install permanent outdoor dining in two parking spaces on SW Osceola Street adjacent to their establishment. On the Master Plan, they were approved one parking space for outdoor dining on SW Flagler Avenue but they prefer to provide outdoor dining experience on SW Osceola Street. Therefore, they gave their designated spot to Luna's and currently there is one parking space allocated for outdoor dining in front of Luna's on SW Flagler Avenue.
Staff is requesting that the remaining 7 parking spaces for the Outdoor Dining Program be assigned on the first-come first-served basis pursuant to the program requirements. If there is no available spaces, a waiting list will be maintained by staff. As soon as space becomes available, the first establishment on the list must enter into an license agreement or be removed from the list.
Currently, the establishments pay a monthly rent for the use of the right-of-way for the Outdoor Dining Program. The City generates a revenue of approximately $18,000 annually ($1,500 monthly). The remaining 7 parking spaces has a potential to generate additional revenue of $10,000 annually.
Staff is requesting the board to consider the following amendments to the existing Outdoor Dining Program:
- Limit Outdoor Dining Program to 8% of the parking spaces within the Outdoor Dining Program boundary map attached as Exhibit 3.
- Limit the program to 2 parking spaces per food establishment.
- The available spaces be assigned on the first come first served basis and maintain a waiting list if there are no more available spaces.
- Allow outdoor dining to occur on sidewalk where there is adequate width to allow pedestrians to pass by tables and accommodate sidewalk dining.
- Comply with all other conditions in the license agreement.