More Space For Parklets In Healdsburg After City Council Vote Tuesday

HEALDSBURG, CA — In Healdsburg, 16 parklets line the streets. They could fill 40 parking spaces.

On Tuesday, the City Council decided that the town has space for a few more and voted to devote 60 parking spaces in total to parklets.

Council members said expanding the program could be controversial — even if demand is theoretical, judging by the lack of applications.

But while the demand for new parklets is low, those that have a license want to keep theirs.

Growing Pains

Parklets are platforms that extend businesses outdoors by converting curbside parking spaces into street seating. Property owners generally sign an agreement with the city, in some cases through a citywide application process, to procure curbside seating in place of one or more parking spaces, according to the North American City/County Transportation Officials.

While not new, parklets exploded onto city streets during the pandemic when they turned into a relief for residents eager to socialize and an economic lifeline for restaurants, cafes, and wineries.

The permitting process was a little looser during the pandemic, especially for places new to the idea.

Healdsburg officials responded to the restrictions caused by the pandemic with temporary outdoor activities permits. A permit fee and criteria followed in 2022, and the city set a maximum number of parking stalls that parklets could occupy. Councilmembers agreed to revisit the program in 2025.

The program has matured, but not without growing pains, which appeared to revolve around defining standards and setting fees.

Standards include avoiding absentee parklets that sit empty but occupy parking spaces near the busy plaza center.

The Public Works Department has been handling enforcement, which Larry Zimmer said could be stronger.

For the operators, limiting fees was significant. "We are back to a 1970-level of sales," said Jane Portalupi. She owns Portalupi Wines, which uses a parklet on North Street as an outside tasting room.

The council also voted to limit a $2000 deposit to new applicants. Existing ones would be exempt.
Healdsburg Running Company co-owner Holly Brand said $2000 was too steep for local businesses.

Her company is one of the only retailers operating a parklet stacked with running shoes and other gear that encourages people walking past the store on Center Street to shop. On good days, the number who stop by cannot fit inside the store.

The majority of councilmembers decided against limiting parklets to hospitality.
Excluding retail, Brand said, would give people the impression that retail is not welcome, "That it shouldn't be there."

Supporters launched an email campaign in support of parklets.

Opponents see them as a feature that has outlived the original purpose.

"I fully support the reason the parklets were developed, and enjoyed dining safely outdoors in many of them during and after the pandemic," wrote Cindy Beth in a public comment emailed to the City Council. "I believe their time has expired. I would like to see them phased out, starting with any non-restaurants. There are retail businesses that have never needed the parklet to sell their merchandise. These should be removed immediately."