HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCD 2021-05-03 Item 1A - COVID-19 - Extend Emergency Rules to Allow Tents in Parking Lots and Temporary SignageCity of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Planning and Economic Development Committee
FROM: Brandon Miles, Business Relations Manager
CC: Mayor Ekberg
DATE: April 26, 2021
SUBJECT: Extending the City's Interim, COVID-19 Policy on Outdoor Seating and
Temporary Signage
ISSUE
Affirm the extension of the interim policy regarding outdoor seating and temporary signage for
businesses in response to COVID-19.
BACKGROUND
On July 20, 2020 the City Council affirmed the Mayor's emergency rules regarding temporary
outdoor seating and easing the requirements regarding the display of temporary signage. These
emergency rules were put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated
rules put in the place by the Governor's Office to promote social distancing in public settings.
Outdoor seating provided certain benefits to restaurants in meeting the requirements of the
Governor's orders.
In response to the November rollback of the easing of pandemic restrictions, the City Council
extended the interim policy through June 30, 2021. Additionally, City streamlined the process for
larger tents to obtain permit from the City by providing one permit for all required reviews and
inspections for tents.
Several restaurants and casinos have taken advantage of installing tents on their property to
allow them to serve customers, while also maintaining social distancing requirements and
meeting capacity limitations.
City Administration has made the following changes to the emergency rules:
1. Extend the date of the emergency rules to January 15, 2022.
2. Updated signatures blocks for Council President and DCD Director.
DISCUSSION
As the Council is aware, the City is currently operating under a State of Emergency due to the
COVID-19 pandemic. Tukwila Municipal Code (TMC) 2.57.040 (3) requires the City Council to
affirm any rules or regulations related to the protection of life, environment, and property affect
the emergency. These emergency rules for tents are needed to allow businesses in the City to
operate in a safe manner. In addition, the rules for temporary signage are needed because
many businesses are doing pick up and drop off to encourage social distancing. Signage will
help direct motorists to businesses and pickup/drop off points.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Minimal and would include a small amount of loss revenue related to temporary signage
permits.
1
2
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 2
RECOMMENDATION
Affirm the revised emergency policy provided by City Administration. Forward to the May 10,
2021 Committee of the Whole meeting and the May 17, 2021 consent.
ATTACHMENTS
• Revised, Interim Outdoor Seating and Signage Allowance for Businesses in Response to
COVID-19.
https://tukwilawa.sharepoint.com/sites/mayorsoffice/cc/Council Agenda Items/Mayor's Office/PCD, May 3/Outdoor Tents and Signage/Informational
Memorandum, Outdoor Dining and Temporary Signage.doc
City of Tukwila
Interim Outdoor Seating and Signage Allowance for Businesses in
Response to COVID-19
SUBJECT: Temporary policy to allow outdoor seating and temporary signage
during the Public Health Emergency related to the COVID-19
pandemic.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this policy is to temporarily allow outdoor seating and
temporary signage and issue any approvals in an expeditious manner while
ensuring safety protocols are in place. This policy will be effective on June
15, 2020 and will expire on January 15, 2022 June 30, 2021 unless
otherwise terminated or extended.
SCOPE: This policy applies to all City of Tukwila businesses.
DEFINITIONS:
1. "Public Health Emergency" shall mean any such emergency declared by the Governor
of the State of Washington pursuant to his or her powers under chapters 38.08, 38.52
and 43.06 RCW, any such emergency declared by the King County Executive or the
Mayor of the City of Tukwila pursuant to chapter 38.52 RCW.
POLICY:
During the current Public Health Emergency and in compliance with the Washington State
Governor's "Safe Start" phased approach to business reopening, the City of Tukwila shall
establish the following policy to expedite approval of any outdoor seating areas and to
relax temporary signage requirements:
1) Businesses are allowed to set up outdoor seating areas in parking spaces on
private property, and no land use approval is required to deviate from the number
of parking spaces required by City code, provided the following conditions shall
be met:
a) No fire lanes are blocked
b) No fencing nor other containment feature is to be placed around the outdoor
seating area that does not allow openings for safe egress/exiting from the
seating area. In case of an emergency, people seated in the outdoor area
should be able to exit the premises without passing through the building.
c) Outdoor lighting shall be provided to ensure safe exiting from the dining area.
Any outdoor lighting fixtures shall be rated for outdoor use. Note: electrical
work will still require a permit.
d) Tents may be used, subject to the following requirements:
I. Tents and membrane structures up to 400 square feet do not
require a permit. Other permits for hearing, plumbing, and
electrical may still be required.
Page 1 of 2
3
II. Tents and membrane structures having an area greater than 400
square feet require a permit. The City will charge a flat $50.00
(not including credit card fees). The permit shall cover the
building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing plan reviews,
inspections, and permit requirement of the Departments of
Community Development, Fire, and Public Works.
2) Temporary signs informing the public that the business is open, or other directional
signs, such as designating curb side pickup areas, shall not require a temporary
sign permit, provided the following conditions shall be met:
a) Up to a maximum of 4 signs per business are allowed, and the maximum size
of the signs shall not exceed 64 sq. ft. total for all 4 signs. These signs can only
be placed on the premises of the business. Signs are not allowed to be placed
off premises or within public right of way or sidewalks.
b) Sight distance for cars entering and exiting the driveway shall not be blocked,
and signs shall not be placed on sidewalks.
c) Enforcement of the following prohibited signs is temporarily suspended:
i) Strings of pennants, balloons, and similar devices.
ii) The use of portable signs (A -boards, wire frames).
All other Tukwila Sign Code regulations remain in effect.
EFFECTIVE DATE: June 15, 2020, Amended April 30, 2021
APPROVAL:
Mayor Allan Ekberg Kate Kruller, Council President
Nora Gierloff, Director, DCD Kari Sand City Attorney
Jay Wittwer, Fire Chief
4
Page 2 of 2