PED 2020-07-06 Item 1C - COVID-19 - Interim Policy for Outdoor Seating and Signage Allowances for Businesses

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City of Tukwila Allan Ekberg, Mayor INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM TO: Planning and Economic Development Committee FROM: Jack Pace, DCD Director BY: Minnie Dhaliwal, Deputy DCD Director CC: Mayor Ekberg DATE: June 30, 2020 SUBJECT: Temporary policy regarding outdoor seating and temporary signage during the COVID-19 Pandemic. ISSUE Affirm the interim policy regarding outdoor seating and temporary signage for businesses in response to COVID-19. BACKGROUND On February 29, 2020 Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic, directing state agencies to use resources necessary to prepare for and respond to the outbreak. The Mayor issued a Proclamation declaring an emergency on March 9, 2020. The City Council affirmed the emergency declaration at its March 16th meeting. Since then the Governor has announced "Safe Start - Washington's Phased Reopening plan" that went into effect on June 1, 2020. Due to the economic disruptions in the community, and in compliance with the Washington State Governor's "Safe Start" phased approach to business reopening, the City Administration has established the interim policy (see attached) to expedite approval of any outdoor seating areas and to relax temporary signage requirements. DISCUSSION TMC 2.57.040 (3) requires the City Council to affirm any rules or regulations related to the protection of life, environment, and property that are affected by the emergency. See attached interim policy that allows businesses to: 1)Allow outdoor seating areas in the required parking spaces provided safety protocols are met; 2)Waives the requirement for temporary sign permits; and 3)Temporarily suspends enforcement of portable signs placed on private property provided they do not block sight distance. This interim policy is one avenue that the City can take to help Tukwila businesses as they reopen during these challenging times. 59