HomeMy WebLinkAboutPED 2020-07-06 Item 1C - COVID-19 - Interim Policy for Outdoor Seating and Signage Allowances for BusinessesCity 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.
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INFORMATIONAL MEMO
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FINANCIAL IMPACT
The City typically collects $47 per temporary sign permit. In 2019 the city issued 30
temporary sign permits and in 2020 the city has issued 4 temporary sign permits.
RECOMMENDATION
Affirm the emergency policy provided by City Administration.
ATTACHMENTS
• Interim emergency policy regarding outdoor seating and temporary signage
60 https://tukwilawa.sharepoint.com/sites/mayorsoffice/cc/Council Agenda Items/DCD/PED memo 7-6-20.doc
City of Tukwila
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 Jan 10, 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 and membrane structures having an area in excess of 400 square feet
shall not be erected without first obtaining a permit and approval from the Fire
Marshall. Here is the Ilii,g,ll to Fire Tent permit application and requirements.
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M.
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
APPROVAL:
Mayor Allan Ekberg De'Sean Quinn, Council President
Jack Pace, Director Community Development Kari Sand City Attorney
Jay Wittwer, Fire Chief
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