HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial 2020-12-14 Item 2C - COVID-19 - Amend and Renew Emergency Rules to Allow Tents in Parking Lots and Temporary SIgnageITEM INFORMATION
STAFF SPONSOR: B. MILES ORIGINAL AGENDA DATE: 12/14/20
AGENDA ITEM TITLE Amending and Extending the City’s Interim, COVID-19 Policy on Outdoor Seating
and Temporary Signage
CATEGORY Discussion Motion Resolution Ordinance Bid Award Public Hearing Other
Mtg Date 12/14/20 Mtg Date 12/14/20 Mtg Date Mtg Date Mtg Date Mtg Date Mtg Date
SPONSOR Council Mayor HR DCD Finance Fire TS P&R Police PW
SPONSOR’S
SUMMARY
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. The City’s current emergency rules are set to expire on January 15, 2021.
REVIEWED BY Trans&Infrastructure CommunitySvs/Safety Finance Com Planning/Economic Dev.
LTAC Arts Comm. Parks Comm. Planning Comm.
DATE: 12/7/20 COMMITTEE CHAIR: McLeod
RECOMMENDATIONS:
SPONSOR/ADMIN. Mayor’s Office/Economic Development
COMMITTEE Unanimous Approval; Forward to Committee of the Whole
COST IMPACT / FUND SOURCE
EXPENDITURE REQUIRED AMOUNT BUDGETED APPROPRIATION REQUIRED
$N/A $N/A $N/A
Fund Source: N/A
Comments: N/A
MTG. DATE RECORD OF COUNCIL ACTION
12/14/20
MTG. DATE ATTACHMENTS
12/14/20 Informational Memorandum dated 12/1/20
Revised, Interim Outdoor Seating and Signage Allowance for Businesses (COVID-19)
Minutes from 12/7/20 Planning and Economic Development Committee
COUNCIL AGENDA SYNOPSIS
----------------------------------Initials --------------------------------- ITEM NO.
Meeting Date Prepared by Mayor’s review Council review
12/14/20 BJM 4.C. &
Spec 2.C.
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City of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Planning and Economic Development Committee
FROM: Brandon Miles, Business Relations Manager
CC: Mayor Ekberg
DATE: December 1, 2020
SUBJECT: Amending and Extending the City’s Interim, COVID-19 Policy on Outdoor
Seating and Temporary Signage
ISSUE
Affirm the revised 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. The City’s current emergency rules are set to expire on January 15, 2021.
On November 15, 2020, the Governor announced a new round of COVID-19 restrictions
intended to help slow the transmission of COVID-19. These new restrictions prevent restaurants
from having indoor seating. Outdoor seating, including in a tent, is permitted, under the
Governor’s current guidelines. The Governor’s new restrictions are scheduled to run until
December 18. However, it is possible they could be extended or reimposed at a later date.
City Administration has made the following changes to the emergency rules:
1. Extend the date of the emergency rules to June 30, 2021.
2. Clarify the tent and membrane structure policy:
a. Tents and membranes up to 400 square feet do not require a permit.
b. The City will create a flat fee ($50.00) of permit for tents and membranes over
400 square feet. The flat fee will cover all require permits and inspections.
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.
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INFORMATIONAL MEMO
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https://tukwilawa.sharepoint.com/sites/mayorsoffice/cc/CC Docs/Old W/2020 Info Memos/covid19 amendment for outdoor seating temp sign.doc
RECOMMENDATION
Affirm the revised emergency policy provided by City Administration. Forward to the December
14 Committee of the Whole meeting and special meeting on the same night for adoption.
ATTACHMENTS
Revised, Interim Outdoor Seating and Signage Allowance for Businesses in Response to
COVID-19.
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Page 1 of 2
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 June 30, 2021 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 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 heating, plumbing, and electrical may still be
required.
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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
included credit card fees). The permit fee shall cover the building,
mechanical, electrical, plumbing plan reviews, inspections, and permit
requirements of the Department of Community Development, Fire, and
Public Works Department.
d)e) 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 link to Fire Tent permit application and requirements .
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 December 1, 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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Planning & Economic Development Committee Minutes ......................................................................... December 7, 2020
C.Experience Tukwila Performance Measures
Staff is seeking Council input into performance measures for Experience Tukwila in the
categories of digital platforms, small events and festivals, and sponsorships.
Committee Recommendation
Discussion only. Forward to December 14, 2020 Committee of the Whole.
D.COVID-19: Temporary Rules
Staff is seeking Council approval of a revised interim policy regarding outdoor seating and
temporary signage to help businesses operate under COVID -19 restrictions. Staff proposes
extended the amended policy through June 30, 2021.
Committee Recommendation
Majority approval with McLeod and Hougardy in favor, Idan abstained . Forward to December
14, 2020 Committee of the Whole.
E.Committee Work Plan
Committee members discussed the committee’s work over the past year.
Committee Recommendation
Discussion only.
II.MISCELLANEOUS
The meeting adjourned at 6:46 p.m.
Committee Chair Approval
Minutes by LH
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