HomeMy WebLinkAboutX-E-01 (a,b) 1st Reading - Ordinance Amendments - City Code Chapter 90.16 Sidewalk Cafés and Chapter 90.17 Parklets
City Council Memorandum
To: Mayor Fasbender & City Councilmembers
From: Emily King, Deputy City Clerk
Date: February 18, 2025
Item: 1st Reading: Ordinance Amendment – City Code Chapter 90.16 – Sidewalk Cafés and
Chapter 90.17 – Parklets
Council Action Requested:
Consider First Reading of the amendments to Hastings City Code Chapter 90.16 regarding Sidewalk Cafés
and Chapter 90.17 regarding Parklets.
Background Information:
City staff is proposing ordinance amendments to Chapter 90.16 and Chapter 90.17 of the Hastings City
Code. In 2024, City staff met with a few downtown business owners regarding the existing requirements of
Sidewalk Cafés and Parklets. Business owners expressed interest in expanding the allowable parklet
boundaries. As a result, staff is proposing ordinance amendments to both chapters of the Hastings City Code
defining the ability to expand the footprint for parklets while maintaining an accessible walkway.
Additional amendments provide clarifying ordinance language around definitions and conditions for the
license.
Financial Impact:
N/A
Advisory Commission Discussion:
N/A
Council Committee Discussion:
N/A
Attachments:
• First Reading Ordinance Amendment: Chapter 90.16 – Sidewalk Cafés
• First Reading Ordinance Amendment: Chapter 90.17 – Parklets
X-E-01 (a,b)
ORDINANCE NO. ___________
AN ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF HASTINGS, MINNESOTA, AMENDING
HASTINGS CITY CODE CHAPTERS 90.16, REGARDING SIDEWALK CAFÉS
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Dakota County, Minnesota, does hereby ordain
as follows:
SECTION 1. AMENDMENT. The Code of the City of Hastings, County of Dakota,
State of Minnesota, Chapter 90.16, regarding sidewalk cafés shall be amended as follows:
90.16 Sidewalk Cafés
A. Definition. For the purpose of this section, the following definition shall apply unless the
context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
SIDEWALK CAFÉ. A grouping of tables, chairs, and related items located
wholly or partially within a public sidewalk or right-of-way for the purposes of service
and consumption of food and beverages by patrons, when located immediately adjacent
to a food and beverage service establishment having a common operator.
PATIO IGLOO. A heated, transparent structure made of plastic that is set up on a
patio for outdoor dining.
STAMPED CONCRETE. A concrete surface that has been imprinted with a
pattern or texture to mimic other materials.
B. Sidewalk Cafés Authorized. Sidewalk cafés with or without service of alcohol may be
located on public sidewalks or right-of-ways subject to a license issued by the City
Council pursuant to this section.
C. General Requirements. Installation and operation of all sidewalk cafés are subject to the
following requirements and sidewalk cafés serving intoxicating liquor, beer or wine are
additionally subject to the applicable requirements of Chapter 111.
1. No person, business, or entity may use a public sidewalk to place tables, chairs, or
other seatingrelated items on a public sidewalk or right-of-way in conjunction with
a businessfood and beverage establishment without first obtaining a sidewalk café
license from the City.
2. A license is not required under this chapter for a business to temporarily place
stands, racks, or tables on a public sidewalk or right-of-way to display their goods
or products during a community celebration authorized by the City.
1.3.Sidewalk cafés may only be installed and operated from during the hours of
operation of the food service and beverage establishment provided that no sidewalk
café may be operated between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 11:00 a.m. Tables,
chairs, furnishings, planters, fences or other obstructions shall be immediately
X-E-01 (a,b)
removed from public sidewalks when the license holder is no longer operating the
Sidewalk Café due to changing seasons. Tables, chairs, furnishing, planters, fences
or other obstructions shall not impede snow removal efforts. The City Council may
further restrict the hours of operation of a sidewalk café based upon the proximity
to residential dwelling units, and upon considerations relating to the safety, repose
and welfare of residents, businesses and other uses near the establishment. Furniture
and fixtures may be stored overnight within the sidewalk café area provided the
licensee shall ensure all items are stored and secured in a neat and orderly manner.
2.4.All sidewalk cafés must abut and be operated as part of the food and beverage
service establishment operated by the applicant and shall have delineated limits
separating the sidewalk café from the travelled portion of the sidewalk. Sidewalk
cafés serving intoxicating liquor, beer or wine must have a visually appealing and
continuous barrier made of fencing or planters surrounding the entire sidewalk café
area which must be compact and contiguous with the enclosed portion of the
licensed premises. No licensee shall expand modify a sidewalk café without first
obtaining an amended sidewalk café license covering the additional space.
3.5.Only food or beverages for immediate consumption may be offered for sale and no
alcoholic beverages may be dispensed from within the sidewalk café. The licensee
shall provide food service in all sidewalk café areas during all hours of operation.
Food service may consist of less than a full menu, but menu but shall at all times
offer a substantial choice of main courses, other food items, and non-alcoholic
beverages. An establishment that offers a regular menu to customers with food
items delivered from other local fgood service establishments for purposes of this
Chapter and those portions of Chapter 111 regulating sidewalk cafes provided that
sidewalk café operations shall be allowed only during the times when food delivery
if is offered. Glassware may be used in the service of food and beverages but only
to the extent such use does not create a safety hazard for patrons or the public in
adjacent areas and the licensee is responsible to for the immediately removal ofe
any broken glass from the premises.
4.6.No licensee shall allow entertainment within a sidewalk café, including non-live
entertainment such as radio, taped music and television unless the same is expressly
approved in writing by the City Council and in no event shall noise be generated
that would unreasonably annoy or interfere with neighboring property owners or,
occupants, or the public.
5.7.No sidewalk café may: (i) unduly restrict the safe usage of any roadway, or the
sidewalk, or right-of-way by the public after taking into consideration the locations
of obstructions, vehicular traffic and other impediments to the passage of vehicles
and pedestrians; (ii) be located within ten (10) feet of any traffic signal, crosswalk
or pedestrian curb cut; or (iii) adjoin any premises other than the applicant’s food
and beverageservice establishment. All signs, including sandwich boards, must
comply with Chapter 155 and no signs may be placed in a manner that would
obstruct a pedestrian sidewalk the licensee is otherwise required to keep clear and
unobstructed.
6.8.Fencing and planters shall be visually appealing and constructed of high-quality,
durable materials, maintained in good condition and shall not be permanently
attached to the sidewalk or right-of-way. Fences and planters shall not exceed three
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(3) feet in height, provided live plants may extend to a height of not more than six
(6) feet, all as measured from the surface of the sidewalk or right-of-way. Planters
must include live plants and must be well maintained at all times.
7.9.Sidewalk cafés shall be handicap accessible, and shall be installed in a manner
complying with all ADA requirements, and shall provide for a minimum of four (4)
feet of clear, unobstructed pedestrian walkway between all obstructions and the
edge of the sidewalk café. Portions of the sidewalk that contain stamped concrete
shall not be included in the required minimum walkway. No employee or server
may obstruct pedestrian walkways at any time.
8.10. Operation of a sidewalk café must comply with all provisions of the
Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act.
9.11. No sidewalk café shall be installed or operated, and no license shall be
issued, for any location where the same is prohibited by state or local law and the
ownership, operation and maintenance of all sidewalk cafés shall be subject to all
applicable laws, ordinances and regulations.
10.12. The licensee shall maintain the sidewalk café in a clean and sanitary
condition and shall be responsible for theto removal ofe all trash and litter generated
by the operation of the sidewalk café within a reasonable distance from the area.
The licensee shall be responsible for all costs of repairing any damage to the
sidewalk, right-of-way, or other public property caused by the use of the sidewalk,
right-of-way, or public property as a sidewalk café. If the City Council approves
any improvements to the sidewalk or right-of-way necessary for the licensee to
operate a sidewalk café, the costs of such improvements plus any administrative
costs shall be paid for in advance by the licensee.
11.13. All sidewalk café licensees must at all times maintain commercial liability
insurance covering the licensed premises and the sidewalk café area with minimum
policy limits for bodily injury or death of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence
and $1,000,000 annual aggregate and for property damage of not less than $50,000.
Proof of the required liability insurance shall be in the form of a certificate of
insurance or some other form acceptable to the City Attorney and City Clerk. All
liability insurance policies required herein shall name the Ccity as any additional
insured and shall provide that there shall be no cancellation of the policy for any
cause, by the insured or by the insurance company, without first giving 10-days’
written notice to the Ccity, addressed to the City Clerk. Operation of a sidewalk
café or liquor sales by a licensee without required liability insurance coverage shall
be grounds for immediate suspension or revocation of the license. In addition, the
licensee shall indemnify and hold harmless the cCity, the Ccity’s public officials,
employees and agents from any loss, costs, damages and expenses arising out of
the use, design, operation or maintenance of the sidewalk café. These insurance and
indemnification requirements shall be memorialized in a license agreement signed
by the licensee prior to the initial issuance of the sidewalk café license and upon
any renewal thereof., but Ffailure of the Ccity and the licensee to execute such a
license agreement shall not alleviate the licensee of its insurance and
indemnification obligations hereunder.
12.14. The Ccity shall retain the right to remove or cause to be removed, any tables,
chairs, furnishings, planters, fences or other obstructions from the sidewalk or
X-E-01 (a,b)
public right-of-way as necessary to access public utilities and facilities, during
community civic festivals, celebrations and other events, or if the cCity reasonably
determines any such item(s) or items create an unreasonable risk to public health
or safety. The Ccity shall endeavor to give reasonable advance notice to the licensee
that items need to be removed or relocated.
15. Gas powered and heating features are permitted within sidewalk cafés but shall
require inspection by the City’s Fire Department.
16. Sidewalk Cafés shall not be installed prior to April 1 of each year unless otherwise
approved by the City Administrator or his/her designee.
17. Sidewalk Cafés shall be seasonal in nature and be removed by November 1 of each
year or when directed by the City Administrator or his/her designee.
a. The City shall provide sidewalk café licensees with as much advance notice
as possible in the event an infrastructure emergency that would require the
sidewalk café to be removed from City sidewalk or right of way.
18. A businesslicensee may request an extension of their sidewalk café to place patio
igloos during the winter months. If authorized, the business licensee shall be
responsible for all maintenance and snow removal.
D. License Applications.
1. An applicant for a sidewalk café license shall file an application on forms provided
by the City Clerk which shall include, in addition to any other information required
by the City, the following:
a. The business name, address, phone number and contact person.
b. A site plan of the proposed sidewalk café drawn to scale covering the entire
area between the curb and building showing locations of the property lines,
curbs, all streets in front of and adjacent to the property, all sidewalk
dimensions measured from the building face to the back of the curb
including the stamped concrete, all existing facilities and obstructions
within the right-of-way, the proposed location of all sidewalk café fixtures,
including but not limited to tables, chairs, umbrellas, planters, fences,
barricades, lighting, patio igloos, and heaters, and the proposed limits of the
sidewalk café.
c. Photographs and manufacturer specifications for all proposed sidewalk café
furniture and fixtures.
d. Description and locations of any sound, television or video systems
proposed for the sidewalk café.
e. Description of all food and beverages that will be served within the sidewalk
café and the proposed hours of operation.
f. Description of all points of access between the building and the sidewalk
café and exterior areas.
g. Description of ingress and egress arrangements including those necessary
to provide handicap accessibility and control of persons entering and
leaving the premises to prevent consumption of alcohol by minors and to
ensure safety of moveable seating arrangements.
X-E-01 (a,b)
h. Description of all physical improvements to be constructed to accommodate
the sidewalk café.
i. An insurance commitment or binder securing all insurance coverage
required under this chapter, and Chapter 111, if applicable, on the sidewalk
café areas and meeting all requirements for naming the Ccity as an
additional insured.
j. Any other information known to the applicant that may reasonably impact
the issuance of the license including but not limited to objections to the
proposed sidewalk café raised by neighboring property owners or the
public, obstructions or other factors that may interfere with pedestrian travel
on the affected sidewalk or right-of-way area, or conditions that may impact
public health or safety if the sidewalk café license is issued.
2. Upon submission of a complete application the City Clerk shall place the
application upon the agenda of the next available City Council meeting for
which proper notice as required by this section can be given. A public hearing
on the application shall be required for all initial sidewalk café applications, all
subsequent applications proposing modifications to a sidewalk café site plan,
and whenever the City determines a public hearing is necessary to determine
whether the criteria for granting a sidewalk café license are satisfied. When
applicable, the City Clerk shall cause notice of the public hearing to be given in
the same manner as prescribed for special use permits.
E. Granting Of License. Following the required public hearing, if any, the City Council may
grant or deny the license or refer the matter to any commission or committee for further
study.
F. Criteria For Issuance And Renewal. No sidewalk café license may be issued or renewed if
the results of the investigation or other evidence given to the City Council through any
means, shows to the satisfaction of the Council, that the issuance or renewal would not be
in the public’s interest. The Council shall make written findings, certifying the sidewalk
café will comply with the following criteria.
1. The design and operation satisfy the applicable requirements of this chapter and
will be in harmony with the purpose and intent of Chapter 155 and all rules
applicable in any Heritage Preservation District within which the sidewalk café is
located.
2. The design and operation will not unreasonably interfere with or annoy users of
neighboring residential, commercial or public property.
3. The design and operation will not unreasonably interfere with pedestrian or
vehicular traffic or access to any public street, utility or other facilities.
4. Where liquor, wine or beer will be served, the licensed premises is compact and
contiguous with the premises licensed under Chapter 111 and the design and
operation will safeguard against consumption of alcohol by minors.
G. Conditions Of License. Every license issued pursuant to this chapter shall be subject to the
conditions of this section and all other sections of this chapter and any other applicable
ordinance of the Ccity, state law, or federal law, and shall include the following conditions.
X-E-01 (a,b)
1. Posting. The license shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the licensed
establishment at all times.
2. Additional conditions. The City Council may, upon a finding of necessity, place
the conditions and restrictions upon the license as itthe City Council, at its
discretion, may deem reasonable and justified to protect the public interest.
3. Licenses limited to certain areas. All fixtures shall be placed, and all operations
conducted, within the space described on the license.
4. Inspection by peace officers or health officers. All sidewalk cafés shall be subject
to annual compliance inspections and no licensee or employee of a licensee shall
hinder or prevent a peace officer, health officer, building official, fire official, or
any other employee so designated by the City Council or City Administrator from
entering upon and inspecting the licensed premises during business hours, without
a search warrant.
5. Responsibility of licensee. Every licensee, whether actually present on the licensed
premises or not, shall be responsible for the conduct of the licensed premises and
shall maintain conditions of sobriety and order on the licensed premises.
6. Payment of WAC and SAC. Licensees shall pay all additional WAC and SAC
imposed as a result of additional seating offered within a sidewalk café.
H. Transfer Of License. No license issued pursuant to this chapter shall be transferrable to
another person or entity nor may any such license be transferred to a different location.
I. Expiration Of License. Every license issued under this chapter shall expire on December
31st of each year, regardless of when the license was issued.
J. Suspension Or Revocation Of License. The City Council may suspend, revoke or deny
renewal of any sidewalk café license, upon the violation of any license condition or of any
provision or condition of this chapter, any other Ccity ordinance, or of any state or federal
law. Before the Council shall suspend or revoke any license issued under this chapter, the
licensee shall be given at least 10-days’ notice stating the time and place of the hearing and
the charges against the licensee.
SECTION 3. SUMMARY PUBLICATION. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes
Section 412.191, in the case of a lengthy ordinance, a summary may be published. While a copy
of the entire ordinance is available without cost at the office of the City Clerk, the following
summary is approved by the City Council and shall be published in lieu of publishing the entire
ordinance.
The text amendment adopted by the Hastings City Council on
_________________, 2025 amends the City Ordinance to allow the City to regulate
Sidewalk Cafés.
SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from
and after its passage and publication according to law.
Passed this _____ day of _______________, 2025.
X-E-01 (a,b)
_____________________________
Mary D. Fasbender, Mayor
Attest:
___________________________
Kelly Murtaugh, City Clerk
Published in the Hastings Journal on _______________ and ________________.
X-E-01 (a,b)
ORDINANCE NO. ___________
AN ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF HASTINGS, MINNESOTA, AMENDING
HASTINGS CITY CODE CHAPTERS 90.17, REGARDING PARKLETS
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Dakota County, Minnesota, does hereby ordain
as follows:
SECTION 1. AMENDMENT. The Code of the City of Hastings, County of Dakota, State of
Minnesota, Chapter 90.17, regarding parklets shall be amended as follows:
90.17 Parklets
A. Definition. For the purposes of this section, the following definition shall apply unless the context
clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
PARKLET. An area for commercial business activities, which may include food and
beverage services, utilizing on-street parking spaces within City right-of-way, and located adjacent
to a commercial establishment having a common operator. Parklets are distinct and separate from
Sidewalk Cafes as regulated under Chapter 90.16.
STAMPED CONCRETE. A concrete surface that has been imprinted with a pattern or
texture to mimic other materials.
B. Parklets Authorized. Parklets with or without service of alcohol may be located within a public
right of way subject to a license issued by the City of Hastings pursuant to this section.
C. General Requirements. Installation and operation of all parklets are subject to the following
requirements and parklets serving intoxicating liquor, beer or wine are additionally subject to the
applicable requirements of Chapter 111.
1. Parklets may only be operated during the hours of operation of the food and beverage
service establishment provided that no pParklet may be operated between the hours of
11:00 p.m. and 11:00 a.m. The City Council may further restrict or expand the hours of
operation of a parklet based upon the proximity to residential dwelling units, and upon
considerations relating to the safety, repose and welfare of residents, businesses and other
uses near the establishment. Furniture and fixtures may be stored overnight within the
parklet provided the licensee shall ensure all items are stored and secured in a neat and
orderly manner.
2. All parklets shall have a visually appealing and continuous barrier made of fencing or
planters surrounding the street and parking sides of the parklet area which must be compact
and contiguous with the enclosed portion of the licensed premises. Licensees may request
to expand a parklet onto the stamped concrete portion of the adjacent sidewalk. No licensee
shall expand a parklet without first obtaining an amended parklet license covering the
additional space. If a licensee requests to expand their parklet onto the stamped concrete
portion of the sidewalk, the business shall would not be permitted to obtain a sidewalk café
license in conjunction with the parklet license unless applicant is able to comply with all
ADA requirements to provide for a minimum of four (4) feet of clear unobstructed
pedestrian walkway.
X-E-01 (a,b)
3. Only food or beverages for immediate consumption may be offered for sale and no
alcoholic beverages may be dispensed from within the parklet. The licensee shall provide
food service in all parklet areas during all hours of operation. Food service may consist of
less than a full menu, but menu but shall at all times offer a substantial choice of main
courses, other food items, and non-alcoholic beverages. An establishment that offers a
regular menu to customers with food items delivered from other local fgood service
establishments for purposes of this Chapter and those portions of Chapter 111 regulating
parklets provided that parklet operations shall be allowed only during the times when food
delivery ifis offered. Glassware may be used in the service of food and beverages but only
to the extent such use does not create a safety hazard for patrons or the public in adjacent
areas and the licensee is responsible to for the immediately removal ofe any broken glass
from the premisesparklet.
4. Non-live entertainment such as radio, recorded music and television is only permitted
within a parklet if it is expressly requested and approved by the City Council at the time of
Parklet License issuance and if approved shall not generate noise that would unreasonably
annoy or interfere with neighboring property owners, or occupants, or the public.
5. Live entertainment shall be permitted within parklets so long as sound does not generate
noise that would unreasonably annoy or interfere with neighboring property owners, or
occupants, or the public.
6. Operation of a parklet must comply with all provisions of the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air
Act.
7. No parklet shall be installed or operated, and no license shall be issued, for any location
where the samea parklet is prohibited by state or local law. Tand the ownership, operation
and maintenance of all parklets shall be subject to all applicable laws, ordinances and
regulations.
8. The Parklet Licensee shall maintain the pParklet in a clean and sanitary condition and shall
be responsible for the to removeremoval of all trash and litter generated by the operation
of the parklet. Trash and litter removed from the parklet shall be disposed of within a
reasonable distance from the area parklet each day. The Licensee shall be responsible for
all costs of repairing any damage to the roadway, sidewalk or other public property caused
by the use of the parklet.
9. All Parklet Licensees must at all times maintain commercial liability insurance covering
the licensed premises and the parklet area with minimum policy limits for bodily injury or
death of not less than $1,500,000 per occurrence and $1,500,000 annual aggregate.
a. Proof of the required liability insurance shall be in the form of a certificate of
insurance or some other form acceptable to the City Attorney and City Clerk.
b. All liability insurance policies required herein shall name the Ccity as any
additional insured and shall provide that there shall be no cancellation of the policy
for any cause, by the insured or by the insurance company, without first giving 10-
days’ written notice to the cCity, addressed to the City Clerk.
c. Operation of a parklet by a Licensees without required liability insurance coverage
shall be grounds for immediate suspension or revocation of the parklet
permitlicense.
d. The Licensees shall indemnify and hold harmless the cCity, the Ccity’s public
officials, employees and agents from any loss, costs, damages and expenses arising
out of the use, design, operation or maintenance of the parklet.
e. These insurance and indemnification requirements shall be memorialized in a
license agreement signed by the Llicensee prior to the initial issuance of the
Pparklet license and upon any renewal thereof., Fbut failure of the Ccity and the
Llicensee to execute such a license agreement shall not alleviate the Llicensee of
its insurance and indemnification obligations hereunder.
X-E-01 (a,b)
10. Parklets located within public parking lots or on streets with parallel parking, shall have a
fourteen (14) foot setback to be measured from the centerline of the roadway.
11. Parklets located on streets with non-parallel parking shall have an eighteen (18) foot
setback measured from the centerline of the roadway.
12. Parklets shall have a one-foot interior setback from the edge of any adjacent parking stall
where the parklet is to be placed.
13. The exterior sidewalls of a pParklet shall consist of planters, railing, cabling, or some other
appropriate buffer approved by City Staff.
14. The outside edge and railings of the parklet must not create a visual buffer that inhibits
sightlines for motorists or pedestrians. In general, parklets should be placed at least one
parking space from corners. Parklets located adjacent to curb bump-outs may allow for
closer placement.
14.15. Parklets shall provide for a minimum of four (4) feet of clear, unobstructed
pedestrian walkway between all obstructions and the edge of the Parklet. Portions of the
Parklet that contain stamped concrete shall not be included in the required minimum
walkway.
15.16. Parklets shall not occupy handicapped parking stalls.
16.17. Parklets shall not be installed prior to April 1st of each year unless otherwise
approved by the City Administrator or his/her designee.
17.18. Parklets shall be seasonal in nature and be removed by November 1st of each year
or when directed by the City Administrator or his/her designee.
a. The City shall provide parklet users licensees with as much advance notice as
possible in the event of an infrastructure emergency that would require the parklet
to be removed from a City right of way.
D. Planning Requirements.
1. Parklets shall only be allowed within the C-3 Community Regional Commerce and DC
Downtown Core Zoning Districts.
2. Parklets may occupy up to two (2) public parking spaces if the parklet is constructed at an
angle to coincide with angular parking, or up to three (3) public parking spaces if the
parklet is constructed so that it is square to the curb. Requests for additional public
parking spaces may be considered based on its impact to immediately adjacent businesses
and the amount of street frontage of the business requesting the parklet.
3. The height of the outside barrier shall be no less than 30 inches and no greater than 42
inches as measured on the street side. Parklet columns or structures exceeding 42 inches
must not impair visibility for ingress and egress of vehicles. The outside barrier material
shall not consist of chain-link fencing.
4. A minimum overhead clearance of 96 inches must be provided for any parklet that
includes a canopy (or similar element) in order to avoid creating a visual barrier and to
provide adequate clearance for people. No canopy may be attached to the principal
structure.
5. Signage shall not be permitted to be placed onto a parklet.
6. Parklets must incorporate landscape elements which may include planter boxes, hanging
planters, green walls, raised beds, or similar features.
7. Lighting is allowed within parklets. Self-contained low-voltage systems, such as solar or
battery-powered lights are recommended. Lighting must be directed onto the pParklet so
as not to negatively impact surrounding areas.
E. Engineering Requirements.
1. Parklet shall not block curb line stormwater drainage, catch basins, fire hydrants,
driveways, manholes, or public or private utility valves/covers.
X-E-01 (a,b)
2. In no case shall any portion of the parklet, or any furniture placed upon it, obstruct the view
of a traffic control device.
3. Parklets shall only be installed on streets with a grade no greater than 5 percent.
4. Curb Interface:
a. Parklet design shall allow for stormwater flow and drainage along the curb.
b. The maximum horizontal gap between the curb and the parklet surface shall be 1/2
inch where ingress/egress for the parklet is located.
c. The maximum vertical gap shall be 1/4 inch between the curb and parklet surface
where ingress/egress for the parklet is located.
d. The parklet must maintain and accessible connection to the curb to meet the
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) requirements.
F. Building Code Requirements.
1. Parklets shall comply with Minnesota State Building Code.
2. Parklets must be designed for ADA/ MN Accessibility Code compliance.
3. Although parklets are not required by this ordinance to be on a free-standing structure, if a
parklet consisting of a freestanding structure which rests on the street surface or curb is
proposed, it shall adhere to all applicable zoning, building, and accessibility codes. No
features or structural components may be permanently attached to the street, curb, or
adjacent planting strip. If anchoring of structure is needed per MN State Building Code, an
alternative design will be needed to suffice code requirements.
4. Gas powered and heating features are permitted within parklets but shall require inspection
by the City’s fire department.
G. License Applications.
1. An applicant for a parklet license shall file an application on forms provided by the City
Clerk which shall include, in addition to any other information required by the City, the
following:
a. The business name, address, phone number and contact person.
b. Parklet Design Building Plans.
2.c. Building plans of a proposed parklet structure must demonstrating demonstrate
compliance with Minnesota State Building Code as well as ADA/Accessibility
requirements.
a.d. Parklet Site Plan:
(1) Location on the street.
(2) Street and sidewalk utilities (i.e. manholes, catch basins, etc.).
(3) Street poles and signs.
(4) Fire hydrants and Fire Department connections on adjacent buildings.
(5) Existing Location of Street furniture (litter trash cans, benches, etc.).
(6) Street trees and tree grates.
(7) Parklet dimensions.
(8) Parklet materials and details as necessary.
(9) Materials, design elements, or other proposed parklet features.
(9)(10) Information listed above to include stamped concrete portion of the
sidewalk (if requested).
b.e. Photographs and manufacturer specifications for all proposed parklet furniture and
fixtures.
c.f. Description and locations of any sound, television or video systems proposed for
the parklet.
d.g. Description of all food and beverages that will be served within the parklet and the
proposed hours of operation.
X-E-01 (a,b)
e.h. Description of all points of access between the building and, the parklet, and
exterior areas.
f.i. Description of ingress and egress arrangements including those necessary to
provide handicap accessibility and control of persons entering and leaving the
premises to prevent consumption of alcohol by minors and to ensure safety of
moveable seating arrangements.
g.j. Description of all physical improvements to be constructed to accommodate the
parklet.
h.k. An insurance commitment or binder securing all insurance coverage required
under this chapter and Chapter 111, if applicable, on the parklet areas and meeting
all requirements for naming the Ccity as an additional insured.
i.l. Any other information known to the applicant that may reasonably impact the
issuance of the license including but not limited to objections to the proposed
parklet raised by neighboring property owners or the public, obstructions or other
factors or conditions that may impact public health or safety if the parklet license
is issued.
3.2. Upon submission of a complete application, the City Administrator or designee shall place
the application upon the agenda of the next available City Council meeting for which
proper notice as required by this section can be given. A public hearing on the application
shall be required for all initial parklet applications., A public hearing may be required for
all subsequent applications proposing modifications to a parklet site plan, and whenever
the City determines a public hearing is necessary to determine whether the criteria for
granting a parklet license are satisfied. When applicable, the City Administrator or
designee shall cause notice of the public hearing to be given in the same manner as
prescribed for special use permits.
4.3. Granting of license. Following the required public hearing, if any, the City Council may
grant or deny the license or refer the matter to any commission or committee for further
study.
5.4. Criteria for issuance and renewal. No parklet license may be issued or renewed if the results
of the investigation or other evidence given to the City Council through any means, shows
to the satisfaction of the Council, that the issuance or renewal would not be in the public’s
interest. The Council shall make written findings, certifying the parklet will comply with
the following criteria.
a. The design and operation plans satisfy the applicable requirements of this chapter
and will be in harmony with the purpose and intent of Chapter 155, all rules
applicable in any Heritage Preservation District within which the parklet is located,
and general conformity with the neighborhood.
b. The design and operation will not unreasonably interfere with or annoy users of
neighboring residential, commercial or public property.
c. The design and operation will not unreasonably interfere with pedestrian or
vehicular traffic or access to any public street, utility or other facilities.
d. Where liquor, wine or beer will be served, the licensed premises is compact and
contiguous with the premises licensed under Chapter 111 and the design and
operation will safeguard against consumption of alcohol by minors.
6.5. Conditions of license. Every license issued pursuant to this chapter shall be subject to the
conditions of this section and all other sections of this chapter and any other applicable
ordinance of the Ccity, state law, or federal law, and shall include the following conditions.
a. Posting. The license shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the licensed
establishment at all times.
X-E-01 (a,b)
b. Additional conditions. The Council may, upon a finding of necessity, place the
additional conditions and restrictions upon the license as itthe Council, at its
discretion, may deem reasonable and justified to protect the public interest.
c. Licenses limited to certain areas. All fixtures shall be placed, and all operations
conducted, within the space described on the license.
d. Inspection by peace officers or health officers. All parklets shall be subject to
annual compliance inspections and no lLicensee or employee of a lLicensee shall
hinder or prevent a peace officer, health officer, building official, fire official, or
any other employee so designated by the City Council or City Administrator, from
entering upon and inspecting the licensed premises during business hours, without
a search warrant.
e. Responsibility of lLicensee. Every Llicensee, whether actually present on the
licensed premises or not, shall be responsible for the conduct of the licensed
premises and shall maintain conditions of sobriety and order on the licensed
premises.
f. Payment of WAC and SAC. Licensees shall pay any applicable WAC and SAC
imposed as a result of additional seating offered within a parklet.
7.6. Transfer of license. No license issued pursuant to this chapter shall be transferrable to
another person or entity nor may any such license be transferred to a different location.
8.7. Expiration of license. Every license issued under this chapter shall expire on December
31st of each year, regardless of when the license was issued.
9.8. Suspension or revocation of license. The City Council may suspend, revoke or deny a
parklet license, or the renewal of any parklet license, upon the violation of any license
condition or of any provision or condition of this chapter, any other Ccity ordinance, or of
any state or federal law. Before the Council shall suspend or revoke any license issued
under this chapter, the Llicensee shall be given at least 10-days’ notice stating the time and
place of the hearing and the allegationscharges against the Llicensee.
SECTION 3. SUMMARY PUBLICATION. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 412.191,
in the case of a lengthy ordinance, a summary may be published. While a copy of the entire ordinance is
available without cost at the office of the City Clerk, the following summary is approved by the City Council
and shall be published in lieu of publishing the entire ordinance.
The text amendment adopted by the Hastings City Council on _________________, 2025
amends the City Ordinance to allow the City to regulate pParklets.
SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after
its passage and publication according to law.
Passed this _____ day of _______________, 2025.
_____________________________
Mary D. Fasbender, Mayor
Attest:
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___________________________
Kelly Murtaugh, City Clerk
Published in the Hastings Journal on _______________ and ________________.
X-E-01 (a,b)