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Semi-Permanent Parklet Program and Construction Grant Guide
On October 4, 2022, the Council authorized the issuance of grants to Downtown businesses to assist in the construction of Semi-Permanent Parklets in public right of way. Council direction was to allocate from ARPA funds a total amount of $400,000 for up to sixteen parklets (with a maximum of two parking spaces) in grant amounts of between $25,000 and $40,000. If sixteen grant applications are approved, the grant amount would be $25,000. If fewer than ten applications are approved, the maximum amount of a grant is $40,000[1] For any business approved for a grant, the City will also pay for the parklet design customization for up to $3,000 per parklet.
Adoption of this semi-permanent parklet grant program responds to Council direction and will allow the grant program to move forward in compliance with state and federal laws and ensure that public funds will be allocated and used appropriately to achieve the community benefit of continued economic vitality of Downtown Campbell. In addition to establishing a parklet grant program, adoption of the associated resolution will extend the temporary Downtown Parklet Program from January 6, 2023 to March 28, 2023. While staff had originally considered extending the date to remove parklets for operators opting to participate in the Semi-Permanent Parklet Program, it was determined to be more cost-effective, and less disruptive, to extend the removal date for both existing participants and non-participants until March 28, 2023, rather than deploying cranes and clean-up crews in the Downtown at two separate points so close in time.
[1] Based on a telephone survey conducted by staff, ten businesses indicated interest in building a parklet; five businesses responded “no” to participating. At the time of this survey the businesses were told a City grant was not guaranteed.
What does a Semi-Permanent Parklet Program entail?
The City of Campbell has developed a grant program to assist businesses with the construction of semi-permanent parklets in the Downtown. The grant program provides $400,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for up to sixteen grants.
- Either the business owner or property owner can apply for grant (whoever constructs the parklet) but not both.
- The maximum grant amount is up to $40,000 if less than 10 applications are approved.
- The minimum grant is up to $25,000 if 16 applications are approved.
- The grant amount will vary if the number of approved applications is between 11 and 15.
- If only one parking space is used, the grant will be one-half the amount. If the parklet is 1 ½ spaces, the grant will be equal to the amount for two spaces.
- If applications exceed 16 (in the order received), a waiting list will be established.
- Grant application process opens January 9, 2023 and must be completed by 5:00 pm February 6, 2023 for final approval.
- Grant funds can be used for construction labor and materials related to parklet (as identified in contractor’s agreement). Accessories such as heaters, heat source, furniture, plants, etc. are not eligible expenses for reimbursement
- The City Finance Department will issue payment of grant funds upon completion of parklet and verification of receipts and other documents for qualified expenses.
- PLEASE NOTE: The use of public funds for grants, design and construction requires contractors to comply with state prevailing wage laws which can add an estimated 30 to 35% to the cost of the parklet. The grant amount may not cover this additional cost. (See terms of grant and disclosures section)
Can I apply for the grant in the future?
Application for a grant to build a semi-permanent parklet will only be offered and considered during the grant application period which will open on January 9th, 2023 and remain open for 4-weeks.
Deadline to complete Parklet Permit Application and Grant Application will be February 6th, 2023.
What are some examples of Parklet Designs?
| Businesses may apply for a grant and/or a parklet permit online starting January 9, 2023. Applying for a grant is not required for a parklet permit. |
| Applicants for a grant must submit a statement of need for grant that addresses but is not limited to the following: • How will the parklet assist the business with recovery from economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic?
• How will the grant help the business return to pre-COVID sales level?
• Is the business able to cover the cost of parklet if it is more than grant amount?
|
| Grant applicant must be in good standing with the City by having:
• Active business license;
• All permits in good standing (e.g., Use Permit, Live Entertainment, Outdoor Dining, etc.);
• No use permit violations;
• No active code enforcement nor permit revocation action
|
| The property owner and the business owner are required to sign both the parklet and grant applications and an agreement with the City once the grant is approved |
| Applicant will need a letter from the contractor acknowledging compliance with state prevailing wage law requirements and ability to provide Certified Payroll records if requested. |
| Economic development staff will review grant applications and notify businesses of incomplete application. The City Engineer will issue final approval of parklet permit and grant applications. |
| Grant payments are based on reimbursement for qualified expenses when the project is completed and all receipts for eligible costs are submitted and verified by the finance department |
| If terms of the grant agreement are not satisfied, the City may deny reimbursement for otherwise qualified expenses |
| Exceeding minimum building energy performance if solar panels are not installed, by different amounts for different types of development |
| The City Council approved $400,000 of American Rescue Plan Act Funds (ARPA) to provide grants up to $40,000 to businesses that are constructing Semi-Permanent Parklets in the Downtown. Nine businesses applied for a grant. They are completing requirements for final approval. Per state law (AB 562), which requires a public hearing anytime public funds are used for an economic development subsidy, the City Council held a hearing on March 21, 2023. At that hearing the public benefit findings were presented and the Council formally approved the nine grants. See City Council 562 Hearing Staff Report Item 11, page 128 for a copy of the staff report. Below are links to attachments to that report. |
| Applicant will need letter from contractor acknowledging compliance with state prevailing wage law requirements and ability to provide Certified Payroll records if requested. |
| Grant recipients are advised to check with a tax advisor regarding tax reporting. To view grant applicants click here |
| All records and information pertaining to the grant application are considered public information |
| State law AB 562 requires public hearing, economic benefit (jobs and tax revenue projections), posting of names of grant recipients and amounts on City web site, report to state in five years |
| Parklets will be owned by property owner |
| Q: Can I use my own parklet design? |
| A: No, Parklets have been pre-approved by the City of Campbell to maintain design consistency and accelerate the permit process. |
| Q: Do I need to have planters? |
| A: Planters are retired for all parklets. Parklets must have planters at corners and have a minimum total length per structural engineer's specifications. |
| Q: Is perimeter bench seating required? |
| A: Applicants may use their own furniture and choose how much perimeter bench seating they wish to have in their parklets. However, certain road conditions (e.g., steep road crown) may limit the seating arrangement and require bench seating at the perimeter. |
| Q: Can I have heaters in the parklet? |
| A: Parklets may have propane heaters as long as your business provides proper storage of propane tanks. Please note that most propane heaters recommend 24" clearance on side and above from any combustible materials. The specific type of heater proposed will be reviewed to ensure there are no issues. Electric heaters would require a 70-amp electric panel installed at the parklet. |
| Q: Can I have lighting in my parklet? |
| Yes, lighting may be provided through low voltage. Higher voltage requires new electrical panels on the parklet. |
Key Milestones
- January 9, 2023 - Parklet Permit and Grant Application Process Opens
- February 6, 2023 - Deadline to complete Parklet Permit Application and Construction Grant Application
- March 28-31, 2023 - Removal of all Downtown Temporary Parklets
As part of the application process you will need to:
- Step 1 - Complete the Parklet and Grant Application Form (Fillable)
- Step 2 - Assemble your required documents (Business license copy, signed completed application form (Business & Property Owner)
- Step 3 - Proceed to MyGovernmentOnline Online Permit Center (Create account if necessary)
- Upload the Parklet and Grant application form, along with any other required documents.
MGO Permit Center Portal
- Step 4 - Choose your desired parklet options and pay fees.
- Step 5 - Set up a time to meet with Public Works engineer and Building Official.
- Step 6 - Set up a time with design architect to assist you in making the preliminary design decisions.
- Step 7 - Design architect will submit to the City the agreed upon preliminary designs.
Upcoming Meetings
No future scheduled meetings at this time
Past Meetings
Semi-Permanent Parklet Application - Contractors Webinar
Date: March 14, 2023
Time: 3:30PM
Meeting Materials: Potential Contractor List
Recording Video Link: Click here to watch recorded Zoom meeting
Semi-Permanent Parklet Application - Applicant Training
Date: January 5, 2023
Time: 2:00PM
Meeting Materials: Parklet Design Guideline Package
Recorded Video Link: Click here to watch recorded Zoom meeting
Recorded Video Passcode: .03^SkxW
Semi-Permanent Grant Outreach Meeting
Date: December 8, 2022
Meeting Materials: Semi-Permanent Parklet Permit and Grant PowerPoint (12/8/22)
City Council Meeting
Date: November 15, 2022
Meeting Materials: Click here
Meeting Link: Click here
City Council Meeting
Date: October 4, 2022
Meeting Materials: Click here
Meeting Link: Click here
Downtown Campbell Parklet Stakeholder Meeting
Date: September 12, 2022
Meeting Materials: Stakeholder Meeting PowerPoint (9/12/22)
Downtown Campbell Parklet Stakeholder Meeting
Date: August 10, 2022
Meeting Materials: Campbell Parklet Design Concepts (8/10/22)
City Council Meeting
Date: July 5, 2022
Meeting Materials: Click here
Meeting Link: Click here
City Council Meeting
Date: April 19, 2022
Meeting Materials: Click here
Meeting Link: Click here
City Council Meeting
Date: February 15, 2022
Meeting Materials: Click here
Meeting Link: Click here
City Council Meeting
Date: January 9, 2022
Meeting Materials: Click here
Where Can I Learn More?
Questions about Grant Program:
Contact Leslie Parks, Economic Development Manager, at lesliep@campbellca.gov or
408 866-2912