Downtown Grants Pass, renowned for its summer joys, is set to elevate the al fresco dining experience, thanks to the Grants Pass Downtown Parklet Grant Program. Spearheaded by the City Council’s commitment to boost economic opportunities for downtown restaurants, this initiative aims to enhance and expand outdoor dining spaces.
The program, fueled by a one-time, $30,000 allocation from the City’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) award, offers grants of up to $4,000 per restaurant for the creation of enticing outdoor parklets. The City Council’s priority is to invigorate the downtown core, providing restaurants with a chance to flourish and diversify their operating areas.
Here’s a summary of the Downtown Parklet Grant Program:
- Parklet grants are reimbursed up to $4,000 per business.
- Limited to restaurants as defined in Article 30 of the Grants Pass Development Code.
- Awards are granted on a first-come, first-serve basis, subject to funding availability.
- Grant proposals will be reviewed starting early March 2024.
- Application deadline: 5 pm, April 12, 2024.
- Reimbursement receipts due by June 7, 2024.
- Parklets installation period: May 3 – Nov 4, 2024.
To incentivize participation, the City has established parklet guidelines and design standards to ensure safety, compatibility with the Historic District, and a consistent, transparent permitting process. A set of pre-approved plans is even provided to simplify the construction process.
Program Requirements:
- Businesses must choose and build pre-approved parklet designs only.
- Parklets are restricted to restaurants.
- Size limited to one parking space, adjacent to the applicant’s business frontage.
- Neighbor permission from abutting businesses is mandatory.
- Prohibited locations include spaces in front of fire hydrants, closest parking space to a corner before a right turn, closest parking spaces to the intersection of a two-way side street, over storm drains, manholes, or shut-off valves, and loading zones.
- Logos, advertising, or branding are prohibited.
- Signage must indicate a smoke-free environment for patrons’ health.
- Obtain City Sidewalk Café permit and a Parklet Addendum permit through the Community Development Department.
For those eager to participate, grant proposals with the required elements outlined in the guidelines should be submitted to the Community Development Department at Grants Pass City Hall. With limited grant funds, early and comprehensive submissions are encouraged.
Important links for further details:
- Downtown Parklet Grant Program Guidelines
- Downtown Parklet Program Guidelines
- Downtown Parklets Allowed Parklet Designs
- Sample of a ready-to-build approved plan
- Parklet Addendum to Sidewalk Café Permit
- Sidewalk Café Permit
