City Council Approves Temporary Parklets for Businesses in Downtown

Last updated on September 08, 2020

Orlando City Council Approves Temporary Parklets for Businesses to Expand Operations into On-Street Parking Spaces in Downtown Orlando 

The temporary parklet program will supplement the city’s economic recovery initiatives during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Orlando, FL – September 8, 2020 – The City of Orlando continues to seek innovative opportunities for businesses to conduct safe operations as well as provide residents and visitors safe experiences while in downtown Orlando during the global pandemic.

Today, the Orlando City Council approved a Temporary Use Permit and up to $200,000 in downtown Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) funding toward the creation of “parklets,” which will allow downtown businesses to expand their retail sales and restaurant seating operations into adjacent on-street public parking spaces. This temporary parklet program supplements the city’s initiatives to support local businesses on their path to economic recovery while fighting the pandemic.

Downtown Orlando has several restaurants and retail establishments open under the Governor’s “Safe, Smart, Step-by-Step” plan. However, limited capacity exists inside most businesses due to physical distancing and observing state mandates. To help expedite a path to economic recovery and to further assist local businesses to reopen responsibly under the current guidelines, the city is accommodating the needs of downtown restaurants and retail businesses, as well as the needs of the customer, by transforming outdoor parking spaces into an active extension of the business’ operations.

“The global pandemic has altered many aspects of urban life and business operations in recent months,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “After listening to our downtown business owners, we heard there was a need to create more physical space to conduct operations. By repurposing parking spaces, we allow businesses to expand their operations and offer additional space for sales, seating and curb-side pickup.”

In addition to City Council approving the Temporary Use Permit to allow for businesses to operate in on-street parking spaces, the city’s CRA approved using up to $200,000 of previously-budgeted ParkDTO funds to support businesses hoping to expand their operation into parklets, including helping to cover the costs of the metered parking for the parklet spots, barricades, furnishings and landscaping, related signage and other implementation expenditures. Parklets will be clearly identified and positioned near appropriate businesses.

Any restaurant or retail business within the CRA with adjacent on-street parking spaces on city right-of-way is eligible to apply. To apply, and inquire about parklets, email cityplanning@orlando.gov.

Parklets are effective immediately and will continue through February 1, 2021.

While some on-street parking spaces will be repurposed as a parklet, ample on-street street parking will remain available for visitors and guests patronizing downtown Orlando. Additionally, City Council recently extended the Park DTO program, providing free on-street parking and garage parking inside specific City of Orlando garages for patrons while they are dining and shopping downtown. The Park DTO Program is designed to increase visitation and spending in downtown Orlando by temporarily funding parking costs now through February 1, 2021.

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