To: Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Mike Wilson & Supervisor Estelle Fennell
Agenda Section: Initiated by Board Member
SUBJECT:
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Consider Engaging the Public and Jurisdiction in Helping to Create Ideas for Potential Temporary Modifications to Restrictions for Use of Public Spaces to Address COVID-19 Economic and Social Issues (Supervisor Mike Wilson and Supervisor Estelle Fennell)
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Consider engaging the public and jurisdictions in helping to create ideas for potential temporary modifications to restrictions for use of public spaces to address COVID-19 economic and social issues, and take other appropriate actions, if required.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
N/A
DISCUSSION:
Restrictions for the use of public spaces are partially influenced by the operation (and industry practices) of those businesses whose activities are regulated. As operational functions and best practices for private industry change (i.e. due public health measures) jurisdictions and local leaders may want to consider that policies which are applied to the private sector for the use of public spaces need to adapt accordingly.
One such potential adaptation relates to the outdoor use and accessibility of public areas, both by businesses and also patrons who frequent them. As the county develops policies and certifies businesses to reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need to include procedures and/or information about pedestrian (and bicycle) safety during this crisis. One possible way to address this need is to create a program or partnership with jurisdictions working with businesses to make more walking and bicycling spaces to keep staff and patrons safer.
While discussions concerning changes to land use are still relatively new, this is a topic which is gaining traction across the country. It is also a matter that is being addressed by some of Humboldt County’s local jurisdictions. For example, the City of Eureka is presently exploring the creation of parklets in public spaces and making modifications to its encroachment permitting process in order to give businesses greater flexibility in their ability to provide service to customers while also adhering to the Public Health Officer’s guidance to provide ample room for social distancing.
External resources concerning this topic:
How the Coronavirus Could Change City Planning | CityLab
<https://www.citylab.com/design/2020/03/coronavirus-urban-planning-global-cities-infectious-disease/607603/>
COVID-19 reveals how micromobility can build resilient cities |Northern California Section of the American Planning Association
<https://norcalapa.org/2020/04/covid-19-reveals-how-micromobility-can-build-resilient-cities/>
Here’s what our cities will look like after the coronavirus pandemic | The Kinder Institute for Urban Research
<https://kinder.rice.edu/urbanedge/2020/03/26/what-our-cities-will-look-after-coronavirus-pandemic>
COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts on Land Use and Zoning | Robinson & Cole LLP
<https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/covid-19-pandemic-impacts-on-land-use-34066/>
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
N/A
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by creating opportunities for improved safety and health.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
N/A
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Board discussion.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Street Changes For Covid Responses Information
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A