Palm Springs to allow outdoor dining ‘parklets’ through 2028 and could make them permanent

Paul Albani-Burgio, Palm Springs Desert Sun
·2 min read
A parklet at the Trio restaurant in Palm Springs, as seen in 2021.
A parklet at the Trio restaurant in Palm Springs, as seen in 2021.

The pandemic-inspired outdoor dining spaces known as "parklets" that have become a fixture in downtown Palm Springs will be able to remain in the city for at least five more years — and could eventually become permanent.

The city council voted Thursday to continue to allow the spaces through the end of 2028 and has said it could look to make them permanent.

The parklets, which are enclosures built in the parking lanes of city streets, were first introduced in Palm Springs and cities across the world in the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic to allow restaurants to continue to serve customers while reducing transmission risk.

However, they have remained a popular dining option along Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs, with the owner of the popular Mexican restaurant Tac/Quila telling the council Thursday that diners sat at that restaurant’s parklet more than 28,000 times in the past year.

Proponents of parklets argue that in addition to providing safer dining space for those still concerned about COVID-19, they also make commercial districts more vibrant, enliven sidewalk areas and let more diners take advantage of Palm Springs' sunny climate. Parklet owners have also said that allowing them to remain for at least five more years would allow them to justify spending money to make the areas look and work better.

While parklets are allowed on streets in all commercial areas where the speed limit is less than 35 mph, all but one of the city's are along Palm Canyon Drive, while the other is on nearby Arenas Road. At one time, the city had 21 parklets; there are now nine.

Before the council's approval of the extension Thursday, it had discussed the issue in September.

Restaurants looking to build new parklets will also be able to apply for a land use permit to do so. The city will also continue to charge $1.85 per parklet square foot per month. The city says it generates about $9,000 a month in parklet rent.

Should they be permanent?

During the September discussion, a majority of the council members indicated they may support allowing parklets permanently, but that additional study and consideration would be necessary. The council ultimately requested the city staff put together a report about the economic impact of parklets.

They requested that the report include information about options to create more space for both dining and walking on Palm Canyon Drive, including the possibility of removing a traffic lane and replacing it with sidewalk, which could include additional space for dining in lieu of existing parklets.

City staff has said that report will be provided within the next year.

Where are the current parklets?

Palm Canyon Drive

  • Casa Blanca

  • El Patron

  • Fame Cigar and Wine

  • Fusion Five

  • Las Casuelas Original

  • Las Casuelas Terraza

  • Tac/Quila

  • The Thirsty Palms

Arenas Road

  • Blackbook

Paul Albani-Burgio covers breaking news and the city of Palm Springs. Follow him on Twitter at @albaniburgiop and email him at paul.albani-burgio@desertsun.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Palm Springs will allow outdoor dining ‘parklets’ through 2028