The fate of dining parklets could be decided soon by Santa Barbara leaders

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The life of the parklets in Santa Barbara will be decided soon by city leaders.

They went in back in May of 2020 during the start of the pandemic to help businesses who were told to change their indoor dining for health reasons. They were considered a brilliant move with a fast response.

Many business owners said it was the difference between staying open and closing for good.

As they have evolved, the design and portability have come into question. Some have very solid construction, some have been described as the "swap meet" look. Others have violated ADA rules, and created hazards with power cords wrapped through city trees.

A city survey has been out for the public to add their opinions of the parklets, whether they use them or not citywide, and if they should stay. So far about 4000 responses have come in.

Last week, the Historic Landmarks Commission voted to recommend the removal of overhead structures and make the parklets smaller on State Street. They want them more compatible with the design of buildings and streetscapes.

They also favored no parklets elsewhere in the city without a special permit. That would include Coast Village Road and the Mesa.

Some of the restaurant owners have spent thousands of dollars on the parklets and modified them more than once at the city's request.

State Street is also going through a master plan process which could have an impact on the parklets and outside dining in general.

The city council meeting on this topic will be help in City Hall on Tuesday at 2 p.m.

Public comments will be taken.

(More details, video and photos will be added later today)

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