On July 19, 2021, City Council voted to support the transition of the COVID-19 era parklet initiative into a multi-year program for qualifying on-street parking space rights-of-way within the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) boundaries. It was funded and administered by the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), with review by the Downtown Development Board/Community Redevelopment Agency (DDB/CRA) Executive Director, the Public Works Director, and the City Transportation Engineer, with specific rules to ensure safety, maintenance, and aesthetics. Eligible business owners were also required to execute a Rights-of-Way Encroachment and Removal Agreement with the City of Orlando. This multi-year program expires on July 18, 2024.

The new Downtown Orlando Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) and Orlando Main Street Districts Parklet Program (Parklet Program) builds on past efforts and focuses on increasing community connectivity, encouraging innovative parking space reuse, and expanding restaurant and café business activities. The program area has been modified to include not only the Downtown Orlando Community Redevelopment Area but also the City Main Street Districts. The Parklet unit, as part of this new program, will be distinguished by function and include the Micro-mobility Parklet Station, the Main Street Community Parklet, and the Dining Parklet. Under the oversight of the CRA, or Transportation Department, as appropriate, the micro-mobility parklet stations will serve as locations where bikes and scooters can be parked, keeping them off City sidewalks. The Main Street Community Parklets will be owned and operated by Main Street Districts and serve as new third spaces for mostly business area patrons. The Dining Parklets will function as traditional restaurant parklet spaces owned and operated by business owners. All parklets will be metal, with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible decking, and will be evaluated at the time of application for aesthetics, safety, and function. The program has detailed review, implementation, operational, and removal rules.

In accordance with Section 54.27-1 of the Code of the City of Orlando (Code), City Council authorizes business to be conducted within certain rights-of-way under the Program, subject to encroachment agreements for each participating Parklet Operator coordinated with and approved by the City Attorney, the Public Works Director, and the City Transportation Engineer, or authorized designees. Three existing parklets (801-805 East Washington Street, 420 East Church Street, and the northeast corner of East Church Street and Lake Avenue) will be required to meet standards or will be removed after December 31, 2024.

Approving the Downtown Orlando Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and Orlando Main Street Parklet Program, in substantially the form attached hereto, for qualifying on-street parking spaces within the CRA and Orlando Main Street Districts, and authorizing businesses to conduct operations within the rights-of-way through parklets consistent with the terms of the Parklet Program. Additionally, authorizing the public works director to execute the agreement, subject to review and approval by the City Attorney's Office.