Ord. No. 2021-21. Chapter 11.29 “Pedestrian Malls” Title Addition.

ADDING CHAPTER 11.29, "PEDESTRIAN MALLS," TO TITLE 11, "VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC," OF THE SAN MATEO MUNICIPAL CODE

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of San Mateo has adopted a resolution establishing two pedestrian malls on segments of B Street, between 1st and 2nd Avenues and between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, while still maintaining through east-west traffic on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Avenues, pursuant to the Pedestrian Mall Act of 1960 (California Streets and Highways Code Section 11000 et seq); and

WHEREAS, the resolution will go into effect as of the effective date of this ordinance; and

WHEREAS, the City wishes to amend the Municipal Code to add a new chapter establishing rules and regulations prohibiting motorized vehicular traffic and governing the use of the pedestrian malls.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN MATEO ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:

11.29.010 Adoption and Purpose

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Pedestrian Malls Ordinance." The purpose of this chapter is to establish rules and regulations pertaining to the operation of pedestrian malls.

11.29.020 Definitions

Pedestrian Malls means streets, or portions thereof, on which vehicle traffic is restricted in whole or in part and which is to be used exclusively or primarily for pedestrian travel.

Motorized Vehicular Traffic means vehicular traffic powered by motor, including without limitation, automobiles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, motor or e-scooters.

11.29.030 Boundaries

Pedestrian malls are established along the following boundaries, excluding the east-west traffic on the intersecting streets:

(a) B Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues.

(b) B Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.

11.29.040 Prohibition of Vehicular Traffic

All motorized vehicular traffic is prohibited on a pedestrian mall subject to the following exceptions:

(a) Emergency vehicles and equipment of all types;

(b) Public utility vehicles and equipment;

(c) Garbage/recycling trucks operating on their established routes;

(d) Sweepers, trucks or other vehicles or equipment operated by or at the direction of the Public Works Director, or designee, for the purpose of performing City services on a pedestrian mall;

(e) Commercial vehicles and equipment entering a pedestrian mall during hours to be established by the Public Works Director, or designee, where such entry is reasonably necessary for the purpose of making deliveries of mail, merchandise, or goods or equipment to the business establishments occupying property abutting on the pedestrian mall and where such deliveries cannot be made to said business establishments through entrances other than those on the pedestrian mall; and

(f) Commercial vehicles and equipment entering a pedestrian mall where such entry is reasonably necessary for the purpose of performing work or services on the pedestrian mall or on private property or properties abutting thereon and where the owner or operator of any such vehicle or equipment holds a permit issued by or at the direction of the Public Works Director, or designee.

11.29.050 Permits for Use of Pedestrian Mall

(a) Business establishments occupying property abutting on a pedestrian mall may apply for a permit from the Public Works Director or designee in accordance with Chapter 17.08 to use the portion of the pedestrian mall fronting their property for the purpose of restaurant seating and/or outdoor merchandise display, provided they meet the requirements set forth in the permit, including indemnity and insurance requirements, and the following conditions:

(1) All furniture and fixtures placed within a pedestrian mall shall be removable in nature to allow for the full extent of the pedestrian mall to be used for the purpose of special events, required maintenance, or other City purposes and must be removed at the request of the Public Works Director or designee within 48 hours of receiving notice.

(2) Physical Delineation of Area. The physical extent of the business encroachment may be clearly delineated by physical means, which, if either required or voluntarily placed, shall be approved as part of the encroachment permit and designed to be decorative, durable, removable and minimize tripping hazards.

(3) Clearance. No furniture and fixtures may be placed within the center emergency vehicle access lane of the pedestrian mall, the dimensions of which shall be determined by the Public Works Director or designee.

(4) Site Maintenance. Restaurant seating areas and outdoor merchandize display areas shall be maintained free of litter, refuse, and debris. The area shall be scrubbed and mopped to remove any food or drink stains on a daily basis. Such cleaning shall be performed in accordance with the City's Stormwater Management and Discharge Control Program, which prohibits any discharge other than stormwater into the stormwater drainage system. Failure to maintain the site shall be cause for termination of the encroachment permit.

(5) Encroachment Fee. The applicant shall pay an annual fee in the amount set forth in the City's Comprehensive Fee Schedule.

(6) Accessibility. Restaurant seating and merchandise display areas shall meet accessibility requirements for the disabled.

(b) Special Events on a pedestrian mall may be permitted subject to the requirements of Chapter 17.34.

The foregoing ordinance was adopted by the City Council of the City of San Mateo, State of California by the following vote:

ATTEST: