Who can apply for a Parklet?
Business owners, non-residential property owners, and community-based organizations may be considered.
How do I apply for a new Parklet permit?
As of September 12, 2023, applicants can be submitted by emailing DOTOnlinePermits@oaklandca.gov or by appointment at the Permit Counter. The OakDOT Permit Counter is open to the public on the 2nd Floor of 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza. Click here to schedule an appointment. In the coming weeks, applicants will be able to apply for a permit at the Online Permit Center.
How much does a Parklet permit cost?
Parklet permit costs are documented in the Master Fee Schedule. New Parklet permit fees include an application fee, records management & technology fee, along with fees to cover OakDOT staff time to review and to inspect the installed parklet, and an annual parking space rental fee. Staff estimate new Parklet permit fees will be about $2,400.
Does the Parklet permit expire?
Yes, each Parklet permit expires after 365 days and must be renewed annually.
What documentation is required before I get my Parklet permit?
Parklet applicants must submit a completed two-page application, along with site plan, elevations, and sections stamped by a licensed architect or engineer. Stamped drawings are required to verify the proposed parklet meets the requirements of the California Building Code. An additional permit issued by the Department of Planning & Building is not required for parklets with roof canopies less than 400 SF.
If the proposed Parklet structure extends more than 3’ in front of a neighbor, applicants must also seek the neighbor's written consent.
Prior to permit issuance, permittees must also provide a certificate of insurance and sign a standard maintenance agreement.
Can the City help fund the Parklet?
Parklet costs may be eligible for Economic & Workforce Development Program funds. Check the web page for more information. The City of Oakland has also implemented an Equity Fee Waiver Program to reduce or eliminate parklet review fees, parklet inspection fees, and the parklet rental fee for applicants who meet certain criteria. The criteria are based on prior year gross receipts (if available) and parklet location.
I have an existing Parklet. Can I keep it?
All Flex Street permits (the name of the temporary Parklet program established during COVID-19 pandemic) expire on June 30, 2023, per City Council direction. The new Parklet Program Guidelines take effect on July 1, 2023. Flex Street permit holders are required to apply for a new Parklet permit and meet the new Parklet Program Guidelines. These Guidelines and requirements are designed to balance safety and access in the right-of-way and ensure parklets are safe to use and conform with the California Building Code.
Is there a grace period for existing permittees?
OakDOT is committed to supporting businesses during the transition to the permanent Parklet Program. OakDOT staff are available to answer any specific questions. Please email DOTOnlinePermits@oaklandca.gov. OakDOT plans to start enforcing the new Parklet permit on October 15, 2023.
When can I apply for a Parklet?
The City of Oakland has encountered technical difficulties in the roll-out of the new Parklet permit and are working as quickly as possible to resolve these issues. In the meantime, OakDOT staff are providing technical assistance and preliminary design review. Please email DOTOnlinePermits@oaklandca.gov to discuss any questions you may have.
How were the new Parklet Program Guidelines developed?
The City of Oakland Parklet Program Guidelines were developed based on lessons learned from Oakland’s temporary pandemic-era Flex Streets Program, as well as best practices gleaned from thirteen peer cities, including San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, and Philadelphia. To refine the Parklet Program Guidelines, OakDOT staff hosted a series of office hours in July 2022 and solicited feedback from Oakland’s Business Improvement Districts, existing Flex Streets Program permittees, regional agencies, and community members. OakDOT staff received over 170 survey responses and letters from stakeholders. Background on the development of the Parklet Program can be found here.
What is the difference between a Sidewalk Café and Parklet?
Both Sidewalk Cafés and Parklets activate streets by accommodating outdoor dining in the public right-of-way. A Sidewalk Café is distinguished from a Parklet in that a Sidewalk Café is located on the sidewalk area within the business frontage whereas a Parklet is designed to occupy parts of a parking lane located within the business frontage. Sidewalk Cafés shall be approved via a separate permit application and review process from the Parklet permit application.
Can I have a food cart in a Parklet?
No. The Parklet Permit is not a vending permit. In Oakland, Parklets are intended as a way for abutting businesses to extend their existing business by adding outdoor seating to create more vibrant streetscapes.