SAN FRANCISCO PARKLET PROGRAM

San Francisco’s Parklet Program

Design

converts parking spots into vibrant San Francisco’s parklets generally public spaces. Parklets extend the

meet the following design sidewalk and provide neighborhood

requirements: amenities like seating, landscaping, bike parking, and art. Through an

• Replace 1–2 parallel, or application process that requires

3 perpendicular or diagonal documented neighborhood support,

parking spaces. the program allows the community

• Be sited on streets with speed to actively participate in the beauti-

limits of 25 mph or less and slopes ﬁcation and creative use of the

below 5 percent. public realm. Designs are accessible

and inclusive, inviting pedestrians, • Have no interference with utility bicyclists, and shoppers to linger,

access, ﬁre hydrants, disabled relax, and socialize. Each parklet

parking, bus zones, or curbside has a distinct, site-speciﬁc design

drainage. that reﬂects the neighborhood’s

• Meet construction standards of unique character,

both the San Francisco Building

Process

Code and the Americans with Each year, an interagency team,

Disabilities Act Accessibility led by the San Francisco Planning

Guidelines. Department, issues requests for

• Include wheel stops, reﬂective parklet proposals. Storeowners,

elements at corners, and a community organizations, business

buffered edge. improvement districts, residents,

and nonproﬁt institutions may apply • Incorporate high-quality, to sponsor a parklet. Sponsors

durable materials. must conduct community out- reach, design the parklet, fund its

Privately sponsored and funded, construction, undertake mainte-

parklets represent an economical nance, and supply liability insurance.

means of expanding and energizing Materials and designs must be

public space. Since the program’s temporary and removable, and

initial 2010 launch with 6 pilot sponsors must renew parklet

parklets, San Francisco has installed permits annually.

38 parklets across the city.

Temporary Temporary streets closures, such as play streets, block

parties, street fairs, and open streets, demonstrate the

Street

range and diversity of ways in which a city’s streets may

Closures be utilized. Whether done as a precursor to a future project

or as a seasonal or weekly event, temporary closures can activate the street and showcase participating businesses and communities. Depending on a street’s usage and characteristics, temporary street closures can take multiple forms, ranging from an emphasis on active recreation, biking, or exercise to business activity, food, or arts.

Temporary street closures allow cities

Where regularly scheduled, especially

to take better advantage of their

if daily or weekly, a regulatory sign

roadways, especially at off-peak hours

should be posted to indicate the

and weekends.

closure.

Closures call attention to neighbor-

Closures are most successful when

hood businesses and destinations and

programmed with events and activities

increase foot trafﬁc on designated

throughout the day. Programs may

corridors. Data collection can support

include performances, seating, food

public perceptions of the success of a

stalls, and other activities. 3 BRONX, NY

temporary implementation and may “Weekend Walks” is a 5-year-old program

be especially helpful toward creating a provided by NYC DOT and local partnering

organizations. The program provides permanent public space.

community street events throughout the city from May to October.

When themed around active recreation and exercise, temporary street closures may be aligned with a city’s larger

OPTIONAL

public health goals and encourage residents to take advantage of park-

For certain streets, night closures may ways and boulevards as recreational

be desirable. Night closures should be amenities. 2

more closely monitored and protected from trafﬁc due to the potential lack of

Closures typically require additional visibility for drivers. Extra lighting may trash pickup and street cleaning in the

be required and police enforcement is evening or the following day to ensure

recommended at night. that local residents and businesses

remain active and supportive.

SAN FRANCISCO PARKLET PROGRAM