Redwood City Municipal Code § 20.246 Definitions

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

(Ord. No. 2538, § 1, 6-10-24)

As used in this Article:

MOTORIZED VEHICULAR TRAFFIC: Vehicular traffic powered by motor, including, without limitation, automobiles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, motor or e-scooters. Motorized vehicular traffic shall not include traffic from a self-propelled or motorized wheelchair, tricycle, or quadricycle if used or operated by a person, who by reason of a physical disability, is otherwise unable to move about as a pedestrian.

PEDESTRIAN MALLS: 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.

(Ord. No. 2538, § 1, 6-10-24)

Pedestrian malls are established along the following boundaries:

A. Broadway between Redwood Creek and Main Street.

B. Broadway between Redwood Creek and Jefferson Avenue.

C. Redwood Creek between Main Street parking lot and Marshall garage.

(Ord. No. 2538, § 1, 6-10-24)

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 City Engineer, 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 City Engineer, or designee, or an encroachment permit where such entry is reasonably necessary for the purpose of making deliveries of 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 an encroachment permit issued by or at the direction of the City Engineer, or designee.

(Ord. No. 2538, § 1, 6-10-24)

A. Business establishments occupying property abutting on a pedestrian mall may apply for an encroachment permit for outdoor business activity from the Community Development Director or designee in accordance with Chapter 29 of this Code to use the portion of the pedestrian mall fronting their property for the purpose of restaurant seating and/or outdoor business activity, 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 City Engineer or designee within forty-eight (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 outdoor business 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 City Engineer or designee.

4. Site Maintenance. Restaurant seating areas and outdoor business areas shall be maintained free of litter, refuse, and debris. All business activities shall be performed in accordance with the City's Outdoor Business Program. 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 the 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 29.

(Ord. No. 2538, § 1, 6-10-24)