To: Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Williams
Meeting Date: September 12, 2023
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Department Contact: |
Supervisor Williams |
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707-937-3500 |
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Item Type: Regular Agenda |
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Time Allocated for Item: 15 Minutes |
Agenda Title:
title
Discussion and Possible Action to Direct Staff to Deprioritize Enforcement of Restaurant Tents within Coastal Zoning for 1 Year and Facilitate Collaboration with Mendocino City Community Services District, Mendocino Historic Review Board, California Coastal Commission and State Water Resources Control Board for Tent Policy within the Mendocino Historic District; and Direction to Planning and Building Services to Inform the Mendocino Historic Review Board that the Board of Supervisors Supports Tents within the Historic District and Advises They Are Compatible with Historic District
(Sponsor: Supervisor Williams)
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Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Direct staff to deprioritize enforcement of restaurant tents within Coastal Zoning for 1 Year and facilitate collaboration with Mendocino City Community Services District, Mendocino Historic Review Board, California Coastal Commission and State Water Resources Control Board for Tent Policy within the Mendocino Historic District; and direct Planning and Building Services to inform the Mendocino Historic Review Board that the Board of Supervisors supports tents within the Historic District and advises they are compatible with Historic District.
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Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
Board allowed tents during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Summary of Request:
The County elected to allow tents for quasi-outdoor dining during the COVID-19 pandemic to increase social distancing. Many local residents and visitors grew fond of the experience, with a recent social media poll of 1,012 votes showing 96% in favor of keeping tents. Legitimate policy concerns exist regarding California Building Code compliance, environmental health compliance, and in the town of Mendocino, water consumption and historic review. Mendocino City Community Services District is responsible for groundwater management, yet its current ordinance uses square feet as an allocation metric as opposed to gallonage. Rather than send businesses down a path of surprises, it’s prudent to deprioritize enforcement and allow the various government entities to collaborate on a unified approach, protecting public safety while allowing business opportunities to flourish. It’s important that businesses understand the full scope of requirements.
Morgan Daniel, retired paramedic, guitar marker and musician, May 3, 2023:
“For those opposed to the extended (post-pandemic) use of tents in Mendocino, a major concern seems to be one of aesthetics and historical integrity. I have always loved the feel of our town and have appreciated its historic nature, so I have been wondering why the tents don't bother me.
In fact, I really like the tents. It seems they bring something to the town that wasn't here before. What is it that the tents do for me?
Perhaps for me the tents are a sign that the town, old as it may be, is alive with activity. Maybe it feels festive in spite of the fog/rain/wind/pandemic. Or maybe it makes the town look like it truly values the historic nature of its buildings, so that rather than altering those buildings with "hard" expansions, it finds "soft" ways to accommodate the challenges of booming business.
In many historic places that I have been, from Nevada City to Paris, I have seen tents or awnings or other "soft" shelter expansions used tastefully to address everything from the sun and rain to smoking. As a tourist, I have never been offended by these applications.
It seems that as a resident (not of the historic district, but of the MCCSD) I am also not offended by tents. But that's just me. I realize this is all very subjective and that others do not share these feelings, so I am not presenting an argument, simply my own thoughts.
One additional consideration that I'll tag on here: Pandemics are hopefully temporary. Economic booms, such as the one we are now experiencing, at least among some restaurants, can be temporary too. We don't know what the post-pandemic era will bring as tourists start returning to Europe, etc. Buildings that have been expanded to accommodate a boom...and then get left half vacant...are not attractive. If for no other reason than this, it might be wise to allow the use of tents for flexing as the post-pandemic era plays out. - feeling thoughtful in Mendocino.”
Alternative Action/Motion:
Return to staff for alternate handling.
Does This Item Support the General Plan? Yes
Strategic Plan Priority Designation: A Prepared and Resilient County
Supervisorial District: All
vote requirement: Majority
Supplemental Information Available Online At: N/A
Fiscal Details:
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source of funding: existing general fund |
budgeted in current f/y: Yes |
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current f/y cost: budgeted |
if no, please describe: |
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annual recurring cost: wash |
revenue agreement: N/A |
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budget clarification: N/A |
Agreement/Resolution/Ordinance Approved by County Counsel: N/A
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CEO Liaison: Executive Office |
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CEO Review: Yes |
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CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
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Executed By: Atlas Pearson, Senior Deputy Clerk |
Final Status: Approved |
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Date: September 13, 2023 |
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