FAQ

A parklet is generally described as an extension to an existing business or community space, by the placement of a temporary outdoor structure for seating, dining and/or social use on a portion of the adjoining road in front of a Premise.  Typically, parklets are designed to be installed within existing parking spaces located directly in front of the Premises and at the same width as the frontage of the Premises to which it relates.

The benefits of parklets as described on page 26 of the ‘Strathalbyn District Centre: Traffic, Parking and Streetscape Plan’ include:

- Additional public gathering space for people of all ages to sit, relax and socialise

- A safer town centre environment through passive surveillance and heightened visibility and street presence

- Opportunities to green the streetscape

- Increase economic activity, particularly for retail and hospitality providers

- Business opportunities for local hospitality providers to extend their floor space for al fresco dining

- Change the way the community views public space and the use of car parking space

- Enhance safety by slowing vehicle speeds.

In this instance, the proprietor of 39 Commercial Road Strathalbyn is seeking to place a parklet within four existing car parking bays located along the frontage of the Premises. 

If a council proposes to grant an alteration or permit for a Parklet that results in any part of a road being fenced, enclosed or partitioned so as to impede the passing of traffic to a material degree, the Council must first undertake public consultation. The outcomes from the Public consultation process will be provided to Council for decision as to whether to proceed with allowing a Parklet to be included and assessed as part of the Development Application process.

The proposed development on the adjoining private land parcel does not form part of this consultation process. The site of the proposed development is located within the District Centre Zone.  In accordance with the Development Regulations 2008, the associated Development Application is a Category 1 form of development and as such, Council is not able to undertake any notification process.

All costs associated with the design, build, maintenance and approvals for a Parklet are the full responsibility of the applicant. Additionally, an annual fee is charged in accordance with Council’s Annual Fees and Charges determined on providing a balance between the time that a parklet is onsite, the impact of a reduction in car parks on the street and the substantial investment costs associated with a parklet. In this instance, the proposed annual return to Council (subject to annual review of Council’s Fees and Charges) is proposed at $900.00 (ex GST) per annum (subject to final design footprint).

There are additional costs to the Applicant associated with any additional seating / commercial trading Permit for the portion of the footpath area between the business frontage and the Parklet, as available and taken up by numerous café and goods stores throughout Strathalbyn.

Significant capital business investment is required in order to install a Parklet. Should the Parklet proceed, it is proposed to provide a 5 year term to the proprietor of 39 Commercial Road. The term would be reviewed prior to expiry of the 5 years.

The Strathalbyn District Centre – Traffic, Parking and Streetscape Plan was undertaken during 2017. The Plan makes reference to:

• ‘Rates of Parking Provisions’ in Section 4.3.3, including pre and post Streetscape plan parking numbers on Commercial Road (page 18) in which the number of carparks on Commercial Road post Plan would be reduced from 18 on street car parks, 5 motorbike parks and 2 bus zone parks to  16 on street car parks, 2 motorbike parks and 2 bus zone parks.

• An overview of the consultation outcomes on Parklets in Section 5.4.1 (page 26).

• A number of indicative concept designs for Commercial Road/Albyn Terrace (7. Appendix 1) inclusive of long term proposed paving treatment,  reconfiguration and removal of 3 of the 4 carparks impacted by the proposed Parklet.

For further information on The Strathalbyn District Centre – Traffic, Parking and Streetscape Plan, please click here.

http://www.alexandrina.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=2356&c=53182