ON PARKLETS

OUR PARKLETS

Our parklet hardware is not simply a product. It is a way to reimagine public space. It is a lifeline for struggling restaurants and retail. It is a way to safely come together and support small business.

The Place Fab team has spent nearly a decade building parklets and working with cities to understand and permit these structures. These brackets have been designed to allow for leveling, stormwater passage, structural integrity, modularity, and ease of build.

WHAT IS A PARKLET?

A parklet is an extension of the sidewalk over an on-street parking space that converts space for cars into space for people. A standard parklet typically fits in an 8’ x 20’ parking space. First developed in San Francisco, these tiny structures have gained momentum worldwide along streets with congested sidewalks or a need for increased seating.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in a new opportunity for parklets across the US. As restaurants and other small businesses struggle to keep their doors open in the face of shutdowns, occupancy restrictions, and safe social distancing, parklets present an opportunity to expand a business’s footprint in the outdoors.

We have seen parklets double a restaurant’s capacity and impact the bottom line up to 30%. We have seen cities invest CARES and discretionary funding in parklets and parklet programs to support their community. We have visited with countless restaurateurs and business owners who insist that a parklet is the difference between weathering this storm and succumbing to it.

HOW DO I NAVIGATE PARKLET PERMITTING?

Permitting for parklets in public streets or space differs by municipality. Start by checking with your city permitting office to determine what the requirements may be. Many cities have implemented temporary, or even permanent, parklet programs in light of the pandemic which may fast track your build. If there is no program in place, reach out to your councilmember, and explain the need. The City of Dallas has both a temporary and permanent parklet program available, and The Better Block Foundation has created an open-sourced parklet playbook for creating a simple or robust parklet.

I WANT TO BUILD A PARKLET.

NOW, WHAT?

Determine the space requirements you have. We have kits for a variety of configurations, or mix and match pieces to create a custom-sized parklet of your own! These brackets allow space for framing, flooring, and an optional vertical component that can be used for a pergola and/or railing as well.

The parklets can be framed and built in a variety of ways. For a basic build, we’ve included a few sample framing plans downloadable here.

Modular Parklet (To be built with 4 piece kit)
Standard Parklet (To be built with 6 piece kit)
Deck Parklet (To be built with 9 piece kit)

I STILL NEED HELP!

Are you a local official with questions on parklet programs? Need help with measurements, lumber, or build?

We’re happy to help. Schedule a call with the Place Fab team here.