FY 24-25 WPB DDA PARKLET GRANT PROGRAM | APPLICATION PHASE 1

PROGRAM OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE 

On May 19, 2020, in accordance with the Governor's Executive Order, the City of West Palm Beach issued a Declaration of Emergency, which allowed expanded outdoor seating for restaurants under a Temporary Outdoor Dining (TOD) Program to ensure businesses had the greatest ability to operate successfully during the COVID-19 economic recovery. The TOD program allowed expanded seating on sidewalks and for parklets. After the City's Declaration of Emergency expired, the TOD Program expired, but many businesses desired to retain their expanded outdoor seating. The City, in conjunction with the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA), developed revised regulations to provide additional flexibility for business owners and comfort for patrons. The subject regulations are set forth at Chapter 78, Article XVIII (Parklet Ordinance) of the city code. For Parklet Permit Application Information, please contact Claudia Ibaven at cibaven@wpb.org

Parklet Purpose 

Built along the sidewalk, parklets are designed to expand the public realm in unique and creative ways, creating social spaces by transforming parking stalls into lively outdoor places where people can eat, read, sit, and relax while supporting local businesses. 

Parklet Grant Program 

The Parklet Grant Program offered by the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) provides funding to downtown businesses within the WPB DDA District Boundaries to upgrade or install a parklet. The program will reimburse eligible expenses incurred by downtown businesses related to the outdoor development, construction, and operation of a parklet. The WPB DDA encourages downtown small businesses to apply.  See below for more information on application requirements and eligibility.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 

• Only parklets located inside the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority's Boundary Map will qualify for this program, see map here: West Palm Beach Downtown DDA district boundaries.
• Businesses follow all City requirements pertaining to the Parklet Ordinance linked above.
• The business must be open at the time of application.
   

GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS 

The WPB DDA has a two-phase process for awarding the parklet grants. The first phase is to obtain a copy of the location approval letter and the applicant’s business information through Submittable. For phase two, after the business has built the parklet and passed final inspection by the City of WPB, we will require a copy of the finalized permit and all other required items listed below for reimbursement of funding.  
 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES 

• The maximum award amount is up to $10,000 per parklet location for qualifying reimbursable costs, as set forth below.
• Only one grant award is allowed per business location per grant cycle during the fiscal year, which runs from October 1st, 2024, to September 30th, 2025, with the last day to apply September 1st, 2025.
• If the business location has been awarded the parklet grant, they can only reapply 3 years after having a City Permit issued for their parklet.
• Annual funding for this program is limited, therefore, it is administered on a first come, first serve basis until program funds are exhausted.  
• Qualifying reimbursable costs are listed below under Use of Funds. 
• Additional information may be requested by the DDA (Staff or Board); Inadequately documented applications will not be reviewed. Be sure to include all necessary documents. 
• The applicant will receive notification detailing all the terms and conditions of the grant, including, but not limited to the amount of the grant; the approved uses for the proceeds; any reporting requirements to be met by the applicant; and any conditions required to be met prior to closing. The processing and approval of projects may take up to (6) six weeks. 
• The applicant (business entity) is eligible to reapply for a parklet grant every three (3) years if a previous award recipient.

PHASE 1 | All required documentation must be submitted as listed below: 

• Copy of the City of West Palm Beach Parklet Location Approval Letter  
   

PHASE 2 | After full City Approval, you may submit to the DDA’s PHASE 2 all required documentation must be submitted as listed below: 

• Site plan of parklet with details showing new physical items planned to be installed with the use of grant funds, including seating, plantings, and any other items, 
• Picture of parklet  
• Proof of receipts for items/services paid for (Copies of Paid Invoices, Receipts, etc.) 
• Copy of the Current City of West Palm Beach Parklet Permit Completed and Approved
• Applicant business’s W-9 

For any questions regarding the process of application for parklet grant program, please contact: Sherryl Muriente, Public Realm Director, at smuriente@downtownwpb.com

USE OF FUNDS

Parklet Grant funds can be used for the physical set-up or improvement of parklets that offer outdoor dining and will be paid out as reimbursement.

List of items that could qualify include: 

• Lumber/plywood 
• Composite decking and other materials for flooring 
• Paints and stains 
• Railing/fencing 
• Contracted labor costs necessary for construction and installation 
• Permits and licensing fees 
• Delivery/shipping costs for materials
• Prefabricated Parklets EX: Dero 
• Tables and chairs (including construct built-in seating and tables) 
• Planters 
• Vegetation 
• Umbrellas, canopies and shade structures 
• Lighting 
• Signage 
• Object Markers (High visibility reflectors) 
• Artist services that are part of the parklet 
• Cooling and/or heating elements 
• Solar panels as a power outlet option 
• Bike racks placed as part of the parklet 
• Design fees 
• Parklet fees 
• Other materials as approved by the City of WPB Parklet Program
   

Grant Award Details | IF AWARDED A GRANT, THE REIMBURSEMENT TERMS ARE: 

• 100% paid upon completion of qualifying improvements (as determined by City of West Palm Beach officials), proof of paid invoices for the improvements, occupies the space and open for business. (Subject to West Palm Beach DDA Staff Review) 
• Annual funding for this program is limited, therefore, it is administered on a first come, first serve basis until program funds are exhausted.  
• Recipients of a grant shall obtain within a year or (12) months of award approval, all required permits with the City of West Palm Beach and shall maintain all required permits active and current with the City of West Palm Beach. 
• If the Parklet project is not completed within twenty-four (24) months of award approval, the grant award shall be automatically revoked, and the recipients will be required to make a presentation to the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority Board in order to re-petition for the grant award.