Shared Spaces Program

About

Cleveland Heights prides itself on its many business districts. The City has for many years permitted outdoor dining—both on private property and within the public right-of-way—as a way to support the business community and enliven spaces for residents and visitors.

Beginning in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced all of us to re-examine places and spaces—how we interact with our neighbors and friends and how we work, live, and play. In response to emergency orders adopted by the State of Ohio and Cleveland Heights, in 2021, the City approved a pilot “parklet” along Cedar Road as a tool to help businesses survive the COVID-19 health crisis.

The pilot program was well-received, and in 2022, the City of Cleveland Heights has decided to create a permanent city-wide program.

Temporary outdoor dining facilities, parklets, and pedlets are creative and cost-effective ways to add outdoor seating and spaces. The City of Cleveland Heights’ program focuses on creating additional private seating areas managed and maintained by private businesses. These spaces are not intended for one-time events, large gathering opportunities, or parties., Instead, they are meant to provide additional flexibility for local businesses to activate the area outside their operations. Outdoor dining facilities may be located on the sidewalk or on private property; parklets and pedlets are located in the parking lane adjacent to the curb and are designed to be an extension of the sidewalk.

The City supports the use of temporary and low-cost materials to quickly install a temporary outdoor dining area, parklet, or pedlet., All materials, however, must meet the design standards laid out in the manual. The City will review each application individually to accommodate the unique circumstances at each business location.

Apply

The City of Cleveland Height’s Shared Spaces Program Application Manual (PDF) leads applicants through the application process for authorization to install a temporary outdoor-dining facility, parklet, or pedlet within the public right-of-way or on private property. This manual provides an overview of the program, regulations, processes, procedures, terms and conditions, and design best practices. Business owners, property owners, and other potential applicants are encouraged to read this manual before applying.

For more information please contact the Planning and Development Department at 216-291-4878 or email planning@clevelandheights.gov.