Petaluma Goes 'Free Range,' Allows Businesses To Expand Outdoors

PETALUMA, CA — The city of Petaluma is installing traffic barriers in some areas downtown to turn parking spots into "parklets" for dining, wine tasting and other outdoor activities.

The barrier installations are part of the city's Petaluma "Free Range" program, which was created to help businesses expand their footprint outdoors while indoor operations are restricted by coronavirus-related public health orders.

"Participating businesses are giving glowing reviews to our parklets experiment: within hours of the barriers’ installation, the parklets were bustling with community members eager to patronize their favorite restaurants and have a unique Petaluma experience," city officials said Tuesday in a business update.

Presently there are barriers at five locations in the downtown area; more businesses have expressed interest so additional barriers might be installed.

The city said there is a careful review process for any outdoor expansion, including those that may include barrier installation.

"We appreciate the community’s support of using parking spots in this new way," city officials said.

Those seeking more information about Petaluma's Free Range program may contact our the city's Economic Development team by email econdev@cityofpetaluma.org or by phone at 707-778-4484.