Title
Amending Section 106.01 of the Legislative Code to allow businesses in the Downtown Entertainment District to temporary allow items in the right-of-way without a sidewalk-use permit during the 2025 World Junior Hockey Championship.
Body
Section 1
WHEREAS, the 2025 World Junior Hockey Championship (“World Juniors”) will be held in the Twin Cities, including the City of Saint Paul, during the last week of December 2025 and the first week of January 2026; and
WHEREAS, the World Juniors presents an extraordinary opportunity to highlight Saint Paul’s hospitality, cultural vibrancy, and commitment to public safety while welcoming visitors from around the world; and
WHEREAS, the City anticipates increased activity in the downtown area and other public spaces during a period when staffing levels for permit processing and inspections are traditionally limited; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that temporary modifications to certain permitting, licensing, and enforcement provisions are necessary and appropriate to facilitate a safe, efficient, and festive atmosphere during the event period while maintaining the City’s commitment to safety, accessibility, and decorum; and now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAINT PAUL DOES ORDAIN:
Section 2
Section 106.01 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code is hereby amended as follows:
(a) Encumbrances or obstructions prohibited.
1. Purpose: The primary purpose of a public sidewalk or other right-of-way is to provide safe access to the public to travel from place to place. It is the intent of this ordinance to maintain that primary purpose at all times.
2. No person shall encumber or obstruct any sidewalk, lane, alley, public ground, public landing, wharf or pier, or other public place by placing thereon or therein any building materials, carriages, carts, wagons, sleighs, boxes, lumber, firewood, posts, awnings, signs, or any other materials or substance whatever. No person shall operate a sidewalk café without a license and a right-of-way obstruction permit issued by City of Saint Paul. A sidewalk sign in compliance with subsection (d) may be placed upon the public sidewalk.
3. A minimum width of forty-eight (48) inches of clear, unobstructed pedestrian walk-through zone, exclusive of the curb, shall be maintained on the public sidewalk at all times.
4. During the period beginning 8:00 a.m. on December 24, 2025, and ending at midnight on January 7, 2026, temporary sidewalk-use permits will not be required for businesses or organizations placing tables, displays, or temporary installations within the public right-of-way, subject to the following conditions:
(a) This requirement will only apply in the Downtown Entertainment District, as defined by Saint Paul Legislative Code section 409.02.
(b) A minimum forty-eight (48) inch unobstructed pedestrian path must be maintained at all times around any tables, displays, or temporary installations in the right-of-way.
(c) No table, display, or temporary installation may obstruct intersections, ADA curb ramps, or fire access routes.
(d) The Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) and Public Works retains authority to remove or restrict items that pose safety or accessibility concerns.
(e) All other requirements in this Chapter will remain applicable and in full force and effect.
Section 3
This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days following its passage, approval and publication.