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Published on 08/11/1997 All articles from this issue

Seek help regarding encroachments, experts advise businesses

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By Clyde Noel / Town Crier Staff Writer

Liability seems to be the key issue in the reason why few downtown businesses have complied, thus far, with requirements for sidewalk encroachment permits. But city officials and yes, insurers, are suggesting it would be wise for merchants to start coming forward.

Responding to an increase of complaints regarding tables, A-frames and other obstacles that obstruct downtown streets, the City of Los Altos sent out a packet of information on sidewalk encroachment regulations to downtown businesses June 2.

An ordinance already in place dictated that merchants pay a one-time application fee of $67 and hold a current certificate of insurance showing the city of Los Altos as a co-insurer.

However, city officials, by their own admission, had been lenient about enforcing the permits.

According to Larry Tong, Los Altos planning director, only six permits have been issued to date.

One of the permits the city issued was to the Fourth Street Library Grille, at State and Fourth streets.

"I want to cook food and get the city off my back," said restaurant owner Tom Tripiano as his reason for compliance. "I sent the instruction packet to my insurance agent and he came back in a week with the information My insurance agent came back with the insured endorsement that included the city."

Dennis C. Rodeen, of Sylvester Schwartz & Tugaw, a Los Altos insurance brokerage house, said there are carriers with programs designed for "Main Street " business exposures.

"Almost any broker can help the small business owner. It's just making the contact," Rodeen said. "We understand the problem, and as a broker, we can work with carriers who also understand the problem."

"As a small business owner, sometimes you feel like you are over insured or paying too much money for the coverage, but when a circumstance happens, it's an emotional release to call your agent and ask him to take care of the problem," Tripiano said.

Carol Curran, Los Altos economic development coordinator, said the city can help small businesses and retailers.

"The city is taking a community approach to a possible serious liability problem," Curran said.

Tripiano said the problem appears to him as an example of minimal involvement of city consciousness and community awareness.