SAN FRANCISCO, March 22 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. city of San Francisco on Tuesday passed legislation extending the city's pandemic Shared Spaces program from June 30, 2022, to March 31, 2023.

       The Shared Spaces program provides a streamlined permit process for San Francisco businesses, arts and culture organizations, and others to use sidewalk, parking lane, full-street spaces, and open lots for local business and cultural activities, the announcement said.

       "Shared Spaces established a lifeline for our city's small businesses during an incredibly challenging time, and as we recover from the pandemic, we need to ensure that our businesses can continue serving their communities without facing financial burdens," said San Francisco Mayor London Breed, who last December called for extending the pandemic Shared Spaces program past its original sunset date of June 30, 2022.

       "By extending pandemic permits for another nine months, we are continuing to support our small businesses as they recover from the impacts of the pandemic," she added.

       The city is also launching a public education strategy to inform businesses about the transition, design guidelines, timeline and compliance.

       Before the pandemic Shared Spaces program was initiated, it could take up to 18 months for a parklet to receive approvals. As codified by the new ordinance, the city must review and issue permit decisions within 30 days of receiving a complete permit application.

       "Parklets have been a burst of joy during the pandemic, creating community and livening up our streets, while helping to keep our small businesses alive," said Sharky Laguana, president of the Small Business Commission in the city. "This legislation will give our struggling small businesses more time to adapt to permanent regulations... This is very helpful, and will ensure a smooth transition to permanent parklets."