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MERCHANT HANDBOOK

Chapter 9: Quality of Life – Creating a Welcoming, Safe, and Enjoyable Downtown

Your business doesn't operate in a vacuum—it's part of a shared community experience.

Maintaining quality of life downtown means being considerate of your customers, neighbors, and the overall atmosphere of the district. This section outlines best practices and city expectations to help everyone enjoy and succeed in Delray Beach’s downtown corridor.

Why It Matters

  • A clean, safe, and well-maintained district encourages longer visits and repeat customers.
  • Positive interactions between businesses and residents strengthen community trust.
  • Compliance with city rules, prevents fines, complaints, and operational disruptions.

A. Alcohol Consumption – Be Responsible, Be Aware

  • Alcohol-related activity can impact customer experience, public perception, and safety.
    Public consumption of alcohol is prohibited except in designated areas or under approved permits (e.g., special events).
  • Outdoor service of alcohol must follow local alcohol ordinances and licensing.
  • Licensed establishments must clearly mark the boundary of their outdoor service areas.
  • Businesses must discourage loitering and intoxication outside their premises.

Tip: Your staff should be aware of local alcohol rules, even if your business doesn’t serve it. It helps create a safer and more comfortable atmosphere for all.

B. Clean & Safe Parks and Public Areas

A clean, inviting public space benefits everyone.

  • Encourage customers to dispose of trash properly and use nearby public trash cans.
  • Report vandalism, broken fixtures, or overflowing bins to the DDA and Clean & Safe.
  • Smoking is not allowed in many public parks and public event spaces—remind guests when needed. E-
  • Cigarettes are treated like cigarettes.
  • Cigarette Butts disposal devices are located through out the downtown.

C. Construction Updates – Stay Informed, Stay Connected

Construction is inevitable in a growing city—but communication eases frustration.

  • Sign up for alerts from the DDA or City of Delray Beach to stay informed on nearby construction projects.
  • Keep staff aware of road closures, lane shifts, or sidewalk detours that might affect customer access.
  • Plan promotions or alternate entry points in advance when work is nearby.

Helpful Hint: Posting signs that say "Yes, we're OPEN during construction!" can help keep foot traffic flowing.

D. Customer Service – Every Person, Every Day

The heart of downtown is its people—and great service builds loyalty.

  • Greet customers warmly and acknowledge them even during busy times.
  • Train staff to be helpful and knowledgeable about both your store and nearby businesses.
  • Go the extra mile—people remember when they’ve been treated well and will return.

Think of it this way: You’re not just selling a product—you’re representing Downtown Delray.
You’re creating an experience from which wonderful memories are made.

E. Noise Ordinance – Keep It Pleasant

Downtown should be lively, not disruptive.

  • Be mindful of music volume, especially at outdoor cafes or during evening hours.
  • Follow City of Delray Beach Noise Ordinance guidelines (Chapter 99).
  • Events, live music, or entertainment must be properly permitted if they exceed normal levels.

F. Recycling & Waste

Be part of a greener downtown!

  • Place recyclable materials in designated recycling bins. You can find them at the NW corner of the
  • Railroad parking lot and on the NW side of City Hall.
  • Cardboard boxes should be broken down and stacked neatly for pickup.
  • Don’t let trash overflow or sit out for long periods—it affects everyone’s impression of the area.
  • Use City-approved vendors for waste disposal and recycling services.

G. Sidewalk Café Regulations

Sidewalk dining adds charm, but must be well-managed.

  • Cafés require a city-issued permit and must follow the Sidewalk Café Ordinance.
  • Tables, chairs, and umbrellas must be:
    • Within approved boundaries
    • Portable and well-maintained
    • Not blocking ADA access
  • Alcohol service in outdoor dining areas must align with state and local liquor laws.
  • Clean sidewalk café areas daily and pressure wash regularly.

H. Trucks, Deliveries, and Loading Zones

Keep traffic moving and deliveries efficient.

  • Use designated loading zones whenever possible.
  • Coordinate delivery times outside of peak pedestrian hours (typically early morning).
  • Don’t block sidewalks or bike lanes during loading or unloading.
  • Alert vendors and contractors of city expectations before work begins.

Commercial Truck Access & Deliveries Downtown

  • Commercial vehicles are an essential part of daily operations in Downtown Delray Beach—but truck traffic must be carefully managed to ensure pedestrian safety, traffic flow, and respect for city ordinances.

Policy Overview:

  • Trucks are encouraged to make deliveries between 7AM and 11AM to avoid conflicts with pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
  • Double parking, blocking crosswalks, or using active travel lanes during business hours is strictly prohibited and may result in citations.
  • Merchants should use designated loading zones and alleys behind their storefronts whenever possible.
  • Important Restriction – No Trucking Zone on Atlantic Avenue:
    Commercial trucks and trailers are NOT permitted on East Atlantic Avenue between Swinton Avenue and SE/NE 5th Avenue (Federal Highway).
  • Truck drivers must use the designated truck routes:
    • NE 1st Street and SE 1st Street
    • Alleyways behind the stores fronting East Atlantic Avenue
  • It is the responsibility of the merchant to inform and remind all delivery personnel and vendors of this rule. Drivers who travel within the prohibited zone will receive a uniform traffic citation, currently set at $166 (fine subject to change).
  • For enforcement questions or updates:
    Delray Beach Police Department     – (561) 243-7800
  • By working together and following these guidelines, we can protect downtown’s character, reduce congestion, and maintain a positive experience for customers and neighbors.

I. Special Events – Awareness & Participation

Downtown events bring energy, but can impact access and operations.

  • Stay updated on event schedules by checking the DDA website or City website.
  • Plan ahead for street closures, parking changes, or increased foot traffic.
  • If you're within the event footprint, find out how you can participate—vendor opportunities, sidewalk sales, or promotional tie-ins are often available.
  • Communicate with customers through signage or social media about how to access your business during events.

Bonus: Participating in events builds goodwill and can introduce your business to new audiences.

Quick Reference Checklist – Quality of Life

Daily Awareness

  • Monitor and discourage public alcohol use in front of your store
  • Keep sidewalk and outdoor café area clean and safe
  • Keep music or ambient noise at appropriate levels
  • Greet customers and ensure positive interactions

Weekly/As Needed

  • Check City or DDA updates for construction, closures, or events
    Inspect for graffiti, vandalism, or maintenance issues in public areas near your business
  • Make sure trash and recycling practices are compliant
  • Inspect sidewalk café setup—tables, umbrellas, furniture, and ADA compliance

Monthly/Seasonal

  • Update staff on upcoming events, street closures, or city notices
  • Review sidewalk café and alcohol service permit requirements (if applicable)
  • Ensure your vendors and delivery teams understand loading zone expectations