Bel Air extends outdoor dining permit for six months as COVID policies wind down

The Board of Town Commissioners in Bel Air, Harford County, convened on January 22, 2025, for a work session to discuss several key agenda items, notably the resolution regarding temporary outdoor dining allowances.

The primary focus of the meeting was Resolution 1245-24, which aims to renew the allowance for temporary outdoor dining while discontinuing certain exemptions related to COVID-19. The resolution proposes to extend the temporary use of outdoor dining for an additional six months, allowing businesses to continue utilizing outdoor space until September 30, 2025. This extension is intended to provide businesses with adequate time to transition to permanent solutions following the end of the COVID emergency.

Commissioner discussions highlighted the necessity of winding down COVID-related policies, with a consensus that the emergency is over. The resolution seeks to balance the needs of local businesses with compliance to existing regulations, particularly the International Building Code and the International Fire Code. It was noted that any temporary structures, such as tents, would require new building permits to ensure safety standards are met.

Commissioner Klein emphasized the importance of adhering to fire safety regulations, stating that tents can only be up for 180 days within a 12-month period. He urged businesses to apply for permits before the cutoff date of March 31, 2025, to avoid disruptions.

While some commissioners expressed concerns about the timeline for businesses to develop permanent solutions, others reassured that the six-month extension is a reasonable compromise. The intention is to support local businesses during the busy summer months while ensuring they prepare for the eventual return to pre-COVID regulations.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to assist businesses in navigating the transition and a recognition that a permanent solution must be established by the end of the extension period. The board plans to follow up on the progress of businesses in developing their plans for outdoor dining beyond September.