Fairfax County board approves rules for outdoor dining
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| The Board of Supervisors meet virtually. |
In preparation for Fairfax County moving into Phase 1 of Virginia’s reopening plan, the Board of Supervisors adopted an emergency ordinance May 28 to temporarily permit outdoor dining and fitness activities.
Fairfax County enters Phase 1 on Friday, May 29.
Currently, restaurants are only allowed to offer carryout and delivery services. Under Phase 1, restaurants can open for outdoor dining but must adhere to certain restrictions, such as limiting occupancy to 50 percent and ensuring six feet of distance between individuals.
Gyms, fitness centers, and sports facilities can offer outdoor exercise activities during Phase 1, as long as they adhere to certain guidelines. The emergency ordinance approved by the BoS during a virtual meeting allows outdoor exercise on parking lots or unpaved areas Exercise equipment can be moved outdoors.
The ordinance allows tasting rooms at breweries and wineries, as well as restaurants, to offer outdoor dining as long as they follow Virginia Department of Health guidelines.
Related story: Virginia requires face coverings in public places
It will be up to the business owner and property owner to determine whether and how to do this and how much parking to provide.
The outdoor dining area would have to be on a paved surface and could not block existing patios, sidewalks, or parking areas – or the restaurant would have to provide alternative pedestrian access. The perimeter of the outdoor dining area must be marked in some way, but the ordinance doesn’t specify how. Restaurants won’t need a special Virginia ABC permit for outdoor dining.
Tents less than 900 square feet can be installed without the need for a permit or approval by the fire marshal. Chairs, tables, and umbrellas must be removed when not in use. Neither outdoor entertainment nor outdoor cooking would be allowed. Indoor restrooms must be available to customers.
Related story: Fairfax County to begin reopening May 29
Businesses have to ensure parking spaces are available for the disabled. If they need to relocate spaces for the disabled, they have to provide the same number of spaces and make sure they are as convenient as they are now.
The emergency ordinance will be in effect for 60 days. The board will hold a public hearing on it in July in case the ordinance needs to be extended. If the county moves into Phase 2 by then, the hearing would be canceled.
