Proposed zoning amendment would set rules for outdoor dining

Fairfax County is proposing an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to codify the regulations for outdoor dining.

The amendment would make permanent and add more details to the provision on outdoor dining in the emergency ordinance approved during the Covid pandemic.

Two virtual community meetings have been scheduled on the proposed amendment, on Aug. 9 at 10 a.m. and Aug. 15 at 3 p.m. Access the meetings here.

The amendment would continue to allow outdoor dining on private property as an accessory use by right subject to certain standards. This use would be allowed in all zoning districts.

Outdoor dining would have to be located on an impervious surface, such as existing patios and sidewalks. A new administrative permit process would be added when outdoor dining is located in a parking lot.

Any single outdoor dining area could not exceed 50 percent of the indoor dining floor area of the establishment. Permanent structures would be prohibited. All tables, chairs, umbrellas, tents, lighting, and other accessories must be removable.

Outdoor dining hours would conform to the restaurant’s hours of operation, but could not occur before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m. when adjacent to single-family homes.