FAIRFAX, Va. — Fairfax County is codifying new rules for outdoor dining nearly a year after ending its state of emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic.
The proposed zoning ordinance will automatically allow restaurants, bars, and other food service establishments to set up temporary seating areas where patrons can eat and drink outside. Unless the area is in a parking lot, in which case an administrative permit will be needed.
Currently, there are no official county standards for outdoor dining, though outdoor seating is permitted as an accessory use by right.
To support businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, an emergency ordinance was adopted by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on July 14, 2020, that allowed existing establishments to designate outdoor areas for dining and fitness activities without additional approvals. That temporary ordinance was set to expire on March 1, 2024.
Under the proposed amendment, establishments will no longer be required to provide separate parking for outdoor seating areas.
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