Harford County Proposes Extending Support For Outdoor Dining Spaces Through 2024

HARFORD COUNTY - On Tuesday, the Harford County Council introduced legislation to allow for the continuation of outdoor dining, a relief measure first initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bill 23-030 would further extend the temporary moratorium on specific zoning provisions related to setbacks, parking requirements, temporary uses, signs, outdoor storage and display, and seating capacities - allowing bars, nightclubs, breweries, and restaurants to maintain their outdoor dining spaces. If adopted, the bill would extend the moratorium through December 31, 2024.

Harford County was the first Maryland jurisdiction to allow outdoor dining spaces in May 2020. Initially set to end on December 31, 2021, the moratorium's deadline was pushed to December 31, 2023, in October 2022, recognizing the continued need for economic recovery support.

The proposed legislation will not directly impact the incorporated municipalities of Aberdeen, Bel Air, and Havre de Grace.

Havre de Grace amended its outdoor dining regulations in 2020, permitting restaurants to use city-owned parking spaces for their patrons.

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