Harford County Executive Barry Glassman has proposed legislation that would facilitate outdoor dining by continuing to suspend parking lot requirements and other local regulations on restaurants, breweries, and bars.
Harford was the first Maryland county to begin suspending these regulations to assist businesses in the COVID-19 pandemic.
The emergency act was introduced Tuesday by the County Council at the county executive’s request. It would extend through the end of 2022 a moratorium on the regulations that was set to expire on December 31, 2021.
Parking must still be provided for visitors to commercial establishments and must comply with all fire, life safety, and American Disability Act requirements.
“Outdoor dining is safer for public health and my proposal will allow this option to continue in the parking lots of area businesses,” County Executive Glassman said. “The extra seating will also expand opportunities for local companies that still need our help coming through the pandemic.”
