Bel Air approves six-month extension for temporary outdoor dining, ends tent exemption

The Board of Town Commissioners of Bel Air on Feb. 18 approved Resolution 12-45-25 by a 5-0 vote to renew temporary outdoor dining allowances while discontinuing an exemption that had allowed temporary structures such as tents.

Commissioner Taylor moved approval of the resolution and Commissioner Chance seconded. Commissioners Rutledge, Chance, Taylor, Eddy and Chismar voted in favor; there were no nays.

The resolution, as explained by a staff representative, keeps temporary-use permit provisions suspended for outdoor dining elements such as tables, chairs and umbrellas through Sept. 30, 2025, while requiring that temporary structures—tents—must comply with applicable code regulations after the expiration of Resolution 12-21-24 on March 31, 2025. "This is to provide a soft landing period for those handful of businesses that still are finding themselves in use of the temporary use for outdoor dining," Commissioner Taylor said during discussion.

Staff told commissioners the intent is to balance support for businesses that have relied on expanded outdoor dining during the COVID-19 pandemic with resident concerns about temporary structures. The staff recommendation stated that establishments holding outdoor events with amplified music or live bands on portions of property not designated for that use must comply with applicable code regulations after the existing moratorium expires.

The board opened a public hearing for the resolution but recorded no public comments during the hearing before closing it and moving to the formal vote. The resolution continues the temporary outdoor dining allowance through Sept. 30 and ends the broader temporary-structure exemption on March 31 as provided in Resolution 12-21-24.

Votes at a glance: the board also approved the meeting agenda and approved minutes from the Jan. 28 and Feb. 3 meetings earlier in the session; those procedural votes passed unanimously.