Council adopts new outdoor-dining rules after extended debate; permits, months and fees set by ordinance

The Annapolis City Council voted unanimously April 14 to adopt O-10-24, new city rules for outdoor dining that alter permit durations, establish hours and targeted exceptions for the downtown market area, and direct staff to set an annual fee schedule tied to how many months and parking spaces businesses use for outdoor seating.

Council and staff said the ordinance aims to make outdoor dining a clearer, permanent option for restaurants while adding standards and a fee mechanism. The measure passed on third reading after multiple amendments that were debated on the council floor.

What the ordinance does

- Permit duration and timing: Council adopted an amendment that permits outdoor dining for up to nine months in a calendar year; the months do not need to be continuous but must be specified on the permit application. Council members described that change as intended to give businesses flexibility while keeping a defined annual cap.

- Hours and exceptions: The ordinance adopts standard hours for outdoor dining with specific exceptions for portions of downtown near Market House and Dock Street. Those exceptions allow later hours on certain weekends and on specified holiday Sundays; council…