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Annapolis committee revises outdoor-dining rules, keeps special-exception review in place
Summary
After hours of debate, the Finance Committee favorably recommended a substantially amended outdoor-dining ordinance that allows seasonal permits of 3, 6 or 9 months (not required to be continuous), maintains the zoning-code special-exception process for restaurants, and narrows some permit-review steps. The measure now goes to the full council.
Annapolis Finance Committee members on Feb. 19 voted to favorably recommend changes to the city’s outdoor-dining ordinance (O-10-24) that will allow restaurants to seek seasonal outdoor-dining permits lasting 3, 6 or 9 months within a calendar year, while leaving intact the city’s requirement that restaurants secure a special exception under the zoning code.
The ordinance’s amended text says a permit "shall be valid for 3, 6, or 9 months from January 1 to December 31, and the months do not need to be continuous, but need to be specified," language the committee adopted after several rounds of amendments.
Why it matters: The ordinance affects restaurants, residents and the city’s land‑use process. Committee members framed the changes as a way to preserve outdoor dining that surged during the COVID era while protecting nearby residents through the special‑exception review and by setting hours and other conditions.
What the commit…
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