Ruling allows expansion to accommodate restrictions

By Jack Chavez

(May 27, 2021) The Worcester County Commissioners approved an extension for temporary outdoor seating permits until 60 days after the county lifts its state of emergency declaration on May 18.

“These programs were developed last year,” said Development, Review and Planning Deputy Director Jennifer Keener. “It basically gave restaurants and bars the flexibility to have outdoor seating where it wasn’t previously approved.”

During the pandemic, it hasn’t been uncommon for restaurants to set up dining areas in parking lots and sidewalks, some of which were placed under open tents to account for inclement weather.

“We’ve talked to several businesses that want to consider moving to a more permanent type use, but they’ll need more time [to figure it out].”

The permits had been set to expire at the end of the year or with the cessation of Maryland’s business occupancy restrictions, which Gov. Larry Hogan lifted on May 14.

“Worcester County still has a declaration of emergency in effect so we’re hoping that we could use that to ask for an extension of 60 days or longer,” Keener said.

Commissioner Chip Bertino asked if it was possible to tie the permit expiration to the cessation of the county’s declaration of emergency, which Commissioner President Joe Mitrecic said could be done so it expires a set amount of time after the declaration is lifted.

“I don’t know when we’re going to do that because we haven’t discussed it, but would 60 days after we dissolve ours be okay with everybody?” Bertino asked.

In 2020, 12 of these permits were issued. So far in 2021, two have been renewed while one other is pending.