Harford County Executive Relaxes Parking Restrictions For Retail

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Harford County Executive Barry Glassman waived restrictions on parking so that retailers could open for outdoor sales Friday, May 15. He signed an executive order Thursday suspending certain requirements around parking spaces required for businesses to conduct outdoor sales, according to a statement from Harford County government.

“Outdoor sales spaces are likely to be safer and less likely to spread COVID-19 than indoor sales,” Glassman said in a statement. "As we begin to reopen in Harford County, this action will expand economic opportunities for our local businesses and their customers.”

The elements of Harford County code he is suspending include requirements about setbacks, outdoor displays, premise signage, capacity for outdoor and indoor guests and outdoor storage.

Glassman's order will take effect at 5 p.m. Friday, coinciding with the first stage of the state's reopening as outlined by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan.

Starting Friday at 5 p.m., Hogan said retail businesses in Maryland could reopen at 50 percent capacity with safety precautions, manufacturing could resume normal operations, religious organizations could hold services at 50 percent capacity, and some personal services like hair salons could reopen at 50 percent capacity and by appointment only.

Glassman said he would follow along with the guidance in allowing businesses to reopen.

His order states that waiving the parking requirements would "promote a safer environment for retail sales" and "foster economic development in the county."

The coronavirus is mainly spread through person-to-person contact when people are less than 6 feet apart, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Despite waiving parking requirements for outdoor sales, Glassman said establishments still must provide sufficient parking and comply with fire, safety, ADA and social distancing guidance.

See Also:

• Harford County Executive To Follow Governor's Lead In Reopening
• MD Stay-At-Home Order Lifted; Some Jurisdictions To Reopen