Permanent Outdoor Dining Guidelines Proposed In Falls Church

FALLS CHURCH, VA — While outdoor dining zoning regulations were eased in the City of Falls Church to provide safe dining during the COVID-19 pandemic, permanent guidelines could be coming soon.

The city has proposed a zoning ordinance amendment and a new permit application process for outdoor dining. The permanent process would require restaurants to submit an outdoor dining application form and submission materials to the city's building permits desk. If the application meets code requirements, an outdoor dining use permit will be issued. Restaurants will existing outdoor dining use approvals on file will have the uses updated by staff.

City Council had voted to end the COVID-19 emergency declaration on Oct. 1, 2022 while extending some flexibilities for six months. The six-month extension for certain business zoning regulations was given to allow city staff to evaluate which permanent zoning changes should be recommended and make recommendations on zoning ordinance amendments. The extension expires on March 27, 2023.

According to a city staff report, the permanent guidelines will give more certainty to businesses seeking more permanent outdoor dining investments.

"Expanded outdoor dining in the city has generally been received positively by the community and businesses," a city staff report states. "As pandemic restrictions ease, business patterns for restaurants and other businesses will continue to adjust. Some businesses have, or are considering, investing in more permanent expansions to their outdoor dining operations."

City Council had a first reading of the outdoor dining permanent guidelines on Monday. A Planning Commission work session will be held on March 1, followed by a public hearing on March 15. City Council's second reading will be on March 27. If approved, businesses can start submitting applications on April 1.