Agoura Hills Extends Outdoor Permits For Local Businesses

AGOURA HILLS, CA — The city of Agoura Hills on Wednesday extended its policy to allow outdoor operations for local businesses, a program that started as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

All temporary outdoor operation permits, which were scheduled to expire on January 31, 2023, will last through February 28, 2023 unless the program is otherwise terminated or adjusted, according to city documents.

The city has made continuous efforts since 2020 to allow businesses to operate outdoors to accommodate social distancing and help businesses stay open amid strict healthy guidelines, according to the executive order Wednesday.

The ordinance allows businesses to operate on private sidewalks and private parking lots so long as they meet a number of safety requirements, like compliance with county health regulations and maintaining safe exit access.

Some 13 businesses in Agoura Hills currently have temporary outdoor operation permits, including 12 restaurants and one gym, according to Ramiro Aveda III, Assistant City Manager.

Despite many relaxed restrictions countywide, the city acknowledged that COVID-19 remains a significant risk, especially for high-risk individuals.

"The City is encouraged by the region's progress in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, but recognizes that the spread of COVID-19 will continue as a public health risk," the executive order reads. "The City understands that some residents and visitors, especially high-risk individuals, whether vaccinated against COVID-19 or not, may desire to have the option to dine and engage in certain activities outdoors in order to maintain better social distancing and limit indoor exposure with other persons."

As of January 27, Los Angeles County was in the "low" community risk level for COVID-19 with case rates and hospitalizations remaining relatively low, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. County officials still urged vaccinations and boosters, testing for any symptoms and masking in appropriate spaces.