Simpler Outdoor Dining Permit Becomes Permanent In Gaithersburg

GAITHERSBURG, MD — Restaurant owners who want to make minor outdoor changes to their eateries, such as adding tables and chairs, will be able to use a simplified version of the Outdoor Seating Permit application.

The simpler version was created during the pandemic — as many restaurants across the country looked to expand seating outward to keep with distancing regulations — but city officials announced that it's here to stay.

The simplified application requires basic information from the restaurant owner, and the following:

• Seating plan, with dimensions, showing locations of tables and chairs, egress points, pedestrian pathways and proximity to restaurant - Permission letter from property owner (if applicable)
• License Public Sidewalk Agreement (if applicable)
• Copy of Site Development Approval (if applicable)
• Details regarding how outdoor seating will be partitioned from the general public including location, type and height of partition - Any additional information which may be reasonably required by City staff to accomplish the review of this application

"In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the City instituted a Temporary Outdoor Seating Permit to support restaurants dealing with mandatory reduced capacity limits," said the City of Gaithersburg news release. "Twenty-four temporary permits were issued, and they remained valid until both the State of Maryland & Montgomery County lifted Executive Orders limiting indoor restaurant seating capacity."

There is no application fee for outdoor seating.