Many Montgomery County establishments that serve food and drinks have made significant adaptions during the COVID-19 health crisis to expand the ways they serve patrons during warm weather months using outdoor seating. The County’s Phase 2 restrictions remain in effect, but the onset of cooler weather will have food service establishments looking for new ways to serve their customers—such as the use of heaters and tents for outdoor seating.

To ensure these adjustments are done safely and in line with County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) requirements, at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, DPS will host a forum for business owners to offer suggestions and answer questions regarding safe, cool weather operations.

The forum will include presentations regarding Outdoor Seating Guidelines, Outdoor Dining Tents and Electrical Requirements for Outdoor Heating. The DPS director, deputy director and all of the department’s section chiefs will participate in the forum to address questions participants may have regarding permitting processes.

To register in advance for the forum, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMsf-2qrDMvHtMQMIrcnfydYrTtTxB9GlRK

After registering, a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting will be sent.

Questions about the forum can be sent to jessica.fusillo@montgomerycountymd.gov . 

Applications for temporary outdoor seating permits can be found at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/DPS/Resources/Files/Land_Development/OutdoorDiningForm.pdf

Information about safety regulations for outdoor dining tents during the COVID-19 health crisis can be found at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DPS/Resources/Files/COMBUILD/Coronavirus-NFPA-Tent-Fact-Sheet.pdf

Information on electrical requirements for outdoor can be found at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DPS/Resources/Files/COMBUILD/Electrical-Circuit-Guidelines-outdoor-heaters.pdf

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