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On July 15, the County Board voted to adopt the Zoning Code amendments that will allow restaurant operators with Temporary Outdoor Seating Areas (TOSAs) to apply for the permanent status of their outdoor seating. The majority of TOSA operators will have to go through an administrative approval process with the County to retain their TOSA spaces.
This is a welcome development for restaurant operators who have been anxiously awaiting the ability to make their TOSAs permanent additions to their restaurants. The Chamber recognizes how vital the TOSA spaces have been to the survival of many restaurants in Arlington, and we are pleased that the County finally adopted the package of amendments. The Chamber also submitted a letter of support to the County Board.
It should be noted that the implementation of the administrative approval process will last until October, past the August 15 expiration date of the TOSA permits. The application for the required permits and licenses will open on September 1. The County has emphasized that there will be no proactive enforcement of the TOSAs during that time, and restaurants do not need to take immediate action. County Staff have pledged to work individually with all restaurants operating TOSAs during this period to ensure a smooth transition.
The Chamber will be sending additional information shortly to restaurant members to provide more details on the approval process. The Chamber will also be involved in the individualized outreach to TOSA operators and will help inform each restaurant member the exact requirements they must meet to make TOSA spaces permanent additions to their businesses.
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