Temporary permits that allowed restaurants, bars and breweries to expand outdoor dining spaces, put in place during the pandemic, are set to diminish in the coming months in Bel Air.

The Board of Town Commissioners voted to accept a resolution Monday that would require temporary structures, such as tents, to comply with all applicable code regulations starting March 31. Businesses that expanded outdoor dining areas with additional tables and chairs using a temporary permit will have until Sept. 30 to adjust before additional permits will be required.

“We came upon this compromise that allows those businesses that are still accessing the benefits of the temporary use outdoor dining permit to continue to make use of that for six months following the expiration of the resolution that we passed last year, while providing that all other exemptions snap back to normal,” said Commissioner Jakob Taylor, who helped draft the resolution.

Taylor described the six months as a “soft landing period,” allowing business owners to “navigate toward a permanent solution” with outdoor seating areas before temporary permits expire.

Tents will be required to meet stricter, pre-pandemic regulations starting at the end of March. Businesses that use tents and other temporary structures are expected to acquire updated permits that allow usage for up to 180 days per year, according to a recommendation from Steve Kline, director of public works. The permitting process would require fire marshal inspections to determine capacity and ensure the tents meet safety requirements.

Mayor Paula Etting addressed the noise created by live music, which has been permitted in tents since the pandemic: “The sole problem is the noise, and some of it carries more in certain seasons when leaves are not on the trees. The outside music that carries, for me, is a problem because it’s bothering the community.”

Kevin Small, director of the Department of Planning and Community Development, said Monday that the town is “reluctant” to allow music inside tents beyond a business’ “special event day,” which can occur up to 30 times per year. These events require temporary use permits and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with neighborhood proximity being a key consideration.

Small mentioned that three businesses are still making use of their expanded outdoor dining areas through temporary permits that have been extended from the pandemic: Independent Brewing Company, Main Street Tower and Z Vault.

Tim Stielper, general manager at Independent Brewing Company, spoke during the public comment period, saying that the brewery is ready to comply with the new regulations starting March 31. He acknowledged that although the tents at IBC have proven to be a “huge benefit,” owners and managers are “ready for them to go away.”

“As these tents go away and we pull back our entertainment, back closer to the brewery, this will also allow us to maybe reevaluate our property,” he said. “Can we swap green space for parking? What can we to do benefit the community, benefit our business and make our property the best it can be?”

Town staff recommended that a public hearing about the resolution be held Feb. 18 to allow residents and business owners to provide feedback. The commissioners will decide at a Feb. 11 work session whether to move forward with the public hearing and finalize a date and time.

Have a news tip? Contact Brennan Stewart at bstewart@baltsun.com, 443-800-5902, or @BrennanStewart_ on X.