

Baltimore City has launched two types of permits allowing restaurants to request permission to provide outdoor dining accommodations for the public in the City's public right-of-way, the Outdoor Seating Relief Program and the Outdoor Dining Street Closure Program.
Outdoor Seating Relief Program Permit:
Restaurants that are already permitted for outdoor seating were allowed to begin serving meals outside on Friday, May 29, 2020, at 5 p.m. Restaurants that do not currently have outdoor seating or wish to extend their existing outdoor seating on the sidewalk in front of their property may start applying for a permit at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 1, 2020. Federal ADA requirements must still be followed for any extension. Applicants may apply online by visiting the City's e-permits website and selecting the category for "Outdoor Seating - Temporary" to apply. If you have any questions, please click here to email The Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development.
Outdoor Dining Street Closure Program:
The Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT) is now accepting applications that allow restaurants to apply online for public space permits requiring partial or full street closures and/or closure of parking lanes for the purposes of outdoor dining. If you wish to submit a request online for the Outdoor Dining Street Closure Program, please fill out our online form below and submit it to BCDOT's Special Events Division. We will provide approval information within 7 business days. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us by clicking here.
Outdoor Seating Design:
The Neighborhood Design Center and the Baltimore Development Corporation have created a Design for Distancing Ideas Guidebook that we encourage interest applicants to consult when designing outdoor spaces that encourage social distancing. The Concept Plans (starting on page 14) provide both ideas and specific plans, including measurements and materials, for constructing spaces that adhere to social distancing requirements.
Heating Solutions: