Alexandria Guidelines to Support Fall and Winter Outdoor Businesses

The City of Alexandria released guidance for businesses planning to accommodate patrons outdoors during colder weather in response to COVID-19. Advice on installing temporary structures, tents, awnings and heating elements and incorporating health and safety requirements is available in Guidelines for Winterizing Outdoor Business Activities 2020-2021. City permit fees associated with adapting outdoor operations to colder weather are temporarily waived.

In response to businesses' financial concerns related to modifying outdoor operations, the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP) is requesting at the Oct. 27 Legislative meeting that the City Council provide funding for restaurant, retail and fitness businesses who wish to "winterize" outdoor business areas (view docket item here). AEDP will distribute the funds as grants to businesses who hold permits for outdoor commercial activities.

Restaurant, retail and fitness businesses may operate in on-street parking spaces, on sidewalks or in parking lots through Department of Planning & Zoning approval of a temporary outdoor business expansion permit. Links to request forms are found under Expanding Temporary Outdoor Opportunities for Retail and Fitness Businesses.