Zoning Flexibility During COVID-19 Impact

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2022

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Planning & Development Services (PDS) created a program to allow businesses to adapt to changes required due to COVID-19 restrictions and local health orders. This program temporarily relaxed regulations about signage; food/merchandise pick up and drop off areas; outdoor dining areas; and dining within the road right of way. Changes in these areas would not have been allowed under the County’s Zoning Ordinance. Called the COVID Zoning Flexibility Program, it provided businesses with an easy way to expand outdoors to increase their ability to serve customers and remain viable, and helped them make the changes quickly. During program development, staff held meetings with multiple County departments, key stakeholders and community groups. The program has been a success as it allowed businesses to adapt quickly to evolving COVID-19 health orders and continue to serve people. Minimal permits were required to participate in the program. In addition, staff received very few complaints about these outdoor uses from the community.