Yes. A Temporary Use Permit is required to establish the temporary outdoor dining.  Please note that the permit only applies to restaurants with outdoor seating that is not otherwise included in your Zoning Permit approval for business.  Applications should be submitted through our eTRAKiT online portal. If you have questions regarding whether you need to apply for the Temporary Outdoor Dining Program, please contact our Zoning Staff at (703) 771-2765 or zoning@leesburgva.gov.

The Temporary Use Permit for outdoor dining only applies to existing eating establishments, which includes brewpubs and microbreweries.

Restaurants, brewpubs, and microbreweries in Downtown Leesburg who are interested in participating in the Sidewalk Dining program may find more information on the Sidewalk Dining webpage.

A Temporary Use Permit should be applied for through our  eTRAKiT online portal. We strongly recommend contacting staff prior to submission in order to assist with required documentation. You can reach our Zoning Staff directly by calling 703-771-2765 or via zoning@leesburgva.gov.

Yes, there is a fee required for Temporary Use Permits in Leesburg.  Please review our Fee Schedule for the current list of permit fees.   

A Use Exhibit is required along with the permit application. The exhibit is a sketch, photo, or drawing that depicts the location of the temporary dining area, including the following:

• Access - The proposed outdoor dining area must be adjacent to the principal building and not separated by a vehicular travel aisle. Further, the exhibit must show that the appropriate fire and emergency access is maintained.
  
  
• Area - The proposed outdoor dining area may not take more than 50% of the existing on-site parking facilities.
  
  
• Barrier - Depiction of the required fence-like barrier, no less than 36-inches in height, or otherwise deemed appropriate by the Zoning Administrator.
  
  
• Parking Requirements - Parking for a Temporary Outdoor Dining Area is based on the number of proposed outdoor seats at a ratio of 1 space per every 4 seats.
  • The exhibit should show how the required parking is provided on site, while maintaining all existing ADA spaces and access aisles.
  • Businesses in the B-1/H-1 zoning district are exempt from this requirement. 
    
    
• Seating Diagram - The arrangement of tables and number of seats.

• Tents - Depiction of the placement and size of the desired tent (if applicable).
  
  

Outdoor seating capacity is limited to 50%, or half of the permitted occupancy of the eating establishment. This is confirmed by staff through submission of a photocopy or photo of the Occupancy Certificate for the business. Additionally, the temporary outdoor dining area shall not occupy more than 50% of the existing on-site parking. 

• The temporary outdoor dining area must be located on a paved area, parking lot, or sidewalk immediately adjacent to the principal building.
  
  
• No more than 50% of the existing parking lot may be used and existing ADA parking spaces and access aisles must be maintained.
  
  
• Emergency access must also be maintained, to, in, and around the eating establishment.
  
  

Yes, participating restaurants may use one (1) tent that is less than 900 square feet in size for their temporary outdoor dining.  The location and size of the tent should be shown on the exhibit drawing submitted through the Town's eTRAKiT portal as part of the submission package for the Temporary Outdoor Dining application.

• ADA Compliance - It is the applicant's responsibility to comply with all applicable ADA requirements.
  
  
• Beverage Control - Temporary Outdoor Dining Areas are subject to applicable Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Regulations.
  
  
• Noise Ordinance - Temporary Outdoor Dining Areas are subject to the Town's Noise Ordinance.
  
  
• Other Permits - Other permits administered by Loudoun County may be required.  It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure compliance with all applicable building or fire codes.

The Temporary Use Permit is valid for one year (365 days) from the date of issuance. 

Please note that the Zoning Administrator may revoke a Temporary Use Permit for violation of the established standards for Temporary Outdoor Dining, Eating Establishments as outlined in Article 9, Section 9.5.4.K of the Leesburg Zoning Ordinance. 

Please visit our sidewalk dining permit page for additional information regarding sidewalk dining in downtown Leesburg.