The Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners has approved a resolution that will allow qualified restaurants, bars and other retail food or beverage businesses in unincorporated Arapahoe County to expand their service areas for temporary outdoor accommodations. These businesses have been ordered to close under the series of recent public health orders (PHOs) relating to the COVID-19 crisis, and this resolution will be in effect for the duration of the state’s orders.

This temporary emergency measure relaxes enforcement of the applicable zoning laws, site plans or other restrictions so that these businesses can begin welcoming customers, as long as the facility is observing the health and safety protocols enacted under the PHOs.

The resolution attempts to strike a balance between encouraging business owners to start earning revenue again and the need to continue taking actions that will help slow the spread of the coronavirus. “The Board wants to maintain public health and safety but also recognizes that one size does not fit all when it comes to the PHOs and how they’ve been applied across the County,” said Board Chair Nancy Sharpe. “As long as these businesses in our unincorporated areas are complying with sound anti-COVID practices and have the space to set up outdoor service, they should be able to take advantage of the summer weather and reopen.”

To apply for a temporary outdoor service allowance, interested businesses should view our COVID-19 Business Resources info. The Arapahoe County Public Works and Development department (PWD) has established an administrative review and approval process to expedite these applications and allow qualified businesses to begin reopening as quickly as possible.