“Small” terraces still authorized without planning permission
From then on, traditional urban planning rules regain their rights. Thus, the installation of large terraces permanently in public spaces now requires planning permission, in accordance with the Regional Planning Regulations (RRU). However, certain exceptions remain. Horeca establishments which simply install a few chairs and tables outside, which they remove each evening, do not have to apply for a permit, provided that these installations do not obstruct the passage of pedestrians. Clearly, temporary terraces of less than 50 m², which preserve a free passage of 2 meters, are exempt from permits, although traders must still request road authorization from the municipality or the Region.
The Brussels Secretary of State for Urban Planning and Heritage, Ans Persoons (Vooruit), wishes to extend the Covid measures to support the Horeca sector. She wishes to propose to the government in current affairs to extend these guidelines on temporary terraces until a new government is in place and can rule on the issue. This proposal aims to maintain a more flexible framework for restaurateurs and cafés, while ensuring harmonized regulation at the regional level.
Sustainability via Good Living
“We are in favor of clear and uniform rules across the regional territory regarding the installation of temporary terraces. This is why we have integrated them into ‘Good Living’, the new RRU,” developed Ans Persons Good Living, whose future will depend on the next government, should ultimately clarify the situation of terraces by exempting, under certain conditions, establishments from requesting a permit for these summer installations. Until this framework is definitively adopted, traders will have to comply with the old rules, making any extension or creation of a terrace of more than 50m² subject to additional administrative procedures.
As the temporary guidelines come to an end, Brussels municipalities can no longer authorize terraces without planning permission. The Ans Persoons firm points out that the rules of the Brussels Territorial Planning Code stipulate that any long-term installation of terraces on public roads requires official authorization.
-In two years, César will no longer be able to enter Brussels with his Dacia: “Why have to throw away a car that runs very well?”
The Horeca sector “worried”
The Horeca sector, affected by the end of the Covid measure, takes note of the information, but regrets the current political climate. “We are worried about not having a full-fledged government that can make decisions to change the situation.”estimates Matthieu Leonard, president of the Brussels Horeca federation. According to the restaurateur, these terraces are now part of the Brussels landscape. “They have become commonplace and are popular with the public. If the situation does not evolve positively, it would be a real step backwards.”
If some establishments have already taken the lead by submitting a request for planning permission for the perpetuation of their terrace, such as the Wolf food market in the city center, others risk being taken by surprise by the end of this measure and could lack time to regularize their installation.
Related News :