Open Restaurants Info for Winterizing Setups

The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) has released additional guidance regarding the use of heating elements to winterize outdoor dining setups. According to information from DOB and the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS), heating options for restaurants offering outdoor dining through the Open Restaurants Program are as follows:

• Electric radiant heaters: allowed in sidewalk and roadway seating setups.
• Natural gas radiant heaters: allowed on the sidewalk only. Natural gas radiant heaters must also comply with the Fire Code. 
• Portable heaters fueled by propane: allowed on the sidewalk only. Propane heating will be regulated by the Fire Department, with requirements for safe handling, use and storage.

Click here to read the Executive Order from the Mayor’s Office. Food service establishments with private outdoor dining spaces may use heating devices subject to the applicable guidance from FDNY and/or DOB. Also, SBS is offering free virtual compliance consultations for businesses participating in the Open Restaurants Program to help restaurants understand key City rules and work through potential problems with compliance. Click here to sign up for a consultation.

Photo credit: ABC Channel 7