New York City
Winter Outdoor Dining Guidance
Participants in the Open Restaurants program interested in providing comfort heating for their customers in outdoor dining areas have three options:
OPT 1. Electric radiant heaters will be allowed in sidewalk and roadway seating setups. For full guidance from the Department of Buildings, click HERE
OPT 2. Natural gas radiant heaters will be allowed on the sidewalk only. Natural gas radiant heaters must also comply with the Fire Code.
For full guidance from the Department of Buildings, click HERE
OPT 3. Portable heaters fueled by propane will be allowed on the sidewalk only. Propane heating will be regulated by the Fire Department, with requirements for safe handling, use and storage.
For full guidance from the Fire Department, click here:
www1.nyc.gov/site/fdny/business/support/restaurant-help.page
Food service establishments with private outdoor dining spaces may use heating devices subject to the applicable guidance from FDNY and/or DOB.
Each agency has focused on streamlining the permitting processes to make installing these
outdoor heating options as easy as possible for businesses, while ensuring strict adherence to
safety protocols.