We finally have answers from New York City officials about propane heaters!
After being left out in the cold during the first few weeks of New York City’s fall season, restaurant owners were recently given access to the city’s propane regulations—better late than never, especially given the city’s decision to make outdoor dining a permanent fixture.
The city’s detailed plan provides guidance for installing heaters in outdoor dining arrangements, specifically regarding propane and gas-fueled heaters.
According to the guidance, restaurants can use electric radiant heaters on sidewalks and street seating, but natural gas radiant heaters and portable propane heaters can only be used on sidewalks, so that the units can be easily access by the FDNY in case of emergency.
While electric heaters have always been allowed, up until now, propane heaters had been illegal in NYC due to fire safety concerns. The rise of COVID-19 and the need for more outdoor dining options forced city officials to relax some of the laws, allowing propane under incredibly strict safety guidelines. And any restaurant that violates these guidelines could face severe penalties.
Meanwhile, The announcement of the new propane regulations in NYC comes with actual instructions on how to use propane and gas-fueled heaters.
The city's detailed plan provides guidance for installing heaters in outdoor dining spaces, specifically regarding propane and gas-fueled heaters.
Along with learning where to place these heaters and how to operate the units, restaurant owners must also complete an attestation form and email it to the FDNY. Once a restaurant submits the form, the FDNY will reply with a confirmation followed by the necessary authorization after one business day.
What’s more, at least one restaurant employee must obtain a certificate of fitness to supervise the use of gas and propane heaters within three weeks of filing the paperwork.
It sounds like an excessive amount of bureaucratic rules, but we’re New Yorkers—we’re used to dealing with red tape.
