Fall 2020: Outdoor Dining And Heaters In Radnor

Press release from the Township of Radnor:

Oct., 9, 2020

Fall 2020: Outdoor Dining and Heaters

The days are becoming shorter, the leaves are changing, and Fall has officially arrived in Radnor Township. As we welcome the cooler temperatures of the season, all Township food establishments offering outdoor dining options are subject to regulations for heating such areas.

“As the community does its’ part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the primary advantage of outdoor dining is to give people enough space to social distance while supporting local businesses,” said Director of Community Development/BCO, Kevin Kochanski, RLA, CZO. “And it is essential that, while providing tenting and heating for patrons, establishments do so in compliance with Township codes and ordinances to ensure the health and safety for all.”

Radnor Township Department of Community Development will cooperate with our many valued businesses to work towards safe and healthy options for outdoor dining during the colder months. However, as businesses plan for these months ahead, please note the International Fire Code restrictions on the type and placement of heaters outside.

• Portable Gas Fired Heaters: Inside of tents, canopies and membrane structures is prohibited.
• Heater Safety Features: The building/fire code specifies safety features that must be included; which could vary depending on the type of unit installed.
• Clearances: There are provisions that set clearances to the building, exits, and combustible materials. Minimum distance is 5’ but could be greater.
• Refueling: Portable heaters cannot be refueled with the public being present.
• Permits: Permits may be required depending on the type of heater proposed. Prior to installing any heating appliance, establishments should provide the Radnor Township Department of Community Development with a manufacturer specification for the unit; and where and how the unit will be installed. We can then determine permit/installation requirements.

Please Note: For those establishments that have permanently approved outdoor dining, the season ends November 30, 2020. For those establishments that have outdoor dining that was approved per Resolution 2020-61, the approval is set to expire on October 31, 2020. The information provided here is applicable in either circumstance and heaters should comply.

ABOUT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT The mission of the Community Development Department is to serve the residents of Radnor Township through the administration and enforcement of regulatory ordinances adopted by the Board of Commissioners to assure the health, safety, and welfare of everyone involved in the Radnor experience. Its’ mission is also to provide efficient and courteous service to all members of the community, to be dedicated to the continued effort towards maintaining a secure and pleasant environment, and strive to further enhance the quality of life that has become synonymous with Radnor Township residency.

For more information, please contact Director of Community Development/BCO, Kevin Kochanski, RLA, CZO, at 610.688.5600 x 168.

For more information, Press Only:

Molly GallagherPublic Information Officer610.688.5600 x 197

This press release was produced by the Township of Radnor. The views expressed here are the author’s own.