Outdoor Dining Safety
With San Diego County back in the state’s Purple Tier, which allows for outdoor dining, more restaurants are serving diners under tents to keep out the rain and cold.
Outdoor tents are allowed. However, restaurant owners must consider a tent’s flame-retardant capability, how close a tent can be to buildings, ventilation, maximum occupancy and the use of nearby cooking or heating equipment, among other requirements.
The City wants business owners to be aware of these requirements before they invest money in a type of tent that is not allowed. The Coronado Fire Department has a handout (see link below) that details the City and California Fire Code requirements on the installation and use of tents and how to obtain a City permit for their temporary use. The City also has a link below to a handout on the use of portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances.
Fire Department personnel are available to answer questions, review plans and make recommendations. Permit applications for tents are available online using the link below.
Education is the key and the Fire Department has begun a concerted effort to provide information to and work with restaurants and other businesses to run safe operations in compliance with fire codes. Local health departments may have additional requirements to consider. Additionally, the City may order the tents removed. For more information, call (619) 522-7374.