Use of Portable Propane Gas Heating Equipment Regulations

 

Use of Portable Propane Fuel Gas Heating Equipment for Licensed Establishments

 

 

Effective immediately for calendar year 2020, the City of Cambridge (“City”), under the direction of the Cambridge Fire Department (the “CFD”) will be expanding the 2018 Patio Heater Pilot Program to allow businesses to obtain a permit for the use of outdoor patio propane heaters throughout the City (“Program”). The City launched this Program in Harvard Square in 2018 and is now expanding the Program City-wide. The Program permits local businesses to use portable propane fuel gas patio type heating equipment once they have obtained the required permits and approvals. The purpose of the Program is to support local businesses seeking to incorporate outside seating into their business.  Local businesses participating in the Program must comply with all licensing and permitting requirements established by the CFD, the Cambridge License Commission (“CLC”), the City Manager (for sidewalk use licenses) and all other applicable City Departments and in compliance with all applicable state and local laws, as further set forth below.

 

Please be advised that this Program only applies to local businesses using patio heaters with portable propane fuel gas. Hard piped natural gas or electric heaters are not permitted under the Program and are subject to the requirements of the Cambridge Inspectional Services Department (“ISD”). In addition, this Program does not authorize the use of portable cooking appliances, candles, open fire pits or any other fire-related uses.

 

Local businesses seeking to use patio heaters with portable propane fuel gas in accordance with this Program must comply with all provisions of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code (“Code”).  Local businesses seeking to obtain a permit under the Program should pay special attention to the following Code provisions.

  1. Code §§ 10.10.1- 10.10.2;
  2. Code §§10.10.6.3- 10.10.6.3.6;
  3. Code § 10.10.7;
  4. Code § 10.10.10;
  5. Code §§ 20.1.5.6- 20.1.5.8.4; and
  6. Code §§ 69.3.11.- 69.3.11.2.8.

 

In order to use patio heaters with portable propane fuel gas, local businesses must apply for and receive permits both for the use and for the storage of such equipment from the CFD.  Applications are available on the CFD’s online portal at https://firepermits.cambridgema.gov/selfservice#/home.  The CFD Fire Prevention Bureau (“FPB”) will review and grant permits to local establishments in accordance with Code §69.1.2 and §1.12.8.43, copies of which are also attached hereto. Any inquiries regarding CFD permitting requirements should be directed to the attention of Lt. Chris Towski via email https://www.cambridgema.gov/cfd/contactforms/CFD or phone 617-349-4153.

 

All previously issued permits for the use and storage of patio heaters with portable propane fuel gas that are currently in use by businesses on private property or on outdoor patio spaces adjacent to the business on City-owned sidewalks and streets will expire on December 31, 2020.  All such permits were issued under special circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant urgency in seeking to accommodate the continuation of business during the pandemic. All such previously issued permits must be submitted to the License Commission to be attached as an attachment to and condition of any sidewalk use license for the establishment issued by the City. Going forward, if a local business wishes to use and store heaters with portable propane fuel gas in an outdoor patio space owned by the City, the local business must specifically request to use and store such equipment in its application to the City for a sidewalk use license and be granted approval as an attachment to and condition of such sidewalk use license. 

 

Local businesses that have already been issued flammable storage permits from the CFD for 2020 will be permitted to include propane amounts on their existing permits and will not be required to obtain additional permits to use patio heaters with portable propane fuel gas.

 

Violations of any of the above-mentioned provisions of the Code or any other licensing or permitting requirements established by the CFD, CLC, or any other City Departments could result in a violation notice being issued by the CFD or could result in the immediate suspension or revocation of permits as determined by the Fire Official and/or the CLC.

 

In accordance with the above Code provisions, patio heaters using portable propane fuel gas must be:

  1. Used with permission from the property/landowner,
  2. Used in consultation with the local business association,
  3. Used in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions,
  4. Listed and labeled for use as a commercial grade patio heater,
  5. Equipped with an electronic ignition,
  6. Firmly secured to prevent being knocked over,
  7. Located so as to not obstruct ingress or egress throughout the property,
  8. Not directly located under a canopy or tent,
  9. Located at mean grade, and
  10. Not located within five (5) feet of an exit or entrance.

In accordance with the above Code provisions, the portable propane fuel gas must be:

  • Stored in the base of the heater or in another location on the property which already holds an existing flammable storage permit as approved by the CFD (“Pre-Determined Area”).
  • Exception: Heaters used and stored on City property in connection with a sidewalk use license shall have the propane removed from the base at the end of each use. The propane shall be stored in a Pre-Determined Area approved by the CFD and must not be stored within any personal property such as a structure or enclosure or in a vehicle. Note: For the purpose of this exception, a Pre-Determined Area may mean outside of City limits as approved by the CFD.