COVID-19 business supports

Frequently asked questions

• All Core-Area businesses are required to clear snow on the sidewalk in front of their property.
• The City of London plows public streets and sidewalks if snowfall accumulations measure eight centimetres.
• Patio operators are responsible to clear snow within patio enclosures
• Cleared snow should never be shovelled where it blocks pedestrian travel or loading zones
• Snow accumulation on private property should remain stored on private property
• Patio equipment should be placed to ensure it does not pose a hazard to, or become damaged from, snow removal machinery.

Heaters, including fire fueled appliances like propane patio heaters, will be allowed on outdoor patios in London, including sidewalks. The London Fire Department has provided a set of safe operation guidelines below on this update. It is critically important that you read, understand and follow all safety requirements for any heating devices used.

Your heater must:

• be certified by CSA/ULC
• meet the requirements of TSSA Act 2000
• be designed for outdoor use only
• have an anti-tilt feature that automatically shuts off the heater
• be free-standing, with a minimum height of 160 cm (65inches) Table top heating appliances are not permitted

• Please remember, for public safety and accessibility reasons, nothing may be drilled or affixed to the sidewalk or roadway, or attached to sidewalk sign posts, streetlights or trees.
• Do not operate a fueled heating appliance in any enclosed or partially enclosed area.
• Tents or combinations of tents covering over 60m2 (six 10x10 tents) require a building permit.

• Any roof structure greater than 10m2 that is not fabric covered e.g. a tent, requires a building permit.

• Removing tents when patios are not operating is recommended as a safety precaution.
• All tents must be a minimum of 3m away from any other building or structure.

It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure the safe installation, operation and maintenance of portable outdoor patio heating units. Follow all manufacturer guidelines for assembly, installation and maintenance of the appliance. Seek the assistance of a qualified professional if required.

The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs has partnered with the Technical Standards and Safety Association on the Safe Use of Heaters on Outdoor Patios. 

If you choose to use a propane or other fire fueled heating appliance, please ensure you closely follow these specific safety guidelines:

• Do not store the propane tank indoors.
• A maximum of one (1) day’s supply of propane can be stored on site.
• The maximum allowable propane tank size is a single 20 lb tank (approximately 10 hours of operation).
• Do not move portable heater while the flame is open. Ensure the gas supply is properly shut off and the unit is cool before relocating.
• Follow all manufacturer safety requirements for the safe transportation, operation and storage of fuel ​​​​.​

DO install your heater:

• on a non-combustible solid surface (i.e. not on grass or uneven sidewalk)
• out of the wind, as wind negatively impacts efficiency and can create a hazard if the unit is blown over
• with a minimum of one metre (three feet) clearance from the base of the unit to any combustible material

DO NOT install your portable heating appliance:

• under fire escapes
• within a means of egress or adjacent to an exit
• underneath a combustible structure (i.e. canopies, awnings, tents, wood framework)
• adjacent to or otherwise obstructing firefighting equipment like fire hydrants or Siamese connections ​​​​​​
• near or attached to trees, utilities or other street elements

Back to Business brings together city staff from permitting, bylaw enforcement, parking, roads and transportation, business relations, planning, and the Clerk’s office, among others, with a goal of expediting requests so that businesses can get back to serving their customers safely.

Since its launch on June 9, The City of London’s B2B team has assisted with requests for space allowance for curbside pick-up and sidewalk customer queues, as well as temporary measures using public space for expanded outdoor patios and merchandise displays.