Sonoma County has issued guidelines for outdoor dining structures that meet both fire protection and COVID-19 safety requirements. California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy states that “outdoor operations may be conducted under a tent, canopy, or other sun shelter but only as long as no more than one side is closed, allowing sufficient outdoor air movement.”
The latest local guidelines provide additional detail concerning, for example, partial walls, which give restaurateurs the ability to vary design options. Though only one full enclosed wall is allowed, partial walls within specific parameters are also permitted. Please see the County’s press release and download the Guidelines for Temporary Tents, Canopies, and Membrane Structures for Outdoor Business Operations, located on the Economic Development Board’s Industry Specific Resources page, for details. Please note that these and other restrictions, such as propane heaters and proximity to buildings, may require approval from local fire code officials.