Storm enclosures—temporary vestibules placed outside of businesses between November 15th and April 15th (typically restaurants)—are subject to requirements related to right-of-way encroachments, materials, height/area limitations, and accessibility:
- The storm enclosure may not project more than 18” beyond the street line (BC § 3202.4.2)
- If it is constructed of a plastic veneer (such as “light-transmitting plastic”, typically polycarbonate or acrylic material), it must meet certain testing standards to ensure that it is not easily ignitable, and has a low smoke-density or smoke-developed combustibility rating (BC § 2606.4).
- The plastic veneer cannot be attached to an exterior wall at a height greater than 50 feet above grade, and sections of it must not exceed 300 square feet.
- If the entry is required to an accessible entrance/route, the storm enclosure must also be accessible.
