City of Philadelphia to Increase Indoor Dining Capacity to 50%, Given Restaurants Meet New Ventilation Requirements

Philadelphia now allows 50% indoor dining capacity provided a restaurant's HVAC system meets new standards. Primary requirements are that It be fully operational, support the entire space, change air in the dining area 15 times, provide 20% of its air from the outdoors and have a minimum filtration rate. In addition, returns to the unit must be a minimum of 6 feet clearance from diners and furniture.

Wick Fisher White has experience in the design of HVAC systems that support restaurants of all types. If you have a restaurant and would like to apply to increase your seating capacity, we would be happy to assist you. We can review your equipment, recommend necessary modifications, and help you and your maintenance contractor in the completion of all required paperwork. Let us know if we can be of assistance!

Click here for more specifics on the new requirement as well as the application.