City of Norfolk gives patio heaters to restaurants and last updated 2020-12-17 10:49:11-05 NORFOLK, Va. â The City of Norfolk is helping local restaurants to continue serving customers outside amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The âOpen Norfolkâ initiative helps restaurant owners obtain permits for outdoor seating and has also used funding from Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES Act, to purchase patio lighting - and now, electric heaters. On Wednesday afternoon, restaurant owners who previously applied for assistance stopped by in the rain to pick up the heaters. Some restaurants were able to get several, all at no charge.