Curbside patio permit

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  Overview of curbside patio permits

  Permit types

  Requirements	Summer (simplified application)	Summer (regular application)
  Fees	Permit fees apply (7 months) Review current rates	Permit fees apply (7 months) Review current rates
  Application process	Fast review (Apply by mid-February)	Regular review (Apply by early January.)
  Permit term	April 1 – October 31 (Renewable every year) Note Patio must be removed by November 1.	April 1 – October 31 (Renewable every year.) Note Patio must be removed by November 1.
  Occupant load	No increase or change	Permanent increase allowed
  Maximum number of patio seats	Shift up to 50% of interior seats to patio	Add seats and new maximum occupant load calculated
  Decking	Not allowed	Under review Note Not currently accepting applications for decking
  Drawing requirements	Scaled, dimensioned drawing of patio (Review drawing requirements)	Scaled, dimensioned drawing of patio (Review drawing requirements, which includes interior drawings.)
  Additional documents for application	Current City of Vancouver business licence Summer Occupant Load Form Consent from neighbouring business (if patio will extend in front of neighbour)	Current City of Vancouver business licence Updated consent from neighbouring business (if patio will extend in front of neighbour)

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  How to apply to the LCRB or change your liquor service area to include your patio

  Note The Province’s Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) temporary expanded service area (TESA) authorization will expire on December 31, 2024. To make sure your business has approval to serve alcohol for the 2023 patio season, you're strongly encouraged to apply now to the LCRB External website, opens in new tab. 

  If you have food primary liquor licence

  LCRB applications require you to first apply to Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services (VFRS) for an occupant load permit.

  When applying for an occupant load permit, you may use a drawing with the same approved footprint as your 2022 summer patio if you plan to install the same patio in summer 2023.

  When approved, VFRS will stamp your patio drawing.

  Learn more and apply for an occupant load permit and/or stamped drawing 

  If you have a liquor primary liquor licence and/or a manufacturing business licence

  You must apply to both LCRB and us at the same time for any changes to your service areas.

  Review the requirements before submitting your City liquor licensing application form.  

  Apply for or make permanent changes to an existing liquor licence

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  Drawing requirements: summer (simplified application) permit 

  A simple to-scale, dimensioned site plan drawing is required if you are either:

  • Applying for a summer (simplified application) patio permit for a new patio
  • Proposing to make changes to a previously permitted summer patio

  Refer to the sample site plan PDF file (899 KB) for drawing submission requirements.

  These drawings:

  • Don’t need to be done by a professional architect
  • Don't need a professional stamp or seal
  • Don’t need interior drawings of the restaurant
  • Can be done on computer or by hand – as long as they are accurate, to scale, and have dimensions and labelling

  Important note If you held a 2022 summer patio permit and are not proposing to make changes to your patio for summer 2023, no drawing submission is required. You will receive a renewal notice by email on March 1, to renew the permit for your summer patio.

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  Year-round curbside patio trial

  • Some 2022 curbside patios were approved to remain in place for winter 2022/2023 as part of a year-round curbside trial.
  • The trial is currently underway. Staff are monitoring the patios as part of the Patio Program review.
  • The period for businesses to inform us of their interest to participate has now closed.  

Permit requirements

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  Patio restrictions

  • Business can have various table and chair configurations within the patio, but the total width of the patio area cannot exceed 1.8 metres. 
  • Railings MUST outline the patio area.
    • Traffic safety signs and reflective materials must be mounted on railings to assist with visibility. 
  • Walls, tents, or other visual obstructions cannot enclose the patio.  
  • Businesses with a valid BC liquor licence and LCRB approval can serve alcohol to patrons on the patio. 
  • All patio service must end and all customers must be relocated inside the establishment by 11pm.
  • The patio must remain closed between 11pm and 7am the following day, unless indicated on your business licence, patio permit, and/or liquor licence. 
  • Please respect your neighbours – ensure that noise arising from the service of food and beverages on your outdoor patio, including the conduct of your patrons, does not disturb local residents.
  • Live entertainment, broadcasting, and amplified sound, including music and speech, are not permitted.
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  Eligibility

  • Businesses must receive permission from us before installing the patio.
  • Proposed patio space must be on City property and not extend beyond the hard sidewalk surface.
  • Business must have a valid business licence as a restaurant, a limited service food establishment, or a manufacturer.
  • The total number of seats, including the patio, must not exceed maximum permitted occupant load. 
  • The curbside patio must be adjacent to the restaurant or limited service food establishment’s ground floor storefront (front or side). 
  • Businesses with a valid BC liquor licence and LCRB approval can serve alcohol to patrons on the patio.
    • Businesses with a liquor primary licence and/or manufacturing business licence must email liquor.comments@vancouver.ca before applying to get  approval from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB).
    • If you serve liquor, ensure that your insurance certificate has ‘host liquor liability’ checked off.

  Business licence holders eligible for curbside patio permits

  • Liquor establishment standard (LH)
  • Limited service food establishment (LT)
  • Liquor establishment extended (LJ)
  • Manufacturer - food (MF)
  • Manufacturer - food with anc. retail (MG)
  • Retail dealer – grocery (RT)
  • Restaurant (all classes)

  Important note Each application’s unique considerations, such as location, design, pedestrian volume etc., will be taken into consideration. 

  Patios in public plazas

  While patios in public plazas can help to animate the public space, special consideration must be given to their size and configuration to ensure the functionality of the public space is maintained.

  Patios located in plazas will require:

  • Additional review
  • Design revisions that may be required to accommodate the core public uses of the plaza, including public seating, pedestrian and bike circulation, and programming
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  Occupant load

  Occupant load indicates the maximum number of persons that can safely use a space; for example a restaurant or a place of gathering. 

  Summer patio (simplified application)

  • Allowance to transfer up to 50% of indoor seating capacity to a patio outside. Important note Total seating capacity for the restaurant must remain the same.
  • A summer patio occupant load form PDF file (208 KB) must be submitted as part of this application. 

  Summer patio (regular application)

  • Restaurants can permanently increase their occupant load (for example, add patio seats). A new maximum occupant load will be calculated.

  Important note If your business is a "limited service food establishment", at no time can you have more than 16 seats whether indoors or outdoors.

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  Insurance

  As a condition of being granted a curbside patio permit, you must show proof of liability insurance coverage that is inclusive limit of liability of $5,000,000 for public liability and property damage.

  1. Download our Liability Insurance Certificate PDF file (175 KB)
  2. Forward certificate to your insurance company to complete form.
  3. Upload the completed certificate during your application. Important note Only this form will be accepted. 

  Important note The insurance certificate is not required to be submitted at the time of application, but we strongly encourage you to have the insurance certificate ready at time of application. 

  Important note You must present the insurance certificate to us once the patio application receives a preliminary approval. 

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  Design conditions and clearance

  Important note The design conditions encourage a diversity of seating options for businesses. Once the patio permit is approved, any alterations to the patio area requires our approval.  

  • Curbside patios must be located in the curb lane of the street (on-street parking, road space or street plazas) in front or on the side of the ground floor business storefront.
    • When you provide us with an Adjacent Tenant Consent Letter PDF file (182 KB) signed by the neighbouring business you can then be permitted to have your patios extend beyond your own business storefronts.
    • If your patio proposal is located within a travel lane (for example, no stopping during peak hours) or a plaza, contact us prior to applying. 
  • To ensure safety adjacent to travel lanes, patio width must not exceed 1.8 metres. 
  • Railing or planters must outline the patio area (continuous with no gaps).
    • Traffic safety signs and reflective materials must be mounted on railings to assist with visibility.
  • The railing or planter height must be between 0.75 metres and 1 metre in height.
    • This helps to ensure the patio remains ‘OPEN’ in appearance and maintain a level of interaction between patio patrons and pedestrians.
    • The railing height supports this interaction without impacts to sightlines for pedestrians or motorists.
    • Bollards and chain fencing are not permitted as the railing must be rigid and secure to prevent the railing from shifting and not present a trip hazard for patrons. 
  • The use of well-maintained plants is encouraged within the defined area.
    • If planters are used to partition space within the patio, the combined height of planters, and plants needs to be within the required railing height limits.
    • Plants may not overhang excessively into the public right of way.
  • The perimeter of the patio must maintain at a minimum 5 metres clearance from fire hydrants and 0.5 metres on other side of a fire department connection. Contact City staff to make sure you're compliant with fire regulations if you have a fire department connection in front of your curbside patio.
  • Curbside patios near corners must maintain at minimum 6 metres clearance from the edge of the corner sidewalk or stop sign/ traffic control.
    • If adjacent to a laneway or driveway, a clearance of 1.5 metres must be maintained.
  • The perimeter of the patio must maintain at a minimum 0.5 metres clearance from utilities (such as maintenance holes and storm drains).
  • Curbside patios must have a minimum of 1 metre clearance every 12 metres (every two parking spaces). 
  • The beginning and end of the curbside patio must be 0.5 metres from the property line to give1 metre total clear space between two patios. 
  • Solar or battery powered lights on tables or railings are allowed within curbside patios.
  • When designing your patio, it is important that the patio be able to be removed within 24 hours’ notice to accommodate public works such as construction, utility work, or sidewalk repair.
  • Once the patio permit is approved, any alterations to the patio area requires our approval.  

  Restrictions

  • The patio and patio furniture must be placed on the ground.
    • Drilling, anchoring into or removing the pavement are not authorized. 
  • No part of the curbside patio should overhang or extend beyond the approved patio area.
    • This includes umbrellas that can easily overhang into adjacent travel lanes or sidewalk space. 
  • Running power (cables) from the building to the patio is not permitted as they may pose a tripping hazard
  • Suspended lights are not permitted.
  • Advertising and signage is not permitted on or attached to the railings of your patio. 
  • Any alterations to the City’s boulevard, sidewalk, or curb is prohibited.
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  Accessibility

  • Businesses must provide accessible seating at one of their patios.
    • If you intend to serve liquor on your patio, accessible seating must be provided on at least one of your liquor serving patios. 
    • The patio furniture must include at least one table for persons with reduced mobility. 
  • Access ramps must be available wherever there may be changes in grade (for example a step down from the curb). Ramps must be provided and maintained by the business.
  • The patio and patio amenities must not impede in any way the pedestrian clearances.
    • This includes queuing, sandwich boards, host stations, or umbrellas overhanging. 

  Important note We will be conducting a design and fee review in 2022. As part of the review, we will seek feedback from stakeholders on how to enhance the patio programs’ accessibility, safety, design, and balance of public and private uses. More information on this review will be reported to Council and shared on this page.

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  Weather protection and heating

  Umbrellas

  • Are permitted within curbside patios
  • Can only have a single post
  • Cannot be attached to the patio railing
  • Cannot extend beyond the patio footprint into the roadway or sidewalk

  Heaters 

  Portable heating devices, including propane heaters, are allowed within curbside patios.

  Heaters must be:

  • At least 160 centimetres (65 inches) tall and installed and used following manufacturers’ requirements
  • Brought inside daily at close of business and propane tanks must be caged and locked in a vented outside structure in compliance with the BC Gas Safety Regulation

  Restrictions

  • Tents or other structures are not permitted in curbside patios to ensure full visibility for persons walking, cycling, and driving. 
  • Heaters are NOT permitted under or near umbrellas or trees.
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  Serving alcohol

  Businesses are permitted to serve alcohol on curbside patios as long as you have:

  • A liquor licence from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) External website, opens in new tab
  • Approval from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) to serve liquor on the patio

  Important note Businesses with a liquor primary licence and/or manufacturing business licence must apply for any changes to their service area. Review requirements and submit your application, including a Fire Service occupant load permit,  before applying to get approval from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB).

  Important note If you serve liquor, ensure that your insurance certificate has ‘host liquor liability’ checked off.

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  Decking - Under review

  We are not accepting applications for decking at this time. Decking is currently under review as part of the Patio Program review.

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  Maintenance

  • The patio must be visited on a daily basis to remove litter, debris, leaves, and snow that may accumulate in and around the patio. 
  • Any food packaging, waste, debris, or leaves collected must be discarded in appropriate commercial waste bins.

  Important note The cleaning area is the patio footprint plus 1.5 metres onto the sidewalk and additional 5 metres along the curb in both directions to facilitate City street cleaning.

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  Design drawings

  Summer (simplified application) patio permit 

  When a drawing is required

  A simple to-scale, dimensioned site plan drawing is required if you are applying for a summer (simplified review) patio permit for a new patio or proposing to change a previously permitted patio

  These drawings:

  • Don’t need to be done by a professional architect
  • Don't need a professional stamp or seal
  • Don’t need interior drawings of the restaurant
  • Can be done on computer or by hand – as long as they are accurate, to scale, and have dimensions and labeling 

  When a drawing isn't required

  If you held a 2022 summer patio permit and are not proposing to make changes to your patio for summer 2023, a drawing isn't required

  Summer (regular application) patio permit 

  Drawings need to be submitted with metric dimensions on tabloid or P3 paper format (280 millimetres x 430 millimetres; 11 inches x 17 inches).

  The drawings must include: 

  • The proposed patio with seating layout:
    • Dimensions of all aisle widths (Contact the Development Building Services Centre) 
    • Dimensions of proposed furniture to be placed on the proposed patio
    • Dimensions of any egress points
    • Identifying all accessible seating
  • Front elevations with dimensions
  • Side elevations with dimensions
  • Complete interior drawings plus any additional approved patio spaces
    • Define washrooms as male, female, unisex, universal
  • Proposed railing design
    • Must include how the railings will be installed, if applicable
  • Clearances from the proposed patio railing to the utility strip [refer to R2.1 of our design guidelines and construction standards PDF file (7 MB)] 
    • The clearance for the pedestrian path must be straight and free of obstructions
  • Any fire department connection (FDC) in or near (show clearance to proposed railing) the proposed patio
  • Any utility access points in or near the proposed patio
    • Show clearance from edge of utility access to the proposed railing
  • Occupant load details and calculations

  Type of drawings

  The patio permit application drawings must be 2-D drafted line drawings to scale, with accurate dimensions and labelling. 

  Important note A professional seal (by architect or engineer) is not required. Drawings may be supplemented by 3D and IFC files.

  A complete drawing set showing all the requirements will help to streamline the application and reduce questions and back and forth.

Apply for a curbside patio permit

Review the requirements and apply.

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  Review and pay fees

  Important note Payment is due before April 1, each year.

  The patio area used to determine the fee is calculated based on the outer most portion of the patio's footprint.

  Location	Application fee	Summer rate per m² (April 1 – October 31)	Year-round (2022/23) rate per m² (November1 - October 31)
  Downtown - West of Main, North of False Creek	$238.02 (non-refundable)	$95.13/ m² + GST	$162.83/ m² + GST
  Outside of downtown	$238.02 (non-refundable)	$67.41/ m² + GST	$115.49/ m² + GST

  Important note Fees are subject to changes annually.

  How to pay fees

  Pay fees:

  • Online
  • By appointment in person (Email patios@vancouver.ca to make an appointment)
  • By cheque mailed to:
    • City of Vancouver, Engineering Services
      320 – 507 W Broadway
      Vancouver, BC  V5Z 0B4
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  Compile documents, create an account, and submit application

  Steps to applying for a permit

  1. Complete and gather:

  • A simple to-scale, dimensioned site plan drawing
  • A copy of your current business licence
  • Application fee (non-refundable)
  • Summer patio occupant load form PDF file (208 KB)
  • Liability Insurance Certificate PDF file (175 KB)
  • Summer patio tenant consent letter PDF file (182 KB) (when applicable)

  2. Create an online account
  3. Once activated, log in
  4. Select ‘apply’

  Create an account and apply

  Approvals

  Multiple departments will assess each application to make sure it meets our requirements (such as washroom facilities, accessibility, sidewalk clearance for pedestrians, etc.). Engineering Services will coordinate these approvals.

  Important note If your business is located in a historical district, such as Chinatown, Gastown, or Yaletown, our Planning Department will also review your patio permit application. 

  Important note Approvals can take several weeks to complete.