Get a patio permit for a restaurant or cafe

Types of permits for patios on public property (streets and sidewalks)

Is your patio on private property? Review the types and requirements for a private patio permit

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  Summer permit renewal (2023) 

  Note If you had a summer patio permit in 2022, you will receive an automated email on March 1, 2023, with information on renewing your permit.

  Renew patio permit

  Note You must be reinstalling a patio that is the same as your 2022 patio without changes to design, seating, etc.

  Log into your account to renew permit (after March 1, 2023).

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  Summer (simplified application)

  • Available for curbside and large sidewalk patios.
  • Term: April 1 – October 31

  Design limitations

  The summer (simplified application) patio permit offers a faster review but has limitations (for example, no increase to seating or occupant load).

  Apply for a new 2023 summer (simplified application) patio permit

  You can still apply for a simplified application if you are changing the design or footprint.

  Apply for a new 2023 summer (simplified application) patio permit

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  Summer (regular application)

  • Available for curbside and large sidewalk patios.
  • Term: April 1 – October 31

  Requirements

  The summer (regular application) patio permit requires a full review but allows for an increase in seating and occupant load. 

  Apply for a summer (regular application) patio permit

  Apply for a summer (regular application) patio permit to increase seating and occupant load or change the design of your patio for the 2023 summer patio season.

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  Year-round

  • Available for small sidewalk and large sidewalk patios. 
  • Large sidewalk patio term: April 1 – March 31
  • Small sidewalk patio term: May 1 – April 30

  Requirements

  The year-round patio permit requires a full review but allows for an increase in seating and occupant load and offers more flexible design options such as decking. 
   

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  Year-round curbside patio (1 year trial)

  • Available for curbside patios that were permitted under the 2022 summer patio program.
  • Term: November 1, 2022 - October 31, 2023 (one-year trial)
  • Permit fees apply.
  • No changes to existing footprint or occupant load of the patio.

  Year-round trial

  Some curbside patios that had a 2022 summer patio permit were eligible to remain in place for winter 2022/2023 as part of a year-round curbside trial permit.  

  Note The trial is currently underway and staff will be reviewing it in the future, and the period for businesses to inform us of their interest to participate has now closed.

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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

History of the patio programs

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  Timeline of updates

  2021

  • September 22, 2021 – Council approved the addition of curbside patios to the patio program. Staff are directed to conduct a review of guidelines and fees for all annual patio permits in 2022. 
  • May 2021 – Council waives fees for all Annual Patio Program permit holders for 2021 ($1.2 million). 

  2020

  • October 20, 2020 – Council waives fees for temporary patios until October 31, 2021.
  • September 16, 2020 - Council directs staff to build on the innovation of the Temporary Expedited Patio Program and establish an annual summer patio program.
  • June 1, 2020 – The Temporary Expedited Patio Program launches and permits are available to businesses for free.
  • May 12, 2020 - Council directs staff to develop a faster online application process for temporary patios so that restaurants can provide service outdoors.  
  • March 20, 2020 – Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants are restricted from offering table service, only takeout or delivery are allowed. 
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  Consultation and engagement

  We are currently conducting a review of the Patio Program and engaging stakeholders about:

  • Permit fees
  • Patio design guidelines
  • A new draft accessibility guidelines
  • Other areas

  We are inviting patio permit holders and stakeholders to help inform the Patio Program review and will be conducting stakeholder engagement throughout fall 2023.

  Key topics

  • Permit fees and process
  • Patio design guidelines
  • Patio accessibility
  • Year-round curbside patios

  Important note More information on this review will be reported to Council and shared on this page.