Storefront seating permit

Key features

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  Eligibility

  Storefront seating locations

  Storefront seating is located on public sidewalks either in front of and/or to the side of your ground-floor business, directly against the building.

  Make sure to check where the property line is as outdoor seating on private property has a different permitting process.

  Hours of operations

  Storefront seating is only permitted on the sidewalk during hours when the business is open, and furniture must be removed at the end of each business day. Furniture must be removed no later than 11pm or as indicated on the business license or patio permit.

  Who can have storefront seating

  Storefront seating is available to food service businesses, such as cafes and restaurants, and non-food service businesses, such as retailers, hairdressers, pharmacies, and more. Businesses must have a valid business licence.

  Storefront seating for food businesses allows food and beverage service and consumption. Storefront seating for non-food businesses is only intended for customer seating, not as an extension of the indoor services.

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  Permit term

  Permits are valid from May 1 to April 30, and must be renewed each year. 

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  Number of seats

  The number of seats for storefront seating depends on your location and other factors such as your business license type.

  Review the Storefront Seating Guidelines to help assess the supportable space in front of and/or to the side of your business. 

  If your business license limits you to 16 seats (for example, Limited Service Food Establishments (LTF)), you are eligible for storefront seating, but the total number of indoor and outdoor seats combined cannot exceed 16. 

  For businesses without a 16-seat limitation, the number of seats you can provide for storefront seating is as follows: 

  Food-serving establishments

  You may be eligible to increase your overall occupant load if you:

  • Have 1 existing washroom, you may be eligible to add up to 10 seats, as determined by the supportable space along your frontage
  • Have 2 or more existing washrooms, the number of seats you may be eligible to add will be determined by the supportable space along your frontage
  • Have 0 existing washrooms, you are only allowed to transfer indoor seating outside. The number of storefront seats will be determined by the supportable space along your frontage.

  Non-food serving establishments

  • The number of seats will depend on the space available along your business frontage.
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  No permit fee

  You do not have to pay any fees to apply for or obtain a storefront seating permit. However, a permit is still required. 

Apply for a new storefront seating permit 

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  Step 1: Identify what can be placed on the sidewalk

  To ensure that your storefront seating meets City requirements, follow the Storefront Seating Design Guidelines.

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  Step 2: Submit an application

  A. Create an online account

  You will not need to apply through your online account, but will be able to access the permit through your online account once it is approved. 

  B. Complete and gather required documents

  • Obtain insurance coverage for storefront seating that meets our following requirements (note that you will not need to submit proof of insurance to us): 
    • Name the City of Vancouver, its officials, officers, employees, servants, and agents as an additional insured.  
    • The named insured on the insurance policy must match the one on the City of Vancouver business license.  
    • The minimum limit of liability per occurrence must be $2,000,000. 
    • The maximum deductible of $5,000. 
  • Complete the New Application Form PDF file (483 KB)

  C. Submit the application

  Email the completed application form to [email protected] using the subject line "Storefront Seating Application - [Your business address]".

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  Step 3: After you submit your application

  We will review your application. Once your application is approved, you will be issued the permit. You will be notified by email from the online permitting system and will be able to access the permit through your online account.

  Important note In 2026, the permit will be called “sidewalk patio (small)” instead of storefront seating. This is the former permit name and will be updated for 2027.

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  Step 4: Responsibilities when you receive the permit 

  Review and follow the new Storefront Seating Design Guidelines to learn about your responsibilities as a permit holder. 

  It is your responsibility to understand and comply to the Terms and Conditions (available January 2026) of the permit.

Renew an existing storefront seating permit 

Starting in 2026, you will no longer have to pay any fees or submit your Liability Insurance Certificate to us for renewing a storefront seating permit. You will still be required to obtain insurance that meets our following requirements: 

• Name the City of Vancouver, its officials, officers, employees, servants, and agents as an additional insured.  
• The named insured on the insurance policy must match the one on the City of Vancouver business license.  
• The minimum limit of liability per occurrence must be $2,000,000. 
• The maximum deductible of $5,000. 

Renewing a permit is now a single, one-step form where you simple declare you have up-to-date insurance coverage and are meeting program guidelines. 

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  Steps for permit renewal

  1. On March 31, you will receive a renewal notification email from our online permitting system. 
  2. Complete the Permit Renewal Declaration Form PDF file (476 KB)
  3. Log in to your online account and upload the completed declaration form under Attachment Type “SA-Business Liability Insurance” and press “submit”. 
  4. Once our team has reviewed and accepted your submission, the permit will be issued and available through your online account. 

  Important note For renewals in 2026, the permit will be called “sidewalk patio (small)” instead of storefront seating. This is the former permit name and will be updated in the future.