Small sidewalk patio permit

Permit requirements

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  Patio restrictions

  • Umbrellas, railings, enclosures, or other structures are not permitted.
  • Alcohol cannot be served or consumed.
  • Furniture cannot be stored on the sidewalk overnight.
    • Businesses must take in furniture at the end of service each day or by no later than 11pm.
  • The conduct of patrons must not disturb local residents and live entertainment, broadcasting, and amplified sound, including music and speech, are NOT permitted.
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  Eligibility

  • Proposed patio space must be on City property (sidewalk). 
  • Businesses must have a valid business licence.
  • The total number of seats, including the patio, must not exceed the maximum permitted occupant load of the business.
  • Placement of the patio must maintain adequate sidewalk clearances for pedestrians. 
  • If the patio straddles a private property, the permit requires additional review. Email staff at street.activities@vancouver.ca if other permits may be required. 
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  Occupant load

  Occupant load indicates the maximum number of persons that can safely use a space, such as a restaurant or a place of gathering. 

  The majority of small sidewalk patio permit holding establishments are limited service food establishment business licence holders, which are limited to no more than 16 seats. Important note Getting a small sidewalk patio permit does not allow the increase of occupant load above a total of 16 seats. 

  Increase occupant load

  Eligible businesses licence types, such as restaurants, that have more space and facilities and can support additional seating can apply to increase their occupant load to support a small sidewalk patio. 

  Review information on occupant load permits or to apply to change your occupant load

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  Insurance

  As a condition of being granted a small sidewalk patio permit, you must show proof of liability insurance coverage that is inclusive limit of liability of $2,000,000 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. 
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  Design conditions and clearance

  • Seating arrangements are limited to tables with two chairs or benches. 
  • Small patio tables are generally no wider than 0.6 metres.
  • Only single rows of tables are allowed. 
  • All chairs, tables, and benches need to be directly against the building and must not extend beyond the business’ frontage.
  • 2.4 metres of clearance from the proposed patio area to the utility strip or to the nearest sidewalk obstruction (such as trees, bike racks, parking meter posts, sign posts, utility pole, benches, bus shelters, etc.).
    • In areas with high volumes of pedestrians, such as intersections on busy commercial streets or public plazas, we may require additional clearance.
    • Measurements are to be taken from the edge of the table and chairs to the nearest obstruction or to the curb if there is no obstruction. 
  • 2.9 metres clearance is desired for small patios with benches.
    • The additional clearance requirement is in place to accommodate guests sitting on the bench. 

  Restrictions

  • Do not block entrances or exits to the business or neighbouring businesses.
  • Do not block visibility or access to fire department connections, sewer connections, manhole covers, or other utilities. 
  • Umbrellas or additional furniture are not permitted.
  • Any alterations to a City boulevard, sidewalk, or curb must be authorized by us and may require additional permits.
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  Accessibility

  • Provide accessible seating.
  • 2.4 metres sidewalk clearance is desired to support access for those with mobility impairments and wheelchair users.  
  • The sidewalk clearance for pedestrians must have a clear and a direct path; pedestrians should not have to walk around the patio or other obstructions.

  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

  Awnings are permitted for small sidewalk patios. An awning requires an additional awning permit.

  Important note Tents, umbrellas, and stand-alone heaters are not permitted.

Apply for a small sidewalk patio permit

Review the requirements and apply.

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  Review and pay fees

  Important note Summer patio applicants who apply for a permanent patio in the same calendar year will receive a credit towards their permanent patio fees.

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

  Year-round permit (May 1 – April 30)	Fee
  Application	$57.59 (non refundable)
  Each set of a table and two chairs	$132.96 + GST
  Permit subject to a minimum fee	$398.88 + GST

  Important note Fees are subject to changes annually.

  How to pay fees

  Pay fees:

  • Online
  • By appointment in person (Email street.activities@vancouver.ca to make an appointment)
  • By post-dated 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 copy of your current business licence
  • A completed SA - small sidewalk patio details form PDF file (656 KB)
  • Application fee (non-refundable)

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

  Create an account and apply