Temporary Outdoor Patio and Retail Space Program

The 2022 Summer Patio Program is now open for applications!

Restaurants, bars and cafes are invited to apply for a summer patio permit to create seasonal outdoor spaces for customers to enjoy.

This year’s Summer Patio Program features a number of improvements, including:

An easy to use Summer Patio Program Guide
A quicker and more efficient application process
Three quick-start patio design options were created based on learnings from 2021
An online map to promote local businesses that have patios in the City

Application and occupancy fees will once again be waived to support economic recovery from the pandemic. Check out the Summer Patio Program Guide to get started with your patio planning and apply.

Patio Expansions on Private Property

Please note that the Summer Patio Program and the information on this page applies to temporary patios on public space only, such as City sidewalks and streets. City Council also approved changes to the Zoning Bylaw in January 2021 to streamline the process for restaurants, bars and neighbourhood pubs wanting to open ‘low impact’ permanent outdoor patio expansions on their private property, such as in private parking lot space.

Under the new rules, a development permit is no longer required for these businesses to add an outdoor patio on their private property if the proposed patio meets the permit exemption criteria set out in section 12.2.1.dd of the Zoning Bylaw.

For more information on planning a patio expansion on private property, please send your questions to developmentpermits@edmonton.ca.

Temporary Patios in Edmonton

Option 1: Small Sidewalk Patio

Create a simple sidewalk patio while keeping a clear path for pedestrians.

Small Sidewalk Patio Illustration

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Features:

A quick, easy and inexpensive option for businesses to take advantage of nice weather with expanded seating options
Patio furnishings (tables and chairs) must be taken in and out each business day
No umbrellas, railings, or barriers are permitted
Maintain a clear path along the sidewalk, 2m wide, obstruction-free (for example, no planters or signs)

Approval Process: Declaration

Timelines: Immediate approval is granted once the application and signed Declaration are received by the City.

Option 2: Parklet Patio

Create a patio on the street, within the curb lane, by repurposing parking space.

Parklet Patio Illustration

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Features:

This is the most accessible option for patrons and residents using the sidewalk, as detours are not required
Patios can be raised using a boardwalk or platform or placed directly on the street
Recommended width for a parklet patio is 2m
Features like tables, chairs, umbrellas, heaters, string lighting, movable patio perimeter railings/barriers, and movable patio perimeter planters are all permitted for this option
All structures must be temporary, fully removable within twenty-four (24) hours in case maintenance, events or other activity performed by the City must take precedence

Approval Process: Licence of Occupation

Timelines: Approximately 10 business days are required for approval. Installation can take place once the City has received the signed Licence of Occupation.

Option 3: Full Sidewalk Patio and Detour

Create a patio on the sidewalk that diverts pedestrians along a protected curb lane pathway.

Full Sidewalk Patio and Detour

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Features:

This option permits tables, chairs, umbrellas, heaters, string lighting, patio perimeter railings/barriers, and patio perimeter planters
Audio-Visual Equipment can be included subject to submission of a Noise Mitigation Plan
This option has a bigger impact on accessibility than Option 2, because detours can create additional challenges to people pushing strollers, using mobility aids, or with limited vision
All structures must be temporary, fully removable within twenty-four (24) hours in case maintenance, events, or other activities performed by the City must take precedence

Approval Process: Licence of Occupation

Timelines: Approximately 15 business days are required for approval. Installations can take place once the City has received the signed Licence of Occupation.

Note: Where the sidewalk is wide enough, there may be cases where the sidewalk patio and detour are both accommodated on the sidewalk.

Declaration

An acknowledgement by the business owner that they agree to abide by all guidelines and program requirements set by the City.

Allows for the use of temporary chairs and tables.

Immediate approval is granted once the application and signed Declaration are received by the City.

Apply Now

Things to Know:

The patio can be used as per the terms and conditions of the Declaration and Option 1: Small Sidewalk Patio Requirements
Issued for one season
Business may operate on part of the City's sidewalk
Must maintain a clear and accessible 2m wide path on the sidewalk for pedestrians of all abilities
Tables and chairs must be taken into the business at the end of each business day
No umbrellas are permitted
The patio area can not be enclosed by railings or barriers

Application Process:

As part of the application, you will need to submit:

Signed Declaration Form
Temporary Patio Plan

Approval Timelines:
Immediate approval is granted once the application and signed Declaration are received by the City.

Licence of Occupation

A permit that allows the use of the road right-of-way (ie: sidewalk, street) for commercial purposes.

Once the application and all supporting documents have been received, applications will be reviewed and evaluated by the City and the applicant will be informed of the review decision.

Patios are not to be installed or used until the Licence of Occupation Document has been signed and confirmation that the Temporary Traffic Control has been installed.

Apply Now

Things to know:

Required for Option 2 (parklet patio) and Option 3 (full sidewalk patio with pedestrian detour) patios.
Issued for 1 season.
The patio may only operate within the designated patio area identified in the Licence of Occupation (LOO).
May contain tables, chairs, umbrellas, heaters, string lighting, temporary movable patio perimeter railings/barriers and temporary movable patio perimeter planters.
Construction will take precedence over temporary patio areas. Meaning, the City may from time to time, alter or limit the use of the licence area to accommodate conflicting construction activities or events. As much advance notice as possible will be provided.
The City may terminate the permission to operate the patio without notice in the event of an emergency and/or operational safety concern.
We encourage businesses to apply and use the Declaration for Small Sidewalk Patios while waiting for their Licence of Occupation Approval.

Application Process:

As part of the application form, you will need to submit:

Temporary Patio Plan
Proof of Insurance Documents
Noise Mitigation Plan , if applicable
Proof of Public Engagement , if applicable

Approval Timelines:

Approximately 10 business days for approval of Patio Option 2: Parklet Patio. Approximately 15 business days for approval for Option 3: Full Sidewalk Patio & Detour.

Final approval is subject to timely submission of a signed Licence of Occupation. Installation can take place once the City has received the signed Licence of Occupation and the temporary traffic control has been installed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these guidelines mandatory?

In order to qualify for the streamlined approval process, you will need to follow these guidelines if you choose to set up a patio.

Are pets allowed?

Please refer to Alberta Health Services guidelines for direction on the permission of pets.

Can I serve liquor on the temporary patio?

The business owner is responsible for obtaining all relevant permissions, including but not limited to AGLC, AHS, and their Landlord.

What does it cost to get traffic control measures from the City?

At this time there is no cost to receive this support from the City.

Temporary Outdoor Patio and Retail Space Program

Patio Expansions on Private Property

Temporary Patios in Edmonton

2022 Temporary Summer Patio Options

Option 1: Small Sidewalk Patio

Option 2: Parklet Patio

Option 3: Full Sidewalk Patio and Detour

Approvals Process for Summer Patios

Declaration

Licence of Occupation

Maintaining Connected and Accessible Pedestrian Pathways

Templates and Plans for Your Application

Frequently Asked Questions

For More Information

Temporary Outdoor Patio / Retail Space Program

Temporary Outdoor Patio and Retail Space Program

Patio Expansions on Private Property

Temporary Patios in Edmonton

Option 1: Small Sidewalk Patio

Option 2: Parklet Patio

Option 3: Full Sidewalk Patio and Detour

Declaration

Licence of Occupation

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Links

COVID-19 Support for Edmonton Businesses

Road Right-of-Way

For More Information

Temporary Outdoor Patio / Retail Space Program