Patios on Public Space

Place tables and chairs on the sidewalk each day to expand seating while keeping a clear path for pedestrians.

Requirements:

• Patio furnishings, such as tables and chairs, must be taken in and out each business day
• The patio area cannot be enclosed by railings or barriers
• No umbrellas, heaters or string lighting are permitted
• Must maintain a clear and accessible 2 m wide path on the sidewalk for pedestrians of all abilities
• Can be operated as a seasonal patio or a year-round patio

Application and Approval Process

1. Fill out the Option 1: Small Sidewalk Patio Application
   • You will need to include a Patio Plan and sign the Declaration Form
   • Once complete, your patio is immediately approved
   • Your permit will be valid for 1 year from the date of signing the Declaration Form
2. Set up your patio
   • Please email vibrantstreets@edmonton.ca to inform us of your patio installation date
   • Operate your seasonal or year-round patio
   • Reapply for your patio declaration after 1 year with any changes to your patio

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

Requirements:

• Patios can be developed on a platform that is level with the sidewalk or placed directly on the street
• Parklet patios must include guardrails around the perimeter in accordance with the technical guidelines listed in the Patio Program Guide
• Businesses are responsible for ensuring the parklet patio is accessible, which may include supplying curb ramps into the patio area if it is directly on the street
• Patio can be furnished with tables, chairs, umbrellas, heaters, string lighting and planters
• All structures and patio furnishings must be fully removable within twenty-four (24) hours in case maintenance, events or other activities performed by the City must take precedence
• This type of patio can be operated as a seasonal patio or a year-round patio
• Coordinate patio installation and temporary traffic control requirements through the OSCAM permit

Create a patio on the sidewalk while pedestrians are accommodated on a boardwalk structure placed in the curb lane.

Requirements:

• Businesses are responsible for supplying a mandatory boardwalk sidewalk structure to provide an accessible path for the public in the curb lane
• Boardwalk structures and the patio area must include a guardrail and patio rail system around the perimeter in accordance with the technical guidelines listed in the Patio Program Guide
• Patios can be furnished with tables, chairs, umbrellas, heaters, string lighting and planters
• All boardwalk structures and patio furnishings must be fully removable within twenty-four (24) hours in case maintenance, events, or other activities performed by the City must take precedence
• This type of patio can be operated as a seasonal patio or a year-round patio
• Coordinate patio installation and temporary traffic control requirements through the OSCAM permit

Create a patio on the sidewalk while pedestrians are accommodated on the sidewalk next to the patio.

Requirements:

• Patios must include a patio rail system around the perimeter in accordance with the technical guidelines
• This option is only available where the sidewalk is wide enough to accommodate both the patio and a 2m clear path for pedestrians
• Temporary traffic control is not required for this type of patio
• Patios can be furnished with tables, chairs, umbrellas, heaters, string lighting, and planters
• All railings and patio furnishings must be fully removable within twenty-four (24) hours in case maintenance, events, or other activities performed by the City must take precedence
• This type of patio can be operated as a seasonal patio or a year-round patio
• Please email vibrantstreets@edmonton.ca to inform us of your patio installation date

1. Fill out the Application Form for Option 2-4. You will need to include:
   • Patio Plan
     • A Patio Plan is a drawing that identifies what portion of street and/or sidewalk space will be used for the patio; more information can be found in the Patio Program Guide
   • Confirm patio operation, seasonal versus year-round
   • Proof of insurance documents
     • All patios held on public property require a minimum of $2 million liability coverage with the City of Edmonton listed as an “Additional Insured”
   • Noise Mitigation Plan, if applicable 
   • Proof of public engagement, if applicable
2. Work with the City during the review and evaluation process of your patio plan
   • This may include a site visit with the City
   • Make changes and adjustments to your Patio Plan, as necessary, to align with technical guidelines
3. Once the City review is complete the City, you will receive your Licence of Occupation to review and sign through DocuSign
4. Check if any of the following apply
   • If your patio is an Option 2 or Option 3 you are required to apply for an On-Street Construction and Maintenance (OSCAM) permit prior to setting up your patio
   • Apply for any Safety Codes Permits required as a result of your patio installation
5. Install your patio