patio seating outside

Patios contribute to vibrant and livable communities and help make Edmonton a place where people want to live, work and thrive.

You may be interested in a small patio on the sidewalk or a more prominent patio which repurposes space on the street.

Learn about the requirements for opening an outdoor patio, sidewalk café or retail space. We guide you through the process from design to approval and installation, helping you co-create a space that is safe, vibrant and accessible for everyone.

Outdoor Patio Program Feedback Survey

Are you operating a Patio on Public Space? If you are currently or have previously participated in the Patio program, the City invites you to share your experiences by completing this survey by August 26, 2026. Your feedback will help refine the program for 2027-2030.

Complete Patio Program Survey

Addendum to the Patio Design Options

The City of Edmonton’s Design and Construction Standards have changed and new streetscape areas, also called Public Realm Zones when rehabilitation improvements are scheduled, will change where a patio can be placed and the type of patio that will meet the City guidelines. 

Patios must be placed and designed to conform to the new Design and Construction Standards. If streetscape improvements are completed in your area, your patio design may have to be changed to fit within the dedicated furnishing zone.

If you have a current Licence of Occupation with the City of Edmonton’s Patio Program, a team member will reach out to you if a streetscape plan will affect your current patio design.

Approved Patios on Public Spaces

If your business has an approved Option 2, 3 or 4 License of Occupation and your fees have been paid, you can set up your patio again starting on April 1, 2026. 

For approved Option 2 and 3 patios, you will need to apply for an On-Street Construction and Maintenance (OSCAM) Permit in order to set up and take down your patio.

  • You must receive your OSCAM permit before completing any work in the roadway to ensure your patio is being set up in a safe manner

Patio Design Options

There are 4 quick-start patio design options offered through the Patio Program.

Option 1: Small Sidewalk Patio

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

small sidewalk patio

Requires a Declaration: This is a permit via acknowledgement by the business owner that they will abide by all guidelines and program requirements set by the City.

Fee: None
 

Set Up 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 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 patios@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

Option 2: Parklet Patio

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

Parklet patio

Requires a Licence of Occupation: This is a formal permit that allows a business to use the road right-of-way like sidewalk or street for patios. Patios are not to be installed or used until approval is granted through the signing of theLicence of Occupation.

Fees: Seasonal: $3,700 / Year-round: $6,900

Set Up 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
  • The patio can be furnished with tables, chairs, umbrellas, heaters, string lighting and planters
  • All structures and patio furnishings must be fully removable within 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
Application and Approval Process
  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, you will receive your Licence of Occupation to review and sign through DocuSign
  4. Check if any of the following apply
  5. Install your patio

Option 3: Full Sidewalk Patio with Boardwalk Sidewalk

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

full sidewalk patio

Requires a Licence of Occupation: This is a formal permit that allows a business to use the road right-of-way like sidewalk or street for patios. Patios are not to be installed or used until approval is granted through the signing of theLicence of Occupation.

Fees: Seasonal: $3,700 / Year-round: $6,900

Set Up 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 caPatio Program Guidese 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
Application and Approval Process
  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, you will receive your Licence of Occupation to review and sign through DocuSign
  4. Check if any of the following apply
  5. Install your patio

Option 4: Partial Sidewalk Patio (no boardwalk sidewalk required)

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

partial sidewalk patio

Requires a Licence of Occupation: This is a formal permit that allows a business to use the road right-of-way like sidewalk or street for patios. Patios are not to be installed or used until approval is granted through the signing of the Licence of Occupation.

Fee: $500 (seasonal or year-round)

Set Up 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 2-metre 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 within24 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 patios@edmonton.ca to inform us of your patio installation date
Application and Approval Process
  1. Fill out the Application Form for Option 2, 3 or 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, you will receive your Licence of Occupation to review and sign through DocuSign
  4. Check if any of the following apply
  5. Install your patio

Patios on Public Space in Edmonton

This map will be updated with patio locations once they have received approval.

Contact Us

Patio Program

Email  patios@edmonton.ca