The City of Burlington invites restaurants and business owner/operators to apply for the 2023 temporary patio program.
We want to support local businesses and allow temporary patios for restaurants and businesses each spring and summer. Whether you are a returning participant from last year’s program or a new applicant, please apply for a temporary patio permit and we will evaluate your application through a streamlined process to get back to you as soon as possible.
Applications are currently being accepted. The program will remain active until October 31.
Some patios will be installed on City sidewalks so these parts of the sidewalk will be detoured onto the road with traffic barriers. These barriers will help with traffic and pedestrian safety.
Some sidewalk detours have already been installed. Additional sidewalk detours are being installed on May 11th, 2023, and more may be installed throughout the patio season (April 15, 2023 to October 31, 2023).
The patio program officially began on April 15, 2023. Staff is accepting, reviewing and approving applications as soon as they can so patio season can begin!
The sidewalk detours for patios are being installed in downtown Burlington on:
Process for Applying for a Temporary Patio Permit on Private or Public Lands |
Application |
You can apply for a Temporary Patio on Private or Public Lands by completing and submitting a Temporary Patio Application Form. A property map identifying the location(s) of your proposed outdoor patio(s) on private land or public land, a floor plan, and written approval from the landowner or landlord if you are not the property owner to install a temporary patio are required. There is no application fee for the 2023 Patio Season. |
Staff Review |
Once an application is received, the patio team will review and circulate the application to each of the commenting departments, including Building and Bylaw, Zoning, Transportation, Roads, Parks and Forestry, Fire, and Corporate Legal Services. All applications for a temporary patio are required to demonstrate compliance with the City’s Requirements for Temporary Patios. |
Permit Issuance |
If an application for temporary patio has demonstrated compliance with the City’s Requirements for Temporary Patios, a permit will be issued for the patio season. In addition, operators of patios on public land must provide $2 million in commercial general liability insurance, naming the City of Burlington as an additional insured on the policy. |
How to Apply for a Temporary Patio on Public Lands |
Complete a Temporary Patio Application online form. You must follow:
We will review your application as quickly as possible. If you have questions about your patio application, contact the patio team at patios@burlington.ca |
Insurance Requirements on Public Land |
You need $2 million in commercial general liability insurance, naming the City of Burlington as an additional insured on the policy. This insurance rate is only applicable to patios on public land. |
Patio Installation and Removal |
Once we approve your application, you can have a temporary patio on public lands until Oct. 31. The temporary patios must be removed by Nov. 1 |
Requirements for Temporary Patios on Public Lands |
We will only approve your temporary patio, tent or structure application if it meets certain requirements. View the requirements for each type of patio structure on public lands below.
|
Design Criteria for On-Street Installations Downtown |
|
How to Apply for a Temporary Patio on Private Lands |
Complete a Temporary Patio Application online form. You are responsible to get written approval from the landowner or landlord to install a temporary patio on the property. You must follow:
We will review your application as quickly as possible. If you have questions about your patio application, contact the patio team at patios@burlington.ca. |
Patio Installation and Removal |
Temporary patios on private land are permitted from the date of approval until Jan. 1, 2024. The temporary patios must comply with the zoning by-law for temporary patios. |
Temporary Tents/Structures |
If you want to install a temporary tent/structure on your patio, you must apply for a temporary patio permit using the Temporary Patio on Private Lands Application online form. Please let us know your plans for a temporary tent on your application for a temporary patio permit. Restauranteurs with a permanent patio may install a temporary tent/structure on your patio once you have all the necessary approvals. To get approval for a temporary tent/structure on any type of patio, you may require a separate review process and need to get a building permit if you cannot meet the Ontario Building Code (OBC) requirements, as described under our Requirements for Temporary Tents/Structure on Private Lands section. For more information or if you need help, please contact the patio team at patios@burlingtion.ca. |
Requirements for Temporary Patios and Temporary Tents on Private Lands |
We will only approve your temporary patio, tent or structure application if it meets certain requirements. View the requirements for each type of patio structure on private lands.
|
Requirements for Temporary Tents/Structure on Private Lands |
|
Requirements for Heaters in Temporary Patios and Temporary Tents on Private Lands |
If you have temporary tents that exceed 30 square metres in size or that are used for commercial or assembly purposes regardless of size, you must follow the Ontario Fire Code. It says that temporary tents must: 1. be made of non-combustible materials or flame proofed to make sure the materials will pass the match flame test outlined in NFPA 705, “Recommended Practice for Field Flame Test for Textiles and Films,” 2. have at least two exits located away from each other, 3. have at least one listed minimum 2A rated portable fire extinguisher located at or near one of the exits, 4. not have combustible materials (including decorations) in the tent, 5. not allow smoking and open flame devices in the tent, unless arrangements have been made under the approved Fire Safety Plan in consultation with the Burlington Fire Department, 6. have a Fire Safety Plan for all tents used for assembly purposes and submitted for review and approval to firedepartment@burlington.ca, and 7. If the tent is not equipped with a fire alarm system, a person shall be appointed for fire watch duty and shall patrol the area continuously to make sure that the exits are kept clear. If a fire is detected, this person must notify occupants and staff to exit the tent immediately and call 911. The Ontario Fire Code and Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) regulations forbid heaters to be:
Electric heaters must be used following manufacturer’s instructions and power cables/cords must be kept clear from walkways and protected from mechanical damage. |
Snow Clearance for Temporary Patios and Temporary Tents on Private Lands |
Businesses with a permit for a temporary patio and/or tent/structure that is located on private land should make arrangements with the landowner regarding winter maintenance if they wish to operate through the winter. |