Some patios in the downtown are on City sidewalks, so these parts of the sidewalk have detours on the road with traffic barriers. These barriers are to help with pedestrian safety. City of Burlington staff will begin installing sidewalk detours throughout the downtown starting on April 25, 2022 (weather permitting).
Sidewalk detour locations for patios in downtown Burlington |
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To continue to support local businesses during COVID-19, the City of Burlington is allowing restaurants and businesses to install temporary patios in 2022.
We want to continue to support local businesses as they recover from COVID-19 restrictions; we continue to allow temporary patios on private lands for restaurants and businesses in 2022. Whether a returning participant from the 2021 program or a new applicant, please apply for a temporary patio permit and City staff will evaluate your application through a streamlined process to get back to you as soon as possible.
Application deadline
Applications will still be accepted following the April 1, 2022 deadline but may take longer to approve.
Temporary Patios on Public Lands in Downtown Burlington |
How to apply for a Temporary Patio on Public LandsComplete a Temporary Patio on Public Lands Application form online. You must follow and adhere to:
We are committed to reviewing applications and granting approvals and agreements as quickly as possible to help you, our local businesses. If you have questions about the application process for a temporary patio in Downtown Burlington, contact the City’s Special Business Area Coordinator at patios@burlington.ca or 289-983-6308. Insurance Requirements on Public LandOn March 1, Council approved a reduction in insurance for business owners adding a temporary patio on public land only from $5 million commercial general liability insurance to $2 million commercial general liability insurance, naming the City of Burlington as an additional insured on the policy. This is in effect for the 2022 patio program, that runs until Oct. 31, 2022. This insurance rate is only applicable to patios on public land. Patio Installation & RemovalOnce you have an approved application, you can have a temporary patio on public lands until Oct. 31, 2022. The temporary patios must be removed by Nov. 1, 2022. |
Temporary Patios on Private Lands |
How to Apply for a Temporary Patio on Private LandsComplete a Temporary Patio on Private Lands Application form online. Applicants are responsible for receiving written approval from the land owner or landlord that a temporary patio may be permitted on the property. You must follow and adhere to:
We are committed to reviewing applications and granting approvals as quickly as possible to help you, our local businesses. If you have questions about the application process for a temporary patio on private land, contact the City’s Special Business Area Coordinator at patios@burlington.ca or 289-983-6308. Patio Installation & RemovalTemporary patios on private land will be permitted from the date of approval until Jan. 1, 2023. You will be required to remove your temporary patio by the program’s expiry date. |
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. Specify your plans for a temporary tent on your application for a temporary patio permit. Restauranteurs with an existing patio, in other words, not a temporary patio, may install a temporary tent/structure on your patio, so long as you are granted all the necessary approvals. To get approval for a temporary tent/structure on any type of patio, you may need to get a building permit if you cannot meet the Ontario Building Code requirements, as described under our Temporary Outdoor Patios General Terms and Conditions section. For questions or help with the application process for a temporary patio, please contact the patio team at patios@burlingtion.ca. |
Guidelines for Temporary Patios and Temporary Tents on Private Lands |
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Temporary Tents/Structure on Private Lands |
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Heaters for 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:
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 |
Restaurants 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. |
Guidelines for Temporary Patios on Public Lands |
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Design Criteria for On-Street Installations Downtown |
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The City of Burlington’s Pop-up Patio Pilot has been suspended and has been temporarily replaced by the temporary patio program to expand the program and support businesses’ recovery efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Pop-up Patio Program allows downtown businesses to establish temporary seasonal patios by using on-street parking spaces along Brant, John, and Pine Streets.
In 2015, the City of Burlington started a pilot program. In March 2020, City Council approved the staff recommendation to continue the program on a permanent basis.
Pop-up patio season runs yearly from May to September.