Patio Policies

The City of Brantford currently maintains two streams of programs to facilitate Temporary Patios for businesses in the City: Private Patios and On-Street Patios.

In January 2023, as directed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), the City began to facilitate applications for municipal approvals for most liquor sales licensees and manufacturers that hold a by-the-glass endorsement who want to operate a temporary patio.

To help facilitate both the Annual Temporary Outdoor Patio Permit process and the Temporary Outdoor Physical Extension Municipal Approval process (for alcohol licensing on patios), a combined online process was established through a Temporary Outdoor Patio and Physical Extension Permit Application Form.

On-Street Patio Policy

The City's current Temporary On-street Patio Policy allows business owners to establish a patio area on a roadway. Business owners should be aware that this could be limited to certain roads, and that they need to advise their neighbouring tenants before proceeding. 

How do I go about constructing an on-street patio for my business?
  1. Consult the On-street Patio Policy regarding requirements and processes.
  2. Fill out the Temporary Outdoor Physical Extension Form and ensure to include all the required information.
  3. Enter into a Temporary Patio Licence with the City.
  4. Please note, On-Street Patios require a drawing as outlined in the On-Street Patio Policy. If a business owner wishes to construct something different, it will require review and approval by the City’s building department.
What are the fees associated with obtaining an On-Street Permit within the public right-of-way? 

There is no direct fee associated with the On-Street Permit, however, additional fees may apply for use of municipally owned property (i.e.: Encroachment Permit or Right of Way Permit). Please ensure to clearly indicate the location of the proposed patio on your drawing. For more information on fees, please consult the Fix Fees and Charges by-law or contact COBPlanning@brantford.ca.
Do I need insurance to obtain a Temporary Patio License?
Yes. A Certificate of Insurance is required as part of entering into the Temporary Patio License.
What clearances or requirements does an On-Street Patio have to maintain?
  • It cannot be placed on a barrier free (accessible) parking space.
  • It cannot obstruct utilities or other infrastructure.
  • It must not obstruct sight lines at road intersections.
  • The patio must be flush with the sidewalk.
  • Patios must be set back from the travelled portion of the road.
  • Patios must be buffered using a temporary wheel stop placed 1.2 metres from each end.
  • You need to talk to your neighbours to ensure you have their consent regarding the placement of your patio.
  • No entertainment or amusement is allowed on the patio.

Private Patio Recovery Policy

The Private Patio Policy allows business owners to establish a new commercial patio on their property or expand one to accommodate physical distancing requirements. This temporary Policy has been developed to enable business owners to utilize an existing parking lot to accommodate patrons safely outdoors and help neighbourhoods continue to be vibrant places.

Are these patios only for restaurants? 
No. Patios can be used for other commercial or retail uses; such as bakeries, farmer’s markets, grocery stores and shopping centres.
Do I need to know what the zoning of my property is?
No. The Temporary Use By-law will ease parking restrictions for outdoor patios.
What will it cost me?
Currently, there are no Planning and Development Services fee to obtain a patio permit.

Please keep in mind that if you plan on actually building a patio (such as a wood deck above grade and supported with beams) a building permit from the City will be required.
What applications are required?

If you have a site plan approval registered on title, you will need to provide a redlined plan. No formal site plan amendment (or fee) will be required. Please contact the City of Brantford’s Planning and Development Services COBPlanning@brantford.ca for more details. All other submissions should proceed to filling out the Temporary Outdoor Physical Extension Form to apply for a temporary patio.  Should additional information be required, staff will reach out to the applicant on an as-needed basis.
What clearances or requirements does my Private Patio have to maintain?

The following plans/measures in place will be required in advance of consulting with City Development Planning staff:

  • Provided the City with a sketch, patio location, photos and owner/tenant authorization (where applicable).
  • The patio must be accessible to all persons.
  • No entertainment or amusement is allowed on the patio.
  • Your patio needs perimeter fencing, so indicate what that will be.
  • You need to have a valid business license.
  • If serving alcohol, the applicant is responsible for meeting and adhering to all Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario requirements.
  • If you are changing any grades, a site alteration permit (no fee) may be required.