Skip to Content

City of Oshawa homepage City of Oshawa homepage

Text Resize

Regular Large X-Large

Colour Contrast

Default High

Accessible formats and communication supports are available, please contact [email protected]

View Our Accessibility Plan

  • Careers
  • Live Chat
  • Apply & Register
    • Animal Licence
    • Apply for a Job
    • Bid Opportunity
    • Blue Box and Green Bin
    • Building Permits
    • Business Licence
    • Certification of Recognition
    • Development Application
    • Freedom of Information Request
    • Grant or Rebate
    • Parking Permit
  • Pay & Buy
    • Animal Licences
    • By-law Penalty
    • Donations
    • Parking Tickets
    • Property Taxes
    • Recreation Program
  • Get Involved
    • Attend or View a Meeting
    • Connect with Oshawa
    • Contact Council
    • Service Feedback
    • Speak at a meeting
    • Submit a Complaint
    • Volunteer
  • Report an Issue
    • City or Park Tree Maintenance
    • Faulty Parking Meter or Pay Machine
    • Lost Pet
    • Missed Garbage Collection
    • Parks or Trail Maintenance
    • Roadway or Sidewalk Maintenance
    • Streetlight Out
    • Service Oshawa Online
Contact Us
  • Parks, Recreation and Culture
    • Parks, Recreation and Culture
    • Arts and Culture
    • Community Clubs, Groups and Organizations
    • Events Calendar
    • Festivals and Events
    • History and Heritage
    • Libraries
    • Parks, Trails and Open Spaces
    • Recreation
    • Visiting Oshawa
    • Volunteering
    • Waterfront
  • Home and Property
    • Home and Property
    • Animal Services
    • Building and Renovating
    • Cemeteries
    • City Services Map
    • Environment
    • Fire Services
    • Garbage, Recycling and Green Bin
    • Housing Permits and Licences
    • New Subdivision Homeowners
    • New to Oshawa
    • Parking
    • Property Maintenance and Standards
    • Property Taxes
    • Snow Clearing
    • Tenants
    • Traffic Safety
    • Zoning
  • Fire Services and Community Support
    • Fire Services and Community Support
    • Accessibility
    • Animal Services
    • Community Engagement
    • Community Safety, Security and Well-Being
    • COVID-19
    • Education
    • Emergency Preparedness
    • Feed the Need Oshawa
    • Fire Services
    • Oshawa Community Grants
    • PulsePoint
    • Seniors
    • Tribute Communities Centre Suite and Bowl Tickets
    • Unsheltered or Homelessness
  • Transportation and Parking
    • Transportation and Parking
    • Cycling
    • Development Map
    • Interactive Map
    • Oshawa Executive Airport
    • Parking
    • Regional Roads
    • Road and Sidewalk Closures
    • Road and Engineering Projects
    • Road Maintenance
    • Road Permits
    • Roundabouts
    • Snow Clearing
    • Street Naming Policy
    • Traffic Safety
    • Transit
    • Weight Restrictions
  • Business and Development
    • Business and Development
    • Bid Opportunities
    • Building and Renovating
    • Business Directory
    • Business Licences and Permits
    • Development Map
    • Downtown Oshawa
    • Filming in Oshawa
    • GO East Durham
    • Housing Permits and Licences
    • Incentives and Programs
    • Invest Oshawa
    • Major Construction and Renewal Projects
    • Mayors Economic Recovery Task Force
    • Planning and Development
    • Shop Local
    • Sponsorship and Advertising
    • TeachingCity Oshawa
    • Tour of Growth and Development
  • City Hall
    • City Hall
    • Accessibility
    • Applications, Licences and Permits
    • Bid Opportunities
    • Budget and Financial
    • By-laws
    • Careers
    • City Committees
    • City Council
    • City Records
    • Commissioner of Oaths
    • Community Engagement
    • Complaints
    • Contact Us
    • COVID-19 Information and Updates
    • Departments
    • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
    • Elections
    • Government Services
    • Major Construction and Renewal Projects
    • Merchandise and Souvenirs
    • News Centre
    • Our Oshawa
    • Plans, Reports and Studies
    • Recognition and Awards

Temporary patio in Oshawa

Temporary Sidewalk Patio Program

HomeBusiness and DevelopmentDowntown OshawaTemporary Sidewalk Patio Program
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email

The reopening of Ontario is being guided by a framework that outlines the principles the Province is using to reopen businesses, services and public spaces. Businesses are required to follow all guidelines in place for Durham Region Public Health. If zone restrictions permit, restaurants can open for patios through curbside, parking lots and adjacent premises. Please see the Province of Ontario's website for more information about the physical distancing measures. 

Steps

Step 1: Review the Requirements

  •  Business requirements
  • 2022 business licence
  • Commercial General Liability Insurance for each location with a patio permit (Not required for patios on private property)
  • Provincial COVID-19 temporary extension permit (If you serve alcohol)
  • Written permission from your neighbouring property owner or tenant if you want to use the space in front of a neighbouring business

Patio requirements

  • An accessible design
  • No structures that requires a building permit
  • No structures that need to be anchored into a street or sidewalk deeper than 10 cm – 12 cm
  • No gas, sprinkler, and electrical systems additions or upgrades
  • No increased capacity – follow your provincial health orders for capacity
  • No patio access through the business kitchen or employee-only areas
  • Patios with liquor service need an exterior temporary railing
  • Curbside and Large patios must have a 1 m spot available after every two parking spots/ patio for emergency vehicle access.

Patio proposals must meet ALL patio requirements (for example, clearances) outlined in Temporary Expedited Patio Program Info Guide.

Step 2: Determine the type of public property patio and its location

There are four types of temporary expedited patio permits:

Small sidewalk patio

A small patio, with two bistro tables and two metal chairs at each and a server in a white shirt and suspenders serves the table.

  • Furniture on sidewalk, removed at the end of the day
  • No railing
  • No alcohol

Large sidewalk patio

A large patio front view with a waiter in a white shirt, black bow tie, black apron and black serving tray.

  • Furniture on sidewalk
  • Railing required
  • Decking platform/ temporary sidewalk (2 x 6 in boards)
  • Alcohol service if you have a liquor licence

Curbside patio

A curbside patio front view with a waiter in a white shirt, black bow tie, black apron and black serving tray.

  • Furniture on street in parking spaces
  • Railing required
  • Decking platform/ temporary sidewalk (2 x 6 in boards)
  • Alcohol service if you have a liquor licence

Expanded sidewalk patio

The structure of a large patio, with rectangular gating and no street boards installed.

  • Furniture on sidewalk
  • Railing required
  • Alcohol service if you have a liquor licence

Step 3: Verify insurance, apply to temporarily expand your alcohol service area, and notify neighbours

A. Verify your insurance

If your temporary patio is on public property, you will need proof of Commercial General Liability Insurance coverage for each location where you apply.

The insurance must:

  • Have an inclusive limit of:
    • $5,000,000 public liability and property damage for large/curbside patios
    • $2,000,000 for small patios
    • Name the Corporation of the City of Oshawa as additionally insured for local road patios

You or your insurance broker must submit a completed Certificate of Insurance form within five business days of submitting this application. If we do not receive the completed certificate within five business days, we may revoke your permit.

B. Apply to temporarily expand your alcohol service area with the Province 

If you are serving alcohol on the temporary patio:

  • Contact your Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (A.G.C.O.) representation.

C.  Get written permission from neighbouring property owner or tenant

If you want to use the space in front of an adjacent business, get written permission from your neighbouring property owner or tenant.

Download the letter of approval template

Step 4: Take measurements, develop drawings, and take photos

A. Measure proposed patio space

Your patio needs to meet specific measurements for safety clearance. Use these measurements when you draw a plan of your proposed patio.

  • Follow all measurements in the orders, notices, and guidance from the Provincial Health Officer for food service establishments and alcohol services 
  • Measure the distance between your patio(s) and any nearby utility access points, fire hydrants, fire department connections, parking meters, street signs, and street lights.
Small Patio
  • A minimum pedestrian clearance of 2.0 metres is required
  • 1 metre from patio to fire department connection (minimum)
Large Patio
  • Patio tables must have a 2 m distance between them
  • A minimum pedestrian clearance of 2 m is required
  • 1 m from patio to fire department connection (minimum)
  • 5 m from patio to fire hydrant (minimum)
  • Patio fencing/ railing can be a minimum height of 0.9 m high or a maximum of 1.2 m
  • Patios near the corner of a block: 6 m\ from patio to stop sign or to the nearest edge of the closest sidewalk on an intersecting street (minimum)
  • For accessibility, patio entrance to patio must be a minimum of 1.5 m
  • 0.5 m from patio to utility access points (minimum)
  • Temporary sidewalk must be located 1.0 m from the travel lane (minimum)
  • Must have a 1 m space available after every two parking spots for emergency vehicle access
  • Patio can be located on a maximum of two parking spots with permission from the neighbouring business if required
Expanded Sidewalk Patios
  • Patio tables must have a 2 m distance between them
  • A minimum pedestrian clearance of 2 m is required
  • 1 m from patio to fire department connection (minimum)
  • 5 m from patio to fire hydrant (minimum)
  • Patio fencing/ railing can be a minimum height of 0.9 m high or a maximum of 1.2 m
  • Patios near the corner of a block: 6 m from patio to stop sign or to the nearest edge of the closest sidewalk on an intersecting street (minimum)
  • For accessibility, patio entrance to patio must be a minimum of 1.5 m
  • 0.5 m from patio to utility access points (minimum)
Curbside Patios
  • Patio tables must have a 2 m distance between them
  • A minimum pedestrian clearance of 2 m is required
  • 1 m from patio to fire department connection (minimum)
  • 5 m from patio to fire hydrant (minimum)
  • Patio fencing/ railing can be a minimum height of 0.9m high or a maximum of 1.2 m
  • Patios near the corner of a block: 6 m from patio to stop sign or to the nearest edge of the closest sidewalk on an intersecting street (minimum)
  • For accessibility, patio entrance to patio must be a minimum of 1.5 m
  • 0.5 m from patio to utility access points (minimum)
  • Patio must be located 1.0 m from the travel lane (minimum)
  • Must have a 1 m space available after every two parking spots for emergency vehicle access
  • Patio can be located on a maximum of two parking spots with permission from the neighbouring business if required

B: Update drawings

Sidewalk and curbside patios

Use the template and included patio requirements to draw your patio plan.

  • Small sidewalk patio template 
  • Large sidewalk patio template 
  • Curbside patio template  
  • Expanded sidewalk patio template

Save the plan as a P.D.F. DOC file.

Temporary Private Property patios

Contact Planning Services to discuss your application by email at [email protected] or call: 905-436-3311.

C. Take photos

  • Include the buildings, street, and any parking meters in your photo.
  • Photos from Google Street View will not be accepted.

Step 5: Make sure you have the necessary documents and apply for permit

A. Determine that you have all of the necessary documents

  • 2022 business licence (food licence and liquor licence)
  • Drawing(s) of your proposed patio 
  • Photo of the patio area
  • Commercial General Liability Insurance
    • It is not required for private patio but it is recommended that the business owner advise their insurance broker of the new patio to confirm liability coverage is in place.
  • Letter of approval from adjacent businesses

B: Apply for permit

Fees for application and permit are $0 for 2021.

Download application form

C. Submit Commercial General Liability Insurance Certificate

You or your insurance broker must submit a completed Commercial General Liability Insurance Certificate by email within five business days of submitting this application. If we do not receive the completed certificate within five business days, we may revoke your permit. 

D. Application reviewed and get approval

Temporary expedited patio permit requires a complete application for a curbside, small, large, or expanded sidewalk patio on public property if you meet all of the mandatory requirements.

Submit applications for a Temporary Sidewalk Patio to [email protected]

Download Related Documents

  • Temporary Expedited Sidewalk Patio Information Guide
  • Application Form
  • Letter of approval from adjacent businesses
  • City of Oshawa Certificate of Insurance Form

Submit applications for a Temporary Sidewalk Patio to [email protected] 

Business and Development
  • Downtown Oshawa
    • Downtown Sidewalk Snow Clearing
    • Downtown Waste Collection
    • Investing in Downtown
    • Operating a Business Downtown
    • Plan 20Thirty
    • Temporary Sidewalk Patio Program
    • Visiting Downtown Oshawa
  • View Full Business and Development Menu
    • Business and Development
    • Bid Opportunities
    • Building and Renovating
    • Business Directory
    • Business Licences and Permits
      • Driving School and Instructor Licences
      • Entertainment, Parlour and Public Hall Licences
      • Food Licences
      • Licences for Buying and/or Selling Goods
      • Lottery Licences
      • Payday Loan Establishment Licence
      • Pet and Pet Store Licences
      • Public Garage Licence
      • Sign Permits
      • Special Event Licences
      • Vehicles for Hire
    • Development Map
    • Filming in Oshawa
    • GO East Durham
      • About GO East Durham
      • Economic Impact
      • Our Partners
      • Project History
    • Housing Permits and Licences
      • Group Homes and Lodging Houses
      • Residential Rental Housing
      • Short-term Rentals
      • Two-Unit Houses
    • Incentives and Programs
    • Invest Oshawa
      • Business News and Events
      • Incentives and Support
        • Community Improvement Plans
          • Brownfields Renaissance
          • Harbour Road Area
          • Simcoe Street South
          • Urban Growth Centre
          • Wentworth Street West
        • Heritage Property Tax Reduction
        • Urban Design Awards
        • Small Business Support
      • Key Sectors
        • Advanced Manufacturing
        • Energy Generation
        • Health and Biosciences
        • Information Technologies
        • Multimodal Transportation and Logistics
      • Why Oshawa
        • Available Land and Buildings
          • Northwood Business Park
          • Site Selection Assistance
        • Demographics
        • Education and Talent
        • Innovation and Learning
        • Labour Force
        • Proximity to Markets
        • Transportation Logistics
    • Major Construction and Renewal Projects
    • Mayors Economic Recovery Task Force
    • Planning and Development
      • Development Applications
        • Committee of Adjustment
        • Land Severance
        • Official Plan
        • Plans of Condominium
        • Plans of Subdivision
        • Sign Variance
        • Site Alterations
        • Site Plan Control
        • Zoning
      • Development Charges
      • Development Studies
      • Engineering Design
        • Standard Drawings
          • OS-100 - Abbreviations
          • OS-200 - Grading Sections
          • OS-300 - Sidewalks and Driveways
          • OS-400 - Pavements Markings and Signage
          • OS-500 - Paving
          • OS-600 - Curb and Gutter
          • OS-700 - Catchbasins and Maintenance Holes
          • OS-800 - Endwalls and Bedding
          • OS-900 - Fencing
          • OS-1000 - Standard Subdivision Drawings
      • Environmental Assessments
      • Official Plan
      • Search of Records (Compliance Letter)
      • Zoning
    • Shop Local
      • Local business guide
      • Support Black-Owned Businesses
      • Why Support Local
    • Sponsorship and Advertising
      • Sponsorship Program
    • TeachingCity Oshawa
      • About TeachingCity
      • Collaborate with us
        • Analysis of Pedestrian and Traffic Data
        • Development of Staff Training Videos
        • Evaluating Playground Surfaces
        • Increasing Knowledge of Local Government
        • Low Impact Development in Parks
        • Impact of Social Media Messages
        • The Vibrancy and Health of Downtown
      • Projects
        • Featured Project
        • Projects
      • Publications
    • Tour of Growth and Development

Contact Us

© 2022 City of Oshawa

Service Oshawa
1st Floor, West Wing, City Hall
50 Centre St. S.
Oshawa, ON L1H 3Z7

Phone: 905-436-3311
Toll Free: 1-800-667-4292
Email: [email protected]

  • Resources

    • Accessibility
    • Contact Us
    • Freedom of Information
    • Land Acknowledgement
    • Privacy & Terms of Use
    • Sitemap
    • Website Feedback
  • Open new window to view our Facebook page
  • Open new window to view our Twitter page
  • Open new window to view our Instagram page
  • Open new window to view our Youtube page
  • Open new window to view our LinkedIn page

Browser Compatibility Notification

It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.