Review of Zoning Regulations for Outdoor Patios on Private Property

Outdoor patios are essential to the summertime enjoyment of local economies, tourism and entertainment.

An outdoor patio is an area that creates or provides additional patron capacity for a business such as a restaurant or bar. These additional capacities also increases the amount of foot traffic and activities in given neighborhoods.

All temporary use zoning by-laws, which expanded permissions for outdoor patios during the COVID-19 pandemic, will expire on December 31, 2023, and staff have been directed by City Council to consider potential permanent modifications of zoning regulations for outdoor patios on private property. Hence, The City is undertaking a comprehensive review of zoning regulations for outdoor patios located on private property and will present a staff report to City Council by the end of 2023.

Outdoor patios located on public property that are part of the CaféTO program and are not part of this review.

Outdoor patios that are located on private property are regulated by applicable Zoning By-laws and are the subject of this review.

Fill out the survey to share your feedback on changes to zoning outdoor patios on private property by May 5, 2023!