If you're a restaurant or bar operator, you can apply to expand outdoor patios as well as tents and awnings to offset indoor dining limitations because of COVID-19 restrictions in the City of St. Catharines. The recovery program will continue in 2022 to January 1, 2023.
Please send a completed Application for Temporary Patio During COVID-19 to TemporaryPatios@stcatharines.ca and make sure to include a completed:
Please review the guidelines and requirements on this page before submitting your application.
You'll need to determine the size, location, layout, and capacity of your proposed patio. We strive to review applications within one week. If your submission meets all requirements, we will issue your approval by email and it is considered effective on the date of approval. You must operate the patio in accordance with City approval, AGCO requirements, and Provincial guidelines.
Renewing and changing your approval |
If we granted you a Temporary Patio Approval in 2020 or 2021, you are eligible for renewal for the 2022 season. Renewals will expire January 1, 2023. You must confirm the site plan will remain the same. We will renew your approval if you:
Making changes to the patioIf you'd like to make changes to an existing permitted patio, please contact us and send an updated site plan for review and update. If your patio extends in front of another business, you'll need their written acknowledgement and authorization. |
Patios on City property |
We are exploring the potential for patios to operate beyond expiry dates and will update with more information as soon as it is available. Patios approved prior to COVID-19Despite existing permits that have a removal date of October 31, patios may be on City property until January 1, 2023. if they meet all other permit requirements. Winter weatherBecause of the risk of damage from winter snow and ice, you may want to change your existing patio setup. For example, you can remove glass barriers and replace them with another barrier that is less likely to be damaged. Patios approved with Temporary Approval due to COVID-19Your permitted patio is permitted on City property until January 1, 2023, if it meets all other permit requirements. |
Patios on private property |
We conduct inspections to ensure compliance with our patio guidelines and requirements. If you're planning to make changes to your property, you may need to apply for a building permit. |
Your patio must follow all our patio guidelines and requirements. Make sure to review our guidelines for heaters, open air burning and cooking.
All temporary patios |
LocationThe patio must be adjacent to your operating business. We may permit extensions in front of neighbouring properties or units with the written consent of that neighbouring property owner. ObstructionsNo patio may obstruct a fire hydrant, fire route, fire department connection, or emergency exit nor pose any other safety risk. DemarcationThe limits of the patio must be distinguishable. Boundaries include decorative fencing, panels, planters, rope, or other option that we deem suitable. Any perimeter barriers in a front yard or on a street may have up to a maximum height of 1.2 m (4 ft). Curbside patio barriersIf a patio is adjacent to a traffic lane, drive aisle, or active parking area, a perimeter barrier will be provided with a minimum setback of 0.5 m. Entrance pointsA patio must have at least one opening with a minimum width of 1.1 m (3.5 ft). Gated entrances should open outwards from a patio without interfering with City sidewalks, accessible travel paths, or traffic lanes. AccessibilityThe patio area must be complaint with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standards and cannot obstruct an accessible travel path. There must also be an accessible travel path from the patio to an accessible washroom. CapacityA patio must have a total area equivalent to a minimum 1.1 m squared per patron in accordance with the AGCO. Business licenceYou must have a valid business license before we may grant approval for a temporary patio expansion. |
Temporary patios on private property |
Plantings and landscapingWhile we encourage planters and baskets, any landscaping may not encroach into any traffic lane or accessible travel path. ParkingIf a patio is within any private parking area, there should be no staff or patrons crossing any roadways or vehicle spaces between the business and patio area. TenantsIf the property is leased, you must get written permission from the landlord for a patio expansion. |
Temporary patios on City sidewalk |
ClearanceYou must maintain an unobstructed pedestrian clearway of 2.4 m (8 ft) between the patio and any physical obstructions unless otherwise approved by the City. Curbside patio barriersIf a proposed patio is next to a traffic lane, a perimeter barrier 1.06 m to 1.2 m in height will be provided with a minimum setback of 0.5 m from the curb. More physical barriers may be required to protect the patio space. ConstructionThe patio's construction must be portable for easy removal. Perimeter fence posts must be free-standing. Removable plates may support fence posts if they do not extend beyond the perimeter of the fence and pose no trip hazards. You may not secure posts, signs and other features to City sidewalk by use of screws, nails, or other fasteners that pierce or damage the surface of the concrete. SignageYou must limit signage to temporary menu displays at the patio entrance. They should not interfere with pedestrian movement. Do not affix signage to the patio perimeter fencing. AgreementYou will be required to enter into an Agreement with the City before you are granted approval for a temporary patio expansion. |
Temporary patios within public parking space |
LocationThe patio must be located on streets where there is existing on-street parking or surplus pavement width. The patio must be at least one parking space away from an intersection or driveway. You may not place a patio in front of a fire hydrant or in designated accessible parking spaces. Do not obstruct surface drainage or access to utilities. DimensionsPatio to be inset at least 0.5 m from outside edge of parking space. Perimeter barriersThe patio platform must be enclosed on all sides facing the street or adjacent parking stalls. The barrier must be open-type construction and we may require more road safety measures. ConstructionThe patio must have modular construction so that it can be easily installed and removed. It should be constructed of wood or composite decking. The platforms must be able to bear a load of at least 100 pounds per square foot. You may not secure posts, signs and other features to City sidewalk by use of screws, nails, or other fasteners that pierce or damage the surface of the concrete. The patio must not interrupt surface drainage along the gutter. You must have deck and/or ramp supports that provide for a minimum separation of 0.45 m from the curb face. AgreementYou will be required to enter into an Agreement with the City before you are granted approval for a temporary patio expansion. SignageYou must limit signage to temporary menu displays at the patio entrance. They should not interfere with pedestrian movement. Do not affix signage to the patio perimeter fencing. |