Apply for a patio

Public health and safety

• follow all public health directives, the Reopening Ontario Act, and the Ontario Building Code

• the business must have a valid operating licence

• obtain written permission from neighbors if shared property is affected

• if serving alcohol, a 1.0m (42-inch) sturdy fence/barrier is required

• patio operates April 1 – October 31 and must be clean, safe, and well-maintained

Accessibility requirements

• comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 
• maintain 1.8-metre-wide accessways, including entrances, exits, and pathways

• patios must be level, firm, and stable with no steps/grade changes

• fenced patios need a 1.2m wide accessible entrance and at least one wheelchair-accessible table

• maintain a 1.8m clear path for pedestrians and keep accessible parking unobstructed

• no blocking of bike lanes, fire hydrants, bus shelters, or infrastructure

Patio design

• must be in the Façade (building frontage) or Curbside (street furnishing) zones.

• minimum 0.5m setback from on-street parking

• can’t extend past business frontage without adjacent owner approval

• use high-quality metal, wood, aluminum, or steel furniture (no plastic/vinyl)

• removable, decorative fencing only (no permanent anchors)

• umbrellas and landscaping must not obstruct sidewalks

• signage must stay within the building zone and not block visibility or access

City bylaws

• must comply with the Zoning bylaw
• must comply with the Noise bylaw

Sidewalk guidelines

The uptown sidewalk patio guidelines provide the full details of performance standards targets set by the city and go into further detail of each district. Please see the guideline for further information.

Download the complete guidelines (PDF)

Download and fill out the supporting documents. You will be asked to upload them as part of your application. 

Certificate of liability 

• the certificate must be $2 million for unlicensed patios and $5 million for licensed patios
• if your patio is on a city sidewalk:
  • certificate of liability naming the city as insured (PDF)
• if your patio is on a region sidewalk:
  • certificate of liability naming the city and Region of Waterloo as insured (PDF)

Site drawing or sketch instructions

A patio plan is required showing the location of the proposed patio. This can be a sketch or CAD drawing and must have the following information:

• location of patio on the sidewalk and building
• overall size (area) of patio
• fence location and entrance
• curb line and street furnishing zone
• minimum clear path of travel
• entrance to building/restaurant
• location of all furniture:
  • chairs and tables
  • umbrellas
  • any planters or decorative items
• location of all fencing and access points
• location of any trees or grates
• number of:
• seats/chairs 
• tables
• street furniture:
  • fire hydrants
  • lights/utility poles
  • benches
  • bike racks
  • waste containers
  • bus shelters

Uptown patio fees have been waived for the 2025 season.

• to apply for an uptown patio you can fill out the online form below
• make sure you have downloaded and filled out the supporting documents and are prepared to include them in your application
• if you have questions regarding the online application, or require a different format to apply, please contact patios@waterloo.ca
  

Apply for an uptown patio

• follow all public health directives, the Re-opening Ontario Act and Ontario Building Code
• do not block fire exits, access or sightlines to business entrances, exits or accessible parking
• comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act guidelines including:
• 1.8 metre access ways, entrance/exit and pathways
• do not obstruct or eliminate accessible parking spaces unless there is a plan to temporarily relocate them
• maintain walkways or ramps required for barrier free access
• continue to meet parking demands on site
• follow all City of Waterloo bylaws including:
• Noise bylaw
• Zoning bylaw
• gain written permission from neighbours with affected shared property

Before you apply, download and fill out the supporting documents. You will be asked to upload them as part of your application. 

• Certificate of insurance (PDF) - $2 million for unlicensed patios and $5 million for licensed patios, ensure the type of temporary use is included
• Acknowledgement and indemnity form (PDF)
• Owner Authorization Letter (PDF) - to be completed by the property owner or their authorized agent if the applicant is not the owner
• site drawing or sketch instructions that show the property lines, existing structures and the location of the temporary patio

A patio plan on municipal property

 A patio plan on private property

• to apply for a temporary /SOLER patio you must use the online portal and can register as a new user or sign in to an existing account
• make sure you have downloaded and filled out the supporting documents and are prepared to upload them with your online application
• if you have questions regarding the online application, or require a different format to apply, please contact bl@waterloo.ca
  

Apply for a temporary/SOLER patio