Patios and Permits
Whether commercial or residential obtaining building permits is almost always a given. While permit applications can be tedious and complex the City of Vancouver is starting to loosen up restrictions when it come to outdoor patios and enclosures for the hospitality community. Homeowners still have to navigate each municipality’s rules and regulations, however, there are a wide range of products available that can meet most permit requirements.
Cactus Club Cafe - Barlow, Calgary Winter 2023
For the 2022 summer patio season, the City is reducing its drawing requirements:
• Businesses are no longer required to submit interior drawings or seating layouts for the City’s patio permit application.
• For businesses that previously held a Temporary Expedited Patio Program permit, and are applying for the same patio as last year, you can re-submit the same drawing that was part of the TEPP permit.
• For businesses who are applying for a patio for the first time, or are proposing to change their patio from last year, a simple scaled dimensioned drawing is required. These don’t need to be done by a professional architect, do not need a professional stamp or seal, and can be done on computer or by hand – as long as they are accurate, to scale, and have dimensions and labeling.
Patio Permits for Restaurants and Cafes
The City of Vancouver’s new summer patio permit offers businesses greater flexibility and lowers costs compared to the year-round patio permit. Summer permits are available for large sidewalk and curbside patios.
Permit lengths:
Summer: April 1 – October 31 (NEW)
Year-round:
Small sidewalk: May 1 – April 30
Large sidewalk and curbside: April 1 – March 31
Reference: https://vancouver.ca/doing-business/get-a-patio-permit.aspx
“This transfer of seating gives restaurants more flexibility to offer outdoor dining options, as some patrons may yet not be comfortable dining indoors.”
Patio Permits for Private Residences
In most Canadian cities, the defined size is generally 10 m2 (107 square feet). If the pergola is larger, it requires a building permit. A smaller pergola not requiring a building permit. Roughly, a pergola bigger than a 10′ x 10′, will need a permit.
Freestanding pergolas, larger than 10 m2 (107 sq. ft.) are classified as accessory buildings. Typically, a large pergola is considered a shed or garage with similar building requirements and restrictions. There are also height restrictions, for example, in City of Vancouver pergolas cannot exceed a height of 2.43m (8 ft).
