We want to support local businesses and allow seasonal outdoor patios for restaurants and businesses each spring and summer. Whether you are a returning participant from last year’s program or a new applicant, please apply for a seasonal outdoor patio permit and we will evaluate your application through a streamlined process to get back to you as soon as possible.
Beginning early January, the City of Burlington will accept applications for seasonal outdoor patios for the 2025 season. If you plan on opening your patio by April 15, you will need to submit your application to the City of Burlington by March 1. Please see below for information on how to apply.
Patio applications approved in 2024 that are being renewed with no changes in 2025 do not need to pay an application review fee. A permit fee is still required for all applications. You can find payment instructions in the application forms.
Applications are available starting Jan. 1, 2025. Apply by March 1, 2025, to ensure your application is reviewed by the start of the patio season.
See our Pre-Application Checklist to make sure you have everything you need to apply.
Staff will send an email to confirm the application has been received. Your application will be reviewed by staff and feedback will be provided to you, if necessary.
If your application is approved by the City, staff will email you with the amount owing in fees before issuing a permit for your patio. Your permit will include conditions you will need to follow. If you will be serving liquor on your patio don’t forget to submit your permit to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) through the iAGCO portal.
Once you receive your permit, you will be asked to notify staff of your preferred date for the installation of your patio. Staff will coordinate with you to set up any required safety and traffic signage and barriers before the patio is installed. Once all safety and traffic control measures are set up, patios that do not require an inspection can be opened April 15 at the earliest.
Before you open your curb lane patio or pedestrian by-pass to the public, an inspection of the installation by a qualified professional must be completed. The qualified professional must provide the City with a signed letter of inspection confirming the installation complies with the designs approved by the City. Staff will confirm when the letter has been received. Once the letter is received to the satisfaction of the City, the temporary platform may be opened for use by the public.
Some patios will be installed on City sidewalks so these parts of the sidewalk will be detoured onto the road with traffic barriers. These barriers will help with traffic and pedestrian safety.