Seasonal Outdoor Patios
To support the local hospitality industry, the City has introduced a permanent seasonal outdoor patio program that will allow licensed Eating Establishments and Banquet halls to set up temporary patios from April 1 until November 1 every year.
Seasonal patios are different from permanent year-round outdoor dining spaces you may see throughout Vaughan. Permanent outdoor patios are governed by a different set of rules and regulations; they must meet additional zoning requirements and receive site-specific approval. Seasonal outdoor patios are similar to the temporary outdoor patio program the City introduced as a measure to support businesses during the global COVID-19 pandemic, and are temporary patio structures on private property, like in plaza parking lots, that are only permitted from April 1 until November 1, annually.
How to Apply for a Seasonal Outdoor Patio
Eating Establishment and Banquet Hall operators must complete the Seasonal Outdoor Patio Application and submit it with all required documents, and $200 endorsement fee.
Options to apply
- In person or by mail to:
By-Law and Compliance, Licensing & Permit Services
Vaughan City Hall, Level 100
2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.
Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1
- Via the drop-boxes located at the entrances of Vaughan City Hall. Via the drop-boxes located at the entrances of Vaughan City Hall.
By e-mail to:
bylaw.licensing@vaughan.ca, along with scanned copies of required documentation.
Please ensure the application or e-mail indicates a contact phone number
for staff to collect payment.
If submitting your application by mail or via the drop-box, please enclose payment in the form of a cheque made payable to the City of Vaughan. If submitting your application via e-mail, please ensure the application or accompanying message indicate a contact name and phone number for our staff to collect payment.
What are the Regulations for Seasonal Outdoor Patios?
Click on the items below for answers to frequently asked questions regarding seasonal outdoor patios. For more information, please refer to the by-law, or contact By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services at bylaw@vaughan.ca or 905-832-2281.
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Eating Establishments and Banquet Halls that have a valid City of Vaughan business licence can apply for a Seasonal Outdoor Patio endorsement to be added to their licence.
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Seasonal outdoor patios may begin operating on April 1 and must be fully dismantled by November 1.
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Seasonal outdoor patios are permitted on private property directly adjacent to the eating establishment or banquet hall it was established to serve. Where the eating establishment or banquet hall is the only use on the property, the operator has discretion as to the location of the seasonal outdoor patio, so long as it abuts the building and is approved by the property owner. Where the eating establishment is located in a multi-unit building, the seasonal outdoor patio may occupy the parking spaces directly adjacent to an entrance leading to the interior of the eating establishment. If there is no sidewalk, the seasonal outdoor patio must abut the building.
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Yes. The 2024 seasonal outdoor patio inspection fee is $200.
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Yes. The noise created by any acoustic or amplified sound on a seasonal outdoor patio must be in compliance with the City's noise by-law.
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Roofs, tents, and awnings on seasonal outdoor patios are subject to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, Building Code Act, 1992 and O. Reg. 213/07: Fire Code. Applicants must contact City of Vaughan Building Standards department to determine if permit is required a roof, tent, or awning on a seasonal outdoor patio.