Preparing for patio season

March 21, 2021 10:00 a.m.

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Everything you need to know about creating, expanding or operating a dining patio


Patio season is around the corner! For local restaurants, banquet halls and other eating establishments that have adapted to the Province’s Red-Control zone guidelines and are exploring ways to expand or create a patio this season, the City of Vaughan’s By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department is here to help.
 
A permit is required
 
To support the local economy throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Vaughan Council voted on Oct. 21, 2020 to extend the temporary permit deadline to create or expand a dining patio until the end of the declared state of emergency in Vaughan – which will remain in effect until 14 days beyond this date. Businesses can begin the patio expansion process by completing an application form (PDF) and emailing it to bylaw.licensing@vaughan.ca. A business licence with an endorsement for a temporary outdoor patio will be issued within two business days; however, applicants may set up the patio once they submit their application.
 
Appropriate measures must be followed
 
If an establishment is operating with appropriate outdoor dining measures, as per provincial and regional guidelines, the following steps must be followed:
  • Limit the number of patrons allowed in the outdoor space at one time to ensure required distancing is maintained at all times.
  • Ensure there is enough space between tables to allow for movement – a minimum of two metres between patrons who are seated is maintained.
  • Ensure access to on-site facilities is limited to the patio/outdoor dining area and 50 people indoors, food pickup, payment, washrooms or for other health and safety purposes.  
If portable heating appliances are being used, businesses must:
  • ensure the heater is officially certified with CSA Group/ULC Standards.
  • designate the heater for outdoor use only.
  • have an anti-tilt feature that automatically shuts off the heater.
  • install the heater on a non-combustible solid surface, and avoid setting up on grass, uneven sidewalks or under fire escapes.
  • follow all manufacturer safety requirements for the safe transportation, operation and storage of fuel if using a propane or other fueled heating appliance.
In accordance with Ontario regulations, patios cannot be enclosed. However, they can be covered with the use of an awning or tent. If covering a patio area, here are some guidelines:
  • At least two full sides of the outdoor dining area must be open. These open patio sides must also not be substantially blocked by a physical barrier.
  • Building permits are not required for tents covering under 60 square metres of combined floor area and are not attached to a building.
Patrons allowed to be seated for indoor dining are limited to:
  • Fifty per cent capacity of the establishment to a maximum of 50 people, subject to a minimum of two metres distancing when seated.
  • People seated must be from the same household. This can include one member from another household who lives alone or a caregiver supporting any member of the household.
  • Signage about capacity limits must be posted in a prominent place visible to the public.
  • Distancing does not apply to persons seated together who comply with the requirements of the order. 
Reporting violations
 
All outdoor dining and patio inquiries should be directed to Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or by email at accessvaughan@vaughan.ca. All violations reported through the City’s contact centre will be directed to the By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department for investigation.
 
Vaughan’s By-law team – in partnership with public health officials, York Regional Police and other levels of government – remains at the forefront in applying and enforcing new provincial regulations passed under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (ROA), in addition to implementing directions of York Region’s Medical Officer of Health and the City’s COVID-19 Emergency Measures By-law. To further assist in the fight against COVID-19, proactive public education efforts and increased enforcement have also been initiated across the city.
 
Looking for more information?
 
On Thursday, March 25, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., the City will participate in a virtual session with the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce’s March Chamber Power Hour. Information will be shared with the local business community about the continuation of the City’s Temporary Outdoor Patio By-law. The session will detail how local eating establishments and banquet halls can temporarily expand or establish additional patios this season while maintaining physical distancing. Register now to be a part of the session.
 
#DineVaughanLocal
 
The City encourages residents to support local restaurants throughout the pandemic. Make a difference by dining out safely, ordering takeout or delivery, buying gift cards from local dining establishments, and sharing “local love” using #DineVaughanLocal on social media.
 
Stay up to date with the latest response efforts by frequently checking vaughan.ca/COVID19. Citizens are also encouraged to sign up for the City’s eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for news as it is released.  
 
Those who feel unwell, and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19, should contact York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information and resources on the virus, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.
 
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