Outdoor Patios on Public and Private Property
In 2023-2024, the County’s patio program underwent a comprehensive review and update. The program update recognized the vibrancy and vitality that patios bring the Prince Edward County’s Main Streets. The updates to the program seek to simplify the application process for participating businesses while reinforcing accessibility and public safety standards so that sidewalks and patios can be enjoyed by all.
Commercial patios within Prince Edward County are governed by By-law No. 44-2024. If you’re considering a patio for your business, please explore the options below:
Patio on Public Property (Sidewalk Patio)
There are two applications available. Please ensure you are completing the correct one:
Guidelines for sidewalk patios on public property are available online here. Guidelines are in place to ensure that accessibility and public safety standards are being met.
This application form is for new applicants to the sidewalk patio program and/or returning applicants who are making changes to their design. Applicants under this stream are required to have a site meeting with municipal staff prior to making an application. The site meeting is an opportunity to discuss plans and site conditions. To book a site meeting, please e-mail: sidewalkpatio@pecounty.on.ca
To apply for a new or modified sidewalk patio, you will need the following information:
- Proof of business insurance (with the County named as an additional insured) $2 million minimum
- Proof of insurance of the constructor installing the patio
- Valid AGCO liquor licence (if applicable)
- Photo(s) of the proposed area
- Design of the proposed structure and elevation plan, bird’s eye view of the proposed structure (include as much detail as possible, including dimensions, surface materials, accessibility compliance)
- Letter of permission from building owner (if you’re not the owner)
- A $35 fee will be applied to the first invoice upon installation
If you are a new patio applicant, or you are planning to make changes to an existing patio, please click here to fill out an application form.
Guidelines for sidewalk patios on public property are available online here. Guidelines are in place to ensure that accessibility and public safety standards are being met.
This application form is for returning applicants to the sidewalk patio program who are not making changes to the application from the previous year. Applicants will require the following information:
- Proof of business insurance (with the County named as an additional insured) $2 million minimum
- Proof of insurance of the constructor installing the patio
- Valid AGCO liquor licence (if applicable)
- A $35 fee will be applied to the first invoice upon installation
If you are a returning applicant and you have no changes to your patio, please click here to fill out an application form.
For more information on the Sidewalk Patio Program, please email sidewalkpatio@pecounty.on.ca.
Patio on Private Property
A private Patio is an outdoor patio that is located solely on private property of an eligible organization. A private patio extension includes a temporary extension of an Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) licensed premises, and a temporary extension of an existing patio. Guidelines for patios on private property are outlined in By-Law No. 44-2024.
Private Patio extensions are valid between April 1st to no later than November 1st of the year in which the extension is granted.
To apply for a Private Patio Extension, please email clerks@pecounty.on.ca
Applicants will require the following information:
- Licencees must have a valid liquor sales licence issued by the AGCO;
- Diagram of the proposed location and layout of the patio (including dimensions);
- Licensee is able to demonstrate sufficient control over the physical extension or addition of the premises;
- There is no condition on the liquor sales licence prohibiting a patio;
- The capacity of any new patio, or extended patio space where the Licensee has an existing licensed patio, allows for a minimum of 1.11 square metres per person which determines the maximum capacity of premises to which the Building Code Act and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act applies;
- All plans submitted for temporary patio extensions/additions must adhere to By-Law 44-2024;
- An attestation that any applicable accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) have been met;
- In the case of a by-the-glass endorsement to a Manufacturer’s Licence, the sale and service of wine, beer and/or spirits manufactured by the manufacturer within the physical extension of the premises is primarily aimed at promoting the manufacturer’s product and either providing an enhanced tourist experience or fulfilling an educational purpose; and
- Proof of insurance.
Approval of the application will be in the form of a letter of approval. There is a $35 fee for the letter.
The County strongly encourages that accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 are considered when operating a patio. This could include wide aisleways and clear paths, braille and audible menus, ramps and accessible seating/tables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guidelines are as outlined in By-Law 44-2024 – To Regulate Outdoor Temporary Patios on Municipal Property and Private Commercial Property.
Sidewalk Patio: A $35 fee will be applied to the first invoice upon installation.
Please note that sidewalk patio licences shall include a daily parking space rental fee as set out in the Fees and Charges By-Law for the temporary use of the sidewalk and/or adjacent parking space(s), which fees shall be calculated based on recovering the cost of parking 9am-5pm, 5 days / week for each week that the Licence is valid.
Private Patio: A $35 fee will be required for the letter of approval.
There shall be no fee for the initial inspection of a new application for Sidewalk and Private Patios. Additional inspections, if required, are subject to an inspection fee in the amount as set out in the Fees and Charges By-Law.
An outdoor patio permit must be obtained annually, regardless of whether they were previously approved by the Municipality.
Approved sidewalk patios, are permitted for use from May 1st to November 1st of each year.
Approved private patios, are permitted for use from April 1st to November 1st of each year.
This application process is only for businesses/organizations looking to have a temporary patio installed on Municipal property (sidewalk/street), or for any licenced establishment (business with an approved AGCO liquor licence) looking to have a temporary extension of their liquor licence (ex. sell liquor on an outdoor patio). It does not apply to other private properties.