Patio Permits on Private Property
Information about seasonal commercial patios on private property, such as parking stalls, business frontages, or walkways.
2026 seasonal commercial patio program
For patios on private property: Carefully review this page and this page for full information on processes, minimum standards and operational requirements.
Program details
Where
With a Town permit, patios and bistros can be temporarily installed on private property.
When
Temporary patios and bistros can operate from May 1, 2026 to November 1, 2026.
How
All patios and bistros must have a valid Town of Oakville permit prior to installation and operation.
Apply for a patio on private property
Certificate of general liability insurance
- A copy of commercial general liability insurance coverage in the minimum amount of $2 million ($2,000,000.00) and naming the Town of Oakville as an additional insured.
- The coverage must be valid throughout the 2026 patio season.
Patio plan/sketch
- A plan or drawing of the proposed installation area for the patio, bistro.
- Include dimensions of the proposed area and dimensions to nearby building(s), light standard, walkway furniture, curb, etc.
- Returning applicants can include photo(s) of previous installation(s) if there are no proposed changes to the 2026 request. This is not in lieu of a plan or drawing, but it will help provide information/context for staff when reviewing your application.
- The drawing may be handmade or computer generated but must show a clear unobstructed view of the site. If a satellite view is used it must not show trees or objects blocking the site.
Approval from property owner
The applicant must show approval from the property owner to operate a seasonal patio between May1 to November 1. This can be in the form of an email.
Send the four documents to patios@oakville.ca with your business name and ‘private property’ in the email subject.
Documents to include with submission
- Seasonal Commercial Patio Program: Temporary Use of Private Property form (pdf)
- Certificate of liability insurance
- Patio plan/sketch
- Approval from property owner
Once your documentation is approved, staff will provide an Agreement to sign that will allow your business to operate a seasonal patio between May 1 to November 1, 2026.
Program guidelines
For 2026 seasonal patios on private property no application fee will be collected.
If your establishment has a valid liquor licence and you intend to serve liquor on your patio, you must apply for consideration and approval of a temporary liquor license extension through the Clerk’s department. This is a separate process from the patio permit.
Once you have received your patio permit, this can be used to apply for your temporary liquor licence extension.
If you do not have a valid liquor licence from the please contact the Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO) for more information on how to obtain a liquor licence.
General:
- The patio shall not be used earlier than 7 a.m. and no than 11 p.m. on private property between May 1 to November 1 each year.
- Hardscape patios and parking stall patios must be removed during the off- season.
- Patio furnishings and materials shall not interfere with the visibility of adjacent businesses.
- All objects associated with the patio must be contained within the approved patio area and must not interfere with the adjacent pedestrian clear path of travel or vehicle drive aisles.
Accessibility:
- Clear path: All patios must maintain minimum AODA accessibility requirements that include providing an unobstructed walkway clearance zone, known as the ‘clear path of travel’. Specific criteria are highlighted below:
- Minimum 1.8 metre wide clear path of travel
- Ensure no obstructions are located within the clear path of travel such as wires, planters, chairs, trees, signage, garbage receptacle and other physical obstructions.
- Patios cannot block pedestrian access along a walkway connection or entrance
- Surace in stall: Platforms are required within a parking stall to create a seamless and flush transition with the walkway.
- Seating: Accessible seating is encouraged. Tables should be accessible using mobility aids by having knee and toe clearance under the table.
Greening:
Landscaping of patios is encouraged and must be of a temporary design. Landscaping material may include planters, etc. Materials over railings/enclosures must be contained within the patio area and shall not extend into the clear path of travel of vehicles and pedestrians.
Umbrellas:
Umbrellas are encouraged within the patio subject to following criteria:
- Must be completely located within the patio area and not overhang onto drive aisles, parking stalls or over pedestrian walkways.
- Umbrellas must be secured to a substantial anchor/umbrella base.
Signage:
Participants must abide by the town’s Sign By-law:
- Advertising devices and signage are not permitted on patio railings/enclosures.
- A-frame signs may be permitted with the appropriate permit issued by the town.
- In all cases, signage should not obstruct the clear path of travel and access to building or patio entrances.
Heating devices:
Portable heating devices may be permitted on seasonal patios provided that town staff have approved the devices prior to installation and use. Heaters may be subject to inspection by the Oakville Fire Department to ensure safety.
For more information on patio heater safety, please review the TSSA Patio Heater Safety Guidelines.
Music and noise:
Moderate levels of outdoor music (at 50 dBA maximum) is allowed on patios for businesses in the Bronte Village, Downtown Oakville and Kerr Village business improvement areas (BIAs) until 10 p.m. daily.
Patios located within mixed-use and commercial areas outside of the BIAs will be permitted to have moderate levels of outdoor music until 7 p.m.
Tents:
- Tents and fixed overhead canopies are not permitted as part of the Seasonal Commercial Patio Program on private property.
Types of private property patios
Description
An unenclosed and narrow patio located on the walkway lining the frontage of the business to accommodate a few tables and chairs.
Location
On the walkway along the frontage of the business. The width of the walkway must be sufficient to accommodate a small amount of seating, while maintaining a minimum accessible 1.8 metre clear path for pedestrians.
Size and alignment
Limited to the width of the frontage of your business.
Bistro set-up should run single file along the building face.
Perimeter treatment
No enclosure is required. However, patio furniture must be positioned within the approved area.
Additional considerations
The furnishings should consist of folding small tables and chairs to be easily removed and stored inside during non-business hours.
Description
Patios on hardscape are larger than bistros and feature stable enclosure that delineate the patio area. It may consist of railings, tables, chairs, umbrellas, host stands, plants, solar lights, and/or other patio furnishing.
Location
On the walkway and/or hardscaped area adjacent to the frontage of the business. The size of the walkway and/or hardscaped area must be sufficient to accommodate the enclosed patio area, without conflicting with walkway elements and while maintaining an accessible and clear path for pedestrians.
Size and alignment
- Must maintain a minimum 1.8 metre pedestrian clear path of travel, including offsets from elements such as fire hydrants and waste receptacles.
- Must retain unobstructed access to the building and adjacent establishments.
- Align the patio entrance with the main entrance of your business where possible.
Perimeter treatment
Enclosed by a stable and secure enclosure that defines the patio area.
Additional considerations
- A raised platform patio will not be allowed on a flat surface in the walkway or hardscaped area. A platform may be used to provide a level patio surface where a slope is present, subject to additional requirements and approvals.
- Patios near intersection(s) of walkways may have additional requirements to ensure the increased activity will not interfere with pedestrian flow and safety.
Description
Patios may be located within parking stalls under certain circumstances. A platform to create a flush condition remove with the curb and walkway is required that is accessible and barrier free. They are required to have a stable and secure enclosure and may consist of railings, tables, chairs, umbrellas, host stands, solar lights, plants, and/or other patio furnishings. Patios that extend from parking stall to the walkway may be permitted where space allows.
Location
Within a parking stall where the context permits.
Surface treatment
- Platforms are required within a parking stall to create a flush condition with the walkway for accessibility.
- The sourcing, installation, maintenance, remove and storage of the patio platform, enclosures, and associated furnishings is the responsibility of the business operator.
Size and alignment
- The adjacent walkway space must be maintained, with a minimum 1.8m wide pedestrian clear path of travel located between the parking stall patio and surrounding buildings.
- The patio may be extended onto the walkway to create a larger patio area if the minimum 1.8m pedestrian clear path of travel can be maintained.
- The patio area may be extended beyond the width of the frontage of your business with property owner/town staff approval. Staff will consider the impact on neighbouring businesses when evaluating these requests.
- The occupied parking stalls should be as close to your business as possible and align the patio entrance with the main entrance of your business where possible.
- The edge of patio area must be setback a minimum of 30cm from the inside edge of the painted lines of abutting parking stalls and drive aisle.
Perimeter treatment
- Enclosures may consist of panels, fence-style railings, or other rigid construction that provides a continuous physical barrier.
- Horizontal-only railings, rope, cable, chain, or similar flexible or decorative barriers are not permitted as the primary enclosure.
- All enclosure components must be securely affixed to the patio platform and to each other to ensure stability and security.
- The recommended height for an enclosure is 1.1 metres.
Other configurations for all patios could be considered where unique scenarios exist.
The consideration and approval of these patios will be at the sole discretion of the Town of Oakville.
Images: Types of private property patios
