City of Vancouver Patio Permit Guide & Flowchart

Restaurants, bars, breweries, cafes, and other hospitality businesses in Vancouver may require different patio permits and approvals depending on the patio location, whether the patio is seasonal or year-round, if alcohol will be served, and whether the application is new or a renewal.

This guide summarizes the City of Vancouver patio permit pathways and approval requirements for liquor-serving businesses.

Patio Permit Decision Flowchart

Step 1: Public Property or Private Property?

Public Property

Includes sidewalks, curb lanes, and on-street parking spaces
Public property patios may operate seasonally or year-round

Proceed to Step 2.

Private Property

Patio located behind the property line on the business’s own property
Development permit required
Year-round operation possible

If your patio is on both public and private property, contact the City of Vancouver.

Proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Summer Only or Year-Round?

Summer Only

Summer Patio Program
Season runs from April 1 to October 31
Includes Summer Sidewalk Patios and Summer Curbside Patios
Must apply or renew each year
Simplified renewal available where no changes are proposed

Proceed to Step 3.

Year-Round

Permanent / Annual Patio Program
Permit term runs from April 1 to March 31
Full review process through Planning and Development
Renewed annually
Decking may be approved
Suitable for businesses seeking continuous year-round outdoor seating

Proceed to Step 3.

City of Vancouver sources: "Get a patio permit", "Patios on public property", "Private patio permit"

Step 3: Sidewalk or Curb Lane?

Sidewalk

Located directly against the building frontage on the public sidewalk

Proceed to Step 4.

Curb Lane

Located in the curb lane, on-street parking area, road space, or street plaza adjacent to the business
Patio width cannot exceed 1.8 metres
Railings, traffic safety signs, and reflective materials required
New accessibility requirements introduced in 2026
Existing patios have three years to comply with updated accessibility requirements
One-time permit fee refund or credit available once accessibility upgrades are completed
Lightweight overhead protection, wind screens, posts and frames, integrated lighting, and other accessories now permitted
Engineer drawings no longer required for most summer patio structures

Proceed to Step 4.

City of Vancouver source: "Summer curbside patios"

Step 4: Liquor Service Needed?

Yes

Valid BC liquor licence required
Separate Liquor & Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) approval required
Proof of liability insurance required for public property patios with inclusive limit of $5,000,000 for public liability and property damage
Up to 50% of indoor seating may be transferred to the patio unless occupant load increase is approved
Liquor service on private patios requires railing
Service and customers on private property patios must move indoors by 11pm
Occupant load approval through Vancouver Fire Rescue Services may be required before LCRB submission

Proceed to Step 5.

No

Continue with applicable patio permit requirements

Proceed to Step 5.

City of Vancouver source: "Get an occupant load permit"

Step 5: New Application or Renewal?

New Application

Full application required
Site plan drawing required

Proceed to Step 6.

Renewal

Existing permit holders may qualify for simplified renewal
Renewal notices sent by email on March 1 each year
50% reduction in renewal fees for private patios over 25 sq m
No permit fees for private patios under 25 sq m

Proceed to Step 6.

City of Vancouver source: "Get a patio permit"

Step 6: Simplified or Full Application?

Simplified Renewal

Available where no changes are proposed from the prior year
Renewal notice sent by email on March 1 each year

Full Application Required

Required where changes are proposed to the patio layout or operation
New site plan may be required