AS part of the City of Vancouver’s ongoing support for local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, online applications are now being accepted for a temporary patio on public property for the April 1 to October 31 patio season.

Temporary patios on public property include patios on sidewalks and curb lanes next to local restaurants and bars. Businesses seeking a new temporary patio on public or private property can apply online. Businesses with an existing temporary patio permit on private property are not required to renew for the spring/summer patio season.

The City’s top priority is the health and safety of our residents. Our staff will be working to ensure that the Temporary Expedited Patio Program continues to support businesses recovery efforts and balances our responsibility to keep pedestrians and patio-goers healthy and safe and maintain accessibility in public spaces.

To avoid permit delays, we encourage businesses to submit complete applications. In the case of renewals, existing patios must be compliant with the Temporary Expedited Patio Program safety and structural standards.

City staff will be working with businesses to ensure that temporary patios do not:

* Restrict accessibility or reduce space for physical distancing on the sidewalk.

* Encroach too far onto the street, which may negatively impact other road users or interrupt City street cleaning, utility or construction work.

* Reduce the open-air aspect of the patio with additional structures or enclosures (COVID-19 transmission concern).

* Block access to critical utilities such as fire department connections.

Since launching a year ago, the Temporary Expedited Patio Program has issued more than 400 patio permits, helping bars and restaurants safely welcome customers while maintaining physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information on the Temporary Expedited Patio Program, visit vancouver.ca/temporary-patio