Business Patio Permits

Restaurants and bars in Downtown Whitby and Brooklin can request a temporary outdoor patio on a sidewalk or on-street parking space subject to meeting certain requirements.

Public property patio application process

1. Contact us phone 905-444-3164 or email downtowns@whitby.ca to confirm if you are eligible for the public patio program.
2. Complete the Outdoor Sidewalk Patio Café Permit Application including a sketch or aerial photo showing location / size of patio.
3. Complete the Town’s Certificate of Insurance Form ($2 Million General Commercial Liability required).
4. Submit forms to downtowns@whitby.ca.

Downtown patio guidelines

Restaurants located in Downtown Whitby are eligible to participate in the Streetside Patio Project. Send us an email or give us a call at 905.444.3164 for more information.

Streetside Patio Project Guidelines

• The restaurant must be located in Downtown Whitby. Restaurants along Dundas Street are not eligible in order to maintain traffic lanes required during peak morning and afternoon rush hour times.
• The following guidelines will be considered as part of any location:
  • Encroachment of the patio and associated pedestrian boardwalk into one or two on-street parking spaces would have minimal impact on the businesses near them;
  • The temporary boardwalk could be safely installed;
  • The existing sidewalk is wide enough to accommodate a patio with little or no street furniture, utilities, etc. in close proximity; and
  • No impact to transit.
• The restaurant owner/applicant is responsible for the costs associated with constructing their streetside patio including material, labour, installation, removal and storage.
• The restaurant owner/applicant is responsible for the costs associated with constructing the pedestrian boardwalk around the patio to the Town's specifications.
• The Town of Whitby is responsible for the removal/relocation of any street furniture as appropriate, including but not limited to the parking meter (not including the post) or waste receptacles.
• The restaurant owner/applicant is responsible for obtaining a patio permit from the Town of Whitby. Permit fees are $155 for a new temporary patio for the first year and $105 for a previously approved temporary patio, payable each year. 
• The permit requires a sketch showing location/size and provides further details on fencing, landscaping, and occupant load. The restaurant is required to provide the Town with a Certificate of Insurance ($2 Million), naming the Town of Whitby as an additional insured. Other permits and fees may apply (i.e. Region of Durham Health Department, Whitby Fire and Emergency Services inspection fees).
• The streetside patio can operate from May 1 to October 31, pending approval of necessary permits, and subject to weather. Poor weather conditions may require an earlier closure and removal of the patio and pedestrian boardwalk.

View the requesting outdoor patio on public property guide

View the Town’s Certificate of Insurance Form

Restaurants and bars are permitted to extend existing patios or establish new temporary (seasonal) patios on private property.

Private property patio application process

1. Obtain a letter of permission from the property owner agreeing to the extension/establishment of the patio.
2. Provide a sketch or aerial photograph of the bar/restaurant showing the proposed location of the patio/extension.
3. Provide details about the materials that will be used for the patio/extension (e.g. planters, temporary fencing).
4. Submit these documents to the Office of the Town Clerk by email to clerk@whitby.ca.
5. Permit fees are $155 for a new temporary patio for the first year and $105 for a previously approved temporary patio, payable each year.
6. Patio extensions and temporary patios can operate for a maximum period of eight months in a calendar year, in accordance with the requirements of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

View the requesting an outdoor patio on private property guide

View the patio safety heater guidelines