Outdoor Patio Program Direction and Updates 2022

Patio permits are available for restaurants, cafes, breweries, distilleries, pubs, and bars. City staff will work closely with businesses to provide the service and education required for a successful application process.

Due to the success of the Outdoor Patio Program, Council adopted a new Downtown Seasonal Patio Bylaw in March 2022 to continually support and encourage local businesses. Increasing the vibrancy of the downtown core will draw people seeking an outdoor dining experience to the heart of our community.

What’s new

No application fees

Additional accessibility requirements

License of Occupation and Permit last for 3 years

Seasonal Patio

A temporary outdoor patio space located on City sidewalk, or portion of highway, utilized by an establishment, for the purpose of serving food and beverages in an outdoor setting.

On-Street Seasonal Patio

A Seasonal Patio located on a portion of highway, including OnStreet Parking spaces, with plans that are subject to review, inspections, and approval by a city building inspector.

Constructed Seasonal Patio

A constructed patio deck used as a Seasonal Patio, with plans and structure that are subject to review, inspections, and approval by a city building inspector.

A Place to Gather

Cafe or Bistro

A small Seasonal Patio located directly against the business property, either in front or on the side where there is suitable public space. Small patios are not enclosed by railings and furniture is removed at the end of each business day.

As the weather warms Seasonal Patios will entice individuals, groups, and parties to come and enjoy time together over good food and cold drinks.

A Permit is Required

Before the construction and operation of a Seasonal Patio, a Permit must be issued by the City of Cranbrook Engineering and Development Services Department.

Infrastructure

and roads pave the way for economic growth

How much will it cost?

All costs associated with the installation, maintenance, and removal of the Seasonal Patio are the responsibility of the individual, or company, designated on the Licence of Occupation.

There is a refundable $500 Security Deposit required for all Seasonal Patios where infrastructure stays in place overnight. In an effort to support businesses and the continued revitalization efforts for the Downtown core there are no other fees at this time!

Do I need an Inspection?

Once a completed Seasonal Patio Permit Application has been submitted, with ALL required documents, it will go through a review process.

Instances an on-site Inspection, by a City Building Inspector, is required prior to occupancy approval are:

• Patio is located On-Street

• Construction of Infrastructure

• Change in approved plan/layout

• Alterations to existing plans or drawings

Why?

The required inspection of the patio by the City’s Building Inspector is to ensure the patio structure is built to current BC Building Code (BCBC) requirements. The BCBC is a provincial regulation that outlines the standard that new construction, alterations, repairs and demolitions must meet. It sets the minimum requirements for safety, health, accessibility, fire and structural protection. The inspection will only be for the patio; however, the seating capacity of the patio may be impacted by your washroom capacity

Where can I put a Seasonal Patio?

• On the Sidewalk in front of your business or establishment

• In the lines of up to 3 Parallel or 5 Angled Parking Spaces

• In front of an adjacent business, with permission!

• In front of an adjacent Vacant Building, no permission needed!

What if I don’t like those options?

• Build a Rooftop Patio!!! They’re great

• Look for ways to improve aesthetics

• Find ways to love your space

Can I cook outside?

Cooking or barbecuing on a Seasonal Patio is a possibility! To be able to provide such an experience you will need to:

• Get written consent from neighboring businesses

• Ensure Interior Health and the Liquor and Cannabis Licensing Branch approves

• Address enhanced Fire Safety requirements

• Get permit approval from City Council

Application Requirements

Prior to constructing or operating a Seasonal Patio on City land, an Owner or an occupant must apply to the City for a Permit and must submit the following:

1. A completed Downtown Seasonal Patio Permit application form, available at the Engineering and Development Services Department and the City of Cranbrook Website.

2. Current Land Title search for the business premises.

3. Building owner approval if submission is from an occupying business.

4. Liquor or Food Primary License.

5. Proof of Insurance with City of Cranbrook as third party insured.

6. Scaled site plan showing the proposed Seasonal Patio that includes:

• all existing buildings and structures on private & adjacent property,

• location of the proposed patio and required Sidewalk clearance,

• business entrances,

• curbs, parking spaces, catch basins, & intersections, and

• a dimensioned floor plan detailing elevation, proposed platforms, railings, entrances and exits, accessibility requirements, patron capacity, and the proposed Patio Design of the layout of tables, chairs, umbrellas, bussing stations, planters, and any other fixtures.

7. Council approval, if required.

8. Payment of a $500.00 per permit application Security Deposit.

9. Signed Licence of Occupation.