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Apply for a temporary patio permit

If your restaurant has a valid business license, you can expand your outdoor seating and dining area through the temporary patio program.

Temporary patio permit season is from May 1 to October 15 of each year, and it only applies to properties on public lands.

Difference between public and private lands

Public lands are owned by the City of Mississauga. Examples include sidewalks, streets and roads.

To set up a temporary patio on public land, you must get a temporary patio permit or an encroachment agreement, depending on the type of patio. The City will not issue permits for temporary patios on city roads with a posted speed limit of 50 km/h.

Private lands are owned by individuals or private entities.

You don’t need a permit to set up temporary patios on private land if they comply with zoning regulations.

For any construction work, such as a new platform higher than 2 feet above average grade, you must get a building permit.

Construction and encroachment

For any construction work, you must enter into an encroachment agreement. For example, if you need to build a wooden platform, you must apply for an encroachment agreement before you can begin construction.

To build platforms taller than 2 feet above the average grade, you must get a building permit as well as an encroachment agreement.

For more information, learn about encroachments on City property or email Realty Services at realtyservices@mississauga.ca or call 905-615-3200 ext. 5428.

Application processing time

It will take approximately 8 to 10 weeks for your application to be processed.

To make sure you can open your patio by May 1, you must submit your application by February 15 of each year.

How to apply

  1. Review the Guidelines for Temporary Patios in the Public Right of Way.
  2. Complete the required documents in the application package.
  3. Email your completed application package to temporarypatio@mississauga.ca.
  • Temporary Patio Permit Application
  • Certificate of Insurance – Standard Liability
    • You must maintain a commercial general liability policy that includes host liquor liability (if applicable) of at least $5 million and property insurance coverage in amounts required to adequately cover the property, equipment and other such property in the care, custody and control of the City.
    • The policy shall contain a waiver of rights of subrogation against the City and will ensure the City is added as an additional insured party under said policies to insure the City to the same extent as the Owner/Occupant.
    • You must deliver an executed City of Mississauga certificate of insurance to the City. The form must be completed by your insurance company and include an original stamp and signature.
  • Temporary Outdoor Patio – Serving Alcohol Application form
    • Required if you have a valid Liquor Sales license (approved by AGCO) and you intend to extend your existing liquor licenses to sell or serve alcohol on your proposed temporary outdoor patio.
  • Acknowledgement and Authorization form
    • If you don’t own the property that will benefit from the temporary patio, you must enclose an affidavit signed by the registered property owner attesting to the fact that the applicant is authorized to represent the property owner.
  • Sketch of the temporary patio encroachment, including:
    • The property address and the appropriate dimensions as described in the General Business Requirements, Safety Requirements and Additional Safety Requirements.
    • The distance from the edges of the proposed patio to the nearest above-ground obstruction such as, the curb line, fire hydrants, street lighting, traffic signal and other utility poles, sign posts, parking meters, trees, bus stop, etc.
    • The distance from the edge of the patio to the property line of adjacent tenant spaces.
    • If proposed, location of heating device(s) and distance from any tent(s) and surrounding structures/buildings. You are to specify type and number of heating device(s); and specify location of fire extinguisher(s).
    • If proposed, sketch of the location of tent(s) including measurements

Notify the AGCO

If you intend to extend your establishment’s existing liquor licenses to serve alcoholic beverages at a City-approved temporary outdoor patio, you must notify the AGCO of the City’s approval before you sell or serve alcohol. The notification must include the City’s approval, duration of the approval and any conditions on the approval granted.

Fees

Permit fees are waived for temporary patio permits until December 31, 2025, as per by-law 0218-2023 and are subject to change.

Inspections and occupancy

  • All temporary patios on the City’s right-of-way are subject to enforcement.
  • Peel Public Health officials are authorized to inspect all temporary patios. They can mandate restaurants to make adjustments to the patio to ensure the restaurant operations comply with public health and safety standards.
  • The City may conduct audit inspections of patios to ensure compliance with the outlined general safety requirements and permit terms and conditions.

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