Outdoor Patios & Sidewalk Cafes

For a restaurant or bar to develop outdoor seating, various approvals are required to take into consideration any impact to the surrounding area and to ensure the safety and enjoyment of customers.

On private parking lot or sidewalk:

Within a parking area or sidewalk on the same private parcel as restaurant: Development Permit required.

On public sidewalk/parking lane:

On a combination of private parcel and City public sidewalk/roadway: Municipal Works department approval required.

Redirected public sidewalk: 

Sidewalk Café requiring redirection of pedestrians to a temporary sidewalk deck in a curb lane.

  • On private parcel and City public sidewalk: Municipal Works department approval required.
  • Entirely within City public sidewalk: Municipal Works department approval required.

Your guideline to a successful commercial patio

 

1. Make a plan

Outdoor Patio Applications shall be submitted a minimum of five business days in advance of the expected start date.

If you are new to setting up a commercial patio, please contact the Municipal Works department. They can advise what information will be required from you. Returning applicants may proceed to Step 3 of the approval process.

Contact Municipal Works Example patio drawings

2. Do your homework

Before submitting your application, it is recommended that you:

  • Contact neighbours who may be affected to identify any potential concerns with your plan for an outdoor patio space
  • Obtain or confirm you have Commercial General Liability Insurance with the City of Medicine Hat listed as an “Additional Insured” with a minimum of $2,000,000 coverage.
  • Confirm that your proposed service meets relevant Alberta Health liquor and food regulations
  • Confirm with AGLC that your proposed alcohol service (if applicable) meets regulations

3. Apply for approval

Apply online

You can apply below for a temporary/seasonal patio by clicking the link below. The form can be filled out digitally, or printed off to fill out by hand and scanned. All copies must be emailed to the Municipal Works department at trafficaccom@medicinehat.ca.

Application form

Approval process

If on a City sidewalk or boulevard, the application will be reviewed by the Municipal Works department under the Public Roads Bylaw. We will be in touch to keep you aware of the status of your application and to ask you to provide more information if required.

Contact Us

Traffic Accommodation

City Hall
580 1 St SE
Medicine Hat, Alberta
T1A 8E6
P: 403-529-8177
F: 403-502-8040
Email us

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