Outdoor Patios & Sidewalk Cafes

When a restaurant or pub wants to add seasonal outdoor seating, there are a few approvals needed. These help make sure everything fits well with the neighborhood and stays safe and enjoyable for everyone.

On your property only:

 

 

!

 

 

Reopening for another season?

Generally, if your patio is fully on your property, you do not need to re-apply for a Development Permit or Safety Codes Permits if these were approved in a previous year. Refer to your previous permits and adhere to the conditions. However, you must re-apply if there are significant changes planned for the patio space.

 

 

 

Patio guide: On your property only

Before you apply:

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
  • Confirm that your proposed service meets relevant Alberta Health food regulations
  • If serving alcohol, confirm with AGLC that your proposed service meets regulations

Prepare drawing(s)

  • It is preferred that the drawings be professionally (draftsperson) produced, although it may not be necessary.
  • Neat drawings with accurate and complete information are required.
  • Scan the drawings (or take very clear photos of them) and save as PDF or JPG.

See examples below:

See example drawings


Apply:

  • Apply a minimum of 10 business days in advance of your intended opening date.
  • Apply for a Development Permit for a seasonal patio by using ePermit.
  • You will be prompted to create a new account, if you do not have one.
  • Have your digitized drawings ready and attach them when prompted.

Apply online

New to ePermit?
See user guide


Approval process

A City Planner will review your application and will contact you. They may ask for clarity on certain points. Approval will be granted once all conditions are met.

On City property only:

 

 

!

 

 

Reopening for another season?

You must re-apply if your patio will be fully or partly on City property, even if you were granted approval for any previous year. For seasonal patios, City property refers to a public sidewalk, a section of public roadway, or both. If approved, all patio infrastructure must be removed by September 30th of the current calendar year.

 

 

 

Patio guide: On City property only

Before you apply:

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 food regulations
  • If serving alcohol, confirm with AGLC that your proposed service meets regulations

Prepare drawing(s)

  • It is preferred that the drawings be professionally (draftsperson) produced, although it may not be necessary.
  • Neat drawings with accurate and complete information are required.
  • Scan the drawings (or take very clear photos of them) and save as PDF or JPG.

See examples below:

See example drawings


Apply:

  • Apply a minimum of 10 business days in advance of your intended opening date.
  • Complete the PDF application form and save it.
  • Email the completed form to Municipal Works for review (email address on form).
  • Have your digitized drawings ready. Attach them with your email when you submit the form.

Apply now


Approval process

The City Roads Department (Municipal Works) will review your application and will contact you. We may ask for clarity on certain points. Approval will be granted once all conditions are met.

On both private and City property:

 

 

!

 

 

Reopening for another season?

You must re-apply if your patio will be fully or partly on City property, even if you were granted approval for any previous year. For seasonal patios, City property refers to a public sidewalk, a section of public roadway, or both. If approved, all patio infrastructure on City property must be removed by September 30th of the current calendar year.

 

 

 

Patio guide: On both private and City property

Before you apply:

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 food regulations
  • If serving alcohol, confirm with AGLC that your proposed service meets regulations

Prepare drawing(s)

  • It is preferred that the drawings be professionally (draftsperson) produced, although it may not be necessary.
  • Neat drawings with accurate and complete information are required.
  • Scan the drawings (or take very clear photos of them) and save as PDF or JPG.

See examples below:

See example drawings


1- Apply for Development Permit:

  • Apply a minimum of 10 business days in advance of your intended opening date.
  • Apply for a Development Permit for a seasonal patio by using ePermit.
  • You will be prompted to create a new account, if you do not have one.
  • Have your digitized drawings ready and attach them when prompted.

Apply online

New to ePermit?
See user guide


2 - Apply for Public Roads approval:

  • Apply a minimum of 10 business days in advance of your intended opening date.
  • Complete the PDF application form and save it.
  • Email the completed form to Municipal Works for review (email address on form).
  • Have your digitized drawings ready. Attach them with your email when you submit the form.

Apply now


Approval process

If your patio is re-opening for another season, you must still re-apply for Public Roads approval. The City Roads Department (Municipal Works) will review your application and will contact you. We may ask for clarity on certain points. Approval will be granted once all conditions are met.

If your patio is re-opening for another season, you do not need to re-apply for a Development Permit if this was approved in a previous year. Refer to your previous permits and adhere to the conditions. However, you must re-apply for a Development Permit if there are significant changes planned for the patio space.

Contact us if you have questions.

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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