Seasonal patios
We offer a free, simplified process to allow restaurants and licensed manufacturers with tasting rooms (breweries, micro distilleries, etc.) to create seasonal patio spaces. Patios must follow safety requirements outlined in the patio registration form.
Registered seasonal patios can operate during the following time frames:
- Summer: April 1, 2024 – October 31, 2024
- Winter: November 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025
Seasonal patio approval expires when the season ends.
Businesses will need to review the requirements for the next patio season and submit a new registration to take part.
Building requirements
Seasonal patios can be on private property or sidewalks/streets, subject to the conditions on the patio registration form. Seasonal patios must be open air (no tents/structures/canopies) and provide temporary seating.
Inspections & occupancy
Inspections are not required for seasonal patios. But the City may conduct audit inspections of patios to ensure compliance with safety requirements on the registration form.
You don’t need to request an occupancy permit for seasonal patios.
If you need an occupancy permit to get a liquor license, the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba will be notified of the registration of your patio in lieu of an occupancy permit.
Determine the maximum capacity that's permitted to meet health & liquor requirements by contacting Manitoba Health at healthprotection@gov.mb.ca.
Fees
There are no City fees or charges for seasonal patios.
- Complete the summer patio registration form
- Email the completed registration form to ppd-zoningapplications@winnipeg.ca with "summer patio registration" in the subject line.
- Once your application is approved, it will be found on the list of registered seasonal patios.
- Open your patio. If you plan to serve alcohol, contact the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority before starting service.
- If the patio is in the Public Right of Way (sidewalk or street), provide a Certificate of Insurance to the City of Winnipeg Risk Management Division within five business days of registration. Refer to the registration form appendix for details.
- Complete the winter patio registration form
- Prepare your supporting documentation for review and approval. Hand drawings are acceptable and an engineer/architect is not required. Refer to the registration form for document requirements.
- Email the completed registration form and supporting documentation to ppd-zoningapplications@winnipeg.ca
- Your application will be reviewed by a technical advisory committee. You will be contacted within two business days about the status of approval.
- Once approved, open your patio. If you plan to serve alcohol, contact the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority before starting service.
- If the patio is in the Public Right of Way (sidewalk or street), provide a Certificate of Insurance to the City of Winnipeg Risk Management Division within five business days of approval. Refer to the registration form appendix for details.
Permanent patios
Permanent patios can be located on private property, sidewalks or streets. They contain permanent overhead structures or permanent seating.
To operate a permanent patio, you need:
- development permit (if there is outdoor drinking & dining)
- building permit
- occupancy permit
- encroachment agreement (if located on sidewalk/street)
The estimated approval timeline for an application is about 90 days. If you do not qualify for a seasonal patio and need a permanent patio, send an email to ppd-zoningapplications@winnipeg.ca.
Fees
Permanent patios are subject to fees found in Section 6.1.1. of the Planning, Property and Development Fees and Charges schedule.
Inspections & occupancy
Permanent patios need inspections and occupancy permits.
Determine the maximum capacity that will be permitted to meet health and liquor requirements by contacting Manitoba Health at healthprotection@gov.mb.ca.
- If your proposed permanent patio encroaches onto public property, you need to apply for a development permit.
- Once the development permit is reviewed and issued (if applicable), you need to apply for a building permit. When applying for a building permit, you need to submit:
- Commercial Alteration Design Summary application
- Dimensioned drawings
- Includes a site plan, patio plan, and a floor plan of the restaurant the patio serves
- Authorization letter
- Required design professional certificate (if a professional is involved)
Questions?
Email: ppd-zoningapplications@winnipeg.ca
Phone: 204-986-5140
Business hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday