Patio Licensing

The City of North Bay has adopted the Sidewalk Patio Policy, allowing businesses within the Downtown Improvement Area (DIA) to apply for non-exclusive use of publicly owned sidewalks and on-street parking spaces in front of their buildings for sidewalk patios.

Key Details:

• Sidewalk patios are permitted from the Victoria Day long weekend in May to the Thanksgiving long weekend in October.
• These patios enhance the downtown streetscape, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors.
• Businesses must enter into a Sidewalk Patio Licence Agreement with the City of North Bay.

Resources:

• Sidewalk Patio Application Form
• Standard Sidewalk Cafe Agreement (Sample)
• Downtown Improvement Area (DIA) Map

Financial Incentives Available!
Businesses in the Downtown Target Area may also be eligible for financial incentives, such as the Sidewalk Patio Grant, through the Growth Community Improvement Plan. Click here to learn more

Outdoor patios located outside the downtown area that encroach on a sidewalk or boulevard adjacent to a business require an agreement with the City and must adhere to all general patio requirements and comply with municipal regulations.

Key Details:

• Patios must be approved by the City of North Bay Engineering Department.
• The patio's design should ensure pedestrian and vehicular safety in the area.
• The licensee shall not damage the sidewalk area or make any permanent attachments to the sidewalk area.
• The licensee is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the outdoor patio area and ensuring it is free from debris.

Resources:

• Application for Outdoor Patio Licence (General)

• Patios cannot extend into yards adjacent to residential zones
• Washroom facilities must be available for patrons and staff
• Patios must comply with accessibility standards
• No smoking is permitted, per the Smoke-Free Ontario Act
• Businesses must have sufficient control over the patio area
• Alcohol can be served on patios but licensees must meet any applicable requirements of the Alcohol and  Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)
• The municipality shall specify the maximum duration of an approved temporary outdoor physical extension.

All new and expanded patios require a site plan for City approval, which must include:

• The location and size of the proposed patio or patio expansion on the property, including the location of any buildings or existing patios on site
• The location of existing and proposed new pedestrian and vehicular paths of travel
• The capacity of the area to which the extension would apply allows for at least 1.11 square metres per person

A building permit is required if:

• The patio is built more than 12 inches off the ground.
• If your patio requires a building permit, the design of your patio must be completed by a Professional Engineer or Architect or other qualified professional.
• Any tent that is 225m2 (2,420 ft2) or larger requires a building permit and must be engineered.
• All tents must be fire-retardant and placed at least 10 feet from any structure
• For more information, please email  building@northbay.ca or call (705) 474-0400 ext. 2415.

• Patio Policy Guidelines
• Sidewalk Patio Policy

Obtain approval from your local municipality before setting up the patio.

Notify the AGCO of:

• Your municipal approval
• The approved duration of your patio
• Any conditions attached to the approval

How to Notify the AGCO:

• Submit a regulatory submission through your iAGCO online account
• For more details, visit the AGCO Website