FAQs

Temporary Patios can be operated adjacent to or within proximity to a restaurant, take-out restaurant, or convenience restaurant in the following zones: O1, C1 to C4, H-CC1 to H-CC4, H-CCO,E1 to E3.

To find out the zone for your property, try our Interactive Zoning Information Map.

Permanent patios are currently permitted in the O2, O3 (Office) zones and in the CC1 to CC4, CCO and CCOS (Downtown Core) zones as Accessory Uses to restaurant establishments; however, all permanent patios are subject to Site Plan Control and require a Site Plan Application.

Mississauga’s Temporary Patio Program was launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to support the restaurant industry by allowing them to expand outdoor seating.

Currently, temporary outdoor patios are permitted if they are accessory to restaurants, convenience restaurants, and take-out restaurants in certain zones. This permission was made possible through a temporary use by-law that remains in effect until December 31, 2023 (after which it will expire). The temporary use by-law for Temporary Patios extends to both private and City-owned lands, including sidewalks and curb lane / parking lay-bys.

Temporary Patios are not permitted:

• in spaces with parking restrictions or in special zones (bus lane, loading zone etc.)
• in an existing bus stop and associated bus stop tapers
• to extend in front of adjacent tenant/business spaces without written permission from the affected neighbouring property owner/tenants (this applies to any overhanging elements also)
• to be accessed by patrons through a restaurant kitchen or employee-only area
• on required landscaped areas or landscaped buffers 
• to obstruct a fire route, driveway or parking aisle

In order to meet accessibility requirements for temporary patios, the patio establishment must adhere to various safety, operational, and functional guidelines. These requirements encompass the following:

Inclusive Seating: The patio should provide table and seating arrangements that are designed to accommodate individuals of diverse abilities.

Non-Intrusive Installation: To ensure public safety and accessibility, no fixtures should be drilled or affixed to the sidewalk or roadway.

Safe Electrical Arrangements: Any power cords or electrical wires used for heating devices must be positioned in a manner that does not obstruct or cross municipal sidewalks or roadways.

Unobstructed Pedestrian Path: It is mandatory to uphold an unobstructed pedestrian walkway of at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) in width on the sidewalk.

Curb Lane/On-Street Patios: For patios located within curb lanes or on-street parking lanes, the patio establishment is responsible for installing temporary ramps, which are meant to make it convenient for pedestrians to access the nearby raised sidewalks or curbs.

For any noise-related complaints, concerns, or if you have questions about the current Noise Control By-law, please contact our Customer Service staff. You can reach them by dialing 311 within the city of Mississauga (or 905-615-4311 outside of Mississauga), and our staff will be readily available to assist you.

Required: Patio permits are required for temporary patios located on city owned lands (such as sidewalks, curb lane/parking lay-bys), where no construction, such as a wooden platform, is proposed. 

Not Required: Patio permits are not required for temporary patios on privately owned lands, however it is advisable for all restaurants to obtain permission from the property owner or manager prior to installing the patio, and to ensure that the patio does not obstruct fire routes.
 

*Note: A Building Permit is required for all platforms higher than 2ft. above average grade.

For detailed safety requirements, please review the Guidelines for Temporary Patios in the Public Right-of-Way

The requirements are:

• Application form
• Certificate of Insurance – Standard Liability form
• Signed Acknowledgement and Authorization form
• Sketch of temporary patio  location
• Fees – currently waived

*For detailed application requirements, please visit the Temporary Patio Program website

A Temporary Patio Permit takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks to be processed. To obtain a temporary patio permit approval before the start of patio season, it is advisable to submit your complete patio permit application before April 10th.

Encroachment Agreements are required for temporary patios located on city owned lands (such as sidewalks, curb lane/parking lay-bys), where construction, such as a wooden platform, is proposed.

*Note: A Building Permit is required for all platforms higher than 2 ft. above average grade.

The following are the requirements for the Encroachment Agreement Application:

• Application form
• Certificate of Insurance – Standard Liability form
• Signed Acknowledgement and Authorization form
• Professional Sketch prepared & stamped by an Engineer, Architect or Surveyor showing the encroachment
• Fees – currently waived
• Articles of Incorporation or Letters Patent, if property owner is a corporation OR Partnership Registration Form, if property is held by a partnership. Also include a Corporate Profile Report
• Transfer/Deed to the property
• Current copy of the Property Parcel Register for property

*For detailed application requirements, please visit the Encroachments on City Property website

An Encroachment Agreement takes approximately 5 to 6 weeks to be processed. To obtain an Encroachment Agreement before the start of patio season, it is advisable to submit your complete encroachment application before March 20^th.

If you plan to serve alcohol on your Seasonal patio, you must: 

1. Have a valid, AGCO issued, Liquor License
2. Submit a Temporary Patio - Serving Alcohol Application to the City
3. Notify the AGCO once approved by the City

Note: It is the restaurant operator’s responsibility to ensure compliance with all Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) regulations as well as adhere to any conditions on their liquor sales licence.