Patio Permit Applications Open For the 2025 Season

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Applications are now open for the City of Peterborough’s annual patio program for the 2025 season.

In February 2025, City Council approved maintaining the current insurance requirements for Downtown Patio Program participants at $2 million Commercial General Liability, except for patios licenced to serve alcohol, which would be required to have $5 million Commercial General Liability. File Photo.

The patio program creates the opportunity for more patio and pedestrian space in the City’s Central Area.  

The program includes:

  • Allowing businesses on George, Water and Charlotte streets to use on-street parking spaces for additional outdoor business/patio space.

  • Maintaining the existing two-vehicle travel lanes and cycling lanes on George and Water Streets.

  • Reducing Hunter Street West to a one-lane, one-way street to expand pedestrian space and available patio areas.

  • Maintaining Charlotte Street as a two-way, two-lane street while allowing for patios in on-street parking spaces through the patio permit process.

  • The use of decorative fencing and planters to delineate between the new pedestrian areas, expanded/on-street patios and vehicular traffic lanes.

  • The program has been expanded to allow businesses in East City along Hunter Street East to operate a patio on a portion of the city sidewalks.

  • A non-refundable $400 Application fee.

Patio licences are required for all individuals, partnerships or corporations that want to place a patio on City-owned property.

To apply for a patio licence, visit the City’s Application, Licences and Permits webpage online. Applicants can submit an application, permit fee and supporting documents through the City’s website.

There will be reduced speed limits on streets with patios. Parking spaces, loading zones and designated waste pick-up areas may be adjusted once patio locations have been confirmed with participating businesses. 

Patio licence holders must put in place feasible measures to reduce physical barriers, respecting the accessibility needs of individuals. Business owners and patrons may contact the City with suggested modifications to the patio layouts that would improve accessibility. Where feasible, the City will work with licence holders to make requested improvements.

To have a patio licence ready for the Victoria Day long weekend, completed applications should be submitted by April 1. The last day to apply for a patio licence for the 2024 Patio Season is May 30.

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