This information is provided primarily for those restaurant operators who wish to establish an outdoor area for food and/or beverages on municipal property, which are referred to as sidewalk cafes. Please see the Sidewalk Cafe Guidelines here: Sidewalk Cafe Guidelines & Additional Information
Summer of the Patio
Discover Niagara Falls' patio dining to enjoy this summer! For more information and a list of establishments offering patios, visit Summer of the Patio.
Where can I apply for a Sidewalk Café?
Applications for a sidewalk café must be submitted to the Planning Department, Wayne Thomson Building, 4343 Morrison Street, Niagara Falls OR [email protected].
You can find the application here.
What do I need to submit?
A completed application form and patio plan drawing must be submitted for a complete application. Plans must be prepared by a qualified professional*, drawn to scale in metric, showing: the front of the restaurant, the outside dimensions of the outdoor café area, the position of tables and chairs, and the total patio area calculation. The plans must show a minimum 1 metre (39 inches) wide emergency evacuation route from the business operation to the street.
*Defined as an Ontario Land Surveyor, Ontario Landscape Architect, Certified Planning, Engineering or Architectural Technologist or Technician.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, only if occupying City Property. You will need to submit a Standard Certificate of Insurance for $5 million to indemnify the City of Niagara Falls.
Visit our Certificates of Insurance page to get the current form.
Is there a fee?
Visit the Planning fees schedule for the most current fees. Please note that as of 2025, Small Frontage Sidewalk Cafés are permitted to operate without a license, at no cost.
There are no associated fees for Small Frontage Sidewalk Cafés, however, the following requirements must be met:
- Maximum dimensions: 0.8m deep x 5.5m wide (4.4 square metres in area)
- One or two tables
- Only permitted where the minimum pedestrian clearway is provided
- No fencing is permitted
- The chairs and tables must be removed from the sidewalk at the end of each business day
- A-frame signs on the sidewalk are not allowed if the width of the establishment is less than six metres
Please note that while no fees or other licensing is required for Small Frontage Sidewalk Cafés, the business owner should proceed with the application process. In so doing, a plan of the proposed location will be submitted, allowing the City to ensure there is adequate room on the sidewalk for the safe passage of pedestrians.
How long does it take?
The City will process your request as expeditiously as possible. The application will be circulated to municipal departments to make sure there are no safety risks. Provided there are no issues, the request will be granted as soon as possible.
Do I need perimeter fencing?
A physical separation around the outdoor café is required, if serving alcohol.
Can I operate an outdoor patio on my own restaurant property?
Yes. Outdoor patios located on private property would be subject to site plan control. Please contact the Niagara Falls Planning Department for more information regarding this process: [email protected] or 905-356-7521, ext. 4330.
