Sidewalk Cafe Frequently Asked Questions
A sidewalk café is an outdoor seating area located within a public right-of-way that functions as a seasonal extension of the restaurant. In order to operate a sidewalk café, one must obtain an annual permit.
How do I obtain a Sidewalk Café Permit to install an outdoor patio for my business?
Email engineeringdept@citywindsor.ca with the following information to be reviewed by the Right-of-Way Division:
- Completed Sidewalk Café Application Package or Parklet/Curbside Café Application Package
- Certificate of Insurance, satisfactory to the City of Windsor’s requirements
- Drawing with area and clearance dimensions for new or modified sidewalk cafés as outlined in the Sidewalk Café Handbook
- For Parklet and Curbside Cafés only: Complete Checklist and include all required documents.
What are the fees associated with obtaining a Sidewalk Café Permit within the public right-of-way?
- Indemnity fee: $1,000.00
- Permit fee: $283.00
- Annual café fee: $3.50 per square foot
- For parklets or curbside cafés that require the removal of parking meters, a fee of $33.00 per week per parking meter will be applied.
What are the insurance requirements for obtaining a Sidewalk Café Permit?
How many types of Sidewalk Cafés are there?
There are three types of Sidewalk Cafés offered through the City of Windsor:
-
Standard Sidewalk Café (two choices for the operating duration)
-
3-Season Café – Operates from March 1 to November 30.
-
Year-Round Café – Operates from January 1st to December 31. Year-round café requires one (1) heater (propane or electric) for every ten (10) people that will occupy the patio, and heaters must be included on the Certificate of Insurance.
-
Parklet Café – A patio which is constructed within the limits of a parking stall, fronting the applicant's business.
-
Operates from April 1 to November 15.
-
Curbside Café (Detoured Walkway) – Allows business owners to extend their sidewalk café to the curb line, while providing pedestrians with a clear path of travel through the entire width of the adjacent parking stall.
-
Operates from April 1 to November 15.
What clearances does the Sidewalk Café have to maintain?
-
A minimum 1.6 metres (6 feet) clear pedestrian aisle sidewalk must be maintained in all areas or as determined by the City Engineer.
-
Café entrances must maintain a minimum of 1.5 metres (5 feet) and up to 2.0 metres (6.5 feet) unobstructed path to the door of the restaurant for universal access.