The Town of Tecumseh is introducing temporary patio expansions to continue encouraging the development or extension of patios for local businesses after the pandemic. 

“Permanent Patio" means a clearly delineated area upon private lands that is a permanent physical extension of an AGCO licensed premises which is designed for a group of tables and chairs and other accessories for the use and consumption of food and beverages sold to the public from, or in, an Eligible Business in the Town of Tecumseh and for which approval from the AGCO has been obtained.

"Temporary Patio" means a clearly delineated area upon private lands (if zoning compliant) or municipal lands that is designed for a group of tables and chairs and other accessories for the use and consumption of food and beverages sold to the public from, or in, an Eligible Business in the Town of Tecumseh and includes a temporary extension of a AGCO licensed premises, a temporary extension of an existing patio or a permanent patio that is not and is not required to be a AGCO licensed premises, all for which an annual approval from the Approval Manager is required under this by-law for the Authorized Time Period of a particular year.

Approval for a temporary patio must comply with other approvals as may be applicable such as the Health Unit, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and any other regulatory bodies governing the sale of food and/or beverages or the public health. Permanent patio approval must still be obtained from the AGCO. Owners of a permanent patio must remain in good standing with the requirements of such AGCO approval and in compliance with the Temporary Outdoor Patio Guidelines.

Temporary Outdoor Patio Guidelines

The Town has developed Temporary Outdoor Patio Guidelines (the Guidelines) to assist business owners to extend existing or establishing new temporary patios on private and public property.

Once your application has been submitted online, it will be reviewed by the Town to determine approval. Before you submit your application, please ensure compliance with the guidelines and requirements contained in By-Law 2023-046.
How To Apply

Before you submit your application, make sure you have the following documents to attach:

  • Site plan drawn to scale illustrating the location, limits and dimensions of the temporary patio, and all associated features (i.e. barricades, fencing, tables, chairs) (See below);

Sample Site Plan

 

  • Certificate of Insurance;
    • $2 million against any liability for property damage or personal injury, negligence including death which may arise from the applicants’ operations under this agreement.
    • Town of Tecumseh must be included as an "Additional Insured" with evidence of Liquor Liability 
  • Property Owner's Consent if you are the tenant;
  • Adjacent tenant(s) consent if the patio or patio expansion extends in front of the adjacent tenant(s);
  • Current Liquor License; 
  • Windsor Essex County Health Unit Approval Letter. 

Once you submit the application, it will be reviewed by the Town and the Chief Building Official will inspect the temporary patio to make sure it is in compliance with the Guidelines.

Submit Your Application Here
FAQ:
What is the difference between temporary and permanent patios?

“Permanent Patio" means a clearly delineated area upon private lands that is a permanent physical extension of an AGCO licensed premises which is designed for a group of tables and chairs and other accessories for the use and consumption of food and beverages sold to the public from, or in, an Eligible Business in the Town of Tecumseh and for which approval from the AGCO has been obtained.

"Temporary Patio" means a clearly delineated area upon private lands (if zoning compliant) or municipal lands that is designed for a group of tables and chairs and other accessories for the use and consumption of food and beverages sold to the public from, or in, an Eligible Business in the Town of Tecumseh and includes a temporary extension of a AGCO licensed premises, a temporary extension of an existing patio or a permanent patio that is not and is not required to be a AGCO licensed premises, all for which an annual approval from the Approval Manager is required under this by-law for the Authorized Time Period of a particular year. 

An Owner of a temporary patio is required to annually submit an application. An Owner of a permanent patio is not required to submit an annual application, but obtain requisite approval from the AGCO and remain in compliance with By-Law 2023-046.
How long is the temporary license valid for?
The license is valid for 8 months in a calendar year. The months do not need to be consecutive. 
Can onsite parking/parking lots be used for a temporary patio?

Required on-site parking may be used for a Temporary patio. The required number of designated Accessible Parking Spaces must remain available for parking use and designated fire routes and sight triangles must be maintained. A reasonable number of standard parking spaces should be maintained to serve patrons and the use of legal on-street parking may be taken into account as part of this consideration. More information on onsite parking can be found here. 
Is insurance required? What kind? 
The Owner shall purchase and maintain in force, at their own expense (including the payment of all deductibles) and for the term of the permit, the following policies of insurance underwritten by insurers licensed to conduct business in the Province of Ontario and shall be considered primary coverage of any existing Town insurance coverage. More information on types of insurance can be found here.