A Sidewalk Patio Permit is required for businesses wishing to occupy public sidewalk for the purpose of a patio or retail display area. The City of Abbotsford’s “Patio Policy C001-07” was adopted by Council on June 27, 2022, and replaces the previous “Temporary Expanded Services Areas” program and “Outdoor Patios for Cafes and Restaurants within the Abbotsford East Downtown Business Improvement Area” Policy.
Businesses can apply to the Director of Development Planning, through the Planning and Development Services team on the 2nd floor of City Hall or via email to Planning-Applications@abbotsford.ca. A $300 application fee is collected at time of application. This is a one-time fee unless substantive changes are proposed in following years, which may trigger a new application; rent will be collected prior to permit issuance, pro-rated until the end of each applicant’s business licence expiry date, and then again, annually, at time of business licence renewal. The Rental Rate is $5 per square foot, per year, or $100 per year, whichever is greater.