It could soon be an easier process for business owners in Chatham-Kent who want to set up a temporary outdoor patio.
Municipal administration are recommending that they be authorized to formalize an application process for businesses who want to establish temporary outdoor patios located on municipal property for the period up to January 1, 2023.
On June 15, 2020, council approved emergency temporary patio guidelines for utilizing public and private outdoor spaces to temporarily expand outdoor dining capacity. That was done to make it easier for local restaurants and bars to serve patrons while complying with COVID-19 provincial health-related guidelines and protocols.
These temporary patio guidelines expired on January 1, 2022. Two weeks later, council extended the by-law to permit outdoor patios until January 1, 2023.
According to the staff report going to council, the Public Works Department received and approved 12 requests from businesses in 2021 for the construction of temporary patios on municipal property.
"The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and is causing significant economic effects across the world and locally in Chatham-Kent," stated the report. "The Public Works Department is committed to supporting businesses impacted by COVID-19 and wishes to formally extend the Temporary Outdoor Patio Program for 2022."
If the application process is approved, business owners would have to take the following steps:
- Step 1: Review the requirements of patios on municipal property
- Step 2: Take measurements and develop a sketch of the proposed patio area
- Step 3: Submit all required documentation including the application form, patio sketch, and a certificate of commercial general liability insurance
"The Director of Public Works or his designate will approve, refuse, or approve requests with changes and conditions deemed necessary to ensure compliance with applicable by-laws and public safety regulations," read the report. "If the application is approved, owners/tenants will be required to enter into an encroachment agreement with the municipality before any patio is constructed. There is no fee for the agreement, but all costs associated with the patio will be borne by the business owner."
