27 May Public feedback sought on development of new patio by-law
Ottawa – Residents are invited to provide feedback as the City prepares a new, stand-alone by-law to regulate right-of-way patios – patios that operate on City sidewalks and boulevards.
You can learn more on ottawa.ca/patioreview about how patios are currently regulated through a broader existing by-law, what the objectives of this patio by-law review are and how to submit feedback about the subjects under review.
By developing a separate by-law, the City aims to improve service to the restaurant industry and to the public by rethinking the way the public domain is regulated. This review will ensure regulations are consistent with the City’s current standards and objectives for street use and design.
Public consultation will continue until Wednesday, June 1, and residents can offer feedback at ottawa.ca. There you will find an overview of current regulation and two discussion papers: one on safe and accessible sidewalks and one on dynamic right-of-way patios, which covers topics such as the use of audio speakers, railings and patio design.
Feedback from the consultation will be incorporated into a report and recommendation paper that residents will be invited to review later this summer. That paper, along with a proposed new by-law, will be considered by the City’s Transportation Committee later in 2016.
Patios on private property will not be affected by the new by-law and will continue to be regulated through the Zoning By-law. Annual fees for patio permits will not be included in the current review as they were the subject of a comprehensive review and report to Committee and Council in 2015.
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