Sidewalk Café Licence

To apply for your Sidewalk Café Licence, you must: 

• Complete the licence application online or in-person at City Hall  
• Include a site plan with your application
• Include proof of liability insurance in an amount not less than two million dollars naming the City as additional insured, as per BY-LAW # H-902 Section 4 (b) 
• Sign the consent agreement form 
• Pay $350 licence fee upon submission of licence application

• If applicable, pay the $184/month parking fee 

Once your application is reviewed, you will be notified which of the following permits could be required: 

If your sidewalk café includes a structure, you will require: 

• A building permit  

• A development permit  

If your sidewalk café does NOT include a structure, you will require: 

• A development permit  

Building and/or Development Permit Application Form

Other required permits could include: 

• A street closure permit if construction of your structure temporarily or permanently blocks or restricts access to streets or sidewalks 

You will need your Sidewalk Café Licence application number when applying for the additional permits listed above. 

Applicable permit fees will apply for additional permits. See the list of fees and charges.
 

If applicable, construction can begin once required permits are issued. 

Once construction is complete, notify by-law to schedule inspection. 

IMPORTANT: Your patio can only open and begin operating once inspections are complete and the sidewalk café licence is issued. 

Inspections may include: 

• Site inspection 
• Structure inspection (if applicable) 
• Barrier inspection (if applicable) 

IMPORTANT: You can only open and begin operating once the Sidewalk Café Licence is issued.  

Once all required permits are issued and inspections are passed, your Sidewalk Café Licence will be issued, and you can begin operating. 

If you plan to serve alcohol at your sidewalk café, you may be required to apply for a liquor licence through the Province of New Brunswick. If a liquor licence is required, a zoning certificate from the City may also be necessary.

Zoning Certificate applications can be submitted online through My Services. 

We encourage applicants to apply online for faster processing. 

If you are unable to apply online, you may submit your application in person at City Hall. 

The Sidewalk Café Licence fee is $350. 

Separate fees may apply if additional permits are required. Once your application has been reviewed, you will be advised of any additional permits required and provided with information on how to apply for each. See the list of fees and charges. 

Depending on your setup, you could require:

• A building permit
• A development permit
• A sidewalk or street closure permit
• A parking fee 
• A zoning certificate  

Once your application has been reviewed, you will be advised of any additional permits required and provided with information on how to apply for each. 

Permits are valid from April 16 to October 31. 

• Maintain at least 1.8 m of clear sidewalk space 
• Ensure pedestrians never need to step off the curb to pass 
• Install an approved fixed barrier (e.g., railing) to ensure separation from pedestrian traffic
• Not obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic 
• Not occupy the travelled portion of the street (unless approved by the City engineer)
• If the installation encroaches on neighboring businesses, obtain their consent prior to Sidewalk Café Licence application 

Additional requirements may apply based on site-specific conditions. 

A site plan: a sketch or drawing that is to scale.

Proof of Liability insurance in an amount not less than two million dollars naming the City as additional insured, as per BY-LAW # H-902 Section 4 (b).

Encroachment consent (if applicable): obtain a written consent from the neighboring business if an encroachment of their store front is proposed.

• Property boundaries (including street line) 
• Location of the existing building
• Setbacks and dimensions of the proposed sidewalk café area (disclosure of any roof structures or umbrellas)
• Location and width of the remaining sidewalk space 

The following information will be required on the site plan if the sidewalk café area is proposed in an on-street parking space or encroaching in vehicle travel lanes:

• Setbacks and size of jersey barrier
• Limits of the on-street parking space being utilised (if applicable)

Example of site plan: 

Please note that we may ask for revisions of the site plan with additional site-specific information upon review of the submitted plan. 

You are responsible for clearing snow and ice along the entire café area, including in front of and beside it in accordance with the City’s Snow Clearing Plan. 

No. Licences and permits are not transferable. 

Yes, but all furniture, fixtures, signs, umbrellas, and planters must: 

• Stay within the approved café area 
• Not overhang or extend beyond its boundaries 

Once all required permits are issued and inspections are passed, your Sidewalk Café Licence will be issued. 

Your patio can only open and begin operating once the licence is issued.  

By applying, you confirm that: 

• Your café complies with the City’s Sidewalk Café By-Law 
• It may be inspected at any time 
• You will keep a copy of your permit available during the season