Under the latest COVID-19 restrictions, indoor dining prohibited but outdoor and patio dining is still permitted. As such, many businesses are working to set up an outdoor dining space and the City of Red Deer is hoping to make the process easier for business owners. 

“We know local business owners are struggling to adapt to changing restrictions and wanted to find a way to expedite the application process so these businesses see minimal impact to their operations as a result of closure of indoor dining,” said Erin Stuart, Inspections and Licensing Manager in Red Deer. “The health and safety of Red Deerians is of utmost importance, and participating businesses must ensure that public health orders and provincial restrictions continue to be followed.” 

Currently, patios installed on private property require a development permit and require a building permit. The City of Red Deer is modifying the current processes in place to allow for installation of patios prior to permits being issued based on a recommendation made by the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce. 

In the meantime, business owners will need the following for the installation of a patio:

  • A signed waiver 
  • Business owners will still be required to submit a complete application 
  • Business owners will still be required to submit a site plan outlining the location and measurements of the patio and number of seats

An application and site plan must be submitted within two weeks of the waiver. The permit will be processed and valid until September 30, 2021. 

In the downtown core, business owners must apply for a Seasonal Downtown Patio. 

Businesses within the downtown core require a boardwalk to be installed around the perimeter of the patio to provide a safe, accessible walkway for pedestrians (this excludes businesses located within Ross Street Patio). The City will build, install, remove and store these boardwalks at no cost to participating businesses. 

For more information, click here.