Milton’s pilot patio program has transitioned to a Temporary Downtown Patio Program (TDPP). The patio program supports restaurants within Milton’s Downtown Business Improvement Area by permitting temporary outdoor patio installations on private or municipal property using a streamlined application process.  

In 2026, the program will operate exclusively in Milton’s downtown core and includes an annual application fee. 

Important dates 

Applications are now open for the 2026 season. The deadline to apply is April 30, 2026. 

The program will operate from the Victoria Day long weekend in May to the Thanksgiving long weekend in October. 

Who can apply 

Restaurants located within the Downtown Milton Business Improvement Area (Bell St. to Fulton St., Mill St. to Mary St.) are eligible to participate. 

Applicants must be able to provide: 

  • Proof of liability insurance for $5,000,000  

  • Proof of an existing liquor license, if applicable  

  • Signed letter of permission from the property owner (if not the registered owner)  

  • If your patio is on public property, you will need an encroachment agreement with the Town.  

Application fees 

As of Feb. 10, 2026, TDPP applications include the following non‑refundable user fees. 

Application typeFee (before HST)When this applies
Initial application  $698 For first-time applicants or returning participants who are making changes to their previously approved site plans, including layout, design, set-up, size, location, or any additions.  
Renewal application $524 For returning participants with a previously approved site plan, who wish to repeat the same patio set‑up used in the previous years, with no changes to layout, design, size, or location. 

* All application fees are non‑refundable. Please ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements before applying. 

If you participated in last year’s patio program, are an eligible restaurant located within the Downtown BIA boundary and want to re‑establish the same patio configuration previously approved, you may complete a renewal application, which has a reduced fee. 

Please note: If approved, businesses must display their permit once their patio is open to the public.  

Restaurant owners must notify the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) before they start selling and serving liquor on their seasonal patio.  

Apply to the TDPP  

 Application process 

  1. Fill out the application, submit the required documents, and pay the application fee.  You will receive notice that your application has been successfully received.

  2. Town staff will be in touch to discuss your application and follow up on any missing information. 

  3. If your patio is located on public property, an encroachment agreement with the Town is required. The Town will prepare an encroachment agreement for new applicants, or an acknowledgement form for returning participants. Business owners must sign these documents before approval.

  4. If your proposed patio includes building a structure, you may need a building permit. The Town may determine that you need to obtain a building permit for the structure after reviewing the site plan included in your application. 

  5. You will be notified by email whether your application has been approved or denied. If your application is approved, please note that any additional fees—such as cash‑in‑lieu of parking or fees related to patio structures—may need to be paid in person at Town Hall before you can receive your permit.

  6. Permits will be issued via email once Town staff complete a successful inspection. 

Guidelines for a temporary patio 

Along with meeting all health and safety rules and any liquor licence conditions (if required), temporary patios must also meet the following conditions: 

  • Follow approved hours of operation. 

  • No amplified sound on temporary outdoor patios. This includes no outdoor music or dancing. Existing noise by-laws still apply. 

  • Obtain Fire Department clearance for occupancy load and capacity. 

  • Meet all applicable zoning requirements. 

  • Sign an encroachment agreement or acknowledgement agreement, if required. 

  • Ensure safe vehicle movement, pedestrian access, and access for deliveries and waste collection. 

Minimum zoning requirements  

  • Your proposed patio must be set back a minimum distance of:  

  • 1.0m from the mutual property line shared with a municipal road  

  • 1.5m from all other property lines  

  • 1.2m from a parking area (i.e. parking spaces and aisles)  

  • Other provisions may apply depending on adjacent land uses  

Zoning relates to temporary, unenclosed, outdoor patios. If any kind of enclosure is contemplated, it should be discussed with Town staff for feasibility and requirements.   

Requirements for structures  

  • Any temporary or permanent enclosures are subject to approvals as per the Ontario Building Code. Structures should only be installed once a building permit has been issued.  

  • Patio heaters, both portable and fixed, and open-flame units are designed for outdoor use only. When heaters are used near flammable tents, enclosures, tablecloths or paper products, there is a risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep heaters three feet from combustibles and keep fire extinguishers close by.  

  • Please work with the property owner to ensure the patio does not interfere with safe access and egress for persons and vehicles.  

Frequently asked questions

What if my restaurant is outside of the eligible area for this program? 

The Temporary Downtown Patio Program applies only within the Downtown Milton Business Improvement Area, where demand and site conditions are most appropriate. 

Businesses located outside of the program boundary may still explore patio options by working with the Town’s Zoning Department to submit a building permit application. 
Why are there fees associated with this program?  

The fee helps cover the Town’s costs to run the program, including reviewing applications, confirming zoning and safety requirements, and completing inspections. 

During the pandemic, fees were waived to support businesses as a temporary recovery initiative. Now that the program has transitioned from an emergency relief focus to a place-making focus, the Town has returned to a cost-recovery model that is consistent with other Town programs.   

The Town will review the program and fees each year and adjust if needed.