| Building Services and Permits |
| If you're doing any construction or renovations, you will need to check whether you need a building permit before you can start on the project. You can find information and forms on our Building Services and Permits page. Use our new Online Application Portal to apply for the following types of building permits:
- Additions, renovations or alterations to a house or Part 9 dwelling, and
- New Industrial, Commercial, Institutional Building (Part 3)
Also available
Online Applications We recommend using a standard desktop computer to complete permit applications through our online portal. Mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets may cause technical issues. If you don't have access to a desktop computer, please visit our kiosk in Building Services to complete your application. We provide all necessary equipment to create a profile and apply for a permit through the online portal. The kiosk is also equipped with a scanner to create digital versions of hard copy drawings and/or documents as part of your application. The kiosk is available on a drop-in basis during regular business hours. |
| Patio Licences |
|  Patio Licences are required for all individuals, partnerships or corporations who are proposing to place a patio on city-owned property or where a business is applying for a temporary patio on private property. The City is now accepting Temporary Patio Licence Applications for the 2024 patio season.
Temporary Patio Licence Application
| Temporary Private Patio Extensions
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| Please note: effective January 1, 2023, the AGCO Registrar no longer accepts applications or has the authority to approve temporary outdoor extensions (temporary patios) for licensees located in municipalities. Licensees holding a valid Liquor Sales Licence from the AGCO can apply for a temporary outdoor extension as part of the Temporary Patio Licence Application. Applicants must notify the AGCO of the approval, the duration of the approval, and any conditions on the approval. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office for more information regarding Temporary Patio Extensions of Liquor Licensed Premises. Email clerks@peterborough.ca or by phone at 705-742-7777 ext. 1820.
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| Outdoor Patios on City-owned Lands
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| In February 2023, City Council approved an annual Outdoor Patio Program through report IPSPL23-004. Individuals, partnerships or corporations, located within the Central Area, with a valid municipal business licence where food and drinks are served can apply for an outdoor patio license. To ensure compliance with the patio permits and limit the City’s risk related to non-permitted patios operating on city-owned lands, the City has implemented an Administrative Monetary Penalty System that would create an enforcement process for businesses that are not in compliance with their permit or have not obtained a permit. For general inquiries relating to outdoor patios on city-owned lands please contact Nicole Huculiak, Urban Design Supervisor or phone 705-742-7777 ext. 1654
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| Important Dates & Deadlines |
| Applicants are asked to submit their application by April 2, 2024 in order to ensure their patio can be installed the week of May 13, 2024. If the application is incomplete the City cannot guarantee an installation date. Please note that this installation date may be subject to change at the discretion of the City. Applications received after April 2, 2024 will be installed within 2 weeks of a signed permit agreement being executed. Applications for patios on city-owned lands will close on May 31, 2024. The City will be responsible for installing any infrastructure within the travelled portion of the road including on-street parking spaces. Any installation of required delineator (i.e. planters and fencing) on the City sidewalk is the responsibility of the applicant. |
| Application Requirements |
- Submit an online patio license application form. The application shall including the following:
- Completed Application Form: Applicant shall verify that the name provided on the application is a legal business entity as per the Ontario Business Registry. An active municipal business licence is required prior to a patio permit being issued.
- Site Plan: a scaled plan which illustrates the proposed patio location. Must include a sketch and photos of the proposed delineators (i.e. fences or planters) to be used. Fencing shall be approved by the City and should generally be dark in colour, ideally black and made of metal or other high-quality material. Please contact the City for additional guidelines relating to fencing and other delineators.
- Patio License Application Fee: payment of the fee can be made online or via cheque made payable to the Corporation of the City of Peterborough submitted to City Hall Attn: Planning Division, Patio Permit Fee. Please note this is a non-refundable fee for review and processing of the application. If the permit application is denied, the fee is not subject to a refund.
- Certificate of Insurance: must be signed and stamped by the insurer and comply with the requirements as outlined on the license application. A copy of an insurance policy document will not be accepted.
| Insurance Requirements
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| Before taking possession of the Licenced Area, and throughout the Licence Term, the Licence Holder will (1) obtain the insurance coverage which a prudent licensee, operating a similar business, would maintain; and (2) without limiting the general nature of the previous requirement, provide to the City a certificate of insurance confirming that the Licence Holder maintains at least the following Commercial General Liability insurance, subject to limits of not less than $2,000,000 inclusive per occurrence. To achieve the desired limit, umbrella or excess liability insurance may be used. The coverage shall include, but not be limited to: Bodily injury including death; Damage to property including loss of use thereof; Premises and operations liability; Products and completed operations liability; Blanket contractual liability; Cross liability or severability of interest clause; Contingent employer’s liability; Personal injury liability; Contain a waiver of any subrogation rights which the Licence Holder’s insurers may have against the City; Contain no materially restrictive language against the activities contemplated under this Licence; Name the “Corporation of the City of Peterborough” as Additional Insured, but only with respect to liability arising out of the operations of the named insured; and A clause stating that the Suppliers insurance policy will be considered as the primary insurance and shall not call into contribution any other insurance that may be available to the City. If the Licence Holder’s operations involve the sale/consumption and/or service of alcohol Host Liquor Liability with a limit no less than $2,000,000. Afford 30 days notice of cancellation to the City. Be issued by underwriters licensed to transact business in Ontario. The licencee agrees to provide any addition form of insurance and with whatever higher limits the City, acting reasonably, requires. If the insurance policy is scheduled to renew during the Licence Term the Licence Holder is responsible for providing a renewal certificate of insurance within seven (7) days of expiry.
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- Letter of Permission (if applicable): If you have the agreement of the neighbouring property owner or tenant to extend the patio area in front of your neighbour’s establishment, then you can apply for an extended sidewalk patio permit. You will require a written letter of consent from the adjacent property owner or tenant that is satisfactory to the City that acknowledges they are providing consent for the term of the permit. Note that consent can be revoked by the adjacent property owner or tenant at any time. Additional information may be requested by the City.
- Municipal Business Licence - Applicants are required to have an active Municipal Business Licence in order to obtain a patio permit. All applications will be subject to inspections for any building, zoning, health and fire regulations that pertain to the specific type of business. Please note this is not the Provincial registration licence, this is for a municipal licence to operate in the City of Peterborough.
- Fire Inspections – The Licence Holder shall provide proof of Annual fire protection systems reports and semi-annual kitchen system report. Failure to do so may result in this permit being revoked.
- Approval Timelines - City staff will review and respond within 20 business days of the application being received. If the application is incomplete the response will outline any additional requirements to complete the license application process. If the application is approved a license agreement will be sent to the owner for their e-signature. A signed copy of the agreement will need to be returned to City Hall in person or electronically. Once the agreement is executed a copy of the agreement will be sent to the applicant with confirmation of an anticipated installation date.
- Installation - For approved patios located within the travelled portion of the road or in the on-street parking area the City’s Public Works department will install the City-owned fencing and vehicular barriers. For any approved patios located on the City-owned sidewalk, it will be the responsibility of the business owner to install the required delineators (i.e. fences) as approved through the license agreement.
- Notice of Removal – It is anticipated that removal will take place between September 30th through to October 25th. The City will aim to provide the Licence Holder with a minimum of 7 days notice that the patios will need to be removed by the Licence Holder. The timing of the City’s notice will be weather dependent.
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| Additional Documents |
| If you have previously obtained a patio permit and require a copy of the site plan on file please email planning@peterborough.ca or phone 705-742-7777. The Application Form for patio permits is available online. If you require a paper copy please contact City Hall. |
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| Civic Awards |
| Each year, Civic Awards are presented to residents of the City of Peterborough who have made a difference in the community through sports, arts, culture and volunteering. Applications are available in January each year and the awards are presented at a public event in June. |
| Lottery licences |
| Please contact the Clerk's Office for information at 705-742-7777 ext. 1819. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) authorizes the City of Peterborough to issue charitable gaming licences to charitable, not-for-profit organizations that demonstrate an eligible mandate, including:
- relief of poverty
- advancement of education
- advancement of religion
- other charitable purposes beneficial to the community
Organizations must submit an eligibility package to the City and receive approval prior to applying for a charitable gaming licence.
To apply for eligibility, please complete the Charitable Questionnaire and submit with all required documents to The City Clerks Office. Please allow 4-6 weeks for processing.
If you have questions please call 705-742-7777 extension 1819 or email Kelly Russelle. The City of Peterborough issues the following types of charitable gaming Licences:
| Bazaar |
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| Bingo |
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| Break-open |
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| Catch the Ace |
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| Raffle |
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| Marriage Licences |
| To apply for a marriage licence, visit our Marriage Licences and Ceremonies page. |
| Group homes |
| Group homes are licensed by the City of Peterborough. Please contact the City's Licensing Clerk for information about the Group Home application and licensing process. |
| Freedom of information request and request for correction to personal information |
| Please contact the Clerk's Office at 705-742-7777 ext. 1820 for information You can make a request for information held by the City of Peterborough by completing Freedom of Information Request Form. If records are available, they may be mailed to, or picked-up by, the requestor. If you think that personal information the City of Peterborough has about you is wrong or some information is missing, you can request a correction by filling out the Access/Correction Request form, and submitting it with the $5.00 application fee to the City Clerk's Office. |
| Oversize Load Permit Application |
| To apply for a permit, complete the online Oversize Load Permit Application. If you have additional questions, please email Sadie Corner.
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| Road closure, Special Event application forms & Filming |
| The festivals, concerts and other special events in Peterborough help make our community vibrant. If you are planning an event, please use our Special Events Planning Guide and Application, which will help you with all the required documentation including road closures. Other Road Closures for construction require our Temporary Road Occupancy Application. If you are filming in Peterborough, please complete our Special Events Planning Guide and Application and refer to our Guide to Filming in Peterborough. Interested parties can also contact the City Clerk's Office for more details. |
| Tree Removal By-law - Application to remove a tree on private property |
| City Council approved Tree Removal By-law 21-074 on May 25, 2021 regarding the destruction of trees on private property. As of July 2021, a permit must be issued to remove any trees on private property that measure 7.5 cm in diameter or greater measured at breast height. A fee will be applied to permits to remove healthy trees with a diameter of 15 cm or greater measured at breast height. It is recommended that you consult with a Licensed Tree Service Provider before submitting an application. Learn more about removing a tree on private property. |
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