Jasper’s Sidewalk Seating Program offers businesses the opportunity to install patio seating in public spaces from May 1st to October 24th. The program aims to enhance public spaces, increase vibrancy, and support Jasper’s character as a mountain park community and tourism destination.
Program Standards
All sidewalk seating installations must comply with the Sidewalk Seating Program Standards. These standards provide guidelines for creating safe and aesthetically pleasing seating spaces and include:
- Seating area size and orientation
- Adjacent pedestrian access
- Materials
- Signage and umbrella restrictions
Patio Configuration Options
Three sidewalk seating options are available to choose from, but businesses may only install one type of seating configuration:
- Sidewalk seating area located on the sidewalk, with a pedestrian pathway located in the parking lane (up to three stalls)
- Sidewalk seating area located in the parking lane (up to three stalls), maintaining the sidewalk as a pedestrian pathway
- Sidewalk seating area located on the sidewalk, maintaining a 2.44-metre pedestrian pathway on the sidewalk
Permit Terms
Permits are valid annually from May 1st to October 24th. Businesses may apply for permits on 1- to 5-year terms, but a renewal will be required each spring to confirm that no changes have been made to the seating area design. Any major changes will require a new, full application.
Application Form and Timeline
The completed Sidewalk Seating Area Application Form and supporting documents can be submitted by email to townplanning@jasper-alberta.ca.
Supporting documents include:
- Municipality of Jasper business licence
- Certificate of insurance
- A sidewalk seating area drawing, including public fixtures surrounding the seating area (minimum scale of 1:100 metric)
- List of materials, including photographs and/or product specifications for all furniture, fencing, etc. to be used in the proposed sidewalk seating area
- Photograph(s) of the business frontage showing existing building colours
- Letter from the property owner (i.e. lessee to Parks Canada) authorizing a sidewalk seating area adjacent to the property
- Letter of consent from neighbouring business if the proposed sidewalk seating encroaches into a neighbouring business’ frontage
Existing Permit Renewals
Businesses with existing permits may renew using the online Sidewalk Seating Program Application Renewal form.
Please note: Any major changes to a seating area will require a new, full application.
Program Fees
Sidewalk Seating Program fees are established by Bylaw #260: Rules and Fees Bylaw 2024 and are set at:
| Description | Fee |
|---|---|
Permit application | $100 |
Sidewalk seating on public sidewalk | $25 per seat |
Use of parking lane for sidewalk seating, 2025 and beyond (maximum of three six-metre stalls per business) | $2,050 per stall |
You will be invoiced for the fees once your application has been reviewed.
Useful Information
Sidewalk Seating Permits are governed by Bylaw #246: Commercial Use of Public Space 2022 – Office Consolidation 2024 (PDF).
Municipality of Jasper Bylaws
- Bylaw #108: Noise Bylaw 2008 (PDF) – Be sure to review this bylaw if you are planning to have amplified sound
- Bylaw #110: Business Licensing Bylaw – Office Consolidation 2024 (PDF)
- Bylaw #244: Traffic Safety Bylaw – Office Consolidation 2024 (PDF)
- Bylaw #260: Rules and Fees Bylaw 2024
- Bylaw #268: Jasper Fire Department Bylaw 2025 (PDF)
Questions?
We’re here to support you! Reach out to the Municipality at townplanning@jasper-alberta.ca or 780-931-9857.