Sidewalk seating provides animation, vibrancy and – when designed appropriately – contributes to positive visitor experiences in Banff.
To encourage sidewalk cafes while also respecting urban design principles, the Town of Banff follows the Sidewalk Seating/Café Policy C7005 (PDF). This policy outlines the criteria for the establishment of restaurant seating within the public realm.
In order to qualify for Banff's Sidewalk Seating Program, applicants must:
- have Eating and Drinking Establishment or Grocery Store approval,
- have Business Frontage at grade,
- be located in the CD Commercial Downtown Land Use District; and,
- be able to demonstrate the sidewalk can accommodate restaurant seating and maintain required Pedestrian Zones as described by Council policy.
To complete a Sidewalk Seating Application, the following is required:
- Completed Sidewalk Seating Application Form
- A Sidewalk Furniture Plan (Scale 1:100)
- Furniture Specifications and Furniture Photographs
- Certificate of Insurance
- Application Fee
The fees for Sidewalk Seating can be found in Schedule O of the Fees and Charges Bylaw (PDF) and are based on the level of service provided.