Apply for a permit to build a commercial terrace on private property

Last updated November 2, 2024

Would you like to get a permit to build a commercial terrace for your restaurant, bar, café, ice cream shop or grocery store? Find out everything you need to know.

In most Montréal boroughs, terrace service can be offered in the front yard, backyard or side yard of an establishment.

Make sure you know about regulations for operating a “sidewalk café” before you submit an application for a permit.

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A commercial terrace (also called a “sidewalk café”) is an open-air arrangement of tables and chairs where alcohol and food are served, and table service is offered.

Steps

Before starting anything, make sure that your establishment is located in a zone where terraces are allowed.

This use must be listed on your certificate of occupancy.

The following permits may also be required:

  • A modification permit is required if the terrace is located in part or entirely on private property.
  • An application to periodically occupy the public domain is required if the terrace will occupy public property.

Contact the permit counter to verify the rules applicable to your situation.

Fees

Processing fees for permit applications vary, based on the estimated cost of the work. You must pay $9.80 for every $1,000 of work.

Regardless of the cost of the work, you must pay a minimum of: 

  • $473 for a commercial building

The cost estimate must include all fees associated with the work, such as plans, labour and equipment, with all taxes included. 

Additional fees may apply if your building or the area in which it is located has historical value or is subject to specific architectural standards.

The fees are non-refundable.

Required documents

  • Certificate of location or land survey
  • Scale plan sealed by an architect, showing the location of the terrace in relation to the main building and the property limits, as well as the arrangement of tables and chairs
  • Planned dimensions of the terrace and area of the establishment to which it is attached
  • Proof that the applicant operates the establishment for which said occupation is requested, or that the owner of the building authorizes it.

Communication channels

In person

555 Rue Chabanel Ouest
Suite 600
Montréal, QC H2N 2H8

Payment method

Click on the place to see accepted methods of payment.

Legislation

A commercial terrace (also called a “sidewalk café”) is an open-air arrangement of tables and chairs where alcohol and food are served, and table service is offered.

Steps

Before building a terrace on the property occupied by your establishment, you must apply for a renovation permit if renovations are necessary.

In order to apply for a permit:

  • Go to the permit counter with your documents and your payment. or
  • Send us an e-mail and attach the required documents.

Fees

Processing fees for permit applications vary, based on the estimated cost of the work. You must pay $9.80 for every $1,000 of work.

Regardless of the cost of the work, you must pay a minimum: 

  • $473 for a commercial building

The cost estimate must include all fees associated with the work (ex. plans, labour, equipment), taxes included. 

Additional fees may apply if your building or the area in which it is located has heritage value or is subject to specific architectural standards.

The fees are non-refundable.

Required documents

  • certificate of location or land survey
  • scale plan sealed by an architect, showing the location of the terrace in relation to the main building and the property limits, as well as the arrangement of tables and chairs
  • planned dimensions of the terrace and area spanned by the establishment to which it is attached

If applicable:

  • Authorization from the owner

Communication channels

Point of service

7171 Rue Bombardier
Second floor
Montréal, QC H1J 2E9

Payment method

Click on the place to see accepted methods of payment.

A commercial terrace (also called a “sidewalk café”) is an open-air arrangement of tables and chairs where alcohol and food are served, and table service is offered.

Steps

Before building a terrace on the property occupied by your establishment, you must: 

1. Apply for a new certificate of occupancy for a commercial use

2. Apply for a renovation permit if renovations are necessary

In order to apply for a permit:

  • Go to the permit counter with your documents and your payment. or
  • Send us an e-mail and attach the required documents.

Fees

Taxes are included. Fees are non-refundable.

Certificate of Occupancy

Processing fees: $143

Renovation permit

Processing fees for permit applications vary, based on the estimated cost of the work. You must pay $9.80 for every $1,000 of work.

Regardless of the cost of the work, you must pay a minimum of $473 for a commercial building.

The cost estimate must include all fees associated with the work (ex. plans, labour, equipment), taxes included.

Required documents

  • Certificate of location or land survey
  • Scale plan sealed by an architect, showing the location of the terrace in relation to the main building and the property limits, as well as the arrangement of tables and chairs
  • Planned dimensions of the terrace and area spanned by the establishment to which it is attached
  • New occupancy permit (also called a an occupancy certificate)

If applicable:

  • Construction or alteration plans
  • Authorization from the building owner

Communication channels

5160 Boulevard Décarie
Montréal, QC H3X 2H9

Payment method

Click on the place to see accepted methods of payment.

A commercial terrace (also called a “sidewalk café”) is an open-air arrangement of tables and chairs where alcohol and food are served, and table service is offered.

Steps

Before building a terrace on the property occupied by your establishment, you must: 

  • get a permit to build a sidewalk café on private property, also called a certificate of authorization
  • get a renovation permit if you are building a platform

In order to do so, please go to the permit counter with the required documents and your payment.

Fees

Operating permit (certificate of authorization): $50

Renovation permit:

Processing fees for permit applications vary, based on the estimated cost of the work. You must pay $9.80 for every $1,000 of work.

Regardless of the cost of the work, you must pay a minimum: 

  • $473 for a commercial building

The cost estimate must include all fees associated with the work (ex. plans, labour, equipment), taxes included. 

Additional fees may apply if your building or the area in which it is located has heritage value or is subject to specific architectural standards.

The fees are non-refundable.

Required documents

Required documents (two copies):

  • certificate of location or land survey 
  • scale plan showing the dimensions of the terrace and its location in relation to the main building and property limits, details on the fence, plants and decorative elements used
  • photo of the facade on the street side
  • contact information for the owner or the owner’s representative

Communication channels

In person

Point of service

1800 Boulevard Saint-Joseph
Montréal, QC H8S 2N4

Payment method

Click on the place to see accepted methods of payment.

A commercial terrace is an open-air arrangement of tables and chairs where alcohol and food are served (if the establishment is authorized to sell alcohol and food) and where table service is offered.

Steps

Before building a terrace on the property occupied by your establishment, you must: 

  1. inform the borough that you plan to offer terrace service
  2. apply for a renovation permit to build the terrace if the borough requires that you do so

Fees

Renovation permit:

Processing fees for permit applications vary, based on the estimated cost of the work. You must pay $9.80 for every $1,000 of work.

Regardless of the cost of the work, you must pay a minimum: 

  • $473 for a commercial building

The cost estimate must include all fees associated with the work (ex. plans, labour, equipment), taxes included. 

Additional fees may apply if your building or the area in which it is located has heritage value or is subject to specific architectural standards.

The fees are non-refundable.

Required documents

  • certificate of location or land survey 
  • scale plan drafted and signed by an architect, showing the dimensions of the terrace and its location in relation to the main building and property limits, and the arrangement of tables and chairs
  • dimensions of the planned terrace and area spanned by the establishment to which it is attached
  • cost estimate for the work

If applicable:

  • construction or alteration plans
  • authorization from the building owner
  • power of attorney signed by the operator

Communication channels

55 Avenue Dupras
Montréal, QC H8R 4A8

Payment method

Click on the place to see accepted methods of payment.

By appointment only.

A commercial terrace (also called a “sidewalk café”) is an open-air arrangement of tables and chairs where alcohol and food are served, and table service is offered.

This type of commercial terrace must be attached to a restaurant, café, bar, or craft brewery on the ground floor or basement levels.

Steps

Before building a terrace on the property occupied by your establishment, you must: 

  • Ensure that your certificate of occupancy for operation of a restaurant, café, bar or craft brewery is valid 
  • Apply for a conversion permit (by mail or at the permit counter)

Fees

  • The analysis fees for requesting a certificate of authorization for a terrace (patio) café on private property are $354.
  • Once authorization has been granted, the certificate of occupancy will be amended free of charge to add the terrace café use to the other uses.

Document

Required documents

  • Certificate of location or land survey
  • Professional quality scale plan showing the dimensions and the occupancy perimeter, the positioning of furniture, the clearance areas prescribed by the by-law, the provision of access for persons with reduced mobility, etc.
  • If there is encroachment in front of an adjacent building, written consent from the owner or tenant of the premises on the ground floor of the building concerned

Communication channels

In person

Point of service

201 Avenue Laurier Est
Fifth floor
Montréal, QC H2T 3E6

Payment method

Click on the place to see accepted methods of payment.

A commercial terrace (also called a “sidewalk café”) is an open-air arrangement of tables and chairs where alcohol and food are served.

The terrace is authorized only if it is attached to a restaurant or a bar establishment. Table service is offered on the terrace.

Steps

Before building a terrace on the property occupied by your establishment, you must: 

  1. Inform the borough that you plan to offer terrace service, and check if zoning regulations authorize you to do so by sending us an e-mail or going to the permit counter
  2. apply for a permit to operate a “sidewalk café” (also called a certificate of authorization) 
  3. apply for a renovation permit if renovations are necessary

In order to do so: 

  • contact 311 to schedule an appointment, or
  • send us an e-mail and attach the required documents.

Fees

Operating permit (certificate of authorization): $338

Renovation permit:

Processing fees for permit applications vary, based on the estimated cost of the work. You must pay $9.80 for every $1,000 of work.

Regardless of the cost of the work, you must pay a minimum: $473. 

The cost estimate must include all fees associated with the work (ex. plans, labour, equipment), taxes included. 

Additional fees may apply if your building or the area in which it is located has heritage value or is subject to specific architectural standards.

The fees are non-refundable.

Required documents

  • certificate of location or land survey
  • scale plan drafted and signed by an architect, showing the location of the terrace in relation to the main building and the property limits, as well as the arrangement of tables and chairs
  • dimensions of the planned terrace and area spanned by the establishment to which it is attached
  • cost estimate for the work

If applicable:

  • construction and alteration plans
  • authorization from the building owner 
  • power of attorney signed by the operator

Communication channels

311

Outside of Montréal: 514-872-0311

Monday to Friday: From 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This borough does not authorize commercial terraces on private property.

A commercial terrace (also called a “sidewalk café”) is an open-air arrangement of tables and chairs where alcohol and food are served, and table service is offered.

Steps

Before building a terrace on the property occupied by your establishment, you must get: 

  1. a permit to operate a “sidewalk café”(also called a certificate of authorization)
  2. a renovation permit if renovations are necessary

Fees

Operating permit: $119

Renovation permit:

Processing fees for permit applications vary, based on the estimated cost of the work. You must pay $9.80 for every $1,000 of work.

Regardless of the cost of the work, you must pay a minimum: 

  • $498 for a commercial or mixed-use building

The cost estimate must include all fees associated with the work (ex. plans, labour, equipment), taxes included. 

Additional fees may apply if your building or the area in which it is located has heritage value or is subject to specific architectural standards.

The fees are non-refundable.

Required documents

Provide two copies of each of the following documents: 

  • certificate of location or land survey
  • scale plan showing the location of the terrace in relation to the main building and the property limits as well as the arrangement of tables and chairs
  • dimensions of the planned terrace and area spanned by the establishment to which it is attached

If applicable:

  • construction and alteration plans
  • two photos of the facades as seen from the street if the building or surrounding area has heritage value

Communication channels

In person

Point of service

6854 Rue Sherbrooke Est
Montréal, QC H1N 1E1

Payment method

Click on the place to see accepted methods of payment.

A commercial terrace (also called a “sidewalk café”) is an open-air arrangement of tables and chairs where alcohol and food are served, and table service is offered.

Steps

Before building a terrace on the grounds of your establishment, you must apply for a certificate of authorization to build a terrace.

In order to apply :

  • Go to the permit counter with your documents 
  • Send us an e-mail and attach the required documents.

Fees

There is no processing fee for a certificate of authorization to build a terrace.

Additional fees may apply if your building or the area in which it is located has heritage value or is subject to specific architectural standards.

The fees are non-refundable.

Required documents

  • certificate of location or land survey
  • scale plan showing the location of the terrace in relation to the main building and the property limits as well as the arrangement of tables and chairs
  • dimensions of the planned terrace and area spanned by the establishment to which it is attached

If applicable:

  • construction and alteration plans
  • authorization from the building owner

Apply

4241 Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville
Montréal, QC H1H 1S4

Payment method

Click on the place to see accepted methods of payment.

A commercial terrace (also called a “sidewalk café”) is an open-air arrangement of tables and chairs where alcohol and food are served, and table service is offered.

Steps

In order to build a terrace on the property occupied by your establishment, you must inform the borough and apply for a permit (also called a certificate of authorization) to operate a “sidewalk café.” The permit also allows you to carry out the necessary work.

In order to apply for a permit:

  • Go to the permit counter with your documents and your payment. or
  • Send us an e-mail and attach the required documents.

Fee

The processing fee for the permit application is $430, and the fee is non-refundable.

Required documents

  • certificate of location or land survey
  • scale plan showing the location of the terrace in relation to the main building and the property limits as well as the arrangement of tables and chairs
  • dimensions of the planned terrace and area spanned by the establishment to which it is attached

If applicable:

  • construction and alteration plans
  • restaurant permit
  • permit issued by the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux

Communication channels

Point of service

1431 Avenue Van Horne, 2nd floor
Montréal, QC H2V 1K9

Payment method

Click on the place to see accepted methods of payment.

A commercial terrace is an open-air arrangement of tables and chairs where alcohol and food are served, and table service is offered.

Steps

In order to build a terrace on the property occupied by your establishment, you must: 

  1. apply for a permit to operate a terrace (also called a certificate of authorization)
  2. apply for a renovation permit if you want to build a platform

In order to do so, please go to the permit counter with your documents and your payment.

Fees

Operating permit: $160

Renovation permit:

Processing fees for permit applications vary, based on the estimated cost of the work. You must pay $9.80 for every $1,000 of work.

Regardless of the cost of the work, you must pay a minimum: 

  • $473 for a commercial or mixed-use building

The cost estimate must include all fees associated with the work (ex. plans, labour, equipment), taxes included. 

Additional fees may apply if your building or the area in which it is located has heritage value or is subject to specific architectural standards.

The fees are non-refundable.

Required documents

  • scale plan showing the property, the parking lot, the building, the terrace and any relevant information about the project
  • all decorative elements, natural barrier or fence, green strip or hedge bordering the terrace
  • table showing the area spanned by the property, the total floor area of the building, and the area spanned by the terrace

If applicable:

  • power of attorney signed by the operator
  • authorization from the owner
  • calculation of the number of parking spaces in the event that the terrace encroaches on the parking lot
  • cost estimate for the work if a platform is built

Communication channels

In person

Point of service

13665 Boulevard de Pierrefonds
Montréal, QC H9A 2Z4

Payment method

Click on the place to see accepted methods of payment.

A commercial terrace (also called a “sidewalk café”) is an open-air arrangement of tables and chairs where alcohol and food are served, and table service is offered.

Steps

Before building a terrace on the property occupied by your establishment, you must: 

  1. apply for an occupancy permit for a commercial or professional activity
  2. apply for a renovation permit to build the terrace if the borough requires that you do so

In order to apply for a renovation permit, go to the permit counter with the required documents and your payment.

Fees

Processing fees for permit applications vary, based on the estimated cost of the work. You must pay $9.80 for every $1,000 of work.

Regardless of the cost of the work, you must pay a minimum: 

  • $473 for a commercial or mixed-use building

The cost estimate must include all fees associated with the work (ex. plans, labour, equipment), taxes included. 

Additional fees may apply if your building or the area in which it is located has heritage value or is subject to specific architectural standards.

The fees are non-refundable.

Required documents

  • certificate of location or land survey
  • scale plan showing the location of the terrace in relation to the main building and the property limits as well as the arrangement of tables and chairs
  • dimensions of the planned terrace and area spanned by the establishment to which it is attached

If applicable:

  • construction and alteration plans

Communication channels

In person

Point of service

12090 Rue Notre-Dame Est
Montréal, QC H1B 2Z1

Payment method

Click on the place to see accepted methods of payment.

A commercial terrace (also called a “sidewalk café”) is an open-air arrangement of tables and chairs where alcohol and food are served, and table service is offered.

Steps

In order to build a terrace on the property occupied by your establishment, you must: 

  1. apply for a permit to operate a “sidewalk café”(also called a certificate of authorization)
  2. apply for a renovation permit if renovations are necessary

In addition, your terrace must be attached to a business for which a permit to operate a restaurant or a bar has been issued. 

Otherwise, you must first apply for an occupancy permit for a commercial or professional activity.

Fees

Operating permit: $488 

Renovation permit:

Processing fees for permit applications vary, based on the estimated cost of the work. You must pay $9.80 for every $1,000 of work.

Regardless of the cost of the work, you must pay a minimum: 

  • $473 for a commercial or mixed-use building

The cost estimate must include all fees associated with the work (ex. plans, labour, equipment), taxes included. 

Additional fees may apply if your building or the area in which it is located has heritage value or is subject to specific architectural standards.

The fees are non-refundable.

Required documents

  • certificate of location or land survey
  • scale plan showing the location of the terrace in relation to the main building and the property limits as well as the arrangement of tables and chairs
  • dimensions of the planned terrace and area spanned by the establishment to which it is attached

Communication channels

In person

Point of service

5650 Rue D'Iberville
Second floor
Montréal, QC H2G 2B3

Payment method

Click on the place to see accepted methods of payment.

Information coming soon.

A commercial terrace is an open-air arrangement of tables and chairs where alcohol and food are served, and table service is offered. 

Steps

Before building a terrace on the property occupied by your establishment, you must: 

  1. obtain a permit (also called a certificate of authorization) to serve customers on the terrace
  2. apply for a permit to build the terrace if work is necessary

In order to do so, please go to the permit counter with the required documents and your payment.

Fees

Operating permit: $295 (taxes included)

Construction permit: $310 (taxes included)

Required documents

  • certificate of location or land survey
  • scale plan showing the location of the terrace in relation to the main building and the property limits as well as the arrangement of tables and chairs
  • dimensions of the planned terrace and area spanned by the establishment to which it is attached
  • authorization from the building owner
  • occupancy permit for a commercial or professional activity (also called a certificate of authorization to operate a terrace)
  • construction or alteration plans
  • cost estimate for the work

Communication channels

In person

Point of service

8400 Boulevard Lacordaire
Montréal, QC H1R 3B1

Payment method

Click on the place to see accepted methods of payment.

A commercial terrace is an open-air arrangement of tables and chairs where alcohol and food are served, and table service is offered.

Steps

Before building a terrace on the property occupied by your establishment, you must inform the borough that you plan to offer terrace service and apply for an operating permit.

This permit also allows you to carry out the necessary work.

In order to apply for a permit, please go to the permit counter with your documents saved to a USB key and pay the processing fee.

Fees

Processing fees for permit applications vary, based on the estimated cost of the work. You must pay $9.80 for every $1,000 of work.

Regardless of the cost of the work, you must pay a minimum: 

  • $473 for a commercial or mixed-use building

The cost estimate must include all fees associated with the work (ex. plans, labour, equipment), taxes included. 

Additional fees may apply if your building or the area in which it is located has heritage value or is subject to specific architectural standards.

The fees are non-refundable.

Required documents

  • Certificate of location and updated land survey
  • scale plan showing the location of the terrace in relation to the main building and the property limits as well as the arrangement of tables and chairs
  • cost estimate for the work
  • details on the railing used (height, colour, materials and design)
  • your contact information and the full address of the business
  • photo of the facade as seen from the street

If applicable: 

  • power of attorney from the owner

Communication channels

In person

Point of service

4555 Rue de Verdun
Suite 109
Montréal, QC H4G 1M4

Payment method

Click on the place to see accepted methods of payment.

A commercial terrace (also called a “sidewalk café”) is an open-air arrangement of tables and chairs where alcohol and food are served, and table service is offered.

Steps

Before building a terrace on the property occupied by your establishment, you must: 

  1. apply for a new occupancy permit for a commercial or professional activity (also called an occupancy certificate)
  2. apply for a renovation permit to build the terrace if the borough requires that you do so

In order to apply for a permit, please go to the permit counter with the required documents and your payment.

Fees

Renovation permit:

Processing fees for permit applications vary, based on the estimated cost of the work. You must pay $9.80 for every $1,000 of work.

Regardless of the cost of the work, you must pay a minimum: 

  • $473 for a commercial or mixed-use building

The cost estimate must include all fees associated with the work (ex. plans, labour, equipment), taxes included. 

Additional fees may apply if your building or the area in which it is located has heritage value or is subject to specific architectural standards.

The fees are non-refundable.

Required documents

  • certificate of location or land survey
  • scale plan showing the location of the terrace in relation to the main building and the property limits as well as the arrangement of tables and chairs
  • dimensions of the planned terrace and area spanned by the establishment to which it is attached

If applicable:

  • construction and alteration plans
  • power of attorney from the building owner

Communication channels

Point of service

800 Boulevard De Maisonneuve Est
ground floor
Montréal, QC H2L 4L8

Payment method

Click on the place to see accepted methods of payment.

A commercial terrace (also called a “sidewalk café”) is an open-air arrangement of tables and chairs where alcohol and food are served, and table service is offered.

Steps

Before building a terrace on the property occupied by your establishment, you must: 

  1. apply for a new occupancy permit for a commercial or professional activity
  2. apply for a renovation permit to build a terrace if the borough requires that you do so 

In order apply for a permit, please schedule an appointment by telephone.

Tarif

Renovation permit: $384

Additional fees may apply if your building or the area in which it is located has heritage value or is subject to specific architectural standards.

The fees are non-refundable.

Required documents

  • certificate of location or land survey
  • scale plan showing the location of the terrace in relation to the main building and the property limits as well as the arrangement of tables and chairs
  • dimensions of the planned terrace and area spanned by the establishment to which it is attached

If applicable:

  • construction and alteration plans
  • power of attorney from the building owner

Communication channels

By phone

Schedule an appointment at the permit counter

514-868-3509