Apply for a permit to build a commercial terrace on public property
Do you want to build a commercial terrace on the sidewalk, road or any other part of public property in front of your establishment? Before doing so, you must get a seasonal public property occupancy permit. Find out how to apply for a permit.
Before submitting your application, please make sure that you have all the required documents.
My borough
No borough selected.
If you operate a bar or a restaurant and you want to build a commercial terrace (also called “sidewalk café”) on public property, you must get a permit.
In order to get a permit, you must:
- Go to the permit counter to check if your establishment is located in a zone where building a commercial terrace is authorized.
- Discuss the feasibility of your project with an agent at the permit counter.
- Submit an application for a permit online or at the permit counter, and pay the processing fee at the permit counter.
- If your application is accepted, sign a letter of agreement and pay the fee for the first year of the seasonal public property occupancy permit (rent) at the permit counter.
Operating period
From May 1 to October 31
Fee
Taxes are included.
Type of fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Processing fee | $655 |
Annual rent
Each year, the owner of the establishment must pay the seasonal public property occupancy fee in order to operate the terrace.
This rent, which is set at a maximum of $100, is calculated by multiplying 15 per cent of the area occupied by the terrace on public property by the municipal assessment value per m2, based on the number of days of the occupancy.
The annual rent is established prior to signing the letter of agreement.
Billing mehtod
In the first financial year, you must pay the rent in a single instalment, at the time of issuance of the permit. The amount will be calculated from the first day of occupancy until October 31.
For all subsequent financial years, you must also pay the rent in a single instalment. The rent will be calculated from May 1 to October 31. You will receive an invoice in the mail.
Required documents
-
Certificate of location or land survey report
-
Professional-quality floor plan to scale, indicating the terrace dimensions and occupancy perimeter,and the location of adjoining street furniture (benches, fire hydrants, drains, traffic lights, etc.) and publicly-owned trees
-
Authorization from the building owner
- Proof of third-party liability insurance coverage of $2 million, valid for the entire operating period of the terrace. You will be asked to provide it when your application is reviewed, before the permit is issued
If applicable:
- Power of attorney signed by the operator
Communication channels
You can submit your application online, but the fees must be paid at the counter.
Suite 600
Montréal (QC) H2N 2H8
This borough does not authorize commercial terraces on public property.
If you operate a café, bistro, bar, restaurant or retail food business (bakery, grocery store, etc.) and you want to build a commercial terrace on public property (a classic “sidewalk café” or a terrace with six tables and 12 chairs), you must get a permit.
Please take the following steps to get your permit:
- Go to the permit and inspection counter to check if your establishment is located in a zone where building a commercial terrace is authorized.
- Submit an application for a permit to the Direction des travaux publics by e-mail or standard mail or by scheduling an appointment by telephone, and pay the processing fee.
- If your application is accepted, an agent will contact you by e-mail to give you the balance to pay (issuance of the permit and annual rent).
- You will receive the permit in the mail, or you can schedule an appointment to collect it in person at the borough offices. You will receive an invoice in the mail.
Terrace operating period
From May 1 to October 31
Annual rent
Each year, you must pay the seasonal public property occupancy fee to operate the commercial terrace.
This rent is calculated by multiplying 15 per cent of the area occupied by the terrace on public property by the municipal assessment value per m2, based on the number of days of occupancy.
Fees
Taxes are included.
Type of fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Processing fee | $578 |
Permit | $95 |
Rent | calculated when the application is submitted |
Required documents
- Plans and technical description of the proposed terrace in its setting, signed and sealed by a land surveyor (three copies), including:
- The front and side limits of the property located between the front line and the front wall of the building concerned.
- The position of the front wall of the building concerned and the width of the commercial establishment concerned.
- All the private installations and equipment in the front yard.
- All the infrastructures, furniture and equipment on public property, in front of the establishment concerned and up to the road (lampposts, sidewalks,fire hydrants, road signage, mailboxes and water service valves) as well as the publicly-owned trees.
- Three copies of the detailed implementation plan for the installations proposed, including the type, number and arrangement of furniture on the terrace, as well as elevation drawings showing existing ground levels and the levels of the proposed installations.
- Proof that the applicant is the owner of the building housing the establishment to which the terrace is attached or that he or she operates the establishment and is authorized by the building owner to submit the application. The operator must also provide the building owner’s name and contact information.
- Cheque for the application processing fee.
- Proof of third-party liability insurance coverage of $2 million.
Communication channels
2140, avenue Madison, 3e étage
Montréal (QC) H4B 2T4
You must schedule an appointment by telephone. Contact 514-872-4469 before going in person.
2140, avenue Madison, 3e étage
Montréal (QC) H4B 2T4
You can contact us at the following address: [email protected]
By-law
If you operate a bar, restaurant or grocery store and you want to build a commercial terrace (also called a “sidewalk café”) on public property, you must get a permit.
To get a permit, you must:
- submit an application and pay the processing fee at the permit counter (Please note: This permit is free in 2020.)
- if your application is accepted, sign a letter of agreement and pay the permit fee and the seasonal public property occupancy fee (rent) for the first year at the permit counter
- make a security deposit of $1,000
Terrace operating period
From April 1 to October 31.
Fees
The amounts are not taxable.
Type of terrace | Amount |
|---|---|
Commercial terrace located in part or in full on the sidewalk or road and not exceeding 15 m² in size | $250 |
Commercial terrace located in part or in full on the sidewalk or road and exceeding 15 m² in size | $250 plus $25 per additional m² |
Required documents
- certificate of location
- professional-quality floor plan to scale, indicating the terrace dimensions and occupancy perimeter, and the location of adjoining street furniture (benches, fire hydrants, drains, traffic lights, etc.) and publicly-owned trees
- authorization from the building owner
- proof of third-party liability insurance coverage of $2 million, valid for the entire operating period of the terrace. You will be asked to provide it when your application is reviewed, before the permit is issued
If applicable:
- power of attorney signed by the operator
- construction plans
Communication channels
As the permit counter is closed, you can call to find out more about the procedure at 514-634-3471, extension 296.
Montréal (QC) H8S 2N4
Le comptoir de permis étant fermé, vous pouvez vous renseigner sur le processus par courriel.
If you operate a bar or a restaurant and you want to build a commercial terrace (also called “sidewalk café”) on public property, you must get a permit.
In order to get a permit, you must:
- go to the permit counter to check if your establishment is located in a zone where building a commercial terrace is authorized
- submit an application for a permit online or at the permit counter, and pay the processing fee
- if your application is accepted, pay the seasonal public property occupancy fee (rent) for the first year at the Accès LaSalle office
Annual rent
The owner of the establishment must pay the public property occupancy fee annually in order to operate the terrace.
This rent, set at a maximum of $100, is calculated by multiplying 15 per cent of the area occupied by the terrace on public property by the municipal assessment value per m2, based on the number of days of the occupancy.
The annual rent is established prior to signing the letter of agreement.
Billing method
In the first financial year, you must pay the rent in a single instalment, at the time of issuance of the permit. The amount will be calculated from the first day of occupancy until October 31.
For all subsequent financial years, you must also pay the rent in a single instalment. The rent will be calculated from May 1 to October 31. You will receive an invoice in the mail.
Fees
Taxes are included.
Type of fees | Amount |
|---|---|
Processing fee | $350 |
Permit | $25 |
Total | $375 |
Required documents
- professional-quality floor plan to scale, indicating the terrace dimensions and occupancy perimeter,and the location of adjoining street furniture, in two copies
- authorization from the building owner
- proof of third-party liability insurance coverage of $2 million, valid for the entire operating period of the terrace. You will be asked to provide it when your application is reviewed, before the permit is issued
If applicable:
- power of attorney signed by the operator
Communication channels
You can submit your application online, but the fees must be paid at the counter.
Montréal (QC) H8R 4A8
If you operate a café, bistro, bar, restaurant or retail food business (bakery, grocery store, etc.) and your want to build a commercial terrace on public property (a classic “sidewalk café” or a terrace with six tables and 12 chairs), you must get a permit.
Although the Accès Montréal office is open, the technical studies department is closed.
Please apply online or by e-mail.
To get it, you must:
-
Go to the permit counter or send us an e-mail to check whether your establishment is located in a zone where building a commercial terrace is authorized.
-
If the terrace is authorized, submit an application online or at the permit counter, provide the required documents, and pay the processing fee.
Terrace operating period
From April 15 to October 15
Beginning June 1, 2020, public domain occupancy assessment fees will be $50 for the 2020 season exceptionally, no matter the area of the café-terrace.
Document
Required documents
- professional-quality floor plan to scale, indicating the terrace dimensions and occupancy perimeter,and the location of adjoining street furniture (benches, fire hydrants, drains, traffic lights, etc.) and publicly-owned trees
- authorization from the building owner
- proof of third-party liability insurance coverage of $2 million, valid for the entire operating period of the terrace. You will be asked to provide it when your application is reviewed, before the permit is issued
If applicable:
- power of attorney signed by the operator
Communication channels
You can submit your application online, but the fees must be paid at the counter.
If you operate a bar, café or restaurant and you want to build a commercial terrace on the sidewalk or the road, you must get a permit.
To get it, you must:
- contact the permit counter to check if your establishment is located in a zone where building a commercial terrace is authorized
- submit an application for a permit online
- pay the application fee online or by cheque
We continue to issue permits even though our offices are closed.
Complete your application online and attach all required documents. Next, mail in your cheque.
Please note that 2020 fees have changed and there are no longer annual public property occupancy fees to pay, other than a $50 fee to process your file.
Terrace operating period
From April 1 to November 1
Fees
Occupancy fees are fixed for the entire seasonal period. In the event that the occupancy covers only part of the seasonal period, the fee is prorated to the actual number of days of occupancy during the 200-day seasonal period. The fees are non-taxable and non-refundable.
Type of fees | Amount |
|---|---|
Processing fee | $50 |
Sidewalk occupancy permit | $0 per m² |
Road occupancy permit | $0 per m² |
Document
Required documents
- professional-quality floor plan to scale, indicating the terrace dimensions and occupancy perimeter,and the location of adjoining street furniture (benches, fire hydrants, drains, traffic lights, etc.) and publicly-owned trees
- authorization from the building owner
- proof of third-party liability insurance coverage of $2 million, valid for the entire operating period of the terrace. You will be asked to provide it when your application is reviewed, before the permit is issued
If applicable:
- power of attorney signed by the operator
Communication channels
You can submit your application online, but the fees must be paid at the counter.
First floor
Montréal (QC) H4C 2K4
By-law
This borough does not authorize commercial terraces on public property.
If you operate a bar, café or restaurant and you want to build a commercial terrace on the sidewalk or the road, you must get a permit.
In order to get a permit, you must:
- go to the permit counter to check if your establishment is located in an authorized zone
- schedule an appointment to submit an application for a certificate of authorization to operate a terrace, and pay the processing fee
- submit an application for a seasonal public property occupancy permit online or at the engineering and design office (onsite, by e-mail or telephone), attach the required documents, and pay the processing fee
- if your application is accepted, please sign a letter of agreement and pay the permit fee and the rent for the first year at the permit counter in order to receive your permit
Operating period
From April 1 to October 31
Annual rent
Each year, the owner of the establishment must pay the seasonal public property occupancy fee in order to operate the terrace.
This rent is calculated by multiplying 5 per cent of the area occupied by the terrace on public property by the municipal assessment value per m2, based on the number of days of occupancy between April 1 and October 31.
Billing method
In the first financial year, you must pay the rent in a single instalment, at the time of issuance of the permit. The amount will be calculated from the first day of occupancy until October 31.
For all subsequent financial years, you will receive the invoice by mail, and you must pay the rent in a single instalment.
Fees
Taxes are included.
Certificate of authorization
Type of fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Processing fee | $230 |
Seasonal public property occupancy permit
Type of fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Processing fee | $584,38 |
Permit | $84,35 |
Total | $668,73 |
Required documents
- professional-quality floor plan to scale, indicating the terrace dimensions and occupancy perimeter,and the location of adjoining street furniture (benches, fire hydrants, drains, traffic lights, etc.) and publicly-owned trees
- authorization from the building owner
- proof of third-party liability insurance coverage of $2 million, valid for the entire operating period of the terrace. You will be asked to provide it when your application is reviewed, before the permit is issued
If applicable:
- power of attorney signed by the operator
Communication channels
You can submit your application online, but the fees must be paid at the counter.
Montréal (QC) H1N 1E1
If you operate a café, bistro, bar, restaurant or retail food business (bakery, grocery store, etc.) and you want to build a commercial terrace on public property, you must get a permit.
In order to do so, you must submit an application for a permit online or at the permit counter and provide the required documents.
The permit is free of charge.
You must renew it annually.
Terrace operating period
From April 15 to October 30
Required documents
- professional-quality floor plan to scale*, indicating the terrace dimensions and occupancy perimeter, and the location of adjoining street furniture (benches, fire hydrants, drains, traffic lights, etc.) and publicly-owned trees
- authorization from the building owner
- proof of third-party liability insurance coverage of $2 million, valid for the entire operating period of the terrace. You will be asked to provide it when your application is reviewed, before the permit is issued
If applicable:
- power of attorney signed by the operator
* If the terrace may block the access to an entrance or exit of a building, your borough will request that you provide a plan signed and sealed by an architect.
Communication channels
You can submit your application online, but the fees must be paid at the counter.
Montréal (QC) H1H 1S4
If you operate a restaurant, snack bar, lunch counter or grocery store and you want to build a commercial terrace on public property, you must get a permit.
To get it, you must:
- submit an application at the permit counter and provide the required documents
- pay the fee at the permit counter
Terrace operating period
From March 15 to November 15
Fees
For 2020, there will be flexible fees.
Only the $50 processing fee will apply for renewals or new applications.
Required documents
- Certificate of location
- Commercial occupancy permit
- Professional-quality scale plan showing:
- the dimensions and location of the proposed terrace
- the location of the tables, chairs and pedestrian/customer traffic areas
- the location of the railing, flower boxes, access ramp, awnings and umbrellas, including details related to dimensions, materials, colours, anchoring and projection
- details on the flooring and its installation
- authorization from the building owner
- proof of third-party liability insurance coverage of $2 million, valid for the entire operating period of the terrace. You will be asked to provide it when your application is reviewed, before the permit is issued
If applicable:
- permit issued by the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux du Québec
Communication channels
This borough does not authorize commercial terraces on public property.
If you operate a bar or a restaurant and you want to build a commercial terrace (also called “sidewalk café”) on public property, you must get a permit.
In order to get a permit, you must:
- go to the permit counter to check if your establishment is located in an authorized zone
- schedule an appointment to submit an application for a certificate of authorization to operate a terrace, and pay the processing fee
- once you have the certificate, submit an application for a seasonal public property occupancy permit at the permit counter, attach the required documents, and pay the processing fee
- if your application is accepted, please sign a letter of agreement and pay the permit fee and the rent for the first year at the permit counter in order to receive your permit
Terrace operating period
From May 1 to October 31
Annual rent
Each year, the owner of the establishment must pay the seasonal public property occupancy fee in order to operate the terrace.
The rent is calculated by multiplying 15 per cent of the area occupied by the terrace on public property by the municipal assessment value per m2, based on the number of days of occupancy between May 1 and October 31.
Billing method
In the first financial year, you must pay the rent in a single instalment, at the time of issuance of the permit.
For all subsequent financial years, please go to the permit counter in your borough to make your payment.
Fees
Amounts are not taxable.
Certificate of authorization to operate a commercial terrace
Type of fee | Amount |
Processing fee | $210 |
Seasonal public property occupancy permit
Type of fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Processing fee | $546 |
Permit | $62 |
Total | $608 |
Required documents
- copy of the certificate of occupancy
- professional-quality floor plan to scale (three copies) showing the dimensions, occupancy perimeter and location of the nearby municipal infrastructures (benches, fire hydrants, drains, traffic lights, etc.) and publicly-owned trees
- authorization from the building owner
- photo of the premises (façade and sidewalks)
- proof of third-party liability insurance coverage of $2 million, valid for the entire operating period of the terrace. You will be asked to provide it when your application is reviewed, before the permit is issued
If applicable:
- power of attorney signed by the operator
Communication channels
Montréal (QC) H1B 2Z1
Apportez votre formulaire rempli et vos documents.
Montréal (QC) H1B 2Z1
Envoyez votre formulaire rempli et vos documents.
You can apply for a permit to build a commercial terrace (also called a “sidewalk café”) on public property only if your establishment’s commercial occupancy certificate mentions food service or the sale of alcoholic beverages as its activity.
In order to get the permit, you must:
- submit an application for a permit online or at the permit counter, and provide the required documents
- pay the processing fee at the permit counter
Once your application is processed, you will receive an e-mail informing you of the next steps to follow. If your application is accepted, you must pay the permit issuance fee and the seasonal public property occupancy fee (rent).
The permit must be renewed annually.
Terrace operating period
From May 1 to October 31
Fees
Taxes are included. No amount is refundable.
Type of fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Processing fee | $283 |
Permit | $77 |
Annual rent | $108 $ per m² of terrace |
Additional fees may apply if the terrace occupies part of a private property.
Annual rent
Each year, the owner of the establishment must pay the seasonal public property occupancy fee in order to operate the terrace.
Billing method
In the first financial year, you must pay the rent in a single instalment at the time of issuance of the permit.
The amount is calculated from the first day of occupancy until October 31, and you will receive a detailed invoice by mail. In order to get the permit, the invoice must be paid in full at the counter or by mail.
In all subsequent financial years, you must also pay the rent in a single instalment at the counter or by mail. It will be calculated from May 1 to October 31.
Required documents
- professional-quality floor plan to scale, indicating the terrace dimensions and occupancy perimeter,and the location of adjoining street furniture (benches, fire hydrants, drains, traffic lights, etc.) and publicly-owned trees
- photos of the premises (façade et and sidewalk) and illustrations of the furniture, railings and planters
- authorization from the building owner
- proof of third-party liability insurance coverage of $2 million, valid for the entire operating period of the terrace. You will be asked to provide it when your application is reviewed, before the permit is issued
If applicable:
- power of attorney signed by the operator
Communication channels
Please apply online. You will then have to mail your payment.
Second floor
Montréal (QC) H2G 2B3
Apportez votre formulaire et les documents nécessaires.
2e étage
Montréal (QC) H2G 2B3
Remplissez le formulaire et envoyez-le avec les documents nécessaires.
Vous pouvez nous joindre à l’adresse suivante : [email protected]
This service is not offered in this borough.
This borough does not authorize commercial terraces on public property.
If you operate a bar or a restaurant and you want to build a commercial terrace (also called “sidewalk café”) on public property, you must get a permit.
This permit application must be submitted each year.
You must:
- go to the permit counter to check if the location of your establishment is conducive to building a terrace on public property
- submit an application for a permit at the permit counter
- pay the permit fee and the rent at the permit counter
Terrace operating period
From April 15 to October 15
Annual rent
Each year, the owner of the establishment must pay the seasonal public property occupancy fee in order to operate the terrace.
This rent is calculated based on the area occupied.
Fees
Taxes are included.
Type of fee | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
Permit | $367 | |
Rental of a terrace floor and railing: | ||
For a section of sidewalk measuring 1.2 m and a railing | $153 | |
For a section of sidewalk measuring 2.4 m and a railing | $306 | |
Rent | $23 per m² of terrace |
Required documents
- updated certificate of location
- floor plan to scale showing the dimensions of the terrace and its location in relation to the main building, the street and any obstacle on the sidewalk
- a photo of the façade from the street
- authorization from the building owner
- list of materials that will be used to build the terrace
- proof of third-party liability insurance coverage of $2 million. You will be asked to provide it when your application is reviewed, before the permit is issued.
Communication channels
Suite 109
Montréal (QC) H4G 1M4
If you operate a commercial terrace on the sidewalk or the road, you must get a permit.
Our offices are open by appointment only.
However, in order to limit how many people are in the office, we recommend that you:
- send us an e-mail to check that your establishment is located in a zone where commercial terraces are allowed
- complete your application online and attach all required documents
- mail in your cheque.
Please note that 2020 fees have changed and there are no longer annual public property occupancy fees (rent) to pay.
Terrace operating period
From March 15 to October 31
Parking meters in the terrace area
If there are parking meters in the area of the terrace, you are responsible to having them removed or covering the Stationnement de Montréal parking meter post.
Fees
Taxes are included. The payment must be made at the counter.
Type of fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Processing fee | $50 |
Document
Required documents
- certificate of authorization to use
- professional-quality floor plan to scale, indicating the terrace dimensions and occupancy perimeter,and the location of adjoining street furniture (benches, fire hydrants, drains, traffic lights, etc.) and publicly-owned trees
- authorization from the building owner
- proof of third-party liability insurance coverage of $2 million, valid for the entire operating period of the terrace. You will be asked to provide it when your application is reviewed, before the permit is issued
If applicable:
- power of attorney signed by the operator
- Resolution from the company submitting the application
Communication channels
Vous pouvez effectuer votre demande en ligne, mais vous devez payer les frais au comptoir.
17th floor
Montréal (QC) H2L 4L8
Bring your form (in French) with you.
17th floor
Montréal (QC) H2L 4L8
Remplissez le formulaire, joignez les documents nécessaires et un chèque pour l’analyse du dossier.
You can apply for a permit to build a terrace on public property only if your establishment’s commercial occupancy certificate mentions food service or the sale of alcoholic beverages as its activity, or if you operate an ice cream shop.
In order to get a permit, you must:
- submit an application for a permit online or at the permit counter
- pay the application fee at the permit counter
- if your application is accepted, pay the rent for the operating period at the permit counter
Terrace operating period
From April 1 to October 31
Annual rent
Each year, the owner of the establishment must pay the seasonal public property occupancy fee in order to operate the terrace.
The rent is calculated by multiplying 10 per cent of the municipal assessment value per m2 of the establishment to which the terrace is attached.
In the event that the terrace is built, in part or in full, on a road where parking fees are applied, additional fees will be included in the calculation of the annual rent.
Billing method
You must pay the rent at the permit counter in a single instalment, at the time of issuance of the permit.
Fee
Taxes are included. The amount is not refundable.
Type of fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Processing fee | $216 |
Required documents
- professional-quality floor plan to scale, indicating the terrace dimensions and occupancy perimeter,and the location of adjoining street furniture (benches, fire hydrants, drains, traffic lights, etc.) and publicly-owned trees
- Letter from the building owner authorizing the operation of the commercial terrace according to the conditions established by the borough
- proof of third-party liability insurance coverage of $2 million, valid for the entire operating period of the terrace. You will be asked to provide it when your application is reviewed, before the permit is issued
- certificate of location
- copy of the operator’s occupancy certificate
If applicable:
- power of attorney signed by the operator
Communication channels
You can submit your application online, but the fees must be paid at the counter.
Suite 111
Montréal (QC) H3N 1M3
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