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.
- 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 | $0 |
Annual rent
Each year, the owner of the establishment must pay a seasonal public property occupancy fee of $50 in order to operate the terrace.
Billing mehtod
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, you must also pay the rent in a single instalment. The rent will be calculated from May 1 to October 31.
Required documents
- Certificate of location or land survey report (a copy if you go to the permit counter)
- Commercial occupancy certificate (a copy if you go to the permit counter)
- 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
- Photo of the premises
- 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 that authorizes you to sign the permit on behalf of the company
Communication channels
You can submit your application online, but the fees must be paid at the counter.
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.
Point de service
Suite 600
Montréal, QC H2N 2H8
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.
Communication channels
Information
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:
-
Submit a request to the Division des études techniques by mail or e-mail and pay the evaluation fee.
-
If your request is accepted, an agent will contact you by e-mail and will tell you how much more you need to pay (issue of permit and annual rent);
-
When we receive payment, we will send you the permit by email and you will be authorized to install your patio (terrace) on public property.
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.
In general, 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 | $5 |
Permit | $5 |
Rent | $50 |
Documents
Required documents
To submit a request
- Plans and technical description of the proposed terrace in its setting, 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.
- 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.
When the permit is issued
- Official site plan signed and sealed by a land surveyor
Communication channels
Legislation
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
- make the security deposit of $1,000. This deposit must be made in order for the permit to be issued. It will be cashed in if you do not dismantle the terrace at the end of the season.
- 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, if your application is accepted.
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 | $0 |
Commercial terrace located in part or in full on the sidewalk or road and exceeding 15 m² in size | $0 |
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
Permis counter
Point de service
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.
No fee applicable. Contact the permit counter for more information.
Type of fees | Amount |
|---|---|
Processing fee | $0 |
Permit | $0 |
Total | $0 |
Document
Required documents
- Two copies of a professional quality plan showing the proposed occupancy
- Proof of liability insurance
- Proof that the applicant is the operator of the establishment for the requested occupancy
- Proof that the operator is authorized by the owner to operate on public property
- Certificate of occupancy from the establishment to which the parklet will be attached
Communication channels
You can submit your application online, but the fees must be paid at the counter.
Point de service
Montréal, QC H8R 4A8
Legislation
If 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.
To get it, you must:
- 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 and provide the required documents.
Flexible rules in 2022
To help out restaurants and bars as they resume their activities, the borough is making its rules for café-terraces more flexible this season:
- Cafés and restaurants will be allowed to put up terraces on residential streets.
- Cafés, restaurants, bars and microbreweries which can not accommodate 24 seats in front of its main facade, will be allowed to put up terraces on the corner of a residential street that is adjacent to a commercial street as long as there is a four-metre distance from the property line of a residential zone.
In both cases, the maximum total capacity is 24 seats.
Terrace operating period
From April 15 to November 15
Fees
To help merchants in 2022, the borough is easing the applicable measures.
There is no study fee for the permit application. Only the occupancy fee is charged after the end of the season.
Type of fees | Amount |
|---|---|
Occupancy | $50 |
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
- proof of $2 million civil liability insurance rider, (one to two pages) that indicates the terrace is covered for the duration of the operating period and that designates the city as co-insured. The rider must also mention that the coverage cannot be canceled or reduced without 30 days notice to the relevant authority.
If applicable:
- power of attorney signed by the operator
Communication channels
You must submit your application online.
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:
- Verify that your establishment is located in a zone where installing a commercial patio is authorized, by consulting the interactive map of the Sud-Ouest. Need help? Contact our traffic team;
- Submit an application for a permit online
- If your request is accepted, pay for the permit by sending a cheque by mail
Terrace operating period
From April 1 to November 1
Fees
To help merchants in 2022, the borough is easing the applicable measures.
Only the processing fee is to be paid upon approval of the application.
You must provide proof of insurance.
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 |
Road occupancy permit | $0 |
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 request online, but you must pay the fees by sending a cheque by mail.
Legislation
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 | $260 |
Seasonal public property occupancy permit
Type of fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Processing fee | $517.93 |
Permit | $74.75 |
Total | $592.68 |
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.
Point de service
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.
Point de service
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
Taxes are included.
Type of fees | Amount |
|---|---|
Analysis of the construction project and the design of the terrace | $417 |
Analysis of the public property occupancy | $521 |
Issuance of the permit | $115 |
Seasonal public property occupancy (rent) | 15% of the land value of the occupied public property |
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
Apply for the permit
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 | $51 |
Seasonal public property occupancy permit
Type of fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Processing fee | $26 |
Permit | $64 |
Total | $90 |
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
Point de service
Montréal, QC H1B 2Z1
Bring your completed form and your documents.
Point de service
Montréal, QC H1B 2Z1
Send your completed form and your 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.
Prior to installing a terrace, please make sure that you hold civil liability insurance. You will be required to provide proof of insurance in order for your permit to be issued.
In order to get the permit, you must:
- submit an application 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.
Please view the page entitled Build a commercial terrace on public property to learn about the applicable standards
Terrace operating period
Seasonal terrace
From May 1 to October 31.
Pop-up terrace
Throughout the year, with certain conditions.
Fees
Taxes are included. No amount is refundable.
Seasonal terrace
Type of fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Processing fee and permit | $50 |
Pop-up terrace
Type of fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Processing fee and permit | $50 |
Required documents
Seasonal terrace
- 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
Pop-up terrace
- photos of the premises (façade et and sidewalk) and illustrations of the furniture
- 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
Apply for the permit
Second floor
Montréal, QC H2G 2B3
Please bring the required documents.
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 | $50 |
Occupancy of public property (rent) | $0 |
Floor and railing costs
Taxes are included.
Type of floor | Cost |
|---|---|
Rectangular floor measuring 1.50 m by 2.43 m (5 ft by 8 ft) | $549.12 |
Rectangular floor measuring 1.50 m by 1.20 m (5 ft by 4 ft) | $274.56 |
Triangular floor measuring 1.50 m by 1.50 m (5 ft by 5 ft) | $343.20 |
Railing | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
Railing measuring 1.82 m in length by 0.91 m in height (6 ft long by 3 ft high) | $492.09 | |
Railing measuring 1.21 in length by 0.91 m in height (4 ft long by 3 ft high) | $324.78 |
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
Point de service
Suite 109
Montréal, QC H4G 1M4
If you operate a commercial terrace on the sidewalk or the road, you must get a permit.
Fees
Taxes are included. The payment must be made at the counter.
Fees for analyzing the file and for the permit are applicable as stipulated in Ville-Marie’s By-law concerning fees.
Only the processing fee is to be paid
Type of fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Processing fee | $50 |
Terrace operating period
From March 15 to October 31
Documents
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
- resolution from the company submitting the application
- authorization from the neighbour if the terrace encroaches on the facade of the adjoining building
Communication channels
You can apply online, but you must pay the fee at the counter.
Point de service
17th floor
Montréal, QC H2L 4L8
Bring your form (in French) with you.
Division de la mobilité et de la planification
17th floor
Montréal, QC H2L 4L8
Fill out the form, attach the necessary documents and a cheque for the analysis of the file.
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
Fees
Taxes included
To help merchants in 2022, the borough is easing the applicable measures.
- Flat rate to be paid
- Expansion in front of the neighbouring commercial façade possible
- Terrace without platform allowed on the pavement of a pedestrian street
Type of fees | Amount |
|---|---|
Flat rate | $52 |
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.
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.
Point de service
Suite 111
Montréal, QC H3N 1M3
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