Apply for a permit to operate a commercial terrace on public property with a change of operator

Last updated November 2, 2024
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Are you the new operator of an establishment with a commercial terrace built on public property? If you want to keep the terrace the way it is, please check if you must submit a new application for a permit or if an application with a change of operator will suffice.

All operators of a retail food business with a terrace on part of the sidewalk, the road or any other part of public property must hold a valid seasonal public property occupancy permit. 

In some boroughs, a new application must be submitted; in others, the application with a change of operator will suffice.

Check to see which case applies to you.

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If you are a new operator and you want to keep the terrace the way it is, you don’t need to do anyhting.

If you want to make some changes to the terrace, you must:

  • submit an application at the permit counter and provide the required documents
  • sign the agreement that the previous operator signed
  • pay for the new permit and the seasonal public property occupancy fee (annual rent)

Fee

$80.25 (taxes included).

Annual rent

Terrace area multiplied by 7.5% of the property roll value for 2023.

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, you must also pay the rent in a single instalment. The rent will be calculated from May 1 to October 31.

Required documents

  • Authorization from the building owner
  • Copy of the commecial occupancy certificate
  • Power of attorney that authorizes you to sign the permit on behalf of the company
  • Proof of third-party liability insurance coverage of $2 million, valid for the entire operating period of the terrace

Communication channels

In person

Point of service

Permit counter – Ahuntsic-Cartierville
555 Rue Chabanel Ouest
Suite 600
Montréal, QC H2N 2H8

If you are a new operator, you must submit a new application.

If you are a new operator and wish to keep the terrace as it is, you must :

  • Notify our Technical Studies team by email.
  • Provide proof of $2 million liability insurance, valid for the entire period of the terrace operation.
  • Pay the fee.

Fee

$81

If you wish to make any changes to the terrace, you must apply for a new permit.

Apply

By e-mail

[email protected]

Legislation

As a new operator, you must submit a new application for a permit.

As a new operator, you must submit a new application for a permit.

Communication channels

In person

Permit counter – LaSalle
55 Avenue Dupras
Montréal, QC H8R 4A8

By appointment only.

Important note: A new commercial occupancy certificate is needed when there is a change of operator.

As a new operator, you must submit a new online application for a permit even if there is no change in the initial plans for the terrace.

Communication channels

Online

Apply (in French)

As the new business operator, you must: 

  1. Get a new commercial occupancy permit. 
  2. Submit a new application for a commercial terrace permit, even if no changes are made to the terrace.

Learn more

By e-mail

[email protected]

This borough does not authorize commercial terraces on public property.

If you are a new operator and you want to keep the terrace the way it is, you must: 

  1. Go to the permit counter to submit an application for a certificate of authorization to operate a terrace, and pay the application fee
  2. Schedule an appointment at the engineering and design office to submit an application for a change of operator, provide the required documents, and sign an agreement
  3. Pay for the new permit and the seasonal public property occupancy fee (annual rent).

Fees

The application fee to get a certificate of authorization to operate a commercial terrace is $309.09 (taxes included) at the permit counter.
The new permit with the change of operator costs $97.25 (taxes included) at the engineering and design office.

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 2.5 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 the 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. 

For all subsequent financial years, you will receive an invoice in the mail and pay the rent in a single instalment.

Required documents

  • Commercial occupancy certificate
  • Authorization from the building owner 
  • If you are a company: resolution for signature
  • Letter of acceptance of the requirements (agreements)
  • 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

In person

Point of service

Permit counter – Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve
6854 Rue Sherbrooke Est
Montréal, QC H1N 1E1

As a new operator, you must submit a new application for a permit.

As a new operator, you must submit a new application for a permit.

This borough does not authorize commercial terraces on public property.

If you are a new operator and you want to keep the terrace the way it is, you must: 

  1. Submit an application at the permit counter and provide the required documents
  2. Sign an agreement
  3. Pay for the new permit and the seasonal public property occupancy fee (annual rent).

Tarif

$68 (taxes included)

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 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,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, you will receive an invoice in the mail and pay the rent in a single instalment.

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

In person

Point of service

Permit counter – Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles
12090 Rue Notre-Dame Est
Montréal, QC H1B 2Z1

If you are a new operator and you want to keep the terrace the way it is, you must: 

  • Submit an application at the permit counter and provide the required documents
  • Sign an agreement
  • Pay for the new permit and the seasonal public property occupancy fee (annual rent).

Fee

Type of fee

Amount

Change of terrace permit holder

$88

Permit to occupy the public domain

$86

Public property occupancy fees

$121 / m²

Annual rent

Each year, the owner of the establishment must pay the seasonal public property occupancy fee (rent) in order to operate the terrace.

The payment must be made in a single instalment. It is calculated from May 1 to October 31.

Communication channels

Permit counter – Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie
5650 Rue D'Iberville
Second floor
Montréal, QC H2G 2B3

Payment method

Click on the place to see accepted methods of payment.

Bureau Accès Montréal - Comptoir des permis

5650, rue D'Iberville
2e étage
Montréal, QC H2G 2B3

This service is not offered in this borough.

This borough does not authorize commercial terraces on public property.

As a new operator, you must have your commercial occupancy certificate modified. You are not required to apply for a new permit for your establishment, but you must know the applicable standards.

As a new operator, you must submit a new application for a permit.

As a new operator, you must submit a new application for a permit.