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.

Your establishment’s commercial occupancy permit must mention food service or the sale of alcoholic beverages as its activity and “sidewalk café” as its use.

Before undertaking any steps to install a commercial terrace, make sure your establishment is located in a zone where terraces are authorized. 

If you aren’t sure, make an appointment at the permit counter or contact us by e-mail.

You can operate a commercial terrace from April 1 to November 1.

You can operate a terrace from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The terrace must not have an area greater than 50 per cent of the interior area of the floor to which it is attached (generally the ground floor).

The terrace must be adjacent to the establishment to which it is attached and located in the front yard on a commercial street.

Special provisions and location restrictions apply in the case of commercial terraces that are connected to street corner lots or if they are located in an area that is subject to a site planning and architectural integration plan.

Your commercial terrace must not hinder movement for people with limited mobility. It must also be accessible to them.

The following documents are required: 

• An occupancy permit to operate a “sidewalk café” 
• A renovation permit if renovations are necessary

For more details about requirements and restrictions concerning materials, development and greening, contact the permit counter.

• Urban planning by-law 01-274 (in French)

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.

It is important to comply with the site planning and architectural integration program in certain zones and with all noise regulations.

All businesses are authorized to operate a commercial terrace with three tables and 12 chairs. 

If you would like to offer more seating, your establishment must serve food or alcoholic beverages.

You can operate a terrace from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The terrace must be adjacent to the establishment to which it is attached, and located in the front yard, side yard or backyard. 

However, operating a terrace in a side yard or a backyard is prohibited if the establishment is adjacent to a residence. 

Specific provisions and restrictions concerning location apply to commercial terraces attached to properties on street corners and to Zone C-303 on Avenue Chaumont.

A maximum of three types of furniture material and three furniture colours is authorized on the terrace.

The furniture and the terrace must be maintained in good condition. 

Picnic tables are prohibited.

It is prohibited to present dance or theatre shows, films and concerts on a terrace. Cooking food on a terrace is also prohibited.

You are required to get a renovation permit if renovations are necessary.

Two types of commercial terraces are authorized in Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame de-Grâce

Standard terrace or “sidewalk café”

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

The terrace must harmonize with the outside of the building, in compliance with the site planning and architectural integration program. 

Compliance with the applicable noise standards is also required.

Your establishment’s certificat of occupancy must mention food service or the sale of alcoholic beverages as its activity, and “sidewalk café” as its use.

Terraces with a maximum of six tables and 12 chairs

This more modest variation cannot have more than six tables and 12 chairs. The consumption of food is permitted, but alcoholic beverages are not. Table service is not offered.

A certificate of occupancy is required to operate this type of terrace.

Before you take steps to build a commercial terrace, check to make sure your establishment is located in a zone where doing so is authorized.

Please schedule an appointment with the permit counter to find out or send us an e-mail.

You can operate a terrace from April 1 to November 1.

You can operate your terrace during your establishment’s business hours. 

You must comply with all noise regulations.

The terrace must not have an area greater than 50 per cent of the interior area of the floor to which it is attached (generally the ground floor).

The terrace must be adjacent to the establishment to which it is attached and located in the front yard, backyard, or side yard. 

However, operating a terrace in a side yard or a backyard is prohibited if the establishment is adjacent to a residence. 

Building a terrace in a front yard on Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Chemin Upper Lachine, Avenue Monkland and Avenue Somerled is not permitted if the ground floor of the adjoining building is a dwelling.

Specific provisions and restrictions concerning location apply to commercial terraces attached to properties on street corners.

A terrace is not authorized on a roof, except under certain conditions.

Your terrace must be accessible to people with limited mobility. You must install an access ramp with a minimum width of 1.2 m and a maximum slope of 1:12 (or 5° or 8.33 per cent). In addition, your furniture must include at least one table for people with limited mobility.

The perimeter of the terrace floor must be enclosed with a low masonry wall. 

The railing must be made of clear or transparent glass panels, or bars and posts made of iron or welded aluminium.

These requirements do not apply if you have converted an residential terrace into a commercial terrace.

The railing on the terrace must be anchored to the ground and must not exceed a height of 1.2 m.

It is prohibited to present dance or theatre shows, films and concerts, or to use sound equipment on a terrace. Cooking food and using electrical or gas-powered equipment on a terrace is also prohibited.

The following documents are required: 

• A new certificate of occupancy for a commercial or professional activity
• A renovation permit if renovations are necessary

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

Your establishment’s commercial occupancy permit must mention accommodations, food service, the sale of alcoholic beverages or the sale of food products (grocery store) as its activity.

Building a terrace is authorized from April 1 to November 1.

The terrace must be adjacent to the establishment to which it is attached.

It is authorized only in the following locations: 

• At ground level
• On a building terrace
• On a raised platform
• On a balcony
• On the roof of a building

The terrace must not encroach on the sidewalk, the road or the parking lot.

Specific provisions and restrictions concerning location apply to commercial terraces attached to properties on street corners.

Your terrace must be built in a closed space and bordered by a removable but firmly anchored fence, or surrounded with plants.

You can install a roof, an awning or a canopy on the condition that they are made from fire-resistant materials and do not encroach on public property.

Free-standing umbrellas are authorized, but must not extend beyond the perimeter of the terrasse, nor hinder the visibility of signage. They must also be firmly anchored.

It is prohibited to present dance or theatre shows, films and concerts, and to use sound equipment on a terrace. Cooking food on a terrace is also prohibited.

The following documents are required: 

• A permit to operate a “sidewalk café”
• A renovation permit if renovations are necessary

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.

You must comply with the applicable noise standards and, if necessary, the site planning and architectural integration program.

Your establishment’s commercial occupancy certificate must mention a restaurant activity.

Before you take steps to build a commercial terrace, check to make sure your establishment is located in a zone where doing so is authorized.

You can operate your terrace year-round.

• The terrace must be located on the same property as the establishment it serves, and must be adjacent to it.
• Its floor must be a maximum height of 30 cm above grade.
• It cannot be built on a parking lot.
• It must be open on at least two sides, which must be bordered by a fence or a hedge at a height of no more than one metre.
• It must be located at least one metre from the property limit.

It is prohibited to present shows, use sound equipment, cook food, and operate electrical or gas-powered equipment on a terrace.

You must get a renovation permit if renovations are necessary.

Two types of commercial terraces are authorized in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal.

Standard terrace or “sidewalk café”

The standard commercial terrace (also called “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.

Terraces with a maximum of three tables and 12 chairs

This more modest variation cannot have more than three tables and 12 chairs. The consumption of food is permitted, but alcoholic beverages are not. Table service is not offered.

A commercial occupancy permit is required to operate this type of terrace.

Whether you operate a standard terrace or a more modest one, this space is reserved for clients of the establishment.

Before applying for a permit, you must ensure that your commercial occupancy certificate to operate a restaurant, café, bar or brewpub is valid. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

A sidewalk café located on private property can now be operated year-round.

The terrace is usually located in front of the establishment. However:

• A 50 per cent encroachment in front of each adjacent façade may be permitted with the neighbours’ written consent
• The terrace may be set up in another yard, under certain conditions

Universal accessibility

Fifty per cent of the furniture on a new commercial terrace must be universally accessible.

• 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.

In person

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.

The terrace must comply with the applicable noise standards and (in certain cases) the site planning and architectural integration program.

Your establishment’s commercial occupancy permit must mention food service or the sale of alcoholic beverages as its activity.

Before you take steps to build a commercial terrace, check to make sure your establishment is located in a zone where doing so is authorized. 

In order to check, go to the permit counter in your borough during the hours when an appointment is not required, or contact us by e-mail.

In general, terraces are prohibited in Griffintown. However, borough council may authorize one under certain conditions.

From April 1 to November 1. 

The terrace must be built and removed within the period mentioned above.

The terrace must be adjacent to the establishment to which it is attached and must be located in the front yard, backyard or side yard.

However, operating a terrace in a side yard or a backyard is prohibited if the terrace is adjacent to a residence. 

Other provisions and restrictions pertaining to location may apply.

The terrace must not have an area greater than 50 per cent of the interior area of the floor to which it is attached (generally the ground floor).

Your terrace must be accessible to people with limited mobility. You must install an access ramp and provide an adapted table. You must also ensure that a wheelchair can move freely within the space.

The terrace platform must:

• be on one level only, level with the height of the sidewalk and flush with the curb
• be made of wood or recycled plastic batten
• allow for proper drainage 
• be solid and weather-resistant
• have an anti-slip floor, and not a removable cover 
• have a railing all around or a solidly anchored and vegetated sleeper wall, which must measure between 1.1 m and 1.8 m in width and must not serve as a shelf or furniture

Planters must have natural plants, which you are required to water, maintain and replace, if necessary.

It is prohibited to present dance or theatre shows, films and concerts, and to use sound equipment on a terrace. Cooking food and using electrical or gas-powered equipment on a terrace is also prohibited.

The following documents are required: 

• the establishment’s certificate authorizing the operation of a “sidewalk café” 
• a renovation permit if renovations are necessary

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.

The terrace must comply with the site planning and architectural integration program.

Terrace operators are also required to comply with all noise regulations.

Your establishment’s commercial occupancy certificate must mention food service or the sale of alcoholic beverages as its activity.

Your establishment must also be located in a zone where building a commercial terrace is authorized. 

Go to the permit counter to find out.

You can operate a terrace from April 1 to November 1.

You can operate a terrace during your establishment’s business hours.

The terrace must not have an area greater than 50 per cent of the interior area of the floor to which it is attached (generally the ground floor), except for a terrace authorized on the roof of a building.

The terrace must be adjacent to the establishment to which it is attached and must be located in the front yard on a commercial street.

Specific provisions and restrictions concerning location apply to commercial terraces attached to properties on street corners.

Your commercial terrace must be accessible to people with limited mobility.

All wood must be painted or stained.

Only retractable umbrellas and awnings attached to the building are authorized when covering a terrace.

An in-ground foundation is not authorized.

An abundance of vegetation is desirable on a terrace. However, planters and flower boxes hung from railings must not hinder traffic.

It is prohibited to present dance or theatre shows, films and concerts, and to use sound equipment on a terrace. Cooking food on a terrace is also prohibited.

The following documents are required:

• an occupancy permit (also called an occupancy certificate) mentioning food service or the sale of alcoholic beverages as its use
• a permit to operate a “sidewalk café” (also called certificate of authorization)
• a renovation permit if renovations are necessary

By phone

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

The terrace must comply with the site planning and architectural integration program and with all noise regulations.

Your establishment’s commercial occupancy permit must mention food service, the sale of alcoholic beverages or the sale of food as its activity, and terrace as its use.

You can operate a terrace from April 15 to October 30.

The terrace must be built and dismantled during this period. No equipment must be left on site or outdoors after the permit expiry date.

You can operate a terrace from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The terrace must be on the same site as the establishment to which it is attached.

It may encroach on a parking area provided that the minimum number of parking spaces required by the by-law is respected.

It can also be built on the floor just above the ground floor.

Building a terrace on the roof is not allowed.

Your commercial terrace must be accessible to people with limited mobility.

You must use solid and durable materials designed for outdoor use.

If your terrace is adjacent to a home, you must build a wall screen that is no higher than 1.8 m from the floor to insulate it from the residential zone. 

You can cover the terrace with a canopy or awning made of fire-resistant material. 

Umbrellas without logos or advertising are also allowed.

You are encouraged to have natural plants on your terrace in pots that are on the ground and attached to the terrace. Remember to take care of them so that they do not become unsightly to passersby.

It is prohibited to present dance or theatre shows, films and concerts, and to use sound equipment on a terrace. 

Cooking food on a terrace using gas- or electricty-powered equipment is also prohibited.

The following documents are required: 

• a new occupancy permit for a commercial or professional activity (adding terrace use is free of charge)
• a terrace permit or an exterior renovation permit if the terrace is permanent and attached to the establishment

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.

Your establishment must be a restaurant, snack bar, lunch counter or grocery store.

You must apply for an operating permit (also called a certificate of authorization).

Any business is authorized to build a terrace no greater than 15 m2in size, on the condition that it does not serve food or beverages.

You can operate a terrace from March 15 to November 15.

The terracecan be located along the facade, in a side yard or in the backyard, within the property limits. 

A terrace is not authorized on a roof.

If your terrace has a railing or a low wall, the railing or wall must be no higher than 1.07 m from the floor.

The terrace can be covered with an umbrella, a canopy or an awning that is firmly anchored and made from flexible canvas and does not extend beyond the perimeter of the terrace. The umbrella, canopy or awning must not feature any commercial product logo.

If the terracehas a railing or a low wall, you must place natural plants along its entire length, or arrange the plants in planters on the ground, attached to the terrace on all sides.

Food must be prepared and cooked inside the restaurant. In the case of a grocery store, the food and beverages consumed on the terrace must be from the grocery store.

The terrace must not obstruct the emergency exit of a building.

No part of the terrace can be attached to a tree or leaning against a tree.

Outside of operating hours, the furniture must be removed or firmly attached to the inside of the establishment.

Compliance with general noise standards is required, and the use of sound equipment is prohibited.

On a commercial terrace, you cannot: 

• display products
• post advertising displays
• install sound equipment

You must get a permit to operate a commercial terrace (also called a certificate of authorization).

The permit also authorizes you to build the terrace.

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

Your establishment’s commercial occupancy permit must mention food service, the sale of alcoholic beverages or dance as its activity.

Before you take steps to build a commercial terrace, check to make sure your establishment is located in a zone where doing so is authorized.

Please schedule an appointment with the permit counter to find out or contact the borough by e-mail.

You can operate the terrace from March 31 to November 30.

The terrace must be adjacent to the establishment to which it is attached and located in the front yard, backyard or side yard.

It cannot be adjacent to a property in a residential area.

The terrace must be separated from the road by a barrier, a fence, a flower box or another element, and must not exceed a height of 1.5 m.

If it is built on a platform more than 60 cm from the ground, the terrace must have a railing measuring between 1.07 m and 1.2 m in height on all sides. If this is the case, you must get a renovation permit.

The terrace must not occupy a traffic lane or a parking space, with certain exceptions.

The places available on the terrace must not be taken into account when calculating the minimum number of off-street parking spaces.

Access between the building and the terrace must be kept clear.

You can install an awning, a blind or a canopy with a removable canvas, provided that you comply with the following conditions:

• Installation is authorized only between March 31 and November 30.
• The materials used must be fire-resistant.
• The roof drain must be a minimum of 0.5 m from the property line.

Your commercial terrace must not hinder movement for people with limited mobility.

It is prohibited to present dance or theatre shows, films and concerts on a terrace. Using sound equipment, cooking food and operating electrical or gas-powered equipment on a terrace is also prohibited.

The following documents are required

• A terrace occupancy certificate (also known as an authorization certificate)
• A renovation permit if a platform is being built

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.

Your establishment’s commercial occupancy permit must mention food service or the sale of alcoholic beverages as its activity.

Before you take steps to build a commercial terrace, check to make sure your establishment is located in a zone where doing so is authorized. 

Please schedule an appointment with the permit counter to find out.

You can operate the terrace from April 1 to November 1.

The terrace must not have an area greater than 50 per cent of the interior area of the floor to which it is attached (generally the ground floor).

The terrace must be adjacent to the establishment to which it is attached, in the front yard, backyard or side yard.

It cannot be adjacent to a residence. If this is the case, the terrace must be built in front of the establishment’s facade.

Building a terrace on the roof of the establishment is prohibited.

It is prohibited to present shows, cook food, use sound equipment, and operate electrical or gas-powered equipment on a terrace.

The following documents are required: 

• A new occupancy permit for a commercial or professional activity
• An exterior renovation permit if the borough requires one

In person

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.

The terrace must comply with the site planning and architectural integration program if it is attached to specific buildings or areas with historical value.

In addition, terrace operators are required to comply with all noise regulations.

Your establishment’s commercial occupancy permit must mention food service or the sale of alcoholic beverages as its activity.

Your establishment must also be located in a zone where building a terrace is authorized. 

Please schedule an appointment with the permit counter.

Year-round, but equipment must not be left on site between November 1 and April 1 when the terrace is not in use.

• Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to midnight

The terrace must not have an area greater than 50 per cent of the interior area of the floor to which it is attached (generally on the ground floor), except if the terrace is authorized on the roof of the establishment.

The surface area may be less when the terrace is located in a yard adjacent to a residential area.

The terrace must be contiguous to the establishment to which it is attached, in the front, side or rear yard, under certain conditions.

Your terrace must be accessible to people with limited mobility.

Cooking is permitted on a commercial terrace located on private property from November 1 to April 1.

It is prohibited to present dance or theatre shows, films and concerts, and to use sound equipment on a terrace.

The following documents are required: 

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

The permit remains valid for as long as there are no changes made to the terrace.

A new permit is required if you plan to make changes or if the establishment has a new operator.

In person

Information coming soon.

The commercial terrace is an outdoor site featuring an arrangement of tables and chairs.

It is attached to a business establishment.

Before you take steps to build a commercial terrace, check to make sure your establishment is located in a zone where doing so is authorized. 

Please make an appointment with the permit counter by telephone or by e-mail.

You can operate a commercial terrace from April 15 to October 15.

You can operate a terrace from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The terrace must be adjacent to the establishment to which it is attached and must be located in the front yard, the side yard or the backyard. In addition, it must be located entirely on private property. 

The establishment must be located on a commercial street.

A fixed roof or a removable canvas awning is authorized under certain conditions in order to protect the terrace.

Your commercial terrace must not hinder movement for people with limited mobility. It must also be accessible to them. You are required to install an access ramp.

It is prohibited to present dance or theatre shows, films and concerts on a terrace. Cooking food on a terrace is also prohibited.

The following documents are required: 

• A permit authorizing “sidewalk café” use (also called a certificate of authorization)
• A renovation permit if renovations are necessary

By phone

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 can be offered.

Your establishment’s commercial occupancy certificate must mention food service or the sale of alcoholic beverages as its activity.

You can operate a commercial terrace from April 15 to October 15. Equipment should not be left on site outside of this period.

You can operate your terrace at the following times:

• Every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. for terraces on Rue Wellington and terraces between Boulevard LaSalle and the St. Lawrence River 
• Every day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. for all other areas

Noise will not be tolerated outside of these hours.

The terrace must be located on the same property as the establishment it serves or must be an extension of it, without encroaching on the front of another establishment.

Your terrace must be accessible to people with limited mobility.

A terrace in a front yard or a side yard must be bordered by one of the following materials:

• Permanent landscaping
• A black ornamental iron railing measuring between 0.91 m and 1.06 m in height, as well as natural plants and flowers along two-thirds of its perimeter

A floor is authorized only when the ground is not level. It must be painted, stained or varnished and kept in good condition.

• Making noise, including in the form of music, is prohibited outside the main building.
• No additional parking spaces may be required for the terrace.
• It is prohibited to present dance or theatre shows, films and concerts on a terrace. Using sound equipment and cooking food on a terrace is also prohibited.
• The terrace, railings or umbrellas must not feature any form of advertising.

You are required to get a permit to operate a commercial terrace (also called a certificate of authorization).

The permit also allows you to build the terrace.

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.

The terrace must comply with urban planning regulations as well as all noise regulations.

The occupancy permit for a commercial activity (also called an occupancy certificate) must mention food service or the sale of alcoholic beverages as its use, as well as “sidewalk café” use.

Before you take steps to build a commercial terrace, check to make sure your establishment is located in a zone where doing so is authorized.

Please contact the permit counter.

You can operate a terrace year-round.

The terrace must not have an area greater than 50 per cent of the interior area of the floor to which it is attached (generally the ground floor), except for a terrace authorized on the roof of a building.

A terrace may be authorized in a yard or on a roof.

Special provisions and location restrictions may apply.

Your commercial terrace must be accessible to people with limited mobility when required under regulation.

It is prohibited to present dance or theatre shows, films and concerts on a terrace. Using sound equipment, operating electrical or gas-powered equipment, and cooking food on a terrace is also prohibited.

The following documents are required: 

• A new occupancy permit for a commercial or professional activity (also called a certificate of occupancy)
• A renovation permit if changes to the building are necessary

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.

Your establishment’s commercial occupancy permit must mention food service or the sale of alcoholic beverages as its activity, and “sidewalk café” as its use.

You may be required to ensure that the terrace meets the criteria set out in the borough’s site planning and architectural integration program.

In certain cases, a terrace project must be submitted to the urban advisory committee, which may issue an unfavourable opinion.

You can operate a commercial terrace from April 1 to October 31.

You can operate the terrace during your establishment’s business hours.

The terrace must not have an area greater than 50 per cent of the interior area of the floor to which it is attached (generally the ground floor).

The terrace must be adjacent to the establishment to which it is attached, and located in the front yard, backyard or side yard. 

However, operating a terrace in a side yard or a backyard is prohibited if the establishment is adjacent to a residence.

Specific provisions and restrictions concerning location apply to commercial terraces attached to properties on street corners.

A terrace is not authorized on a roof, except under certain conditions.

No furniture or materials may be left on the terrace between November 1 and April 1.

It is prohibited to present dance or theatre shows, films and concerts, and to use sound equipment on a terrace. Cooking food on a terrace is also prohibited.

You must also comply with all noise regulations.

The following documents are required: 

• A new occupancy permit for a commercial or professional activity
• A renovation permit if the borough requires one