Do you plan to carry out work, and your container might encroach on public space? Do you need to reserve a parking spot for your moving truck? Do you want to set up a terrace adjacent to your business? If you live in Quebec, you will likely be required to obtain a public space occupation permit.
Learn all the steps to obtain a seasonal, temporary, or permanent occupation permit with the experts from the demolition company Excavation Chanthier.
WHAT IS A PUBLIC DOMAIN OCCUPATION PERMIT?
The public domain occupation permit ensures the fair and safe use of public space in Quebec. This includes roads, streets, alleys, or areas between private properties and the street.
Whether it’s to set up a restaurant terrace, undertake residential excavation work that interferes with the roadway, or film a movie, it is mandatory to obtain a permit. To do so, you must submit a request to your municipality or borough.
The conditions for occupying public space and the required documents may vary slightly depending on the city or borough. We encourage you to consult the appropriate administrative officers for more information.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PUBLIC DOMAIN OCCUPATION PERMITS?
In Quebec, certain laws regulate any occupation of public space, whether temporary, periodic, or permanent. Thus, three different types of permits exist depending on the nature of the occupation:
TEMPORARY OCCUPATION PERMIT
A temporary occupation permit is required for short-term obstructions in public spaces. Here are some examples:
- Closing a public road to traffic for work (such as building demolition and large construction sites).
- Placement of large containers, scaffolding, or construction site fences.
- Installation of a debris chute, particularly for proper waste management on a demolition site.
- Reserving a space for a contractor’s vehicle or a moving truck when signage prohibits it.
- Presence of equipment or materials on public roads (such as mini excavators).
- Filming a movie.
Here are the steps to obtain a temporary occupation permit:
- Submit a permit application to your municipality or borough and pay the application fees.
- Pay the permit cost.
- Obtain and install signage at the site, especially if it involves a move.
Regulations related to temporary occupation permits may vary slightly depending on the city or borough concerned.
SEASONAL OCCUPATION PERMIT
The seasonal occupation permit is primarily requested to set up an outdoor terrace for a café, bar, or restaurant or to install bike racks. In some cities or boroughs, this permit is also required to install a clothing donation box or a merchandise stand for sale. These periodic installations must be dismantled at the end of the season.
The steps to obtain a seasonal occupation permit are as follows:
- Verify that the location is in an area where periodic occupation is permitted.
- Submit a request to your municipality or borough and pay the application fees.
- Pay the annual fee for the right to occupy the road or sidewalk.
The validity of the permit and its conditions may vary depending on the city or borough. It is therefore necessary to consult qualified administrative officers.
PERMANENT OCCUPATION PERMIT
A permanent occupation permit is required for fixed elements that intrude on public space. Here is the list:
- Encroachment by a building on public space (stairs, balconies, ramps for people with disabilities).
- Encroachment by a protruding construction on public space, such as walkways, canopies, or overhanging signs.
- Construction of a tunnel, a permanent above-ground shelter, or an underground garage.
- Installation of cables, poles, pipes, sewer connections, and similar installations.
The steps to obtain a permanent occupation permit are as follows:
- Submit a request to your municipality or borough and pay the application fees.
- Pay the permit cost.
- Provide the location certificate of the property.
- Attach the construction plan and a detailed estimate from work to application.
As with the other public domain occupation permits, the conditions for obtaining and using the permit may vary depending on the city or borough.
DO YOU WANT TO UNDERTAKE EXCAVATION OR DEMOLITION WORK? CONTACT EXCAVATION CHANTHIER
In conclusion, if you wish to use public space, whether temporarily or permanently, you will need a public domain occupation permit. To start your project smoothly, we encourage you to begin the administrative procedures as soon as possible.
Do you live in Greater Montreal and wish to undertake excavation or demolition work?
At Excavation Chanthier, in addition to offering our residential excavation or house demolition services, we assist you in your administrative procedures to help you obtain the necessary permit.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and request a quote.