Adding a terrace to your restaurant: the requirements

Spring is approaching, and it's almost time to consider opening or reopening your terrace, which is a definite asset for attracting customers during good weather. Whether it's your first time or you've done it many times before, a quick reminder of the rules can help avoid issues and ensure your customers fully enjoy a pleasant terrace.

What legal permits are required to open a terrace?

To set up a terrace, a permit is first and foremost required; it is mandatory, regardless of the terrace's size, as soon as it encroaches upon public space.

The permit application is submitted to the town hall, or even to the prefecture in certain situations where a Temporary Occupation Permit for Public Domain (AOT) is required. This authorization is issued in the form of a decree.

There are two types of permits:

• a 'permis de stationnement' (parking permit) which authorizes occupation without ground footprint, meaning no elements (tables, furniture, etc.) are fixed to the ground.
• a 'permis de voirie' (road permit) which is necessary when there is a ground footprint, such as for an enclosed terrace.

In all cases, the terrace must not obstruct pedestrian traffic in public spaces, nor should it inconvenience residents, particularly by blocking their doorways.

Once your application is submitted, allow a maximum of 2 months to obtain it. Beyond this period, if you have not received a response, the application should be considered rejected.

What are the conditions and obligations for opening a terrace?

The permit issued is necessarily temporary: indeed, the town hall may decide to issue a seasonal or renewable annual permit. It may also specify the hours during which the terrace can be open. This type of time restriction often applies in the evening: for example, to avoid disturbing residents, the town hall may prohibit the terrace from being open after a certain hour.

Once the permit expires, a new application will need to be submitted.

The permit must be displayed inside the establishment so that it is visible from the outside.

It is important to note that the permit is personal and cannot under any circumstances be transferred, sold, or leased to another person or establishment, even during a business transfer. The new owner will, in turn, need to apply for a new permit.

Furthermore, this permit is revocable, meaning it can be withdrawn without notice or compensation for public works or during an event. It can also be withdrawn if the permit conditions are not met, or if the fee is not paid. The permit may also not be renewed, which will oblige the restaurateur to vacate the space previously allocated for their terrace.

How much does it cost?

The terrace permit incurs an annual fee, the amount of which, set by the town hall, varies depending on the city, the specific district, and the area in square meters. In Paris, for example, it ranges from 18 to 406€/m2 depending on the district. However, it should be noted that outside of Paris, prices are significantly lower.

It is also important to know that the fee amount is revisable at the end of each occupation period. Therefore, when you request a renewal of your permit, it is possible that the amount may be re-evaluated and changed.

You now have all the information needed to set up your terrace and understand its constraints. Therefore, you must plan ahead, especially for permit renewals, to ensure you have a terrace continuously available during your desired periods. You must also strictly adhere to any constraints imposed by your city to ensure the long-term viability of your terrace.

All that remains is to arrange your terrace effectively and ensure it is welcoming and attractive to your customers and passersby looking for an outdoor table. To find inspiration for your terrace layout, we have selected the 10 blogs and media to follow when you are a restaurateur.