The Food Establishment package contains permits, licences and services specifically designed for food establishment.
The package includes five items:
- Construction Permit
- Public Health Food Premises Review
- Permanent Sign Permit (if required)
- Food Premises Business Licence
- Liquor Licence Supporting Documents (Agency Letters of Approval, Municipal Information Form) if requested
Applications can be submitted individually and the package is flexible; however, by bundling these applications together, the Business Ambassador Service can ensure that all City requirements are met and are completed in a streamlined manner, reducing time and allow your business to open faster!
Construction Permit
The Ontario Building Code requires that the property owners get a building permit before beginning construction, including renovating or demolishing all or part of an existing building.
A building permit includes reviewing building plans before a permit is approved, followed by inspections during and following construction of the facility.
The following is an example of the approximate costs, time and requirements for the specific permit
Fees (Approximate)
Fit-up (no new gross floor area): $10.75/$1000 or part thereof of the assessed valuation of the work, with a minimum fee of $98
Timeline (Approximate)
First review: 10-15 business days, but could take longer if the application is incomplete or there are any deficiencies noted in the plans.
Summary of requirements
Food Premises Health Review Application
Floor and equipment plans of the food premises must be approved by a Public Health Inspector before to construction. Contact Ottawa Public Health two (2) weeks prior to opening to set up an inspection.
The following is an example of the approximate costs, time and requirements for the specific license or permit
Fees (Approximate)
Currently no fee
Timeline (Approximate)
First review: 10 business days
Summary of requirements
- Application form
- 3 copies of your food premises facility plans, including kitchen, equipment list/legend and seating plan
- Brief description of your proposed operation
- Menu
- More information on operating a food premises
Permanent Sign Permit
Many permanent signs on private property need a permit, including new restaurant signs. The application process of a review of the sign plans.
The following is an example of the approximate costs, time and requirements for the specific permit
Fees (Approximate)
Permanent sign: $401
Timeline (Approximate)
First review: 10 business days
Summary of requirements
Business Licence
If you own or operate a business in the City of Ottawa, you may need a municipal business license (list of businesses that require a municipal licence). A Food Premises Business Licence is needed to own or lease a food establishment in Ottawa. The licence application process involves a series of inspections, including a Public Health and Fire Services inspection. Business licences must be renewed annually.
Ottawa licences businesses to protect the public and entrepreneurs on matters of health and safety connected to their business operation. Licensing fees are established to offset the costs of enforcement and inspection.
The following is an example of the approximate costs, time and requirements for the specific licence
Fees (Approximate)
Annual: $265
Change location: $100
Change owner: $50
Timeline (Approximate)
3 to 6 weeks
Summary of Requirements
Liquor Licence
To serve liquor in the Province of Ontario, a Liquor Licence from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is required. As part of the Liquor Licence application package, the AGCO needs documents from the local municipality. The City of Ottawa can provide the approval for the three Agency Letters of Approval (from Building Code Services, Ottawa Public Health and Ottawa Fire Services) and a Municipal Information Form (MIF) needed for your AGCO application. Each of the three agency letters of approval requires an inspection.
The following is an example of the approximate costs, time and requirements for the specific license
Fees (Approximate)
MIF: $0
ALAs:
- Building Code Services: $431 + HST
- Ottawa Fire Services: $104 + HST
- Ottawa Public Health: $0
Timeline (Approximate)
15 days
Summary of requirements
Additional Items
Many other City services may be required in the process of starting a new business, such as:
