If you want to carry on business in the City of Vancouver, you need a business licence. Types of businesses that require licences Commercial and industrial business: A business based within a building located in a commercial or industrial area of the City of Vancouver as defined in the Zoning and Development Bylaw Home-based business: A business based in a dwelling located in a residential area in the City of Vancouver as defined in the Zoning and Development Bylaw Out-of-town business: A business being carried on in the City of Vancouver, but with the business office located outside of Vancouver Only the business owner is required to get a business licence. Employees do not need to get individual business licences. Types of businesses not allowed in Vancouver A person cannot apply for a licence for any business described in Schedule A of the Business Prohibition Bylaw. You can apply for a business licence: Contact the Development and Building Services Centre about business licences
Location and mailing address Development and Building Services Centre 515 West 10th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5Z 4A8 Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm Tuesday, Thursday: 8:30am to 4:00pm See when your queue number is called West 10th Ave parking lot, between Cambie and Yukon Include a copy of the business owner's current, government-issued photo ID with your business licence application. Is a representative applying for the licence? They must also submit a copy of: Their own current, government-issued photo ID A letter of authorization from the business owner Download a letter of authorization template (59 KB) Is your business limited or incorporated? You must also submit a copy of: The provincial or extra-provincial certificate of incorporation issued by the BC Corporate Registry The company's list of directors A federal certificate of incorporation issued by Industry Canada won't be accepted.
Do you need other approvals before you get your business licence? You might require other approvals before your business licence is approved: Building and zoning approval Staff at the Development and Building Services Centre will review your proposed business location. Depending on the zoning, your business may or may not be permitted. Or your business may only be permitted after a development permit is obtained. A building permit or a special inspection may also be required. Contact the Development and Building Services Centre about building and zoning at 604-873-7611. Before your business licence is issued, you may require other approvals from the Police, Fire, or Health Departments. Environmental Health: Any food-related businesses must have an inspection completed and approved by Vancouver Coastal Health. Fire: Some business licence categories will require certificates from the Vancouver Fire Department. Police: If police approval is required, you will need to go directly to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) located at 2120 Cambie Street to apply for a Police Information Check (PIC).
For more information on the VPD’s location, hours of operation, fees, how to apply and how long it will take, please visit the VPD’s website. For more information on business licence applications that may need police approval, please contact the Development and Building Services Centre. Province of BC: Some business licence categories will require certificates from the Province of BC. Businesses must have waste disposal set up for garbage, recycling, and green waste. Find a waste hauler Apply for a permit to have a dumpster on City property If all requirements and approval have been met, this is when you can expect to have your business licence issued: By mail, or email 8 to 10 weeks If you do not apply in person, we will send you an invoice for the licence fee. Your business licence will be processed after we receive payment for the licence fees. Important: Your business and your location Before you purchase or sign a lease for your business location, check with the Development and Building Services Centre first to make sure that you will be able to conduct your type of business in those premises.
There are different requirements under the Zoning & Development Bylaw and the Building Bylaw for different uses. Each space in a building has its own specified approved use and sometimes the use of that space cannot be changed without an approval or a permit, or both. Application fee for new business licence Depends on business type To check the licence fee: Read Schedule A of the Licence Bylaw (380 KB) All licences will expire annually on December 31 of each year. The annual fee in the first year will be pro-rated based on the business start date. Business license fees are non-taxable. If you apply for your licence in person, you can pay for your business licence by Cheque or money order (made payable to the City of Vancouver) Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) Credit card cheques are not accepted. Business Licence application forms General Business Licence application form For commercial, industrial, home-based, and out-of-town businesses.
Rental Property Business Licence application form For renting out an apartment, duplex, multiple dwelling, one-family dwelling, pre-1956 dwelling, residential/commercial building, or secondary suite. Late Night Dance Licence application form For a dance or music event that occurs between 2:00am and 6:00am, but does not include an event taking place in a private residence. Soliciting for Charity Business Licence application form For societies wanting to solicit money for charity by phone, mail, or door-to-door. Special Event Business Licence application form An exhibition, show, concert or sporting event to be held at BC Place, Rogers Arena, the Pacific National Exhibition, or the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre. Special Event on Private Property Business Licence application form For an event that will take place on private property. If alcohol is being sold or served, a Special Occasion Licence from the Liquor Control & Licensing Branch is required (contact any Provincial Govertment liquor store).