City of Victoria
The City of Victoria
residentsbusinesscity hallvisitorsmayor

Business Licences

How to Apply for a Business licence

If you are planning to operate a business in the City of Victoria, you will need to apply for a business licence from City Hall. Below are steps to help guide you through the process. For more information, please contact us.

STEP 1:

Select a Location

Zoning
Prior to applying for a business licence, you will need to select a location. Zoning regulations vary in different areas of Victoria and can affect the type of business that you are allowed to operate. For information on zoning, visit the Planning and Development Department or call (250) 361-0382.

Legal Use
You will also need to confirm the legal use for a specific address according to the City of Victoria Bylaw by contacting the Permits and Inspections division at 361-0342.

A print copy of the City of Victoria Bylaw may be obtained free of charge from the Public Service Centre located at Victoria City Hall on the corner of Douglas Street and Pandora Avenue. Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. At this time, the City of Victoria Bylaw is not available online.

STEP 2:

Prepare Paperwork

Depending on the type of business, there are a number of supporting documents that are required when submitting a business licence application, including:

  • professional certificates (if applicable)
  • proof of incorporation (if applicable)
  • health inspection certificate (if applicable - for more information contact the Vancouver Health Authority at (250) 475-1858 or visit: www.viha.ca)

STEP 3:

Confirm the Application Fee

The fee for a business licence application varies depending on the type of business you plan to operate. To find out which fee applies to your business, contact the City of Victoria at (250) 361-0572 or Email Us

STEP 4:

Complete a Business Application Form

Business application forms are available at Victoria City Hall as well as for downloading.

Once complete, the form and any supporting documentation are to be submitted in person to the Public Service Centre at Victoria City Hall. The application fee is payable upon submission of the business application form and supporting documents.

The application fee may be paid by cash, debit, Master Card, VISA, American Express or cheque. Cheques are to be made payable to: "City of Victoria".

A receipt will be issued. If your application is not approved, the application fee will be refunded in full.

If you cannot submit the application and payment in person at City Hall, a representative may do so on your behalf.

For more information on the business licence application process, see the Doing Business in the City of Victoria pamphlet - [PDF 545KB]

STEP 5:

Wait for Processing

A business licence application takes approximate 10 working days to process, as a number of City of Victoria departments must review and approve an application before a business licence can be issued.

Approval is also required when the use of a business premise is changed, a property is developed, or building additions are undertaken, in order to ensure compliance with bylaws and regulations. See Permit Requirements.

The Capital Regional District, and Provincial and Federal governments may also have additional requirements that must be met before a business can legally operate. See the Business Start Up Links.

If your application is missing information or requires clarification, you will be contacted by phone. Once your business licence application is approved, you will receive a business licence by mail.

Other Business Requirements

Helpful information is also available on:

Business Start Up Links

There are agencies and services available to assist you with your business start-up needs:

Business Licence Renewal Payment Options

If you operate a business in Victoria, you are required to have a valid business licence, which must be renewed annually. Each November, you will receive a Business Licence Renewal Invoice in the mail which is payable by January 15 of the following year. Businesses that operate without a valid business licence may be fined.

REMINDER:
Victoria business owners are reminded they have until Monday, February 15, 2010 to renew their business licence and avoid paying the $25 late fee for being 30 days past due. All businesses must have a valid licence to legally operate in the City of Victoria.

After February 15, a late fee of $25 will apply to all expired business licences and must be paid in order for a 2010 licence to be issued. Operating a business without a valid licence may result in a fine of $100 per day.

Business licence renewal payments can be made:

  • Online using the City of Victoria's Online Payment Service OR MyCity Online.
  • At most banks and financial institutions (The account number will be your business licence number noted at the top of your Business Licence Renewal Invoice.)
  • By mail, to: City of Victoria, #1 Centennial Square, Victoria, BC V8W 1P6
  • In person at the Public Service Centre, located on the first floor of Victoria City Hall on the corner of Douglas Street and Pandora Avenue. Payment can be made by cash, debit, credit card or cheque. (Cheques are to be made payable to "City of Victoria".)

Your business licence will be issued upon receipt of payment.

If a bank returns a cheque to the City of Victoria, a processing charge will be applied.

Changes to Your Business Licence

If you have moved your business location or are a new owner, please contact the City of Victoria at (250) 361-0572.

If you receive a Business Licence Renewal Invoice but your business has ceased to operate, please sign and return the Invoice, stating "CLOSED", or contact the City of Victoria at (250) 361-0572.

Contact Us

For more information, contact:

City of Victoria
Public Service Centre
#1 Centennial Square
Victoria, BC V8W 1P6
(Corner of Douglas Street and Pandora Avenue)
(250) 361-0224

Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Business Licence Inspector
(250) 361-0572

Bylaw Enforcement
(250) 361-0215

Permits and Inspections
(250) 361-0342

Planning and Zoning
(250)361-0382

Or Email Us

[back]


send an e-postcardprint this pagehow to navigate

ABOUT TRUST ONLINE