Opening a new business is exciting and requires careful planning. Make the Business Hub your first stop, where our Business Ambassador can help you navigate the City’s business processes, connect you to other agencies and direct you to business resources.
Reach out to City staff if you need more information. We are here to help.
The following guides can help you get started, no matter what type of business you plan to open.
Step 1: Understand federal and provincial government requirements
- To start a business in British Columbia, you must request your business name and register it with BC Registry Services at BCBusiness Registry.
- Determine if you need to collect PST Small business - Guide to PST, Province of British Columbia
- Learn about Canada Revenue Agency requirements for reporting income as a self-employed business, GST guidelines and responsibilities for payroll deductions and remittances as an employer - Checklist for Small Businesses
Step 2: Select a location and identify zoning and permitted uses
Identify properties that are of interest to you. This can be done independently, with resources such as Spacelist or through a qualified real estate agent.
Zoning regulations vary in Victoria and impact the type of business that is permitted to operate at different locations, along with other regulations such as parking requirements. Before signing a lease, use VicMap or ask City staff to identify regulations for your location, and confirm the legal use for a specific address.
- Search your location in VicMap using the search tool.
- View the zoning associated with the subject property.
- Ensure the use of the proposed business complies with the permitted uses in zone.
- Identify any parking requirements for the property.
- Determine legal use. Legal use is different from the zoning as it relates to BC Building Code requirements. You can check current legal use by contacting the Permits and Inspections division.
- Zoning - 250.361.0316 or zoning@victoria.ca
Step 3 Apply for permits
Whether a business is leasing or purchasing a space, interior and exterior alternations may require one of more building permits. In addition, when changing the use of a space, a building permit is required. It is important to consult with City Staff before signing a lease or purchasing a property to ensure the improvements are allowable and timelines are understood, as all changes must meet BC Building Code standards. You also need a sign permit for any exterior signage. For more information,
you can visit us at City Hall or contact staff at Permits & Inspections.
Permits and Inspections | permits@victoria.ca or 250.361.0344
Step 4: Apply for a business licence
All businesses must obtain a business licence. You can apply for your business licence online or in-person at City Hall. Depending on the type of business you are opening, you may need to attach the following documents to your application.
- Professional certificates
- Proof of incorporation and notice of articles
- North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
- Health inspection certificate from Island Health
Know your options for the right type of business licence. If your business is mobile or operating in more than just the City of Victoria, you may be eligible for:
- Inter-Municipal Business Licence: this licence includes the ability to do business in the 13 municipalities in the Capital Regional District. This licence is available to you at no additional cost from your base business licence cost.
- Inter-Community Business Licence: this licence includes the ability to do business in 15 different communities on Vancouver Island (with more communities expected to join in the future). This business licence has a fee of $170 on top of your City of Victoria business licence.
If all necessary documents are submitted with the application form, you should receive approval within 10 business days.
- Business Licence | businesslicence@victoria.ca or 250.361.0572
- Mobile business licences - Province of British Columbia
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the zoning allows for my business, but there is currently an occupancy permit for a different use?
You will need to apply for a change of use. This can involve applying for building permits through Permits and Inspections at City Hall.
Do I need a building permit for cosmetic changes to the interior of the space such as painting?
No. You are only required to apply for a building permit if you want to make structural changes,
changes to the exterior or changes to electrical or plumbing.If you are completing extensive changes, the permits process will likely take four to six-months.
I’d like to change my signage, what do I need to know?
You require a permit from the City of Victoria for any signs that are affixed to the exterior of the building or portable signs on public property. For signs that are affixed to the exterior of the building, changes must go through the Permits and Inspections department. Portable signs on public property have their own regulations and requirements.
Do I need to wait for my permits to be completed before I submit my business licence application?
No, steps 3 and 4 can occur at the same time. Your business licence won’t be approved until you have appropriate sign off on your permits, but your application can be submitted and begin the necessary steps of approval.
Step 1: Determine if you reside in the City of Victoria
Check to see if your address is within the City of Victoria municipal boundaries by using the VicMap
tool. Home-based businesses must be licenced in the municipality that they are located in.
Step 2: Determine if your business is permitted as a home occupation
The best way to determine if your business is permitted as a home occupation is to consult with the Business Hub or Business Licensing department at City Hall or read Schedule D in the home occupation bylaw.
Business Hub | bizhub@victoria.ca or 250.361.0629
Business Licensing | businesslicence@victoria.ca or 250.361.0572
Step 3: Understand federal and provincial government requirements
- To start a business in British Columbia, you must request your business name and register it with BC Registry Services at BC Business Registry.
- Determine if you need to collect PST Small business - Guide to PST, Province of British Columbia
- Learn about Canada Revenue Agency requirements for reporting income as a self-employed business, GST guidelines and responsibilities for payroll deductions and remittances as an employer - Checklist for Small Businesses
Step 4: Apply for a business licence
All businesses must obtain a business licence. The fee for a home-based business licence is $100 per year. You can apply for your business licence online or in-person at City Hall.
Check the “home occupation” box on the business licence application. Depending on the type of business you are opening, you may need to attach the following documents to your application.
- Professional certificates
- Proof of incorporation and notice of articles
- North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
If all necessary documents are submitted with the application form, you should receive approval within 10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
My work is mobile and I work in a variety of locations throughout Greater Victoria. Do I still
qualify for a home occupation business licence?
Yes. If you reside in the City of Victoria, submit a General Business Licence application using your home address and check the home occupation box. You will also need to check the Inter-Municipal Business Licence (IMBL) box, which permits you to operate your mobile home-based business across all 13 municipalities in the Capital Region District. Mobile business licences - Province of British Columbia.
I have an online business. Do I need to apply for a home occupation business licence?
Yes, if your home is the primary location where business is being conducted.
Someone in my household already has a home occupation business licence for a different business. Can I still apply for a home occupation business licence?
Yes, you can have up to three home occupation business licences registered to the same address. However, only one of the home-based businesses is allowed to receive clients at the residence.
Step 1: Understand federal and provincial government requirements
To start a business in British Columbia, you must request your business name and register it with BC Registry Services at BC
ImageBusiness Registry.
- Determine if you need to collect PST - Small Business Guide to PST, Province of BC.
- Learn about Canada Revenue Agency requirements for reporting income as a self-employed business, GST guidelines and responsibilities for payroll deductions and remittances as an employer - Checklist for Small Businesses.
Step 2: Select a location and identify zoning and permitted uses
Identify properties that are of interest to you. This can be done independently, with resources such as Spacelist or through a qualified real estate agent.
Zoning regulations vary in Victoria and impact the type of business that is permitted to operate at different locations, along with other regulations such as parking requirements. Before signing a lease, use VicMap or ask City staff to identify regulations for your location, and confirm the legal use for a specific address.
- Search your location in VicMap using the search tool.
- View the zoning associated with the subject property.
- Ensure the use of the proposed business complies with the permitted uses in zone.
- Identify any parking requirements for the property.
- Determine legal use. Legal use is different from the zoning as it relates to BC Building Code requirements. You can check current legal use by contacting the Permits and Inspections division.
- Zoning - 250.361.0316 or zoning@victoria.ca
Step 3: Apply for a liquor licence (if applicable)
The first step to secure a liquor license is to apply through BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB). Once the application has been filed, the City may need to provide a resolution to LCRB depending on the type of licence you are applying for, and the fire department will need to provide the approved occupancy limit.
- BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch
Permits and Inspections - permits@victoria.ca or 250.361.0344
Image- Fire Prevention Division - vfd@victoria.ca or 250.920.3360
Step 4: Apply for Island Health permits
All food-related businesses must comply with Island Health regulations to permit the safe production, handling and storage of foods. This includes FOODSAFE certifications, health operating permits, sample food menus, floor plans and construction plans before the final health inspections and issuance of permit.
Island Health - Food Safety 250.519.3401
Step 5: Apply for permits and inspections
Whether a business is leasing or purchasing a space, interior and exterior alternations may require one or more building permits. In addition, when changing the use of a space, a building permit is required. It is important to consult with City staff before signing a lease or purchasing a property to ensure the improvements are allowable and timelines are understood, as all changes must meet BC Building Code standards. You also need a sign permit for any exterior signage. For more information you can visit us at City Hall or contact staff at Permits & Inspections at permits@victoria.ca or call 250.361.0344.
It is important to know that if you are completing extensive, changes the permits process will likely take four to six months.
Step 6: Apply for a business licence
The final step is to apply for a business licence, once the business owner, the City and other regulatory organizations are satisfied that the requirements to open a restaurant are met. You can apply for your business licence online or in-person at City Hall.
Depending on the type of restaurant you are opening, you may need to attach the following documents to your application:
- Health inspection certificate from Island Health
- Professional certificates
- Proof of incorporation and notice of articles
- North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
- Liquor licence from BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch
If all necessary documents are submitted with the application form, you should receive approval
within 10 business days. The annual licence fee will vary as it considers whether you are operating a restaurant without a liquor licence, with a liquor licence, or as a lounge. After your business licence application is submitted you will be given details on how to arrange the required fire inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many washrooms do I need?
The number of washrooms required will depend on the size, floor space and number of seats in your location. In general, the ratio is one washroom for every 25 seats. At least one washroom must be barrier-free. For specific information, contact a building inspector in the Permits and Inspections department.
Do I need to hire an architect or engineer to make changes to the building?
If the location was previously a restaurant and only minor changes are being made, you won’t require an architect. If a change of use is happening, you will likely need an architect to make the changes.
How do I get building plans from the City for a space I am leasing?
The owner of the building needs to fill out an owner’s authorization form to give you access to the plans.
The building I want to lease is heritage designated. Will this affect my restaurant?
There are regulations in place to preserve heritage buildings and guide any proposed alterations to these buildings. Schedule a meeting with a heritage planner to discuss your ideas and to better understand what might be possible.
Does the restaurant need to be accessible?
The front entrance should be barrier-free and accessible and at least one washroom must be barrier-free.
Step 1: Understand federal and provincial government requirements
- To start a business in British Columbia, you must request your business name and register it with BC Registry Services atImage
BCBusiness Registry.
- Determine if you need to collect PST Small business - Guide to PST, Province of British Columbia
- Learn about Canada Revenue Agency requirements for reporting income as a self-employed business, GST guidelines and responsibilities for payroll deductions and remittances as an employer - Checklist for Small Businesses
Step 2: Understand the different types of cannabis businesses
There are different requirements for opening a storefront cannabis retail business versus a cannabis-related business. A storefront cannabis retail business is a place where cannabis is sold or provided to a person who attends the premises. Cannabis-related businesses may include wholesaler, grower or online sales. More details can be found at Cannabis Licensing.
Step 3: Determine if rezoning is required
- Storefront cannabis retail locations must be zoned for this specific use. Review the rezoning requirements, including minimum required distances from schools and other storefront cannabis retailers.
- Go over the application form and make sure you understand what is required to apply Cannabis Licensing .
- Set up a pre-application meeting to discuss your proposal and review the process. Contact Zoning at zoning@victoria.ca or 250.361.0316.
- Submit your completed application to zoning@victoria.ca.
- The rezoning process typically takes six to eight months from the time you submit your application. Some applications may require more time.
The fee for a storefront cannabis retailer rezoning application is $7,500. If the application goes ahead, there is an additional fee of $1,800 to hold a public hearing.
Step 4 Apply for permits
Whether a business is leasing or purchasing a space, interior and exterior alternations may require one or more building permits. In addition, when changing the use of a space, a building permit is required. It is important to consult with City Staff before signing a lease or purchasing a property to ensure the improvements are allowable and timelines are understood, as all changes must meet BC
Building Code standards. You also need a sign permit for any exterior signage. For more information, you can visit us at City Hall or contact staff at Permits & Inspections
.
Permits and Inspections| permits@victoria.ca or 250.361.0344
Step 5: Apply for a business licence
- All cannabis-related businesses must obtain a business licence.
- Review the business licence requirements, operational requirements and the application form at Cannabis Licensing.
- Submit your application in-person at City Hall or by email to businesslicence@victoria.ca.
- Storefront cannabis business licences will not be approved until the rezoning application is approved.
- All cannabis retail stores require a provincial licence to operate. Your provincial licence must be submitted with your business licence application. All applicants for all other cannabis-related businesses must submit their federal licence.
- The licence fee for a storefront cannabis retailer is $1,500.
- The licence fee for other cannabis-related businesses depends on the type of business classification. Business Licence fee schedules can be found in the Business Licence Bylaw
Step 6: Schedule your fire inspection
Once the business licence application has been made, you will need to schedule a fire inspection with the Victoria Fire Department. The purpose of this inspection is to ensure the business will be operating in conformance with BC Fire Code, BC Building Code and applicable municipal and provincial fire regulations.
The Fire Inspector conducting the inspection will also collect emergency contact information, and information regarding the building and business. The inspector will also educate the business owners on the routine fire inspection process within the City of Victoria.
For more information, contact the Victoria Fire Department.
- Fire Prevention Division| vfd@victoria.ca or 250.920.3360.Image
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first to open a cannabis business?
Take time to familiarize yourself with the regulations, both from a business licensing and a land use perspective. Apply for a business licence and rezoning as soon as you have all the required supporting documents.
I will only be consulting on cannabis. Do I still need to follow all the regulations?
Yes. Even if you do not have cannabis on-site, you still need to obtain a business licence and follow the applicable regulations. You do not need to apply for rezoning.
Can my business do mail or online delivery?
Yes. Businesses that are not storefront cannabis retailers but will have cannabis on-site for delivery or other purposes need to apply for a business licence under their related classification (i.e., manufacturer, online sales, etc.)
I would like customers to be able to consume products on-site. How do I apply for that type of business?
Currently, City bylaws do not permit the consumption of cannabis on-site.
Step 1: Understand federal and provincial government requirements
To start a business in British Columbia, you must request your business name and register it with BC Registry Services at
ImageBCBusiness Registry.
- Determine if you need to collect PST Small business - Guide to PST, Province of British Columbia
- Learn about Canada Revenue Agency requirements for reporting income as a self-employed business, GST guidelines and responsibilities for payroll deductions and remittances as an employer - Checklist for Small Businesses
Step 2: Identify where you are permitted to operate
In the City of Victoria, mobile food vending businesses are permitted to operate on private property or at special events. Mobile food vendors must comply with local zoning and bylaw regulations. Before you consider a location on private property, make sure the location is zoned for this type of use. Use the City’s VicMap tool or contact City staff in the Business Hub or Zoning to get help identifying these regulations.
- Use the search tool in VicMap to find your selected location.
- View the zoning associated with the property to ensure restaurant is a permitted use.
- Contact Zoning to review other requirements for parking, letters of permission, site plan, storage, seating, etc.
- Zoning | zoning@victoria.ca or 250.361.0316.
Step 3: Apply for Island Health food permits
All food-related businesses must comply with Island Health regulations to permit the safe production, handling and storage of foods. This includes FOODSAFE certifications, health operating permits, and sample food menus before the final health inspections and issuance of permit.
- Manuals (Guidelines) Template
- Island Health | Food Safety, 250.519.3401
Step 4: Complete a fire inspection
The City of Victoria Fire Prevention and Regulation Bylaw includes language for mobile cooking
operations wishing to operate within the City of Victoria. This is intended to ensure that operators have installed the required fire protection/safety systems and are maintaining them to the same standards of similar operations occupying commercial spaces. Safety is the biggest priority.
In addition to existing requirements, key language in the Bylaw includes but is not limited to:
- Mobile cooking operations that produce grease laden vapours must have the appropriate fixed extinguishing, portable extinguishers, and mechanical ventilation installed Mobile cooking operations utilizing generators must ensure they are rated by a testing laboratory and protected, properly grounded, and used as per manufacturers specifications.
- In cases where the cooking operation is located inside a motor vehicle utilizing natural gas or propane, you must install and maintain a gas monitoring detector with alerting capabilities in the event of a leak.
- Any tents or awnings must be fire resistive and conform to requirements.
- Barriers must be no less than one metre horizontally and vertically between the cooking appliance and the public must be maintained.
- Mobile cooking operations which utilize wood burning appliances are not permitted.
- Mobile cooking operations must be a minimum distance of three metres from any other structure or motor vehicle.
All mobile cooking operations that are operating within the City of Victoria must receive an annual inspection by the Fire Department in accordance with the Fire Regulation Bylaw. This yearly inspection has a $100 fee. It is the responsibility of the owner or operator to schedule this inspection, and once the fee for the inspection has been processed, you will be issued your decal for the calendar year. This can be done by contacting the Victoria Fire Department.
- Fire Inspections
- Fire Prevention Division | vfd@victoria.ca or 250.920.3360.
Step 5: Apply for a business licence
All businesses must obtain a business licence. The fee for a general business licence to operate a mobile food vending business is $100. You can apply for your business licence online or in-person at City Hall.
You will need to attach the following documents to your application.
- Professional certificates
Health Inspection Certificate from Island Health
Image- Proof of incorporation and notice of articles
- North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
- Site plan to show where the cart will be located
As your business is mobile in nature, you may want to apply for an Inter-Municipal business licence to allow you to do business in other municipalities. It is important to note that every municipality that participates in this business licence program has different regulations and bylaws for mobile food vendors. It is your responsibility to educate yourself about their rules and regulations if you plan on operating in other jurisdictions.
- Inter-Municipal Business Licence (IMBL): this licence permits approved mobile businesses to operate in all 13 municipalities in the Capital Regional District (CRD). This licence does not incur additional fees from the cost of an annual General Business Licence. Mobile business licences - Province of British Columbia
- Business Licence Department | businesslicence@victoria.ca or 250.361.0572
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I take my food truck to a special event?
You must get permission from the event organizer.
Can I stop on City property to sell?
No. You cannot sell on City property unless it is at a special event that you have received a permit for.
Do I require any other permits?
If you are cooking with gas, gas appliance installations in B.C.’s food trucks and trailers must be done under a gas installation permit. To receive a Commercial Installation Permit for the installation of gas and fuel systems and appliances, you must follow the appropriate steps.
Food trucks, permits, and gas installation
Step 1: Understand federal and provincial government requirements
- To start a business in British Columbia, you must request your business name and register it with BC Registry Services at BC Business Registry.
- Determine if you need to collect PST Small business - Guide to PST, Province of British Columbia
- Learn about Canada Revenue Agency requirements for reporting income as a self-employed business, GST guidelines and responsibilities for payroll deductions and remittances as an employee - Checklist for Small Businesses
Step 2: Apply for a business licence
All businesses in the City of Victoria are required to obtain a business licence. The fee for a mobile bicycle vending business licence is $100 per year. You can apply for your business licence with this form or pick one up in-person at City Hall. Send the complete application form to businesslicence@victoria.ca or drop it off in person at City Hall.
You will need to attach the following documents to your application:
- Photographs of bicycle
- Valid Island Health approval and/or permit (food-related businesses)
- If using propane, you will need to obtain a Certificate of Inspection from British Columbia Safety Authority and complete an inspection with the Victoria Fire Department
- Proof of incorporation and notice of articles
- North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
If all necessary documents are submitted with the application form, you should receive approval within 10 business days.
- Island Health - Food Safety, 250.519.3401
- Business Licensing | businesslicence@victoria.ca or 250.361.0572
- Fire Prevention Division | vfd@victoria.ca or 250.920.3360
Step 3: Meet the operational requirement for mobile bicycling vending
Familiarize yourself with the Motor Vehicle Act, Streets and Traffic Bylaw and Parks Regulation Bylaw. These regulations
Imagedescribe the rules that govern the operation of bicycles on B.C. roads, city streets and in city parks.
- Affix your decal to your bicycle. This will be provided to you once your business licence is approved.
- Follow the requirements as outlined in the Mobile Bicycle Vending Miscellaneous Amendments Bylaw.
Frequently Asked Questions
What products can I sell?
Food, non-alcoholic beverages, flowers and hand-crafted items made in British Columbia. The mobile bicycle vending program is intended for ready-to-eat food that is not potentially hazardous and is produced in a licensed food establishment. Examples include frozen treats, such as ice cream and popsicles, beverages include juice, coffee or tea, baked goods and pre-assembled food such as sandwiches. Check with Island Health to ensure your food or beverage idea is permitted.
Where can I operate?
Mobile bicycle vendors can operate on all City streets and parks except Beacon Hill Park, where commercial activity is not allowed. You may stop next to yellow curbs and on hard surfaces in parks and off multi-use pathways. Mobile bicycle vendors can use VicMap to locate city boundaries, bicycle routes, parks and schools.
Where can’t I operate?
• Non-City owned property, including the Ogden Point Breakwater and the Inner Causeway.
• Multi-use pathways in the city, including the Galloping Goose and the E&N Rail Trail, as these are managed by the Capital Regional District.
• Vendors must follow the rules that govern bicycles in the city, which includes not riding on sidewalks.
Are there rules about schools and businesses?
Mobile bicycle vendors must remain 100 metres away from a business selling a similar product and 30 metres away from a school from Monday to Friday during school hours.
Are there rules around selling similar products in the vicinity of other businesses?
Yes. Mobile vendors must remain 100 metres away from a business selling a similar product (i.e., a mobile bicycle vendor is parked less than 100 metres from a juice business).
Not allowed: The mobile bicycle vendor sells only juice. This food concept or theme is too similar to the juice business and cannot be in this location.
Allowed: The mobile vendor sells breakfast items (i.e., pastries) including juice. The juice menu item is the only similarity to the juice business.
How long can I operate?
Between 7 a.m.–10 p.m. If you’re operating when it is dark out, you must have front and rear lights installed on your bike as outlined in the Motor Vehicle Act.
Can I advertise on my bike?
Yes. You can only advertise your business and the advertising must be incorporated into your bike (i.e., no portable signs).
Can I have music?
No, amplified sound is not allowed. You can have a bell on your bike.
Does my mobile bike vending operating unit have to be a certain size?
While there is not a set list of specifications for mobile bicycle vending units, photos are required for approval of your business licence. Please contact the Business Hub to confirm if the bicycle unit will be approved for operation before you purchase it.
Note: The mobile bicycle vending operating unit must be self-contained. A vendor may not affix or place tables, chairs, stools, awnings or umbrellas to public property.
Can I add an electric assist to my bike?
Yes. Any motors must be electric and have a total combined rated output of no more than 500 watts
and be incapable of propelling the cycle at a speed greater than 32 km/h on level ground without pedalling. The motor must be capable of being propelled by muscular power using the pedals, but it is not necessary to always be pedalling.
Can I take my bike to a special event?
Yes, however your business licence only covers selling in the City of Victoria. You will need to receive permission from the event organizer to sell at a special event.
How long can I stop for?
You may stop for up to 60 minutes at a single location. After 60 minutes, you must move to another location. Mobile bicycle vendors are intended to roam around the city selling their products.
1) Get to know British Columbia's childcare system
Connect with Victoria’s Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) Centre to learn about support services for childcare providers such as consultation, referrals, workshops and training, networking, newsletters, lending libraries and many other start-up resources. Learn more at Child Care Resource and Referral Centre.
- Contact Island Health to determine childcare licensing regulations for your preferred childcare program. Your preferred program will determine health and safety requirements, staff qualifications and program standards. Learn more at Island Health Child Care Licensing.
- Research provincial initiatives for childcare services, space creation funding and supports for early childhood professionals. Learn more at Child Care BC - Province of British Columbia.
2) Understand land use and building requirements and required permits
Childcare facilities must have required permits, comply with zoning regulations and meet the requirements of the B.C. Building Code and B.C. Fire Code. To operate a childcare facility you first need to:
- Contact the City of Victoria to confirm if your site complies with land use, permitting and building safety requirements
- Obtain a valid City of Victoria business licence
- Obtain a licence from Island Health (if required)
What to know about zoning and land use:
Childcare facilities are generally permitted in all zones, except on land zoned for industrial use in Victoria. When you determine the location of your business and prior to buying a property or signing a lease, it is recommend you share your plans with the City to determine if your proposal is consistent with zoning requirements and if land use approvals are required.
What to know about B.C. Building and Fire Codes:
Building and Fire Codes ensure health, safety, fire protection and accessibility requirements are met to keep people safe. If you are considering opening a childcare facility in an existing building, improvements may be required to meet the B.C. Building Code. Prior to getting approval to operate as a childcare facility, a Fire Prevention Officer will conduct an on-site fire inspection. A fire safety plan is also required and must be submitted to the Victoria Fire Department for approval. A building inspector can help you determine if a building is appropriate for daycare use and what improvements may be required.
3) Identify childcare facility licensing requirements
There are licensing requirements to consider when opening and operating a childcare facility including a City of Victoria business licence and depending on the type of facility, a Community Care Facility licence from Island Health. Check in early with Island Health and the City to ensure a smooth application process.
City of Victoria Business Licence
When applying for a City of Victoria business licence for your childcare facility, you will need to determine:
- If your space will operate from a home or commercial setting
- The number of children in care
- Type of childcare licence
If you are a childcare facility that requires a licence from Island Health, a copy will need to be provided to the City before you can obtain your business licence. Business licences take about two weeks to receive after the submission of a complete business licence application that includes all building and fire code requirements and Island Health licensing requirements. Learn more at Business Licensing.
Island Health Community Care Facility Licence for Childcare
Licensing and inspection of all community care facilities, including childcare facilities, is conducted by Island Health. To determine childcare licensing regulation, health and safety requirements, staff qualifications and program standards, go to Island Health Child Care Licensing.
As a part of childcare licensing with Island Health, you may be required to have the City complete a Municipal Zoning Approval Form and a Fire Approval Form. These forms are separate from your business licence. Except for your business licence, all other childcare-based licensing is determined by Island Health.
4) Learn B.C. business basics
Here are a few things to know about starting a business in British Columbia:
- You must request your business name and register it with B.C. Registry Services at BC Business Registry.
- Canada Revenue Agency has requirements for reporting income as a self-employed business, GST guidelines and responsibilities for payroll deductions and remittances as an employer. Check the requirements at Daycare in your home.
- Small Business BC has a handy checklist for small businesses. Learn more at: Checklist for Small Businesses.
We are here to help!
The City of Victoria’s Business Hub can help you navigate the City’s business processes, connect you to other agencies and direct you to business resources. Contact the City’s Business Ambassador by phone at 250.361.0629 or email at bizhub@victoria.ca.
Questions?
Not sure what to do or where to look next? Email us at childcare@victoria.ca.
Business Hub
Business Starts Here
bizhub@victoria.ca
250.361.0629
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Victoria Conference Centre
720 Douglas Street
Business Licensing | businesslicence@victoria.ca or 250.361.0572
Zoning | zoning@victoria.ca or 250.361.0316
Permits and Inspections | permits@victoria.ca or 250.361.0344
Related links
- BC Business Registry
- BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch
- BDC - Bank for Canadian Entrepreneurs
- Checklist for Small Businesses - Government of Canada
- Destination Greater Victoria
- Downtown Victoria Business Association
- Futurpreneur - Turning great ideas into successful businesses
- Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
- Greater Victoria Harbour Authority
- Inter-cultural Association of Greater Victoria
- Island Health
- Procurement Support for Businesses - Government of Canada
- Province of BC Small Business Resources
- Small Business BC
- Think Local First
- Trade and Invest BC
- UVic Business Law Clinic
- Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre
- WeBC - Supporting women entrepreneurs in B.C.
- WorkSafe BC