To operate a business in Prince George you need a business licence. The City of Prince George
Business Licence Bylaw provides detailed information about business licence fees and regulations.
Business licences ensure the City's municipal land-use regulations, building and fire codes and other community safety requirements are followed by local businesses. The business licence program also collects important statistical information about local business activities in order to understand trends that impact City policy decisions.
The following items are reviewed when considering a business licence application:
- Location where the applicant wishes to conduct the business
- Legislation regulating businesses
- Building, zoning, health, sanitation, fire code, and criminal codes, when applicable
All licences expire on December 31 of each year. A business licence must be renewed annually. If you have a business licence, you will receive a renewal notice in the mail in November of each year. Licence renewals can be paid by mail, telephone,
online or in person at City Hall.
Starting a Business
Getting your new or developing business off the ground in Prince George? Here's how to get started.
Complete the
online application form to apply for a business licence. You may also choose to download, print and complete the form to submit in person at the following location:
City Hall, Second Floor
1100 Patricia Boulevard
Prince George, BC V2L 3V9
Select a location
Selecting a location is an important step in order to determine if the location is appropriate for the business. Selecting a location can be done independently or through a qualified real estate agent.
Identify zoning and permitted uses
The location of a business must comply with local zoning and bylaw regulations as well as the BC Building Code and Fire Code. Before confirming a lease or purchase agreement, it is important to ensure the location of the business is suitable. Once a location has been selected, one of our City representatives can assist with identifying these regulations.
Steps:
-
Search the location in PGmap 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 the zone
- Identify any parking requirements for the property
- Ensure the major occupancy of the business conforms to the building and fire code regulations
Existing Business
The City of Prince George is pleased to offer
simple, secure payments online to renew your business licence.
Fees and Payment Options
How much does a licence cost?
2017 business licence fees:
| Animal Clinic | $140 |
| Banks and Financial Institutions | $701 |
| Bed and Breakfast | $87 |
| Body Rub Parlour or Relaxation Clinic | $4,206 |
| Building Rental | $140 |
| Building Rental/Civic (Annual) | $983 |
| Building or Garden Supplies | $280 |
| Bulk Storage or Distribution | $421 |
| Car or Truck Rental | $421 |
| Car Dealership | $1,042 |
| Car Sales or Service | $280 |
| Car Storage | $140 |
| Cemetery or Crematorium | $140 |
| Charitable, Non-Profit or Religious organization | $36 |
| Coffee Shop, Café or Deli (less than 30 seats) | $214 |
| Commercial Arcade | $280 |
| Commercial Auction | $280 |
| Commercial Office | $140 |
| Commercial Open-Land Recreation | $421 |
| Commercial Parking Lot or Parkade | $140 |
| Commercial Recreation | $280 |
| Commercial Retail (less than 1000 square metres) | $280 |
| Commercial Retail-Department Store (greater than 1000 square metres) | $561 |
| Commercial Service (floor area less than 100 square metres) | $140 |
| Commercial Service (floor area more than 100 square metres) | $280 |
| Contractor, General or Logging | $421 |
| Contractor or Trade | $186 |
| Courier or Delivery Service (per unit) | $74 |
| Day Care or Group Homes | $64 |
| Direct Sales, Group | $280 |
| Direct Sales, Individual | $74 |
| Escort Service | $4,206 |
| Exhibition | $421 |
| Exotic Dance Service | $4,206 |
| Farmers Retail | $74 |
| Flea or Farmers Market (per year) | $421 |
| Gaming Facility | $280 |
| Gasoline Service Station | $421 |
| Home Business | $140 |
| Home Business General Contractor | $421 |
| Home Business Contractor or Trade | $186 |
| Home Craft | $87 |
| Home Occupation, Special | $280 |
| Hotel | $701 |
| Industrial Equipment Sales and Service | $701 ($280 Industrial Equipment Service only) |
| Industrial Light Manufacturing and Retail | $280 |
| Industrial, Service (floor area less than 100 square metres) | $140 |
| Industrial, Service (floor area more than 100 square metres) | $280 |
| Industrial, Special Heavy Manufacturing (site area less than 8 hectares) | $701 |
| Industrial, Special Heavy Manufacturing (site area more than 8 hectares) | $1,403 |
| Liquor Primary Establishment | $280 |
| Medical or Dental Office | $140 |
| Mobile Home Park | $140 |
| Mobile Vendors (per unit) | $214 |
| Motel | $280 |
| Nursery or Greenhouse | $140 |
| Pawn Shop and Second Hand Dealer | $627 |
| Personal Care Home | $140 |
| Prefabricated, Manufactured Buildings | $701 |
| Printing or Publishing | $280 |
| Recreational Vehicle Sales and Service | $701 ($280 for Recreational Vehicle Service only) |
| Residential Building Rental | $171 |
| Restaurant, Food Primary Establishment | $280 |
| Salvage or Wrecking Yard | $354 |
| Scrap Metal Dealer | $701 |
| Second Hand Dealer | $511 |
| Sidewalk Vendor | $74 |
| Studio (Radio or Television) | $354 |
| Taxi, Limousine or Shuttle Service (per unit) | $74 |
| Transportation Depot | $280 |
| Travel Trailer Park | $140 |
| Truck or Rail Terminal | $280 |
| Truck Repair and Sales | $701 ($280 for Truck Repair only) |
| Vehicle Hire (per unit) | $56 (maximum fee of $400) |
| Vending Machines (per machine) | $41 (maximum fee of $268) |
| Warehousing | $280 |
| Wholesale (floor area less than 500 square metres) | $280 |
| Wholesale (floor area more than 500 square metres) | $561 |
Payment options
If you apply for your licence in person, you can pay for your business licence by
- Cash
- Cheque or money order (made payable to the City of Prince George)
- Debit card
- Credit card (Visa or MasterCard)
- Credit card cheques are
not accepted.
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.
What happens if…
I want to operate a business from my home
Yes, certain types of businesses may operate out of your home, with some restrictions. The City's
Zoning Bylaw restricts the type of business activities that are allowed to operate in a residential neighbourhood in order to prevent disturbances to surrounding properties. The bylaw also limits the size of the area used for business purposes, and regulates parking and storage impacts.
Please contact the Development Services Administration at 250-561-7611 for more information.
I need business support
The City of Prince George
Economic Development team supports local businesses, helping them succeed. Adding your business to the
City's Business Directory is free if you have a Prince George business licence.
BizPaL
BizPaL is an innovative online service that provides entrepreneurs with simplified access to information about business permits, licences and other federal, provincial, territorial and municipal requirements to start, operate and grow your business.
I stop operating my business
You must inform the Development Services Administration that you are no longer operating your business in writing which can be by email. If you do not let us know that your business is no longer operating, you will continue to receive renewal notices, and may be liable for fees.
I want a sign for my business
The size and type of sign permitted on a property is dependent on the zone of the property and may require a sign permit.
Please contact the Development Services Administration at 250-561-7611 for more information regarding signage.
Monthly Business License Reports