Business Licences

Before applying for a licence, you will need to select a location for your business. Zoning Bylaw regulations vary in different areas and can affect the type of business you are allowed to operate. Before confirming a lease or purchase agreement, ensure the location is suitable. Planning and Development can assist with ensuring regulatory compliance once a location has been selected.

If your business is not listed in the Zoning Bylaw as a "permitted use" at your proposed location, you may need to select a different location where zoning allows your business or make a land use application.

Use PGMap to Find Zoning Info

• Visit the PGMaps webpage
• Type an address into the search bar and press Enter or tap the magnifying glass find a location.
• Select the desired address from the list of results.
• Click the Layersbutton on the bottom left.
• Expand the Landuse category by clicking on the expand button.
• Check the box beside Zoning Bylaw 7850 (Class) and Zoning Bylaw 7850, 2007 and allow the map layers to load. The zoning will be abbreviated (e.g. C1, M3, RS2m, etc.).
  
• Refer to the Zoning Bylaw page for detailed land use information
  

For more information or help, contact:

Phone: 250-561-7611
Email: devserv@princegeorge.ca

Commercial and Industrial

When applying for a commercial business licence or locating to a commercial or industrial area, confirm the following:

• Zoning Bylaw regulations and location suitability.
• BC Building Code requirements, Building Code Analysis, and Building Permit requirements for tenant improvements.
• BC Fire Code requirements and Fire Rescue Services inspection(s).
  
• Northern Health Authority requirements for food facilities (e.g. restaurant, stores, processor, mobile food, etc.) and personal service (e.g. salons, spas, esthetics, tattoo shops etc.).
• Note that a Development Permit, Building Permit, and/or Sign Permit may be required for interior or exterior renovations and/or if you are changing the type of business occurring at a location (e.g. converting retail space into a restaurant).

Mobile Food Vending

A licence is required for mobile food and sidewalk vending. For more information on business licence regulations, fire and health regulations, pre-approved vending locations, locations available for rent, and permitted hours of operation:

• Download the Mobile Food and Sidewalk Vendor Business Licence Guide [PDF]
  

Home Business Regulations

The City's Zoning Bylaw restricts certain types of business activities from taking place in residential neighbourhoods to prevent disturbances to surrounding properties. There are also limitations on home business types and sizes and regulations on hours, parking, and storage.

Home businesses are divided into four categories with each category having its own set of regulations.

For more information on home business types:

• Download the Home Business 1 Regulations guide [PDF]
• Download the Home Business 2 Regulations guide [PDF]
• Download the Home Business 3 Regulations guide [PDF]
  
• Download the Community Care Facility, Minor Regulations guide [PDF]
  

A valid City of Prince George Business Licence is required to conduct business in the City. If you are planning to operate more than one business type or at more than one location, a separate licence for each business is required. 

City of Prince George Business Licences expire on December 31 of each year and must be renewed before the expiration date for a business to continue operating. If a license expires, the business owner must reapply.

Application Process

1. After receiving your application, Development Services will send you a title search invoice ($20 fee).
   
2. When Development Services receives your fee, the City of Prince George and any applicable external agencies will review the application. Note that the Provincial and Federal governments may have additional requirements that must be met before a business can legally operate.
   



For information on how to apply for a business name and registering with the BC Registry Services, WorkSafeBC, the Ministry of Finance, and Canada Revenue Agency:


• Visit the Provincial Government's Starting a Business website
3. If your application is approved, an invoice for the annual licence fee will be sent to the mailing or email address you provided. Once you pay for the licence, it is considered approved and in good standing. A hard copy of the licence will then be sent to the mailing address in your application.
   

• Licences are non-transferable and fees paid are non-refundable.
• Operating without a business licence may result in a fine of $300 per day.
• You must notify the City of Prince George if your business changes its address, name, or ownership or if your business has ceased to operate.
  

Phone: 250-561-7611
Email: devserv@princegeorge.ca

Application Status

Check on your application's status online through the MyCity service (registration required).