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a business
Why do I need a Business Licence?
The Business Licence Bylaw requires a business to have a license
in order to operate legally within the City of Fort St. John.
The bylaw allows the City to ensure that public health and safety
regulations are addressed by these businesses when the public has
access and to ensure that the business use of a property complies
with the zoning.
Your customers expect that you will be properly licensed. It is
in your interest that you be licensed as customers often check with
us before choosing a company to do their business.
When do I need to get a Business Licence?
Prior to opening your door to the public, you are required to have
a business license. This license must be displayed in your business.
Do I need any permits?
Prior to making any major renovations at your new business premises,
it should be noted that a building permit is required.
Also, if you wish to install a sign for your business, you will
need to contact the building inspector at (250) 787-8150 as all signs
require a permit.
What happens if I operate my business without a license?
Municipal fines vary and can be as much as $100 per day or up to
$2,000.00 depending upon how many employees you have.
Who must apply for a Business Licence?
The owner of the business, or anyone authorized by the owner who
is in a position to manage or control the business and can provide
the information required and sign on the owner’s behalf.
What forms do I need to fill out?
For a Commercial Business Licence you need to fill out the Commercial Business Licence Application Form
For Home-based Businesses you only need to fill out the Home-based
Business Licence Form.
What do I need to apply for a business license?
- We will need the following:
- Business name
- Business address
- Phone number and fax numbers where we can reach you
- Mailing address if different from business addressPostal Code
- Owner name, home address, home phone number
- Exact nature of business to properly identify applicable fees.
There are additional requirements for Taxi Services and a few other
select businesses.
How do I obtain name and register for a GST / PST number?
You can obtain a company name search and register for a GST/PST
number at the Government Agent’s Office.
What is the Business Licence fee?
The fees vary depending upon the nature of the business and are
based on the North American Industry Classification System Canada
1997 by Statistics Canada.
They range from $50.00 for a home-based craft business to $2,000.00
per year depending on the nature of the business. However, most fees
are $100 flat plus $10 per year per each full time employee.
The costs are 50% off after July 31 for the remainder of the year
The fee is yearly from January 1st to December 31st.
What is the procedure?
All businesses need to have inspections conducted, whether commercial
or home based.
As soon as we receive the completed application form, appointments
can be scheduled with the building inspector for the business license
inspection. Re-inspections are the responsibility of the applicant
to coordinate appointment times.
Fire Department 785-4333
Building Department 787-8150
Health Department 263-6000
The fire department must conduct a physical inspection for commercial
business.
Some business licenses, such as Massage Therapists, Hair Dressers,
Restaurants, Day Cares etc., need clearance from the Northern Health
Authority as well as the City of Fort St. John Fire and Building
Departments.
What if I move my business to a new location?
The City of Fort St. John must be notified, in writing, of your
business move as inspections will be required at your new business
address.
What if I decide to choose a new name for my business?
The City of Fort St. John should be notified, in writing, at your
earliest opportunity so that our files can be updated.
What if I sell or close my business?
If you choose to sell or close your business please notify the City
of Fort St. John, in writing, of the date your business will be closed
and you will be reimbursed your business license costs on a pro-rated
basis for any remaining calendar days.
Where to apply?
The City of Fort St. John
Business Licence
2nd floor, City of Fort St. John
10631 – 100th Street
Fort St. John, BC
V1J 3Z5
Checklist of Basic Requirements for Starting a Business
Resources and Contacts
Forms
Commercial Business Licence Application Form
Home-based Business Licence Application Form
Other helpful links
www.wes.bc.ca
www.governmentagents.gov.bc.ca
www.onestopbc.ca
www.sb.gov.bc.ca
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