Business Licences

If you have a 2022 North Saanich business licence, please look for your 2023 business licence renewal notice in the mail by end of December.

Overview

Every business in the District is required to have a business licence. Before applying, the business must be registered with BC Registry Services. If you are operating a business in North Saanich and don’t currently have a licence, if your services, or address has changed, please complete the business licence application form.

When an application for a business licence is submitted, approvals from other departments including bylaw, planning, fire, building inspection and, in some cases, Island Health are required.

Business Licence Application Form

Inter-municipal Business Licence Program

North Saanich participates in the Greater Victoria Inter-Municipal Business Licence program. This program allows businesses from mobile trades (such as caterers, contractors, towing services) to purchase a business licence that is recognized throughout Greater Victoria. The licence must be purchased from the municipality in which the business is located.

District of North Saanich
Town of Sidney
District of Central Saanich
District of Saanich
Town of View Royal
District of Oak Bay
City of Colwood
City of Victoria
Township of Esquimalt
City of Langford
District of Sooke
District of Highlands
District of Metchosin

Bylaw: District of North Saanich Business Bylaw No. 1349 (2013)

Inter-Community Business Licence Program

North Saanich also participates in the Vancouver Island-wide Inter-Community Business Licence (ICBL), also referred to as Mobile Business Licence program.

This program is intended to streamline and simplify the licensing process making it easier to do business in participating communities. ICBLs allow mobile businesses (such as contractors, caterers and other service providers) to operate across the participating jurisdictions, without having to apply for multiple business licenses.

View the list of participating communities: Provincial Government Mobile Business Licence Program

Bylaw: District of North Saanich Inter-Community Business License Bylaw No. 1474 (2019)

Fee: $170

Zoning and Property Use

When searching for a property for your business, make sure the zoning allows for your type of business before signing a lease or purchasing a property. To view permitted uses for a specific property, use the North Saanich GIS tool to search the address of the property and find the permitted uses within the zoning bylaw.

Building Permits

Whether you lease or own a property, interior and exterior alterations may require one or more building permits. When changing the use of a space, a building permit is required. We encourage you to consult a building official prior to signing a lease or purchasing a property to ensure the improvements are allowable.

Fees

Please see the Fees and Charges Bylaw 1471 for licensing fees.

Please note that the District accepts cash, cheque or interac but does not accept credit cards.

Business Licences