Application Guide

All businesses in the City of Penticton require a Business Licence as regulated by the City of Penticton Business Licence Bylaw 2012-5020.pdf [PDF - 635 KB].

Business Licence Applications are required for new businesses or for a change of address for existing businesses, change of mailing address, change of ownership, change in name, change in emergency contacts or change of business description.

Processing Of Business Licence Application

Prior to issuance of a Business Licence, the application is reviewed to ensure compliance with Bylaw requirements.

A Business Licence is issued based on the information provided at the time of the initial application and observations at the time of inspection. The Business Licence is valid only for the property noted on the Business Licence and does not apply to another site or location. Changes made after the Business Licence has been issued may also invalidate the Business Licence.

The following, in part, are requirements that may be reviewed to ensure compliance with the Bylaw in order that a Business Licence may be issued:

Zoning Regulations

To ensure that the type of use is permitted in the zone where the business is to be operated, it is recommended that the business owner make inquiries regarding the zoning for the proposed business.

Permits and Licence Inspection

An inspection of the premises may be carried out by the Building Inspector to ensure compliance with the BC Building Code and City's Bylaws.

Upon receiving your Business Licence application, the Building Official may conduct an inspection of your business within 10 - 14 business days. However, this time frame may vary based on the current volume of applications, or should there be an active Building Permit in progress for this location.

A Building Permit may be required for building alterations and or additions. The applicant will need to contact the Building Section for information regarding Building Permit applications.

Contact the Building Department at 250-490-2570.

Fire Department

An inspection of the premises may be required by the Fire Prevention Division to ensure compliance with BC Fire Code and The City of Penticton's Fire and Life Safety Bylaw.

Upon receiving your application, the Fire Department will conduct an inspection of your business within 20 - 30 business days. However, this time frame may vary based on the current volume of applications. Should you not have received your fire inspection in the time period indicated above, please contact the Fire Department to inquire about scheduling an inspection.

Contact the Fire Department at 250-490-2300.

Health and Sanitation

Inspection and approval by Interior Health is required when Business Licence applications involve child daycare centers including family daycare, specified personal care services or those that involve the preparation and handling of food or storage of perishable food items.

For all other applications requiring Interior Health approval, your Business Licence application will be forwarded to Interior Health by the City's Business Licence Department however, it is the applicant's responsibility to follow up with Interior Health to ensure that the necessary arrangements are made in order to obtain Interior Health approval.

Contact Interior Health at 250-770-3434.

Liquor Control & Licencing

The City of Penticton reviews all liquor licence requests, including patio expansions and extensions to hours of operation.

Applications must first be submitted to the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, which in turn send a summary to the City of Penticton. The applicant must then submit a City of Penticton Liquor Licence Application Packageto the Clerks Department.

The application is reviewed by the Liquor License Technical Review Committee prior to staff preparing a recommendation for Council's consideration. Public input is sought and the application is brought forward for consideration during a regular Council meeting. Once Council passes a resolution it is forwarded to the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch where provincial staff make the final decision.

Contact the Liquor Control and Licencing Branch at 1-866-209-2111
Contact Development Services at 250-490-2505

RCMP

A criminal record search is required when a Business Licence application is categorized as "Adult Only" as outlined in Business Licence Bylaw No. 2010-90.

Upon submitting your Business Licence application, if it is determined that a criminal record search is required, you will receive a Consent for Disclosure of Criminal Record Information form. The applicant is required to submit this form to the RCMP Detachment in Penticton. The RCMP will return the form directly to the City of Penticton Business Licence Department. This process may take approximately 2 to 3 days.

Additional Approvals

Approvals may be required from other Municipal, Provincial, or Federal Governments depending on related legislation and the type of business proposed. A Business Licence will not be issued by the City until all necessary approvals are obtained.

This is not an exhaustive listing of all regulations or bylaw requirements. Additional information may be requested during the processing of your Business Licence application.