A valid business licence is required to conduct business in Penticton. This includes home-based businesses and rental accommodations. Licences must be visibly displayed on the premises and are valid for one year from the date of commencement.
Step 1: Do Your Research
Before securing your business location, or deciding whether to operate a home-based business, ensure you have conducted a business name search, registered your company name and confirmed with the City whether your business location is suitable. Follow these easy steps below to quickly guide you through our application process.
The first step is to ensure that your location is within the appropriate zone. You can learn more about zoning on our Your Guide to Business page or by reviewing the Zoning Bylaw. If you have questions about licensing, zoning or possible health or building code requirements, our business licensing representatives can point you in the right direction. Ph: 250-490-2488, businesslicences@penticton.ca.
Step 2: Which Category of Business Do You Have?
Before filling out your application, you’ll need to determine which licence category best describes your business. Each of the categories has its own requirements and this will determine which licence you require. Please select your category below to begin. Note that if your business is seasonal or a special event and requires a short-term licence, please go directly to our Seasonal & Special Event Business page.
Business Categories
Accommodation includes hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, short-term (vacation) rentals, RV parks and campgrounds.
1. Commercial Properties
This includes hotels, motels and commercial buildings including shopping centres, and properties that offer office rental space.
2. Accommodation (Residential)
Your licence will depend on whether you're renting out your property for short- or long-term stays (see the descriptions below for information about each category).
Short-Term Rental
A Short-Term Rentals (STR), or vacation rental, is a licenced accommodation that offers up to a maximum one-month stay. They may include a room in a house, legal suite, carriage house or the entire home. It also includes bed and breakfasts. Before you apply for your business licence, know which of the following categories your STR will fall under.
- Minor Short-Term Rental: For renting out your property less than 30 days a year. The owner must be present on the property during rentals. This is typically issued for secondary suites and carriage houses. The number of guests is limited to two people per bedroom with a maximum of six guests.
- Major Short-Term Rental: For renting out your property more than 30 days per year, or if you’re not the principal resident. The number of guests is limited to two people per bedroom with a maximum of six guests.
- Major Short-Term Rental – High Occupant: For renting out your property to seven or more guests. Due to the increase in density, this type of vacation rental requires additional staff review as well as public consultation with adjacent neighbours. Additional on-site parking is required.
Long-Term Rental
Long-Term Rentals include rental housing and long-term rentals (including secondary suites and carriage houses).
What You Need to Apply for Your Licence
To get started, you will need the following:
- Know the maximum number of people sleeping in the property.
- The number of employees within your business (including full-time, part-time and seasonal).
- Your business address, contact information and business start date.
- Applications for a Short-Term Rental will require a letter of permission from the landowner if the applicant is a tenant.
- Applications for a Major Short-Term Rental – High Occupant will require submission of site plan showing additional on-site parking.
- Register with BC Registry Services.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee (a third party credit card processing fee will also apply).
Ready to Apply?
Did you work through the checklist above? Great! You're ready to fill out your application.
These are activities designated as farm use by the Agricultural Land Commission Act. Businesses may include vineyards, field crops, orchards, livestock or dairy products.
What You Need to Apply for Your Licence
To get started, you will need the following:
- Your business address, contact information and business start date.
- Register with BC Registry Services.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee (a third party credit card processing fee will also apply).
Businesses include automotive parts and supplies, repair, sales/dealer, body repair, car/truck wash, fuel/oil sales or supply, heavy equipment parts and supplies, heavy equipment repair and maintenance, marine repair and maintenance, recreational vehicle repair and maintenance, wrecking yard.
What You Need to Apply for Your Licence
Before applying for your licence, ensure you have the following information.
- Your business address, contact information and business start date.
- Know the number of employees within your business (including full-time, part-time and seasonal).
- A copy of your Provincial Vehicle Sales Authority licence (VSA) will be required for sales of new or used motor vehicles.
- Understand intercommunity licensing regulations.
- Register with BC Registry Services.
Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee (a third party credit card processing fee will also apply).
Businesses include child care services, preschools, educational & training programs.
About Opening a Child Care Facility
If you are interested in opening a child care facility within Penticton, before signing your lease for your prospective property, we ask that you first contact City Hall and discuss your plans with staff to ensure that your location meets the zoning requirements. Penticton business licences are not issued until operators receive a Community Care Facilities Licence through Licensing Direct and approval is granted by Interior Health.
A community care facilities licence is required from Interior Health for all programs and facilities providing care to three or more children who are not related to the operator by blood or marriage.
What You Need to Apply for Your Licence
Before applying for your licence, ensure you have the following information.
- Ensure you have confirmed that your location meets zoning requirements.
- Your business address, contact information and business start date.
- Provide the number of children in care.
- Be able to answer: Will children under 30 months be permitted?
- Know the number of employees within your business (including full-time, part-time and seasonal).
- Register with BC Registry Services.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee (a third party credit card processing fee will also apply).
Register with BC Registry Services.
Businesses include banks, credit unions, mortgage and loan brokers, investment banking and portfolio management; life, health, property and automobile insurance; as well as other financial investments like pensions, equity funds, bonds, dividends and other similar and related activities. This option also includes real estate brokers/land agents, property leasing and rental companies, and property management companies.
What You Need to Apply for Your Licence
Before applying for your licence, ensure you have the following information.
- Your business address, contact information and business start date.
- Know the number of employees within your business (including full-time, part-time and seasonal).
- Understand intercommunity licensing regulations.
- Register with BC Registry Services.
Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee (a third party credit card processing fee will also apply).
Businesses include restaurants, pubs, food trucks, catering, concessions.
Mobile Vending
Visit our Mobile Vending page for application forms and information about requirements. Please note that an inspection is required by the Penticton Fire Department. Visit their Mobile Vending page for information about booking your inspection and other requirements.
Interior Health Requirements
Also visit Interior Health Authority's website for information about food inspections and health approvals.
What You Need to Apply for Your Business Licence
Before applying for your licence, ensure you have the following information.
- Your business address, contact information and business start date.
- Know the number of employees within your business (including full-time, part-time and seasonal).
- Understand intercommunity licensing regulations.
- Register with BC Registry Services.
Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee (a third party credit card processing fee will also apply).
Businesses include tattoo studios, barber/beauty services, pet services (excluding veterinary), commercial kennel operations, funeral service, travel, small appliance repair & household maintenance, dressmaker/tailor, shoe repair, photography, janitorial, landscaping services, security services.
Interior Health Requirements
Also visit Interior Health Authority's website for information about inspections and applying for health approval.
What You Need to Apply for Your Business Licence
Before applying for your licence, ensure you have the following information.
- Your business address, contact information and business start date.
- Know the number of employees within your business (including full-time, part-time and seasonal).
- Kennel operations will require a Kennel Operation Permit.
- Security Services (alarms, locksmith, armoured car) will require a copy of your BC Provincial Security Licence.
- Understand intercommunity licensing regulations.
- Register with BC Registry Services.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee (a third party credit card processing fee will also apply).
Businesses include assembly plant, cannabis, distillery, brewery, winery, textiles and clothing, computer and electronics, printing operations, machine shops, sawmill/woodworking/cabinetry shops, fabricated metal products.
What You Need to Apply for Your Licence
Before applying for your licence, ensure you have the following information.
- Your business address, contact information and business start date.
- Know the number of employees within your business (including full-time, part-time and seasonal).
- Applications involving cannabis or liquor production will require federal or provincial licencing prior to final approval of the business licence.
- Understand intercommunity licensing regulations.
- Register with BC Registry Services.
Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee (a third party credit card processing fee will also apply).
Businesses include counselling, facilities home care, health practitioners, veterinarians, physiotherapy, massage therapy, medical offices, dental/chiropractic offices, architects, accountants, barrister/solicitors/notaries, optometrist, psychiatrist, specialized design services; computer systems design and related services; management, scientific and technical consulting services; scientific research and development services; and advertising, public relations, and related services.
What You Need to Apply for Your Licence
Before applying for your licence, ensure you have the following information.
- Your business address, contact information and business start date.
- Know the number of employees within your business (including full-time, part-time and seasonal).
- Understand intercommunity licensing regulations.
- Registered Massage Therapists and Registered Acupuncturists are required to provide a copy of your professional certification or registration.
- Register with BC Registry Services.
Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee (a third party credit card processing fee will also apply).
Automobiles, RV’s, trailers, equipment & machinery, electronics, costume/clothing.
What You Need to Apply for Your Licence
Before applying for your licence, ensure you have the following information.
- Your business address, contact information and business start date.
- Know the number of employees within your business (including full-time, part-time and seasonal).
- Register with BC Registry Services.
Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee (a third party credit card processing fee will also apply).
Department Stores/second hand/cannabis/boutique stores, electronics, markets, household goods and appliances, hardware stores.
What You Need to Apply for Your Licence
Before applying for your licence, ensure you have the following information.
- Your business address, contact information and business start date.
- Know the number of employees within your business (including full-time, part-time and seasonal).
- Cannabis retail stores should meet with the City Planning Department prior to submitting a business licence application.
- Second Hand Stores please provide a list of the items you are selling.
- Register with BC Registry Services.
Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee (a third party credit card processing fee will also apply).
If your business operates seasonally, you can opt for a seasonal business licence for one month or six months. A Special Event licence is also an option. Businesses may include seasonal landscaping, snow removal, beach vending, seasonal rentals.
What You Need to Apply for Your Licence
You will need the following information to fill out your application form.
- Your business address, contact information and business start date.
- Know your business type (Seasonal Business).
- Know the number of employees within your business (including full-time, part-time and seasonal).
- Understand intercommunity licensing regulations.
- Register with BC Registry Services.
How to Apply
To apply for a Seasonal Business or Special Event licence, please download the application form and submit to the City. Business licence fees vary. Please contact our licensing clerk to find out which fees apply to you.
Business Licence Application Form
How to Pay
- In person (cash, debit, cheque or money order)
- By mail (cheque or money order with renewal notice enclosed)
- After hours drop box (cheque or money order with renewal notice enclosed)
- Online using MyPayments
Businesses include construction related services, utility providers, resource based industries. Residential and commercial building, plumbing, mechanical, electricians, site preparation contractors, also the installation of utilities like water, gas, electricity.
What You Need to Apply for Your Licence
Before applying for your licence, ensure you have the following information.
- Your business address, contact information and business start date.
- Include a copy of your Trade Qualification Numbers.
- Know the number of employees within your business (including full-time, part-time and seasonal).
- Understand intercommunity licensing regulations.
- Register with BC Registry Services.
Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee (a third party credit card processing fee will also apply).
Shipping, courier, postal, sight seeing and scenic transportation, transit and ground transport; storage of materials, goods and equipment, taxi, courier and delivery service.
What You Need to Apply for Your Licence
Before applying for your licence, ensure you have the following information.
- Your business address, contact information and business start date.
- Know the number of employees within your business (including full-time, part-time and seasonal).
- Passenger Services such as taxi, limos, sightseeing or wine tours are required to provide the BC Commercial Passenger Transportation Licence. Vehicles with a seating capacity of 10 or more including the driver or a gross vehicle weight of more than 5,000 kg are also required to provide their BC Motor Vehicle National Safety Code Certificate.
- Boat tour operators are required to provide proof of Pleasure Craft Operators Card or Captains licence, Commercial Passenger Vessel Licence. Also provide the location of pickup for either private or City dock. Copies of Liability Insurance will also be required.
- Understand intercommunity licensing regulations.
- Register with BC Registry Services.
Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee (a third party credit card processing fee will also apply).
Step 3: Check for Additional Requirements
Is your business new to B.C.? If you're just getting started, visit B.C.’s OneStop Business Registry to register your business and obtain B.C. business numbers. There, you can apply for and complete registrations for new or existing businesses with local, provincial and federal governments.
Another free resource is BizPal online service, which determines which permits and licences are required from all levels of government (federal, provincial, territorial and municipal).
Will you be doing any renovations to the building? If yes, you may require a building permit.
Will you be adding a new sign? If so, you may require a sign permit. Signs mounted to the building exterior require professional installation and permits.
Your business may also require other permits or licences that are not regulated by the City of Penticton, such as liquor licences and health licences through Interior Health. Interior Health Authority approval will be required for businesses operating as daycares, food retail or personal services (i.e. tattoo shops, tanning salons, hair salons, therapists, etc.)
Review our Your Guide to Business page as a starting point. It provides information about how to research your business, how the City's Economic Development can help, and other business resources to help prepare your business plan and select a business location.
Forms & Applications
There are two ways to apply for your business licence!
1. Apply Online
You can apply online using our eApply service (all details listed above under Business Categories).
2. Download the Application Form
Download the fillable PDF form and return it to the City, either by email (businesslicences@penticton.ca), mail or through the drop slot at City Hall.
Payment & Processing
Business licence approvals can vary, depending on the licence type. Typically, as long as your business is within an appropriate zone, and you do not require additional approvals from other agencies, a business licence can be issued within 2-3 weeks.
If you're planning on substantial renovations or have a business that doesn't quite fit within the established zoning, this may take a bit more time.
To ensure your application can be processed as quickly as possible, provide accurate information and a full description of your business. For Contractor or Trades licences, please ensure you include a copy of your Trade Qualification Numbers.
Renewal notices are mailed out prior to the expiration date and payment can be made online using MyPayments.
Business licence fees vary (Fee Schedule attached). Please contact our licensing clerk to find out which fees apply to you. You can pay:
- In person (cash, debit, cheque or money order)
- By mail (cheque or money order with renewal notice enclosed)
- After hours drop box (cheque or money order with renewal notice enclosed)
- Online using MyPayments
Have Questions?
Our business licensing representatives will point you in the right direction and provide everything you need to know about licensing, zoning or possible health or building code requirements.
Business Licensing
Phone: 250-490-2488
Email: businesslicences@penticton.ca