Is your business growing? Are you holding a special event to create some buzz? Business permits are an opportunity to expand your commercial opportunities. If you’re looking for information about building permits to do renovations to your commercial property, visit our Building Permits pages.
Business Permit Options
Your retail space is maxed out – so now what? There could be an expansion opportunity very close by – your sidewalk.
Sidewalk cafés and storefront uses offer visual interest and diverse activity on Penticton's commercial areas. Having lunch on the patio or perusing wares outdoors adds to the amazing experience and lifestyle that Penticton has to offer.
There are several types of permits, based on your intended usage of the space and the location of your business. Find out more about sidewalk and storefront usage.
You're on the move – and your fleet serves customers throughout the community. The Municipal Commercial Vehicle Licensing Program, established by the Province, requires commercial vehicles to have and display a Commercial Vehicle Licence Decal. Please note: this decal is not a parking pass. Apply today!
If you’re installing or updating signage of any kind, you'll need to complete a Sign Permit. We can help suggest options for safe and visible signage. Free-standing, awning, fascia and projecting signs will need scale drawings and detailed description of the advertising copy as well as font and size.
A lot of work goes into planning events – and we want to make your organizing to-do list a little easier. Visit our Host an Event section for everything you need to know about planning, applications and facility or park rentals.
While liquor licences are issued by the B.C. Government's Liquor & Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB), all applications require a municipal review process. Please see our Liquor Licences page for full details.
For any new or changes to existing Special Occasion Licensing applications involving changing location, service to whole site setup or extension of hours, please complete this application and return it to the Business Licence Department at City Hall.
Does your business care for others? Your business must receive mandatory provincial requirements – including a successful health inspection and a Community Care Facility Licence – before we will grant you a business licence. Both are issued by Interior Health.
Penticton business licences are not issued until operators receive a Community Care Facilities Licence through Licensing Direct and approval is granted by Interior Health.
If you are interested in opening a daycare or group care home within Penticton, we ask that you first come into City Hall & discuss your plans with staff to ensure that your location is properly zoned before embarking on the process.
Non-profit organizations are not required to have a business licence, but those with facilities are asked to register with the City.
From there, inspection appointments may be set up with building and fire officials for random safety audits. This will help us make sure fire and life safety requirements up to date in your location.
Some say music is the food of life. The Penticton Buskers Program is managed by Downtown Penticton Association in partnership with The City of Penticton to make street-side entertainment an enjoyable experience for all.
"Busking" is the practise of performing in public places for tips and gratuities. People engaging in this practice are called "buskers" or "street performers."
The Penticton Buskers Program is a year-round program that welcomes and encourages local and touring, professional and amateur, buskers to perform in art form. Buskers may do anything that will entertain people such as mime, physical comedy, juggling, puppetry, playing an instrument or singing.
Thinking you want to take part? Contact the Downtown Penticton Association today.
Permit Questions
If you have any questions about any of the permits, please contact our business licence representatives today.
Phone: 250-490-2488
Email: businesslicences@penticton.ca