To apply for a business licence, you first need to complete an application form.  A copy of the application can be obtained from the office of the District of North Saanich or found on the Printable Forms page of this website.

 
The initial application must be signed by the owner or operator of the business or the authorized agent.  In the case of business partnerships, only one of the partners is required to sign.

The completed application form is then sent to the District Office.  The business licence fee is only charged if the application is approved.

Upon receiving the application, it is reviewed for compliance with all applicable bylaws.  Business licences will not be issued for uses that contravene the Zoning Bylaw.  

Proof of compliance with the licencing requirements of other public agencies having authority over a certain type of business can be required. 

For initial applications, staff will visit the proposed place of business before issuing the licence.  Typically, both the Building Inspector and Fire Department inspect the premises. 

If the application is approved, the business owner is contacted by telephone and asked to visit the District office to pick up the business licence and pay the applicable fee.

Business licences are issued for a one-year period starting on the 1^st of January each year and ending on December 31^st of the same year.  Business licence fees are non-refundable.

The annual licence fee is reduced by half for any businesses who apply for a business licence after July 31^st.  The full fee would be required for subsequent years.

Transfers

When relocating to North Saanich, approval to transfer a business licence is required prior to the move occurring.  A completed application form signed by the owner or operator of the business or the authorized agent and accompanied by a $10 fee is submitted to the District office.  Upon receipt of the application, staff checks that the zoning of the new site is suitable for your type of business.  Once the zoning is confirmed, the licence is transferred to the new location.  No additional fees are required.

Renewal

Renewal notices are mailed out at the beginning of December to all current business licence holders.   Providing there has been no change to the nature of the business or its location, an application form is NOT required to renew the license.  Changes to the location of the business require an application to transfer.