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- What is the process for getting a Business Licence?
- Important Zoning Information
- Business Licencing Q&A
- Do I need a Business Licence?
- How do I obtain a licence?
- How long does it take?
- What are the fees?
- What do I need to bring with me when I apply?
- Can I operate a business from my home?
- How long is a Business Licence valid?
- What are the consequences of operating without a licence?
- How do I renew my licence?
- If I stop operating my business, do I have to notify anyone?
- Building Division Inspection
- Fire Protective Services Division Inspection
- Fraser Health Authority Approval
What is the process for getting a Business Licence?
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Complete an application formand bring it along with the licence fee to the Business Licence Division. |
Business Licencing staff will review your application to make sure it is complete and will forward the application to the appropriate City staff for approval. |
The approvals required will depend on the type of business activity. |
Once all approvals are received, the Business Licence will be mailed to you. |
Important Zoning Information
Prior to opening a business or leasing space, you need to determine if the zoning of the proposed business property is suitable for the type of business you are planning. To verify the zoning for your property, use the PoCoMAP interactive map site or contact the Planning Division at 604.927.5442 or planning@portcoquitlam.ca. Home-based businesses must meet the requirements for the Home-Based Business Rules and Regulations in the Zoning Bylaw.
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Business Licencing Q&A
Do I need a City of Port Coquitlam Business Licence?
If you conduct business within the City of Port Coquitlam, you are required to have a valid City of Port Coquitlam Business Licence.
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How do I obtain a Business Licence?
Business Licence application forms are available from the City's Business Licence Division located at 2580 Shaughnessy Street or click here to download in printable Adobe PDF format.
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How long does it take to get a Business Licence?
The time required to process a licence application depends on the approvals that are needed. Typically, a licence is issued within 4 weeks. Business Licence Division staff can update you on the status of your application.
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What are the fees for a Business Licence?
The Business Licence fees vary depending on the type of business. Business Licencing staff can advise you on the fee. Fees are charged on an annual basis, and are non-refundable once a licence has been approved and issued.
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What do I need to bring with me when I apply for licence?
Bring your Business Licence fee, along with any relevant information with respect to your business:
- Business name, address, phone number and fax number
- Owner's name, address, and phone number
- Two (2) emergency contact names and their phone and fax numbers
- Total square footage of the business premise
- Number of parking stalls allocated to your business (if applicable)
- If different than the business owner, name and phone number of the property owner/property management company (if the premise is leased)
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Yes, certain types of businesses may operate from home, with some restrictions. The City's Zoning Bylaw restricts the type of business activities that are allowed to operate in a residential neighbourhood (in order to minimize disturbances to surrounding properties), limits the size of the area used for business purposes, and regulates parking and storage impacts. Click here or contact the Business Licencing staff for a Home-Based Business Information Package.[ Return to top ]
How long is a Business Licence valid?
Business Licences are issued for one calendar year, January 1st to December 31st. The licence fee is pro-rated on August 1st (for new businesses only).
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What are the consequences of operating a business without a valid Business Licence?
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How do I renew by Business Licence?
If you have a Business Licence, you will be automatically send a renwal notice in the mail in late November of each year. Licence renewals can be paid in the following ways:
- In person at City Hall, located at 2580 Shaughnessy Street, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday;
- By mail;
- Drop box (located outside to the right of the main entrance at City Hall); or
- By telephone to 604.927.5238 (Visa or Mastercard only)
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Yes. You must contact the Business Licence Division in writing or by phone to 604.927.5238 to inform the City that you are no longer operating your business. Otherwise, you may continue to receive renewal notices, and may be liable for fees.
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Business Licence Approvals
Before your licence can be issued, a Building Inspector, in conjunction with a Fire Protective Services Inspector ,will conduct a site inspection. The date and time of this inspection is pre-arranged by the Business Licencing staff at the time of your Business Licence Application submission and fee payment.
Building Division Inspection
It is important to note that you may be required to apply for, and receive, a building permit for any modifications required to accommodate your business.
A building permit is required when you: construct a new building
- add to and/or alter an existing building
- change the occupancy of an existing building or make interior renovations
- make changes to the exit from an existing building
- make additions or changes to the plumbing, fire alarm or fire sprinkler system
Contact the Building Division at 604.927.5444 for information on the specific requirements of your business plans.
Fire Department Inspection
This inspection ensures that your business premises complies with the Fire Prevention Regulations. Compliance helps to protective lives, property and equipment investments.
Click here for specific requirements and additional information on the Fire Department Inspection or call 604.927.5466.
Fraser Health Authority Approval
Establishments selling food, alcohol and/or cigarettes, beer and wine stores, daycares and beauty services require approval from the Fraser Health Authority.
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One-Stop Business Registration
The Provincial Government has established a service to simply and consolidate some provincial and federal business registration requirements.
The One-Stop Business Services Kiosk Centre provides one-stop registration services for the following:
- Proprietorship / Partnership declarations
- Goods & Services Tax (GST)
- Corporate Income Tax
- Payroll Deducations
- Import / Export
- Provincial Sales Tax (PST)
- Workers' Compensation Board (WCB)
The nearest One-Stop Business Services Kiosk Centre is located at Coquitlam City Hall, 3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam (604.927.3650).
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Types of Business Licences
There are two types of business licences:
- Resident Businesses are businesses that have a permanent location in Port Coquitlam. These businesses operate from offices, retail locations, warehouses, manufacturing facilities and home based.
- Non-Resident Businesses are businesses that operate in Port Coquitlam on a temporary basis. These businesses include building trades contractors and mobile businesses that have no fixed address in the City Port Coquitlam.
We further categorize both resident and non-resident business licences into classifications that more specifically identify the type or nature of the business. (e.g. retail trader, manufacturer, home based business and mobile business)
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Business Licence Renewal
Business licences are renewed annually on January 1st. Renewal invoices are mailed out in early November and payment is due by December 31st.
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Home Based Business
The City of Port Coquitlam supports the establishment of appropriate home-based businesses in residential zones. The Home Based Information Guide outlines the procedures for a prospective applicant and describes the regulations for conducting a home-based business in certain residential zones.
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Fees
Business licence fees may be paid in cash or by cheque, Interac, Visa and MasterCard. Fees vary depending on the type of business category.
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For more information on business licences, contact:
Business Licencing Office
Tel 604.927.5238
Fax 604.927.5470
Email bylawlicencing@portcoquitlam.ca
Location and Mailing Address
Main Floor, City Hall, 2580 Shaughnessy Street
Port Coquitlam BC V3C 2A8
Business Hours
8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays)
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