Business licences & permits — Abbotsford, British Columbia
Do I need a business licence or permit? What does it cost?
In the City of Abbotsford, British Columbia, licence required: True; who must license: all persons carrying on any business or operating a Supportive Recovery Use within the City; exceptions: small agri-food processing, farm operations, registered non-profit/charity, garage sales (maximum 3 per year); fee: Accessory Home Occupation $130.00; Commercial Use 0–800 m2 $130.00; Cabaret $1,689.00; Cannabis Production Facility $5,000.00; Cannabis Store $2,500.00; other categories in Schedule B; renewal: 12 months from date of issuance; expires last day of the 12th month. Source: Business Licence Bylaw, 2006 No. 1551-2006 (Consolidated); Outdoor Special Event, Filming & Activities Bylaw, 2016 (No. 2513-2016); Sign Bylaw, 2023 (No. 3429-2023), verified 2026-08-28.
Business Licence Bylaw, 2006 No. 1551-2006 (Consolidated)
adopted bylaw
licence required
True
s.5.1 No person shall carry on any business without a business licence
who must license
all persons carrying on any business or operating a Supportive Recovery Use within the City; exceptions: small agri-food processing, farm operations, registered non-profit/charity, garage sales (maximum 3 per year)
s.5.1; s.5.2 exceptions
fee
Accessory Home Occupation $130.00; Commercial Use 0–800 m2 $130.00; Cabaret $1,689.00; Cannabis Production Facility $5,000.00; Cannabis Store $2,500.00; other categories in Schedule B
Schedule B — Fee Schedule
renewal
12 months from date of issuance; expires last day of the 12th month
s.6 licences issued for 12 months; expires last day of 12th month
scout note
Requires and regulates business licences for all businesses operating within the City of Abbotsford. Last amended July 15, 2025. Annual base fee starts at $130.
Persons holding outdoor Special Events (200+ attendees or any Beverage Garden), Filming Activities, or Conveyance of Expression Activities on City property
s. 3.1, 3.2, 3.3
renewal
Conveyance of Expression Activity Permit valid 30 days from issuance; max 6 permits per 12 consecutive months at same Location
s. 12.6
scout note
Requires permits for outdoor special events, filming, and organized outdoor activities on public or private land in Abbotsford. Consolidated, last amended July 1, 2021.
Sign Bylaw, 2023 (No. 3429-2023)
adopted bylaw
licence required
True
"70 Permit required" (table of contents, Part 6 – Sign permits)
scout note
Regulates sign permits, prohibited/non-conforming signs, illuminated and electronic-copy signs, and third-party advertising across the City.