Business Licence Bylaw, 2006 No. 1551-2006 (Consolidated)
Abbotsford, British Columbia
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Business Licence Bylaw, 2006
Bylaw No. 1551-2006
[Consolidated and printed by authority of the Corporate Officer under section 139 of the Community Charter. Includes amendment bylaws
1625-2007, 1717-2007, 1733-2007, 1744-2008, 1938-2010, 1985-2010, 2158-2012, 2196-2013, 2296-2013, 2474-2015, 2556-2016, 2604-
2016, 2618-2016, 2901-2019, 3021-2020, 3037-2020, 3028-2020, 3063-2020 and 3055-2020, 3675-2025. Last amended July 15, 2025]
The Council of the City of Abbotsford, in open meeting assembled, ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:
PART 1 - CITATION
1.1 Bylaw No. 1551-2006 may be cited as "Business Licence Bylaw, 2006".
PART 2 - SEVERABILITY
2.1 If a portion of this bylaw is held invalid by a Court of competent jurisdiction, the invalid
portion must be severed and the remainder of this bylaw is deemed to be adopted without
the severed section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, clause or phrase.
PART 3 - REPEAL
3.1 Bylaw No. 988-2000, cited as "Business Licence Bylaw, 2000", is hereby repealed.
PART 4 - INTERPRETATION
4.1 Schedule "A" contains definitions of terms used in this bylaw.
4.2 Words or phrases defined in the British Columbia Interpretation Act, Community Charter or
Local Government Act or any successor legislation, shall have the same meaning when
used in this bylaw unless otherwise defined in this bylaw.
4.3 In this bylaw, unless the context otherwise requires, the singular shall include the plural and
the masculine includes the feminine gender.
4.4 The headings contained in this bylaw are for convenience only and are not to be construed
as defining, or in any way limiting, the scope or the intent of the provisions of this bylaw.
PART 5 - LICENCE REQUIREMENT
5.1 Unless specifically exempted in Section 5.2, a person shall not carry on any business or
operate a Supportive Recovery Use within the City without a valid and subsisting licence
issued to that person under this bylaw.
[B/L 1717-2007]
5.2 A licence is not required for the following:
(a) an agri-food processing facility having a floor area of less than 600 m2 on property
zoned Agricultural, as defined in the City's Zoning Bylaw;
[B/L 2158-2012]
2
(a.1) any Vehicle for Hire owned by BC Transit and operated in conjunction with its
transporation system, Hospital Transfers, or the BC Ambulance Service;
[B/L 3021-2020]
(b) the on-site processing of products from a farm operation, dairy, hatchery or
wholesale greenhouse or nursery;
(c) the collection or receipt of money or goods or the disposal or sale of goods or
services for non-profit purposes where 100% of the proceeds of the collection,
receipt, disposal or sale are, either directly or indirectly, devoted to a non-profit or
charitable purpose and where an application for an exemption is first made to the
Licence Inspector on the form prescribed for that purpose; or
(d) a garage sale, which is conducted on a person's own residential property, except
where more than three garage sales are conducted on that property per calendar
year or garage sales are conducted on the property for more than six days in a
calendar year.
5.3 For certainty and without limiting Section 5.1, a licence shall be obtained under this bylaw for
any business constituting an Agri Industrial Use as defined in this bylaw, including without
limitation rendering stations and wine operations, and for any business constituting a
Produce Processing Use, Farm Industrial Use, Growing Medium Manufacturer Use or
Commercial Mushroom Composting Facility, all as defined in the City's Zoning Bylaw.
5.4 A person, who operates a business at more than one premises, shall apply for and maintain
a separate licence for each premises.
5.5 A person who operates more than one business at one premises, shall apply for and
maintain a separate licence for each business.
5.6 Every licence issued under this bylaw is personal to the person named in the licence and
may not be transferred to another person.
5.7 A person shall not carry on a business in or on any premises other than those identified on
the licence without first making an application for a new licence or a change to the licence.
5.8 Every holder of a licence shall keep a copy of the licence posted in a conspicuous place in
the premises, vehicle, place or structure where the business is conducted or undertaken and
for which the licence is issued. Where a business is not conducted within a premises,
vehicle, place or structure, the licence shall be carried by the licence holder at all times.
5.9 Every person, who carries on a business in the City, shall comply with all bylaws of the City
and all applicable laws, rules, codes, regulations and orders of all Federal or Provincial
authorities having jurisdiction over such business.
5.10 A licence is required for each Automated Teller Machine not affixed to a Financial Institution.
[B/L 2158-2012]
PART 6 - LICENCE FEES
6.1 Every person applying for a new licence or for a renewal of a licence shall, at the time of
making the application, pay to the City:
(a) the licence fee for the applicable type of business specified in Schedule "B" to this
bylaw; and
(b) all outstanding fees, charges and penalties due and payable to the City in respect
of the business.
6.2 Every person making application for a new licence or a change of name or other change to a
licence shall, in addition to all other fees payable under this bylaw, pay the administrative fee
specified in Schedule "B" of this bylaw.
3
6.3 Where more than two inspections must be conducted in respect of a licence application, due
to non-compliance with this bylaw, the applicant shall pay the re-inspection fee specified in
Schedule "B" of this bylaw for each additional inspection conducted by the City beyond the
first two inspections.
6.4 Where a licence for a business is not renewed before its expiry date, but is renewed within
30 days of its expiry date, in addition to the fees specified in Section 6.1, the applicant shall
pay to the City a penalty equal to 30% of the licence fee specified for that category of
business in Schedule "B" of this bylaw.
6.5 Where a licence for a business is not renewed within 30 days of its expiry date, in addition to
the fees specified in Section 6.1, the applicant shall pay to the City a penalty equal to 50% of
the licence fee specified for that category of business in Schedule "B" of this bylaw.
6.6 Except as provided for in Section 6.7, a licence fee shall not be refunded after issuance of
the licence.
6.7 The licence fee for an accessory home occupation licence, less the administration fee
prescribed in Schedule "B" of this bylaw, shall be refunded to the licence holder where the
application for the refund is received by the City within three months of the licence's
issuance.
6.8 All federal and provincial sales taxes will be added when applicable.
[B/L 1985-2010]
6.9The penalties set out in sections 6.4 and 6.5 for not renewing a business licence are waived in
respect of each business licence that expires between March 1, 2020 and December 31,
2020.
[B/L 3037-2020]
PART 7 - LICENCE PERIOD AND RENEWAL
7.1 Except as provided in Section 7.2, a licence issued under this bylaw shall be valid for a
period of 12 months from the date of issuance and shall expire on the last day of the 12th
month.
7.2 Despite Section 7.1:
(a) a temporary licence shall be valid for a period not exceeding 60 days from the date
of issuance, and no more than two temporary licences for the same business shall
be issued in one calendar year;
(b) an Ice Cream Vendor, Mobile licence shall be valid for a period of six months from
the date of issuance.
[B/L 1744-2008]
7.3 The licence holder is responsible to renew a licence issued under this bylaw before the date
of its expiry for as long as the business that is authorized by the licence is conducted.
PART 8 - LICENCE APPLICATONS
8.1 Every application for a licence shall:
(a) be made to the Licence Inspector on the form provided for that purpose;
(b) be signed by the owner of the business or the owner's agent authorized in writing
by the owner; and
(c) be accompanied by the applicable fees prescribed in Part 6 and Schedule "B" of
this bylaw.
8.2 The Licence Inspector may require that an applicant for a licence provide proof of
4
certification, approval or qualification required by a Federal, Provincial or Local Government
authority having jurisdiction over the proposed business.
8.3 It is an offence under this bylaw to provide incorrect or misleading information on an
application for a licence or renewal of a licence.
8.4 The granting and issue of a licence under this bylaw in no way implies or constitutes a
representation of the Licence Inspector or the City that the licence holder is competent in the
business operation for which they are licensed.
PART 9 - POWERS OF THE LICENCE INSPECTOR
9.1 The Licence Inspector shall have power to grant, refuse, suspend or cancel a licence issued
under this bylaw subject to the provisions of this bylaw and the Community Charter.
9.2 Upon receipt of an application for a licence or a renewal of a licence, the Licence Inspector
may, at a reasonable time and in a reasonable manner, inspect the premises to which the
licence application relates.
9.3 Subject to Section 16 [ Authority to enter on or into property] of the Community Charter, the
Licence Inspector or Chief Constable may
9.3
(a) enter business premises, or
(b) any Vehicle regulated by this bylaw
at a reasonable time to inspect and determine whether the regulations and
requirements of this bylaw are being met.
[B/L 3021-2020]
9.4 The Licence Inspector may impose such terms and conditions on the granting or renewal of
a licence as he or she considers reasonable.
9.5 The Licence Inspector shall maintain and keep a record of each licence issued, suspended
and cancelled under this bylaw.
PART 10 - COUNCIL RECONSIDERATION
10.1 An applicant or licence holder, who wishes Council to reconsider the Licence Inspector's
decision to refuse, suspend, cancel or impose terms and conditions on a licence, may
appeal the decision, in accordance with the City's Appeal Procedure Bylaw, 2016.
[B/L 2604-2016]
PART 11 - SPECIFIC REGULATIONS
Accessory Home Occupation
11.1 An accessory home occupation business shall comply with Section 140.2.3 of the City of
Abbotsford Zoning Bylaw, as amended.
[B/L 3021-2020]
Adult Publications
11.2 No person carrying on any business in the City may display or permit to be displayed an
adult publication except as follows:
(a) every adult publication shall be located behind the sales counter and inaccessible
to the public except by a request to the sales clerk, who shall remove the adult
publication from the display area;
5
(b) every adult publication shall be placed behind a sheet of opaque plastic or other
opaque substance which extends the full length of the shelf on which such
publications are placed and which extends vertically at least eight (8) inches from
the bottom of the shelf;
(c) no adult publication shall be located on any visible shelf, the bottom edge of which
is less than 1.2 m. from the floor; and
(d) no adult publication may be sold to a minor.
Auto Recyclers
11.3 Every person applying to carry on the business of auto recycler shall, as a condition of the
issuance or renewal of a licence under this bylaw, provide the Licence Inspector with
satisfactory evidence that the applicant's auto recycler facility meets the Automotive
Recycler's Environmental Code of Practice, as established by the British Columbia
Automotive Recyclers ("BCAR") Association and administered by the Automotive Recycler's
Environmental Association ("AREA"), and that the facility was certified by BCAR within the
preceding calendar year.
11.4 As a condition of licence renewal, the licence holder shall provide evidence satisfactory to
the Licence Inspector that:
(a) during the preceding year the licence holder inspected the facility, obtained an
independent (third-party) inspection of the facility and prepared a pollution
prevention plan, all in accordance with the requirements and procedures of and to
the satisfaction of AREA;
(b) the operation of the facility complies with all applicable Federal, Provincial and
Local Government statutes, regulations and rules; and
(c) the facility was certified by AREA.
Cannabis Production Facilities
11.5
(1) Every person who is authorized to produce Cannabis for commercial purposes under
the Cannabis Act (Canada) must at the time of business licence application, submit
proof of security clearance by way of a criminal record check, conducted by a municipal
police force or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, for
(a) all persons named in the licence issued under the Cannabis Act (Canada), and
(b) all staff employed at the Cannabis Production Facility at time of business licence
application or renewal.
(2) Every owner and operator of a Cannabis Production Facility must permit persons acting
on behalf of the City for the purpose of enforcement and the Abbotsford Police
Department to conduct inspections and unscheduled visits, at any time, during operating
hours.
[B/L 2901-2019]
Cannabis Stores
11.6
(a) A Cannabis Store must be provincially licensed by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation
Branch or authorized under the Cannabis Distribution Act.
(b) The owner or operator of a Cannabis Store must not permit a person who is less than 19
years of age to
(i) be within,
(ii) purchase cannabis or cannabis accessories from, or
(iii) be employed by
6
the Cannabis Store.
(c) A minimum of two employees must be on duty and on the premises at all times during
Business operating hours.
(d) Prior to business licence issuance, the owner or operator of a Cannabis Store must
provide proof of a contract with a third-party security company for monitoring of the
Cannabis Store security system.
(e) The owner or operator of a Cannabis Store must not permit consumption of Cannabis in-
store, including sampling of products.
(f) The owner or operator of a Cannabis Store must permit persons acting on behalf of the
City for the purpose of enforcement and the Abbotsford Police Department to conduct
inspections and unscheduled visits, at any time, during Business operating hours.
[B/L 3028-2020]
Contractors
11.7 Every person holding a licence under this bylaw as a contractor shall, on request, provide
the Licence Inspector with a list of all sub-trades engaged on specific jobs, on a form
prescribed by the Licence Inspector. Failure to submit the list of sub-trades within two weeks
of such request is an offence under this bylaw and renders the Contractor liable to the
penalties hereby imposed.
11.8 Contractors picking up recyclables within the City shall deliver all such recyclables to a
location specified in the Fraser Valley Regional District Solid Waste Management Plan, as
amended.
Direct Sellers
11.9 Every applicant for a licence to carry on business as a direct seller shall, at the time of such
application, provide the Licence Inspector with picture identification containing the name,
current address, birth date and gender of all persons employed by or associated with the
business, along with a copy of an approved criminal/police record search from the Chief
Constable for each such person.
11.10 The licence holder shall, within 30 days, provide the Licence Inspector with picture
identification containing the name, current address, birth date and gender of each new
employee or person who becomes associated with the business after issuance of the
licence, along with a copy of an approved criminal/police record search from the Chief
Constable for each such person.
Driver training vehicles
11.11 (1) Every Driver Training Vehicle must, while in use
(a) be equipped in accordance with the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act, RSBC 1996, c.
318,
(b) be under the control of a driving instructor Licenced in accordance with the Motor
Vehicle Act, RSBC 1996,
(c) be occupied only by an instructor and the student except that in the case of a student
from any senior secondary school or other group or organization receiving instruction, 3
additional students from that school, group or organization may be passengers in the
Vehicle, and
(d) display on the rear or front door of each side of each Vehicle, the business name and a
telephone number of the Licencee or Vehicle for Hire Operator.
7
(2) Every Driver Training Vehicle Licencee or Vehicle for Hire Operator must maintain a
Vehicle for Hire Business Office in the City, which may be that of another Licencee in the
City, or may be a business office for which the Licencee is Licenced in another
municipality.
(3) A person must not carry on the business of teaching or instructing in the driving of a
Vehicle other than in a Driver Training Vehicle conforming to the requirements of
subsection (1).
[B/L 3021-2020]
Ice Cream Vendors, Mobile
11.12 Every person making application for a licence to carry on business as a mobile ice cream
vendor shall, at the time of such application:
(a) provide evidence satisfactory to the Licence Inspector that written approval was
given for the proposed business by the Fraser Health Authority or other Provincial
authority or body having jurisdiction over the safe handling of food products; and
(b) provide the Licence Inspector with picture identification and a copy of an approved
criminal/police record search from the Chief Constable containing the name,
current address, birth date and gender for each person employed or associated
with the business, and shall thereafter provide such picture identification and
approved criminal/police record search for each new employee prior to that
employee commencing employment.
[B/L 1938-2010]
11.13 No person carrying on the business of a mobile ice cream vendor shall play or permit the
playing of amplified music or other sound at a higher level than 60 d.b.a. measured at 15
meters from the vehicle.
Liquor establishments
11.14 The following conditions/terms apply to all businesses licenced under the Liquor Control and
Licensing Act of British Columbia, including but not limited to terms and conditions in the
nature of: [B/L 2158-2012]
(a) patron behaviour both inside and outside a business, including but not limited to:
(i) orderly entrance and disbursal;
(ii) noise;
(iii) vandalism;
(iv) unlawful activities;
(v) nuisance behaviour;
(b) safety and security of patrons and the public both inside and outside the business,
including but not limited to:
(i) patron screening and door control;
(ii) installation and use of security cameras and the retention of video tapes;
(iii) provision of security staff and monitoring conduct of patrons;
(iv) use of metal detectors and other screening devices;
(v) article and body searches of patrons;
(vi) lighting;
(vii) implementation of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design elements;
(viii) increased staffing requirements;
8
(ix) taking reasonable steps to ensure the personal safety of its employees,
patrons, including steps to evict, or allow the Abbotsford Police Department
and members of other Police agencies to evict, and prevent re-entry by
individuals whose conduct gives rise to a reasonable apprehension that they
present a safety risk to other persons;[B/L 1938-2010]
(c) responsible serving of alcoholic beverages, including but not limited to:
(i) over-service of patrons;
(ii) patron capacity;
(d) condition of premises and nearby surrounding area, including but not limited to:
(i) exterior condition and appearance of premises;
(ii) inspection and clean up of litter;
(e) entertainment; and
(f) compliance with City bylaws.
11.15 No sale or service of liquor shall take place between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. in
any business holding a Liquor Primary Licence, Food Primary Licence, or Special Occasion
Licence issued under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act of British Columbia.
11.16 Despite 11.15, the sale or service of liquor may be extended to the hours of 2:30am on
January 1st of each year subject to:
(a) submission of a written request (application) to the Licence Inspector;
(b) holding a valid Liquor Primary Licence; and
(c) confirmation of compliance with the "Bar Watch Program Standards".
[B/L 2296-2013]
11.17 The Licence Inspector is authorized to issue or refuse to issue a temporary extension
pursuant to Section 11.16; and must do so within 10 business days of receipt of a complete
application, which meets the requirements of this bylaw.
[B/L 2296-2013]
11.18 Every temporary extension issued, pursuant to Section 11.17, under this bylaw shall be valid
only for the date specified on the application. Temporary extensions must be applied for
annually.
[B/L 2296-2013]
11.19 Temporary extensions issued, pursuant to Section 11.17, are subject to all other provisions
in this bylaw.
[B/L 2296-2013]
Non-registered Massage Therapists
11.20 Every person making application for a licence, or renewing an existing licence, to carry on
business as a non-registered massage therapist shall, at the time of such application or
renewal:
(a) provide the Licence Inspector with picture identification containing the name,
current address, birth date and gender of each person proposed to be employed or
associated with the business, along with a copy of an approved criminal/police
record search from the Chief Constable for each such person;
(b) provide evidence satisfactory to the Licence Inspector that written approval was
given for the proposed business by the Fraser Health Authority or other Provincial
authority or body having jurisdiction; and
(c) provide any additional information the Licence Inspector may require.
11.21 The licence holder shall, within 30 days, provide the Licence Inspector with picture
9
identification containing the name, current address, birth date and gender of each new
employee or person, who becomes associated with the business after issuance of the
licence, along with a copy of an approved criminal/police record search from the Chief
Constable for each person.
11.22 Every holder of a licence as a non-registered massage therapist shall:
(a) post the name of the business and hours of operation at each entrance to the
business premises; and
(b) allow the Licence Inspector to inspect the business premises and the identification
of each employee or other person engaged or associated with the business during
normal business operating hours.
Recycling Depots
11.23 Every person licensed under this bylaw to operate a Recycling Depot shall, if scrap metal is
purchased or otherwise acquired by the business, record on the form provided by the
Licence Inspector:
(a) the name, date of birth, current address, type of identification and description of the
person from whom the scrap metals were purchased or acquired; and
(b) a description of the scrap metal products purchased or otherwise acquired; and
shall produce such form for inspection and copying at the request of the Licence
Inspector or any member of the Abbotsford Police Department.
Rental vehicles
11.24 (1) Every Rental Vehicle Licencee or Vehicle for Hire Operator must ensure that a Rental
Vehicle is not offered to any person, nor must any person be allowed to drive such
Vehicle.
(a) who is under the influence of Intoxicants, or who, the Licencee or Vehicle for Hire
Operator has reason to suspect, may use such Vehicle for any unlawful purpose, or
(b) for the transportation of passengers for Hire.
(2) Every Rental Vehicle Licencee and Vehicle for Hire Operator must
(a) maintain a Vehicle for Hire Business Office in the City, except where that the office
may be that of another Licencee, and
(b) keep a record, which must be open at all reasonable times to the inspection of the
Chief Constable or the Licence Inspector, in which each Vehicle rental is recorded
and must contain the following information:
(i) the make, model and colour, provincial licence plate number, and the vehicle
identification number of such Vehicle;
(ii) the name, address, and the Driver's Licence number of the person renting the
Vehicle; and
(iii) the date and time of the rental.
(3) Every person renting a Rental Vehicle must sign the record required under subsection
(2).
[B/L 3021-2020]
Second Hand Goods
11.25 Every person licensed under this bylaw to operate a second hand goods business or a pawn
shop shall conform to the provisions of the City's Secondhand Goods Regulation Bylaw,
2000, as amended.
10
Shark fins and shark fin products
11.26 No person carrying on any business in the City may trade, sell or distribute shark fins or
products that are derived from, composed of or include any shark fin.
[B/L 2196-2013]
Tow-trucks
11.27 (1) Every Tow-Truck driver and Licencee or Vehicle for Hire Operator must
(a) paint or permanently affix either the business name or the name of the owner of the
Tow-Truck on each side of each Tow-Truck in lettering not less than 10 centimeters
high that is kept clear, clean and distinguishable at all times,
(b) ensure that each Tow-Truck driver employed by such Licencee or Vehicle for Hire
Operator keeps a daily record comprising of
(i) the make, model, colour, provincial Licence plate number, and the Vehicle
Identification Number of each towed Vehicle, and
(ii) the reason for the tow, and the date, time, origin, destination and the towing
fee charged of each Vehicle towed,
(c) have a telephone listed in the telephone directory under the business name by
which he operates, or if no such name, then under the Licencee's own name,
(d) maintain a Vehicle for Hire Business Office in the City, except where that the office
may be that of another Licencee,
(e) before towing any Vehicle, supply the owner or driver of the Vehicle being towed, if
present, with written information that
(i) is signed by and identifies the Tow-Truck driver and Licencee, or Vehicle for
Hire Operator, by whom such driver is employed, and
(ii) clearly states the destination to which the towed Vehicle will be taken,
(f) provide to a Police Officer attending a scene of an accident from which a Vehicle is
towed the information described in Paragraph (e),
(g) clear the streets and public walks of all broken glass and other debris at an
accident scene from which a Vehicle is towed;
(h) where a Vehicle is to be removed from a private Parking Lot or No Parking Area
pursuant to a Tow-Away Notice described in Paragraph (e),
(i) complete Part B of the Tow-Away Notice and, at the time of removal of the
Vehicle, sign both copies, print the Tow-Truck driver's name, and leave the
duplicate copy on the windshield of the towed Vehicle, and
(ii) retain the original copy for a period of 90 days for inspection upon request, by
the Licence Inspector,
(i) release a Vehicle immediately if it becomes occupied after it is Attached to a Tow-
Truck but before it is removed from a private Parking Lot or No Parking Area, in
which case storage and towing fees, costs and charges may be charged in the
amounts set out in the Lien on Impounded Motor Vehicles Regulation, and
(j) provide the driver or owner of a towed Vehicle with a full written accounting on
company stationery of all fees, charges and taxes paid.
(2) The daily record referred to in Subsection (1) (b) must be retained for inspection, at the
request of the Licence Inspector, for a period of 6 months from the date the Vehicle in
question was towed.
(3) The Vehicle for Hire Business Office required under Subsection (1) (d) must at all times
be
11
(a) maintained in a clean, neat state, and in good repair, and
(b) in compliance with all City bylaws with respect to building, business licensing,
zoning and health.
(4) A Tow-Truck driver and Licencee, or Vehicle for Hire Operator, must not
(a) provide towing services at the scene of a Vehicle accident, unless requested to do
so by the owner or driver of the Vehicle involved in that accident, or by any
attending First Responder, whether presence there is by coincidence or otherwise,
(b) solicit or suggest a specific destination for the Vehicle being towed if requested to
tow a Vehicle from the scene of an accident, unless requested to do so by the
owner or driver of the Vehicle,
(c) obstruct or attach to a Tow-Truck, a Vehicle which is occupied,
(d) deliver a towed Vehicle to any destination other than the one stated on the written
information referred to in Subsection (1) (e), unless specifically requested to do so
by the owner or driver of the Vehicle, or by any attending First Responder,
(e) tow a Vehicle that has been improperly parked for less than 24 hours from any
private Parking Lot without the consent of the Vehicle owner, unless
(i) at the time such Vehicle is towed, towing company information signs
compliant with Subsection (5) are clearly displayed on the said Parking Lot,
and
(ii) a completed Part A of a Tow-Away Notice has been placed on the Vehicle by
the private Parking Lot owner, business tenant, employee or agent, none of
whom may be in the employ of a towing company,
(f) tow a Vehicle that has been improperly parked for less than 24 hours from any
parking area at any time without the consent of the Vehicle owner unless at the
time such Vehicle is towed,
(i) the No Parking Area is clearly marked with yellow paint on the curb or
roadway or by other clearly visible means,
(ii) a tow company information sign is clearly displayed adjacent to the No
Parking Area, which
(A) has minimum dimensions of 30.5 centimeters (12 inches) by 45.7
centimeters (18 inches), with letters and numbers of not less than 2.5
centimeters (1 inch) in height,
(B) is clearly visible from the No Parking Area from which the Vehicle is
towed,
(C) indicates that a Vehicle parked in the No Parking Area will be towed, and
(D) contains the name and telephone number of the towing company
removing an unauthorized Vehicle from the property, and the location to
which towed Vehicle will be taken, and
(iii) a completed Part A of a Tow-Away Notice was placed on the Vehicle by the
property owner, business tenant, employee or agent, none of whom may be
in the employ of a towing company,
(g) obstruct or attach the Tow-Truck to a Vehicle on a private Parking Lot on which
parking is time-regulated, until 30 minutes have elapsed from the expiration of the
regulated time limit,
(h) tow a Vehicle from a private Parking Lot or No Parking Area, unless it is taken
directly to the Licenced Vehicle impound lot,
(i) obstruct or attach a Vehicle until after 10 minutes have elapsed from the time
indicated in Part A of the Tow-Away Notice where such Vehicle is parked in an
12
unauthorized space by reason only of its location in an area specifically reserved
for a tenant other than the tenant on the same multi tenant commercial property
with whom the driver is conducting business,
(j) obstruct or attach a Vehicle that is occupied,
(k) charge for the transportation, towing, care, storage, disposition and other related
activities respecting the impounding of vehicles in an amount greater than
permitted by the Lien on Impounded Motor Vehicles Regulation, or
(l) charge a Vehicle owner any fee for the services of any agent of the owner of the
property from which the Vehicle was towed, or any other fees or charges other than
those set out in the Lien on Impounded Motor Vehicles Regulation.
(5) For the purposes of Subsection (4) (f) (i), a tow-away warning must
(a) be erected and maintained by the owner or occupier of the property on which the
private Parking Lot is located,
(b) have minimum dimensions of 61 centimeters (24 inches) by 76.2 centimeters (30
inches), with letters and numbers of not less than 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) in height,
(c) be clearly visible at all times,
(d) be conspicuously posted at all entrances and exits to the property,
(e) be located no further than 50 meters (164 feet) from any area of the private Parking
Lot being controlled, or such lesser distance as may be approved by the Licence
Inspector,
(f) use wording which must be approved by the Licence Inspector, to indicate the
circumstances under which a Vehicle will be towed, and
(g) clearly state whether or not vehicles are subject to being towed after business
hours.
(6) A Police Officer or Bylaw Enforcement Officer may, in the performance of their duty,
instruct a Tow-Truck driver and Licencee or Vehicle for Hire Operator in writing to tow a
Vehicle parked in a private Parking Lot.
[B/L 3021-2020]
Vehicle impound lots
11.28 (1) Every Tow-Truck driver, Licencee or Vehicle for Hire Operator who maintains a Vehicle
impound lot must
(a) ensure that the Vehicle impound lot
(i) is within the City in an area where such use is permitted under the provisions of the
City's Zoning Bylaw, 2014,
(ii) is located at the address shown on the Licence of the Tow-Truck driver and
Licencee, or Vehicle for Hire Operator,
(iii) is protected by a locked fence and have an attendant on duty at all times when it
contains any Vehicle which is impounded, and
(iv) has a valid business Licence issued by the City,
(b) post a telephone number at the access to the Vehicle impound lot at which an attendant
can be reach when an attendant is not on duty at the Vehicle impound lot,
(c) within 1 hour of the arrival of a towed Vehicle at a Vehicle impound lot, advise the chief
constable of the impoundment, and create a record comprising of the following:
(i) make, model, colour, provincial Licence plate number, and the Vehicle identification
number of each towed Vehicle,
13
(ii) reason for the tow,
(iii) the date and time of the tow,
(iv) the origin and destination of each towed Vehicle, and
(v) the towing fee charged,
(d) maintain the record described in paragraph (c) for inspection by the Licence Inspector
for a period of 6 months from the date the Vehicle in question was towed for all
impounded vehicles which remain unclaimed or uncollected more than 14 days after
impoundment, and deliver a copy of such record to the chief constable within 3 business
days of the end of each calendar month,
(e) send written notification within 21 days, to the owner, if a Vehicle remains unclaimed or
uncollected for more than 48 hours after impoundment, unless the Vehicle has already
been claimed,
(f) subject to a hold order issued by the chief constable, release an impounded Vehicle to
the driver within 20 minutes of receiving full payment due,
(g) provide the driver or owner of an impounded Vehicle with a full written accounting on
company stationery of all fees, charges and taxes paid, and
(h) remove the original copy of the Tow-Away Notice from the towed Vehicle and retain it for
a period of 90 days for inspection, upon request, by the Licence Inspector.
[B/L 3021-2020]
Vehicles for Hire
11.29 (1) The Vehicle for Hire Operator of any Vehicle for Hire must carry during all hours of
operation and post a business Licence in a conspicuous place in the premises, Vehicle,
place, or structure where the business is conducted or undertaken and for which the
Licence is issued.
(2) A Licencee, or Vehicle for Hire Operator, of any Vehicle for Hire, except a Rental
Vehicle, must not employ, engage or permit any person other than those with a Driver's
Licence to drive any Vehicle for Hire other than a Rental Vehicle.
(3) Every Vehicle for Hire driver must carefully search such Vehicle for any property lost or
left behind, and any such property must be immediately delivered to its rightful owner or,
if unclaimed or if the owner cannot be found within a reasonable time, such property
must be delivered to the chief constable, with all information in his possession regarding
such property.
[B/L 3021-2020]
Short-Term Rental Accommodation
11.30 (1) A Short-Term Rental Accommodation shall comply with Section 140 of the Abbotsford
Zoning Bylaw, 2014, as amended.
(2) Prior to business licence issuance, the host of a Short-Term Rental Accommodation
must provide the following:
(i)
Proof of Principal Residence;
(ii) Fire Safety Plan; and
(iii) Parking Plan.
[B/L 3675-2025]
14
PART 12 - OFFENCES AND PENALTY
12.1 A person that:
(a) carries on a business without holding a valid licence for that business;
(b) fails to display or carry a valid licence as required by this bylaw;
(c) fails to provide any documentation or information as required by this bylaw;
(d) provides false or misleading information to obtain a licence under this bylaw;
(e) carries on or remains open for business after receiving notice that the licence for
the business was suspended or cancelled; or
(f) violates any other term or condition of this bylaw or of a licence issued to the
person under this bylaw;
commits an offence under this bylaw.
12.2 [Repealed, B/L 3063-2020.]
Every person who contravenes this bylaw commits an offence and is subject to enforcement and
penalties in accordance with the Bylaw Enforcement Bylaw.
READ A FIRST TIME on June 19, 2006
READ A SECOND TIME on June 19, 2006
READ A THIRD TIME on June 19, 2006
NOTICE given under sections 59(2)(a) and (3) of the Community Charter on June 24, 2006
ADOPTED on June 26, 2006
15
SCHEDULE "A"
DEFINITIONS
In this Bylaw, unless the context otherwise requires:
"Accessory Home Occupation (Farm Equipment Repair)" means the carrying out of
repairs to farm equipment, other than farm equipment used on the property, by a resident of
property located within a zone designated as "Agricultural" under the City's Zoning Bylaw, for
financial profit or gain;
"Accessory Home Occupation" means carrying on a business by a resident of property
which is accessory to the principal residential use of a property, for financial gain or profit;
"Adult Publication" means any book, pamphlet, magazine or printed matter, however
produced, which contains a visual image or representation of:
(a) sexual intercourse;
(b) human physical contact with a person's clothed or unclothed genitals or pubic area;
(c) sadomasochistic behaviour;
(d) the unclothed buttocks, genitals, pubic or perianal areas of any human being; or
(e) the unclothed aureole or nipple area of the breast of a female person in a sexual
context;
"Agri Food Processing" means the processing, storing, distributing, wholesaling, grading,
sorting or packaging of farm produce, animal and fish products, feed and seed;
"Agri Industrial Use" means:
(a) providing for the fabrication, testing, servicing and repairing of farm equipment;
(b) the processing, storing distributing, wholesaling, grading, sorting or packaging of farm
produce, animal products, feed and seed;
(c) the selling of farm equipment and vehicles; or
(d) the operation of an animal stockyard;
"Amusement Facility" means a facility that contains more than three mechanically or
electrically operated rides, games or video games, and includes arcades and mini-golf, but
excludes carnivals;
"Apartment" means a building with more than four (4) dwelling units, occupied or intended
to be occupied, as rental dwelling units for periods of not less than 30 days;
"Auto Recycler" means a person who acquires, buys or stores motor vehicles for the
purpose of dismantling them and acquiring and selling parts of vehicles;
"Auto Body Repair" means the provision of collision service, body repair, frame
straightening, vehicle restoration or vehicle painting;
"Attached" means connected to a tow-truck by an approved lifting device;
[B/L 3021-2020]
"Building Official" means a person designated by the City as a building official and
includes the Manager of Inspection Services, a Plan Examiner and a Plumbing Inspector;
"Business" means:
(a) carrying on a commercial or industrial activity or undertaking of any kind; and
(b) providing professional, personal or other services for the purpose of gain or profit;
"Bylaw Enforcement Officer" has the same meaning as defined in the City's Bylaw
Enforcement Bylaw, 2020;
[B/L 3021-2020]
16
"Cabaret" means a premises which provides for the sale and consumption of alcoholic
beverages, offers entertainment and operates under a Liquor Primary Licence;
"Cannabis" has the same meaning as in the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act;
"Cannabis Production Facility" has the same meaning as in the Zoning Bylaw, 2014;
"Canabis Store" has the same meaning as in the Zoning Bylaw, 2014;
[B/L 3028-2020]
"Carnival" means a traveling commercial operation having more than 10 games, rides,
concessions or circus performances and consisting of non-permanent structures, tents, or
vehicle-mounted electrically or mechanically operated rides, games or other amusement
devices operated for gain or profit and located on a site for not more than 14 days;
"Charitable Activity, Temporary" means an activity or event organized and conducted by
a charity;
"Charitable Sales" means the sale by a registered society of primarily donated or used
merchandise;
"Charitable Service" means the provision of a service by a registered society;
"Charity" means a registered society that is a Canadian Registered Charity, as listed by the
Canadian Customs and Revenue Agency;
"City" means all of the area within the boundaries of the City of Abbotsford;
"Commercial Business" means a business providing for the sale or rental of goods and
services, for the servicing and repair of goods or for the provision of personal and non-
personal services;
"Contractor" means a person that undertakes the construction, alteration, repair or
demolition of a building or structure for gain or profit;
"Council" means the Council of the City of Abbotsford;
"Direct Seller" means a person that sells or offers goods for sale by personally attending
the premises of a resident of the City without the prior invitation of the resident;
"Director of Development Services" means the person designated by Council as the
Director of Development Services for the City and includes any person authorized by the
Director to act on their behalf;
"Driver Training Vehicle" means a vehicle used for the purpose of teaching driving;
[B/L 3021-2020]
"Driver's Licence" means a valid driver's Licence issued pursuant to, or an equivalent
Licence recognized under the Motor Vehicle Act, RSBC 1996;
[B/L 3021-2020]
"Employee "means any person regularly engaged in a business for remuneration and
includes an owner, partner, limited partner, principal, officer, licensee and family member in
respect of the business;
"Exhibition Complex" means a purpose-made permanent facility intended for use by a
gathering of people for civic, political, religious, social, recreational or similar purposes
including, without limitation, trade shows;
"Farm Operation" means an area of land designated for agricultural use under the City's
Zoning Bylaw and consisting of one or more lots classified as farm under the B.C.
Assessment Act and which form and are managed as a single farm;
"Film Production" means the filming of actors or scenes intended for broadcast or viewing
on television, video, or theatre;
17
"Financial Institution" means a chartered bank, credit union, trust company or similar
business that accepts deposits, offers savings, loans or investment services;
"Fire Fighter" has the same meaning as "member" in the Fire Service Bylaw.
[B/L 3055-2020]
"First Responder" means a Police Officer or Fire Fighter;
[B/L 3021-2020]
"Flea Market" means the carrying on of a business which organizes a group of merchants,
vendors or participants to gather in one location or building to offer handicrafts, produce and
vegetables, food, new and used goods or other merchandise for sale but does not include a
garage sale;
"Food Primary" has the meaning attributed to it in the City's Zoning Bylaw;
Food Primary (Lounge) has the meaning attributed to it in the City's Zoning Bylaw;
"Fuel Service Station" means a retail premises for the sale of motor fuels or lubrication oils
and includes, as accessory uses, the washing of automobiles, the servicing or repair of
motor vehicles, the sale of automobile accessories, the rental of trailers and motor vehicles
and operation of a convenience store, but excludes all other sales and services and auto
body repair;
"Garage Sale" means the offering for sale of personal property conducted on a residential
premises;
"Hire" means the fare, fee or rate charged from any person engaging a Vehicle for Hire, for
the transportation of people or their baggage;
[B/L 3021-2020]
"Hotel Motel or Resort" means a building or group of buildings where sleeping
accommodation consisting of more than four rental rooms is provided to the traveling public,
with or without dining facilities, and where occupancy by any guest is for not more than 30
days within any 12 month period;
"Ice Cream Vendor, Mobile" means a person who operates a non-permanent business for
the sale of ice cream related products;
"Industrial Business" means a business providing for food processing or for the
manufacturing, assembling, storing, wholesaling, testing, transporting, servicing and
repairing of equipment, goods or materials;
"Intoxicants" means an intoxicating agent, including but not limited to, alcoholic liquor,
cannabis, controlled substances or prescription drugs;
[B/L 3021-2020]
"Licence" means a business Licence required or issued under the provisions of this bylaw;
[B/L 3021-2020]
"Licence Inspector" means the Senior Business Licence Inspector, the Secondary Suite
Inspector, a Business Licence Inspector or a Building Official;
"Licencee" mean the person to whom a Vehicle for Hire business Licence has been issued
under this bylaw;
[B/L 3021-2020]
"Licensee Retail Store" means retail premises licensed under the Liquor Control and
Licensing Act to sell beer, wine, ciders, spirits and other alcoholic beverages for
consumption elsewhere and operated by a person other than the Liquor Distribution Branch
under the Liquor Distribution Act;
"Liquor Primary" has the meaning attributed to it in the City's Zoning Bylaw;
"Liquor Food Primary" has the meaning attributed to it in the City's Zoning Bylaw;
18
"Manufacturing" means the use of premises for, assembling, fabricating, producing,
finishing, altering, repairing any goods or part, but excludes publishing, printing and
duplicating services;
"No Parking Area" means an area of land that has been designated by the owner, in
accordance with this bylaw, as an area where parking of Vehicles is not permitted which
must be kept clear for the following purposes:
(a) emergency Vehicle access;
(b) emergency exit route for pedestrians;
(c) garbage disposal Vehicle access;
[B/L 3021-2020]
"Non-Permanent Commercial Sales" means the retail sale of goods from a stationary
vehicle or temporary stall located on a site where the sale of such goods is permitted under
the City's Zoning Bylaw and where such sales are not part of the permanent use of the site;
"Non-Registered Massage Therapist" means a person who is not registered with the
Massage Therapist's Association of British Columbia and who provides massage therapy
services including, without limitation, massaging, manipulating, touching or stimulating a
person's body or part of a body for gain or profit;
"Nursery" means an area where plants are grown for transplanting or sale and includes the
sale of nursery stock and other products customarily associated with a nursery;
"Park" means to stand a Vehicle, whether occupied or not, other than up to 5 minutes for
the purpose of, and while actually engaged in, or unloading of property, goods, orthe
discharging or taking on of passengers, or in compliance with the directions of a
(a) police officer, a Licence Inspector, or a person contracted by the City for traffic
regulation purposes; or
(b) traffic control device;
[B/L 3021-2020]
"Parking Lot" means any area of land, or land and building, which is used for the purpose
of providing parking facilities for vehicles, but does not include an area where such parking is
an ancillary use to a single family dwelling;
[B/L 3021-2020]
"Pawn Shop" means a premises used for the business of loaning money at interest on the
security of personal property deposited;
"Parks, Recreation and Culture Facilities" means the operation of a recreational facility
by the City's Parks, Recreation and Culture Department;
"Person" means any corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, party, or individual;
"Person with Disabilities" means a person whose mobility is limited as the result of a
permanent or temporary disability which makes it difficult or impossible to use a conventional
Vehicle;
[3021-2020]
"Police Officer" means a member of the Abbotsford Police Department;
[B/L 3021-2020]
"Principal Residence" has the same meaning as in the Abbotsford Zoning Bylaw, 2014;
[B/L 3676-2025]
"Recreational Facility" means the operation of a recreational facility within a permanent
structure for profit or gain and includes, without limitation, ice rinks, curling rinks, hand ball
courts, rock climbing facilities, gymnasiums, fitness clubs and other sport or fitness activities,
but does not include City or Provincially operated recreational facilities;
19
"Recyclables" means any substances and dry, clean materials, including paper, cardboard,
glass, plastics and metals, that are accepted and processed at a Recycling Depot for the
purpose of re-manufacturing;
"Recycling Depot" means a recycling facility authorized under the Fraser Valley Regional
District Solid Waste Management Plan, but is not limited to City owned facilities;
"Registered Society" means a not for profit society that is in good standing and registered
with the Registrar of Companies under the Society Act R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 433;
"Rental Vehicle" means a vehicle which may be rented by the hour, day, week or month
without a Vehicle for Hire Driver, but excludes a Vehicle leased on a yearly basis or for a
longer period, and is classified as follows:
(a) Group 1 - Rental Vehicles equipped with less than 4 wheels, including motorcycles
and motorscooters;
(b) Group 2 - all Rental Vehicles not included in Group 1 above;
[B/L 3021-2020]
"Restaurant" means a premises or facility where the primary activity is the sale of prepared
food or the sale of food and non alcoholic beverages for immediate consumption, either on
or off the premises;
"Restaurant with Drive-up Window" means a restaurant that has an exterior window
which enables customers to order, collect, and pay for food while remaining in their vehicles;
"Second Hand Goods" means a business where more than 2.5 m2 of floor area in a
premises is used for the sale of used household related items but excludes the sale of used
vehicles, recycling depots, pawn shops and antique stores;
"Short-Term Rental Accommodation" has the same meaning as in the Abbotsford Zoning
Bylaw, 2014;
[B/L 3675-2025]
"Supportive Recovery Use" has the same meaning as defined in the City's Zoning
Bylaw;[B/L 1717-2007]"Temporary Licence" means a licence issued under this bylaw for a non-
permanent business including but not limited to carnivals, direct sellers, local produce sales,
non-permanent commercial sales and charitable activities; [B/L 1744-2008]
"Trade Show" means a temporary exhibit of items with the sole purpose of financial gain or
profit;
"Tow-Away Notice" means a form prescribed by the general manager of finance and
corporate services or designate on which the name of the person authorizing the Vehicle tow
must be clearly printed;
[3021-2020]
"Tow-Truck" means a Vehicle designed or adapted for use as a means of towing other
vehicles;
[3021-2020]
"Usable Area" means the area in square meters of any building or land used by any
business including, without limitation, any outside area used for the storage of goods,
commodities, vehicles or other things,
"Vehicle" includes automobiles, trucks, motorcycles and all other vehicles propelled other
than by muscular power, excepting trailers;
[B/L 3021-2020]
"Vehicle for Hire" means any Vehicle used for the transportation of passengers for Hire,
and includes the following classes of vehicle:
(a) Driver Training Vehicle;
(b) Rental Vehicle; and
20
(c) Tow-Truck;
[B/L 3021-2020]
"Vehicle for Hire Business Office" means any building or premises, other than a public
stand, from which such vehicles may be obtained or dispatched, and in which the Licencee's
records are kept.
[B/L 3021-2020]
"Vehicle for Hire Operator" means any person who, as a proprietor, lessee, manager,
employee or otherwise, carries on the operating of a Vehicle for Hire business on behalf of a
Licencee, and includes any person managing or supervising such business;
[B/L 3021-2020]
21
SCHEDULE "B"
BUSINESS LICENCE FEES
[B/L 2158-2012]
1.
The fees payable for Business Licences are as follows:
Type of
Licence
Licence Fee
Accessory
Home
Occupation
$130.00
Accessory
Home
Occupation -
Farm
Equipment
Repair
$303.00
Amusement
Facility
$260.00
Apartment,
Hotel, Motel,
or Resort (five
to 10 units)
$179.00
Apartment,
Hotel, Motel or
Resort (more
than 10 units)
$238.00
Auto Recycler
$200.00
Automated
Teller Machine
$130.00
Bingo Hall and
Community
Gaming
Centre
$500.00
Cabaret
$1,689.00
Cannabis
Production
Facility
$5,000.00
Cannabis
Store[B/L 3028-
2020]
$2,500.00
Carnival, per
day
$314.00
Charitable
Activity
(Temporary)
$70.00
22
Type of
Licence
Licence Fee
Charitable
Sales and
Services
$81.00
Commercial
Use or
Industrial Use
(0 to 800 m2 /
8621 sq. ft of
usable area,
not described
elsewhere)
$130.00
Commercial
Use or
Industrial Use
(801 to 1800
m2 / 8622 -
19,385 sq. ft of
usable area,
not described
elsewhere)
$195.00
Commercial
Use or
Industrial Use
(1801 m2 /
19,386 sq. ft
and over, not
described
elsewhere)
$260.00
Direct Sellers
$238.00
Exhibition
Complex
$1,299.00
Film
Production
$281.00
Financial
Institution
$563.00
Flea Market
$390.00
Food Primary
(Restaurant
licenced to
serve Liquor)
$292.00
Food Primary
(Lounge)
$292.00
Fuel Service
Station with or
without
Convenience
Store
$130.00
plus $22.00 per Fuel Dispenser
23
Type of
Licence
Licence Fee
Ice Cream
Vendors,
Mobile
$130.00
Junk
Dealer/Junk
Peddler/Scrap
Metal Dealer
$3,000.00
Licencee
Retail Store
$292.00
Liquor Primary
Operating Bar
Watch
Standards
$563.00
Liquor Primary
Not Operating
Bar Watch
Standards
$7,000.00
Liquor / Food
Primary
$563.00
Non-
Permanent
Commercial
Sales
$87.00
Oil Storage
Plant / Pipeline
Distribution
$3,000.00
Parks,
Recreation
and Culture
Facilities
$1,137.00
Pawn Shop
$1,000.00
Recreational
Facility
$238.00
Restaurant
with Drive-up
Window
$238.00
Second Hands
Goods
$195.00
Supportive
Recovery Use
$216.00
Trade Show
(other than in
Licensed
Exhibition
Complex), per
day
$49.00
All other
Businesses
$130.00
24
Type of
Licence
Licence Fee
not listed
above
2
.
Administration fee; additional copy of an issued licences
$25.00
3
.
Re-inspection fee
$65.00