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# Business Licencing
All businesses, including temporary and home-based businesses, require a valid business licence to operate in Port Coquitlam. If you are starting a business in Port Coquitlam, visit Starting a Business for more information.
Port Coquitlam business owners must renew their business licences every year in January. Review the Business Bylaw for information about business licensing and regulation in the City of Port Coquitlam. **Please note:** Based on the bylaw, businesses may be fined up to $500 per day for operating without a valid licence.
## Business Licence Categories
**Resident businesses** have a permanent location in Port Coquitlam and operate from offices, retail locations, warehouses, manufacturing facilities and homes.
**Non-resident businesses** operate in Port Coquitlam on a temporary basis and include building trades contractors and mobile businesses that have no fixed address in the City Port Coquitlam.
### Types of Licences
Explore the types of businesses that require a business licence. Find out how to apply for a business licence, additional requirements, and other approvals you might need.
To apply for a licence, complete an application form and email it to [email protected] or bring it to the Business Licensing Division at City Hall Annex. Applications are available in PDF formats below or from the Business Licensing Division at City Hall Annex.
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Certain types of businesses may operate from home, with some restrictions.
The Accessory Home Businesses regulations in Section 3 of the 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.
For more information, download the Home-Based Business Information Package [PDF/62KB] or contact the Business Licensing staff.
Application Form [PDF/304KB]
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Businesses operating in Commercial Zoned properties (CC, NC, DC, SSC, or RC) such as restaurants, retail stores, or personal services, etc.
Some businesses including commercial food businesses, tobacco retailers, personal service establishments, will also need a permit to operate from Fraser Health.
Application Form [PDF/536KB]
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Businesses operating on Industrial Zoned properties (M1, M2, M3, or M4) such as distributors, warehouses, manufacturers, etc.
Industrial applications must be submitted with a floor plan and/or site map highlighting the various business activities (manufacturing, production, accessory office, etc.) and their associated floor areas.
Application Form [PDF/341KB]
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Trade contractors and mobile businesses that have no fixed address in the City Port Coquitlam.
Application Form [PDF/517KB]
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Application Form [PDF/313KB]
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Intermunicipal business licences are for mobile businesses that operate in Port Moody, Coquitlam or Port Coquitlam from a location in Port Coquitlam and act as an add-on to an existing resident licence.
Application Form [PDF/531KB]
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Application Form [PDF/306KB]
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Special Event operators are encouraged to coordinate with our Events team prior to applying for a business license.
Event licenses are issued for one day only in association with a special event.
Food Vendors must ensure they include copies of their Fraser Health Approval and Greater Vancouver Fire Chiefs Council Decal.
Application Form [PDF/513KB]
## Application Process and Inspections
Business licences are issued for one calendar year, January 1 to December 31. 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, and may include inspections by City staff or approval from Fraser Health. Once all approvals are received, the Business Licence will be mailed to you.
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* Business name, address, and phone number
* Owner's name, address, and phone number
* Two emergency contact names and their phone numbers
* Address and total square footage of the business premise
* Floor plan and/or site map
* 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)
* If your business is registered with the BC Registry, a copy of the Official Registration Certificate issued by BC government is required.
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The time required to process a licence application depends on the approvals that are needed (see below). Typically, a licence is issued within four weeks. Business Licensing staff can update you on the status of your application.
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Business licence fees vary depending on the type of business and are listed in Schedule A of the City's Business Bylaw. Staff can also advise you on the fee. Fees are charged on an annual basis, and are non-refundable once a licence has been approved and issued. The licence fee is pro-rated on August 1 for new businesses.
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Before your licence is issued, a Building Inspector, Plumbing Inspector, and Fire Protective Services Inspector will conduct a site inspection. The date and time of this inspection is arranged by the Business licensing staff at the time of your application submission and fee payment.
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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
Visit the Building Permits page for information about various types of permits. If applicable to your project, visit the Build a Structure page for information about permits and other requirements.
You may also contact the Building Division at 604.927.5444 or [email protected] for information on the specific requirements of your business plans.
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This inspection ensures that your business premises comply with the City's Fire & Emergency Services Bylaw. Compliance helps to protective lives, property and equipment investments.
Questions regarding fire safety can be directed to [email protected].
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Establishments selling food, alcohol and/or cigarettes, beer and wine stores, daycares and beauty services require approval from the Fraser Health Authority:
* Operating a food business
* Personal Service Establishments (including hair and tanning salons, laser hair removal, tattoos or piercing)
* Tobacco retailers
* Child care facilities
## Renewals
Once you have a business licence, you will automatically receive a renewal notice in late November of each year. Licence renewals are due on or before December 31.
Renewals are mailed out or if you have a MyPortCoquitlam account, you have the option of receiving your renewal electronically. When you sign up, you will be able to access information about your business licence 24/7 from your desktop or any mobile device. As an added convenience, you will have the ability to pay for your annual renewal online. For more information or to register, visit MyPortCoquitlam.
Contact us if you have not received your renewal invoice by early December. It is the business owner's responsibility to ensure that the payment is made on time. Payments received after December 31may be subject to a $25 penalty for home-based businesses and $50 for all other business types.
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* Online (Visa, MasterCard or American Express)
* In person\* at City Hall, 2580 Shaughnessy Street, during business hours
* Mail\* to 2580 Shaughnessy Street, Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 2A8
* Drop box\* (located outside to the right of the main entrance at City Hall)
* By telephone to 604.927.5238 (Visa or Mastercard only)
*\*cheques may be post-dated to Dec. 31*
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If you stop operating your business, you must contact the Business Licensing Division in writing by emailing [email protected] or by phone at 604.927.5238. Otherwise, you may continue to receive renewal notices, and may be liable for fees.
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If you make certain changes to your business, you may no longer be in compliance with City bylaws or the terms of your business licence.
Contact the Business Licensing Division at 604.927.5238 or [email protected] before you:
* Make any physical changes to the premises (e.g. create a new room).
* Change the property use or add another use.
* Sublease part of your space.
* Open an additional location in Port Coquitlam.
* Cease operating your business in Port Coquitlam.
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Establishments selling food, alcohol and/or cigarettes, beer and wine stores, daycares and beauty services require approval from the Fraser Health Authority:
* Operating a food business
* Personal Service Establishments (including hair and tanning salons, laser hair removal, tattoos or piercing)
* Tobacco retailers
* Child care facilities