Business licences & permits — Hamilton, Ontario

Do I need a business licence or permit? What does it cost?

The City of Hamilton, Ontario has 3 adopted bylaws on file: By-law No. 07-170 - To Licence and Regulate Various Businesses (Office Consolidation, Nov 2023); Renovation Licence and Relocation By-law No. 24-055 (Consolidation, Apr 2026); Sign By-law No. 10-197 (Consolidated, Feb 2022), verified 2026-08-23.

By-law No. 07-170 - To Licence and Regulate Various Businesses (Office Consolidation, Nov 2023) adopted bylaw

General business licensing by-law regulating and setting fees for licensed business categories in Hamilton (mobile vendors, taxis, etc.); as amended, also carries the Short-Term Rental operator/broker licensing scheme.

Renovation Licence and Relocation By-law No. 24-055 (Consolidation, Apr 2026) adopted bylaw

Licenses and regulates renovation contractors and the relocation of buildings/structures within the City of Hamilton.

Sign By-law No. 10-197 (Consolidated, Feb 2022) adopted bylaw

Regulates all outdoor signs and advertising devices in Hamilton, incl. permit requirements, permitted sign types/sizes by zone, and temporary/special-event signage.

Machine-readable: business-licensing.json · Official website: https://www.hamilton.ca/ · Last verified 2026-08-23 · Business licences & permits in other municipalities