Licenses, regulates and governs certain businesses operating in the City of Oshawa, setting general licensing requirements and category-specific conditions.
Business licences & permits — Oshawa, Ontario
Do I need a business licence or permit? What does it cost?
The City of Oshawa, Ontario has 7 adopted bylaws on file: Business Licensing By-law 122-2024 (amended by By-law 102-2025); Highway Vending By-law 33-92 (as amended); Lodging House Licensing By-law 94-2002 (consolidated, amended to By-law 78-2025); Lottery Licensing By-law 135-2008 (consolidated); Sign By-law 72-96 (as amended); Special Events By-law 108-98; Vehicle for Hire By-law 31-2022 (consolidated, amended by By-laws 42-2022 and 42-2024), verified 2026-08-23.
Licenses and regulates persons who vend goods, wares or merchandise on Oshawa highways/public places, preventing unauthorized street vending obstructions.
Licenses, regulates and governs lodging houses (rooming/boarding houses of 3-10 units) in Oshawa; explicitly excludes hotels and bed & breakfast establishments.
Provides for the municipal licensing of lotteries (raffles, bingo, etc.) conducted in Oshawa under the applicable provincial Order in Council framework.
Regulates the erection and permitting of signs (including business and event signage) throughout the City of Oshawa.
Regulates and controls the temporary closure or occupancy of highways in Oshawa for the purpose of holding special events, including permit requirements.
Licenses and regulates vehicles for hire (taxicabs, limousines, private transportation companies) operating in the City of Oshawa.