HomeMy WebLinkAboutGeneral Guide to the Business Licence Application Process.pdf
Business Licence Application Process
This guide is to assist you when applying for a business licence
City of Maple Ridge Updated June 2015
11960 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 9B8
Tel: 604-467-7440 or 604-467-7305 Fax: 604-467-7445
licencesandbylaws@mapleridge.ca www.mapleridge.ca
Who requires a business licence?
What type of business licence do I need?
How do I apply for a business licence?
What happens after I submit my application?
Any business operating within the City of Maple Ridge requires a business licence.
The City issues three (3) different types of licences. They are:
Home based business licence – For Maple Ridge residents who operate a business accessory to their
home.
Commercial business licence – For anyone operating a commercial business (e.g. store front, warehouse,
manufacturing).
Non-resident business licence – For anyone who has a business location outside of Maple Ridge but
does business in Maple Ridge on a temporary basis (e.g. landscaper, contractor).
The City of Maple Ridge is part of the Fraser Valley Inter-municipal licence program. To confirm eligibility please
contact the Licencing Dept. at 604-467-7440.
Business Licence application forms are available by mail, online at www.mapleridge.ca or at the Licences,
Permits & Bylaws Department front counter. Applicants are required to complete the application in full and
submit it along with payment. We accept cash, cheque, VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Debit cards.
If you’ve applied for a Non-resident business licence, no approvals are required. However certified contractors
must provide a copy of a valid trade licence.
Home based and Commercial businesses are subject to the following inspections and approvals PRIOR to being
issued:
Zoning Approval: This approval ensures that the type of business is in compliance with the zoning of the Property.
Depending on the zoning of the proposed location, your business may or may not be permitted. To ensure that
your type of business is permitted in the chosen location, contact the Planning Department at 604-467-7341.
** Please note: The City strongly advises that you DO NOT enter into a lease or sales agreement until you have
confirmed the zoning of the proposed location. Zoning Approval ensures that the type of business is in
compliance with the zoning of the subject property.
Bylaw Enforcement/Licence Inspector Approval: Home based licence applicants are subject to an inspection by a
Bylaw Enforcement/Licence Inspector and in the case of a home based daycare, additional inspections by the
Fire Department and Fraser Health.
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Business Licence Application Process
This guide is to assist you when applying for a business licence
City of Maple Ridge Updated June 2015
11960 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 9B8
Tel: 604-467-7440 or 604-467-7305 Fax: 604-467-7445
licencesandbylaws@mapleridge.ca www.mapleridge.ca
Taking over a business or moving locations?
Looking for information on Business Planning or Expansion Opportunities?
Issuing a licence
Building, Electrical, Plumbing and Gas Approval: Many commercial/Industrial businesses will be required to have
an inspection by a Building Inspector, an Electrical Inspector and a Plumbing/Gas Inspector if required. Bylaws
and Licensing staff will contact you to set up these initial inspections, if they are required. Please note we are
unable to book a specific inspection time and you must be present during these inspections. If remedial work is
required you must call the Permit Department at 604-467-7311 to schedule follow up inspections.
Fire Approval: The Fire Prevention Assistant Chief requires you to contact them directly to set up a Business
Licence inspection. The Fire Department can be reached at 604-463-5880.
Health Approval: Inspections are required when preparing/selling food and tobacco products. In addition, the
following establishments also require inspection: beer & wine stores, care homes, daycares, group homes and
beauty services. It is your responsibility to contact the Fraser Health Unit at 604-476-7000 to discuss the
requirements necessary for approval.
Business Licences are non-transferable from location to location or from owner to owner. If you move, you must
reapply for a licence at the new location and pay the associated costs. If you sell your business the existing
licence becomes void. It is the responsibility of the previous owner to close their Business Licence record with the
City of Maple Ridge by completing a Business Closure Form and it is the responsibility of the new owner to apply
for a new business licence.
A Home Based licence - Once all inspections are complete and each Inspector has given their approval, your
licence will be issued and mailed to you. Issuance can take up to 14 business days or longer depending on the
circumstances.
A Commercial licence - Once all inspections are complete and each Inspector has given their approval, your
licence will be issued and mailed to you. Issuance can take up to 30 business days or more depending on the
circumstances.
A Non-resident licence – No approvals are required*. Issuance can take up to 2 business days, after we receive
the completed application. *Certified Contractors must provide a copy of a valid trade licence.
The City’s Strategic Economic Initiatives (SEI) Department assists current business owners and those interested
in operating within the City of Maple Ridge with information and assistance on business planning, expansion
opportunities as well as connecting with business and industry groups to develop strategic alliances and new
economic opportunities. For more information call the City’s SEI Department at 604-467-7320.