District of Barriere - A Guide to Business Licences
This guide is not a legal document, it is intended only to assist you through the Business Licence application process. Following the steps herein does not constitute approval of an application. While every care is taken in the preparation of this brochure, the District of Barriere assumes no responsibility or liability with respect to its contents. The public is advised to review the applicable legislation and bylaws and conduct its own inquiries with the District of Barriere staff.
When Is A Business Licence Required?
A Business Licence is required by any person or persons who operate a “business”, prior to beginning the operation or carrying on of such business. A “Business” means the carrying on of a commercial or industrial undertaking of any kind or the providing of professional, personal or other services for the purpose of receiving income or revenue, but does not include an activity carried out on by a Municipal, Provincial or Federal Government, or Crown Corporation.
Please check the uses permitted under the applicable section of the Zoning Bylaw prior to making any financial commitment to locate or relocate a business.
For more information regarding permits and licences please visit BizPal.
Application Stage
Mail or deliver your completed application form along with the application fee to the District Office for:
- new businesses;
- change of location (transfer);
- new owner of existing business;
- modification (ie: name change).
Review of the Business Application
The owner of a business is required to submit plans to all agencies for approvals where required and obtain a business licence prior to the business opening.
The following approvals may apply:
- Zoning - The intended premises must be in a zone which permits the type of business use. Check with Corporate Services/Planning (250-672-9751 or inquiry@barriere.ca)
- Parking - "On-site" parking spaces may be required. Check with Corporate Services/Planning (250-672-9751 or inquiry@barriere.ca).
- Building - A Building Permit is required for new buildings, alterations, or modifications from the Building Inspection Division (250-214-3508 or inspection@barriere.ca). Download a Building Permit Application.
- Fire - All commercial premises must pass inspections by Barriere Fire Rescue (778-220-1711) for your particular use. New Industrial premises must pass a fire inspection prior to occupancy and issuance of your business licence and commercial premises must schedule a fire inspection within the first three (3) months upon receipt of a new business license. The cost of the first Fire Inspection is included in your business license application fee. Any required follow-up inspections have a fee of $50.00 per inspection (or as indicated in the District of Barriere Fees & Charges Bylaw No. 73 as amended)
- Interior Health - The Interior Health Unit (250-851-7340) requires prior plan approval for all businesses handling food and/or liquor such as:
- Restaurants
- Cafeterias
- Delicatessens
- Meat Markets
- Fish Markets
- Concession Stands/Mobile Concessions
- Bakeries
- Mobile Catering Vehicles/Pushcarts
- Grocery Stores
- Lounges, Pubs, Bars
- Approvals are also required for:
- Beauty Salons/Barber Shops
- Commercial use of spas, hot tubs, whirlpools and swimming pools
- Health-related Services
- Adult Care and Child Day Care Facilities
- Professional Designations - The License Inspector may require proof of professional designation for Professions that require professional designations in order to lawfully practice such, but not limited to: Physicians, Lawyers, Realtors, Electricians, etc.)
Check with the Business Licence Division to determine your fee before submitting your application. However, your classification is not determined as final until the Business License Inspector has conducted a full review of your application.
Additional Contact Numbers
Owners should ensure that they have received all approvals prior to the opening of their business. Listed below are other approval-related contacts.
Service BC
Government Agent's Office
455 Columbia Street
250-828-4540
Community Futures
330 Seymour Street, V2C 2G2
250-828-8772
Payroll
Revenue Canada, Penticton
1-800-663-5062
Liquor Control Board
250-828-4720
HST
1-800-959-5525
Interior Health
250-851-7340
Workers' Compensation Board
1-800-661-2112
Consumer Taxation - PST
455 Columbia Street
250-828-4507
SOCAN
To obtain a licence to play copyright protected music in a public setting, call:
1-800-937-6226
New Business
The Licence for a new business will be issued only after inspections have been made to ensure the premise is:
- correctly zoned and conforms to Municipal Bylaws;
- approved for occupancy by the Building Inspector;
- approved for occupancy by the Local Assistant Fire Commissioner and meets B.C. Fire Code regulations;
- is able to meet all Provincial Regulations, if applicable. These may Include Ministry of Health and the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch.
Change of Location
The new location must meet with all the criteria required for a “new business”. A new Licence must be approved and issued before opening for business. Please contact the District of Barriere prior to the relocation of your Business.
Sale of Business
If the business is sold, a new application for Business Licence must be made by the new owner and the licence approved and issued prior to opening for business.