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 carying 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

Once your business application has been received by the Development Services Department, the application is checked to ensure conformance to the following details:

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.