Business Licences

A Business Licence is required for anyone (resident or non-resident) who provides a service in North Cowichan for gain or profit, pursuant to Section 3.1 of our  Bylaw No. 3153

Permitted Uses & Locations

Prior to the application process, if you would like to inquire regarding permitted uses for a specific location, as pursuant to our Zoning Bylaw, please contact our Planning Department at  250-746-3100.

Application Process

Business Licence applications take approximately one week to process. The following is the process for applying for a Business Licence:

• complete application and submit with payment;

• approval from Planning Department for zoning;

• approval from Building Department for any deficiencies; and

• approval by our Business Licence Inspector.

We recommend that you contact our office before signing any lease or purchase agreement, to receive your approval prior to making any commitment to a specific location.

Fees

Yearly Licence Fee               $100.00

Late Fee (after February 28)   $25.00

Pro-Rated Fee (after July 1)    $50.00

Printable version of Business Licence application

Inter-Municipal Licencing

The District of North Cowichan has entered into a co-operative agreement for business licences with the following organizations:

• City of Duncan

• Town of Ladysmith

• Town of Lake Cowichan

This allows applicants to work in the co-operative areas with one valid business licence, rather than an individual licence for each area.

Should you have any questions regarding the conducting of business within North Cowichan please contact our Business Licence Inspector at 250-746-3100.