Business Licensing

A business licence is required for anyone (resident or non-resident) who provides a service in North Cowichan, pursuant to our Business Licence Bylaw. If you have a business premise, your application must be made to the Municipality in which your premises is located.

Search Current Business Licence List

 

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 Development Services.

Applying for a new business licence

Processing business licences will vary depending on whether approvals by other departments are required. Please allow time for all permissions to be granted for your licence. Times may range from a few weeks to 2-3 months depending on the type of licence and review the application must undergo.

a chart about how to move through inspection process

The following is the process for applying for a business licence:

  • applicant submits the completed application;
  • review and approval;
  • invoice sent to applicant;
  • payment and license issued

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.

Submit your business license application:

By email:

Fill in the application form and email it to licensing@northcowichan.ca. Once your application is processed, staff will contact you to confirm payment options.  

In person:

North Cowichan Municipal Hall
7030 Trans Canada Hwy, North Cowichan

Fees

Yearly License Fee$100
Yearly Inter-Community Licence Fee$270
Late Fee (after February 28 (or Feb 29 in a Leap Year)$25
Pro-Rated Fee (after July 1)$50

Renewing your existing business licence

Get a free energy consultation

Business Energy Advisors (BEA) helps business owners and managers identify energy-efficient opportunities and help you take advantage of those opportunities and available utility incentives that can eliminate energy waste and improve profitability.

Connect with BC Hydro Power Smart Business to request your free energy consultation now.

MyMuni

You can securely access all of your North Cowichan accounts online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at MyMuni. View tax account information, water consumption, utility history, dog licences, and business licences. All you need is a copy of your bill for the account number you want to register and then create a profile to register your accounts.