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Business Licensing
Starting a business can be a stressful time, as many issues need to be addressed. The Town of Smithers understands this, and supports and encourages new businesses. In addition, the Town must also look after the health, safety and liability of the public. We hope that by explaining some of the issues and concerns in advance, we will be able to help you understand the process of applying for a business licence and be able to process your application quickly.
The Town of Smithers requires that you complete a business licence application form if you are starting a new business or changing an existing one. The following items need to be attached:
- a site plan of the property showing where the premises are in relation to the property lines;
- a drawing showing the location of the required parking;
- an interior floor plan of the premises.
We look at a number of items during our review of your business licence application. First, all properties in the Town are zoned; typically for Residential, Commercial or Industrial. The zoning designation regulates (among many items) the kind of business you can conduct within that particular zone. You may wish to arrange a meeting with the Town of Smithers planner before submitting your business licence application.
If your business requires that people enter a building, the building inspector will conduct a visual site inspection to ensure that the health and safety requirements of the BC Building Code are met. You are encouraged to arrange this inspection prior to signing a lease or purchasing a building for your business. This inspection process extends to home-based businesses. A residential home is not built to the standards of a commercial building, so we therefore look closely at what type of business will be conducted in a home to ensure the health and safety requirements of the code are met, and whether the business proposal meets the zoning regulations.
The fact that a particular building has housed a business before does not preclude it from being inspected again when a business application is received. The previous owner may have done alterations without our knowledge and other levels of government may have changed requirements during the operations of the previous business. Therefore the change of business ownership provides us an opportunity to inspect the premises, and advise you accordingly.
Other government agencies such as the Ministry of Health may also be involved to assist you with your proposal.
For further information contact:
- Building/Licensing Inspector
- Director of Development Services
- Fire Chief
Depending on the type of business, you may need to contact the:
- Health Inspector
- Electrical Inspector
- Ministry of Environment
Valuable resources for potential business-owners include:
However, these agencies are not in a position to assess whether or not a business licence will be issued; only the Municipal Office can do that.
Common Asked Questions
Q. Why do I need a business licence?
A. A business licence is required pursuant to the laws of British Columbia and the Council of the Town of Smithers. Business licensing insures that all applicants have complied with the regulations of the Municipality with respect to the building code, zoning bylaw, fire safety and health regulations for the type of business you are intending to operate. The intent of the regulations is to support and permit safe, and healthy development to occur.
Q. Can I start my business before I get my licence?
A. No, all businesses are required to obtain a licence before they open for business, pursuant to the bylaw.
Q. What is the cost of a business licence?
A. Depending on the classification of a business, the licence fees range from $160.00 to $660.00 per year. Payment for the business licence will accompany the application. The payment is not processed until the business licence has been approved. Payment does not guarantee a business licence will be approved.
Q. What happens to the business licence fees?
A. The funds collected from the business licence fees go into a general operating fund. From this, the Town provides a grant to the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce uses these funds to promote tourism and other economic and local business projects within the area.
Q. How long does it take to get a business licence?
A. If all the required information has been submitted, i.e. site plan, interior floor plan, development permit requirements met, (as may be required for specific areas) and parking plan received, a licence could be issued within 1 week. Please note that approval of government agencies may be necessary, and may delay the business licence if approvals have not been granted.
Q. What are some requirements that I may need to address before I move into a location?
A. Fire safety and handicap accessibility are two issues. Change of occupancy may require a fire separation upgrade. A washroom upgrade to accommodate disabled requirements, or more washrooms, may be needed depending on the type of business in question.
Q. Can I change the outside of the building?
A. A building permit is required to make any alterations to a building. You may also require a development permit, a development variance permit, or an encroachment agreement with the Town of Smithers. Check with the Development Services Department at the Town Offices at 1027 Aldous Street before beginning any work of this nature.
Q. Do I need a building permit to make renovations for my business?
A. Yes, we recommend that you apply for a building permit and submit drawings of any renovations you are considering.
Q. Can I put up a sign for my business in a residential area?
A. Yes, however there are restrictions as to size in a residential area. Please check with the Development Services Department for maximum dimensions.
