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Business Licensing

If you carry out business in the Town of Smithers, you require a Business License. This includes those businesses that are located out of town, but operate within Town boundaries. A Business License is also required for a change in ownership, change in business location, or a business with multiple locations.

Business License Application  
Zoning Regulations for Home Based Business

After an application is submitted, Town Staff review it for completeness and conformance with local Bylaws (i.e. Zoning).

If your business requires that people enter a building, the building inspector will conduct a 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.

The fact that a particular building has housed a business before does not preclude it from being inspected again when a new business application is received. The previous owner may have done alterations without authorization from the Town or other levels of government. Therefore the change of business ownership is an opportunity to inspect the premises to ensure Bylaw compliance, which is required prior to issuing the license.

For further information on Business Licensing, please contact the Development Services Department at phone: 250.847.1600.

Depending on the type of business, you may need to contact the:

  • Health Inspector
  • Electrical Inspector
  • Ministry of Environment

Valuable resources for new businesses include:

Common 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 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 Business classification, the licence fees range from $160.00 to $660.00 per year. Unless cancelled, you will receive a renewal invoice from the Town of Smithers on an annual basis. 

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, who then use the funds to promote tourism and local business projects within the area.

Q. How long does it take to get a business licence?
A. Generally, it takes 1-2 weeks for issuance of a Business License, provide complete and accurate information is provided.