A business licence is required by municipal bylaw and permits a business to operate within the City of Kamloops. Each application for a business licence is reviewed to ensure compliance with the municipal regulations passed by City Council. The regulations and fee charged for a business licence can vary significantly between cities. Licences are issued to both commercial and home-based businesses.

Commercial locations are reviewed for zoning (land-use), building, fire and health regulations. In many cases inspections are done by these agencies before the licence is granted. Our goal is to complete the referrals within 15 working days.

Home-based businesses have a streamlined process and applicants must be aware of the restrictions noted in the home occupation regulations.

If the business is in compliance with these regulations often the business licence is issued the same day. A review is done when approving a home-based business to determine its impact on the neighbourhood; generally, a home-based business should not have a negative impact on the neighbourhood. These regulations allow you to operate from home and also protect the neighbourhood from disruptive activities, which would be better suited in commercial premises.

Obtaining a business licence recognizes that you have been approved to operate and that you comply with municipal regulations. Many suppliers to business and financial institutions require a business licence to be produced before they will conduct business with a new client. Licensing also tracks the growth of businesses in the community by looking at what types of businesses are opening. The information is often used for research purposes by new businesses or for developing marketing plans.

The business licence fee is due prior to the licence being issued. The fee can be paid with cheque, cash or interac at 105 Seymour Street. Payment can also be made using a credit card online at MyCity.

All businesses must renew their business licence by submitting their annual licence fee by January 1st. Invoices are sent out to businesses during the first week of December and include payment instructions. Payments received more than 15 days past the due date have a late payment charge of $25 applied. Payments can be made in-person at 105 Seymour Street or, if paying by credit card, online at MyCity.

All non-resident businesses operating in Kamloops must have the business licence with them or on their job site, as the information on a business licence is public and must be displayed. A good location for most stores is behind the cash register or public enquiry counter, and mobile vendors (like a food concession) must have the business licence posted for public viewing. Home-based businesses should keep the licence in a file and produce it when asked. 

We are here to help you obtain a business licence. Most of the regulations and procedures to help you get started are on the City website. If you have any questions, please phone us at 250-828-3481 or fax at 250-828-3848. You can also visit us at 105 Seymour Street; free parking for City business is available in the designated stalls on the east side of the building.