Business licences are required for all businesses operating within the City of Fort St. John. And, all Business licences are valid from January 1 - December 31 term to align all business licences on the same renewal schedule.
Step 1: Check with the City
Where are you planning on setting up your business?
We recommend that you contact the Development Serices Department prior to buying property or signing a lease to determine if your business is a permitted use in that location. The Planning & Engineering Department can also let you know about the parking requirements for your propsed business.
Are you planning on doing any renovations?
We recommend that you contact the Development Services Department prior to doing any modifications to your business, to determine if you require a building or plumbing permit.
Step 2: Apply for your licence
The City has several different types of business licences available, depending upon the type of business or your location. Learn about what type of licence you need to apply for here: Types of Business Licences.
You can submit your completed business licence application form by:
- Completing the online form
- Submitting via email to businesslicences@fortstjohn.ca
- Submitting directly to the Development Services Department
- Submitting through BCeID
- Submitting through BizPal
Step 3: Review of your application
The City will review your submitted application and may send your application to the following departments or agencies for review:
- Planning
- Building
- Fire Department
- Northern Health Authority
- Any other department or agency deemed necessary
Step 4: Payment
Once your application has completed the review process and received the necessary approvals your licence may be issued.
Other requirements
Does your business need a sign?
If you are planning on putting up a sign for your business you may need a sign permit. Information on the City’s Sign Bylaw and Sign Permit process can be found here.
Will you play music in your business or at your event?
If you are planning on using music, live or recorded, in your business or for your event Federal Copyright laws require that you obtain a licence from SOCAN.
Business License Fees
How much does a business licence cost?
- Regular Commercial Business Licence: $150.00
- Inter-Community Business Licence (in addition to a Regular Commercial Business Licence): $130.00
- Home Occupations Business Licence: $125.00
- Mobile Vendor Business Licence: $125.00
- Temporarty Business Licence (28 Days): $75.00
- Business Name Change: $25.00
The licencing term in bylaw No. 2563, 2021 has been adjusted to a January 1 - December 31 term to align all business licences on the same renewal schedule.
How do I pay for my business licence?
Payment can be made in person (no cash) at :
- Development Services
10648 – 100 Street
Fort St John, BC
V1J 3Z6 - City Hall
10631 – 100 Street
Fort St. John, BC
V1J 3Z5
We accept debit, credit card (subject to 3.5% processing fee), or cheque.
Or, complete the Credit Card Authorization Form [PDF/229KB] and submit electronically to the Finance Department or Development Services Department.
Or, pay through to online banking:
- If you do not have online banking, contact your bank to set it up.
- Add the City of Fort St. John as a payee, search the word 'Fort' in the payee field and look for "Fort St. John Acct. Receivables".
- Once you have located us in the list, add your account number, account number is your business licence customer ID.
(for example, ABCDE001)
Will I be reimbursed for part of my licence fee if my business closes before the end of the year?
Licence fees are non-refundable.
What happens if my business changes or moves?
Business licences are non-transferable. For information on moving or changes to your business licence please visit the Changes to your Business Licence page.