Business License

BizPaL

BizPaL is an Online Business Permits and Licences Service. This service is the result of strong collaboration between the Government of Canada and participating provincial/territorial, and local governments.

This service asks you to answer a short series of questions about the nature and scope of your current or proposed business. Based on your answers, you will be provided with a customized list of potential permits and licences from all levels of government that you may require to operate your business. Please note that all of the information that you provide is done so anonymously and you may save or print your results for future reference

Business License Information

⇒ Download a Business License Application

All businesses in the District of Vanderhoof (including home-based businesses) must have a business license.

» Why should I get a Business License?

By obtaining a business license, you make your business a legal operation (in terms of the District of Vanderhoof Licensing Bylaw). Also, many individuals and/or businesses (including the District of Vanderhoof) conduct business with only those who hold a valid business license.

» Who is required to have a Business License?

A "Business" means carrying on a commercial or industrial undertaking of any kind or nature or the providing of professional, personal or other services for the purpose of gain or profit. If what you do fits this definition, and your Business is within the District of Vanderhoof, or you live outside the District, and your business (contractor, door to door sales) is conducted within the District of Vanderhoof, you are required to hold a Business License issued by the District of Vanderhoof.

» What is the Procedure for Obtaining a Business License?

The procedure for obtaining a business license is as follows:

• Business License applications may be obtained from the District of Vanderhoof (or you can download an application). The application and fees are to be submitted and the Business License issued, prior to the start of business operation.
• The licensing year is May 1 - April 30, but fees are prorated when starting a business after October 31st.
• The business location is inspected by various inspectors, (ie. Building, Fire and/or Health), depending on the type of business, to ensure the location complies with the safety codes.
• When the business has met all the regulations (i.e. Bylaws, Building, Fire and/or Health, etc.) the Business License will be issued and mailed.

Signs

If you are wanting to have a sign for your business that is located either on your building or on the street, you need to abide by the Signage Bylaw, and submit an application to the District of Vanderhoof.

⇒ Download the Sign Permit Bylaw and Application

SOCAN

If you use music, live or recorded, in your business or for your event, please click here for licensing information as it is Federal Copyright Law.