Starting A New Business?

Important information on licences and bylaws for new businesses in the City of Vernon.

We are here to help you through the process! The following information has been put together for your ease of reference and assistance. Please feel free to ask any questions along the way. Good luck with your exciting new venture!

1. BUSINESS LICENCE BYLAW NO. 3272
Anyone who carries on business in the City of Vernon requires a business licence, unless they are specifically exempted from the requirement by any Provincial or Federal Statute or Regulation. The business licence fees are determined by the type of business conducted. The Business Licence Bylaw establishes these fees. Some approvals or inspections may be required before the licence can be issued. Our helpful staff will let you know which approvals or inspections are required. The term of the licence runs to the end of the calendar year. The licences are pro-rated, for those who may licence after the year has commenced. To review this process and obtain an application, please contact the Business Licence Inspector at 250-550-3585 or Download the Business Licence Application Form (53Kb PDF)

2. HOME OCCUPATIONS (REGULATED BY THE ZONING BYLAW)
Anyone intending to operate a "home based business", please ensure that you have read the home occupation attachments, and that you are able to comply. There are three different types of home occupation (Major, Minor & Rural). Your property zoning will determine which type of home occupation which you are eligible for. Please contact our Planning, Development & Engineering Division at 550-3578 to find out how your property is zoned and which type of home occupation you are eligible for.

Home Based Business, Minor (65Kb PDF)
Home Based Business, Major (75Kb PDF)
Home Based Business, Minor (75Kb PDF)

3. ZONING BYLAW NO. 5000
The Zoning Bylaw ensures that the City of Vernon remains organized, and development proceeds as per Vernon’s Official Community Plan. Please ensure the location you have chosen for your new business is appropriately zoned before you make any lease or purchase commitments. The Zoning Bylaw also provides details as to required parking, landscape screening and other land use regulations. Please contact the City Planner at 550-3575 for more information.

4. BUILDING & PLUMBING BYLAW NO. 4900
This is the the City’s Bylaw to provide for the administration and enforcement of the Building and Plumbing Codes for the Province of British Columbia. If you are conducting any renovations or contemplating a change in use, please contact the Building Department prior to starting so that you can determine if a Building Permit and Inspections are required. For more information please contact the Manager of Building & Bylaws at 550-3576.

5. FIRE PREVENTION BYLAW NO. 3065
If you are moving into a newly constructed premise, if you are cooking/preparing food for service to the public, if you are a manufacturer, if your business will involve paint application, OR at the discretion of the Business Licence Inspector, an inspection by the Fire Department will be required prior to the issuance of a business licence. Otherwise all licence applications are forwarded to the Fire Department after issuance, and you may expect a Fire Inspector to come by your new business to conduct a routine inspection. For more information regarding requirements, please contact the Fire Department at 550-3565.

6. HEALTH INSPECTIONS
Environmental Health Officers are employees of the Regional Health Board. If you will be preparing and serving food to the public, a Health Officer’s signature will be required on your business licence application form. Any complaints regarding health/hygiene issues received at City Hall are forwarded to the Health Officers. For more information, please call the Regional Health Office at 549-5714.

8. COMMERCIAL VEHICLE LICENCING BYLAW NO. 3223
This is a provincially legislated program in which the City of Vernon participates. A decal issued in Vernon is valid in all participating municipalities. You require a commercial decal if you have commercial plates (ie. 4 numbers/2letters ie 2222 BX) and the vehicle is used for any business purpose OR for a vehicle used for the collection or delivery or both of merchandise or any other commodity in the course of a business undertaking. The cost of decals is based on Gross Vehicle Weight. To purchase a decal please bring your vehicle registration to the cashier at City Hall. Fees Range from $25 to $40. The decal does not authorize free parking at metered locations. Loading zone use is authorized strictly for collection and delivery purposes only. For more information, please contact the Manager, Bylaw Enforcement at 250-550-3645.

9. GOOD NEIGHBOUR BYLAW NO. 4980
In order to ensure safe pedestrian routes, this bylaw requires that all owners or occupiers of real property shall remove snow, ice or rubbish from the sidewalks that border on the real property owned or occupied by them.

10. SIGN BYLAW NO. 4489
This bylaw regulates all signage within the City of Vernon. If you are planning new signage please discuss your plans with the Building Department and make application for a sign permit before making any purchase arrangements. If you are assuming an existing business, you may wish to contact us to ensure that all signage is authorized. Please contact the Manager of Building & Bylaws at 550-3576 for more information.

Also view:

• Business Licencing - General Information
• Mobile Business Licence Information
• Development Permits & Guides

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