-
Businesses in the Primary and Secondary Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) that would like to use City property on the sidewalk boulevard, and/or on-street parking for business purposes may obtain an Outdoor Commercial Use Permit.
Businesses may apply to use the sidewalk and boulevard fronting their property year-round. Businesses may apply to use one on-street parking space in front of their business between March 1 and October 31 each year.
Permits may be renewed along with Business Licenses annually.
For more information, please visit the Permits and Applications page.
-
A Business Licence is required to operate a business in Vernon. A business is generally defined as "the carrying on of a commercial or industrial undertaking of any kind or the providing of professional, personal or other services for the purpose of profit or gain". A business licence must be held by the owner or operator of a business, and in the case of more than one business premise, a separate business licence is required for each location.
Some organizations or businesses may not be required to obtain a business licence. For example, residential premises holding garage or yard sales or agricultural producers who are not conducting any retail sales from the farm.
Non-profit organizations or charitable organizations are required to obtain a business licence if they operate from a premise within the City of Vernon or if they are conducting fund raising campaigns within the city. No fee is charged to a non-profit or charitable organization if the organization can provide the proper Revenue Canada identification.
Cannabis Business Licence Application
Go paperless with eBilling
-
For anyone intending to operate a "home based business", please ensure that you have read the home based business form below and that you are able to comply. Please complete the form and submit with your Business Licence application:
For more information concerning the application process, you can contact Business Licensing at buslicense@vernon.ca. Staff will verify if the Zoning District in which the property is situated will allow the particular business type, if appropriate parking is available on site, and any other considerations.
Depending on the nature of the business, approvals from the Fire Inspector, Building Inspector or the Environmental Health Officer may be necessary prior to approval of the Business Licence. There are no costs related to these inspections if associated with a business licence application. Inspections should be conducted prior to a purchase or lease so that an applicant will be aware of any costs associated with requirements under the Fire, Building or Health codes.
The business licence will be issued upon payment of the fee and must be displayed in a prominent place on the premises. For mobile services, a copy of the licence should be carried in the equipment/vehicle or with the individual, at all times, when engaging in business activities.
-
Are you interested in operating a mobile retail or food truck, trailer or cart in Vernon? This information package will assist you in applying for a City of Vernon Mobile Vending Business Licence. This guide also includes contact information and answers to frequently asked questions.
For more information concerning the application process, please contact the Community Infrastructure and Development Division at 250-550-3634.
