Business Licences

Welcome to Sidney!

Obtaining a Business Licence is generally a quick and easy process.  The timing depends on the complexity of your application.  Most often home occupation Business Licences can be issued same day.  This page provides all the information you need on obtaining a Business Licence in Sidney. 

The Town's Business Licence Bylaw requires that all businesses operating within the Town hold a valid Business Licence, either from the Town of Sidney or an Intermunicipal Business Licence issued from another municipality.

Please note: as per Council Resolution No. 2018.18.244, the sale or distribution of cannabis within the Town of Sidney is prohibited. The Town is therefore not accepting any Business Licence applications nor keeping a wait list for businesses related to cannabis.

Here is what we will require prior to the issuance of a Business Licence:

• Completed and submitted Business Licence Application Form
• Completed Inspections
• Licence fee paid
• Island Health approval, if required
• Floor Plans, if required
• Additional information, if required

A list of contacts commonly requested by business licence applicants can be found below.

• Commonly Requested Business Licence Contacts

The completed the Business Licence Application Form can be dropped off in person, emailed, faxed or mailed to the Town's Development Services department.  Alternatively, you may wish to use the One Stop Business Registry. Once you complete the registration process through One Stop, a completed Business Licence application will be e-mailed to the Town.  Once received, staff will contact you to finalize your Business Licence application details.

• Business Licence Application Form
• One Stop Business Registry

The fee for a Business Licence is outlined in the Business Licence Bylaw. Generally, the annual fee is $100 and is based on a calendar year. The Licence fee must be paid prior to the issuance of the Business Licence. The Town accepts debit, cash, cheque or credit card. Licence fees may be paid online by credit card. In order to pay online, you must submit your application to the Town first. Once staff set up your application in our system, we can email you the information to pay online. There is also a drop box at the Town Hall for after-hour payments. Licence fees are prorated quarterly for new applications received during a calendar year. Paid Business Licence fees are non-refundable.

• Business Licence Bylaw
• Pay Online for Business Licence Renewal