Business Licences
Having a business licence helps to ensure your business meets health, fire and building codes, as well as zoning bylaws.
Application Process for a Business Licence:
- Complete and submit a business licence application. Here are your options:
- Short-Term Rental Licence - Short Term Rental Application
- New Business Licence - Use the New Business Licence Application Form
- Business has moved to a new location - Use the Change of Business Location Application Form
- Business has changed ownership - Use the Change of Ownership Application Form
- Update business mailing address only - Use the Change of Business Mailing Address Form
- Update business name - Use the Change of Business Name Application Form
- Business no longer operating - Use the Business Cancellation Form
- Renewing your business licence - Use our MySechelt online portal, in person at municipal hall, or over the phone with a credit card
Once your application has been reviewed, you will be contacted by staff to make payment.
Business Licence fees are intended to support administration, regulation, and oversight of business activity, rather than to generate profit.
Types of Business Licences
Regular Business Licence |
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$150 yearly fee You will be conducting business only within the District of Sechelt |
Inter-Community Business Licence |
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$225 yearly fee You will be conducting business all over the Sunshine Coast. Note: An inter-community Business Licence allows Sechelt-based businesses to conduct business in the Town of Gibsons, shíshálh Nation and the Sunshine Coast Regional District. This allows businesses to pay for one licence instead of purchasing a licence in multiple locations. |
Home Occupation |
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A regular business licence is required for home-based businesses. Businesses operated in residences are subject to specific regulations. Sechelt Zoning Bylaw No 580, 2022 outlines the restrictions and permitted uses of a home operated business. |
Short-Term Rental Licence |
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Type 1: $500 yearly fee Type 2: $900 yearly fee Note: For more information on short-term rentals, visit the short-term rental page |
Report a Business Without a Licence
District of Sechelt Process:
- Annual licences are issued for a calendar year (Jan 1 - Dec 31).
- Your business licence is non-transferable, so if your business changes location, or you take over an existing business, you must apply for a new license.
- The fee is not refundable if you close your business.
- Renewal invoices will be sent out to all businesses December of each year and are due January 1st .
- If you apply for your licence after August 1st, you will pay a pro-rated licence fee. Please note that pro-rated fees do not apply to short term rentals.
Provincial/Federal Requirements Resource:
For permits and licences for new businesses, visit BizPal to help walk you through the process.