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Business licence applications in Burnaby, BC
Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
A business operating in Burnaby needs the right City licence, including home businesses and non-profits. Check the location and open permits before applying.
Key information
A business operating in Burnaby needs the right City licence, including home businesses and non-profits. Check the location and open permits before applying.
On this page
Choose a licence category
A resident licence serves a business with a permanent Burnaby location. A non-resident licence covers temporary work or mobile businesses with no fixed city location. An inter-municipal licence is an extra option for eligible trades and home health providers.
A new business, temporary business, new owner or business moving or adding a location must apply. Non-profit status does not remove the licensing requirement.
Check the address before committing
Ask Planning whether the intended activity is permitted at the address before signing a lease. The zoning inquiry number is 604-294-7400.
Call Building at 604-294-7130 about active permits. The City says it cannot process a business licence application at a location with active or open permits. This check can prevent losing a non-refundable application fee.
Submit, pay and renew
Use the business application form or apply through My Property. Applications carry a non-refundable fee; after approval, pay the first-year licence charge for the business category. Licences renew annually, with a reminder sent 30 days before the due date.
Licensing is at 4949 Canada Way and 604-294-7320. Card payments add 1.8%. Bank payments use Burnaby City BUSINESS LICENCE and the notice account number beginning with 7. Allow bank processing time.
Separate requirements still matter
A licence does not replace building, zoning or environmental approvals. Automotive work, landscaping or power washing, and demolition or excavation have extra environmental requirements. Contact Climate Action and Energy at 604-294-7850 before applying in these categories.
Home occupations have extra limits on employees, customers, outdoor storage and impacts. Rental housing and short-term rentals use their own application route.
Quick reference
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Permanent Burnaby address | Resident business licence |
| No fixed Burnaby location | Non-resident category may apply |
| Eligible mobile trade or home health service | Regular licence plus possible IMBL |
| Location approval | Planning 604-294-7400 |
| Open building permits | Building 604-294-7130 |
What to do next
- Check the site
Confirm zoning and active permits before the lease.
- Apply
Choose the right category and submit the form.
- Complete approvals
Pay the approved fee and renew annually.
10 useful questions
Do non-profits need a business licence?
Yes. Burnaby includes non-profits in its licensing requirement.
Do I need a new application after buying a business?
Yes. A new owner of an existing business must apply.
Should I check zoning before signing a lease?
Yes. Planning can confirm whether the proposed activity fits the address.
Can an open building permit delay my licence?
Yes. The City says it cannot process the application while active or open permits remain at the location.
Can I apply online?
Yes. A My Property account provides an online business licence route.
Is the application fee refundable?
No. The City describes it as non-refundable.
When is the first annual fee due?
After approval, pay the first-year licence fee for your business type.
How often is renewal needed?
Business licences are renewed annually. A reminder is sent 30 days before the due date.
Which account do I use for banking payments?
Use the business licence notice number beginning with 7 and the Burnaby City BUSINESS LICENCE payee.
Who answers licence questions?
Call Licensing at 604-294-7320.
Official information and forms
This guide covers the municipal service in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. Fees and active service notices can change. Use the linked official page for the application or latest notice.