Business Licences

Businesses operating in Prince George require a business licence. Please note business licences must be renewed every year prior to the December 31 expiration date.

Business Licence Bylaw changes

The City adopted a new Business Licence Bylaw that may affect your business. Changes include:

Licences must be renewed annually by paying the applicable licence fee within seven days of expiration.
Failure to renew will require the Licensee to submit a new licence application.
Failure to renew and continued operation of a business will result in a fine.

Changing an existing licence

The City of Prince George must be notified in the event of a change of address, change of name, or change of ownership or if a business has ceased to operate.

For more information, contact us:

Email: devserv@princegeorge.ca
Phone: 250-561-7611

Code Analysis

If your proposed business involves changing how a space is used, you may be required to provide a Code Analysis as part of your business licence application. Please review the Code Analysis Bulletin, which explains when a Code Analysis is required and what information must be included. Applicants are encouraged to read this document carefully before applying.

2025 Code Analysis Bulletin

Starting a business

Before applying for a licence, you will need to select a location for your business. Zoning Bylaw regulations vary in different areas and can affect the type of business you are allowed to operate. Before confirming a lease or purchase agreement, ensure the location is suitable. Planning and Development can assist with ensuring regulatory compliance once a location has been selected.
If your business is not listed in the Zoning Bylaw as a "permitted use" at your proposed location, you may need to select a different location where zoning allows your business or make a land-use application.
Use PGMap to find zoning info
- Visit the PGMaps webpage
- Type an address into the search bar and press Enter or tap the magnifying glass to find a location.
- Select the desired address from the list of results.
- Details about the selected address will appear on the left side of the page, including the civic address, legal description, assessed values, and zoning.
- Refer to the Zoning Bylaw page for detailed land use information
For more information or help, contact:
Phone: 250-561-7611
Email: devserv@princegeorge.ca
Commercial and industrial
When applying for a commercial business licence or locating to a commercial or industrial area, confirm the following:
- Zoning Bylaw regulations and location suitability.
- BC Building Code requirements, Building Code Analysis, and Building Permit requirements for tenant improvements.
- BC Fire Code requirements and Fire Rescue Services inspection(s).
- Northern Health Authority requirements for food facilities (e.g. restaurants, stores, processors, mobile food, etc.) and personal service (e.g. salons, spas, esthetics, tattoo shops etc.).
- Note that a Development Permit, Building Permit, and/or Sign Permit may be required for interior or exterior renovations and/or if you are changing the type of business occurring at a location (e.g. converting retail space into a restaurant).
Mobile food vending
A licence is required for mobile food and sidewalk vending. For more information on business licence regulations, fire and health regulations, pre-approved vending locations, locations available for rent, and permitted hours of operation:
- Download the Mobile Food and Sidewalk Vendor Business Licence Guide
Home Business Regulations
The City's Zoning Bylaw restricts certain types of business activities from taking place in residential neighbourhoods to prevent disturbances to surrounding properties. There are also limitations on home business types and sizes and regulations on hours, parking, and storage.
Home businesses are divided into four categories with each category having its own set of regulations.
For more information on home business types:
A valid City of Prince George Business Licence is required to conduct business in the City. If you are planning to operate more than one business type or at more than one location, a separate licence for each business is required.
City of Prince George Business Licences expire on December 31 of each year and must be renewed before the expiration date for a business to continue operating. If a license expires, the business owner must reapply.
- Apply for a business licence
1. After receiving your application, we will send you an initial invoice ($100 administration fee and $25 title search fee).
2. When we receive your administrative and title search fees, the City of Prince George and any applicable external agencies will review the application. Note: The Provincial and Federal governments may have additional requirements that must be met before a business can legally operate.
  Visit the Provincial Government's Starting a Business website
3. If your application is approved, an invoice for the annual licensing fee will be sent to the email address provided in your application.
4. Business License account holders, to access and print your Business License please login to MyCity.
Important notes
- Licences are non-transferable and fees paid are non-refundable.
- Operating without a business licence may result in a fine of $300 per day.
- You must notify the City of Prince George if your business changes its address, name, or ownership or if your business has ceased to operate. Contact us at 250-566-7611 or by email at devserv@princegeorge.ca.