Business Licensing

To apply for a new business license, complete the Online Business Licence Application. 

Approval and a new application is required when the use of a business premise is changed, a property is developed, or building additions are undertaken, in order to ensure compliance with bylaws and regulations. To make a change to your existing business license, complete the Online Business Licence Change Form. 

Short-Term Rentals require a Business License

New Provincial Government legislation has indicated that short-term rental hosts must display a valid business licence number on their platform/web listing and in areas where a business licence is required by the local government.

Short-term rentals in the City of Colwood now require a business licence as well as registration on the Provincial registry:

1. Apply for a Business License with the City of Colwood: Online Business Licence Application
2. The City will contact you to pay the Business Licensing Fee and schedule a short inspection appointment with a member of the Building Services Department (see below)
3. Following receipt of your business license from the City, register your Short-Term Rental with the Province of British Columbia: Short-term rental registration - Province of British Columbia 

Short-Term Rental Inspections

Short-term rental inspections are required to ensure rentals meet safety codes and are equipped with basic life-safety items. Our Building team is here to help make the process straightforward.

Inspections may check:

• Smoke detectors in working condition and not expired
• 5 lb. 1A-B Fire Extinguisher (1A:10B:C or 2A:10B:C rating)
• Kitchen fans are in working condition and vents lead directly to exterior (if applicable)
• Bathrooms exhaust fans are in working condition
• There are no immediate risks to health and safety

Business Licenses are automatically renewed each year. Within the first month of the year, you will receive an email with an electronic copy of your licence, and a hard copy will be mailed to you.

Review Colwood's Business License Bylaw and related Business License Fees and Charges [PDF/257KB].

An Intermunicipal Business License is a business license Issued by the  City of Colwood or another participating municipality which allows the business to operate within the boundaries of the following participating municipalities:

1. District of Central Saanich
2. City of Colwood
3. Township of Esquimalt
4. District of the Highlands
5. City of Langford
6. District of Metchosin
7. District of North Saanich
8. District of Oak Bay
9. District of Saanich
10. Town of Sidney
11. District of Sooke
12. City of Victoria
13. Town of View Royal

An Intercommunity Business License is a business license Issued by the City of Colwood or another participating municipality which allows the business to operate within the boundaries of the following participating municipalities:

1. District of Central Saanich
2. City of Colwood
3. City of Duncan
4. Township of Esquimalt
5. Town of Ladysmith
6. Town of Lake Cowichan
7. City of Nanaimo
8. Municipality of North Cowichan
9. District of North Saanich
10. City of Parksville
11. District of Saanich
12. Town of Sidney
13. District of Sooke
14. City if Victoria
15. Town of View Royal

If you are conducting business outside of the above municipalities, you will need to contact the municipality in which you are conducting business to obtain a Business License.