Business Licensing

We're open for business!

We're excited to welcome your business to our growing Colwood community! As one of the fastest growing regions in British Columbia, Colwood is a great place to bring your new business idea, or expand your enterprise.

Not sure if you require a business license?

We'd love to talk with you about it. Contact us at 250-478-5999 or email to info@colwood.ca.

Apply for a new business license or update your existing business license

New Business License: To apply for a business license, complete the Online Business Licence Application

Business License Changes: 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

Business License Renewal: To renew your existing business license, complete the Business License Renewal 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 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. For information on short term rentals please visit New rules for short-term rentals - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca).

Review Colwood's Business License Bylaw [PDF/420KB] and related Business License Fees and Charges [PDF/257KB].

How your business license application is processed

A business license application is reviewed by a number of departments (development services, engineering, bylaw, building, fire) before a business license can be issued. The Capital Regional District, and Provincial and Federal governments may also have additional requirements that must be met before a business can legally operate.

Fire Inspections: If you operate out of a commercial space, food truck, or if you are applying for a home based and/or an intermunicipal business license, you may need a fire inspection. The fire department will verify that you meet all applicable fire codes. To arrange an inspection, please call (250) 478-8321 and ask for the Prevention Division.  

Important Resources