FAQs • Why do I need a business licence?

Why do I need a business licence?: The City's Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw 6815-2011 states that "no person shall operate or carry on a business within the municipality without holding a current licence." This includes any activity or undertaking where you provide professional, personal, or other services for the purpose of gain or profit. All work done offsite and delivered to Maple Ridge, does not require a licence (e.g. Home Depot delivery).Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw

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Business Licences

All businesses in the City of Maple Ridge require a business licence. Some of the benefits to obtaining a business licence include:

Makes your business a legal operation in terms of the City of Maple Ridge's Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw
Lists the business in the Maple Ridge Business Directory (home-based, commercial and daycare business licences only)
Enables the City to regulate the types and locations of businesses conducted within its jurisdiction
Supports the development of promotional materials aimed at attracting business investment and job creation
Assists with the development of demographic and statistical information on the local business climate
Supports parking enforcement, community policing and Adopt-A-Block programs

2. How do I apply for a business licence?: Business licence application forms can be obtained by mail, fax, online or at the Bylaw, Licensing & Community Safety Department at City Hall. Applicants are required to complete the application in full and provide a minimum payment of $110. We have a guide to assist you with applying for a business licence.
Business Licence Application Guide

There are four different types of business licences:

Commercial Business Licence refers to a business operated from a storefront, retail, commercial, industrial, etc. location in Maple Ridge
Daycare Business Licence refers to a business operated either from a commercial location or a business operated out of the home located in Maple Ridge
Home-Based Business Licence refers to a business operated (including office use only) from a residence located in Maple Ridge
Non-Resident Business Licence refers to a business located outside of Maple Ridge where the business person is physically coming into Maple Ridge to conduct business or to call on clients

4. Taking over an existing business or closing a business?: Business licences are not transferable. Any person who acquires a business or a controlling interest in any business from any person licensed under the Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw shall make application for a new business licence. It is the responsibility of the previous owner to close his / her account with the City of Maple Ridge by completing a Business Closure Form

5. Moving your business?: If you are moving your business to another location in the City of Maple Ridge, a new Business Licence Application must be completed and submitted to the Bylaw, Licensing & Community Safety Department. If the applicant holds a current business licence and is a home-based daycare or commercial business, a transfer fee of $50 must accompany the new application. If the applicant does not have a current City of Maple Ridge Business Licence the minimum licence fee of $110.00 must accompany the application. Applications can also be found online or at the Bylaw, Licensing & Community Safety Department front counter.
Business Licence Application

6. Changing the name of the business?: If you are changing the name of your business, please complete the Business Licence Name Change Form and submit to the Bylaw, Licensing & Community Safety Department.
Business Licence Name Change Form

7. Why do I need a business licence?: The City's Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw 6815-2011 states that "no person shall operate or carry on a business within the municipality without holding a current licence." This includes any activity or undertaking where you provide professional, personal, or other services for the purpose of gain or profit. All work done offsite and delivered to Maple Ridge, does not require a licence (e.g. Home Depot delivery). Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw

8. How do I get a business licence application?: Application forms are available online, in person at our Bylaw, Licensing & Community Safety Department, by email, fax, or regular mail. To receive an application by email please send us an email letting us know that you would like an application. To receive an application by fax or regular mail please call our Bylaw, Licensing & Community Safety Department at 604-467-7440.
Business Licence Application

9. How much does a business licence cost?: The minimum fee is $110 per year. Some businesses pay more; for example, on the basis of square meters of the business premises, the number of chairs in a restaurant, or the number of professionals operating at the location. Fees are charged on an annual basis and are not refundable once a business licence has been approved and issued, or if inspections have occurred. For more information on business licence fees, please review Schedule A of our Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw

10. How long is a business licence valid for?: Business licences are valid for one calendar year (January 1 to December 31).

11. How long will it take to get a business licence?: It really depends what type of application you have submitted (e.g. home-based, daycare, commercial or non-resident). A non-resident business licence may be issued on the spot. However a home-based business licence or commercial licence may take up to 10 business days or more to issue. Home-based businesses and commercial businesses are subject to inspections prior to issuance. If you want to know the status of your business licence application, please contact our Bylaw, Licensing & Community Safety Department staff at 604-467-7440 or 604-467-7305. Review our Business Licence Application Guide for more information on our processes for issuing a business licence.
Business Licence Application Guide

12. Can I operate a business from my home?: Our Zoning Bylaw restricts the type of business activities that are allowed to operate in residential neighborhoods. Depending on the zone, certain types of businesses may operate from home with some restrictions. You can check our Zoning Bylaw or contact our Planning Department at 604-467-7341 to see what types of businesses are allowed to operate in your zone. To minimize disturbances to surrounding properties, our Zoning Bylaw limits the amount of space in a residence that can be used for business purposes and regulates parking and storage of goods and materials. Retail stores are specifically excluded as a home based business. Zoning Bylaw