Permit Game – A guide to starting your business in Victoria

Our guide to starting and opening your business in the City of Victoria.
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Here’s how to start a new business in Victoria without tearing your hair out.

  1. What Kind of Business?

Want to open an office? A retail store? A food truck? Starting a new business in Victoria is both exhilarating and daunting. Much like a board game, it requires careful planning each step of the way.

But there is a clear path. And although there are 13 separate municipalities in the Capital Regional District, each with its own set of bylaws, licences and zoning, many of the guidelines below apply across the board.

Make the Victoria Business Hub (now located in the Victoria Conference Centre) your first stop. There a business ambassador can help you navigate the City’s licensing processes, connect you to other agencies and direct you to useful resources. “We’re a helping hand,” says ambassador Kylie Black. “We’re here to assist startups, investors, property owners, leasing agents and businesses who might be relocating or expanding.”

You can contact the Business Hub at bizhub@victoria.ca.

Whether a restaurateur or a notary public, you probably already know the answer to this question. But the city, the province and Ottawa treat different businesses differently. Some of the most common categories are:

  • At-home business
  • General office
  • Retail
  • Restaurant
  • Cannabis
  • Food truck
  • Child care

Depending on the type of business, the City may require additional supporting documents, such as a health certificate, liquor licence or professional certification.

  1. Register your business

To start a business in British Columbia, you must request a unique business name and register it with BC Registries and Online Services. The registry manages the creation (incorporation) and listing of businesses in the province, both for-profits and non-profits.

Next, determine if you need to collect provincial sales tax. Even if you’re not required to collect and remit PST, the BC Small Business Guide explains how PST applies to the goods and services you’ll purchase for your business.

Then learn about Canada Revenue Agency requirements for reporting income if self-employed, or goods and services tax guidelines for payroll deductions and remittances if an employer. The CRA’s secure portal allows you to file returns, make payments, determine entitlement to credits, register for direct deposit and more.

  1. Location, Location, Location

Zoning regulations vary throughout Greater Victoria and determine the type of business that’s permitted to operate at a specific location, along with other regulations such as parking requirements. Before signing a lease, use the online VicMap app or ask city staff to identify regulations for your location, and confirm the legal use for a specific address.

To use VicMap:

  • Find your location on VicMap using the search tool.
  • View the zoning associated with the property.
  • Ensure that your proposed business complies with the permitted uses in that zone.
  • Identify any parking requirements for the property.

Determine legal use: Legal use is different from zoning as it relates to the BC Building Code. You can check current legal use by contacting the City’s permits and inspections division. Contact Zoning at zoning@victoria.ca.

FAQ: What if the zoning allows for my business, but there is currently an occupancy permit for a different use?

You will need to apply for a change of use. This can involve applying for building permits through the permits and inspections division at City Hall.

  1. Apply for Building Permits

Whether your business is leasing or purchasing a space, interior and exterior alterations may require one or more building permits. In addition, when changing the use of a space, a permit is required. It’s important to consult with city staff before signing a lease or purchasing a property to ensure the improvements are allowable and timelines are understood, as all changes must meet BC Building Code standards. You also need a sign permit for any exterior signage. For more information: permits@victoria.ca.

FAQ: Do I need a building permit for cosmetic changes to the interior of the space, such as painting?

No. A building permit is only required if you want to make structural changes, changes to the exterior or changes to electrical or plumbing. If you plan extensive changes, the permit process could take up to six months.

  1. Apply for a Business Licence

Whether an office, a store or a charity, all businesses must obtain a business licence. You can apply for the licence online or in person at City Hall. Depending on the type of business you’re opening, you may need to attach the following documents to your application:

  • Proof of incorporation and notice of articles.
  • Professional certificates (if a lawyer, child-care professional or chiropractor, for example).
  • Your industry classification according to the North American Industry Classification System via Statistics Canada.
  • A health inspection certificate from Island Health (if a restaurant, grocery or food truck).

Know your options for the right type of business licence. If your business is mobile or operating in more than just the City of Victoria, such as catering or construction, you may be eligible for a mobile business licence.

Inter-Municipal Business Licence: This licence allows you to do business in all 13 municipalities in the Capital Regional District. It’s available at no additional cost to your basic business licence.

Inter-Community Business Licence: This includes the ability to do business in 15 different communities on Vancouver Island (with more expected to join in future). This licence has a fee of $170 on top of your City of Victoria business licence.

Assuming all your paperwork is in order, the business licence is usually processed within 10 business days, and typically costs $100 annually. businesslicence@victoria.ca

FAQ: Do I need to wait for my permits to be completed before I submit my business licence application?

No. Steps 4 and 5 can occur at the same time. Your business licence won’t be approved until you have appropriate sign-off on your permits, but your application can be submitted and begin the necessary approval steps.

BizPal

Finding out which government requirements apply to a certain business type can be time consuming and frustrating. BizPal was created to help identify what you need from various layers of government. It’s a free online service that provides simplified access to details about business permits, licences and other requirements for establishing and growing a business in B.C.

The service is a collaboration between the federal, provincial and participating municipal governments and is available 24/7. Simply select a location and enter an industry category to start the search.

Based on your selections, BizPaL generates a list of permits and licences from the different layers of government, along with basic supporting information. Links to government sites where you can learn more and, in some cases, apply online are also provided.

Keep in mind that it remains your responsibility to obtain all required permits and licences before starting a business.

Once you’ve navigate all the steps, we say Congratulations! Now all that’s left is to print business cards and pop the Champagne.

Other useful links:

Small Business BC

BC Business Registry