Business Licences

Any person owning or operating a business within the District of Lake Country must obtain a business licence that is to be prominently displayed in their place of business.  Business licences are issued on an annual basis and are dependent on being in compliance with several municipal bylaws, which vary according to the type of business being conducted.

How Do I Apply for a Business Licence?

If you operate a business (including home-based businesses) in the District of Lake Country, you must complete a Business Licence Application Form and submit it with the appropriate fees and regulation form, to the District of Lake Country Municipal Hall. For additional information on Business Licences see District Business Licensing Bylaw 699, 2008.

Regulation Forms

Country Residential Home Occupation Regulations
Residential Home Occupation Regulations
Rural Residential Home Occupation Regulations

Depending on the type of business, your application may require approval by the Building Inspector, Fire Chief, Bylaw Enforcement Officer and/or the Interior Health Authority.

Once your licence is approved, it will be mailed to the address appearing on the application. 

BizPaL

To aid in the process of issuing business licences, Lake Country is now using BizPal, an online interactive service which determines the scope of your current or proposed business by asking you a short series of questions and providing a customized list of potential permits and licences required from all levels of government that you may require to operate your business. 

Inter-Community Business Licence

The Inter-Community Business Licence Program in Lake Country has been designed to simplify business licensing and reduce costs within the Okanagan Valley.  If your business provides services in more than one community (with only one fixed location) you may be eligible to upgrade your Lake Country Business Licence with an Inter-Community Business Licence for an annual fee of $150 in addition to the regular licensing fee, allowing you to operate in most communities in the Okanagan and Similkameen Regions without having to obtain a licence in each jurisdiction.

Eligible Communities (please note that specific community requirements may apply):