Business Licences

Business Licensing promotes safe and legitimate business premises and operations within the City of New Westminster. Its primary functions are to provide initial advice for new businesses, to process business license applications within the context of the City's regulatory requirements and to maintain an up-to-date database on existing businesses in the City.

New Westminster has an annual renewal of approximately 4,000 business licenses each year. Business Licensing also issues licences for liquor establishments and municipal decals.

Things to know

• Before you sign a lease, it’s important for prospective business owners who are applying for Business Licences to check with the Building, Planning and Licensing divisions on property they wish to lease or buy in regards to outstanding orders or issues pertaining to that property.
• Before you sign a lease, check with the Planning and Building Department to make sure your business is a permitted use on the site.
• Before you purchase a sign for your business, review the requirements of the sign bylaw with the Planning Division.
• Each space in a building has its own specific approved use and sometimes the use of that space cannot be changed without approval and/or permit

Who requires a business licence?

Every business in the City of New Westminster is required to have a valid Business Licence before beginning operation. This includes home-based businesses, commercial and industrial operations and owners of apartment rental properties. Business Licences are also required for companies that are not located in the City but do work within New Westminster such as contractors.
 

Business Licences Application Forms - see below