Important Information

Before you sign a lease

Prospective business owners who are applying for business licences should check with the Building, Planning and Licencing divisions on property they wish to lease or buy in regards to outstanding orders or issues pertaining to that property.

Check with the Planning and Building Department to make sure your business is a permitted use on the site.

Change of Use

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.

Before you purchase a sign for your business

Review the requirements of the Sign Bylaw with the Planning Division. More information about sign permits and bylaws can be found here.

Window Signage/Decals

To help keep our retail commercial areas active and bright, please ensure any window signage or decals meet the Sign and Business Licence Bylaw requirements and are kept to 20% or less of the area of windows or glass doors.

This includes the area of all exterior windows and glass portions of doors belonging to the business that are along the street at the ground level. The windows must remain unobstructed during the operating hours of the business. This includes: signage, graphics, decals, frosting, or decorative grillwork placed in front of or behind storefront windows or doors, or any other manner of obscuring such that the interior of the premises is not visible from the exterior.

Starting April 2026, staff will be following up with businesses who continue to have signage or decals that are not in compliance with the bylaws. Fines for noncompliance may be up to $250 per day.

Fire Inspection and Prevention Tips

This sheet with Fire Inspection Tips may be helpful as you set up your business and prepare for inspection. 

Here are some general fire prevention and safety tips as well!