{"title":"Comox business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply","question":"Do I need a business licence in Comox, and how do I get one?","slug":"business-licence","place":{"path":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"business","name":"Starting and running a business"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"Town of Comox","url":"https://www.comox.ca"},"short_answer":"Yes. Every business in the Town of Comox, including home-based businesses, needs a valid business licence. Most cost $100 a year. Apply online or with the PDF form. Renewals are accepted only from December 1 to January 31, under the bylaw.","aliases":["business licence comox","business license comox","renew business licence comox","inter-community business licence comox"],"cost":"$100 a year for most businesses; $150 for liquor-licensed restaurants, hotels and motels, and cannabis businesses; $300 for bed and breakfast and vacation rental. See below.","how_long":"Not stated on the pages read. You cannot start business until the licence is approved and issued.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"Business Licences page and online application","value":"https://www.comox.ca/businesslicence"},{"type":"in_person","label":"Town Hall (payment)","value":"1809 Beaufort Avenue, Comox, BC V9M 1R9","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cash, cheque or Interac debit; no credit cards."},{"type":"phone","label":"Town Hall","value":"250-339-2202"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Business Licences, Town of Comox","url":"https://www.comox.ca/businesslicence"},{"title":"Business Regulation Bylaw No. 1882 (PDF)","url":"https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2026-06/Bylaw%201882%20Consolidated%20-%20Business%20Regulation%20-%20as%20at%20Mar%2018%2C%202026.pdf"},{"title":"Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw No. 1762 (PDF)","url":"https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2022-04/Bylaw%201762%20-%20Inter-Community%20Business%20Licence.pdf"}],"related":[{"slug":"home-based-business","title":"Comox home-based business rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/home-based-business/"},{"slug":"short-term-rental","title":"Comox short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/short-term-rental/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Comox zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/zoning-lookup/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/business-licence/"}],"topic":{"title":"Business licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/business-licence/"},"facts":{"who_needs":{"label":"Who needs one","value":"Every person carrying on a business in the Town needs a valid business licence, including home-based businesses. A separate licence is needed for each place of business and for each business at the same place. A mobile vending unit needs one licence per unit. Licences cannot be transferred, and changing the type of business needs a new licence. Provincial government bodies are not covered.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2026-06/Bylaw%201882%20Consolidated%20-%20Business%20Regulation%20-%20as%20at%20Mar%2018%2C%202026.pdf","title":"Business Regulation Bylaw No. 1882 (PDF, consolidated to March 18, 2026), Town of Comox","section":"s. 3(1), (6)-(8), s. 4(4); s. 2 Business","quotes":["No person shall carry on any Business within the Town unless the person is","a Mobile Vending Unit requires only one Business Licence per","A Business Licence may not be transferred and every person who wishes to"]},{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/businesslicence","title":"Business Licences, Town of Comox","section":"Business Licences page","quotes":["All businesses (including home-based businesses) operating within the Town of Comox require a Business Licence."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee":{"label":"Fee","value":"Annual fees: $100 for most businesses (business not otherwise listed), home-based business, restaurants/hotels/motels not liquor licensed and financial institutions; $150 for liquor-licensed restaurants/hotels/motels and cannabis businesses; $300 for bed and breakfast and vacation rental; $250 per peddler; $6 per residence ($60 minimum) for apartment buildings; $0 for not-for-profit. Mobile vendors $10 a month ($100 maximum). Amendment fee $10. New licences issued April 1 to June 30 pay 75%, July 1 to December 31 pay 50% (not seasonal or temporary).","short":"$100 a year (most businesses)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2026-06/Bylaw%202058%20Consolidated%20-%20Fees%20and%20Charges%20as%20at%20June%2010%2C%202026.pdf","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2058 (PDF, consolidated to June 10, 2026), Town of Comox","section":"Schedule D","quotes":["Business not specified above $100","Home-Based Business $100","Bed and Breakfast Business $300","Not for Profit Business $0","Peddler $250 per peddler","Mobile vendors $10 per month;","Business Licence Amendment Fee $10"]},{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2026-06/Bylaw%201882%20Consolidated%20-%20Business%20Regulation%20-%20as%20at%20Mar%2018%2C%202026.pdf","title":"Business Regulation Bylaw No. 1882 (PDF, consolidated to March 18, 2026), Town of Comox","section":"s. 9(2)","quotes":["for a new Licence issued between April 1 and June 30, 75% of the"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_apply":{"label":"How to apply","value":"Apply online through the Town's online business licence application, or fill in the PDF application. The licence inspector may refuse a licence for reasonable cause or if the business would break a licence condition, including the zoning bylaw; the Town's own approval for a vacation rental includes Planning, Building, Fire and Bylaw checks. Applicants cannot start business until a licence is approved and issued. Pay at Town Hall by cash, cheque or Interac debit, by cheque, or online banking; the Town does not accept credit cards.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/businesslicence","title":"Business Licences, Town of Comox","section":"Business Licences page","quotes":["Online Business Licence application","The Town of Comox does not accept Credit Cards"]},{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2026-06/Bylaw%201882%20Consolidated%20-%20Business%20Regulation%20-%20as%20at%20Mar%2018%2C%202026.pdf","title":"Business Regulation Bylaw No. 1882 (PDF, consolidated to March 18, 2026), Town of Comox","section":"s. 5(2); s. 7(1)(b)","quotes":["The Licence Inspector may refuse to issue, amend or renew a Business Licence","the Business not be conducted in a manner that contravenes the"]},{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/businessapplication","title":"Business licence online application, Town of Comox","section":"Online form declaration","quotes":["cannot commence business until such time as a business licence has been approved and issued"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"renewal":{"label":"Renewal","value":"Renewal applications may be made only between December 1 and January 31 each year, by completing the form and paying the fee. A renewed licence is valid from January 1 of the year it is renewed. The bylaw says a licence expires on January 31 of the following year unless the licence says otherwise. It is the licence holder's responsibility to renew.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2026-06/Bylaw%201882%20Consolidated%20-%20Business%20Regulation%20-%20as%20at%20Mar%2018%2C%202026.pdf","title":"Business Regulation Bylaw No. 1882 (PDF, consolidated to March 18, 2026), Town of Comox","section":"s. 5(4)-(7)","quotes":["A renewed Business Licence is valid as of January 1 of the year for which it is","expire on January 31 of the year following the year it","A person may only apply to renew a Business Licence between December 1","It is the sole responsibility of the holder of a Business Licence to renew it prior"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"The Town's business licence page says licences are valid for each calendar year and can be applied for at any time; the bylaw sets the renewal window (December 1 to January 31)."},"inter_community":{"label":"Inter-community licence","value":"Yes. An Inter-Community Business Licence is available for mobile businesses that move from client to client (trades, plumbers, electricians, cleaning, pest control). It costs $150, is in addition to the business's regular licence, and is bought from the community where the business is based. It covers the participating communities: Campbell River, Courtenay, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Port Alberni, North Cowichan, Lantzville, Comox, Lake Cowichan, Ladysmith, Qualicum Beach and Cumberland (per the bylaw). The Town's web page does not list Lantzville.","short":"Yes, $150 (mobile businesses)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2022-04/Bylaw%201762%20-%20Inter-Community%20Business%20Licence.pdf","title":"Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw No. 1762 (PDF), Town of Comox","section":"s. 2, s. 4(a)","quotes":["The fee for an Inter-Community Business Licence is $150 and shall be paid in full","performs a service or activity within more than one participating","District of Lantzville","Town of Qualicum Beach"]},{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/businesslicence","title":"Business Licences, Town of Comox","section":"Business Licences page","quotes":["The Inter-Community Business Licence is in addition to a business’s principal Business Licence, and must be issued by the community in which the business is based."]},{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2026-06/Bylaw%202058%20Consolidated%20-%20Fees%20and%20Charges%20as%20at%20June%2010%2C%202026.pdf","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2058 (PDF, consolidated to June 10, 2026), Town of Comox","section":"Schedule D","quotes":["Liquor Licensed $150 Intermunicipal Licence $150 Inter-Community Licence $150 Peddler $250 per peddler Not for Profit Business $0","Not Liquor Licensed $100 Liquor Licensed $150 Intermunicipal Licence $150 Inter-Community Licence $150 Peddler $250 per peddler"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"Bylaw 1762 was adopted in 2013 (effective January 1, 2014). The Town's page lists 12 participating communities, which includes Comox itself but not Lantzville. Check with the Town for the current list. The Business Regulation Bylaw also mentions an Intermunicipal licence ($150)."},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice: $450 if paid within 14 days, $500 after (50% compliance agreement discount). Municipal ticket: $500. Other business licence offences are lower, such as not displaying the licence ($50 within 14 days, $100 after). Court penalty: minimum $500, maximum $10,000.","short":"Notice $500 ($450 if paid in 14 days); ticket $500","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2026-08/Bylaw%202004%20Consolidated%20-%20Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20as%20at%20June%2010%2C%202026.pdf","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2004 (PDF, consolidated to June 10, 2026), Town of Comox","section":"Schedule A, A2","quotes":["No Business Licence 3(1) $450 $500 50%"]},{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2026-06/Bylaw%201882%20Consolidated%20-%20Business%20Regulation%20-%20as%20at%20Mar%2018%2C%202026.pdf","title":"Business Regulation Bylaw No. 1882 (PDF, consolidated to March 18, 2026), Town of Comox","section":"s. 10(1); s. 11(4)","quotes":["a minimum fine of $500.00 and a maximum fine of $10,000.00","No Business Licence 3(1) $500.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Comox Business Regulation Bylaw No. 1882 (consolidated to March 18, 2026); fees in Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2058, Schedule D; Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw No. 1762.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2026-06/Bylaw%201882%20Consolidated%20-%20Business%20Regulation%20-%20as%20at%20Mar%2018%2C%202026.pdf","title":"Business Regulation Bylaw No. 1882 (PDF, consolidated to March 18, 2026), Town of Comox","section":"s. 1","quotes":["This Bylaw may be cited as the Comox Business Regulation Bylaw No. 1882."]},{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2022-04/Bylaw%201762%20-%20Inter-Community%20Business%20Licence.pdf","title":"Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw No. 1762 (PDF), Town of Comox","section":"s. 1","quotes":["Comox Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw,"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":7,"stated":7,"matched":7,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe Town of Comox [Business Regulation Bylaw No. 1882](https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2026-06/Bylaw%201882%20Consolidated%20-%20Business%20Regulation%20-%20as%20at%20Mar%2018%2C%202026.pdf) says every person carrying on a business in the Town needs a valid business licence, including home-based businesses. You need a separate licence for each place of business and for each business at the same place. A mobile vending unit needs one licence per unit. Licences cannot be transferred, and changing the type of business needs a new licence. Provincial government bodies are not covered.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check that your business is allowed where you plan to operate (see the zoning-lookup answer). The licence inspector may refuse a licence for reasonable cause or if the business would break a licence condition, including the zoning bylaw.\n2. Apply through the Town's online application or fill in the PDF application, both on comox.ca/businesslicence.\n3. Pay by cash, cheque or Interac debit at Town Hall, by cheque, or by online banking. The Town does not accept credit cards.\n4. Do not start business until the licence is approved and issued. Post it at your place of business.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- **Annual fees ([Fees and Charges Bylaw](https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2026-06/Bylaw%202058%20Consolidated%20-%20Fees%20and%20Charges%20as%20at%20June%2010%2C%202026.pdf), Schedule D):** $100 for most businesses, home-based businesses, restaurants, hotels and motels not liquor licensed, and financial institutions; $150 for liquor-licensed restaurants, hotels and motels and cannabis businesses; $300 for bed and breakfast and vacation rental; $250 per peddler; $6 per residence ($60 minimum) for apartment buildings; $0 for not-for-profit. Mobile vendors pay $10 a month ($100 maximum). Amendment fee is $10.\n- **New licences:** issued April 1 to June 30 pay 75%, and July 1 to December 31 pay 50% (not seasonal or temporary). Carnivals and circuses are $200 a day; flea markets and trade shows are $100 a day.\n- **Renewal:** the bylaw allows renewal applications only between December 1 and January 31 each year. A renewed licence is valid from January 1 of that year, and a licence expires on January 31 of the following year unless it says otherwise. Renewing is your responsibility. The Town's business licence page says licences are valid for each calendar year and can be applied for at any time; follow the bylaw's dates and confirm with the Town.\n- **Inter-Community Business Licence:** for mobile businesses that move from client to client (trades, plumbers, electricians, cleaning, pest control). It costs $150, is in addition to your regular licence, and is bought from the community where your business is based. The bylaw lists 13 participating communities, including Lantzville; the Town's page lists 12 and not Lantzville, so confirm the current list.\n- **Penalties:** operating without a licence is a bylaw notice of $450 if paid within 14 days ($500 after) or a municipal ticket of $500. Not displaying the licence is $50 within 14 days and $100 after. Court penalty: a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $10,000.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2026-06/Bylaw%201882%20Consolidated%20-%20Business%20Regulation%20-%20as%20at%20Mar%2018%2C%202026.pdf","title":"Business Regulation Bylaw No. 1882 (PDF, consolidated to March 18, 2026), Town of Comox","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2026-06/Bylaw%202058%20Consolidated%20-%20Fees%20and%20Charges%20as%20at%20June%2010%2C%202026.pdf","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2058 (PDF, consolidated to June 10, 2026), Town of Comox","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/businesslicence","title":"Business Licences, Town of Comox","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2022-04/Bylaw%201762%20-%20Inter-Community%20Business%20Licence.pdf","title":"Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw No. 1762 (PDF), Town of Comox","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2026-08/Bylaw%202004%20Consolidated%20-%20Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20as%20at%20June%2010%2C%202026.pdf","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2004 (PDF, consolidated to June 10, 2026), Town of Comox","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/businessapplication","title":"Business licence online application, Town of Comox","accessed":"2026-11-06"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-06","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/business-licence/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/business-licence.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/business-licence.json"}}