---
title: "Fernie business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply"
question: "Do I need a business licence in Fernie, and how do I get one?"
place: Fernie, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/fernie
category: Starting and running a business
owner: municipal
owner_body: City of Fernie
sources_read: 2026-11-05
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/business-licence/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/business-licence.json"
---

# Fernie business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply

**Question:** Do I need a business licence in Fernie, and how do I get one?

**Short answer:** Yes. Nearly every business in the City of Fernie, including home-based businesses and out-of-town contractors, needs a City business licence. The fee is $100 a year in the bylaw but $150 on the City's page and form. Call Bylaw Services at 250-423-2244 to apply and confirm.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Fernie, https://www.fernie.ca)  
**Cost:** Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw 2028, Schedule A: $100 a year (half if first licensed after July 1). The City's page and application form say $150 ($75 pro-rated after July 1). Changes to an existing licence cost $20. Confirm the current fee with Bylaw Services.  
**How long:** No processing time is stated. An application is not processed until the fee is paid. Licences run January 1 to December 31.  
**Where:**
- Phone: Bylaw Services (business licensing), 250-423-2244
- Email: Bylaw Services, bylawservices@fernie.ca

## Key facts

- **Who needs one:** Every business and short-term rental in Fernie, including home-based businesses and out-of-town contractors and trades. The bylaw excludes non-profits, religious bodies, schools, municipal recreation programs, employees, and monthly-or-longer rental of a whole dwelling unit, two or fewer rooms or a suite on one title; property managers still need one. The City page also lists apartment rental owners.
  - Source: [Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028, s. 3(1); s. 2 'Business'](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573)
  - Official wording: "No person shall carry on, within the Municipality, any business unless the owner or operator thereof:" … "Non-profit societies or organizations and religious organizations" … "the interval at which rent is payable and the tenancy period on the" … "Dwelling Unit, Secondary Suite, or Secondary Dwelling Unit or rooms in a" … "(e) Rental of the whole of a Dwelling Unit or two or fewer rooms of a Dwelling" … "excepting rental or property managers engaged for the rental or management of properties as set out in" … "No person shall carry on, within the Municipality, any business unless the owner"
  - Source: [Business Licences, When is a Business Licence Required?](https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences.html)
  - Official wording: "Every business and short-term rental in the City of Fernie is required to have a valid business licence before commencing operations." … "Business licences are also required for businesses that are not located in the community but do work in it. For example, contractors and trades persons."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee:** Bylaw 2028 Schedule A says $100 a year (half if first licensed after July 1), but the City's web page and application form say $150 ($75 pro-rated after July 1). Changes to an existing licence cost $20. Confirm the current fee with Bylaw Services. (Sources differ: Bylaw says $100; the web page says $150. Bylaw wins. The bylaw consolidation is amended to Bylaw 2529 (2024-08-19) and the web page may reflect a later fee change not yet in it. Other bylaw fees: inspection for fire or building code $150; artists' co-op $80; short-term rentals $175 to $700.)
  - Source: [Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028, Schedule A; s. 6(3)](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573)
  - Official wording: "A. Licence other than a Short-Term Rental (Annual Fee) $100" … "E. Change of business location $20" … "F. Transfer of Licence to new owner $20" … "G. Change of business name $20" … "Where an applicant becomes Licenced after the first day of July in any calendar"
  - Source: [Business Licences, Fees](https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences.html)
  - Official wording: "The annual business licence fee to operate a business in Fernie is $150.00." … "$20.00 for registering the transfer of location"
  - Source: [Business Licence Required Documentation Checklist, Required Documentation Checklist, Fees](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/163408/)
  - Official wording: "☐ $150 BL Fee" … "☐ $75 Pro-rated BL Fee (after July 1)" … "☐ $20 Change to existing business licence"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **How to apply:** Complete the Business Licence Application and pay the fee; it is not processed until paid. Bylaw Services reviews it with Planning, Engineering, Building, Fire, Police and Health. The form asks for a floor plan, off-street parking plan, proof of residency (home-based) and trade or health certificates where relevant. Zoning must permit the business.
  - Source: [Business Licences, How do I get a Business Licence?; Operating in the City](https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences.html)
  - Official wording: "Business licence fees are required to be paid at the time of application. A business licence application will not be processed until payment has been provided." … "These departments include Planning, Engineering, Building, Fire, Police, and Health."
  - Source: [Apply for a new Business Licence, Inspection Requirements for Business Licenses](https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences/apply-for-a-new-business-licence.html)
  - Official wording: "an inspection by a Building Official and Fire Inspector will be required to ensure that the facility meets the mandatory provincial codes for the new type of business operating at the proposed location." … "Copies of reports from the Public Health Inspector are required for all restaurants, cafes, mobile vendors, and any other establishment selling food."
  - Source: [Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028, s. 3(3)](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573)
  - Official wording: "the zoning of the location of the business permits such business activity;"
  - Source: [Business Licence Required Documentation Checklist, Required Documentation Checklist, Other](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/163408/)
  - Official wording: "Floor plan of business premises" … "Off-street parking plan" … "If home based business, proof of residency (driver’s licence or utility bill)"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Renewal:** Licences run January 1 to December 31 and must be renewed each year. A renewal invoice is mailed in December and is payable by January 1.
  - Source: [Business Licence Renewals](https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences/business-licence-renewals.html)
  - Official wording: "In December you will receive a Business Licence Renewal Invoice in the mail which is payable by January 1 of the following year."
  - Source: [Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028, s. 5(1); s. 7(2)](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573)
  - Official wording: "and expiring on the 31st day of December." … "obtain, complete and submit the renewal form and annual Licence fee to the Licence Inspector not" … "later than January 1st in each year."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Inter-community licence:** Yes. A $100 add-on to a Fernie business licence for mobile businesses such as trades and caterers, valid in Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford. Not prorated, non-refundable once issued. Mobile vending services using a motor vehicle for retail or food sales are excluded (Schedule A, Bylaw 2308).
  - Source: [Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw No. 2308, ss. 2, 4](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/58753)
  - Official wording: "PARTICIPATING MUNICIPALITY means the following municipalities:" … "a person applying for an ICBL shall pay a fee of $100.00 to the" … "An ICBL fee will not be prorated." … "The following businesses are excluded from application for an ICBL:" … "1. Mobile vending services utilizing a motor vehicle or unit for the purpose of:"
  - Source: [Inter-Community Business License, Fees; What is an Inter-Community Business Licence?](https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences/inter-community-business-licence.html)
  - Official wording: "Inter-Community Business Licence - Additional $100" … "The City of Fernie, District of Sparwood and District of Elkford have entered into an inter-municipal licensing scheme"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine:** $750 for carrying on business without a licence (municipal ticket). Failing to tell the City of a transfer or change in the kind of business is $150.
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 2041, Appendix 3](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199)
  - Official wording: "Carrying on business without a Licence 3. (1) $750.00" … "Transfer of Licence without notice to Licence Inspector $150.00" … "Change in nature, or kind of business without notice to Licence 9.(2) $150.00"
  - Source: [Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028, s. 15(1)(f)](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573)
  - Official wording: "a fine and penalty of not more than $1,000.00 and not less than $100.00"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028 (consolidated to Amendment 8, Bylaw No. 2529)
  - Source: [Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028, Title page](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573)
  - Official wording: "Consolidated Business Licensing and" … "Bylaw No. 2529, Amend #8"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

Under the [Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw 2028](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573), every business and short-term rental in Fernie needs a licence, including home-based businesses and out-of-town contractors and trades. The bylaw excludes non-profits, religious bodies, schools, municipal recreation programs, employees, and monthly-or-longer rental of a whole dwelling unit, two or fewer rooms or a suite on one title. Property managers still need a licence. The City's page also lists apartment rental owners.

## Steps

1. Contact Bylaw Services at 250-423-2244 or bylawservices@fernie.ca for the Business Licence Application.
2. Check that zoning permits your business at that location.
3. Submit the application with a floor plan, an off-street parking plan, proof of residency (home-based) and any trade or health certificates. Pay the fee; the application is not processed until it is paid.
4. Bylaw Services reviews it with Planning, Engineering, Building, Fire, Police and Health.

## Good to know

- **Fee conflict:** the bylaw says $100 a year, but the City's page and form say $150 ($75 after July 1). Confirm with Bylaw Services.
- **Renewal:** licences run January 1 to December 31. A renewal invoice is mailed in December and is payable by January 1. You must still renew even if no invoice arrives.
- **Inter-community licence:** a $100 add-on to a Fernie licence for mobile businesses such as trades and caterers, valid in Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford. It is not prorated and is non-refundable once issued. Mobile vending by motor vehicle for retail or food sales is excluded.
- **Fines:** a municipal ticket is $750 for carrying on business without a licence, and $150 for not telling the City of a transfer or change in the kind of business ([Bylaw 2041](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199)).

## What you'll need

- Completed Business Licence Application
- Floor plan and off-street parking plan
- Proof of residency (home-based businesses)
- Trade or health certificates, where relevant

## Official forms and pages

- [Business Licences, City of Fernie](https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences.html)
- [Apply for a new Business Licence, City of Fernie](https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences/apply-for-a-new-business-licence.html)
- [Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw 2028 (PDF)](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573)

## Related questions

- [Fernie home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/home-based-business.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Business licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/business-licence.md)
- [Sparwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sparwood/business-licence.md)
- [Cranbrook](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/business-licence.md)
- [Elkford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/elkford/business-licence.md)
- [Kimberley](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/business-licence.md)
- [Canal Flats](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/business-licence.md)
- [Creston](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/business-licence.md)

## Sources

- [Business Licences, City of Fernie](https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences.html) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Apply for a new Business Licence, City of Fernie](https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences/apply-for-a-new-business-licence.html) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 2028 (PDF), City of Fernie](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/573) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Business Licence Required Documentation Checklist (PDF), City of Fernie](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/163408/) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Business Licence Renewals, City of Fernie](https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences/business-licence-renewals.html) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw No. 2308 (PDF), City of Fernie](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/58753) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Inter-Community Business License, City of Fernie](https://www.fernie.ca/EN/main/business/business-licences/inter-community-business-licence.html) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 2041 (PDF), City of Fernie](https://fernie.civicweb.net/document/55199) (read 2026-11-05)

_Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Fernie. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/business-licence/_