---
title: "Hope business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply"
question: "Do I need a business licence in Hope, and how do I get one?"
place: Hope, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/hope
category: Starting and running a business
owner: municipal
owner_body: District of Hope
sources_read: 2026-11-06
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hope/business-licence/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hope/business-licence.json"
---

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

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

**Short answer:** Yes. In Hope, every owner or operator of a business needs a District business licence for each premises. A standard licence costs $150 a year. Apply with the Business Licence Application Form; a complete application is typically processed in 10 to 14 business days.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Hope, https://www.hope.ca)  
**Cost:** $150 a year for a standard licence. Property management, rentals, hotel, motel, apartments and mobile home parks $200; peddlers $150 plus a $500 refundable deposit; short-term rental $150 or $200; licence transfer $25. The annual fee is halved for a licence issued after July 31.  
**How long:** A complete application is typically processed in 10 to 14 business days.  
**Where:**
- Email: Business licences and general inquiries, info@hope.ca
- Phone: Municipal Hall, 604-869-5671
- In person: Municipal Hall, 325 Wallace Street, Hope, BC V0X 1L0 (Hours are not stated on the District's pages.)

## Key facts

- **Who needs one:** Every owner or operator of a business in the District, with a separate licence for each premises. Not needed for: charity-only events, events in a licensed theatre, wholesale delivery (not contractors), childcare for 2 unrelated children or one family's, renting up to 2 rooms or suites where the owner lives there and rent is monthly or longer, and garage sales (up to 4 weekends a year).
  - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1124, 2003, consolidated to February 2019, s. 3](https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86962/Business%20Licence%20Bylaw%20%28FEB%202019%29%281%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Every owner or operator of a business in the Municipality shall hold a valid" … "Every person who carries on business from more than one premise in the" … "not more than two unrelated children, or to the children of one family" … "where not more than" … "two rooms or suites are available" … "limited to one weekend at three month"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee:** $150 a year for a standard business licence (January 1 to December 31). Property management, rentals, hotel, motel, apartments and mobile home parks $200; peddlers $150 plus a $500 refundable deposit; ATMs outside banks $30; licence transfer $25. The annual fee is halved for a licence issued after July 31.
  - Source: [Fees & Charges Bylaw No. 1363, 2015, Schedule B, consolidated to April 2026](https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86974/Fees_Charges_Bylaw)
  - Official wording: "Business Licence $150.00" … "Property Management/Rentals/Hotel/Motel/Apartments/ $200.00" … "Licence Transfer Fee (transfer from premises to premises or $25.00 per transfer"
  - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1124, 2003, consolidated to February 2019, s. 11(a)](https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86962/Business%20Licence%20Bylaw%20%28FEB%202019%29%281%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "shall be reduced by one-half in" … "respect of a licence issued after July 31st in any year"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **How to apply:** Complete the Business Licence Application Form and submit it to the District (info@hope.ca, 604-869-5671). Planning, Bylaw, Fire and Corporate Services review it; a complete application is typically processed in 10 to 14 business days. A Licence Inspector may grant a licence once satisfied the applicant has complied with building, zoning, health, sanitation and business bylaws.
  - Source: [Business Licence Information, How to Apply](https://hope.ca/business-licence-information)
  - Official wording: "Complete the Business Licence Application Form and submit it to the District of Hope." … "reviewed by the District's Planning, Bylaw, Fire, and Corporate Services departments" … "typically processed within 10 to 14 business days"
  - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1124, 2003, consolidated to February 2019, s. 22](https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86962/Business%20Licence%20Bylaw%20%28FEB%202019%29%281%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "has complied with the bylaws of the District regulating building, zoning, health," … "22. A Licence Inspector may grant a licence upon being satisfied that the applicant"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Renewal:** Licences run January 1 to December 31. Renewal notices go out by December 1; pay before December 31. A 10% discount applies if paid by December 15, and a 10% penalty if paid after January 31. A licence not renewed within 60 days after January 1 is terminated.
  - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1124, 2003, consolidated to February 2019, s. 5, 12 to 15](https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86962/Business%20Licence%20Bylaw%20%28FEB%202019%29%281%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "commencing each January 1st and expiring each December 31st" … "renewal notices shall be forwarded to the Licencee on or before" … "discounted by ten" … "percent (10%) if payment is received by the District on or before the 15" … "A late payment penalty of ten percent (10%) will be charged" … "the licence shall be terminated"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Inter-community licence:** Yes. The Fraser Valley Inter-Municipal Business Licence is for mobile businesses (construction trades, land and building maintenance or repair contractors, and health care providers who visit clients at home) that work in other member municipalities. Fee $250, paid to the municipality where you have premises, on top of your municipal licence. Members: Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Delta, Hope, Kent, Langley (City and Township), Maple Ridge, Mission, Pitt Meadows, Surrey, Harrison Hot Springs.
  - Source: [https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86975/Fraser%20Valley%20Inter-Municipal%20Business%20Licence%20Bylaw%20%28December%202025%29%20-%20Consolidated%20Version.pdf, s. 3, 5, 9](https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86975/Fraser%20Valley%20Inter-Municipal%20Business%20Licence%20Bylaw%20%28December%202025%29%20-%20Consolidated%20Version.pdf)
  - Official wording: "The Inter-Municipal Business Licence fee is $250 and is payable to the Principal" … "Mobile Business” means a trades contractor or other professional related to the" … "District of Hope City of Pitt Meadows" … "District of Kent" … "Village of Harrison Hot Springs"
  - Source: [Business Licence Information, Inter-Municipal Business Licence (IMBL)](https://hope.ca/business-licence-information)
  - Official wording: "participates in the Inter-Municipal Business Licence (IMBL) program"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine:** Bylaw notice: $200 ($150 if paid within 14 days; $50 late surcharge after 28 days). Municipal ticket: $1,000. In court, up to $2,000.
  - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1627, 2026, Schedule A](https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/136112/1627%20-%20Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20%28website%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Business Licence Bylaw, 2003, No. 1124 $200.00 $150.00 $50.00 Yes"
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1628, 2026, Schedule A](https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/136113/1628%20-%20Municipal%20Ticket%20Information%20Bylaw%20%28website%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Business Licence Bylaw, 2003, No. 1124 $1,000.00"
  - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1124, 2003, consolidated to February 2019, s. 34](https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86962/Business%20Licence%20Bylaw%20%28FEB%202019%29%281%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "liable to a fine of not more than"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Business Licence Bylaw, 2003, No. 1124 (consolidated to February 2019); fees in Fees & Charges Bylaw No. 1363, Schedule B (consolidated to April 2026)
  - Source: [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1124, 2003, consolidated to February 2019, Title page](https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86962/Business%20Licence%20Bylaw%20%28FEB%202019%29%281%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "BUSINESS LICENCE BYLAW NO. 1124" … "(CONSOLIDATED TO FEBRUARY 2019)"
  - Source: [Fees & Charges Bylaw No. 1363, 2015, Schedule B, consolidated to April 2026, Title page](https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86974/Fees_Charges_Bylaw)
  - Official wording: "BYLAW NO # 1363, 2015"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

Under the [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1124](<https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86962/Business%20Licence%20Bylaw%20%28FEB%202019%29%281%29.pdf>), every owner or operator of a business in Hope needs a licence, with a separate licence for each premises, including contractors and home-based businesses. Fees are in Schedule B of the [Fees & Charges Bylaw](<https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86974/Fees_Charges_Bylaw>). Licences run January 1 to December 31.

Not needed for: charity-only events, events in a licensed theatre, wholesale delivery (not contractors), childcare for two unrelated children or one family's, renting up to two rooms or suites where the owner lives there and rent is monthly or longer, and garage sales (up to four weekends a year).

## Steps

1. Complete the Business Licence Application Form and submit it to the District (info@hope.ca or 604-869-5671). The page does not say whether it can be submitted online.
2. Planning, Bylaw, Fire and Corporate Services review it. A Licence Inspector may grant a licence once satisfied the applicant has complied with building, zoning, health, sanitation and business bylaws.
3. Renew each year. Renewal notices go out by December 1; pay before December 31.

## Good to know

- Renewal: 10% discount if paid by December 15; 10% penalty if paid after January 31. A licence not renewed within 60 days after January 1 is terminated.
- A licence issued after November 1 is for the next year. Seasonal businesses operating six months or less get a six-month licence.
- Mobile businesses (construction trades, land and building maintenance or repair contractors, health care providers visiting clients at home) working in other member municipalities can get a Fraser Valley Inter-Municipal Business Licence for $250, paid where you have premises. You still need a Hope licence for each premises.
- Operating without a licence: a bylaw notice is $200 ($150 if paid within 14 days; $50 late surcharge after 28 days); a municipal ticket is $1,000. A court fine can be up to $2,000.

## Official forms and pages

- [Business Licence Information, District of Hope](https://hope.ca/business-licence-information)
- [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1124, 2003 (PDF)](https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86962/Business%20Licence%20Bylaw%20%28FEB%202019%29%281%29.pdf)
- [Fraser Valley Inter-Municipal Business Licence Bylaw No. 1569 (PDF)](IMhttps://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86962/Business%20Licence%20Bylaw%20%28FEB%202019%29%281%29.pdf)

## Related questions

- [Hope home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hope/home-based-business.md)
- [Hope short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hope/short-term-rental.md)
- [Hope zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hope/zoning-lookup.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Business licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/business-licence.md)
- [Kent](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/business-licence.md)
- [Harrison Hot Springs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/harrison-hot-springs/business-licence.md)
- [Chilliwack](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chilliwack/business-licence.md)
- [Princeton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/business-licence.md)
- [Abbotsford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/abbotsford/business-licence.md)
- [Mission](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mission/business-licence.md)

## Sources

- [Business Licence Information, District of Hope](https://hope.ca/business-licence-information) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Business Licence Bylaw No. 1124, 2003, consolidated to February 2019 (PDF), District of Hope](https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86962/Business%20Licence%20Bylaw%20%28FEB%202019%29%281%29.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Fees & Charges Bylaw No. 1363, 2015, Schedule B, consolidated to April 2026, District of Hope](https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86974/Fees_Charges_Bylaw) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Fraser Valley Inter-Municipal Business Licence Bylaw No. 1569, 2023 (PDF), District of Hope](IMhttps://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86962/Business%20Licence%20Bylaw%20%28FEB%202019%29%281%29.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1627, 2026 (PDF), District of Hope](https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/136112/1627%20-%20Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw%20%28website%29.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 1628, 2026 (PDF), District of Hope](https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/136113/1628%20-%20Municipal%20Ticket%20Information%20Bylaw%20%28website%29.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86975/Fraser%20Valley%20Inter-Municipal%20Business%20Licence%20Bylaw%20%28December%202025%29%20-%20Consolidated%20Version.pdf](https://hope.ca/uploads/dm/86975/Fraser%20Valley%20Inter-Municipal%20Business%20Licence%20Bylaw%20%28December%202025%29%20-%20Consolidated%20Version.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)

_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 District of Hope. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hope/business-licence/_