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

Do I need a business licence in Kent, and how do I get one?

Kent, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-06

How it works

Anyone carrying on a business in the District, resident or non-resident, needs a licence under Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 1747. This includes short-term rentals. Exempt are charities and non-profits using revenue solely for charitable purposes, occasional fundraisers, long-term rentals under the Residential Tenancy Act, farm operations (not agri-tourism or farm commercial or industrial uses), farmers market vendors, and garage sales (4 a year).

Fees are in the Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1717: most businesses $125 a year; non-resident $110; a construction contractor with one vehicle under 3,900 kg and one trailer $125; retail cannabis $5,000; some home occupations $500 plus $1 per m². Renewal paid before Dec. 15 is 10% less, and after Jan. 31 it is 10% more. New licences after July 31 are half price. There is also an administrative fee for new licences.

Steps

1. Complete the resident or non-resident application form from the Business Licences and Permits page.
2. Deliver it with the fee to the Licence Inspector at Municipal Hall, 7170 Cheam Avenue, or pay by phone with a credit card or by mail. In person you can pay by cheque, cash, credit or debit.
3. Contact Development Services (604-796-2235) before changing premises, since the licence depends on zoning and building alterations follow the Building bylaw and BC Building Code.

Good to know

• Licences expire December 31. Renewal notices are mailed in early November. Payments must be received by the due date; postmarks are not accepted. Fines may apply if not renewed by February 28.
• Contractors working in Kent must have a valid licence or inspections will not be done.
• An Inter-Municipal Business Licence (IMBL) costs $250 for the calendar year, on top of the resident licence fee. It covers trade contractors in the construction industry and contractors doing maintenance or repair of land and buildings in participating municipalities (Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Delta, Harrison Hot Springs, Hope, Kent, both Langleys, Maple Ridge, Mission, Pitt Meadows, Surrey). See Bylaw No. 1728.
• No ticket amount is set. A conviction carries a fine not exceeding $10,000 per offence. Short-term rental operators may face up to $500 per day, per offence, per the District's web page.