{"title":"Merritt business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply","question":"Do I need a business licence in Merritt, and how do I get one?","slug":"business-licence","place":{"path":"ca/bc/merritt","name":"Merritt","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":"City of Merritt","url":"https://www.merritt.ca"},"short_answer":"Yes. Anyone carrying on a business in the City of Merritt, including home-based businesses and couriers, needs a City business licence. Get any non-municipal approvals first, then apply to the City with a $50 application fee. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.","aliases":["merritt business licence","business license merritt","apply for business licence merritt","start a business in merritt"],"cost":"$50 one-time non-refundable application fee, then $150 for a regular annual licence, $55 for 3 months or $90 for 6 months. Non-profits $0. Inspections are $50 each. Retail cannabis stores pay $650.","how_long":"The City says processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.","where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"City Hall","value":"2185 Voght Street, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed 12:00 to 1:15 p.m."},{"type":"phone","label":"Licensing (Bylaw Services)","value":"250-378-4224"},{"type":"email","label":"Licensing","value":"bylaw@merritt.ca"}],"documents":["Completed business licence application form","Any non-municipal approvals, such as public health"],"forms":[{"title":"Business Information Guide (PDF)","url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BUSINESS-LICENCE-GUIDE-FEB2024_web.pdf"},{"title":"City of Merritt Business Licence page","url":"https://www.merritt.ca/business-development/business-licence/"},{"title":"Business Licence Bylaw 2268 and inter-community bylaws (PDF)","url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Business-Licence-including-ICBLs.pdf"}],"related":[{"slug":"home-based-business","title":"Merritt home-based business rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/merritt/home-based-business/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/logan-lake","name":"Logan Lake","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/logan-lake/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/lytton","name":"Lytton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lytton/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kamloops","name":"Kamloops","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/princeton","name":"Princeton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/ashcroft","name":"Ashcroft","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/ashcroft/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/peachland","name":"Peachland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/peachland/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":"Anyone carrying on a trade, business, profession or calling in the City, including home-based businesses and transient operators like couriers. Advertising as open, or selling, bartering or displaying goods, counts. Exempt: up to four garage or yard sales a year, and occasional sales of personal or handmade goods.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Business-Licence-including-ICBLs.pdf","title":"City of Merritt Business Licence Bylaw No. 2268, 2019 (PDF), with inter-community bylaws 2269 and 2271","section":"s. 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.5","quotes":["no person shall carry on, maintain, own or","operate within the City, a trade, business, profession, occupation or calling without","advertises through any medium, whether digital, physical, or otherwise as being","Persons holding four (4) or less garage or yard sales per calendar year on their","Persons making the occasional sale of personal and/or handmade goods are exempt"]},{"url":"https://www.merritt.ca/renew-your-businesses-licence-due-march-1/","title":"Renew your business licence, City of Merritt","section":"Renew page","quotes":["including home-based operations and transient operators like couriers, are required to maintain a current business licence."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee":{"label":"Fee","value":"Regular licence $150 a year plus a one-time, non-refundable $50 application fee. Short-term licences: $55 (3 months) or $90 (6 months). Non-profits $0. Building, fire or cross-connection inspections are $50 each. First-year fees are pro-rated (minimum $25).","short":"$150 a year plus $50 application fee","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Business-Licence-including-ICBLs.pdf","title":"City of Merritt Business Licence Bylaw No. 2268, 2019 (PDF), with inter-community bylaws 2269 and 2271","section":"Schedules A and B","quotes":["The Regular Business Licence fee in the City of Merritt shall be $150.","A six-month Short-term Business Licence fee shall be $90.","A three-month Short-term Business Licence fee shall be $55.","Non profit organizations $0","For each Inspection by the Building Inspector, Fire Prevention Officer, or Cross","A pro-rated Business Licence shall never cost less than $25."]},{"url":"https://www.merritt.ca/business-development/business-licence/","title":"Business Licence, City of Merritt","section":"Business Licence page","quotes":["APPLICATION FEE: $50 | One-Time | Non-Refundable","Full 12-month Business licence fee: $150"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_apply":{"label":"How to apply","value":"Complete the City's business licence application form and pay the $50 application fee. Applicants must first get any non-municipal approvals, such as public health. The City may require building, fire or cross-connection inspections; once approved, the licence fee is paid. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Business-Licence-including-ICBLs.pdf","title":"City of Merritt Business Licence Bylaw No. 2268, 2019 (PDF), with inter-community bylaws 2269 and 2271","section":"s. 7.1-7.3","quotes":["An Applicant shall complete the application form supplied by the City for the purpose","the Applicant is responsible for acquiring these","approvals and supplying them to the City in support of the Business Licence","an application may require inspection","and approval of the Building Inspector, the Fire Prevention Officer and/or the Cross-"]},{"url":"https://www.merritt.ca/business-development/business-licence/","title":"Business Licence, City of Merritt","section":"Business Licence page","quotes":["NOTE: Business licences can take 4-6 weeks to process","Online Credit Card (OptionPay)","Cheque (mail/drop-off)","Debit Card/ Cash (in person)"]},{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BUSINESS-LICENCE-GUIDE-FEB2024_web.pdf","title":"Business Information Guide (PDF), City of Merritt","section":"Business Licence Guide","quotes":["For details, see the Zoning Bylaw and Zoning Map."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"renewal":{"label":"Renewal","value":"Regular licences run January 1 to December 31 and must be renewed each year. Renew before the licence expires and pay $135 (10% off); renew by March 1 at the standard $150; after March 1 the fee is $180. Short-term licences are not renewed automatically.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Business-Licence-including-ICBLs.pdf","title":"City of Merritt Business Licence Bylaw No. 2268, 2019 (PDF), with inter-community bylaws 2269 and 2271","section":"s. 4.3, 7.6, Schedule B","quotes":["A holder of a license shall apply for renewal of the Business Licence prior to the","Where the Applicant renews their Business Licence prior to expiry, the","Regular Business Licence Fee will be $135 (10% discount).","the Regular Business Licence fee will be $180 (a 20% penalty).","A Short-term Business Licence will not","be automatically renewed by the City."]},{"url":"https://www.merritt.ca/renew-your-businesses-licence-due-march-1/","title":"Renew your business licence, City of Merritt","section":"Renew page","quotes":["Business licences are valid, typically from the first day of the calendar year to the last day of the year, and must be renewed every year."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"inter_community":{"label":"Inter-community licence","value":"Optional add-on for mobile businesses. Okanagan-Similkameen (Bylaw 2269): +$150, partners include Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, Princeton and Revelstoke. Thompson-Nicola (Bylaw 2271): +$75, covers Kamloops, Logan Lake, Lillooet and Chase. A primary licence must be held in a partner community.","short":"Yes, +$150 Okanagan or +$75 Thompson-Nicola","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Business-Licence-including-ICBLs.pdf","title":"City of Merritt Business Licence Bylaw No. 2268, 2019 (PDF), with inter-community bylaws 2269 and 2271","section":"Bylaw 2269 s. 10, Bylaw 2271 s. 10","quotes":["The fee for an Inter-Community Business Licence is $150 and shall be retained by the","The fee for an Inter-Community Business Licence is seventy-five ($75) dollars"]},{"url":"https://www.merritt.ca/business-development/business-licence/","title":"Business Licence, City of Merritt","section":"Business Licence page","quotes":["ICBL Okanagan-Similkameen: +$150","ICBL Thompson-Nicola: +$75","An ICBL is a secondary business licence.","The Thompson-Nicola ICBL allows businesses to operate in the area north of Merritt.","To obtain an ICBL, you must first have a primary business licence in one of the partner communities."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice for operating without a business licence: $100 ($75 if paid within 14 days; $150 after 28 days). Not displaying the licence: $100 ($75 early; $125 late). Court fine on conviction up to $2,000 plus costs, each day a separate offence.","short":"Notice $100 ($75 if paid in 14 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/BNE-Bylaw-2424-2026.pdf","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2424 (PDF), City of Merritt","section":"Schedule A","quotes":["Operating without a business licence 4.1 $100.00 $75.00 $150.00 Yes","Failure to display or have a business licence 11.1 $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 No"]},{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Business-Licence-including-ICBLs.pdf","title":"City of Merritt Business Licence Bylaw No. 2268, 2019 (PDF), with inter-community bylaws 2269 and 2271","section":"s. 14.1","quotes":["fine of not more than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) and the costs"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"City of Merritt Business Licence Bylaw No. 2268, 2019 (with Okanagan-Similkameen Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw 2269, 2019 and Thompson-Nicola Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw 2271, 2019)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Business-Licence-including-ICBLs.pdf","title":"City of Merritt Business Licence Bylaw No. 2268, 2019 (PDF), with inter-community bylaws 2269 and 2271","section":"title","quotes":["Business Licence Bylaw No. 2268, 2019","Thompson-Nicola Inter-Community","Business Licence Bylaw 2271, 2019"]}],"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\nUnder [Business Licence Bylaw No. 2268, 2019](http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Business-Licence-including-ICBLs.pdf), anyone carrying on a trade, business, profession or calling in the City of Merritt needs a licence. That includes home-based businesses and transient operators such as couriers. Advertising as open, or selling, bartering or displaying goods, counts. Exempt: up to four garage or yard sales a year, and occasional sales of personal or handmade goods.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Get any non-municipal approvals first, such as public health.\n2. Complete the City's business licence application form and pay the $50 application fee. Pay online by credit card (OptionPay), by cheque, or by debit or cash in person.\n3. The City may require building, fire or cross-connection inspections ($50 each). If a building permit is required, the licence is not issued until that process is complete.\n4. Once approved, pay the licence fee. Allow 4 to 6 weeks.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- **Fees:** regular licence $150 a year; short-term licences $55 (3 months) or $90 (6 months); non-profits $0. First-year fees are pro-rated, minimum $25. A transfer to a new person is $25.\n- **Renewal:** regular licences run January 1 to December 31. Renew before expiry for $135 (10% off), by March 1 at $150, or after March 1 at $180. Short-term licences are not renewed automatically. The City's pages differ slightly on the dates, so check your invoice.\n- **Inter-community licence (optional, for mobile businesses):** Okanagan-Similkameen (Bylaw 2269) adds $150 and covers partners such as Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, Princeton and Revelstoke; Thompson-Nicola (Bylaw 2271) adds $75 and covers Kamloops, Logan Lake, Lillooet and Chase. You must hold a primary licence in a partner community.\n- **Fines:** operating without a licence is a bylaw notice of $100 ($75 if paid within 14 days; $150 after 28 days). Not displaying the licence is $100 ($75 early; $125 late). A court fine on conviction can be up to $2,000 plus costs.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.merritt.ca/business-development/business-licence/","title":"Business Licence, City of Merritt","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Business-Licence-including-ICBLs.pdf","title":"City of Merritt Business Licence Bylaw No. 2268, 2019 (PDF), with inter-community bylaws 2269 and 2271","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/BUSINESS-LICENCE-GUIDE-FEB2024_web.pdf","title":"Business Information Guide (PDF), City of Merritt","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.merritt.ca/renew-your-businesses-licence-due-march-1/","title":"Renew your business licence, City of Merritt","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/BNE-Bylaw-2424-2026.pdf","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2424 (PDF), City of Merritt","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","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/merritt/business-licence/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/merritt/business-licence.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/merritt/business-licence.json"}}