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

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

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

**Short answer:** Yes. Anyone carrying on business in the City of Penticton, including home-based businesses and rentals, needs a City business licence first. Apply online through eApply, or return the fillable form by email, mail or at City Hall. The City says it is typically issued in 2 to 3 weeks.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Penticton, https://www.penticton.ca)  
**Cost:** Base fee $210 a year (2026), with a $31 non-refundable application deposit credited to it. Accommodation: base fee plus $2 per room. Seasonal licence (six months maximum): $123. Late payment penalty $25. Fees vary by licence type.  
**How long:** Typically 2 to 3 weeks.  
**Where:**
- Online: Apply online (eApply), https://online.penticton.ca/TDNL/EAPPLY/LICENSING/welcome.aspx?Template=CONDENSED%20EAPPLY&Category=BUSINESS%20LICENCES
- In person: City Hall (Business Licensing), 171 Main Street, Penticton, BC V2A 5A9
- Phone: Business Licensing, 250-490-2488
- Email: Business Licensing, businesslicences@penticton.ca

## Key facts

- **Who needs one:** Anyone carrying on business in the City must first hold a City licence, including home-based businesses and rental accommodations; advertising without one is also banned. Each premises needs its own licence. Exempt: registered non-profits, garage sales, suite rentals over 90 days.
  - Source: [Business License Bylaw No. 2026-01, ss. 3.1-3.3](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/2026-01%20Business%20Licence%20Bylaw_0.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Any person carrying on business in the City must first hold a valid and subsisting" … "No business or person shall advertise, solicit or promote for a business activity without" … "each premise shall be deemed to be a" … "separate business and shall require a separate business licence" … "A business licence is not required for garage/yard sales held at residential premises;" … "A business license is not required for the rental of a secondary suite or carriage house to residential tenants, for periods of more than ninety days" … "are not required to obtain a business licence but shall register with the City."
  - Source: [Apply for a Business Licence](https://www.penticton.ca/business-building/business-licences-permits/apply-business-licence)
  - Official wording: "A valid business licence is required to conduct business in Penticton. This includes home-based businesses and rental accommodations."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee:** Business Licence Base Fee $210 a year (2026); a $31 non-refundable application deposit is credited to it. Accommodation: base fee plus $2 per room. Seasonal licence (six months max): $123. Late payment penalty $25.
  - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2014-07 (consolidated October 2026), Appendix 5](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/2014-07%20Fees%20and%20Charges%20Bylaw%20-%20CONSOLIDATED%20PACKAGE%20-%20October%202026_1.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Business Licence Base Fee $205.00 $210.00" … "Application Fee: Non-refundable deposit is required at time of application (credited" … "Base fee plus $2.00 per" … "Seasonal - Six month maximum $120.00 $123.00" … "Penalty (late payment) $25.00 $25.00"
  - Source: [Business Licencing Fee Schedule, effective Jan 1, 2026, Fee Schedule (effective Jan 1, 2026)](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/docs/business-and-building/Business%20Licences/Business%20Licence%20Schedule%20(Eff%20Jan%201-2026%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Business Licence Base Fee" … "$210.00"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **How to apply:** Apply online (eApply) or download the fillable form and return it by email to businesslicences@penticton.ca, by mail or at the City Hall drop slot. The location must be in a suitable zone and comply with all City bylaws; health, RCMP or fire approvals may be required. Typically issued in 2-3 weeks.
  - Source: [Apply for a Business Licence, Forms & Applications](https://www.penticton.ca/business-building/business-licences-permits/apply-business-licence)
  - Official wording: "You can apply online using our eApply service" … "Download the fillable PDF form and return it to the City, either by email (businesslicences@penticton.ca), mail or through the drop slot at City Hall." … "a business licence can be issued within 2-3 weeks."
  - Source: [Business License Bylaw No. 2026-01, ss. 4.4, 4.6](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/2026-01%20Business%20Licence%20Bylaw_0.pdf)
  - Official wording: "comply with all relevant Bylaws of the City before a business licence is granted." … "The Licence Inspector may require confirmation of approval, in a form satisfactory to"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Renewal:** Licences run for the anniversary year and expire on the last day of the month in the following year. Renew yearly before expiry, whether or not a notice is sent; renewal notices are mailed and payable online through MyPayments. Late payment penalty $25.
  - Source: [Business License Bylaw No. 2026-01, ss. 8.1, 11.1](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/2026-01%20Business%20Licence%20Bylaw_0.pdf)
  - Official wording: "All business licences issued under this Bylaw shall be for the anniversary year and will" … "expire on the last day of the month in the subsequent year of issuance except if:" … "Each business shall ensure that their business licence is renewed annually, in advance"
  - Source: [Apply for a Business Licence, Processing Times](https://www.penticton.ca/business-building/business-licences-permits/apply-business-licence)
  - Official wording: "Renewal notices are mailed out prior to the expiration date and payment can be made online using MyPayments."
  - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2014-07 (consolidated October 2026), Appendix 5](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/2014-07%20Fees%20and%20Charges%20Bylaw%20-%20CONSOLIDATED%20PACKAGE%20-%20October%202026_1.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Penalty (late payment) $25.00 $25.00"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Inter-community licence:** Yes. An add-on Inter-Community (Mobile) Business Licence, $150 a year, lets an eligible mobile business work in 19 partner municipalities. It is for businesses that move from client to client (e.g. contractors, mobile service providers), and you still need a Penticton licence for any Penticton premises.
  - Source: [Inter-Community Business Licence](https://www.penticton.ca/businesslicences-intercommunity)
  - Official wording: "Through this program, eligible businesses will obtain one add-on business license that allows the business to do operations in 19 partner municipalities* (listed below)." … "Eligibility for an Inter-Community (Mobile) Business Licence is limited to any business that performs a service in more than one of the participating municipalities"
  - Source: [Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw No. 2026-05, ss. 8, 10](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/2026-05%20Inter-Community%20Business%20Licence%20Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "The fee for an Inter-Community Business Licence is $150 and shall be retained by the" … "Neither this Bylaw nor the issuance of an Inter-Community Business Licence eliminates"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine:** Carrying on business without a licence: bylaw notice $450 ($425 within 14 days, $500 late) or municipal ticket $500.
  - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2012-5037 (consolidated June 2026), Appendix 4, s. 3.1](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/2012-5037%20Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20%28Consolidated%20Package%20-%20June%202026%29_0.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Carry on business without a 3.1 $450 $425 $500 No"
  - Source: [Municipal Ticketing Information Bylaw No. 2012-5021 (consolidated June 2026), Schedule B4, s. 3.1](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/MTI%20Bylaw%205021%20-%20consolidated%20for%20website%20-%20June%202026.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Carry on business without a licence 3.1 $500"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Business License Bylaw No. 2026-01
  - Source: [Business License Bylaw No. 2026-01, s. 1](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/2026-01%20Business%20Licence%20Bylaw_0.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Business License Bylaw No. 2026-01"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

Under [Business License Bylaw No. 2026-01](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/2026-01%20Business%20Licence%20Bylaw_0.pdf), nobody may carry on business in Penticton, or advertise one, without a City licence. Each premises needs its own licence. Exempt: registered non-profits, garage sales and suite rentals over 90 days. The location must be in a suitable zone and comply with all City bylaws; health, RCMP or fire approvals may be required.

## Steps

1. Check that the location is zoned for your business (Business Licensing: 250-490-2488).
2. Register with BC Registry Services, and get provincial or health approvals if your category needs them (for example Interior Health for food and personal services).
3. Apply online (eApply), or email the fillable form to businesslicences@penticton.ca, mail it, or use the drop slot at City Hall.
4. Pay the application deposit and the licence fee.

## Good to know

- Licences run for the anniversary year and expire on the last day of the month in the following year. Renew yearly before expiry, whether or not a notice is sent. Renewals can be paid online through MyPayments.
- Fees by type (2026): secondary suite and carriage house $210, bed and breakfast $230, short-term rentals $280 to $830. See short-term-rental.
- Mobile businesses can add an Inter-Community (Mobile) Business Licence for $150 a year, valid in 19 partner municipalities. You still need a Penticton licence for any Penticton premises.
- Fines: carrying on business without a licence is a $450 bylaw notice or a $500 municipal ticket. Failing to renew is a $250 bylaw notice and failing to display the licence is $75.

## What you'll need

- Fillable application form, or the online application
- Documents listed for your category on the City's Apply page

## Official forms and pages

- [Apply for a Business Licence (City page, all categories)](https://www.penticton.ca/business-building/business-licences-permits/apply-business-licence)
- [Business License Bylaw No. 2026-01 (PDF)](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/2026-01%20Business%20Licence%20Bylaw_0.pdf)
- [Inter-Community Business Licence](https://www.penticton.ca/businesslicences-intercommunity)

## Related questions

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

## The same question elsewhere

- [Business licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/business-licence.md)
- [Summerland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/summerland/business-licence.md)
- [Peachland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/peachland/business-licence.md)
- [Oliver](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/oliver/business-licence.md)
- [Keremeos](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/keremeos/business-licence.md)
- [West Kelowna](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-kelowna/business-licence.md)
- [Kelowna](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kelowna/business-licence.md)

## Sources

- [Apply for a Business Licence, City of Penticton](https://www.penticton.ca/business-building/business-licences-permits/apply-business-licence) (read 2026-10-29)
- [Business License Bylaw No. 2026-01 (PDF)](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/2026-01%20Business%20Licence%20Bylaw_0.pdf) (read 2026-10-29)
- [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2014-07 (consolidated October 2026), Appendix 5 (PDF)](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/2014-07%20Fees%20and%20Charges%20Bylaw%20-%20CONSOLIDATED%20PACKAGE%20-%20October%202026_1.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Inter-Community Business Licence, City of Penticton](https://www.penticton.ca/businesslicences-intercommunity) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw No. 2026-05 (PDF)](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/2026-05%20Inter-Community%20Business%20Licence%20Bylaw.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2012-5037 (consolidated June 2026) (PDF)](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/2012-5037%20Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20%28Consolidated%20Package%20-%20June%202026%29_0.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Municipal Ticketing Information Bylaw No. 2012-5021 (consolidated June 2026) (PDF)](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/MTI%20Bylaw%205021%20-%20consolidated%20for%20website%20-%20June%202026.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Business Licencing Fee Schedule, effective Jan 1, 2026, City of Penticton](https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/docs/business-and-building/Business%20Licences/Business%20Licence%20Schedule%20(Eff%20Jan%201-2026%29.pdf) (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 Penticton. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/penticton/business-licence/_