{"title":"Pitt Meadows business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply","question":"Do I need a business licence in Pitt Meadows, and how do I get one?","slug":"business-licence","place":{"path":"ca/bc/pitt-meadows","name":"Pitt Meadows","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 Pitt Meadows","url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca"},"short_answer":"Yes. Every business in the City of Pitt Meadows needs a valid licence before starting, including home-based businesses, apartment rental owners and out-of-town contractors who work in the city. Call the City at 604-465-2428. Licences usually issue within a week once paid.","aliases":["business license pitt meadows","how to open a business in pitt meadows","contractor business licence pitt meadows","renew business licence pitt meadows"],"cost":"Through December 31, 2026 (old Schedule A): for example $138 unclassified business, $80 contractors, $49 home occupations. From January 1, 2027 (new Schedule A): each category has an initial and a lower renewal fee (contractors $100 initial, $80 renewal). A $50 application fee, credited to the licence fee, applies only where the initial fee is over $50.","how_long":"Usually within a week once you have applied and paid.","where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"Development Services at City Hall","value":"12007 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2B5","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."},{"type":"phone","label":"Business licences","value":"604-465-2428"},{"type":"email","label":"Licensing","value":"licensing@pittmeadows.ca"},{"type":"online","label":"MyPittMeadows (renewals)","value":"http://mypittmeadows.com/"}],"documents":["Completed Business Licence Application Form","A one-page description of the business","Contractors based outside the city use the Contractor/Sub Trade form instead"],"forms":[{"title":"Licences and Applications (City page)","url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca/business-and-building/business-licences/licences-and-applications"},{"title":"Business Licence Application Form (PDF)","url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-04/Business_Application_Form_2026-long_form%29.pdf"},{"title":"Contractor/Sub Trade Business Licence Application Form (PDF)","url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-04/Business_Application_Form_Contractors-Revised-2026.pdf"},{"title":"Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 3039, 2026 (PDF)","url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-04/Business-Licensing-and-Regulation-Bylaw-No-3039%2C-2026-Consolidated-Version.pdf"}],"related":[{"slug":"home-based-business","title":"Pitt Meadows home-based business rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pitt-meadows/home-based-business/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/maple-ridge","name":"Maple Ridge","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/maple-ridge/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-coquitlam","name":"Port Coquitlam","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/coquitlam","name":"Coquitlam","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/anmore","name":"Anmore","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/anmore/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-moody","name":"Port Moody","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/belcarra","name":"Belcarra","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/belcarra/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":"Every business in Pitt Meadows needs a valid licence before starting, including home-based businesses, commercial and industrial businesses, apartment rental owners, and out-of-town contractors and trades who work in the city. A residential property manager renting not more than one unit is exempt.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca/business-and-building/business-licences","title":"Business Licences, City of Pitt Meadows","section":"Business Licences","quotes":["Every business in the City of Pitt Meadows 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"]},{"url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-04/Business-Licensing-and-Regulation-Bylaw-No-3039%2C-2026-Consolidated-Version.pdf","title":"Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 3039, 2026 (consolidated PDF)","section":"s. 3.1.1, 3.1.2","quotes":["a person must not carry on, maintain, own or operate a business in the City without a valid licence","lease not more than one unit in the City is not required to obtain a"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee":{"label":"Fee","value":"Depends on the type of business (Schedule A). Through December 31, 2026, for example: $138 unclassified business, $80 contractors, $49 home occupations. From January 1, 2027 each category has an initial and a lower renewal fee (contractors $100 initial, $80 renewal). A $50 application fee, credited to the licence fee, applies only where the initial fee is over $50.","short":"By type: unclassified $138 (to December 31, 2026)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-04/Business-Licensing-and-Regulation-Bylaw-No-3039%2C-2026-Consolidated-Version.pdf","title":"Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 3039, 2026 (consolidated PDF)","section":"Schedule A (to Dec 31, 2026), item 56","quotes":["schedule will be categorized as “unclassified”","$80.00 for all","Except where the initial fee in Schedule “A” is $50.00 or less, every","administrative fee of $50.00. When the application is approved, this fee"]},{"url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-04/Business-Licensing-and-Regulation-Bylaw-No-3039%2C-2026-Consolidated-Version.pdf","title":"Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 3039, 2026 (consolidated PDF)","section":"Schedule A (from Jan 1, 2027), item 19; s. 6.1.3","quotes":["19. CONTRACTORS Initial Fee Renewal Fee","$100.00 $80.00"]},{"url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-04/Business-Licensing-and-Regulation-Bylaw-No-3039%2C-2026-Consolidated-Version.pdf","title":"Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 3039, 2026 (consolidated PDF)","section":"s. 3.3.1","quotes":["administrative fee of $50.00."]},{"url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca/business-and-building/business-licences/licences-and-applications","title":"Licences and Applications, City of Pitt Meadows","section":"Business License Fees","quotes":["An application fee of $50 must be paid prior to the application being reviewed."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_apply":{"label":"How to apply","value":"Visit Development Services at City Hall for an initial consultation, then submit the application form with supporting documents such as a one-page description of the business. Staff in Planning, Police, Fire, Building, Engineering or Health review where applicable; a building permit may be needed first. Pay, and the licence is issued, usually within a week.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca/business-and-building/business-licences/licences-and-applications","title":"Licences and Applications, City of Pitt Meadows","section":"Applying for a Business Licence","quotes":["Fill out an Application Form and provide any supporting documentation, such as a one page description of the proposed business.","Business licensing will refer the application to staff in Planning, Police, Fire, Building, Engineering or Health where applicable, for review.","Generally the business licence process takes less than one week from initial application to issuance of a business licence."]},{"url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-04/Business-Licensing-and-Regulation-Bylaw-No-3039%2C-2026-Consolidated-Version.pdf","title":"Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 3039, 2026 (consolidated PDF)","section":"s. 3.2.2, 3.2.4","quotes":["The Licence Inspector may review the application to verify compliance","The Licence Inspector may inspect any premises on or in which the"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"renewal":{"label":"Renewal","value":"Licences run January 1 to December 31 and must be renewed before each year starts. Renewals paid on or after March 1 add a late payment of 25% of the fee, up to $50. Renew in person at City Hall or online at mypittmeadows.com; notices are mailed in December.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-04/Business-Licensing-and-Regulation-Bylaw-No-3039%2C-2026-Consolidated-Version.pdf","title":"Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 3039, 2026 (consolidated PDF)","section":"s. 3.5.1, 3.6.1, 3.6.2","quotes":["commence on the 1st day of January and expire on the 31st","day of December of each year, unless otherwise indicated on the licence.","The City will apply a late payment in the amount of 25% of the applicable","licence fees to a maximum of $50.00 for the renewal of all business"]},{"url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca/business-and-building/business-licences/licences-and-applications","title":"Licences and Applications, City of Pitt Meadows","section":"Business License Fees","quotes":["Business Licence renewal payments can be made in person at City Hall or online at mypittmeadows.com."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"inter_community":{"label":"Inter-community licence","value":"Yes, an Inter-municipal Business Licence for eligible mobile businesses (construction-related trades and contractors, and health care providers who only visit clients' homes). It costs $250 a year on top of the home municipality's licence fee. Valid in Pitt Meadows, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Delta, Harrison Hot Springs, Hope, Langley (City and Township), Maple Ridge, Mission, Kent and Surrey.","short":"Yes, $250 a year (trades, health care)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2025-12/Intermunicipal-Business-Licence-Bylaw-No-2583%2C-2012-Consolidated-Version.pdf","title":"Intermunicipal Business Licence Bylaw No. 2583, 2012 - Consolidated Version (PDF)","section":"s. 3 and 9","quotes":["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","City of Abbotsford"]},{"url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca/business-and-building/business-licences/intermunicipal-business-licence","title":"Intermunicipal Business Licence, City of Pitt Meadows","section":"FAQ","quotes":["An eligible mobile business (including a home-based operation) pays the business license fee set by their home municipality plus the annual IML fee of $250.","Your IML is valid in each of the following participating municipalities:"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Bylaw notice for operating without a business licence: $160 if paid within 14 days, $200 after.","short":"Notice $200 ($160 if paid in 14 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2025-12/Bylaw-Notice-Enforcement-Bylaw-No-2439%2C-2009-Consolidated-Version.pdf","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2439, 2009 - Consolidated Version (PDF)","section":"Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 3039, 2026 schedule","quotes":["No business licence 3.1.1(a) 160 200"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 3039, 2026","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-04/Business-Licensing-and-Regulation-Bylaw-No-3039%2C-2026-Consolidated-Version.pdf","title":"Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 3039, 2026 (consolidated PDF)","section":"s. 1.1","quotes":["Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 3039, 2026"]}],"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 the [Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 3039, 2026](https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-04/Business-Licensing-and-Regulation-Bylaw-No-3039%2C-2026-Consolidated-Version.pdf), every business needs a valid licence before starting. That includes home-based, commercial and industrial businesses, apartment rental owners, and out-of-town contractors and trades who work in the city. A residential property manager renting not more than one unit is exempt. You need a separate licence for each premises and each business at a premises. Non-profit societies pay no licence fee. Licences run January 1 to December 31.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Visit Development Services at City Hall for an initial consultation.\n2. Submit the application form (contractors and sub-trades use their own form) with supporting documents, such as a one-page description of the business.\n3. Staff in Planning, Police, Fire, Building, Engineering or Health review it where applicable. A building permit may be needed first.\n4. Pay, and the licence is issued, usually within a week.\n5. Renew before each year starts, in person at City Hall or online at mypittmeadows.com. Notices are mailed in December. Renewals paid on or after March 1 add a late payment of 25% of the fee, up to $50.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Fees depend on the business type (Schedule A). Through December 31, 2026 the old schedule applies; from January 1, 2027 the new one applies, with an initial and a lower renewal fee. Many categories charge by floor area (for example retail: $160 for the first 100 sq m plus $0.40 per extra sq m through 2026). The $50 application fee does not apply when the licence fee is $50 or less. Check the full Schedule A for your category.\n- The City's web page says out-of-town contractors pay the full $80 licence fee before processing.\n- Mobile businesses (construction-related trades, contractors, and health care providers who only visit clients' homes) can get an Inter-municipal Business Licence for $250 a year, on top of the home municipality's fee. It is valid in Pitt Meadows, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Delta, Harrison Hot Springs, Hope, Langley (City and Township), Maple Ridge, Mission, Kent and Surrey. The business must have a fixed, permanent location in a participating municipality.\n- Operating without a licence: a bylaw notice is $160 if paid within 14 days, $200 after. Failing to renew carries the same amounts. A conviction can carry a fine up to $10,000, and each day is a separate offence. A separate municipal ticket bylaw may exist but was not found.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca/business-and-building/business-licences","title":"Business Licences, City of Pitt Meadows","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca/business-and-building/business-licences/licences-and-applications","title":"Licences and Applications, City of Pitt Meadows","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2026-04/Business-Licensing-and-Regulation-Bylaw-No-3039%2C-2026-Consolidated-Version.pdf","title":"Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 3039, 2026 (consolidated PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2025-12/Bylaw-Notice-Enforcement-Bylaw-No-2439%2C-2009-Consolidated-Version.pdf","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2439, 2009 - Consolidated Version (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca/sites/default/files/2025-12/Intermunicipal-Business-Licence-Bylaw-No-2583%2C-2012-Consolidated-Version.pdf","title":"Intermunicipal Business Licence Bylaw No. 2583, 2012 - Consolidated Version (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.pittmeadows.ca/business-and-building/business-licences/intermunicipal-business-licence","title":"Intermunicipal Business Licence, City of Pitt Meadows","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/pitt-meadows/business-licence/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pitt-meadows/business-licence.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pitt-meadows/business-licence.json"}}