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

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

Pitt Meadows, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-05

How it works

Under the Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 3039, 2026, 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.

Steps

1. Visit Development Services at City Hall for an initial consultation.
2. Submit the application form (contractors and sub-trades use their own form) with supporting documents, such as a one-page description of the business.
3. Staff in Planning, Police, Fire, Building, Engineering or Health review it where applicable. A building permit may be needed first.
4. Pay, and the licence is issued, usually within a week.
5. 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.

Good to know

• 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.
• The City's web page says out-of-town contractors pay the full $80 licence fee before processing.
• 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.
• 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.