{"title":"Qualicum Beach business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply","question":"Do I need a business licence in Qualicum Beach, and how do I get one?","slug":"business-licence","place":{"path":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","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":"Town of Qualicum Beach","url":"https://www.qualicumbeach.com"},"short_answer":"Yes. Anyone doing business in Qualicum Beach needs a Town business licence, including home-based businesses, contractors from outside the Town, bed and breakfasts and daycares. Most categories cost $110 a year. Apply with payment at Town Hall or by mail.","aliases":["business licence qualicum beach","business license qualicum beach","qualicum beach business licence fee","inter-community business licence qualicum beach"],"cost":"Per calendar year, most categories $110 (see the list below); inter-community licence an extra $150.","how_long":"Not stated. Licences run for the calendar year ending December 31.","where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"Town Hall","value":"#201-660 Primrose Street, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1S7","note":"Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m."},{"type":"mail","label":"Town of Qualicum Beach","value":"PO Box 130, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1S7"},{"type":"phone","label":"Town Hall","value":"250-752-6921"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"General Business Licence Application (PDF)","url":"https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Application%20Forms/Business%20Licence%20Applications/General%20Business%20Licence%20%28commercial%2C%20industrial%2C%20home%20based%2C%20B%26B%2C%20daycare%29/Business%20License%20Application%20%28General%29%2Epdf"},{"title":"Business Licences, Town of Qualicum Beach","url":"https://qualicumbeach.com/business-licences"},{"title":"Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 506 (PDF)","url":"https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Business%20Licensing%20and%20Regulation%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20506%2E07%20%28Consolidated%20to%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20506%2E09%2C%202003%29%2Epdf"}],"related":[{"slug":"home-based-business","title":"Qualicum Beach home-based business rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/home-based-business/"},{"slug":"short-term-rental","title":"Qualicum Beach short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/short-term-rental/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Qualicum Beach zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/zoning-lookup/"},{"slug":"bylaw-fines","title":"Qualicum Beach bylaw fines and how tickets work","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/bylaw-fines/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/parksville","name":"Parksville","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/lantzville","name":"Lantzville","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/nanaimo","name":"Nanaimo","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/sechelt","name":"Sechelt","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/business-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/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 doing business in Qualicum Beach, including contractors and other mobile businesses based outside the Town. Home-based businesses, bed and breakfasts, daycares and mobile food vendors also need one (daycares need provincial licensing as well).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://qualicumbeach.com/business-licences","title":"Business Licences, Town of Qualicum Beach","section":"Business Licences","quotes":["To conduct business in the Town of Qualicum Beach, you require a business licence","This includes contractors and other mobile businesses that may have a primary location outside of Qualicum Beach.","A business licence from the Town is also required."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee":{"label":"Fee","value":"Per calendar year: hotel/motel $110; banks and credit unions $270; real estate $110 per agent (max $300); door-to-door or phone soliciting $245 per person; retail up to 2,000 sq. ft. $110, over $220; professional $110 per person; insurance agency or adjuster $220; restaurants, cafes, delis $110; contractors $110; businesses not described $110 per classification; special event $55; transfer $25.","short":"$110 (most categories)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Application%20Forms/Business%20Licence%20Applications/General%20Business%20Licence%20%28commercial%2C%20industrial%2C%20home%20based%2C%20B%26B%2C%20daycare%29/Business%20License%20Application%20%28General%29%2Epdf","title":"General Business Licence Application (PDF), Town of Qualicum Beach","section":"Schedule A, Business Licence Fee Structure","quotes":["BUSINESS LICENCE FEE STRUCTURE","HOTEL, MOTEL (Room rentals) $110.00","BANKS, CREDIT UNIONS, TRUST COMPANIES $270.00","DOOR TO DOOR OR TELEPHONE SOLICITING (per person) $245.00","PROFESSIONAL (per person) $110.00","INSURANCE AGENCY/ADJUSTER $220.00","CONTRACTORS/SUBCONTRACTORS $110.00","SPECIAL EVENT LICENCE $55.00","TRANSFER FEE $25.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_apply":{"label":"How to apply","value":"Submit the Business Licence Application with payment, in person at Town Hall (#201-660 Primrose Street, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) or by mail (PO Box 130). Include a floor plan with all measurements, and a site and parking plan; business location, contact information and premises details (parking, floor area, employees) are asked. Town staff check zoning, parking, and building, sign, health and fire needs.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://qualicumbeach.com/business-licences","title":"Business Licences, Town of Qualicum Beach","section":"Business Licence Application","quotes":["Applications and payment must be submitted together, by one of the following methods:","Each application must be submitted with a floor plan showing all measurements of spaces, windows, doors, and washrooms, along with a site and parking plan.","Business premises details (parking, floor area, employees etc.)"]},{"url":"https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Application%20Forms/Business%20Licence%20Applications/General%20Business%20Licence%20%28commercial%2C%20industrial%2C%20home%20based%2C%20B%26B%2C%20daycare%29/Business%20License%20Application%20%28General%29%2Epdf","title":"General Business Licence Application (PDF), Town of Qualicum Beach","section":"Department use only","quotes":[" Yes  No ICBL  N/A Zoning Compliant Category Code  Yes  No Fee Code  N/A","Zoning Business License # Permitted Use Roll # Parking Compliant Annual Fee  Yes  No","• requires the B&B declaration • requires a Fire Department inspection application & fee (inspection appointment coordinated by Town staff) • guest rooms must be contained in the dwelling unit"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"renewal":{"label":"Renewal","value":"Licences are renewed each year in December and run for the calendar year ending December 31. Bylaw 506 (an older consolidation) halves the fee for a business that starts after July 31, except special event licences and transfer fees; the Town's page and form do not mention this.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://qualicumbeach.com/business-licences","title":"Business Licences, Town of Qualicum Beach","section":"Business Licences","quotes":["which is renewed each year in December"]},{"url":"https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Business%20Licensing%20and%20Regulation%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20506%2E07%20%28Consolidated%20to%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20506%2E09%2C%202003%29%2Epdf","title":"Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 506 (PDF), Town of Qualicum Beach","section":"s. 3.6","quotes":["31st.","of December","excluding special event licences"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"inter_community":{"label":"Inter-community licence","value":"Yes. A business located in Qualicum Beach that serves other Vancouver Island communities can add an inter-community business licence for $150 a year; it is in addition to the Qualicum Beach licence. The form says it covers 12 other participating municipalities.","short":"Yes, $150 a year","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://qualicumbeach.com/business-licences","title":"Business Licences, Town of Qualicum Beach","section":"Inter-Community Business Licence","quotes":["The inter-community licence is required in addition to a business licence for Qualicum Beach. The annual fee is $150 for all participating municipalities."]},{"url":"https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Application%20Forms/Business%20Licence%20Applications/General%20Business%20Licence%20%28commercial%2C%20industrial%2C%20home%20based%2C%20B%26B%2C%20daycare%29/Business%20License%20Application%20%28General%29%2Epdf","title":"General Business Licence Application (PDF), Town of Qualicum Beach","section":"page 1","quotes":["This license allows you to operate in 12 other participating municipalities on Vancouver Island without requiring individual business licenses."]},{"url":"https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Inter-Community%20Business%20Licence%20Bylaw%20No%20688%2C%20201%2Epdf","title":"Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw No. 688 (PDF), Town of Qualicum Beach","section":"s. 1","quotes":["Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw No. 688,"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine":{"label":"Fine","value":"Municipal ticket: $200 for having no business licence; $150 for failing to get a licence for more than one premises or to transfer a licence. Each day can be ticketed.","short":"Ticket $200","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://qualicumbeach.com/building-development/provincial-housing-changes/short-term-rental-accommodations/","title":"Qualicum Beach","section":"What are the Fines for Non-Compliance?","quotes":["The fine for failure to obtain a valid Business License in the Town of Qualicum Beach is $200.00 as per the Municipal Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw No. 626, 2008.","Tickets can be issued daily for each offense."]},{"url":"https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Business%20Licensing%20and%20Regulation%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20506%2E07%20%28Consolidated%20to%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20506%2E09%2C%202003%29%2Epdf","title":"Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 506 (PDF), Town of Qualicum Beach","section":"s. 5.1","quotes":["conviction to to a fine fine not not exceeding exceeding Two Two Thousand Dollars ($2000.00). ($2000.00)."]},{"url":"https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Municipal%20Ticket%20Information%20Utilization%20Bylaw%20No.%20626%20(Consolidated%20up%20to%20Bylaw%20No.%20626.07).pdf","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw No. 626 (PDF), Town of Qualicum Beach","section":"Schedule 4 of Bylaw 626 (Business Licencing and Regulation Bylaw No. 506.07)","quotes":["No Business Licence                                2      $200.00","Fail to Obtain Licence for More Than One          3.9     $150.00","may be imposed for each day that the offence continues."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Town of Qualicum Beach Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 506 (consolidated, to Amendment Bylaw No. 506.09)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Business%20Licensing%20and%20Regulation%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20506%2E07%20%28Consolidated%20to%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20506%2E09%2C%202003%29%2Epdf","title":"Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 506 (PDF), Town of Qualicum Beach","section":"title and consolidation","quotes":["Bylaw Bylaw No. 506.07- No. 506.07 - Business Licencing Licencing and and Regulation Regulation Bylaw Bylaw","January 2007) 2007) to Amendment Amendment Bylaw Bylaw No. 506.09 No. 506.09 of 8 Page 7 of"]}],"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\nAnyone doing business in Qualicum Beach needs a Town business licence, including contractors and other mobile businesses based outside the Town. Home-based businesses, bed and breakfasts, daycares and mobile food vendors also need one (daycares need provincial licensing as well). Rules are in the [Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 506](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Business%20Licensing%20and%20Regulation%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20506%2E07%20%28Consolidated%20to%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20506%2E09%2C%202003%29%2Epdf).\n\n**Fees, per calendar year:** hotel/motel $110; banks and credit unions $270; real estate $110 per agent (maximum $300); door-to-door or phone soliciting $245 per person; retail up to 2,000 sq. ft. $110, over that $220; professional $110 per person; insurance agency or adjuster $220; restaurants, cafes, delis $110; contractors $110; businesses not described $110 per classification; special event $55; transfer $25. A business with more than one classification pays a separate fee for each.\n\n**Inter-community licence:** a Qualicum Beach business that serves other Vancouver Island communities can add one for $150 a year, on top of the Town licence. The form says it covers 12 other participating municipalities.\n\n**Renewal:** licences are renewed each year in December and run for the calendar year ending December 31. The older consolidated Bylaw 506 halves the fee for a business that starts after July 31 (not special event or transfer fees); the Town's page and form do not mention this, so ask.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Complete the Business Licence Application, with a floor plan showing all measurements and a site and parking plan.\n2. Submit it with payment at Town Hall or by mail.\n3. Town staff check zoning, parking, and building, sign, health and fire needs.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Fines: a municipal ticket is $200 for having no business licence, and $150 for failing to get a licence for more than one premises or to transfer a licence. Each day can be ticketed.\n- The posted Bylaw 506 is an older consolidation; the Town's page and application form give the current fees.","sources":[{"url":"https://qualicumbeach.com/business-licences","title":"Business Licences, Town of Qualicum Beach","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Application%20Forms/Business%20Licence%20Applications/General%20Business%20Licence%20%28commercial%2C%20industrial%2C%20home%20based%2C%20B%26B%2C%20daycare%29/Business%20License%20Application%20%28General%29%2Epdf","title":"General Business Licence Application (PDF), Town of Qualicum Beach","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Business%20Licensing%20and%20Regulation%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20506%2E07%20%28Consolidated%20to%20Bylaw%20No%2E%20506%2E09%2C%202003%29%2Epdf","title":"Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 506 (PDF), Town of Qualicum Beach","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Inter-Community%20Business%20Licence%20Bylaw%20No%20688%2C%20201%2Epdf","title":"Inter-Community Business Licence Bylaw No. 688 (PDF), Town of Qualicum Beach","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Municipal%20Ticket%20Information%20Utilization%20Bylaw%20No.%20626%20(Consolidated%20up%20to%20Bylaw%20No.%20626.07).pdf","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw No. 626 (PDF), Town of Qualicum Beach","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://qualicumbeach.com/building-development/provincial-housing-changes/short-term-rental-accommodations/","title":"Qualicum Beach","accessed":"2026-11-06"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-06","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/qualicum-beach/business-licence/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/business-licence.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/business-licence.json"}}