---
title: "Smithers business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply"
question: "Do I need a business licence in Smithers, and how do I get one?"
place: Smithers, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/smithers
category: Starting and running a business
owner: municipal
owner_body: Town of Smithers
sources_read: 2026-11-06
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/business-licence/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/business-licence.json"
---

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

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

**Short answer:** Yes. In Smithers anyone doing business within the Town, including out-of-town, seasonal and home-based businesses, needs a Town business licence. Most classes cost $165 a year. Apply with Development Services; approval typically takes 1 to 2 weeks if the application is complete.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (Town of Smithers, https://www.smithers.ca)  
**Cost:** Annual fees (Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2003, Schedule J): $165 for most classes; $365 for larger retail, vehicle dealers, wood processing and other manufacturing, and fuel sales; $680 for banks; up to $1,030 for an escort agency. Older Town pages show $160 to $1,000. Non-profits pay no fee.  
**How long:** Approval typically takes 1 to 2 weeks if the information is complete.  
**Where:**
- Phone: Development Services, 250-847-1600 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
- In person: Town Hall, 1027 Aldous Street, Smithers, BC

## Key facts

- **Who needs one:** Anyone conducting business within the Town boundaries, including out-of-town businesses that operate in Town, seasonal businesses and home-based businesses. Non-profits need a licence but pay no fee; religious organizations, registered charities and local service clubs raising funds for local projects, and distributors registered under the Consumer Protection Act, do not need one.
  - Source: [Business Licensing, Business License Application Guide page](https://www.smithers.ca/business-building/licences-permits-signage/business-licensing)
  - Official wording: "A Business License is required for anyone conducting business within the Town boundaries."
  - Source: [5 Steps to a Business License, p. 1](https://www.smithers.ca/sites/default/files/2026-01/5%20Steps%20to%20a%20Business%20License%20Dec%202025-DC%20Jan%209%2C%202026.pdf)
  - Official wording: "businesses that are located out-of-town, but operate in Town, seasonal businesses and home-based businesses."
  - Source: [Business License Bylaw No. 1850 (consolidated January 3, 2025), s. 3.1(b), (c)](https://www.smithers.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/BL%201850%20BUSINESS%20LICENSE%20%28Consolidation%20January%203%202025%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Business licenses are not required for religious" … "Distributors registered under the Consumer Protection Act are not"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee:** Annual fees are in Schedule J of Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2003: $165 for most classes (e.g. restaurant, retail up to 930 m², professional office, contractor, home occupation); $365 for larger retail, vehicle dealers, wood processing and other manufacturing, and fuel sales; $680 for banks; up to $1,030 for an escort agency. Late-year starts are prorated monthly (minimum 3 months or 25% of the fee).
  - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2003, Schedule J](https://smithers.civicweb.net/document/278063/)
  - Official wording: "1000 Home Occupation $165.00 / year" … "1701 Retail up to 930 m (10,011ft ) floor area $165.00 / year" … "1702 Retail over 930m (10,011ft ) floor area $365.00 / year" … "2701 Escort Agency $1,030.00 / year" … "1303 Electronics, precision instruments, small goods $165.00 / year" … "1304 All other classifications $365.00 / year" … "100 Banks, financial institutions $680.00 / year"
  - Source: [Application, Permit and Licence Fees guide, Business License row](https://www.smithers.ca/sites/default/files/2026-10/GUIDE%20-%20Development%20Services%20Fees.pdf)
  - Official wording: "$165 - $1,030 Annual Fee (see Schedule ‘J’ of Fees & Charges Bylaw 2003)"
  - Source: [Business License Bylaw No. 1850 (consolidated January 3, 2025), s. 3.6(b)](https://www.smithers.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/BL%201850%20BUSINESS%20LICENSE%20%28Consolidation%20January%203%202025%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "The license fees for new businesses starting after the month of January"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **How to apply:** Check zoning first, then submit a completed Business License Application with any supporting documents. The Town may arrange a licence inspection; a licence is issued when the premises meet building, zoning, health and safety, sanitation and business bylaws. Pay once approved. Approval typically takes 1 to 2 weeks if the information is complete.
  - Source: [5 Steps to a Business License, Steps 3 and 4](https://www.smithers.ca/sites/default/files/2026-01/5%20Steps%20to%20a%20Business%20License%20Dec%202025-DC%20Jan%209%2C%202026.pdf)
  - Official wording: "You are now ready to submit a Business License Application." … "There is typically a 1-2 week approval timeline, provided complete information is submitted."
  - Source: [Business License Bylaw No. 1850 (consolidated January 3, 2025), s. 4.1(a)](https://www.smithers.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/BL%201850%20BUSINESS%20LICENSE%20%28Consolidation%20January%203%202025%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "upon inspection of the business premises, is satisfied that the applicant has complied with"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Renewal:** A licence runs January 1 to December 31. The Town sends a renewal invoice each year unless the business cancels in writing. Late fees: 10% after 60 days of the invoice, a further 20% at 90 days, and at 120 days the matter goes to Provincial Court with a further 30% added.
  - Source: [Business License Bylaw No. 1850 (consolidated January 3, 2025), s. 3.4(a), 3.6(d)](https://www.smithers.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/BL%201850%20BUSINESS%20LICENSE%20%28Consolidation%20January%203%202025%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "commence on the first day of January and terminate on the" … "(i) 60 days of receiving the renewal invoice, a 10% penalty shall be" … "added to the license fee; and"
  - Source: [https://www.smithers.ca/sites/default/files/2024-02/GUIDE%20-%20Business%20Licenses.pdf, Application Guide p. 1](https://www.smithers.ca/sites/default/files/2024-02/GUIDE%20-%20Business%20Licenses.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Unless cancelled in writing, you will receive a" … "renewal invoice from the Town on an annual basis."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Inter-community licence:** None set. Smithers has no inter-community licence.
- **Fine:** Bylaw notice: $300 for carrying on business without a licence ($150 if paid within 14 days; $400 after 28 days); $100 for failing to display the licence. Court: fine up to $5,000 plus costs, and each day is a separate offence.
  - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2011, Schedule A, Business License Bylaw No. 1850](https://smithers.civicweb.net/document/290948/)
  - Official wording: "Carryon business without license 5.2.a.i 300.00 150.00 400.00 NO" … "Fail to display license 5.2.a.ii 100.00 50.00 200.00 NO"
  - Source: [Business License Bylaw No. 1850 (consolidated January 3, 2025), s. 5.2(b), (c)](https://www.smithers.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/BL%201850%20BUSINESS%20LICENSE%20%28Consolidation%20January%203%202025%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Each day’s continuation of an offense under Section 5.2 (a) constitutes" … "summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000.00 and the costs of"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Business License Bylaw No. 1850, as amended. The Town's consolidated copy was revised January 3, 2025; Amendment No. 24-01 (Bylaw 1970, adopted February 11, 2025) removes the mobile vendor rules and is not in it. Fees: Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2003, Schedule J.
  - Source: [Business License Bylaw No. 1850 (consolidated January 3, 2025), Cover](https://www.smithers.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/BL%201850%20BUSINESS%20LICENSE%20%28Consolidation%20January%203%202025%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Consolidated for Convenience Only (Revised on January 03, 2025)"
  - Source: [Business License Bylaw No. 1850 (consolidated January 3, 2025), s. 1.1](https://www.smithers.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/BL%201850%20BUSINESS%20LICENSE%20%28Consolidation%20January%203%202025%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Bylaw No. 1850– Business License" and takes effect as of the date of adoption."
  - Source: [https://smithers.civicweb.net/document/256595/, s. 3.1, 3.2 and adoption](https://smithers.civicweb.net/document/256595/)
  - Official wording: "Remove Section 6.2 Mobile Vendor & Mobile Restaurant from Section 6" … "ADOPTED THIS 11th DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2025."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

The Town of Smithers requires a business licence for anyone conducting business within the Town boundaries, under [Business License Bylaw No. 1850](<https://www.smithers.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/BL%201850%20BUSINESS%20LICENSE%20%28Consolidation%20January%203%202025%29.pdf>). That includes out-of-town businesses operating in Town, seasonal businesses and home-based businesses. Non-profits need a licence but pay no fee. Religious organizations, registered charities and local service clubs raising funds for local projects, and distributors registered under the Consumer Protection Act, do not need one.

Fees are in Schedule J of the [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2003](https://smithers.civicweb.net/document/278063/). Late-year starts are prorated monthly (minimum 3 months or 25% of the fee). A transfer to new premises or a new owner is $50, and an extra licence for an auxiliary business is $55. A new application is also needed for a change in ownership, location or address, or for a business with several locations. No licence fee is refunded.

## Steps

1. Check your zoning first (see the zoning-lookup answer).
2. Submit a completed Business License Application with any supporting documents. The Town may arrange a licence inspection. The licence is issued when the premises meet building, zoning, health and safety, sanitation and business bylaws.
3. Pay once approved.
4. Renew each year. A licence runs January 1 to December 31, and the Town sends a renewal invoice unless you cancel in writing.

## Good to know

- Late fees: 10% after 60 days of the invoice, a further 20% at 90 days, and at 120 days the matter goes to Provincial Court with a further 30% added.
- Other approvals may be needed, such as Northern Health, the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch, a sign permit or a building permit.
- The pages we read do not say whether applications are taken online, by email or only in person. Call 250-847-1600.
- Older Town pages and Bylaw 1850 show $160 to $1,000. Bylaw 2003 and the September 2026 fee guide show $165 to $1,030, which are used here.
- Smithers has no inter-community licence. The Bulkley Valley mobile food vendor program shares safety inspection decals only; each community's own licence is still required.
- Bylaw notice: the Penalty amount is $300 for carrying on business without a licence and $100 for failing to display the licence. Check the amount on your notice. In court, the fine is up to $5,000 plus costs, and each day is a separate offence.

## Official forms and pages

- [Business Licensing, Town of Smithers](https://www.smithers.ca/business-building/licences-permits-signage/business-licensing)
- [5 Steps to a Business License (PDF)](https://www.smithers.ca/sites/default/files/2026-01/5%20Steps%20to%20a%20Business%20License%20Dec%202025-DC%20Jan%209%2C%202026.pdf)
- [Business License Bylaw No. 1850 (PDF)](https://www.smithers.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/BL%201850%20BUSINESS%20LICENSE%20%28Consolidation%20January%203%202025%29.pdf)

## Related questions

- [Smithers home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/home-based-business.md)
- [Smithers short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/short-term-rental.md)
- [Smithers zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/zoning-lookup.md)
- [Smithers building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/building-permit.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Business licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/business-licence.md)
- [Telkwa](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/business-licence.md)
- [Houston](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/business-licence.md)
- [New Hazelton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/business-licence.md)
- [Granisle](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/business-licence.md)
- [Terrace](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/terrace/business-licence.md)
- [Kitimat](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kitimat/business-licence.md)

## Sources

- [Business Licensing, Town of Smithers](https://www.smithers.ca/business-building/licences-permits-signage/business-licensing) (read 2026-11-06)
- [5 Steps to a Business License (PDF), Town of Smithers](https://www.smithers.ca/sites/default/files/2026-01/5%20Steps%20to%20a%20Business%20License%20Dec%202025-DC%20Jan%209%2C%202026.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Business License Bylaw No. 1850 (consolidated January 3, 2025) (PDF), Town of Smithers](https://www.smithers.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/BL%201850%20BUSINESS%20LICENSE%20%28Consolidation%20January%203%202025%29.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2003, Schedule J, Town of Smithers](https://smithers.civicweb.net/document/278063/) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Application, Permit and Licence Fees guide (PDF), Town of Smithers](https://www.smithers.ca/sites/default/files/2026-10/GUIDE%20-%20Development%20Services%20Fees.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2011, Town of Smithers](https://smithers.civicweb.net/document/290948/) (read 2026-11-06)
- [https://www.smithers.ca/sites/default/files/2024-02/GUIDE%20-%20Business%20Licenses.pdf](https://www.smithers.ca/sites/default/files/2024-02/GUIDE%20-%20Business%20Licenses.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [https://smithers.civicweb.net/document/256595/](https://smithers.civicweb.net/document/256595/) (read 2026-11-06)

_Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 7 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Town of Smithers. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/business-licence/_