Terrace business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply
Do I need a business licence in Terrace, and how do I get one?
Short answer
Yes. Anyone carrying on a business in the City of Terrace needs a City business licence: commercial, home-based and mobile businesses, and businesses based elsewhere that serve customers in the city. Apply online through the City's Business Licences page. Licences run January 1 to December 31.
Key facts
| Who needs one | Anyone carrying on a business in the City: commercial, home-based and mobile businesses, and businesses based elsewhere that provide services or deliver goods within City limits.Business Licence Consolidated Bylaw 2112-2016, s. 2.1; Business Licences, Who Needs a Business Licence? · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingNo person shall carry on a business within the City unless the person is the holder of a valid and subsisting business licenced issued under this Bylaw by All commercial, home-based and/or mobile businesses operating in the City of Terrace require a valid business licence. This includes anyone operating within City limits as well as businesses based elsewhere and providing services and/or delivering goods within City limits. |
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| Fee | Set by business class in Schedule A. Common amounts: $79 a year for 1 to 2 people regularly engaged (Table 1), $105 for 3 to 5 people, $68 for a home-based business. Fees are not refundable; half fee if first liable after July 31.Business Licence Consolidated Bylaw 2112-2016, Schedule A; s. 5.3, 5.4; Business Licences, Licence Fast Facts · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wording1 to 2 people $79.00 3 to 5 people $105.00 A fee of $68.00 for each classification of business that is classified as a home No business licence fee or part thereof paid hereunder shall be refundable. business licence fee shall be reduced by one half for a person who becomes liable to be licenced after July 31 in any year. Cost depends on type of business and start at $68 |
| How to apply | Apply online using the links on the City Business Licences page (new business, short term, renewals, fireworks retailers); the Licence Inspector grants or refuses the licence. Personal service businesses (hair salons, tattoo parlours, massage and similar) need Environmental Health Officer approval first. Home-based businesses must follow the Zoning Bylaw.Business Licences, Apply for a Licence Online; Additional Business Requirements; Business Licence Consolidated Bylaw 2112-2016, s. 4.1, 4.2, 14.1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingApply for a Licence Online must receive approval by an Environmental Health Officer prior to a City of Terrace business licence being issued. An application for the issuance, transfer or amendment of a business licence shall be made to the Licence Inspector. must conduct their business in accordance with the Home Occupation |
| Renewal | Licences run January 1 to December 31 and must be renewed every year. Renewal fees are due on the first business day of January; a new application pays at application. No new form is needed to renew if nothing has changed and the fee is paid.Business Licence Consolidated Bylaw 2112-2016, s. 5.2, 5.8, 6.1, 6.2; Business Licences, Licence Fast Facts · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingExcept as hereinafter provided, business licences shall be granted for a one year period to commence the first day of January and to terminate the 31st day of December in each and every year. Business licence fees shall be due and payable on the first business day in January in each calendar year except for a new application for a business licence, which will be paid upon application. Unless requested by the Licence Inspector, an application form is not required Valid from January 1 to December 31 Must be renewed annually |
| Inter-community licence | Not confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read. |
| Fine | Municipal ticket: $500 for operating without a business licence. The bylaw also sets a court fine of $100 to $10,000 plus costs. Obstructing the Licence Inspector is $3,000.Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw No. 1827-2005, Schedule 5 (Business Licence Bylaw); Business Licence Consolidated Bylaw 2112-2016, s. 27.3, 27.6; Business Licences, Licence Fast Facts · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingOperating without a business licence ............................2.1 $500.00 Obstruct Licence Inspector ..............................................27.1 $3000.00 Any person who carries on a business for which a business licence is required shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) and not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) and the cost Businesses without a valid licence can be fined or shut down |
| Bylaw | Business Licence Bylaw No. 2112-2016 (consolidated with Bylaws 2129-2017, 2135-2017, 2204-2020 and 2267-2022)Business Licence Consolidated Bylaw 2112-2016, Title page, s. 40.1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingBYLAW NO. 2112-2016/ 2129-2017/ 2135-2017/ 2204-2020/ 2267-2022 Licence Bylaw No. 2112 - 2016. |
How it works
Business Licence Bylaw 2112-2016 requires a licence for anyone carrying on a business, meaning a commercial or industrial undertaking or providing services for gain or profit (government activities excluded). The Licence Inspector grants or refuses the licence. Many classes use floor area (for example, $79 up to 25 m², plus $5 for each extra 25 m²) or a fixed rate.
Steps
- Check your zoning. Home-based businesses must follow the Zoning Bylaw.
- Apply online using the links on the City's Business Licences page (new business, short term, renewals, fireworks retailers).
- Pay when you apply. Renewal fees are due on the first business day of January each year; no new form is needed if nothing has changed and the fee is paid.
Good to know
- Personal service businesses (hair salons, tattoo parlours, massage and similar) need Environmental Health Officer approval before a licence is issued.
- Fees are not refundable. Transfer to new premises is $50; transfer to another person is $25.
- Operating without a licence: a municipal ticket is $500. The bylaw also sets a court fine of $100 to $10,000 plus costs. Obstructing the Licence Inspector is $3,000.
- Short-term rental hosts must also register with the Province.
- Questions: the clerk at 250-615-4000 or mwaite@terrace.ca.
Official forms and pages
The same question in other places
Kitimat · New Hazelton · Smithers · Telkwa · Port Edward · Prince Rupert
Business licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality →
Sources
- Business Licences, City of Terrace (read 2026-11-05)
- Business Licence Consolidated Bylaw 2112-2016 (PDF), City of Terrace (read 2026-11-05)
- Building Permits & Business Licences, City of Terrace (read 2026-11-05)
- Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw No. 1827-2005 (PDF), City of Terrace (read 2026-11-05)
Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 7 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed. How answers are checked.