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Business licence applications and fees in Saanich
Saanich, British Columbia, Canada
Business licence applications and fees in Saanich. Apply for a Saanich business licence through MySaanich, then complete the required zoning and departmental reviews.
Key information
Apply for a Saanich business licence through MySaanich, then complete the required zoning and departmental reviews. There is no application charge; the licence fee is assessed after approvals. Fees depend on activity and the licence runs to December 31.
On this page
Key facts and next steps
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How do I start a new Saanich business licence application? | Create a MySaanich account and use the digital business-licence application. Apply to the municipality where you live or operate the business. The account also lets applicants view the application's status. |
| What happens if I am renovating the business space? | Building or plumbing permits and inspections may be needed. Contact Inspections at 250-475-5458. The business licence cannot be issued until the required final building approvals are complete. |
| What are the main published licence fees? | Home-based and non-resident licences are listed at $100. Commercial space under 5,000 square feet is $100 and over 5,000 is $200. Some categories differ; the full published category table is included below. |
Sources: Business Licences · Application Process · Fees What
Your next steps
- Check the location
Review zoning before leasing or committing to a business space.
- Apply in MySaanich
Create an account and use the digital business-licence application.
- Confirm the licence
There is no application fee, but the applicable licence fees are separate.
Sources: Business Licences · Application Process · Fees What
Start the right application
How do I start a new Saanich business licence application?
Create a MySaanich account and use the digital business-licence application. Apply to the municipality where you live or operate the business. The account also lets applicants view the application's status.
Source: Application Process
Is there a fee just to submit the application?
The district says there is no application fee. After required approvals, it assesses the business-licence fee according to the business category. Submission does not mean the licence has been issued.
Source: Application Process
Should I check zoning before leasing a space?
Yes. Planning checks whether the business activity is allowed at the commercial or residential property. The district recommends this check before buying or signing a lease; Planning is 250-475-5471.
Source: Application Process
Sources: Business Licences · Application Process · Fees What
Complete approvals and pay
What happens if I am renovating the business space?
Building or plumbing permits and inspections may be needed. Contact Inspections at 250-475-5458. The business licence cannot be issued until the required final building approvals are complete.
Source: Application Process
Which other reviews may be required?
A commercial space or home receiving clients may need Fire review. Food handling or child-care activities may need Island Health approval. The district routes applications to the required departments rather than applying every review to every business.
Source: Application Process
How long does the process take?
The source does not give one fixed completion time. It depends on meeting requirements and receiving final approvals, especially where renovations are involved. Keep required departments informed while the application is under review.
Source: Application Process
Sources: Business Licences · Application Process · Fees What
Renewals, changes and help
What are the main published licence fees?
Home-based and non-resident licences are listed at $100. Commercial space under 5,000 square feet is $100 and over 5,000 is $200. Some categories differ; the full published category table is included below.
Source: Fees What
Is there a reduced fee for a new business late in the year?
The fee page says new businesses applying after July 31 receive a 50% fee reduction. Licences run January 1 toDecember 31, are paid annually, cannot be transferred and have non-refundable fees.
Source: Fees What
How do I renew or change an existing account?
Renew before December 31 through the listed payment routes. The district asks changes to name, contact information, mailing address or closure to use the Business Licence Change Request Form rather than a new-business application.
Source: Application Process
Where can I get direct help?
Contact the Business Licence Division at 250-475-5401 or visit Municipal Hall, 770 Vernon Avenue. Online renewals can link the licence number to MySaanich and subscribe to electronic billing and reminders.
Source: Business Licences
Sources: Business Licences · Application Process · Fees What
Municipal Hall
Saanich Municipal Hall
770 Vernon Avenue, Saanich, British Columbia
Municipal counter and payment location named for this service. The mailing address uses Victoria, but the municipality is Saanich.
Sources: Business Licences
Published business licence fee categories
| Category | Published fee |
|---|---|
| Home-based | $100 |
| Home-based with intermunicipal | $100 |
| Home crafts | $50 |
| Temporary/Pocket Farm Market | $50 |
| Accessory produce sales | $0 |
| Mobile food vendor | $100 |
| Concession stand | $0 |
| Commercial under 5,000 sqft | $100 |
| Commercial over 5,000 sqft | $200 |
| Intermunicipal, commercial under 5,000 sqft | $200 |
| Intermunicipal, commercial over 5,000 sqft | $300 |
| Non-resident | $100 |
| Daily trade show | $25 per day |
Sources: Fees What
Apply, book or get help
Sources: Business Licences · Application Process · Fees What