Business licences

All businesses located and operating in Electoral Areas of the Central Okanagan are required to have an RDCO business licence. Electoral areas in our region are: Central Okanagan Electoral Area East and Central Okanagan Electoral Area West.

See Business Licensing and Regulation | Bylaw No. 1555 for detailed information on operating a business in Electoral Areas.

For businesses within other jurisdictions – City of Kelowna, City of West Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland and Westbank First Nation – please contact their office for information on business licences.

Business licences must be renewed annually and are subject to a $30 late payment penalty if not paid by December 31 of the year. If there are any changes to the name, address, ownership or if your business ceases operation, please contact our office.

The processing time for a new business licence is approximately six to eight weeks but may vary depending on the application complexity.

• Online application: The most convenient way to apply is online. Log in or create an account on our online system. Click the business licence button, then select the tab for a new business application. Fill in the required information and submit. Once your application is processed, we will contact you for payment.
• Email application: Complete the business licence application form and email to business licences. Once your application is processed, we will contact you for payment.
• In-person application: Visit the RDCO office located at 1450 KLO Road.

Business licence fees

See Business Licensing and Regulation | Bylaw No. 1555 for Schedule A: Business licence fees.

Fees for 2026:

Administrative fees and charges:

• Standard business licence application fee: $50
• Cannabis production facility business licence application fee: $1,000
• Transfer/change fee: $30
• Late penalty fee: $30 

Annual business licence fees:

• Standard business licence: $115
• Cannabis production facility business licence: $510

Short Term Rentals

The RDCO has proposed a new regulatory framework for Short Term Rentals (STRs) in Central Okanagan Electoral Areas. These updates modernize the provisions, improve consistency across the region and strengthen community safety, clarity and accountability. Learn more about the public engagement that helped inform these changes.

The proposal is for STRs to be allowed in a full house, a room in a house, or a legal secondary suite within residential zones. They are also allowed in a tourist cabin within commercial tourism zones. Only one licensed STR per property. STRs are limited to a maximum of four bedrooms and up to eight guests per night. Maximum one booking per unit at a time.

The STR operator guidebook is your best resource to get started on a STR business licence application before the approval of this regulatory framework is finalized.

Proposed licence requirements:

• Dedicated parking spot (one minimum).
• Designated representative, able to respond to complaints within two hours.
• RDCO‑issued sign affixed to your civic address sign, clearly visible from a public roadway, including contact information for the representative.

Application steps:

The processing time for a new business licence is approximately six to eight weeks but may vary depending on the application complexity.

1. Prepare application documents
   1. Owners authorization form (if needed)
   2. Fire safety plan
   3. Site plan, including parking plan
   4. STR business licence application form
2. Submit application
   1. Apply for a new business licence online, or submit application documents by email or in-person.
   2. Receive invoice and pay one-time application fee ($200).
3. Staff review for bylaw compliance
   1. Applicant will be notified to move to next step.
4. Book and pass RDCO safety inspection
   1. Ensures compliance with the BC Building Code, BC Fire Code and RDCO bylaws.
   2. Receive invoice and pay annual business licence fee ($400).
5. Receive STR business licence from RDCO
   1. RDCO-issued sign will be provided by mail or available for pick-up.
   2. Sign must be affixed to your civic address sign, clearly visible from a public roadway.
6. Register with the Province of BC
   1. See the Province’s Short-term rental registration webpage to register.

Inter-community business licence program

If you operate a business within Central Okanagan Electoral Areas and operate in one or more of the participating areas, you can purchase an inter-community business licence. This eliminates the requirement to purchase licences for every municipality you work in.

See Inter-Community Business License | Bylaw No. 1261 for detailed information on operating a business in multiple communities.

You must obtain a business licence from the municipality or regional district where your business is located first, then purchase an inter-community business licence through that organization.

An inter-community business licence does not exempt you from complying with any special requirements unique to the participating municipalities.

The fee for an Inter-Community Business Licence is $150.

Relevant Bylaws

• Business Licensing and Regulation | Bylaw No. 1555
• Inter-Community Business License | Bylaw No. 1261
• Joe Rich Rural Land Use | Bylaw No. 1195
• Zoning | Bylaw No. 871