Business licenses
All businesses located and operating in the Central Okanagan Electoral Areas are required to have an RDCO business license. Our electoral areas are as follows:
- Central Okanagan West Electoral Area)
- Central Okanagan East Electoral Area
For properties within municipality boundaries (City of Kelowna, City of West Kelowna, District of Peachland and District of Lake Country), please contact the relevant municipality for information on how to apply for a business license.
To submit an RDCO business license application you will need the following:
- Business license application form
- Owners Authorization (if applicable)
- License fees are due once the application has been received. We will contact you for payment.
The processing time for a new business license is approximately 4-8 weeks but may vary due to the complexity of applications. Business licenses must be renewed annually and are subject to a $25 late payment penalty if not paid by December 31 of the year. It is your responsibility to notify us, if your business ceases operation to cancel your business license. Any name, address or ownership changes may also be made by contacting us.
View 2024 Business Licenses issued.
|
Apply for a Business License |
Online business licence application
Please Note: Due to a high volume of applications and inquiries, processing time is currently 4-8 weeks. |
|
Short Term Occupancy Accommodation |
|
Business licenses are required for short-term occupancy accommodations, where the use is explicitly permitted by the RDCO Zoning Bylaw #871 or Joe Rich Rural Land Use Bylaw #1195.
STOA business license applications require a completed self-evaluation attestation and a copy of the posted fire safety plan. RDCO Inspection Services and/or Fire Services may also require a site inspection for safety compliance.
Short-term Accommodation Uses bulletin Self-Evaluation Safety Audit Attestation Fire Safety Evacuation Plan - Example
|
|
Bed and Breakfast Accommodation |
|
A business license is required from any person operating a bed and breakfast. Fire & Safety Inspections are required For your reference please find links to the GIS mapping and planning and land use to confirm a bed and breakfast accommodation is a permitted use on the subject property and to review the appropriate regulations. |
|
Business License Fees |
|
Please note: Business License Fees updated Sept 27, 2024 Reference the Licensing and Regulations of Business Bylaw No. 1555 for Schedule A: Business License Fees Year 2024 Standard Business License: $85 Short-Term Occupancy Accommodation Business License: $85 Cannabis Production Facility Business License: $85 Inter-Community License: $150 (Municipal required) Transfer/Change Fee: $25 Late Penalty Fee: $25 Year 2025: Administrative Fees and Charges: Standard Business License Application: $50 Short-Term Occupancy Accommodations Business License Application: $100 Cannabis Production Facility Business License: $1,000 Transfer/Change Fee: $30 Late Penalty Fee: $30 Annual Business License Fees: Standard Business License: $110 Short-Term Occupancy Accommodation Business License: $260 Cannabis Production Facility Business License: $500 |
|
Inter-Community Business License program |
|
If you operate a business within the Central Okanagan East and/or Central Okanagan West Electoral Areas and also operate in one or more of the participating areas, you may wish to purchase an Inter-Community Business License. If so, you must have a RDCO Municipal business license first before purchasing an Inter-Community Business License, covering most communities in the Okanagan-Similkameen corridor. Participating municipalities:
An Inter-Community Business License means a business license authorizes business to be carried on within the boundaries of any or all of the participating municipalities listed above in accordance with this bylaw. If your business falls within the definition of an inter-community business you have the opportunity to apply for an inter-community business license. This however, does not exempt you from complying with any special requirements unique to the participating municipalities. You are also required to first obtain a business license in the jurisdiction where your business premise is located. For example, if you are a contractor and run your business from your home in the Regional District of Central Okanagan, you will need a municipal business license as it is considered a home-based business. You may then also purchase an inter-community business license to work in any of the participating municipalities. This eliminates the requirement to purchase licenses for every municipality you work in. The fee for an Inter-Community Business License is $150 and shall be retained by the Participating Municipality that issues the License. |
|
Bylaws |
|
Licensing and Regulation of Business Bylaw No. 1555
Inter-Community Business License Bylaw No. 1261 |