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Nanaimo business licences and inter-community options
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Nanaimo businesses need the applicable City licence and location approvals. Check zoning before signing a lease, and consider an inter-community licence only if your business meets its rules.
Key information
Nanaimo businesses need the applicable City licence and location approvals. Check zoning before signing a lease, and consider an inter-community licence only if your business meets its rules.
On this page
Choose the correct application
The City includes businesses, non-profits, short-term rentals and special events in its licence guidance, with some exceptions. Non-resident businesses coming to work in Nanaimo need a City licence or an approved inter-community licence from a participating municipality.
Application types include general business, care centre, commercial property rental, mobile food vending, short-term rental and temporary or special event. General and short-term rental forms have online versions; other linked forms can be printed and submitted by email, mail or counter.
Sources: Official Nanaimo business licences and inter-community options information
Location and approvals before opening
Before buying or leasing commercial or industrial property, ask Planning and Development whether the proposed use is allowed. A different use can need a building permit or rezoning. A former occupant’s activity is not proof yours is approved.
Depending on the operation, review may involve zoning, Building Code, Fire Code, police, health, parks or provincial approvals. Pay the fee before the City issues the licence.
Sources: Official Nanaimo business licences and inter-community options information
Fees, renewal and multiple communities
Licences expire December 31 of the issue year. Fees vary by business type and are usually prorated in the first year based on start date, with bylaw exceptions. Fees are normally non-refundable unless the application cannot be accepted or processed.
A business with its primary fixed location in Nanaimo serving two or more Vancouver Island communities may buy an inter-community licence for an extra $170 annually. It does not replace checking participating communities and eligible business rules. Contact 250-755-4482 or business.licence@nanaimo.ca.
Sources: Official Nanaimo business licences and inter-community options information
Quick reference
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Expiry | December 31 |
| General first-year fee | Usually prorated; bylaw exceptions apply |
| Issue condition | Payment and required approvals complete |
| Inter-community extra fee | $170 annually |
| Inter-community base | Primary fixed location in Nanaimo |
| Licensing contact | 250-755-4482 |
Sources: Official Nanaimo business licences and inter-community options information
Steps to follow
- Check premises
Ask about the intended use before buying or signing.
- Apply
Choose the activity-specific form and complete outside approvals.
- Pay and maintain
Pay before issue and renew for the next calendar year.
Sources: Official Nanaimo business licences and inter-community options information
Questions and answers
Do non-resident businesses need permission to work in Nanaimo?
Yes, a City licence or an approved participating inter-community licence.
Source: Official Nanaimo business licences and inter-community options information
Should I check zoning before signing a lease?
Yes. Planning and Development must confirm the intended use.
Source: Official Nanaimo business licences and inter-community options information
Can a change of use require a building permit or rezoning?
Yes.
Source: Official Nanaimo business licences and inter-community options information
Are general applications available online?
Yes, as are short-term rental applications.
Source: Official Nanaimo business licences and inter-community options information
When does a licence expire?
December 31 of the issue year.
Source: Official Nanaimo business licences and inter-community options information
Is the first-year fee always the full annual amount?
Usually it is prorated, but bylaw exceptions apply.
Source: Official Nanaimo business licences and inter-community options information
Must I pay before the licence is issued?
Yes.
Source: Official Nanaimo business licences and inter-community options information
What is the extra inter-community fee?
$170 annually.
Source: Official Nanaimo business licences and inter-community options information
Who may qualify for the Nanaimo inter-community option?
A business with its primary fixed Nanaimo location serving two or more Vancouver Island communities, subject to program rules.
Source: Official Nanaimo business licences and inter-community options information
Who can clarify licensing requirements?
Call 250-755-4482 or email business.licence@nanaimo.ca.
Source: Official Nanaimo business licences and inter-community options information