City of ottawa business license

Client Service Centres In person This service is available by appointment only. Register a new business. West in Ottawa. For other locations offering Business registration services, check the Service Location Finder. How do I close my business? Other questions? Call TTY: Businesses that require a municipal licence. Client Services Centres. Agency letter of approval. Building Code When requesting Ontario Building Code link is external approval from Building Services Branch, applicants must provide a floor plan seating plan indicating tables and chairs, washrooms, exits, etc.

Building Services Branch Fee Schedule For information on the zoning designation of the location, please contact the Development Information Officer for your area by calling Fire Prevention Prior to Fire Prevention conducting the inspection, the premises must be ready to open with chairs, tables, etc.

Health When requesting Health Protection and Promotion Act approval from Ottawa Public Health, applicants should contact their Public Health Inspector either directly or by calling , to arrange for an inspection.

Licensing Your business may require a Business Licence. Benefits of BizPaL Finding out which government requirements apply to a certain business type can be time consuming and frustrating.

Contact us if you cannot find a suitable category. Mandatory questions: ALL questions must be answered before continuing to the next step. Asterisk: An asterisk beside a permit or licence name indicates that you must contact the issuing organization and provide more information to determine if you need this permit or licence.

Results page: After you answer all questions and obtain your results page, you can begin to contact the issuing organizations to proceed with acquiring your permits and licences. Key troubleshooting tips: Scrolling: Some browsers may experience navigational issues. To ensure you review all required information, please scroll to the top of each page. Hyperlinks: Some hyperlinks do not display due to technical limitations.

Please copy and paste each link into a new browser window. Apply for a business licence. What permits or licences do I need? Business licence application form Complete and print this general licence application form [ PDF — KB ] Businesses that require a municipal licence More information on various licences and permits issued by the City of Ottawa. Go to a Client Service Centre or Business Licensing Centre where applicable to submit the completed form and fees How long must I wait before my licence is issued?

Will I have to renew my licence each year? For more information contact: Call ext. Adult entertainment store license. Permit requirements Application form PDF opens in a new tab or window the applicant is 18 years of age the premises complies with zoning, building code, fire code and property standards requirements Proof of ownership or lease Articles of incorporation if incorporated Name of company number or name inc.

Adult entertainment parlour owner and operator license. Permit requirements Application form PDF opens in a new tab or window The applicant is 18 years of age and if an operator has provided photographs The applicant has provided the original documents from the issuing agency outlining the results of investigations related to the applicant for a Police Records Check for the Service with the Vulnerable Sector, dated less than 30 days prior to the date of the application for a license The owner provides a floor plan and the building complies with restricted location, zoning, building code, public health, fire code and property standards requirements Proof of ownership or lease Articles of incorporation if incorporated Name of company number or name inc.

The licences are non-transferable This information is provided for reference only please refer to the Business Licensing By-law for the legal requirements Who to contact Business Licensing Centre — ext. All night dance event license. Date of incorporation Signature This information is provided for reference only please refer to the Business Licensing By-law for the legal requirements Who to contact Business Licensing Centre — ext.

Amusement place license. Approximate timeline 3 weeks Timelines are approximate and may be longer due to unforeseen circumstances. Proof must be a valid certificate not a quotation, binder or renewal slip. If applicable to the licensed activity, such insurance shall be endorsed to include Liquor License Act Liability or Host Liquor Liability insurance.

Proof of ownership or lease Articles of incorporation if incorporated Name of company number or name inc. Auctioneer license. Approximate timeline Usually issued on intake Timelines are approximate and may be longer due to unforeseen circumstances. Permit requirements Application form PDF opens in a new tab or window The applicant is 18 years of age and is the auctioneer Articles of incorporation if incorporated Name of company number or name inc. Body-rub parlour license.

Date of incorporation Signature the licences are non-transferable This information is provided for reference only please refer to the Business Licensing By-law for the legal requirements Who to contact Business Licensing Centre — ext.

Driving school: operator, instructor and vehicle licenses. Review insurance checklist, driving school or driving school instructor , for required information Who to contact Business Licensing Centre — ext.

Exhibition license. Proof must be a valid certificate, not a quotation, binder or renewal slip. Exotic animal entertainment event and exotic animal rescue establishment licenses.

Permit requirements Application form PDF opens in a new tab or window Floor Plan proof of ownership or lease Articles of Incorporation if incorporated Name of company number or name inc. Review insurance checklist exotic animal entertainment event or exotic animal rescue establishment for required information. Flea market license. Proof must be a valid certificate not a quotation, binder or renewal slip Proof of ownership, lease or written permission from property owner Articles of incorporation if incorporated Name of company number or name inc.

Food premises license. Date of incorporation Signature Are you looking to build a patio for your food establishment? The following is an example of the approximate costs, time and requirements for the specific licence.

Each of the three agency letters of approval requires an inspection. The following is an example of the approximate costs, time and requirements for the specific license. The purpose of the Ambassador Service is to improve the overall experience for business entrepreneurs who seek services from the City when starting to plan and operate their new business.

Entrepreneurs will be provided with:. This service will address the following deliverables identified to Council on November 06, They can be reached at bio1stop ottawa. Entrepreneurs can start the process and benefit from this service by booking an appointment online with the BIO. You can contact the BIO by booking an appointment. If one of the five client service centres does not work for the entrepreneur, the BIO can meet with you at an alternate public facility.

Please contact bio1stop ottawa. This site uses JavaScript. Please enable JavaScript in your Browser and reload the page to view the full site. Home Business Get help starting or growing your business Business ambassador Business ambassador. Business Ambassador Service for Food Establishments. Specifically, the BIO can help you: Apply for applicable licences and permits and follow up as required Outline estimated time and costs Create a personalized roadmap for your new food establishment Connect you with the proper City departments throughout the process If you are starting a mobile refreshment vehicle, cart or stand, an information package is available, email bio1stop ottawa.

Want to meet with the BIO? How to Start a Food Establishment. Zoning When starting a new business, it is important to consider the zoning land use designation of your potential business start-up location. Date of incorporation Signature This information is provided for reference only please refer to the Business Licensing By-law for the legal requirements Who to contact Business Licensing Centre — ext. Amusement place license.

Approximate timeline 3 weeks Timelines are approximate and may be longer due to unforeseen circumstances. Proof must be a valid certificate not a quotation, binder or renewal slip. If applicable to the licensed activity, such insurance shall be endorsed to include Liquor License Act Liability or Host Liquor Liability insurance.

Proof of ownership or lease Articles of incorporation if incorporated Name of company number or name inc. Auctioneer license. Approximate timeline Usually issued on intake Timelines are approximate and may be longer due to unforeseen circumstances. Permit requirements Application form PDF opens in a new tab or window The applicant is 18 years of age and is the auctioneer Articles of incorporation if incorporated Name of company number or name inc.

Body-rub parlour license. Date of incorporation Signature the licences are non-transferable This information is provided for reference only please refer to the Business Licensing By-law for the legal requirements Who to contact Business Licensing Centre — ext.

Driving school: operator, instructor and vehicle licenses. Review insurance checklist, driving school or driving school instructor , for required information Who to contact Business Licensing Centre — ext. Exhibition license. Proof must be a valid certificate, not a quotation, binder or renewal slip. Exotic animal entertainment event and exotic animal rescue establishment licenses. Permit requirements Application form PDF opens in a new tab or window Floor Plan proof of ownership or lease Articles of Incorporation if incorporated Name of company number or name inc.

Review insurance checklist exotic animal entertainment event or exotic animal rescue establishment for required information.

Flea market license. Proof must be a valid certificate not a quotation, binder or renewal slip Proof of ownership, lease or written permission from property owner Articles of incorporation if incorporated Name of company number or name inc.

Food premises license. Date of incorporation Signature Are you looking to build a patio for your food establishment? Who to contact The Business Information Officer by email bio1stop ottawa. For all other information, please call ext.

Itinerant seller license. Who to contact Business Licensing Centre. Kennel license: boarding, in-home breeding and recreational categories. Limousine Service Licensing. Operator licenses expire annually on August Vehicle licences expire annually on August This fee does not apply to auxiliary service vehicles. The expiry date will be indicated on the certificate.

Please refer to the Business Licensing By-law for the legal requirements Private Property Written authorization from the property owner granting permission to use the property for the purpose applied for City roads and sidewalks Valid Designated Space Permit in accordance with Designated Space By-law Special Event s Written confirmation from event organizer, application form and required documentation along with payment must be submitted to By-law and Regulatory Services prior to the start of the event.

Other Application form the applicant is 18 years of age and is the operator of business the location or premises where the business will operate complies with zoning, building code, fire code and property standards requirements for the specific activities identified by the applicant if the operator does not own the property or premises where the business will operate they have written authorization from the owner for its operation full details of the vehicle, cart or stand to be used, including make, model, style and dimensions, equipment and the provision of photos certificate of inspection by the Technical Standards and Safety Association TSSA as required the vehicle, cart or stand complies with the fire code and has been approved by Ottawa Public Health The business has Commercial General Liability insurance Value varies by type of permit request.

Who to contact Business Information Officer - or email bio1stop ottawa. Payday loan establishment license. Approximate timeline for application review 3 weeks Timelines are approximate and may be longer due to unforeseen circumstances. Pet shop license. A pet shop license is required for a business that sells animals for use as pets.

Private parking enforcement agency license. Public garage license. Rickshaw owner and operator licenses. Rooming house license. The license expires annually on April Date of incorporation Signature the applicant has provided the name and telephone number of the agent or superintendent for the rooming house Who to contact Business Licensing Centre — ext.

Salvage yard license. Second hand goods shop license. A second hand goods shop license is required for businesses offering used goods for sale. Permit requirements Application form PDF opens in a new tab or window The applicant is 18 years of age The applicant is the owner of the business Business opening date is within four to six weeks of application date the premises comply with zoning, building code and property standards requirements Proof of ownership or lease Articles of incorporation if incorporated Name of company number or name inc.

Snow plow contractor and vehicle licenses. Review the insurance checklist for snow plow vehicle for required information. Who to contact Please visit a Client Service Centre or call ext.

Section 22 - Application for review of refusal to issue An applicant in receipt of a notice of refusal given pursuant to Section 21 may, within fourteen 14 days of having been served the notice, apply in writing for a review of the refusal to issue the license applied for by filing the request for a review with the Chief License Inspector, and the provisions of Sections 24 to 28 shall apply. Section 23 - Report for review of status of license The Chief License Inspector may report to the License Committee any breaches by the licensee of this by-law with a request to consider the status of the license.

Section 24 - Date of review hearing The Chief License Inspector, upon receipt of the application referred to in Section 22, or upon reporting to the License Committee as set out in Section 23, shall determine a date with the Committee Coordinator of the License Committee for the review hearing by the License Committee which shall be at least fourteen 14 days hence.

Section 25 - Notice of review hearing Upon determination of the review hearing date, the Chief License Inspector shall give notice in writing to the applicant or licensee, said notice to: include a statement, as to the time, date, place and purpose of the review hearing, and that, if the applicant does not attend the review hearing, the License Committee may proceed in the absence of the applicant or licensee and the applicant or licensee will not be entitled to any further notice, be served personally or by registered mail to the applicant or licensee at the address last on file with the Chief License Inspector, and where the good character, propriety of conduct or competence of a licensee is an issue, contain reasonable information of any allegations with respect thereto.

Section 26 - Hearing The License Committee shall hold the review hearing at the time, place and date set out in the notice referred to in Section The applicant or licensee may be represented at the review hearing by counsel, and the applicant or licensee or the counsel shall have the right to adduce evidence, submit argument in support of the application for a license or the status quo of the license and cross-examine witnesses adverse in interest. The City shall be represented at the review hearing by either the Chief License Inspector or the City Solicitor, who is entitled to adduce evidence and submit arguments in reply to evidence and argument on behalf of the applicant or licensee.

At the review hearing, the onus shall be upon the applicant or licensee to show cause why, the license applied for should be granted, the license should not be suspended or revoked , or conditions should not be imposed on the license.

All review hearings shall be public hearings unless the applicant or licensee requests that the hearing be held in camera and the License Committee may approve the request by a simple majority in accordance with the Statutory Powers Procedure Act, R. The License Committee's decision shall be final and binding. Section 27 - License committee decision The License Committee shall give its decision in writing to the Chief License Inspector within seven 7 days of the date of the completion of the review hearing.

Section 28 - Waiver of hearing Despite any of the provisions of this by-law, any proceedings may be disposed of by a decision of the License Committee given, without a hearing, or without compliance with any other requirements of the Statutory Powers Procedure Act, R. Section 29 - Implementation of license committee decision The Chief License Inspector shall notify the applicant or licensee of the decision by serving a copy personally or by registered mail to: the applicant or licensee at the address shown on the application, or last on file with the Chief License Inspector, or the counsel or agent of the applicant or licensee, if any, at the address as stated to the License Committee.

If the decision rendered is to grant the applicant the license applied for, the license shall be issued. If the decision is to suspend or revoke the license, the licensee shall within twenty-four 24 hours of service of notice by registered mail, or immediately if the notice is personally served, return the license to the Chief License Inspector, and the Chief License Inspector shall have access to any premises or other property of the licensee for the purpose of receiving or taking the same.

If the decision is to impose conditions on the license, the licensee shall within twenty-four 24 hours of service of notice by registered mail, or immediately if the notice is personally served, advise the Chief License Inspector as to his or her acceptance of the conditions. Notification of changes. Section 30 - Notification on happening of certain events Every licensee shall notify or cause to be notified the Chief License Inspector in writing within seven 7 days of the happening of the following events: any change in the licensee's address or telephone number, sale, transfer or termination of the business, retirement, in the situation where the licensee provided the name and address of his or her business affiliate or employer, any change in the named business affiliate or employer, or any change of address, telephone number or Ontario License Plate Number of a motor vehicle that is registered with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and any change of motor vehicle ownership and appropriate insurance endorsement.

In the case of the death of the licensee, the person administering the estate should notify or cause to be notified the Chief License Inspector in writing. General regulations. Section 31 - License availability Subject to subsection 3 , every person obtaining a license under this by-law shall carry the said license upon his or her person. Every licensee shall, when so requested by the Chief License Inspector, produce the license for inspection. Every person obtaining a license under this by-law where the same applies to premises shall ensure that his or her license is posted up in some prominent position on the premises, so as to visible to the public.

Section 32 - False or incorrect information No person shall give false or incorrect information for the purposes of obtaining a license. Section 33 - Subject to laws All licenses are subject to all applicable Acts, regulations and by-laws. Section 34 - Property of the city No person shall enjoy a vested right in the continuance of a license and upon the issue, cancellation or suspension thereof, the value of a license shall be the property of the City.

Every decal furnished pursuant to this by-law shall be and remain the property of the City and shall be returned to the City or removed whenever required to do so by the Chief License Inspector. Section 35 - Duty to comply Every person applying for or holding a license under this by-law shall, in such application or in carrying on or engaging in the business in respect of which the license is issued, observe, comply with and be governed by this by-law.

Section 36 - No discrimination No person licensed under this by-law shall, because of race, colour or creed, discriminate against any member of the public in the carrying on of the business in respect of which the license is issued.

Section 37 - Guide dogs No person licensed under this by-law shall refuse to permit a dog, while serving as a guide or leader for a blind person, to enter and remain on his or her premises or to enter and remain in his or her motor vehicle during the carrying on of the business in respect of which the license is issued. Section 38 - Employee acts Every licensee shall be responsible for the act or acts of any of his or her employees or any person associated with the licensee in the carrying on of any of the businesses authorized by his or her license in the same manner and to the same extent as though such act or acts were done by the licensee.

Section 39 - Conditional licenses Every licensee shall comply with every condition imposed upon the license. Every licensee who fails to comply with subsection 1 is guilty of an offence. Offences and penalties. Section 40 - Offences Every person who contravenes any of the provisions of this by-law is guilty of an offence and upon conviction is liable to a fine as provided for by the Provincial Offences Act , R.

Section 43 to 46 - License suspension or revocation Section 43 In addition to any other penalty, a license issued under the authority of this by-law may be suspended or revoked upon such grounds and in accordance with such procedural provisions as are set out in this by-law. Section 44 With respect to the temporary suspension of a license, summary suspensions may be for a minimum period of twenty-four 24 hours and for a maximum period of fourteen 14 days; if the violation has been corrected after the twenty-four 24 hour period, the license may be reinstated.