Business Licenses

  • Did you know the District of Sooke processes over 850 business licenses each year?

Be sure to renew or apply for your business license every year!

All businesses in Sooke require a current license to operate. This requirement applies to home-based businesses, commercial and industrial operations and owners of apartment rental properties.

Business Licensing is mandated to promote safe and legitimate business premises and operations within the District of Sooke. Staff provide initial advice for new businesses, process business license applications within the context of the District’s regulatory requirements and maintain an up-to-date database on existing businesses.

Online payment is available using our online payment portal. To renew online:

  1. Go to our online payment portal.
  2. Enter your account number and access code found at the top of the BUSINESS RENEWAL notice. Select “search.”
    • Note: Businesses should receive renewal notices in the mail by November 30th each year.
  3. Choose your business and use your credit card to process payment.

Do you want to know if the contractor you hired has a valid business license?

Call the municipal office and our friendly staff will advise if the business is currently licensed, or view a list of current Business License holders here: Active Business Licenses as of December 2022. Please note: this listing is provided for reference purposes only and is not updated consistently. Please contact the Business License Inspector at the District of Sooke municipal hall if you have any inquiries regarding this listing.

Types of Business Licenses

The fee structure in the District of Sooke is based on the type of business. For certain types of businesses, the rate is further determined by additional criteria, such as the premise size. To determine the correct fee for your business, contact the municipal hall. Fees are payable when the business license application is submitted to the District of Sooke. A Building and/or Fire Inspector may visit your place of business.

The District of Sooke can issue the following License Types, depending on the municipalities in which you work.

Intermunicipal Business Licenses are valid in these municipalities:

City of Colwood City of Langford City of Victoria
District of Central Saanich District of North Saanich District of Oak Bay
District of Saanich Township of Esquimalt District of Metchosin
District of Sooke District of the Highlands Town of Sidney
Town of View Royal

The following municipalities participate in the Inter-Community Business Licence Agreement.

City of Duncan Town of Ladysmith Town of Lake Cowichan
Municipality of North Cowichan City of Courtenay Town of Comox
City of Campbell River City of Port Alberni Town of Qualicum Beach
Village of Cumberland City of Nanaimo City of Parksville
City of Colwood City of Victoria District of Central Saanich
District of North Saanich District of Saanich Township of Esquimalt
District of Sooke Town of View Royal

Starting a New Business

For information on the process of starting a new business, expanding or moving a business please visit the BC Business Registry.

How to Obtain a Business License in the District of Sooke

Starting a business in the District of Sooke involves a few important steps to ensure compliance with local regulations and contribute to the growth and vibrancy of our community. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

Step 1: Check Zoning Requirements

The first step in obtaining a business license is to verify that your type of business is permitted in the location you desire. This is important because different areas within Sooke are designated for specific types of businesses to ensure a balanced and organized development of our community.

Why are businesses limited to particular zones?

Zoning regulations are in place to maintain the character and functionality of different areas within Sooke. By directing specific types of businesses to appropriate zones, we aim to:

  • Encourage economic growth: Strategic zoning supports the development of a vibrant local economy by clustering compatible businesses together, making them more accessible to residents and visitors.
  • Preserve community character: Zoning helps protect the tranquility of residential areas.
  • Ensure sustainability: Proper zoning helps manage resources and infrastructure efficiently, promoting sustainable development.

How to Check Zoning

  1. Consult the Zoning Map:  Review the zoning map (select “zoning layer” from the layer list to the map) and zoning bylaw to determine if your proposed business location is zoned for your type of business.
  2. Contact Planning Services: If you’re unsure about the zoning requirements or need assistance, please email planning@sooke.ca for support.

Step 2: Proceed or Set Up a Pre-Application Meeting

  • If your business is permitted: Great! You can proceed to the next steps in the business license application process.
  • If your business is not permitted: Email planning@sooke.ca to set up a pre-application meeting. Our planning team will provide guidance on possible next steps, which may include exploring alternative locations or adjusting your business plan to fit within the zoning requirements.

Specific Guidelines for Certain Business Types

Food Trucks

  • Self-Contained Units: Food trucks are not permitted to connect to our wastewater system and must be independent, self-contained units.
  • Grease Disposal: Disposal of grease must be handled by independent refuse removal companies.
  • Health and Safety Regulations: Structures must meet BC Building Codes, and other health and safety regulations may apply, such as requirements through Island Health for food premises. For more details, see Island Health’s Opening a Food Service Establishment brochure.

Restaurants

  • Wastewater Connection: Restaurants connecting to the municipal wastewater system must install a grease interceptor to protect the system. Failure to do so can result in fines to cover the cost of repairs, which can be expensive (tens of thousands of dollars).
  • Health and Safety Regulations: Structures must meet BC Building Codes, and other health and safety regulations may apply, such as requirements through Island Health for food premises. For more details, see Island Health’s Opening a Food Service Establishment brochure and Food Services information from the CRD.

Home-Based Businesses

Home-based businesses are subject to specific zoning regulations to ensure they do not disrupt the residential character of neighbourhoods. These businesses must also comply with all relevant health, safety, and building codes. Additionally, most home-based businesses are required to have at least one designated on-site parking spot for clients, where applicable to the business type.

Fire Code Requirements

Fire code requirements can vary depending on the type of business. These regulations are in place to support your health and safety, and that of your customers. Meeting these requirements is often necessary for obtaining insurance to protect you and your business.

Step 3: Apply for a Business License

Apply for your license:

Note:

  • A floor plan of the space utilized for business purposes will be required at the time of application submission.
  • If you do not own the property where your business is located, you will be required to have the owner complete an Business-Licensing-Owners-Authorization-Form, found here.

Related Paperwork:

Depending on the type of business, there are a number of supporting documents that are required when submitting a Business License application, including:

  • Professional certificates (if applicable)
  • Proof of incorporation and Notice of Articles (if applicable)
  • Health inspection certificate (if applicable – for more information contact Island Health (Vancouver Island Health Authority): http://www.viha.ca/)
  • North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) (if applicable)

Step 4: Approval Process

Business License application processing times vary depending on the completeness and complexity of an application. Best efforts are made to process business licenses as quickly as possible. Approval is also required when the use of a business premise is changed, a property is developed, or building additions are undertaken, to ensure compliance with bylaws and regulations. The Capital Regional District, and Provincial and Federal governments may also have additional requirements that must be met before a business can legally operate. Applications submitted in full and with all required documentation assist with the efficiency of this process.

By following these steps and understanding the importance of zoning and regulatory compliance, you’re contributing to Sooke’s vision of a thriving local economy. We appreciate your effort in helping us balance growth with the preservation of our community’s unique character and history.

For further assistance or to begin your business license application, visit our Business Licensing Page.

Together, we can create a prosperous future for Sooke!