Business Licencing

The three types of licences are:

• Intermunicipal Business licences are for mobile businesses that operate in Port Moody, Coquitlam or Port Coquitlam from a location in Port Coquitlam.
• Resident businesses have a permanent location in Port Coquitlam and operate from offices, retail locations, warehouses, manufacturing facilities and homes.
• Non-Resident Businesses operate in Port Coquitlam on a temporary basis and include building trades contractors and mobile businesses that have no fixed address in the City Port Coquitlam.

Certain types of businesses may operate from home, with some restrictions.

The Accessory Home Businesses regulations in Section 3 of the Zoning Bylaw restricts the type of business activities that are allowed to operate in a residential neighbourhood (in order to minimize disturbances to surrounding properties), limits the size of the area used for business purposes, and regulates parking and storage impacts.

For more information, download the Home-Based Business Information Package [PDF/62KB] or contact the Business Licensing staff.

Review the Business Bylaw for information about business licensing and regulation in the City of Port Coquitlam.
Please note that, based on the bylaw, businesses may be fined up to $150 per day for operating without a valid licence.

• Business name, address, phone number and fax number
• Owner’s name, address, and phone number
• Two emergency contact names and their phone and fax numbers
• Address and total square footage of the business premise
• Number of parking stalls allocated to your business (if applicable)
• If different than the business owner, name and phone number of the property owner/property management company (if the premise is leased)
• If your business is registered with the BC Registry, a copy of the Official Registration Certificate issued by BC government is required.

The time required to process a licence application depends on the approvals that are needed (see below). Typically, a licence is issued within four weeks. Business Licensing staff can update you on the status of your application.

Business licence fees vary depending on the type of business and are listed in Schedule A of the City’s Business Bylaw. Staff can also advise you on the fee. Fees are charged on an annual basis, and are non-refundable once a licence has been approved and issued. The licence fee is pro-rated on August 1 for new businesses.

The Tri Cities Intermunicipal Business Licence allows mobile businesses based in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam or Port Moody to obtain a single add-on licence and operate legally in the other two Tri-Cities municipalities. Non-resident businesses based in other municipalities must still obtain non-resident business licences to operate in each Tri-Cities municipality.

Learn more about Intermunicipal Business Licences.

Before your licence is issued, a Building Inspector and Fire Protective Services Inspector will conduct a site inspection. The date and time of this inspection is arranged by the Business licensing staff at the time of your application submission and fee payment.

It is important to note that you may be required to apply for, and receive, a building permit for any modifications required to accommodate your business. A building permit is required when you:

• construct a new building
• add to and/or alter an existing building
• change the occupancy of an existing building or make interior renovations
• make changes to the exit from an existing building
• make additions or changes to the plumbing, fire alarm or fire sprinkler system

Visit the Building Permits page for information about various types of permits. 

If applicable to your project, visit the Build a Structure page for information about permits and other requirements.

You may also contact the Building Division at 604.927.5444 or [email protected] for information on the specific requirements of your business plans.

This inspection ensures that your business premises comply with the City’s Fire & Emergency Services Bylaw. Compliance helps to protective lives, property and equipment investments.

For details, review the Fire & Emergency Services inspection webpage or call 604.927.5466.

Establishments selling food, alcohol and/or cigarettes, beer and wine stores, daycares and beauty services require approval from the Fraser Health Authority:

• Operating a food business
• Personal Service Establishments (including hair and tanning salons, laser hair removal, tattoos or piercing)
• Tobacco retailers
• Child care facilities

• Online (Visa, MasterCard or American Express)
• In person* at City Hall, 2580 Shaughnessy Street, during business hours
• Mail* to 2580 Shaughnessy Street, 
Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 2A8
• Drop box* (located outside to the right of the main entrance at City Hall)
• By telephone to 604.927.5238 (Visa or Mastercard only)

*cheques may be post-dated to Dec. 31

If you stop operating your business, you must contact the Business Licensing Division in writing by emailing [email protected] or by phone at 604.927.5238. Otherwise, you may continue to receive renewal notices, and may be liable for fees.

If you make certain changes to your business, you may no longer be in compliance with City bylaws or the terms of your business licence.

Contact the Business Licensing Division at 604.927.5238 or [email protected] before you:

• Make any physical changes to the premises (e.g. create a new room).
• Change the property use or add another use.
• Sublease part of your space.
• Open an additional location in Port Coquitlam.
• Cease operating your business in Port Coquitlam.

Establishments selling food, alcohol and/or cigarettes, beer and wine stores, daycares and beauty services require approval from the Fraser Health Authority:

• Operating a food business
• Personal Service Establishments (including hair and tanning salons, laser hair removal, tattoos or piercing)
• Tobacco retailers
• Child care facilities