The District of Oak Bay licenses approximately 600 businesses annually.
Oak Bay requires every person carrying on, maintaining, owning or operating within the Municipality any profession, business, trade or occupation, to hold a valid business licence. The Business Licence must be visibly displayed on the premises. Licences are valid from January 1 to December 31. The licence fee is reduced if the licence is for only part of the year.
Paying your Business Licence
Business Licences (new and renewal) may be paid by cash, cheque or bank debit card at the Municipal Hall, or you can also pay your Business Licence renewal online by credit card and the licence will be mailed to you. By mail, please attach payment by cheque with a completed application. Licence fees are not refundable or transferable.
Business Licence Requirements
Fill out a Business Licence Application Form. Applications are also available at the Municipal Hall.
- Retail & Commercial Business Licence Application Form
- Home-based Residential Business Application Form
The processing time of an application depends on completeness of the application when received and the need for any approvals from other departments or other regulatory authorities such as the Vancouver Island Health Authority. The fee for a business licence varies depending on the type of business or businesses being conducted.
Your completed new licence application can be dropped off, mailed or faxed to:
- Oak Bay Municipal Hall 2167 Oak Bay Avenue Victoria BC, V8R 1G2
- Fax: 250-598-9108
Other Licences
Depending on the type of business you are operating in Oak Bay, you may require other permits or licences that are not regulated by the Municipality. Examples include liquor licences and health licences. It is important to be aware of these requirements as they are in place to protect the safety and health of you, your customers and the general public.
Visit the British Columbia BizPal website that simplifies the business licence and other compliance regulation process for entrepreneurs, governments, and third party business service providers.
For information regarding any of these application procedures, please contact the Oak Bay Building and Planning Department at 250-598-2042.