Business Licences

Paying for Your Business Licence

If you already have a business licence, you can pay for your Business Licence online. Please contact our office by email if there are any changes to your licence.

Applying for a Business Licence

The City of Coquitlam Business Licence Bylaw requires every person carrying on, maintaining, owning or operating within Coquitlam any profession, business, trade or occupation, to hold a valid business licence. The Business Licence must be visibly displayed on the premises. Licence holders operating a mobile business must carry the licence on his or her person while working in Coquitlam. In Coquitlam, licences are valid for one year from the date of commencement of the business.

The first step of starting a commercial or industrial business is confirming that the location is zoned for business use. More information on zoning can be found on our Zoning Bylaw page. Doing business in Coquitlam is easier than ever with the Business LinQ, a convenient new way to link to the resources and support you need. See our Business LinQ page for more information.

Starting a Business in Coquitlam? 

Look over our Starting a Business Brochure (PDF) as a good starting point.

Business Licence Applications

Application for Coquitlam businesses located in a commercial or industrial space:

Application for home-based businesses in Coquitlam:

Application for businesses working in Coquitlam without a business address in Coquitlam:

Application for businesses participating in a Special Event in Coquitlam:

To ensure your application is processed as efficiently as possible, please include all supporting documents along with the application. For more information on this, see the ’Other information and useful resources’ section.

Additional Requirements

Depending on the type of business you are operating in Coquitlam, you may require other permits or licences that are not regulated by the City. Depending on your business type, there are often provincial or federal regulators. Examples of these include liquor licences and health permits. 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.

Submitting Applications

Completed Business Licence Applications can be delivered to City Hall, emailed, or faxed:
3000 Guildford Way
Coquitlam, B.C. V3B 7N2
Email Business Licenses
Fax: 604-927-3445

A short-term rental is defined as the rental and occupation of a sleeping unit which is attached to or part of a dwelling unit, either with common cooking facilities, or where regular meals are provided. Examples of short-term rentals include but are not limited to bed and breakfasts and Airbnb® private room rentals.

City of Coquitlam has specific regulations for short-term rentals to ensure the rental does not negatively impact a residential neighbourhood.

Requirements

  • All short-term rentals require a home-based business licence and an inspection
  • At least one permanent resident of the home must live in and operate the short-term rental
  • A maximum of two guests or one family is permitted to stay at any one time
  • No noise, parking, pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic increases that impact the residential neighbourhood are allowed
  • Rental space must be less than 40% of the residential floor area
  • Rental space must not have separate cooking facilities. Shared cooking facilities are permitted.

To apply for a home-based business licence, fill out the Business Licence Application - Home Occupation (PDF). An Inspector will review the application and arrange a time for inspection prior to approval.