This guide explains what you need to know before applying for a business licence under the Business Licensing By-law. It outlines which businesses require a licence, what documents may be required, and how applications are reviewed.
Confirm Your Business Category
Before applying, you must determine which business category applies to your operation.
Business Category
Description
Animal Kennel
Boarding, breeding, training, or housing animals for compensation
Auctioneer
Conducting public auctions or sales by bid
Body Piercing & Tattoo Parlour
Tattooing, piercing, branding, or body modification services
Caterer
Preparing food for consumption at off-site locations
Circus / Carnival
Temporary amusement or entertainment events
Food & Beverage Establishment
Restaurants, cafés, bars, take-out establishments
Garage Sale Business
Garage sales operating longer than three consecutive days
Home-Based Business
Businesses operated from a dwelling unit
Old Gold / Jewellery Sales
Buying or selling precious metals and jewellery
Pawnbroker
Lending against pledged property or conditional purchase arrangements
Salvage Yard
Collection, storage, dismantling, or sale of salvage materials
Storage Unit Business
Self-storage facilities available for public rental
Taxi / Car-for-Hire Service
Passenger transportation services for hire
Trailer Camp / Campground
Temporary accommodation for trailers, RVs, and tents
Understand Zoning and Location Requirements
A business licence does not exempt a business from complying with zoning, building, fire, health, or provincial requirements.
Before a licence can be issued, applicants must ensure their business complies with all applicable laws, including the City’s Zoning By-law and any other required approvals. Operating a licensed business does not permit activities that are otherwise prohibited by law.
Businesses must:
Operate in compliance with the City of Clarence-Rockland Zoning By-law.
Obtain any approvals, permits, or authorizations required by other municipal, provincial, or federal agencies.
Operate only from locations where the proposed business use is permitted.
Continue to comply with all applicable laws throughout the term of the licence.
Under the Business Licensing By-law:
A licence does not authorize a business to operate in a manner that violates another municipal by-law, including the Zoning By-law.
Additional approvals may be required depending on the location of the business or the nature of the operation.
Businesses may be required to demonstrate zoning compliance as part of the licence review process.
Home-based businesses must comply with all zoning provisions applicable to home occupations. Depending on the nature of the business, restrictions may apply to:
Parking and traffic generation;
Outdoor storage or display of materials;
Signage;
Customer visits;
Noise, odours, and other nuisance impacts.
Applicants should review the Zoning By-law or contact the Planning Department to confirm that their proposed business is permitted at their property before submitting an application.
Section 7.7 – No licensee shall operate in contravention of another municipal by-law, including the Zoning By-law.
Section 9.7 – Complete applications are circulated for departmental review and additional inspections may be required.
Section 9.8 – A licence is issued only after all required approvals, documentation, and fees have been received.
Prepare Required Documentation
The documents required as part of your application will depend on the type of business licence being requested.
Applicants must submit a completed application form, the applicable fee, and any supporting documentation required for their specific business category. Applications that are missing required information or documentation will not be processed.
Document
Purpose
Proof of Insurance
Confirms the applicant maintains the required insurance coverage.
Vehicle Registration
Confirms a vehicle or trailer is properly registered and plated, where applicable.
Food Handler Certificate
Required where food is prepared, handled, or served.
Site Plan
Demonstrates the proposed operating location and compliance with applicable zoning and site requirements.
Property Owner Consent
Confirms authorization to operate on private property, where applicable.
Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) Certificate
May be required for businesses using electrical equipment or connections.
Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) Certification
May be required for businesses using propane, natural gas, or regulated equipment.
