As of September 1, 2026, only certain business types require a licence under the City of Clarence-Rockland's Business Licensing By-law. If your business falls into one of the categories listed below, you must obtain a licence before operating.
Getting Started
If you operate certain types of businesses within the City of Clarence-Rockland, you may be required to obtain a business licence. Business licensing helps protect public health and safety, consumers, and the community while ensuring businesses operate in accordance with applicable regulations.
Business Category
Description
Animal Kennel
A business that boards, breeds, trains, shelters, or keeps animals for commercial purposes.
Auctioneer
A business that conducts auctions or sells goods through an auction process.
Body Piercing & Tattoo Parlour
A business that provides tattooing, body piercing, or similar personal services.
Caterer
A business that prepares and serves food for events, gatherings, or off-site locations.
Circus / Carnival
A temporary entertainment business that includes rides, games, performances, or similar attractions.
Food / Beverage Establishment
A business that prepares, serves, sells, or distributes food and beverages to the public.
Home-Based Business
A business operated from a residential property.
Old Gold / Jewellery Sales
A business that buys, sells, exchanges, or deals in precious metals, jewellery, or similar valuables.
Pawnbroker
A business that provides loans secured by personal property or purchases items for resale.
Salvage Yard
A business that stores, dismantles, buys, processes, or sells scrap materials, vehicles, or parts.
Storage Unit Business
A business that rents storage units, lockers, or storage space to individuals or businesses.
Taxi / Car-for-Hire Service
A business that provides passenger transportation services for compensation.
Trailer Camp / Campground
A business that provides sites for camping, trailers, recreational vehicles, or similar accommodations.
Food trucks, chip wagons, and other mobile food vendors. View the guide
Transient Traders
Businesses that temporarily sell or offer goods, merchandise, or services at an indoor or outdoor location.
Lodging Houses (Group Homes)
Lodging houses and group homes regulated through a separate municipal licensing framework.
Adult Entertainment Establishments
Businesses that provide adult entertainment services and are regulated under a separate licensing framework.
Adult Entertainment Parlours
Adult entertainment parlours regulated under a separate licensing framework.
Not all businesses require a licence from the City of Clarence-Rockland. If your business is not one of the regulated business categories identified in the Business Licensing By-law, you may operate without a municipal business licence. However, you must still ensure that your business complies with all applicable requirements, which may include:
Zoning and land use regulations
Building permit requirements
Property standards and fire safety regulations
Public health requirements
Before you begin operating, review our business resources and applicable regulations to help ensure your business is set up for success.
Continue to the Guide to obtaining a Business Licence in Clarence-Rockland
No, my business is not in one of these categories.
Depending on your business, you may still need permits, approvals, inspections, or meet other regulatory requirements before opening your doors. Visit our Business Requirements Guide to learn what you need to consider.
