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Business licence applications, renewals and account changes in Kelowna
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Kelowna business applications start with a non-refundable $50 application fee. The annual licence charge depends on the business category and is payable after review and approval.
Key information
Kelowna business applications start with a non-refundable $50 application fee. The annual licence charge depends on the business category and is payable after review and approval.
On this page
At a glance
| Task | Key detail |
|---|---|
| Who needs a Kelowna business licence? | The City requires a licence to own or operate a local business, including retail, commercial and professional firms, home-based businesses, bed and breakfasts and transportation services. |
| Can someone apply for the owner? | Yes, but a person completing the application for someone else must upload the Owner's Authorization Form. |
| How do I link a renewal online? | Create a Property Account, choose Add Business Account and enter the account number and access code from the invoice or renewal notice. |
Sources: billing.kelowna.ca official source · kelowna.ca official source · kelowna.ca official source · kelowna.ca official source
Licensing scope and application details
Who needs a Kelowna business licence?
The City requires a licence to own or operate a local business, including retail, commercial and professional firms, home-based businesses, bed and breakfasts and transportation services. Confirm that the address is in Kelowna, not another regional municipality or electoral area.
Source: kelowna.ca official source
What details does the application request?
Prepare the business name, address, contact information, start date and a short description of the activity. The application asks whether it is home-based and whether an Inter-Community Mobile Licence is sought. Choose the category matching the actual business.
What must I pay when applying?
The application fee is $50 and non-refundable. Licence fees are due only after the application has been reviewed and approved. They vary by business type under Business Licence and Regulation Bylaw No. 12585, so the application payment is not the whole annual charge.
Sources: kelowna.ca official source · billing.kelowna.ca official source
Application charge, authorization and renewals
Can someone apply for the owner?
Yes, but a person completing the application for someone else must upload the Owner's Authorization Form. Have the authorization ready with the other documents. Category-specific requirements can add further uploads after the initial questions.
Where can I apply in person?
The City lists the Application Centre on the second floor of City Hall, 1435 Water Street. Bring identification and general business information. The online application is another route; use it to identify the required category and documents before making a visit.
Source: kelowna.ca official source
When do annual renewals occur?
The City's brochure gives December 1 to January 15, or the next business day if the date is a weekend. December renewal notices explain the account. A $25 late renewal fee can apply, and unpaid licences may be cancelled.
Source: kelowna.ca official source
Sources: billing.kelowna.ca official source · kelowna.ca official source · kelowna.ca official source
Online accounts, changes and payment methods
How do I link a renewal online?
Create a Property Account, choose Add Business Account and enter the account number and access code from the invoice or renewal notice. Select eBilling if desired and register. The portal then shows business bills and account activity.
Source: kelowna.ca official source
Can I print the issued licence or pay by phone?
Property Account provides access to print the issued licence and review activity. The business page says its system does not accept payments over the phone. Use the listed online, bank or in-person routes rather than giving payment details to an unofficial caller.
Source: kelowna.ca official source
How do I change location, ownership or close the business?
The City business page links separate location-change, ownership-change and cancellation services. Submit the relevant request instead of assuming a payment or email-address update changes the licence's approved premises or owner. Keep the resulting confirmation.
Source: kelowna.ca official source
What card fee should I expect?
The current online billing guide states a non-refundable 2.4% transaction fee for account payments. A portal login has also displayed 2.8%, so check the actual payment screen before confirming. Bank or City Hall alternatives can avoid the portal card fee.
Source: kelowna.ca official source
Sources: kelowna.ca official source · kelowna.ca official source
City Hall service location
Kelowna City Hall
1435 Water Street, Kelowna, British Columbia
Use the department and floor named in this guide. General City Hall access does not replace a required application, appointment or account document.
- General service
- 250-469-8500