Apply for a Business Licence

If you are conducting business in Whistler, you are required to hold a valid business licence. Business licenses are renewed annually, and if you operate in more than one location, you need a licence for each location. The licence inspector may also impose conditions depending on the licence type.

There are different business licence application requirements for different business types. Learn more about and apply for the licence that most accurately describes your business.

Tourist Accommodation

In Whistler, a business licence is required for property owners to market and provide paid accommodation to tourists. Learn more and apply for a licence. 

Home Occupation business

A home occupation business is a business based within a residential home in the Resort Municipality of Whistler. Home occupation business licence applications are reviewed to ensure they meet bylaw regulations. Learn more and apply for a licence.

Non-resident business

Sometimes a contractor is based outside of Whistler, but is performing work in Whistler. The contractor requires a non-resident business licence. Learn more and apply for a licence.

Home-based artist studio

A valid RMOW business licence is required to sell artwork from a home-based artist studio in Whistler. A sign permit is also required for any signs on the premises. Learn more and apply for a licence.

Food Service establishment

A valid Business Licence is required for food premises in which food is processed, served or dispensed to the public, and intended for immediate consumption. The application requirements include: 

• Business Licence Application 
• Business Solid Waste Management Plan
• Fire safety checklist for commercial locations
• Liquor Licence if the business serves liquor
• Vancouver Coastal Health Authority Permit to operate www.vch.ca

Learn more about waste management and reduction for businesses to help you complete a solid waste management plan. 

The fees for food and beverage establishments are as follows:

• No Liquor Licence: $200.
• Food primary Liquor Licence: $50.00 + $2 per person as per Liquor Licence
• Liquor Primary Liquor: Licence $50.00 + $5 per person as per Liquor Licence

Vehicle for Hire

Taxi, Limousine, Shuttle, Charter
A Special Authorization licence from the BC Passenger Transportation Board or a General Authorization licence from the Registrar of Passenger Transportation and an RMOW business licence are required to operate a taxi, limousine, shuttle or charter business.

Special Authorization licence/General Authorization licence information 

Ride-Hailing
A Transportation Network Service licence and an inter-municipal business licence are required to operate a ride-hailing, Transportation Network Services business with ride-hailing vehicles. Since the RMOW’s adoption of the inter-municipal business licence (IMBL) on June 24, 2020, ride-hailing companies interested in operating across municipalities in the Lower Mainland (including Whistler), may apply for a ride-hailing IMBL licence, provided they have obtained a Provincial Transportation Network Services licence.

The application requirements include: 

All other business classes

If you are unsure of your business classification, please complete the standard business licence application.

Timeline

The application timeline for a home based, non resident or tourist accommodation business (excluding multi unit applications and property managers) may be approximately 10 business days. This timeframe can be longer dependant on volume of applications being received. Commercial locations vary in processing time depending on inspection results and external agency permits required by Business Licensing, due to these variables and circumstances no specific timeframe can be provided.

Fees

Business licence fees are outlined in the Business Licence and Regulation Bylaw. View the Business Licence and Regulation Bylaw

The annual licence fee is $190 unless otherwise noted, to a maximum annual fee of $2000. Learn more about fees and how to make a payment.