Business Licences 


PLEASE NOTE
The Town of Osoyoos has been undertaking a review of its business licence bylaw in order to ensure consistency with the recently adopted Zoning Bylaw No. 1395, 2024, and to also update the application fees being charged to businesses. 
For more information, please follow the link to the project page:
Business Licence Bylaw Update Page

UPDATE
At the Regular Open Coucil Meeting held on October 14th, 2025, the Town of Osoyoos Council resolved to adopt Business Licence Bylaw No. 1400, 2025. This bylaw repeals and replaces the Town of Osoyoos Business Licence Bylaw No. 1045, 1997. 

The key changes made to the business licence application process include:

  • Updated application fees;
  • A licence that remains unpaid as of March 1st will be subject to a $100.00 late fee;
  • A licence that remains unpaid as of April 1st will be cancelled;
  • New general application requirements;
  • New requirements specific to short-term rental accommodation and bed and breakfast operations.

OVERVIEW
A Business Licence is required to operate a business within the Town. The Town of Osoyoos Business Licence Bylaw No. 1400, 2025 states that no person shall carry on any business within the Town without a valid and subsisting licence for that business. A person operating more than one business must have a licence for each business, and the business name must match the licence issued for that business. 

GENERAL PROCEDURE FOR APPLYING FOR A BUSINESS LICENCE
A Business Licence application can be completed online or the application form can be downloaded and emailed to plan@osoyoos.ca or faxed to 250.495.2400. The form must be completed and submitted to the Town by the owner or operator or by an agent appointed by the owner of the potential business. Check with our business licensing staff at 250.495.6191, as to the current rates for business Licences in the community.

The proposed business location will be reviewed to ensure compliance with the Zoning Bylaw and Official Community Plan requirements. Any required inspections will be scheduled as part of this process.

Final approval will be granted by the Business Licence Inspector.

Once the applicable fee has been paid, the Business Licence will be issued. The licence must be prominently displayed at the business premises. For mobile operations, a copy of the licence must be carried in the vehicle, equipment, or by the individual at all times while conducting business activities.

LICENCE LISTINGS

Business Licence and Inter-Community Business Licence  Listing

Short-Term Rental Licencing

Mobile Vendor Licencing

Inter-Community Business Licences

Permits

SIDEWALK PERMIT
A Sidewalk Permit Agreement is required for the placement, storage or display of any chattels or obstruction on any street as per the Town of Osoyoos Traffic Bylaw. No. 1256, 2009. Placement of the chattels must leave a minimum, at all times, of 1.5m for pedestrian clearance. To apply for a Sidewalk Permit Agreement, please complete and return the application (coming soon!) with proof of insurance to the Planning & Development Services Department at plan@osoyoos.ca

SIGN PERMIT
In December 2012 the Town of Osoyoos adopted its first Sign Bylaw. Prior to completing any sign works please review the bylaw, discuss with the Planning & Development Services Department and submit an Application Form and scaled drawings.

AGENCY PERMITTING
Prior to the Town issuing a Business Licence, other agencies may be required to submit a permit or report such as Interior Health (for food service establishments, food store, tattoo, piercing, hair, tanning etc...), Passenger Transportation Board (tour bus, taxi etc...) or the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Bransch of BC (liquor store, winery, pub, cannabis shop,  etc...).

If you have questions contact us at plan@osoyoos.ca or 250-495-6191