Business Licences

Applying for a business licence

In order to carry on business within City limits, you must possess a valid business licence. Before locating any business in an area, check with the Business Licence Department for the current zoning to determine what can and cannot be carried out on the property.

Business licences are issued for a twelve month period and are effective from January 1 to December 31 of a calendar year. The issuance of licences and the regulation of businesses is governed by the City’s Business Licence Bylaw. If a new application is received after July 31 of a given year, the fees noted below are pro-rated to 50 percent.

Business Licence Application (fillable form)

If you do business in more than one Greater Trail municipality, you may apply for an Inter-Municipal Business Licence that allows you to carry on business within the communities of Rossland, Warfield, Trail, Montrose and Fruitvale without the need to have a licence specific to each community. Simply choose the “Intermunicipal” option on the application. The fee for this licence is $180.

The Business Licence application process may involve inspections by Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire Service, the Building Department or Interior Health. If the business involves the selling of liquor, a licence is also required from the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch.

Business owners can pay their business license fee online and view their business license transaction history. Please have your Customer Code and Access Code ready.