Important Notice: Upcoming Changes to the Business Licence BylawWith the adoption of the new Zoning Bylaw No. 747, 2025, the District is updating the Business Licence Bylaw to ensure consistency with the new regulations and to better reflect how businesses operate today. The updated bylaw introduces modernized categories and streamlined processes to make business licensing fairer, clearer, and more efficient. Please see below the details on what’s changing and share your feedback by completing our short online survey by December 3! NOTE: Applications for business licences in 2025 will still follow the current bylaw as outlined on this page |
Your Feedback Needed
DTR Business Licence Bylaw Review: We Want to Hear from You! – Fill out form
Deadline for Input:December 3, 2025 | Council's Review:December 9, 2025 Meeting |
What's Changing?
The proposed Business Licence Bylaw introduces several important improvements.
Review the materials below and contact us for any questions. corporate@dtr.ca or 250.242.4242
Proposed Business Licence Bylaw Download PDF
Current Business Licence Bylaw Download PDF
Comprehensive Comparison Download PDF
Report to Council Download PDF
Summary of the Changes:
Fairer Classification SystemThe bylaw is proposing to shift from a zone-based classification system to an activity-based system. This ensures that similar businesses are treated equally, regardless of their zoning designation. Currently, a business located at the industrial zone pays $200.00 for their annual licence, while another one who conducts the same activity pays $150.00 for being located in the commercial zone. This zone based approached has not being currently used elsewhere and was deemed unfair and outdated. Benefits:More equitable fee structure Clearer regulatory requirements Greater flexibility for businesses |
Fairer Home Business CategoriesThe current Home Occupation categories are based on whether a business provides services outside the home or operates entirely within it. Those who conduct any piece of work outside their home, such as photographers, dog walkers, personal trainers, realtors, etc.) currently pay $150, while those who operate solely from home pay $50. Under the new Zoning Bylaw No. 747, 2025, categories are shifting to an impact-based system, which focuses on the scale and intensity of the business rather than where it’s conducted. This change, reflected in the new Business Licence Bylaw, is expected to be fairer overall. If approved, about 40 home-based contractors will see their annual fee reduced from $150 to $50. Benefits: Clearer guidelines for home-based operationsFairer application of regulations Better alignment with the new Zoning Bylaw |
Overall ReorganizationThe Business Licence Bylaw has been fully reorganized to make it easier to read, navigate, and apply. The new layout groups information by topic and follows the natural flow of the business licensing process — from application to renewal, amendment, enforcement and reconsideration. Benefits:Easier for both staff and business owners to find relevant information Reduces confusion and administrative errors Creates a modern, consistent framework aligned with best practices |
Administrative FlexibilityForms and procedures are no longer locked in the bylaw, allowing staff to update them as operational needs change—without requiring a bylaw amendment. Faster response to operational needs Reduced administrative burden on Council More efficient licensing process Future-Proof & FlexibleThe new bylaw includes "open-ended" references to other bylaws (e.g., Fees and Charges Bylaw, Zoning Bylaw), ensuring automatic alignment with future amendments. Bylaw remains current without frequent amendments Prevents conflicts with future legislation Long-term regulatory stability |
Expected Financial Impact
The shift to an activity-based classification system has the following financial implications if approved:
Impact | Number of Businesses | Details |
Fee Decreases | ~45 | Home Occupations: $150 → $50; Industrial to Commercial: $200 → $150 |
Fee Increases | ~0-3 | Commercial to Industrial: $150 → $200 |
| Fee Remains the Same | ~135 | Most businesses will not be financially impacted |
Note: the business fees are part of the Fees and Charges Bylaw, which is also being reviewed. See here how the Business Fees would look if approved: Business Fees - Proposed Fees and Charges Amendmentts and Rationale
Not sure how these changes may affect your business?
Have questions?
If you have any questions about the proposed bylaw or the feedback process, the Licencing Officer is more than happy to chat. Please don't hesitate to reach out by email, phone or in person.
District of Tumbler Ridge - Corporate Services Department
corporate@dtr.ca, 250-242-4242, 305 Iles Way
Want to Apply for a Business Licence? |
About Business Licences
A business licence is required for every business carried on in the District of Tumbler Ridge, whether or not the business is carried on in or from a premise in the District. Operating a business without a valid licence is a violation of the Business Licence Bylaw No. 644, 2017.
A business licence:
- Ensures businesses meet health, safety, and zoning requirements
- Helps the District maintain accurate records of business activities
- Supports economic development and planning
- Protects consumers by ensuring businesses operate legally
All business licences expire on December 31 of each year and must be renewed annually. You can do this by paying your licence fees when you receive your reminder statement.
Contact Information
Corporate Services DepartmentFor business licence applications, renewals, and general inquiries: Email: corporate@dtr.ca Phone: 250-242-4242 Address: District of Tumbler Ridge Town Hall Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM | InspectionsIf your licence requires an inspection before approval is Email: trfire@dtr.ca Phone: 250-242-3939 |
Resources and Forms
📄Business Licence ApplicationDownload the application form for a new business licence Download Form | 🔄Business Changes FormUese this form to make changes to your existing licence Download Form | 📋 Business Licence BylawView the complete Business Licence Bylaw No. 644, 2017 Download PDF |
Intercommunity Business Licence Bylaw To view the District of Tumbler Ridge Intercommunity Business Licence Bylaw No. 645, download here. | Intercommunity Business License Application The Intercommunity Business Licence Application is available for download. |