Modernizing business license system

Kelowna Council will consider changes to the city’s business licence application and renewal process on Monday.

“The Business Licence and Regulation Bylaw has received only minor updates since it was implemented more than 20 years ago,” said Greg Wise, Business Licence Manager. “This first set of changes will help improve and simplify the application process for businesses.”

Several changes being made to the business licence system will take effect this fall. A $25 application fee will be charged to new applicants, which will cover the costs associated with processing the application. A $25 late fee will also be charged to existing businesses that miss the annual renewal payment deadline.

And to make it easier for business owners to classify their business, licence codes and descriptions will be updated to better reflect the diversity of Kelowna’s businesses, moving nearly 1,900 “unclassified” licences into a more specific category. Existing businesses will find their updated classification on their 2020 renewal form.

“These changes are the first step to modernizing our business licence system,” added Wise. “This fall we anticipate moving to a new online platform that will allow for much easier functionality including e-billing options, applying and paying online and more.”

There are currently approximately 9,500 active business licences in Kelowna, and it is a common practice for municipalities to apply an application fee and late charge.

The new fees in Kelowna are in line with those of other municipalities; for example, the City of Vancouver charges a $58 application fee, whereas the City of Vernon charges between $25 and $100.