Business Licencing Are you planning to operate a business in the City of Ottawa? You may require a municipal business licence. You may print and complete this general license application form [ Accessible PDF ] . Please attend the licensing office in person at one of the locations below to submit all required documents and fees:
Business hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (during the summer) and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (after Labour Day). If you are out of town, please call 613-580-2400 (TTY 613-580-2401) and ask to speak with a Licensing Assistant to ensure that your application may be mailed. Typically, business licensing by-laws (eg restaurants, sellers, taxis, public garages) are enacted to protect public health and safety in matters related to the business operation. Licensing fees are established to offset the cost of the related enforcement and inspection programs; the cost of administering and enforcing the associated regulations should be borne by the regulated trades and not the public at large through tax revenues. Your licence application may require an inspection and approval by staff of zoning, buildings, police, health, fire, and property standards. The business licensing office will coordinate this process and advise you of your status. To speak with a By-law Services Assistant, call the City of Ottawa's Client Service Centre at 3-1-1, or send an e-mail to bylawservices@ottawa.ca. |
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