Business Licences

Apply for or renew a business licence in Burlington. Explore licensing requirements, application forms, fees, renewal options and appeals.

A business licence permits the operation of a business in the City of Burlington. Each municipality operates under a different licensing bylaw.

Submit business licence application

Business licence requirements are outlined in the Business Licensing By-law 042-2008 - Office Consolidation. 

For any questions about business licences, please email Bylaw staff.

Business Licence Application Form

Make an appeal

If you have been served an Order or Notice, you may wish to appeal. The Appeals Committee hears appeals from decisions issued by the City related to licensing bylaws. It also hears appeals against orders issued by the City under the City’s Property Standards Bylaw.

Learn how to make an appeal, view our Appeals Committee page.

Appeals Committee

Licence renewal

As of December 2024, all business license renewals are expected to provide all expired documentation from the previous two years to the Licensing Office prior to receiving your license. This will be indicated on your renewal notice.

Options to renew

  • E-mail Bylaw, staff will reply and give you the choice of filling out a preauthorized credit card form or paying by e-Transfer. Please include your business's name and licence number when submitting your request by email.
  • By mail drop-off box: the City has a secure drop box on Elgin Street for receiving cheque payments. It is dark blue and located at 390 Brant St, between Coffee Culture and SB Prime. The drop box is emptied regularly. Please place the cheque in a sealed envelope, attention to: Licensing office, Building and By-law Department, lower level
  • By mail to:
    City of Burlington
    Attn: Building & Bylaw Department
    426 Brant St PO Box 5013
    Burlington ON, L7R 3Z6

Application requirements and fees

Find the business licence classification, current fees and requirements required for each of the following types of businesses:

A licence is required for any motor vehicle dealership, new or used, repair garages.

Requirements to be submitted at time of application for an Automotive Business:

  • Business licence application form completed and signed by business owner.
  • Zoning Clearance Certificate issued indicating that the use for which the business licence application has been made is approved under the Zoning By-Law (must be dated within 12 months of licence application)
  • Documentation that demonstrates the applicant’s right to possess or occupy the premises (signed lease or franchise agreement; letter/email from property owner
  • A copy of your Ontario Business Registry information and if applicable Articles of Incorporation.

Fees

The annual fee for an automotive business licence is $261.12.

Carnivals must be licensed per event.

Requirements to be submitted at time of application for a Carnival:

  • Business licence application form completed and signed by business owner.
  • Zoning Clearance Certificate issued indicating that the use for which the business licence application has been made is approved under the Zoning By-Law (must be dated within 12 months of licence application)
  • Letter of permission or Deed - If not the registered owner of the property -- must submit a letter of permission from property owner, specifically detailing permission to use property for a carnival-If registered owner of the property – must submit a copy of the registered deed.
  • A copy of your Ontario Business Registry information and if applicable Articles of Incorporation.
  • Copy of the Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance policy from minimum of $2,000.00.
  • A sketch of the property on which the Carnival is to be held showing the location of the Carnival on that property and its location relative to surrounding properties.
  • Where the Carnival includes amusement devices:
    • A list of all amusement devices to be operated at the proposed Carnival.
    • A copy of a valid and current licence to carry on business in Ontario issued by the Technical Standard & Safety Authority, or its successor.
    • A copy of the Amusement Device Permit issued by the Technical Standards Safety Authority, or its successor for each ride.

Fees

The fee for a carnival licence is $693.60.

Festivals must be licensed per event.

Requirements to be submitted at time of application for a Festival.

  • Business licence application form completed and signed by business owner.
  • Zoning Clearance Certificate issued indicating that the use for which the business licence application has been made is approved under the Zoning By-Law (must be dated within 12 months of licence application)
  • Letter of permission or Deed - If not the registered owner of the property -- must submit a letter of permission from property owner, specifically detailing permission to use property for a carnival-If registered owner of the property – must submit a copy of the registered deed.
  • A copy of your Ontario Business Registry information and if applicable Articles of Incorporation.
  • A letter from the Halton Regional Police Chief or designate indicating that adequate police protection will be provided at the Festival.
  • An irrevocable letter of credit satisfactory to the City’s Treasurer in an amount satisfactory to the City’s Treasurer to be used by the City for any damage to public property or cleanup of public property.
  • A Letter of Undertaking signed by Applicant, Owner or Operator of the Festival and the owner of the land or buildings.
  • Copy of the Commercial General Liability insurance policy for minimum of $2,000.000.
  • A plan showing the provision of sanitary and lavatory facilities, drainage and water facilities, together with a certificate from the Halton Region Medical Officer of Health approving the plan and also certifying that all matters under their jurisdiction have been satisfied; this plan must also meet the satisfaction of the City.
  • A consent signed by the Applicant, the Owner or Operator of the Festival and the owner of the land or buildings, and any other Person deemed necessary by the Licensing Officer to permit the police, any peace officer, any sheriff and any provincial offence officer, and by-law enforcement officer or any person authorized by the Licensing Officer, to attend the Festival, without charge, for the purpose of making sure the Festival is in compliance of the Business Licence By-Law and that the public interest and public peace are being maintained.

Fees

The fee for a festival licence is $700.74.

A licence is required for sale of fireworks, with sales permitted six days before Victoria Day and Canada Day.

Requirements to be submitted at time of application for Sale of Fireworks.

  • Business licence application form completed and signed by business owner.
  • Zoning Clearance Certificate issued indicating that the use for which the business licence application has been made is approved under the Zoning By-Law (must be dated within 12 months of licence application)
  • A copy of your Ontario Business Registry information and if applicable Articles of Incorporation.
  • Copy of a valid Commercial General Liability Insurance Policy for minimum of $2,000,000 in coverage.
  • Letter from owner of the property providing written permission to allow the Sale ofFireworks on the premises.

Fees

The fee for a firework selling licence is $261.12.

Requirements to be submitted at time of application for a Business:

  • Completed business licence application form (completed and signed by business owner)
  • Zoning Clearance Certificate issued indicating that the use for which the business licence application has been made is approved under the Zoning By-Law (must be dated within 12 months of licence application)
  • Inspection letter dated within the last 90 days, issued and signed by the Medical Officer of Health or designate confirming that all necessary inspections have been completed and the Business is in compliance with the requirements of the Region of Halton Health Department
    • For further information, contact Halton Region Health Department, call 905-825-6000, ext. 0 or call 311
  • Proof of age of business owner (i.e. birth certificate, passport, valid driver’s licence)
  • Copy of Master Business Licence and/or Articles of Incorporation
  • Documentation that demonstrates the applicant’s right to possess or occupy the premises (signed lease or franchise agreement; letter/email from property owner)

Fees

The annual licence fee for the sale of foodstuff at a convenience store is $193.80.

Email Bylaw staff for the Convenience Store Business Licence Application Form for Sale of Foodstuff; Tobacco; Adults Magazines; Adult Videos; Lunch Counter.

Requirements to be submitted at time of application for a Convenience Store Business:

  • Completed business licence application form (completed and signed by business owner)
  • Zoning Clearance Certificate issued indicating that the use for which the business licence application has been made is approved under the Zoning By-Law (must be dated within 12 months of licence application)
  • Inspection letter dated within the last 90 days, issued and signed by the Medical Officer of Health or designate confirming that all necessary inspections have been completed and the Business is in compliance with the requirements of the Region of Halton Health Department
    • For further information, contact Halton Region Health Department, call 905-825-6000, ext. 0 or call 311
  • Proof of age of business owner (i.e. birth certificate, passport, valid driver’s licence)
  • Copy of Master Business Licence and/or Articles of Incorporation
  • Documentation that demonstrates the applicant’s right to possess or occupy the premises (signed lease or franchise agreement; letter/email from property owner)

Fees

The annual licence fee for the sale of tobacco at a convenience store is $193.80.

Email Bylaw staff for the Convenience Store Business Licence Application Form for Sale of Foodstuff; Tobacco; Adults Magazines; Adult Videos; Lunch Counter.

Requirements to be submitted at time of application for a Convenience Store Business:

  • Completed business licence application form (completed and signed by business owner)
  • Zoning Clearance Certificate issued indicating that the use for which the business licence application has been made is approved under the Zoning By-Law (must be dated within 12 months of licence application)
  • Inspection letter dated within the last 90 days, issued and signed by the Medical Officer of Health or designate confirming that all necessary inspections have been completed and the Business is in compliance with the requirements of the Region of Halton Health Department
    • For further information, contact Halton Region Health Department, call 905-825-6000, ext. 0 or call 311
  • Proof of age of business owner (i.e. birth certificate, passport, valid driver’s licence)
  • Copy of Master Business Licence and/or Articles of Incorporation
  • Documentation that demonstrates the applicant’s right to possess or occupy the premises (signed lease or franchise agreement; letter/email from property owner)

Fees

The annual licence fee for the sale of both foodstuff and tobacco at a convenience store is $346.80.

Requirements to be submitted at time of application for a Convenience Store Business:

  • Completed business licence application form (completed and signed by business owner)
  • Zoning Clearance Certificate issued indicating that the use for which the business licence application has been made is approved under the Zoning By-Law (must be dated within 12 months of licence application)
  • Inspection letter dated within the last 90 days, issued and signed by the Medical Officer of Health or designate confirming that all necessary inspections have been completed and the Business is in compliance with the requirements of the Region of Halton Health Department
    • For further information, contact Halton Region Health Department, call 905-825-6000, ext. 0 or call 311
  • Proof of age of business owner (i.e. birth certificate, passport, valid driver’s licence)
  • Copy of Master Business Licence and/or Articles of Incorporation
  • Documentation that demonstrates the applicant’s right to possess or occupy the premises (signed lease or franchise agreement; letter/email from property owner)

Fees

The annual licence fee for the sale of foodstuff and tobacco and a lunch counter at a convenience store is $515.10.

Requirements to be submitted at time of application for newspaper boxes:

  • Submit an inventory of proposed box locations by alphabetical street name to the Licensing Officer
    • Including: number of boxes, detailed location for each box with street name
  • Completed business licence application form (completed and signed by business owner)
  • Proof of age of business owner (i.e. birth certificate, passport, valid driver’s licence)
  • Copy of Master Business Licence and/or Articles of Incorporation
  • Copy of an insurance policy providing a minimum of $2,000,000 public liability insurance in the joint name of the Applicant and the City of Burlington Office Use

Fees

The annual fee for a newspaper box licence is $53.04 per box.

You need a licence for the sale of used goods offering a buy-back service.

Requirements to be submitted at time of application for a Pawnbroker Business:

  • Completed business licence application form (completed and signed by business owner)
  • Zoning Clearance Certificate issued indicating that the use for which the business licence application has been made is approved under the Zoning By-Law (must be dated within 12 months of licence application)
  • Proof of age of business owner (i.e. birth certificate, passport, valid driver’s licence)
  • Copy of Master Business Licence and/or Articles of Incorporation
  • Documentation that demonstrates the applicant’s right to possess or occupy the premises (signed lease or franchise agreement; letter/email from property owner)

Fees

The annual licence fee for a pawnbroker is $261.12.

You need a licence for personal services, including but not limited to:

  • Haircutting
  • Nail treatment/manicuring
  • Electrolysis
  • Tattooing
  • Micro-pigmentation
  • Body and ear piercing

Requirements to be submitted at time of application for a Personal Service Business:

  • Completed business licence application form (completed and signed by business owner)
  • Zoning Clearance Certificate issued indicating that the use for which the business licence application has been made is approved under the Zoning By-Law (must be dated within 12 months of licence application)
  • Inspection letter dated within the last 90 days, issued and signed by the Medical Officer of Health or designate confirming that all necessary inspections have been completed and the Business is in compliance with the requirements of the Region of Halton Health Department
    • For further information, contact Halton Region Health Department, call 905-825-6000, ext. 0 or call 311
  • Proof of age of business owner (i.e. birth certificate, passport, valid driver’s licence)
  • Copy of Master Business Licence and/or Articles of Incorporation
  • Documentation that demonstrates the applicant’s right to possess or occupy the premises (signed lease or franchise agreement; letter/email from property owner)

Fees

The annual licence fee for personal services is $261.12

Requirements to be submitted at time of application for a Public Assembly Business - Restaurants; Take-out; Lunch Counter; Foodstuff; Caterer:

  • Completed business licence application form (completed and signed by business owner)
  • Zoning Clearance Certificate issued indicating that the use for which the business licence application has been made is approved under the Zoning By-Law (must be dated within 12 months of licence application)
  • Inspection letter dated within the last 90 days, issued and signed by the Medical Officer of Health or designate confirming that all necessary inspections have been completed and the Business is in compliance with the requirements of the Region of Halton Health Department
    • For further information, contact Halton Region Health Department, call 905-825-6000, ext. 0 or call 311
  • Proof of age of business owner (i.e. birth certificate, passport, valid driver’s licence)
  • Copy of Master Business Licence and/or Articles of Incorporation
  • Documentation that demonstrates the applicant’s right to possess or occupy the premises (signed lease or franchise agreement; letter/email from property owner)
  • Square footage and description of establishment

Fees

The annual licence fee for restaurants, take out restaurants and lunch counters is $287.64.

You need a licence for banquet halls and public halls.

Requirements to be submitted at time of application for a Public Assembly Business - Public/Banquet Halls:

  • Completed business licence application form (completed and signed by business owner)
  • Zoning Clearance Certificate issued indicating that the use for which the business licence application has been made is approved under the Zoning By-Law (must be dated within 12 months of licence application)
  • Inspection letter dated within the last 90 days, issued and signed by the Medical Officer of Health or designate confirming that all necessary inspections have been completed and the Business is in compliance with the requirements of the Region of Halton Health Department
    • For further information, contact Halton Region Health Department, call 905-825-6000, ext. 0 or call 311
  • Proof of age of business owner (i.e. birth certificate, passport, valid driver’s licence)
  • Copy of Master Business Licence and/or Articles of Incorporation
  • Documentation that demonstrates the applicant’s right to possess or occupy the premises (signed lease or franchise agreement; letter/email from property owner)
  • Detailed floor plan drawings of establishment
  • Square footage and description of establishment

Fees

The annual licence fee for banquet and public halls is $193.80.

You need a licence for billiards, pool halls, pinball and electronic game establishments, bowling alleys and theatres.

Requirements to be submitted at time of application for a Public Assembly Business - Billiard/Pool Establishments; Bowling Alleys; Pinball; Electronic Game Machine Establishments; Theatres:

  • Completed business licence application form (completed and signed by business owner)
  • Zoning Clearance Certificate issued indicating that the use for which the business licence application has been made is approved under the Zoning By-Law (must be dated within 12 months of licence application)
  • Inspection letter dated within the last 90 days, issued and signed by the Medical Officer of Health or designate confirming that all necessary inspections have been completed and the Business is in compliance with the requirements of the Region of Halton Health Department
    • For further information, contact Halton Region Health Department
      905-825-6000 ext 0 or call 311
  • Proof of age of business owner (i.e. birth certificate, passport, valid driver’s licence)
  • Copy of Master Business Licence and/or Articles of Incorporation
  • Documentation that demonstrates the applicant’s right to possess or occupy the premises (signed lease or franchise agreement; letter/email from property owner)
  • Detailed floor plan drawings of establishment
  • Square footage and description of establishment

Fees

The annual licence fee for billiards, pool halls, pinball and electronic game establishments, bowling alleys and theatres is $261.12.

Requirements to be submitted at time of application for a Public Assembly Business - Nightclub:

  • Completed business licence application form (completed and signed by business owner)
  • Zoning Clearance Certificate issued indicating that the use for which the business licence application has been made is approved under the Zoning By-Law (must be dated within 12 months of licence application)
  • Inspection letter dated within the last 90 days, issued and signed by the Medical Officer of Health or designate confirming that all necessary inspections have been completed and the Business is in compliance with the requirements of the Region of Halton Health Department
    • For further information, contact Halton Region Health Department
      905-825-6000 ext 0 or call 311
  • Proof of age of business owner (i.e. birth certificate, passport, valid driver’s licence)
  • Copy of Master Business Licence and/or Articles of Incorporation
  • Documentation that demonstrates the applicant’s right to possess or occupy the premises (signed lease or franchise agreement; letter/email from property owner)
  • Square footage and description of establishment

  • Copy of a Commercial General Liability Insurance policy showing policy effective dates and coverage for bodily injury, property and host liquor liability for minimum of $2,000,000 per occurrence

  • Copy of valid Liquor Licence for the premises as issued by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario

Fees

The annual licence fee for night clubs is $1,278.06.

You need a licence for hotdog carts, chip or fry carts and barbeque equipment (maximum of three locations at one time).

Fees

The annual licence fee for hotdog carts, chip carts and barbeque equipment is $392.70.

You need a licence for ice cream bikes, yogurt or juice carts (non-motorized with prepackaged food only).

Fees

The annual licence fee for ice cream bikes, yogurt or juice carts is $193.80.

Catering trucks and ice cream trucks (motorized vehicles with frozen food or packaged food for sale to the public) require a licence.

Fees

The annual licence fee for catering trucks and ice cream trucks is $287.64.

Food trucks require a licence.

Fees

The licence fees are food trucks are:

  • $99.96/day
  • $388.62/month
  • $767.04/three months
  • $1,416.78/year

Salvage yards require a licence.

Requirements to be submitted at time of application for a Salvage Yard Business:

  • Completed business licence application form (completed and signed by business owner)
  • Zoning Clearance Certificate issued indicating that the use for which the business licence application has been made is approved under the Zoning By-Law (must be dated within 12 months of licence application)
  • Inspection letter dated within the last 90 days, issued and signed by the Medical Officer of Health or designate confirming that all necessary inspections have been completed and the Business is in compliance with the requirements of the Region of Halton Health Department
    • For further information, contact Halton Region Health Department, call 905-825-6000, ext. 0 or call 311
  • Proof of age of business owner (i.e. birth certificate, passport, valid driver’s licence)
  • Copy of Master Business Licence and/or Articles of Incorporation
  • Documentation that demonstrates the applicant’s right to possess or occupy the premises (signed lease or franchise agreement; letter/email from property owner)

Fees

The annual licence fee for salvage yards is $261.12.

You need a licence to sell adult magazines.

Requirements to be submitted at time of application for a Sale of Adult Magazine Business:

  • Completed business licence application form (completed and signed by business owner)
  • Zoning Clearance Certificate issued indicating that the use for which the business licence application has been made is approved under the Zoning By-Law (must be dated within 12 months of licence application)
  • Inspection letter dated within the last 90 days, issued and signed by the Medical Officer of Health or designate confirming that all necessary inspections have been completed and the Business is in compliance with the requirements of the Region of Halton Health Department
    • For further information, contact Halton Region Health Department, call 905-825-6000, ext. 0 or call 311
  • Proof of age of business owner (i.e. birth certificate, passport, valid driver’s licence)
  • Copy of Master Business Licence and/or Articles of Incorporation
  • Documentation that demonstrates the applicant’s right to possess or occupy the premises (signed lease or franchise agreement; letter/email from property owner)

Fees

The annual licence fee for the sale of adult magazines is $193.80.

Transient traders require a sales licence.

Fees

The annual fees for a transient trader licence are:

  • $104.04/day
  • $297.84/month
  • $710.94/three months
  • $1,264.80/year

You need a licence to conduct door-to-door sales.

Fees

The annual fees for a transient trader licence are:

  • $104.04/day
  • $297.84/month
  • $710.94/three months
  • $1,264.80/year

You need a licence to sell Christmas trees.

Fees

The annual fees for a transient trader licence are:

  • $104.04/day
  • $297.84/month
  • $710.94/three months
  • $1,264.80/year

Other applicable fees

Other applicable fees may include:

The fee for a Licensing Committee hearing is $429.

The fee for renewals submitted past the expiration of the licence is $73.44.

The fee to change licensing information is $46.92.

The cost to remove a newspaper box is $79.20 per box.

The cost to replace a licence plate is $99.96 per plate.

The cost to replace a licence is $46.92 per licence.

The annual administration fee is $99.96.

Public vehicle licences

Public vehicles must be licensed under the Public Vehicles Bylaw, as amended (020-2009).

View our Public Vehicle Licences page to learn about the specific licensing and renewal requirements and fees for different types of public vehicle businesses.

Adult entertainment licences

Adult entertainment establishments must be licensed under the  Adult Entertainment Bylaw (001-2008). View our Adult Entertainment Licences page  to learn about the specific licensing requirements and fees for different types of adult entertainment businesses.

*The APPLICATION form will be provided to you in person. APPLICATION & REQUIREMENTS must be submitted in person to the first-floor licensing counter, located at City Hall, 426 Brant St, Burlington, ON, L7R 3Z6*

Contact Us

Licensing Services
426 Brant St., PO Box 5013
Burlington, ON  L7R 3Z6

Phone: 905-335-7731
Email Licensing Services

Subscribe to News and Updates