What is a Commercial Business?
A commercial business operates in a commercial building or industrial area and not in a home.
- Please contact the Planning Department to confirm that the commercial property’s zoning will allow your business type and that sufficient parking is available.
- Planning Department - email or call (250) 475-5471.
All commercial properties are in development permit areas. This means they have specific rules for signage, new construction and exterior renovations.
- If you plan to renovate, please contact our Inspections Department before starting any work to find out if you need building permits or inspections.
- Inspections Department - email or call (250) 475-5458.
Intermunicipal Businesses
What is an Intermunicipal Licence?
We classify intermunicipal businesses as home-based businesses unless you occupy commercial space.
An intermunicipal business licence allows a Saanich resident, with an eligible mobile business, to operate across these municipalities:
- Saanich (East and West)
- Victoria
- Oak Bay
- Central Saanich
- North Saanich
- Sidney
- View Royal
- Esquimalt
- Colwood
- Langford
- The Highlands
- Metchosin
- Sooke
You must apply for a business licence in the municipality where you live or operate your business.
What about commercial businesses that operate in many communities?
Businesses that operate in commercial spaces but also need intermunicipal status may apply for our Intermunicipal with Commercial Location classification.
- Fill out our general business licence application.
- Describe your business in the nature of business section
Indicate that you also need an intermunicipal licence in this section.
Application Process
- Learn about Sign Permits.
- Read about how to apply for a business licence.
- If you want to apply now, fill out the business licence application form:
- For further information about Home-Based Business Licences, please visit this page.