Permits & Licences

• Business Licences

  To operate a business in West Vancouver, you need a business licence. This also applies to trades—such as builders, plumbers, electricians, and landscape gardeners—coming into the community to perform work.

  Business Licences

• Commercial Dog Walkers

  Interested in becoming a West Vancouver commercial dog walker? 

  Commercial Dog Walkers

• Fire Permits

  If you own or are interested in starting a business, there are specific permits that West Vancouver Fire & Rescue requires you to have, depending on your business type.

  Types of Fire Permits

• Home-Based Business Licence

  Home-based businesses can be a great option for sole proprietors, small family businesses and start-ups. Physicians offices are also allowed in duplexes and multi-family complexes.

  If you would like to start a home-based business, you need to have a business licence.

  Your home-based business cannot have more than two members and you need to be immediate family. Your home-based business needs client parking available onsite. For a complete list of the rules and regulations, please read the Zoning Bylaw.

  Not permitted as home-based business

  On April 25, 2022, Council adopted amendments to the Zoning Bylaw to allow retail sales from home-based artist studios, and to remove restrictions on home-based beauty salons or barber shops, and real estate office uses.  

  The following are not permitted as home-based businesses:

  • orchestra or band training
  • places of public assembly
  • restaurants
  • retail sales directly from the site
  • schools or recital areas
  • stables or kennels for the boarding and breeding of animals
  • salvage or repair of vehicles

  More information

  Home offices are regulated by the Zoning Bylaw, section 130.04.

  Zoning Bylaw

• Hydrant Use Permit

  Hydrant use requires an approved application whenever a hydrant use is required. Please submit the application form and include a detailed plan describing the request for use. 

  Application must be submitted 10 business days prior to desired use. Email [email protected] with supporting documentation. 

  Hydrant use is not permitted for construction or demolitions. 

  Hydrant Use Application

• Intermunicipal Contractor Business Licences

  Intermunicipal Business Licences are available to resident West Vancouver trades contractors and some professional services, allowing them to work in all three North Shore municipalities.

  Indicate on your business licence application that you are applying for an inter-municipal licence.

• Liquor Licences

  There are several types of liquor licences and permits you can apply for. You need to apply directly to the province for any of them.

  Liquor Licences & Permits | Province of BC

  Special Event Liquor Permits

  You need a special event permit to serve alcoholic beverages at community celebrations, weddings and parties.

  • Apply for a Special Occasion Liquor Licence at any BC Liquor Store
  • Approval from the West Vancouver Police Department is required
• Secondary Suites

  Having a suite in your home can provide many benefits. Multi-generational families can enjoy close proximity and maintain privacy, or you may want to rent it out, providing more housing options within our community and generating income for you.

  Secondary Suites

• Short-Term Rentals

  As of January 1, 2025, Short-Term Rentals are permitted in West Vancouver with an approved business licence.

  Short-Term Rentals

• Street Occupancy Permit

  A street occupancy permit is required whenever any portion of municipal property (i.e., boulevard, sidewalk, roadway, or public lane) is temporarily occupied. Submit an application form with a sketch showing the area of intended occupancy and a copy of an insurance certificate naming the District of West Vancouver as additional insured.

  Street Occupancy Permit

Other permits & licences

• Building Permits & Inspections

  If you are building or renovating, make sure you are aware of and follow the necessary processes for permits and inspections. Learn more about building, mechanical and plumbing permits.

  Building Permits & Inspections

• Bylaws & Licensing

  Learn more about dog licences, sign permits and parking permits. Bylaw & Licensing Services provides education and enforcement for municipal bylaws, rules and regulations designed to keep citizens safe.

  Bylaws & Licensing

• Land Development

  The District works to ensure that new development is serviced by appropriate levels of utilities and provides engineering review of development applications and building permits.

  Land Development