To: Mayor and Council, Bowen Island Municipality
From: Business Licensing Task Force, Economic Development Committee
Date: November 17, 2017 Meeting Date: November 27, 2017
Subject: Business Licensing Feasibility Report
RECOMMENDATION That Council direct staff to review the “Business Licensing Feasibility Report” presented at its meeting of November 27, 2017, and identify next steps and resources required for the implementation of a business licensing program; and That Council consider the implementation of a business licensing program as a priority under Strategic Pillar F – Robust and Resilient Local Economy in Island Plan 2018.
PURPOSE To provide Council with background information and recommendations regarding the feasibility of a business licensing program for Bowen Island.
DIRECTION FROM COUNCIL This report responds to Council Resolution #16-249 (July 25, 2016): That Council direct the Economic Development Committee to include in its 2017 work plan the feasibility of implementing municipal business licensing and report back to Council with those recommendations by April 2017.
The April 2017 due date was revised, given turnover in the membership of the Economic Development Committee and a delay in establishing the Business Licensing Task Force.
BACKGROUND The Community Charter gives a municipal council the ability to adopt a bylaw that requires business licensing within its jurisdiction. Business licensing programs are generally intended to • help ensure public health and safety • help ensure businesses are accountable for their actions • increase knowledge and understanding of the economy and businesses in a community • help provide adequate data for planning purposes, and • enable business networking and promotion
According to 2016 statistics from the then Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, there are 162 municipalities in British Columbia and almost all require business licences. Within the 21 municipalities included in Metro Vancouver, only two (Bowen Island and Lions Bay) lack a business licensing program.
Business Licensing Feasibility Report Page 1 of 6 November 27, 2017 Bowen Island Land Use Bylaw (LUB) Section 3.40 requires that “Each business and home occupation shall have a valid business licence issued by the Municipality prior to commencement.” All businesses and home occupations on Bowen Island are therefore in contravention of the LUB, through no fault of their own, because Bowen Island Municipality has not established a business licensing program.
Municipal staff completed a significant amount of work on business licensing in 2004 (see Attachment 1); however, Council did not direct staff to develop a business licensing policy and bylaw.
No staff work on business licensing appears to have been undertaken in the intervening years.
SCOPE OF WORK The Business Licensing Task Force limited its scope of work to providing sufficient background information for Council so that Council can decide whether municipal staff should be directed to complete further work on a business licensing program.
This report does not assess in detail the impacts on BIM staff and other resources because those impacts would be related to the breadth of the business licensing program and degree of enforcement; therefore, resource impacts are considerations at the implementation stage.
The report also does not address in detail issues related to short-term rentals (for example, the use of platforms such as Airbnb or VRBO to market accommodation that is not designated as a B&B, Commercial Guest Accommodation, or Guest House); however, municipalities typically rely on business licensing, among other tools, to begin to address these issues. Current Bowen Island LUB definitions of permitted short-term rental uses are included as Attachment 2.
METHODOLOGY To conduct this feasibility study, the Economic Development Committee established a Business Licensing Task Force in February 2017. Task Force members are EDC Co-Chair Chris Corrigan, Rod Marsh, Councillor Maureen Nicholson, Barry Pynn, and Shana Richmond, with the assistance of Committee Clerk Stefania Shortt. The Task Force met on six occasions (February 23, March 16, April 13, August 14, September 1, and October 23) to discuss its purpose, set direction for its work, assign tasks, review findings, and draft recommendations for this report.
The report also reflects input from the Economic Development Committee received at its meeting of November 10, 2017, where the following recommendation carried unanimously: That the EDC support the recommendations as amended of the Business Licensing Feasibility Report prepared by the Business Licensing Task Force in response to Council Resolution #16-249.
These activities inform the feasibility study: A. A presentation on and discussion of licensing at the EDC Business Summit (Oct 18, 2016) B. A structured review of online information related to business licensing programs in 16 Comparator Communities (May–July 2017) C. A telephone interview with a representative of BizPaL, an online business permit and licence information system supported by three levels of government (Aug) D. Follow-up telephone interviews with senior staff in five selected Comparator Communities (Aug–Sept) E. A telephone interview with the District of North Vancouver Property Use/Business Licence Coordinator (Oct)
Business Licensing Feasibility Report Page 2 of 6 November 27, 2017 F. Email and telephone consultation with the mayors and some senior staff of Anmore, Belcarra, and Lions Bay (Aug) G. A short online survey of local contractors (Sept) H. Ongoing liaison regarding the proposed Metro Vancouver regional licensing program for contractors and film production (Sept) I. Email consultation with various inspection agencies (Oct)
The detailed findings from the above research activities are included in Appendix A. Some key points follow in next section.
FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION Research conducted by the Business Licensing Task Force confirms that a business licensing program is elsewhere viewed as a routine part of municipal operations.
Among 16 Comparator Communities, 15 have business licensing and the remaining town is in the process of establishing its program. Local governments make community-appropriate decisions about the scope of their program, enforcement strategies, and administrative procedures.
The trends for program scope include requiring licences for short-term rentals (14 of 16 communities) and business use of home (13 of 16 communities). Enforcement strategies range from responding to complaints to active monitoring through social media (especially Facebook) and custom tools (e.g., Host Compliance). Enforcement tools include fines, licence suspension, and licence cancellation. The range of fees is highly variable, and in some instances, high fees are used to discourage specific types of businesses. Administrative procedures differ from community to community, evolving to align with staff capacity and community priorities.
More in-depth interviews with staff in five Comparator Communities suggest that a business licensing program, in practice, is subject to ongoing assessment of its effectiveness and revision. The senior staff interviewed pointed to elements of their programs that worked well and other elements that required improvement. Some provided specific suggestions for starting a business licensing program from scratch, the most common suggestion being “Keep It Simple.”
Senior staff in other municipalities identified many benefits to the community resulting from business licensing. They also stated that, generally, businesses viewed a licensing fee as a cost of doing business.
Interviews with the mayors and senior staff in three other small Metro Vancouver municipalities yield mixed conclusions. Anmore and Belcarra, both of which have smaller populations than Bowen Island, have longstanding and effective business licensing programs. Lions Bay does not have licences but still faces the same issues managed elsewhere through business licensing (e.g., the village introduced Temporary Use Permits to manage short-term rentals, a strategy that is not viable in the long term).
Local contractors demonstrate relatively little interest in intermunicipal business licences, perhaps because they may be unfamiliar with the benefits of these licences or because they have sufficient work on Bowen Island to sustain their companies.
Both Vancouver Coastal Health and the Bowen Island Fire Department would welcome the establishment of a business licensing program. (See Attachments 3 and 4.)
Business Licensing Feasibility Report Page 3 of 6 November 27, 2017 RECOMMENDATIONS
1.0 Include business licensing implementation as a strategic priority related to economic development in Island Plan 2018. 1.1 If business licensing is supported after further study by staff, phase in business licensing beginning in July 2018, allowing for a six-month transition period (July to December 2018) with the formal start of required business licensing for calendar year 2019. 1.2 House the licensing function in the Planning Department, with support from Communications, Finance, and Bylaw.
2.0 Require all businesses to obtain a business licence. 2.1 Require non-profit organizations to register but waive the licensing fee. 2.2 Require non-resident businesses operating on Bowen Island to obtain a business licence. 2.3 Require B&Bs, Commercial Guest Accommodations, and Guest Houses to obtain a business licence. 2.4 Require a business licence for an attached or a detached secondary suite if the owner of the property is non-resident.
3.0 In principle, keep the business categories few, the fee schedule simple, and the fees low, commensurate with the small scale of our community. 3.1 Investigate the Municipal Accounting Information System (MAIS) module for online payment. 3.2 Do not pursue BizPaL as an option for licensing applications.
4.0 Develop an education strategy for business licensing, including benefits for business and the community. 4.1 Convey the rationale for business licensing clearly to the community, emphasizing the ease and simplicity of obtaining a licence. 4.2 Develop a communications plan for business licensing, including the production of an informational brochure, a dedicated web page that outlines benefits to business and the community, an online form/downloadable PDF, an online publicly accessible database of business names, and options for payment including e-transfers. 4.3 Update the community on business licensing at the EDC Business Summit planned for January 2018.
5.0 Develop an enforcement strategy for business licensing, including raising awareness of appropriate land use. 5.1 Ensure the enforcement strategy is sustainable. 5.2 Use the business licensing program, once established, to begin to address issues related to short-term rentals.
6.0 Give the local licensing program adequate time to become established before pursuing intermunicipal or regional licensing opportunities. 6.1 Defer discussion with the North Shore municipalities regarding participation in an intermunicipal licensing agreement. 6.2 Continue to monitor the progress of the Metro Vancouver work on a regional licensing program for contractors and film production.
Business Licensing Feasibility Report Page 4 of 6 November 27, 2017 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Business licensing must be revenue neutral and cost recovery. If Council approves proceeding with licensing, start-up costs will be primarily for staff time and the legal review of draft bylaws. Once the licensing program is operational, costs can be monitored and fees adjusted if required.
COMMUNICATION STRATEGY Information will be communicated to the public through the usual municipal communication tools (municipal website, Island Page, social media) as well as through council meeting agendas and minutes during the development of required bylaw(s) and fee schedule. Materials will be developed as needed through the Communications Team. The EDC Business Summit planned for January 2018 offers an opportunity for face-to-face communication about a business licensing program.
OTHER IMPLICATIONS If Council does not approve proceeding with business licensing, then it could consider deleting the requirement for a business licence stated in the Land Use Bylaw Section 3.40. Alternatively, Council could allow the section to remain and choose to continue to not enforce the section.
CONCLUSION Introducing a business licensing program would complete an initiative that began in 2004 and stalled. Such a program would help us better understand the economy of our community, allow for better planning, enable support for Bowen businesses, and help ensure the health and safety of our community. While significant work would be required to establish business licensing for Bowen Island, once in place the program would be a routine part of our municipal operations, as it is in almost all municipalities in British Columbia.
ALTERNATIVES 1. That Council direct the Economic Development Committee to address specific issues and concerns related to business licensing identified at the Council meeting of November 27, 2017, and to submit a revised feasibility report to Council to allow for the potential inclusion of a business licensing strategic priority in Island Plan 2018. 2. Other direction as provided by Council.
Attachments: Appendix A: Summary of Findings
Attachment 1: Council report dated July 12, 2016, from Councillor Maureen Nicholson regarding “Business Licensing Recommendations from the Economic Development Committee,” including Council report dated September 15, 2004, from Bylaw Enforcement Officer Chris Buchanan to CAO Isabell Hadford, “Business Licensing on Bowen Island” Attachment 2: Email dated August 16, 2016, from Island Community Planner Daniel Martin, “LUB Regulations Synopsis” Attachment 3: Letter dated October 17, 2017, from Acting Manager Health Protection Mark Ritson, Vancouver Coastal Health Attachment 4: Email dated October 19, 2017, from Fire Chief Ian Thompson, Bowen Island Fire Department Attachment 5: PowerPoint from October 18, 2016, EDC Business Summit, “Licensing for Bowen Island Business”
Business Licensing Feasibility Report Page 5 of 6 November 27, 2017 Attachment 6: Summary from October 18, 2016, “EDC Summit Meeting” Attachment 7: “Comparator Communities” Attachment 8: BizPaL informational PowerPoint Attachment 9: BizPaL, Sample Letter of Intent Attachment 10: Village of Anmore Bylaw No. 26, 1999: A bylaw to provide for the licensing and regulation of businesses
SUBMITTED BY:
{ORIGINAL SIGNED} ------Councillor Maureen Nicholson for the Business Licensing Task Force Economic Development Committee
Business Licensing Feasibility Report Page 6 of 6 November 27, 2017 BUSINESS LICENSING FEASIBILITY REPORT APPENDIX A: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS BY RESEARCH TOOL November 17, 2017
Part A: A presentation on and discussion of business licensing The EDC-sponsored Business Summit (October 18, 2016, at the Bowen Island Lodge) brought together more than 75 community members for presentations on branding and business licensing (see Attachment 5 for the PowerPoint “Licensing for Bowen Island Business”). Staff prepared a summary of the small-group discussions on business licensing (see Attachment 6, “EDC Summit Meeting,” pp. 5-7), excerpts from which follow:
Key insights/advantages: The timing is right. Better information about business in the community. Leveling the playing field with off-island contractors. Improved networking and collaboration. Greater safety.
Key concerns: Irreversible decision. Slippery slope of over-regulation. Limiting entrepreneurship. Added bureaucracy. Confidentiality concerns. Definition of a “business.”
A commitment was made to bring back any proposed business licensing program for further community feedback.
Part B: A structured review of online information The Business Licensing Task Force began with a list of 16 “Comparator Communities” to review how other communities present their business licensing program to the public. The communities are Gibsons, Golden, Grand Forks, Lake Cowichan, Lantzville, Metchosin, Oliver, Osoyoos, Peachland, Pemberton, Rossland, Sechelt, Sooke, Sparwood, Tofino, and Ucluelet. These communities are similar to Bowen Island in size, budget, average home price, degree of isolation, and proximity to urban centres. The list is used within Bowen Island Municipality for a number of purposes, including setting appropriate levels for municipal salaries.
Of the 16 communities, all but one (Lantzville) require business licences. Lantzville intends to introduce a business licensing program in the near future.
Summary of comparator communities: Attachment 7, “Comparator Communities,” summarizes the results of the review of online information regarding business licensing. In some instances, the information is incomplete but represents what is available to the public.
Review questions and basic findings: 1. How many licences are issued annually? Generally, not clear from municipal websites. 2. Are any businesses exempt? In about 40% of the Comparator Communities, non-profit organizations do not require a business licence. Otherwise everyone conducting business, broadly defined, is required to obtain a licence.
Appendix A: Summary of Findings, Business Licensing Feasibility November 17, 2017 1 3. What is the range of annual fees? Broad range from $35 to $800+. Based on type of business and sometimes on number of employees. Not based on annual revenue. 4. Is your community part of a mobile licensing system? Seven communities are part of a mobile/intermunicipal system. 5. How many mobile licences are issued? Unclear. 6. Are you anticipating any changes to your business licensing program? Only in Ucluelet and Tofino. 7. Do secondary suites require a business licence in your community? No in 15 communities; unclear in 1. 8. Do short-term rentals require a business licence? Yes in 14 of the 16 communities. 9. How do you respond to non-compliance? Suspension of business licence and fines up to $10K. 10. Does business use of home require a licence? Yes in 13 of 16 communities. 11. Do you know the percentage in compliance for business use of home? Unknown. 12. What is the range of fines you apply? Zero to $10K. 13. What are your enforcement methods? Suspension, cancellation, fines. 14. Do you use an online system for licensing? Yes in five communities through the provincial government’s BizPaL; otherwise a printable form. 15. Who developed this system? Province, if anyone. 16. Do you have a standalone licensing department? One community has a Licensing Department. Unclear in most cases; otherwise Planning, Admin, Bylaw, or Inspector. 17. How are revenue and costs allocated? Appears to be to General Revenue and Admin.
Part C: BizPaL interview Task Force member Maureen Nicholson contacted BizPaL to discuss its potential for use by Bowen Island Municipality. Policy analyst Kimberley Garside provided a thorough introduction to the Canadian online portal which provides access to information about business permits, licences, and other requirements for establishing, operating, and growing a business. See Attachment 8, “BizPaL Introduction.”
Five of our Comparator Communities use BizPaL.
This service can be provided free of charge to the Municipality and launched quickly. The steps involved include: 1. Sign a letter of intent (a nonbinding agreement that clarifies roles, tasks, and timelines). See Attachment 9 for a sample LOI. 2. Collect permits and licence information. 3. Upload to BizPaL database. 4. Connect with the national database (optional, depending on need). 5. Within 14 days, soft-launch and test. 6. Within a month, formal launch with a joint news release from the three levels of government.
Benefits to the Municipality include provision of an annual report, inclusion of building and other permit information in the system, and easy access to any federal or provincial permitting or licensing information.
Appendix A: Summary of Findings, Business Licensing Feasibility November 17, 2017 2 BizPal functionality does not include an online payment system. This option was one of the primary reasons for investigating BizPaL. Payment is made through traditional paper-and-pay systems or, in the larger municipalities, through proprietary or off-the-shelf software such as Muniware.
In discussion with BIM staff, we determined that the current BIM financial management system, Municipal Accounting Information System (MAIS), offers a module for online payment of business licences.
Part D: Follow-up telephone interviews Business Licensing Task Force members Barry Pynn and Shana Richmond made follow-up calls to senior staff in Gibsons, Lantzville, Pemberton, Sechelt, and Ucluelet.
Follow-up questions: 1. What benefits has business licensing provided to your community? 2. What are some of the more common issues that arise with business licensing? Follow up: How have you been able to address these issues? 3. What types of enforcement issues have you had to deal with and how were you made aware of them? 4. What is the general opinion of the business owners around licensing? 5. What percentage (if part of mobile licensing program) of the businesses operate in other municipalities and have there been any issues around that? 6. (If applicable) Could you tell us about your experience using BizPaL? Would you recommend we consider using it, too? 7. How are costs allocated? For example, if a fire inspection is performed, does part of that cost get allocated to licensing? (Are fees/costs required to be neutral?) Can you give some examples of how costs are allocated and what other departments are typically involved? 8. What areas (if any) of the licensing program could be improved in your opinion?
Key findings:
Town of Gibsons Sue Booth, Bylaw Officer
1. What benefits has business licensing provided to your community? • When licensing was first set up, a portion of the funds went to the Chamber of Commerce. Now the funds go into general revenue and helps funds bylaw enforcement in general. • It is a way of monitoring what businesses are operating in the community. • Provides a list of businesses (on the muni website) operating in the community making services easier to access.
2. What are some of the more common issues that arise with business licensing? (Follow up: How have you been able to address these issues?) • Not too many issues. They don’t actively look for infractions. • Zoning issues. Businesses setting up in areas not zoned for. • Possibly too many categories of licences. They may be reducing the numbers.
Appendix A: Summary of Findings, Business Licensing Feasibility November 17, 2017 3 • Business licensing is handled by one person who also does Bylaws and Animal Control, so there is not a lot extra time to track down non-compliance.
3. What types of enforcement issues have you had to deal with and how were you made aware of them? • Businesses that don’t renew and they have to then follow up until they pay. Issue fines if they don’t pay. Time consuming. Fines sometimes not collected. • If a business (trades was the example) from another area comes to the town hall to get a one-time small job licence, they usually don’t make them get one. General contractors would be required to have them.
4. What is the general opinion of the business owners around licensing? • Part of doing business and what is in it for me.
5. What percentage (if part of mobile licensing program) of the businesses operate in other municipalities and have there been any issues around that? • One year into an agreement with Sechelt. Small in number at this time and haven’t compared notes with Sechelt, so they are not sure of the exact number but don’t think it is significant. They were concerned at first that businesses (especially mobile ones) might get their licence from Sechelt as they charge less.
6. (If applicable) Could you tell us about your experience using BizPaL? Would you recommend we consider using it, too? • No and they do not accept credit cards or online payments.
7. How are costs allocated? For example, if a fire inspection is performed, does part of that cost get allocated to licensing? (Are Fees/costs required to be neutral?). Can you give some examples of how costs are allocated and what other departments are typically involved? • No special allocation. Fees go into General Bylaw Admin revenue and costs are put against the Bylaw department. No other costs (for example, fire inspections) are allocated to Bylaw. No requirement to be revenue neutral and overall offsets costs of the general Bylaw operations.
8. What areas (if any) of the licensing program could be improved in your opinion? • Access to business information when the Bylaw officer is out and about. They have to come back to the office to access information.
Other points covered: • Six hundred annual renewals with 40 to 50 expected to not renew for various reasons. Approximately 40 of these are B&B type operations. $97K in fees. Banks pay $600. • There are no special or active methods to search out new businesses. Facebook is sometimes reviewed as are Airbnb website listings. Most of the new licensees come in on their own or they hear about them through complaints from the general public or other businesses.
Appendix A: Summary of Findings, Business Licensing Feasibility November 17, 2017 4 District of Sechelt Mark Dalaire, Planner
1. What benefits has business licensing provided to your community? • Identifying businesses that are non-compliant with zoning regulations. • Knowing what types of businesses are operating in the community.
2. What are some of the more common issues that arise with business licensing? (Follow up: How have you been able to address these issues? • Businesses operating in areas not zoned. In one case the business was required to be moved to an area zoned for that type of business.
3. What types of enforcement issues have you had to deal with and how were you made aware of them? • Have not been many issues. Parking issues around B&Bs. • One event where someone’s incubator business had grown and changed (storing chemicals) and operating in a residential neighbourhood. Complaint from neighbour.
4. What is the general opinion of the business owners around licensing? • Just another cost of doing business. • Sometimes there are additional costs incurred coming from getting a business licence. For example, signage has to be compliant and a conforming sign is an additional cost to the business.
5. What percentage (if part of mobile licensing program) of the businesses operate in other municipalities and have there been any issues around that? • TBD but not a large number.
6. (If applicable) Could you tell us about your experience using BizPaL? Would you recommend we consider using it, too? • Not used. Occasionally they receive an application through BizPaL or One Stop but this usually results in duplication as the application is not the same as the municipality’s.
7. How are costs allocated? For example, if a fire inspection is performed, does part of that cost get allocated to licensing? (Are Fees/costs required to be neutral?). Can you give some examples of how costs are allocated and what other departments are typically involved? • Fees are allocated to Bylaws revenue and there is no specific cost allocation to different departments.
8. What areas (if any) of the licensing program could be improved in your opinion? • Would like license fees be scaled in some form to the size and type of business. Right now a large business pays the same fee as a small business. • Zoning/Bylaws stipulate that there are different requirements for short-term stay rentals vs. B&B operations. Right now no inspections required for short-term stay rentals, but there are for B&Bs. • Sometimes there may be two businesses operating in the same space, but right now they only require one licence. In the future they may charge for each business.
Appendix A: Summary of Findings, Business Licensing Feasibility November 17, 2017 5 Other points covered: • Flat $125 business license fee regardless of the size of the business. +$50 for intermunicipal. • Identification of businesses operating without a licence is largely complaint-driven. Sometimes they see a new business advertising in the local paper, and they will follow up if the business doesn’t come to them. • Not concerned with small home-based businesses (for example, online sales on a small scale). • Accept credit cards for payments but no e-transfers. • Not concerned with trades, for example, coming into the community to do short-term day jobs. • There Is some work done in conjunction with Vancouver Coastal Health for health-related inspections. • The planner was not sure if the Fire Department was charging for inspections or not.
Village of Pemberton Suzanne Belanger, Chief Administrative Officer
1. What benefits has business licensing provided to your community? • Planner uses license list to monitor B&Bs and other businesses to ensure zoning restrictions are adhered to. • Beneficial to the health and safety of the community. • Enables them to more easily review utility use/rate (water, septic) when they know there is a business operating at the address. • Cheapest advertising a business can get. (Businesses listed on the municipal website.)
2. What are some of the more common issues that arise with business licensing? (Follow up: How have you been able to address these issues?) • Collection of fees. Requires monitoring including businesses no longer operating. They use an aged receivables list to follow up. • Levels of fees and classification of the businesses. For example, registered massage therapists require medical certification and have a different fee charged. • Number of parking spaces for the type of business licensed. • Health/Fire inspections. They fire-inspect B&Bs. • As the community is growing fairly rapidly, businesses are opening at a faster rate as well. Airbnb is becoming a much bigger issue. • Identifying home-based businesses. Still rely a lot on word of mouth. • Can’t always identify when contractors come from other areas. Rely on the contractor to get a licence.
3. What types of enforcement issues have you had to deal with and how were you made aware of them? • Enforcement hasn’t been a large issue and respond on a complaint basis. Staffing an issue. • Parking is a common issue around business licensing and bylaws. • Work with Vancouver Coastal Health to ensure certain businesses are inspected and adhere to their guidelines (for example, registered massage therapists and tattoos). • Penalty for not paying license renewal on time (100% after a certain date).
Appendix A: Summary of Findings, Business Licensing Feasibility November 17, 2017 6 4. What is the general opinion of the business owners around licensing? • Another tax. Most understand the need for it. The advertising via listing on the website has helped the attitude towards licensing.
5. What percentage (if part of mobile licensing program) of the businesses operate in other municipalities and have there been any issues around that? • Not currently doing, but they are reviewing it.
6. (If applicable) Could you tell us about your experience using BizPaL? Would you recommend we consider using it, too? • No.
7. How are costs allocated? For example, if a fire inspection is performed, does part of that cost get allocated to licensing? (Are Fees/costs required to be neutral?). Can you give some examples of how costs are allocated and what other departments are typically involved? • They separate out business licensing fees and record hours spent on licensing but do not allocate costs against that. If there is fire/building Inspection, the business pays a fee for that ($50).
8. What areas (if any) of the licensing program could be improved in your opinion? • Trying to streamline their process and ensure that all departments are aware of issues arising.
Other points covered: • If a business operates out of a strata or rental location, a letter from the strata or owner is required. • BC One Stop (Service Canada) provides an email list of businesses that have registered with them in the Sea-to-Sky corridor. • Currently allow five mobile food vendors to operate in Pemberton. • 325 business licences issued; population is 2700. • They use Facebook to help identify new businesses operating in the area. • Outside contractors pay the same fee whether they come in for one day or multiple times in a year. • Airbnb is a growing issue and they feel they haven’t identified all of them. • Farmers’ market pays double the licensing rate which includes the vendors and it is the markets responsibility to ensure that Vancouver Coastal Health and Fire Department regulations are adhered to.
District of Lantzville Ron Campbell, Chief Administrative Officer Lantzville does not have a business licensing program, but the CAO intends to introduce one shortly. He has never worked in a community that lacks licensing and believes its absence is not in the best interests of the community.
Appendix A: Summary of Findings, Business Licensing Feasibility November 17, 2017 7 Town of Ucluelet Caroline Bidwell, Chief Financial Officer
1. What benefits has business licensing provided to your community? • Indirectly identifies accommodation businesses (including Airbnb) which are charged an accommodation tax (similar to a hotel tax) MRDT. • Helps to ensure the safety of the community. • Pays for bylaw staff.
2. What are some of the more common issues that arise with business licensing? (Follow up: How have you been able to address these issues?) • Zoning bylaw issues/parking • Transparency around fees. Sometimes questions how they come up with different level of fees • They are reviewing fees and the different categories they have. • They have issues with businesses coming in from other areas and operating there (for example, tour boat operators). Deal with it by identifying them on bylaw outings. • Fee collection. letters, fines. • Payment methods are not ideal, as there is no credit card payment and e-transfer payments are expensive (fees paid by the licensee and the municipality).
3. What types of enforcement issues have you had to deal with and how were you made aware of them? • Not too many direct but there may be some such as parking issues around businesses
4. What is the general opinion of the business owners around licensing? • Just generally accepted as a part of doing business. • B&Bs give them some kickback as to why they have to pay for a business licence.
5. What percentage (if part of mobile licensing program) of the businesses operate in other municipalities and have there been any issues around that? • No mobile or intercommunity licensing program but are considering it.
6. (If applicable) Could you tell us about your experience using BizPaL? Would you recommend we consider using it, too? • No. Weren’t aware of it.
7. How are costs allocated? For example, if a fire inspection is performed does part of that cost get allocated to licensing? (Are Fees/costs required to be neutral?). Can you give some examples of how costs are allocated and what other depts. are typically involved? • No allocation done. Fees go into general revenue and costs are part of bylaw enforcement. They are researching new accounting systems at this time and may consider more detailed breakdown of licensing revenues and costs once those systems are in place.
8. What areas (if any) of the licensing program could be improved in your opinion? • Improve the application • Explore intermunicipal (mobile) licensing
Appendix A: Summary of Findings, Business Licensing Feasibility November 17, 2017 8 • Ensure all municipal staff understand the role business licensing program plays in the community.
Other points covered: • Criminal record checks required where businesses are dealing with children or seniors. • Actively seeks out businesses requiring a licence, especially accommodation businesses which are a large part of their approximately 400 business licences. • They use Facebook and Airbnb sites. The local post office also contacts them any time a business wants to set up a PO box to ensure the business is legitimate. • Garbage collection notes suites and passes information along to bylaw. Utility usage is also monitored for unusual usage levels. • They attempt to collect business licence fees from online businesses that sell into Ucluelet.
Part E: Telephone interview with District of North Vancouver Property Use/Business Licence Coordinator Task Force member Maureen Nicholson interviewed DNV Property Use/Business Licence Coordinator Zdenka Novakovic, who has more than 12 years’ experience in her position. The District works with a bylaw established in 1974 that has been amended over the years.
Key points:
• DNV issues over 5,000 business licences each year. Companies are listed online on the DNV website. • All businesses are required to have a licence, with the exception of federal or provincial government or agency offices, and BC Hydro and Terasen workers. • Non-profits must apply for a licence and provide a copy of their incorporation papers. No fee is charged. The purpose of the application is to ensure safety. • Fees range from $141 to $4,574.80. The highest fees are charged for companies with many employees and for companies such as escort services. • Best not to copy DNV’s bylaw and fee schedule. It is based in part on type of business and the number of employees, which can be underreported in order to reduce the licence fee. • DNV is currently looking at alternatives for its fee structure: collapsing the categories, using a base rate for all businesses, and then using square footage rather than number of employees as the factor to escalate the licence fee. • Other communities (for example, Burnaby) charge a higher rate in the first year given inspections required and then drop the rate in subsequent years. • Has strong reservations about a regional licensing program with concerns relating to fair distribution of funds and enforcement (the activity level required and costs). • Unclear about the number of non-resident businesses operating in DNV. Difficult to determine. • Will not issue licences for marijuana and related businesses. Uses high fees to discourage some types of businesses, but these also often face constraints from the RCMP, Vancouver Coastal Health, and the Liquor Control Board. • Reviews all applications for consistency with the Land Use Bylaw. Planning review comes first. • Secondary suites do not require a business licence, but they must be registered and pay extra utility fees charged as part of property tax.
Appendix A: Summary of Findings, Business Licensing Feasibility November 17, 2017 9 • “Airbnb” is not a permitted use, though they do exist. There is an upcoming council workshop to help address the issue. • B&Bs require a business licence, as does business use of home (restrictions include square footage, number of employees, parking). The business must be conducted by a resident of the home and they require proof of residency. • For paper applications, a clerk inputs information. Applicant must pay at time of application. • Non-residents can apply by email or online. • Function is now part of Planning, Permits and Licensing. Originally was part of the Building Department. • Completed a microanalysis a few years ago to ensure cost recovery, revenue neutrality. • Recommended that if we find we underestimate fees, recoup costs over a five-year period, if necessary, rather than introducing any large adjustments to fees. • Don’t make it onerous for people and staff: Keep things simple. It is also difficult to take a system online if too many categories, fees, etc., are used. • Promote the resources of Small Business BC to business owners to help with start-ups and business retention.
Part F: Consultation with mayors Metro Director Maureen Nicholson contacted the mayors of the three other small Metro Vancouver municipalities regarding business licensing programs.
Anmore: Mayor John McEwan confirmed that Anmore requires business licensing through the Village of Anmore Bylaw No. 26, 1999: A bylaw to provide for the licensing and regulating of businesses. This bylaw is exemplary in its brevity and clarity. See Attachment 10.
Belcarra: Mayor Ralph Drew confirmed that Belcarra requires business licensing through the Village of Belcarra Business Licence Bylaw No. 227, 1995. CAO Lorna Dysart confirmed that the village issues approximately 25 business licences annually, mostly to contractors and film production companies. The primary means of bylaw enforcement for contractors is through the building inspector, who informs contractors on site when a licence is required. CAO Dysart does not consider business licensing to be an administrative burden.
Lions Bay: Mayor Karl Buhr confirmed that Lions Bay does not require business licensing. Mayor Buhr believes that the administrative and enforcement effort is not worth the added revenue and control. There are apparently home-based businesses in Lions Bay, but there is no clear understanding of the number and type, or of their contribution to the local economy. Lions Bay has introduced Temporary Use Permits for short-term rentals and B&Bs, but no business licensing as such.
All three mayors are following the Metro Vancouver regional licensing program initiative with interest.
Part G: Survey of local contractors Using Survey Monkey and recommended contacts from Task Force member Rod Marsh, staff issued an invitation to 66 local contractors to participate in a two-question survey on intermunicipal business licences. Twenty-three responses (35%) were received.
Appendix A: Summary of Findings, Business Licensing Feasibility November 17, 2017 10
Q1: Do you currently No: 14 (61%) have business licences to Yes: 9 (39%) work in other municipalities? If yes, which District of North Vancouver (4), City of North Vancouver (3), West communities? Vancouver (1), Squamish (2), Vancouver (2) (Note: Some respondents hold licences in multiple communities.) Q2: Would you be No: 16 (70%) interested in Yes: 7 (30%) intermunicipal business licences? Why? • We work all over the Lower Mainland without one now. We would be interested only if it was very inexpensive. • I don't need to purchase business licenses because my work is considered to be a professional consultation service. • Because business licences are mostly just a municipal tax grab. I think licensing for specific types of business that need regulation is useful at times to control certain industries. • I work in various jurisdictions… some, but not all, require me to have a business licence. • I only work on Bowen. • North van West van Bowen Easier to work and licence probably cheaper if part of all the North Shore municipalities. • I think it would be much fairer if a trade or company would pay only where they may be working. In the overall analysis I think you would find most trades would work only within one municipality. • Costs kill my ability to run my business. • Main business is in Vancouver, by far.
Part H: Metro Vancouver regional licensing program Work has been underway for more than a year on a business licensing program for all of Metro Vancouver (21 municipalities, 1 electoral district, and a treaty First Nation) as part of a Regional Prosperity Initiative led by Board Chair Greg Moore. This program would be in addition to the existing suite of intermunicipal (or mobile) licences offered in specific subregions (see https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/small-business/mobile-business- licence-program).
The regional licensing program is intended for contractors and film production. It is still in the formative stages, with a yet-to-be determined launch. Both Metro Director Maureen Nicholson and BIM Senior Bylaw Officer Bonny Brokenshire have participated in planning meetings and will continue to do so.
Appendix A: Summary of Findings, Business Licensing Feasibility November 17, 2017 11
Part I: Inspection agencies The Business Licensing Task Force contacted the following for input on this study: • Bowen Island Fire Department • Vancouver Coastal Health • Workers Compensation Board The Fire Department and Vancouver Coastal Health expressed support for a business licensing program. See Attachments 3 and 4. The Workers Compensation Board did not respond.
Appendix A: Summary of Findings, Business Licensing Feasibility November 17, 2017 12
To: Mayor Skeels and Council
From: Councillor Maureen Nicholson
Date: July 12, 2016 Meeting Date: July 25, 2016
Subject: Business Licensing Recommendations from the Economic Development Committee
RECOMMENDATION That Council direct the Economic Development Committee to include in its 2017 work plan the development of recommendations for municipal business licensing and to report back to Council with those recommendations by April 2017.
PURPOSE The purpose of this report is to provide background on prior municipal work on business licensing and to request that Council direct the EDC to provide recommendations for municipal business licensing.
BACKGROUND According to statistics from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, there are 162 municipalities in British Columbia and essentially all require business licences.
The Community Charter gives a municipal council the ability to adopt a bylaw that requires business licensing within its jurisdiction. Bowen Island has already done so.
Section 3.40 of the Land Use Bylaw requires that “Each business and home occupation shall have a valid business licence issued by the Municipality prior to commencement.”
All businesses and home occupations on Bowen Island are therefore in contravention of the LUB because Bowen Island Municipality has not established a business licence program.
Municipal staff completed a significant amount of work on business licensing in 2004; however, Council did not direct staff to proceed with the development of a business licensing policy and bylaw.
No staff work appears to have been undertaken in the intervening 12 years.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS The Economic Development Committee is the appropriate committee to provide initial recommendations for municipal business licensing.
Committee members have already informally discussed the following issues:
Page 1 of 2 Business Licensing Recommendations from the Economic Development Committee July 25, 2016
• Lack of reliable business statistics (e.g., number of businesses, types of businesses, longevity of businesses, niche opportunities, start-up success rates) • Inability to participate in intermunicipal mobile business licensing programs, especially important for the trades (see http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment- business/business/small-business/mobile-business-licence-program) • Difficulties in communicating with businesses, given the lack of a master list of Bowen businesses • Missed opportunities for collaboration, education, mentoring, and subcontracting • Administrative costs to the Municipality for a business licence program, including enforcement • Appropriate and scalable licence fees • Loss of revenue for the Municipality • Inability to suspend or withdraw a business licence for just cause • Community perceptions and understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of business licences
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Financial implications have not been considered at this time.
It is expected that related committee costs, if any, would be part of its 2017 budget request.
COMMUNICATION STRATEGY • Initially, through agendas, minutes, and video recordings of EDC meetings • Report to Council included in Council-in-Brief
CONCLUSION Bowen Island businesses and home occupations are required to have a valid business licence; however, the Municipality has not established a business licence program. As a result, the Municipality lacks the information required to monitor and support business activity within its jurisdiction. If directed by Council, the Economic Development Committee can provide recommendations to assist in the development and implementation of municipal business licensing.
Attachments and References: Memorandum dated September 15, 2004, from Bylaw Enforcement Officer Chris Buchanan to CAO Isabell Hadford, “Business Licensing on Bowen Island”
SUBMITTED BY: [ORIGINAL SIGNED] ______Maureen Nicholson Councillor EDC Council Liaison
B&B LUB Regulation Synopsis (dated August 16, 2016)
LUB B&B Regulations Synopsis:
Residential zones on Bowen allow for Home Occupation as an accessory use. Our home occupation regulations are in section 3.34 of the LUB, and are, in brief, as follows: • Must be operated by a resident of the dwelling on the lot, and can have a maximum of two additional employees per dwelling; • Home Occupation can’t result in alterations to the exterior of the dwelling that would change the residential appearance of the dwelling; • Outside storage of material or equipment must be screened from neighbours and the street; • Bed and Breakfast Use is regulated as follows: o For lots under 2 ha (~5 acres) – a maximum of 4 guest bedrooms; o For lots over 2 ha – a maximum of 5 guest bedrooms o Bed and Breakfast may be conducted in the dwelling, or in an accessory building – the floor area of which shall be no greater than 93 square metres o A separate kitchen or cooking facilities for use by guests is not permitted o Parking –provide one parking space per guest room and per each non-resident employee o Cannot be operated on a property containing a secondary suite
Bed and Breakfast is defined as follows: a home occupation located within a detached dwelling or accessory building or both and restricted to providing temporary overnight accommodation and a breakfast meal to transient paying guests.
Commercial Guest Accommodation is defined: overnight guest sleeping accommodation for transient paying guests, which is not a bed and breakfast and may include a washroom and kitchen within the individual unit.
Guest House is defined: a use that provides for overnight guest accommodation for transient paying guests, and may include a communal dining room, kitchen facility, the provision of accessory group meetings/courses/workshops, and a dwelling unit for the owner-operator and the owner-operator’s family.
We allow for Bed and Breakfast in (basically) all residential zones. Commercial Guest Accommodation is only permitted in the VC 1 (as an accessory use) and VC1 (c), P1(a), and VC2 as principal uses. Guest House is only permitted in the TC1 Zone
In short, broadly speaking a home owner on Bowen can have a bed and breakfast (even contained in an accessory dwelling), as long as they live on the property, they don’t exceed either the maximum floor area and maximum bedrooms, they don’t have a secondary suite, and don’t provide a separate kitchen for their guests (and fit within their setbacks and maximum lot coverage). Home owners cannot operate a commercial guest accommodation, which would be operating either a short term rental space with a kitchen, or the renting of the entire dwelling on a nightly basis.
Daniel Martin Island Community Planner Bowen Island Municipality
Health Protection Coast Garibaldi Office Box1040 5571 Inlet Ave., Tel 1604-885-5164, Fax 1604-885-9725 North Vancouver Office 132 W Esplanade, Tel 604-983-6700, Fax 604-983-6702 Richmond Office 8100 Granville, Tel 604-233-3147, Fax 604-233-3175 Vancouver Office 1200–601 West Broadway, Tel 604-675-3800, Fax 604-736-8651 Squamish Office Box220 1140 Hunter Pl., Tel 1604-892-2293, Fax 1604-892.2327
October 17th, 2017
Maureen Nicholson Municipal Councillor & Metro Vancouver Director Bowen Island Municipality 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island BC V0N 1G2
Dear Maureen,
Re: Business Licensing on Bowen Island
Thank you for contacting our office regarding the Bowen Island municipal report being prepared on the business licensing process. Our comments for your consideration;
- VCH has business license referral processes with other municipalities (City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver, District of West Vancouver, Richmond, Vancouver etc.) - There are many benefits; o Continued collaboration and partnership between VCH and Bowen Island staff through permitting and plan approvals on behalf of both organizations. VCH providing input into business license approvals for businesses with public health implications e.g. food, water quality, personal services, schools, childcare, onsite sewage disposal, indoor air quality. o Opportunity to inform applicants of licensing and approval processes for both organizations leading to more streamlined process o Multi-agency coordination on special events and joint inspections where needed
Kind Regards
Mark Ritson CPHI (C) Acting Manager Vancouver Coastal Health Environmental Health North Vancouver 604 983 6751 cc: Mark Lysyshyn MD MPH FRCPC Medical Health Officer Vancouver Coastal Health
Attachment 9: Email dated October 19, 2017, from Bowen Island Fire Department Fire Chief Ian Thompson
LICENSING FOR BOWEN ISLAND BUSINESS
Business Summit, October 18, 2016 OVERVIEW
Resolution History Context Examples Issues Discussion COUNCIL RESOLUTION (RES#16-249), JULY 25, 2016
It was moved and seconded that Council direct the Economic Development Committee to include in its 2017 work plan the feasibility of implementing municipal business licensing and report back to Council with recommendations by April 2017. Carried unanimously. Importance of feedback from the community.
HISTORY CONTEXT
EXAMPLES
Short-term rentals Intermunicipal business licensing
ISSUES
Priority: How important is business licensing? Public education: What do people need to know? Scalability: Can we start small? Should we start big? Fees: What would they be? Inspections: Would there be any? How would that work? Monitoring and enforcement: How would that work? Administrative cost: What would this cost? Worth it? Cost of doing nothing: What would that be? DISCUSSION
What are the advantages you see for Bowen business licenses? What makes you nervous? EDC Business Summit Meeting October 18, 4:00 PM Bowen Island Lodge
Welcome and Introduction Chris Corrigan, Harvest Moon Consultants Maureen Nicholson, Councillor, Bowen Island Municipality
Impetus for this meeting:
We are reaching the end of an intensive period of research on what this community really looks like and how we express ourselves. This meeting is an opportunity to share the research that has gone into the “Bowen Brand” and have businesses engage with the story of who we are. Bowen is in transition: visitors’ and residents’ experiences have gone into this research. Conducting business more in-line with this research discoveries leads to deeper engagement /experience as a business owner and a customer.
EDC also wishes to share the results of numerous Focus Groups conducted over last four years on how business is done on Bowen– unearthing business practices that are uniquely applicable to Bowen, based on Bowen Island business “survivors”.
Evening will cover: (1) the Bowen Brand; (2) Best Practices; (3) What do businesses want the EDC to do going forward; and 4) a celebration of Bowen Island businesses.
Living the Bowen Brand: A Presentation on EDC Research Sheree Johnson, Founder, Storytellings Edward Wachtman, Founder, Storytellings
Key Insights from research on Bowen Island Businesses:
Interviewed visitors, residents and businesses – over 500 stories gathered to reveal the stories that bind us together Revealed deep Insights about Bowen Island: close to Vancouver, but different, less stressful; a sense of community so strong you can almost feel the hugs; a place to connect with what really matters; Bowen might change you for the better. Story is the source of the mascots : Slug – reminds us to slow down; Seal – reminds us to dive into unique experiences; Eagle – the protector of our natural bounty; and Deer – fierce and protective, wants to protect this place and island. Rethink has volunteered to help Bowen businesses incorporate these mascots into their marketing. Going deeper into the Bowen experience: Why people come here and why they stay here:
5 key themes came out of the stories:
Crossing over – a journey to another world. Soothing, healing place, sanctuary, respite, recharging. Crossing the water is an age-old symbol of entering a new world. Represents transformation, going from one state of being to another, profoundly meaningful change.
Pristine natural beauty – why people live and visit here. Reason they do business here: to live in this beautiful, natural world.
Sense of community – self-reliance, looking after ourselves and our neighbours. Most cited word for why people live and do business here. Community as belonging, and being part of something larger. Deep emotions associated with community because it is about survival. Weaving together into one tapestry. “Got your back.”
Connected with what matters most – deep relationships, something bigger than ourselves, Bowen as a catalyst for engagement in the community, connection with nature. Belonging.
Just might change you for the better – rough summation of four previous elements. Bowen as bringing out the best in us. Living a life that resonates with what matters most, both for residents and business owners. Reasons for starting a business on Bowen – to live here, spend more time here, and to make a difference to this community.
Business Owners
Critical role in this story. Business owners create, sustain and enhance the story. Have their own Bowen story: Hardy, independent breed. Harvest ideas from natural beauty and community. Trying to achieve purpose, meaning and give back to community. Mentoring the next generation. Making a difference.
Bowen Best Business Practices Handbook: 20 in handbook. Fall into three key categories:
Who I am – know your vision, wee bit rebellious What I do – products and services and customers – filling a hole, what is lacking, ‘Bowenizing’ product or service. How I do it – be front and center in your business, doing what you say you will do and then some.
Best Practices Examples:
Bowenizing – For example, Xenia - giving people an opportunity to enjoy nature of Bowen and connect with what matters most through community. Giving Back to the Community – For example, Gary Ander, Metro Blasting, making a new veterans park where people can come together for events. Up Front and Center in Your Business – For example, Artisan Eats – always see Julie and Christophe at their cafe. Face of their business. Involved 24/7. Sharing the Know-How – Business owners need advice and there is amazing expertise in this community with willingness to share this know-how to make everyone here successful. For example, Bowen Island Women In Business (You’ll be better for being here).
Strategic Small Group Conversations on Applying the Bowen Brand
How do you create, sustain and enhance the Bowen Story with your Business?
Key Insights:
A .Business Networks
The power of a business network is underused Business on Bowen is like a tree growing on a rock – you can’t send roots straight down, need to send them out and see which roots take the best Spread yourself out through a number of businesses to see what takes Businesses bringing people together in different ways – work together, show art together. businesses provide the place to network formally or informally (i.e. pub)
B. Housing Affordability Crisis
Affordability of housing - problem, leading to loss of workers
C. Bowen Identity
Identity issue – desire for a “made on Bowen” mark
D. Bowen paradox
Leave us alone but serve us well when we want it
E. Lack of Private/Public Boundary
No real distance between public and private persona. Lack of respect of business hours if your island is public
F. Word of Mouth Marketing/Connection Proactive involvement – word of mouth marketing as best marketing. Just go in and introduce yourself
G. First Nations Territory
Indigenous Territory – Beat a Fast Rythym – Squamish Name for Bowen. Named from the Sea. Refers to canoeing on fast waters.
Business License Overview Maureen Nicholson, Councillor, Bowen Island Municipality
Key Points:
Just at beginning of talking about this at Bowen Island Municipality Resolution was passed at July 25 Council meeting: that Council direct the EDC to include in its 2017 workplan the feasibility of implementing business licensing and report back to Council by April 2017. Unanimously carried. Importance of community feedback was emphasized. History: According to statistics: of 162 municipalites, 161 require business licenses. Community Charter gives Municipality the authority to adopt a bylaw to have business licenses. This bylaw already exists in the Bowen Island land-use bylaws. Municipal staff had done work previously in 2004 on business licensing. Council did not direct staff to proceed with licensing. There was a recommendation in 2004 that municipal staff initiate a discussion with the District of West Vancouver and North Vancouver to develop an interim business licensing agreement. Other municipalities: i.e. Tofino, Nelson provide information on their website as to who needs a business license? Answer is: everyone in the community. Examples include short-term rentals, contractors – Bowen Island contractors have to buy licenses off-island to work in another municipality, but Bowen Island does not require this of contractors coming to work here. Speaks to inter-municipal licensing. Issues identified by EDC: o priority of business licensing; o public education about business licensing; o scalability – could we start out small with designated areas requiring licensing?; o Fees – what would they be? Municipality cannot be making a profit; o Inspection – how would that actually be implemented?; o Monitoring and Enforcement – how would this work?; o Administrative cost – what would the cost be; is there a cost to doing nothing? Benefits that could come from licenses: o Data: better statistics would exist on how many businesses in each sector. Provincial government statistics said there were 1300 businesses on Bowen. o When you apply for grants, if you cannot describe your business community in quantative terms, you cannot complete the application. Chris cited the example of Saltspring where they received a grant to have a business development incubator. o Other municipalities help to promote businesses i.e. online directory, new license holders, resources gathered for businesses in a central location.
Small Group Discussions on a Bowen Island Business License Program
What are the advantages you see for Bowen business licenses? What makes you nervous?
Key Insights/Advantages:
A .Timing is Right
It is time: there has been a shift in attitudes toward Council. While in 2004 the attitude toward Council was one of mistrust, now Council is more in tune with business. There is an understanding that we need licensing and that it is not intended to be a money grab or an opportunity to control businesses. Demographics may be behind the change in attitudes –young people moving here want to do business here, business people are on Council.
B. Data Collection
Collection of information: i.e. how many employees are in certain sectors, a certain income bracket; leading to a greater understanding of how many people need housing . Leads to grant eligibility – could address bandwidth issues
C. Leveling of the Playing Field
Even playing field with those across the water.
D. Connectivity
Previously there did not exist an agricultural alliance nor a brand - these developments lead to greater connectivity, a registry could contribute to this.
E. Safety
Advantages in safety: food safety for example
F. Identification of Non-Visible Businesses
Tool to identify non-visible businesses that are on Bowen but do not have Bowen customers
Key Concerns:
A. Inability to Reverse Decision
Lack of reversibility: Once we have this, it will never be possible to reverse it.
B. Associated Requirements/Slippery Slope:
Would this lead to o a need to be an industrial zone for certain businesses? o more inspections, regulations and costs? o limits on certain types of businesses?
C. Impact on Entrepreneurship
Could this limit entrepreneurship and the ability for Bowen business owners to “push the rules” and incubate ideas as entrepreneurs on Bowen? How will this impact the ability to have a home-based business? Effect on grassroots businesses. Her experience elsewhere was that licensing required the consent of many neighbours, all of whom could have stopped her business.
D. Bureaucracy
Adding bureaucracy on top of bureaucracy How could we ensure a less onerous process with less red tape? Why not just have a registry to achieve a very similar advantages (x3) Online so that it is accessible. o Counterpoint: how would we keep this current? A business license needs to be renewed annually. Why not refine what is already in place: land use bylaws. Make these stronger instead of building on what is already weak.
Questions:
Could there be scalable costs: could there be a smaller cost i.e. if you do not require inspections like a larger business? Would you need multiple business licenses if you have multiple businesses? What would the definition of a business be versus a hobby? How would the information compiled be used? What if it is used to limit business licenses? Would it be mandatory? Efficiencies: Could we tie the license to other things for ease to business owners Three largest business categories on Bowen: accommodation, contractors, realtors – has always been this way. Will contractors be required to have licenses? What about those who aren’t even computer literate?
End Notes
Vacancies on the EDC announced Comparator Communities Research
Summer 2017 BP = Barry Pynn CC = Chris Corrigan MN = Maureen Nicholson RM = Rod Marsh Lake Cowichan QUESTION Gibsons - BP Golden - CC Grand Forks CC RM Lantzville MN Metchosin MN Oliver RM Osoyoos RM Peachland BP Pemberton MN Rossland BP Sechelt BP Sooke MN Sparwood RM Tofino CC Ucluelet CC TOPIC: Business licences (municipal, intermunicipal, regional)
How many licences issued annually? about 180 no licensing $25,000 approx 450 Government & Charitable registered non- all LGA Are any businesses exempt? no non-profits none events no licence rqmt none? charitable events non profit none profits non profit non profit none none exemptions $100, $150 Base $75. Up to Base $112/$50 $25-300 + more Range of annual fees? $200-300+ $70-300/year $75-250 Intermunicipal $35-$100 $200 $50-300 daily $150-$300 $100-200 $125-175 $50-$250 $100 base $100-$800+ for itinerant Yes - Duncan, yes - Capital North Cowichan, Regional District Part of a mobile licensing system? yes - Sechelt Ladysmith - $100 none ? yes -$150+base yes yes Gibsons $50 yes- CRD Fernie, Elkford
How many mobile licences issued? ? 16 22 communities ? ? changes to Tourist Any changes to system anticipated? ? Commercial yes
TOPIC: Secondary rental suites, short term and bed and breakfast use in home
Secondary suites: require? no no no no no not clear no no no no no no no no no no
Short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb): require? yes yes yes yes no yes yes yes yes yes yes separate app no? yes yes yes Suspensions &/or $100-500 Suspension and Fines up to suspension- suspension Reponse to non-compliance? Fines - zoning fines fine n/a $10K Suspension ? ? fines ? fines fines
TOPIC: Business use in home no; must comply Require a licence? all yes Yes Yes with zoning yes all yes all all all all yes yes
% in compliance? unknown n/a ? ? ?
TOPIC: enforcement $50-200 up to Fines? no range $100 - $500 Max $2000 up to $200 Up to $10K no no $250-$10K $50-2000 sched no $10K no $50-$1000 Suspension/Can bylaw inspector/bylaw/ License Inspector can Inspector can cellation/fines to Suspension/fine enforc/complaint suspension/fine suspension- fines/susp bylaw fines/bylaw inspector and by Enforcement methods? suspend or fine. suspend $200 Inspectors Suspension s to $2000 form s fines enforcement enforce Inspection law office
TOPIC: General Online form, Online form, List here: payment in drop off online form, drop online form, drop Bizpal and http://ucluelet.ca Online system? no, application person or by Yes no no no. Yes? Yes BC Bus reg off no Bizpal off or BizPal online no /images/2016_B OneStop Business Who developed? n/a n/a Registration n/a One-stop Provincial n/a Provincial govt Prov govt Prov govt
TOPIC: Administration, costing Business Inspector License working with Fire Planning and Standalone dept or part of other dept? Planning Department Admin Bylaw Not standalone Not standalone Not standalone Planning & Dev Planning & Dev and Planning Planning/Bylaw Building Chamber of Revenues go to Commerce How costs allocated? general treasury n/a General General General receives some of
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• Provide an overview of the BizPaL service • Demonstrate functionality of tool • Discuss next steps
2 Why work together for business?
The message from business to government is clear and consistent:
• Small business drives local economies • Governments must streamline regulations and requirements to make it easier for small business start up and growth • Business is currently spending too much time complying with government regulations • Businesses want a “whole of government” approach
3 What is BizPaL?
• BizPaL is both a service for business and a partnership between three levels of government.
• BizPaL – the service - is an online tool for providing permit and licensing information for business start up and growth.
• BizPaL – the partnership - is a collaborative initiative to support business start up and growth in communities across Canada.
4 Program Overview
• Started as a pilot project in 2004 • Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology is the provincial lead in British Columbia • Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is the lead as the federal government partner • The partnership is governed by a Steering Committee made up of representatives from all levels of government • Costs are shared by the participating provincial /territorial and federal governments • No cost to municipalities • There are 130 local communities partnered with BizPaL in BC • BizPaL’s technology – an information retrieval system running on two interfaces – user and administrative. The database is housed by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada in Ottawa • Data quality is managed by all partners – with routine testing done i.e. Broken link reports • All information updates to the database are completed by the province 5 Difference between BizPaL and OneStop
- Provides a roadmap for - Fulfilment service business planning - Business registrations with - Identifies permits and multiple public sector agencies licences that may be required (includes address change from all three levels of service and now a business government number service)
- Reduces time spent - Reduces time spent researching complying
6 Benefits for Business
✓ It's free - Search for the permits and “Having opened two restaurants over licences you may need to start or grow the span of 6 years, once with the your business. help of BizPaL and once on my own, ✓ Saves time— Spend less time searching I can honestly say what a difference it for information and more time building made to the red tape that one your business. normally thinks of when it comes to regulation requirements during the ✓ Improves business planning — Know start up phase of a new business…. I which permits and licences are needed. wish all government services were so ✓ Get answers — Available 24/7 to help user focused and well put together.” navigate through government requirements. —Stephen Beckta (Owner of Beckta Dining & Wine, and Play Food & Wine)
7 Benefits for Government
✓ Increased efficiency and cost effectiveness and voluntary compliance by business ✓ A comprehensive inventory and documentation of permits and licences ✓ Better service to business for clients ✓ Accessibility to Google Analytic Data
8 BC BizPaL Demo www.bcbizpal.ca
9 BC BizPaL Demo www.bcbizpal.ca
10 BC BizPaL Demo
11 BC BizPaL Demo
12 BC BizPaL Demo
13 Steps to Implementation
Action Role/ Responsibility Sign Letter of Intent – a non-binding Generated by Province – signed by municipality understanding of roles and responsibilities and Province between the partnership
Collection of permit and licence information Province – pre-collection
Local partners asked to verify their P&L’s and customize wording if necessary ‘Mapping’ and Data Entry Province
Integrate BizPaL to municipal site Municipal (with Provincial support )
Soft launch – activate information online Province/Federal
Formal launch All three levels of government – joint news release
14 QUESTIONS?
CONTACT US ANY TIME
The BC BizPaL team
Kimberley Garside – Policy Analyst [email protected] 250 952-0259
Stephanie Longtin – Program Analyst [email protected] 250 952-0403
Patricia Summers – Director, Small Business Programs [email protected] 250 953-3790
General BC BizPaL Mailbox bizpal@gov.bc.ca
Look for us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BizPaLBC
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LETTER OF INTENT (“LOI”)
BETWEEN:
Her Majesty the Queen in Right of the Province of British Columbia, as represented herein by the Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology (hereinafter called “the Province”)
and
Insert Municipal Name (hereinafter called “Insert Municipal Type”)
BACKGROUND:
BizPaL is a collaboration between the Province of British Columbia, and other provinces and territories, the Government of Canada (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada), and participating local governments to provide an online tool for permit and licence information for business. Users identify the location, type of business and business activities. Based on the selections, BizPaL generates a list of the permit and licencing requirements of all three levels of government.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and participating provinces and territories provide funding for the hosting and maintenance of the database that holds the permit and licence information, and for centralized functions supporting the long term sustainability of the service. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and other BizPaL participants, including local government, collaborate on establishing strategic plans for the initiative and participate in on-going governance.
The Province is responsible for the implementation of BizPaL in the Province of British Columbia, and for securing the participation of local governments within the province.
This LOI is to allow the Province and the (municipal type) to work collaboratively to make the BizPaL tool applicable and available to business clients within the (municipal type) and to provide for the participation of the (municipal type) in the BizPaL program.
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RECOGNIZING THAT:
The (municipal type) wishes to participate in the BizPaL program and has reached a mutual understanding with the Province, regarding the shared objective of developing and implementing BizPaL for business clients looking to establish a business in selected industries.
The (municipal type) is in support of the fundamental principles of the BizPaL Program, as developed by the pilot participants and articulated in the Memorandum of Understanding for the BizPaL Initiative (BizPaL MOU) between the provincial/territorial/federal participants, namely:
1. respect for the autonomy of the participants; 2. participants all have a voice in how the BizPaL program is to be managed and operated; 3. the BizPaL Product is ultimately shared by all of its participants; 4. each participant is responsible for presenting, maintaining, and updating its own information; 5. each participant will decide how it will adjust its own internal practices in light of its participation in the BizPaL program; 6. major decisions related to the BizPaL program will be made by consensus among representatives of the BizPaL Steering Committee; and
7. participants are responsible for their own costs of developing, launching, maintaining, operating, and developing BizPaL. In addition, to ensure equal representation and a whole-of-government approach to the BizPaL program, and in accordance with the terms of the BizPaL MOU, the Province is working with local governments to ensure there is a local government representative on the BizPaL Steering Committee, the main governing body for the program. The method to assign the local government representative on the BizPaL Steering Committee will be established in consultation with local governments and Union of British Columbia Municipalities.
The (municipal type) and the Province have reached an understanding as follows:
1. The Province will assist the (municipal type) to compile a list of municipal permits and licences for inclusion in the BizPaL database. The Province is responsible for the loading and maintenance of information in the BizPaL database.
2. Each party shall be responsible for assigning all appropriate resources and personnel in order to achieve successful implementation and maintenance of this joint project.
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3. Each party shall be solely responsible for all costs related to its involvement in the research and business process mapping activities, maintaining timely and accurate permit and licence data, training, and for any incidental costs related to participation in BizPaL. Municipalities typically only incur costs associated with external technical support that may be required to implement the BizPaL service on the municipal website.
4. Each party will be responsible for the maintaining, in a timely manner the accuracy and currency of its data.
5. The (municipal type) shall be solely responsible for making any changes, modifications, or additions to its own website interface in order to use the BizPaL tool. The National BizPaL Office technical support team will provide instructions and assistance for the implementation of the BizPaL service to the municipal website.
6. The Province and the (municipal type) have reached an understanding that (completion date) is the target date to complete implementation of BizPaL in the (municipal type).
7. The Province and the (municipal type) have reached an understanding that BizPaL will be soft launched prior to an official launch, and that the soft launch will take place within three weeks of completion of all the implementation tasks (permit and licence collection, mapping, data entry, and client interface preparation).
8. The Province and the (municipal type) have reached an understanding that the official launch (typically by way of joint news release) of BizPaL will be coordinated between all three levels of government (provincial, federal and local) to accommodate participation by all levels within a reasonable length of time from the soft launch.
9. This LOI will come into effect upon the date of last party signs this LOI and shall remain in effect until terminated by either party in accordance with paragraph 11 of this LOI.
10. This LOI may be terminated by either party upon 30 days’ written notice to the other party or at any time by mutual consent. The effective date of the termination of the joint undertaking will be agreed upon by the parties at the time notice of termination is received.
11. This LOI is not intended to be a binding agreement and nothing herein creates any binding right or obligation on the part of either the (municipal type) or the Province.
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Signed on behalf of the Province of British Columbia this day of , 2017.
Province of British Columbia
______Jaclynn Hunter Executive Director Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology
Signed on behalf of the (municipal name) this _____ day of ______, 2017.
Municipal Name
______(Name) (Title) (Municipality)
This is a consolidated copy of the following bylaws, provided for CONVENIENCE only.
1. Anmore Business Licencing Bylaw No. 263-1999 2. Anmore Business Licencing Amendment Bylaw No. 307-2001 3. Anmore Business Licencing Amendment Bylaw No. 565-2017
For copies of the individual bylaws, please contact the Manager of Corporate Services.
VILLAGE OF ANMORE
BYLAW NO. 263-1999
A bylaw to provide for the Licensing and Regulating of Businesses
WHEREAS section 653 of the Municipal Act, being chapter 323 of the Revised Statutes of British Columbia, 1996, provides that the Council may by bylaw provide for the licencing and regulating of businesses.
NOW THEREFORE, the Council of the Village of Anmore, in open meeting assembled, enacts as follows:
TITLE
1. This bylaw may be cited as “Anmore Business Licencing Bylaw No. 263-1999".
REPEAL
2. That “Village of Anmore Business Licencing Bylaw No. 14-1988", “Licencing and Regulating of Business Amending Bylaw No. 35-1989" and “Anmore Business Licencing Amending Bylaw No. 198-1993" are hereby repealed.
DEFINITIONS
3. In this bylaw, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) Act means the “Municipal Act” being Chapter 323 of the Revised Statutes of British Columbia, 1996 as amended from time to time;
(b) Accessory Home Business means a business carried on in a residential dwelling only by a resident of that dwelling, which business is accessory and subordinate to the residential use and does not alter the residential appearance of character of the building in which it is located;
(c) Accessory Home Business (Contractor) means a person who carries on the business of performing construction, alteration, repair work, or maintenance upon a building, structure, or other improvement, and is based in a residential dwelling.
Anmore Business Licencing Bylaw (Consolidated) Page 2
(d) Business means carrying on a commercial or industrial undertaking of any kind or nature or the providing of professional, personal, or other services for the purpose of gain or profit, but does not include an activity carried on by the government, its agencies or government owned corporations;
(e) Collector means the Village’s Collector appointed from time to time in accordance with the provisions of the Act and includes any acting or assistance collector;
(f) Contractor means a person who carries on the business of performing construction, alteration, repair work, or maintenance upon a building, structure, or other improvements for 2 or more days within the municipal boundaries;
(g) Council means the Municipal Council of the Village of Anmore;
(h) Employee means a person engaged on a full time or part time basis in the operation of a business, whether employed on a salaried, commission or other basis, and includes any owners, partners or principals engaged in the operation of the business;
(i) Home Based Business means a business carried on in a residential dwelling by a resident and/or employees, which business is accessory and subordinate to the residential use and has regular business hours open to the public;
(j) Improvement means anything constructed, or added to, in, upon or under land;
(k) Licence means a valid and subsisting business licence issued pursuant to this bylaw;
(l) Licencee means the person who holds a Licence;
(m) Licence Inspector means a person appointed from time to time by the Council as Licence Inspector for the Village;
(n) Mobile Vendor means a person who, either on his own account or as an officer, servant, or agent of another, sells or offers for sale goods from a mobile truck or other vehicle;
(o) Village means the Village of Anmore.
LICENCE REQUIREMENT
4. Subject to section 654 of the Act:
(a) No person shall carry on a business in the Village without a Licence; Anmore Business Licencing Bylaw (Consolidated) Page 3
(b) Every person who owns or operates any business within the Village shall apply for, obtain and hold a Licence for each business.
LICENCE FEE
5. Every person who obtains a Licence shall pay, in advance, the applicable licence fee prescribed in Schedule “A” to this bylaw, provided that:
(a) An annual licence fee prescribed in Schedule “A” shall be reduced by one-half in respect of a Licence issued after July 31st in any year. A semi-annual licence does not qualify for this reduction.
(b) No refund on an annual licence fee shall be made on account of any person ceasing to do business at any time. A licence fee shall be refunded only if the Licence application is withdrawn prior to issuance of the Licence or if issuance of the Licence is refused.
LICENCE INSPECTOR’S POWERS
6. The Licence Inspector shall have to power to grant, issue or transfer licences as hereinafter provided and subject to the provisions of section 667 of the Act.
INSPECTIONS
7. Every Licence Inspector, Fire Prevention Officer, Medical Health Officer and Bylaw Enforcement Officer of the Village may enter at all reasonable times on any property that is subject to this bylaw to ascertain whether the regulations in this bylaw are being observed.
APPLICATIONS FOR A LICENCE
8. The application for a licence shall be on the form set out in Schedule “B” of this bylaw and shall be signed by the owner of the business or his duly authorized agent provided that in the case of partnerships or multiple owners any one of such owners or partners may apply and such owner or partner applying shall be deemed to by the duly authorized agent of all the members of the partnership.
9. The application form shall be delivery to the Licence Inspector and shall be accompanied by the fee prescribed in Schedule “A” of this bylaw.
10. The Licence Inspector is hereby authorized to modify the forms prescribed or any of the administrative procedures prescribed and to require such additional information as may be deemed necessary by him when dealing with any owner applying for a licence pursuant to this bylaw.
Anmore Business Licencing Bylaw (Consolidated) Page 4
11. All fees paid pursuant to the provisions of this bylaw shall be deemed to be monies paid to the Village and shall forthwith be paid to the Treasurer who shall deal with same in the manner provided by the Act.
12. All applications for licences shall give a full description in detail of the premises in or upon which the applicant intends to carry on a business for which he has made an application for a licence and no person to whom the licence has been granted shall carry on a business upon any premises other than those set forth in the said application without first making an application under this section for a new licence or for a transfer of such licence as hereinafter provided.
LICENCE FORM
13. Every licence shall be in the form set out in Schedule “C” to this bylaw and shall be made out in duplicate. One copy shall be delivered to the Licencee and the Licence Inspector shall retain the other copy.
LICENCE PERIODS
14. Licences may be granted on an annual basis or semi-annual basis. If the Licence is issued on an annual basis the period of the licence is January 1st and expires December 31st. If the Licence is issued on a semi-annual basis the period of the licence is October 31st to April 30th and April 30th to October 31st.
DISPLAY OF LICENCE
15. Every Licencee shall keep the Licencee’s copy of the Licence posted in a conspicuous place on the premises in respect of which the Licence is issued. Where the Licencee has not business premises in the Village, the Licence shall be carried upon the Licencee’s person at all times when the Licencee is engaged within the Village in the business for which the Licence was issued.
EFFECT OF LICENCE
16. A Licence authorizes only the person named in the Licence to carry on only the business described in the Licence, and only at the premises or locations described in the Licence.
17. A Licence is not a representation or warranty that the licenced business or the business premises comply with the bylaws of the Village or with any other regulations or standards.
LICENCE RENEWAL
18. The Licence Inspector may forward a Business Licence Invoice on or before September 30th in each year, to every Licencee. Notwithstanding this section, the Licencee shall be responsible for obtaining and submitting a Business Licence Invoice as required.
Anmore Business Licencing Bylaw (Consolidated) Page 5
19. A Licencee who proposes to renew a Licence shall submit the Business Licence Invoice and annual Licence Fee to the Licence Inspector prior to expiry of the Licence on October 31st.
20. If a Licence is not renewed as required by section 19, the Licence shall be suspended and a Licencee who wishes to continue to carry on the business shall pay an additional Licence fee of $50.00.
21. Receipt of a Business Licence shall serve as confirmation that the Licence has been renewed.
LICENCE TRANSFERS - NEW PREMISES
22. No person shall carry on a business upon any premises other than those described in the initial Licence application without first making an application under this section for a new Licence or for a transfer of the original licence.
23. Any person proposing to obtain a transfer of a Licence with respect to a change of premises shall make application as required by Schedule “B” and the powers, conditions, requirements and procedures relating to the Applications for a Licence apply, except as to licence fees.
LICENCE TRANSFERS - PERSON TO PERSON
24. Any person who acquires a business or a controlling interest in any business from any person licenced under this bylaw shall not carry on such business without first having obtained approval for a transfer of the Licence.
25. Any person proposing to obtain a transfer of a Licence held by any other person shall make application in the form of Schedule “B” and the powers, conditions, requirements and procedures relating to the Applications for a Licence apply, except as to Licence Fees.
TRANSFER FEES
26. The fee payable for Licence Transfers is $10.00.
COUNCIL MAY REFUSE TO GRANT LICENCE
27. Council may, on the affirmative vote of at least 2/3 of its members, refuse in any particular case to grant the request of an applicant for a licence under this bylaw, but the granting or renewal of a licence must not be unreasonably refused.
Anmore Business Licencing Bylaw (Consolidated) Page 6
DOOR TO DOOR SALES
28. No person shall carry on business through unsolicited visits to any residence in the Village.
CONTRACTORS
29. Every person licenced as a Contractor shall provide the Licence Inspector with a list on a form provided by the Licence Inspector of all sub-trades to be engaged on each specific site, prior to commencement of any work on the site.
TOWING BUSINESSES
AMENDED BY BYLAW NO. 307-2001 30. No person engaged in the business of towing motor vehicles shall demand or collect any charge or fee of any kind for towing, prepared for towing, removal, handling, impounding and storage of a vehicle or for any other services, where the towing or other services are provided without the vehicle owner’s written consent. The maximum charge to be collected shall be the current published I.C.B.C. rates and the $25.00 Administration Fee to the Village.
AMENDED BY BYLAW NO. 307-2001 31. No person engaged in the business of towing motor vehicles shall, without the owner’s consent, tow a vehicle from a private parking lot, highway, or public place unless it is taken to the impoundment lot of the towing business, which is protected by a locked fence and has an attendant on duty at all times when there is a vehicle impounded in the impoundment lot.
CLASSIFICATION
32. For the purposes of this bylaw, businesses are classified in accordance with Schedule “A” to this bylaw.
SEVERABILITY
33. If any provision of this bylaw is held to be invalid, the invalid portion shall be severed from the bylaw and that invalidity shall not affect the remainder of the bylaw.
SCHEDULES
34. Schedules “A” through “B” form part of this bylaw.
Anmore Business Licencing Bylaw (Consolidated) Page 7
OFFENCE
AMENDED BY BYLAW NO. 565-2017 35. Any person who contravenes section 4 of this bylaw is guilty of an offence and, on summary conviction, is liable to the fine as outlined in the Anmore Municipal Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw No. 479-2009, and any amendments thereto. Each day that a violation of this bylaw continues shall constitute a separate offence.
36. This bylaw shall come into effect upon final adoption thereof.
READ a first time this 12th day of October , 1999 A.D.
READ a second time this 12th day of October , 1999 A.D.
READ a third time this 12th day of October , 1999 A.D.
RECONSIDERED, FINALLY PASSED AND ADOPTED this 25th day of October , 1999 A.D.
H. Weinberg ______MAYOR
H. Carley ______CLERK
Anmore Business Licencing Bylaw (Consolidated) Page 8
SCHEDULE “A”
BYLAW NO. 263-1999
BUSINESS CLASSIFICATION AND LICENCE FEES
Please Note: All fees for 12-month period unless otherwise stated ______
Classification of Annual Licence Business Fee Payable ______
* FEES AMENDED BY ANMORE FEES AND CHARGES BYLAW NO. 557-2016 Accessory Home Business *
Accessory Home Business (Contractor) *
Bed & Breakfast *
Campground *
Contractor 1- 4 people * 5-10 people * 11-15 people * 16-20 people *
Daycare Centre *
Equestrian Centre *
Filmmaking *
Home Based Business *
Manufactured Home Park *
Sales Retail/Wholesale *
Societies (non-profit) *
Anmore Business Licencing Bylaw (Consolidated) Page 9
SCHEDULE “B”
BYLAW NO. 263-1999
APPLICATION FOR BUSINESS LICENCE ______
FEE: ______
1. NAME OF BUSINESS: ______
2. BUSINESS LICENCE APPLIES FOR: ______
3. NAME OF APPLCANT: ______
4. ADDRESS: ______
______
5. TELEPHONE NUMBERS- RESIDENCE: ______BUSINESS: ______
6. HAVE YOU HELD A LICENCE IN ANMORE BEFORE - YES/NO
7. IF YOU HAVE NOT HELD A LICENCE IN ANMORE HAVE YOU HELD A LICENCE IN ANY OTHER MUNICIPALITY, IF YES, PLEASE STATE WHERE:
______
8. HAS YOUR BUSINESS LICENCE EVER BEEN CANCELLED, REFUSED OR SUSPENDED? YES/NO. IF SO, WHY? ______
______
I hereby apply for a Business Licence with particulars above which I declare true and correct. I undertake, if granted the licence, to comply with all obligations, bylaws, present and future, in the Village of Anmore.
DATE:______SIGNATURE:______
Office Use Only: Licence Issued
BY:______NUMBER: ______Anmore Business Licencing Bylaw (Consolidated) Page 10
SCHEDULE “C”
BYLAW NO. 263-1999
LICENCE FORM ______