A GUIDE FOR HOME-BASED BUSINESSES IN WEST VANCOUVER

The West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and the District of West Vancouver have prepared this information to assist you in understanding the District’s Business Licence approval process for business operated from home.

In today’s electronic society, more and more business activities can be operated from a residence. This increase in home-based business has naturally allowed governments to review their existing bylaws to realign them with this new business reality.

What is a “Business:?

The Local Government Act defines a business as “carrying on a commercial or industrial undertaking of any kind, or providing professional, personal, or other services for the purpose of gain or profit”.

The Act permits Councils, by bylaw, to provide for a system of business licences. Every business operating within the District of West Vancouver, including those located in private residences, are required to have a business licence.

Restrictions on Home Craft, Occupation or Business

While business or occupations are permitted to operate from private homes, one must recognize that residences are just that, residences. Therefore, some restrictions have been placed on the size and type of businesses that can operate from home so the business does not contribute or create nuisance to the neighbourhood.

Basically, the restrictions are:

Ø      Only two people of an immediate family, both of whom must reside in the dwelling can be engaged in the business;

Ø      There can be no retailing of goods or merchandise from a residence;

Ø      No goods, materials or supplies in excess of one thousand dolalars can be kept or stored on the property;

Ø      Only one vehicle can be used by the business and it can not be over 5,000 lbs GVW;

Ø      Deliveries and visits can only be on an infrequent or occasional basis;

Ø      The business cannot contribute or create nuisance to the neighbourhood.

Complete regulations may be found in Section 31.105 of the Districts Zoning Bylaw.

Applying for a Business Licence

Licence applications are available at the Bylaw & Licences Services Department on the second floor of Municipal Hall 750 - 17th Street, where staff are available to assist in completing the form or Click here to Download Business Licence Form

The Application process is simple:

1.      Submit your completed application to the Licencing Clerk who will check for compliance with the Zoning Bylaw.

If inspections are required by other agencies such as the Fire Department or North Shore Health, you will be advised and will be responsible for contacting the agency to arrange for an inspection.

2.      A licence fee is based on the type of business and generally range between $105 and $200.00 for home-based businesses.

3.      Your Business Licence is issued once the Licence Inspector has determined all requirements have been satisfied.

For further Business Licence information and current prices call The District of West Vancouver 604-925-7152 or http://www.westvancouver.net/article.asp?a=1772&c=185

Posted October 2005