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Business licences, home businesses and mobile operators in Coquitlam
Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Coquitlam requires a licence for business activity within the city. Choose the correct commercial, home-based, non-resident or special-event application....
Key information
Coquitlam requires a licence for business activity within the city. Choose the correct commercial, home-based, non-resident or special-event application. Check zoning first, and obtain any separate approvals your activity needs before relying on an issued city licence.
On this page
At a glance
| Task | Key detail |
|---|---|
| Who needs a business licence in Coquitlam? | The city’s Business Licence Bylaw applies to people carrying on, owning or operating a profession, trade, business or occupation within Coquitlam. |
| Which application categories are provided? | The official page provides Commercial or Industrial, Home Based Business, Non-Resident Business and Special Event Vending forms. |
| What city requirements apply to a short-term rental? | The page requires a home-based business licence and inspection, with a permanent resident living in and operating the home. |
Sources: Business Licences | Coquitlam, BC
City Hall service counter
| Place | Address | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Coquitlam City Hall | 3000 Guildford Way | Business Licensing |
Coquitlam City Hall
3000 Guildford Way
Revenue Services, Business Licensing and the building counter handle different tasks here. Use the guide’s document requirements and counter hours for the service you need.
- Service
- Business Licensing
Sources: Business Licences | Coquitlam, BC
Sources: Business Licences | Coquitlam, BC
Licensing scope, zoning and application forms
Who needs a business licence in Coquitlam?
The city’s Business Licence Bylaw applies to people carrying on, owning or operating a profession, trade, business or occupation within Coquitlam. The licence must be displayed on the premises. A mobile operator must carry it while working in the city.
How long is a Coquitlam licence valid?
The page states one year from the business’s commencement date. It is not described as an automatic January-to-December term for every applicant. Existing licensees can pay renewal online and should contact Business Licensing if any details on the licence have changed.
What should I check before renting commercial space?
Confirm the property is zoned for the proposed business use. The city directs applicants to its zoning information and Business LinQ resources. A space advertised as commercial does not prove that every planned activity is allowed at that address.
Sources: Business Licences | Coquitlam, BC
Submission and separate approvals
Which application categories are provided?
The official page provides Commercial or Industrial, Home Based Business, Non-Resident Business and Special Event Vending forms. Choose the form matching where and how you will operate, and include the category’s supporting documents rather than submitting only a business name.
Where do I submit the completed application?
Email businesslicences@coquitlam.ca or deliver it to City Hall at 3000 Guildford Way. Include the supporting documents with the application to avoid unnecessary delays. The page also links specialist requirements, including child care, food premises and building alterations.
Does the city licence replace provincial or health approvals?
No. Depending on the activity, other regulators may require licences or permits, including liquor or health approvals. The city licence process does not itself supply those separate permissions. Identify the applicable agencies before setting an opening date.
Sources: Business Licences | Coquitlam, BC
Short-term rentals and Tri-Cities mobile licences
What city requirements apply to a short-term rental?
The page requires a home-based business licence and inspection, with a permanent resident living in and operating the home. It limits the rental to two guests or one family, under 40% of residential floor area, and no separate cooking facilities. This does not describe all provincial requirements.
What does the Tri-Cities intermunicipal licence cover?
Eligible mobile businesses based in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam or Port Moody may obtain an add-on licence to work in all three. Businesses based outside those municipalities still need the relevant non-resident licences. The add-on does not authorize work throughout every Metro Vancouver municipality.
What is the intermunicipal add-on fee and term?
It costs $175 annually, is not prorated and runs for the same term as the base licence issued by the principal municipality. Operators must comply with each municipality’s bylaws where they work. Keep the base licence and add-on terms aligned when renewing.
Who should I contact about changes or supporting documents?
Contact Business Licensing at 604-927-3085 or businesslicences@coquitlam.ca. The city also requests current after-hours emergency contacts for the RCMP. Update the information when staff contacts change; paying a renewal alone does not tell the city which licence details need correction.
Sources: Business Licences | Coquitlam, BC