Business Hub

As part of the business licence application process, the Town conducts a number of reviews to ensure your business complies with applicable regulations:

• Zoning Review
  Town staff will confirm that the proposed business use is permitted at the intended location under the Zoning Bylaw.

• Building and Fire Inspections
  Some premises may require inspection by the Building Official and/or Fire Chief to confirm compliance with the BC Building Code and Fire Safety Codes.

• Health Authority Approval
  Food‑related businesses and personal service establishments may require approval from a Provincial Health Inspector before a licence can be issued.

Annual Fees and Renewals

• Business licence fees are billed automatically each year
• Annual fees are due on or before March 31
• Business licences are pro-rated at 50% if purchased after July 1
• Unpaid fees may result in penalties or enforcement action, including issuance of a Bylaw Enforcement Ticket
• If your business closes or relocates, please notify the Town promptly. Failure to do so may result in continued billing and the assumption that the business is still operating.
• Payment can be made in-person or online

Mobile vendors are businesses that operate from a vehicle, trailer, or other mobile unit, rather than from a fixed, permanent location. Examples of mobile vendors include, but are not limited to:

• Food trucks, food carts, and mobile concessions

• Mobile saunas or wellness services

• Mobile tire sales and repair services

• Mobile RV, vehicle, or equipment repair

• Mobile retail or specialty service vehicles

All mobile vendors are required to obtain a Mobile Business Licence and comply with applicable municipal bylaws, location restrictions, and operating conditions.

Some mobile vendors—particularly mobile food vendors—are subject to additional health and safety requirements. Depending on the nature of the business, approvals or inspections may be required from the Building Official, Fire Department, and/or Interior Health Authority.

Businesses are not permitted to operate on public property within the Town of Oliver unless the activity is explicitly authorized.

The only exception is participation in the Oliver and District Parks and Recreation vendor program, where vendors may be approved to operate at designated locations and events in accordance with program requirements.

Businesses wishing to operate outside of this program must locate on private property. In these cases, applicants must ensure that:

• The property is appropriately zoned for the proposed commercial use

• Written permission from the property owner is obtained

• Any required lease or use agreements are in place prior to operating

Operating on private property that is not zoned for commercial use is not permitted, even with property owner consent.

Participation in the Parks and Recreation vendor program or permission from a private property owner does not replace the requirement to obtain all applicable business licences, permits, and approvals.

Applicants are encouraged to contact Town staff early to confirm zoning, property status, and applicable requirements before making arrangements.

The Mobile Food Vending Permit allows approved vendors to operate food trucks and mobile food services at designated parks and recreation locations within the Town of Oliver. Permits are administered through Oliver and District Parks and Recreation and are issued on a seasonal or short‑term basis.

Applicants must complete and submit a Mobile Food Vending Application, along with all required supporting documents. Approval is based on safety, compliance with bylaws, visual quality of the unit, impact on surrounding uses, and availability of vending locations. Returning vendors in good standing and Town of Oliver residents may be given priority.

Before operating, successful applicants must provide:

• A valid Town of Oliver Business Licence

• Commercial general liability insurance (minimum $2 million), naming the Town as an additional insured

• A completed Mobile Food Vending Agreement

• Interior Health approval and FoodSafe certification

• Proof that gas and electrical equipment meet Technical Safety BC requirements

• Clear photographs of the vending unit and vehicle identification (VIN)

Permits are issued monthly (April–October) or on a daily basis, with fees and refund policies outlined in the application package. All vendors must comply with permitted vending locations and conduct standards at all times.

All short‑term rental hosts in British Columbia are required to register their rental units with the provincial short‑term rental registry in order to legally operate. Registration is completed online and applies to each short‑term rental unit, including entire homes, secondary suites, accessory dwelling units, and individual bedrooms.

Hosts must meet provincial requirements, which may include the principal residence requirement, compliance with local government bylaws, and holding a valid municipal business licence where required. Once registered, hosts receive a provincial registration number that must be displayed on all short‑term rental listings.

Registration must be renewed annually and fees apply. Some accommodation types and longer‑term stays are exempt.

For detailed eligibility information, exemptions, fees, and step‑by‑step instructions on how to apply or renew, visit the Province of British Columbia’s website:

Short‑Term Rental Registration – Province of British Columbia

A vacation rental is defined as the use of a dwelling unit for temporary guest accommodation of less than one month.

A valid business licence issued by the Town of Oliver is required and must be displayed prominently on the property at all times.

Low‑Density Residential Zones

In Low‑Density Residential zones, the following regulations apply:

• Only single‑detached dwellings, duplex units, or legal secondary suites or dwelling units may be used as vacation rentals

• The vacation rental must be located within a legally established and approved secondary suite or dwelling, where applicable

• The vacation rental must be operated by the property owner, who must also maintain their principal residence on the same parcel

• Only one (1) vacation rental is permitted per parcel

• In a duplex, only one (1) unit may be used as a vacation rental

• Vacation rentals are not permitted on parcels with a Bed and Breakfast operation

• Maximum occupancy is limited to two (2) adults and two (2) children per bedroom

• Operators must maintain a written record of all tenant names

Compliance with all zoning regulations, business licence requirements, building bylaw requirements and provincial short‑term rental rules is required. Additionally, the Vacation Rental Waiver must be completed for the application.

A bed and breakfast operation is the use of bedrooms within a principal dwelling unit to provide temporary sleeping accommodations and a morning meal for guests.

The following regulations apply:

• The operation must be located entirely within the principal dwelling unit

• The operator must have their principal residence on the parcel

• Only residents of the principal dwelling unit may operate the bed and breakfast and must be present on the property during guests’ stays

• Accommodations are limited to a maximum of eight (8) guests

• A maximum of four (4) bedrooms may be used for guest accommodation

• Guest bedrooms must not contain cooking facilities

• The operation must not create traffic congestion, public disturbance, or nuisances

• Bed and breakfast operations are not permitted on parcels with a vacation rental

• Operators must maintain a written record of all guests’ names

Compliance with zoning regulations, business licence requirements, and other applicable bylaws is required at all times.  Additionally, the Vacation Rental Waiver must be completed for the application.

A home occupation is an occupation or profession that is secondary to the principal residential use of a property. Home occupations may include uses such as home offices, studios, home‑based child care centres (minor), and other similar low‑impact activities conducted from a residence.

If your business qualifies as a home occupation, you are required to complete and submit the Home Occupation Waiver along with your Business Licence Application.

Home occupations must comply with all applicable zoning regulations and must not negatively impact the residential character of the neighbourhood.

Some premises may require inspection by the Building Official and/or Fire Chief to confirm compliance with the BC Building Code and Fire Safety Codes.

Through the Inter‑Community (Mobile) Business Licence Program, eligible businesses may obtain one add‑on business licence that allows them to operate in 19 participating partner municipalities (listed below).

This is an annual licence and is issued in addition to a valid Town of Oliver business licence.

To apply for an Inter‑Community Business Licence, follow these steps:

1. Confirm Your Eligibility
   Ensure your business provides a mobile service, operates in more than one participating municipality, and travels from client to client. Businesses with storefronts may only apply for the mobile portion of their operations.

2. Obtain a Town of Oliver Business Licence
   You must hold a valid Town of Oliver business licence before applying. The Inter‑Community licence is issued as an add‑on, not a replacement.

3. Complete the Application Form
   Submit the Inter‑Community (Mobile) Business Licence application through the Town of Oliver. The application will identify the nature of your business and confirm that it meets program criteria.