Municipal Business Licences protect the health and safety of the public and ensure consistency for business owners.. The Municipality's Consolidated Business Licensing By-law, in conjunction with our municipal by-laws, provides detailed information on the rules and regulations for each licensable business. Copies of other by-laws can be found on our
By-laws page.
What should I do first?
A Business Licensing Guide has been created to answer general questions, including which businesses need a licence, the required documentation for application, and the current fee for each licence type (outlined in the Schedule A Fees Guide
). This guide also highlights information on how to obtain or renew a licence. For questions or more information, call the Licensing Department at 519-360-1998 or email cklicensing@chatham-kent.ca during regular business hours.
The Home-Based Business Guide will provide you with what to consider before opening a home occupation or home industry.
Before you sign a lease or apply for a business licence –
check the zoning! Call 519-360-1998 to speak to the Building Development Services department or email ckbes@chatham-kent.ca to receive information about what uses are permitted in which zones.
What do I need?
Every application for a Municipal Business Licence requires the following information:
-
Articles of Incorporation and/or
Business Name Registration
Provide a copy of your provincial Business Name Registration or Articles of Incorporation, if applicable, to apply for a municipal business licence. Visit www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-business-registry to register your business name and obtain your required documents. -
Application Form, Photo Identification, and Licence Fee
The current fee for each licence type is outlined in the
Schedule A-Fees Guide
. For questions or more information, contact the Licensing Department at 519-360-1998 or email
cklicensing@chatham-kent.ca during regular business hours. Please refer to the Business Licence Classifications below, for requirements, business licence checklists, and the application required for each business type.
What happens after I apply?
Municipal business licenses require approval from municipal departments such as Building, Zoning, Fire, Health and Police. After you apply, the Licensing Department will reach out to the departments required for their approval or arrange an inspection of the business premises, if required.
How long is a Business Licence valid?
Most Municipal Business Licences are valid for one year from the date of issue. Mobile Food Premises are an exception and renew every year in May and Seasonal Housing Business Licences renew every year in March. Business Licence fees are not prorated and are issued based on application and inspection approvals. The Municipality of Chatham-Kent will send renewal reminders by mail approximately 45 days before the licence expiry. It is the licence holder's responsibility to ensure that the licence is valid and up-to-date whether you receive the reminder or not.
Business Licence Classification
