How do I apply?
- Business Licenses are issued by the Customer Service Department, 1st Floor, City Hall
- If you are applying for a Business Licence, please download and complete the relevant Business Licence Application Form
- Prior to making application, please contact the Planning Department at 519-332-0330 Ext. 3344 or visit their office at City Hall, 3rd Floor, to ensure that your proposed business complies with the City of Sarnia Zoning By-Law Regulations.
New Licences
- All new Business Licence Applications require the signature of the City of Sarnia Planning and Building Departments, Sarnia Fire Services, and the County of Lambton Community Health Services Department.
- Prior to making application, please contact the Building and/or Planning Department at 519-332-0330 extension 3344 or visit their office at City Hall, 3rd Floor, to ensure that your proposed business complies with the City of Sarnia Zoning By-Law Regulations.
- Sarnia Fire Services is required to inspect your premises prior to obtaining your City of Sarnia Business Licence. Please contact a Fire Inspector at 519-332-0330 Ext. 4304.
- The County of Lambton Community Health Services Department may be required to inspect your premises prior to obtaining your licence. Please contact them at 519-383-8331.
- Upon receipt of all necessary approvals, the Business Licence will be issued to you.
Renewal Licences
- Please refer to the relevant Business Licence to determine the signature requirements necessary for the City of Sarnia Planning and Building Departments, Sarnia Fire Services, and the County of Lambton Community Health Services Department.
- Upon receipt of all necessary approvals, the Business Licence will be issued to you.
How can I pay?
Cash, cheque, credit card, and debit are accepted.
2019 Fire Inspection Fee of $115.83* if applicable
*Fire Inspection Fee payable if compliant with the Fire Code, within the last 12 months of the date of the application for renewal, as per Sarnia Fire Chief. By-Law #128 of 2017.
Late Fees
| After March 31st | $35.00 |
| After July 1st | $100.00 |
Business Licence Categories and Fees
| Business Licence | New | Renewal | Applications |
| Adult Live Entertainment Parlour * | $305 | Please Contact | |
| Adult Video Store | $230 | $165 | NEW RENEWAL |
| Auctioneer | $255 | $185 | NEW / RENEWAL |
| Bed and Breakfast | $155 | $110 | NEW RENEWAL |
| Body Piercing/Scarring/Tattoo Parlour | $205 | $135 | NEW RENEWAL |
| Body-Rub Parlour – Owner/Operator * | $500 | – | Please Contact |
| Body-Rub Parlour – Attendant * | $150 | – | Please Contact |
| Busker** | Free | Free | |
| Circus or Midway | $460 | – | NEW |
| Dog Kennel/Commercial Cattery | $400 | $150 | NEW RENEWAL |
| Eating Establishment | $195 | $130 | NEW RENEWAL |
| Master Plumber | $100 | $60 | NEW / RENEWAL |
| Pawn Broker | $195 | – | NEW |
| Pet Shops | $205 | $135 | |
| Public Hall | $225 | $160 | NEW RENEWAL |
| Refreshment Vehicle | |||
| – City Parks | $360 | – | NEW RENEWAL |
| – Non-Motorized | $250 | – | NEW RENEWAL |
| – Other (Private Property) | $460 | – | NEW RENEWAL |
| Rooming and Boarding House | |||
| – 3-6 Rooms | $195 | $130 | NEW RENEWAL |
| – 7 or More Rooms | $235 | $170 | NEW RENEWAL |
| Salesperson (Resident) | |||
| – Yearly | $510 | – | NEW |
| – Seasonal – 3 Months | $310 | – | NEW |
| – Daily – 3 Consecutive Days | $160 | – | NEW |
| Salesperson (Non-Resident) | |||
| – Yearly | $1,210 | – | NEW |
| – Seasonal – 2 Months | $550 | – | NEW |
| – Seasonal – 3 Months | $810 | – | NEW |
| – Daily – 3 Consecutive Days | $510 | NEW |
* To request a copy of the Adult Live Entertainment Parlour or Body-Rub Parlour Applications please contact the Customer Service Department at 519-332-0330 Extension 3350 or email customerservice@sarnia.ca. For additional information on the licencing and regulations for a Body-Rub Parlour, please refer to the Body-Rub Parlour By-Law or contact Customer Service at 519-332-0330 Extension 3350 or email customerservice@sarnia.ca.
**Busking permits are required for any individual who wishes to perform along the waterfront (Centennial to Seaway Park) from April through October of each year. For additional information please contact the Parks and Recreation Department 519-332-0330 Extension 3209.
Still have questions?
For additional information on the licencing and regulations, please refer to the Business Licencing By-Law or contact Customer Service at 519-332-0330 Extension 3350 or e-mail customerservice@sarnia.ca.