IMPORTANT
If your business does not require a municipal business licence, adherence to the zoning by-law is still required. For more information, please contact planning@sarnia.ca
Home Occupation Business
Anyone looking to run a home occupation in a residential area should first view the zoning regulations and consult with City staff . For more information, please visit the Home Based Occupation page or contact planning@sarnia.ca
Home-Based Food Business During COVID-19 Pandemic
How do I apply for a business licence?
- Download and complete the relevant Business Licence Application Form found below
- Drop off or email completed form to business@sarnia.ca
- Mail the completed form, along with all required documentation to
City of Sarnia
Attn:Business Licensing
255 Christina St N
Sarnia, ON N7T 7N7
- For more details on business licensing call us at 519-332-0330 Ext 3350 or email business@sarnia.ca
Renewing a Licence?
You can renew your licence online by clicking on the link below
Fire Inspections
Fire Inspection Fee of $118.65* if applicable
Proof of compliance with the Fire Code, as determined by the Sarnia Fire Chief, is required to be on file within the previous twelve (12) months as per By-law#128 of 2017. Sarnia Fire will be in contact with you to complete an inspection during the year. To ensure your establishment is ready for your inspection, please review the following checklist
Business License & Fees
| Business License | New Application | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Live Entertainment Parlour * | $350 | |
| Adult Video Store | $230 | $165 |
| Auctioneer | $255 | $185 |
| Body Piercing/Scarring/Tattoo Parlour | $205 New | $135 Renewal |
| Body-Rub Parlour – Owner/Operator * | $500 | |
| Body-Rub Parlour – Attendant * | $150 | |
| Circus or Midway | $460 | |
| Dog Kennel/Commercial Cattery | $400 New | $150 Renewal |
| Eating Establishment | $195 New | $130 Renewal |
| Master Plumber | $100 New | $60 Renewal |
| Pawn Broker | $195 | |
| Payday Loan | $245 New | $195 Renewal |
| Pet Shops | $205 | $135 |
| Public Hall | $225 New | $160 Renewal |
| Refreshment Vehicle – City Parks | $360 | |
| Refreshment Vehicle – Non-Motorized | $250 | |
| Refreshment Vehicle – Other (Private Property) | $460 | |
| Rooming and Boarding House | $235 New | $170 Renewal |
| Salesperson Resident | ||
| Yearly | $510 New / Renewal | |
| Seasonal – 3 Months | $310 New / Renewal | |
| Daily – 3 Consecutive Days | $160 New / Renewal | |
| Salesperson Non-Resident | ||
| Yearly | $1,210 New / Renewal | |
| Seasonal – 2 Months | $550 New / Renewal | |
| Seasonal – 3 Months | $810 New / Renewal | |
| Daily – 3 Consecutive Days | $510 New / Renewal | |
| Salvage Yard/Second Hand Shop | $200 New / Renewal | |
| Short-Term Accommodations** *STA By-Law | $245 New | $195 Renewal |
Late Fees
| After March 31st | $35.00 |
| After July 1st | $100.00 |
Business Licence Extension from Council:
On March 22, 2021 Sarnia City Council approved to support local businesses through the pandemic. Businesses licensed in 2021 will have the expiry extended from December 31, 2021 until December 31, 2022. The business license will remain conditional upon successful completion of application requirements. Businesses that require annual fire inspections would still need to pay and obtain a fire inspection for 2022.
Additionally, late fees for business license renewal applications are waived until July 31, 2021.
View the Report to Council: https://sarnia.civicweb.net/FileStorage/F843E84B43954C4688F0518495B38751-CAO%20-%2001%20-%20Covid%20Mitigation%202021%20Service%20Levels%20Re.pdf
For more information view the Minutes from the Council Meeting: https://sarnia.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/144257?preview=147482
Fine Structure
* To request a copy of the Adult Live Entertainment Parlour or Body-Rub Parlour Applications For additional information on the licensing and regulations for a Body-Rub Parlour, please refer to the Body-Rub Parlour By-Law
**Short-Term Accommodation Information please visit the website Short-Term Accommodations
***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 3201.
Still have questions?
For additional information on the licensing and regulations, please refer to the Business Licensing By-Law or Payday Loan By-Law.
Adult Entertainment By-Law
Body Rub By-Law
Business Licensing By-Law
Payday Loan By-Law
Fine Structure
Short-Term Accommodations By-Law
Municipal Liquor Permit
A liquor sales licence may be issued to allow the sale and service of alcohol to the public. For more information and how to apply, please contact the Clerk’s department at clerks@sarnia.ca or (519)332-0330 ext 3320
Liquor sales licensees may extend their patios for the duration of 2020 once permitted to open, as per the AGCO Information Bulletin June 8th, 2020
Patio Spaces
Important Update for 2021: In an effort to support businesses as they work to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the AGCO is authorizing eligible “By the Glass” licensees to temporarily extend or add a temporary physical extension of their licensed premises, until January 1, 2022 at 3:00 a.m.
More Information can be found through the following link: https://www.agco.ca/alcohol/changes-or-additions-existing-licensed-areas
Looking to add an outdoor space to your business? More information here: https://www.sarnia.ca/covid-19-response-framework/looking-to-add-an-outdoor-space-your-business/
BizPal
Click here for more information about business permits, licences and other requirements needed to start, operate and grow your business from the federal, provincial/territorial and participating municipal governments.