How do I apply for a business licence?

Online: Download and complete the relevant Business Licence Application Form found in the chart below.

In person: Drop off or email completed form to business@sarnia.ca.

By mail: Mail the completed form, along with all required documentation and payment 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.

Business License & Fees

Business LicenseNew Application/ Payment
Adult Live Entertainment Parlour *See By-Law
Adult Video Store$355.43
Auctioneer$255.00
Body Piercing/Scarring/Tattoo Parlour$330.43 Online Application & Payment
Body-Rub Parlour – Owner/Operator *$625.43
Body-Rub Parlour – Attendant *$150
Circus or Midway$585.43
Dog Kennel/Commercial Cattery$585.43 Online Application & Payment
Eating Establishment$320.43 Online Application & Payment
Master Plumber$100 Online Application & Payment
Pawn Broker$195
Payday Loan$370.43 Online Application & Payment
Pet Shops$330.43
Public Hall$370.43 Online Application & Payment
Refreshment Vehicle – City Parks$485.43
Refreshment Vehicle – Non-Motorized$375.43
Refreshment Vehicle – Other (Private Property)$585.43
Rooming and Boarding House$360.43
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$325.43 Online Application & Payment
Short-Term Accommodations**
*STA Information
$280.43 Online Application & Payment

Fire Inspections

Proof of compliance with the Fire Code, as determined by the Sarnia Fire Chief, is required for all new Business Licence Applications as per By-law#128 of 2017. To ensure your establishment is ready for your inspection, please review the following checklist. Click here to download a PDF of the checklist.

Commercial Cooking Checklist

2023 Business Licence Directory

To find out more about why we licence each category please view our Business Licence By-Law. If you notice a […]

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