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

2022 Business Licence Directory

All Licenses Listed below expired December 31, 2022. To find out more about why we licence each category please view […]

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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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