Business Licences are issued by the City and are required for several business types to operate in Sarnia. Business Licences are required to be renewed annually. Learn more about applying for a Business Licence and renewing a Business Licence.
Businesses requiring a license / business license types
The following Business Licence types are issued in accordance to the Business Licensing Bylaw, unless hyperlinked below in blue, indicating they are under a separate By-law.
- Adult Live Entertainment Parlour
- Adult Video Store
- Auctioneer
- Body Piercing / Scarring / Tattoo Parlour
- Body Rub Parlour — Owner / Operator
- Body Rub Parlour — Attendant
- Circus or Midway
- Dog Kennel/Commercial Cattery
- Eating Establishment
- Master Plumber
- Pawn Broker
- Payday Loan
- Pet Shops
- Public Hall
- Food Trucks — non-motorized and other (please note, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority regulates Mobile Food Service Equipment, alongside propane storage and handling.)
- Rooming and Boarding House
- Salesperson Resident — yearly, seasonal or daily
- Salesperson Resident — yearly, seasonal or daily
- Salvage Yard
- Second Hand Goods
- Short-Term Accommodations
- Vehicle for Hire — Owner and Driver’s Licence
Fees
Fees for new applications and renewals vary by business type. Please consult our Fees for Services page for more information. Business Licence fees are found in the City Clerk section of the Fees for Services document.
Applying for a licence as a new business
Even if your business does not require a municipal business licence, adherence to the Zoning By-Law is still required. Prior to submitting a new application we recommend you contact planning@sarnia.ca regarding compliance with the Zoning By-law for the location of the business.
Fire Inspection
Proof of compliance with the Fire Code, as determined by the Sarnia Fire Chief, is required for all new Business Licenses. To ensure your establishment is ready for your inspection, please review the following checklist. Click here to download a PDF of the checklist.
We will contact you to schedule your inspection after your application is received.
Home Occupation Businesses
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.
Apply for a Business Licence
You can submit an application for a Business Licence via our online Permit and Licensing Portal.
VISIT THE PERMIT AND LICENSING PORTAL
You can also apply in person, at the City Hall Customer Service desk, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Applications for Body Rub Parlour and Adult Live Entertainment Parlour are not accepted via the online portal.
Renewing a Business Licence
Business Licence renewals occur in mid December after Rates and Fees for the year ahead are finalized. We email existing Business Licence holders a reminder after fees are set. You can renew a Business Licence via our online Permit and Licensing Portal.
VISIT THE PERMIT AND LICENSING PORTAL
You can also apply in person, at the City Hall Customer Service desk, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Municipal Liquor Permits
For information about municipal liquor permits, including liquor sales licenses – municipal approval, and municipally significant events, please visit the Municipal Liquor Permit page.
Patio Expansions
If you are an existing business owner looking to expand outdoor food sales on private property, contact planning@sarnia.ca.
For information on temporary patios on City property such as sidewalks, please visit our Temporary Patio Program page.
BizPal
BizPaL is an innovative online service that provides entrepreneurs with simplified access to information about business permits, licences and other requirements needed to start, operate and grow their business from the federal, provincial/territorial and participating municipal governments. Visit our BizPal page for more information.
Contact Us
For questions on Business Licensing call 519-332-0330 or email business@sarnia.ca.