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Business Licences and Permits

HomeBusiness and DevelopmentBusiness Licences and Permits
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Business Licences

Before you start a business, you will need to make sure that where you plan to run your business is zoned correctly for the proposed use. You will also need to find out if you need a building permit-some signs are regulated under the Ontario Building Code.

You can contact the Building Division with zoning and building code questions.

You can contact the the Town Clerk with licencing questions.

You can contact the Manager of Economic Development and Communications to apply for a license.

Mobile restaurant licences

Council has amended the Comprehensive Zoning By-Law to add a definition for mobile restaurants.  Mobile restaurants include any vehicle, trailer, cart or other structure not placed on a permanent basis which is equipped for cartage, storage and the preparation of food stuffs, beverages, confections and where such items are offered directly for consumption to the general public and excluding private guests.

Mobile restaurants are more commonly known as food trucks, mobile canteens, hot dog carts, ice cream bicycles, etc.

Mobile restaurants are permitted on Town owned public parkland and road allowances.  They are permitted in the C1A (unserviced general commercial zone) and C1B (serviced general commercial zone).  Zone provisions apply so you are encouraged to submit a detailed site plan to the Building Division prior to making any application - you must be sure that you comply with the zone provisions. 

Anyone wishing to operate a mobile restaurant in South Bruce Peninsula must obtain a business licence from the Town.

The licensing by-law permits a total of twenty-nine (29) mobile restaurants in South Bruce Peninsula (includes both public and private property):

  • Five (5) in the former geographic Township of Amabel (excluding Sauble Beach)
  • Ten (10) in the former geographic area of Sauble Beach
  • Five (5) in the former geographic Township of Albemarle
  • Three (3) in the former geographic Village of Hepworth
  • Six (6) in the former geographic Town of Wiarton

Please see the fees by-law for license fees and operating costs. The Town accepts applications for the operation of mobile restaurants in South Bruce Peninsula.  To file a complete application you will need to submit:

  • An application form
  • Grey Bruce Health Unit approval
  • A positive propane inspection by a Certified Gas Fitter (if outfitted with propane)
  • Copy of the drivers license of every operator
  • Copy of ownership of the mobile restaurant
  • Proof of general and automobile liability insurance (in good standing)
  • Description of the food menu
  • Written permission from the owner of the private property where the mobile restaurant will be located
  • A plan for the containment and disposal of grey water, grease and garbage
  • A land survey or detailed site plan including dimensions in feet or meters showing the location of the mobile restaurant as it relates to other buildings and structures on the property (including the location of any washrooms and eating areas)
  • Written confirmation of compliance with Zoning By-Law provisions
  • Mobile canteens require written confirmation of location business operates from and list of industrial/quarry/construction sites to be served
  • Location and name of any other food establishments in proximity to the proposed location of the food truck
  • Photo of mobile restaurant
  • Dimensions of the mobile restaurant

Please be advised that only complete applications will be considered.  Submitting an incomplete application will not hold a place; other complete applications will be moved forward in the que.  Licensing is subject to approval by the Town and payment of the applicable license fee and where operating on Town property, the license fee and the rental fee.  Submission of a complete application does not guarantee that any license will be issued.

Apply Online  
For more information, please contact our Manager of Economic Development and Communications. 

 Food delivery service licences

A food delivery service business is any business whose purpose it is to deliver food to a person(s) at an agreed upon location.  A food delivery service is a stand-alone business and does not include any delivery of food that a restaurant may provide to their patrons.  A food delivery service business can contract with a restaurant to deliver their food; all provisions in our by-law apply. 

Council has authorized designated parking spaces for food delivery service businesses along Lakeshore Blvd N in Sauble Beach.  Restaurants who wish to deliver food and use the designated spaces may do so by registering with the Town and paying a fee.

To apply for a license to operate a food delivery service business, please complete our application form and submit it to the Manager of Economic Development and Communications.

 

Hawker-peddler licences

 A hawker-peddler is:

  • any person who goes from place to place or to one place with goods, wares or merchandise for sale or who carries samples for which orders are taken and goods, wares or merchandise is to be delivered after; and
  • any retailer with employees or agents who go from place to place or to one place with good, wares or merchandise for sale or who carries samples for which orders are taken and goods, wares or merchandise is to be delivered after; but
  • excludes a consumer show open to the public or a trade show open by invitation or registration only.

A licence is not required if:

  • you are an existing business and are having a day sale or seasonal sale that is the extension of the business,
  • you are a local farmer selling goods from the farm property which have been grown or harvested from the property,
  • you are selling at a special event approved by the Town,
  • you run a wholesale or retail business,
  • you are an agent of a producer, grower or manufacturer who pays business taxes in South Bruce Peninsula where the goods are to be sold, or
  • you are a charitable organization.

You can look at the Business Licence By-Law for more information.

There is a licencing fee. Please contact the Town Clerk to discuss licensing.

Kennel licences

A kennel:

  • is a place where four (4) or more dogs are lodged, treated, bred, kept or boarded,
  • can be a Breeding Kennel, a Commercial Kennel or a Hobby Kennel,
  • is not a recognized animal shelter,
  • is not a pet shop, and
  • is not a grooming establishment.

In order to get and keep a licence you will need:

  • to be on a property with zoning that allows a kennel,
  • to construct the kennel according to all applicable law,
  • to make sure that the dogs cannot escape,
  • to buy dog tags and a kennel licence,
  • to submit an application form with a site plan to the Town for approval each year,
  • to keep records of all of the dogs in the kennel,
  • make a declaration that you have not been convicted under the Criminal Code of Canada for animal cruelty or other animal related offences,
  • keep only the number of dogs approved for the type of kennel,
  • allow the Animal Control Officer to inspect the kennel, and
  • comply with the standards approved by Council for a kennel.

You can look at the Dog Regulating By-Law for more information.

There is a licencing fee. Please contact the Town Clerk to discuss licensing. 

Rickshaw or pedicab owner licence

A rickshaw is a two wheeled vehicle propelled by human power and meant to carry passengers.

A pedicab is a vehicle with more than two wheels propelled by human power and mean to carry passengers.

To get and keep a licence you will need:

  • a separate licence for each rickshaw/pedicab,
  • an address which will be considered the "home" location of the business (must be zoned for the business),
  • to make sure that drivers are at least 18 years of age,
  • to keep the licence number fixed on the rickshaw/pedicab,
  • to make sure that the drivers are licensed by the Town,
  • to have a slow moving vehicle sign on the back of the rickshaw/pedicab,
  • to have two red reflectors on the back of the rickshaw/pedicab,
  • to have valid insurance with a minimum coverage of two (2) million dollars,
  • to carry the licence issued by the Town with them on the rickshaw/pedicab,
  • to provide proof of a clear criminal record check and clear driving record to the Town,
  • to operate on highways and not sidewalks, beaches or in public parks where vehicular traffic is not allowed, and
  • to make sure you don't carry passengers between sunset and sunrise.

There are more requirements. You can look at the Rickshaw and Pedicab License By-Law for more information.

There is a licencing fee. Please contact the Town Clerk to discuss licensing.

Salvage yard licences

A salvage yard includes an automobile wrecking yard.

To get and keep a licence you will need:

  • to have the correct zoning for the property,
  • to erect a fence with a minimum height of 2.44 m (8 ft) on all boundaries of the salvage yard,
  • to make sure that the fence is solid and obscures the view from the outside,
  • to make sure that there is a locking gate to the salvage yard,
  • to make sure that the salvage doesn't get higher than the fence,
  • to keep records of all goods collected, obtained, purchased or taken in exchange, and
  • to make sure that the salvage yard is contained within the property boundary (ie.  not on a road allowance or a neighbour's property).

You can look at the Business Licence By-Law for more information.

There is a licencing fee. Please contact the Town Clerk to discuss licensing. 

Sign permits

Signs are a great way to communicate. 

There are fees for sign permits.

You can look at the Sign By-Law and the Election Sign Policy for more information.  Unless another contact is given with the information about signs, contact the Town Clerk for more information on signs.

Some of the rules about signs are: 

 General

  • signs can't be placed on Town property including on any tree, post or furniture unless the Town gives permission,
  • the Ontario Building Code may apply to the erection of signs.  Buildings must be able to support the sign and must be built in accordance to Code,
  • banners, stringers or advertising devices can't be suspended across any street without Town approval,
  • a banner or stringer can't be used as a permanent sign on the face of a business and can't be used for longer than three (3) months,
  • signs and their supports can't project/extend over any street or road without Town approval,
  • signs can't obstruct fire escapes,
  • exterior canopies or awnings can't overhang sidewalks or pedestrian walkways unless the bottom of the canopy or awning is more than 2.4 m (8 ft) above the sidewalk surface,
  • signs with red or amber lighting can't be placed where they would interfere with a traffic signal or warning device,
  • spot lights and flood lights use to light up a sign must be pointed away from adjacent premises and streets and must comply with dark skies rules, and
  • the sign must be in good repair. 

Free-standing sandwich board signs

  • only one (1) is allowed per store,
  • the sign can't be more than 1.2 m (3.94 ft) high,
  • the sign must be located beside and parallel to the curb in front of the premises being advertised by the sign,
  • the sign can't be on a pedestrian crosswalk,
  • the sign can't be loser than 1 m to a lit line or building,
  • the sign can't interfere with pedestrians,
  • the sign can't interfere with the view of drivers,
  • signs for registered charities or service clubs can be up five (5) days before the event but must be taken down each night,
  • signs can only be out when the business is open, and
  • signs can be used to advertise auctions or open houses five (5) days before the event but must be taken down each night.

Mobile and portable signs 

  • may remain in place for thirty (30) or sixty (60) days in each six month period,
  • must be removed from the location within twenty-four (24) hours of the permit expiring,
  • must not obstruct the view of drivers,
  • must no obstruct pedestrians,
  • signs placed in the County of Bruce highway corridors must comply with County by-laws, and
  • signs placed in Ministry of Transportation (MTO) highway corridors must comply with MTO rules. 

Billboard and ground signs 

  • cannot be attached to any tree or post on Town property without approval,
  • building permits may be required,
  • signs placed in the County of Bruce highway corridors must comply with County by-laws, and
  • signs placed in the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) highway corridors must comply with MTO rules.

Please contact the Building Division to discuss billboard and ground signs.

Business destination signs

  • in Sauble Beach, contact the Sauble Beach Chamber of Commerce
  • in all other areas, please complete an application at Town Hall,
  • there is no guarantee of placement at any location, and
  • the purchaser of the sign is responsible to pay for any repair to the sign or it will be removed.

Please contact the Public Works Department to discuss business destination signs.

Rink and ball diamond advertising signs

  • ball diamond signs are supplied by the rentor and are 4 ft x 8 ft x 1/2 ",

  • arena signs are supplied by the rentor and are 4 ft x 8 ft x 1/2",

  • an arena ice logo is permitted,

  • arena dasherboard signs can be either 4 ft x 4 ft or 4 ft x 8 ft,

  • zamboni advertising is permitted, and

  • all require an agreement with the Town. 

Temporary signs

Temporary signs can't be put up without a permit unless:

  • they are 0.4m2 (4 sq ft) or smaller, and
  • they are no trespassing, memorial, warning, directional in parking area, garage sale, car wash and other temporary signs. 

Election signs 

  • cannot be attached to trees,
  • cannot have flashing or rotating parts,
  • cannot be illuminated,
  • cannot simulate any traffic control device,
  • cannot be placed on any Town owned or occupied property,
  • cannot be placed on any property used as a polling station or election headquarters,
  • cannot be displayed in a vehicle which is at a polling station or election headquarters,
  • cannot use the Town logo,
  • cannot be placed where it would obstruct a fire escape,
  • cannot be placed on private property without approval from the property owner,
  • cannot be placed on any road or right of way beside Town owned or occupied property,
  • cannot be placed on environmentally protected lands,
  • cannot impede pedestrians,
  • cannot interfere with vehicle traffic and site lines,
  • signs placed in any highway corridor (County, Ministry of Transportation, municipal) must obey the laws of the governing body,
  • cannot be put up prior to August 15th in an election year, and
  • must be taken down no later than three (3) days after Election Day.

For more information contact the Town Clerk. 

  

Taxi licences

A taxicab is any passenger motor vehicle regularly used for hire to take a person from place to place for a fee.

A taxicab is not:

  • a vehicle with more than nine (9) seats,
  • a vehicle used by a business to deliver it's own goods, or
  • a vehicle used by a business to shuttle it's own patrons.

In order to get and keep a taxi license you need:

  • to have your drivers licensed by the Town,
  • to show the Clerk a valid safety certificate for each vehicle,
  • to have the word taxi displayed on the vehicle in letters not less than three (3) inches in height,
  • to have drivers who are at least eighteen (18) years old,
  • to have drivers who hold valid driver's licenses issued by the Province of Ontario,
  • to have drivers submit a background check, obtained from the Ontario Provincial Police (the background check must be clear and recent within the past three months),
  • to display the license number on the back of the taxi,
  • to carry an insurance policy with at least one million dollars ($1,000,000) coverage, and
  • to accept passengers with disabilities and not charge them more than you would charge a passenger without disabilities.

There are more requirements for taxi operators and owners.  You can look at the Business Licence By-Law for more information.

The application form and all required documentation is filed with the Town Clerk.

There is a licencing fee. Please contact the Town Clerk to discuss licensing. 

Personal Service

You need to contact the Grey Bruce Health Unit if operating a personal service such as:

  • Hairdressing/barber
  • Tattooing and body piercing
  • Nail Services
  • Electrolysis, waxing and hair removal
  • Micropigmentation
  • Microblading
  • Facials and microdermabrasion
  • Eyelash extension/tinting
  • Other aesthetic services 

Food Service

You need to contact the Grey Bruce Health Unit if operating a food premise.

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