Welcome to our new website!

Welcome to our new City of Niagara Falls website! Explore our updated pages, improved navigation, and new features designed to serve you better.

Please note that for approximately 24 hours, you may experience intermittent changes or minor glitches as the update is completed. By January 8, the website will be fully updated and operating smoothly.

If you encounter any issues after January 7, please report them by emailing service@niagarafalls.ca or by calling 905-356-7521.

Business Licences and Renewals

Get ready to launch or renew your business! Whether you're starting a new venture or renewing your licence, we’re here to help. We’re excited you have joined our vibrant business community. It’s time to get licensed and open for business!

Before you begin

  1. Zoning: Check with our Zoning section to ensure your location is zoned for your type of business at pbd@niagarafalls.ca or 905-356-7521 ext. 4330
  2. Building Permits: You may require a building permit if you plan to modify your space. If you need a permit, it must be issued, and all inspections must be passed before your business can get a licence. The licence cannot be issued if there are any open building permits on the property. Email pbd@niagarafalls.ca or call 905-356-7521 ext. 4330.
  3. Public Health: You may require a certificate from the Medical Officer of Health stating that the premises have been inspected and comply with legislation
  4. Check the Licensing By-law: Learn about the rules for the type of business you want to open
  5. Check the licensing fees

How to apply

Print out the required form(s) for the type of business licence you need. Ensure your application is complete before visiting City Hall so that we can process it quickly.

Please email your completed application to businesslicensing@niagarafalls.ca 

City of Niagara Falls
4310 Queen Street
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
905-356-7521 ext. 4283

Email us

Types of business licences and forms

Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) differ from Vacation Rental Units (VRUs). The owner of a B&B must live on site and be present when vacationers use the property. In a VRU, the owner does not live there.

Get the license form and find out everything you need to know about B&Bs in Niagara Falls on our Bed and Breakfasts page 

A camping establishment, also known as a campsite or campground, is where people can set up tents and park recreational vehicles (RVs) to enjoy outdoor activities and nature. It may include amenity buildings that are needed to serve guests and visitors.

Apply: Camping Establishment - Business Licence Application

Relevant by-laws:

Visit the By-law Directory for the most up-to-date by-law versions. Here are some by-laws that impact camping establishments:

  • Business Licensing
  • Noise
  • Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) - please note that MAT is applicable to cabins beings occupied on a campground, however tents and trailers are exempt
  • Property Standards

A privately owned commercial parking lot is a parcel of land, building, or structure where space is rented to store or park vehicles for profit.

Small parking lot

Large parking lot

 

Driving schools and driving self-employed instructors need a business licence to teach people to operate motor vehicles.

Apply: Driving School - Business Licence Application

You must complete the municipal business licence application for a new or renewal licence for all other business categories.

Apply: Municipal Business Licence Application

An Owner Occupied Short Term Rental (OOSTR) is a home occupation in a dwelling unit within or accessory to a principal residence that is rented out by the Owner to a single group of the travelling public for a period of 28 consecutive days or less and is licensed by the City of Niagara Falls to carry out a business.

Learn more and apply for a licence on the Owner Occupied Short Term Rentals (OOSTR) page.

A public hall is a building or portion, including a portable building or tent, that is rented for public gatherings. 

Apply: Public Hall - Business Licence Application

A refreshment vehicle includes any vehicle (truck, cart, bbq) from which canteen services are provided or certain food and beverages are sold to the public.

Apply: Refreshment Vehicle - Business Licence Application

Issued to every person who proposes to sell items at a specific location within the city on a certain day or for a limited number of days in the year. These sales may be direct or for delivery later. An example is the temporary sales of fireworks.

Apply: Specific Location Daily Sales - Business Licence Application

A Vacation Rental Unit (VRU) is a short-term rental property for tourists and visitors (such as those offered through booking applications like Vrbo and Airbnb, etc.). VRUs are different from Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs). In a B&B, the owner must live on-site and be present when the vacationers use the property. The owner does not live in a VRU.

Get the license form and everything you need to know about VRUs in Niagara Falls on our Vacation Rental Units page.

Operating without a licence

To report a business operating without a license, you can contact us in a few easy ways:

Note: Complaints should include as much detail as possible (address, dates/times, description). All complaints are reviewed by a By-law Enforcement Officer and investigated in accordance with City by-laws.

Submit a by-law concern

Contact Us

City of Niagara Falls
4310 Queen Street
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
Canada
905-356-7521
businesslicensing@niagarafalls.ca