Building permits, business licences and dog licences

The City issues most of the permits and licences you’re likely to need as a homeowner, builder or business owner. Many projects also need provincial or federal approvals. When in doubt, ask Development Services before you start.

Development Services · 2nd floor, City Hall, 1100 Patricia Boulevard · 250-561-7611 · devserv@princegeorge.ca

The City also runs a Permit and Zoning Chatbot that answers common questions any time.

Building permits

You need one for

• a new house, building or accessory building (such as a detached garage)
• a new sundeck, or enclosing a porch, carport or deck
• renovations, repairs or additions to an existing building
• finishing an unfinished space, such as a basement
• a retaining wall taller than 1.2 m (4 ft)
• moving or demolishing a building

You usually don’t need one for

• fences, at-grade patios, planters and landscaping
• retaining walls under 1.2 m
• painting, decorating and general maintenance
• minor repairs with the same materials that don’t touch structure or plumbing
• one shed per property under 10 m² (108 sq ft)

Zoning rules such as setbacks, height and site coverage still apply even if no permit is needed. See housing and development.

How to apply

1. Check the zoning for your property on PGMap or through the chatbot.
2. Download the right package from the City’s permits page: residential (single-family, duplex, carriage or cottage house, secondary suite), Part 9 or Part 3 commercial and multi-family, tenant improvement, demolition, and so on.
3. Email the completed package with all drawings and documents to devserv@princegeorge.ca.
4. Pay fees through the City’s online payment portal when invoiced.
5. Book inspections online or through MyCity as work progresses.
6. Before digging, call BC One Call to locate buried utilities.

The City has plain-language guides for common projects, including detached garages, sundecks, secondary suites, fence heights and footing sizes. They’re linked from the building permits page.

Energy Step Code

New Part 9 buildings (most houses) must meet Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code, and larger Part 3 buildings must meet Step 2. You’ll need a qualified energy advisor: their “pre-built” energy model must be submitted with your permit application, and an “as-built” air-tightness test is required before occupancy.

Plumbing permits

You need a plumbing permit to add fixtures, alter piping, install a water meter, or connect to City services. Replacing a faucet or water heater without changing pipes, or clearing a clog, doesn’t need one. Adding three or more fixtures or a secondary suite also triggers a water meter requirement.

Sign permits

Signs need a permit from Development Services. Digital signs within 300 m of Highway 16 or 97 may also need provincial Ministry of Transportation approval.

Land use applications

Rezoning, development permits, variances, temporary use permits, subdivisions, tree cutting permits, and liquor or cannabis licensing referrals go through the City’s online land use application portal. Email submissions are no longer accepted. See housing and development.

Business licences

Every business operating in Prince George needs a City business licence, including home-based businesses. If you run more than one type of business or at more than one location, you need a separate licence for each.

Step by step

1. Pick a location and check zoning. Search the address in PGMap to see its zone, then confirm your business is a permitted use. Do this before you sign a lease.
2. Check other requirements. A change of use may need a building permit, a code analysis, a fire inspection, or Northern Health approval (food businesses, salons, tattoo shops and similar).
3. Apply online. The City sends an invoice for a $100 administration fee and a $25 title search fee.
4. Review. The City and outside agencies review your application.
5. Pay the annual fee when approved. You can view and print your licence in MyCity.

Key rules

• Licences expire December 31 every year. Renew and pay within seven days of expiry, or you’ll have to apply from scratch.
• Operating without a licence can bring a fine of $300 per day.
• Tell the City if you change your address, name or ownership, or close.
• Licences can’t be transferred, and fees aren’t refundable.

Home businesses

The zoning bylaw sorts home businesses into categories (Home Business 1, 2 and 3, plus community care facilities) with limits on size, customer visits, parking and storage. The City has a regulations guide for each.

Food trucks and street vending

Mobile food and sidewalk vendors need a licence. The City publishes a vendor guide with pre-approved locations and hours.

For provincial and federal registration, see the Province’s small business resources and BizPaL in our resources. The business directory lists local businesses.

Dog licences

All dogs over four months old must be licensed. A licence tag is the fastest way to get a lost dog home.

Licence	Fee
Spayed or neutered dog	$36
Intact dog	$81
Service dog	Free
Foster dog (registered to a humane society)	Free
Replacement tag, or transfer to a new dog	$7

Buy one at the City Hall Service Centre or most pet stores, or renew online. See bylaws and animal control.

Other common permits

The City’s permits and applications list includes:

• Special event and parade permits (see parks and facility bookings)
• Noise permits for amplified sound
• Fireworks and pyrotechnics permits (Fire Rescue)
• Highway right-of-way permits for work or occupying City roads
• Hydrant use and bulk water permits
• Water restriction exemptions (see water and sewer)