---
title: "Prince George building permits and business licences"
description: "Building, plumbing and sign permits in Prince George, business licences, home business rules, dog licence fees and where to apply online."
url: https://princegeorgepulse.ca/city/permits-and-licences/
markdown: https://princegeorgepulse.ca/city/permits-and-licences.md
site: PG Pulse (https://princegeorgepulse.ca), The pulse of Prince George, British Columbia
generated: 2026-10-16T15:55:12.073Z
---

# Building permits, business licences and dog licences

Building, plumbing and sign permits in Prince George, business licences, home business rules, dog licence fees and where to apply online.

Updated September 30, 2026

![A new wood-frame house under construction with a lift and a skid steer on the lot (a generic example photographed in New Jersey)](https://princegeorgepulse-media.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/prince-george/guides/new-wood-frame-house-under-construction-lift-skid-91e610-1280.webp)

Photo: Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

## At a glance

- Most new construction, additions, renovations, decks and retaining walls over 1.2 m need a building permit.
- Permit packages are emailed to Development Services at devserv@princegeorge.ca (250-561-7611).
- Every business operating in the city, including home businesses, needs a City business licence that expires December 31.
- Business licence applications start with a $100 admin fee and a $25 title search fee.
- Dogs over four months must be licensed: $36 spayed or neutered, $81 intact.

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](mailto: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](https://princegeorgepulse.ca/city/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](mailto: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](https://princegeorgepulse.ca/city/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](https://princegeorgepulse.ca/resources/). The [business directory](https://princegeorgepulse.ca/directory/) lists local businesses.

![Downtown Prince George seen from University Way](https://princegeorgepulse-media.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/prince-george/guides/downtown-prince-george-seen-university-way-low-rise-c304f5-1280.webp)

Most storefront businesses downtown need a City business licence. Photo: Erik Frankson, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

## 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](https://princegeorgepulse.ca/city/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](https://princegeorgepulse.ca/city/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](https://princegeorgepulse.ca/city/water-and-sewer/))

## Common questions

**Do I need a permit to build a shed in Prince George?**

One shed per property under 10 square metres (108 square feet) doesn’t need a building permit. Larger accessory buildings such as garages do. Zoning setbacks still apply, so check before you build.

**Do I need a permit for a deck or fence?**

A new sundeck needs a building permit. Fences, at-grade patios and landscaping don’t, but fence height limits in the zoning bylaw still apply. Retaining walls taller than 1.2 m need a permit.

**How do I get a business licence in Prince George?**

Confirm your location’s zoning allows your business, then apply online. The City invoices a $100 administration fee and $25 title search fee, reviews the application with other agencies, and then bills the annual licence fee once approved.

**When does my business licence expire?**

Every City business licence expires December 31 and must be renewed before then. If it lapses, you have to submit a new application, and operating without a licence can bring a fine of $300 per day.

**How much is a dog licence in Prince George?**

$36 a year for a spayed or neutered dog and $81 for an intact dog. Licences for service dogs and humane society foster dogs are free. Replacement tags are $7. Buy one at City Hall, most pet stores, or renew online.

## Sources

- [City of Prince George: Building Permits](https://www.princegeorge.ca/business-development/building-permits)
- [City of Prince George: Business Licences](https://www.princegeorge.ca/business-development/business-licences)
- [City of Prince George: Animal Control](https://www.princegeorge.ca/city-services/bylaw-enforcement/animal-control)
- [City of Prince George: Permits & Applications](https://www.princegeorge.ca/city-services/permits-applications)

## Official links

- [Building permits](https://www.princegeorge.ca/business-development/building-permits)
- [Residential building permit application](https://www.princegeorge.ca/city-services/permits-applications/residential-building-permit-package-single-family-duplex-other)
- [Plumbing permit application](https://www.princegeorge.ca/city-services/permits-applications/plumbing-permit-application-form)
- [Business licences](https://www.princegeorge.ca/business-development/business-licences)
- [Apply for a business licence](https://www.princegeorge.ca/city-services/permits-applications/business-licence-application)
- [Renew a dog licence online](https://cobweb.princegeorge.ca/tempestliveDOTNET/ecom/)
- [Permit and zoning chatbot](https://www.princegeorge.ca/business-development/permit-bylaw-chatbot)
- [All City permits and applications](https://www.princegeorge.ca/city-services/permits-applications)

## On this page

- [Building permits](https://princegeorgepulse.ca/city/permits-and-licences/#building-permits)
- [Plumbing permits](https://princegeorgepulse.ca/city/permits-and-licences/#plumbing-permits)
- [Sign permits](https://princegeorgepulse.ca/city/permits-and-licences/#sign-permits)
- [Land use applications](https://princegeorgepulse.ca/city/permits-and-licences/#land-use-applications)
- [Business licences](https://princegeorgepulse.ca/city/permits-and-licences/#business-licences)
- [Dog licences](https://princegeorgepulse.ca/city/permits-and-licences/#dog-licences)
- [Other common permits](https://princegeorgepulse.ca/city/permits-and-licences/#other-common-permits)

## More in city services

- [Moving to Prince George: a new resident checklist A checklist for settling into Prince George: utilities, garbage day, alerts, MSP and a family doctor, ICBC, voting, schools and winter readiness.](https://princegeorgepulse.ca/city/moving-to-prince-george/)
- [Garbage, recycling and the landfill How curbside garbage and recycling work in Prince George: cart sizes and costs, set-out times, bear rules and where to take what the cart won’t.](https://princegeorgepulse.ca/city/garbage-and-recycling/)
- [Water, sewer and sprinkling rules Where Prince George tap water comes from, year-round sprinkling rules, frozen pipes, leaks, water meters and what not to flush.](https://princegeorgepulse.ca/city/water-and-sewer/)
- [Property taxes and utility bills Prince George property tax and utility due dates, how to pay, the home owner grant, MyCity accounts, utility rates and what if you fall behind.](https://princegeorgepulse.ca/city/property-taxes-and-utilities/)
- [Snow clearing, winter parking and roads How Prince George plows its streets, when your road gets cleared, winter parking rules, spring sweeping, road closures and reporting potholes.](https://princegeorgepulse.ca/city/snow-and-roads/)
- [Getting around by bus A practical guide to Prince George Transit: fares, Umo, passes, handyDART, free-ride days, trip planning and service alerts.](https://princegeorgepulse.ca/city/transit/)

## Data

Machine-readable data behind this page, from the free PG Pulse API (https://princegeorgepulse.ca/developers/).

### Guide facts, FAQ and sources

Source: [PG Pulse guides (plain-language guides with links to official sources)](https://princegeorgepulse.ca/). Licence: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Updated 2026-09-30T00:00:00.000Z.
JSON: https://princegeorgepulse.ca/api/v1/guides/city/permits-and-licences?fields=summary,faq,officialLinks,sources,updated

- **summary**: Most new construction, additions, renovations, decks and retaining walls over 1.2 m need a building permit., Permit packages are emailed to Development Services at devserv@princegeorge.ca (250-561-7611)., Every business operating in the city, including home businesses, needs a City business licence that expires December 31., Business licence applications start with a $100 admin fee and a $25 title search fee., Dogs over four months must be licensed: $36 spayed or neutered, $81 intact.
- **updated**: 2026-09-30T00:00:00.000Z

#### faq

| q | a |
| --- | --- |
| Do I need a permit to build a shed in Prince George? | One shed per property under 10 square metres (108 square feet) doesn’t need a building permit. Larger accessory buildings such as garages do. Zoning setbacks s… |
| Do I need a permit for a deck or fence? | A new sundeck needs a building permit. Fences, at-grade patios and landscaping don’t, but fence height limits in the zoning bylaw still apply. Retaining walls … |
| How do I get a business licence in Prince George? | Confirm your location’s zoning allows your business, then apply online. The City invoices a $100 administration fee and $25 title search fee, reviews the appli… |
| When does my business licence expire? | Every City business licence expires December 31 and must be renewed before then. If it lapses, you have to submit a new application, and operating without a li… |
| How much is a dog licence in Prince George? | $36 a year for a spayed or neutered dog and $81 for an intact dog. Licences for service dogs and humane society foster dogs are free. Replacement tags are $7. … |


#### officialLinks

| label | url |
| --- | --- |
| Building permits | https://www.princegeorge.ca/business-development/building-permits |
| Residential building permit application | https://www.princegeorge.ca/city-services/permits-applications/residential-building-permit-package-single-family-duplex-other |
| Plumbing permit application | https://www.princegeorge.ca/city-services/permits-applications/plumbing-permit-application-form |
| Business licences | https://www.princegeorge.ca/business-development/business-licences |
| Apply for a business licence | https://www.princegeorge.ca/city-services/permits-applications/business-licence-application |
| Renew a dog licence online | https://cobweb.princegeorge.ca/tempestliveDOTNET/ecom/ |
| Permit and zoning chatbot | https://www.princegeorge.ca/business-development/permit-bylaw-chatbot |
| All City permits and applications | https://www.princegeorge.ca/city-services/permits-applications |


#### sources

| title | url |
| --- | --- |
| City of Prince George: Building Permits | https://www.princegeorge.ca/business-development/building-permits |
| City of Prince George: Business Licences | https://www.princegeorge.ca/business-development/business-licences |
| City of Prince George: Animal Control | https://www.princegeorge.ca/city-services/bylaw-enforcement/animal-control |
| City of Prince George: Permits & Applications | https://www.princegeorge.ca/city-services/permits-applications |

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