Apply, renew or update a business licence in Delta

Delta, British Columbia, Canada

Apply, renew or update a business licence in Delta. Delta requires a business licence for businesses operating in the city.

Key information

Delta requires a business licence for businesses operating in the city. Choose the resident, home-based, non-resident or inter-municipal route that fits the activity. Location, inspection and professional requirements can affect approval and timing.

On this page

Key facts and next steps

Apply, renew or update a business licence in Delta. Facts checked October 14, 2026.
QuestionAnswer
Does a business operating in Delta need a city licence?Yes. The city says all businesses in Delta require a licence. A home-based activity, an outside office serving Delta and a commercial premises can have different application routes.
What should I check before leasing commercial space?Confirm that the property's zoning allows the intended business before signing a lease or purchase. The page also notes profession-specific membership or certification requirements and possible inspection approvals.
How long is a licence valid?The page says one year from the application date, with renewal notices mailed about a month before expiry. Review the renewal invoice rather than assuming a mailed notice means the fee is already paid.

Sources: Business Licences

Process at a glance

What to check, prepare and do
  1. Does a business operating in Delta need a city licence

    Yes. The city says all businesses in Delta require a licence. A home-based activity, an outside office serving Delta and a commercial premises can have different application routes.

  2. What is a resident business

    It operates from a location within Delta. The city may coordinate building, plumbing, fire, health, environmental and zoning inspections. The published approval process usually takes at least 15 business days.

  3. What should I check before leasing commercial space

    Confirm that the property's zoning allows the intended business before signing a lease or purchase. The page also notes profession-specific membership or certification requirements and possible inspection approvals.

  4. Can a home-based business operate in a duplex or multi-family building

    The city's home-business instructions require written permission from the owner or manager and occupants of adjoining dwelling units in those cases. Review the Home-Based Business Regulations for the actual activity and building.

Sources: Business Licences

Choose the application category

Does a business operating in Delta need a city licence?

Yes. The city says all businesses in Delta require a licence. A home-based activity, an outside office serving Delta and a commercial premises can have different application routes.

Source: Business Licences

What is a resident business?

It operates from a location within Delta. The city may coordinate building, plumbing, fire, health, environmental and zoning inspections. The published approval process usually takes at least 15 business days.

Source: Business Licences

What is a non-resident business?

Its office is outside Delta but it carries on business within the city. The page says location inspection is not required for that category and approval usually takes three to five business days.

Source: Business Licences

Sources: Business Licences

Submit and complete required reviews

What should I check before leasing commercial space?

Confirm that the property's zoning allows the intended business before signing a lease or purchase. The page also notes profession-specific membership or certification requirements and possible inspection approvals.

Source: Business Licences

Can a home-based business operate in a duplex or multi-family building?

The city's home-business instructions require written permission from the owner or manager and occupants of adjoining dwelling units in those cases. Review the Home-Based Business Regulations for the actual activity and building.

Source: Business Licences

Where can I submit an application?

The city accepts the business application by email to businesslicences@delta.ca, in person at City Hall or by mail to 4500 Clarence Taylor Crescent. Use the form category that matches the proposed operation.

Source: Business Licences

Sources: Business Licences

Renew, move or close the business

How long is a licence valid?

The page says one year from the application date, with renewal notices mailed about a month before expiry. Review the renewal invoice rather than assuming a mailed notice means the fee is already paid.

Source: Business Licences

How do I update a move or company name?

Complete a Business Licence application and mark the type of change at the top. Submit it through the listed email, counter or mail route. The source says business-information changes have no change fee.

Source: Business Licences

What should I do if ownership changes or the business closes?

Ownership changes need an application identifying the change. If the business no longer operates in Delta, notify businesslicences@delta.ca or 604-946-3314 so the licence can be cancelled rather than renewed indefinitely.

Source: Business Licences

Where can I get the fee and application help?

Annual fees depend on business type and the bylaw's Schedule 4. Contact the Licensing Office at 604-946-3314 or businesslicences@delta.ca for the correct category and invoice. Do not apply another business's fee automatically.

Source: Business Licences

Sources: Business Licences

Published service counters

Delta City Hall

4500 Clarence Taylor Crescent, Delta, British Columbia

Municipal service counter named for this application or payment service.

Sources: Business Licences

North Delta Recreation Centre

11415 84 Avenue, Delta, British Columbia

Additional municipal service location where the source offers it. Counter and entrance requirements vary by service.

Sources: Business Licences

Sources: Business Licences