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Business licences and mobile permits in Chilliwack
Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada
Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada. A business operating in Chilliwack needs a city licence based on the calendar year. Check zoning and licence type first.
Key information
A business operating in Chilliwack needs a city licence based on the calendar year. Check zoning and licence type first. Eligible mobile operators may also need an inter-municipal licence to work across participating Fraser Valley municipalities.
On this page
Choose the correct operation
Home businesses are classified by activity and zone. Accessory Home Occupation is allowed in most areas, Cottage Industry in most agricultural and rural hillside areas, and Accessory Home Industrial only in the M1-A zone. Use the city web map to check the property.
Mobile construction, trade and home-health operators can apply for IMBL through their home licensing municipality in addition to the ordinary business licence. A provincial registered name alone does not replace city licensing.
Food trucks and other approvals
Recurring food-truck use on private commercial land requires a commercial licence. Special-event-only use follows home-based or non-resident licensing depending on the operator’s base. City parks and city events require a Food Vending Agreement.
Fire, Fraser Health, building, childcare, liquor, wastewater or other approvals may apply. Follow the linked guide for the actual operation rather than assuming one licence covers every approval.
Apply and pay
Use the online application/amendment route or the backup PDF forms. Staff contact the applicant to pay after review and approval. The fee depends on the city bylaw’s business category.
Visa and Mastercard payments have a 2% service fee; American Express is not accepted. In-person options include debit, cheque payable to City of Chilliwack and cash. Licensing questions go to 604-793-2909, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding statutory holidays.
Key details at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Licence period | Calendar year |
| Eligible mobile sectors | Construction, trades, home health |
| Home industrial zone | M1-A only |
| Card methods | Visa or Mastercard; 2% service fee |
| Food truck in city park/event | Food Vending Agreement |
Steps to follow
- Check zone and activity
Confirm correct licence and other approvals.
- Apply
Use online route or backup PDF.
- Pay after review
Staff contact you with the applicable fee.
Useful questions and answers
Is a licence valid for twelve months from issue?
No. Chilliwack licences are based on the calendar year.
Does BC name registration replace a city licence?
No. It is a separate step to consider before applying.
Which mobile sectors can apply for IMBL?
Construction, trades and home health care services.
Where does a mobile operator apply for IMBL?
At the same municipality that issues the home business licence.
Is home industrial use allowed in every residential zone?
No. The city limits Accessory Home Industrial to M1-A.
What does a recurring private-site food truck need?
The city lists a commercial business licence.
What does a food vendor at a city park need?
A Food Vending Agreement application.
When does the applicant pay?
Staff contact them after the application has been reviewed and approved.
Does the city accept American Express for business licensing?
No. Visa and Mastercard are listed, with a 2% service fee.
Who can help with the licence?
The Business Licence Office at 604-793-2909.