Starting a New Business

If you are a current business owner or prospective business owner planning to open a new business, you may need help developing a business plan, understanding requirements such as building permits and accessing resources available to you. Find additional resources on Kingston Economic Development Corporation's Starting a Business page.

Get your business licence

If you're starting a new business, you may need to be licensed. Learn more about the type of businesses that require a licence to operate in Kingston. 

We require licences for specific types of businesses in the city to ensure public health and safety, protect customers and prevent problems. The Licensing and Enforcement Division helps business owners with the licensing process. They also offer tools and resources for entrepreneurs who are getting ready to start a new business in Kingston. 

Depending on the type of business you want to operate, the licensing process will involve approvals from outside agencies such as those mentioned in the licensing process below.  

Step 1: Speak to an agent 

Before you apply online, it's important to contact us first. Speaking directly to one of our agents is a crucial step in the process of filing your business licence application. Our agents are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Contact us by: 

Step 2: Register  

Contact the following agencies to register for: 

  • Vendor permit 
  • Harmonized Sales Tax 
    • Registration Department Revenue Canada Excise
      31 Hyperion Court
      Postal Box 2600
      Kingston, Ontario, K7L 5P3
      1-800-959-5525
  • Liquor Sales Licence - contact the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)

Step 3: Consider zoning bylaws 

Where will your business operate? It is crucial to verify that the location where you want to run your business complies with our zoning regulations. These rules apply to all businesses, including those operating from home. For more zoning information, contact the Planning Department at 613-546-4291, ext. 3180 or in person at 1211 John Counter Blvd. 

Step 4: Consider building permits 

If you plan to make changes to your property or use it differently, you might need a building permit, even if you are not doing any construction work.

Note: Building permits are subject to a three-week review timeframe under the Ontario Building Code. 

Step 5: Gather fire inspection documentation

Fire inspections are a crucial component of the business licensing process. These inspections apply to several business types operating within the City of Kingston.

Many fire inspection requirements are not commonly known to applicants, with property owners typically possessing these documents rather than business operators. This disconnect can lead to delays in scheduling inspections and issuing business licences. To support business owners and property managers, we developed checklists outlining the required fire documents for various business categories. The requirements are not limited to the items listed, and further documentation may be required after inspection.

By clearly outlining these requirements, we aim to help you gather the necessary information in advance, reduce delays, and provide a more efficient licensing experience.

To make the fire inspection for your business license quicker, gather the necessary reports and have them available for your fire inspector (if applicable).

If you are a tenant of the property, you may need to get these reports from the property owner.

  • Annual fire inspection report for all fire protection equipment (Emergency lights, fire extinguishers, exit signs, fire alarm system) applicable to the businesses.
  • Annual fire sprinkler/standpipe inspection reports, if applicable, to the building.
  • If the rental unit has a private hydrant on the property, submit the inspection report and the flow test for the private hydrant on site
    Minor Spill procedure outlining instructions for staff on how to safely clean spills.
  • A fire safety plan is required in all businesses that will exceed more than 500L of flammable and combustible liquids or exceed 250L of Class 1 liquids. Reports of inventory may be requested during inspection.

To make the fire inspection for your business license go more quickly, gather the necessary reports and have them ready for your fire inspector.

If you are a tenant of the property, you may need to get these reports from the property owner.

  • Provide semi-annual commercial cooking fire suppression system inspection reports.
  • Provide documentation of kitchen hood, duct and upblast fan cleaning reports.
  • Annual inspection reports for all fire protection equipment and devices applicable to the businesses.
  • Annual fire sprinkler/standpipe inspection reports, if applicable, to the building. 
  • If the rental unit has a private hydrant on the property, submit the inspection report and the flow test for that hydrant. 
  • Restaurants with an occupancy load exceeding 30 persons

Note: All inspections require a commercial cooking audit, and systems must be shut down 1 hour before the scheduled inspection time to allow all enforcement agencies to conduct inspections safely.

To make the fire inspection for your business license quicker, gather the necessary reports and have them available for your fire inspector (if applicable).

If you are a tenant of the property, you may need to get these reports from the property owner.

  • If the occupancy load exceeds 300 persons, a fire safety plan for the chief fire official's approval.
  • Annual fire inspection report for all fire protection equipment (Emergency lights, fire extinguishers, exit signs, fire alarm system) applicable to the businesses.
  • Annual fire sprinkler/standpipe inspection reports, if applicable, to the building.
  • If the rental unit has a private hydrant on the property, submit the inspection report and the flow test for that hydrant.

If you plan to cook food using a mobile or immobile refreshment vehicle, cart, trailer, or similar device, this checklist will help ensure you meet the proper requirements.

1. Fixed Fire Suppression System

  • Copy of semi-annual test and inspection report from a certified technician
  • Report confirms system is functional and compliant with NFPA 96

2. Cleaning and Maintenance Records

  • Proof that the hood, duct, and exhaust system were professionally cleaned within the last 6 months
  • Name and contact information of the cleaning contractor provided

3. TSSA Approval (Fuel-Fired Appliances)

  • Valid Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) Certificate of Inspection/Approval
  • Appliances are clearly listed and identified as TSSA-approved
  • Mobile Food Service Equipment Annual Inspection Certificate (MFSE-002) completed by a certified gas technician

4. ESA Approval

  • No overloaded circuits or visible damage to wiring
  • The generator is separated from the cooking area and properly ventilated
  • GFCI protection is present for outlets near water/food prep areas
  • Only approved extension cords used (if any) — CSA-rated for commercial use
  • Generator fuel stored in ULC-approved containers (if applicable)
  • Any modified food truck, vehicle, trailer, or cart using 120V power must provide a Field Product Evaluation Certificate

5. Fire Extinguishers

  • Minimum 5lb portable fire extinguisher onboard
  • Class K extinguisher required if a deep fryer is used
  • Photo of mounted extinguishers provided
  • Inspection/service tag dated within the last 12 months by a certified fire protection company

6. Appliance and Layout Photos

Clear photos showing:

  • Cooking appliances
  • Ventilation system (hood, duct, fan)
  • Fire suppression system
  • Mounted fire extinguisher(s)
  • Fuel source and connections (e.g., propane tanks)
  • Appliance dimensions
  • Fryer hazard area (fry pot), drip board dimensions
  • If applicable, the back shelf mounting height and depth
  • Height, type, and aimpoint of nozzles (above appliances, duct, plenum)
  • Suppression system cylinder make and model
  • Manual pull station is accessible, labelled, and unobstructed

Note: E-Bikes or any equipment/machinery powered by lithium batteries are NOT accepted for food production.

Step 6: Gather your other documentation  

Staff will send your application to all necessary agencies. They may ask for more details. The licensing agents will provide these agencies with supporting documents and a site plan if needed to support your business licence approval. 

Any of the following may be required, depending on the type of business: 

  • Insurance certificate
  • Business plan 
  • Site plan 
  • Government-issued identification 
  • Police Background Check 
  • Sign permit 
  • Health department inspection and or approval 
  • Zoning and or planning department approval 
  • Building department inspection and or approval 
  • Business name registration
  • Tobacco retail or dealer's permit 
  • Lease agreement
  • Certificates of Incorporation (if applicant is a corporation or partnership)

Step 7: Get your business licence

Apply online. Your application will be forwarded to staff for a final review. Make sure you have included all supporting documentation with your application. The review process usually takes about 20 business days. 

Your business licence is good until December 31 of each year. You need to renew it by December 31 for the following year. If you are unsure whether you need a business licence, please contact the Licensing Office at 613-546-4291, ext. 3150. 

Note: You cannot transfer your business licence to new owners. If you sell your business, the new owners will need to apply and get approval before they can open.

Do not operate within the city without a business licence

If our staff learns of a business operating without a licence, our licensing and enforcement team is required to investigate and enforce the City's bylaws. We don't have discretion or flexibility in this matter. All enforcement actions are kept confidential to protect the business owner's privacy. 

Contact

Licensing Applications
1211 John Counter Blvd.
Kingston, ON K7K 6C7
licensingapplications
@cityofkingston.ca
Phone: 613-546-4291 ext. 3150

The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.

Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.

Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.