Business Licensing and Permits

Planning to operate a business in the City of Vaughan? You may require a business licence or permit.

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Dog walker, driving instructor, laundromat and person having their hair shampooed at a salon

Temporary Service Interruption - April 20 - April 21, 2024
Preventative database maintenance for City technology applications will commence on Saturday April 20, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. until Sunday April 21, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. During this time, certain online services will not be available, including  the Business Licensing Portal. Please contact bylaw@vaughan.ca or call 905-832-2281 with any questions or concerns.

 

Do you operate an Eating Establishment or Banquet Hall? You may be eligible to have a seasonal outdoor patio.

A new seasonal outdoor patio program is launching on April 23.

 

Are you looking to hire a contractor?

There are a few things to keep in mind when looking to hire a contractor.

 

Do you need a business licence or permit?

The City of Vaughan currently licenses/permits various types of businesses, special events, lotteries and other activities. Property permits and applications can be found under the property by-laws section.
 

Business licences and permits

Adult entertainment parlour, owner, operator and entertainer

Amusement: arcade, movie, bowling

Auction hall and auctioneer

Banquet hall

Billiard hall

Body rub parlour owner, operator and attendant 

Clothing donation drop box

Commercial dog walker

Driving school operator and instructor

Eating establishment (restaurant), lounge, nightclub and pub

Fence installer, landscaper, paver, pool installer, renovator, and snowplow contractor application

Fireworks

Hair and esthetics (personal services)

Laundromat or dry cleaning facility

Limousine company owner and driver

Liquor licence

Lottery

Kennel or boarding

Marriage licence

Mobile signs company and mobile sign permit

Newspaper box

Parking

Pet grooming establishment

Pet shop

Private transportation company owner and driver

Refreshment vehicles

Second hand goods or pawn shop

Selling food or drink - foodstuff

Short-term rental brokerage or owner

Special events and/or film permit

Taxicab brokerage and driver

Tobacco vendor

Tow truck brokerage, owner or driver

Vehicle cleaning and repair - public garage

Video store

Notice of collection statement
This forms on the application pages will be used to collect personal information as defined under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This information is collected under the legal authority of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001 c.25, as amended, or its successor act. This information will be used by the City of Vaughan for the administration and enforcement of City of Vaughan by-laws. Questions regarding this collection may be directed to the By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department, City of Vaughan, 2141 Major Mackenzie Drive, Vaughan, Ontario L6A 1T1, at bylaw@vaughan.ca or 905-832-2281.

Options to apply and other resources

  • Options to apply: For all business licences and permits, you can also apply in-person, by email, by mail or drop-box; see each business page for more information.  
  • Business registration: If you have any concerns related to business registration, please visit the Vaughan Business Enterprise Centre.​​​
  • Identification: Learn what Canadian identification is needed to apply for a business licence or permit.
  • Other licences and permits: For a list of all City of Vaughan licences and permits, and other services, visit the Service Vaughan web page

 

Contact Information

By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services

Vaughan City Hall
2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.
Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1
Canada

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Fax Number