The City of Richmond Hill issues a variety of business licences to ensure local businesses operate in compliance with municipal by-laws. Holding a valid business licence ensures that a business has provided the necessary documentation, meets zoning requirements, and where applicable, has obtained the appropriate security clearances. Licensing helps protect consumers and ensures that businesses follow all relevant regulations. 

Important Update: Kennel By-law Now Includes Cats

The City of Richmond Hill has updated its Kennel Licensing By-law No. 188-05 (Municipal Code Chapter 321) to include cats, in addition to dogs. This change means that all businesses providing boarding or kenneling services for cats must meet the same licensing and operational requirements as those for dogs. If your business offers cat boarding services, please ensure you are in compliance with the revised by-law. 

Updated: March 26, 2025

Business Licensing Requirements 

Depending on the type of business you're operating, you'll need to complete the applicable business licence application and provide supporting documents such as but not limited to:

• Business Registration and/or Corporate Documents
• Occupancy Permit and/or Lease Agreement
• Zoning Clearance Certificate
• Criminal Records and Judicial Matters Check
• Property and Interior Layout Drawings
• Identification Photos (two passport size)
• Government Issued Photo Identification

Before you sign a lease or buy a commercial property for your business, you'll need to make sure that the property is zoned to permit your business activity. Zoning inquiries can be forwarded to zoninginfo@richmondhill.ca or call 905-771-8810. 

If you are planning to erect a sign to advertise your business, a Sign Permit may be required. To ensure your sign complies with local regulations, and to obtain more information about the permit process, please contact us at signpermits@richmondhill.ca or call 905-771-8840.

Depending on the nature of your business, inspections and approvals of your location may be required such as By-law Enforcement, Fire, Building, Health and Animal Services. 

How to Apply

Where available, click on the licence type or contact the Business Licensing Clerk at businesslicensing@richmondhill.ca or call 905-771-8840.

Apply for a Taxi Plate Owner or Driver's Licence

Apply for a Refreshment Vehicle Owner or Operator Licence

Other businesses requiring a licence include:

• Apply for a Taxi or Limousine Broker
• Apply for a Airport Taxi or Limousine Plate Owner
• Apply for a Tobacco Sales Licence
  
• Apply for a Secondhand Goods Licence
• Refreshment Cart Operator
• Adult Entertainment Establishments, such as Adult Video Stores and Body Rub Parlours
• Places of Amusement including:
• Billiard halls
• Apply for a Bowling Alley Licence
• Apply for an Arcade Licence
• Pet Stores where dogs, cats, or rabbits are sold
• Animal Kennels
• Horse Riding Establishments 
• Apply for a Newspaper Box Licence

City Business Licensing By-laws

The following City By-laws regulate businesses in Richmond Hill. Business licences are non-transferable and renewed annually. In some cases, new business licence fees may be pro-rated. 

Stable Licensing By-law No. 187-05, Municipal Code Chapter 319, as amended.

Kennel Licensing By-law No. 188-05, Municipal Code Chapter 321, as amended.

Business Licensing By-law No. 189-05, Municipal Code Chapter 826, as amended.

Adult Entertainment Parlour Licensing By-law No. 190-05, Municipal Code Chapter 829, as amended.

Adult Video Licensing By-law No. 191-05, Municipal Code Chapter 830, as amended.

Pool Hall Licensing By-law No. 192-05, Municipal Code Chapter 831, as amended.

Body Rub Parlour By-law No. 193-05, Municipal Code Chapter 834, as amended.

Newspaper Box Licensing By-law No. 91-05, Municipal Code Chapter 865, as amended.

Refreshment Vehicle By-law No. 194-05, Municipal Code Chapter 875, as amended.

Second Hand Store Licensing By-law No. 195-05, Municipal Code Chapter 879, as amended.

Taxi By-law No. 133-04, Municipal Code Chapter 882, as amended.

Service Charter

Learn more about our Service Charter.

Service Commitments

• Business Licensing Inquiries – Expect a response within 3 business days. 
• Business Licence Applications – Business Licences are issued within 5 business days of receiving a complete application.