Business Licensing

Businesses within the City of Cornwall may be required to obtain a Business License. Each municipality operates under a separate Business License By-Law. The information below will assist you in choosing the Business License that best defines your business.

Types of Businesses

The City of Cornwall Businesses License By Law outlines six types of businesses that require a license. These include food services, automotive centers, personal services, amusement places, salespersons, and adult entertainment establishments. Each category has specific requirements, so be sure to review the details to stay informed. 

 1. Adult Entertainment

Means any place of business including an adult video store or body rub parlour in which entertainment or services designed to appeal to erotic or sexual appetites or inclinations are provided. It also includes attendants, meaning every person employed in or performs at an establishment that provides services designed to appeal to erotic or sexual appetites or inclinations at an Adult Entertainment Establishment.
 2. Amusement Place

Means any place, designed for and equipped to provide amusement activities such as a pleasant diversion or distraction.

Including but not limited to:

  • Batting Cages
  • Driving Ranges
  • Golf Courses
  • Internet Gaming Facilities and Internet Cafes
  • Theatres
  • Rock Climbing Facilities
  • Go-Carts, Laser Tag, Mini-Golf, Paint Ball
  • Roller Skate, In-line Skate, Skateboard facilities
  • Arcades, Arenas, Billiards, Bowling Alleys, and Waterslides
 3. Automotive Centre

Means a place where a person can obtain detailing, washing, repairs or maintenance on their vehicles or where the public can obtain fuels or oils for their vehicles.

Including but not limited to:

  • Garage
  • Mobile Auto Repair
  • Shop
  • Gas Pumps
  • Car Wash
 4. Food Services
Means any premise or vehicle, including those that can be towed or propelled by mechanical or muscular power, or other itinerant food preparation premises from which food prepared on site or off site is offered for sale to the public. Also includes any place where fresh, frozen or previously frozen meat, including poultry, game, delicatessen and other meat products and fish including freshwater fish, saltwater fish, and every type of seafood and shellfish, is sold.

Including but not limited to:

  • Eating Establishment, Food Premises, Brewery
  • Cannabis Edibles
  • Corner Store, Grocery Store
  • Food Manufacturer, Mobile Food Premise, and Ice Cream
 5. Personal Services
Means any premises or part thereof where substances, instruments, tools or other equipment are applied to any part of the human body for purposes of aesthetic and cosmetic treatment.

Including but not limited to:

  • Manicuring, Nail Treatment,
  • Tanning
  • Electrolysis
  • Laser Hair Removal
  • Tattooing, Body-Piercing, Ear-Piercing and Micro-Pigmentation Services
  • Washing, Cutting, Trimming, Shaving of Hair or other similar types of Holistic Services.
 6. Salesperson

Means any person who goes from place to place on foot or in a vehicle for the purpose of: Selling goods and services; entering into contracts for the sale of goods or services which are to be delivered at a later date; promoting the sale of goods and services by encouraging individual to come to a person’s regular place of business; or selling or offering of goods or services for sale by public action.

Check √ to ensure the following have been completed:

 Reminders

Obtain Permits as required

Businesses may need a building permit for activities like construction, renovations, signage, or changing the use of a space. It's always a good idea to check with Building Services to make sure you have everything you need.

 

To learn more about building permits, click here.
Verify Zoning 

Zoning determines how land can be used in different areas of the City, which is important for businesses. It includes regulations on building types, business activities, and parking requirements. If you have any questions about zoning and how it affects your business, be sure to check with Building Services for guidance.

To learn more about zoning requirements, click here. 
Inspections 

Inspections are an essential part of the business licensing process to ensure that your business meets all safety, health, and zoning regulations. They help protect both your customers and employees by verifying that your premises are in compliance.

To prepare for an inspection, make sure your business complies with all relevant regulations, keep your premises clean and organized, and have all necessary documentation ready. The Licensing Agent will schedule your inspections for you.

If you have any questions, Building Services is here to help!
License Renewals 

Business license renewals are required biennially, with licenses expiring on December 31st of every second year.

It's important to keep track of your renewal dates to ensure your business remains compliant. Be sure to submit your application and any necessary documents on time.

If you have any questions or need assistance, Building Services is always available to support you!

Free Structure

Apply In Person or online 

a) Email: businesslicense@cornwall.ca 

b) In Person: Cornwall Civic Complex, 100 Water Street East, 2nd Floor or

c) Speak directly with the Parking and Licensing Agent: (613|) 930-2787 ext. 2225. 

Other Resources:

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE CENTRE

  • The Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre (CBEC) provides support and guidance to existing business owners and entrepreneurs across The City of Cornwall, The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry and Akwesasne. The Centre is designed to help you start and/or grow a business. CBEC offers a variety of services that assist new and existing entrepreneurs find success.
  • For assistance from the Business Enterprise Centre, call 613-930-2787 ext. 2277 or 2276, or click here to visit their website.  

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