Business Licensing Bylaw Review

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This consultation has ended. 

After a successful three years in effect, the new business licensing bylaw review has been completed with some additional changes. After a two-year pilot program, food trucks may now operate in residential zones throughout the summer. Kitchener City Council has approved amending the business licensing by-law to expand permissions, create a new type of license and accept business licensing applications online. A new streamlined online application process expected to launch later this year will allow business owners to apply or renew their license and pay by credit card.   

The review was completed to assess the bylaw, associated fees and the process to ensure that the changes to the bylaw would support neighbourhoods, community organizations and the business community. The updated business licensing bylaw now includes more reflective business licensing definitions, new business licensing categories, and reduced fees for some licenses including for shorter-term pop-up businesses. To learn more about the business licensing bylaw and to apply for a license, visit kitchener.ca/businesslicensing.  


Overview

Have you applied for a business licence in the last 3 years? We want to hear from you.

We are conducting a review of our business licensing bylaw to better understand if it still meets the needs of our business community. We are looking for feedback from those who have applied for a business licence, whether permanent or temporary. We want to learn about your experience of applying for a licence and help determine any future improvements to the bylaw.

Your input will inform key areas under review such as bylaw fees, inspection and regulation, partnership approval, and will


Overview

Have you applied for a business licence in the last 3 years? We want to hear from you.

We are conducting a review of our business licensing bylaw to better understand if it still meets the needs of our business community. We are looking for feedback from those who have applied for a business licence, whether permanent or temporary. We want to learn about your experience of applying for a licence and help determine any future improvements to the bylaw.

Your input will inform key areas under review such as bylaw fees, inspection and regulation, partnership approval, and will help us identify any gaps in the existing bylaw.

Share your feedback with us by March 28, 2022 and subscribe to this page for updates.

For more information, please email Helen Fylactou, Manager of Licensing, at Helen.Fylactou@kitchener.ca

This consultation has ended. 

After a successful three years in effect, the new business licensing bylaw review has been completed with some additional changes. After a two-year pilot program, food trucks may now operate in residential zones throughout the summer. Kitchener City Council has approved amending the business licensing by-law to expand permissions, create a new type of license and accept business licensing applications online. A new streamlined online application process expected to launch later this year will allow business owners to apply or renew their license and pay by credit card.   

The review was completed to assess the bylaw, associated fees and the process to ensure that the changes to the bylaw would support neighbourhoods, community organizations and the business community. The updated business licensing bylaw now includes more reflective business licensing definitions, new business licensing categories, and reduced fees for some licenses including for shorter-term pop-up businesses. To learn more about the business licensing bylaw and to apply for a license, visit kitchener.ca/businesslicensing.  

  • Outcomes of business licensing by-law review

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    Thank you to everyone who shared comments and feedback about our business licensing By-law.

    Over the last three years, we tracked themes, comments, and questions from business owners, community groups, and other stakeholder groups. We read these comments, and where necessary, made adjustments within the By-law. The comments we received identified a need for:
    • More information, samples and toolkits for first-time applicants
    • More clarity within definitions, and
    • An easier application process.

    A survey was also created to invite input from licensed businesses. The survey ran on the EngageWR platform for 2 weeks in March. It was also sent directly to all licensed businesses and was advertised at the in-person customer service desks. The survey was emailed to approximately 2,200 businesses, was viewed by 307, and had engagement by 177 participants. Some of the highlights from the survey include:

    • A majority (77%) said the existing requirements are easy to understand.
    • A majority (71%) believe the existing requirements and inspections are appropriate.
    • A majority (76%) found it easy to understand what licence they required.
    • A majority of participants suggested the main area way we can improve is to have the option to apply and pay online.
    • Participants commented on the length of time to get inspections.
    • Participants commented on the cost of fees for certain types of businesses.
    The table below shows a summary of the feedback we received, what we are doing in response, and what it will achieve.


    What We Heard

    What We Are Doing

    What It Achieves

    • Fees for Farmers’ Market vendors are too high
    • Created a new category for Farmers’ Vendors specifically with a reduced fee
    • Getting buy-in from Market staff
    • More attractive for potential vendors
    • A regulations & fee more aligned with the specific needs for a Farmers’ Market Vendors
    • Submit applications and payment online
    • Working with City staff to adapt the licensing system, AMANDA, public portal to include business licensing
    • Estimate go-live date is 2022
    • Quick and easy way for businesses to apply
    • ·Credit Card payment option


    • Lack of suitable category for vendors renting kitchens for temporary use
    • Created a new category for commercial kitchens and vendors
    • Supports new types of business at a reduced cost to the vendors
    • Reduction in the types of inspections
    • Confusion about what category a business may fall into
    • Updated the wording in the definitions, such as adding retail to permanent vendors
    • Added clarity for a better understanding for our customers