The Sunshine Coast comprises four governing bodies: the Town of Gibsons, District of Sechelt, Sunshine Coast Regional District and the shíshálh Nation Government District.
Each governing area enforces slightly varying regulations and offers different resources that business owners should acquaint themselves with.
For the most up-to-date information, visit the website of the governing body corresponding to the location of your business. Below, we’ll provide quick links to the information we believe businesses will find most pertinent.
Business Licenses
Depending on where your business is based, you may need to apply for a business license. There’s an option for an Inter-Community Business License, which offers flexibility. Through this license, you can pay for one license and operate your business across the lower Sunshine Coast, regardless of the specific municipality.
- While the SCRD doesn’t require businesses to have a license, they must be in compliance with zoning. New business owners are encouraged to contact Planning & Development Division to discuss their future business plans to confirm compliance with the zoning.
- You can find the Town of Gibsons business license information here.
- You can find the District of Sechelt business license information here.
Signage
- Town of Gibsons Signage: You need a Sign Permit in the Town of Gibsons and may have a maximum of 3 signs. A sign permit is not required for a sign that is identified in a Development Permit or a Development Variance Permit.
- You can find the form to fill out an applicated for the District of Sechelt signage here.
- If your business is located in the SCRD, you will need to see if the zoning of your land requires any permits. You can find your zoning designation here.
Community Plans
- Town of Gibsons SMART community plan. This plan is a living document, and adapts to new trends and issues expected to arise over the coming 20-year period, while also responding to the ever changing circumstances in the Town of Gibsons.
- District of Sechelt Community Plan is meant to be a long-term guide to future land use and development in the District of Sechelt, and to provide a level of certainty to residents regarding the land uses to be provided in the community.
- SCRD official community plans describe the long-term vision of communities. They are a statement of objectives and policies that guide decisions on municipal and regional district planning and land use management. These decisions impact communities’ sustainability and resilience.
More Information
Seeking further information? Reach out to us, and we’ll guide you in the right direction.