Business Licensing

• The Comprehensive Business Licensing By-law provides specific conditions or regulations, depending on the type of business, that the owner must provide to have met in order to receive a business licence.
• Controls may include the requirement to provide proof of safety inspections, police records clearances, proof of insurance, etc.
• The regulations/requirements for documentation will depend on the type of business.

Adult Entertainment Owner - Application Requirements

• Two (2) pieces of valid identification including one (1) piece with photo I.D. (Driver's Licence, Birth Certificate, Passport, Permanent Resident Card, etc.)
• If the Applicant is a partnership, two (2) pieces of I.D. from all partners in the partnership
• Letter of Authorization, if agent applying
• Proof of an inspection of the Adult Entertainment Establishment conducted by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit dated within one (1) year of the Application
• Proof of an inspection of the Adult Entertainment Establishment conducted by the Fire Chief dated within one (1) year of the Application
• A sketch in the form acceptable to the Issuer of Licences, which clearly shows the building or part of the building to be used as an Adult Entertainment Establishment, including identification of the stage;
• A list of all services provided for a fee at the Adult Entertainment Establishment. This list shall include all of the respective fees charged for services, if any, including admission fees and any other payment charged in respect of entry to the Adult Entertainment Establishment. If any charge is based on a computation of time, the hourly rate shall be shown on the list
• Certificate of Insurance (min. $2,000,000 General Liability, Cross Liability and 30 Day Cancellation Notice)
• Applicable fee.

Adult Entertainment Operator - Application Requirements

• Two (2) pieces of valid identification including one (1) piece with photo I.D. (Driver's Licence, Birth Certificate, Passport, Permanent Resident Card, etc.)
• Proof that the Applicant is at least eighteen (18) years of age
• Original Vulnerable Sector Check, dated no more than thirty (30) days prior to the submission of the Application
• Applicable fee

Comprehensive Business Licensing By-law

Application Requirements

In addition to the requirements as set out in Sections 22 and 23 of this By-law, every Application for a Business Licence for a Boarding/Rooming House, or for a renewal thereof, shall be accompanied by:

• Proof of an inspection of the Boarding/Rooming House conducted by the Fire Chief indicating that there are no contraventions of the Fire Code and dated within thirty (30) days of the Application for Licence or renewal thereof;
• Vulnerable Sector Check of the owner or operator;
• A sketch of the interior of the Boarding/Rooming House, which indicates the following 
  • Identification of each room or area and its purpose;
  • Any rooms not being used for the purposes of the Boarding/Rooming House;
  • Location of each external ingress and egress;
  • Units of measurement for each room or area, including the height;
  • Location of each door and window in every bedroom;
  • The location of each bed in every bedroom;
  • Number of separate showers, bathtubs (with or without showers), toilets and sinks;
• Fire Safety Plan;
• Certificate of Insurance (min $2,000,000 General Liability, Cross Liability and 30 day Cancellation Notice); and
• Applicable fee.

Comprehensive Business Licensing By-law

Fire Safety Plan

Application Requirements

• Two (2) pieces of valid identification including one (1) piece with photo I.D. (Driver's Licence, Birth Certificate, Passport, Permanent Resident Card, etc.)
• If the applicant is a partnership, two (2) pieces of I.D. from all partners in the partnership
• Letter of Authorization, if agent applying
• Certificate of Insurance (min. $2,000,000 General Liability, Cross Liability and 30 Day Cancellation Notice)
• Applicable fee.

Comprehensive Business Licensing By-law

Application Requirements

• Two (2) pieces of valid identification including one (1) piece with photo I.D. (Driver's Licence, Birth Certificate, Passport, Permanent Resident Card, etc.)
• If the Applicant is a partnership, two (2) pieces of I.D. from all partners in the partnership
• Letter of Authorization, if agent applying
• Proof of an inspection of the Catering Establishment conducted by the Windsor-Essex Health Unit dated within one (1) year of the Application
• Proof of an inspection of the Catering Establishment conducted by the Fire Chief dated within one (1) year of the Application (arranged by the Municipality)
• Copies of Food Handlers Certificates for all those employees deemed necessary by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
• A list of the vehicle(s) to be used together with a copy of the current passenger motor vehicle permit (ownership) issued in the Applicant's name for each vehicle
• A Certificate of Automobile Insurance for each vehicle to be used in the Business
• Certificate of Insurance (min. $2,000,000 General Liability, Cross Liability and 30 Day Cancellation Notice)
• Applicable fee.

Comprehensive Business Licensing By-law

Windsor-Essex County Health Unit - Food Handler Certification courses

Driving School Operator - Application Requirements

• Two (2) pieces of valid identification including one (1) piece with photo I.D. (Driver's Licence, Birth Certificate, Passport, Permanent Resident Card, etc.)
• If the Applicant is a partnership, two (2) pieces of I.D. from all partners in the partnership
• Letter of Authorization, if agent applying
• Proof that the Applicant holds a valid driving school licence granted to the Applicant by the Ministry of Transportation
• A list of Driving Instructors employed by the Applicant
• A list of vehicles to be used together with a copy of the current passenger motor vehicle permit (ownership) issued in the Applicant's name for each vehicle
• An original current Safety Standards Certificate for each vehicle dated no more than thirty (30) days prior to the submission of the Application
• A copy of any work order or other documentation issued in the processing or granting of the Safety Standards Certificate for each vehicle
• A Certificate of Automobile Insurance for each vehicle 
• Certificate of Insurance (min. $2,000,000 General Liability, Cross Liability and 30 Day Cancellation Notice)
• Applicable fee.

Driving School Instructor - Application Requirements

• Two (2) pieces of valid identification including one (1) piece with photo I.D. (Driver's Licence, Birth Certificate, Passport, Permanent Resident Card, etc.)
• Proof that the Applicant is at least eighteen (18) years of age
• Proof that the Applicant holds a valid Class "G" Driver's Licence issued by the Province of Ontario
• Original Vulnerable Sector Check, dated no more than thirty (30) days prior to the submission of the Application
• Written confirmation from a Driving School Operator that the Applicant shall be employed by the Driving School Operator if the Driving Instructor's Licence is issued
• Applicable fee.

Comprehensive Business Licensing By-law

Application Requirements

• Two (2) pieces of valid identification including one (1) piece with photo I.D. (Driver's Licence, Birth Certificate, Passport, Permanent Resident Card, etc.)
• If the Applicant is a partnership, two (2) pieces of I.D. from all partners in the partnership
• Letter of Authorization, if agent applying
• Proof of an inspection of the Eating Establishment conducted by the Windsor-Essex Health Unit dated within one (1) year of the Application
• Proof of an inspection of the Catering Establishment conducted by the Fire Chief dated within one (1) year of the Application (arranged by the Municipality)
• Copies of Food Handlers Certificates for all those employees deemed necessary by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
• A completed Fire Safety Plan
• Certificate of Insurance (min. $2,000,000 General Liability, Cross Liability and 30 Day Cancellation Notice)
• Applicable fee.

Comprehensive Business Licensing By-law

Fire Safety Plan

Windsor-Essex County Health Unit - Food Handler Certification courses

Application Requirements

• Two (2) pieces of valid identification including one (1) piece with photo I.D. (Driver's Licence, Birth Certificate, Passport, Permanent Resident Card, etc.)
• If the Applicant is a partnership, two (2) pieces of I.D. from all partners in the partnership
• Letter of Authorization, if agent applying
• Proof of an inspection of the Food Vehicle conducted by the Windsor-Essex Health Unit dated within thirty (30) days of the Application
• Proof of an inspection of the Food Vehicle conducted by the Fire Chief dated within thirty (30) days of the Application (arranged by the Municipality)
• Copies of Food Handlers Certificates for all those employees deemed necessary by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
• A copy of the current passenger motor vehicle permit (ownership) including the Vehicle Identification Number and the Ontario Licence Plate number as issued by the Ministry of Transportation, if applicable
• A Certificate of Automobile Insurance
• A photo of the Food Vehicle and a description of the type of vehicle
• The location of the Food Vehicle which shall be subject to a site plan approval by the Municipality
• A sketch depicting the exact location the Food Vehicle will operate on Private Property. The sketch shall be to scale and include layout dimensions
• Written permission from the Owner of the Private Property you will operate from, if applicable
• The location where the Food Vehicle will be stored when not operating the Business
• A list of the types of food to be provided for sale
• Certificate of Insurance (min. $2,000,000 General Liability, Cross Liability and 30 Day Cancellation Notice)
• Proof that the Food Vehicle complies with the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000
• Applicable fee.

Consent for Food Vehicle to Operate from Private Property

Comprehensive Business Licensing By-law

Windsor-Essex County Health Unit - Food Handler Certification courses

Application Requirements

• Two (2) pieces of valid identification including one (1) piece with photo I.D. (Driver's Licence, Birth Certificate, Passport, Permanent Resident Card, etc.)
• If the Applicant is a partnership, two (2) pieces of I.D. from all partners in the partnership
• Letter of Authorization, if agent applying
• Certificate of Insurance (min. $2,000,000 General Liability, Cross Liability and 30 Day Cancellation Notice)
• Applicable fee 

Comprehensive Business Licensing By-law

Comprehensive Zoning By-law

Application Requirements

• Proof that the Applicant resides in the Dwelling associated with the Home Occupation (e.g. Driver's Licence or a piece of mail addressed to the Applicant)
• A sketch of the entire Dwelling floor plan (all levels) with the dimensions of the home, including the proposed area for the Business and its measurements
• A sketch showing current and proposed off-street parking association with the Business, if applicable
• Proof that the Business is secondary to the main use of the Dwelling as a private residence (determined by By-law Enforcement upon inspection)
• Applicable fee.

Home Occupation Clearance

Comprehensive Business Licensing By-law

Ice Cream Vehicle - Application Requirements

• Two (2) pieces of valid identification including one (1) piece with photo I.D. (Driver's Licence, Birth Certificate, Passport, Permanent Resident Card, etc.)
• If the Applicant is a partnership, two (2) pieces of I.D. from all partners in the partnership
• Letter of Authorization, if agent applying
• Proof of an inspection of the Ice Cream Vehicle conducted by the Fire Chief dated within thirty (30) days of the Application
• Proof of an inspection of the Ice Cream Vehicle conducted by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit dated within thirty (30) days of the Application
• A copy of the ownership of the Ice Cream Vehicle
• Vehicle identification number and the Ontario Licence Plate number as issued by the Ministry of Transportation
• A photo of the Ice Cream Vehicle and a description of its type
• A list of the types of food to be provided for sale
• A Certificate of Automobile Insurance for the Vehicle
• Certificate of Insurance (min. $2,000,000 General Liability, Cross Liability and 30 Day Cancellation Notice)
• A list of employees employed by the Applicant
• Original Vulnerable Sector Check for the Applicant and each employee, dated within thirty (30) days of the Application
• Copies of Food Handlers Certificates for all those employees deemed necessary by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
• The location where the Ice Cream Vehicle will be parked or stored when not in use
• Applicable fee.

Ice Cream Cart - Application Requirements

• Two (2) pieces of valid identification including one (1) piece with photo I.D. (Driver's Licence, Birth Certificate, Passport, Permanent Resident Card, etc.)
• Letter of Authorization, if agent applying
• A list of employees employed by the Applicant
• Original Vulnerable Sector Check for each employee, dated no more than thirty (30) days prior to the submission of the Application
• Certificate of Insurance (min. $2,000,000 General Liability, Cross Liability and 30 Day Cancellation Notice)
• Applicable fee.

Comprehensive Business Licensing By-law

Windsor-Essex County Health Unit - Food Handler Certification courses

Application Requirements

• Two (2) pieces of valid identification including one (1) piece with photo I.D. (Driver's Licence, Birth Certificate, Passport, Permanent Resident Card, etc.)
• If the applicant is a partnership, two (2) pieces of I.D. from all partners in the partnership
• Letter of Authorization, if agent applying
• Security in the sum of $2,000.00 as required by the Pawnbrokers Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.6, as amended
• Certificate of Insurance (min. $2,000,000 General Liability, Cross Liability and 30 Day Cancellation Notice)
• Applicable fee.

Comprehensive Business Licensing By-law

Application Requirements

• Two (2) pieces of valid identification including one (1) piece with photo I.D. (Driver's Licence, Birth Certificate, Passport, Permanent Resident Card, etc.)
• If the Applicant is a partnership, two (2) pieces of I.D. from all partners in the partnership
• Letter of Authorization, if agent applying
• Proof of an inspection of the Personal Care Service Establishment conducted by the Windsor-Essex Health Unit dated within one (1) year of the Application
• Proof of an inspection of the Personal Care Service Establishment conducted by the Fire Chief dated within one (1) year of the Application (arranged by the Municipality)
• Certificate of Insurance (min. $2,000,000 General Liability, Cross Liability and 30 Day Cancellation Notice)
• Applicable fee.

Comprehensive Business Licensing By-law

Salesperson - Day Sales - Application Requirements

• Two (2) pieces of valid identification including one (1) piece with photo I.D. (Driver's Licence, Birth Certificate, Passport, Permanent Resident Card, etc.)
• If the Applicant is a partnership, two (2) pieces of I.D. from all partners in the partnership
• Letter of Authorization, if agent applying
• Written authorization from the registered owner of the Private Property on which the Salesperson - Day Sales will operate
• Proof of an inspection conducted by the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit dated within thirty (30) days of the Applicant approving the sale of foods, if applicable
• A sketch depicting the exact location where the Day Sales will occur on the property at the time of Application
• Applicable fee.

Salesperson - Door to Door Sales - Application Requirements

• Two (2) pieces of valid identification including one (1) piece with photo I.D. (Driver's Licence, Birth Certificate, Passport, Permanent Resident Card, etc.)
• Letter of Authorization, if agent applying
• A list of Employees conducting Door to Door Sales
• A Vulnerable Sector Check for each employee conducting Door to Door Sales
• Applicable fee.

Comprehensive Business Licensing By-law

Application Requirements

• Two (2) pieces of valid identification including one (1) piece with photo I.D. (Driver's Licence, Birth Certificate, Passport, Permanent Resident Card, etc.)
• If the Applicant is a partnership, two (2) pieces of I.D. from all partners in the partnership
• Letter of Authorization, if agent applying
• Proof of an inspection of the Salvage Yard conducted by the Fire Chief dated within one (1) year of the Application (arranged by the Municipality)
• A completed Fire Safety Plan
• Proof that the Business is:
  • registered with the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry (EASR) or
  • operating under an Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) or
  • an exemption has been granted by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
• Applicable fee.

Comprehensive Business Licensing By-law

Fire Safety Plan 

Taxi cabs are regulated under a separate bylaw.

Taxi Cabs

Application Requirements

• Two (2) pieces of valid identification including one (1) piece with photo I.D. (Driver's Licence, Birth Certificate, Passport, Permanent Resident Card, etc.)
• If the Applicant is a partnership, two (2) pieces of I.D. from all partners in the partnership
• Letter of Authorization, if agent applying
• A list of employees employed by the Applicant
• Proof that the Applicant and all employees hold a valid Class "G" Driver's Licence issued by the Province of Ontario and in the case of drivers of vehicles with eleven (11) or more passengers, but not more than twenty-four (24) passengers, a valid Class "F" Driver's Licence issued by the Province of Ontario
• A copy of the current passenger motor vehicle permit (ownership) issued in the Applicant's name for each vehicle
• An original Safety Standards Certificate dated no more than thirty (30) days prior to the submission of the Application for each vehicle
• A copy of any work order or other documentation issued in the processing or granting of the Safety Standards Certificate
• A Certificate of Automobile Insurance for each vehicle
• If the Transportation Vehicle is a vehicle under the Public Vehicles Act, a copy of the operating licence issued under the Motor Vehicle Transportation Act and/or Public Vehicles Act
• Copies of all contracts or itineraries for clients detailing the types of occasions and duration, dates and times of service for the vehicles
• Applicable fee.

Comprehensive Business Licensing By-law