Residential Information
Being a resident of the District of Stewart has its privileges. Some of the services that are offered to residential and commercial property owners include: garbage collection, street sweeping, snow plowing, parks and recreation.
Property Taxes
General property taxation is the single most important source of revenue for Local Governments. Each year, Council must project the net amount of funds required through property taxes to support local services. General municipal tax rates are set once the budget is approved. Property tax notices are mailed in mid-May for the calendar year of January 1 through to December 31. the general municipal tax rate, together with the assessed value and classification (property use - i.e. residential, commercial, industry, farm, etc.) of the taxable property, determines the taxation for each property.
Property taxes cannot be appealed. Only property assessments, on which taxes are based, are subject to appeal through the BC Assessment Authority (BCAA). Therefore, it is important to review your annual assessment notice when you receive it and report any concerns to them by January 31st of each year. Annual assessment notices are mailed by BCAA on December 31st for the subsequent year. In British Columbia, property assessments reflect market values effective July 1st of the preceding year.
Contact information for BC Assessment is as follows:
BC Assessment - Northwest Region
100 - 4545 Lazelle Avenue
Terrace, BC V8G 4E1
Phone: 250-638-1116
Toll Free: 1-800-990-1116
Fax: 250-638-0156
email:
northwest@bcassessment.ca
Amended Assessments
If you are expecting a decrease in your assessment, it is likely that your total taxes payable will decrease too. The amount on the original property tax notice remains due and payable by the tax due date (usually July 2nd). If you have not paid your property taxes that are payable by the tax due date (as indicated on the original property tax notice) a penalty may apply to any unpaid tax amount if the amended assessment is not received by the District of Stewart before the tax due date.
Business Licences
Going into business may be a stressful time with many issues to be considered. The District of Stewart supports and encourages new businesses. In addition, the District must also look after the health, safety and liability of the public. By explaining some of these issues and concerns in advance, we aim to help you understand the process when you are applying for a Business Licence and be able to process your application quickly.
District of Stewart requires that you complete a Business License application form if you are starting a new business or changing an existing one. The following items need to be attached:
- a site plan of the property showing where the premises is in relation to the property lines;
- a drawing showing the location of the required parking
- an interior floor plan of the premises.
We look at a number of items during our review of your business license application. First all properties in the District are zoned; typically for Residential, Commercial or Industrial. The zoning designation regulates (among many items) the kind of business you can conduct within that particular zone. You may wish to arrange a meeting with the District of Stewart Administrator before submitting your application form.
If you are conducting a business that requires people to come into a building, the building official will conduct a visual site inspection to ensure that the health and safety requirements of the BC Building Code are met. You are encouraged to arrange this inspection prior to signing a lease or purchasing a building for your business. This includes a business that is being conducted in a home. A residential home is not built to the standards of a commercial building and as such, we look closely at what type of business will be conducted in a home to ensure the health and safety requirements of the code are met, and whether the business proposal meets the zoning regulations.
The fact that a business has been conducted at a location before, does not preclude it from being inspected again when a business application is being received. The previous owner may have done alterations without District knowledge and other levels of government may have changed requirements during the operations of the previous business. Therefore the change of business ownership provides an opportunity to inspect the premises and advise accordingly.
Other government agencies such as the Ministry of Health may also be involved to assist you with your proposal.
For further information contact:
District of Stewart Administrator
Fire Chief
Depending on the type of business, you may need to contact the:
Health Inspector
Electrical Inspector
Information on starting a business can be obtained from the Service BC Centre, Accountants and Banks. However, these agencies are not in a position to assess whether or not a business license will be issued, only the Municipal office can do that.
Q: What is the cost of a business license?
License fees may vary; information provided at District office when
Business License is requested. Payment for the business license
should accompany the application and once your License has been
approved, your company/business information will be added to the
District of Stewart's "business services" on their website.
Q: Can I start my business before I get my license?
No. All businesses are required to obtain a license before they
open for business, pursuant to the Bylaw.
Q: Why do I need a Business License?
A business license is required pursuant to the laws of BC and the
council of the District of Stewart. Business licensing insures
that all applications have complied with the regulations of the
Municipality with respect to the Building Code, Zoning Bylaw, Fire
Safety and health regulations for the type of business you intend to
operate. The intent of the regulations is to support and permit
safe and healthy developments occur.
Q: What happens to the business license fee?
The funds collected from the business license fee go into a General
Operating fund.
Q: What are some requirements that I may need to address before
I move into a location?
Fire safety and handicap accessibility are two issues. Change of
occupancy may require fire separation upgrade. A washroom upgrade
to accommodate disabled requirements, or more washrooms may be needed
because of the type of business.
Q: Can I change the outside of the building?
A Building Permit is required to make alterations to a building.
You may also require a Development Permit, a Development Variance
Permit, or an Encroachment Agreement with the District of Stewart.
Q: Do I need a Building Permit to make renovations for my
business?
Yes, we recommend that you apply for a Building Permit and submit
drawings of any renovations you are considering.
Q: How long does it take to get a Business License?
If all the required information has been submitted, ie. site plan,
interior floor plan, development permit requirements met (as may be
required for specific areas) and parking plan received, a license could
be issued within one week. Please note that approval of government
agencies may be necessary and may delay the business license if
approvals have not been granted.