London Business Licence Fees & Timelines

London, Ontario businesses must follow municipal licence rules before opening or operating specific activities. This guide explains common licence types, typical processing timelines, how fees are set and paid, and the enforcement and appeal routes municipal staff use in London. It draws on City of London licensing pages and enforcement contacts so you can apply, pay, comply and, if necessary, appeal or request a variance.

Licence types and typical timelines

London issues business licences for sectors such as food service, taxis and personal services; some activities also require building or zoning approval. Processing times vary by licence and whether inspections or background checks are needed.

• Food premises and restaurants — applications may require a public health inspection and can take several weeks depending on inspection schedules and completeness of the application.
• Retail and home-based businesses — often processed faster if no inspection or zoning variance is needed.
• Taxis and vehicle-based licences — require vehicle and operator checks; allow additional lead time for required documents.

Consult the City of London business licences page for lists of licence categories and general steps to apply. View licences^[1]

Fees and payment

The City publishes fee schedules and fee-setting policies for licences. Specific fees for each licence class and renewal fees are set in the fee schedule linked on the City site.

• Licence application fees and annual licence fees are listed in the City fee schedules; amounts vary by licence class.
• Payment methods and where to pay are provided on the City licence or licensing services pages.

See the City fee schedules for current amounts and payment instructions. Licence fees^[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Municipal enforcement for business licences in London is carried out by Municipal Law Enforcement & Licensing Services. Enforcement can include tickets, orders to comply, licence suspensions and prosecution in court.

• Fine amounts: where the bylaw or fee schedule states specific fines, those amounts apply; where a specific monetary penalty is not listed on the cited City pages, it is "not specified on the cited page".
• Escalation: the City may issue warnings, tickets, and then pursue prosecution or licence suspension for repeat or continuing offences; specific progressive ranges are not specified on the cited pages.
• Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remedy, licence suspensions or cancellations, and court actions are enforcement tools used by the City.
• Enforcer and complaints: Municipal Law Enforcement & Licensing Services handles complaints, inspections and enforcement; contact details and complaint process are on the City's enforcement page. Enforcement contacts^[3]
• Appeals and reviews: appeal routes depend on the specific bylaw or licence; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited City pages and applicants should refer to the decision notice or bylaw referenced in enforcement letters.
• Defences and discretion: municipal officers often have discretion for compliance timelines and may accept permits, variances or remediation plans as defences; exact criteria are not specified on the cited pages.

Applications & Forms

Application forms and instructions are available through the City's business licence pages. Some licences have a specific application PDF or online form; where a named form or number is not shown on the cited page it is "not specified on the cited page". Applicants should use the online application portal or the PDF form linked on the City site for their licence class.

How to prepare for a licence application

• Check licence category and required approvals early (zoning, building, health).
• Gather supporting documents: identification, lease or ownership proof, floor plans, safety certificates.
• Review fee schedule and be ready to pay application and licence fees at submission.

FAQ

How long does a business licence take to issue in London?

Processing times vary by licence; simple renewals can be quicker, while new licences requiring inspections or background checks may take several weeks. Check the City licence page for category details. View licences^[1]

Where do I pay licence fees?

Payment instructions and fee amounts are on the City fee schedules and the licence application pages; follow the payment options listed with your licence application. Licence fees^[2]

Who enforces licence rules and how do I report a problem?

Municipal Law Enforcement & Licensing Services enforces business licences and accepts complaints through the City's enforcement contact page. Enforcement contacts^[3]

How-To

1. Identify the required licence for your business activity on the City of London business licences page.
2. Collect required documents listed for that licence class (IDs, plans, certificates).
3. Complete the online application or PDF form linked for the licence and pay the application fee.
4. Arrange any required inspections (building, fire, public health) and respond to requests from City staff.
5. Receive your licence or follow the notice if additional steps or corrections are requested; appeal decisions per the notice instructions if applicable.

Key Takeaways

• Start licence applications early—inspections and approvals add time.
• Check the City fee schedule for exact fees before applying.
• Contact Municipal Law Enforcement for complaints or enforcement questions.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of London — Business licences
• City of London — Licence fees
• Municipal Law Enforcement & Licensing Services
• Apply for a business licence (City of London)

1. [1] City of London — Business licences
2. [2] City of London — Licence fees
3. [3] City of London — Municipal Law Enforcement & Licensing Services