London Bylaws: Gasoline Excise & Fuel Levies

Taxation and Finance Ontario 4 Minutes Read · published February 12, 2026 Flag of Ontario

In London, Ontario, regulation of gasoline excise and fuel levies combines federal and provincial tax rules with local licensing, zoning and bylaw enforcement. Municipal bylaws do not set federal excise or provincial fuel tax rates, but the City controls business licences, land use for service stations and local compliance processes for safety, signage and nuisance matters. This guide explains which levels of government set each charge, the City of London offices that manage licences and complaints, typical compliance steps for service station operators, and where to find official forms and contacts.

Confirm tax rates with federal and provincial authorities, then verify City licence requirements.

How municipal bylaws interact with excise and fuel levies

Federal excise duties on gasoline and provincial fuel taxes are administered by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario respectively; municipalities do not legislate excise rates but do regulate businesses that sell fuel through licences, zoning and health/environmental permits. For federal excise details see the Canada Revenue Agency; for provincial fuel tax see Ontario Ministry of Finance; for City of London business licences and land-use rules see the City of London business and planning pages.[1][2][3]

Permits, licences and local requirements

Operators of service stations in London typically need to comply with multiple municipal approvals and inspections before opening or when changing operations. Key municipal controls include business licensing, site plan control, zoning compliance and building or plumbing permits where tanks, pumps or canopy structures are installed or altered.

  • Business licence application: apply to City of London Licensing with required documentation and fees; see the City business licences page for current application steps.
  • Site plan and zoning: confirm zoning permissions and site plan control with the City Planning Division before construction or major alterations.
  • Building and plumbing permits: required for fuel storage installations, canopy work and underground tank replacement.
  • Environmental controls and spill plans: provincial and municipal environmental rules apply to storage and spill response; submit any required plans to the appropriate regulatory office.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of municipal licences, zoning and bylaw compliance in London is handled by City of London By-law Enforcement and Licensing staff. Sanctions for noncompliance may include orders to comply, licence suspensions or revocations, and prosecution under municipal bylaw provisions or applicable provincial statutes. Specific monetary fines for licence or bylaw breaches are not specified on the cited City pages; see the City enforcement and business licence pages for contact and enforcement pathways.[3]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited City pages for gasoline retail licences; local fines vary by bylaw and are set in the controlling instrument or Provincial Offences schedules.
  • Escalation: warnings, orders to comply, licence suspension/revocation, and prosecution; specific escalation timelines and amounts are not specified on the cited City pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, stop-work orders, licence conditions, and potential seizure or corrective actions where safety or environmental risks exist.
  • Enforcer: City of London By-law Enforcement and Licensing; inspections by Building Services or Environmental authorities may also apply.
  • Complaint/inspection pathway: file complaints or request inspections via the City of London By-law Enforcement and Licensing contact pages.
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes depend on the specific bylaw or licence decision; time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited City pages and should be confirmed with the issuing office.
Contact Licensing or By-law Enforcement promptly if you receive an order or notice.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes business licence applications and lists submission requirements on its business licence pages. Specific form names or bylaw schedules for gasoline service stations are not specified on the main City pages; applicants should contact City Licensing for the exact form, fees and submission method.[3]

Common violations for service stations

  • Operating without a valid City business licence (penalties: not specified on the cited page).
  • Building or plumbing work without permits (may trigger stop-work orders and corrective permits).
  • Unsafe fuel storage, spills or inadequate spill response plans (provincial environmental rules may apply).
Maintain up-to-date spill response and environmental documentation on site.

Action steps for operators

  • Apply for or renew the City business licence before opening; confirm required documents and fees with Licensing.
  • Verify zoning and site plan approvals with Planning Services to ensure your site is permitted for fuel retail.
  • Obtain building, plumbing and mechanical permits for tank and pump work and schedule inspections as required.
  • If you receive an order, contact By-law Enforcement or Licensing immediately to confirm appeal rights and timelines.

FAQ

Who sets gasoline excise and fuel tax rates?
Federal excise duties are set by the Government of Canada and provincial fuel taxes are set by the Government of Ontario; the City of London does not set excise or provincial fuel tax rates.[1][2]
Does London charge a municipal fuel levy?
No municipal fuel excise is set by the City; local charges are limited to business licence fees and any applicable municipal charges for services or permits, as listed by the City.[3]
How do I report a spill or public safety concern at a station?
Report immediate hazards to emergency services and report bylaw or licensing concerns to City of London By-law Enforcement or Licensing via the official complaint pages.
What penalties apply for operating without a licence?
Penalty amounts are not specified on the City business licence pages; enforcement actions can include orders, fines and prosecution depending on the bylaw and circumstances.[3]

How-To

  1. Confirm current federal excise rates by checking the Canada Revenue Agency excise duties pages.[1]
  2. Confirm provincial fuel tax rates with the Ontario Ministry of Finance fuel tax page.[2]
  3. Contact City of London Licensing to obtain the correct business licence application for a service station and confirm fees and documents.[3]
  4. Verify zoning and site plan control with Planning Services; submit site plans if required.
  5. Apply for building, plumbing and mechanical permits for tank and canopy work; schedule required inspections.
  6. Keep spill response plans and environmental documentation on site and train staff for emergency response.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal and provincial bodies set excise and fuel taxes; the City regulates licences and land use.
  • Obtain City business licences and permits before operating; contact Licensing for forms and fees.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Government of Canada - Excise duties and levies on fuels
  2. [2] Government of Ontario - Fuel taxes
  3. [3] City of London - Business licences & permits

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