NEWSCLOSE

Starting Your Business

The City of Mount Pearl is committed to your business. Whether it’s finding a location or navigating applications and permits, we’re here to help. Going into business should be all smiles and the occasional permit. Not the other way around. So, we decided to put you first. Our Business Guide is as helpful as it is simple. Download our guide by clicking here.

Step 1: Inquiry

Need a home for your business? We can assist in finding the perfect location for your new venture. View a list of our available commercial properties at investinmountpearl.ca.

Need more assistance? Contact Jeremy for help:

Jeremy Schwartz
Manager of Economic Development & Housing
(709) 748-1117
jschwartz@mountpearl.ca

Step 2: Permit Applications

Municipal

Our Occupancy Permit application process is simple. To get started, download the application form here. Or drop by City Hall for a paper copy. To get a head start, you’ll need the following:

  • Contact info and signatures (applicant and property owner)
  • General description of the business
  • Days and hours of operation
  • Amount of space being occupied
  • Parking requirements
  • Proposed signage
  • Scaled business floor plan (sketches accepted for home offices)

One of our City Planners may contact you and verify your information. Once completed, a City Inspector will contact you to schedule an inspection.

There is a $250 processing fee for a permit application.

To view a PDF layout explaining the development application process, click here.

Provincial

All commercial locations (excluding home-based businesses) are required to submit an application to service NL for a Fire and Life Safety Plan Review and Building Accessibility Design OR exemption registration. It’s important to remember that this is mandatory, and your City Occupancy Permit cannot be issued without provincial approval or exemption. Contact Service NL for more information:

Service NL
Motor Registration Building
149 Smallwood Drive
(709) 729-1038
gscavalonplans@gov.nl.ca
www.servicenl.gov.nl.ca

Are there any other permits required?

Renovations: Thinking about renovations? A Building Permit may be required if additional construction is necessary. For rates and fees, click here.

Zoning: Business locations have assigned zoning. If your location is not in a permitted use zone, a discretionary use application process may be required. We can walk you through the process, it generally takes between four to six weeks and there is an additional fee required.

Contact: The Community Development Department can provide you with details about the application process, including application forms, land use, and zoning regulations. Confused about the permit process? Contact Catherine, she’ll get you sorted.

Catherine Power
Manager of Development and Planning
(709) 748-1023
chowell@mountpearl.ca

Step 3: Inspection

Once a Planner has reviewed your application and given approval in principle, we’ll book an inspection with a City Inspector. The City Inspector will visit your business and if necessary will walk you through any changes needed to issue your permit. Once an inspection is approved, you are eligible for an Occupancy Permit. Easy, right?

Step 4: Commercial Tax Account

Once your fee is paid, we issue your occupancy permit. Then, we’ll open a commercial tax account for you. Almost there!

Step 5: Consider it done

Approval is granted by the city! You’re all ready to go. Don’t hesitate to contact our Economic Development Officer for additional support.

Jeremy Schwartz
Manager of Economic Development & Housing
(709) 748-1117
jschwartz@mountpearl.ca

 

FORMS

Commercial Occupancy Permit Application

Home-Based Business Permit Application