Public Garage Licence

A Public Garage is a parking station/lot, building, or place where:

Gasoline or oils are stored or sold – such as a gas station
Motor vehicles are kept for sale – such as a car dealership
Motor vehicles are maintained – such as a motor vehicle repair shop or car wash
Motor vehicles are hired or kept or used for hire – such as a car/truck rental

If your business falls under one or more of these categories, you will need a Public Garage Licence.

The fees for a Public Garage Licence are:

$250 ($75 annual application fee plus $175 annual licence fee)

Applying for a New Public Garage Licence

To apply for a new Public Garage Licence, you must submit the following documents:

Business Name Registration/Master Business Licence or Franchise Agreement
Articles of Incorporation (if applicable)
Level 1 Criminal Record Check (dated within thirty (30) days of your application)
Copy of ownership or lease for your place of business
Map of your property – parking spaces, entrances and exits, and other businesses at the proposed location must be included (this can be hand drawn)

Apply for a new Public Garage Licence

Renewing Your Public Garage Licence

To renew your Public Garage Licence, you must submit the following document:

Level 1 Criminal Record Check (dated within thirty (30) days of your application) – this is only required every five (5) years

Renew your Public Garage Licence

Frequently Asked Questions about Public Garage Licences

Where do I get a Criminal Record Check?

If you live in the Durham Region, you can request a Criminal Record Check (C.R.C.) online from the Durham Regional Police Service. If you do not live in the Durham Region, you can request your C.R.C. from the police of the municipality you live in.

How long does it take to get a Public Garage Licence?

A new Public Garage Licence takes about two (2) to four (4) weeks to issue. However this is dependent on the inspections and approvals required from various departments.

What inspections are required?

Approvals from Oshawa Fire Services (O.F.S.) and Property Standards are required before your Public Garage Licence can be issued. Once you submit your application, we will contact these departments to let them know that your business needs these inspections.

O.F.S. ensures your business is compliant with the Fire Code and our Property Standards Officers check for compliance with the City’s Property Standards By-law.

What if my business is being renovated or under construction?

If you are doing renovations or construction on your business, you may need a building permit. You can visit the Building Services webpage for more information. If you need a business sign installed, please visit the Sign Permits webpage.

If you have an active building permit, your Public Garage Licence cannot be issued until it is closed.

Where can I open up my Public Garage business?

To check the zoning for your proposed business location, you can contact Planning Services and visit their Zoning webpage.

Can I transfer my Public Garage Licence?

Business licences issued by the City of Oshawa, including Public Garage Licences, cannot be transferred to a new owner or to another location. If you are selling your business, the new owner will have to apply for a new Public Garage Licence. If you are moving your Public Garage business to a different location, you will have to apply for a new Public Garage Licence.