Launch Your Parking Lots and Garages Business in Burnaby
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to starting a parking lots and garages business in Burnaby (NAICS 812930). You’ll get a clear five-requirement overview, plus practical detail on permits, costs, and a realistic timeline from idea to opening—covering city-approved processes, typical fees, and common hurdles you can avoid with smart planning.
You’ll learn exactly what to do: secure a business license, navigate Burnaby’s zoning rules for parking facilities, apply for development and occupancy permits, and align safety, accessibility, insurance, and financing. We break down costs—from land or lease to paving, lighting, and signage—and map out a practical timeline with milestones for each requirement, so you know when to act and what to expect at each step.
Why Burnaby? The city’s growth, strong retail and transit corridors, and steady demand for convenient parking near Metropolis at Metrotown and SkyTrain lines make this a promising fit for parking lots and garages. With clear steps and local considerations, you can launch confidently with a solid plan and a path to sustainable, scalable revenue.
Requirements Overview
Starting a parking lot or garage in Burnaby means handling a few key registrations. The foundational items are a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency and, if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, BC Business Name Registration. A BN enables you to manage taxes and government filings and is the starting point for other accounts like GST/HST and payroll. If you’re unsure about GST/HST or payroll, it’s wise to check with a tax professional early so you’re not surprised later.
For health, safety, and permits, secure WorkSafeBC coverage for any employees and put a basic safety plan in place. You’ll also need standard Burnaby permits and licensing for a parking operation, including a business license, plus proper lighting and signage and accessibility where required. Keep clear emergency procedures and regular maintenance routines to minimize hazards and keep the site compliant with ongoing safety and building standards.
Business registration and tax numbers you’ll typically arrange include BN registration, BC Business Name Registration for sole proprietors or partnerships, GST/HST registration (if you meet the revenue threshold or choose to register), and Payroll Deductions registration if you have employees. These registrations link to your tax reporting, payroll, and reporting obligations, helping you operate legally and avoid surprises.
Next steps: verify Burnaby’s business licensing and zoning requirements for a parking facility, gather the documents you’ll need, and set up your CRA accounts. Consider speaking with a local advisor to tailor registrations to your plan and create a simple compliance calendar. With clear steps and timely filings, you’ll be on solid footing to launch and run your parking operation smoothly.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a parking lots and garages in Burnaby:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
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