Launch Your Saint John Parking Lots and Garages Business
This page provides a practical, step-by-step guide to starting a Parking Lots and Garages business in Saint John, NB, aligned with NAICS 812930. It lays out the eight requirements you must meet and offers a simple, game-plan checklist to keep you moving. You’ll see at a glance what permits, licensing, and upfront costs to plan for and a realistic timeline from idea to opening.
What you’ll learn includes an eight-point requirements overview, the permits you'll need (zoning/land-use, business license, occupancy and safety inspections), and the typical costs (land or lease, equipment, staffing, insurance). We’ll map a practical timeline with key milestones and quick tips to speed up approvals, secure financing, and stay compliant as you build operations.
Saint John’s growing downtown and commuter traffic create solid demand for convenient parking. With approachable city processes and a supportive business climate, this is a strong place to launch a parking lots and garages operation.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a parking lot or garage in Saint John is obtaining a Business Licence. This local license is mandatory from the city, and you cannot legally run your parking facility without it. It’s a non-negotiable first step that confirms you’re allowed to operate in Saint John before you tackle the other registrations and compliance tasks.
Beyond the licence, you’ll want to be ready for day-to-day operations and safety. A key operational requirement is New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage, which protects workers in case of injuries and shows you’re meeting provincial safety obligations. If you have employees, you’ll also need to handle payroll-related requirements, including Payroll Deductions Registration for withholdings and associated payroll taxes.
For formal business setup and taxes, you’ll need to sort out registration and tax numbers. Choose your business structure and register the name accordingly: New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) for your operating name, plus Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration if you’re forming a partnership or incorporating. You’ll also need a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency for tax accounts, and GST/HST Registration if your revenue or activities meet the threshold for charging and remitting GST/HST.
Ready to take the next steps? Start by confirming your business structure and name, then file the SNB and BN, and set up GST/HST and payroll registrations if applicable. Don’t forget to secure the municipal Business Licence and WorkSafeNB coverage as you build. With these steps, you’ll have a solid, compliant foundation to operate a parking facility in Saint John.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a parking lots and garages in Saint John:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Saint John. Apply to City of Saint John for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Saint John Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) RequiredBusinesses in New Brunswick must register their business name with Service New Brunswick if operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations and licensing. Registration can be completed online through SNB Online. Business name registrations for sole proprietorships and partnerships must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business name in New Brunswick: 1. Conduct name search ($13.80) 2. Complete registration through SNB Online 3. Pay $112 registration fee (includes Royal Gazette) 4. Receive certificate of business name 5. Renew every 5 years ($62) 6. Report any changes as required
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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NB Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in New Brunswick. Incorporation under NB law. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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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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New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in New Brunswick. Employers in New Brunswick must register with WorkSafeNB (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission) and maintain coverage for workers. WorkSafeNB provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with limited exceptions. Registration must occur within 10 days of commencing business operations or hiring the first worker. Employers pay assessments based on their classification unit rate and assessable payroll. To register with WorkSafeNB: 1. Determine if you're in a mandatory industry with 3+ workers 2. Register with WorkSafeNB online or by phone 3. Report assessable payroll annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($1.18/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. Experience rating affects rate (+80% to -40%)
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