Launch a Parking Lots and Garages Business in Surrey Today
Welcome to a practical, step-by-step guide for starting a Parking Lots and Garages business in Surrey. This page breaks down the six essential requirements you'll need to meet and shows you how to navigate licensing, zoning, and the setup process for NAICS 812930. Use the clear roadmap here to turn your parking idea into a compliant, ready-to-operate facility.
From permits to price tag, this guide covers what you’ll actually do. You’ll learn the permits and licenses required by Surrey, typical startup costs (land, equipment, software, insurance), and a realistic timeline from initial planning to opening day. We outline the six steps as concrete actions, plus tips to avoid common delays and stay compliant year after year.
Surrey’s growing population, busy business districts, and easy access to transit create solid demand for parking when paired with good management. The city’s supportive permits process and opportunity-rich locations make now a smart time to start. Ready to map your first 90 days? Let’s get going.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a parking lot and garage business in Surrey is Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and is how you open tax accounts and interact with government programs. You cannot legally run the business without a BN, and it’s non-negotiable for operations, invoicing, and reporting.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health and safety come first. Make sure you have WorkSafeBC coverage for your employees and meet workplace safety rules. You’ll also need a City of Surrey Business Licence to operate the facility legally. If you’re using a trade name rather than your own legal name, you should complete BC Business Name Registration. Depending on the site, there may be local permits or zoning requirements to secure as well.
Business Registration & Tax: Beyond the BN, plan your other registrations carefully. If you’re operating under a name other than your personal name, register the BC Business Name for a sole proprietorship or partnership. Set up GST/HST registration with the Canada Revenue Agency for tax collection. If you have employees, you’ll also need Payroll Deductions Registration with the CRA to handle withholdings and remittances.
Encouragement: Once you’ve lined up these basics, you’ll be well on your way to launching smoothly. Start by checking Surrey’s official business licensing pages, then get your BN registered with the CRA, and complete the other registrations as soon as possible. If you’d like, I can turn this into a simple step-by-step checklist with a realistic timeline tailored to your plan.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a parking lots and garages in Surrey:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey 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 Surrey Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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