Starting a Business
Most businesses operating within the City of Edmonton require a Business Licence.
Business licences are location-specific and you usually need a separate licence for each location you operate out of. Some exemptions to this rule are people who sell their product in a public market, exhibition hall, or are travelling or temporary sales people (i.e. door-to-door).
For businesses that hire sub contractors, the subcontractor must have their own Business Licence to cover their operations.
Obtaining a Business Licence
Before you begin operation of your business, you will be required to obtain a Development Permit and a Business Licence.
Step 1 - Development Permit/Approval
Your proposed business licence operations will be reviewed by a development officer to determine whether those types of operations are allowed in the zoning that has been assigned to the property. Zoning Bylaw
Only after you have received development approval can your business licence application be processed. Unless you have moved or changed your operations, this review process and any fees attached to it are only done when you first apply for your licence .
While the process of requiring development approval is the same for both a home based business or a commercial location business, they do have different development review processes and therefore, different business licence applications are required for these types of operations.
Step 2 - Business Licence
Once you have received development approval, your proposed business licence operations will be reviewed to determine what business licence categories will apply for those operations. The cost of a Business Licence varies and is determined by the business category or categories your operations are classified into. For many businesses, it is common that more than one category is required to properly licence the business.
Referrals
Some of the business licence categories have referrals to other agencies (Edmonton Police Service, Emergency Services, Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council) as part of the business licence process. These referrals must be approved and returned to our office before the licence can be issued.
Issuing of Licence
Once all referrals, fees and approvals have been received, the Business Licence will be issued. Business Licences are valid for 1 year from date of issue. The licence must be displayed in the place of business.
Renewal of Licence
Licences must be renewed annually. When the licence expires, you will be issued a notice/bill to the address you have indicated on your account. The renewal fee must be paid within 30 days of the expiry date of the previous licence to remain as a valid Business Licence.
Moving or Changing Operations of your Business
Your business licence is issued for a specific location and operations. If you change your operations or move your business to a new location, you will need to have your account reviewed to determine if a new Development Permit or Business Licence category is required.
Sale of Business
Business Licences are non-transferable. If you sell or close down your business, please contact our office.
Application and Documentation
Home Based Business Application
Business Licence Application for Commercial Locations
If the business is incorporated, copies of incorporation papers should be included in the application.
If you are doing construction for your commercial business you will also be required to fill out the
Commercial Building and Use Application.
Permits and Licences Contacts brochure
For more information:
Customer Information and Support Services
Planning & Development Department
5th floor, 10250 - 101 Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 3P4
| Telephone | In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311 |
|---|---|
| Fax | 780-496-6054 |
