A home-based business operates out of a residential location. This includes businesses where you may be working in different areas throughout the city but administrative activities are done in the home. Some examples of home-based businesses include online retail, contracting, cleaning services, photography, landscaping and catering. 

Home-based businesses must follow specific development regulations under Edmonton’s Zoning Bylaw and within the  Business Licence Bylaw . They may require a development permit and building permits and must have a business licence like any other business in the city.

Home-based Businesses

Home-based businesses that are more visible and may involve customers coming to the home or some other use of the property that is not typical of a residential area require a development permit. These businesses will allow more daily business visits and have employees who do not live at the location of the home-based business.

Other elements to consider when applying for your Development Permit include:

  • Your business must comply fully with the regulations of the Zoning Bylaw and is a listed use in the zone of your property
  • The total floor area of any accessory building (garage, shed) needed for business operations (maximum limit is 60 square metres)
  • The total number of employees working on site at the same time who do not reside in the dwelling is 2
  • Any trailer used as on site storage is limited to 1 and can be no larger than 5.5 metres x 2.6 metres
  • Business vehicles (those with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 4,600 kg or less) cannot be parked on site for any longer than is necessary to load or unload the vehicle
  • Other things to be aware of:
    • No commercial equipment or materials can be stored outdoors
    • The use of outdoor speakers and amplification systems are not allowed
    • No outdoor business activity (this does not apply to Home Based Child Care)
    • Dangerous goods, industrial vehicles, equipment and materials are prohibited

How to Apply

Application Process

To start your home-based business you will need a development permit and business licence. You can apply for both at the same time using the home-based business application option. Depending on the nature of the business and if alterations are required to the home, you may require building permits as well.  

Like other businesses, the specific documentation that needs to be submitted with your home-based business application and the operating requirements will be determined by the business licence categories that apply to your business activities

How to Apply

Apply Online

By Mail: to receive a copy of the application form to mail, please contact us at 780-442-5054 or businesslicenceapplications@edmonton.ca.

Fees

Fees are required for your development permit, building permit(s) (if required) and business licence. 

  • If required, the ​​development permit fee​​ is due when the application is submitted. This is a one-time fee.
  • The ​business licence fees​ must be paid before you receive your business licence. The payment of these fees is required at every renewal of your licence, whether you choose a one-year or two-year licence term. A discounted renewal fee is available if you renew on time.
  • Depending on the nature of the business and if alterations to the home are required, there may be associated building and trade permits (like plumbing, HVAC and electrical) required as well. Fees are determined based on the scope of work required.

There are multiple ways to make your payment.

Moving Your Home-based Business

If you move your business to a new residential location, you will need to apply for a new development permit, building permit(s) (when required) and business licence with the appropriate fees and application requirements.

Contact Us

Edmonton Service Centre

Email  businesslicenceapplications@edmonton.ca

Phone  In Edmonton: 311 | Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311