Business License

If you do business within the City of Medicine Hat and make a profit, you require a Business License.

Even if you hold a Provincial License with the Province of Alberta you are still required to hold a local license from the City of Medicine Hat in order to conduct your business legally inside the corporate limits of Medicine Hat.

Refer to Bylaw 2339, Section 3.

Contractors, tradespersons & handypersons

Without a valid Business License, contractors are not allowed to obtain construction permits. A list of conditions required for this type of Business License is automatically included in your Business License application. To view the conditions, see:

Conditions for Trades

'Exempt' professionals

Certain professional businesses (i.e. dentists, lawyers, engineers, architects) are not required to pay for a business license in the City of Medicine Hat. However, such businesses must still apply for a business license to ensure allowable land use, for disclosure of their business location, and to ensure that other conditions are met. This payment exception applies to members of any professional association regulated by members of their own profession pursuant to a provincial statute.

Refer to Bylaw 2339, Section 4(c).

For information about the types of land use districts in Medicine Hat, visit:

Zoning

If you have questions about land use regulations for businesses, contact Planning and Development Services at 403-529-8374 or email us

You may choose a one-year or three-year option when you apply.

The typical option is a yearly Business License. Expiry is one calendar year after the date it was issued. Another option is a three-year Business License. For both, renewal notices are mailed 30 days in advance of expiration.

Apply online

You must have City approval to open a business out of your home, and several restrictions apply. For full information, visit:

Home Business

If you plan to move your business, please notify Planning and Development Services before the move occurs. It may be a simple administrative change, or it may require a review to determine if your type of business activity is permitted in the area.

Apply for a change of address for your business:

Apply online

If you purchased an existing business, you must obtain a new Business License. Contact Planning and Development Services and provide proof of transfer of ownership (typically bill of sale) showing business description and names of buyer and seller.

Apply for a change of ownership of a business:

Apply online

If you close or sell your business, please notify Planning and Development Services so your license file can be closed. License fees already paid are not refundable. If you sell your business, the new owner must apply for a new Business License, and potentially, other approvals will also be required.

Organizer

A Business License is required if you are the organizer of a trade show, farmers' market or similar event.

Participant

Participants are not required to obtain an individual Business License.

Examples of activities which require City approvals are:

• Events where products and services are available
• Farmers' markets, exhibits
• Trade shows
• Carnivals, festivals, circuses
• Amusement parks, fairs, haunted houses
• Psychic practitioners
• Sporting events, runs/walks
• Concerts, block parties

Depending on your event, a wide variety of approvals may be required. To make sure that your event is compliant with the rules and is safe for everyone, please see our Special Events guidelines

Special Events and Festival Planning page

Non-profit organizations operating in Medicine Hat require a Business License. You will be asked to provide verification of your non-profit status.

Apply online

Learn more about operating a non-profit in Alberta

Charitable organizations undertaking fundraising activities in Medicine Hat are not required to pay for a business license in the City of Medicine Hat.

If operating from a commercial location, you must still apply for a business license to ensure allowable land use, for disclosure of their business location, and to ensure that other conditions are met. 

There are also provincial regulations for charitable fundraising. To learn more, visit:

Alberta Rules for Fundraising

Visit Planning and Development Services and we will assist you in completing your application at our customer kiosk or with your mobile device. Paper applications are no longer accepted.

Planning and Development Services

2nd floor, City Hall
580 1st Street SE
Medicine Hat, AB  T1A 8E6

Ph. 403-529-8374

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding statutory holidays.

Online

• Visa or Mastercard

In-person

• Debit
• Cash
• Cheque
• Visa or Mastercard

Mail

• Cheque

Business license fees vary based on business type. See all fees below:

Fees and Charges