- An option for a yearly or daily license is automatically included in the Business License application.
- Yearly licenses are valid for one calendar year. Renewal notices are mailed 30 days before due.
Commercial Business
Before committing to a commercial location for your business, there are things you must consider. The steps below will guide you through opening a commercial business in Medicine Hat.
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The essentials of starting your business
1. Conditions for commercial businesses
Land use approval
Each property within Medicine Hat has a land use district (zone) assigned to it, which dictates what the land may be used for. Uses may be allowed, discretionary or disallowed.
See the land use district of a property by visiting:
Development Permit
A Development Permit is required when opening a business. The necessary information is automatically included in your Business License application. Details examined by City Planning staff include parking requirements, whether the business type is permitted or discretionary, whether circulation of the application to stakeholders is warranted, and whether a technical review is necessary.
For more information about Development Permits, visit:
2. Outdoor signs
A sign permit is required for outdoor signs when:
- Installing new signs on a building, structure or free-standing, or
- Changing an existing sign to a different type of sign (e.g. an unlighted sign to a back-lit sign), or
- Changing the size of an existing sign
More information about signage:
3. Renovations and Safety
Building Permit
If any renovations are required on the site in which the business will open, a Building Permit is needed before the work is done. Building Permit applications are reviewed for compliance with the Alberta Building Code by a Safety Codes Officer to ensure that our built environment is safe.
Any construction, repair, demolition or alterations to a building or structure requires a Building Permit. If the only changes are cosmetic (e.g. painting, flooring, cabinetry), no Building Permit is required.
More information about Building Permits:
Trades work
If any intended renovations include changes to gas, electrical, plumbing, heating or cooling systems in your proposed location, you will require trades permits. To ensure compliance with all regulatory safety policies, these permits are issued only to qualified professionals who are licensed by the City of Medicine Hat.
More information about trades permits:
Inspection
Having your plans reviewed, and construction work inspected by a Safety Codes Officer will ensure that safety standards are met. This will help protect you, your customers and staff, and the value of your property.
For more information about Inspections, visit:
Using shipping containers
Adding a shipping container (sea can) on a property is considered to be adding a building, therefore both a Development Permit and Building Permit will likely be required.
More information about using shipping containers:
4. Occupancy Permit
We will notify you if an occupancy permit is required for your commercial business.
- Occupancy is the use of a space, as defined by the Alberta Building Code.
- Occupancy load is the number of people who may safely occupy a space, outlined in the Alberta Building Code and Alberta Fire Code.
An Occupancy Permit is required before you open your business, if:
- The building is new, or
- You plan to renovate, or
- There will be a change in the type of occupancy
Example: a take-out restaurant converting to include seating for diners.
5. Business License
Once the above steps are complete, you may apply for a Business License.
Anyone involved in business activities within the City of Medicine Hat requires a Business License. Once you receive your Business License, it must be prominently displayed in your place of business.
Answers to common questions about business licenses:
Apply online for a business license:
Or apply in person for a business license:
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 & Development Services
2nd floor, City Hall
580 1st Street SE
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8E6
403-529-8374
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding statutory holidays.
Payment options
Online:
- Visa or Mastercard
In-person:
- Debit
- Cash
- Cheque
- Visa or Mastercard
Mail:
- Cheque
To view fees for various types of business licenses, see:
Businesses based outside Medicine Hat
If your business is located outside Medicine Hat, but will be doing business activities within Medicine Hat, you are required to have a valid Business License
Moving your business
If you plan to change your business location, and you already have a Business License, you must notify Planning & Development Services before the move occurs. Depending on the previous use of the space and your intended alterations, you may need a Development Permit and/or a Building Permit. There is no fee to change the address of your Business License.
Apply online for a change of address for your business:
Closing your business
If you close or sell your business, notify Planning & Development Services so your license file can be closed. If you sell your business, the new owner must apply for a new Business License and potentially, other approvals will also be required. If your business closes, the Business License fee is non-refundable.
Developing a new commercial space
For requirements about constructing new commercial buildings, visit:
Contact Us
Planning & Development Services
580 1 St SE
Medicine Hat, Alberta
T1A 8E6
403-529-8374
Email us
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