Home Business
Before committing to opening a home-based business, find out what is allowed.
The steps below will guide through the process of starting a business out of your home.
Be sure to apply for City approvals at least two weeks before you want to open for business.
A guide to getting started | ||
Conditions for home businesses | ||
Land use approvalAll home-based businesses require a Home Occupation Development Permit, which is automatically a part of your Business License application. The purpose is to avoid home occupation activities that may have negative impacts to the neighbourhood. You will be asked about the type of home-based business you intend to open. Things like parking, having customers on site and material storage will be checked, to make sure there are no issues with safety or disruption. Staff will also determine if your home business is considered Major or Minor:
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Renovations and safety | ||
Building PermitIf any renovations are required in your home 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 City 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), then a Building Permit is not required. For more information or to apply, visit:Trades workIf 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. For more information or to apply, visit:InspectionHaving your plans reviewed, and work inspected by a Safety Codes Officer will ensure that minimum standards of safety are met. This will help protect you, your customers and staff, and the value of your property. For more information or to apply, visit: |
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Business License | ||
Once the above steps are complete, you may apply for a business license. Anyone involved in business activities in Medicine Hat, including home-based, requires a business license. Once you receive your business license, it must be prominently displayed in your place of business. For answers to common questions about business licenses, visit: |
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How to apply | ||
Apply online for a business licenseor: Apply in person for a business licenseComplete both forms below and visit Planning & Development Services in City Hall. After your application is received and processed, you will be notified of the application fee. Home occupation application Business license application Payment methods
To view fees for various types of business licenses, see: |
Signs which advertise businesses visible from outside your home are not allowed in residential areas. Please see the Land Use Bylaw for details.
Landlord or condo permission |
If you rent your homeYou must provide written authorization from the land owner in order to apply to operate a home-based business. If you live in a condominiumYou must provide a letter of authorization from an authorized agent of your condominium association to apply to operate a home-based business. This letter must include:
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Operating a day home |
The rules for a Day Home are different than those for a Day Care Facility.
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Operating a home-based food business |
Home-based food businesses may include catering, preserves, specialty cakes and other desserts, personal chef, etc. As well as following the steps above, it is necessary to obtain approval from Alberta Health Services to ensure that food-safe measures are established. |
Moving or closing your business |
Moving your businessIf you are moving your home-based business to another home, you must apply for another home occupation Development Permit. Your first approval does not "follow" you, since there may be new or additional concerns regarding safety, parking or disruptions to neighbours. For City records, it is important that your home-based business show your new address. When you submit your application for a new home occupation development permit, you will be asked to complete a business license form indicating the new address, at no additional fee. Closing your businessNotify Planning & Development Services so your license file can be closed. If you sell your business, the new owner(s) must apply for a new Business License and home occupation Development Permit. If your business closes, the Business License fee is non-refundable. |