Open a food production business
Before you apply
Do you need to register your business?
We encourage all businesses operating in Calgary to register their business with The City of Calgary.
All businesses operating from a location in Calgary are required to obtain location approval for their business, even if a licence is not required. Location approval helps ensure that the space you are operating has been approved for your business and is safe for all occupants.
If your business requires a business licence, registration will occur at the same time as applying for your licence. If you wish to register your business with the City of Calgary, please apply online.
Do you need a business licence?
Yes. Businesses that produce food require a business licence.
Food production businesses include:
- Aeroponics – the process of growing plants in an air or mist environment without the use of soil or an aggregate mediumAeroponics
- Aquaponics - an integrated system where waste created by fish is used to supply nutrients to hydroponically grown plants, which in turn clean the water and return it to the fish.Aquaponics
- Aquaculture* - the farming of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, aquatic plants, algae, and other aquatic organisms. Aquaculture involves cultivating freshwater and saltwater populations under controlled conditions and can be contrasted with commercial fishing, which is the harvesting of wild fish.Aquaculture* – only allowed in Industrial – General (I-G) and Industrial – Heavy (I-H) districts.
- Hydroponics - the cultivation of plants in a solution of circulating, nutrient rich water rather than soil.Hydroponics
- Modular/freight farms - portable pre-built commercial food production system in a freight container like structure.
- Vertical farming - where plants are grown in layers or on vertical surfaces, allowing tall buildings, warehouses or even shipping containers to be used to grow food. Hydroponics are often used in vertical growing systems.
-
Business Experience Representatives
Did you know we have a dedicated team of Business Experience Representatives, who will help business owners work through the regulatory process of opening a restaurant or brewery business in Calgary?
Food production includes:
- fruits
- vegetables
- mushrooms
- flowers
- fiber
- seeds
- nuts
- seedlings
- herbs
- fish
- insects*
* Only allowed in Industrial – General (I-G) and Industrial – Heavy (I-H) districts and cannot be located next to residential land use districts.. To find out your land use district, see the location approval section and enter your address into the search.
It includes management practices and activities such as:
- cultivation
- harvesting
- storing
- sorting
- cleaning
Food production does not include:
Products regulated by the Controlled Drug and Substances Act (e.g. cannabis). For information on growing cannabis, visit open a cannabis facility.
- Bees – The City of Calgary does not have jurisdiction over bees or beekeeping. This is governed by the province’s Bee Act. The act provides guidelines regarding the collection, care, and registration of bees. For questions about beekeeping, refer to the province's Apiculture page or the Calgary Beekeepers Association.
If you don’t know if your business requires a business licence, contact the Planning Services Centre for assistance.
What are your business activities?
Your business activities will determine what's required to open your business:
- if you need a business licence
- what licence types you need
- what permits you may need
Examples of different licence types you may need:
| Example | Licence types |
|---|---|
| If you're selling any food products or products containing edible items. |
You will need a Food Services – Premises licence. |
| If you manufacture, assemble or produce any non-food products for sale to the public? (Including flower/basket arrangements). |
You may need a Manufacturing licence. |
| If you direct, manage or coordinate the distribution and sale of goods (including food products) or are engaged in warehousing and wholesale. |
You may need a Warehousing licence. |
These licence types will be generated as part of your application when you apply. You do not need to apply for them separately.
If your business fits into more than one licence type, you do not need to get multiple approvals. For example, you only need one Fire inspection even if it is required by all of your different licence types.
Review wastewater bylaw requirements
All businesses preparing or producing food in the City of Calgary are required to have a properly sized grease interceptor as per Wastewater Bylaw 14M2012.
Grease interceptors are designed to separate and remove fats, oils & grease (FOG) from wastewater before it goes into the wastewater system. More than one grease interceptor may be required depending on your business. For a grease interceptor to work properly, regular cleaning and maintenance is required, and businesses must keep records of this to ensure they are in compliance with Wastewater Bylaw 14M2012. Keeping fats, oils and grease out of the wastewater system helps to prevent costly and inconvenient wastewater system blockages that can affect your business.
Wastewater Bylaw and Fines for Non-compliances are:
| Bylaw section | Description | Specified penalty |
|---|---|---|
|
27 (1)(a) |
Failing to install a FOG interceptor |
$2000 |
|
27 (1)(b) |
Failing to monitor, operate, properly maintain and clean each FOG interceptor |
$1500 |
|
26 (4)(b) |
Failing to maintain a maintenance schedule and record of each maintenance for the FOG interceptor for a period of 2 years |
$500 |
|
27 (4) |
Using emulsifiers, enzymes, bacteria, solvents, hot water or other agent or product to facilitate the passage of FOG through an interceptor |
$1000 |
|
43 (6) |
Failing to comply with a remedial order |
$1000 |
How much does a business licence cost?
When setting up a new licence, applicable fees apply. Fees are based on the type of licence you need and whether your business is home-based or commercial-based. Business licence fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Fees are subject to change the next calendar year.
| Business licence | Fee schedule | New licence | Fire | Planning | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food Service - Premises |
|
$172 | $114 | $41 | $327 |
| Manufacturer |
|
$172 | $114 | $41 | $327 |
| Warehousing |
|
$172 | $114 | $41 | $327 |
How do you pay for your licence?
You need to pay for your licence when you submit your application. If you are applying online, you can pay using apply.calgary.ca.
What permits do you need?
Understanding what approvals will be required will help ensure you will be able to open your business with ease and on time. Your business may require Planning Approval or Building Safety Approval, or both in order to be approved to operate from your selected location.
These approvals are based on:
- the location of the business,
- the proposed business activities
- how the space was used before your business.
To learn more about what permits you may need, see the location approval section.
How long will it take to process your application?
To avoid delays, ensure your application includes all the required documents, plans and information.
TIP
Do not sign your lease agreements until you have checked your location approval. We recommend applying for your location approval and building safety approvals before applying for your licence.
Commercial based location timelines
If you require a Tenancy Change
If you require a Building Permit
If you require a Development Permit and a Building Permit
What is the name of your business?
A business name, or trade name, is used to represent your business to the public. You may wish to register your trade name with the province. Read more in Opening a business in Calgary: Register your Trade Name.
Who will own the business?
- Sole proprietor – one person owns the business
- Partnership – agreement between two or more people or companies
- Corporation – a legal entity that is separate from its owners, the shareholders
Where is your business located?
All businesses need to provide a location that is approved for their specific business activities. Review the location approval section to make sure your business activities are allowed at your chosen location.
If you’re running your business from more than one location, you need a separate business licence for each location. Each location may require a different combination of permits to satisfy your location approval requirement.
| Example | Type of use |
|---|---|
| Your business will grow and produce food inside of a building. |
Your business will be considered as Food production. |
| Your business will have a small-scale outdoor area to grow plants for a commercial purpose. |
Your business will be considered as Urban Agriculture. |
| Your business will grow plants, such as trees and shrubs, raise crops or graze livestock outdoors. |
Your business will be considered as Extensive Agriculture. |
Growing plants outdoors
Businesses that grow plants outdoors for a commercial purpose are considered an “urban agriculture” use in the Land Use Bylaw.
Urban Agriculture activities do not need a development permit where there is:
- No required landscaping being removed;
- No local food sales on-site; and
- Where there is a maximum of one ancillary building 10 square metres or less (e.g. a small shed that does not require a building permit).
You will need a development and building permit if:
- The greenhouse or other accessory building is larger than 10 square meters;
- You will be selling food on the property; or
- There are two or more additional accessory buildings under 10 square meters. Visit the New Commercial Buildings page for more information.
Examples of small-scale outdoor food production include:
- A local vegetable garden on a vacant parcel.
- Growing food on the roof-top of a restaurant.
Removing required property landscaping
If you are planning to remove previously approved landscaping on a property to make room for a new urban agriculture growing area, a development permit is required.
Local food sales
As part of Urban Agriculture, you will need a development permit to sell food grown on-site. This process will review the location, hours of operation and other rules and policies that apply.
If the local food sales are occurring on City-owned land or City-owned facilities, you may be exempt from a development permit with permission by The City, but the location, hours of operation and other policies will still be determined through this permission process.
Location approval
Commercial based location
Your business will be run from a commercial or industrial location in Calgary.
Planning and Building Safety approvals
What is planning approval?
Part of your location approval confirms that your business is allowed to operate from your chosen location. The Land Use Bylaw specifies a list of allowable uses for each land use district based on what the intent is for that location, which will be listed as either permitted or discretionary. If the use is not listed in a land use district, the business will not be allowed to operate from that location.
Permitted or Discretionary? What’s the difference?
In the Land Use Bylaw, ”uses” are defined as either being Permitted or Discretionary in a Land Use District. Below are definitions for each term.
Permitted means that, if a “use” meets all the rules of the bylaw, it must be approved. The uses listed as permitted were intended for this location and have little to no impact on the surrounding community.
Permitted with Relaxation means a “use” that is permitted but requires a relaxation of one of more bylaw rules. Evaluations are done on a case-by-case basis to determine if the relaxation is appropriate and how it impacts the surrounding community.
Discretionaryuse means that the “use” needs to be reviewed and is evaluated against several factors including applicable policies, appropriateness of the location, the compatibility of the “use” with others in the surrounding area, access, parking, servicing, and sound planning principles. Each submission is reviewed on its own merit at the time of application as discretionary “uses” have a higher impact on the surrounding community.
How your business operates will determine what use or uses best fit your business. Types of planning approval include Tenancy Change, Permitted Change of Use, Permitted with Relaxation Change of Use, and Discretionary Change of Use.
What is building safety approval?
Your business will also be reviewed for safe operations. Based on how the commercial building is constructed and the types of tenants it is designed for, a building will have a classification and occupancy based on the National Building Code – Alberta Edition.
Even if you are not planning any construction or changes to the space, the change in business activities may require a building permit application to review the safety of the space and bring it into compliance with the National Building Code – Alberta Edition. If required, you will need to apply for a Building Permit.
TIP
Before you lease a space, it’s important to determine if the use or uses are listed at a proposed business location, if a use isn’t listed in a land use district, it’s not allowed in that district.
If a use is not listed, you could apply for a Land Use Redesignation, or look for another location for your business.
Look up your land use district on the listed use matrix to determine if your proposed business activities are listed in your district.
How will you occupy the space?
Once you’ve confirmed your business activities are a listed use in a Land Use District, you need to determine how you will be occupying the space, to see which permits you might need to satisfy your Location Approval.
Contact the Planning Services Centre if you are not sure what approvals your business will require from your chosen location.
-
There was a different business using this space and now your business will be taking over, OR you are a new tenant, but you will be sharing the space with an existing tenant
-
You are the first tenant going into a unit in a new building.
-
You are an existing tenant. You have pre-existing approval for this space, but are making changes to operations
You are taking over a previously occupied space
There was a different business using this space and now your business will be taking over, OR you are a new tenant, but you will be sharing the space with an existing tenant.
You will need one or more of the following:
- Tenancy Change: how the space is used is not changing, but the tenant is changing or taking over the existing business with no changes. For example: Retail to Retail. No construction is being done.
- New: A Tenancy Change may also be required if only the use of the space is changing and that use is listed as a permitted in the following districts: C-N1, C-N2, C-C1, C-C2, C-COR1, C-COR2, C-COR3, C-O, C-R1, C-R2, C-R3, CC-MHX, CC-X, CC-COR, CR20-C20/R20, CC-ET, CC-EIR, CC-EMU, CC-EPR, CC-ERR, CC-ER, MU-1 and MU-2, I-B, I-C or I-G. If there are other changes to the space, a development permit may still be required.
- New: A Tenancy Change may also be required if only the use of the space is changing and that use is listed as a permitted in the following districts: C-N1, C-N2, C-C1, C-C2, C-COR1, C-COR2, C-COR3, C-O, C-R1, C-R2, C-R3, CC-MHX, CC-X, CC-COR, CR20-C20/R20, CC-ET, CC-EIR, CC-EMU, CC-EPR, CC-ERR, CC-ER, MU-1 and MU-2, I-B, I-C or I-G. If there are other changes to the space, a development permit may still be required.
- Development Permit: use of the space is changing, for example: Retail to Restaurant. However, you may only need a Tenancy Change if how you will be using the space is listed as permitted in one of the following districts: C-N1, C-N2, C-C1, C-C2, C-COR1, C-COR2, C-COR3, C-O, C-R1, C-R2, C-R3, CC-MHX, CC-X, CC-COR, CR20-C20/R20, CC-ET, CC-EIR, CC-EMU, CC-EPR, CC-ERR, CC-ER, MU-1 and MU-2, I-B, I-C or I-G districts.
- Building Permit: you will be doing construction, or the space needs to be reviewed for safety and be brought into compliance with the National Building Code – Alberta Edition.
- Trade Permits: may be required if plumbing, electrical or HVAC work is required.
This is a new building, and you will be the first tenant in the space
If you are the first tenant going into a unit in a new building you will need:
- Building Permit: new buildings will have approval for the base building. A building permit is required for the individual tenant fittings needed to complete the space.
Trade Permits: are needed for plumbing, electrical or HVAC work within your individual unit.
You may need:
- Development Permit: new building owners will get approval for the base building and new businesses often require a separate development permit for their business.
You are currently occupying the space and changing your business activities
You are an existing tenant. You have pre-existing approval for this space, but are making changes to operations
You may need one or more of the following:
- Tenancy Change: to confirm if the proposed new business activities will match the existing approvals.
- Development Permit: if you’re changing the way the space is being used, you may need a Development Permit.
- Building Permit: if you will be doing construction, or the changes require a building safety review to confirm compliance with the National Building Code – Alberta Edition.
- Trade Permits: may be required if plumbing, electrical or HVAC work is being done or is required to satisfy Safety Code Requirements.
Contact the Planning Services Centre if you are unsure if the changes in operations will require new approvals.
What different types of permits might be required?
Development Permit
You may need a development permit to operate from your preferred location if your proposed business activities do not match the current approved use. This is called a change of use development permit. You may need a development permit for other reasons, including some exterior and interior changes to the space.
Sometimes, even if your business is listed as permitted, your business activities require a relaxation to the bylaw rules. This is considered permitted with relaxation change of use and takes longer to process than a permitted change of use.
Contact the Planning Services Centre if you are unsure if the changes in operations will require new approvals.
How to apply
You can apply for your Change of Use Development Permit before, at the same time as, or after your business licence (Licence) application. We recommend applying before your Licence.
Checklists
Sample drawings
Review the sample drawings to help prepare your application.
Fees, timelines and expiry
| Permit Type | Fee schedule | Permit fee | Advertising fee | Total | Our Process | Timeline | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Permitted Change of Use |
$190 |
- |
$190 |
- |
5
business days |
1-3
years to commence depending on the type of development permit and land use
district |
|
|
Permitted with Relaxation or Discretionary Change of Use |
$594 |
$30 |
$624 |
60 days
to decision + 21 days advertisement/appeal period *timelines
are subject to change based on circulation requirements |
10-12
weeks |
1-3 years to commence depending on the type of development permit and land use district |
*Review our Development Permit Process page for more information about the planning approval process.
To avoid delays, make sure your application includes all the required documents, plans and information as indicated on the checklist.
Contact the Planning Services Center to determine the current approved "use" for your proposed address.
Tenancy Change
Contact the Planning Services Centre to determine the current approved ‘use’ for your proposed address.
If your business activities fall under the same ‘use’, typically a Tenancy Change application is required. In some Land Use Districts, a Tenancy Change is required if the use is listed as permitted in the district. These land use districts include: C-N1, C-N2, C-C1, C-C2, C-COR1, C-COR2, C-COR3, C-O, C-R1, C-R2, C-R3, CC-MHX, CC-X, CC-COR, CR20-C20/R20, CC-ET, CC-EIR, CC-EMU, CC-EPR, CC-ERR, CC-ER, MU-1 and MU-2, I-B, I-C or I-G districts. If there are other changes to the space, a development permit may still be required.
Please note, during this review, we may determine a Development Permit and/or a Building Permit is required instead or in addition to the Tenancy Change application.
How to apply
If a Tenancy Change application is required, you can apply for it at the same time as a new business licence application or building permit, apply online or in person at the Planning Services Centre.
Checklist
Fees and timelines
| Permit Type | Fee schedule | Total | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tenancy Change |
Planning applications fee schedule
|
$0 |
Approximately
10 business days |
Building Permit
A building permit will be required if you are making changes to your space, including adding, moving, or removing wall partitions. Even if you are not proposing any construction, you might still need a building permit to confirm that the space meets the required Safety Codes. Upgrades to the space may be necessary to bring it into compliance with the National Building Code - Alberta Edition and all applicable health and safety standards. A building permit confirms that your space is safe to operate your business from.
How to apply
You can apply before, at the same time as, or after your business licence application. You can submit Building permit details and drawings online or in person at the Planning Services Centre.
Checklists
For more information about your business activity and the associated building permit code classification, visit Alberta Building Code for commercial building permits. For more information about when a building permit is typically required, visit Calgary.ca/commercial or contact the Planning Services Centre.
Fees, Timelines and Expiry
| Permit Type | Fee schedule | Permit fee | Total | Timeline | Expiry (from date of issuance) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Commercial
building permit |
Varies |
Please use the Building permit fee calculator to estimate your fee. |
Varies based on complexity | 180 days until you require a progress inspection |
Trade Permits
You may require a trade permit if you are doing any upgrades or new in a specific trade. This can include required upgrades to the existing HVAC system in the building, changes or upgrades to plumbing, electrical and gas systems. A trade permit confirms that the work being done complies with the appropriate safety codes.
Commercial Trade Permit applications must be done by the appropriate licensed Trade Contractor. Visit Hiring a Contractor for information on what to look for when choosing a contractor.
Apply
Prepare your application
Once you know how and where your business will operate, you’re ready to apply.
For a smooth application, make sure you know the following information:
- Business Activities
- Location of Business
- Ownership
- Name of Business
- Contact information for the business and owner
- If you are applying online, a myID account
Tips for a smooth application process
Before you apply:
- Put together a cost and timeline estimate.
- Check the feasability of your proposed location:
- Is your type of business allowed to operate from your chosen location (is the Use listed in your Land Use District)?
- What type of Permits do you need as part of your Location Approval? See location approval.
- Do you need to apply for a development permit or tenancy change as part of your Location Approval?
- Does the space require any upgrades to comply with Building and Fire Codes?
- Are you doing construction yourself or hiring a contractor?
- Do you need to apply for a building permit as part of your Land Use Approval?
- Do you need approval from the property owner before making changes to the space?
- Hire the appropriate contractors for the project.
- Are your contractors licensed?
- Can your contractors pull the right trade permits to work on your business?
After you apply:
- Submit all required documents as soon as you have prepared the permit requirements.
- If your Business needs a Development and Building Permit, submit the Development Permit first and wait for a decision prior to submitting your Building Permit.
- If your Business needs a Building Permit, submit all necessary Building Permit requirements.
- Follow-up on requests for further information.
- Book and complete your Inspections if a Building Permit is required.
- Book and complete your Health and Fire Inspections once the Building Permit is complete.
Need help? A business experience representative can help you determine what approvals you will need. Contact The Planning Services Centre.
Apply for your licence and required permits
To apply online, you need a myID account. Create a myID account.
Apply in person
Once you have gathered all required documents, you can apply for your permit in person by visiting the Planning Services Centre.
After you apply
What approvals do you need?
After you submit your application online, you will get a confirmation email summarizing your application. It will include your Business Identification number (BID) and your next steps. If you do not get this email, check your junk email folder and then contact the Planning Services Center if you still did not receive it.
Once you apply for your business licence, you must complete your outstanding approvals before the business licence is issued.
The approvals you will need for your licence are:
| Licence Categories | Description | Location approval | Fire | Health |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food Services – Premises Licence | Required to operate a food premise or prepare and serve food to the public. |
Required |
Required |
Required |
How to get your approvals
Location approval
All businesses in Calgary require planning approval before they can open. We recommend that you review and apply for required permits prior to applying for your licence.
Commercial Location Approval
The City of Calgary will need to review your proposed location and determine what approvals are required to operate legally and safely.
All businesses in Calgary require location approval before they can open.
To review what types of Planning approval are required for your business, refer to the location approval section.
Fire
Most businesses that operate from commercial premises require an inspection from the Fire Prevention Bureau before the licence can be issued.
If a business licence is for a low fire-risk licence type, it can be issued if only the Fire approval is outstanding. Low fire-risk businesses need to have the fire inspection within 30 days of their licence being issued.
Before you book your inspection, you must be ready for business, which means:
- Applicants must be in possession of the space/site
- The business is ready to serve customers (e.g. shelves are stocked and fixtures are in place)
| Business Licence Approval Type | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Fire inspection | 5 business days |
To book your inspection contact 311 with your Business Identification (BID) number to request a Fire Inspection for Business Licence (call 403-268-2489 outside of Calgary) .
It can take up to 5 business days for an inspector to visit the space.
See the Fire Department Business Licence Checklist to see what is required for your inspection.
The Fire Prevention Bureau will notify the Licence Division with the results of the inspection.
This inspection must be performed by the Fire Prevention Bureau inspectors. This approval is in addition to any inspection done by the firefighting division, such as the occupancy inspection completed on your building permit.
Alberta Health Services Approval (AHS)
An Alberta Health Services (AHS) location inspection is required to ensure public safety. Any business involving the sale, preparation, manufacturing or storage of food products requires this inspection. Any business involved in personal service such as aesthetics or massage is also required to have this inspection. Contact AHS at 1-833-476-4743 for more information and to book a date.
Inspection results can be submitted:
- In person at the Planning Services Centre:
3rd floor, Municipal building, 800 Macleod Trail S.E. - By email: licencedivisionteam@calgary.ca
If AHS advised you that your business type does not require a health inspection, please record the name of the individual you spoke with, their telephone number, and the reason provided. Please provide these details to The City’s Planning Services Centre.
Please be aware of all current provincial public health restrictions for in-person dining.
| Business Licence approval type | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Alberta Health Services | Contact AHS at 403-943-2288 for timelines |
After you have obtained all your approvals, your Business Licence can be issued to you.
Check the status of your application
After you submit your application online, you will get a confirmation email with a Job Access Code (JAC).
To track your application and check its status, enter your Job Access Code in Vista.
If you need help or have questions, contact our Planning Services Centre.
Get a copy of your licence
As part of The City’s efforts to accelerate the business license approvals process, customers with a myID business account can receive a digital copy of their business licence via email. This is available to customers applying for a new business licence or renewing an existing licence. To learn more about the benefits of a myID business account and to sign-up today, please visit myID business account.
Lost or damaged licences
If your licence is lost or damaged and you require a new copy, duplicate licences can be requested through apply.calgary.ca/managebusiness or by contacting the Planning Services Centre. Customers with a myID business account can now receive a duplicate copy of their business licence via email.
Licence not received in the mail
If you prefer to receive a mailed copy of your business licence, you can select this option by requesting a duplicate copy online or by calling the Planning Services Centre. Paper duplicates are offered free of charge at this time. Please allow about two weeks to receive your licence in the mail. If you have not received it within this timeframe, please contact the Planning Services Centre.
When does your licence expire?
Business licenses expire one year from the issuance date. You’ll get a notice in the mail 45 days before your licence expires to notify you of the expiry date. To renew your licence, see licence renewals.
Renewing your business licence
Your business licence needs to be renewed every year to remain active. We will mail you an invoice 45 days prior to payment being due. How you choose to pay for your renewal will affect when we receive the fee, so please allow sufficient processing time.
Payment options
Online renewal
To renew your licence online, sign into your myID business account and manage your business at apply.calgary.ca.
If you do not have a myID business account, you will have to create one first.
Other payment options
Online banking
Please note the following items from your invoice; they are required for online payment:
- Payee: when setting up the payee on your online banking, choose payee CALGARY (CITY OF) - CORPORATE INVOICE. Please note that different banks may have a different variation of the spelling, e.g. Calgary (City): Corporate Invoice. If you are not sure that you selected the correct payee, confirm with the bank.
- Payee account number: some banks or institutions may refer to this as the accounts receivable number (A/R#). Use your customer number on the invoice. If you are unable to find your customer number, contact the Planning Services Centre.
In person
Planning Services Centre
Third floor, Municipal Building
800 Macleod Tr S.E. Calgary, Alberta
Over the phone
To renew your licence over the phone, please call (403) 268-5311. Please note, we only accept credit card as a payment method over the phone.
Mail - please include Business ID
The City of Calgary
Licence Division
PO Box 2100 Station M (#8043)
Calgary, AB T2P 2M5
Business licence fees
When setting up a new licence, applicable fees apply. Fees are based on the licence type and whether the business is home-based or commercial-based. Business licence fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Fees are subject to change the next calendar year.
What happens if you don’t renew your licence?
If a licence is not renewed, it will expire. When a licence expires, it cannot be reinstated, and full fees will be charged to apply for a new licence and you will need to obtain all new licence approvals.
Make changes to your business
Business licences are specific to the owner when the business was applied and are non-transferable from one person or entity to another.
You can make some changes to your business, including:
- Moving your Business
- Change your mailing address
- Changing your Trade Name
- Updating your Ownership (sole proprietor or partnership to corporation) * conditions apply
See manage your business for more information.
Business Improvement Area (BIA) and Assessment
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is established by businesses in an area to jointly raise and administer funds for various projects and promotional activities within the zone throughout the year. Businesses located in a BIA will receive a BIA tax bill. This levy is collected by The City of Calgary on behalf of the BIA.
Planning Services Centre
Hours:
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (MT)
Live chat:
calgary.ca/livechat
Call:
403-268-5311
In person:
Planning Services Centre,
3rd floor, Municipal building
800 Macleod Trail SE
Book an eAppointment for in person services at appointment.calgary.ca