Cannabis store - business licensing

Consumption

Cannabis businesses cannot allow customers to consume cannabis on site.

Land use and location

In Calgary, the store must be a single use​. ​It cannot be combined with another use, such as a convenience store. However, cannabis stores can reside in a multi-tenant building or as part of a mixed-use development.

All businesses in Calgary require their site to have the appropriate land use allowing for the proposed business to operate. Each space in a building has its own specified, approved use that cannot be changed without a development permit. Cannabis-related businesses can only operate within specific land uses.

Please note: that cannabis stores are not permitted in residential land use districts. In all Districts except C-R2, C-R3 and CR20-C20/R20 districts, a cannabis store is not permitted beside a liquor store. Mobile cannabis stores are also not permitted.

Parking

• Cannabis stores must have at least four vehicle parking stalls per 100 square metres of usable floor area.
• One bicycle parking stall is required per 250 square metres of usable floor area. The bicycle parking stall requirement is Class 2, which means the stall(s)​ can be in an unsecured or uncontrolled area. Please see Part 4, Division 2, Section 160.3 of the Land Use Bylaw for more information.

Building permit

Here are some examples when a building permit may be required to open a cannabis store:

• The space has a new use
  • e.g. a retail store changes to a restaurant
• You’re building an overnight storage room that complies with provincial cannabis licence rules
• Construction work includes structural or partition wall changes, mechanical, plumbing, gas or electrical work
  • e.g. changing from car detailing to engine repair affects ventilation
  • e.g. using a forklift indoors may require additional ventilation
  • e.g. there is a change in kitchen or mechanical ventilation equipment or new equipment installed
• You are the first tenant in a space
• There’s a change to the occupant load

Building inspections

Inspections are part of the building permit process and are included in the permit price. Inspections help ensure safety and compliance with relevant bylaws and safety codes. Through the inspection process, City of Calgary safety codes officers ensure that project work meets minimum construction safety standards.

Business licence

A City of Calgary business license is required to operate a cannabis store; please note it does not authorize the growing, producing, testing, destroying, warehousing, or distribution of cannabis.

A Cannabis Store business licence cannot be issued to a residential dwelling or any premises located in a residential land use district, and it cannot be used with a mobile business.

A municipal business licence will be issued when all required municipal approvals and fees have been obtained. The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission requires either development permit approval or municipal business licence approval before issuing a provincial licence.

A municipal business licence will be issued when all required municipal approvals have been granted, fees have been paid, and inspections have been completed.

See the planning applications fee calculator for the complete list of planning application fees. A development permit may not be required when taking over an existing approved and operating Cannabis Store.​ 

See the  building permit fee schedule for a complete list of building permit application fees. A building permit may not be required when taking over an existing approved and operating Cannabis Store.

See the  Business Licence Fee Schedule​ for the complete list of business licence fees. If your business requires multiple types, the highest fee will be charged.