Vehicle Repairs and Services - business guide

Open an automotive business

Find out more information on automotive sales, repairs, services, paint, chip & dent repair, catalytic converter sellers.

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?

Automotive businesses that do require a licence:

  • Frame repair
  • Fuel sales
  • Gas station
  • Large vehicle sales
  • Mechanic shops
  • Mobile mechanic
  • Motorcycle sales
  • Muffler and transmission repair shops
  • Non-motorized towable sales (e.g. trailers, campers)
  • Paintless dent repair
  • Passenger vehicle sales
  • Recreational vehicle sales
  • Tire repair
  • Used vehicle sales
  • Vehicle repair and service
  • Vehicle wrapping
  • Window tinting
  • Windshield and glass repair

Automotive businesses that do not require a licence:

  • Auction sales, where vehicles are sold on consignment
  • Car rental/leasing companies
  • Equipment rentals (e.g. heavy equipment, moving trucks, utility trailers)

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
Your business sells vehicles (used or new) from a commercial location

You will need a Motor Vehicle Dealer – Premises licence.

Your business sells vehicles (used or new), but does not store, advertise or display vehicles within the City of Calgary (typically called auction to auction sales)

You will need a Motor Vehicle Dealer – No Premises licence

Your business services or repairs motor vehicles, which includes alignment, mufflers, transmission repair, brakes shops and rustproofing 

You will need a Motor Vehicle Repair and Service licence

Your business offers paintless dent repair or exterior vehicle modifications, such as vehicle wrapping, sanding or auto-body repair

You will need an Auto Body Shop licence

Your business will sell or buy used auto parts

You will need a Salvage Collector licence

Your business will sell or buy catalytic converters

You will need a Salvage Collector 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.

Motor vehicle dealer: premises versus no premises


Premises

Commercial dealerships are permitted to sell to the public as motor vehicle dealer – premises and approval is determined by the number and size of vehicles that are displayed at a time.

No premises

Businesses are not permitted to store, advertise or display any motor vehicle at a premises within Calgary. To store, advertise or display vehicles within the city, the applicant/licensee must obtain a motor vehicle dealer - premises licence for the commercial location where the vehicles are being stored/displayed to the public.

Recreational vehicle sales

Selling motorized recreational vehicles such as RVs and motor homes requires a motor vehicle dealer licence.

The sale of towables, such as fifth wheelers or camper trailers, requires a retail dealer licence type and will also require approval from the Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council.

Motorcycle sales

The Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council does not require a licence for the sale of motorcycles; however, a municipal motor vehicle dealer business licence is still required.

Fuel sales/storage

Storing, distributing or selling liquid fuel, lubricating oils and associated fluids for motor vehicles, including the retail sale of incidental products, requires a licence. Any gas station or fuel wholesaler requires this and other applicable licence types, depending on how the business operates.

If your business sells bulk fuels or imports/exports fuel, please see fuel sellers on alberta.ca.

 

How much does a business licence cost?


When setting up a new licence, applicable fees apply. Fees depend 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 in the next calendar year.

Commercial based business

Business licence New licence Police check Fire Planning Total
Motor Vehicle Dealer – Premises $172 $65 + $55 for each additional $107 $41 $385
Motor Vehicle Dealer – No Premises $172 $65 + $55 for each additional $107 - $344
Motor Vehicle Repair and Service $172 - $107 $41 $320
Auto Body Shop $172 $65 + $55 for each additional $208 $41 $486

Home based business

Business licence New licence Police check Total
Motor Vehicle Dealer – No Premises $172 $65 + $55 for each additional $344
Motor Vehicle Repair and Service $172 - $320
Auto Body Shop $172 $65 + $55 for each additional $486

Based out of Town

Business licence ​New licence Non-resident surcharge Total

Motor Vehicle Repair and Service, but only with the following sub-licence types:

  • Mobile Wash
  • Mobile – Home Occupation
$172 $344 $320

Non-resident surcharge for businesses based out of town

If your business is based outside the City of Calgary limits, but you will be conducting business within the City of Calgary, your business is considered ‘non-resident.’ Non-resident businesses must pay an additional non-resident surcharge on top of standard licensing fees.

The non-resident surcharge may be waived if you own commercial or residential property within Calgary. Contact the Planning Services Centre for more information.

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 ensure you can open your business easily and on time. Your business may require Planning Approval, Building Safety Approval, or both in order to be approved to operate from your selected location.

These approvals are based on the following:

See the location approval section to learn more about what permits you may need.

How long will it take to process your application?


The timeline to process your application can vary significantly depending on the permits and approvals required for your business.

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

Home based location timelines

Permit type Timeline Application requirements
Business Licence Approval

Dependent on several factors including:

  • Obtaining the required Location and Building Safety Approvals.
  • Booking and completing all required approvals and Inspections

Tips to help you open your business smoothly:

  • Apply for your location and building safety approvals once you’ve confirmed your business can operate from your preferred location
  • Be aware of your construction timelines and call in your inspections as soon as you are ready, or hire a general contractor to do this work for you

Submit a complete application and follow-up on requests for additional information (check your junk folder for correspondence from the City)

  • Review the Business Licence checklist and complete all steps before starting your application with the city.
  • You will need to provide: Ownership, trade name, moving date and start date information
  • The location of your business, including the unit number for the building if your mailing address is different from your location address.

Home occupation class 1 Approximately 5 business days Home occupation class 1 is the default Location Approval and will automatically be applied for when you apply for your licence
Home occupation class 2

60 days to decision, plus 21 days advertisement/appeal period

To find out more about when a Home occupation class 2 permit is required, review the Home Based Location Approval section.

Home Occupation Class 2

Business Safety Approval

Varies depending on scope of Building Permit.  See our Timelines page for up-to-date timelines.

To find out more about when a Building Permit is required, review the Home Based Location Approval section.

Commercial Interior Partitioning

Based out of town timelines

Permit type Timeline
Business Licence Approval

Dependent on several factors including:

  • Booking and completing all required approvals and Inspections

Submit a complete application and follow-up on requests for additional information (check your junk folder for correspondence from the City)

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 be selling 5 vehicles or less from a physical location

Your business is Vehicle Sales – Minor

Your business will be selling more than 5 vehicles from a physical location

Your business is Vehicle Sales – Major

Your business will repair or service 3 vehicles or less from a physical location

Your business is Auto Service - Minor

Your business will repair or service more than 3 vehicles from a physical location

Your business is Auto Service - Major

Your business is mobile repair or services; you travel to your clients  but have a commercial location where you complete paperwork. No vehicles are stored or serviced on-site

Your business is an office

Your business will provide auto body and paint services

Your business is an Auto Body and Paint Shop

Your business will repair or service large vehicles (vehicles over 4536 kilograms)

Your business is Large Vehicle Service

Your business will sell large vehicles (over 4536 kilograms) and equipment used in road construction, building construction, agricultural operations, oil and gas, or other similar industries

Your business is Large Vehicle and Equipment Sales

Your business sells or rents recreational vehicles, including motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, campers, tent trailers, boats or trailers use to transport recreational vehicles

Your business is Recreational Vehicle Sales

Your business will repair or service recreational vehicles

Your business is Recreational Vehicle Service

Additional requirements

Pre-treatment systems installation

For information on pre-treatment systems, review the Drainage Bylaw​ and the Wastewater Bylaw.

Mobile businesses

You will need a business licence for every location where you run a mobile business from. This means that one business set up in many parking lots across the city requires a separate licence for each location, or if there are multiple mobile businesses, each one requires its own licence.

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.

 

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.

 

Discretionary use 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.

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 TC 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 districts. 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. use of the space is changing, for example: Retail to Restaurant  .      However, 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, and only the use is changing, then only a Tenancy Change may be required.
  • 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

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 BP will be required for the individual tenant fit outs to complete the space
  • Trade Permits: you will need any additional trade permits 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

Planning applications fee schedule

$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

Planning applications fee schedule

$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: A TC 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 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

Tenancy Change

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.

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

Building and trade fee schedule

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.


Home Based Location

Your business will be run from your home in Calgary. You may have a desk/telephone operation, complete your paperwork at home, or you may have customers coming to your home to be considered a home based business.

Vehicle sales businesses, which have an office within a home, may not store or sell vehicles at the residential location. Vehicles for sale must not be stored, advertised or displayed at premises within Calgary limits. Auction-to-auction sales are permitted under this licence type.

If you want to run your business from your home, you will need to decide how your business will operate out of your home.

If you meet the rules of a home occupation class 1, this approval will be automatically granted when you apply for your business licence. It is valid until your business is no longer operating from your home.

If your business does not meet all the home occupation class 1 rules, you will need to apply for a home occupation class 2 development permit. This can be done before, at the same time, or after your business licence application. *

The table below will help you determine if you qualify for a home occupation class 1 or if you will need to make an application for a home occupation class 2. A home occupation class 2 development permit does not guarantee an approval.

  • Opening a Home-Based Business

    March 16, 2023

    Hear from the Development, Business & Building Services team about land use approval, permits, fees, and timelines to get your business approved and open sooner.

  Home occupation class 1   Home occupation class 2
You live in the home associated with the business: Yes Yes
The number of business related visits to your home per week: 0 - 3 max. 4 - 15
The garage or related structure is used for the business: Note, a small storage area that is not impacting parking may be allowed for either. No     Yes
A large vehicle (over 4,536 kg gross vehicle weight) is parked/stored at or near the home: No Yes
Employee or business partner working at your home (that does not also live there): 0 1
Your business is food-related, and you are using a kitchen in your home: No Yes

*This table is for convenience only and does not include everything listed in our Land Use Bylaw. Please review the full list of rules located in the Land Use Bylaw section 207 “Home Occupation – Class 1” and section 208 “Home Occupation – Class 2.”

Fees, Timelines & Expiry

Location approval Fee schedule Permit fee ​Advertising fee ​​Total Timeline Expiry
​Home occupation class 1

Planning applications fee schedule

​- - $0 5 business days No expiry
​Home occupation class 2

Planning applications fee schedule

​$449 ​$32 $481 Approximately 10-12 weeks Varies, refer to your permit's conditions of approval for the expiration

Building permit (if applicable)

While many Motor Vehicle Repair and Service businesses are suitable to take place in residential garages, there are certain types of businesses that involve significant quantities of vehicle exhaust, as well as flammable or combustible liquids and gases. In some cases, special ventilation systems, and other significant upgrades to the garage’s exterior wall construction may be required to comply with the National Building Code (Alberta Edition).

The below table summarizes the most common types of these businesses and what Safety Codes permits are required:

Business Type Permit Requirements (if the work is taking place inside the garage) Rationale
Window tinting, vehicle detailing, vehicle wraps, wheel balancing/tire swaps, vehicle inspections Mechanical Permit Vehicle exhaust needs to be exhausted for health reasons.
Oil change, Full service engine repair/swaps, Dent repair, Vehicle painting and body repair Building Permit and Mechanical Permit

Vehicle exhaust needs to be exhausted for health reasons.

These services could involve storage or use of flammable/combustible liquids and gases; therefore these operations are commercial in scope. A typical residential garage (attached or detached), will likely require noncombustible wall framing and fire resistance rated walls, and fire separations (in the case of an attached garage), which are difficult and expensive alterations to make.

Note: Electrical, plumbing or gas permits may also be required if the work involves installation of or alterations to electrical, plumbing or gas systems.

Building permit details and drawings can be submitted online or in person at the Planning Services Centre.


Based out of town

Your business is based outside of the City of Calgary. Location approval is not required from the City of Calgary, but it is recommended that you check with the municipality or county in which you will be basing your operations for their requirements.

If your business will be based outside of the City of Calgary limits, but you will be conducting business within the City of Calgary, your business is considered ‘non-resident’. Non-resident businesses are required to pay an additional non-resident surcharge on top of standard licensing fees.

If you own commercial or residential property within Calgary, the non-resident surcharge may be waived. Contact the Planning Services Centre​ for more information.

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
  • Fee payment at the time of application*
  • Ownership
  • Name of Business
  • Contact information for the business and owner
  • If you are applying online, a myID account
  • Two pieces of government issued identification

Tips for a smooth application process

Before you apply

  • Put together a cost and timeline estimate.
  • Confirm the requirements needed to operate from your selected 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:

 required
*AMVIC - Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council 

Commercial based location
Licence categories Description Location approval Show ID Police check Fire *AMVIC

Motor Vehicle Dealer – Premises

Business stores, displays or sells motor vehicles from a physical location

Motor Vehicle Dealer – No Premises

A business that sells motor vehicles, but does not store, display or advertise any motor vehicle within Calgary. -

-

Motor Vehicle Repair and Service

Any business operations that include repairing, sanding or painting a motor vehicle, retail sales of incidental products or that service and repair motor vehicles.

- -

Auto Body Shop

The business of repairing, sanding or painting motor vehicles and includes repairs or adjustments incidental to the trade of an auto body mechanic and the retail sales of incidental products, but does not include Fuel Sales/Storage

Home based location
Licence categories Description Show ID Police check *AMVIC

Motor Vehicle Dealer – Premises

Business stores, displays or sells motor vehicles from a permanent location

Motor Vehicle Dealer – No Premises

A business that sells motor vehicles, but does not store, display or advertise any motor vehicle within Calgary. 

Motor Vehicle Repair and Service

Any business operations that include repairing, sanding or painting a motor vehicle, retail sales of incidental products or that service and repair motor vehicles. - -

Auto Body Shop

The business of repairing, sanding or painting motor vehicles and includes repairs or adjustments incidental to the trade of an auto body mechanic and the retail sales of incidental products, but does not include Fuel Sales/Storage

Out of town
Licence categories Description Show ID Police check *AMVIC

Motor Vehicle Repair and Service

Any business operations that include repairing, sanding or painting a motor vehicle, retail sales of incidental products or that service and repair motor vehicles. - -

Auto Body Shop

The business of repairing, sanding or painting motor vehicles and includes repairs or adjustments incidental to the trade of an auto body mechanic and the retail sales of incidental products, but does not include Fuel Sales/Storage

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.

Home-based Location Approval

Home based businesses will always need a Home Occupation permit. Some home-based businesses may also require a commercial building permit to operate safely. Read more about what permits you may need in the location approval section.

Based out of town

Your business is based outside of the City of Calgary. Location approval is not required from the City of Calgary, but it is recommended that you check with the municipality or county in which you will be basing your operations for their requirements.

Show ID

You are required to provide two pieces of valid, government issued identification, one of which must contain photo identification (ID). When you apply for your licence online, you will be required to upload your ID.

Acceptable forms of government issued photo identification may include:

  • driver’s license
  • passport
  • permanent resident card

Acceptable forms of government issued identification include:

  • provincial health care card
  • birth certificate
  • marriage certificate

Police Check

This licence type requires recommendation by the Calgary Police Service through the Police Information Checks unit. This is an internal process that is completed automatically by the Calgary Police Service and is initiated on your behalf through your business licence application.  

Previous police checks cannot be used as a substitute for this approval process.

Business Licence Approval Type Timeline
Police check Approximately 2-3 weeks

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:

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

Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council (AMVIC)

The Alberta government requires a license for certain motor vehicle business activities.  You must contact the Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council (AMVIC) for details about obtaining a provincial licence. Visit Home - Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council (amvic.org)

AMVIC requires confirmation of City planning approvals before they will issue a provincial AMVIC licence. Once AMVIC issues your provincial licence, you must provide it to The City of Calgary, which will then release your municipal business licence.

Applicants can present the AMVIC license:

  • In person at the Planning Services Centre:

3rd floor
800 Macleod Trail S.E.
Calgary, AB

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

Home Occupation Class 2 renewals

To renew your Home Occupation Class 2, sign into your myID business account and manage your business online at apply.calgary.ca​. If you do not have a myID business account, you will have to create one first.​

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.

Business Licence Fee Schedule

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

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.

In an effort to help businesses in our communities, business tax was eliminated in 2019.

Data created when businesses open, move, change ownership or close is important in maintaining accurate assessment records to determine the amount of business improvement area (BIA) tax.

Businesses may be liable for two types of taxes: business improvement area (BIA) tax and property tax.

Business improvement area (BIA) tax

Business improvement area (BIA) tax is billed annually to any business that occupies commercial space within an established business improvement area (BIA) in Calgary. It does not reflect a specific type of business or the profit of a business.

For more information on the administration or collection of business improvement area (BIA) and property taxes, visit Business Improvement Area (BIA) Tax or contact 311.​​​​​​​​​​

Property tax

Property tax is paid by landowners and is based on the assessed property value. Learn more at property tax.

Special cases

  • Home-based businesses: Home-based businesses do not pay business improvement area (BIA) tax, as they do not occupy a commercial space.
  • Non-resident businesses: Non-resident businesses do not pay business improvement area (BIA) tax or Calgary property tax, as they are not located within the municipality. This is the primary reason for the non-resident surcharge being added to these business licences.
  • Subtenant businesses: Subtenant businesses may or may not be responsible for paying business improvement area (BIA) tax, depending on the lease agreement.

Planning Services Centre

Hours:
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:15 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

We do regular research with businesses to better understand the outlook and viewpoint of the business community. If you are a business owner, leader or manager, join our online business research panel, Business Perspectives.