Starting a home business
All businesses operated from the home require approval from Strathcona County.
Definitions
Strathcona County has two classifications for home businesses:
Home Business, Minor means the secondary use of a principal dwelling by at least one (1) permanent resident of the dwelling, to conduct a business activity or business.
Home Business, Major means the secondary use of a principal dwelling, its accessory buildings and site, or combinations thereof, by at least one (1) permanent resident of the dwelling, to conduct a business activity or business.
Home businesses do not include
- Adult entertainment services
- Dating or escort services
- Bed and breakfast establishments
- Veterinary services (major and minor)
- Breeding facilities
- Boarding facilities
- Equestrian centres
Home businesses are not allowed in family care dwellings or group homes.
Based on the information provided in an application, the Development Officer will determine the classification of the proposed Home Business.
How to apply
Submit the following information to Planning and Development Services:- A completed Development Permit Application Form
- A site plan showing all structures on the property and the location of parking for customers/clients and vehicles associated with the home business. also identify the building(s) within which the home business is proposed to be operated.
- A floor plan of the residence (indicate where you intend to operate the home business, including dimensions)
- A letter providing information on the following:
- Nature of home business- Provide a detailed description of the services provided, products manufactured, items repaired, or goods offered for sale
- Employees of home business- Number of non-resident and on-site employees
- Traffic- Number of business clients or customers visits to the home business per hour/day
- Gross floor area- Area of dwelling to be utilized by home business (sq. m / sq. ft.)
- Equipment used in the operation of the home business
- Storage location of any equipment, goods or materials related to the home busines
- Hours and days of operation
- Vehicle(s) associated with the home business, including type and size (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating-GVWR)
- Method of advertising (i.e. - newspaper, yellow pages, etc.)
- Current copy of title
- Application fee - See current fee schedule
- See Home Business Checklist
Additional information may be required by a Development Officer. The current landowner must sign the development permit application form.
Did you know?
When your application for a home business is reviewed, the following will be taken into consideration by a Development Officer- A home business must be secondary to the residential use of the land or building
- Impact that a home business may have on the privacy and amenities of the neighbouring properties (i.e. noise, traffic, etc.).
- A home business must not change the residential character of your home or yard.
- A minor home business may only be operated by permanent residents of the site and no non-resident on-site employees are permitted. However, a major home business may be permitted to have up to four non-resident on-site employees depending on the size of your property.
- Other specific regulations are applicable depending on the location of the home business, size of property, and type of home business.
- Minor home businesses, and major home businesses on parcels less than 0.8 ha (2 acres), are allowed one sign to a maximum of .3 sq. m (3.2 sq. ft.) in area. A major home business on a parcel equal to or greater than 0.8 ha (2 acres) are allowed one sign up to 1.5 sq. m (16.1 sq. ft.) in area.
- A development permit for a home business is temporary, and may be issued for up to 3 years.
- Other permits may be required for your home business such as a building permit (when constructing something new or where health issues may be applicable), electrical, plumbing and gas.
Additional business information
For a comprehensive outline of the licenses and permits that may be required for your business including provincial and federal requirements go to www.strathcona.ab.ca/bizpal
The review process
Permitted uses: A Development Officer will review and approve a development permit application which meets the regulations of the Land Use Bylaw. After a decision is made by a Development Officer, you will receive written notice of the decision.
Discretionary uses: A Development Officer will review and either approve or refuse a development permit application. Further, neighboring property owners will be notified of your proposal prior to a decision. After a decision is made by a Development Officer, you will receive written notice of the decision and neighboring property owners will also be notified of the decision.
Printable brochures
Home Business Information
Further information
780-464-8080
PlanningandDevelopment@strathcona.ab.ca
Last updated: Friday, September 16, 2011
Page ID: 2908