All businesses wishing to operate or sell goods or services within the Town corporate limits require a Business License. Bylaw Number 889-2000 requires that business licenses be renewed annually, expiring on December 31st of each year. This includes general contractors (construction industry), commercial businesses, home-based businesses and hawkers/peddlers. A charitable or non-profit organization carrying on a business for fund-raising shall be exempt from licensing requirements.
BizPaL Online Business Permits and Licenses is a partnership involving governments at all levels. Provinces, territories, and hundreds of municipalities have collaborated together to provide information regarding the licenses and permits that may be required to start and grow your business.
To apply for a license, renew or change an address or owner, visit the Business Section on the Forms page. Your license will be delivered directly to your inbox once it’s approved.
Where do I apply for a license?
Anyone wishing to apply for a business license can complete this interactive version. Once you submit, you will immediately receive confirmation that your application has been submitted and will receive an email update at every milestone from the approval to the payment process. Visit the Business Section on the Forms page of this website.
How much does a business license cost?
That depends on the type of business you wish to carry on. The following is a matrix of the business license fees applied to each different business type or class:
| Daily | Weekly | Quarterly | Annually | |
| Commercial | n/a | n/a | $25 | $50 |
| Residential | n/a | n/a | $50 | $100 |
| Non-Assessed – Residing within a 60km radius of Hanna | n/a | n/a | $50 | $100 |
| Non-Assessed – Residing outside a 60km radius of Hanna | $50 | $100 | $200 | $400 |
Please note that business licenses are not prorated.
I want to start a home based business (Home Occupation). What do I need to do?
The regulations governing Home Occupations are set out in the Land Use Bylaw. Prior to applying for a Business Licence, applicants are required to obtain a Development Permit for a Home Occupation in accordance with the Bylaw.
Under the Land Use Bylaw, Home Occupations are classified as a discretionary use in all residential districts. As a result, applications are subject to review by the Development Officer or, where applicable, the Municipal Planning Commission, as well as notification to surrounding property owners. Once the Development Authority approves a Development Permit, a fourteen (14) day appeal period applies. During this time, neighbours and other affected parties may review the application and determine whether the proposed business may negatively impact the surrounding area.
The Land Use Bylaw establishes specific regulations for Home Occupations to mitigate potential neighbourhood concerns. In most cases, these standards help ensure applications proceed without appeal. If no appeal is filed within the fourteen-day period, the applicant may then proceed with applying for a Business Licence.
Business Licences are issued on an annual basis and are valid from January 1 to December 31. Renewal notices are distributed in January each year; however, it remains the responsibility of the business owner to ensure timely renewal. Home Occupation Business Licences may be revoked at any time if the terms of the Land Use Bylaw are not met.
I am starting a new business in an existing business location, however I am planning to make some changes to the building. What do I need to do?
Please be aware that if there will be structural changes to a building or a change in use or intensity of use, a Development Permit for Signs and some sign installations may require a Building Permit and/or an electrical permit. The Land Use Bylaw contains the definitions and regulations regarding signs and sign installation.