Business Licences

Welcome! We wish you and your business every success. If you're looking for contacts and resources to help your business, please contact our helpful Development staff or visit our Starting a Business Page.

Depending on the type of business and your location, you may also need a municipal development permit or other municipal, provincial and federal authorizations. Follow the steps in BizPaL for a complete list.

• Fill out a Business Licence Application.
• Be compliant with external agencies and legislation and be prepared to show proof of compliance.
• City staff will approve or deny your Business Licence and will contact you.
• Pick up your Business Licence at City Hall or have it mailed to you.
• Display your Business Licence - the annual certificate is required to be posted in a conspicuous place at your business location so that it is clearly visible to the public. Proof of your valid current business licence must be shown on demand.

Watch for your business licence renewal letter in early December each year. Business licences must be renewed on or before December 31st of each year.

Do you own or manage a business in the City of Brooks? The following information may help you!

City Resident Business

County Resident Business

Non-Resident Business

Peddler

All annual business licences are due to be renewed by December 31 of each year. Invoices are mailed in December. According to the Business Licence Bylaw (PDF), invoices not paid prior to January 1 will be levied a flat rate penalty of $75.

Business Licence Updates

Please verify all information on your invoice is correct. If there are any changes to your mailing address, ownership, or physical location, you can submit these changes by contacting the City of Brooks at 403-362-3333.

Terminated Businesses

If your business has terminated operations, please call 403-362-3333.

Making Payments for Business Licence Renewals

There are several different ways to make payment for your Business Licence Renewal:

• In person (cash, cheque, debit or credit card)
• Mail (please make cheques out to "City of Brooks")
• Cheque drop off at the East Side of City Hall at 201 1st Avenue West, Brooks, Alberta

A home-based business is when one of the permanent residents in home conducts a gainful occupation or business activity in the dwelling. The Land Use Bylaw allows home-based businesses, provided they meet all the requirements. The basic rules are:

1. No outside storage of goods and materials related to the business
2. Only residents working at the dwelling
3. Only one business vehicle, which must be parked on-site (not on the street)
4. No signs nor advertising, excluding that found on a business-related vehicle
5. No nuisances by way of noise, vibration, smoke, dust, fumes, odours, heat, glare, or electrical or radio interference, detectable beyond the property limits

The two types of home-based businesses are minor (permitted use) and major (discretionary use).

Home-Based Business: Minor

In addition to the general rules listed above, no aspect of the business may be detected from outside the property:

1. No client contact at the residence
2. The maximum floor area that the business can occupy is 30% of the residence
3. No exterior alterations or additions related to the business are allowed

Home-Based Business: Major

In addition to the general rules listed above:

1. A maximum of six client visits per day are allowed
2. Hours of operation are limited to 7 am to 8 pm
3. A minimum of one on-site client parking space must be provided
4. The business is conducted wholly within the residence
5. The maximum floor area that the business can occupy is 30% of the residence and one accessory building
6. Alterations or additions related to the business may be allowed

Application

The home-based business development permit application (PDF) form must be completed in full and submitted along with the supporting information and processing fee. We may require more detailed information and studies, at your cost, depending upon the size, complexity and potential impacts of your proposed development.

Next Step

Once your application is submitted, staff will review it and the supporting documents and determine if there is sufficient information to make a decision.

If more information is needed, staff will request the necessary documents to make the application complete. In some cases, the completed application will be circulated to various city departments, outside agencies and neighbouring properties for comment. The City Development Officer will render a decision on the application as soon as possible or by such time extension as granted by the Development Officer.

Proposal Acceptance or Denial

After reviewing the development proposal, comments and recommendations, the development officer may approve the application with or without conditions. The application may also be refused, with reasons stated.

Once your application is approved, please fill out a Business Licence Application (PDF).

Appeals

Any decision of the Development Authority is subject to appeal to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB). A Notice of Appeal form, (available from City staff), must be completed and filed, along with a processing fee, with the Secretary of the Board within 14 days of the date shown on the Notice of Decision (in the case of a refusal), or 14 days of the Notice of Decision appearing in City newspaper advertising, in the case of an approval.

Application Fees

Minor Home Occupations do not require a Development Permit Application and are only subject to regular Business License Application and Renewal Fees. Major Home Occupations require a Development Permit Application and are therefore subject to associated Development Permit fees which vary from $100 to $200 depending on intensity, along with regular Business License Application and Renewal Fees.