Written by: Josh Buchanan, Magnaltus Consulting
Once you have formally registered or incorporated your business in Saskatchewan, one of the next major steps to setting up your business is to apply for a municipal business licence. Often confused as one single step, formally registering the business with the provincial corporate registry is a completely separate step from obtaining a municipal business licence. Registering the business with the corporate registry (ISC) creates the existence of the business entity. Obtaining a municipal business licence gives that entity permission to conduct business activity within a specific municipality.
Municipal business licences are required in the municipalities in which the business is officially located. These are known as “resident” business licences. In the case that the business also physically conducts business activity in additional municipalities, a “non-resident” licence may also be required. For example, a plumbing company licensed and located in Warman with a Warman business licence may also need a Saskatoon and Martensville business licence in order to physically serve clients in those respective cities.
Municipal business licences are normally issued on a yearly basis and are issued and
administered by the municipal government. In the case of businesses located outside of municipalities, such as on First Nation reserve land, a “Band Council Resolution” may be required in place of a business licence.
Each municipality has different fees, renewal dates, sub-categories, and requirements for business licences. It is important to contact the municipal governments in which your business is located and operating in order to ensure compliance with the local licensing requirements.
In addition to applying for a municipal business licence, it’s also important to be aware of the business bylaws and zoning bylaws of the municipality in which you are obtaining a business licence and conducting business. Most municipalities will have zoning bylaws that prohibit certain types of businesses or business activity in specified zones within the city. For example, animal boarding businesses being prohibited in the downtown area of a city, or manufacturing being prohibited in residential areas.
Municipalities will also have bylaws governing allowable and prohibited business activity based on zones. For example, a municipal government may have restrictions on home-based businesses to limit the number of client visits per day, or prohibit the use of industrial or commercial equipment in residential properties.
Municipal business licences are typically required prior to conducting business activity. Once the licence has been issued, it should be visibly posted where customers can see it, for businesses that have patrons present at their facility.
Failure to obtain appropriate municipal business licences or comply with business licence bylaws and zoning bylaws can result in financial penalties and business closures.
Business Licence Information by Municipality:
Saskatoon – https://www.saskatoon.ca/business-development/business-licences
Saskatoon specialized requirements – https://www.saskatoon.ca/business-development/business-licenses/start-business/specialized-requirements
Regina – https://www.regina.ca/bylaws-permits-licences/licences/business-licences/
Prince Albert – https://www.citypa.ca/en/building-business-and-development/business-licences.aspx
Moose Jaw – https://moosejaw.ca/business-licensing/
Swift Current –https://www.swiftcurrent.ca/divisions/planning-growth-development/permits-and licences/business-licences
Yorkton – https://www.yorkton.ca/en/build-invest-and-grow/business-licences.aspx
North Battleford – https://www.cityofnb.ca/business-development/business-licences/
Warman – https://www.warman.ca/789/Business-Licenses
Lloydminster – https://www.lloydminster.ca/business-building-development/business-licences/
Estevan – https://estevan.ca/get-a-business-license/
Weyburn – https://weyburn.ca/licensing-and-permits/business-license/
Martensville – https://www.martensville.ca/pages/business_licenses.html
Zoning Bylaw Information by Municipality:
Saskatoon – https://www.saskatoon.ca/business-development/building-development-construction/zoning
Regina – https://www.regina.ca/bylaws-permits-licences/bylaws/regina-zoning-bylaw/
Prince Albert – https://www.citypa.ca/en/building-business-and-development/zoning.aspx
Moose Jaw – https://moosejaw.ca/zoning-and-land-use/
Swift Current – https://www.swiftcurrent.ca/divisions/planning-growth-development/planning/zoning-and-development-services
Yorkton – https://www.yorkton.ca/en/build-invest-and-grow/planning-and-land-use-zoning.aspx