Licenses and Permits

Business regulations exist at all three levels of government. This whole area is under review and changing rapidly in order to simplify and reduce regulations and to provide easier access for business. To assist you, the latest available contact information is provided in Appendix A.

Municipal Licences and Regulations

Regulations vary throughout the province. For information regarding business licences, regulations, and planning requirements in your community, contact the municipal offices in the city, town, village, or rural municipality where your business will be located.

In Edmonton and Calgary, all businesses are required to conform to city zoning or land use requirements. In Edmonton, contact the Planning and Development Department for zoning approval and the Licence Section, Finance Department for business licences. In Calgary, contact the Planning and Building Department for zoning approval and the Licence Division for business licences.

Provincial Licences and Regulations

Provincial licence requirements may include examinations, bonding, zoning approvals, fire safety inspections, on-highway permits, trade qualifications, or trust provisions. In addition, provincial legislation requires certain types of businesses to obtain special licences. For more information, contact Housing and Consumer Affairs of Municipal Affairs.

Tradespeople

Most tradespeople require a journeyman's certificate or must be in an apprenticeship program. For more information on trades, contact Alberta Advanced Education and Career Development.

Environment and General Safety

Any industry withdrawing water from a natural source or emitting waste materials into water or the atmosphere requires licences and/or permits to operate. Contact Alberta Environmental Protection for more information.

A number of licences and permits are required for products and services which could affect the safety of Albertans. Contact Alberta Labour for more information.