Business Licensing & Permits
Starting a business in Airdrie? All businesses operating in Airdrie require a City of Airdrie business licence. Depending on the business type, other municipal, provincial and federal permits may be required.
It is the responsibility of the business owner to investigate and obtain all required permits. The simplest way to learn what your business needs is to use BizPal, an online business permits and licence information service.
Visit the Resources for Business section for general information about starting a business.
Business License Fees, Categories & Forms
Every business, occupation or trade that is carried on with the intention of making a profit within the City of Airdrie limits requires a business license issued by the City of Airdrie, as regulated under Bylaw 52/2005.
In addition to a business license a business may also require a residential occupation permit, a permit from the Calgary Health Region or a provincial licensing.
| Category of Business | License Fee (Annual) | Application Forms (click to download) |
|---|---|---|
| Resident | $100 |
Massage Therapist Practitioners - please see below for additional information specific to your business. |
| Non-Resident | $200 | |
| Less than 72 hours or 3 days cumulative | $50 | |
| Transfer of License to New Owner | $20 | Same form as resident or non-resident dependent on the location of the existing business, check "Update Information" box at top of form |
Business license forms can also be obtained at the Cashiers Desk at City Hall, 400 Main St. SE |
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Definitions
Resident: A business address located in the City of Airdrie. This applies to retail, commercial, industrial, or home based businesses.
Non-Resident: A business address that is located outside of the City of Airdrie and applies to all types of businesses that will be conducting business in the City of Airdrie for more than 72 hours or 3 days of cumulative activity.
Less than 72 hours or 3 days: If a "non-resident" business will be conducting business for less than 72 hours or 3 days of cumulative activity.
Transfer of License: Any business with a current license that is being transferred to a new owner.
Contractor: Individual or business working in Airdrie in the construction industry (i.e. electricians, general contractors, plumbers, etc.).
Processing Time
We strive to process your business license quickly. Most licenses are processed in 5-10 working days. However, if your business requires other permits, this process could take longer and is subject to the processing times of other permitting departments and agencies.
Term of License & Renewals
Business licenses are valid for one year, from January through December. Renewals are automatically mailed out each January.
How to Apply
You may apply in person or through the mail:
- In Person: Payments Counter, Airdrie City Hall, 400 Main Street SE
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. - Mail To: Business Licensing, City of Airdrie, 400 Main Street SE, Airdrie, AB T4B 3C3
Payment type accepted: Cash (in person only), cheque, Visa, MasterCard, Debit
Taxi & Limousine License
As per Bylaw B-55/2009, each company (broker), driver and vehicle must have all necessary licenses to operate a taxi or limousine in the City of Airdrie. The company must have a residential occupation permit (if required) or zoning approval, each driver must submit a current driver's abstract and police check (from your local police department), as well as a copy of his/her valid drivers' license. Each vehicle must have passed the E.L.V.I.S. inspection from a certified garage here in Airdrie. A copy of the standards book is available upon request.
The following are the approved garages:
| Garage | Address | Telephone Number |
|---|---|---|
Canadian Tire |
300, 202 Veterans Blvd NE |
403.948.3993 |
Scenic View Motors |
1, 91 East Lake Cr NE |
|
Smart Automotive |
145 East Lake Blvd NE |
403.948.0040 |
W & B Automotive Repair |
524 Centre Ave NE |
403.948.7247 |
| Please contact the garage of your choice from the four listed above to set up a time for your inspection. (Please be advised that the cost of the inspection is up to the discretion of the garage) | ||
Upon completion of this inspection, you must attach a copy of the completed form to your application.
No cab is allowed to operate in the City of Airdrie without a sealed meter. We will contact all brokers with a date and time when the meters will be tested and sealed. If the date is missed or a car is unavailable, another date can be arranged.
The breakdown of costs is as follows:
| Type of License | Cost | Application Forms (click to download) |
|---|---|---|
Business License |
$100 (Resident) or |
Resident Business - Commercial/Industrial |
Residential Occupation Permit |
$105 per 2 years |
Residential Occupation Permit |
Broker's License |
$150 |
Broker's License |
Taxi License |
$50 per vehicle |
Limo-Taxi Vehicle License |
| Driver License | $50 per driver | Limo-Taxi Driver License |
| For more information please contact the City of Airdrie's Business Licensing Officer at 403.948.8800 extension 8837. | ||
All taxi-limo licensing applications must be submitted in-person at City Hall, 400 Main Street SE, Airdrie.
Massage Therapist Practitioners
Massage therapists operating in Airdrie require special licensing as per Bylaw B-18/2007. The Bylaw requires all massage therapists to obtain an identification card from the City of Airdrie, in addition to a obtaining a Resident Business License (home-based or retail location).
In order to obtain a photo identification card, massage therapist practitioners must include in their application:
- two forms of identification, one which must be government-issued picture ID
- original certificate of proficiency, demonstrating that the applicant has completed a minimum of 250 hours' training in massage from a recognized school or institute OR proof acceptable to the Licensing Officer that the applicant has a achieved the equivalent of 250 hours' training in massage from a recognized school or association (as defined in Schedule B of the bylaw)
Please refer to the Bylaw for complete details and regulations.
| Annual Fee | Application Form | |
|---|---|---|
| Massage Therapist Practitioner Identification Card |
|
Massage Therapist Application |
Other Important Information
- All massage therapists, with the exception of those defined as an employee of an established massage business, require a City of Airdrie Business License. This pertains to home-based massage businesses, retail business owners or those contracted to work at an established retail massage business.
- Out-of-town business licenses for massage therapist practitioners are not available.
How to Apply
Massage therapists can call (403) 948-8800 ext. 794to make an appointment to apply for their identification card and have a photo taken. Appointments are available at City Hall, 400 Main Street SE, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Development & Building Permits
Depending on the type of business, other permits may be required. This could include:
Residential Occupation Permit
A Residential Occupation permit is required for some home-based businesses. Visit the Home Based Business page to learn more.
Tenancy Permit
A Tenancy Permit is required prior to any business occupying a retail, commercial or industrial unit or bay or portion of such unit or bay, regardless of whether the building is new or existing. More...
Sign Permits
As part of doing business in Airdrie, you may want to put up some type of advertising sign. This could typically be in the form or a portable sign, sandwich board sign or a fascia sign. For most types of signs, you would need to apply for a Sign Permit.
Regulations
For regulations regarding all types of signs, view the City of Airdrie Land Use Bylaw No. 09/2005Portable Sign (Temporary Sign)
All portable signs require a permit and are approved for a maximum of 30 days. Portable signs must be placed on private property, cannot be placed on adjacent sites already containing a sign, and must be removed upon expiry of the permit.Sandwich Board Signs
Sandwich board signs do not require a permit but they must be kept on private property and must be removed at the end of the business day.Fascia Signs
Fascia signs are permanent signs mounted on the face of a building. They do require a permit and cannot take up more that 20 percent of the building face. Another type of sign that is popular in Airdrie is garage sale signs. Garage sale signs are permitted in Airdrie under the following guidelines. You can have a maximum of three signs, they must not be placed on medians or City boulevards and must be removed as soon as the sale is over.Other Signs
Other types of signs may or may not require a permit. Contact the City of Airdrie Planning department for size and placement approval, phone (403) 948-8848.Application Forms
Click here to download application forms or pick one up from City Hall.
Provincial Licensing & Permits
Several types of businesses are required to be licensed and registered by the provincial government. For the most up-to-date information, visit Service Alberta or call 1-877-427-4088.
Provincial licenses and corporate registries are not available at City Hall.
Businesses Licensed & Registered by Consumer Services
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Once you are licensed, you must notify Service Alberta of any changes that might affect your license or registration. This could include a change of address or a change in your services. Provincial licenses are not transferable.
For more information or to learn how to apply, contact Service Alberta.
Search for a business licensed by Service Alberta.
Other Licenses and Registrations
- Automotive (sales, leasing, repair and consignment sales): Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council
- Beverage Container Depot (i.e. bottle depot): Beverage Container Management Board
- Child Care Programs (day care, preschool, group family child care, out of school care): Alberta Children & Youth Services
- Funerals (businesses, directors, embalmers, pre-arranged funeral plans): Alberta Funeral Services Regulatory Board
- Gambling (casinos, raffles, bingos, pull tickets): Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission
- Insurance (agents, brokers and adjusters): Alberta Insurance Council
- Liquor Licenses (selling, serving, manufacturing, etc. of liquor): Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission
- Professional Operator's Driver's License (tractor-trailers, buses, large trucks, ambulances and taxis): Alberta Transportation or Service Alberta
- Real Estate (agents, brokers, mortgage brokers, property managers): Real Estate Council of Alberta
Health Approvals & Permits
Several types of businesses must submit plans for health approval to the Environmental Public Health Division of Alberta Health Services (Calgary Health Region) before they begin operation or undertake remodeling. This includes:
- Food Establishments
- Swimming pool / whirlpool
- Social care facilities (daycare, playschool, adult care etc.)
- Personal service facilities (hair salon, esthetic services, tattoo and piercing parlour etc).
Alberta Health Services is responsible for inspections, consultations, education and enforcement.
Food Handling Permits
The Alberta Public Health Act requires any business (including home-based businesses) storing, selling, serving or processing food to hold a valid Food Handling Permit.
Information about the permit process can be found by visiting Environmental Public Health or phone (403) 943-8053.
Other types of businesses may be licensed through other government departments, municipalities or agencies. Although a business may hold a license or a registration, it is not an endorsement of the company nor does it guarantee the quality of goods or services offered.
Registry Services
Business Name Registration
A person/people who are engaged in business for trading, manufacturing or contracting purposes must register the business name (provided the business name is one other than your own name). This can be done at an Alberta Registry Agent office. Service Alberta registers societies and non-profit companies directly.
Airdrie Registry is the provincial registry agent in Airdrie, located at128 Edmonton Trail N or phone: (403) 948-6018.
There are four types of business name registrations:
- Trade Name - When only one person is registering a business name (also called a sole proprietorship)
- Partnership - A partnership registration occurs when two or more persons register a business name
- Limited Partnership - There are two types of partnerships: general and limited. Each type of partner has different rights and responsibilities. For example, there is generally a limit on the liability of the limited partner, while the general partner's liabilities are not limited
- Limited Liability Partnership - This consists of partners carrying on a practice in one or more eligible professions that include chartered accountants, certified management accountants, certified general accountants, lawyers, physicians, dentists, chiropractors and optometrists.
You may want to get advice from a lawyer or accountant to help you determine the type of business registration.
For more information, visit Service Alberta.
Additional Information
Business Registration and Business Number (Canada)
Most businesses in Canada need to register with the Canada Revenue Agency and obtain a Business Number. CRA provides the Business Registration Online service—a one stop, self serve application that allows users to register for a new Business Number, as well as for four major CRA programs: Corporate Income Tax; Goods and Services / Harmonized Sales Tax; Payroll Deductions; and Import / Export accounts.
Contact: Business Registration Online or phone 1-800-959-5525.
GST Registration
Depending on your type of business and your earnings, you may or may not need a GST number. Generally speaking, businesses who earn less than $30,000 in a single calendar quarter or in four consecutive calendar quarters do not have to register for a GST number.
Contact: Canada Revenue Agency or phone 1-800-959-5525.
Business Resources and Assistance
We strongly encourage you to visit the Resources for Business page and access some of the great information and services available from local, provincial and national agencies.