Business Licensing & Permits
Starting a business in Airdrie? All businesses operating in Airdrie require a City of Airdrie business license. 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 license 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) | ||
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 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.