Commercial/industrial-based business start up process
Businesses classified as 'commerical/industrial' operate from a commercial or industrial storefront location in Airdrie. These businesses require varying licenses, permits and approvals before opening their doors. Your business is not permitted to open until you receive these approvals.
1. Planning approval/permits
Your business will require approval/additional permits from the City of Airdrie planning department if your business will be:
- occupying a retail, commercial or industrial unit/bay (or portion of a unit/bay)
- established temporarily on an outdoor space (including parking of vehicles and mobile vendors)
- placing signage (including portable signs) on or outside of a building
| PLANNING PERMITS | REQUIREMENTS/DETAILS |
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| Change of use permit (pdf) |
Your business will require a permit for a change in use of a building or portion of a building.
- A change of use permit is required prior to a 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.
- A change of use permit conveys a change of use of a building and ensures the proposed use is allowed under the Land Use Bylaw and does not negatively impact adjacent lands.
- Permitted change of use fees: $250
- Discretionary change of use fee: $450
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| Development Permit (pdf) |
A development permit is required for most proposed developments including:
- new buildings; additions or expansions;
- replacement or repair of existing buildings;
- change in use, or intensity of use, of land or buildings.
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| Sign permit (pdf) |
A sign permit is required if a new sign is being placed on a building or portable signs are placed outside of a building.
- Replacement of existing signs may not require a permit, however it is advisable to check with the Planning department prior to changing the sign. Learn more about sign permits.
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Fee information for change of use, development and signage permits is available in the USER FEES AND CHARGES BYLAW.
2. Building Inspections approval/permits
After your business has received Planning approval, they will require Building Inspections approval.
| BUILDING PERMITS/INSPECTIONS | REQUIREMENTS/DETAILS |
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| BUILDING PERMIT (THROUGH MYAIRDRIE) |
A building permit can be done online and is required prior to a business occupying their space, including:
- a retail, commercial or industrial unit/bay (or portion of a unit/bay), regardless of whether the building is new or existing
- The inspections associated with the building permit ensure that the unit/bay meets the National Building Code - Alberta Edition.
Building Inspections can help answer building permit questions for at 403.948.8832. |
| Occupancy permit (through myAIRDRIE) |
An occupancy permit is required prior to a business occupying a retail, commercial or industrial unit/bay (or portion of a unit/bay), regardless of whether the building is new or existing.
- An occupancy permit cannot be obtained separately if any type of construction or change of use is taking place within the unit or bay.
- A occupancy permit can be done online, and will be issued after all inspections associated with the building permit (e.g. fire inspection) have been completed and passed.
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| Fire inspection |
As part of the building and occupancy permit process, a fire inspection is required to ensure all fire code requirements are met. This includes providing all required verification documents.
- Initial inspection fee: no charge
- Emergency inspection fee (less than 1 business day): $200
Call the Fire Department at 403.948.8800 to schedule an inspection a minimum of 5 days before to your proposed occupancy/opening date. |
Fees for building and occupancy permits are available in the USER FEES AND CHARGES BYLAW.
3. Business licence approval
Every business, occupation or trade (including all home-based businesses) that is carried on with the intention of making profit within City of Airdrie limits requires a business license issued by the City, as regulated by the Business License Bylaw (pdf).
Many professionals are exempt from paying for a City of Airdrie business licence. All professionals are encouraged to apply for a no-fee City of Airdrie professional business registration.
Application requirements:
- Permit numbers: ideally all other permits and licenses should be obtained before applying for your business license.
- List of products & services: The City uses the North American Industry Classification System to categorize businesses. Businesses can select their own code (Stats Canada, www.statcan.gc.ca, search “NAICS”) or we will code it for you.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BUSINESS LICENCE TYPES, APPLICATION AND FEES
4. Provincial licencing & regulations
Certain businesses require Provincial licencing or other regulations. It is your responsibility to identify and meet these requirements.
More on Provincial licencing and regulations