What is a Home-Based Business?
A home-based business is one you operate from your home. You may also qualify for an Intermunicipal licence if you are a specified contractor or service provider and you perform a service in more than one community by moving from client to client - Learn more.
Can I operate a business from my home?
Yes, you can run certain types of businesses from your home. There are some restrictions. To minimize disturbances to surrounding homes, zoning restricts the following:
- The type of business activities
- The size of area used
- Parking requirements
- Storage impacts
The Planning Department will review your business licence application to confirm your business complies with zoning.
Please contact the Planning Department via email or (250) 475-5471 to confirm zoning.
- See Zoning Bylaw No.8200
- All businesses must also comply with Home-Based Business Regulations.
Intermunicipal Businesses
What is an Intermunicipal Licence?
We classify intermunicipal businesses as home-based businesses unless you occupy commercial space.
An intermunicipal business licence allows a Saanich resident, with an eligible mobile business, to operate across these municipalities:
- Saanich (East and West)
- Victoria
- Oak Bay
- Central Saanich
- North Saanich
- Sidney
- View Royal
- Esquimalt
- Colwood
- Langford
- The Highlands
- Metchosin
- Sooke
You must apply for a business licence in the municipality where you live or operate your business.
Application Process
- Read about how to apply for a business licence.
- If you want to apply now, fill out the business licence application form:
- For further information about Commercial Business Licences, please visit this page.