Types of Licences

Home-Based Business

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 with any questions. 

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

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You must apply for a business licence in the municipality where you live or operate your business.

What about commercial businesses that operate in many communities?

Businesses that operate in commercial spaces but also need intermunicipal status may apply for our Intermunicipal with Commercial Location classification.

  • Fill out our general business licence application.
  • Describe your business in the nature of business section

Indicate that you also need an intermunicipal licence in this section.

Commercial Businesses

What is a Commercial Business?

A commercial business operates in a commercial building or industrial area and not in a home.

  • Please contact the Planning Department by email or at (250) 475-5471 to ensure that the commercial property works for the business you are planning. 
    • You must confirm that the property’s zoning will allow your business type & that sufficient parking is available

All commercial properties are in development permit areas. This means they have specific rules for signage, new construction and exterior renovations.