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Home Occupations

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1. What is a home occupation?

A home occupation is any occupation, trade, profession, or craft carried on by the occupant of a home that is secondary to the residential use of the building.

2. Do I need a home occupation license?

Many people assume that their home occupation does not require a license. However, according to the City of Camrose Bylaw, any activity run from a residence that generates income requires a license.


Even if you sell crafts or provide professional services on a casual or hobby basis, you should obtain a license.

3. How much does a home occupation license cost?

Licenses are based on the estimated gross income of your business:

$40 for home occupations grossing less than $10,000 per year

$180 for home occupations grossing over $10,000 per year

4. What are the requirements for a home occupation license?

The City of Camrose Land Use Bylaw gives a detailed list of the conditions for a home occupation:

• No variation from the external appearance and residential character of land or buildings shall be permitted.


• No offensive noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odours, heat, glare, electrical, or radio disturbance or unusual hours of operation shall be produced by the home occupation.


• The privacy and enjoyment of adjacent dwellings shall be preserved.


• Home occupation shall not adversely affect the amenities of the neighbourhood.


• Home occupation may not occupy more than 25% of the gross floor area of the principal building (for child care, subject to Provincial Regulations); use of accessory buildings is permitted.


• Signage for a home occupation may not exceed 0.3 square metres and must be placed flat against the building (front and back).


• Each application to operate home occupations in an R1, R1L district require the approval of City Council.


• The home occupation must not generate any pedestrian or vehicular traffic or parking in excess of that which is characteristic of the neighbourhood within which it is located.


• Maximum number of employees for the home occupation (on site) shall not exceed three at any one time, one of which may be a non-resident.


• Parking for all employees shall be maintained on site and not more than one commercial vehicle with one accessory trailer (gross vehicle weight can not exceed 4500kgs), used in conjunction with the home occupation, shall be parked or maintained on or about the site.


• No visible outside storage related to the home occupation is permitted on or adjacent to the site.


• The home occupation must comply with all City bylaws including the City of Camrose Waste Water Bylaw.


• Licenses are valid from date of approval until December 31 of the current year unless sooner revoked or cancelled by the City. The applicant is responsible to re-apply for a renewal each year.


• Home occupation license applies only to address as stated on the application for home occupation license and does not constitute a building permit.


• A home occupation license may be revoked at any time if, in the opinion of the Development Officer, the operator of a home occupation has violated any provisions of this bylaw or the conditions of a license.

5. Why should I license my home-based business?

• Free Advertising - The City includes a list of Camrose businesses in its information packages.


• You need a license to apply for membership in the Better Business Bureau or the Camrose Chamber of Commerce.


• A business license may qualify you for discounts that many suppliers provide businesses.


• It is illegal to operate without one.


• You are joining a community of home-based businesses.

6. Why does the City regulate home occupations?

To track the economic development of the City.

Home occupations are difficult to monitor because of their low visibility. Licensing assists in tracking businesses and ensuring they comply with municipal regulations.

We all want our neighborhoods to look like a residential community not a commercial district. Licensing allows the City to implement rules that protect the residential character while allowing opportunities for business development.