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unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
## Caution Updated: May 29, 2026, 4:58 PM
* ### New! The Bow River is exceeding safe flow rates for boating and swimming. The Calgary Fire Department has issued a boating advisory. For your safety, stay off the river. Learn more
# Bylaws related to businesses
Business and economy
# Bylaws related to businesses
The Business Licence Bylaw 32M98 ensures:
* Public safety
* Consumer protection
* Service quality
To operate a legal business in Calgary, you must have a licence.
For compliments or complaints regarding businesses in Calgary, call 311, use the app or go to Calgary.ca/311
For more information about business licensing and applications, visit:
* Calgary.ca/myBusiness.
* Calgary Combative Sports Commission
* Calgary.ca/shorttermrentals (new regulations for short term rentals and lodging houses)
## Exceptions
Not all businesses require a licence. It might not fall under one of the licensing bylaws if:
* A business requires inspections/permits by other authorities.
+ As an example, a bed and breakfast requires an inspection from Alberta Health Services and a City development permit. These ensure set standards for this activity.
* A business falls under a higher regulation or self-governing body. For example:
+ Commercial Day Care Centres - Regulated by Calgary Family & Child Services.
+ Dentists - Regulated by the Alberta Dental Association & College. Governed by the Health Professions Act.
+ Medical Doctors - Governed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta.
## Other permits
The City may require other permits 'in addition' to a business licence, depending on the type of business. For more information on what permits you may require visit our Opening a business in Calgary page.
## Other bylaws and regulations
The City has extra bylaws/regulations for specific types of businesses:
* Alarm Services Bylaw 31M95
* Body Rub Licence Bylaw 53M2012
* Bicycle Courier Licensing Bylaw 48M90
* Business Licence Bylaw 32M98
* Combative Sports Bylaw 53M2006
* Concert Bylaw 4M83
* Dating and Escort Service Bylaw 48M2006
* Downtown Pushcart Vendor Licence Bylaw 3M97
* Exotic Entertainers Bylaw 47M86
* Extended Dance Event Bylaw 34M2000
* Massage Licence Bylaw 52M2012
* Prohibited Businesses Bylaw 20M2020
We do regular research with businesses to better understand the outlook and viewpoint of the business community. If you are a business owner, leader or manager, join our online business research panel, Business Perspectives.
Join the Business Perspectives Panel