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# Business licence fees and rules
## Business licence fees
Business licence fees vary depending on the type of business you operate and whether your business is located within Cochrane or outside of Town limits. Business licence fees are GST exempt. Annual fees are prorated monthly after January 31.
## Find your business type
**Resident fee:** $100
**Non-resident fee:** $340
Annual fees are prorated monthly after January 31
**Examples:**
* Home-based accounting or bookkeeping services
* Online storefront operating from home (shipping products via courier)
* Remote consulting businesses
**Resident fee:** $180
**Non-resident fee:** $340
Annual fees are prorated monthly after January 31
**Examples:**
* Hair stylist or esthetician seeing clients from home
* Music teacher offering in-home lessons
* Small catering business preparing food from home
**Resident fee:** $180
**Non-resident fee:** $340
Annual fees are prorated monthly after January 31
**Examples:**
* Airbnb
* VRBO
**Resident fee:** $180
**Non-resident fee:** $340
Annual fees are prorated monthly after January 31
**Examples:**
* Coffee shop or restaurant
* Boutique clothing store in a retail storefront
* Mechanic shop or autobody shop
* Light manufacturing or workshop operating in an industrial bay
**Resident fee:** $180
**Non-resident fee:** $340
Annual fees are prorated monthly after January 31
**Examples:**
* General contractor or construction company working at job sites within Cochrane
* Landscaping or lawn care business working across town
* Cleaning service providing services at client sites
**Resident fee:** $180
**Non-resident fee:** $340
Annual fees are prorated monthly after January 31
**Examples:**
* Food trucks
* Mobile or pop-up retail vendors
| **Term licences** | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Licence term** | **Resident fee** | **Non-resident fee** |
| 3 months | $60 | $110 |
| 6 months | $100 | $200 |
| Event licences | |
| --- | --- |
| **Event length** | **Fee** |
| 1 day | $65 |
| 2 days | $120 |
| 3 - 5 days | $160 |
**Late payment penalties: $30**
Business licences must be renewed annually. Under the Business Licence Bylaw, accounts with outstanding balances after February 1 are subject to a $30 late payment penalty.
**Business licence appeal fee: $100**
If you disagree with a business licence decision, you may be able to appeal in accordance with the Business Licence Bylaw.
## Business requirements
A business licence is only one part of starting or operating a business. Depending on your business type, you may require additional permits, inspections or approvals.
| **Type of requirement** | **Details** |
| --- | --- |
| **Development permits** | Some businesses may require a development permit before a business licence can be issued. This commonly applies to: * Home-based type 2 businesses * New commercial uses * Changes in land use * Businesses operating from a new location If required, development approval must be obtained before licensing. |
| **Fire Inspections** | A fire inspection is required for most commercial, retail, industrial, and customer-facing businesses. A business licence will not be issued until any required fire inspection has been successfully completed. |
| **Health Inspections** | Businesses involved in food preparation, food service, beverages, regulated products, or personal care services may require approval from Alberta Health Services. |
| **Additional Permits & Licences** | Some businesses may require approvals from municipal, provincial, or federal agencies. Businesses that commonly require additional approvals include: * Restaurants and cafés * Mobile food vendors * Childcare operators * Regulated professions * Businesses handling regulated materials |
**BizPaL** is a free online tool that helps entrepreneurs identify permits and licences that may apply to their business.
**Explore permit and licence requirements using BizPal**
## Business rules & compliance
**Displaying your licence**
Once issued, your licence must be:
* Displayed prominently at your business location
* Carried while operating and presented upon request
**Keep your information up to date**
You must notify the Town if any the following change:
* Business ownership
* Business name
* Business address
* Mailing address
* Contact information
* Service offerings
You can submit your updates through the business licence change request form. Keeping your information current helps ensure your licence remains valid.
## Municipal bylaws
All businesses operating in Cochrane must comply with applicable Town bylaws, including:
**Business Licence Bylaw:** requires businesses operating in Cochrane to hold a valid business licence.
Access the Business Licence Bylaw
**Land Use Bylaw:** Regulates how land and buildings can be used within Cochrane. This includes home-based businesses, commercial uses, parking requirements, signage and development permit requirements. Some business types may require development approval before a business licence can be issued.
Access the Land Use Bylaw
**Event Bylaw:** Establishes requirements for events held within Cochrane, including permits, approvals and responsibilities for event organizers. If you are organizing a festival, market, trade show or other public event, additional approvals may be required.
Access the Land Use Bylaw
## Frequently asked questions
Yes. If you operate a business from your home in Cochrane, you need a business licence. This includes online businesses, businesses that do not have customers visiting the home, and businesses that provide services at another location.
Yes. If your business is located outside of Cochrane but you will be providing services or doing business within the Town, you are required to have a Town of Cochrane business licence.
In this situation, you would apply for a Non-Resident Contractor business licence. This licence allows businesses based outside of Cochrane to legally operate within the Town.
Possibly. Some businesses require additional permits, licences, or approvals from municipal, provincial, or federal agencies. Requirements depend on the products or services you provide. Use BizPaL to identify permits and licences that may apply to your business.
You must have a valid business licence before operating in Cochrane. Businesses operating without a licence may be subject to enforcement action under the Town's Business Licence Bylaw.
## Unsure of what applies to your business? We're here to help!
### Business Licences
Phone
403-851-2573
Email
[email protected]