Home Occupations
A home occupation is a small business located within a home that does not impact the residential character of the home or neighbourhood. Home occupations are an important part of the local Spruce Grove economy.
Types of home occupations
The City of Spruce Grove has three types of home occupations:
A small business that is allowed to operate within the approved dwelling or accessory building by a resident of that dwelling. Major home occupations are limited to six visitors at a time. Examples include hair salons, photography, and landscaping services.
A small business that is allowed to operate within the approved dwelling by a resident of that dwelling. Minor home occupations are limited to one visitor at a time. Examples include aesthetics, massage, and catering.
Involve office functions only with no client visits. Home Offices are for a registered business entity, and do not include people working remotely. Examples include accounting, consulting, and online retail.
How are they regulated?
Home occupations (both Major or Minor) and Home Offices are regulated by the Land Use Bylaw. Major and Minor home occupations require a development permit and a business licence, while Home Offices only require a business licence.
To apply for a home occupation
- Determine what type of home occupation you will be operating.
- For a Major or Minor home occupation, a development permit and business licence are required. The business licence must be renewed annually.
- For a home office, only a business licence is required, and must be renewed annually.
| Major Home Occupation | Minor Home Occupation | Home Offices |
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A discretionary use in most residential areas. Six business visitors at a time. Any person who works for the business on site must be a resident of the home. No outdoor business activity or outdoor storage is allowed. Business activity is allowed in the dwelling or accessory buildings. A small sign inside the dwelling is allowed. Development permit and business licence required. |
A permitted use in most residential areas. One business visitor at a time. This allows the visitor to bring their dependants along to a visit (such as children or an elderly family member). Any person who works for the business on site must be a resident of the home. No outdoor business activity or outdoor storage is allowed. A small sign inside the dwelling is allowed. Development permit and business licence required. |
No development permit required. No business visits permitted. Any person who works for the business on site must be a resident of the home. No outdoor storage is allowed. No signage is allowed. Business licence required. |
Home Occupations FAQs
A business licence for local businesses has an annual fee of $270.
A Home Occupation Development Permit Application is not required for a home office provided the following are adhered to:
- No individual other than the resident of the Dwelling is employed there
- The business does not generate any pedestrian or vehicular traffic
- There are no On Site Signs or advertisements
- No outdoor storage of materials, goods or finished products for business purposes
- The business is operated as an Accessory Use and does not change the residential character or appearance of the Dwelling
Please view section 70 (page 91) of the Land Use Bylaw for regulations on home occupations.
No. If a development permit is required for your home based business, and depending on the type of services you provide, your neighbours will be notified as part of the decision process.
Questions?
Contact the Residential Development Officer by phone at 780-962-7634 ext. 173 or via email.