Home Based Business Licence
Home-based businesses are permitted at all approved residential locations in Burnaby, with the exception of mobile home parks. Your home-based business is required to hold a business licence and comply with all bylaw requirements;
- Home Based Business Regulations
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1. A home occupation shall involve no internal or external structural alterations to the principal building (dwelling) and there shall be no exterior indication that the building is being utilized for any purpose other than that of a dwelling, and no building, structure, fence or enclosure other than those in conformity with permitted residential uses in the zoning district in which it is located, may be erected.
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2. The premises shall not be used for manufacturing, welding or any other light industrial use, and the home occupation carried on therein shall not produce noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odour, litter or heat other than that normally associated with a dwelling unit nor shall it create or cause any fire hazard, electrical interference, excessive pedestrian or vehicular traffic in the common areas or parking areas of a multi-family building or traffic congestion on the street. (B/L No. 10398-96-08-26)
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3. There shall be no external display or advertisement other than a sign bearing only the name and occupation of the owners, which may be illuminated but not flashing and shall not exceed 1900 sq.cm. (2 sq.ft.) in area.
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4. There shall be no external storage of materials, containers or finished product.
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5. No stock in trade shall be kept or handled and no commodity sold upon the premises.
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6. Such occupation shall not involve the use of mechanical equipment save as is ordinarily employed in purely private domestic and household use or for recreational hobbies, except for such equipment as may be used for a resident physician or dentist.
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7. No person who is not a resident in the dwelling shall be employed in such an occupation.
- Parking and Storage of Commercial Vehicles in Residential Locations
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No commercial vehicle, truck, bus, contractors equipment, dismantled or wrecked automobile, trailer or any similar vehicle, conveyance, craft or equipment shall be parked or stored in the open in R1 to R12, or RM (residential) Districts, except the following which may be parked or stored in the rear yard only:
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1. One truck or commercial vehicle not exceeding 4500 kg. GVW (9920 lbs. GVW).
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2. Trucks, commercial vehicles or equipment required for the construction, repair, servicing or maintenance of the premises.
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3. Any dismantled or wrecked vehicle for a period of not more than 30 successive days. For specific information on the parking or storage of recreational vehicles and boats, please see the Burnaby Zoning Bylaw.
Getting Your Business Licence
Who Needs a Business Licence?
The Zoning Bylaws defines "Home Occupation" as an occupation or profession that is incidental to the use of a dwelling unit for residential purposes, or to the residential use of a lot occupied by a dwelling.
This includes:
- The office or studio of a person engaged in business, art, health, crafts or instruction
- The operation of a family child care centre (restricted in some residential locations)
All businesses in Burnaby require a licence. More information can be found on our Business Licence page.
Application & Fees
Business licence applications and fees are accepted at the Burnaby Licence Office. Where applications are received electronically, by fax, or by mail, Licence Office staff will contact the applicant regarding their application.
For more information on application and fees, please Contact the Licence Office.
