1. Business Licenses
2. Home Based Businesses
3. Zoning Approvals
4. Sign Permits and Regulations
5. Building Permits
6. Plumbing Permits
7. Fire Regulations

1. BUSINESS LICENSES
All businesses operating within city limits must obtain a City of Saskatoon Business License. Types of business licenses include:

• Commercial Business License (all businesses operating from commercial and industrial properties);
• Home Based Business License;
• Municipal Direct Seller License;
• Transient Trader License;
• Farmers' Market License;
• Trade Show License;
• Mobile Food Vendor License;
• General Business License (Non-Resident);
• Contractor License;
• Taxicab License; and
• Wheelchair Accessible Taxicab License.

a) Licenses Issued by the Planning & Development Branch

Commercial/Industrial and Home Based Business Licenses
The Business License Bylaw requires all businesses operating from a commercial or industrial property and all home based businesses within city limits to obtain a City of Saskatoon Business License from the Planning & Development Branch.

A business license is only valid for the location specified on the license and is non-transferable between locations. A license must be obtained for each location.

Application forms for commercial and home based businesses are available at the Planning & Development Branch on the 3rd floor, City Hall, or they can be downloaded and printed from the Business License Program's webpage.  

Completed application forms for new businesses and those changing locations must be submitted with a $95.00 application fee to the Planning & Development Branch. Cheques or money orders are made payable to the City of Saskatoon. Your application package can be mailed or dropped off to the Planning & Development Branch, 3rd floor, City Hall. Your application will be reviewed for compliance with relevant City bylaws and land use regulations.

2. HOME BASED BUSINESSES
The City of Saskatoon Zoning Bylaw permits occupants of dwellings to conduct certain businesses from their homes. The Planning & Development Branch reviews all business license applications and related issues prior to approval.  The standards for home based businesses are intended to seek a balance between a quiet, safe and aesthetic residential environment and the aspirations of home based entrepreneurs. Business activities which disturb neighbourhood peace are not permitted, and therefore must locate in commercial or industrial areas.

 
3. ZONING APPROVALS
Whether you are building a new structure or moving into an existing one, you should contact the Planning & Development Branch to determine if the location is zoned for the type of business you are planning to establish.

4. SIGN PERMITS AND REGULATIONS
The City of Saskatoon regulates the use of all forms of signs in Saskatoon for safety and aesthetic reasons. The goal is to ensure that the use and placement of signs does not create a hazard for pedestrians or motorists, that signs are well maintained and that the number of signs does not affect the attractiveness of the city.

Permanent and portable signs require a sign permit in accordance with the Sign Regulations. Home based businesses are not permitted to erect signs on or within the vicinity of the site.

5. BUILDING PERMITS
Existing Buildings - If structural alterations are planned, or a change of use to the building will occur, a building permit is required.

New Buildings - A building permit from the City of Saskatoon Building Standards Branch is required prior to the start of construction. Contact the Building Standards Branch for more information.

6. PLUMBING PERMITS
A plumbing system may not be constructed, altered, extended, renewed or repaired unless a plumbing permit has been obtained for the work. Permits are not required to clear a stoppage in a drainage system, repair a leak in a water distribution system, replace a fixture without any change to the drainage system or to replace existing faucets, water heaters or valves.

Plumbing installations are governed by the Saskatchewan Plumbing Regulations, as adopted and enforced by the City of Saskatoon Building Standards Branch plumbing inspectors.

To obtain a permit, a licensed plumber acting on your behalf must apply for a plumbing permit at the Building Standards Branch office. Inspections of the plumbing system are then carried out, with a final inspection being required before a new system can be put into service.

 
7. FIRE REGULATIONS
If you are buying or leasing a building, we suggest meeting with fire officials prior to making an offer to purchase or lease to ensure fire systems are up to standards. For more information or to arrange an inspection, contact the Fire Marshal.