Commercial Business Licence
All businesses operating from commercial, institutional and industrial zoned properties in Saskatoon require a City of Saskatoon Commercial Business Licence.
Zoning regulations vary across the city and affect the type of business you are permitted to operate within a specific zoning district. Whether you are building a new structure or moving into an existing one, contact Planning & Development to determine if your proposed location is zoned for the type of business you want to establish. If you are solely operating a business from your residential home in Saskatoon, please refer to the Home Based Business category.
If you have more than one business location in Saskatoon, you will need to complete a separate business licence application for each location.
Fees
| Type | Current Rates |
|---|---|
| New business licence | $135.00 |
| Change of business location | $135.00 |
| Annual renewal | $95.00 |
Application
The easiest way to apply for a commercial business licence is through Business Licence Online.
Applications can also be submitted by mail. Complete the commercial business licence application and gather any applicable supporting documents that apply to your business. Mail your application package and a cheque or money order made payable to City of Saskatoon to:
Business Licence Program
City Hall, 3rd Floor
222 3rd Avenue North
Saskatoon, SK S7K 0J5
Process
All commercial business licence applications are reviewed for compliance with land use and building code regulations.
If structural alterations are planned or a change of use or occupancy to the building will occur, a building permit is required. A building permit from Building Standards is required prior to the start of construction. A business licence will not be issued until the appropriate building permits have been taken out.
If your application is approved, you will receive written confirmation by mail, along with your business licence, in approximately 2-3 weeks. A business licence is valid for one year from the date it is issued, unless otherwise stated on the licence.
Renewal
Licences must be renewed annually. A renewal notice will be sent to the mailing address on your licence the month before your licence expires. You can renew your licence online through Business Licence Online or by mail to the address above.
Moving or Selling Your Business
If you change your operations or move your business to a new location, you will need to have your account reviewed to determine if a new business licence is required. You must notify our office if there is a change in:
- gross leasable floor area
- type of business being conducted
- location
ownership or business closure
Bear Spray
The Business Licence Bylaw regulates the sale of wildlife control products containing capsaicin (e.g., bear spray and other animal sprays) in Saskatoon businesses. A complete list of regulations and requirements for businesses selling these products can be found in the bylaw, and are summarized below.
- The purchaser and seller must be at least 18 years of age;
- The purchaser must provide two pieces of identification;
- The ID number, name, date of birth, address and phone number of the purchaser be recorded and retained by the business;
- The product must be stored out of view customers, in a secure area; and
- Only products containing manufacturer’s serial numbers and labels be sold.
Transactions records must be made available by businesses for inspection by the City of Saskatoon and the Saskatoon Police Service. Businesses that fail to comply with the bylaw are guilty of an offence and may be fined up to $25,000 per offence.
Secondhand Goods and Pawnshops
The Business Licence Bylaw regulates businesses that sell or purchase non-exempt secondhand goods or conduct pawn transactions. Businesses are required to record the transaction and immediately report the information to the Saskatoon Police Service through an electronic means approved by the Chief of Police. Businesses shall not sell the item for a period of five days. For more information about how to report transactions, please contact the Saskatoon Police Service, by email at Darren.Lemaire@Police.Saskatoon.Sk.CA or telephone 306-975-8244. For questions about the bylaw, please contact the City of Saskatoon, Community Standards using the contact information on this webpage.
A complete list of exempt goods that do not need to be reported is available in the bylaw, and includes items such as: books, magazines, infant or children’s clothing, adult’s clothing except leather or fur jackets and coats, cookware, glassware or utensils that do not contain precious metals, furniture, appliance, non-motorized garden equipment and tools.