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Business Development
The County does not issue business licenses. The authorization to conduct a business in the County is granted through an approved Development Permit. Below is a catalog of various business types that can be established within the County:
- What approval do I require to operate a business?
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Business Approvals
The County does not issue business licenses, however we do issue approvals through the development permit process, which can fall into the following categories:
Business/Commercial development permits include uses such as:
- Intensive and Extensive Agricultural Uses, Tree Farms, Warehouses, Intensive Livestock Campgrounds, Recreational Unit Storage Centers, Golf Course, Rural Event Facility, Liquor Store, Retail Store, Hotel, Restaurant , Onsite and Offsite Home Occupations.
- Home Occupations have been categorized either as Onsite or Offsite use. Both Onsite and Offsite then are broken up into different types (1, 2 or 3) depending on their intensity as defined in the definition section and listed in the respective Land Use Districts.
- Business/Commercial development application
Agricultural development permit includes uses such as:
- Intensive and Extensive Agricultural Uses, Tree Farms, Intensive Livestock Operation, Greenhouses, Equestrian Centre, Apiary, Abattoir, and Market Gardens.
Mobile Vendors:
Mobile Vendor means a self-contained vehicle, trailer or stand that is capable of being moved from one location to another that is equipped to prepare, serve and sell food, or goods. The mobile vendor is allowed to be on a specific location for a maximum period of seven (7) consecutive days of operation. (amended by Bylaw 2019/44). A mobile vendor must receive approval from the County by applying for a Request to Operate Business letter.
- Intensive and Extensive Agricultural Uses, Tree Farms, Warehouses, Intensive Livestock Campgrounds, Recreational Unit Storage Centers, Golf Course, Rural Event Facility, Liquor Store, Retail Store, Hotel, Restaurant , Onsite and Offsite Home Occupations.
- Can I operate a food truck in the County?
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Mobile Vendor
means a self-contained vehicle, trailer or stand that is capable of being moved from one location to another that is equipped to prepare, serve and sell food, or goods. The mobile vendor is allowed to be on a specific location for a maximum period of seven (7) consecutive days of operation. (amended by Bylaw 2019/44).
- Land Use Bylaw Section 9.19 Mobile Vendors
- Mobile vendor application
- What is an Off-Site Sewer Levy and why do I have to pay it?
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Council passed Off-Site Bylaws 2007/38 and 2008/42, requiring any new or redevelopment of a structure that has plumbing, is required to pay a one-time Off-Site Sewer Levy Fee of $2,034.00 that stays with the property. This fee is designed to contribute to the capital costs associated with the expansion and upkeep of the Alder Flats and Mulhurst Lagoon infrastructure, ensuring it can effectively manage and process sewage. Payment of this levy is required before a Development Permit can be issued, with no exceptions.
The Off-Site Sewer Levy only applies to properties highlighted in red shown on the County map below.
Offsite Home Occupation (Type 1) means business or commercial activities that operate within the following requirements:
- Allowed in all districts (excepting Commercial and Industrial districts which have respective regulations);
- No employees coming to the site, only resident/landowner;
- No clients coming to the site (not including multiple deliveries per day);
- 500 ft² of outdoor storage (pertaining to the Home Occupation); and
- Company vehicles limited to one (1) and such vehicle to be restricted to a one (1) ton truck and maximum of 30 ft trailer (No trailer allowed in the following districts Recreational Resort Holding-Dorchester Ranch Resort, Mobile Home, High Density Rural Residential, Lakeshore Residential).
If a proposed use is already listed within a District or another more specific definition may be more suitable, the above definition does not apply.
Offsite Home Occupation (Type 2) means business or commercial activities that operate within the following requirements:
- Allowed in all Agricultural, Residential, and Watershed Protection, excluding the Recreational Resort Holding-Dorchester Ranch Resort, Mobile Home, High Density Rural Residential, Districts Lakeshore Residential, and Urban Residential districts;
- 2 employees coming to site not including the resident/ landowner
- No clients to site (not including multiple deliveries per day);
- 1000 ft² of outdoor storage (pertaining to the Home Occupation)
- Up to three (3) company vehicles up to a one (1) ton truck and 30 ft trailer.
- Allowance for only one of the three vehicles to be over a one (1) ton truck in size.
If a proposed use is already listed within a District or another more specific definition may be more suitable, the above definition does not apply.
Onsite Home Occupation (Type 1) means business or commercial activities that operate within the following requirements:
- Allowed in all Residential, and Agricultural districts;
- Up to 12 hours a day, 7 days a week;
- 1 employee, not including the owner/resident of the property;
- Up to one (1) ton truck with a maximum of 30 ft trailer; (No trailer allowed in the following districts RRHD, MH, HDR, LR, UR)
- 500 ft² of outdoor storage (pertaining to the Home Occupation); and
- Must be internal to existing residence or accessory building.
If a proposed use is already listed within a District or another more specific definition may be more suitable, the above definition does not apply.
Onsite Home Occupation (Type 2) means business or commercial activities that operate within the following requirements:
- Allowed in Agricultural, Country Residential, Rural Residential, Watershed Protection, Restricted County Residential, Lakeshore Mixed districts;
- Up to 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, multi lot 12 hours a day 6 days a week;
- 3 employees, not including the owner/ resident of the property;
- Up to three (3) company vehicles and trailers, only one can be larger than a one (1) ton up to and including a tractor unit and trailer. Within multi-lot subdivisions tractor units or tandem axle vehicles or larger shall not be allowed trailers;
- 500 ft² of outside storage, screening is required (pertaining to the Home Occupation);
- Must be internal to existing residence or accessory building; and
- Average Number of Vehicles to Site a day: 6.
If a proposed use is already listed within a District or another more specific definition may be more suitable, the above definition does not apply.
Onsite Home Occupation (Type 3) means business or commercial activities that operate within the following requirements:
- • Allowed in Agricultural, Country Residential (2nd parcel out), Rural Residential, Watershed Protection, and Urban Fringe districts, no multi-lot subdivisions regardless of zoning;
- • Up to 12 hours a day, 7 days a week;
- • 5 employees, not including the owner/ resident of the property;
- • Up to three (3) company vehicles and trailers, only one can be larger than a one (1) ton up to and including a tractor unit and trailer;
- • 1000 ft² of outside storage, screening is required and should be located behind principal residence (pertaining to the Home Occupation);
- • Average Number of Vehicles to Site a day: 6.
If a proposed use is already listed within a District or another more specific definition may be more suitable, the above definition does not apply.
Prior to operation of a mobile vendor, applicants must receive approval from the County by applying for a Request to Operate Business letter.
A mobile vendor refers to a self-contained vehicle, trailer, or stand that can be transported from one place to another. It is equipped to prepare, serve, and sell food or goods.
The mobile vendor is allowed to operate at a particular location for a maximum continuous period of seven (7) days. Mobile vendors cannot be located on lands zoned for primary residential use (e.g., Lakeshore Residential and Country Residential). Additionally, sales should not take place on County-owned property unless they are part of larger authorized events (such as rodeos, fairs, or ball tournaments), which are directly authorized by the County or by the Lessor of the County Facility, such as community groups.
Applications for Approval for Non-Home-Based Business
Landowners wishing to operate any minor business, business service, personal service, or commercial business would be a discretionary use per the Land Use Bylaw and must obtain approval through the Development Permit process.
A comprehensive operation plan must be provided to the satisfaction of the Development authority outlining the following but is not limited to:
- Type of business (be as specific as possible)
- Business Name
- Days and hours of operation
- Number of employees