Home-Based Businesses

Starting a home-based business in the Town of Crossfield requires approval to ensure your business is compatible with your residential neighbourhood.

Home-based businesses must comply with the Town’s bylaws, including the Business Licence Bylaw and Land Use Bylaw, and obtain the appropriate permits and licences before operating.

Before starting your business, confirm:

• your business activity is allowed in a residential district
• your property’s zoning and land use designation
• whether your business qualifies as a Home Occupation or Home Office

Taking time at this stage helps avoid delays later in the process.

Review the Land Use Bylaw to what is prohibited/restricted in a residential district.

Your type of home business determines what approvals are required.

Home Occupation

A Home Occupation is a business within a residence that may have a limited impact (e.g., clients visiting, small-scale services).

Home Office

A Home Office operates entirely within the home with no external impact (no clients, traffic, or changes to the property).

A Development Permit may be required depending on your business type.

A Development Permit is Required if:

• your business is classified as a Home Occupation
• the business creates a change in use of the dwelling

A Development Permit confirms:

• compliance with permitted or discretionary uses
• compatibility with the surrounding neighbourhood
• that impacts (traffic, noise, parking) are minimized

All businesses operating for profit in Crossfield must have a valid Business Licence before opening. This requirement is outlined in the Business Licence Bylaw.

A Business Licence:

• confirms your business is approved to operate
• ensures compliance with municipal regulations
• must be renewed annually

Depending on your business, additional approvals may be required.

These may include:

• Building Permits (if you are renovating or making structural changes to accomodate your home business)
• Signage approvals (generally restricted in residential areas)
• Provincial or federal licences 
• Health approvals (e.g., food or personal services)
• Trade or professional certifications

It is the responsibility of the business owner to ensure all applicable approvals are in place before operating.

If you are planning to modify your home to support your business, additional approvals may be required.

This can include:

• building an addition or expanding floor space
• interior renovations (e.g., washrooms, layout changes)
• accessory buildings (e.g., garage or storage)

You may require:

• Development Permit
• Building Permit
• Trade permits

These approvals are separate from your Home Occupation Permit or Business Licence.

Before starting any renovations, review the applicable requirements:

Signage for home-based businesses is highly restricted in residential areas.

Under the Land Use Bylaw:

• Only one (1) small identification sign may be permitted per property
• The sign must:
  • be non-illuminated
  • be for identification purposes only (no advertising)
  • not exceed 0.32 m² (approximately 3 sq. ft.)

Advertising-style signage is not permitted.
This includes signs designed to promote your business, attract customers, or increase visibility.

All signage must:

• maintain the residential character of the neighbourhood
• be approved by the Town (a Development Permit may be required)

Do not install signage without approval.

If you are unsure what permits are required, please contact the Development & Planning Department before beginning any work.