Business Licensing

Home-Based or Store Front Business

Use the form below as a one-stop-shop for getting a business license. Apply for a Business License

Non-Resident, Temporary, Trade Show, Special Event or Market

Any person, vendor or business that does not have a permanent location within Okotoks but is conducting business in the Town boundaries requires a business license. You can apply and find all the information you need to know in the following application: Apply for a Business License

Mobile Vending Unit

Photo credit: Lovepik.com

Want a fun way to bring more customers to your door? Celebrate a grand opening, an open house, business anniversary or just that it’s Friday? We have a unique solution for you – the Mobile Vending  Unit Program! Try having a food truck come to your business! Mobile vending units are permitted when invited to set up on, or adjacent to, the premises by the owner/operator of the local storefront business. To operate, food trucks need a business license and must meet additional requirements such as inspections and insurance. Apply for a MVU by clicking the button below. MVU Application Additional information including terms and conditions of MVU operation in Okotoks can be found in the MVU application (above). If you have further questions please contact Okotoks Economic Development at 403-938-8052. Background At their regular meeting on April 24, 2023, Okotoks Town Council approved incorporating the expanded operation of MVUs into the existing Business License Bylaw as a permanent use. This decision was made following a successful MVU Pilot Project and positive feedback received from the local business community through a survey. Review the survey results by clicking the button below. What We Heard Report

Temporary Outdoor Patio, Fitness Area and Retail Space Program

The Town of Okotoks is aims to support and provide increased flexibility for businesses by allowing for temporary patios and retail spaces in existing parking spaces and/or on certain public property such as sidewalks provided that mobility connectivity through these areas is maintained. Learn more and apply

Commercial and Home Based Business Development

• Change of use requirements

  Change of Use or Intensification of Use

  All businesses require land use approval and a business license. The use of a space and the business license are separate approvals, each with their own set of requirements, definitions, and bylaws.

  There are a number of variables that the Town assesses in determining permitting requirements for each business. Variables include the land use district, proposed business activities, and historical approvals at the location.  For further information on a change of use, please view Planning's information sheet, or contact Planning Services to discuss your specific details and land use approval requirements.

  Businesses are required to obtain land use approval prior to any safety codes permits (building, electrical, plumbing, and gas) and business license being issued.

• Operating a Home Occupation / Home Based Business

  A home occupation is a business that operates out of a home in a residential neighbourhood. More information on home occupations and what is required to set up a home occupation can be found within the following documents. 

  Home Occupation Regulations

Business License Requirements

• Fire Inspections

  All businesses, including co-working spaces, require a fire inspection prior to a business license being issued. (Home Occupations – based on the nature of the business, may be exempt from requiring a fire inspection.)   Learn more by clicking the button below.

  Fire Codes, Permits & Inspections

How to Pay Your Business License Fee

• Business License Fee Payment Methods

  In order to pay your business license fee and keep your account up to date please choose one of the following methods:

  1. Online: via credit card (Visa or MasterCard) on our Virtual Town Hall using your invoice number.
  2. Call the Town Municipal Centre to provide payment over the phone with one of our Client Representatives at 403-938-4404 using your VISA/MASTERCARD.
  3. Online banking through most financial institutions.
  4. In Person: At the Okotoks Municipal Centre, located at 5 Elizabeth Street in Okotoks. We are open Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:00pm. Payment options are: cash, cheque, Debit, MasterCard, or Visa. After hours: by placing your payment along with the bottom portion of your invoice in the night deposit box located at the Okotoks Municipal Centre - 5 Elizabeth Street.
  5.  By Mail: mailing your cheque or money order made payable to the TOWN OF OKOTOKS, along with the bottom portion of your invoice to: TOWN OF OKOTOKS, PO BOX 20, Stn Main, Okotoks, AB T1S 1K1.

  If you are no longer in business or no longer operating in Okotoks or have updates to your account please contact us using the online form and quote your business name and/or customer identification number to provide written verification to close your business license account.

Common Questions and Help