Calgary Business Licensing:
Location Approval demystified
Getting a Calgary Business Licence isn't just filling out an application. Location Approval, Tenancy Change, and land use compliance checks gate every new address. PermitPilot tells you which steps apply before you sign the lease.
The Calgary business licence sequence
Alberta Corporate Registry
ServiceAlberta.caRegister your business entity (corporation or trade name) through Service Alberta. Your corporate number is required for the Business Licence application.
Location Approval / Land Use Review
Apply.Calgary.caThe City of Calgary verifies that your proposed business activity is permitted under the Land Use Bylaw (1P2007) for the address. New locations and new business types both trigger this step.
Tenancy Change (if new location)
Apply.Calgary.caMoving a business to a new address — even the same type of business — may require a formal Tenancy Change review. This is separate from a Development Permit and faster, but still needs City sign-off.
Business Licence Issuance
Apply.Calgary.caOnce Location Approval and any Tenancy Change reviews are complete, the Business Licence can be issued through Apply.Calgary.ca. Renewal at the same address is simpler — no Location Approval required.
What triggers additional steps
| Situation | Implication |
|---|---|
| New business location | Always requires Location Approval. May require Tenancy Change. |
| New business type at existing location | Always requires Location Approval. May require a Development Permit (change of use) if the new activity is a different Land Use Bylaw category. |
| Construction or renovation | Building Permit required. Depending on scope: trade permits, inspections. |
| Food handling | AHS Food Establishment Permit required before licence can issue. |
| Home-based business | Separate Land Use Bylaw rules apply (secondary suite provisions). Limitations on employees, clients, and signage. |
Common required documents
- ✓Location Approval / Land Use Review application
- ✓Signed lease agreement or proof of property ownership
- ✓Current floor plan of the occupied space
- ✓Written description of business operations and hours
- ✓Alberta Corporate Registry certificate or trade name registration
- ✓Tenancy Change application (if new location)
- ✓City of Calgary Business Licence application
Know your licence path before you commit to a space
PermitPilot maps the exact steps required for your business type and address — including the surprises.
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