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Lethbridge business licences and location approval
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Businesses providing goods or services in Lethbridge need a City licence unless provincially or federally exempt. A licence application also needs the required location and other approvals.
Key information
Businesses providing goods or services in Lethbridge need a City licence unless provincially or federally exempt. A licence application also needs the required location and other approvals.
On this page
Approval before operation
Pick up the Business Licence Application Form from Regulatory Services at City Hall with supporting documents. For a commercial or home business location, Development Services must check approval under the Land Use Bylaw.
Obtain other permits, certificates or licences required for the business and submit the full package for review. Do not begin operating before approval. Processing is usually seven to ten business days, but other approvals can make it longer.
Sources: Official Lethbridge business licences and location approval information
Common fee categories
General licences cost $193 per year for residents or $774 for non-residents. Hawker, pedlar and huckster categories cost $72 or $222 respectively. Home occupations without customer visits and music teachers are $193; customer-visit home occupations are $288.
Market-organizer licences are $111 for residents or $576 annually for non-residents. These are common source categories, not every fee or exemption. Read the Business Licence Bylaw for the complete category that fits the activity.
Sources: Official Lethbridge business licences and location approval information
Renewal, moving or closing
Licences run January 1 to December 31 and renew annually online, by mail or at City Hall. A new location may need development approval even when the owner or business name has not changed. Ask 311 or Development Services before moving.
A licence can transfer to someone who meets the required qualifications. Contact Regulatory Services at 403-320-3074 when transferring or closing a business. Do not assume the former owner’s approval automatically authorizes your operation.
Sources: Official Lethbridge business licences and location approval information
Quick reference
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| General resident / non-resident | $193 / $774 annually |
| Home occupation without visits | $193 |
| Home occupation with visits | $288 |
| Usual processing | Seven to ten business days, potentially longer |
| Licence year | January 1 to December 31 |
| Transfer / closure help | 403-320-3074 |
Sources: Official Lethbridge business licences and location approval information
Annual resident and non-resident business fees
- General resident193 CAD per year
- General non-resident774 CAD per year
- Home occupation, no visits193 CAD per year
- Home occupation, with visits288 CAD per year
Sources: Official Lethbridge business licences and location approval information
Steps to follow
- Check location
Obtain Development Services approval for the proposed premises.
- Submit
Give Regulatory Services the form and all supporting approvals.
- Maintain
Renew yearly and review approval needs before a move or transfer.
Sources: Official Lethbridge business licences and location approval information
Service locations
Maps locate the source-listed site or address. They do not verify an accessible entrance, internal counter or route.
City Hall
910 4 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta
The City lists City Hall for this service. Confirm the specific counter and payment method before visiting.
- General help
- 311 or 403-320-3111
Questions and answers
Who generally needs a business licence?
Businesses or people providing goods or services in Lethbridge, unless provincially or federally exempt.
Source: Official Lethbridge business licences and location approval information
When may a new business begin operating?
After the licence application receives approval.
Source: Official Lethbridge business licences and location approval information
How long does processing usually take?
Seven to ten business days, though required approvals may take longer.
Source: Official Lethbridge business licences and location approval information
What is the general resident fee?
$193 per year.
Source: Official Lethbridge business licences and location approval information
What is the general non-resident fee?
$774 per year.
Source: Official Lethbridge business licences and location approval information
What does a home business without customer visits cost?
$193 annually in the source’s home-occupation category.
Source: Official Lethbridge business licences and location approval information
What is the listed home-occupation fee with customer visits?
$288 annually.
Source: Official Lethbridge business licences and location approval information
When do licences expire?
December 31 of the year issued.
Source: Official Lethbridge business licences and location approval information
Must a business check approval before moving?
Yes. Ask Development Services whether the new location needs development approval.
Source: Official Lethbridge business licences and location approval information
Who handles a transfer or closure?
Regulatory Services at 403-320-3074.
Source: Official Lethbridge business licences and location approval information