Business Licenses - The City of Red Deer

Depending on the nature of your business, you may require a City of Red Deer business license. A business license signifies that you have met The City of Red Deer's licensing and land use requirements and are permitted to operate your business within Red Deer.

What do I need to start a business?

Use BizPal an Online Business Permits and Licences Service which will provide you with a customized list of what permits and licences you will need to obtain from all levels of government to start your business.
Visit our Checklist for Starting a Business page.
Contact our Inspections & Licensing department for city business license and permit information.

Generally, the following types of businesses require a business license.

Advertising	Employee of Commercial Agent	Massage Therapist
Ambulance	Escorts	Mobile vending unit /Canteen
Amusement/Arcade	Farmer's Market	Pawnbroker / Second Hand Dealer
Arts/Crafts	Fitness Clubs	Photographer
Auctioneer	Fortune-teller / Card Reader	Push cart vending units
Billiard Room	Festivals	Street Entertainer
Boxing & Wrestling	Hawkers/Peddlers (food, corn, fruit)	Taxicab Business
All Contractors & Subcontractors	Home Occupation	Taxi Drivers
Christmas Tree Vendor	Janitor Service	Trade Fair / Trade Show
Circus or other show	Mall Kiosk	Transient Trader
Dating & Escort Services	Massage Clinic
Detective, Security Patrol
Direct Sellers/Commercial Agent

Even if your business is not listed, it is still a good idea to contact Inspections and Licensing to discuss any possible requirements, licenses or permits.

BizPal Online Business Permits and Licences
BizPal is an Online Business Permits and Licences Service which will provide you with a customized list of what permits and licences you will need to obtain from all levels of government, including Industry Canada, the Government of Alberta and the City of Edmonton to properly licence your new business.

After answering a short series of questions about the nature and scope of your current or proposed business, you will be instantly provided with a customized list of potential permits and licences from all levels of government that you may require to operate your business.

I don't think I need a business license, but do I need an occupancy permit?
Some businesses require a business license and an occupancy permit. However, if your business type is not listed above, you may only need to apply for an occupancy permit from Inspections and Licensing.

What is an occupancy permit?
An occupancy permit indicates that the building is safe to occupy and the use of the building complies with the Land Use Bylaw.

How do I obtain a business license and/or an occupancy permit?
To obtain a business license or occupancy permit, phone or stop by Inspections and Licensing. They will provide you with an application, details of any other information you may be required to provide, and inform you of the business license or permit fee.

Office Hours:	Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
E-mail:	licensing@reddeer.ca

Phone:	403-342-8190
Fax:	403-342-8200

Street Address:	Third floor, City Hall 4914-48 Avenue

Mailing Address:	Inspections & Licensing P.O. Box 5008 Red Deer, AB, Canada T4N 3T4