Home-based Businesses

If you are operating a business in Delta, even one based at your home, you need a business licence.

The following are some examples of customary home-based businesses in single-family dwellings:

• Barber shop or beauty parlour,
• Business telephone and mailing address of a self-employed artisan or professional person,
• Individual instruction for art, dance or music,
• Daycare center for not more than 10 children including the children who reside on the premises,
• Manufacture of a craft as an extension of a hobby,
• Casual repairs to household appliances and equipment. and
• Office only for a mail-order sales representative.

Businesses operating in multiple family dwellings, including a duplex require permission in writing from:

• The owner and/or manager of the building
• The occupants of the adjoining dwelling units

The following are some examples of customary home occupations in multi-family dwellings:

• Business telephone and mailing address only for a self-employed artisan or professional person,
• Mail order sales representative, and
• Self-employed accountant, business management consultant, contractor or income tax consultant.

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Regulations

Businesses operated from residences have specific regulations. For single-family dwellings, the business shall:

• Be completely enclosed within a building,
• Not include retail sales,
• Occupy less than 20% of the total floor area (max 50m²),
• Not discharge or create any offensive odours, noise, ground vibration, or electrical interference,
• Be conducted by the family resident on the premises and employ not more than two members,
• Not increase traffic or parking, and
• Not use any mechanical equipment except such that would ordinarily be used for household purposes or hobbies.

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Approvals Required

Depending on the type of business that you intend to operate, the following review and/or inspections may be required prior to issuance of the licence:

• Property Use, Building and Plumbing review for compliance with Building, Zoning, Land Use Contract, and Development Permit regulations, and any outstanding orders against the property.
  
• Fire Department review of fire safety requirements and any outstanding orders against the property.
  
• Provincial Medical Health Officer review is required if the business involves the preparation, distribution, and selling of foods (i.e. restaurants, grocery stores) other than pre-packaged or pre-bottled food stuffs. Approval is also required for day care and community care facilities. Approval is also required for personal services, i.e. beauty salon.
  
• Provincial Motor Carrier Licencing approval is required prior to application for business licence for taxi companies and limousine services.
  
• An Engineering Department review is required by an environmental control officer and may require Provincial Waste Management review or GVRD Pollution Control Permit if liquid, solid or airbourne wastes are produced.

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