Business Licence Categories
Every business in Saskatoon is required to hold a business licence for each location. This ensures businesses are operating in compliance with municipal zoning and building bylaws, as well as licensing requirements of other orders of government. It also allows the City to collect data to inform planning decisions. There are several categories of business licences depending on the location or type of service provided.
Charitable, not-for-profit, governmental organizations, and day cares are not required to hold a business licence.
Licence Categories and Related Information:
Commercial
Most businesses operated from commercial, institutional and industrial zoned parcels in Saskatoon receive a Commercial Business Licence.
Home Based
Businesses operated from the principal residence of the owner receive a Home-Based Business Licence. The development standards for home-based businesses are intended to seek a balance between supporting the residential characteristics of the neighbourhood and the business aspirations of entrepreneurs.
Non-resident Businesses
Businesses that do not have a location in Saskatoon but are operating within the city receive a Non-Resident Business Licence through the Corporate Revenue Department. Direct sellers, transient traders, farmers’ markets, and trade shows are also licensed through this program.
Adult Services
Businesses providing adult services receive an Adult Service Licence. Performers and workers affiliated with the business obtain their own licence.
Cannabis
Businesses that produce or selling cannabis receive a Cannabis Business Licence.
Day Cares
An establishment providing for the care, supervision, protection or support of individuals, but does not include the provision of overnight supervision. A business licence is not required.
Mobile Food Truck
Businesses that cook, prepare or serve food from a motorized, mobile and self-contained vehicle or trailer receive a Mobile Food Truck or Trailer Licence.
Mobile Vending Carts
Businesses selling beverages, food or other products from stationary stands, kiosks or mobile units on public sidewalks receive a Mobile Vendor Licence.
Short-Term Accommodations
Businesses providing rental accommodations in dwellings for terms less than 30 days receive a Homestay or Short Term Rental Property Business Licence.
Residential Care Homes
The following is designed to familiarize prospective operators of Residential Care Homes with the City’s Zoning Bylaw requirements. A business licence is not required.
Sidewalk Cafes & Parking Patios
Restaurants and alcohol establishments providing outdoor seating on the right-of-way receive a Sidewalk Cafe or Parking Patio Licence as part of their Commercial Business Licence.
Taxis & Transportation Network Companies
Businesses providing taxi services or using a transportation network receive a Taxi Broker Licence or a Transportation Network Company Licence. Taxis and taxi drivers are also required to hold a licence .