Business Licence Categories
Every business in Saskatoon requires a business licence. The purpose is to ensure businesses are operating in compliance with municipal zoning and building requirements, complying with licensing requirements from other orders of government, and to collect data to inform planning decisions. There are several business licence categories available, depending on the location or type of service provided. For example, businesses conducted in the owner's home receive a Home Based Business Licence.
Charitable, not-for-profit, governmental organizations, and day cares are not required to hold a business licence.
Licence Categories:
Commercial
All businesses operating from commercial and industrial zoned properties in Saskatoon require a City of a Saskatoon Commercial Business Licence.
Home Based
The standards for home based businesses are intended to seek a balance between supporting a quiet, safe, and aesthetic residential environment while supporting the aspirations of home based entrepreneurs.
Non-resident Businesses
Corporate Revenue licenses all non-resident businesses operating in Saskatoon that do not have a fixed location in Saskatoon including contractors that are based outside of the city. In addition, business licenses applications for direct sellers, transient traders, farmers’ markets, trade shows and taxicab are reviewed by Corporate Revenue.
Adult Services
The City of Saskatoon has been licensing Adult Service related businesses since July, 2012.
Cannabis
Different orders of government and government agencies are responsible for different aspects of cannabis legalization, regulation and enforcement. The City of Saskatoon is responsible for regulations related to land use and business activity within the city.
Day Cares
An establishment providing for the care, supervision, protection or support of individuals, but does not include the provision of overnight supervision. The City of Saskatoon does not require a business license for the operation of a Day Care or Day Care, Residential.
Mobile Food Truck
The City of Saskatoon licenses the operation of mobile food trucks and trailers both on and off public streets. Food trucks operating on public streets are regulated under the Mobile Food Truck Policy.
Mobile Vending Carts
Businesses selling beverages, food or other products from stationary stands, kiosks or mobile units on public sidewalks require a City of Saskatoon Mobile Vendor Licence.
Short-Term Accommodations
Learn more about the licensing requirements for short-term accommodations and hostels in Saskatoon.
Residential Care Homes
The following is designed to familiarize prospective operators of Residential Care Homes with the City’s Zoning Bylaw requirements. The City of Saskatoon does not require a business license for the operation of a Care Home.
Sidewalk Cafes & Parking Patios
The City of Saskatoon Business Licence Program licenses all food and beverage businesses wishing to extend their premises onto City property.
Taxis & Transportation Network Companies
The City of Saskatoon licenses the operation of vehicle-for-hire services, such as taxis and ridesharing in order to ensure compliance with Bylaw No. 9651, the Vehicles for Hire Bylaw, 2019.