Anyone operating a business from a residence in Regina is required to have a residential business licence, including online businesses. Businesses considered a non-profit corporation under provincial jurisdiction or businesses that operate from a premise that pays commercial or industrial property taxes are exempt, except for second-hand dealers, pawn brokers and coin dealers.
Business Licence Categories & Fees
There are three categories of business licences issued by the City of Regina. Business licences are valid for one calendar year (January 1 to December 31) and must be renewed on an annual basis.
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Residential Business Licences - Application Form |
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The City issues resident business licences to businesses that operate from a premise, located on property in the City that is not assessed and taxed as commercial or industrial property. |
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Non-Resident Business Licences - Application Form |
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The City issues non-resident business licences to businesses which carry on the majority of their business, in whole or in part within the City, and does not maintain a permanent premise within the City. |
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Other Business Licences - Application Form |
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Second-hand dealers, pawn brokers, coin dealers and tow truck drivers have a separate licensing fee schedule and must meet specialized requirements. |
Licensing fees are non-refundable. Resident businesses with less than $5,000 in annual gross revenue (as verified by the Canada Revenue Agency) are exempt from paying a business licence fee.
Requirements
Register Your Business Name: Before the City issues you a licence under a business name, you must have the business name registered in the Province of Saskatchewan. Information pertaining to registering a business name can be obtained from Information Services Corporation.
Consent: If you are renting the property where a resident business will be operating, written consent from the property owner is required through the Landlord Consent Form.
Guidelines: You must display your licence where it can be seen by the public. You cannot alter, deface, or reproduce your licence. A licence is not transferable from one person to another or from one person’s business premise to another.
The City can revoke your business licence if you contravene any section of Licensing Bylaw.
Update Your Business Information
Please notify us if your business information changes or your business closes down. Fill out the appropriate form and return it to the City Hall Licensing Counter weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
How long does it take to get a Business Licence?
Please allow between four to six weeks for processing.
Will I need any additional licensing for my business?
Depending on the type of business you are operating in The City of Regina, you may require other permits or licences that are not regulated by the City of Regina. Examples include liquor licences and health licences. It is important to be aware of these requirements as they are in place to protect the safety and health of you, your customers and the general public. Please ensure you research what other approvals, permits or certificates you may require from other agencies.
What is the cost of a Business Licence?
- The first-time cost for a resident business licence is $112.50 and $225 to renew your licence each year after.
- A non-resident business licence is $450.
- Second hand dealer licences are $235 (electronic reporting) and $835 (manual reporting) per location.
- Pawn broker licences are $235 per location.
- Coin dealer licences are $335 per location.
How long is a Business Licence valid for?
Business licences are valid for one calendar year (January 1 to December 31) and must be renewed annually.
How do I renew my Business Licence?
Business licence renewals are mailed out early in the new year. Business licence renewals may be paid by mail, in person at City Hall or by e-Transfer. For e-Transfer information, refer to your renewal letter or contact our office at licences@regina.ca
How do I make changes to my Business Licence?
Notify the Licensing Branch in writing using our Change of Name, Address or Phone Number form.
How do I cancel my Business Licence?
Notify the Licensing Branch in writing using our Close Your Business form.
Zoning Bylaw Information
Access the City of Regina’s zoning map online to determine your property’s current zone. The zone for a property is found to the right of the “code” field in the search results window. Regulations for each zone and definitions can be found in the Regina Zoning Bylaw.
- Maximum Gross Floor Area - A Residential Business cannot occupy more than 25% of the gross floor area of the dwelling unit. The gross floor area includes the areas of all floor levels within the dwelling and areas of any garage or accessory building. Where there is more than one Residential Business, the combined floor area occupied by all businesses cannot exceed 25%. The maximum gross floor area is not applicable for an Institution, Day Care.
- Storage - No exterior storage of the Residential Business is permitted at the residence.
- Outdoor Work/Activities – No exterior operation of the Residential Business is permitted at the residence. This is not applicable for an Institution, Day Care.
- Merchandise, Display and Sales - Only merchandise created, assembled, or designed on-site may be displayed and sold from the Residential Business. No window display of the merchandise is permitted at the residence.
- Business Vehicle - A minimum of one parking stall shall be provided for the Residential Business in addition to the parking required for the Dwelling Unit on the same lot if the Residential Business utilizes a business vehicle.
- Institution, Day Care - Permitted as a Residential Business if the Institution, Day Care meets the requirements of a “family child care home” or “group family child care home”, as defined by The Child Care Act, 2014.
- Individuals Under Care - Without a Provincial licence, maximum of up to 8 individuals under care at any one time, including children who reside on premise. With a Provincial licence, maximum of up to 12 individuals under care at any one time, including children who reside on premise.
- Passenger Drop-Off Stall - A minimum of one passenger drop-off stall is required where there are 1 to 10 individuals under care. A minimum of two passenger drop-off stalls are required where there are 11 to 12 individuals under care.
- Service Trade, Clinic (Massage Therapy Services Only) - For the purposes of massage services an accredited member shall mean an active member in good standing with the Massage Therapist Association of Saskatchewan, Inc., the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada, or the Canadian Massage & Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association. Massage therapy credentials must be submitted with application for processing.
