Business Applications and Licences

All home-based businesses are considered a home occupation.

Major home occupations require a Business License and a Development Permit. Please complete a Development Permit application within a 'Business Within A Home'.

Minor home occupations require a Business License, but do not require a Development permit. They must still follow the regulations listed below.

If you are doing any renovations to your home, you may also need to complete a Building Permit application.

Minor Home Occupation

• Takes up a maximum of 15m2 (161ft2) of your house;
• Cannot be located outside or in a separate building from your house;
• Should not create any nuisance or disrupt the privacy of your neighbours;
• Customers are not permitted to visit the home, but deliveries are allowed;
• Only permanent residents of the home can be employed by the business.

Major Home Occupation

• Can take up to 30m2 (333ft2) OR 20% of your home - whichever is less;
• Outdoor space may be permitted if it will not impact next door neighbours;
• Should not create any nuisance or disrupt the privacy of your neighbours;
• Can accommodate customers as long as the traffic generated doesn't disrupt the neighbourhood.

The following types of businesses are not allowed to operate out of a residential area in the Town of Olds:

• Commercial dog breeding;
• Cannabis production, distribution or sales;
• Vet clinics or hospitals;
• Dog kennels.

Daycares are allowed to operate in your home or commercially in the Town of Olds, with these requirements:

• Any outdoor play areas are fenced in;
• On- or off-street parking is available;
• Alberta Provincial Day Care Regulations are followed.

Day Homes: can care for a maximum of 6 children including residents, and cannot have additional employees. Please complete a Development Permit application for a ‘Business Within a Home’.

Child Care Facilities: can care for as many children as on-site parking spaces allow. Number of employees is not limited. Please complete a Development Permit application for ‘Non-Residential’.

If the daycare operates out of your home, the home can't contain a separate home-based business.

Mobile Vendor Permit Application Form (PDF)

Mobile vendors also need a business licence.​

Before submitting a permit application with the Town, please determine whether the following are required by the province or federal government:

• Alberta Health Services Food Handling Permit - if you are selling food
• Direct Sellers' Licence
• Fire Inspection
• Insurance documentation
• Any other provincial licences

You will also be asked to provide a photograph of your mobile vending unit, and authorization from the owner of the property where the vending unit will be parked. The fee for a Mobile Vendor permit is $25 for residents and $50 for non-residents.

Mobile Vendors are regulated by Bylaw 2018 - 46.

Sidewalk Café & Sale Permit Application Form (PDF)

The annual permit fees range from $50 to $150, depending on type of cafe or sale.

Please see Bylaw 2018-48 for more information.

You will be asked to provide:

• A Site Plan;
• Proof of Liability Insurance - minimum of $2M naming the Town of Olds as Additional Named Insured;
• Authorization from the owner the property the Café or Sale will be located in front of;
• Food Handling Permit from Alberta Health Services - if applicable;
• Liquor Licence from Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission - if applicable.

For Temporary Patio Permit Applications, please see Building Permits and Development Permits.