Permits, licenses and registration
Business licences
Strathcona County does not require business licenses.
BizPaL
BizPaL is a convenient, one-stop application to look up all permits and licenses required for your business. This interactive online tool will look up federal, provincial and municipal requirements. BizPaL is free.
Permits
Development permits
A development permit is required when businesses are:
- Established on a vacant commercial space
- Changing the land use of space
- Developing a new commercial building
- Operating from home
For more information, contact:
Planning and Development Services
780-464-8080
Zoning
Proper zoning is required for a development permit to be considered. Businesses must ensure that the zoning of a proposed site allows for its intended use. When leasing or buying property for your business, ensure that possession is subject to obtaining the necessary permit approvals.
For more information, contact:
Planning and Development Services
780-464-8080
Building permits
A business will require a building permit for construction (both interior or exterior). Building permits may also be required for changing the use of a space. For example: starting a business in a home or residential space.
For more information, contact:
Planning and Development Services
780-464-8080
Taxation
There are no business taxes in Strathcona County. However, businesses that own property are required to pay property taxes.
For more information, contact: Assessment and Tax
780-464-8120 (Assessment)
780-464-8196 (Tax)
Registration
If you are starting a business, a private registry can help you conduct name searches or register or incorporate your business. There are no additional registration requirements for businesses in Strathcona County.
Sherwood Park Registries
780-417-5283
Registry on Wye Ltd.
780-417-7300
Strathcona County Voluntary Business Directory
Strathcona County maintains a Voluntary Business Directory. This directory provides an inventory of retail, service, industrial and home-based businesses. Registration is free and optional.
Contact 780-464-8241 for more details.
Federal and provincial requirements
Canada Revenue Agency
When starting your business, be sure to file the proper paperwork with the Canada Revenue Agency. You will require an employer’s Business Number (BN) for Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan and income tax deductions. Most businesses in Canada must also obtain a Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration to collect GST.
Canada Revenue Agency
1-800-959-5525
Provincial requirements
Some businesses - such as prepaid contractors, direct sellers, gas stations and employment agencies - may require provincial permits or licences. Please check the specific provincial requirements of your business.
- Service Alberta is the provincial ministry responsible for registering and licensing businesses.310-0000 (toll-free in Alberta)
780-427-2711 (outside of Alberta) - Service Alberta (Corporate Registries department)
Service Alberta Corporate Registries provides information on how to incorporate, revive or dissolve your business
310-0000 (toll-free in Alberta)
780-427-2711 (outside of Alberta) - Health and food safety permits
Health and food safety permits are administered by Alberta Health Services (Environmental Public Health). Please contact Alberta Health Services to confirm if your business requires health or food safety permits.
Strathcona County Health Centre: 780-342-4600