What is a home-based business?
A home-based business is any commercial activity run from your house. This includes online sales, professional consulting, and trades that do not bring heavy traffic or noise to your neighbourhood. Whether you operate in the Downtown BIA or a quiet residential street, you must follow the rules below to keep your home safe and your neighbours happy. All home-based businesses must register with the City and pay an annual licence fee.
Rules for running a business from home
- Space limit: The business can use no more than 30 square metres, or 33 per cent of your home's total floor area, whichever is smaller.
- Customer visits: You can have a maximum of three customers at a time. No waiting areas, signage, or dedicated parking spaces are allowed for clients.
- Employees: You may hire up to two non-resident employees. Residents living in your home can work with you without counting toward this limit.
- No heavy equipment: Do not store materials or use machinery that creates noise, vibration, or odours outside the home.
- Zoning approval: You must confirm with the Planning and Development department that your property is zoned for a home-based business before you apply.
These rules help keep residential streets quiet and safe. If your business changes or grows, you may need to move to a commercial zone or apply for a different licence category.
How to apply
Applying is fast. You can start and finish the process online through the Wrenford Business Portal.
- Visit the portal and create a business account.
- Upload a completed site plan showing your workspace and property layout.
- Confirm that your property meets the zoning and space limits.
- Pay the one-time application fee of $50.00 using a credit card or e-transfer.
The Business Navigation Service team reviews applications within five business days. Once approved, your licence is active immediately and you can start operating.
Annual fees and renewal
Your home-based business licence costs $85.00 per year. The fee covers your licence from January 1 to December 31. We will send a renewal notice to your email or mailing address 30 days before your licence expires.
To keep your licence active, pay the $85.00 fee before December 31. If you pay after the deadline, a 10 per cent late payment fee is added to your balance. Licences are continuous from year to year, so you do not need to reapply unless your business activities change significantly.
Compliance and inspections
City by-law officers may visit your home to check that your business follows the space, customer, and noise limits. Officers always carry identification and will explain the reason for their visit. If you need to discuss a violation or request a compliance review, contact the By-law Enforcement office.
Need help?
If you have questions about the limits, the application form, or your zoning, contact the Business Navigation Service team. You can email [email protected] or call 519-555-0100 to speak with a specialist.