Business Startup Checklist

The following guide outlines the basic steps and municipal permits and licenses that may be required when starting a new business. St. Albert Business and Tourism Development is here to assist you with the startup process and answer any questions you may have along the way. We have also included other agencies and websites which may be of assistance.

Business Start-Up Checklist

1. Select a Name and Legal Structure

You may register or search for a business name at your local registry office.
AMA - www.ama.ab.ca or 780-418-8948
Drayden Insurance - drayden.com or 780-459-7700

2. Write a Business Plan

If you haven't already, prepare at least a preliminary business plan. There are many resources available to assist you with this, such as the Northern Alberta Business Incubator (NABI) nabi.ca and St. Albert Business & Tourism Development at 780-459-1631.

To also assist you with your Business Planning, please check with the Business Link, a joint Government of Canada and Alberta initiative. The site also contains a Guide for the New Alberta Businesses document.

3. Open the Company Bank Account

Select a bank and open the company bank account. A list of banking institutions in St. Albert is available in the City's directory.

4. Find a Location

St. Albert has a robust retail, commercial and industrial market and one element that can contribute to the success of your business is selecting the right location. Below are a few resources that can assist you.

Explore Available Properties in St. Albert and learn more about the demographics of that area with our Business Intelligence Tools.
St. Albert recently updated the Land Use Bylaw. Where your business is permitted to be located depends on what your primary business use is such as manufacturing, office space, clothing retail, food service, etc. Use the Land Use Districts Map to guide you.
The Economic Development Team can help you navigate the city Bylaws and provide assistance locating available properties based on your needs. Whether you are new to St. Albert, considering expanding or ready to grow your home-base business, connect with our Economic Development Officers:
- Amanda MacDonald amacdonald@stalbert.ca
- Sheena Nakonechny snakonechny@stalbert.ca

5. Obtain Licenses and Permits

In St. Albert, an annual business license is required for local and non-resident businesses. Business Licensing is located at the St. Albert Business Centre at 29 Sir Winston Churchill Avenue. You may apply for a licence online through the City's MyCity service.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT

An approved development permit application is required before starting the construction of a new project or making changes to existing space to accommodate a new type of use. A fee is associated with the application, which is due at the time of submission. Two sets of floor plans, elevation drawings and site plans are usually required, and a completed development permit application. A Home Occupation Questionnaire must also be completed when proposing to operate a home-based business.

Most home-based businesses require a development permit and business license to operate in a residential district. The Land Use Bylaw classifies home-based businesses as "Home Occupations" or "Home Offices." Should a business be identified as a "Home Office" through information provided on the Home Occupation Questionnaire, then a Development Permit will not be required.

Once a Development Permit is issued, the approved plans are forwarded to Engineering Services for an Occupancy/Building permit. An application for a Business License must be submitted to Business Licensing.

For more information on permits, please contact Planning and Development on the 2nd floor at St. Albert Place at 5 St. Anne Street. Phone: 780-459-1642.

BUILDING AND OCCUPANCY PERMITS

Most projects require a Building Permit. Permits are not required for:

Maintenance and repairs that do not affect electrical or mechanical work.
Painting, decorating or cabinet work.
Fences, retaining walls (less than 1 metre), sidewalks or planters.
Accessory buildings less than 10 sq. metres in size.

Commercial and light industrial projects require three sets of plans, usually provided at the development permit stage. Plans must be sealed and signed by an Architect or Structural Engineer licensed to practice in Alberta.

Building Inspections are required for:

Basement walls prior to backfill
Framing and insulation prior to drywall installation
Plumbing and gas installations and completion prior to occupancy

Occupancy Permits are required for:

All new commercial, industrial and institutional projects.
All additions to commercial, industrial and institutional projects.
Alterations to commercial, industrial and institutional projects based on size/complexity. Contact the Building Safety Codes Officer for a ruling if in doubt.
Change of use or occupancy of a commercial, industrial or institutional building.