Home-Based Business  

This section covers home-based businesses, the types of home-based businesses in the City of Wetaskiwin, and how to apply. 

Thinking about operating a home-based business?

All home-based businesses and home offices require an approved development permit and business license prior to opening. In the City of Wetaskiwin, the Land Use Bylaw 1804-13 lists Home Office, Minor Home-Based Business, and Major Home-Based Business as the three types of home occupation uses.

Types of Home-Based Businesses in Wetaskiwin:

1. Home Office - Zero (0) business visits per day

Home offices include a dedicated area located in a dwelling which has a phone and/or fax for a registered business entity but where there are no business clients, employees, products or deliveries.

Click here to view Section 8.7.1 of the Land Use Bylaw outlining the regulations of a Home Office.

2. Minor Home Based Business - One (1) business visit per day

Minor home based businesses is a development consisting the use of an approved dwelling within a residential building by a resident of that dwelling for one or more businesses. Such businesses shall not require more than one business associated visit per day at that dwelling. The business use must be secondary to the residential use of the building and no aspects of the business operations shall be detectable from outside the property other than an approved sign. The dwelling shall not be used as a workplace for non-resident employees of the business. This use class does not include general retail sales.

Click here to view Section 8.7.2 of the Land Use Bylaw outlining the regulations of a Minor Home Based Business.

Major Home Based Business - One Plus (+1) business visits per day

Major home based businesses is a development consisting of the use of an approved dwelling or accessory building by a resident of that dwelling for one or more business associated visits per day. The business use must be secondary to the residential use of the building and shall not change the residential character of the dwelling or accessory building with the exception of an approved sign. This use class includes bed and breakfast facilities but does not include general retail sales.

Click here to view Section 8.7.3 of the Land Use Bylaw outlining the regulations of a Major Home Based Business

Business Licenses: 

All businesses that operate within the City of Wetaskiwin require a valid business license. 

For more information, visit the Permits & Licenses page.

Compliance Certificates

This section covers compliance certificates, how to apply, and the fee schedule.

What is a Compliance Certificate?

A Compliance Certificate is a confirmation from the City of Wetaskiwin that the location of the building(s) on the site complies with the requirements of the Land Use Bylaw. It does not regulate or enforce building code requirements. A Compliance Certificate is usually required by lending agencies and/or lawyers in the sale of property and/or mortgage approval in order to protect their clients' investments. Standard real estate purchase contracts often require the vendor to obtain a Compliance Certificate. A Compliance Certificate is not a legislative requirement, but rather a service provided by the City of Wetaskiwin. 

Fee Schedule:

Subdivision 

Subdivision is a process that allows registered land owners to divide and/or consolidate two or more parcels of land into separate legal titles and/or one legal title. Subdivisions are subject to the Municipal Government Act, City of Wetaskiwin's Municipal Development Plan, Land Use Bylaw 1804-13, and other legislation and regulations. 

Subdivision Application 

1. Subdivision Application Process
2. Subdivision Application Package
3. Endorsement Application Form 
4. Time Extension Application Form

External Links

• Alberta Energy Regulator Directive 079
• Alberta Energy Regulator
• Alberta Energy Regulator Service Centre 1-855-297-8311
• Energy Regulator's OneStop Application
• Government of Alberta's GeoDiscover Application
  

Subdivision applications are to be submitted to the City of Wetaskiwin Engineering & Development department:

By Mail: City of Wetaskiwin

 Engineering & Development
Box 6210 | 4705 - 50 Avenue
 Wetaskiwin, AB  T9A 2E9

By Email: permits@wetaskiwin.ca

Land Use Bylaw and Zoning Amendments

This section establishes how a residents can amend the Land Use Bylaw or Rezoning land usedistricts within the City of Wetaskiwin.

What is amending the Land Use Bylaw/Zoning Districts?

City Administration and residents have the ability to make text amendments and map amendments to the City of Wetaskiwin's Land Use Bylaw 1804-13. Text amendments are modifications to existing regulations or clauses within the Land Use Bylaw. Whereas, map amendments have the ability to change the land use classification of a property (for example: rezoning a property from R1 - Single Dwelling Residential to DC - Direct Control). 

Is public consultation required for all Land Use Bylaw/Zoning amendments? 

The Planning and Development department will review each proposed amendment and determine if public consultation is required. If public consultation is required, the Planning and Development Department will notify properties within 76 m of the property affected by the amendment. A public meeting or open house may be held if deemed necessary. 

What are the fees associated with amending the Land Use Bylaw/Zoning Districts? 

Review Schedule A of the Development and Engineering Fees. 

What are the timelines for amending the Land Use Bylaw/Zoning Districts?

Amending the Land Use Bylaw/Zoning District has variable timelines depending on the complexity of the proposed amendment. Applicants should anticipate that all amendments may take two (2) to three (3)  months to fully complete the amendment process. 

Proposed amendment applications that are refused by Council must wait twelve (12) months before re-applying to the Planning and Development Department for any similar amendment applications. For more information, review Section 3.13 Bylaw Amendments of the Land Use Bylaw.

Environment Rebate Programs 

This section outlines what specific environmental rebate program are being offered within the City of Wetaskiwin. Applications can be submitted to permits@wetaskiwin.ca.

Low Flow Toilet Rebate 

View the rebate application

The low-flow toilet rebate is available for properties with a current City of Wetaskiwin utility account in good standing. Replace inefficient toilets (13L or more) with one that uses no more than 6L per flush to have your utility account credited with a $50 rebate. Please read the application for full details.

Solar Panel Rebate

View the rebate application

The solar panel rebate program recognizes the significant financial investment property owners make to lessen their environmental footprint. A rebate of $500 is available for eligible residential installations of approved solar panel systems, and a rebate of $1,000 for eligible non-residential installations of approved solar panel systems.

Green Building Rebate

View the rebate application

The green building rebate offers builders or home owners who build to a Built Green, R2000 or LEED standard a full rebate of the development fee.

Occupancy/Damage/Grading Fee Refund

This section covers what a Occupancy/Damage/Grading Fee is and how to obtain a refund. 

What is a Occupancy/Damage/Grading Fee?

The Occupancy/Damage/Grading fee is a 95% refundable deposit. A $25 minimum administration fee is retained. 

An Occupancy/Damage/Grading fee is applied when an applicant submits a building permit application that involves new construction, renovations, and the installation of manufactured homes. 

The purpose of the Occupancy/Damage/Grading fee is to ensure that all building permits obtain Permit Service Reports from a Building Code Safety Officer that confirms the project complies with the Alberta Building Code. 

Vendor Permit

What is a Vendor Permit?

Vendor permits are issued to authorize the operation of  mobile vendors within the City of Wetaskiwin. Mobile vendor is classified as the traveling or temporary sales of selling goods or services from a temporary location in any place where the public has an expected right of access. 

Special event non-profit means any community event or festival being managed or controlled by a non-profit organization which may have one or more vendors. All vendors attending a special event must have vendor permit application, business license application, and payment submitted to Engineering & Development at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Mobile Vendor Permit Guidelines

Mobile vendors must follow the Vendor Permit Guidelines.

For more information on Vendor Permits, please see Bylaw No. 1933-19.

Fee Schedule:

NEW: Temporary Patios Registration Form

The City of Wetaskiwin City Council approved a Temporary Patio Policy to allow for the operation of temporary patios on public and private land without a development permit at the April 26, 2021 Regular Council meeting. 

Please review the following documents should your business wish to operate a temporary patio within the City of Wetaskiwin.

1. Policy CO-052 - Temporary Patios
2. Temporary Patio Registration Form

Completed Registration Forms & required information can be submitted to permits@wetaskiwin.ca or dropped at City Hall (4705 - 50 Ave).