Business Resources

Cochrane is the place for entrepreneurs. If you’re thinking of starting a business here, we have resources to support you. Make an appointment with Business Development or check out the resources on this page. We can help with planning and preparation, from business licensing and market research to promotional strategies.

Home-based business

If you are planning to operate your business out of a dwelling, then it's classified as a home occupation. The Land Use Bylaw allows home occupations as long as they meet all bylaw requirements.

The basic rules for home occupations are:

no outside storage of goods and materials related to the business
no nuisances by way of noise, vibration, smoke, dust, fumes, odours, heat, glare or electrical/radio interference that are detectable beyond the property limits
no more than a maximum of 30 per cent of the gross floor area of the principal dwelling occupied by the business
no businesses that require utility or mechanical servicing beyond what would generally be expected for a residential use
no businesses that require a significant amount of cash or valuables to be stored on site

Beyond the general rules, the different classes of home occupations may have additional requirements.

Home occupation – Class 1

Home occupation – Class 2

A class 2 home occupations may allow up to six client or customer visits to the dwelling per day. Only one employee who does not live in the dwelling can work on-site . In addition to the two parking stalls required for the dwelling, a class 2 home occupation requires additional parking. Additional parking includes one stall for the business and one per employee living outside the dwelling.

A business licence and a development permit are required to operate a class 2 home occupation. To apply for a home occupation development permit, you can complete the application form. Once complete, you can submit the form along with any supporting information and the processing fee.

The amount of information needed on the application depends on the size, complexity and potential impacts of your proposed development. You can use the provided checklist to ensure you have all the required information:

Note: the application fee is $400.00 ($250.00 + $150.00) See the approved Planning Fee Schedule for details.

Class 2 application: next steps

Once you submit your application and supporting documents, Planning staff will review your application. If there is sufficient material to make a decision, the application is circulated to Cochrane departments and outside agencies for comment.

After reviewing the proposal, comments and recommendations, the development officer may approve the application with or without conditions. The Cochrane development officer will make this decision within 40 days of receiving the application. The application may be refused with reasons stated.

Class 2 application: appeals

Any decision of the Development Authority is subject to appeal to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB). You can file a Notice of Appeal form (available from Cochrane staff), along with a processing fee, with the Secretary of the Board. You must do this within 21 days of:

the date shown on the Notice of Decision (in the case of a refusal)
the Notice of Decision appearing on the Public Notices page (in the case of an approval)

Bylaws for businesses

All businesses located or operating in Cochrane must hold a current business licence, as per the Business Licence Bylaw 22/2018. In addition, all business must comply with the following bylaws:

Dangerous Goods Bylaw 02/2006, which deals with the transportation of dangerous goods
Snow Removal Bylaw 01/2009, which states that business owner are responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks within 48 hours of snowfall
Noise Control Bylaw 16/2011

Home-based business

Bylaws for businesses

Contact Information

Business Development

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