Business Licences

Changes to business licence requirements and processes have been implemented to improve Stony Plain's business friendliness.

Changes to Definitions

Changes to Renewals

Only Local Licences are eligible for renewals, which are provided at no cost if a renewal request is received before January 31 of the following year.   

Non-local Licence holders must reapply annually.

1. Register your business with Service Alberta

2. Determine if your proposed location is zoned appropriately for your business activity

We recommend speaking with us before you sign a lease to confirm whether your business activity is allowed at that location. Due diligence is the business owner's responsibility as part of making an informed and responsible investment decision. If your business activity is not allowed in a specific location, you should inquire about applying for rezoning or selecting a different location. 

Contact Planning

3. Development and building permits may be required before the business licence can be issued

Permits are needed of you are: 

• Changing the type of business activity at the location
  

• Building a new space  

• Undertaking significant interior or exterior renovations to an existing space
  

• Installing or replacing a sign on or off the premises
  

Visit our development and building permits page to determine if permits are required.

License Types

*All business licence types are active between January 1 and December 31 of the year issued. 

** Non-local businesses will be charged half the fee starting September.

See the renewal section below for clarification on changes to renewals.

Businesses and licence types eligible to participate in the IBLA agreement must be mobile in nature, meaning an address will not be established in order to conduct business.

Unless activated, the intermunicipal component does not apply, and the business licence is only valid within the municipality that issued the licence. 

IBLA Eligibility

What is the IBLA?

The IBLA replaces the former Tri-Municipal Business Licence, and allows eligible businesses located in Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, and Parkland County, to conduct business in Stony Plain and Spruce Grove under the same licence. Parkland County does not require business licences.

How does the IBLA work?

If an eligible Stony Plain or Parkland County business is issued a licence eligible for the IBLA from the Town, and the business can conduct business in Spruce Grove without establishing a Spruce Grove address/location, the business can operate in both Stony Plain and Spruce Grove under the same licence.

The same applies for a Spruce Grove business, if the business is issued a licence eligible for the IBLA from the City, and the business can conduct business in Stony Plain without establishing a Stony Plain address/location, the business can operate in both Stony Plain and Spruce Grove under the same licence. 

How do I activate the IBLA component of my licence?

Activation is easy, if you received your licence in Stony Plain and it's eligible for the IBLA, you must activate your licence with the City of Spruce Grove. If you received your licence in Spruce Grove and it's eligible for the IBLA, you must activate your licence with the Town, which can be done through the Application Form at the bottom of this webpage. 

Will it cost me extra?

No. Fees are only required once when you purchase your licence and no charges are required for activation. Business licence fees are the same between Stony Plain and Spruce Grove.

All businesses operating in Stony Plain must receive a business licence. That said, some businesses are exempt from fees, those businesses include:

• Registered non-profits
• Youth owned businesses
• Professions with legislated exemptions 

Once your complete application is submitted, it will be reviewed to determine if additional permits are required. If additional permitting is required, your licence application will be paused until the necessary permits are issued. Complete applications not requiring additional permitting will be reviewed and issued within 7 business days. 

Expedited processing 

Expedited processing is offered for applications that don't require additional permitting at double the fee of a regular application, which will ensure your licence is issued within 3 business days. If additional permitting is required, expedited processing is not applicable. 

Once your application is reviewed you will be contacted for payment.

Payment can be made during our regular business hours (8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday, closed on statutory holidays):

• Over the phone; or
• In person at our office located at 4905 - 51 Avenue, Stony Plain AB, T7Z 1Y1

Once payment is received, you will receive your licence certificate via email. Alternatively, a copy of your licence can be printed at our office by request. 

Renewals are an important source of information for the Town.

Businesses that hold a valid local licence are eligible for free annual renewals.

Renewals must be completed each year by January 31. If the January 31 renewal deadline is missed, a new application and fees are required. 

Non-local businesses that typically renew their licence annually must now complete a new application each year. 

You must post your licence certificate in a prominent location visible from the main entrance, point of sale, or on the project site.

Lost or damaged licences can be reprinted at our offices located at 4905 - 51 Avenue, Stony Plain AB, T7Z 1Y1 for a fee. 

Please contact us at 780-963-2151 to cancel your licence. 

Stony Plain's Economic Development team keeps businesses updated with information relevant to doing business in the municipality via the monthly Business E-Newsletter.

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In the event you wish to appeal a licencing decision, refer to the Business Licence Bylaw