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Armstrong home-based business rules

Can I run a business from my home?

Armstrong, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-05

Short answer

Yes, where the zone allows a home occupation. In the City of Armstrong you need a business licence. In residential zones the business may use at most 25% of the dwelling's floor area (up to 45 m²), have no more than two client visits at a time, and employ only residents.

Key facts

AllowedYes. A home occupation (a business run by a resident of the dwelling) is an accessory use in the A.1, CR.1, R.1, R.2, RA.1, RMP, C.1 and C.3 zones, and in residential zones must meet the conditions in zoning bylaw s. 4.2.Zoning Bylaw No. 1921, 2024, s. 2, 4.2.1, 8.1.2, 9.1.2 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
HOME OCCUPATION means the accessory use of a dwelling unit for a business by a resident
Where a Home Occupation is permitted within a Residential zone, the following
Home Occupations
Town Centre Commercial (C.1)
Neighbourhood Commercial (C.3)
Business licenceYes. A home-based business needs a business licence. New: $110 application, $88 inspection and $35 annual fee for a residential location ($17.50 if started after July 31).Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 1845, 2019, s. 3(a), 13(b); Rates, Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1916, 2023 (PDF, consolidated to Bylaw 1947, 2026), Schedule 4; Business License Application, Application form · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
Every business entity who owns or operates any business within the City will apply for,
Residential Location:
Residential location annual fee
Application Fee (one-time for new applications) $ 110.00
Inspection Fee (new applications) $ 88.00
Annual Licence Fee $ 35.00
Annual Armstrong License Fee – Residential Location $35.00
LimitsBusiness must be wholly inside the dwelling or an accessory building, stay residential in appearance, employ only residents, have no more than two client visits at a time, and use at most 25% of the dwelling's floor area up to 45 m². One extra parking space when the public attends. Sign allowed per the Sign Bylaw; no nuisance.Zoning Bylaw No. 1921, 2024, s. 4.2.1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
The Home Occupation must be carried out wholly within the dwelling unit
Only persons residing in the dwelling unit shall be employed in the Home
The Home Occupation shall not generate more than two client visits at a
is 25% of the total floor area of the principal dwelling to a maximum of
45m²;
1 in addition to that required for the dwelling unit(s),
when public will be in attendance at the property.
Businesses not allowedProhibited: exterior storage; business activity outside the home or accessory building; selling or displaying goods not made on the premises (except mail or phone orders or goods customers do not pick up); serving and consuming food; parking commercial vehicles over 7,000 kg or heavy industrial equipment.Zoning Bylaw No. 1921, 2024, s. 4.2.2 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
Exterior storage;
Business activities outside the principal or accessory use building;
Serving and consumption of foodstuffs;
On site parking of commercial vehicles larger than 7000 kg
On site parking of heavy industrial equipment.
BylawZoning Bylaw No. 1921, 2024 (s. 4.2); Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 1845, 2019Zoning Bylaw No. 1921, 2024, s. 1.1.1; Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 1845, 2019, s. 1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
This Bylaw shall be referred to as “Zoning Bylaw No. 1921, 2024”.
The City of Armstrong Business Licensing and Regulation
Bylaw Number 1845

How it works

Under the City of Armstrong's Zoning Bylaw 1921, 2024, a home occupation (a business run by a resident of the dwelling) is an accessory use in the A.1, CR.1, R.1, R.2, RA.1, RMP, C.1 and C.3 zones. In residential zones it must meet the conditions in section 4.2. A home business also needs a City business licence.

Steps

  1. Confirm your zone with Planning.
  2. Fill in the Business License Application and initial the home-based business section. Renters need the owner's or manager's permission.
  3. Deliver the form and fees to City Hall.

Good to know

  • The business must be wholly inside the dwelling or an accessory building and keep a residential appearance. A sign is allowed under the Sign Bylaw. No nuisance.
  • One extra parking space is needed when the public attends.
  • Not allowed: exterior storage; business activity outside the home or accessory building; selling or displaying goods not made on the premises (except mail or phone orders or goods customers do not pick up); serving and consuming food; parking commercial vehicles over 7,000 kg or heavy industrial equipment.
  • Strata bylaws and building schemes may restrict or prohibit a home business.

What you'll need

  • Business License Application with the home-based business section initialled
  • Permission from the owner or manager if you rent

Official forms and pages

The same question in other places

Spallumcheen · Enderby · Vernon · Coldstream · Lumby · Lake Country

Home-based business rules in British Columbia, by municipality →

Sources

  1. Zoning Bylaw No. 1921, 2024 (PDF), City of Armstrong (read 2026-11-05)
  2. Business License Application (PDF), City of Armstrong (read 2026-11-05)
  3. Business Licensing and Regulation Bylaw No. 1845, 2019 (PDF), City of Armstrong (read 2026-11-05)
  4. Rates, Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1916, 2023 (PDF, consolidated to Bylaw 1947, 2026), City of Armstrong (read 2026-11-05)

Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 5 of 5 facts was matched to the official text. How answers are checked.