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Invermere home-based business rules

Can I run a business from my home in Invermere?

Invermere, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-08

Short answer

Yes. In Invermere a home based business is allowed as an accessory use in many residential zones if it follows s. 3.7 of the Zoning Bylaw, and it needs a District business licence ($150 to apply, $150 to renew). Retail stores are excluded.

Key facts

AllowedYes. Home Based Business is an accessory use in the R-1, R-1(A), R-2, R-2S, R-2(A), RM-2, R-3, R-3A, R-4, R-MP, RR-1 and RR-2 zones, and in the multi-family phases of the CT-1 zone. It must follow s. 3.7. Not allowed on a tourist home site in the R-3A zone.Zoning Bylaw No. 1145, 2002, consolidated, Section 5 zone lists; s. 3.7 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
(a) Home Based Business;
A home based business, where permitted by this Bylaw, shall be in compliance with the following:
Home Based Business means an occupation, service, profession or craft which is clearly
incidental to the use of a dwelling unit for residential purposes or to the residential use of a parcel
Home Based Business; and Other uses, buildings and
(g) Not operate a Home Based Business or Bed & breakfast operation on
Business licenceYes. A District business licence is required; home occupations are within the bylaw's definition of business. General Business Licence: $150 application and $150 renewal. A signed application form for home-based businesses is required.Business Licencing Bylaw No. 1683, 2025, ss. 2, 3.1; Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 1682, 2025, Schedule F; Business Licencing, FAQ · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
(c) carrying on a home occupation pursuant to the bylaws of the District of Invermere; or
(a) A person will not carry on business in the District without first having obtained and paid for a
General Business Licence $150 $150
(Home Based Businesses and Child Care Businesses must submit a signed copy of the appropriate Application Form)
LimitsFamily living there plus at most one non-resident helper; kept inside the dwelling or an accessory building, with no outside storage or exterior evidence of the business (vehicles excepted); signs follow the Sign Bylaw. Outdoor use only on parcels of 2.0 ha or more, not in the front yard, up to 185 m². Up to 2 customer parking spaces.Zoning Bylaw No. 1145, 2002, consolidated, ss. 3.7(1)-(5), 4.5(10) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
with the assistance of not more than one person who does not reside in a dwelling
finished product and no exterior evidence of the home based business, except for a
(a) the parcel on which the home based business is carried out is 2.0 ha (4.9 acres) or
to exceed 185 m2 (1991 ft2) in area.
A maximum of two (2) off-street parking spaces shall be provided for customers and clients
Erection of signs shall comply with regulations of the Sign Bylaw.
Businesses not allowedRetail stores are specifically excluded as a home based business.Business Licencing, FAQ · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
Retail stores are specifically excluded as a home based business.
BylawZoning Bylaw No. 1145, 2002, s. 3.7; Business Licencing Bylaw No. 1683, 2025Zoning Bylaw No. 1145, 2002, consolidated, s. 3.7; Business Licencing Bylaw No. 1683, 2025, Title · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
development, which would prevent the parcels from being sold or transferred separately. Home Based Business 3.7 A home based business, where permitted by this Bylaw, shall be in compliance with the following:
1.1 Title 1.1.1 This bylaw shall be referred to as the "District of Invermere Zoning Bylaw No. 1145, 2002". 1.2 Purpose
BYLAW NO. 1683, 2025

How it works

In Invermere, Home Based Business is an accessory use in the R-1, R-1(A), R-2, R-2S, R-2(A), RM-2, R-3, R-3A, R-4, R-MP, RR-1 and RR-2 zones, and in the multi-family phases of the CT-1 zone. It must follow s. 3.7 of Zoning Bylaw No. 1145. It is not allowed on a tourist home site in the R-3A zone. You also need a District business licence under Business Licencing Bylaw No. 1683.

Steps

  1. Check that your zone lists Home Based Business (see zoning-lookup).
  2. Complete the business licence application form for home-based businesses, signed.
  3. Email it to info@invermere.net or hand it in at 914 8th Avenue.
  4. Pay the $150 fee. Renew each year for $150.

Good to know

  • Only family living there plus at most one non-resident helper may work in the business.
  • Keep it inside the dwelling or an accessory building, with no outside storage or exterior evidence of the business (vehicles excepted). Signs must follow the Sign Bylaw.
  • Outdoor use is allowed only on parcels of 2.0 ha or more, not in the front yard, up to 185 m². Up to 2 customer parking spaces.
  • Retail stores are specifically excluded, according to the District's FAQ.
  • The bylaw states no hours of operation and no floor-area cap inside the dwelling; ask Planning.

Official forms and pages

The same question in other places

Radium Hot Springs · Canal Flats · Kaslo · Elkford · Kimberley · Cranbrook

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

Sources

  1. Zoning Bylaw No. 1145, 2002, consolidated (PDF), District of Invermere (read 2026-11-08)
  2. Business Licencing Bylaw No. 1683, 2025 (PDF), District of Invermere (read 2026-11-08)
  3. Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 1682, 2025 (PDF), District of Invermere (read 2026-11-08)
  4. Business Licencing, District of Invermere (read 2026-11-08)

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.