---
title: Prince George home-based business rules
question: "Can I run a business from my home?"
place: Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/prince-george
category: Starting and running a business
owner: municipal
owner_body: City of Prince George
sources_read: 2026-11-05
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/prince-george/home-based-business/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/prince-george/home-based-business.json"
---

# Prince George home-based business rules

**Question:** Can I run a business from my home?

**Short answer:** Yes, in Prince George many home businesses are allowed with a City business licence, but the Zoning Bylaw sorts them into Home Business 1, 2 and 3 with limits on floor area, employees, clients and vehicles. Some uses, such as restaurants and massage services, are not allowed at home.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Prince George, https://www.princegeorge.ca)  
**Cost:** 2026 annual licence: Home Business 1 $95.07 ($140 for an office-only contractor or trade); Home Business 2 $140; Home Business 3 $215.32. New applications also pay a $100 processing fee and a $25 title search fee.  
**Where:**
- Online: Apply for a business licence, https://www.princegeorge.ca/city-services/permits-applications/business-licence-application
- Phone: Development Services, 250-561-7611
- Email: Development Services, devserv@princegeorge.ca

## Key facts

- **Allowed:** Yes, as an accessory use of a home by a resident living there more than 240 days a year. Home Business 1 and 2 are secondary uses in AR, RS, RT and some RM zones (HB1 also in some others); Home Business 3 only in the Home Business Overlay (Schedule B), within AR, RS1 and RS2.
  - Source: [City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007 (consolidated October 5, 2026), Definitions: Home Business 1; Home Business Overlay](https://www.princegeorge.ca/sites/default/files/2026-10/BL7850_CONSOLIDATED_2026-10-05.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Home Business 1: the accessory use of a principal dwelling by at least 1 resident (who resides for more than 240 days of a year at that dwelling) of the dwelling to conduct a business activity or occupation." … "Home Business Overlay (HBO): lands identified in Schedule "B" of this Bylaw." … "Home Business Overlay (HBO): lands identified in Schedule “B” of this Bylaw."
  - Source: [Business Licences, Home Business Regulations (web page)](https://www.princegeorge.ca/business-development/business-licences)
  - Official wording: "Home businesses are divided into four categories with each category having its own set of regulations."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Business licence:** Yes. The operator must hold a City business licence. 2026 fees: Home Business 1 $95.07 ($140 for an office-only contractor or trade), Home Business 2 $140, Home Business 3 $215.32, plus the $100 processing fee for a new application.
  - Source: [City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007 (consolidated October 5, 2026), s. 5.3.1(d)](https://www.princegeorge.ca/sites/default/files/2026-10/BL7850_CONSOLIDATED_2026-10-05.pdf)
  - Official wording: "who shall hold a business license from the City"
  - Source: [Comprehensive Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 7557, 2004, Schedule A-2, Schedule A-2, Business Licence](https://www.princegeorge.ca/sites/default/files/2025-12/BL7557_CONSOLIDATED_2025-12-15.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Home Business 1 Home Business 1 $89.61 $92.30 $95.07 $97.92" … "Home Business 2 Home Business 2 $140.00 $140.00 $140.00 $144.20" … "Home Business 3 Home Business 3 $195.30 $205.07 $215.32 $221.81" … "Processing fee (non-refundable) for all new, relocation, and re-applications $100.00"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Limits:** All: max two home businesses per building; no nuisance beyond the property line; vehicle trips 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mon to Sat, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun and holidays; extra parking. HB1: 25% of floor area, no non-resident employees, 3 clients per 24 h, 1 vehicle, no outdoor storage. HB2: 1 employee, 1 client per hour, 2 vehicles. HB3: 2 employees, 2 clients per hour, 3 vehicles.
  - Source: [City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007 (consolidated October 5, 2026), s. 5.2.1, s. 5.3.1, s. 5.4.1, s. 5.5.1](https://www.princegeorge.ca/sites/default/files/2026-10/BL7850_CONSOLIDATED_2026-10-05.pdf)
  - Official wording: "No more than two home businesses may be located in one principal building." … "Monday to Saturday between the hours of 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM; and" … "the home business 1 does not occupy more than 25% of the gross floor area of the principal dwelling." … "there shall be no more than three home business clients or customers on site during any period of 24 hours for a home business 1." … "may employ no more than one non-resident on- site employee." … "there shall be no more than one home business client or customer on site during any 60 consecutive minutes, except for one instruction class once a week for up to five students." … "may employ no more than two non-resident on- site employees." … "there shall be no more than two home business clients or customers on site during any 60 consecutive minutes."
  - Source: [Home Business 1 Regulations, Home Business 1 Regulations guide (web page)](https://www.princegeorge.ca/media/187)
  - Official wording: "the home business 1 shall have no more than one home business vehicle parked and maintained on the premises."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Businesses not allowed:** Restaurants, massage, dating or escort services, adult-oriented or spectator entertainment, vet services, animal shelters, breeding or boarding, community care facilities, warehousing, waste management, bed & breakfast or other on-site accommodation. Vehicle repair, washing or painting is excluded (Home Business 3: only if not accessory). Home Business 1 also excludes education, taxidermy and goods over 5 kg.
  - Source: [City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007 (consolidated October 5, 2026), Definitions: Home Business 1, 2, 3](https://www.princegeorge.ca/sites/default/files/2026-10/BL7850_CONSOLIDATED_2026-10-05.pdf)
  - Official wording: "A home business 1 does not include: any use permitted under the M6 and M7 zones; spectator, patron participation, or adult-oriented entertainment; dating or escort services; massage services; community care facilities; correction services; restaurants; veterinary services;" … "warehousing; non- accessory parking; bed & breakfast, agri-tourism accommodation, campground, hotel, motel or any other on-site accommodation service" … "on-site repair, washing or painting of vehicles or equipment (unless accessory to the business)" … "taxidermy; education; on-site manufacturing, processing, fabricating or assembling goods heavier than 5 kg;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007 (ss. 5.2 to 5.5); City of Prince George Business Regulation and Licensing Bylaw No. 9040, 2020
  - Source: [City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007 (consolidated October 5, 2026), ss. 5.2 to 5.5](https://www.princegeorge.ca/sites/default/files/2026-10/BL7850_CONSOLIDATED_2026-10-05.pdf)
  - Official wording: "City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007 - CONSOLIDATED"
  - Source: [Business Regulation and Licensing Bylaw No. 9040, 2020, s. 1](https://www.princegeorge.ca/sites/default/files/2023-04/BL9040_ADOPTED.PDF)
  - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited as the "City of Prince George Business Regulation and Licensing Bylaw No. 9040, 2020"."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

A resident who lives in the home more than 240 days a year may run a home business as an accessory use. Home Business 1 and 2 are secondary uses in AR, RS, RT and some RM zones. Home Business 3 is allowed only in the Home Business Overlay (Schedule B), within AR, RS1 and RS2. RS3 and RS4 list Home Business 1 and 2 only.

You need a City business licence. The rules are in the [Zoning Bylaw](https://www.princegeorge.ca/sites/default/files/2026-10/BL7850_CONSOLIDATED_2026-10-05.pdf), sections 5.2 to 5.5.

## Steps

1. Read the City's guide for the category closest to your business (links above).
2. Check your property's zone and overlay in PGMap, or call Development Services at 250-561-7611.
3. Apply for a business licence online, choosing the home business type.
4. Keep to the limits below.

## Good to know

- All categories: no more than two home businesses per building; no nuisance beyond the property line; vehicle trips only 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays and holidays; parking in addition to the required residential parking.
- Home Business 1: 25% of floor area, no non-resident employees, 3 clients per 24 hours, 1 vehicle, no outdoor storage.
- Home Business 2: 25% of floor area, 1 employee, 1 client per hour, 2 vehicles (no heavy vehicles), no outdoor storage or display.
- Home Business 3: 2 employees, 2 clients per hour, up to 3 vehicles on sites up to 1.0 ha (one may be heavy). Floor area is capped relative to the dwelling; outdoor storage only on sites over 1.0 ha, screened.
- Not allowed: restaurants, massage, dating or escort services, adult-oriented or spectator entertainment, vet services, animal shelters, breeding or boarding, community care facilities, warehousing, waste management, bed and breakfast or other on-site accommodation, and vehicle repair, washing or painting (Home Business 3 only if not accessory). Home Business 1 also excludes education, taxidermy and goods over 5 kg.
- Licences expire December 31. Fees rise 3% a year after 2026.
- A bylaw notice for non-compliance is $200 ($250 if paid late).

## Official forms and pages

- [Home Business 1 Regulations](https://www.princegeorge.ca/media/187)
- [Home Business 2 Regulations](https://www.princegeorge.ca/media/188)
- [Home Business 3 Regulations](https://www.princegeorge.ca/media/189)
- [Business Licences page](https://www.princegeorge.ca/business-development/business-licences)

## Related questions

- [Prince George business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/prince-george/business-licence.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Home-based business rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/home-based-business.md)
- [Vanderhoof](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vanderhoof/home-based-business.md)
- [Quesnel](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/quesnel/home-based-business.md)
- [Fort St James](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fort-st-james/home-based-business.md)
- [Wells](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/wells/home-based-business.md)
- [Fraser Lake](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fraser-lake/home-based-business.md)
- [Mackenzie](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mackenzie/home-based-business.md)

## Sources

- [Business Licences, City of Prince George](https://www.princegeorge.ca/business-development/business-licences) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Home Business 1 Regulations, City of Prince George](https://www.princegeorge.ca/media/187) (read 2026-11-05)
- [City of Prince George Zoning Bylaw No. 7850, 2007 (consolidated October 5, 2026) (PDF)](https://www.princegeorge.ca/sites/default/files/2026-10/BL7850_CONSOLIDATED_2026-10-05.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Comprehensive Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 7557, 2004, Schedule A-2 (PDF)](https://www.princegeorge.ca/sites/default/files/2025-12/BL7557_CONSOLIDATED_2025-12-15.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Business Regulation and Licensing Bylaw No. 9040, 2020 (PDF)](https://www.princegeorge.ca/sites/default/files/2023-04/BL9040_ADOPTED.PDF) (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. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Prince George. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/prince-george/home-based-business/_