Qualicum Beach home-based business rules

Can I run a business from my home in Qualicum Beach?

Qualicum Beach, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-06

How it works

Under Qualicum Beach's Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 2024, "home occupation" is a permitted use in the Residential 1 and 2 zones and the rural zones A1 to A4, run by a resident of the dwelling. Several other zones list it as not applicable. Home businesses are allowed in strata units if no clients come into the complex's non-public areas.

Limits:

• at most one non-resident employee
• inside the dwelling only, no outdoor storage
• at most 20% of the dwelling or 50 m², whichever is less
• at most four clients or patrons on the property at once, with only one customer served at a time
• no sale of goods not produced on the parcel; no nuisance
• one non-illuminated sign under the Sign Bylaw
• at most two home occupations per dwelling
• parking follows Schedule 3B: none required except 1 per non-resident employee, 2 for sales of goods and 2 for customer or client service

Not allowed: car repair, boat repair, engine repair, restaurants, retail food sales and kennels, or anything that creates a nuisance (smell, noise, fumes, vibration, glare) or uses materials producing flammable or explosive vapours.

Steps

1. Check your zone and the limits above (see zoning-lookup).
2. Complete the Town's Business Licence Application with a floor plan and a site and parking plan.
3. Submit it with payment at Town Hall or by mail (PO Box 130).

Good to know

• The Town's business licence page and form say two off-street parking spaces are required. The bylaw's table requires none unless there are employees, sales or client service. Confirm with the Town.
• The Town's fee schedule has no home-based category; ask which line applies (see business-licence).