Smithers home-based business rules
Can I run a business from my home?
Short answer
Yes. In Smithers a home occupation is allowed in a residential dwelling, inside the dwelling or a permitted auxiliary building, using no more than 40% of the dwelling's floor area. It needs a Town business licence (Home Occupation, $165 a year).
Key facts
| Allowed | Yes. Home occupations are permitted in all residential dwellings, on a parcel with a dwelling unit, entirely inside the dwelling or a permitted auxiliary building, using no more than 40% of the dwelling unit's total floor area (including basements and cellars).Zoning Bylaw No. 1987, s. 2.1, s. 2.1.1, 2.1.2 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingHome occupations are permitted in all residential dwellings. not more than 40% of the total floor area (including basements and cellars) of the dwelling unit is occupied by the home On a parcel of land containing one or more dwelling units; and |
|---|---|
| Business licence | Yes. A business licence is required for home-based businesses. Class 1000, Home Occupation: $165 per year. It is issued only when the Zoning Bylaw s. 2.1 requirements are met.Sources differ: Conflict between sources: Schedule A of Business License Bylaw No. 1850 (consolidated Jan. 3, 2025) and the Town's Business License Application Guide show $160 (the guide says fees range from $160 to $1,000); Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2003 Schedule J, which s. 7.1 of Bylaw 1850 makes the source of fees, and the Town's September 2026 fee guide show $165 (range $165 to $1,030). Bylaw 2003 is followed.Business Licensing, Business License Application Guide page; Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2003, Schedule J, Schedule J, class 1000; Zoning Bylaw No. 1987, s. 2.1, s. 2.1.5 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingThis includes businesses that are located out of town, but operate within Town boundaries and home based businesses. 1000 Home Occupation $165.00 / year Home occupation Business Licenses will only be issued and approved by the |
| Limits | Max 40% of the dwelling's floor area. No outdoor storage; no employees who do not live in the dwelling; only sell goods directly related to the home occupation; signs only as the Sign Bylaw allows; no noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odour, litter, heat, fire hazard, interference or street traffic congestion beyond what a dwelling normally has. Parking: 1 space only if clients visit.Zoning Bylaw No. 1987, s. 2.1, s. 2.1.3; Table 2.10.2 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingStore outside of a building any materials, containers or products related to the Employ a person who does not reside in the dwelling with which the home Sell goods except those goods directly related to the class of the home Home occupation 1 per home occupation, where clients visit the site, |
| Businesses not allowed | Not allowed: a commercial stable, kennel, restaurant or convenience store; service or repair of small engines, automotive, farm, heavy or marine equipment; parking industrial or construction equipment or materials; manufacturing, welding or any other light industrial use.Zoning Bylaw No. 1987, s. 2.1, s. 2.1.3(b), (f) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingInclude a commercial stable, kennel, restaurant, convenience store, service or Involve manufacturing, welding, or any other light industrial use; and |
| Bylaw | Zoning Bylaw No. 1987, s. 2.1 (Home Occupations); Business License Bylaw No. 1850; Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2003, Schedule J.Zoning Bylaw No. 1987, s. 2.1; https://www.smithers.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/BL%201850%20BUSINESS%20LICENSE%20%28Consolidation%20January%203%202025%29.pdf, Title · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingSection 2.1 Home Occupations 2.1.1 Home occupations are permitted in all residential dwellings. BYLAW NO. 1850 BUSINESS LICENSE |
How it works
Under section 2.1 of the Zoning Bylaw No. 1987, a home occupation is permitted in all residential dwellings, on a parcel with a dwelling unit, entirely inside the dwelling or a permitted auxiliary building. It may use up to 40% of the dwelling unit's total floor area, including basements and cellars. It must also meet all municipal bylaws and the BC Building Code.
Limits:
- No outdoor storage.
- No employees who do not live in the dwelling.
- Only sell goods directly related to the home occupation.
- Signs only as the Sign Bylaw allows.
- No noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odour, litter, heat, fire hazard, interference or street traffic congestion beyond what a dwelling normally has.
- Parking: 1 space, only if clients visit.
Not allowed: a commercial stable, kennel, restaurant or convenience store; service or repair of small engines, automotive, farm, heavy or marine equipment; parking industrial or construction equipment or materials; manufacturing, welding or any other light industrial use.
Steps
- Check that your zoning allows it (see the zoning-lookup answer).
- Apply for a Town business licence. It is issued only when the Zoning Bylaw s. 2.1 requirements are met.
- Pay the $165 annual fee once approved.
Good to know
- The Town's earlier guide and Bylaw 1850 show $160. The current Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2003 shows $165; confirm at 250-847-1600.
- Bed and breakfast and short-term rental operations follow Zoning s. 2.2 and 2.3 instead (see the short-term-rental answer).
- Breaking the home occupation rules can bring a bylaw notice. The Penalty amount is $300; check the amount on your notice.
Official forms and pages
The same question in other places
Telkwa · Houston · New Hazelton · Hazelton · Granisle · Terrace
Home-based business rules in British Columbia, by municipality →
Sources
- Zoning Bylaw No. 1987, s. 2.1, Town of Smithers (read 2026-11-06)
- Business Licensing, Town of Smithers (read 2026-11-06)
- Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2003, Schedule J, Town of Smithers (read 2026-11-06)
- Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2011, Town of Smithers (read 2026-11-06)
- https://www.smithers.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/BL%201850%20BUSINESS%20LICENSE%20%28Consolidation%20January%203%202025%29.pdf (read 2026-11-06)
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.