GovHandbook

Stewart home-based business rules

Can I run a business from my home?

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

Short answer

Yes. In Stewart a home occupation is allowed in the R1, R2 and MHP zones if you live there and follow the zoning limits. You also need a business licence, using the Home Based Business option on the District's application form.

Key facts

AllowedYes. Home occupation is a permitted use in the R1, R2 and MHP zones.Zoning Bylaw No. 881, 2014, s. 5.1, 6.1, 8.1; Zoning Bylaw No. 881, 2014, s. 5.1 (R1) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
The following uses and no others are permitted in the MHP zone:
Home occupation; and
8.1. The following uses and no others are permitted in the MHP zone: .1 Manufactured home park; .2 Mobile homes; .3 Home occupation; and .4 Accessory building. Regulations 8.2. On a parcel located in an area zoned as MHP, no building or structure shall be constructed,
Business licenceThe Business Licence Application has a 'Home Based Business' option and asks the applicant to read and sign the Zoning Bylaw excerpt; the District looks closely at what business will be run in a home.Business Licence Amending Bylaw No. 927, 2018 and application form, Application form; Business Licensing, Business Licensing page · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
New Licence C] Non-Resident[:] Mobile Business [:3 Home Based Business D Change of Owner or Address C]
This includes a business that is being conducted in a home.
LimitsOnly a resident of the dwelling may operate it. It must be wholly inside the dwelling or an accessory building with no external storage. Only one wall-mounted sign up to 0.36 m². No operating between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Customers should not exceed 10 a day.Zoning Bylaw No. 881, 2014, s. 3.47 to 3.52 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
A home occupation shall only be operated by a resident of the dwelling unit in which the home
shall involve no external storage of materials, containers or finished products.
not exceeding 0.36 square metres.
No home occupation shall be conducted between the hours of 10:00 pm and 8:00 am.
should not exceed 10 visitors or customers per day.
Businesses not allowedNot permitted: offensive noise, vibration, traffic, smoke, dust, odour, glare, heat or electrical interference; exterior alterations out of keeping with a residential area; flammable explosive vapours or gases; bulk deliveries by commercial vehicles or trailers; customer traffic beyond what is customary in a residential area.Zoning Bylaw No. 881, 2014, s. 3.48 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
A home occupation is not permitted that:
Produces any offensive noise, vibration, traffic, smoke, dust, odour, glare, heat or
Utilizes materials or processes that produce flammable explosive vapours or gases under
Requires the delivery or removal of materials or products in bulk by commercial vehicles or
BylawZoning Bylaw No. 881, 2014 (home occupations, s. 3.46 to 3.52)Building Permits | District of Stewart, Building Permits page · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
Zoning Bylaw 881, 2014

How it works

Zoning Bylaw No. 881 allows a home occupation in the R1, R2 and MHP zones. The Business Licence Application has a "Home Based Business" option and asks you to read and sign the zoning bylaw excerpt. The District looks closely at what business will be run in a home.

Limits:

  • Only a resident of the dwelling may operate it.
  • It must be wholly inside the dwelling or an accessory building, with no external storage.
  • One wall-mounted sign only, up to 0.36 m².
  • No operating between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
  • Customers should not exceed 10 a day.

Not permitted: offensive noise, vibration, traffic, smoke, dust, odour, glare, heat or electrical interference; exterior alterations out of keeping with a residential area; flammable or explosive vapours or gases; bulk deliveries by commercial vehicles or trailers; and customer traffic beyond what is customary in a residential area.

Steps

  1. Confirm your zone is R1, R2 or MHP (see zoning-lookup).
  2. Fill in the Business Licence Application and choose "Home Based Business".
  3. Send it to info@districtofstewart.com or deliver it to 705 Brightwell Street, as the business-licence answer describes.

Good to know

  • Licence fees vary by type of business; see the business-licence answer.
  • Home occupation is not listed in other zones in the rules we read; ask the District.

Official forms and pages

The same question in other places

Hazelton · New Hazelton · Terrace · Prince Rupert · Port Edward · Smithers

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

Sources

  1. Zoning Bylaw No. 881, 2014 (PDF) (read 2026-11-08)
  2. Business Licence Amending Bylaw No. 927, 2018 and application form (PDF) (read 2026-11-08)
  3. Business Licensing, District of Stewart (read 2026-11-08)
  4. Building Permits | District of Stewart (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.