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Whistler home-based business rules

Can I run a business from my home in Whistler?

Whistler, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-06

Short answer

Yes. In Whistler a home occupation is permitted in all zones if the zoning bylaw's conditions are met, and it needs a business licence. Only one non-resident may work in it. Fees are $25 to apply, then $190 a year.

Key facts

AllowedYes. A home occupation (a craft or occupation run as an accessory use of a home) is permitted in all zones if the conditions in the zoning bylaw are met.Zoning and Parking Bylaw No. 303, 2015 (PDF, consolidated August 8, 2026), Part 5, s. 12(1); Zoning and Parking Bylaw No. 303, 2015 (PDF, consolidated August 8, 2026), Part 2 definitions · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
a home occupation use is permitted in
all zones provided:
"home occupation" means a craft or occupation conducted as an accessory use subordinate to
Business licenceYes. A business licence is required (the 'Home occupation business' category; a separate licence applies to selling art from a home-based artist studio). $25 new application fee, then the standard $190 annual fee.Business Licences, Home occupation business; Business Licence and Regulation Bylaw No. 2253, 2019 (PDF, consolidated February 8, 2023), Schedule A · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
If you are conducting business in Whistler, you are required to hold a valid business licence.
This licence is for businesses based within a residential home in Whistler, or who require a licence to travel with them, including massage therapist, janitors, and trades people.
New licence administration fee - $25.00.
Annual licence fee is $190.00 unless otherwise set out below, to a maximum annual fee
LimitsOnly one person who does not normally live in the home may work in the business. No products or materials may be stored outside a principal or auxiliary building. No alterations to show a non-residential use. In residential zones no products may be sold from the home, except a home-based artist studio may sell art and crafts made there.Zoning and Parking Bylaw No. 303, 2015 (PDF, consolidated August 8, 2026), Part 5, s. 12(1)(a)-(d) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
alterations are not made to any building in a Residential zone to indicate it is
being used for any purpose other than its principal use;
the maximum number of persons who do not normally occupy the dwelling unit
no products or materials are stored outside of a principal building and auxiliary
other than a Home-based Artist Studio which is permitted to
Businesses not allowedNone set. Whistler's bylaw bans no particular type of home business.
BylawZoning and Parking Bylaw No. 303, 2015 (Part 5, s. 12); Business Licence and Regulation Bylaw No. 2253, 2019Zoning and Parking Bylaw No. 303, 2015 (PDF, consolidated August 8, 2026), title page; Business Licence and Regulation Bylaw No. 2253, 2019 (PDF, consolidated February 8, 2023), title · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
ZONING AND PARKING BYLAW NO. 303, 2015
BUSINESS LICENCE AND REGULATION BYLAW NO. 2253, 2019

How it works

Zoning and Parking Bylaw No. 303, Part 5, s. 12, permits a home occupation (a craft or occupation run as an accessory use of a home) in all zones if its conditions are met. You also need a Whistler business licence in the "Home occupation business" category.

Steps

  1. Check that your business meets the conditions below.
  2. Apply online for a business licence ($25 application fee).
  3. Pay the annual fee of $190. The licence shows in your MyWhistler account five days after payment.

Good to know

  • Only one person who does not normally live in the home may work in the business.
  • No products or materials may be stored outside a principal or auxiliary building.
  • You may not alter the home to show a non-residential use.
  • In residential zones no products may be sold from the home, except that a home-based artist studio may sell art and crafts made there (a separate licence applies).
  • The bylaw bans no particular type of home business. Tourist accommodation is separate (see short-term-rental).
  • We found no floor area, parking or sign limit in the bylaw. Ask Planning at 604-935-8170.

Official forms and pages

The same question in other places

Pemberton · Squamish · Lions Bay · Anmore · District of North Vancouver · Bowen Island

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

Sources

  1. Zoning and Parking Bylaw No. 303, 2015 (PDF, consolidated August 8, 2026) (read 2026-11-06)
  2. Business Licence and Regulation Bylaw No. 2253, 2019 (PDF, consolidated February 8, 2023) (read 2026-11-06)
  3. Business Licences, Resort Municipality of Whistler (read 2026-11-06)
  4. Building and Development Permits, Resort Municipality of Whistler (read 2026-11-06)

Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 4 of 5 facts was matched to the official text; 1 is recorded as not set. How answers are checked.