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Williams Lake home-based business rules

Can I run a business from my home?

Williams Lake, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-05

Short answer

Yes. In Williams Lake a resident can run a home-based business in zones R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 and RR-1 under the Zoning Bylaw rules, such as using no more than 25 per cent of the floor area. Every home-based business must also hold a City business licence.

Key facts

AllowedYes. A home-based business, run by a resident of the dwelling unit, is a permitted use in zones R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 and RR-1, subject to the conditions in Zoning s. 3.12.Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, section 3.12, s. 2.4.1, 3.12.1, Part 4 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
HOME-BASED BUSINESS means a commercial occupation or profession carried
on by a resident of the dwelling unit which is clearly incidental and accessory to
A home-based business may only be conducted in a zone in which it is
Home-Based Business (b)
Home-Based Business (a)
Business licenceYes. Every home-based business must be licensed under the category matching the business. There is no separate home-based fee; the fee follows the category (for example business services $100, small retail $120, professional services $100 per agent).Sources differ: City page says a home-based business 'may require' a licence; the bylaw says every one 'shall be licensed'. Value follows the bylaw. The Business License Bylaw still points to Zoning Bylaw No. 1825, 2002, which Bylaw No. 2430 repealed.Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 (consolidated PDF), s. 32, Schedule A; Home-Based Businesses · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
Every person operating a Home-based business shall be licensed under the
classification which reflects the nature of the business.
BUSINESS SERVICES $100.00
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES $100/agent
may require a business license before commencing operation
LimitsUse, including storage, may take at most 25% of the floor area of the home and accessory buildings; all activity inside buildings or rear yards; at most one full-time or two part-time employees on the premises; no on-street parking; one extra parking space if customers visit; one business vehicle; signs under Sign Bylaw 2360.Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, section 3.12, s. 3.12.1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
shall occupy no more than 25%
of the floor area of the principal building and accessory buildings.
All activities shall be conducted entirely within the principal building or
employment of more than one full-time or two
part-time employees on the premises.
shall not use on-street
one additional parking space must be provided, over and above
no more than one vehicle
Sign Bylaw No. 2360
Businesses not allowedNo automobile, boat or heavy machinery servicing or repair as a home-based business. Outdoor storage is limited by the rule that all activity is inside buildings or rear yards.Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, section 3.12, s. 3.12.1(c) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
No automobile, boat, or heavy machinery servicing or repair is permitted as a
home-based business use.
BylawCity of Williams Lake Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025 (s. 3.12); City of Williams Lake Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 (s. 32)Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025, section 3.12, s. 3.12; Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 (consolidated PDF), s. 32 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
building that complies with the BC Building Code requirements for life and safety. 3.12 HOME-BASED BUSINESS 3.12.1 A home-based business may only be conducted in a zone in which it is
ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT TABLE List of Amendments to the City of WILLIAMS LAKE ZONING BYLAW NO. 2430, 2025 BYLAW CIVIC ADRESS TYPE /SECTIONS PURPOSE DATE OF
3.11.2 Short-term rental accommodation must have a valid license issued under City of Williams Lake Business License Bylaw No. 2365, as amended or replaced from time to time.
Every person operating a Home-based business shall be licensed under the

How it works

In the City of Williams Lake, a home-based business run by a resident of the dwelling unit is a permitted use in zones R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 and RR-1, subject to s. 3.12 of Zoning Bylaw 2430. Mixed-use, commercial and other zones do not list it.

The business must follow these limits:

  • Use, including storage, takes at most 25% of the floor area of the home and accessory buildings.
  • All activity is inside buildings or rear yards.
  • At most one full-time or two part-time employees on the premises.
  • No on-street parking, and one extra parking space if customers visit.
  • One business vehicle.
  • Signs follow Sign Bylaw 2360.
  • No automobile, boat or heavy machinery servicing or repair.
  • It must follow the Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 2194.

Steps

  1. Check your zone (see the zoning lookup answer).
  2. Apply for a City business licence in the category that matches your business (see the business licence answer).
  3. Ask Development Services (250-392-1765) if you are unsure.

Good to know

  • The City's page says a home-based business "may require" a licence. The Business License Bylaw (s. 32) says every one "shall be licensed". Follow the bylaw.
  • The licence may need Interior Health approval.
  • The Business License Bylaw still points to the old Zoning Bylaw 1825, 2002, which Bylaw 2430 repealed. Use 2430.

Official forms and pages

The same question in other places

100 Mile House · Quesnel · Wells · Clinton · Cache Creek · Clearwater

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

Sources

  1. Home-Based Businesses, City of Williams Lake (read 2026-11-05)
  2. Zoning Bylaw No. 2430, 2025 (PDF), section 3.12 (read 2026-11-05)
  3. Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 (consolidated 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. How answers are checked.