Check your municipal permits and zoning

In Prince Edward Island, home business rules are set by your municipality.

Time

1–2 hours

Cost

Varies by municipality

It depends on your municipality

We found no general PEI business licence for a small retailer. Each municipality sets its own rules.

In Charlottetown, a home-based business needs a home occupation application, which costs $50 with no renovations. The business can use up to a quarter of your home's floor area. Retail stores may not be allowed as a home occupation, so ask the Planning & Heritage Department whether online sales shipped from home are allowed before you start.

Look up your own municipality rather than assuming Charlottetown's answer applies to you.

Be upfront about what you sell

Some products or business types carry extra by-laws or requirements, including food. Tell your municipality exactly what you will sell so you know before you start, not after.

Keep the answer

Save your permit. If the municipality confirms you do not need one, get that in writing, because banks and suppliers sometimes ask.

Your checklist

Find the home occupation or permits page for your municipality
Check the home business rules for your address
Apply for a home occupation permit if one is required
Describe exactly what you sell and how you ship it
Save any permit or written confirmation that none is needed