Opening a Business in the Town of High River

Starting a business involves a few important approvals and inspections before you can begin operating. Follow the steps below to help make the process as smooth and efficient as possible.

1. Step 1: Confirm Your Location & Land Use
2. Step 2: Apply for Required Permits through CityWide High River
3. Step 3: Complete Fire Inspection (Storefronts & Mobile Food Vendors)
4. Step 4: Apply for Your Business on CityWide High River
5. Step 5: Open Your Business

Step 1: Confirm Your Business Location:

Before signing a lease or beginning operations, confirm whether your business type is permitted at your chosen location. You will need to determine whether your land type is Permitted Use, Discretionary Use, or Not Permitted Use. Use the resources below for assistance:

• Land Use Bylaw
• Land Use Bylaw Map

For questions about a specific location or business use, contact planning@highriver.ca. 

Home Occupations

If you are operating your business from home, determine whether your business is:

• Minor Home Occupation
• Major Home Occupation - A Major Home Occupation Permit must be completed through the Citywide E-Permitting Portal under the Planning Module.

Step 2: Apply for Required Permits (Storefront Businesses)

Most storefront businesses will require a Tenant Occupancy (TO) approval before opening. However, depending on the work being completed in the space, you may also require additional permits.

Important: Do You Need a Building Permit?

If you are making changes to the space, additional permits may be required. Examples include:

• Building or removing walls
• Adding or removing bathrooms
• Electrical changes
• Plumbing changes
• Gas line modifications

For more information, visit: High River – Do You Need a Building Permit?

Important: If you require aBuilding Permit, the Tenant Occupancy (TO) review is included within that process. You do not need to complete a separate Tenant Occupancy application.

Tenant Occupancy (TO) Application Process

Complete the following steps only if you require a standalone Tenant Occupancy application.

Step 2.1 — Complete the Tenant Occupancy Application

• Tenant Occupancy Application

Step 2.2 — Submit Through the Online Portal

Upload and submit the completed application using the CityWide High River portal. To begin your application, log in to your existing CityWide account or create a new profile/account if you do not already have one.

• Portal Link: https://citywideportal.com/auth/login

Step 2.3 — Start Your Application

After logging in:

1. Select "Safety Codes – Building Permits"
2. Click "Apply"
3. Select "New Application"
4. Enter the project information
   (Use your business information rather than construction project details)
5. Enter the business location
6. Under Application Type, select: "Tenant Occupancy (Commercial)."

Step 2.4 — Upload Required Documents

Complete all required fields and upload supporting documentation.

Required Documents

• Completed Tenant Occupancy Application
• Lease Agreement (if you do not own the space)

Please note: The Town is continuing to refine the new online process, so some checklist items may still be under review.

Step 2.5 — Application Review & Payment

Once submitted:

1. Safety Codes will review your application
2. You will receive a payment request through the portal
3. Watch for an email notification
   (including your junk/spam folder)
4. Once payment is received, the Tenant Occupancy review will proceed toward approval

For questions regarding permits or Tenant Occupancy applications: permits@highriver.ca 

Step 3: Fire Inspection

(Storefronts & Mobile Food Vendors)

If you operate a storefront business, mobile food truck, or mobile food cart, you must complete a Fire Inspection. To schedule an inspection, please contact fireinspections@highriver.ca. Before your inspection, please ensure that all fire extinguishers are current and operational and that all exit lights are functioning properly.

Step 4: Apply for Your Business Licence

Once all required approvals and inspections are complete, apply for your Business Licence:

1. View our step-by-step business licence application guide.
2. Visit the E-Permitting Website
3. Create an account or log in

Before you apply, gather all required documentation, including checklists, drawings, and supporting documents.

Complete Your Application

1. Select "Town of High River" as your municipality
2. Choose the application type
3. Complete all required fields
4. Upload supporting documentation
5. Select Next
6. Review the application summary
7. Submit your application

Town staff will contact you regarding payment after the application has been reviewed.

For more information, please review:

• Business Licence Bylaw
• Mobile Business Policy

Business License Fees