Home Based Business (Residential)
A Residential Home Occupation is an occupation or business conducted as a secondary use for gain or profit within a dwelling unit and/or a permitted accessory structure on the same lot by a resident of the dwelling unit or employee or volunteer in compliance with the regulations contained in this By-law. A home occupation may include licensed home day care for six children or less, unlicensed home day care for five children or less; offices; consulting rooms; workrooms; a studio for a teacher of fine art, or academic subjects; a photographer or commercial artist; or other uses of a similar nature which conform to the provisions and standards found in the home occupation regulations; or which the Committee of Adjustment of the City of Sarnia, upon application, permits.
Fee Rate: A 2024 Residential Home Occupation Application costs $96.75. This fee is charged regardless of whether the application is approved, and is non-refundable.
Anyone looking to run a home occupation in a residential area should complete the following steps:
Step 1:
Review the Home Occupation Information Sheet and the Zoning By-law, specifically General Regulations Section 3.19.
Step 2:
Complete a Home Occupation Application Form. This can be completed digitally, or on paper. The form can be accessed at the link above, or in person at Community Services on the 3rd floor of City Hall.
Step 3:
Submit your form. This can be done:
- Online: Submit your application via the sarnia.ca/apply portal.
- In Person: At Community Services on the 3rd floor of City Hall.
- Mail or Courier: To “City Hall: Attention Planning Department”
Step 4:
Pay the application fee. Payment can be made:
- Online: By credit card using the Payment Platform below.
- In Person: By cheque, credit or debit card, at Community Services on the 3rd floor of City Hall.
- Mail or Courier: By cheque made out to City of Sarnia. Mailed to “City Hall: Attention Planning Department”
- Phone: By credit card. 519-332-0330 ext. 3301
Home Occupation Permit Payment Platform
Use this link to pay for your Home Occupation Permit once you have completed the application form.
Home Based Business (Agricultural)
An Agricultural Home Occupation is an occupation or business conducted for gain or profit within a permitted building or structure as an accessory use, by any resident of the farm dwelling unit in compliance with the regulations contained in this bylaw, such as: a carpenter, electrician, welder, machine shop, as well as small tool, equipment repair or small engine repair shop.
Fee Rate: A 2024 Agricultural Home Occupation Application costs $96.75. This fee is charged regardless of whether the application is approved, and is non-refundable.
Anyone looking to run a home occupation in an agricultural area should complete the following steps:
Step 1:
Review the Agricultural Home Occupation Information Sheet and the Zoning By-law, specifically General Regulations Section 3.18.
Step 2:
Complete an Agricultural Home Occupation Application Form. This can be completed digitally, or on paper. The form can be accessed at the link above, or in person at Community Services on the 3rd floor of City Hall.
Step 3:
Submit your form. This can be done:
- Online: By email to planning@sarnia.ca
- In Person: At Community Services on the 3rd floor of City Hall.
- Mail or Courier: To “City Hall: Attention Planning Department”
Step 4:
Pay the application fee. Payment can be made:
- Online: By credit card using the Payment Platform below.
- In Person: By cheque, credit or debit card, at Community Services on the 3rd floor of City Hall.
- Mail or Courier: By cheque made out to City of Sarnia. Mailed to “City Hall: Attention Planning Department”
- Phone: By credit card. 519-332-0330 ext. 3301
Home Occupation Permit Payment Platform
Use this link to pay for your Home Occupation Permit once you have completed the application form.