Starting a Home Based Business in Gander

• The following regulations apply to all home based businesses:
• The business must be operated by a resident of the dwelling unit;
• All business activities must be conducted entirely indoors, and not occupy more than 25% of the gross floor area of the property, including the area of the basement, up to a maximum of 45m²;
• The business will not employ persons residing outside the dwelling to work inside the premises;
• Off–street parking is required for all customers of a home based business;
• If the business operator is not the property owner, then a letter from the property owner authorizing the home based activity must be submitted with the application;
• No exterior alterations can be made to the home that are not consistent with the residential character of the buildings and property;
• Signs advertising the home based business are not permitted on the property;
• There shall be no outside storage of materials, goods or equipment related to the home based business;
• A maximum of 2.0 cubic metres of storage may be permitted within a dwelling, and a maximum of 4.0 cubic metres of storage may be permitted within the garage, shed or other accessory building;
• Storage of hazardous, explosive or flammable materials are not permitted;
• No repairs to motorized vehicles or equipment are to be carried out at a residential property;
• No regular parking of commercial vehicles except for one vehicle with a payload capacity of no greater than two tons will be permitted on the property lot; or on the right away adjacent to the property;
• Business activities must not produce any noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odors, heat, glare, electrical, television or radio interference detectable beyond the boundaries of the building;
• The wholesale or retail sale of goods and services is not permitted. Wholesale and retail is defined as the sale of products and services which would, by nature, involve the delivery of products/ supplies and would also create the potential for several customer visits at one time;
• Deliveries of merchandise, goods or equipment to the home based business must not cause a nuisance to other residents of the neighborhood;
• A home based business involving daycare for children must be in compliance with Government of Newfoundland & Labrador’s Child Care Services Act.
• Music or art instruction classes are limited to no more than three students at one time;
• No vehicle trips generated by the home based business shall be permitted between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 m. Home based businesses shall not generate significantly more traffic than the dwelling would;
• No change shall be made in the extent of service provided by the home based business without first being authorized by the Town of Gander.
• Home based personal service businesses are to be limited to one chair/ one client operations, in which the business owner alone provides service for one customer at a time.
• All businesses must be in compliance with any acts, policies, regulations, set forth by any provincial or federal regulatory body.

The home based business application must be completed in full and contain detailed information on the type of business proposed. A non-refundable $50.00 processing fee must accompany the application.

After the application has been accepted for processing by the Development Department, it will be reviewed against the requirements of the development regulations. If the application meets these requirements then staff will proceed to advertise the application as required as per the Town of Gander Development Regulations. The Town of Gander will advertise the application on the Town website and will distribute written notices to property owners within a distance of 50 metres of the boundary of the site.

The website and written notices are intended to inform the public that an application for a home based business has been received, provide details of the application, and to allow an opportunity for public input on the proposed development.

A 7 –day period will be given to submit objections to the Town. Written representations that are received are referred to Council at the same time the application is to be considered for approval.

If the application is approved by Council, the applicant will be required to pay a $10 permit fee prior to the issuance of a licence to operate. The development agreement establishes the terms of Councils’ approval and is to be signed by both the applicant and the Development Department. Taxes will be levied according to Section IV.

The amount of time involved for processing an application for a Home Based Business from acceptance of the completed application form by the Development Department to a decision by Council is approximately 4-6 weeks.

A Home Based Business permit fee of $10.00 is to be paid to the Town of Gander at the commencement of the business.

Following commencement of the business, the Municipal Assessment Agency will be notified of your business. The Agency will make the necessary arrangements with you to visit your home and

determine the amount of space in your residence being used for your business. Under the Assessment Act, the Home Based Business will be taxed at the appropriate tax rate as adopted in the Town of Gander’s annual budget. Once the assessment has been conducted, the business will be invoiced. Minimum taxation could be $200.00 per year depending on the type of business.