Home-Based Business

You may need a business license depending on the type of business you are operating from your home. Please refer to our Business Licensing and Permits page to review the list of applicable business licenses, or to apply for a business license. Please ensure you are in compliance with all other rules, regulations and requirements for your business.

• Depending on where you live, your home-based business shall comply with specific zoning provisions, which can be found within these Zoning By-Laws:
  • By-law 1784 - Section 4 (ee)
  • By-law 2585; and - Section 6 (33)
  • By-law 5581-05 - Section 4.10
• These provisions provide clarity on where a home-based business may be permitted, size restrictions, parking requirements, types of businesses, and number of employees. To determine which Zoning By-law is applicable to your property, you can contact the Planning and Development Services Department or view the Town's interactive Zoning Map.

Some home-based businesses are generally permitted, while other businesses may not be allowed in residential zones. Permitted Uses include:

• Teaching and/or instruction; and
• Client-based treatments/services.

Non-Permitted Uses include, but are not limited to:

• Adult entertainment establishment
• Automobile sales establishment
• Body rub establishment
• Clinic
• Contractor’s yard
• Eating establishment
• Escort service
• Kennel
• Motor vehicle paint and body shop
• Premises used as a base of operations to assemble persons for transportation to work off-site or the pick-up of goods, materials or equipment for distribution or use off-site
• Public garage
• Retail store
• Salvage yard
• Taxi establishment

Please refer to your Zoning By-law for an exhaustive list of non-permitted uses.

Signage is restricted to maintain the residential character of neighborhoods. There shall be no display of signs advertising the existence of a homebased business within the dwelling unit or on the property, other than a sign erected inconformity with the Town of Whitby Permanent Sign By-law.

The Town of Whitby Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Program helps established, local businesses with expansion, hiring, and advisory support. Home-based Business are encouraged to participate! To request a meeting, visit Whitby.ca/BRE.

If you're looking for an effective way to promote your business, consider one of the many facility advertising and event sponsorship opportunities available through the Town of Whitby. For more information, visit Whitby.ca/Sponsorship, or contact Manager of Advertising and Sponsorship, Chris Reed, for more information. 

Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) is Durham Region's small business centre that helps start up and existing businesses achieve success through free business advisory services, business development training, entrepreneurial grant funding and networking opportunities.

Contact: bacd@durham.ca
Address: 605 Rossland Rd E, Whitby, ON L1N 6A3

View the Business Advisory Centre Durham website

Whitby Chamber of Commerce provides networking opportunities and resources for business growth.

Contact: Karey Anne Large | info@whitbychamber.org | 905.668.4506
Address: 209 Dundas St E LL5, Whitby, ON L1N 7H8

View the Whitby Chamber of Commerce website

• Durham Region’s first and only technology accelerator, designed to support the growth of tech startups and businesses. 1855 Whitby offers co-working spaces, a shared boardroom and office amenities and is conveniently located in downtown Whitby. 
• Contact: Kaila Dimopoulos | kaila@1855whitby.com | 905.550.2832
• Address: 400 Centre St S, Whitby, ON L1N 4W2
• 1855 Whitby website

• With three branches across Whitby, including one in Brooklin, the Whitby Public Library offers quiet spaces for work and meetings. Larger room rentals are also available to rent for events, workshops, and more. Plus, access a variety of tools and technology through the Discovery Zone, digital resources, and friendly, helpful staff.
• Address: 405 Dundas St W, Whitby, ON L1N 6A1
• Whitby Public Library website

• Belle Vie Cafe & Bakery | 117 Brock St N
• Brock St. Espresso | 131 Brock St S
• Jacked Up Coffee Roasting Co. | 132 Brock St N
• M and L Motors | 928 Brock St N
• Maple Brewz | 1525 Dundas St E
• Marito's Coffee & Things | 105 Mary St W
• Melly's Market + Café | 1022 Brock St S
• Presse Café | 405 Dundas St W
• The Goodberry | 55 Baldwin St, Brooklin
• The Souk | 124 Dundas St W
• The Station: Traditional European Bakery | 72 Baldwin St, Brooklin
• Upshot Coffee Co. | 16 Winchester Rd E, Unit 1, Brooklin