Brandon Permits & Bylaws — Where to Apply

Business licences

Most businesses operating in Brandon need a business licence from the City. Apply online or in person through City Hall. Categories include retail, food service, professional service, contractor, home-based business — each with its own requirements.

Home-based businesses have additional zoning requirements; check before assuming you can operate from your home address.

Building permits

Any major construction, renovation, addition, deck, fence over a certain height, and structural work requires a building permit. Smaller cosmetic work doesn't. The Planning & Building department reviews applications and issues permits.

Typical permits needed:

• New construction / additions
• Decks over 600mm in height
• Most structural alterations
• Electrical / plumbing major work (plus provincial permits)
• Demolition
• Pools (in-ground)
• Sheds over certain size

Always check brandon.ca/planning before starting work. Building without a permit can result in stop-work orders and retroactive fees.

Parking permits

Long-term street parking, residential parking permits (some downtown areas), and accessible parking permits go through the City. Day-to-day parking enforcement is by-law / parking division.

Special events & street use permits

Running an outdoor event, street fair, parade, or community gathering on public property requires a special event permit. The City's events office helps coordinate; lead times are weeks not days. Liquor service adds Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries to the process.

By-law inquiries & complaints

Common by-law issues: property maintenance (unmaintained yards / structures), noise, unsightly premises, parking, dogs at large, fence disputes, encroachments. Each by-law has a process — usually starts with the City's by-law enforcement office.

To file a by-law complaint:Submit through the City's online service request form. Anonymous complaints accepted but you may need to provide contact for follow-up.

Zoning & planning

Property zoning determines what you can do with your land. Check the zoning map on brandon.ca before assuming you can build / operate / change use. Re-zoning requires a formal application, council review, and public consultation — months-long process.

Where to start

brandon.ca → Planning & Building section. If your question doesn't fit obviously, call City Hall reception and ask who handles it — they'll route you.