Business License Application Process

How to Apply for a New License

 

1. The first step is to fill out the Business License Application (PDF), submit it to our department along with the owner’s ID & lease (for commercial locations – must be signed by property owner). You may come in person to submit the application or by email to businesslicense@hallcounty.org. If you are emailing your application, your documents must be notarized. Please note we stop taking new applications at 4:00pm. 

2. The Business License Department will process the application & send it to the Planning Department where they will review the documents & make sure your Business can operate based from your home or at the commercial location. 

3. Home Based Businesses: Planning will issue a Home Occupation or Home Office Affidavit. 

Commercial Businesses: Once Planning approves your application, they will forward the documents to Building Inspection. Building Inspection will contact you for payment for your CO($75) & to schedule your inspection. Our department will also send a Certification to the Engineering Department to be signed. After your inspection has passed, a Building Official will sign your CO. 

4. Planning, Engineering (commercial locations) & Building Inspection will forward the documents to Business License. We will then contact the business owner for payment. After the payment has been processed, we will email a packet to the Business owner for signatures. Once we receive the signed documents, we will issue your Business License. 

Additional Information: 

 

  • Please contact our office or the Planning Department (770-531-6809) if you have any questions regarding a property being zoned properly for your type of business. 

  • Depending on the Business Type, more information may be required. Such as Sales Tax #, State License, Food Service Permit, Background Check, Etc.

  • Acceptable forms of payment include cash, check, or credit card (VISA®, MasterCard®, and DISCOVER®).  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at 770-531-6815 or email us at businesslicense@hallcounty.org. 


If you are trying to find information regarding Short Term Rentals, please click here. 

Occupational Taxes

Occupational tax fees in Hall County are based on the total number of people working in the business, INCLUDING OWNERS, not on annual income as in other counties. To learn more, view the Occupational Tax Fees (PDF).

License fees for businesses with an effective beginning date of April 1 or later will be pro-rated the first year, depending on the actual beginning date of the business. All licenses must be renewed each year by January 1.

  1. How often do I have to obtain a Business License?
  2. My business didn't work out, but I keep getting a bill from you. What do I need to do?
  3. I have added a partner or I have incorporated my business. Do I need to let you know?
View All