Dawson County Business Licensing

Staff contact: lprichard@dawsoncountyga.gov

https://dawsoncountyga-energovpub.tylerhost.net/Apps/SelfService#/home

Required Documents:

                Completed application

                S.A.V.E. affidavit, included in the application packet, notarized 

                Private employer affidavit pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 60-60-6(d), included in application packet

                Copy of Certificate of Incorporation if applicable (for corporations and LLCs)

                Copy of registration of business with Deeds & Records (if not a corporation or LLC)

                Copy of Professional State license (if applicable)

                Sales and use tax identification number (if applicable)

                Federal Employer Identification Number (if applicable)

                Proof of residential address (see acceptable forms of proof)

                Payment of fees: Check (made payable to Dawson County), credit/debit card

Dawson County provides many opportunities for successful business ventures.  We invite you to visit the following links for additional information about establishing your business:

Georgia Secretary of State First Stop Business Information Center

The UGA Small Business Development Center - Gainesville Office.

 What is e-verify?

Business regulatory fees shall be levied, assessed, collected, and paid on and by those individuals, firms, or corporations doing business or practicing a trade in the unincorporated area of Dawson County.

Prohibited Businesses

Astrologers, bookmaking and bookmaking services, clairvoyants, fortune-tellers, gambling or gambling establishments, games of chance, palmists and phrenologists, and other occupations are prohibited by law.

Basic Requirements for a Business License

The applicant must be 18 years of age and be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or otherwise qualified alien or non-immigrant under the Federal Immigration and Nationality Act.

Types of Business Licenses

Home Office:  An office use carried on by the occupant thereof that is INCIDENTAL and SECONDARY to the use of the structure as a dwelling that includes, but is not limited to, receiving or initiating correspondence, such as phone calls, mail, faxes, or email; preparing or maintaining business records; word and data processing; and telephone, mail order, direct sales (by invitation only), and off-premise sales.  A home office is permitted within any residential district.  The approval for a Home Office shall not 'run with the land' and shall terminate with a change in location or ownership of the Home Office or the premises.

Home Occupation:  Any business, occupation, or activity undertaken for gain or profit within a residential district, except agriculturally related uses, within a residential structure that is INCIDENTAL and SECONDARY to the use of that structure as a dwelling unit or within an accessory structure that is INCIDENTAL and SECONDARY to the use of that structure as attendant to a dwelling unit.  The approval for a Home Occupation shall not 'run with the land' and shall terminate with a change in location or ownership of the Home Occupation or ownership of the premises.

Commercial: Land Use (zoning) restrictions apply depending on the type of business. A certificate of occupancy and fire marshal release are required before a business license is issued.

State Regulated Trades:  State Regulated Trades must complete an affidavit and attach it to the permit.

Special Event:  A business license is required for non-routine business activity that generates or invites public participation or spectators for a particular purpose and a limited period.  These events can have a significant impact on county services.  Special events occur on public streets, private property, or off-site from the originating business.  "Special Event" includes flea markets, community yard sales, outdoor exhibitions, outdoor music festivals, and other outdoor public assemblies and agri-tourism events described and defined within the Dawson County Land Use Ordinance found on Municode.com.  The County Manager and the Board of Commissioners must approve a special event business license.

Business License Fees

Home Office License $100.00
Home Occupation License $100.00
Commercial (Based on the number of employees)
Special Event Business License $200.00

Additional Requirements for Food Establishments

Restaurants must submit a Food Service Permit issued by the County Department of Environmental Health before a business license is issued. The phone number is (706) 265-2930.

Grocery stores and convenience stores must submit a State Department of Agriculture Food Sales Establishment license before issuing a business license. The phone number is (770) 535-5955 or (800) 473-0119.