Business License 101
Given the special nature of Buford Highway, the business licensing process can be a complicated process to navigate. Depending on your business location, the jurisdiction in which you apply for you business license can vary. For the most up to date information, please contact your local government office:
City of Chamblee Planning and Development Department
(770) 986-5010
chambleedevelopment@chambleega.gov
City of Doraville Business Licensing
(770) 451-8745
businessservices@doravillega.us
DeKalb County Department of Planning and Sustainability
(404) 371-2000
BLicense@dekalbcountyga.gov
City of Brookhaven Finance Department
(404) 637-0500
revenue@brookhavenGA.gov
City of Doraville: Occupational Tax Certificate Instructions
***Disclaimer*** Some types of businesses or regulated industries require additional applications. Consult this list to see if your business type requires additional applications. Sale of alcoholic beverages requires a separate application as well.
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Locate your property on the City’s Official Zoning Map to ensure that your business can do business in the designated zone.
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Look up and confirm permitted uses in the corresponding zoning area in the Doraville City Code (Chapter 23).
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Look up and confirm required parking minimums in the Doraville City Code (Sec. 23-1201).
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This step is optional, but recommended. A Zoning Verification Letter is a document issued by the City that confirms the current classification and permitted land uses of a specific property. Obtaining a ZVL is helpful for potential property buyers and business owners looking to use the land for specific purposes. It helps ensure that their intended use of the property aligns with the existing zoning regulations and can provide peace of mind before making significant investments in the property.
Checklist to Obtain an OTC
1. Gather All Required Documents
Lease/Proof of Ownership: Only include pages containing signatures, address, square footage, effective date, and parties involved.
Floor Plan: Drawn to scale with dimensions.
Site Plan: Highlight/circle location of suite within building (may use aerial image to highlight suite if no site plan is available).
Copy of Articles of Incorporation (Corporations or Limited Liability Companies) -OR- Copy of Social Security (Sole Proprietors and Partnerships)
Photo IDs: Copy of State or Federally Issued Photo ID -AND- Alien Registration Card (if applicable)
DeKalb County Sanitation Division account number -AND- proof of sanitation service (more information).
Certificate of Occupancy: For new construction, change of use, or commercial property renovation with new ownership or footprint.
Certificate of Completion: For renovations that maintain the same ownership and footprint, or square footage.
Home Occupation: A signed Affidavit of Requirements for Home Occupation
Professional Licensure: Copies of licenses required by the State of Georgia for certain professions: Health Care, Psychologists, Lawyers, Teachers, Engineers, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Architects, Tradesmen, Beauticians, Personal Care Service Professionals, Etc.
Restaurants:
Copy of DeKalb County Board of Health Food Service Permit
Food Retailers:
2. Complete the City of Doraville OTC Application Form
3. Pay Fees
$50 Application Fee
$35 per employee
$50 inspection fee (home occupations, nonprofit religious organizations, new certificates of occupancy/completion are exempt)
(OPTIONAL) $50 fee for Zoning Verification Letter
Checklist For After Obtaining Your OTC
Obtaining a building permit for any exterior or interior construction of renovation
Obtain a trade permit for: Electrical, Mechanical, and/or Plumbing
Obtain a land disturbance/site development permit for any new construction, site development, or changes in square footage
Obtain a sign permit for signs on your property, including signs painted on a building and temporary signs
Obtain a tree permit for tree removal, replacement, and pruning