Business Regulations and Licensing

Doing Business in Sandy Springs

Thank you for choosing to conduct business in our city! All businesses located in the City of Sandy Springs are required to hold a valid Business Occupational Tax Certificate, often referred to as a business license, and pay Business Occupational Taxes. There are additional requirements for businesses who sell alcohol, businesses who rent short-term accommodations (hotels/motel etc.) and businesses who rent vehicles.

The Revenue Desk at City Hall processes the following licenses and permits:

• Business license and renewals
• Alcohol license and renewals
• Monthly tax payments (hotel/motel, liquor by the drink tax excise tax, wholesale)
• Planning and Zoning permit payments

The Cashier Services Desk at the North Municipal Complex located at 7840 Roswell Road, Suite 501 (inside the Municipal Court entrance) processes Court payments.

Visiting our Office

In-person Revenue services are available at the Revenue Desk. Be sure to check the Permits and Revenue Office page for hours of operation, current appointment policies and any other important information about your visit.

Individuals seeking the following permits are required to visit the Revenue Desk to apply and pay associated fees, and then visit the Sandy Springs Police Department for further processing:

• Massage permit
• Pawn shop permit
• Solicitation (door-to-door) permit
• Booting and immobilization permit 

Please note: Bartender/server Pouring Permit applicants (serving at restaurants only) must go directly to the Sandy Springs Police Department located at 7840 Roswell Road, Suite 301, 30350) If you need a pouring permit for a special event, call 770-730-5600 and ask to speak to the Revenue Department for assistance.

Special Event permits are processed at the Permits Desk adjacent to the Revenue Desk.

Online Service

Payments can be made online at spr.gs/payment.

Opening a New Business

Every business needs an Occupational Tax Certificate also referred to as a business licenses in Sandy Springs. To avoid penalty fees, they should be applied for within 30 days of opening the business.

Annual Business License Payment and Renewal

Businesses located in Sandy Springs are required to obtain a Business Occupational Tax Certificate (business license). The Certificate is valid for a calendar year and must be renewed annually.

Alcohol Sales

Alcohol wholesalers and retailers have different tax requirements and due dates to abide by.

Business Regulations by Industry

Certain categories of business are subject to special rules and regulations:

Home-based Businesses
Hotels and Short-Term Rentals
Vehicle Rental