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 Application (PDF), often referred to as a Business License, and pay Business Occupational Taxes. Additional requirements apply to businesses that sell alcohol (PDF), businesses that rent short-term accommodations (PDF), and businesses that rent vehicles.

Download the New Business License/Occupational Tax Certificate Application (PDF) to submit by mail or in person with payment and all required documentation.

Note: The New Business License process typically takes 7–10 business days.

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

Business licenses and renewals
Alcohol licenses and renewals
Monthly tax payments (hotel/motel tax, liquor-by-the-drink excise tax, and wholesale tax)
Planning and zoning permit payments

To process court payments (such as tickets, citations, and fines), visit the Cashier Services Desk at Sandy Springs Municipal Court, located at 620 Morgan Falls Road.

Visiting Our Office

In-person Revenue services are available at the Revenue Desk. Please review the Permits and Revenue Office page for appointment scheduling, hours of operation, current appointment policies, and other important visitor information.

Individuals seeking the following permits must first visit the Revenue Desk to apply and pay associated fees, then visit the Sandy Springs Police Department for additional processing:

Note: Bartender/Server Pouring Permit applicants serving at restaurants must complete the Alcohol Awareness Training Program (PDF). After completion, applicants should go directly to the Sandy Springs Police Department at 620 Morgan Falls Road with a printed Alcohol Awareness Certificate and a $50 payment.

If you need a pouring permit for a special event, call 770-730-5600 and ask to speak with the Revenue Department for assistance.

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

Online Services

Payments can be made online at Online Payment Portal.

Opening a New Business

Every business needs an Occupational Tax Certificate Application (PDF), also referred to as a Business License in Sandy Springs. To avoid penalty fees, applications should be submitted within 30 days of the business commencement date. After 30 days, a 10 percent late penalty and 1.5 percent monthly interest charge apply.

Note: Businesses operating from a commercial location may need to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the Permits Department before submitting a New Business License application.

Annual Business License Payment, Renewal, and Changes

Businesses located in Sandy Springs are required to obtain a Business Occupational Tax Certificate (Business License). The certificate is valid for one calendar year and must be renewed annually. Business Licenses expire on December 31; however, the City provides a three-month grace period through March 31.

Note: Businesses must also provide the Business License Affidavits (PDF) along with their annual renewal notice to receive their Business License. Renewal payments submitted after March 31 are subject to a 10 percent late penalty and 1.5 percent monthly interest charge.

Alcohol Sales

Alcohol wholesalers and retailers have different tax requirements and due dates.

Business Regulations by Industry

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