Georgia has no statewide home-business preemption, so a home occupation in unincorporated Chatham County must comply with Section 2-28 and be reviewed by Building Safety zoning administration. A county occupation-tax certificate is also required.
There is no special standalone permit for a plain home occupation, but the use must satisfy Section 2-28 of the Chatham County Zoning Ordinance and is reviewed through Building Safety & Regulatory Services' zoning administration before you operate. The section spells out conditional home occupations with their own limits: boarding of not more than two non-transient guests with added parking; a family day care home; and a beauty parlor limited to 500 square feet or 25% of living area and not more than two resident employees. All home occupations also need a Chatham County occupation-tax certificate (business license) and any applicable state professional license.
Operating outside Section 2-28's limits, or without the required occupation-tax certificate, is enforced by Chatham County code enforcement through citations and civil penalties.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Savannah, GA
Savannah prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and towed...
Savannah, GA
Savannah regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in new con...
Savannah, GA
Savannah regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Savannah, GA
Savannah requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Savannah, GA
Savannah requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Savannah, GA
Savannah restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuisan...
See how Savannah's home occupation permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.