South Fulton, GA Home Business: Home Occupation Permits (2026)

South Fulton's Zoning Ordinance ties home occupations to business licensing. Sec. 303.11(g) states: "Resident participants in a home occupation must have the appropriate occupational licensing, including business licenses." The city's Business License process issues an Occupation Tax Certificate (business license) for businesses operating in the city; per the city, the Business Tax Division issues the certificate, but zoning for home-based businesses is regulated by the Zoning Department — so a home occupation must clear both. Occupation Tax Certificates are valid for the calendar year (January 1–December 31) and must be renewed by March 31 each year, with a 10% penalty plus interest for late renewal. There is no separate stand-alone "home occupation permit" named in the zoning text beyond meeting the Sec. 303.11 standards and obtaining the business license; the home occupation is an allowed accessory use in residential districts (an "A" use on the use table) provided all Sec. 303.11 conditions are met. Applicants should confirm whether a zoning verification or administrative sign-off is required as part of the business-license application, since the city notes home-based business zoning is reviewed by the Zoning Department. Family day care homes have additional licensing requirements (a state DECAL license, see Sec. 303.08). Always confirm current fees and the exact application packet with the Business License Department and the Department of Community Development and Regulatory Affairs.