Cherokee County, GA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Max floor area
- 1,000 sq ft (600 sq ft accessory)
- Public hours
- 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Non-resident employees
- 2 maximum
- Business vehicles
- 2, parked off-street
- License required
- Current occupational tax certificate
- Governing section
- Zoning Ordinance § 9.3
Summary
Cherokee County allows home occupations as an accessory use in every residential and AG zoning district, but Zoning Ordinance § 9.3 caps the operation at 1,000 square feet of floor area, limits it to two non-resident employees, and requires a current occupational tax certificate. Retail sales are barred except for goods produced on site, and hours run 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
9.3-9In no case shall a customary home occupation be opened to the public at times earlier than 8:00 a.m. nor later than 10:00 p.m. ... 9.3-13The number of part time or full time non-resident employees working on the premises shall not exceed two employees, in total, on the property. 9.3-14The home occupation shall utilize not more than 1,000 square feet of floor area for operation or storage purposes, including space within the primary residence and any accessory structure or detached garage. Of the 1,000 square feet of floor area, no more than 600 square feet may be used in any accessory structure or detached garage. Where a property is licensed for two or more businesses, the square footage maximums in this section shall apply, in total, on the property. 9.3-15Owners/Operators of all home occupations shall maintain a current occupational tax certificate. Failure to hold a current occupational tax certificate will invalidate the home occupation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 39 | Zoning: Supplement 35).
Full Breakdown
Article 9 of the Zoning Ordinance sets the development standards every home occupation in unincorporated Cherokee County must meet. 3-1 bars retail sales on the premises except for products actually made or fabricated there, though samples may be displayed for a later order and delivery. 3-5). 3-14 sets the hard cap: no more than 1,000 square feet of floor area for operation or storage, with no more than 600 of those square feet inside an accessory structure or detached garage; a property licensed for two or more home businesses must stay under that combined total. 3-10). 3-9). 3-15). 3-16). 5, including automobile repair, veterinary clinics, tattoo parlors, tanning salons, funeral homes, restaurants, and pawn shops.
Violations & Fines
Losing a current occupational tax certificate automatically invalidates the home occupation under § 9.3-15, and refusing the zoning administrator's inspection can trigger immediate discontinuation under § 9.3-16. Beyond that, Zoning Ordinance § 19.1 makes any zoning violation punishable by a fine up to $1,000.00 and up to 60 days in jail, with each day of continued violation a separate offense, and § 19.2 lets the administrator issue a stop-work order or deny future permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell products from my home business in Cherokee County?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cherokee County
How Cherokee County compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare Cherokee County to another location·View the Georgia home business overview
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