Fulton County, GA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Zoning Resolution § 4.12
- Who may work
- Resident family members only
- License required
- Business license mandatory
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Fulton County only
Summary
Unincorporated Fulton County allows home occupations as an accessory use in any zoning district, but only for resident family members, and operators must hold the required occupational and business license.
A home occupation is permitted as an accessory use of a dwelling unit in any zoning district and its operation and employees are limited to members of the resident family only. The following are limitations on home occupations:
A.The smaller of 25 percent or 750 square feet of the gross floor area of a dwelling unit may be used for activities devoted to the home occupation.B.Accessory buildings and structures may not be used for the home occupation.C.There shall be no signs identifying the home occupation, nor shall there be any storage, display or activity associated with the home occupation visible outside the structure. (Amended 03/03/04)D.Said uses are excluded: auto repair or similar operations, restaurants, keeping of animals, funeral homes, retail or wholesale shops, motel type establishments, taxi services, or any other occupation found incompatible with the intent of this resolution. (Amended 03/03/04)E.Resident participants in a home occupation must have the appropriate occupational licensing, including business licenses.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 57).
Full Breakdown
Fulton County Zoning Resolution § 4.12 permits a home occupation as an accessory use of a dwelling in any zoning district of unincorporated Fulton County, but limits operation and employment to the resident family: no outside employees. Section 4.12(E) requires resident participants to hold the appropriate occupational licensing, including a business license, before operating. This section governs only the county's unincorporated remnant; homes in Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Milton, or South Fulton follow their own city's home-occupation code, not this one.
Violations & Fines
Operating a home business without required occupational and business licensing, or with non-resident employees, violates § 4.12 and can result in citation, license denial, or zoning enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply if I live in Atlanta or Sandy Springs?
Can I hire employees for my home business?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fulton County
How Fulton County compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare Fulton County to another location·View the Georgia home business overview
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