City Clerk - Check List for Submitting Occupational Tax Applications
- Picture I.D. is required.
- Application must be signed, dated and complete. Incomplete applications will be returned.
- If you are not an American citizen, a copy of your green card, VISA, Resident Alien Card, or other permit authorizing you to be in this country must be provided.
- The business cannot be opened or begin operation until you have received your Occupational Tax Certificate. The Certificate must be posted in plain view of the public. (A CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY IS NOT A LICENSE). You will not receive your Certificate or an approval to open on the day you submit your application. The receipt/carbon copy is not approval to open the business or a temporary license to open.
- Review time for obtaining a Certificate is 3-7 days, depending on the nature of the business. Some types of businesses required additional review time, which could take up to 10 days.
( ) Street address, including suite # is visible on the exterior door of your business and must be visible from the street. If the address is not present, you can be cited for violation of Section 1002.F of the Duluth Sign Ordinance.
( ) A copy of your Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) must be attached to your application. A C.O. is required on all new construction, and also if any structural changes are made.This can be obtained through Duluth ’s Planning and Dev. Dept. on the third floor.
( ) An inspection/Certificate of Occupancy from the Fire Marshall is required if there is a change in use, or if determined by the Duluth Building Official. A copy must be attached to your application.(This can be obtained by calling 770-822-7690).
( ) Contractors licensed elsewhere doing business in the City of Duluth are required to apply and pay a $50.00 regulatory fee.
( ) If there are renovations, remodeling, change in use, or other circumstances, a building permit may be required. Please schedule an appointment with the Planning Department or Building Official to determine whether a building permit will be required.
( ) If you are required by the State of Georgia to hold a professional license, a copy of your valid license must be attached to your application. (examples include: accountants, architect, athlete agents/trainers, auctioneer, barbers, chiropractic, construction industry, cosmetology, dentistry, dietitians, dispensing opticians, forester, funeral service, geologist, hearing aid dealers/dispensers, landscape architects, librarians, medical, nursing home administrators, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, podiatry, practical nurses, private detective & security agencies, professional counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapist, professional engineers/land surveyors, psychologist, registered nurses, speech/language pathology and audio logy, used motor vehicle dealers and parts dealers, veterinary medicine, water & wastewater treatment, plant operators and laboratory analysts. (Direct numbers to call are included in your information packet, with your application).
( ) Auto related businesses required an additional form and review. Please see the Planning Department, 3rd floor, for the required affidavit if you are operating any auto repair or auto related type of business.
FOR HOME OCCUPATIONS ONLY
( ) If you plan to conduct business from a
residence, separate form and review is required. Please see the Planning
Department, 3rd floor, to apply for a Home Occupation Permit in addition
to the required Occupational Tax. There is no additional charge for a
Home Occupation Permit.
( ) Homeowners will also need a letter from their homeowner associations
to have a business in their home.
( ) Persons applying for a Home Occupation Permit must attach “proof or
residency” in the form of a utility bill, or other mail addressed to
them at the address where the business is to take place.
( ) Persons applying for Home Occupation Permit in an apartment complex,
must attach a letter of consent from the apartment manager.
( ) A letter detailing the home based business, what activities take
place at the residence and any other pertinent information in
determining whether the Home Occupation Permit will be approved.
( ) If you are found to be in violation of your Home Occupation Permit,
a citation will be issued and an appearance in Duluth Municipal Court
will be required.