Business Location Approvals

Business Location Approval (BLA) Overview

If you’re planning to open a business within the City of Savannah, you must first obtain a Business Location Approval (BLA) — previously known as Zoning Approval — before applying for a Business Tax Certificate (business license).

The BLA process verifies two key things:

  • Your proposed business use is allowed in the property’s zoning district, and

  • The building or space meets fire and life safety code requirements.

📍 Need a visual guide? View the BLA Process Flowchart

Business Tax Certificate (BTC)

All businesses operating in the City must also apply for a Business Tax Certificate (BTC) after completing the BLA process.

📄 Download the BTC Application
📞 Questions? Contact the Revenue Department at 912‑651‑6445.

Online Business Location Approval Steps

BLA Process Questions? Watch the BLA Overview Video for detail step by step instructions.

Step 1: Register For an ETRAC Account

Before starting your application, carefully review all steps on this page, including Step 1a and Step 1b.

Then, register for an account in our online permitting system (eTRAC) by clicking below:
👉 Register for an eTRAC Account

eTRAC stands for Electronic Tracking, Review & Approval Center — this is where you will submit your application.

Step 1a: Complete & Submit Your BLA Application

After creating your eTRAC account, select the application type that best fits your business and submit your Business Location Approval application.

🔹 Choose and Apply for the Correct BLA Application Type
(Examples: Home Occupation (Home-Based Business), Non-Residential Structure (Commercial Tenant), Day Care, Childcare Center, Temporary Use, etc.)

📌 Once you submit your application in eTRAC, you must return to this page to complete the next step. See Step1b below https://businesslocationapprovals.setmore.com.

BLA Application Questions? Watch the BLA Application Video

Category Name: Non-residential Structure Business Approval                        Apply
Description: A business at a Non-Residential Location.

Category Name: Home Occupation Business Approval                                     Apply
Description: A business based from a Residential dwelling Location. 
See Sec 8.7.11 Home Occupations standards 

Category Name: Child/Adult Care Center Business Approval                          Apply
Description: facility that provides care and supervision for more than six (6) children/adults.

Category Name: Day-Care/Personal Care <=6 Business Approval                   Apply
Description:  Day Care or Personal Care business for 6 or less individuals.

Category Name: Long Term Care Facility Business Approval                          Apply
Description: Long Term Care Facility of more than 6 individuals.

Category Name:  Temporary Use Business Approval                                          Apply
Description: A business at a Temporary Location. See Temporary use standards.

In addition to the BLA application above, see the Additional-Info-for-Specific-Business-Uses For Child care, car wash, pressure wash, lawn care, temporary use, or STVRs, other, 

Step 1b: Schedule Your Review Appointment

After submitting your application, you are required to schedule a virtual or phone appointment for review. This ensures your application is placed in the review queue and gives you the opportunity to speak directly with the reviewer, if needed.

📅 Click here to schedule your BLA review appointment https://businesslocationapprovals.setmore.com/aisleejackson

Appointments are not interviews — they are part of the review process and help avoid delays.

BLA Booking Policy

To help prioritize BLA applications and improve efficiency, all applicants must schedule a 30-minute virtual or phone review appointment after submitting their BLA application. Use the scheduling link provided in Step 1b above.

Please do not use the video call feature. At your scheduled appointment time, call 912-644-7709.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please email us as soon as possible.

If we are unavailable to answer your call at the scheduled time, it may be due to a last-minute conflict or meeting. In that case:

  • Please call again later or send us an email.

  • Your application will still be reviewed as long as your appointment is scheduled — even if you reach voicemail or are unavailable at the scheduled time.

✅ You will not be penalized if we miss your call.

This appointment step helps ensure your application is placed in the review queue and allows us to resolve questions more quickly than through email alone.



Appointment Process & Expedited Service

The purpose of your initial appointment is to confirm your application has been submitted, schedule it for review, and provide an estimated review timeline based on the volume of previously submitted applications.

This process helps:

  • Reduce unnecessary status inquiry calls

  • Prioritize Business Location Approvals (BLA) and alcohol zoning reviews

  • Improve overall efficiency and transparency

If your scheduled review date is later than your desired opening date or if there is some other urgency or emergency, you may request to be added to our expedited or urgent review list.

Important: You must first book an appointment using the calendar link before submitting an expedited service request.

👉 Request Expedited Service 

Step 2) Apply for a Business Tax Certificate(License) by clicking here . This is a PDF application. You must download, complete the application, and submit it to the City of Savannah Revenue department via the address & instructions on the application. Contact the City Revenue Department 912-651-6445 for any BTC questions.

Additional resources – Starting a Business Guide 

Determine Zoning District and PIN

To determine the zoning district and/or property ID number (PIN) for a property, consult the zoning map. 
Watch 'How To locate the Zoning District using Sagis.org' video. 
Watch 'How to identify or locate the PIN Parcel ID Number using Sagis.org' video.

Determine if Use is permitted in Zoning District

The "Regulations by District" portion of the city’s ENCode Viewer or the principal use table outline whether a particular use is permitted. 

Point of Contact - Business Approval Coordinator

For assistance with business location approvals process, please watch the BLA Overview Video. 

If further assistance is needed then contact:
Zarina Davis, Zoning Technician / Senior Admin
Businessapprovals@savannahga.gov
Phone: 912-651-3108 

Aislee Jackson, Business Approval / Zoning Use Coordinator
Email
Phone: 912-644-7709

Read what others are saying about their Business Location Approval experience and share your own feedback.

Food Trucks - Mobile Food Service Units

Visit the Food Truck web page for more information about approval and permitting requirements.

Tour Business

Visit the Starting a Tour Business web page for more information about the tour business approval process and requirements.

 

Before You Sign a Lease...

Prior to leasing, purchasing, or otherwise committing to a property you are strongly advised to confirm that the zoning and physical layout of the building and site are appropriate for the business use intended and will comply with the City of Savannah’s Zoning Ordinance.

This includes having a clear understanding of any code restrictions, limitations or architectural guidelines that may impact your operation and any building and site modifications that may be necessary to open for business.

The City’s Zoning Ordinance permits certain types of businesses in specific areas of the City. The City’s Business Approval Coordinator will assist you in determining whether a specific location is appropriately zoned for your business.

The Business Approval Coordinator will also assist you in determining whether your situation is a change of use or occupancy that requires building and life safety code compliance, and whether a building and/or site permit is needed.

Two Typical Tracks for Business Location Approvals:

(Note: For additional information, see Business Location Approval Process Brochure.)

 Track A:

  • Change of tenant with same business use / occupancy
  • Schedule your BLA virtual phone appointment for an outcome/response. Plan on Average 7 to 10 business days to obtain a BLA appointment. (Incomplete or high volume of applications, inconsistent records, missing previous use information, or bad address/unit/PIN information may cause additional delays)

Track B:

  • Change of business use / occupancy (or new construction)
  • Requires compliance with current building and life safety codes
  • May require changes to the building &/or site, which would require a Building Permit &/or Site Development Permit
  • Building Plan Review (BPR) Meetings and Site Plan Review (SPR) Meetings  Please call or email Mike Rose (email, 912-651-6510 Ext. 1964) or Peter Ghilarducci (email, 912-644-7784)  to be placed on an agenda for a BPR meeting. Please call or email Robert Brannen (email, 912-651-6510 Ext. 1926) to be placed on an agenda for a SPR meeting.
  • Schedule your BLA virtual phone appointment for an outcome/ response. If a building/trade permit or a site development permit is required for your BLA will be pending the completion of those permits and a certificate of occupancy (CO) or a certificate of completion (CC) is obtained.