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Business Approval

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1. What are the requirements for a food truck?

Food trucks and push carts must pay an annual fee of $150 and submit an application for Mobile Food Service Unit (MFSU) Location Approval to the zoning office if they are interested in public property sites, private property sites, or both. After obtaining zoning location approval, they must obtain permits for their Base of Operation and their food truck from the Georgia Department of Public Health prior to operation. They must also obtain a Business Tax Certificate (a.k.a. business license) from the City Revenue Department. For more information, visit this link:

Food Truck Web Page

2. Should I sign a lease for my new business before contacting the City of Savannah?

No. Do not sign a lease until you have ensured the location’s Zoning District allows the business use, and that the building meets building and life safety code requirements for the proposed business use. Contact the Business Approval Coordinator in Development Services at (912)644-7709. Business Approval Process Brochure

3. My business is located in my home. Am I required to complete a Business Location Approval Application?

Yes. Make sure to select Home Occupation as your "Proposed Business Use/Activity" on the Business Location Approval application, and to also complete the Home Occupation Agreement.

4. What is a PIN, and how do I determine it?

A PIN is a Parcel Identification Number, which is the number assigned to parcels of real property by the tax assessor of a particular jurisdiction for purposes of identification and record-keeping. The PIN will be a ten-digit number similar to 2-0127-03-001. View the instructions on “How to Determine the Property Identification Number (PIN) of a Property”. How to Determine the PIN of a Property

5. Do I need to enter the “Previous Business Name and/or Business Use at this location” on the Business Location Approval application?

Yes. Ask the landlord, property management company, or real estate agent for this information. If you can’t find it, enter “unknown”. Leaving this blank may result in longer review times.

6. Am I required to complete a new Business Location Approval Application if I have an existing business that is changing location to a new address?

Yes. The Business Location Approval process is a review of your location for zoning and life safety code compliance. Therefore, when you move locations we must ensure that your business use is allowed by the Zoning District at the new location and that the structure meets the life safety code requirements for the type of business use and occupancy.

7. Am I required to complete a new Business Approval Application if I have an existing business that is changing business name or ownership?

Yes. When you change business name or ownership, you are required to complete a new Business Approval application so we will have the correct business/owner name on file.

8. I have a Lawn Care, Pressure Wash or Car Wash business. Are there any special requirements needed prior to receiving my business location approval?

Yes. It is prohibited to discharge substances or materials which are not stormwater into the City’s stormwater system. Contact the Stormwater Management Department at (912) 650-7855 for information on how lawn care, pressure washing and car wash businesses can comply with the City’s Stormwater Ordinance. Lawn Care, Pressure Wash and Car Wash Requirements

9. Is there a fee for the Business Location Approval Application?

There is no fee for the Business Location Approval application at this time. There may be a fee required if inspections needed prior to the business location approval. To get your Business Tax Certificate, you must pay the required Business Tax. Contact the Revenue department 912-651-6445 regarding Business Tax.

10. How long does the Business Location Approval process take?

Typical timeframe to obtain a Business Location Approval on average is 7 to 10 business days. The business use/zoning classification, a change of business use/occupancy, the volume of applications received all factor in the processing timeframe. Note: If a building/trade permit or a site development permit is required your BLA will be pending the completion of those permits and a certificate of occupancy(CO) or a certificate of completion(CC) is obtained

11. How will I be notified when my application has been reviewed or completed?

You will receive an email notifying you that your application has been completed. If approved, you will receive a Business Location Approval letter as an attached PDF file to the email.

12. What is a change of use and/or occupancy?

A change of use occurs when the business use of the building changes from one type to another; for example, office to restaurant. A change of occupancy occurs when the number of people who will utilize the building changes. Business Approval Process Brochure

13. Once I receive my business location approval, what do I do next?

Contact the City of Savannah Revenue Department at 912-651-6445 to submit an application for Business Tax Certificate (in lieu of a business license). We encourage you to contact the Revenue Department prior to submitting for Business Location Approval to get a checklist of other potential requirements, which depend on your type of business. Business Tax Certificate

14. What are the first steps before starting my business?

1) Contact the Business Approval Coordinator in Development Services at (912)644-7709. Submit a Business Location Approval application. For a Home Occupation, also submit a Home Occupation Agreement.

2) Determine what water and sewer fees would need to be paid for the proposed location. Contact Water & Sewer Planning & Engineering at (912) 651-6573.

3) Contact the Revenue Department at (912) 651-6450 to understand the requirements for your type of business, which could include professional licenses, health department approval, background checks, certificate from the agricultural department, etc., depending on the type of business.
Business Approval Process Brochure

15. Where can I get a Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) application?

Applications are available online at the City's website and the Metropolitan Planning Commission's website. See link below to application.

Applications are also available from the Clerk of Council's office in City Hall, the City of Savannah Development Services Department located at 5515 Abercorn Street, and the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) located at 110 East State Street. Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) application

16. Can I apply for a rezoning or text amendment to the zoning ordinance?

Yes. Rezoning or text amendments may be applied for through the Clerk of Council’s office. An application may be obtained from www.savannahga.gov on the Zoning page. See below link. Zoning Applications and Forms

17. What is my property zoned?

General information for the entire County is available on the Savannah Area GIS (SAGIS) website at www.sagis.org. The below link is a SAGIS Help Document that will indicate how to view the Zoning District of property through SAGIS.

While generally accurate, you should not rely on that information when entering into any contractual obligations. Please call the City of Savannah Zoning office at (912) 651-6530 and speak to a zoning inspector to verify the correct information before signing any agreements. SAGIS Help Document

18. Is it a requirement to reside in the residence when establishing a residential daycare?

Yes. Unless operated in conjunction with a school or religious institution, such use shall, within any "R" district, be considered an accessory use. The primary use of the structure utilized shall be for a residence and said residence shall be occupied.

19. If the use that I am proposing is different from the current use, but no improvements to the building are needed, am I required to obtain a new Certificate of Occupancy (CO)?

Yes. The zoning ordinance requires a new Certificate of Occupancy whenever there is a change of use. Change of use (such as house to office, office to restaurant, etc.) requires compliance with current building, fire, life safety, and zoning codes, which in turn may require changes to the building and site. If changes are necessary, these changes will require a building permit and/or a site development permit. View the Business Approvals web page at www.savannahga.gov/businessapprovals or contact the Business Approval Coordinator at (912)644-7709 for more information. Business Approvals

20. Is there such a use as a vacation rental?

Yes. Short-term Vacation Rental (STVR) is a category of use defined in the City of Savannah ordinances. Visit below link, or contact the Tourism Management & Ambassadorship Department at (912)525-1500 for more information. Short-term Vacation Rental Information