Business Regulations and Licensing

Doing Business in Sandy Springs

Thank you for choosing to conduct business in our city! All businesses located in the City of Sandy Springs are required to hold a valid Business Occupational Tax Certificate, often referred to as a Business License, and pay Business Occupational Taxes. There are additional requirements for businesses who sell alcohol, businesses who rent short-term accommodations (hotels/motel etc.) and businesses who rent vehicles.

Click here to download the application for a New Business License/Occupational Tax Certificate to submit via mail or in-person with payment and all required documents. 

The Revenue Desk at City Hall processes the following licenses and permits:

• Business license and renewals
• Alcohol license and renewals
• Monthly tax payments (hotel/motel, liquor by the drink tax excise tax, wholesale)
• Planning and Zoning permit payments

To process Court payments (such as tickets, citations, fines, etc.):  The Cashier Services Desk at the North Municipal Complex is located at 7840 Roswell Road, Suite 501 (inside the Municipal Court entrance).

Visiting our Office

In-person Revenue services are available at the Revenue Desk. Be sure to check the Permits and Revenue Office page to schedule an appointment, and for hours of operation, current appointment policies and any other important information about your visit.

Individuals seeking the following permits are required to first visit the Revenue Desk to apply and pay associated fees, and then visit the Sandy Springs Police Department for further processing:

• Massage permit
• Pawn shop permit
• Solicitation (door-to-door) permit
• Booting and immobilization permit 

Please note: Bartender/Server Pouring Permit applicants (serving at restaurants only) must complete their Alcohol Awareness Training Program. Once completed, go directly to the Sandy Springs Police Department located at 7840 Roswell Road, Suite 301, 30350), with their printed Alcohol Awareness Certificate, and $50 payment. 

If you need a pouring permit for a special event, call 770-730-5600 and ask to speak to the Revenue Department for assistance.

Special Event permits are processed at the Permits Desk adjacent to the Revenue Desk.

Online Service

Payments can be made online at spr.gs/payment.

Opening a New Business

Every business needs an Occupational Tax Certificate, which is also referred to as a Business License in Sandy Springs. To avoid penalty fees, they should be applied for within 30 days of commence date of starting the business. After 30 days of the commence/start date, the late penalty is 10% and the late interest rate is 1.5% per month.  (Note:  If you have a commercial location, you may need to obtain a C.O. (Certificate of Occupancy) from the Permits Dept first to attach to the New Business License application). 

Annual Business License Payment, Renewal, and Changes

Businesses located in Sandy Springs are required to obtain a Business Occupational Tax Certificate (also known as a Business License). The Certificate is valid for a calendar year and must be renewed annually. The Business License expires on December 31; however, the City of Sandy Springs provides a 3-month grace period/extension until the March 31st payment deadline date.

Note: Businesses are also now required to provide these two Affidavit pages, along with their annual Renewal Notice to receive their Business License. Any renewal payment submissions after the March 31st deadline date are subject to 10% late penalty and interest rate at 1.5% per month. 

Alcohol Sales

Alcohol wholesalers and retailers have different tax requirements and due dates to abide by.

Business Regulations by Industry

Certain categories of business are subject to special rules and regulations:

Home-based Businesses
Hotels and Short-Term Rentals
Vehicle Rental