Chatham County (Savannah) Business License Guide

Starting a business in Chatham County or the City of Savannah requires navigating both county and municipal licensing requirements. This guide breaks down exactly what licenses and permits you need, where to apply, and what you'll pay to operate legally in Georgia's coastal business hub.

Understanding Chatham County's Business License Structure

Chatham County operates under a dual licensing system where businesses may need permits from both the county and the specific municipality where they operate. The City of Savannah, as the county seat and largest municipality, has its own comprehensive licensing requirements that work alongside county regulations.

Most businesses in the Savannah metro area will need:

A Chatham County business license (for county operations)
A City of Savannah business license (if operating within city limits)
State-level professional licenses (if applicable)
Federal permits (for specific industries)

Before applying for any business license, ensure you've completed your Georgia business formation and have your state registration number ready.

Chatham County Business License Requirements

Chatham County requires most businesses operating within unincorporated areas to obtain a county business license. The process is managed through the Chatham County Business License Department.

Who Needs a Chatham County Business License

You need a chatham county business license if you:

Operate a business in unincorporated Chatham County
Have employees working in county areas
Store inventory or equipment in county facilities
Provide services to county residents from a county location

Chatham County License Fees

Chatham County business license fees vary by business type and gross receipts:

Gross Receipts	Annual Fee
$0 - $50,000	$50
$50,001 - $100,000	$100
$100,001 - $500,000	$200
$500,001 - $1,000,000	$300
Over $1,000,000	$400

Note: These fees are subject to change. Verify current rates with Chatham County Business License Department at (912) 652-7308.

Application Process

To apply for a chatham county business license:

Complete the Application: Download the business license application from the Chatham County website or pick up in person at 124 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401.
Gather Required Documents:
- Georgia Certificate of Incorporation or LLC Articles of Organization
- Federal EIN confirmation letter
- Zoning compliance certificate (if applicable)
- Professional license copies (if applicable)
Submit Application: Mail or deliver completed application with required fee to Chatham County Business License Department.
Processing Time: Allow 5-10 business days for processing once all documents are received.

City of Savannah Business License Requirements

If your business operates within Savannah city limits, you'll need a separate savannah county business license through the City of Savannah's Revenue Department. This is in addition to any county requirements.

Savannah Business License Categories

The City of Savannah categorizes businesses into several license types:

General Business License: Required for most commercial activities
Home Occupation Permit: For businesses operating from residential properties
Special Event Permits: For temporary business activities
Vendor Licenses: For mobile or temporary sales operations

Savannah License Fees Structure

City of Savannah business license fees are calculated based on gross receipts and business classification:

Business Type	Base Fee	Additional Fees
Retail/Service	$50-$500	Based on gross receipts
Professional Services	$75-$300	Per practitioner
Home Occupation	$25	Annual renewal
Food Service	$100-$400	Plus health permits

Contact Savannah Revenue Department at (912) 651-6510 for specific fee calculations based on your business type and projected revenue.

Savannah Application Process

To obtain a City of Savannah business license:

Determine Your Business Classification: Contact the Revenue Department to confirm which license category applies to your business.
Complete Zoning Review: Verify your business location complies with city zoning ordinances.
Submit Application: Applications available at City Hall (2 East Bay Street) or online through the city website.
Pay Fees: License fees must be paid upon application submission.
Await Approval: Processing typically takes 7-14 business days for standard applications.

Industry-Specific Licensing Requirements

Certain industries face additional licensing requirements in Chatham County and Savannah:

Food Service and Restaurants

Chatham County Health Department food service permit
Alcohol license (if serving beer, wine, or spirits)
Fire department inspection clearance
Building department occupancy permit

Construction and Contractors

Georgia State Contractor's License
Chatham County building permits
Specialty trade licenses (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)

Professional Services

Georgia professional license (attorneys, CPAs, doctors, etc.)
Professional liability insurance verification
Continuing education compliance

Retail and Sales

Georgia Sales Tax Registration
Tobacco sales permit (if applicable)
Lottery retailer license (if applicable)

For professional licensing requirements, consult the Georgia professional license guide to ensure compliance with state regulations.

Special Considerations for Savannah's Historic District

Businesses operating in Savannah's Historic Landmark District face additional requirements:

Historic Preservation Review: Any exterior modifications require approval from the Historic District Board of Review
Signage Restrictions: Strict guidelines govern business signage in historic areas
Certificate of Appropriateness: Required for any changes to building exteriors or new construction

Contact the City of Savannah Historic Preservation Department at (912) 651-6520 before making any exterior changes to properties in the historic district.

License Renewal and Compliance

Both Chatham County and City of Savannah business licenses require annual renewal:

Renewal Timeline

Chatham County: Licenses expire December 31st annually
City of Savannah: Renewal dates vary by business type and application date
Renewal Notices: Sent approximately 60 days before expiration

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Late renewal fees: $25-$100 depending on jurisdiction
Operating without a license: $500-$1,000 fine plus court costs
Possible business closure for continued non-compliance

Helpful Resources and Contacts

Chatham County Contacts

Business License Department: (912) 652-7308
Address: 124 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Website: chathamcounty.org

City of Savannah Contacts

Revenue Department: (912) 651-6510
Address: 2 East Bay Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Website: savannahga.gov

State Resources

Georgia Secretary of State: sos.ga.gov
Georgia Department of Revenue: dor.georgia.gov
Professional License Verification: sos.ga.gov/PLB

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When applying for your chatham county business permit, avoid these frequent errors:

Assuming One License Covers All: Many businesses need both county and city licenses
Forgetting Zoning Compliance: Verify your business type is permitted at your chosen location
Missing Renewal Deadlines: Set calendar reminders well before expiration dates
Incomplete Applications: Double-check all required documentation before submission
Ignoring Industry-Specific Requirements: Research specialized permits for your business type

Getting Professional Help

While many businesses can handle licensing independently, consider professional assistance if:

Your business involves complex regulatory requirements
You're unsure about zoning compliance
You need multiple specialized permits
You're expanding from other jurisdictions

Local business attorneys and accountants familiar with Chatham County requirements can streamline the process and ensure compliance. For business formation questions, review our complete Georgia business startup guide.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about Chatham County and Savannah business licensing requirements. Requirements, fees, and procedures change periodically. Always verify current information with the appropriate government offices before submitting applications. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Consult with qualified attorneys or business advisors for guidance specific to your situation.