How To Start A Business - Licenses, Permits, and Fees

How To Start A Business In Lavonia...

      Licenses, Permits, and Fees

     Although many steps are involved in locating, securing, and establishing a business at a particular location in the city, we want your business, and will be happy to help navigate you through the process. We are glad that you are considering Lavonia, and we'll help you every step of the way. The following information is provided to assist you, and additional information may be obtained at Lavonia City Hall, the Lavonia Chamber of Commerce, and the Lavonia Downtown Development Authority. You can also Submit An Information Request online. For a complete list of fees, see the Schedule of Fees, or contact City Hall.

     Zoning

       If you need to obtain a zoning ordinance amendment, rezoning, or variance, you must submit an application at City Hall. If you are planning to lease the property where you will open a new business, and a zoning change is necessary, the owner of the property will need to file an application. The Planning and Zoning Commission meets the first Monday of each month, at 4:30pm, at City Hall.

     Food Permits

       Food service businesses must obtain a Food Service Permit at the Franklin County Health Department, 6955 Hwy 145, Carnesville, Ga 30521. The Health Department may be reached at 706 384-5575.

        Businesses that plan to sell prepackaged foods or foods used elsewhere in food preparation must pass an inspection by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, in addition to obtaining a State Food Sales Establishment License.

     Georgia Department of Agriculture

     Agriculture Building

     Capital Square

     19 Martin Luther King Jr Drive

     Atlanta, Georgia 30334

     404 656-3645 or 1-800-282-5852

     Local and State Alcohol Licenses

        Sales of beer and wine require an Alcoholic Beverages License from the city, as well as a State Alcoholic Beverage License. Applications for the local license may be obtained at City Hall. For information on the state license, contact:

        Georgia Department of Revenue/Alcohol Unit

        P.O. Box 49512

        Atlanta, Ga 30359-1512

        404 417-4333 or 404 417-4490



     Signs

        All signs must conform to city ordinances. Contact City Hall for specific regulations, or download a sign permit application here.

     Building Permits

        All alterations, renovations, or other construction and building improvements will require a building permit from the City of Lavonia. Contact City Hall or click here for a building permit application.

     Business License

        All business owners in the city must obtain a business license, which must be approved by the city council. Applications are available at City Hall, or you can download a business license application here. The City Council meets monthly on the first Monday of the month, at 5:30 pm.

     Fire Inspection

        All buildings must be inspected to insure that minimum safety standards are maintained by business establishments. Contact City Hall to schedule an inspection.


Although many steps are involved in locating, securing, and establishing a business at a particular location in the city, we want your business, and will be happy to help navigate you through the process. We are glad that you are considering Lavonia, and we'll help you every step of the way. The following information is provided to assist you, and additional information may be obtained at Lavonia City Hall, the Lavonia Chamber of Commerce, and the Lavonia Downtown Development Authority. You can also Submit An Information Request online. For a complete list of fees, see the Schedule of Fees, or contact City Hall.

Zoning
If you need to obtain a zoning ordinance amendment, rezoning, or variance, you must submit an application at City Hall. If you are planning to lease the property where you will open a new business, and a zoning change is necessary, the owner of the property will need to file an application. The Planning and Zoning Commission meets the first Monday of each month, at 4:30pm, at City Hall.

Food Permits
Food service businesses must obtain a Food Service Permit at the Franklin County Health Department, 6955 Hwy 145, Carnesville, Ga 30521. The Health Department may be reached at 706 384-5575.

Businesses that plan to sell prepackaged foods or foods used elsewhere in food preparation must pass an inspection by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, in addition to obtaining a State Food Sales Establishment License.
Georgia Department of Agriculture
Agriculture Building
Capital Square
19 Martin Luther King Jr Drive
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
404 656-3645 or 1-800-282-5852

Local and State Alcohol Licenses
Sales of beer and wine require an Alcoholic Beverages License from the city, as well as a State Alcoholic Beverage License. Applications for the local license may be obtained at City Hall. For information on the state license, contact:
Georgia Department of Revenue/Alcohol Unit
P.O. Box 49512
Atlanta, Ga 30359-1512
404 417-4333 or 404 417-4490

Signs
All signs must conform to city ordinances. Contact City Hall for specific regulations, or download a sign permit application here.

Building Permits
All alterations, renovations, or other construction and building improvements will require a building permit from the City of Lavonia. Contact City Hall or click here for a building permit application.

Business License
All business owners in the city must obtain a business license, which must be approved by the city council. Applications are available at City Hall, or you can download a business license application here. The City Council meets monthly on the first Monday of the month, at 5:30 pm.

Fire Inspection
All buildings must be inspected to insure that minimum safety standards are maintained by business establishments. Contact City Hall to schedule an inspection.