Deprecated: The behavior of unparenthesized expressions containing both '.' and '+'/'-' will change in PHP 8: '+'/'-' will take a higher precedence in /home/flpdev/public_html/plugins/system/t3/includes/lessphp/less/less.php on line 5091

Deprecated: The behavior of unparenthesized expressions containing both '.' and '+'/'-' will change in PHP 8: '+'/'-' will take a higher precedence in /home/flpdev/public_html/plugins/system/t3/includes/lessphp/less/less.php on line 7799

Add life to your business!
Call Now: 770-213-7095

4 Steps to Opening Your Business in Canton

We are getting better and better at encouraging people to bring their businesses to Canton.

We tout the great things happening here, from major developments like Northside Hospital-Cherokee’s replacement facility to the synergistic growth of downtown.

You see our progress, and you want your business to be a part of it, so you choose to bring your business here.

You then ask, “How, exactly, do I open my business in Canton?”

The good news is there’s no secret formula. We have resources and people ready to help you every step of the way.

Step 1. Identify where you want to put your business.

Downtown, Riverstone Parkway, Canton Marketplace or a certain highway corridor — all of these areas have their unique advantages. Take the time to identify buildings, suites or vacant land you think may be a good fit for your enterprise.

Step 2. Find out whether or not your intended uses comply with the local zoning code.

Making sure the zoning works for your business is a critical checkpoint, especially in stand-alone buildings, which may not share the same zoning as neighboring buildings.

The City’s municipal website (Canton-Georgia.com) has an easily accessible zoning map. You can also stop by City Hall to speak with someone in zoning or pick up a hard copy of Canton’s zoning map.

Step 3. Learn what your structure needs in order to be brought up to current building, plumbing and electrical standards.

This step becomes the pitfall of many aspiring businesses.

We do not expect entrepreneurs to know the City’s building code by heart. However, if you are making any interior or exterior changes, make sure you hire a professional with a Georgia Contractor’s License. Not only is it State law, but it is important because a local permit cannot be issued without it.

Step 4. After ensuring your building is up to code, register for your Occupational Tax License, also known as a business license.

The minimum charge is $125 and varies depending on real or estimated gross receipts. All Occupation Tax Certificates must be paid and renewed each year by March 31st.

If all of this sounds difficult, rest assured that we have a great team at City Hall that is always willing to assist you. Zoning, building codes, fire codes, signage, business licenses, identifying vacant sites — we are here to help with all of this and more. Please feel free to contact us.

For your convenience, we’ve compiled this information in “A Guide to Starting a Business in Canton.” It explains the step-by-step process for opening your new business establishment by using the City’s “A-B-C Startup Method.”

A. Appropriate Zoning
B. Building Permits and Inspections
C. Occupational Tax Certificate

“The Business Guide” is available online, and there are hard copies available at City Hall.

City of Mountain Park Community Garden
Cherokee Children's Need Your Help!

Joomla! Debug Console

Session

Profile Information

Memory Usage

Database Queries