This is one of the most important considerations when starting a business. There are additional rules and regulations for a home business that might impact your business. If you decide to rent or buy space, be sure to check with the Planning and Zoning Department to determine if your business is allowed in that zoning district.

Once you decide to start your business outside of your home and you found space which meets zoning requirements, you will need to get the space ready for customers. If you do anything more than carpeting and painting, you will need a building permit. Building permits are a valuable tool to make sure that the work that you have done by contractors meets a specific standard and quality. Please contact the Community Development Department at 678-382-6800.

The most common types of businesses are sole proprietors, a Limited Liability Company (LLC), or a Corporation. Each type has its own advantages. Applying for these statuses is done through the State of Georgia. You can research what type best fits your business by visiting the Secretary of State's website.

If you are going to be selling items or products, the State of Georgia requires that you register and collect sales tax. And just like individual taxpayers, businesses are also expected to pay tax to the Federal Government. You can find more information about Federal Tax identification numbers.

• Amusement Games Arcade
• Automobile Sales (1)
• Bakery (2)
• Barber Shop (1)
• Burglar Alarm (1 & 3)
• Butcher (2)
• Catering (4)
• Child Care (5)
• Chiropractors (1)
• Circus/Carnival (11)
• Dances/Dance Hall
• Doctor/Dentist (1)
• Firearms Dealer/Sales (3 & 6)
• Food Trucks (13)
• Fortune Teller (3)
• Heating & Air-Condition (1)
• Hotel/Motel Business (7)
• Ice Cream Shops (4)
• Limousines (8 & 9)
• Massage Estab./Parlor (1 & 3)
• Massage Therapist (1 & 3)
• Non-Profit Business (10)
• Pawn Broker/Shop (3)
• Peddler/Door to Door Sales/Solicitor (14)
• Personal Care Home (4 & 5)
• Pest Control (1)
• Physical Therapy (1)
• Plumbing Business (1)
• Pools & Billiards Room
• Precious Metals and Gems (3)
• Private Patrol/Security Guards (1 & 3)
• Produce Stand (2)
• Real Estate Agents (1)
• Restaurants/Night Club (4 & 12)
• Salon (1)
• Seafood: Retail/Wholesale (2)
• Specialized Contractors (1)
• Taxi/Vehicle for Hire (8 & 9)
• Welding Shop

1. State License
2. Agriculture Department Letter
3. Police Background Clearance
4. Fire and/or Health Inspection
5. DHR State License
6. Federal Firearms License
7. Georgia Accommodation Tourist Permit
8. Taxi Permit
9. Proof of Insurance
10. IRS 501c3 Letter
11. Special Event Permit
12. FOG Compliance Inspection from DeKalb Watershed Dept.
13. Food Service Permit
14. Solicitors permit

List of contacts for the required licenses and inspections.

Every business that operates in the City of Dunwoody is required to obtain an occupational tax certificate. All of the forms are available online or at city hall. The forms requires notaries, which are available free of charge at City Hall.

The State of Georgia requires any business with more than 10 employees company-wide to register with E-Verify, a federal program administered online that checks the status of workers.

This is a great resource for first time business owners. The Dunwoody-Perimeter Chamber of Commerce can help you with many issues that are not covered here. They also host events that promote Dunwoody businesses and can connect you with other business owners.