Home Business Rules in Savannah, GA (2026)

In Savannah, GA, home-based businesses are permitted subject to specific rules designed to preserve residential character while allowing residents to run legitimate businesses from their homes. A Home Occupation Permit (Savannah Business Tax Certificate) is required before operating. The City of Savannah Development Services — Permits and Inspections or Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) — Savannah Historic District handles home occupation applications and enforcement. Regulations generally prohibit on-site employees, customer visits, and any external evidence of business activity. Below you will find the current permit requirements, restrictions, prohibited business types, and cottage food law provisions for Savannah.

Permit Requirements

Permit Required: Home Occupation Permit (Savannah Business Tax Certificate). Fee: $75. Apply through the City of Savannah Development Services — Permits and Inspections or online at their permit portal. Phone: (912) 651-6780. Permits typically must be renewed annually. Operating without a required home occupation permit can result in fines and a requirement to cease business activity immediately.

Operating Restrictions

Home Business Restrictions in Savannah: 1. Business must be clearly incidental and subordinate to residential use 2. No exterior signs except one non-illuminated nameplate not exceeding 2 sqft 3. No customers or clients visiting the premises except by appointment for limited professions 4. No employees not residing in the dwelling 5. Business activity limited to 25% of total dwelling floor area 6. No mechanical equipment creating noise, vibration, odors, or glare beyond lot 7. No storage of commercial vehicles at premises Violations of home occupation rules can result in complaints from neighbors, code enforcement investigations, permit revocation, and daily fines.

• •Business must be clearly incidental and subordinate to residential use
• •No exterior signs except one non-illuminated nameplate not exceeding 2 sqft
• •No customers or clients visiting the premises except by appointment for limited professions
• •No employees not residing in the dwelling
• •Business activity limited to 25% of total dwelling floor area
• •No mechanical equipment creating noise, vibration, odors, or glare beyond lot
• •No storage of commercial vehicles at premises

Prohibited Business Types

The following business types are specifically prohibited from operating as home businesses in Savannah: Auto repair or detailing; Salon or barbershop with client visits; Medical clinic with patient traffic; Retail store with customer access; Commercial food production beyond cottage food limits. This list may not be exhaustive — contact the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) — Savannah Historic District to verify whether your specific business type is allowed under home occupation rules.

• ✕Auto repair or detailing
• ✕Salon or barbershop with client visits
• ✕Medical clinic with patient traffic
• ✕Retail store with customer access
• ✕Commercial food production beyond cottage food limits

Cottage Food Law

Frequently Asked Questions