As your resource for economic and business development in the City of Milton, Milton is equipped to provide guidance in finding the right location as well as advice on available incentives that may benefit your business.

The first step is to formulate a location strategy. A location strategy is as vital an element to success as a business plan or marketing strategy. There are numerous items to consider when evaluating what location and type of property will best complement your short and long term goals. While each business is a unique entity with unique needs, there are a few common considerations that will play a role in choosing the best location; Milton has created a checklist to help aid in this decision. To obtain information on permitting and zoning matters, please contact the Community Development Department.

Location Checklist**:

 ❏Zoning:

• Is the location zoned for this type of business
• Street parking
• Sound ordinances (relevant to restaurant and music type businesses)

 ❏Permitting:

• Are there any specific permitting issues that are required 

❏Location:

• Foot Traffic: if foot traffic is important to your business, does the area provide a high enough volume for success
• Drive-By Traffic/Signage: if a key factor in your marketing plan is sending your message via storefront signage
  • Are there signage restrictions that would impede signage view-ability

• Parking:
  • Does the location provide ample parking for clientele and employees
  • Is the location convenient to public transportation; consider both staffing and clientele

•  Anchor:
  • Is there an “Anchor” business in the neighborhood that will help increase traffic? For example a restaurant would gain traffic if located next to a movie theater

If you have questions, concerns, or you find that additional assistance is required, please contact the City of Milton Community Development Department.

**this checklist is intended to be used as a basic guideline – each proprietor should formulate an individual checklist based upon specific needs

Now that you have a location strategy it is time to choose a location. You may want to enlist the help of a real estate broker.

Once you have identified a site that meets your location and budgetary strategy, it is time to ensure the business is approved for the chosen site. Do not move forward with any purchase or leasehold obligations until you have confirmed the location is approved for your type of business.

Many Milton businesses are operated within a home or residence. We refer to these businesses as “Home-Based Business.” If this applies to you, keep in mind that there are specific requirements associated with the operation of a home-based business.

Is the site appropriately zoned for your business? Has the site/building been used for this type of business in the past? Your business may have unique requirements or require certain permits or approvals. Staff in the Community Development Department, specifically Planning and Zoning, will be available to help you through all the steps necessary and provide you with the following:

• Identification of the steps that match your specific needs
• Clarification on the sequence of steps
• Advice on zoning requirements, including information on parking, signs and any other requirements laid out by the City of Milton Development Code
• Processing the schedule – if some zoning approval is needed
• Contacts in other departments
• Meetings with key City personnel
• Help identifying and resolving problems

Each business is unique, so the steps may vary. You will be advised as to which steps are required for your particular business and how to ensure a efficient process.

Contact:

Community Development Department
Planning & Zoning Technician
2006 Heritage Walk
Milton, Georgia 30004
678-242-2513

Your specific business needs may include an expansion, alteration of walls, structural elements and/or specialized equipment within the building. To ensure the safety and wellbeing of the building occupants, it may be necessary to make some property modifications in accordance with the Building Code and other City requirements.

Before starting any construction work, be sure to obtain any required construction permit(s). The Building Official is available to meet with you to answer questions relative to permit requirements and applications. The number of permits required is dependent on the type and scope of work being performed. Additional permits may be required for each major trade doing work on your property. Those permits include, but are not limited to:

• Building Permits
• Mechanical Permits
• Electrical Permits
• Plumbing Permits

During the construction phase, the City will send inspectors to your site to perform periodic inspections to ensure that the work is done in accordance with applicable local and state laws regarding building codes and approved plans. To schedule an inspection or check results call 678-242-2545. When construction is complete, your contractor should schedule a final inspection of the work. After the final inspection is approved, you will be issued a Certificate of Occupancy that will allow you to occupy the building.

Contact:

Community Development Department
Planning & Zoning Technician
2006 Heritage Walk
Milton, Georgia 30004
678-242-2513

In addition to local requirements, some businesses (daycare, restaurants, etc.) are subject to separate State regulations that require obtaining additional operating permits. The following are examples of some potential regulations:

Restaurants only:
Fulton County Health & Wellness Department
404-332-1801
www.fultoncountyga.gov/dhw-home

Bakeries & Cafés:
Department of Agriculture
404-565-3647 or Toll Free 800-353-5852
www.agr.georgia.gov

State Licenses:
For state license requirements, contact:
Georgia’s Secretary of State Licensing Board Division
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, GA 31217-3858
478-207-2440
www.sos.ga.gov/plb

Day Care:
State License for Daycare
404-657-5562
www.decal.ga.gov 

Alcoholic Beverage License:

If you plan to sell alcoholic beverage in your place of business, you will need to obtain a license from the City of Milton. Click HERE for more info.

Sign/Banner Permit:

Temporary Sign Permits for banners and grand openings are allowed, but they must be approved and permitted. Click HERE for more info. 

The State of Georgia requires businesses to obtain a State Tax Number. All information can be obtained at the Georgia Department of Revenue.

Contact:
Georgia Tax Center
1-877-423-6711 - Option 2
gtc.dor.ga.gov