Licenses & Permits - Business-Related

Business Licenses / Occupation Taxes

Businesses - new and relocating - should remember to check with the Planning & Development Dept. to confirm if the proposed use meets current land use/zoning regulations.

Business licenses and occupation taxes are an annual requirement administered by the Business Services Specialist (706) 342-1251 x227.  New businesses may obtain and submit application at City Hall.  Renewal slips are sent annually and due by January 31st, unless otherwise noted. 

You may download the Business License Application and return competed applications, including the appropriate application fee and license/permit fee(s) (reference the Schedule of Fees), to Madison City Hall. 

• Adult Entertainment Licenses

Information to be posted.

• Alcoholic Beverage Licenses & Permits

Application must be made according to type of alcoholic beverage and operation.  Retail licenses or wholesale permits may be requested for the sale of either distilled spirits or malt beverages/wine.  For malt beverages only or wine only, wholesale permits may be requested.  If the primary use is food service, apply for a pouring license - malt beverages/wine/distilled spirits. 

Holders of pouring lecenses may also apply for a catering license for beverage service, malt beverages only or wine only, for special events.  Additionally,  non-profit organizations may apply for special event licenses (also limited to malt beverages/wine). 

 NOTE:  Fees vary according to the type of license/permit.

• Bed & Breakfast (B&B) Licenses

License fees are due by December 15th.  Additionally, non-profit organization may apply for temporary licenses.  NOTE:  All such operations are subject to the hotel/motel tax of the city.

• Outdoor Sales Licenses & Permits

Garage sale permits are available for residential property only.  For outdoor sales upon commercial property, request a outdoor flea market license.  A peddlers license must be obtained for door to door sales within the city regardless of mode of transportation. 

During special events only (designated by the Mayor & Council), vending permits may be requested for sales upon public, commercial or residential property.  NOTE:  Fees for outdoor sales are primarily per day. 

Tour Licenses & Permits

All nonprofit organizations involved in any way with a tour must also have a valid business license.

Tour of Homes permits are limited to non-profit organizations and applications are due 180 days prior to each tour.  Applications for on-site tour concessions or crafts conducted under or by the sponsoring organizations must be made 15 days prior to the tour.

Tour operators are licensed through application for a regular business license at this time. 

Special Use Permits - Parades, Demonstration, Etc.

If other than an individual, issuance of a permit may require a fee for additional city services and/or provision of volunteer labor and must require a deposit, an indemnification and hold harmless agreement, and liability insurance.

Use of public property (sidewalks, roads, parks, etc.) for private purposes - such as parade, assembly, demonstration, road closings or other activities - requires a special use permit, as administered by the City Manager's Office (706) 342-1251 x202. 

Exceptions are limited to:  1) funeral processions, provided that the city is notified; 2) student activites, authorized and supervised by the proper school authorites; and 3) recreational uses, located upon municipal recreational property.