- Home occupation permit required:
- Yes
- Details:
- Athens-Clarke County requires a Home Occupation Permit ($20 fee) before a business may operate from a home. The permit is required under Section 9-15-16 of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Development Code. Key restrictions: (1) Direct sales on premises generally not permitted, except for services customarily incidental (mail order and online sales are allowable); (2) No external display of products; (3) No signs on property advertising the home occupation; (4) Maximum one non-resident employee; (5) Business must occupy no more than 25% of habitable floor space; (6) No chemicals or equipment beyond normal domestic residence. Note: Section 9-15-16(L) explicitly states 'No food service regulated by the Department of Health shall be permitted' — cottage food operators using the GDA framework should consult ACC Planning to confirm applicability post-HB 398.
- Home kitchen:
- Since July 1, 2025 (HB 398): no license or fee required, no GDA licensing inspections (complaint-based only), interstate sales allowed, wholesale/retail/online/restaurant sales allowed. Broad permitted foods list. Food handler certification still recommended but not required by new law. A Home Occupation Permit ($20) is required from Athens-Clarke County Planning Department before obtaining a business occupation tax certificate.
Last verified 2026-05-05. Not legal advice.
