Providing service to business owners

Anyone who conducts business in the City of Jackson must obtain a Business License, except for businesses that are specifically exempted by state or federal statute. Business License fees must be paid before the business opens and are renewable annually.

Applications for a Business License should be filled out, notarized and returned to the Signs and License Division located on the first floor of the Hood Building. They must have the following information:

• Name(s) of the person(s) associated with the business on the application.
• Proper Fee Payment. Most fees are determined by either the number of employees or the amount of the inventory. Applications must show total number of employees for the previous twenty months.

During the process, the Zoning Division must approve and stamp the application. Required inspections will be done before the license is issued.

Required Inspections

Health Department Inspections are required for child care providers and anyone preparing or serving food. The applicant is responsible for obtaining approval of the County and/or State Health Department, and inspection verification must accompany the Business License application.

Fire Inspections are required before a license can be issued. The Signs and License Division will arrange for this inspection after applications are filed.

Business License Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Operation of various types of business must be in compliance with all city, state, and federal regulations including zoning.

• No retail trade and no stock on the premises
• No increase in traffic to and from the dwelling
• No mechanical equipment other than that normally permitted for household purposes and no signs permitted
• No employees except for a member of the family residing on the premises
• No display or artificial lighting that will indicate from the exterior that the dwelling is being utilized in whole or in part for any purpose other than that of a dwelling
• No changes to the exterior of the structure
• A permit granted for a home occupation will be given on a yearly basis by the Zoning Administrator only during the occupancy or ownership of the person to whom it was granted.