Apply for a
Business License

We know businesses are a vital part of our community and we look forward to supporting you and your business!

Additional Resources to Help You in Your Business Planning

Jackson County Environmental Health
260 Lee St. Jefferson, GA
(706) 367-3643

Jackson County Health Department
(706) 335-3895

Jackson County Chamber of Commerce
270 Athens St. Jefferson, GA
(706) 387-0300

Georgia Department of Revenue
etax.dor.ga.gov

Internal Revenue Services
(800) 829-4933

Secretary of State
sos.georgia.gov

Doing Business with the City


The City of Commerce is dedicated to attracting and retaining business. The City welcomes new businesses large and small. Each business is important to what makes Commerce a great place to work, live and play.

Start a Business

If you are thinking about starting a business in the City of Commerce you need to start by contacting our Planning and Zoning Administrator, Leland Smith. He can be reached at 706-335-3359 or by email lsmith@commercega.gov. His office is located at 545 Cedar Drive.. He will answer any questions you may have and get you started in the right direction with permits and plans.

If you are looking to start a business in the downtown district, he will bring in the Downtown Development Authority Director, Natalie Thomas to ensure you have the correct information for the downtown district with regards to design guidelines, and tax incentives as well as additional downtown information. Natalie can be reached at 706.335.1899 or by email. Her office is located at 1645 S. Elm Street.

Contact Numbers

City Hall (706) 335-3164
Building Permits & Inspections (706) 335-4200
Garbage Collection (706) 335-3164
Fire Department (706) 335-2190
Electric & Gas (706) 336-3256
Public Works (706) 335-1894
Business Fiber Internet (706) 335-1889
Planning & Development (706) 335-3359
Downtown Development (706) 335-1899
Main Street Office (706) 335-1899
Police Department (706) 335-3200
Smith, Leland Leland Smith
Planning & Zoning Administrator
Leland Smith
545 Cedar Drive
Commerce, GA 30529
Open in Google Maps
O: (706) 335-3359
lsmith@commercega.gov
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