The mission of the City Clerk's Office is to provide staff support to the City of Elberton's elected officials, maintain the municipality's official records, and provide accurate and timely access to records for the public.
This office has many responsibilities which include:
Maintains the Code of Ordinances Issues occupational tax certificates (also known as business licenses) Issues alcoholic beverage licenses Issues peddlers permits Secretary for the Planning Commission and the Historical Preservation Commission Superintendent for Municipal Elections Director of Human Resources Processes public records requests Posts bid requests and RFPsThe city code of ordinances and charter are the primary government documents and laws of the City of Elberton. The Code of Ordinances is a compilation of laws adopted by City Council. The City Charter defines powers given to the city government by the State of Georgia and how the City is structured and operated.
For any official documents, please contact Elberton City Clerk Cindy Churney at (706) 213-3105.
Welcome to Elberton! Below you will find a checklist of the necessary requirements to obtain an Occupational Tax License, sometimes referred to as a Business License, for the City of Elberton. Licenses expire on March 31 of each year. Renewals are due January 1 – March 31 of each year. Types of licenses:
OCCUPATIONAL TAX - This license is required for persons engaging in any business, trade, profession, or occupation within a physical set location within the corporate limits of Elberton. PROFESSIONAL - This license is required for each practitioner of a profession within the corporate limits of Elberton unless otherwise excluded specifically by State Law. REGULATORY – Required for each person wishing to conduct business within the corporate limits of Elberton who does not have a physical location within the city limits. VENDING & AMUSEMENT MACHINE – Registration is required for all vending and amusement machines that operate within the corporate limits of Elberton. FINANCIAL - This license is required for all financial institutions that are located within the corporate limits of Elberton.Businesses interested in retail sales and/or on-premises consumption of beer/malt beverages, wine, and/or distilled spirits are required to obtain an alcoholic beverage license through the City of Elberton. All licenses will be reviewed by the City Council during a regular meeting. Upon approval by the City Council, the city license will be issued, and the process may begin for receiving a license from the state of Georgia. Please account for these multiple approval steps in your overall schedule. Licenses for alcoholic beverage expire on December 31 of each year and shall be renewable at the option of the Mayor and Council of the City of Elberton. Renewals are due October 15 – November 15 of each year.
The requirements, process, and fees are outlined in the Alcoholic Beverage License Information Application Packet.
An Ordinance was established to regulate licensing for peddlers, solicitors, transient merchants, and mobile vendors within the corporate limits of Elberton. Applications for Peddlers licenses shall be made at least 14 days prior to conducting business. Types of peddlers permits:
NON-PROFIT - Application must include articles of incorporation stating organization has non-profit status. PROFIT - Permit is issued for 30 or 90 days.The Planning Commission is made up of five local residents. The Commission is tasked with guiding the community through future growth and development in a positive direction. The Commission meets the 3rd Monday of each month at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall, if there is an application to consider.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONThe Historic Preservation Commission is made up of five local residents and/or business owners. The Commission is tasked with assisting in the preservation of historical structures located in the corporate limits of Elberton. The Commission considers requests and issues a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) prior to work being started. The Commission meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, if there is an application to consider.
Commercial and Residential DESIGN GUIDELINES updated November, 2023.
Historic District Map - Commercial
Historic District Map - Lake Forest
Historic District Map - Church Street
NOTICE OF ELECTION CANCELLATION - 2025
Other information:
Forms for Candidates:
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