Business Licenses are required for all businesses operating within the unincorporated areas of Cherokee County and in the cities of Holly Springs, Ball Ground, Waleska, Nelson, and Mountain Park.  Business License Inspections are required to be performed by inspectors from the Fire Marshal’s Office as well as from the Building Department and Environmental Health Department (if applicable).  In addition, Annual Inspections are performed by Fire Inspectors to verify that buildings in Cherokee County continue to be in compliance with fire and life safety code requirements.

Business License Inspections by the Fire Marshal’s Office

Requests for Business License Inspections are initiated with the Development Services Center, who determines whether or not a particular business will be required to submit plans for review prior to performing inspections.  Contact the Development Services Center (located within the new Cherokee County Administrative Complex) for further information regarding the Business License Procedure.

The following is a list of the types of items which the Fire Inspector will look for during a Business License Inspection:

• Current inspection tag on sprinkler riser
• Current inspection tag on kitchen hood suppression system
• Correct keys in lock box
• General housekeeping
• Required exit doors are functional and have correct hardware
• Fire extinguishers have current inspection tag
• Fire alarm is functional and has been tested within 12 months
• Exits are clear and accessible
• Exit signs are functional
• Emergency lights are functional
• Electrical panel is labeled and has no open slots for breakers
• Extension cords are not used on permanent fixtures
• Address/suite numbers are clearly visible
• Mechanical rooms are clear of combustible storage
• All switches/outlets have cover plates installed
• Outside utilities (gas/electric meter) are labeled if multi-tenant building
• Storage of flammable or combustible liquids
• Any potential fire hazards for occupants or firefighters in the event of an emergency

Annual Inspections by the Fire Marshal’s Office

The following is a list of the types of items which the Fire Inspector will look for during an annual Inspection:

• Exit Access- clear and unobstructed
• Door Hardware- functionality and proper type
• Electrical / Mechanical rooms- clear of combustible storage
• Emergency lights- functioning properly
• FDC- accessible and visible
• Fire Dept. access- No parking lanes and signage maintained
• Hydrants- accessible, visible and operational
• Kitchen Hood - maintained and operational
• Hood Suppression System- operational with current tag
• Switches / Outlets- cover plates installed, not overloaded
• Fire Alarm- system operates properly and maintenance records available
• Sprinkler System- operational with current “Green Tag” and spare heads / wrench located at riser
• Extension Cords- Temporary use only not used on permanent basis
• Fire Extinguishers- current tag, visible and accessible
• Electrical Panel- all circuits labeled, no openings in panel
• Exit Signs- operational and visible
• General Housekeeping- aisle widths maintained
• Storage of flammable or combustible liquids
• Any potential fire hazards for occupants or firefighters in the event of an emergency