City of CorneliaThe City of Cornelia, founded around 1870, was known as "Tom Paine's Post Office", "Blaine" (railroad depot) and "Rabun Gap Junction" (homes) before being incorporated as "Cornelia" on October 22, 1887. Named for Cornelia Barrow, Judge Barrow's wife, it sits approximately 1,520 feet (between 1,400 and 1,680 feet) above sea level and is home to around 3,200 residents. Cornelia is proud of its two national historic structures, Cornelia Community Center and Chenocetah Tower, as well as its other two landmarks, Big Red Apple Monument and Park and the restored Railroad Depot/ Building Permits The City of Cornelia requires a permit for certain types of remodeling, construction or installation done within city limits, including the following:
The list may not be all-inclusive and is subject to change at any time. For more information about when to obtain a permit and what is required to do so, please contact City Hall. To build, remodel, grade, etc outside city limits, contact the Habersham County Building and Planning Department. Occupation Tax Every year a Certification for Occupation Tax, also called "occupation tax," is levied on all businesses and practitioners of professions and occupations that have one or more locations within the city. Some out-of-state businesses with no locations or offices in Georgia are also subject to this tax. Tax is payable by March 31 of each year. There are two methods for calculating the amount of tax: Method 1: Professionals: Practitioners of professions such as: Lawyers, physicians, osteopaths, chiropractors, podiatrists, dentists, optometrists, psychologists, veterinarians, landscape architects, land surveyors, practitioners of physiotherapy, public accountants, embalmers, funeral directors, civil, mechanical, hydraulic or electrical engineers, architects, marriage and family therapists, social workers and professional counselors or practitioners as described in O.C.G.A. Section 48-13-9(c), paragraphs 1-18. Number of professionals, including owner(s) in the business: x $100** = tax amount Method 2: All other occupations: Using the rate chart below, find the tax due using the number of employees (full- or part-time, temporary or under contract of service), including business owners, employed as of September 30:
Better Hometown Award Cornelia is one of 59 Georgia cities which have earned a "Better Hometown" award. What is the Better Hometown Program? How does a city qualify for this award? And what are the benefits of being selected? The Georgia Department of Community Affairs', Office of Downtown Development (ODD) coordinates the Better Hometown Program. This program assists Georgia cities, neighborhoods and small towns in the development/redevelopment of their core commercial areas. Assistance provided by the Office of Downtown Development emphasizes community-based, self-help efforts grounded in the principles of professional, comprehensive management of core commercial district within the context of historic preservation and the National Main Street Center's Four-point Approach to Downtown Revitalization: Organization, Design, Economic Restructuring and Promotion. Generally, to be considered for this award a city should have a population of less than 10,000. Once an application has been submitted to the Department of Community Affairs, various workshops are held for the candidates, and Hometown staff visit each participant. Once selected, the city receives technical assistance, advice, training, on-site visits, and design services to help in implementing the program. But, of course, the benefits are not to the city alone: residents can look forward to an improved quality of life! Permit Fees The following permit fees are current but are subject to be changed at any time.<
Inspections: Scheduled inspections for permits are part of the permit cost. Additional or re-inspections are $25 each. Certificate of Occupancy inspections in existing structures cost $25 for initial and one follow-up inspection. Additional inspections are $25 each. "Remodeling" means the repair, alteration or replacement of electrical, plumbing or HVAC components and structural components such as foundation, framing and walls.The Building Inspector may determine that plans are not necessary for some minor remodeling jobs. Minor or ordinary repairs that do not require a permit include such items as: painting and other cosmetic improvements, owner replacement of fixtures, and other work that does not include the repair, alteration, replacement or relocation of structural components such as foundations, framing, walls, or electrical, plumbing or HVAC components or systems. Yard Sale Guidelines Yard sales have become a common way for people to sell items they no longer want or to pick up a bargain. Still, because they can be the cause of traffic hazards and other potential problems, a written notice must be filed with the Secretary of the City Commission at least two and no more than seven days prior to the sale. Regardless of its name or location, any sale of personal property acquired by a household in the normal course of living or maintaining a residence is considered a "yard sale." In addition, the owner and/or tenant of the premises where the sale is to be held and any participants have the responsibility to ensure that:
Anyone wishing to conduct a yard sale should apply at City Hall and may, at the same time, pick up a copy of the uncomplicated regulations that will help ensure the safety and order -- and enjoyment -- of buyer and seller alike. Contact InformationMailing Address: P. O. Box 217 Cornelia, GA 30531Location: 181 Larkin Street Cornelia, GA 30531 Phone: 706-778-8585 Fax: 706-778-2234 Margaret Ballard, Mayor Website: www.Corneliageorgia.org |
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