Business Licenses and Permits:: Published by Corporation Service Company » Blog Archive » Georgia pastors told they need business licenses

A number of pastors in Norcross, Georgia, have been informed that they need valid business licenses if they are to set up churches in the Watkins Center business park in Gwinnett County.

However, while the notification came from city officials last month, one pastor, Douglas DuBose of St. John Apostolic Church, says he’s held services in the location for the past two years.

Told that he cannot hold services until the matter has been resolved, Mr. DuBose told wsbtv.com: “I’ve never had that been said before, and none of the other churches have heard that either.”

There are roughly 24 other churches facing the business license problem.

Another issue has arisen for the pastors, namely that zoning regulations restrict the operation of churches in the business park.

According to the county, the issue of requiring the churches to operate as a business and obtain a license is also related to health and safety as well as zoning laws.