Applying for a License

The process for obtaining a commercial business license begins in the Office of Planning and Development. City Planner Whitney Choat must approve all commercial businesses license applications.

To apply, download the Business Occupancy Checklist. It lists all of the steps that must be completed to obtain a commercial business license. This form should be turned in to the Office of Planning and Development:
8710 Northwest Dr.
Southaven, MS 38671

Exceptions

For businesses selling beer, hard liquor, tobacco, and prepared food, bring copies of certificates (as well as the Checklist) at the time you apply for your business license. These certificates include:

• Alcohol permit from the Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC) 
• Beer license from the State Tax Commission
• Health Department Inspection from the DeSoto County Health Department
• Tobacco retailer’s license from the State Tax Commission

Approval & Processing

Once the zoning is approved by the planner and any stipulations are met, the checklist will then be forwarded to the Building Department.

The business license applicant must then apply for a Use & Occupancy permit from the Building Department. This will result in the building inspector (and possibly the fire marshal) visiting your business location. Once the building inspector has inspected and passed your building, he will issue a Use & Occupancy Final Inspection form. This form must then be presented to the City Clerk’s Office and the business license can then be obtained. 

Contact the Building Department at (662) 393-4639 for additional information on obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy.

Contact Us

For more information, contact City Clerk Andrea Mullen at (662) 280-6554.