City of Garden City, Michigan Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I OBTAIN A BUSINESS LICENSE?
The first step in applying for a new Business License is to submit an application to the Building Department for a Certificate of Occupancy. Upon zoning approval from the Building Department, a postcard notification will be issued to the applicant. The applicant must then present the postcard notification to the Clerk¡¦s Office in order to obtain a business license application.

Next, the applicant must submit the completed business license application to the Clerk's Office, where it will be time/date stamped, and a copy returned to said applicant. The applicant must provide a copy of the stamped business license application to the Building Department. Inspections will not begin until the Building Department has received the time/date stamped copy of the business license application. (It is your responsibility to follow up with the Building Department for re-inspections if needed.)

Finally, when the Clerk's Office has received the Certificate of Occupancy from the Building Department, as well as an approval of the submitted Business License Application from the Police Department, you will be contacted.

Upon payment of the $60 business license fee, the applicant will be issued their copy of the Certificate of Occupancy by the Clerk's Office. Only then can they begin to conduct business.

Once your Business License has been issued, there will be a yearly renewal. Renewal notices will be mailed to you by the Clerk¡¦s Office each year, however, if you do not receive a notice in the mail, it is still your responsibility to contact this office and renew your license. Business License renewals are due by July 1st of each year.

A copy of your application will be submitted to the Tax Department so that they may assign a Personal Property Tax Identification Number for your business. Personal Property Statements are to be filed by you with the Tax Department each year by February 1st. Personal Property Taxes are billed twice a year, July 1st and December 1st. Specific questions regarding Personal Property Taxes can be directed to the Tax Department at (734) 793-1610.
Contact: Clerk's Office 793-1620