Due to our economic growth, the City of Prattville's Finance Department along with Mayor Gillespie, wanted to give everyone some tips on not just conducting business in the city limits of Prattville, but whether or not one might need to obtain a business license before conducting business.

If you have a home-based business and your home is inside the city limits of Prattville, you need to get a business license (some exclusions apply). Even if your business is an internet based business or an individual consultant for other companies, such as Avon etc., you still must have a business license to legally conduct such business. If you are not inside the city, yet deliver (other than common courier), to somewhere that is inside the city limits, or come into the city to perform any kind of work or service, you still must have a business license with the city of Prattville.

In order to have a business based out of your home, you cannot have any signs that there is a business there. You cannot have signs in your yard, traffic in and out (this includes "open houses"), or vehicles and/or equipment visible at your home, you also must be signed off on by our Planning and Zoning department. Your home-based business, based on zoning, is to be conducted ONLY by phone and internet. You may go to other's homes or businesses to perform a trade or have a "showing" or party to sell your items only if you have a business license to do so. You are not allowed to cut hair, do nails, massages, fix cars, work on appliances (tv's or computers), photography, building, manufacturing or production of goods, etc. from a residence. Also, you must be licensed to rent personal property, such as homes, cars, equipment, birthday party rentals such as jumping castles, or even advertising tools such as signs or billboards etc., Management of properties such as strip malls, and or homes, townhomes or apartments also must hold a license to do so. All lawn services big or small must have a business license. Please call our Planning and Zoning department at 334-361-3613 for questions pertaining to zoning restrictions for certain businesses even if located at a residence.

One of the biggest problems the city has had over the years is selling of vehicles parked on private properties or general parking lots. It is unlawful to sell any vehicle in a spot that is not licensed to sell vehicles. The only exception to this rule is that you are allowed by law to sell up to "5" (five) of your own PERSONAL vehicles a year from your residence that you live in.

If you have any questions as to whether or not you should obtain a business license, check on a business or even report a business anonymously, you are welcome to call the Finance department anytime between 8-5pm Monday – Friday at 334-361-3690 or 334-361-3612. Most importantly, before you hire anyone to perform work on your property or home, make sure to check that the person or company has the proper business license(s) to perform that work. Please do not just take their word. City business licenses can be checked by contacting the Finance Department. Using licensed businesses not only protects local and regional businesses that are following the law, but it also helps in protecting residents.

The City of Prattville's entire Code of Ordinance is accessible on this website. You can check any other legality for obtaining a business license or to check our zoning regulations. The City of Prattville is more than happy to work on a case-by-case basis with each individual or business needing a license.