Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
Home - FAQs
6-
Home - FAQs
The process for applying for a job with the City of Newnan can be found on the Career Opportunities page.
-
Home - FAQs
Visit the Sanitation Payment Portal to pay your trash bill.
Visit the Sanitation Department website for more information.
-
Home - FAQs
Traffic fines can be paid through the Municipal Court.
-
Home - FAQs
To find agendas, packets, and meeting minutes for City Council meetings, visit the Agendas & Minutes page. To find, agendas, packets, summaries, and minutes for other boards and commissions, visit the Boards and Commissions page.
-
Home - FAQs
Upcoming City events, programs, and meetings can be found on the City Calendar.
You may also sign up for our weekly email newsletter that releases every Friday afternoon announcing the following week's events, programs, meetings, highlights, and news!
Boards & Commissions
5-
Boards & Commissions
The City of Newnan currently has many standing boards, commissions, and authorities consisting of volunteer members. All board members are appointed by the Mayor and City Council and serve without compensation. Boards and commissions are established for the purpose of acquiring and studying information in specific areas and making recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on issues within the board's area of expertise. Some boards are quasi-judicial and have decision-making powers within their areas of expertise. Decisions made by quasi-judicial boards are appealable to the Mayor and City Council. Each board and commission is supported by a staff liaison.
-
Boards & Commissions
Applicants must reside within the City of Newnan for at least one year. You may live in Coweta County for the Newnan Cultural Arts Commission.
-
Boards & Commissions
Qualified candidates may apply to two or more boards or commissions.
-
Boards & Commissions
If a vacancy does not exist: Applicant's information will be kept on file and they are encouraged to periodically check in regarding openings.
If a vacancy exists: All applications are sent to the City Council for consideration.
-
Boards & Commissions
You will be contacted by the Mayor or a member of the City Council.
Following the adoption of the appointment resolution, each applicant will receive a letter notifying them of the status of their application(s).
Fire Marshal
6-
Fire Marshal
Only with a Burn Permit issued from the Fire Marshal. Call 770-253-1851, ext. 302.
-
Fire Marshal
From the Fire Marshal at the City of Newnan. Call 770-253-1851, ext. 302.
-
Fire Marshal
For burn permits and notifications visit the Georgia Forestry Commission website.
-
Fire Marshal
At least 2 fire extinguishers should be within reaching distance if cooking.
-
Fire Marshal
Per the ADA regulations, fire extinguishers should hang 48 inches to the top of the extinguishers’ handle.
-
Fire Marshal
Annually. Please contact the Fire Marshal to set up an appointment. Call 770-253-1851, ext. 302
General FAQs
22-
General FAQs
Directions to City Hall
From I-85 Exit 47 (from the North)
To get to Newnan City Hall from I-85, Exit 47, take Highway 34 west for 3 miles. Get in the left lane and follow the signs for Highway 29 south (14 and 16 on the map below). This is Jackson Street which becomes LaGrange Street. About half a mile further you will pass the county courthouse on the left. City Hall is on the second block past the courthouse on the right. Parking is in the rear. Show me using Google Maps.
From I-85 Exit 41 (from the South)
To get to Newnan City Hall from I-85, Exit 41, take Highway 29 north for 3.5 miles. Turn left on Spring Street and go one block. Turn left on LaGrange Street and City Hall is on the Right. Parking is in the rear. Show me using Google Maps.
-
General FAQs
No person is eligible to serve unless that person has been a resident of the City for twelve months prior to the date of the election, continues to reside in the city during the member's period of service, and is registered and qualified to vote in municipal elections of the city. All candidates must be 21 years of age and a citizen of the United States.
Elected positions in the City of Newnan are non-partisan.
To qualify for a vacant city council position, please contact the City Clerk's office at 770-254-2358.
-
General FAQs
Elections are held every two years on odd years and are conducted by the Coweta County Election Board.
-
General FAQs
To have bushes or shrubs trimmed or removed to keep from blocking the sight at an intersection, please call the Public Works Department at 770-253-0327.
-
General FAQs
If you see someone dumping trash or a suspicious substance on the road or down a storm drain, please call the city's Environmental Concern Hotline at 770-253-1823.
Please remember that our storm drains connect to our water bodies, which become our drinking water.
Only Rain Down the Storm Drain!
-
General FAQs
This will be picked up on your regular trash pick-up day. For yard debris and bulk waste items service contact the City Sanitation Department at 770-253-0327.
-
General FAQs
To report a pothole, please contact the Street Department at 770-253-0327.
-
General FAQs
If you see a missing traffic sign on a city street, please contact our Street Department at 770-253-0327.
-
General FAQs
-
General FAQs
You do not need to schedule junk pick-up. just place it by the street on your scheduled collection day.
-
General FAQs
There will be a fee for obtaining a tree removal permit based on the number of trees to be removed. However, the removal of trees other than specimen trees from an owner-owned, single-family lot is exempt from the provision of the ordinance, provided that the removal does not reduce the required tree density of the lot below minimum requirements.
Homeowners who remove trees on their own residential property, without the cost of a person or company engaged in removing the trees for a fee, shall not pay any fee until they remove more than five trees at a time within a single calendar year. If a contractor is employed to remove trees, a tree removal permit shall be required for removing trees, eight inches or more in diameter. Tree removal conducted on the property, regardless of zoning classification, by any person or company for a fee shall require a tree removal permit.
-
General FAQs
The city's sign ordinance is a part of the Zoning Ordinance. Please refer to the Zoning Ordinance (PDF). Sign information can be found in Article 8. If you need additional information, please call Planning and Zoning at 770-254-2354.
-
General FAQs
Please refer to the District Map (PDF) to determine your council representative.
If you need additional information, please contact the City Clerk at 770-254-2358.
-
General FAQs
Building Permits can be obtained from the Building Department on the 2nd floor of City Hall, 25 LaGrange Street, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm. The Building Department may be reached at 770-254-2354.
Permit Applications must include at a minimum:
- Site plan
- Building plan
- ResChek or Comchek report showing compliance
- Contractors licenses
- Subcontractor list
- Applicable fees
-
General FAQs
You may refer to the Zoning Map. If you need additional information, please contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 770-254-2354.
-
General FAQs
To reserve the Wadsworth Auditorium, visit the Leisure Services Department event page. A reservation fee is required.
-
General FAQs
For information on booking events at any City Park or The Charles Wadsworth Auditorium, visit the Leisure Services Department event page.
Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis.
-
General FAQs
In order to erect a tent for a public gathering, a tent permit is required. Please see the City Manager's office.
Arrangements will also be made with the City Fire Marshall for the inspection of the tent.
-
General FAQs
To host a birthday party, anniversary celebration, or wedding reception at any of the licensed alcohol serving special event locations, a special event permit is required. Please see the City Manager's office.
-
General FAQs
Steps for Starting a New Business in the City of Newnan
All new businesses must register with the City of Newnan to obtain (and display) an Occupational Tax Certificate, per City Ordinance The Finance Department, located in City Hall at 25 LaGrange Street, issues the certificates. The New Business Application (PDF) can be printed and completed by the Owner. Certificates are issued by calendar year and expire on December 31st each year.
The completed application must be approved by the Planning and Zoning Department (2nd Floor of Newnan City Hall), which verifies zoning and building safety codes. In some cases, the application may also have to be reviewed and approved by the Fire Marshal. If the building is new or has recently been inspected, the process is almost always completed as the owner waits. If the building requires on-site inspection, the process is typically completed within 24 hours.
The approved application is then submitted to the Finance Department to finalize. Below is additional information concerning Business Licensing processing, including links to forms and other required information and documentation. Please see the Finance Department page under Government for additional information concerning Licensing and Occupational Taxes.
Occupational Taxes & Alcohol Licenses
All businesses operating in the City of Newnan are required to obtain (and display) a current annual Occupational Tax Certificate. Additionally, retail establishments which sell alcohol (on-premises or off-premises) are required to obtain an alcohol license each year. All certificates and licenses are issued by calendar year and expire on December 31st each year. No business license of any type will be issued by the City if the business has any type of delinquent revenues (taxes, grass cutting, etc) due to the City.
Alcoholic Beverage Licenses: City ordinances regulate the sale of alcoholic beverages. Businesses with on-premise consumption must maintain a ratio of at least 55% food sales (of total gross receipts) at all times. No stand-alone bars or nightclubs are permitted within the City. This information is reported to the City in the Quarterly Sales Report. See below for further information and a link to the form. Failure to submit the quarterly report or maintain the correct ratio of food sales will result in revocation of the alcohol license.
Alcohol license renewals are required by December 31st each year. Renewal packets are mailed during the last week of September. License fees are based on the type of alcohol sold and whether the sales are off-premises or on-premises. Please see the Fee Schedule (PDF) for specific fees. Failure to provide all documentation and renew by December 31st will result in the cancellation of the license. If the license is not renewed by that date, the owner will have to begin the process all over again, including application, advertising, etc.
Additionally, establishments with on-premises consumption are required to file a Quarterly Sales Report with the City, along with a monthly 3% Alcohol Tax report. This monthly report must be received by the City by the 10th day of each month; otherwise, a penalty is imposed. Failure to file the required reports will result in revocation of the alcohol license. Alcohol purchases by the business are to be made through the distributors, and shall not be purchased at retail or wholesale stores or clubs by the business.
New businesses can obtain an Occupational Tax Certificate by completing and submitting the New Business Occupational Tax Certificate Application, Affidavit Verifying Status for the owner(s), and the Private Employer Affidavit to the City of Newnan for approval. Beginning July 1, 2013, all employers with 11 or more employees must be registered with E-Verify in order to obtain a new Occupational Tax Certificate or renewal. All new businesses require zoning approval; some may also require approval from the Building Inspection Department and Fire Marshall. Therefore, a representative of the company must visit City Hall with the paperwork to obtain the required approvals prior to the certificate being issued by the Finance department.
Retail and Annual occupational tax fees are based on gross receipts of the business.
Initial fees are generally based on estimated gross receipts; then subsequent renewals are based on prior year gross receipts of the business. A copy of the business tax return, P and L statement, Schedule C, etc. (substantiating gross receipts reported) is required when renewing an existing license. The Occupational Tax Calculation Worksheet can be used to determine reportable gross receipts for renewals, however, it is not required by the City. Additional information may be required prior to issuing the certificate for the business. Examples include citizenship affidavits, state licenses, health department approval, professional licenses, etc.
Once all paperwork is submitted, approved and all appropriate fees paid, the Occupational Tax Certificate will be issued by the City. Appropriate fees include any revenues owed to the City of Newnan. Occupational tax certificates will not be issued to any business or business owner who owes delinquent revenues of any type to the City. Businesses or individuals may check for delinquent taxes using the parcel (map) number and the owner's last name.
Business Name or Location Changes
The City is to be notified of all business name and location changes, as well as transfers of ownership. The Amended Occupational Tax Certificate Application is to be utilized for this purpose. Location changes require zoning approval and possibly the approval of Building Inspection and the Fire Marshall. The appropriate fees are listed on the form. It is the Owner's responsibility to keep all address changes up-to-date with the City. Otherwise, renewal packets may not reach the right address and a fee will be imposed to reproduce the renewal/tax return form since we do not keep copies on file.
Occupational Tax Certificate Renewals
Retail, Annual and Financial Occupational Tax Certificate renewals are due by April 1st each year, with renewal packets automatically mailed by the City the first week in January. The renewals are mailed to the mailing address on file, as provided by the business. These packets contain the actual tax return for the business which must be completed and submitted for renewal. If lost or misplaced, there will be a $10 fee for duplication of the form, since the City does not keep a copy on file. Fees are based on prior year gross receipts of the business, therefore a copy of the tax return (or P and L, Schedule C, etc.) must be submitted with the renewal application. Substantial penalties, beginning at 11.5%, result when renewal forms are received by the City after the due date; postmarks are not accepted by the City. No penalties will be waived.
For more information concerning Occupational Taxes in the City of Newnan, please see the City of Newnan's Code of Ordinances or email Iris McClung.
-
General FAQs
Agenda Items are due in the City Manager's office at least one (1) week prior to the scheduled city council meeting. Please email City Clerk Megan Shea for more information.
-
General FAQs
The City Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., respectively in the Richard A. Bolin Council Chambers at City Hall, 25 LaGrange Street. The City Council only meets once in June, July, and December.
Police FAQs
3-
Police FAQs
Follow link here to learn how to pay your fine by phone or online:
-
Police FAQs
Find Animal Control contact information on our Animal Control page here:
-
Police FAQs
To file an open records request, please, follow the link here:
Sanitation FAQs
8-
Sanitation FAQs
While Subscription Service initially seems logical, there are significant issues:
• Subscription service means different haulers, different cans, and different pick-up days in our neighborhoods (many of which are already very busy). More trucks, weighing up to 60,000 lbs. each, means more wear and tear on our city streets.
• Subscription service very often leads to higher number of non-active accounts and results in illegal dumping, code enforcement efforts, and un-funded pick-up by the City’s Public Works crews. The cost of this pick-up would then be absorbed in the City’s General Fund. This means taxpayers would pay the costs for illegal dumping.
• Subscription service is almost always more expensive than locally regulated contract service. A quick research of subscription rates in unincorporated Coweta County found that most subscription rates were approaching the new city rate. Please remember that subscription rates in unincorporated Coweta County do not include yard debris or bulk services and many do not include recycling services.
-
Sanitation FAQs
AMWASTE offers a one bin solution. This means your trash and recycling will now be in one container. https://www.repowersouth.com/resources/
-
Sanitation FAQs
See our interactive GIS map for information about when your bin will be picked up.
-
Sanitation FAQs
Yes, bagged trash helps prevent litter.
-
Sanitation FAQs
No. All items for pick up must be placed within the cart.
-
Sanitation FAQs
You may add a second cart, but we will not service any items left outside of the cart.
SPLOST 2023 FAQs
14-
SPLOST 2023 FAQs
The sales tax rate is 7%. This consists of 4% Georgia sales tax, 1% Local Option Sales Tax (LOST), 1% Education SPLOST (ESPLOST), and 1% SPLOST.
-
SPLOST 2023 FAQs
Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) is a one percent sales and use tax enacted by a local referendum and imposed on the purchase, sale, rental, storage, use, or consumption of tangible personal property and related services. LOST is imposed on the sale of motor fuels, and in most counties, LOST also applies to the sale of food and alcoholic beverages. LOST revenues are shared by county governments and municipalities based on an agreed upon distribution. LOST revenues are used to reduce property taxes. This reduction is shown on property tax statements as a Sales Tax Credit.
-
SPLOST 2023 FAQs
Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) is a one percent sales tax enacted by a local referendum and used to fund capital outlay projects proposed by the county government and qualified municipalities.
-
SPLOST 2023 FAQs
Education SPLOST (ESPLOST) is a one percent sales tax enacted by a local referendum and available to boards of education to fund capital projects.
-
SPLOST 2023 FAQs
If an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) is reached between the county government and municipalities within the county having population representing 50% or more of the total population of such municipalities, the SPLOST can be collected for up to 6 years. When there is no IGA, SPLOST can only be collected for up to 5 years.
-
SPLOST 2023 FAQs
Capital outlay projects are defined in State law (O.C.G.A. 48-8-110) as major projects which are of a permanent, long-lived nature, such as land and structures. They are expenditures that would be chargeable to a capital asset account and not ordinary maintenance expenses. Capital outlay projects include, but are not limited to, roads, streets, bridges, police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, garbage trucks, and other major equipment.
-
SPLOST 2023 FAQs
SPLOST was enacted by Georgia legislators in 1985. Since 1986, Coweta County voters have invested in SPLOST by approving each referendum.
-
SPLOST 2023 FAQs
SPLOST helps to reduce property taxes by providing a significant revenue source for capital projects generated by everyone making retail or online purchases in Coweta County. This includes Coweta County residents, renters, as well as residents of other communities who shop here or are passing through the county. SPLOST also helps to minimize long-term debt and provides the resources for long-term and major investment in the quality of our community.
-
SPLOST 2023 FAQs
SPLOST applies to all transactions covered by state sales tax plus motor fuel, food and beverage, and online transactions. A considerable portion of retail transactions occur from individuals who do not reside in Coweta County.
-
SPLOST 2023 FAQs
If approved, the 2025 SPLOST will be a continuation of the current 7% sales tax, NOT a new or additional tax.
-
SPLOST 2023 FAQs
No. The gratuities clause of the Georgia Constitution prohibits local governments from using SPLOST funds or any other public funds for non-public entities, including for-profit and non-profit organizations.
-
SPLOST 2023 FAQs
There are hundreds of SPLOST projects throughout our community. A few examples include the Poplar Road Interchange, Central Community Center, Greison Trail Roundabout, the Linc, LeRoy Johnson Park, Madras Community Center & Park, Newnan Bypass, the Justice Center, and the Historic Courthouse. SPLOST also supports public safety capital initiatives including fire apparatus (engines and ladder trucks), ambulances and life-saving equipment, sheriff’s patrol vehicles, and technology.
-
SPLOST 2023 FAQs
If the SPLOST referendum is not approved by voters, the county government (Board of Commissioners) and the qualified municipalities will have to determine how to fund capital outlay projects from other revenue sources. Because SPLOST has been supported by voters since 1986 and remains a primary revenue source, SPLOST revenues are crucial for annual road maintenance, transportation improvements, public safety vehicles and equipment, and parks and recreation amenities. Aside from sales tax, the other primary source of revenue for local governments is property taxes. Therefore, without SPLOST, the county government and municipalities would have to consider significantly increasing applicable millage rates to generate revenue for the essential capital outlay projects. This decision would shift the burden of these capital projects from sales tax revenue (anyone who makes retail purchases in the county) to property owners.
-
SPLOST 2023 FAQs
Because of the variation in property values which produce the tax digest and the estimated SPLOST collections, it’s difficult to project the millage rate impact. However, a high-level estimate is shown below for illustrative purposes.
SPLOST Collections Estimate (6 years) $250,000,000
County SPLOST Allocation (66.65%) $166,625,000
Estimated Annual SPLOST collection $27,770,833
2022 County M&O millage rate 5.28 mills (0.00528)
2022 Total Property Tax Revenues $41,151,487
Weighted Value of 1 mill of tax $4,440,465
Based on the values shown above, it would be necessary to increase the millage rate by approximately 6.25 mills to generate $27,770,833 per year to fund the SPLOST capital outlay projects. This estimate contains many assumptions.