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Boards & Commissions

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1. Tell me more about the City of Newnan's 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.

2. May I apply to a board or commission?

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.

3. May I apply to more than one board or commission?

Qualified candidates may apply to two or more boards or commissions.

4. What happens after I submit my application?

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.

5. How does an applicant know if they were appointed to a board or commission?

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).

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Fire Marshal

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1. May I burn in the city?

Only with a Burn Permit issued from the Fire Marshal. Call 770-253-1851, ext. 302.

2. Where do I obtain a burn permit?

From the Fire Marshal at the City of Newnan. Call 770-253-1851, ext. 302.

3. When is the burn ban?

For burn permits and notifications visit the Georgia Forestry Commission website.

4. How many fire extinguishers should I have available?

At least 2 fire extinguishers should be within reaching distance if cooking.

5. What are the guidelines for hanging a fire extinguisher?

Per the ADA regulations, fire extinguishers should hang 48 inches to the top of the extinguishers’ handle.

6. When do I need an inspection?

Annually. Please contact the Fire Marshal to set up an appointment. Call 770-253-1851, ext. 302

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General FAQs

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1. How do I get to City Hall?

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.

2. Who can run for City Council seats?

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.

3. When are city elections?

Elections are held every two years on odd years and are conducted by the Coweta County Election Board.

4. Who do I contact to trim or clear shrubs blocking the sight at an intersection?

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. 

5. What do I do if I see someone dumping trash or a suspicious substance down a storm drain?

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!

6. What should I do with my leaves and grass clippings?

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.

7. How do I report a pothole?

To report a pothole, please contact the Street Department at 770-253-0327.

8. Who do I contact if I see a traffic sign missing or knocked down?

If you see a missing traffic sign on a city street, please contact our Street Department at 770-253-0327. 

9. Can I recycle?

Please contact GFL.

10. How do I schedule a pick-up of junk?

You do not need to schedule junk pick-up. just place it by the street on your scheduled  collection day.

11. Can I cut a tree on my own property?

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.

12. Where can I find information about the city's sign ordinance?

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.

13. Who is my council representative?

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.

14. How do I get a Building Permit?

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

15. What is my property zoned?

You may refer to the Zoning Map.  If you need additional information, please contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 770-254-2354.

16. How do I reserve the Wadsworth Auditorium?

To reserve the Wadsworth Auditorium, visit the Leisure Services Department event page. A reservation fee is required.

17. How do I reserve a gazebo at a City Park?

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.

18. How do I obtain a tent permit?

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.

19. How do I apply for a special event permit?

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.

20. How do I obtain an Occupational Tax Certificate to open a new business?

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.

21. How do I submit an agenda item for the City Council meeting?

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.

22. When and where are City Council Meetings held?

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. 

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Home - FAQs

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1. How do I apply for a job with the City?

The process for applying for a job with the City of Newnan can be found on the Career Opportunities page.

2. How do I pay my trash bill?

Visit the Sanitation Payment Portal to pay your trash bill.

Visit the Sanitation Department website for more information.

3. How do I pay a traffic fine?

Traffic fines can be paid through the Municipal Court.

4. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

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.

5. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

Contact your trash pickup service. The current trash pickup service for the City of Newnan is GFL.

6. How do I find out about upcoming city events?

Upcoming City events, programs, and meetings can be found on the City Calendar.

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Police FAQs

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1. How do I pay my fine?

Follow link here to learn how to pay your fine by phone or online: 

Pay Fines

2. How do I contact Animal Control?

Find Animal Control contact information on our Animal Control page here:

Animal Control

3. How do I file an open records request?

To file an open records request, please, follow the link here:

Open Records Request

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Sanitation FAQs

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1. Why can’t I opt out or select my sanitation provider, aka Subscription Service?

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.

2. Why am I no longer separating trash and recycling?

AMWASTE offers a one bin solution. This means your trash and recycling will now be in one container. https://www.repowersouth.com/resources/

3. When is my service day?

Your new cart will have a tag containing your service day information. Cart, yard waste, and bulk items will be collected on the same day.

4. Should I bag my trash?

Yes, bagged trash helps prevent litter.

5. I need to dispose of large boxes. May I place them by my cart?

No. All items for pick up must be placed within the cart.

6. What if I can’t fit all of my trash and recycling bags in my cart?

You may add a second cart, but we will not service any items left outside of the cart.

7. Whom should I contact if my can is damaged?

Contact the City of Newnan Sanitation Department by email or phone.

8. What should I do if I no longer need a second can?

Contact the City of Newnan Sanitation Department by email or phone.

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SPLOST 2023 FAQs

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1. What is the sales tax rate in Coweta County?

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.

2. What is LOST?

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.

3. What is SPLOST?

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. 

4. What is ESPLOST?

Education SPLOST (ESPLOST) is a one percent sales tax enacted by a local referendum and available to boards of education to fund capital projects. 

5. How long is SPLOST effective?

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.

6. What are capital outlay projects?

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.

7. When did SPLOST become effective?

SPLOST was enacted by Georgia legislators in 1985. Since 1986, Coweta County voters have invested in SPLOST by approving each referendum.

8. Why is SPLOST important?

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.

9. Who contributes to SPLOST?

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.

10. Is SPLOST a new tax?

If approved, the 2025 SPLOST will be a continuation of the current 7% sales tax, NOT a new or additional tax.

11. Can SPLOST funds be used to construct projects for local charities or other nonprofit organizations?

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.

12. What is an example of a SPLOST project?

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.

13. What will happen if SPLOST does not get renewed?

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.

14. What is the potential impact on property taxes (millage rates) without SPLOST?

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.