How the Hartsfield–Jackson Enterprise Zone Works for Atlanta Businesses

The Hartsfield–Jackson Enterprise Zone is a local incentive program designed to encourage business investment, job creation, and redevelopment in targeted areas around Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. If you operate a business in Atlanta—or you’re thinking about expanding near the airport—this program can offer valuable tax breaks and cost savings.

This guide breaks down what the zone is, how it works, where it applies, and how an Atlanta business owner can realistically use it.

What Is the Hartsfield–Jackson Enterprise Zone?

The Hartsfield–Jackson Enterprise Zone is a designated geographic area where qualifying businesses can receive temporary tax incentives in exchange for:

• Creating new jobs
• Investing in property or facilities
• Rehabilitating or redeveloping underused sites

It’s one of several enterprise zones authorized under Georgia law and implemented locally by the City of Atlanta and related development agencies.

While the exact boundaries and rules can evolve over time, the focus is generally on corridors and neighborhoods impacted by or adjacent to the airport, including parts of:

• South Atlanta
• Areas near Hapeville, College Park, and East Point
• Industrial and commercial zones influenced by airport growth

The goal is to make it more attractive and affordable for businesses to locate and grow in areas that support the airport economy.

Why the Hartsfield–Jackson Enterprise Zone Matters to Atlanta

For Atlanta residents, visitors, and business owners, this zone matters because it:

• Supports airport-related industries like logistics, hospitality, maintenance, and aviation services
• Helps revitalize older industrial and commercial areas
• Encourages new jobs and capital investment near one of the city’s largest economic engines
• Can reduce start-up or expansion costs for qualifying businesses

If you’re planning a project near the airport, understanding this program can directly affect your site selection, budget, and long‑term operating costs.

What Types of Incentives Are Typically Available?

While the exact benefits can vary depending on the project and current city policies, enterprise zone incentives around Hartsfield–Jackson commonly include some combination of:

1. Property Tax Incentives

Businesses may be eligible for reduced property taxes on new investments in the enterprise zone, often through:

• A graduated schedule where taxes ramp up slowly over several years
• Partial abatements on the increased value created by your improvements

This can make a large build‑out or renovation significantly more affordable in the first years of operation.

2. Business License or Occupation Tax Reductions

Some enterprise zones offer:

• Reduced occupation taxes (often referred to as business license fees)
• Limited-time waivers or discounts on certain local fees or permits

This can help lower up‑front costs for new or expanding companies.

3. Fee Reductions or Waivers

Depending on your project, there may be options for reduced or waived:

• Building permit fees
• Planning or zoning review fees
• Certain inspection fees

These savings are particularly meaningful for construction-heavy projects like warehouses, hotels, restaurants, or maintenance facilities.

Which Businesses May Benefit?

The Hartsfield–Jackson Enterprise Zone is especially relevant for businesses that:

• Need to be close to the airport, such as:
  • Logistics and distribution centers
  • Freight forwarding and cargo handling
  • Aviation maintenance and support services
  • Airport-area hotels, conference centers, and parking facilities
• Are planning new construction, major renovations, or relocations
• Expect to create new full-time jobs for Atlanta-area residents

Smaller businesses can also benefit if they’re part of the airport-adjacent ecosystem, such as:

• Restaurants and food service businesses
• Ground transportation companies
• Professional services supporting aviation or tourism

However, incentives are not automatic. You’ll need to meet specific criteria and go through a formal application process with the City or its development partners.

Typical Eligibility Requirements

The City of Atlanta generally looks at several factors when deciding whether a project qualifies for enterprise zone benefits near Hartsfield–Jackson. While the exact rules can change, common requirements include:

Location

• Your project must be within the defined Hartsfield–Jackson Enterprise Zone boundaries.
• Boundaries are established by city ordinance and may cover targeted parts of the airport area and nearby corridors.

Job Creation

• You typically must create new full-time jobs, not just transfer existing jobs from another Atlanta location.
• Some zones set a minimum job creation threshold (for example, a certain number of new positions within a set timeframe).

Investment Level

• Projects often must involve a minimum level of new capital investment, such as:
  • Construction of a new facility
  • Significant renovation or rehabilitation of an existing building
  • Major equipment installation tied to permanent jobs

Business Type and Use

• The city may give priority to targeted industries, including:
  • Logistics and transportation
  • Aviation and aerospace-related operations
  • Tourism, hospitality, and convention support
  • Advanced manufacturing and related services

Some uses may be restricted if they don’t align with the long‑term economic goals for the airport area.

How the Incentives Typically Work Over Time

Enterprise zone benefits are usually time-limited and front‑loaded to help during the early years of a project.

A common pattern (which may change by ordinance) looks like:

*Exact schedules, percentages, and durations depend on the current City of Atlanta enterprise zone policies and the specifics of your project.

Because the rules can shift, Atlanta businesses are often encouraged to lock in incentives early in the planning process rather than waiting until construction is underway.

How to Find Out If Your Site Is in the Hartsfield–Jackson Enterprise Zone

If you already have a property in mind—or you’re scouting locations near the airport—your first step is to confirm whether it’s inside the enterprise zone boundary.

You can usually do this by contacting:

City of Atlanta – Department of City Planning
Atlanta City Hall
55 Trinity Avenue SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main City Information: 404-330-6000

Ask to be directed to staff who handle:

• Enterprise zones
• Economic development incentives
• Zoning and land use near Hartsfield–Jackson

You can also speak with:

Invest Atlanta (Atlanta’s Development Authority)
133 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 2900
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main Office: 404-880-4100

Invest Atlanta often plays a key role in structuring and administering incentive packages, including enterprise zone benefits and related programs aimed at the airport area.

When you call or visit, have the following handy:

• A street address or parcel ID for the property
• A brief description of your business type
• An estimate of jobs created and investment amount

This information helps staff quickly determine whether your project might qualify and what your next steps should be.

The Application Process: What Atlanta Businesses Can Expect

While each project is different, the process to pursue Hartsfield–Jackson Enterprise Zone benefits typically includes:

1. Early Consultation

Before signing a lease or purchasing land, many businesses schedule a pre-application meeting with City or Invest Atlanta staff to:

• Confirm whether the site is in the enterprise zone
• Review eligibility requirements
• Discuss timelines and what documentation will be needed

This step can prevent costly missteps, like assuming you qualify for benefits that don’t apply to your specific use.

2. Formal Application

You’ll likely need to submit:

• A business description (ownership, industry, operations)
• A project summary (scope of construction or renovation)
• Job creation projections, including wages and hiring timelines
• Investment estimates, including construction and equipment costs

Applications may go through one or more review boards or city departments, and some incentives require approval by the Atlanta City Council or related authorities.

3. Documentation and Agreements

If approved, you may be asked to sign an agreement outlining:

• The benefits you will receive
• Your job creation and investment commitments
• Reporting requirements (for example, annual job and payroll reporting)
• Consequences if commitments are not met (such as reductions or clawbacks of incentives)

4. Ongoing Compliance and Reporting

To keep your incentives, you’ll typically need to:

• Submit periodic reports on employment and investment
• Allow the City or Invest Atlanta to verify information as needed

Many Atlanta businesses find it helpful to assign one person internally to manage compliance and communication with the city.

How the Enterprise Zone Fits with Other Atlanta Incentives

If you’re doing a sizable project near Hartsfield–Jackson, the enterprise zone may be just one element of a broader incentive package. Depending on your location, size, and industry, you might also explore:

• Tax allocation district (TAD) support, if applicable in your area
• Job creation incentives or grants administered by Invest Atlanta or state partners
• Sales and use tax exemptions for certain types of equipment or construction materials (where allowed)
• Workforce training or recruitment assistance through local and state programs

The City and Invest Atlanta often help businesses understand how these pieces can work together and what is realistically available based on the project’s impact.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Businesses Considering the Hartsfield–Jackson Enterprise Zone

If you’re a business owner or site selector evaluating the airport area, these steps can help:

1. Start early.
   Contact the City or Invest Atlanta during the site selection or early planning stage, not after construction has begun.

2. Be specific about jobs.
   Incentives are closely tied to quality job creation. Be prepared to describe:

   • Number of jobs
   • Types of positions
   • Estimated wages or salary ranges

3. Work with local professionals.
   Many Atlanta businesses use:

   • Commercial real estate brokers familiar with the airport market
   • Local land use attorneys or consultants
   • Accountants who understand Georgia and City of Atlanta tax rules

4. Compare locations inside and outside the zone.
   In some cases, the enterprise zone benefits may make a previously marginal site more attractive compared with another nearby option.

5. Keep everything in writing.
   Store emails, letters, and signed agreements with the City or Invest Atlanta. These documents are crucial for:

   • Internal planning and budgeting
   • Future owners or investors
   • Proving compliance over time

Who Should You Contact in Atlanta?

For most business owners, these are the best starting points for accurate, current information:

City of Atlanta – Department of City Planning
Atlanta City Hall
55 Trinity Avenue SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main Line: 404-330-6000

Ask for assistance with:

• Enterprise zones
• Zoning and land use
• Economic development incentives

Invest Atlanta – The City of Atlanta’s Development Authority
133 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 2900
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main Office: 404-880-4100

Ask for staff who handle:

• Business attraction and expansion
• Airport-area or Hartsfield–Jackson projects
• Tax incentives and financing tools

When you reach out, explain clearly that you are interested in the Hartsfield–Jackson Enterprise Zone and provide your proposed site and project details. This will help local officials quickly connect you with the right programs and next steps.