The manner and form of application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity provided for in Code Section 46-4-21 shall be established by such rules and regulations as the commission may from time to time prescribe. Upon the receipt of any such application, the commission shall cause notice thereof to be given by personal service or by mail to the chief executive officer of any municipality affected and to any person serving the territory affected, and shall publish such notice once a week for three consecutive weeks in some newspaper of general circulation in each territory affected.