The application for any certificate of public convenience and necessity provided for in Code Section 46-5-41 shall be made under such rules and regulations as the commission may from time to time prescribe. Upon the receipt of any such application for such certificate, the commission shall cause notice thereof to be given by mail or by personal service to the chief executive officer of the municipalities affected, if any, and to any person occupying the territory affected, and shall publish such notice once a week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in each territory affected.