12/14/2011 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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However, another option that other cities have developed is requiring a general business license for all businesses that operate in a city. The benefit of doing this would be equal enforcement of licensing requirements on all businesses, tracking of all businesses in the city, and the ability to enforce zoning ordinance and building code requirements on businesses when they obtain a license and legally open instead of when they are already operational. The difficulties would include staff time for processing, the issue of annual review, and overall gaining compliance. Certificate of Occupancy Another mechanism that cities often use to gain compliance with business licensing requirements as well as compliance with the building code and zoning standards is requirement of a certificate of occupancy (C of 0) for each new business that opens. The city currently issues a C of 0 only when new building is completed or a remodel has occurred. Many other cities choose to issue a C of 0 for each and every new occupancy of an existing commercial or industrial structure as well. For those new occupancies that do not include any remodeling, a Non -Work C of 0 would be issued once that occupancy has been reviewed against the building code, zoning ordinance, and licensing requirements. A Non -Work C of 0 would be a zoning permit and would have a very minimal fee attached. Benefits would be improved enforcement of city codes and licensing compliance (if licensing was required), while difficulties would be informing all landlords and property owners of the requirement and then gaining compliance. Non - Conforming Uses and Sites The zoning ordinance allows sites /uses that have been made non - conforming by the adoption of new regulations to remain unless they cease for a one year period. The city has a number of these types of sites and uses in the city and tracking that one year period and enforcing the requirements of the ordinance upon them is difficult. Without any notice to city hall, a business can leave and the clock doesn't start until an inspector happens by the site or a building goes up for sale. Similarly, a new business can move in without any permits or licenses and start operations. The use isn't reviewed until they are already considering an `existing business' and enforcement becomes unfeasible politically. By requiring a program of licensing for all businesses and/or certificate of occupancies for each business, you achieve the greatest level of compliance with life safety requirements and the goals of the comprehensive plan. RECOMMENDATION This item is for discussion, no recommendation has been made. ATTACHMENTS None • •