Title
Proposed amendment to rescind Bylaw 2014-09 for the Licensing and Regulation of Businesses within Parkland County; and Bylaw 2015-25 for the amendment of Business License Fees
Proposed Motion
That the Committee of the Whole receive the review on Business Licensing as information.
Body
Purpose
The purpose of this report is to review the need for a business license to conduct business activities in Parkland County.
Summary
The Business Licensing Bylaw regulates and monitors business activities in Parkland County. The County currently has approximately 3,045 unique businesses, of which 1,236 employ at least one person other than the owner operating in Parkland County (Economic Development and Tourism Strategic Plan 2014-2018). County records indicate that in 2014 there were 606 Resident business license holders, 347 Tri-municipal license holders, and 552 Non-resident license holders for a total of 1505 businesses holding a County license. In 2015, the County records indicate there are presently 612 Resident business license holders, 371 Tri-municipal business license holders, and 616 Non-resident business license holders. It has come to the County's attention that the estimated number of Resident business license holders and actual Resident business license holders is quite different. One of the reasons for the difference is that the County does not have an active enforcement, and monitoring system in place. The County currently does not have the resources to actively seek out or enforce the Business Licensing Bylaw. The general practice has been that when applicants come into Planning and Development Services for a development permit or a building permit the applicant is made aware of the requirements for a business license. The applications are then processed together. At time of renewal, Planning and Development Services mail out renewal letters. There is limited follow-up and no enforcement or monitoring action taken to investigate if the business is...
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