SUBJECT
title
AMENDING CHAPTER 18, ARTICLE V, OF THE CITY OF LAREDO CODE OF ORDINANCES TO CHANGE THE TITLE OF ARTICLE V TO “CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY,” TO ESTABLISH POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE ISSUANCE, MAINTENANCE, AND HISTORICAL RECORD KEEPING OF CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY WITHIN THE CITY OF LAREDO; AND ESTABLISH A FRAMEWORK FOR ADDRESSING MISSING CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY FOR LONG-STANDING BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES TO ENSURE REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AND PUBLIC SAFETY WHILE MINIMIZING UNDUE BURDENS ON PROPERTY OWNERS; AND ADDING SECTION 18-27 ENTITLED “RECORD KEEPING AND REINSTATEMENT PROCESS;” PROVIDING THAT THE ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE, PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE.body
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
On June 24, 2024, City Council approved Ordinance 2024-O-127 amending the Code of Ordinances Chapter 18, Article v, in order to clarify the need to enforce existing business regulations entitled "Regulation for New Business Registration" and adding section 18.21 "Registration Requirements for New and Existing Businesses;" adding section 18.21(a) entitled "Registration Requirements for New Businesses;" adding section 18.21(b) entitled "Registration Requirements for Existing Businesses;" and amending section 18-23 entitled "Application Fee" by increasing the application fee from $50.00 to $200.00 for new businesses and adding a technology fee of $150.00 for new businesses; and by clarifying all businesses new and existing require a valid certificate of occupancy to operate, providing for publication, providing for a severability clause, and declaring and effective date.
BACKGROUND
The City of Laredo intends to protect its residents' public health, safety, and welfare as it relates to new businesses and regulating new and existing businesses. There is a need to clarify all businesses (new and existing) to require a valid Certificate of Occupancy within the city that will help guide the orderly growth of new businesses and enhance the efficient delivery of city services, including police and fire. The Certificate of Occupancy must be posted to ensure the proper enforcement of businesses operating within the city.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
NA
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council approve this ordinance.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2025
Budgeted Y/N?: NA
Source of Funds: NA
Account #: NA
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: NA
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
NA