WHY KEEP THE CODE AS IS:
POINT: City does not want to have a problem ‘inspecting the proper posting of the occupational license in the home’.
REPLY- Moot point. When has the city inspected occupational licenses publicly posted in the allowed mailbox service locations? Never, to my knowledge.
POINT: City does not want to open up potential legal problems with home based businesses
REPLY- The issue is no different with a license posted in a home than it is posted at a mailbox service.
POINT: City does not want businesses in residential areas causing traffic and other inconveniences.
REPLY- The issue is no different with a license posted in a home than it is posted at a mailbox service. If the person is operating from their home anyway, and the business is issued a license due to the fact it fits some parameter the city deems inconsequential in affecting the neighborhood, then it makes no difference where the license is posted.
WHY CHANGE THE CODE:
– Collect more tax money
– Greater control over what businesses are operating in the city
– The world has evolved and virtual enterprises are a part of our society.
– The current system places an unfair burden on small businesses and home based businesses:
1. The business must pay fees for the off site mail service, incurring unnecessary business expenses.
2. The business is forced to utilize services whether the overall service is good or not. Would you like someone to tell you where you can cut your hair?
3. The business cannot obtain membership in the Better Business Bureau without a Lighthouse Point Business Tax Receipt. This hurts the business credibility and the entire marketplace.
4. The business is blocked from obtaining certain disadvantaged business certifications, such as a minority business certification.