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December 14, 2005
Multiple yard, garage sales require a licenseCODE ENFORCEMENT COMING FOR MOM AND POP MECHANIC SHOPS, RV PARKS, FOOD SALES, MORE
By GINA B. GOOD
However there are businesses that remain exempt from paying the annual $50 licensing fee. Sole proprietorships that gross no more than $10,000 per year need not pay the fee if they do not work from a specific location and do not advertise. The ban on advertising includes having business cards, a listing in the phone book and flyers announcing services or products. According to Pahrump's ordinance enforcement officer Bernie Fleeman, his focus at the first of the year will be on a commitment to enforce Pahrump Town Ordinance 35, regulating garage and yard sales. "The bottom line is that sales may not be conducted on an ongoing basis," said Fleeman. "Continuously running yard sales are businesses that require business licenses." Fleeman stated the enforcement is coming at the request of existing businesses in the valley that are in compliance. "I understand that many people have run continuous yard sale businesses for a long time and figure they don't need a license," said Fleeman. "That's one reason I will be issuing a courtesy warning to those businesses." However, once a business has been warned, if the owner does not comply with PTO 35 notification, it becomes more urgent. Fleeman is eventually required by law to issue a misdemeanor citation. "If all I did was warn the business again and again, there would be no bite to the program," Fleeman said. "Basically, this (ordinance) is because this valley is going through growing pains." Does the ordinance affect a family who cleans out a messy garage by selling their accumulated stuff out on their driveway? "Not at all, as long as they comply with the procedures outlined in the ordinance," said Fleeman. However, those with ongoing sales must visit the town office to fill out an application for a business license. If granted, the cost is $50 annually or $5 for non-profit corporations. The Pahrump business license does not exempt a business or owner from zoning ordinances or any other required permits and/or licenses. For example, meat trucks selling door to door require a health certificate in addition to a business license. Mechanics and welders working in residential areas are also businesses Fleeman will be looking at, along with unlicensed RV Parks. "There are a lot of businesses that have been here for years, but have never been licensed," he said. Again, growth is responsible for the tightened scrutiny. "The quality of businesses here in town must be maintained," explained Fleeman. He said people moving into town need reliable services and some have been burned by fly-by-night auto mechanics. "There have been a lot of mechanics in operation for a few months, and then they are in the wind," he said. "Then, the people who have shoddy work done are out of luck." Fleeman said he watches out for people who have business licenses, but are not doing the work they are licensed for. As an example, he cited a handyman with a Pahrump business license who may be doing the work of a licensed contractor. "A handyman cannot do new construction," Fleeman said. "A handyman is licensed to repair or replace sprinkler heads, but he can't lay new pipe." Specific licensing information can be obtained by calling the Pahrump Town Office at 727-5107, or visit the office at 400 N. Highway 160, just north of the fire station and directly across the highway from the Yamaha dealership. |
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