Flossmoor trustees discussed the possibility of creating a business registration program. Staff presented information at the board’s July 1 meeting on how the program could work and what its benefits would be.
The village currently does not have a registration program, the only municipality in the area that doesn’t, according to Assistant Village Manager Jonathan Bogue.
He listed several reasons for trustees to consider implementing registrations:
- To ensure businesses are complying with zoning, building and fire codes.
- To build awareness of the village’s business community.
- To ensure code compliance inspections are being completed.
- To identify business vacancies and support marketing efforts.
Bogue said staff surveyed 17 nearby communities that have business registration programs, and the most common fee structures were flat rate or based on square footage of the business. He said building and fire department staff recommended going with square footage because larger businesses take more time to inspect.
Fire Chief Bob Kopec said the program will help give the village a more accurate reading of what businesses are operating in Flossmoor. He said the fire inspection program sometimes discovers businesses that have been operating without anyone at the village being aware because there is no requirement for businesses to register.
Bogue noted that the registration can help businesses, too. He said the village has been contacted by business owners who are applying for grants, and the grant application requires business registration documentation.
The village could consider annual fees of $100 for businesses under 5,000 square feet and $200 for over 5,000 square feet. That would bring in about $25,000 per year and would cover the cost of running the program. Currently, the village does not charge for annual fire inspections as some municipalities do.
The board will have to approve changes to the municipal code before the program can go into effect. Bogue said the goal is to be ready to start the program on Jan. 1, if the board approves the plan.