Upon receipt of such application for a license, accompanied by the proper fee, if approval by another officer or department is not required, the Clerk, with the written approval of the Mayor or other chief administrative officer, shall deposit the fee in the general fund of the municipality and issue to the applicant a proper license certificate signed by the Clerk and Mayor or other chief administrative officer. If for any reason the license is not issued, this fee less $5 to cover administrative expenses of considering such application shall be returned to the applicant.
('74 Code, § 111.03)