(a) If a person engaged in a business fails to file a business license application or pay the fee as prescribed by this chapter, a civil penalty equal to $5 shall automatically be added to the license fee for each additional month, or any fraction thereof, during which the failure continues, but not exceeding $25 in the aggregate. The penalty shall be collected at the same time and in the same manner as the license fee. If payment is made by check, bill of exchange, or note which is later returned by the drawee as uncollectible because of insufficient funds or is dishonored by the drawee for any reason, the dishonor is prima facie evidence of nonpayment of the license fee.
(b) A person, who, after written notice from the city of the need to obtain a business license under this chapter, continues to conduct business without obtaining a business license shall be assessed a civil penalty of $250 for each month, or any fraction thereof, in which business is thereafter conducted without a license.
(c) The amount of any civil penalty imposed under this chapter shall be determined and stated in writing by the City Clerk after providing the person reasonable notice and an opportunity to be heard concerning the imposition of the penalty. If a penalty is imposed, the person obligated to pay the penalty may petition the Mayor for review. A petition for review must be filed within 15 days of receipt of notice of the penalty. The decision of the Mayor on review shall be rendered in writing and shall be final, subject to judicial review where applicable.
(d) The penalties assessed under this section are in addition to any penalties, civil or criminal, that may be assessed under other provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 00-03, passed 6-15-00)