Upon receipt of such application, the City Building Department shall refer same as follows:
(a) To the Police Chief or his/her designated representative, who shall investigate and determine whether the person making application for such license is of suitable character to conduct or maintain such a business in the City of Southgate. The Police Chief or his/her designated representative shall forward to the City Building Department the results of such investigation along with a recommendation concerning whether or not the license should be granted.
(1) The phrase "of suitable character" as used in this chapter for the purpose of licensing shall be construed to mean the propensity on the part of the person to serve the public in the licensed are in a fair, lawful, honest and open manner.
(2) In making his/her determination, the Police Chief or his/her designated representative shall consider:
A. Penal History. All of the applicant's convictions in the preceding ten years, other than traffic violations, the reasons therefor and the demeanor of the applicant subsequent to his/her release.
B. License and Permit History. The license and permit history of the applicant; whether such applicant is previously operating in this City or State or in another municipality or state under a license or permit has had such license or permit revoked or suspended, the reasons therefor.
C. Other Information. The Police Chief may consider any other information and documentation, which he/she considers relevant to make a determination as to whether the applicant is of suitable character.
(3) The Police Chief or his/her designated representative shall complete his/her investigation and determination within thirty days of being provided with the application.
(4) If an applicant is found to be unqualified for a license for any reason, the applicant shall be furnished by the City Building Department with a statement containing information as to the basis for this determination.
(b) If the investigation by the Police Chief or his/her designated representative does not evidence a lack of suitable character, the City Building Department shall then refer the application to the Chief Building Inspector, Fire Chief or their designated representatives, who shall cause a thorough inspection of the premises to be made to ensure that all pertinent provisions of State law and local ordinances are being complied with. The results of such inspections shall be returned to the applicant within thirty days of the date the application was referred.
(Ord. 21-1016. Passed 2-3- 21.)