CITY COUNCIL

Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at 5:15 p.m.

Lloyd Andrews City Meeting Hall

700 Jackson Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC

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City of Roanoke Rapids Now Requires a Business Registration Certificate

Changes to legislation that regulates privilege licenses in 2015 severely impacted the city's ability to maintain accurate demographic and contact information regarding businesses that operate within the city limits. This information is crucial for Roanoke Rapids Fire and Police Departments so that they can respond to emergencies and conduct fire and safety inspections as required by the State of North Carolina.

Effective July 1, 2016, all businesses engaged in or conducting business within the city limits will be required to obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the City of Roanoke Rapids Tax Department. This certificate will be valid from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019 and must be renewed annually. The cost to obtain a registration certificate is $20 for all businesses.

Authorized by the N. C. General Assembly and the Roanoke Rapids City Council, this requirement helps City officials achieve several very important objectives:

• To promote public health, safety, and welfare, and to continue to monitor business activity within the city limits.
• Rapids city limits. Equipped with this information, City officials are able to take steps to ensure that businesses locate and operate in areas that are properly zoned for the particular type of business conducted.
• To provide accurate information regarding local businesses to Police, Fire, 911, county tax authorities and citizens.

In addition to complying with city regulations, businesses benefit from being registered with the City in several other ways. Many banks and lenders require proof that a business is valid to open an account or secure a loan. Potential clients or customers often need assurance that the business is legitimate and properly registered. Having a registered business can make you eligible to receive supplier discounts that you would not receive otherwise. Obtaining a Business Registration Certificate allows a business to satisfy all of these needs.

For more information, please review the Roanoke Rapids Code of Ordinances Title XI: Chapter 118: Business Regulations on the city website at www.roanokerapidsnc.com.

Business owners are urged to download an application from the city website (under Downloads/Tax) or stop by the tax office of City Hall at 1040 Roanoke Avenue. In 2018, renewal applications will be mailed to businesses in June and will be due by July 1.

Itinerant Merchants and Peddlers Must Obtain Permit from City of Roanoke Rapids

Effective July 1, 2016, all itinerant merchants and peddlers conducting business within the city limits will be required to obtain a Permit from the City of Roanoke Rapids Tax Department. This certificate will be valid from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019 and must be renewed annually. The cost to obtain this permit is $20.

A reflective safety vest will be required for any individual peddling goods from place to place. The individual must supply his/her own safety vest.

North Carolina general statutes allow local governments to adopt ordinances that regulate, restrict or prohibit the activities of businesses that operate within the city limits. This authority helps City officials in their efforts to:

• Protect the public from fraud or other crimes by monitoring and regulating transient business activity within the city limits.
• Maintain the health, safety and welfare of the public and protect citizens from undue invasions of privacy, annoyance or harassment.
• Ensure that businesses locate and operate in areas that are properly zoned for the particular type of business being conducted.

This permit does not apply to any bona fide charitable, educational, religious, cultural or governmental institution or organization when the proceeds of the sales are used directly for the charitable purpose of said institution or organization.

For more information, please review Roanoke Rapids Code of Ordinances Title XI: Chapter 119: Itinerant Merchants, Peddlers and Vendors on the city website at www.roanokerapidsnc.com.

Business owners are urged to download an application from the city website (under Downloads/Tax) or stop by the tax office of City Hall at 1040 Roanoke Avenue.

CITY RECYCLING CONTAINER SITES

The City of Roanoke Rapids has two recycling container sites. One is at the Public Works facility located at 1313 Hinson Street and the other is located at the Aquatic Center at TJ Davis Recreation at 500 E. 6th Street.  The public will have 24-hour access to these facilities for combined recyclable materials.

For more information, contact the Public Works Department at (252) 533-2846.

BRIEFS

COMMITTEE VACANCIES: Contact Traci Storey, City Clerk, at 533-2840 for committee information.

• Beautification Committee
• Historic Preservation Advisory Committee
• Planning Board/Board of Adjustment (In Town & ETJ Member)
• Senior Center Advisory Committee