Business License Official

POSITION SUMMARY

The Business License Official is responsible for the regulatory and fiscal administration, application, and enforcement of City business license ordinance.

The Business License Official coordinates the issuing, renewing, and enforcing of licenses and ensures businesses are operating in compliance. They are responsible for the collection of appropriate fees, processing of applications, business eligibility, account management, billing, and other special regulatory functions as required. Coordinates with Planning and Economic Development on updating the municipal code related to licensing not limited to fee schedule and definition updates. Assumes a leadership role in the Community Impact Resource committee. Supervises the Business License Coordinator.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

1. Responsible for the administrative processing of business licensing applications, renewals, and payments:
   • Oversees the administration and processing of applications including commercial, home occupation, short and long-term rentals, and participates in review of single event permits.
   • Supervises the Business License Coordinator.
   • Delegates license application processing responsibilities to support staff. Intervenes and/or arbitrates on licensing issues when necessary.
   • Coordinates with other City departments for license approval, including inspections with the Building Department and land use review with the Planning Department.
   • Develops and maintains tracking of payments, closures, and delinquencies. Participates in negotiations for settlement. Maintains business licensing software and application tracking.
   • Performs a variety of standard administrative office duties as required.
   • Provides technical training to City personnel on business license ordinances and applications.
   • Recommends and implements office procedures for all adopted ordinances.
   • Generates forms and other required documentation for all license related applications and invoices.

1. Responsible for managing business license enforcement:
   • Assumes a prominent role within the Community Impact Team, coordinating with various City departments including Code Enforcement, Legal, Public Safety and the Health Department to proactively implement City Council and Mayor policy goals.
   • Works with businesses and short and long-term rental landlords to obtain licensing.
   • Researches applicable regulation and laws and drafts business license ordinances for adoption by City Council and /or Planning Commission.
   • Performs field investigations to determine status of non-responsive/delinquent renewals.
   • Drafts courtesy notices, suspension letters, revocation letters, citations.
   • Presents enforcement actions to the Administrative Law Judge, when required.
   • Coordinates with the Building Department on inspections and issuing of citations/notices to correct City license violations.
   • Administers the calculation and collection of license fee renewals, delinquent penalties, and collections.
   • Performs financial account audits of alcohol license holders to monitor compliance.
   • Works closely with City departments and other government agencies, including the Health Department, Consumer Protection, Labor Commission, State Alcohol Beverage Control Commission, Federal Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, etc., to determine compliance with federal, state and local laws and to resolve process delays.
   • Assists City prosecutors in criminal and civil proceedings by gathering facts and participating in hearings regarding licensing issues. Testifies in court as needed.
   • Responds to inquiries regarding South Salt Lake City businesses, including proving analysis and verification licenses.

1. Maintains Department Records:
   • Manages and maintains indexing of applications, permits, inspections, plans, enforcement, and other files.
   • Manages and organizes archive files. Designates protected and private document information under GRAMA. Prepares/oversees the release of publicly available documents as requested.

1. Provides backup for other department functions:
   • Provides support to customer service function at front counter.
   • Accepts building permits and land use
   • Attends the Planning Commission, City Council and other administrative meetings as directed; provides analysis, drafts reports, gives presentations, takes notes of proceedings - i.e. motions, voting results, etc.

1. Assists the public:
   • Answers and directs office incoming telephone calls and emails.
   • Answers and directs walk-in visitors.
   • Assists City visitors with basic information about City programs and services.
   • Provides statistical and general license information to the public, City departments and government agencies.
   • Acts as business owner and government liaison regarding requirements, interpretation of ordinances and regulations, state professional licensing, business registration and organizational structure.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent and four years related experience, or any equivalent combination of related education and experience. Must be at least 21 years of age (due to the responsibilities ensuring compliance related to alcohol sales).
• Requires successful completion of State and National certification programs for License Officials within three years of hire date. Once obtained, certification must be maintained during the remainder of employment.
• Requires a valid Utah Driver's License.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Knowledge of City codes and ordinances, business license policies and procedures, planning and building policies, as well as applicable State and Federal statutes.
2. Ability to professionally handle incoming requests from customers and ensure that issues are resolved both promptly and thoroughly.
3. Skill in word processing, office machine usage and the operation of computers.
4. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, while maintaining a high level of etiquette and customer service.
5. Ability to establish good rapport with colleagues, managers, business owners, and citizens.