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Page 1 of 3 <br /> <br />EDC AGENDA ITEM – 3B <br /> <br />MEMORANDUM <br /> <br />DATE: August 27, 2025 <br /> <br />TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners <br /> <br />FROM: Elena Fransen, AICP, Senior Planner <br /> <br />SUBJECT: Business License/Registration Discussion <br /> <br /> <br />Requested Action <br /> <br />At the direction of the City Council, the Economic Development Commission is asked to discuss <br />the business licensing/registration process and provide feedback to the City Council. <br /> <br />Background <br /> <br />During the 2024 Work Plan discussions and preparations for the in-person business visits, the EDC <br />discussed the business license/registration process. The business license/registration process is <br />maintained by the City Clerk and Deputy Clerk. <br /> <br />At the City Council meeting on July 14, Council Liaison Rousseau mentioned having the EDC <br />review and provide a recommendation on the business licensing/registrations to be considered by <br />Council with their year-end fee schedule discussion. In addition, at the City Council meeting on <br />July 28, Council discussed direction for the EDC to provide feedback on the business <br />license/registration process. <br /> <br />Business License vs. Business Registrations Process <br /> <br />Business Licenses <br /> <br />In Arden Hills, certain types of businesses, occupations, and activities are regulated with licenses <br />so that the public welfare shall be protected and promoted. Chapter 3 of City Code – Licenses and <br />Regulations, Section 300 states the Council shall assign license fees for certain businesses and that <br />a license is required to engage in any business. Section 310 itemizes the various types of licenses <br />required by the City that have an associated fee. It is important to note that some licenses contained <br />in this section are required by law (such as liquor, tobacco, massage, garbage/recycling) and other <br />license types are at the discretion of the City Council. <br /> <br />Business licenses are issued for the calendar year and must be renewed annually. Staff mails a <br />business license/registration application form (Attachment A) with a letter (Attachment B) <br />requesting the business complete the form and return it along with a copy of their Certificate of