Minooka ordinance: Businesses to register

MINOOKA -- All businesses in Minooka are now required to register with the village, according to a new ordinance.

In the past, a business could take occupancy in a pre-existing building without notifying the village or pulling a permit. That practice has caused some problems with zoning and safety, Village Administrator Jim Grabowski said.

In one case an automotive repair shop rented space in a commercial district, an area not zoned for that use, Grabowski said. Village staff weren't aware of the shop until the occupants were moved in.

The new ordinance will give the village more control over where businesses are located. It will also provide them with emergency information, among other things.

"(This ordinance) will give us the opportunity for safety inspections initially and then every three years, in conjunction with the Minooka Fire Department," Grabowski said.

According to the ordinance, information collected at registration will help the village to consolidate multiple records maintained by various departments; assist in economic development and retention; compile a list of businesses within the village; and protect the public and business sector by making sure all businesses comply with building codes, zoning ordinances and regulations.

It has not been decided whether background checks on business owners will be conducted as part of the registration process. Some communities perform them and some do not, according to information gathered by Minooka Finance Director John Harrington.

Business will be charged a $50 fee for the initial application and a $25 annual renewal fee. The registration period is from May 1 to April 30 of each year.

Businesses already in the village will be contacted prior to May 1, said Harrington. They will receive a copy of the ordinance, the application and instructions and have until that time to fill out the required paperwork.

"It gives them plenty of time to get the information and ask questions," Harrington said.

The Minooka Fire Protection District has been working on fire and safety inspection procedures and schedules and is gearing up now for that process. Initial inspections of existing businesses will be done over a period of time, Harrington said.

Trustee Terry Houchens was the only vote against instituting the registration process; Trustee Barry Thompson was absent.

"In these economic times, to go through another level of bureaucracy is not in the best interest of business," Houchens said.