The updated ordinance regarding street vendor permits in Clarksville went into effect a few months ago . Are you aware of the changes and who needs this document? At Hispanos Emprendedores, we'll clarify any questions you may have about this topic.
Any person who has a temporary or transitory business; who participates in exhibitions of crafts, cars, weapons, antiques, among others, is considered a street vendor. And as such they need to get permission to do this activity.
The Clarksville City Code specifies in its definition that it refers to any person who travels from one residence or business to another transporting goods and merchandise for sale or display. It also includes lawyers and itinerant vendors, such as food carts.
In addition to updating the definition, the new ordinance also established a new fee for the procedure. Likewise, the City's Finance and Revenue Department was designated to issue the permit. In the previous code it was in charge of the City Secretary.
9 questions about street vendor permits in Clarksville
Below we clarify some frequent doubts regarding this topic.
1. What are the requirements to obtain the permit?
To obtain the permit, the application form must be submitted to the Finance and Revenue Department. The document must contain truthful information about the applicant and the employees who accompany him in the business.
The data includes name, surname, date of birth, name of the employer - if any -, address, telephone, etc.
You must also provide a description of the business, along with the goods and services you will sell.
Other requirements include a copy of the driver's license and information on the vehicle to be used.
2. How much does the street vendor permit cost?
The cost of the procedure in the previous code was below reality. So the municipality increased the amount to be paid for the administrative process.
The permit now has a cost of $ 165 to be delivered at the time of submitting the application.
3. What is the application process like?
The application form and financing fee are delivered to the finance department. From here it is referred to the chief of police or the designated person, who will be in charge of reviewing the information.
If the application is approved, the police chief will forward it to the finance department for issuance of the permit. The entire process takes ten days from the date the form is submitted.
There is a possibility that the request will be rejected. In this case, the form is returned specifying the reasons for the rejection.
4. For what reasons can the application be rejected?
Review criteria include:
- Veracity of the information. If the applicant submits false or incorrect data, the permission is denied or the request is returned so that the errors are corrected.
- If the applicant has records as a sex offender or has any restriction that prevents them from carrying out these activities.
- For cases where a vehicle will be used, it can be denied if the applicant's driver's license has expired. Although in this case the street vendor permit could be approved, but the applicant will not be able to drive until obtaining a valid license.
- If the applicant has a felony conviction within ten years from the date of application.
5. What should I do after obtaining the street vendor permit?
Upon approval of the application, the street vendor will receive permission from the CFO.
While participating in activities as a street vendor, you must display the permit and present it to any law enforcement officer who requests it.
6. When do the street vendor permits expire?
Street vendor permits are valid for one year from the date of issue.
7. At what times can you do business as a street vendor?
The City Code establishes a schedule for street vendor activities. The ordinance prohibits these tasks between the dusk of one day and the dawn of the following day. It is also limited to the period from Monday to Saturday.
8. What other restrictions are there?
The ordinance also specifies that street vendors may not enter private facilities with a "do not sell" sign or the like. Doing so is considered a violation of the rule.
Doing business on public roads is restricted, so they cannot have a stationary location on the street. They also cannot remain in a congested area if this makes the public uncomfortable.
Loud noises with the intention of attracting attention are also prohibited, both in public and private places.
9. Can permits be revoked?
Yes, the city or the police chief can revoke the permits for different causes such as fraud, false information, conviction for serious crimes. Also if it is determined that the business constitutes a threat to peace or health, among other reasons.
Before revocation of the permit, a notification and a hearing will be held to determine if there has been a violation of the ordinance.
Those who perform any of the activities specified in the ordinance must have their street vendor permits in Clarksville. Stay on top of updates to keep your business within the law.
