Show All Answers

1. How often will the cost of the Certificate of Use fees be increased. ?

This is determined by city commission. Evaluated yearly during budget preparation after assessing the performance of the program. 

2. When will the Certificate of Use requirements take effect?

The Certificate of Use program will take effect October 1, 2022.  All new businesses within the City that apply for BTR after October 1, 2022 will be required to apply for a Certificate of Use.  All existing businesses will have until January 2, 2023, to apply for and submit the Certificate of Use fee

3. Who must have a Business Tax Receipt and Certificate of Use?

All businesses, including those home based, residential rentals that (long term rentals) and multi-family buildings are required to obtain both a Certificate of Use and a Business Tax Receipt.

4. Why will we have to pay both a BTR/CU?

These are two different processes: a BTR is a tax for performing a business within the city and a CU assures the business conducted is the approved as designated in the zoning district plus inspections are performed to verify code compliance and safety. 

5. Who is exempt from paying from for BTR/CU?

Condominium associations, religious, charitable, nonprofit service clubs, educational non-for-profit facilities and any business without a physical location within the city. 

6. What are the required fees for the Certificate of Use?

Application Fee (only applicable to initial application) Application fee for long-term residential rentals	$100* $60
Certificate of Use Fee, Based on Use
Home-Based Businesses	$250
Vacation Rentals (any rental less than 30 days)	$500
Residential Apartment Buildings	$175 +$10 per unit
Rental Units (including single-family homes, rented for 30 days or more)	$100
All Other Commercial Uses	$250
Other Fees
Modification to CU	$75
After-the-Fact Penalty	2x the Certificate of Use Fee
Late Renewal Penalty, 90 days or less	25% of Certificate of Use Fee
Late Renewal Penalty, 91 days to 180 days	50% of Certificate of Use Fee
Late Renewal Penalty, 181 days or more	100% of the Certificate of Use Fee
Reinspection Fee	$45

 

 

7. Why is a Certificate of Use required?

The Certificate of Use will be used as a tool to ensure that all businesses, existing and new, abide by applicable regulations, and promote building safety and environmental standards.  

8. How is the Certificate of Use applied for?

All Certificate of Use applications will be accepted and processed online.  The web portal for the Certificate of use is currently under construction. Additional information regarding the application process and a step-by-step tutorial will be published on the City’s website at www.COHB.org/CU before the launch of the portal. 

9. When does the Certificate of Use expire?

The Certificate of Use will require annual renewal and will expire on September 30 of each year. 

10. When should the Certificate of Use be renewed?

All Certificate of Use will require renewal on or before October 1 of each year.  

11. Can a Certificate of Use be revoked?

Yes, pursuant to Section 32-19 of the City’s Code of Ordinances 

12. Can a Certificate of Use be denied?

Yes, pursuant to Section 32-19 of the City’s Code of Ordinances

13. What is the appeal process?

The appeal shall be requested in writing within ten (10) calendar days of the rendition of the decision being appealed. The written request for the appeal shall state fully the reasons for the appeal. The appellant shall be given written notice of the date, time and place of the magistrate’s consideration of the appeal.   The appeal process is outlined in Section 32-20 (b) of the City’s Code of Ordinances.