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City to replace business-tax receipts with certificate‑of‑use system; nonprofits and fire inspections draw questions
Summary
Commission approved first reading to replace business tax receipts with a certificate-of-use program requiring one certificate per location, added fire inspections and registration for nonprofits and churches; commissioners asked staff to refine fee levels and outreach plans.
The Fort Pierce City Commission on June 17 advanced a rewrite of business regulation that replaces the long‑standing business‑tax receipt (BTR) system with a certificate‑of‑use program tied to each business location.
City staff explained the certificate‑of‑use program would be location‑based (one certificate per site), require verification of state licenses and zoning, add a site inspection process and incorporate fire‑district inspections for safety. Existing business‑tax holders will be deemed eligible but must reapply and create accounts in the city’s new permit software; staff said notices will go out to existing holders after the city’s Tyler system is launched.
A notable change is that nonprofit organizations — including churches operating at a physical location — will be required to register a certificate of use for that location so the city can confirm proper zoning and life‑safety compliance. Staff said nonprofits without a physical commercial location are not subject to the certificate requirement.
Commissioners asked a series of questions about the fee structure (staff presented recommended fees but said fees will be adopted by separate resolution), the fire district’s role and the potential impact on small nonprofits. Commissioners discussed reduced fees for nonprofits and whether the fire district charges different inspection fees for nonprofit uses. Staff said the ordinance itself does not set fees and that fees will be adopted later by resolution.
The ordinance also establishes a 60‑day window after expiration before a certificate is voided and a penalty equal to twice the fee for after‑the‑fact applications. Staff said the policy aims to standardize location tracking for businesses (including nonprofits), improve safety oversight and streamline renewal on anniversary dates rather than a single citywide renewal date.
Commissioners approved the ordinance on first reading by roll call and asked staff to return with comparative fee data from nearby jurisdictions and suggestions for adjustments to reduce burdens on small or faith‑based nonprofits.
