Council approves overhaul of business-license code, keeps appeals role for council under review

The American Fork City Council voted to adopt Ordinance No. 2026-03-06 on March 24, 2026, amending Title 5 of the city code to revise business license applications, fees, appeals, revocation procedures and bonding requirements. Legal counsel Heather Schriever told the council the change is intended to make business licensing an administrative function while preserving appeal rights and providing a clearer, consolidated appeal process.

Council members discussed whether initial licensing determinations and revocations should start with staff and whether final appeal authority should remain with the council. Schriever outlined options including an appeal first reviewed by the city administrator (or designee) with a subsequent, time-limited opportunity to bring the established record to council for review rather than a full de novo rehearing. Council Member Tim Holley said he was “not super comfortable with the proposal” but supported a path where appeals are efficient and on the public record; the council approved the ordinance and asked legal counsel to draft clarifying appeal language for a future meeting.

Mayor Bradley J. Frost noted accountability to residents and interest in procedural safeguards; the council voted 4–0 with one member absent. Staff will return with proposed ordinance revisions on appeal mechanics and any stoppable enforcement language for urgent cases during the appeal window.