Wallace reviewing proposed business registration ordinance

WALLACE — The City Council held a workshop Wednesday on the city’s proposed Business Registration Ordinance.  

The ordinance is designed to give the city the ability to know which businesses operate within the city limits and how they are operating.  

The document states, “This ordinance allows for the city to retain information concerning businesses to coordinate emergency responses and to promote compliance with other provisions of the Wallace Municipal Code such as applicable zoning codes.”  

According to Shoshone County Fire Protection District No. 1 Chief John Miller, the situation had been discussed between himself, the city and the city’s legal counsel due to some businesses operating in ways they aren’t zoned or approved for.  

Miller said he believes people are going about things correctly but steps are being missed.  

Miller and the city were adamant about not wanting to shut down new businesses because of technicalities, but there are certain codes both entities must enforce.

“I don’t think myself or the fire department have an issue with any existing businesses. It’s more for these new businesses coming in,” Miller said. “They’re taking a building that was a mercantile place and is now a restaurant and bar. I would need to know that to make sure that things are built in place before they get a license, before they operate.”  

The City Council sent the document to its legal counsel for review.  

The next scheduled meeting of the Wallace City Council is Sept. 1.

The proposed ordinance can be found at www.wallace.id.gov.