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CHELSEA – Chelsea has enlisted the help of a private company to ensure all businesses in the city have obtained licenses to operate.

Mayor Tony Picklesimer said at the conclusion of the Chelsea City Council meeting on Monday, March 2, that HdL Companies had earlier in the day begun its effort to audit businesses to ensure compliance.

The City Council had previously approved a contract between the city and HdL Companies for the service, which should ultimately benefit Chelsea financially through additional license purchases.

“This is an effort to create a level playing field for our existing businesses—that everybody is playing by the same rules,” Picklesimer said.

The city’s website, CityofChelsea.com, gives the following guidelines for business licenses:

• Any company/business doing business in the city of Chelsea is required to have a current business license.
• If a license is purchased after July 1, the license fee will be prorated to 1/2 and valid for the remainder of that year.
• Business licenses are location specific—each location must have a current business license.
• Business licenses must be posted in a conspicuous space that can be readily seen.
• Business licenses have to be renewed yearly no later than Feb. 15.
• It is unlawful to operate a business without a license. Violations can result in a fine of up to $500 and imprisonment for up to six months. Each day shall constitute a separate offense. A lien may also be placed upon the property.

A business license application can also be found on the website, and owners/managers should contact City Clerk Crystal Etheredge to pay the associated fees and receive the license.