Milwaukee

LICENSES COMMITTEE

Agenda Items (9)

A substitute ordinance relating to certificate of occupancy requirements for license and permit applications. Sections 85-18-4 cr

251214

Summary

This memo details the history of waivers granted for the one-year time limit to receive a license or permit, enacted on March 3, 2020. Since its implementation, the number of waiver filings has fluctuated, with a total of 8 in 2020, peaking at 17 in 2022 and 2024, and remaining at 17 in 2025. Notably, four businesses have received multiple waivers, and one was denied after five requests. To address concerns about businesses actively working towards issuance, future waiver approvals will include a set deadline in the approval letter. The License Division will also notify businesses approved in 2025 of this new policy.

Citizen Impact

This item impacts businesses seeking licenses or permits, potentially allowing them more time to comply with requirements if they are actively working towards issuance. The city plans to implement clearer deadlines for future waivers.

Confidence

high

otherpermits

Motion relating to the recommendations of the Licenses Committee relating to licenses.

251650

Summary

This motion addresses multiple license applications and renewals before the Licenses Committee, covering a range of business types from operators to taverns, food dealers, and automotive services. Key issues include applicants' criminal records, outstanding fines, compliance with health and safety regulations, and neighborhood objections related to noise, litter, and public safety. Several applications face denial or non-renewal due to these concerns, while others are supported by community members or have resolved prior issues. The committee will review each case individually, considering police reports, health inspections, and community feedback.

Citizen Impact

These licensing decisions directly impact neighborhood safety and quality of life by regulating businesses operating near homes and schools. Residents may experience changes in local noise levels, traffic, public safety, and the availability of services based on these approvals or denials.

Confidence

high

economic_developmentpermitspublic_safety

This meeting will be webcast live at www.milwaukee.gov/channel25.

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In the event that Common Council members who are not members of this committee attend this meeting, this meeting may also simultaneously constitute a meeting of the Common Council or any of the following committees: Community and Economic Development, Finance and Personnel, Judiciary and Legislation, Licenses, Public Safety and Health, Public Works, Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development, and/or Steering and Rules. Whether a simultaneous meeting is occurring depends on whether the presence of one or more of the Common Council member results in a quorum of the Common Council or any of the above committees, and, if there is a quorum of another committee, whether any agenda items listed above involve matters within that committee’s realm of authority. In the event that a simultaneous meeting is occurring, no action other than information gathering will be taken at the simultaneous meeting. Times for specific agenda items are estimations. If items cannot be heard at their specified times, they will be heard as soon as practicable thereafter.

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