Newton businesses required to provide updated contact info to city

When a building in Newton experienced major water issues stemming from a frozen sprinkler system, authorities had difficulties identifying the owner and thus notifying them of the condition of the building. It is incidents like this that Newton businesses are now required to register their contact information with the city.

Newton City Council on July 1 adopted the amended ordinance that primarily affects commercial businesses in town. According to city council documents, the fire department was instructed to review the original Chapter 159 Commercial/Business Property Code and consider updates or possible changes.

Updates to code itself largely remove any mention of the commercial business/property inspection. When it comes to registering businesses with the city, owners must do so annually. They are to fill out registration forms within 30 days of the property becoming a commercial business.

If any changes in ownership occur, contact info must be updated with the city within that same time period. According to a draft of the amended ordinance, the fee schedule for business registrations has been removed. Violators of the code are susceptible to a municipal infraction.

Failure to comply with the code may also result in the revocation of a certificate of occupancy or revocation of commercial business/property occupancy permit.

Others may be required to vacate the property.