[HISTORY: Adopted by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Englishtown 3-11-2026 by Ord. No. 2026-02[1]. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: This chapter was originally adopted as Ch. 470, but was renumbered as Ch. 428 to maintain the alphabetical order of the Code.
The purpose of this chapter is to require the registration of businesses operating within the Borough of Englishtown in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare; ensure compliance with applicable laws and ordinances; and maintain an accurate registry of commercial activity within the Borough.
As used in this chapter:
BUSINESS
Any person, firm, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other entity engaged in commercial, retail, service, professional, rental, or other mercantile activity within the Borough of Englishtown.
HOME OCCUPATION
A permitted occupation incidental to residential use of property as defined in the Borough Zoning Ordinance.
MERCANTILE REGISTRATION OFFICER
The Borough Clerk or such other official as may be designated by the Mayor and Council.
A. 
No person or entity shall conduct, operate, or maintain any business within the Borough without first obtaining a mercantile registration.
B. 
A separate registration shall be required for each business location.
C. 
Registration shall be renewed annually.
A. 
Applications shall be submitted on forms prescribed by the Borough and shall include:
(1) 
Name and address of the applicant.
(2) 
Trade name of the business.
(3) 
Location of the business premises.
(4) 
Nature and classification of the business.
(5) 
Proof of insurance required by this chapter.
(6) 
Such additional information as reasonably required.
B. 
The Mercantile Registration Officer shall approve or deny the application.
C. 
The registration shall state:
(1) 
The name of the registrant.
(2) 
The address of the business.
(3) 
The category of business.
(4) 
The effective dates of the registration.
D. 
Prior to issuance of any mercantile registration, the application shall be referred to the Zoning Officer and such other Borough departments as the Mercantile Registration Officer deems appropriate. No registration shall be issued until all required departmental reviews and approvals have been completed.
A. 
For any new business use not previously conducted at the premises, the applicant shall obtain zoning approval from the Zoning Officer.
B. 
If the proposed use is not permitted under the Borough Zoning Ordinance, the registration shall be denied.
C. 
Appeals from denial may be taken to the Mayor and Council within 15 days. The Mayor and Council shall conduct a hearing and affirm or reverse the determination.
A. 
Registrations shall run from January 1 through December 31.
B. 
Fees shall be established by resolution of the Mayor and Council.
C. 
Applications received after September 1 shall be assessed 1/2 of the annual fee.
D. 
A late fee of $50 shall apply to registrations not received by January 31.
E. 
Fees are nonrefundable.
A. 
Businesses with fixed premises shall display the registration in a conspicuous location.
B. 
Businesses without fixed premises shall carry the registration while operating within the Borough and shall produce it upon request of any authorized Borough official.
A. 
All businesses shall comply with federal, state, county, and Borough laws and ordinances.
B. 
As a condition of registration, applicants authorize inspections by Code Enforcement, Fire, Health, Police, or other authorized officials at reasonable times.
A. 
Commercial businesses shall maintain general liability insurance in an amount not less than:
(1) 
$1,000,000 per occurrence; and
(2) 
$2,000,000 aggregate.
B. 
Higher-risk businesses, including contractors, food establishments, and businesses with public assembly, shall maintain coverage in an amount not less than:
(1) 
$2,000,000 per occurrence; and
(2) 
$4,000,000 aggregate.
C. 
Home occupations or low-risk professional offices may maintain coverage in an amount not less than:
(1) 
$500,000 per occurrence; and
(2) 
$1,000,000 aggregate.
D. 
The Borough of Englishtown shall be named as an additional insured on all policies.
E. 
A certificate of insurance evidencing compliance shall be filed annually with the registration application.
A. 
Home occupations must comply with the Borough Zoning Ordinance.
B. 
Unless otherwise permitted by zoning approval, home occupations shall not:
(1) 
Conduct routine client appointments on site.
(2) 
Employ non-resident employees at the premises.
(3) 
Display exterior commercial signage not otherwise permitted.
(4) 
Store hazardous materials or large commercial equipment.
C. 
Violation may result in suspension or revocation following notice and hearing before the Mayor and Council.
Any person violating this chapter shall be subject to the general penalty provisions of the Code of the Borough of Englishtown. Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense.