Business Licenses and Permits

Snowplow contractors operating in Buffalo, New York, will now be required to obtain a business license after the Common Council approved new proposals this week.

This follows complaints from locals who say they were swindled by contractors during storms in December.

Under the new regulations, businesses will have to undergo police background checks and place their name on a public registry, which will allow the public to verify their license, Buffalo News reported.

The news provider reported that plowing contractors are already required to have a business license, although only 120 licenses have been issued and officials claim that several hundred snow removal businesses operate in the city.

Majority Leader Richard Fontana, who co-sponsored the proposal, reminded readers to check that a company has a license before signing a contract for their services.

“If they cannot provide you with that information, think about doing business with someone else,” he said.

Second co-sponsor South Council member Michael Kearns said that the unanimous vote was a “victory for the citizens of the City of Buffalo.”

The license will cost each business $50 a year.

Tags: business licenses, business permits, licenses, permits