Board waives several late fees for businesses and rental properties after owner hearings

The Hammond City Board of Public Works and Safety reviewed a series of late-license and rental-registration hearings and voted to waive or impose late fees based on the statements and records presented.

House of Beauty in Designs: The owner, who identified herself as Bryson, said the salon closed after a severe flood in March 2022 and had been completing extensive repairs. Staff said the business license expired in 2023 and late fees accumulated for 2024–26. The owner told the board she had not been operating and asked for a waiver; the board voted to waive the late fees.

Rental registrations: The board heard multiple rental-registration cases. In Case 638114 the owner (who did not give a clear full name on the record) said the missed payment was an oversight; staff noted a previous 2022 hearing but that fees had not been waived then; the board voted to waive the late fee in this instance while warning of future enforcement. At 616–618 Locust Street the property owner was not present and staff recommended imposing the late fee; the board voted to impose it. Owner Gabriel Cesneros Lopez told the board he misread a deadline for 4522 Oak Avenue and staff confirmed no prior appeals; the board waived that late fee. Owner Ralpho Diaz Jr. appeared for several properties (838 Truman, 837 Eaton, 938 Becker) and explained personal circumstances delayed registration; staff confirmed historical appeals for some properties long ago and the board granted waivers for the properties presented.

Why it matters: Waiving or imposing late fees affects small-business viability and the rental housing compliance regime. The board typically considers evidence of operation, past appeals and extenuating circumstances when deciding to waive fees.

Quote: "I've been out of business for the last couple of years... I'm finally caught up to everything and I am ready to open," Bryson told the board during her license hearing.

Next steps: Owners who received waivers were reminded to keep registrations current; staff indicated future noncompliance will result in assessed fees per city rules.