Committee weighs badge duration and fees as balance between enforcement and business burden

Staff told the committee the city’s proposed fee structure includes a $20 application for a business license and a $50 badge fee; returning the badge after the expiration date would trigger a $25 refund. Sullivan said the current Upland badge lasts 30 days, while Claremont uses 90 days, Los Altos 60 days and several other cities allow up to one year.

Sergeant O'Brien recommended 30 days for operational reasons, saying many companies canvass geographic segments and complete local work quickly. "I quite frankly, I think 30 days is ample as far as... giving them that time frame to accomplish what they need to based on our geographic footprint," O'Brien said. Committee members worried about staff burden if badges must be reissued frequently; staff noted there is currently one business-license inspector and only one solicitor has used the permitting process so far.

The committee discussed options: making a longer duration for company business licenses while keeping individual solicitor badges shorter, or moving to a 90‑day or six‑month model to reduce administrative churn. No final decision was made; staff will return with recommended durations and a workload estimate.