§ 8-212. Pawn license required, supplementary to business license or occupational tax.

All persons, before beginning the business of operating a pawnshop or similar place where money is advanced on goods or other effects, or merchandise of any kind is taken in pawn, shall first file an application with the City Police Department for an annual pawn license to conduct such business. The issuance of said pawn license shall be a requirement in addition to a business license or occupational tax certificate required by the Planning and Zoning Department of the City, and no business license or occupational tax certificate shall issue prior to the applicant successfully receiving a pawn license from the Norcross Police Department.

(1)

Form of application. The application for pawn license shall be completed on a form prescribed by the Chief of Police or his designee. At minimum, the application shall include the physical address at which the business is proposed to be operated and the full name, address, phone number, date of birth, photograph and Social Security number of pawnbrokers and managerial employees of the business. Additionally, the permit shall list the owner or owners of the business. In the event the business is owned by a partnership or corporation, the partners or officers and registered agent shall be listed.

(2)

License fee; separate license required for each physical location. The completed form must be accompanied by an application and license fee of $100.00. In the event an owner has more than one physical business location, each location will be required to obtain a separate permit. The application fee is nonrefundable in the event the applicant, for any reason, is not issued a license, business license, or occupational tax certificate.

(3)

Background check required. Upon receipt of the application and fee, the Chief of Police, or his designee, shall conduct a background check on the applicant. A pawn license may not be issued where the applicant has been convicted, pled guilty, or entered a plea of nolo contendere to any crime involving moral turpitude, illegal gambling, any felonies, or any crime involving theft or fraudulent practices within a period of ten years immediately prior to the filing of such application.

(4)

Falsified applications. No license shall issue if it is found that the applicant falsified, concealed or misrepresented any material fact in the application.

(5)

Denial of license; appeal process. If an application for pawn license is denied for any reason, the applicant will be notified in writing of such denial and the reason for the denial. The applicant may appeal the decision of the Police Department to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

(6)

Renewal. Owners are required to renew the license upon expiration thereof and shall be required to pay a renewal fee of $100.00.

(7)

Replacement license. In the event a license is lost or destroyed, a replacement license may be issued for the unexpired term of the initial license.

(8)

Display of license. Operators of pawn businesses shall conspicuously display the license at all times while the business is in operation.

(9)

License issued in error; license the property of the City. Any pawn license issued through administrative oversight or error may be terminated and seized by the Chief of Police or his designee. All pawn licenses remain the property of the City of Norcross. Upon notice by the Norcross Police Department, the holder of a pawn license must surrender said license.

(10)

Suspension or revocation of license; appeal. The Chief of Police or his designee may suspend or revoke any license issued under this section for falsifying an application, violation of this section, or if the applicant has otherwise become ineligible to hold a license under this section. The license holder may appeal the decision of the Chief of Police to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

(Ord. No. 04-2010, 4-12-2010)