TUSTIN : Scouts to Do Survey of Business Licenses

Starting today, four Explorers will survey every business establishment in the city to determine if it has a valid business license, said senior planner Dana Ogdon.

“This is the first time we are canvassing the entire business community in a systematic way,” Ogdon said. About 7,500 businesses will be checked, he said.

With four Explorers surveying businesses three times a week, Ogdon said, it should take about four weeks to finish the job. Police Officer Russ Whitehead will coordinate the work of the Explorers, he said.

Ogdon said the city sends out business license renewals in November every year. But some businesses may not even be aware that a license is needed, he said. Those found without a license will be asked to get one and will be assessed penalties, he added.

The city’s business license fees range from $25 to $100 a year, the lowest in Orange County, Ogdon said. The fees have not been adjusted since 1962, he said.

“We don’t expect to make significant revenues from this,” Ogdon said. “But the costs for providing police and fire protection to businesses have gone up. We just want every business owner to put in his fair share.”