Somebody called the town on me!

whitejavaS500 · 02-17-07, 11:35

Well this sucks. So I pull in yesterday, and a gold s10 follows me up my driveway. He tells me that there has been a report of a business being run at my place. Apparently, there are "always different cars coming and going" and "a boy out buffing cars during the day". I also put out a flyer in my neighborhood, which was used against me. The thing is, I'm always careful as to never make noise after 7, and keep to myself. Also keep in mind that Imo 15 years old and this isn't a full time operation, maybe a car or two a week. Well the guy said that i may have to look into getting a business permit. Man I'm mad!

Sorry, just had to vent

.

StumpyDetailing · 02-17-07, 12:05

Sorry, but you need a business permit if you are charging money for services... That would mean you are running a business, no matter how ghetto or professional.

Kenney · 02-17-07, 12:09

Sorry to hear that. I hate municipal regulations like this.

DieselMDX · 02-17-07, 12:10

cut him into the deal?

WCD · 02-17-07, 12:23

"Sorry to hear that. I hate municipal regulations like this."

I am sure you can see why these are in place. Otherwise, any person in your neighborhood could just operate a business in their garage or home. This would affect your entire lifestyle..this is why zoning is in place.

Being angry at a law that protects residential areas doesn't make sense. Being mad at the EPA Clean Water Act may make some sense in the fact that when it rains far worse occurs in the storm drains than some water based shampoo going into the grass, but it is still the law. Businesses that are successful don't get by the law, they follow it.

Go to other parts of the World where these laws are not enforced and you will know what I am talking about. It's not pretty.

My advice is to get a city license and get mobile if you can't afford a shop space, or find a family friend that owns a business and see if there is space available for you to rent per month.

Rob Regan

whitejavaS500 · 02-17-07, 01:14

Off topic...

Rob at WCD, I have a ton of your towels, and I love them! Use them for everything, nice and plush, marr free, and a great value!

Anyway, I just picture it like if a little girl is offering a pet sitting service, or some kids set up a lemonade stand do they need a permit?

Setec Astronomy · 02-17-07, 01:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by WCD

Being mad at the EPA Clean Water Act may make some sense in the fact that when it rains far worse occurs in the storm drains than some water based shampoo going into the grass, but it is still the law.

I was just thinking about this kind of stuff, the state or county here just recently has imposed all kinds of regulations to prevent leaves from going into the storm drains (can't rake them to the curb except for a very short window), for fear of upsetting the ecosystem, but nobody seems worried about the literally tons of salt being flushed into the storm drains and into the rivers when it snows.

WCD · 02-17-07, 01:28

Thanks for the comments...much appreciated!

I'm sure it gets technical at that point, but I bet there are regulations with different types of jobs and because you do your work in a more noticeable fashion, it gets noticed. Perhaps a neighbor runs a car wash, or just doesn't like the extra traffic- that's my bet.

Incidently, my city license was $30 for the year. It is very satisfying when a city employee approaches you and you whip it out.

I am sure the local babysitter by law should have a worker's permit, but we all know our favorite sitter doesn't have one.

When I started, I put my money into insurance and licensing. I did not have equipment. I went to the homes and used water and elect. until I purchased my own mobile unit. If you have loyal customers, explain to them the situation. Looking back, I was a technician, not a business person. You should read the E-Myth Revisited. It will get you thinking like a businessman. It's a great book. I have restructured my own company and feel like I am not working on my business, not IN it.

Thanks again for the kind words on the towels and if I can be of service regarding the business aspects, email me through the site anytime.

Rob

rydawg · 02-17-07, 01:55

I am having a problem in my town also. But if go to get a town license they will say no cause of all the epa laws. Also they shut down a car dealership in town cause they said they need a special permit and there has to be a filtering system on there wash bay to be approved. These towns are just getting tough. I can't wait till the day they show up at my house.

WCD · 02-17-07, 02:05

It's the Clean Water Act that is being enforced. It's been around a long time, but Bud and some others have been preaching that it is now being enforced with more scrutiny. Only four years ago I went to get my license and showed the city employee a flyer of my washing MAT and explained that I was in compliance. She said, "What is that thing?" Four years later...now it's a misdemeanor if they catch you without one, or a Vacuuboom.
Some of the detail trailer guys are not being upfront with customers. We had a couple at the Expo that might lose their house because they spent all their money on the equipment and training, but did not get the water reclaim. I'm waiting for some of these guys to get sued. I know of one reputable maker that explains the issue well and then has you sign a waiver if you opt OUT of buying a reclaim system.
There's only ONE detailer I know in my hometown that uses a Vacuuboom. Within a year or so, he might be the only one around- good biz for him!
I understand why, but it gets me when I see cement contractors and painters cleaning their equipment in the gutters!!

Rob

Whitethunder46 · 02-17-07, 03:49

If you have get a business license/permit, do you then have to pay bus. taxes and stuff?

Kenney · 02-17-07, 04:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by WCD

"Sorry to hear that. I hate municipal regulations like this."

I am sure you can see why these are in place. Otherwise, any person in your neighborhood could just operate a business in their garage or home. This would affect your entire lifestyle..this is why zoning is in place.

Being angry at a law that protects residential areas doesn't make sense. Being mad at the EPA Clean Water Act may make some sense in the fact that when it rains far worse occurs in the storm drains than some water based shampoo going into the grass, but it is still the law. Businesses that are successful don't get by the law, they follow it.

Go to other parts of the World where these laws are not enforced and you will know what I am talking about. It's not pretty.

My advice is to get a city license and get mobile if you can't afford a shop space, or find a family friend that owns a business and see if there is space available for you to rent per month.

Rob Reagan

Rob

First, let me retract my first statement and replace it with

"I dislike municipal regulations like this."

The OP does not detail that many cars a week, 1 to 2. If he is telling the truth, what kind of person would take the time to take note on how many cars goes through the OP's drive way? 1-2 cars a week, from my point of view, is not enough to break a zoning law. I guess I assumed that houses are not too close together with ample space in-between so the noise is not that apparent when the OP is working during the day. If people complained about the noise, ya, I would stop detailing.

If anything, the OP is providing a nice, convenient service for his fellow neighbors as well as learning the basics of running a business at a young age. If I was his neighbor, I would love to see a young person learning how to make a buck by starting his own business.

I could never envision a place that without zoning laws, renegade 15-year olds would cause havoc and destruction with noise created by buffers, working only during the day, and only 1-2 cars a week. But I guess you have seen areas of the world where this has happened, so I will flip you a fish and take your word for it.

BTW- I love the EPA clean water act.

Thanks!

Kenney